Chapter 454
Even though he had averted his gaze, the image of her eyes still lingered in his mind like an afterimage.
Unlike ordinary pupils, those eyes seemed to shimmer with myriad colors.
'The Profound Heart's Eye?'
Among the figures of Murim, there were occasionally those born with unique ocular abilities.
Among them, the Profound Heart's Eye was known to leave behind various hues in the heart of the one observed, while also instinctively discerning truth from falsehood without the need for deep contemplation.
What if she truly possessed the Profound Heart's Eye? If so, every one of Bu Eun-seol's lies could be exposed.
'No, that can't be.'
Bu Eun-seol had achieved the Spiritual Aperture Breakthrough.
In other words, he was akin to one who possessed the Mound Spirit Fire Eyes of the Ghost Gate—immune to any Great Art or external force.
Even a peerless Demonkin like Ak Mu-ryeong had failed to pierce through his spirit and mind—how could something like the Profound Heart's Eye possibly see through him?
'I won't avert my gaze.'
Bu Eun-seol raised his head and met Gongson Dan-gyeong's eyes with composure.
An ordinary person would have had their heart pounding wildly, unable to suppress their turbulent emotions.
This was the heart of the Martial Alliance.
Among the martial artists gathered on the platform, there were formidable Masters capable of standing toe-to-toe with Bu Eun-seol.
If everything were exposed here? Unless he could sprout wings and fly into the heavens, there would be no escape.
"As I thought."
At that moment, Gongson Dan-gyeong spoke again.
And in that instant, Bu Eun-seol could sense it.
'She didn't notice.'
Just as he had anticipated.
The mysterious power within Gongson Dan-gyeong's eyes had no effect on him.
"Why did you research such a Boundary Formation?"
At her question, Bu Eun-seol steadied his mind and deliberately answered with a bitter expression.
"I had no choice. Since childhood, I had to travel Beyond the Frontier. To survive there, such research was essential."
With those words, Bu Eun-seol implied that his exceptional Martial Prowess and resourcefulness were not solely due to being Master Unhindered's successor.
Rather, it was because he had ceaselessly honed himself in a harsh environment, living as if in constant struggle.
"There don't seem to be any particular issues."
At Gongson Dan-gyeong's words, the High Command nodded in agreement.
Even Jong Gu-ryeong, who had been dissatisfied all along, gave a nod of approval.
"Then, the Peak Squad shall proceed to the third trial."
At Yong Myeong's declaration, the High Command all nodded once more.
And so, the third and final trial of the Phoenix Tournament began.
The finalists were the newly formed Peak Squad—
And the Swift Origin Squad, a veteran team with two prior victories in the Phoenix Tournament, composed of the fastest practitioners of Movement Techniques.
The Swift Origin Squad's leader, So Geom-pyeong, and his Unit Members were on high alert as they prepared for the decisive battle against the Peak Squad.
—There's something about those guys.
—We can't let our guard down just because they're a new team.
Thud, thud.
The two squads moved from the Grand Martial Training Ground to a small forest behind the Martial Alliance's western gate.
"The final trial requires deciphering the Secret Language of both our Alliance and the Demon Hall, hidden within this forest, before proceeding to an intermediate rendezvous point."
Yong Myeong explained as he looked over the two squads.
"At the rendezvous point, the final destination will be written. In short, you must swiftly decipher the scattered Secret Language here... reach the rendezvous point, confirm the final destination, and arrive there first."
He elaborated in detail.
"However, victory goes to the squad that arrives at the final destination first—with every single member present. Keep that firmly in mind."
In other words, if the Swift Origin Squad's nineteen members arrived first, but the Peak Squad's twenty arrived later?
The Peak Squad, with all twenty members present, would be the victors.
Without further delay, Yong Myeong gave the signal.
"Then—begin!"
In that instant, the Peak Squad scattered like grains of sand, fanning out in all directions to search for the Secret Language.
The Swift Origin Squad, too, began combing through the forest in groups, searching for the scattered Secret Language.
No—pretending to search.
"Those brats don't seem to understand the true meaning of the Phoenix Tournament."
Hidden within the forest, So Geom-pyeong smirked darkly as he glanced at his subordinates.
"Well, for a new squad to make it this far is impressive in itself."
The Martial Alliance held the Phoenix Tournament every year.
But it wasn't merely to select outstanding squads in the conventional sense.
It was to identify squads capable of finding solutions—no matter the situation—those with exceptional adaptability.
If that weren't the case, the trials of the Phoenix Tournament wouldn't change every year.
"In conclusion, this test isn't about reaching the intermediate rally point—it's about ensuring the entire unit arrives swiftly at the final destination."
So Geom-pyeong faintly smiled as he observed the scattered members of the Peak Squad through the forest.
'They said the Secret Language leading to the intermediate rally point is hidden throughout this forest. And at that rally point, the exact location of the final destination is written.'
True to his reputation as a seasoned commander who had led Martial Alliance units for years, So Geom-pyeong had quickly grasped the flaw in this mission.
'In short, if we simply follow the Peak Squad to the intermediate rally point, our unit can seize victory without effort.'
This mission would conclude the moment all members gathered at the final destination.
In other words, even if someone deciphered the Secret Language to the intermediate point faster, it wouldn't affect the outcome at all.
Having foreseen this loophole, So Geom-pyeong had been tracking the Peak Squad's movements, planning to follow them to the midway point—then, leveraging his unit's superior Movement Technique, dash straight to the final destination.
'Given their reputation as an intelligence unit, they'll likely decipher the Secret Language faster than anyone.'
So Geom-pyeong was confident.
Even if Bu Eun-seol realized his intentions, there was no way he could move his unit faster than the Swift Origin Squad.
'This is taking quite a while.'
Pretending to wander the forest, So Geom-pyeong and his unit carefully observed the Peak Squad.
But it seemed there were many hidden clues—the Peak Squad members repeatedly gathered and dispersed, searching for the intermediate rally point.
Whoosh.
How much time had passed?
Finally, as if they had found the midway point, they all dashed off using their Lightness Skill at once.
But something felt off—the Peak Squad abruptly split into two groups, immediately activating their Lightness Art.
"Commander, which group should we pursue?" asked Seo Mun-ho, the deputy leader of the Swift Origin Squad.
So Geom-pyeong hesitated briefly before answering.
'No matter how fast they move, they can't outpace our main force. Commander Seon-u must know that much.'
Seon-u Jin was known for his tactical brilliance—there was no way he wouldn't realize they were being followed.
He must have deliberately split his unit to confuse them, ensuring all members could regroup as quickly as possible.
'The slower members would need to reach the destination first, while the faster ones buy time.'
A glint flashed in So Geom-pyeong's eyes as he pieced it together.
That meant Seon-u Jin's group would consist of the fastest members, while the other group would be slower.
Therefore, the Swift Origin Squad should pursue the group led by Tae Mu-ryong, not Seon-u Jin.
'No—this could still be a trap.'
After a moment's thought, So Geom-pyeong spoke.
"We'll split up and chase both."
"What?"
"Our Lightness Skill is far superior. Even if it's a trap, it doesn't matter—the ten who break off can return faster."
Even if one group was a decoy, the Swift Origin Squad would inevitably overtake them on the way back.
In other words, So Geom-pyeong was ensuring a safe and certain victory.
"Understood."
Whoosh.
So Geom-pyeong and Seo Mun-ho divided their unit and pursued the Peak Squad separately.
'Fools. Was this really all they had?'
The two divided groups of the Peak Squad eventually regrouped in secret and began running together.
So Geom-pyeong let out a silent cheer and stealthily followed, activating his Lightness Skill.
Before long, the Peak Squad arrived near the Martial Alliance's West Gate.
There, a large sheet of paper was affixed to the signboard above the gate, bearing the characters for Willow Stream Hermitage.
It was a small hermitage built on the mountain behind the West Gate, a place where high-ranking officials often retreated to clear their minds.
'Willow Stream Hermitage! So that's it!'
His eyes gleaming, So Geom-pyeong sent a Telepathic Transmission to his unit.
"The final destination is the hermitage on the mountain behind our alliance—Willow Stream Hermitage! Follow me!"
Then, he led his unit in a mad dash, unleashing their Lightness Skill at full speed.
No matter how hard the Peak Squad tried to catch up, they couldn't match the Swift Origin Squad's mastery of Movement Technique.
"Huff... huff..."
Finally, So Geom-pyeong and his unit arrived at Willow Stream Hermitage—all of them.
Fortunately, not a single member of the Peak Squad was in sight.
"We did it!"
So Geom-pyeong grinned triumphantly.
Losing to a newly formed second-tier unit would have been humiliating beyond words.
Fortunately, he had quickly discerned the mission's nature and reached the final destination first.
"But the Money Manager isn't here yet."
They waited for a long time, yet no one appeared near the hermitage.
Normally, once the final trial concluded, the High Command and all participating units would gather to offer congratulations in an orderly ceremony.
Yet not even a single ant could be seen even after a quarter-hour had passed.
'Did something go wrong?'
Only then sensing something amiss, So Geom-pyeong turned to his deputy leader, Seo Mun-ho, and spoke.
"Scout the surroundings and check if any officials from the Phoenix Tournament are present."
"Unit Leader, if someone were to break away, wouldn't the Peak Squad come charging in?"
"That is a sharp observation, but—"
So Geom-pyeong nodded but continued firmly.
"Money Manager Yong clearly stated that the first squad to arrive with all members intact would be declared the victor. If there had been any loophole regarding the time limit, he would have mentioned it."
Still uneasy, he scanned the area before adding,
"Let's wait another half-hour. If no one arrives by then, we'll investigate."
"Understood."
Yet even after another half-hour, not a soul appeared.
Just as Seo Mun-ho was about to descend from Willow Stream Hermitage to survey the surroundings, So Geom-pyeong stopped him.
"No, I'll go myself. If something happens, I can return the fastest."
"Understood."
Whoosh—
In an instant, he activated his Lightness Skill and descended from the hermitage.
But even after scouring the vicinity, not a single Martial Alliance disciple was in sight.
"How can this be?"
A sinking feeling gripped him—something had gone terribly wrong. He sprinted breathlessly toward the Alliance's main gate.
Coincidentally, a group of martial artists was just pouring out.
"Unit Leader So, what's going on?"
From a distance, his close friend and leader of the Radiant Light Squad, Jeong Sim-gu, called out to him.
"Where in the world did the Swift Origin Squad disappear to? Why didn't they show up until the tournament ended?"
"What do you mean, 'ended'?"
So Geom-pyeong's jaw dropped as if he'd seen a ghost. He quickly explained the situation.
"Right now, my squad is waiting after being the first to pass the final three gates. But Money Manager Yong never arrived—"
"What nonsense are you spouting, Unit Leader So?"
Jeong Sim-gu blinked in confusion.
"The Phoenix Tournament's winning squad has already been confirmed as the Peak Squad. They even received the spirit medicine awarded by the High Command."
"What do you mean, the tournament is over?"
"It ended half an hour ago. The Peak Squad returned first to the final destination—the Grand Martial Training Ground inside the Alliance. And then—"
"The final destination was the Grand Martial Training Ground inside the Alliance?!"
So Geom-pyeong's eyes bulged.
He had clearly pursued the Peak Squad, and the signboard above the gate had been unmistakably inscribed with the words "Willow Stream Hermitage" in bold characters!
What kind of trickery was this?
'We've been fooled.'
Only then did So Geom-pyeong realize—it had all been the Peak Leader's scheme.
'That's why they lingered so long in the forest.'
Uncharacteristic of an Information Warfare Unit, the Peak Squad had wandered the woods for an unusually long time.
But in that time, Seon-u Jin must have deciphered all the Secret Language and slipped away unnoticed.
Then, after setting up a fake rally point, they must have covertly returned—
To split their squad in two, as if evading pursuit, and lure their pursuers to the false final destination they had prepared.
Because they had seen through the fact that they were being secretly followed.
'I was wrong.'
Closing his eyes, So Geom-pyeong pieced together the entire situation.
Losing the tournament was one thing—but this was a humiliating defeat.
From now on, the Swift Origin Squad would have to lay low, avoiding the public eye for quite some time.
"You've worked hard."
In the Hall of Ascending Martial, within Yuk Jang-cheon's office, a satisfied smile played at the corners of his lips.
Truthfully, he hadn't expected them to win.
He had thought it would be enough if the High Command simply acknowledged that, for a newly formed squad, they were remarkably competent.
But to seize victory in one stroke?
And with such cunning strategy and ability that even the newly appointed Chief Strategist, Gongson Dan-gyeong, was left stunned?
"Even for a prodigy, identifying the flaws in the Phoenix Tournament's trials or exploiting other squads' weaknesses is no easy feat... You truly are exceptional."
Yuk Jang-cheon had received a full report.
Bu Eun-seol had not only discerned every stratagem of the Swift Origin Squad's leader, So Geom-pyeong—a top contender for victory—
But had turned their own schemes against them, securing a flawless and decisive triumph.
His brilliant tactics left not only Yuk Jang-cheon but even the observing High Command speechless.
"I merely considered that the Swift Origin Squad had many masters skilled in Lightness Skill, and that they had won the Phoenix Tournament twice before."
At Bu Eun-seol's reply, Yuk Jang-cheon nodded with a pleased expression.
"Regardless, you've done well. Thanks to you, our unit's reputation is secured, and the Peak Squad has firmly caught the High Command's attention."
"Though I'm not sure why—before coming here, I heard the Strategy Pavilion summoned me."
"Hohoho."
Yuk Jang-cheon chuckled lowly.
"The true purpose of the Phoenix Tournament was to identify squads capable of excelling in the Alliance's critical operations."
"You mean a mission?"
"Indeed. Given that the Demonic Path Ten Gates's battle formations have been deciphered and the Demon Hall's secret language decoded... I assume a related mission will soon commence."
Yuk Jang-cheon, who had been smiling faintly, now wore a solemn expression.
"Based on my estimation, they will likely target either the White Horse Temple or the Hell Blood Citadel."
Bu Eun-seol took a deep breath.
Until now, the Martial Alliance and the Demon Hall's forces had never clashed directly.
Yet now, they were suddenly considering a preemptive strike?
"Thanks to that illustrious Heir of the Demon Hall, the Demonic Path Ten Gates's forces have weakened considerably, haven't they?"
Yuk Jang-cheon smiled faintly.
"Because of him, the Hell Blood Citadel lost its lord, and the White Horse Temple has been so ostracized and harassed that they've practically ceased all external activities."
That much was true.
Both sects had relentlessly pursued Bu Eun-seol, only to be counterattacked.
Now, though they still retained some influence, they were effectively in a state of gate sealing—barely functioning.
Yuk Jang-cheon chuckled as he laid it all out.
"Since you've proven your capabilities this time, I suspect the mission will involve you in some way."
Bu Eun-seol exhaled deeply, his expression complicated.
He couldn't predict how the Martial Alliance would provoke the Demonic Path Ten Gates, but one thing was certain—it would be an extremely dangerous mission.
Yet, if he succeeded?
He would earn another great achievement and draw even more attention.
'But this is far too risky.'
Even if Seo Jin-ha perfectly mimicked him, it would only be within the confines of the Death Shadow War Unit and the martial world.
If the Martial Alliance's forces clashed with the Demonic Path Ten Gates, Bu Eun-seol himself would have to command the battle from the Demon Hall.
And there was always the chance that Seo Jin-ha might slip up.
"No need to be so tense."
Yuk Jang-cheon smiled as he observed Bu Eun-seol's stiff expression.
"It's called an 'assault,' but it doesn't mean the Alliance and the Demon Hall will clash directly."
"I don't follow."
"Take the Hell Blood Citadel and the White Horse Temple—their influence has visibly weakened, hasn't it? Until now, merchant groups loyal to our Alliance had to pay exorbitant fees just to pass through their territories."
Only then did Bu Eun-seol grasp Yuk Jang-cheon's—no, Gongson Dan-gyeong's—true intentions.
"You want to reclaim the major trade routes under their control."
"Exactly."
Yuk Jang-cheon grinned, pleased by the word reclaim.
"As you know, the Demonic Path Ten Gates are no different from the Black Syndicates—they extort money from traveling merchant groups, don't they?"
His tone turned firm.
"Chief Strategist Gongson intends to restore those trade routes to the Alliance's control, ensuring the merchant groups no longer suffer."
'At least that's a relief.'
Bu Eun-seol exhaled inwardly.
This wasn't a direct confrontation with the Demon Hall's forces—just a clash with either the White Horse Temple or the Hell Blood Citadel.
'So that was her plan.'
He had figured out Gongson Dan-gyeong's scheme.
When one attains a new position or status, the first thing they must do is assess what power they now hold—and how to wield it.
She had just obtained the staff of Chief Strategist. Naturally, she would want to test its limits—how it was forged, how it could be swung.
And her first move? Mobilizing the Martial Alliance's elite forces to reclaim one of the weakened territories of the Demonic Path Ten Gates.
'Ambitious. She has no intention of merely preserving her position.'
Unlike Tae Sa-hyeon, who had deep connections, Gongson Dan-gyeong had only just become Chief Strategist.
And unlike him, she wasn't clinging to her seat—she was moving boldly.
She must have noticed Yuk Jang-cheon's desire to rise to a group-leader position through merit and extended her hand.
And Yuk Jang-cheon, it seemed, was more than willing to become the sharp blade in her grasp.
Their interests aligned.
They had willingly boarded the same ship.
'I'll have to stay in the Martial Alliance a little longer.'
After the Phoenix Tournament, Bu Eun-seol had planned to return to the Demon Hall to handle various matters.
But with such a critical operation unfolding, he had no choice but to postpone his return.
"A decision on how to reclaim the territories will likely be made soon. Heh heh."
Bu Eun-seol took another deep breath as he watched Yuk Jang-cheon's sly grin.
The fact that this ambitious man was so confident could only mean one thing—
Soon, as the Martial Alliance's Great Commander, Bu Eun-seol would undoubtedly have to face either the Hell Blood Citadel or the White Horse Temple.
"Understood."
Bowing his head and clasping his hands, he left the Hall of Martial Ascension.
'From now on, I must move with even greater caution.'
Returning to the Supreme Commander's office, Bu Eun-seol prepared to carefully consider the unfolding plans.
But that hope of his was futile.
—Iron Shield Squad Leader No Dok-cheong has been murdered in the Yeogyeong Region!
No Dok-cheong, leader of the Martial Alliance's Iron Shield Squad, had been suddenly assassinated within the Hell Blood Citadel's territory—the Yeogyeong Region.
And Chief Strategist Gongson Dan-gyeong, seizing the opportunity without hesitation, began moving with unprecedented urgency.