Chapter 404
Falling Shadow Inn, Gongchang Prefecture — Banquet Hall
Bu Eun-seol, Tae Mu-ryong, and Jeong Jong-do sat around the wide table in the hall.
"The Chief was right," Tae Mu-ryong began.
"On the surface, the conflict was framed as disciples clashing due to bad blood between their sect leaders... but the truth is entirely different."
He was reporting the findings of their investigation to Bu Eun-seol.
"The heirs of the Ancient Sword Sect and the Falling Blossom Sect had fallen for each other and were meeting in secret. Because of this, rumors spread that the two sects were moving toward a merger—their relationship had grown so close it reached that point."
For two sects with entirely different histories and martial arts to merge was, in truth, an absurd notion.
But the Ancient Sword Sect and the Falling Blossom Sect shared the same roots, making it possible.
"Though they're young sects with less than two centuries of history, their martial techniques stem from the same lineage... Had the two heirs married, the merger of their sects would've been only a matter of time."
Tae Mu-ryong continued his explanation calmly.
"However, due to some incident, the lovers quarreled bitterly and became enemies. In the end, consumed by rage, they attacked each other, both sustaining severe injuries. That's how the Ancient Sword Sect and the Falling Blossom Sect turned into mortal foes."
"I see. Did you uncover the cause of their conflict?"
"From what we've gathered, an external faction seems to have interfered."
This time, Tae Mu-ryong answered Bu Eun-seol's question.
"Near Angang, adjacent to both the Ancient Sword Sect and the Falling Blossom Sect, there's a Demonic Path faction called the Poison Toad Sect. They've been eyeing Gongchang Prefecture, waiting for a chance to expand their influence."
"But with the two sects standing in their way, they couldn't recklessly extend their reach. However, if those sects were to merge... Not only would they lose any hope of touching Gongchang Prefecture, but an overwhelmingly powerful sect would be born—one they could never hope to oppose."
Tae Mu-ryong's expression darkened.
"From the Poison Toad Sect's perspective, they'd rather die than let that merger happen. So it's highly likely they orchestrated the conflict between the two sects."
"Are you certain?"
At Bu Eun-seol's question, Tae Mu-ryong regretfully shook his head.
"We haven't yet found definitive proof of the Poison Toad Sect's involvement—time was too short. But given more time, we'll uncover it without fail."
After listening to the full explanation, Bu Eun-seol nodded.
Truthfully, he had also discreetly mobilized the Death Soul Squad's intelligence network to investigate the cause behind the two sects' deadly feud.
But Tae Mu-ryong and Jeong Jong-do had gathered their information firsthand, through legwork and inquiries. Despite that, they had obtained and analyzed the intelligence with remarkable speed and accuracy.
Aside from lacking the manpower and time to secure concrete evidence against the Poison Toad Sect...
Their ability to handle information and predict situations was on par with that of a seasoned leader in a covert intelligence unit.
'Which means their insight and wisdom must be exceptional.'
"You've worked hard," Bu Eun-seol acknowledged with a nod.
"But there's no need to investigate further."
He then retrieved two scrolls and handed one each to Tae Mu-ryong and Jeong Jong-do.
"What are these?"
"Evidence that the Poison Toad Sect interfered in the heirs' conflict."
The two men were stunned as they unrolled the scrolls.
Inside were meticulously recorded proofs of how the Poison Toad Sect had cunningly schemed to drive the heirs apart, pushing them toward ruin.
"They deliberately framed them, accusing each heir of trying to steal the other sect's secret techniques," Tae Mu-ryong murmured as he read.
"With this evidence, we can persuade the heirs to immediately cease hostilities between their sects."
Jeong Jong-do looked up in disbelief.
"But how did you obtain this information?"
"Merchants are the most sensitive to intelligence."
Bu Eun-seol allowed a faint smile.
"As soon as I received the mission, I enlisted the help of the merchant group's intelligence network."
Tae Mu-ryong and Jeong Jong-do exchanged bewildered glances.
If he already had this evidence, he could've simply summoned the heirs, presented the facts, and brokered reconciliation. That would've swiftly concluded the matter, allowing him to pass the Martial Alliance's test and become a chief.
Yet he had deliberately spent time and resources entrusting the investigation to them instead?
"You were training us," Tae Mu-ryong realized, nodding slowly.
"To properly resolve any incident, one must first verify accurate information," Bu Eun-seol said with a faint smile.
"And that includes understanding how to obtain and process such information."
He grinned slightly.
"Correct. From now on, you two will handle many matters on my behalf. So, isn't this a good opportunity to practice in advance?"
Tae Mu-ryong and Jeong Jong-do's eyes widened in realization.
Only now did they grasp that the man before them was no mere merchant heir—he possessed wisdom and foresight so sharp that he could outmaneuver even the average sect leader.
"However, even with this evidence, persuading the two heirs won't be easy," Bu Eun-seol remarked calmly.
"From now on, each of you will discreetly make contact with the heirs of the Ancient Sword Sect and the Falling Blossom Sect. If you can arrange a meeting where they can clear up their misunderstandings..."
A faint smile played on his lips.
"Then this mission will be successfully concluded."
Martial Alliance, Grand Rectitude Conference Room
Originally, this was where the Martial Alliance Leader and his entire high command gathered to discuss critical matters.
But now, only those directly involved in the formation of the new unit were present—Yuk Jang-cheon, Hall Master of the Hall of Ascending Martial Arts; Gu Jeong-in, an elder of the Mount Hua Sect; and others.
"Seon-u Jin, the heir of the Seonhwa Merchant House, has successfully mediated the conflict between the Ancient Sword Sect and the Falling Blossom Sect with his temporary unit," Yuk Jang-cheon said, glancing at Gu In-jeong.
"Upon investigation, it turns out the Poison Toad Sect was behind the strife—they sowed discord between the two heirs, turning former lovers into bitter enemies."
Gu Jeong-in remained expressionless despite the revelation.
"It seems Seon-u Jin is the most suitable candidate to lead the newly formed Peak Unit."
As Yuk Jang-cheon drove the point home, Gu In-jeong finally spoke.
"But was it truly his ability that resolved this matter?"
"What do you mean?"
"Cheon Hwa-in was the one who summoned the two sect leaders and publicly reconciled them, wasn't he? Even so, their feud persisted—Seon-u Jin merely took advantage of the situation to obtain information."
Gu Jeong-in was once again making an unreasonable argument.
"If Cheon Hwa-in hadn't stepped forward first and exposed that their conflict wasn't as simple as it seemed, do you really think Seon-u Jin could have resolved it so easily?"
Yuk Jang-cheon barely suppressed a scoff before responding.
"Elder Gu. Let me be frank."
"What is it?"
"I acknowledge that you've put the most effort into establishing the Peak Unit. That's why it was placed directly under the Elders' Hall's jurisdiction."
"However, the purpose of forming the Peak Unit was to handle miscellaneous tasks that the Martial Alliance's main forces couldn't resolve, correct? We need someone not just skilled in martial arts but also sharp-witted and adaptable."
He sighed before continuing.
"I know you initially had Cheon Hwa-in in mind as the Peak Leader. Even I agreed that, as one of the Great Righteous Experts, he was well-suited to lead."
His expression turned grave.
"But if someone even more exceptional appears, shouldn't the position naturally go to them?"
Gu Jeong-in hesitated briefly before nodding.
"Of course. If he truly surpasses Cheon Hwa-in, then he should indeed be the leader."
"Then—"
"However, this incident alone doesn't definitively prove that he is superior."
Gu Jeong-in averted his gaze, as if even he found his own argument unconvincing.
"The mission was to eliminate the conflict between the Ancient Sword Sect and the Falling Blossom Sect, wasn't it?"
After a pause, he added:
"Since the Poison Toad Sect was the root cause, unless they are properly dealt with, the strife could reignite at any time."
Understanding his implication, Yuk Jang-cheon frowned deeply and shook his head.
"Elder Gu. The temporary unit hasn't even been fully assembled yet. How could they possibly defeat them?"
"Even if they can't defeat them outright, can't they at least push back their influence in Gongchang Prefecture? The Peak Unit's duty is to resolve matters without resorting to brute force, after all."
Gu Jeong-in spoke shamelessly.
"They must force the Poison Toad Sect to withdraw from Gongchang and extract a written oath that they will never encroach again. Whoever achieves this—that person shall be the true leader of the Peak Unit."
Yuk Jang-cheon fell silent for a moment.
Though the demand was utterly unreasonable and without merit, his hesitation stemmed from a single fact—Gu In-jeong's proposed mission was undeniably perfect for testing the Peak Squad leader's capabilities.
'There's no doubt the Poison Toad Sect is the main culprit behind the Ancient Sword Sect and Falling Blossom Sect's conflict...'
After brief contemplation, Yuk Jang-cheon nodded his head.
"Very well. But this is truly the last time."
Then with an extremely solemn expression, he continued:
"At the next meeting, we must decide not who to select as leader, but in what direction to steer the Peak Squad."
Gu In-jeong nodded as if this were obvious.
"Naturally."
—Behind the Ancient Sword Sect and Falling Blossom Sect's conflict lay the Poison Toad Sect's schemes.
—To make the Poison Toad Sect withdraw their forces extending into Gongchang Prefecture and obtain their sworn oath never to invade again.
The one who accomplished this would be considered to have completed the mission.
Another order came down from the Martial Alliance.
The true culprit behind the Ancient Sword and Falling Blossom Sects' incident was none other than the Poison Toad Sect.
Therefore, the Martial Alliance declared the mission complete upon obtaining the Poison Toad Sect's sworn oath to never extend their influence toward Gongchang Prefecture again.
"So it begins again."
Upon receiving the Martial Alliance's orders, Tae Mu-ryong and Jeong Jong-do bit their lips.
"Elder Gu is clearly pulling strings behind the scenes."
Though the Poison Toad Sect was merely a minor faction of the Demonic Path, they still boasted over three hundred disciples.
With just these three members, there was no way to threaten or even persuade the Poison Toad Sect.
But Cheon Hwa-in had been assigned twenty skilled Martial Alliance warriors with extensive experience in the martial world. Most importantly, didn't he have the backing of the Mount Hua Sect?
"Wasn't this mission designed from the start with the Mount Hua Sect's support in mind?"
Jeong Jong-do spat out the words bitterly.
"On the surface, it's just twenty squad members going to the Poison Toad Sect, but it's essentially the same as having the Mount Hua Sect behind them. The Poison Toad Sect Leader would never dare oppose Cheon Hwa-in."
Tae Mu-ryong also spoke with a grave expression:
"Exactly. Ultimately, it seems the Martial Alliance has firmly decided to appoint Cheon Hwa-in as the Peak Squad's leader."
The two men's expressions darkened as they finished speaking.
Seon-u Jin possessed outstanding martial arts and wisdom.
But no matter how exceptional an individual might be, they couldn't possibly withstand the pressure from those wielding such formidable authority alone.
"What if we report this injustice to other leaders in the Martial Alliance?"
Tae Mu-ryong clung to a sliver of hope as he spoke.
"The Martial Alliance has the Law Enforcement Hall and Inspection Hall. If we inform them of these unreasonable actions so far—"
"Impossible."
Bu Eun-seol shook his head.
"Such things couldn't happen through Elder Gu In-jeong's unilateral decisions. This must have been discussed and agreed upon among the high command."
At his decisive words, Tae Mu-ryong and Jeong Jong-do hung their heads.
They knew it too.
That no matter how hard they tried, there was no way. That all their efforts until now had been nothing but futile struggles.
Yet they'd held onto the faint hope that with Seon-u Jin, perhaps a miracle might occur.
But now even that hope had evaporated like foam.
"Is there truly any need to join such a corrupt and despicable Martial Alliance?"
Jeong Jong-do spoke as if comforting Bu Eun-seol.
"Why not establish an Immortal Flower Sect instead? With your abilities and resources, you could build it into one of the martial world's leading sects within a decade."
"That's right. Then we could devote our lives to following and supporting you as leader, couldn't we?"
When even Tae Mu-ryong agreed, Bu Eun-seol smiled faintly.
Had these men been leaders of the Death Shadow War Unit?
They would have schemed to strike back at the high command even if it meant going down together.
But being members of the Righteous Path, their thinking was remarkably upright.
Moreover, though they'd only worked together for less than half a month, they already showed deep loyalty and devotion to Bu Eun-seol.
"Don't worry."
Bu Eun-seol rose from his seat as he spoke.
"That won't be necessary."
"Huh?"
"I'll resolve this mission and definitely become the official leader."
"How can you say that?"
Avoiding Jeong Jong-do's gaze, Bu Eun-seol looked out the window and said:
"If the enemy wields authority to create unreasonable situations, shouldn't we simply adapt our methods to counter them?"
"Then you mean...?"
Tae Mu-ryong and Jeong Jong-do stared at each other, eyes widening.
They assumed Bu Eun-seol planned to resolve this matter using connections from the Seonhwa Merchant House.
"Would the merchant group's connections really make that possible?"
Though doubts arose, he wasn't particularly worried.
Because Bu Eun-seol had already shown them results time and again.
"But Cheon Hwa-in must have rushed straight to Mount Winam, where the Poison Toad Sect is located, the moment he received the mission."
Then, as if suddenly remembering something, Tae Mu-ryong spoke.
"They'll be faster than if the Unit Leader asks other factions for help."
"That's fine."
Bu Eun-seol smiled, his eyes curving into crescents.
"They'll return empty-handed."
Rising from his seat, Bu Eun-seol continued,
"I'll handle this matter alone. The two of you must return to the Martial Alliance immediately."
Then, from his sleeve, he produced three thin booklets and held them out.
"Study these on your way back. And the last one—pass it on to the new unit members when they join later."
When Tae Mu-ryong and Jeong Jong-do opened the booklets, their eyes widened in shock.
What Bu Eun-seol had handed them were martial techniques and Lightness Arts that would compensate for their own shortcomings.
Moreover, the martial arts meant for the new unit members were far superior to what ordinary warriors of the Martial Alliance typically trained in.
"How in the world did you obtain such techniques...?"
"Gold can accomplish more than you'd think."
Bu Eun-seol's lips curled into a faint smile.
"Return to the alliance and train. I'll take care of this matter."
Only then did Tae Mu-ryong and Jeong Jong-do realize one crucial fact.
The superior they served was not only extraordinary in martial prowess and wisdom—he also had some unfathomable backing behind him.
"We obey your command."
Without realizing it, Tae Mu-ryong and Jeong Jong-do bowed deeply, pressing their hands together in respect.
Poison Toad Sect.
A Demonic Path sect located in Mount Winam, Shaanxi.
Judging by its name alone, one might assume it specialized in poison, but in truth, it primarily wielded swift sabers.
It was a second-rate saber sect within the Demonic Path.
Yet it bore the name "Poison Toad" for two reasons.
First, the Poison Toad Sect always coated its blades with deadly toxins.
Second, its signature technique was the Ground-Hugging Blade Art, where practitioners flattened themselves against the ground while executing unpredictable attacks.
Before they unleashed this technique, their prone posture resembled a toad laden with venom—hence the name "Poison Toad Sect."
With their bizarre poisons and ever-shifting Ground-Hugging Blade Art, the Poison Toad Sect had conquered the Mount Winam region and now sought to expand its influence into Gongchang Prefecture.
However, two sects of similar size—the Ancient Sword Sect and the Falling Blossom Sect—stood in their way, thwarting their attempts time and again.
Poison Toad Sect, Lingering Shadow Pavilion.
The residence of Gwak Gu, the Flying-Hand Poison Sword, leader of the Poison Toad Sect.
A man who adored women, he had never spent a single night alone. After a vigorous bout of passion, Gwak Gu lay deep in slumber, arms wrapped around his concubine.
Ping.
Then—something was wrong.
A razor-thin Sound of Breaking Air whispered through the chamber, and the soft body of the concubine in his embrace stiffened like a log.
"Who's there?!"
Sensing danger, Gwak Gu bolted upright from the bed.
There, standing tall in the darkness, a Black Shadow loomed over him.
"What bastard dares—?!"
Gwak Gu's thunderous roar carried his Internal Power, enough to shake the entire Poison Toad Sect.
Naturally, his subordinates should have come running at the sound. But strangely, the surroundings remained deathly silent.
"Don't waste your breath. No matter how loud you scream, no sound will escape this room."
Only then did Gwak Gu detect the faint pulse of True Qi enveloping the chamber.
This shadow had erected a barrier of True Qi to block all sound.
'An untouchable Master.'
To create a soundproof wall with True Qi could require up to three sixty-year cycles of cultivation.
Realizing that the figure before him was a peerless Master he could never hope to oppose, Gwak Gu gritted his teeth.
But he was a Sect Leader—a battle-hardened veteran who had survived countless brushes with death.
Even knowing the shadow's martial prowess was overwhelming, he spoke in a dignified voice.
"An impressive Master, I see. What do you want?"
Swish.
Instead of answering, the shadow took a single step forward from the darkness.
Moonlight streaming through the window illuminated the face of a young man—so beautiful it could make the Moon Palace's fairies bow their heads in shame.
Yet his commanding eyes swirled with crimson energy, and an aura capable of propping up the heavens radiated from his entire being.
"Martial Soul Lord...?"
Gwak Gu's eyes bulged.
As a Sect Leader, he was well-versed in the appearances and intelligence of key figures within the Demonic Path.
Especially the Martial Soul Lord—a terrifying master who had overturned the Demon Hall's existing hierarchy and forged his own path.
A figure so infamous that no one in the Demonic Path could afford not to know him.
Why has this monster suddenly appeared in my quarters?!