Chapter 420
Poison.
It was an exceedingly convenient and potent weapon that martial artists had favored for generations.
Even the smallest amount could drastically increase lethality or neutralize an opponent.
Thus, most sects outside the orthodox factions used poison or practiced martial arts that incorporated it.
From that perspective, poisoning was as commonplace as daily life for those wandering the martial world.
Where there was demand, supply would follow.
Because martial artists constantly suffered from poisonings, the medical community specializing in detoxification flourished in the martial world.
Dew Valley Forest.
This was a medical institution that had produced exceptional physicians for generations.
And its lord, Gu Gyeom, was one of the foremost experts in detoxification within the martial world.
"You were truly fortunate."
Gu Gyeom wiped the sweat from his brow and shook his head as he spoke.
"It was sheer luck that we had just obtained one specimen of Dragon Spirit Purple-Red Herb from Mount Hwejeong. Had we not, this young man would have surely met his end."
He continued, looking at Seon-u Jin, who lay deeply asleep on the bed.
"Since the detoxification is complete, he should wake up perfectly fine after a good rest."
"Thank you."
As Jongjeong Yak bowed her head, Gu Gyeom waved her off.
"Don't mention it. The only reason our forest remains unmolested by external forces and can continue harvesting spirit herbs from Mount Hwejeong is thanks to the Martial Alliance."
Mount Hwejeong was rich in spirit herbs, and Dew Valley Forest used them to produce spirit medicine.
Because of this, bandits and Black Path factions had swarmed the area, eyeing the forest's abundant medicinal resources greedily.
Unable to stand by, the Martial Alliance established the Hwejeong Branch, forcing the bandits and Black Path gangs to retreat quietly.
"Had the Martial Alliance not intervened, our forest would have long since abandoned Mount Hwejeong—or worse, been subjugated by the Black Path gangs."
With a satisfied smile, Gu Gyeom rose from his seat.
"Then I shall take my leave first."
"You've worked hard."
After Gu Gyeom left, Jongjeong Yak stared intently at Seon-u Jin lying on the bed.
Fresh from detoxification, his face was utterly devoid of color, and his lips were parched like a desert.
'He's definitely not a spy.'
Jongjeong Yak had observed Seon-u Jin's battle from start to finish.
He had fought with everything he had—and nearly lost his life in the process.
What if she hadn't intervened? What if Dew Valley Forest hadn't had the Dragon Spirit Purple-Red Herb on hand?
He would have already become a soul beyond return.
'If he were a spy, he would have had multiple safety measures in place.'
Had Seon-u Jin been an infiltrator for some faction, there would inevitably have been figures watching over or guarding him.
Even if not, a spy would naturally possess one or two hidden trump cards to escape life-threatening situations.
But Seon-u Jin had neither surveillance nor concealed ultimate techniques.
He was simply a young prodigy, driven by passion and desperate for success.
'Hmm.'
Jongjeong Yak had no choice but to admit that she had been overly sensitive and suspicious.
'I was like that too.'
In the past, she too had been overflowing with passion and a sense of mission. She had believed she could change or resolve anything with sheer confidence.
But such things couldn't alter the world.
What was truly needed was unyielding strength—power that could shatter any external force.
And the one who had taught her that lesson was... a wandering mercenary who lived by selling his skills.
'I wonder how he's doing now?'
The image of that rogue who had once saved her surfaced in her mind.
That man had always concealed his abilities, moving cautiously and resolving matters with quiet efficiency.
Even now, he was likely roaming the martial world, wielding his extraordinary skills.
"Sigh."
Jongjeong Yak exhaled softly as she gazed at the sleeping Seon-u Jin.
"If you want to play the hero, you'll need to grow stronger, Commander Seon-u."
Then she turned away coldly.
Click.
As she left, Seon-u Jin—no, Bu Eun-seol—slowly opened his eyes.
"She's grown a lot."
He faintly smiled as he watched the door through which Jongjeong Yak had departed.
The reckless Law Enforcement Commander of the past had now become one of the Martial Alliance's most capable inspectors.
Had Bu Eun-seol not anticipated her personality and tenacity in advance?
She would never have so easily dismissed her suspicions.
"She's gone."
At that moment, a young man dressed as a traveling physician entered.
"The Martial Alliance truly has no shortage of remarkable figures. To think a mere disciple of the Inspection Hall could reach such a level."
Crack.
After his face twitched several times, the young physician's appearance melted away, revealing the cold visage of a man—No Trace, the leader of the Evil Soul Squad.
"Since Vice Chief So-yo's training isn't complete, you've had to endure considerable inconvenience, my lord."
Normally, when Bu Eun-seol ventured into the martial world, Vice Chief So-yo of the Evil Soul Squad would secretly follow and assist him.
But So-yo had yet to finish his training as the unit's vice chief, forcing No Trace to continue stepping in.
"You've worked hard."
Bu Eun-seol smiled faintly.
To swiftly dispel Jongjeong Yak's suspicions, he had executed a meticulous plan.
First, he spent an exorbitant sum to hire the Wind Demon Corps and the Violet Flame Gang for contract hits, while stationing No Trace in Dew Valley Forest as backup.
Jongjeong Yak was a cautious individual.
Even if a third-grade commander of the Martial Alliance were in peril, she would never risk her life to intervene in a fight.
But if he were fleeing pursuers, teetering on the brink of death?
She would set aside her doubts and help—never suspecting that he was deceiving her at the cost of his own life.
"Still, it was an exceedingly dangerous plan."
No Trace shook his head.
In this vicinity, there existed an expert in detoxification—the Lord of Mugok Forest.
Moreover, they had already confirmed that he had recently obtained the Dragon Spirit Scarlet Herb.
But would Jongjeong Yak truly carry the collapsed Bu Eun-seol all the way to Mugok Forest?
That was something no one could guarantee.
"Had she hesitated or gone elsewhere, the Lord's life would have been in danger."
This plan, though seemingly simple, was in truth an extremely perilous gamble.
Bu Eun-seol had deliberately refrained from resisting the poison, allowing himself to truly hover between life and death.
Had he not done so, Jongjeong Yak would never have been deceived.
And what if she had sought another physician instead of heading to Mugok Forest? He might have truly died without receiving the antidote.
"There was no other choice. A half-hearted act would never have fooled her."
Then, he added one more thing.
"And she would have inevitably gone to Mugok Forest."
Jongjeong Yak was already an outstanding inspector.
If that were the case, she must have thoroughly studied the surrounding geography beforehand. If someone were poisoned and on the verge of death? She would have been certain to head straight for Mugok Forest.
"I see."
No Trace let out a sigh and nodded.
"Since your body has recovered, you should return to the Demon Hall immediately. The Sanghak Unit Commander has summoned you."
"Him?"
"Yes."
No Trace spoke with an expression of utmost gravity.
"The whereabouts of the Hyeokryeon Hall Master have been discovered."
"Hyeokryeon Hall Master."
For an instant, a radiant light erupted from Bu Eun-seol's pupils.
The spy of the Demon Hall who had supplied Sim Wol with the Artificial Inner Elixir.
At last, they had found one of the roots of the Three Realms—Hyeokryeon Eung.
Bu Eun-seol, having left Mugok Forest, immediately returned to the Demon Hall.
Meanwhile, No Trace continued to maintain the trail of Seon-u Jin, the Peak Leader.
Seo Jin-ha and So-yo's training would soon conclude.
Before long, the Evil Soul Squad would be perfected... and Bu Eun-seol, with his flawless dual identity, would be able to craft two separate trails of existence.
"Then let us adjourn this meeting."
After dismissing the assembled leaders with a brief conference, Bu Eun-seol immediately entered the secret chamber installed within his office.
There, Yu Un-ryong sat with a deeply troubled expression.
"Where is the Hyeokryeon Hall Master?"
Cutting straight to the point, Bu Eun-seol asked, and Yu Un-ryong drew a heavy breath.
Then, with the gravest expression, he answered.
"He is at Prince Wei's Residence."
"Prince Wei's Residence... you say."
Bu Eun-seol's gaze darkened.
The Guardians' Faction Master of the Demon Hall—inside Prince Wei's Residence? Could it mean he was a figure connected to the Imperial Palace?
"The Hyeokryeon Hall Master has been acting as a scholarly tutor under the name 'Master of Southern Light' at Prince Wei's Residence."
Yu Un-ryong's eyes grew even more solemn.
"For twenty long years, he has remained there, teaching literature to numerous figures."
It was a shocking revelation.
Hyeokryeon Eung, one of the highest-ranking figures in the Demon Hall, had been a member of Prince Wei's Residence for two decades?
How could such an absurd thing even be possible?
Yu Un-ryong shook his head as if even he could scarcely believe his own words.
"The Demon Hall isn't some backwater martial school—how could someone maintain a double identity for decades?"
"A double identity."
A sharp glint flashed through Bu Eun-seol's eyes.
"Hyeokryeon Hall Master... Just like me now, he must have created a shadow, maintaining a flawless dual existence."
Only then did Yu Un-ryong seem to realize something, his eyes widening.
Hyeokryeon Eung.
Just like Bu Eun-seol, who moved between the Demon Hall and the Martial Alliance...
He had been leading a double life, alternating between the Demon Hall and the royal residence—undoubtedly with a perfect shadow in place.
"But... why?"
Yu Un-ryong couldn't comprehend it.
Hyeokryeon Eung, leading the Guardians' Faction, was one of the Demon Hall's core figures.
Though he had been temporarily exiled to handle affairs Beyond the Pass as punishment for abruptly ending the Ten Demonic Heirs Tournament...
That had merely been the Demon Hall's way of shielding him from the Demonic Path Ten Gates' condemnation and pressure.
A man who had even been entrusted as the Chief Instructor of the tournament in place of the Demonic Heavenly Emperor—a figure of immense trust—
Had been maintaining a double identity all along, serving as the Royal Tutor of Prince Wei's Residence?
"He must be a key figure of the Three Realms."
Bu Eun-seol bit his lip hard.
"That would explain it."
Hyeokryeon Eung was part of the Three Realms—the force that had been stirring the Murim.
Not just a mere messenger, but a core member.
Otherwise, it would have been impossible for him to maintain two identities—as the Guardians' Faction Master of the Demon Hall and a tutor of the royal residence—for so long.
Between those two identities, the probability of him being a mere puppet obeying the orders of the Three Realms' messenger was nonexistent.
"Hah."
Yu Un-ryong inhaled deeply, then exhaled in frustration.
"Just what are these Three Realms bastards doing? How are they even structured?"
Then, with a weary expression, he shook his head.
"The Hyeokryeon Hall Master is one of the Demon Hall's highest-ranking elders, a man who enjoys the absolute trust of the Demonic Heavenly Emperor. What could possibly be lacking for him to...?"
"We'll know once we meet him."
Bu Eun-seol spoke decisively.
"The fact that he's been caught in our intelligence network means he's calling for me."
The Three Realms had always possessed intelligence capabilities far surpassing those of the Demon Hall and the Martial Alliance.
A core figure like Hyeokryeon Eung would never have carelessly exposed his movements and identity unless he intended to.
"Right. He must have deliberately leaked the information into our network."
Yu Un-ryong spoke with deadly seriousness.
"That way, it would reach you immediately."
His expression darkened.
The Evil Soul Squad was Bu Eun-seol's meticulously crafted secret intelligence force.
Yet Hyeokryeon Eung had brazenly exposed his whereabouts through them.
Which meant... the likelihood of a Three Realms infiltrator among the leaders was high.
"This is vexing."
For the first time, Bu Eun-seol felt genuine frustration.
Myo Cheon-u, Won Se-mun, Wi Cheon-gyeong, Jo Nam-cheon.
They, like Yu Un-ryong and Seo Jin-ha, were subordinates Bu Eun-seol trusted deeply.
Yet the thought that among them, there might be a spy who had deceived him all this time—it was agonizing.
"It might not be the case."
Yu Un-ryong forced a bright smile.
"The Three Realms' intelligence network has always been several steps ahead. It's possible it might not be because of a spy among the squad leaders, right?"
Of course, he knew full well the likelihood of that was slim.
But he didn't want Bu Eun-seol to suffer over something still uncertain.
Life was an endless series of the unexpected.
Things that seemed crystal clear at first glance often turned out completely different with time.
"For now, let's just do our best. That's enough, isn't it?"
Yu Un-ryong spoke with a cheerful grin.
"By the time you return... Seo Jin-ha and the young Vice Chief's training should be nearly complete. Once that happens, we'll have a flawless double identity—one no intelligence network could ever uncover."
"Just like the Hall Master Hyeokryeon."
"Bu Eun-seol—"
"I'm just saying."
Bu Eun-seol let out a low, amused breath through his nose.
"Then, I'll be going."
"You're planning to go alone?"
Worry was etched plainly across Yu Un-ryong's face.
Hyeokryeon Eung was a high-ranking figure of the Three Realms who had maintained a double identity for decades.
That meant his strategies—and likely his martial prowess—far exceeded what was publicly known.
And the fact that he had deliberately revealed his dual identity...
It meant he was summoning Bu Eun-seol alone, hiding some scheme behind it.
"What if we inform the Demonic Heavenly Emperor or the Supreme Cult Commander? The intelligence is solid, after all."
"He intentionally exposed his double identity. That means he's prepared to discard his cover at Wang Manor without hesitation."
Bu Eun-seol exhaled deeply.
"The moment we alert the outside, he'll vanish without a trace. Completely, leaving nothing behind."
Yu Un-ryong fell silent.
He already knew that. He just didn't want to send Bu Eun-seol alone.
Because the odds of this being a trap were far too high.
Truthfully, he wanted to stop him.
There was no need to move as the enemy intended. Why not approach at our leisure and strike their blind spot instead?
That was what he wanted to say.
But he couldn't.
Throughout their long journey, Bu Eun-seol had uncovered almost nothing.
His grandfather's enemy. The true nature of the Three Realms. What they sought.
Now that he finally had a lead to unravel one of those mysteries... Bu Eun-seol would never let this chance slip away.
"Come back safely."
In the end, Yu Un-ryong smiled and sent him off.
When there was nothing else he could do, a trusting smile was the greatest support he could offer.
But soon, he would regret this choice.
He should have advised patience—that there was no need to rush.
That moving cautiously, not as the enemy intended, and gauging their situation was the right approach.
Giving sharp counsel was also part of a strategist's duty.
But in his faith in Bu Eun-seol's exceptional abilities, he had forgotten that for far too long.
Leaving the Demon Hall, Bu Eun-seol immediately unleashed his Lightness Art, heading straight for Taiping Prefecture.
Even as he traveled, questions about Hyeokryeon Eung swirled endlessly in his mind.
Why had he exposed his position? Why lure him to Wang Manor?
Could he be a figure from the Imperial Household, aiming to recruit him there?
'That can't be.'
Thoughts tangled one after another.
'If he's a Three Realms spy, there must be another reason he saved me on Hell Island.'
He was also the man who had risked his position as Guardians' Faction Master to save Bu Eun-seol's life on Hell Island.
Before Bu Eun-seol suffered fatal injuries, he had halted the Ten Demonic Heirs Plan to spare him.
To anyone watching, it would have seemed like unwavering loyalty—to the Demonic Heavenly Emperor and the Demon Hall—all for the sake of selecting outstanding successors.
But if he was a Three Realms spy...
Why?
What reason could he possibly have had?
Without pause, Bu Eun-seol continued his Lightness Art until he arrived before Prince Wei's Residence in Taiping Prefecture.
The main gate was tightly shut, adorned with a plaque framed in gold.
Within the sprawling estate—spanning over thirty thousand square meters—stood more than thirty buildings, alongside gardens reminiscent of the Imperial Palace's own.
'No need to sneak in.'
The Three Realms already surpassed the Demon Hall's intelligence network.
Besides, he hadn't concealed his movements on the way to Taiping Prefecture. There was no chance Hyeokryeon Eung didn't know he had arrived.
Creak.
The moment Bu Eun-seol stopped before the gate, it opened as if waiting for him.
A young martial artist—likely a guard of Wang Manor—stood with his hands clasped respectfully.
"Martial Soul Lord."
Though dressed as a guard, his eyes were sharp and lively, and a chilling energy radiated from his entire body.
This was no ordinary guard. He was likely either Hyeokryeon Eung himself or someone affiliated with the Three Realms.
"We've been expecting you. Please, come in."
Unfazed, Bu Eun-seol gave a slight nod and stepped inside.
Before him unfolded a garden as beautiful as an ink-wash landscape painting.
'They altered the terrain and deliberately diverted water channels.'
Every element—the trees, flowers, even the stones—was arranged with the profound intricacies of a boundary formation.
Outwardly, it was just a stunning garden.
But to Bu Eun-seol's eyes, it looked like a forest of blades and swords (do-san geom-rim)—where a single misstep could lead to death.
"This way."
The guard led him past the garden, pointing toward a small path at the rear of the estate.
After walking for some time, they reached a mountain trail that wound up a sheer cliff.
At its peak stood a picturesque pavilion, bathed in the glow of the setting sun.
And there before him, a shadow stood with hands clasped behind his back, gazing up at the boundless sky.
Thud. Thud.
As Bu Eun-seol approached, the figure slowly turned.
Then came into view the face of an old man—eyes like a tiger's, a physique as solid as a bear's.
None other than the Hall of Protectors' Master of the Demon Hall, the Chief Instructor of the Ten Demonic Heirs Tournament: Hyeokryeon Eung.