Chapter 406
The Martial Alliance's North Gate Bamboo Grove.
A scene resembling a walled manor unfolded before them.
Beyond the lacquered main gate lay a vast garden and a beautifully arranged courtyard.
A pavilion stood before a small pond, offering a place to enjoy the scenery.
Further inside were stately halls, living quarters for unit members, and even a dining hall—all fully furnished.
This was the temporary headquarters Bu Eun-seol had prepared for the Pinnacle Squad.
"Haa."
Yuk Cheong-a took a deep breath as she gazed at the Pinnacle Squad's buildings before stepping inside.
—Hahp!
The sound of vigorous training echoed from the inner training grounds, where twenty young unit members were drilling.
They were all exceptional new recruits of the Martial Alliance, now formally assigned to the Pinnacle Squad.
"Young Hero Seon-u."
Yuk Cheong-a greeted the young man standing to the side, overseeing the unit members' training, as if they were already acquainted.
It was Bu Eun-seol.
"Congratulations."
She approached him, clasping her hands together.
"Now we're truly comrades sharing the same pot of rice."
"Thank you."
As Bu Eun-seol mirrored her gesture, Yuk Cheong-a smiled faintly and spoke again.
"There will be an appointment ceremony this afternoon. Though, originally, you were supposed to be directly under the Hall of Longevity... However, Elder Gu relinquished command of the Pinnacle Squad, so..."
Originally, the Pinnacle Squad had been practically founded by Elder Gu, and it was meant to be a direct unit under the Hall of Longevity, where he resided.
But when he abandoned his oversight of the Pinnacle Squad, even the Martial Alliance expressed reluctance.
The squad's purpose—handling major and minor affairs of the martial world—was commendable, but finding a leader capable of commanding a third-grade unit was no easy task.
"Then what becomes of our main unit?"
At Bu Eun-seol's question, Yuk Cheong-a made an awkward expression.
"After much deliberation, it was decided that the Hall of Martial Ascension would take command of the Pinnacle Squad. However, since the Hall of Martial Ascension only oversees second-grade units... the Pinnacle Squad was assigned to one of the Seven Great Battle Corps."
"The Seven Great Battle Corps?"
Bu Eun-seol's eyes flashed.
If the Divine Calculator's words were true, then one of the Seven Great Leaders of the Martial Alliance was the murderer who had killed his grandfather.
Which meant this was an opportunity to observe the killer up close, wasn't it?
"Unfortunately, as I mentioned, it's only a nominal affiliation."
Yuk Cheong-a assumed the spark in Bu Eun-seol's eyes came from joy—after all, being assigned to one of the Seven Great Battle Corps meant access to unparalleled authority and rapid promotions.
"Even the Seven Great Battle Corps only request reinforcements from second-grade units... Currently, there's no formal place for a third-grade unit to be stationed."
"Then the Alliance Leader and the high command won't be attending the appointment ceremony?"
"No. Since the Pinnacle Squad is still a third-grade unit, the ceremony will be brief—just a private meeting with the assigned corps leader."
For a fleeting moment, disappointment flickered in Bu Eun-seol's eyes.
He had hoped that during the appointment ceremony, he might catch a glimpse of the Number One of the Righteous Path—the Martial Alliance Leader, who rarely made public appearances.
But of course, a figure of such stature wouldn't attend the appointment of a mere third-grade unit commander.
'At least meeting one of the Seven Great Leaders is still fortunate.'
His goal was to identify the Three Realms' spies lurking within the Martial Alliance—
And to determine which of the Seven Great Leaders was the murderer who had killed his grandfather.
Now, he would have a private audience with one of them. From Bu Eun-seol's perspective, this was nothing short of a stroke of luck.
'No need to rush.'
In any case, Bu Eun-seol had to climb the Martial Alliance's ranks step by step.
Of course, he intended to distinguish himself quickly, but the time required... would be no shorter than the process of becoming the Heir of the Demon Hall.
No—it might take even longer.
"I see. Then which of the Martial Alliance's corps is our main unit assigned to?"
Yuk Cheong-a smiled faintly.
"The Star Guard Corps."
"The Star Guard Corps..."
Bu Eun-seol narrowed his eyes.
The Star Guard Corps was tasked with protecting all key figures of the Martial Alliance.
In other words, their role was somewhat mismatched with the Pinnacle Squad, which was meant to handle major and minor affairs of the martial world.
Due to Elder Gu In-jeong's unilateral and irresponsible actions, the Pinnacle Squad had ended up with its affiliation and command authority split, left floating in limbo.
"So our unit is only nominally under the Star Guard Corps."
"That's right."
As Yuk Cheong-a nodded, Bu Eun-seol took a deep breath.
At the very least, in terms of affiliation, they were now under the command of a mysterious figure who rarely engages in martial-world activities—
One of the Seven Great Leaders, the most enigmatic of them all: Baekri Mu-jo.
Bu Eun-seol clasped his hands together.
"Understood. Thank you for informing me."
Yuk Cheong-a looked at him and spoke in a meaningful tone.
"By the way, it's truly remarkable. No matter how much experience masters have in the martial world or how high their status, it usually takes them considerable time to command and manage their unit members."
Her eyes sparkled with admiration as she continued.
"Yet you've established discipline and order among your unit in such a short time."
"Perhaps it's because I come from a merchant background."
Bu Eun-seol smiled faintly.
"Unlike martial artists, we merchants learn how to deal with people first and foremost."
"Hehe. Young Hero Seon-u speaks as if he isn't a martial artist himself?"
"Is that so?"
Bu Eun-seol gazed at the distant sky and murmured softly.
"Having worked for a merchant group for so long, I'm actually quite unfamiliar with the ways of the martial world. I only gained some small reputation and recognition in murim because I traveled Beyond the Frontier dealing with gangs of bandits."
At this, Yuk Cheong-a shook her head and said:
"But Young Hero Seon-u will excel more than anyone else."
A peculiar emotion shimmered in Yuk Cheong-a's eyes as she continued speaking.
"Unlike you, I was separated from my family as a child and raised within the Martial Alliance. As a result, I've seen countless extraordinary talents pass through these halls."
Turning her head to study Bu Eun-seol's profile, she spoke with conviction.
"That's why I've developed an eye for recognizing those destined to succeed as martial artists."
"Is that so?"
Bu Eun-seol tried to brush it off as a joke, but Yuk Cheong-a's gaze only grew more intense.
"Yes. And Young Hero Seon-u will undoubtedly... rise to great heights."
'How full of ambition.'
Yuk Cheong-a's eyes glittered.
This wasn't merely the excitement of discovering an outstanding Rising Talent of the Younger Generation—it was the look of someone who had found a treasure that could fulfill their own ambitions.
"You'll need much assistance as you take on responsibilities for the alliance. When that time comes, don't hesitate to seek me out."
Her eyes reflected the sunlight, gleaming almost unnervingly bright.
"Understood?"
"Understood. Thank you."
"The martial artists who will guide you to the Star Guard Pavilion should arrive soon."
Yuk Cheong-a revealed white teeth as she slightly bowed her head.
"Well then, until next time."
As he watched Yuk Cheong-a's retreating figure, the light in Bu Eun-seol's eyes dimmed.
'A woman brimming with ambition. The kind who could drag men straight to hell.'
The Martial Alliance teemed with outstanding young talents.
Yuk Cheong-a had recognized Bu Eun-seol's exceptional qualities and was already maneuvering to bring him under her influence.
'Does she aspire to become a female emperor?'
Bu Eun-seol shook his head as he observed Yuk Cheong-a's ambition-filled gaze.
She held the distinction of being Palm King Yuk Jang-cheon's only daughter and the youngest hall leader in the Martial Alliance's history.
With such an advantageous position, she was perfectly poised to aim for the very apex of the alliance in the future.
"Commander."
At that moment, Tae Mu-ryong approached Bu Eun-seol, clasping his hands respectfully.
"A martial artist from the Name Recognition Hall requests your presence. It's likely regarding the appointment ceremony."
Bu Eun-seol allowed a faint smile to surface.
No formal guards had been stationed here yet.
Yet when Yuk Cheong-a arrived, no one had stopped her—she'd entered freely.
But the moment an unknown martial artist appeared, they'd immediately challenged him and demanded identification.
This proved that even without explicit orders, the elite unit was already developing a flawless system of its own.
"Understood. I'll see to it."
As Bu Eun-seol nodded, Tae Mu-ryong clasped his hands again.
"Commander, now that you're officially assuming command... you may speak more casually with us."
Bu Eun-seol hesitated briefly.
If he suddenly started giving casual orders, he feared his true nature as Bu Eun-seol might unconsciously reveal itself.
'Maintaining distinctions between my conduct as the Heir of the Demon Hall and my identity as a Martial Alliance commander wouldn't be bad.'
Having reached this conclusion, he smiled faintly and said:
"Gradually... I'll adopt it once I grow accustomed."
Following the Name Recognition Hall martial artist, Bu Eun-seol arrived at a mountain path near the Martial Alliance's northern gate.
After winding along the mountainside for some time, a Plum Grove in full bloom came into view. Beside it stood a massive three-story pavilion.
This was the Star Guard Pavilion—residence of the Star Guard Corps leader.
Bu Eun-seol paused mid-step as he followed the guard.
The pavilion's architecture was extraordinarily unique and mysterious, with what appeared to be a soft glow emanating from within.
This wasn't merely exterior polish—the light seemed to pour outward through the walls as if radiating from the building's very core.
"Am I mistaken?"
Bu Eun-seol shook his head and resumed following the guard.
Around the pavilions where ordinary figures of the Martial Alliance resided, guards stood watch without a single gap in their vigilance.
Yet, not a single guard could be seen on the way to the Star Guard Pavilion.
Even upon arriving at the pavilion's entrance, the same held true.
"You may enter there."
"Thank you."
As the guard withdrew, Bu Eun-seol stepped inside.
Within this resplendent pavilion resided one of the seven pillars upholding the Martial Alliance—the leader of the Star Guard Division.
'I must observe as closely as possible.'
Bu Eun-seol had only just risen to the rank of Third-grade Commander. There was no telling when he might again have the chance to meet one of the Seven Great Leaders in private.
He needed to seize every opportunity to gather every scrap of information about them.
'Mechanical sounds.'
A glint of interest flashed in Bu Eun-seol's eyes.
Faint metallic noises trickled into his ears from all directions.
Judging by the friction in the sounds, the interior of the pavilion was practically saturated with mechanisms.
'Why would a division leader's residence be fitted with so many?'
Normally, mechanisms within a pavilion would only be installed in hidden chambers, storage rooms, or secret passages leading outside.
But this pavilion seemed entirely composed of mechanisms, the air faintly humming with metallic resonance.
'What kind of mechanisms could these be?'
Just as Bu Eun-seol was about to heighten his Empty Mind Spirit Perception to scrutinize the interior, a sudden thought crossed his mind.
'I am not Bu Eun-seol right now—I am Seon-u Jin.'
The one residing here was none other than one of the Martial Alliance's Seven Great Leaders.
If Bu Eun-seol expanded his Domain of Heightened Senses, the Star Guard Leader might detect it.
"Haa..."
Deliberately taking a deep breath, Bu Eun-seol moved forward again.
Thud. Thud.
Walking without hesitation, he soon came upon another door. Passing through it, he found a reception hall for guests.
The furnishings—tables, chairs, and the like—were simple in form, yet...
Their arrangement and spacing were perfectly uniform, achieving a near-flawless Harmonization.
If even a single piece were disturbed or moved?
That perfect harmony would shatter, plunging the interior into Chaos.
Just then, a tall figure emerged from the opposite side.
'This can't be...'
In an instant, Bu Eun-seol's hairs stood on end.
His Way of the Beast, honed to its highest realm, allowed him to detect even the sound of a leaf falling roughly three hundred meters away.
Yet he had not heard the footsteps of the person now walking toward him.
Swish.
Clad in plain white robes devoid of any ornamentation, the figure glided toward Bu Eun-seol as if sliding across the ground.
A refined middle-aged man, likely in his forties.
An aura of solemn majesty enveloped him, and a refreshing smile, like a river breeze, lingered at the corners of his lips.
The moment Bu Eun-seol saw the man's face, the impression struck him with shocking intensity.
A pair of eyes.
Eyes that held a mystical radiance—one that, once met, could never be forgotten, even unto death.
The Sacred Sword, Baekri Mu-jo.
The current leader of the Star Guard Division, wielder of the most perfect and stable sword techniques in the martial world.
It was said that those who faced his noble and majestic sword strokes could not even think of resisting—they would kneel without a fight.
And now, this man stood imposingly before Bu Eun-seol.
Shiver.
Bu Eun-seol trembled faintly.
'It's Harmonization.'
Even the energy flowing through Baekri Mu-jo's body was in perfect balance.
That was why his sword techniques were flawless, immovable—why none dared oppose him.
"Welcome."
The moment Baekri Mu-jo spoke, Bu Eun-seol felt as though his veins might burst for no reason.
His heart pounded; his breath grew short.
'I must steady myself.'
Forcing his mind to focus, Bu Eun-seol stabilized his body with sheer will.
"This humble Murim Junior, Seon-u Jin, greets the Division Leader."
With an impassive expression, Bu Eun-seol clasped his hands in salute.
Then, those mystically luminous eyes swept over him, scrutinizing every inch of his being.
"So, a dragon has emerged even from the business world."
As Baekri Mu-jo smiled faintly, Bu Eun-seol's chest quivered again.
Just from that smile alone, warmth and gentleness seemed to flood his insides.
At the same time, a strange sensation arose in him—like stumbling upon a chest of memories while cleaning out an old warehouse.
'Why do I feel like this?'
Was it because he stood before one of the Seven Great Leaders, whose name shook the world?
Or was it because the man before him might be the one who had harmed his grandfather?
Excitement, tension, and an inexplicable emotion—feelings he couldn't control surged forth all at once.
"Money Manager Yuk praised you highly. He said you not only inherited Master Unhindered's martial legacy with exceptional skill, but also possess remarkable strategic wisdom."
"You flatter me too much."
"Hohoho."
Baekri Mu-jo let out a low chuckle as he extended his hand toward the table.
"Sit first."
Bu Eun-seol hesitated.
If he were to sit at this table—it felt like the harmony that had been filling the room would shatter.
Swish.
Without hesitation, Baekri Mu-jo took his seat.
And in that instant, the harmony within the room completely transformed.
Only when Bu Eun-seol sat down did the arrangement shift back into that perfect, stabilizing harmony from before.
'To this extent...'
Bu Eun-seol couldn't conceal his astonishment.
Within this reception hall, Baekri Mu-jo was like a deity.
He had shattered the perfect Harmonization that had filled the space and planted an entirely new one in its place.
'Even among fellow Leaders, the gap is like heaven and earth.'
Bu Eun-seol had fought a fierce battle against Heavenly Martial Brigade Leader Jo Cheon-wang.
While Jo surpassed him in martial prowess and experience, the gap wasn't insurmountable.
But the Star Guard Division Leader's martial might was incomparably higher—so much so that he couldn't even begin to gauge its depth.
—Had the Seven Great Leaders been active in the Martial World, the hierarchy among the Four Gods and Seven Kings would have been completely overturned.
The rumors circulating through the martial world held truth.
Baekri Mu-jo's strength not only far surpassed Bu Eun-seol's but could contend for supremacy even among the Four Gods and Seven Kings.
Then Baekri Mu-jo's lips parted.
"I hear the Pinnacle Squad handles matters our Alliance's Sword Unit or Sword Brigade cannot resolve—investigating various affairs across the Martial World."
An abyssal light shimmered in his eyes as he continued.
"Though not precisely a covert unit, most missions will be conducted in secrecy. You'll face considerable trials ahead."
Baekri Mu-jo gazed at Bu Eun-seol with a faint smile.
"Contrary to common knowledge, the Seonhwa Merchant House possesses financial power that could rival even the Ten Great Merchant Groups of the Central Plains."
"With that wealth, you could live in luxury that would make even the Emperor envious. Why plunge into this treacherous, desolate martial world?"
This was an expected question.
Drawing a deep breath, Bu Eun-seol answered in measured tones:
"The merchant heir position may appear glamorous at first glance. But in truth, it involves constant travel between countries, negotiating with tycoons and traders... endlessly brokering deals and haggling over prices."
"A merchant's power lies in business acumen and financial strength. Both were handed to me at birth."
Bu Eun-seol's voice grew firm.
"I simply wish to stand tall in this world through my own capabilities."
"Is that so."
Baekri Mu-jo nodded with a faint smile.
"Then I shall appoint you as formal commander of the Pinnacle Squad—a third-rate corps under my division."
Bu Eun-seol pressed his palms together respectfully and bowed.
"My gratitude."
"However, your orders and missions will come from the Hall of Martial Ascension. My division has no third-tier corps positions available, you see."
"Understood."
"Apply your utmost effort to future assignments. Do so, and you may gradually ascend the ranks."
"I shall give my best."
When Bu Eun-seol pressed his palms together once more, Baekri Mu-jo smiled faintly.
"Good. You may take your leave now."
As Bu Eun-seol finally exited the hall, the smile lingering at Baekri Mu-jo's lips vanished completely.
His entire body seemed to transform—skin turning to solid steel, blood replaced by viscous oil coursing through his veins.
The mere disappearance of his smile made him seem like an entirely different being.
"Excellent. Perhaps fresh winds will blow through the stagnant Martial Alliance at last."
He shook his head slightly and murmured in a low voice:
"What were the findings?"
As if present all along, a shadowy figure now lay prostrate before him, head bowed.
『No issues were detected.』
Though physically present before Baekri Mu-jo, the shadow deliberately used covert Voice Transmission.
"Probability of forged identity."
An exceedingly deferential whisper resonated in his ear:
『Nonexistent. Had it been fabricated, it would require preparation since birth. No reason to go through such lengths merely to become a third-grade commander in our Alliance.』
"I see."
Baekri Mu-jo nodded.
This was the absolute assurance of his most trusted subordinate—one who had never erred before.
"Seon-u Jin... A remarkably pleasing individual. Even his method of concealing excellence beneath ordinariness."
The prostrate shadow trembled at these words.
In all his years of service, he'd never known Baekri Mu-jo to express personal approval of anyone.
"Maintain close observation."
As Baekri Mu-jo's lips curved into an enigmatic smile,
『By your command.』
The shadow bowed so deeply his forehead nearly touched the ground.
"Ready to guide him whenever needed..."
With these final words, Baekri Mu-jo slowly turned away.