Chapter 424
The primary source of income for the Fleeting Moment Boat lay in the high-end taverns and courtesan houses established throughout the Central Plains.
The amount of money earned in a single day alone was an astronomical sum reaching hundreds of thousands of taels.
By operating these courtesan houses,
the Fleeting Moment Boat utilized the information obtained from them and their immense financial power to form alliances with the high command of both the Orthodox and Unorthodox Paths, flaunting their influence.
Fleeting Moment Boat, Refined Gold Pavilion.
This was the residence of its true owner, Geuk Hye-ryeong.
Under normal circumstances, she would have been tirelessly analyzing news and intelligence from various regions to grasp the trends of the martial world, meeting with the leaders of numerous sects for negotiations, and handling the endless affairs—both major and minor—of the Fleeting Moment Boat.
But because of this, she had been unable to devote attention and affection to her only blood relative, Geuk Hye-bin, and in the end, a deep wound had festered in the girl's heart.
Had she not encountered an exceptional talent of the Demonic Path like Bu Eun-seol—
Geuk Hye-bin's condition might have reached an irreversible state.
"Good. You're doing well."
Geuk Hye-ryeong was assisting Geuk Hye-bin in her studies, helping her master the Fleeting Moment Boat's battle formations using wooden chopsticks.
If the Refined Gold Pavilion of the past had been a fierce battleground of work, now it had transformed into a warm space where she played with and tutored her granddaughter.
Geuk Hye-bin was the only blood relative Geuk Hye-ryeong had left.
And Geuk Hye-bin was a child who needed abundant attention and love.
The time they spent together like this would all become cherished memories, and it would also help shape her into a person of sound character and temperament.
And all of this—was a truth taught to her by the young Grandmaster of the Demonic Path, Bu Eun-seol.
"Pavilion Master."
Just then, a low voice called from beyond the door.
It belonged to Du Yak-rang, the head of the Silk Maze Cave—the department responsible for managing all the mechanism formations installed within the Fleeting Moment Boat.
"Enter."
At her permission, Du Yak-rang opened the door and stepped inside with a deferential expression.
"What brings you here?"
At Geuk Hye-ryeong's question, Du Yak-rang glanced briefly at Geuk Hye-bin before making a troubled face.
Understanding, Geuk Hye-ryeong nodded and headed toward the study deeper inside the Refined Gold Pavilion.
"What is it?"
"I believe you should take a look at this."
After hesitating briefly, Du Yak-rang produced a ledger.
Inside were detailed records of the monthly profits earned by the Fleeting Moment Boat.
"Isn't this the account ledger?"
"Pavilion Master... Do you not sense anything amiss?"
Seeing Du Yak-rang's grim expression, Geuk Hye-ryeong began scrutinizing the ledger more carefully.
And then—she, too, realized something was wrong.
"I see."
Geuk Hye-ryeong nodded.
Only now did she notice that the amounts recorded in the ledger had been gradually decreasing.
Come to think of it, she had been receiving reports that profits were declining significantly, but she hadn't paid them much mind.
But upon closer inspection, the earnings had now dwindled to less than half of what they once were.
"What is the meaning of this?"
At Geuk Hye-ryeong's question, Du Yak-rang lowered her head.
"It seems Pavilion Master Yu—the head of the Flower-and-Willow Court and the one overseeing Jade Pity Fragrance—has been lining her own pockets."
"Pavilion Master Yu?"
Geuk Hye-ryeong tilted her head in disbelief.
Yu Su-ryeon, who managed all the taverns and courtesan houses under the Fleeting Moment Boat—
She was a loyal retainer of the pavilion and someone Geuk Hye-ryeong trusted implicitly.
For her to suddenly start embezzling funds?
"That can't be."
"Pavilion Master, you've been so preoccupied with caring for the Young Pavilion Mistress lately that you've barely been involved in official duties, haven't you?"
Du Yak-rang spoke with a pained expression.
"Because of that, Pavilion Master Yu naturally began managing the main financial streams little by little. But not only that..."
After stealing a glance at Geuk Hye-ryeong's reaction, she lowered her head and continued.
"She has been recruiting disciples dissatisfied with the main pavilion... and bringing them under her own wing."
Geuk Hye-ryeong was stunned.
She could somewhat understand if Yu Su-ryeon had grown greedy for money and started embezzling.
But recruiting disciples who held grievances against the Fleeting Moment Boat?
What kind of absurdity was this?
"Pavilion Master, you've been investing a considerable amount of funds to support the Martial Soul Lord, the successor of the Langya Pavilion, haven't you?"
Du Yak-rang spoke while observing Geuk Hye-ryeong's bewildered expression.
"It seems she has been rallying disciples discontent with that decision."
Geuk Hye-ryeong fell silent.
The predecessor of the Fleeting Moment Boat was the Joyous Union Palace.
In other words, among the female-dominated sects, it was also the one that had suffered the most invasions by external forces.
Moreover, the Joyous Union Palace was largely composed of courtesans who had been used and discarded by men—
An organization bound not only by mutual solace in their arduous lives but also by their shared hatred of men.
Thus, it was inevitable that many would voice discontent with Geuk Hye-ryeong's support of Bu Eun-seol.
"Of course, that may be part of it."
Geuk Hye-ryeong's eyes turned sharp as she spoke.
"But Pavilion Master Yu couldn't have orchestrated this on her own. There must be interference from an external force."
The current Fleeting Moment Boat was no longer a mere coalition of courtesans—it was a proper martial sect with a clear hierarchy of master and disciples.
"But for the Mistress of the Flower-and-Willow Court to have swayed existing disciples to her side—that is something utterly impossible for her to achieve through her own power alone. Without a doubt, a formidable external faction must have backed her."
"This pavilion is not some place to be manipulated by outside forces. There's no need to concern yourself with such matters."
At Geuk Hye-ryeong's words, Du Yak-rang furrowed her brow.
"I thought the same, but the issue is—there are rumors that Court Mistress Yu has stolen the Black Ledger kept under your guardianship."
This time, Geuk Hye-ryeong was visibly shaken.
The Black Ledger recorded all the covert financial transactions—the so-called "black money"—that had flowed through Fleeting Moment Boat over the generations.
It was one of the key reasons the pavilion had been able to exert influence over the martial world without relying solely on brute force.
And now, Yu Su-ryeon had stolen even that?
As Geuk Hye-ryeong's expression darkened, Du Yak-rang spoke as if she had been waiting for this moment.
"If she has taken the Black Ledger, it means she may already have control over the pavilion's intelligence network as well."
Her face was deadly serious.
"We must mobilize the Hundred Flowers Ladies immediately and strike down Court Mistress Yu before it's too late."
The Hundred Flowers Ladies were the pavilion's greatest combat force—masters who had honed their martial arts to perfection.
If they were dispatched?
No matter how much Yu Su-ryeon had colluded with outside forces, they could sever her head without hesitation.
"Hmm."
At Du Yak-rang's suggestion, Geuk Hye-ryeong gazed out the window at the distant sky.
Lost in deep thought, she eventually shook her head.
"Let her be."
"...What?"
"Must we spill blood between our own disciples?"
"But—!"
Geuk Hye-ryeong cut her off firmly.
"Perhaps what the outside forces desire most is division within this pavilion."
"Yet if Court Mistress Yu joins hands with them and strikes first—!"
"That will never happen."
Geuk Hye-ryeong shook her head with finality.
"If she had truly intended to rebel with outside support, she would have acted long ago."
Then, with a weary expression, she continued.
"And if she and her allies were to launch a preemptive attack, not only the Demon Hall—but Langya Pavilion and Heaven-Severing, Earth-Destroying Sanctuary would inevitably intervene as well."
"I see..."
As Du Yak-rang nodded in understanding, Geuk Hye-ryeong added,
"But if we strike first, she would gain the perfect justification to call in outside forces. She would cry injustice and rally them to her cause."
Deep wrinkles etched themselves around her eyes.
"Even if that weren't the case—how could I allow disciples to slaughter one another? When I think of this pavilion's history, founded by resentful courtesans who sought solace in each other's arms... No. It must never come to that."
Du Yak-rang exhaled heavily.
Geuk Hye-ryeong loved Fleeting Moment Boat—and its disciples—more than anyone.
Even if a blade were pressed to her own throat, she would never order them to turn on each other.
"The Martial Soul Lord."
Geuk Hye-ryeong's lips parted again.
"Still no word of him?"
"None."
"I see. So that's why."
Her voice was hollow.
"They've accepted his disappearance as a fait accompli... and thus dared to move against us."
"Correct. The Martial Soul Lord has never vanished for this long before."
"Heh."
Geuk Hye-ryeong let out a low chuckle, murmuring in a voice so quiet it was almost lost.
"Didn't this pavilion already vow to share life and death with him?"
Her words sounded almost like surrender.
Yet in her eyes burned a light like an active volcano.
She still believed.
That Bu Eun-seol would return—and settle everything cleanly.
It was that very faith that had allowed Fleeting Moment Boat—a sect that had never once allied itself with others—to willingly place itself under his command.
Heaven-Severing, Earth-Destroying Sanctuary
This was where the greatest masters of the Demonic Path prepared for their final days.
None who dwelled here were whole.
Had their bodies and internal power remained intact?
They would have become elders of the Demon Hall, continued roaming the martial world—or perhaps even founded their own sects to rule over regions.
But they had suffered fatal impairments in their prime, or their power had waned drastically.
Thus, they had no choice but to retreat here.
To enter this sanctuary, one had to leave behind their unique martial arts. In exchange, they were granted peace, far from the blood-soaked rivers and lakes.
And so they became old men and women—clinging to faded glory, reliving memories of the past.
Eternal Ages Pavilion
This was the office of Hyeok So-jin, the heir-designate to oversee the sanctuary.
After his long journey through the martial world with Bu Eun-seol, he had gained profound enlightenment and martial prowess. Now, drawing from that experience, he managed the sanctuary with steady hands.
Thanks to Hyeok So-jin regaining his senses, Hyeok Gong-baek—who had been struggling all this time—gradually withdrew from his duties, and before long, stood on the precipice of retirement.
"This is exactly why I didn't want to take this on."
Hyeok So-jin, lost in thought as he sat in his office, lowered his head.
Though everything was proceeding smoothly, his expression remained far from pleased.
The Peach Blossom Paradise within the Heaven-Severing, Earth-Destroying Sanctuary, where elderly demonkin lived in seclusion and quiet.
The masters residing there were gradually succumbing to old age, falling ill one by one, their conditions worsening with time.
"Ugh..."
Hyeok So-jin let out a pained sigh.
His daily routine began with visiting the Peach Blossom Paradise. And each time he returned, he was forced to endure this same anguish.
Most of the demonkin were men of his grandfather's generation.
And yet, as time passed, they could no longer withstand the weight of the years—growing thinner, falling ill, collapsing bit by bit.
Their once-straight backs bent with age, their faces speckled with dark spots.
Though some remnants of their internal power still lingered... every organ in their bodies had lost its vitality, unable to properly contain it anymore.
"In the end, there's nothing I can do."
Hyeok So-jin clutched his head in both hands.
No matter how well he managed the Peach Blossom Paradise, no matter how much comfort and companionship he provided the demonkin...
They were still losing their vitality day by day.
From Hyeok So-jin's perspective, it was no different from tending to prisoners walking toward execution.
"Brother Bu..."
Suddenly, the unwavering image of Bu Eun-seol surfaced in his mind.
Only now did he understand why the man had won over the hearts of the demonkin in the Peach Blossom Paradise by personally crafting their coffins.
Most of the demonkin there were old and sick. Even the memories of their past glories had begun fading from their minds.
And so... they needed someone who would remember their lives and send them off in their final moments.
"So-jin."
A low voice called from outside.
Hyeok So-jin adjusted his expression and hurried to open the door.
There stood an elderly man with neatly combed white hair and a refined presence—none other than the Sanctuary Master himself, Hyeok Gong-baek.
"Grandfather."
"Why haven't you come to eat?"
"Ah..."
Hyeok So-jin's eyes reddened slightly.
His internal power had now reached the state of Five Qi Returning to Origin, rendering him nearly free from hunger even if he abstained from food.
And yet, despite knowing this full well, Hyeok Gong-baek still worried for his grandson.
Because he, more than anyone, knew that even if Hyeok So-jin wasn't hungry, he still delighted in the pleasures of fine dining.
"Are you struggling?"
Noticing the shadow over Hyeok So-jin's expression, Hyeok Gong-baek asked.
"You seem a little down."
Hyeok So-jin forced a bright smile and shook his head.
"It's just... that Righteousness-Destroying Madman keeps teasing the other ailing elders... I was just thinking about how to stop him."
"Hoho."
Seeing the darkness lingering in his grandson's eyes, Hyeok Gong-baek spoke kindly.
"People become like children when they grow old. There's no need to mind them too much."
"Understood."
Though he said the words, Hyeok So-jin's expression did not improve.
His grandfather, Hyeok Gong-baek, possessed unimaginably profound internal power and had been completely cured of his ailments... He would live a long, healthy life.
But the other demonkin in the Peach Blossom Paradise were not so fortunate.
And so, witnessing their daily suffering—birth, aging, sickness, and death—was nothing short of torment.
To see once-great martial artists grow old and frail... was to witness the transience of life itself.
"This old man was the same in his youth."
Hyeok Gong-baek smiled faintly.
"While managing the sanctuary, I watched the previous generation of demonkin go through the same cycle... It was difficult."
Then, with gentle eyes, he gazed at his grandson.
"There were even times I wondered... if our lives were nothing but fleeting struggles."
"You mean they're not?"
"Of course not."
Hyeok Gong-baek drew a long breath before continuing.
"This old man remembers every one of their lives. The martial arts they left behind have all become the sanctuary's Ultimate Arts, passed down through generations."
His eyes burned with intensity as he spoke.
"To the young, the sight of old, sickly men may seem pitiful. But their lives were anything but. They survived to the end. They left their footprints in the murim."
Hyeok So-jin stared blankly at his grandfather.
Truthfully, he didn't fully grasp the meaning. But... he could vaguely sense the intent behind the words.
"They survived to the end. That's all. They left footprints."
Growing old and sickly was pitiful.
But it was only possible because they had survived. And that, in itself, was no easy feat.
"From the moment we're born, humans overcome hardships and illnesses to grow. If they had lost here, they never would have lived to become full adults."
Seeing that Hyeok So-jin still didn't quite understand, Hyeok Gong-baek patiently elaborated.
"And the demonkin of the Peach Blossom Paradise—they survived the murim, survived again... and only then did they grow old."
After pausing briefly, the old man spoke each word with deliberate weight.
"In other words, to become an elder is proof that one has overcome countless hardships and adversities... proof that they are a victor."
—To become an elder is proof that one has survived to the end—proof of being a victor.
Finally understanding the meaning Hyeok Gong-baek wished to convey, Hyeok So-jin's eyes widened.
Their lives were not pitiful.
The one who should feel shame was none other than Hyeok So-jin himself.
These elders had overcome the adversities and hardships that the young had faced—and would yet face.
Because they were also Hyeok So-jin's future.
"My thoughts were shallow."
Hyeok So-jin was genuinely ashamed.
To pity the lives of the demonkin in Peach Blossom Paradise, intoxicated by the advantage of youth that he had gained without effort?
That was merely arrogance born from the mere fact of possessing youth.
Seeing that Hyeok So-jin seemed to have realized much in a short time, Hyeok Gong-baek wore a benevolent smile.
"Good. That's how you learn—slowly."
"But where are you going? Why are you dressed for travel?"
At Hyeok So-jin's question, Hyeok Gong-baek slightly furrowed his brows and replied,
"According to the Rectitude Unit, there seems to be some mishap at the Fleeting Moment Boat."
"I heard as well. The volume of information coming into the Rectitude Unit has decreased."
The Heaven-Severing, Earth-Destroying Sanctuary received not only vast financial support from the Fleeting Moment Boat but also access to an exceptional intelligence network.
Thus, they had established and operated the Rectitude Unit—an intelligence warfare division that allowed them to read the currents of the martial world as easily as one reads palm lines.
"Well, with masters from Langya Pavilion stationed there, it's unlikely to be anything serious... Still, since they've always supported us in both material and immaterial ways, it's only proper that I pay them a visit."
Hyeok Gong-baek spoke in a low voice.
"From now on, we must develop the Rectitude Unit into an independent intelligence warfare division, no longer reliant on the Fleeting Moment Boat's network."
Hyeok So-jin nodded at his words.
Originally, the Heaven-Severing, Earth-Destroying Sanctuary was a place that neither could nor would interfere in the affairs of the martial world.
But to lend strength to an extraordinary figure like Bu Eun-seol—
They had begun expanding their influence and engaging with the martial world in earnest.
"Understood. Please take care on your journey."
"Good. And one more thing."
Hyeok Gong-baek smiled dryly.
"It might be wise to recall the legion commanders and subordinate units we've sent into the martial world."
Through Bu Eun-seol's teachings, Hyeok So-jin had come to understand the importance of real-world experience.
And he wanted to give the young warriors of the Heaven-Severing, Earth-Destroying Sanctuary the same opportunity to grow.
Thus, he had dispatched the sanctuary's main forces and their commanders into the martial world to gain experience.
Given their close ties with Langya Pavilion, the Three Great Legions had been sent there to train alongside the Wind and Cloud Corps, the Innovation Unit, and the Golden Castle Corps.
But Hyeok Gong-baek was concerned about the security vacuum left behind by the absence of thousands of troops.
"I'll recall them as soon as their training is complete."
Hyeok So-jin answered casually.
The Heaven-Severing, Earth-Destroying Sanctuary held a seat among the Demonic Path Ten Gates, and it was a place where aged demonkin spent their remaining years.
Realistically, no faction in the martial world would dare attack it—there was simply no reason to fear external assault.
"Good. Then I'll be off."
With a smile, Hyeok Gong-baek boarded his carriage and departed.
However, with the sanctuary's main forces entirely absent, he left behind the Evil Soul Squad—a secret task force and escort corps directly under the Sanctuary Master.
And he took with him his close friend, the Wind Master Pung Yeo-ryang.
Four days later.
"Young Master!"
Won Hong, commander of the Absolute Martial Unit in charge of perimeter security, burst into Hyeok So-jin's office in a panic.
"A force of two thousand are swarming toward our sanctuary like a tidal wave!"
"Two thousand troops?"
Hyeok So-jin frowned.
Unlike in the past, the Heaven-Severing, Earth-Destroying Sanctuary was no longer just a place where elders awaited their deaths in seclusion.
Thanks to the immense financial support from the Fleeting Moment Boat, it had become a place where young disciples flocked—
And with access to that exceptional intelligence network, they could read the martial world's movements as easily as reading palm lines.
So how could they not have known about the approach of two thousand troops?
"What was the Rectitude Unit doing?"
"That's... It seems a rebellion has broken out within the Fleeting Moment Boat as well, paralyzing their intelligence operations."
Hyeok So-jin's eyes widened.
He had heard rumors that something was amiss, but for an actual rebellion to occur—?
'Grandfather's instincts were right.'
Then Won Hong spoke again.
"Their eyes... none of them are normal. They appear to be Soulless Ones."
"Soulless Ones?"
Deep furrows formed on Hyeok So-jin's brow.
'The Soulless Ones that Brother Bu has been fighting all this time? Or is it the artificial dantian?'
Bu Eun-seol had consistently shared most of the intelligence he gathered with the Heaven-Severing, Earth-Destroying Sanctuary.
Thus, Hyeok So-jin was well aware of the Demon Seed and the artificial dantian.
"Order the commander of the Demon Flame Corps to take full command of the Three Great Legions and annihilate them in one—"
Hyeok So-jin abruptly cut himself off.
Were not the Three Great Legions—the sanctuary's main forces—currently deployed elsewhere?
'There's a spy among us.'
Hyeok So-jin bit his lip until it bled.
Not only had their main forces been entirely withdrawn, but Hyeok Gong-baek had also left—and now, a massive army had been dispatched in perfect timing.
That meant there was a spy within the Heaven-Severing, Earth-Destroying Sanctuary, coordinating with external forces.