Chapter 457
The Supreme Blade Unit, centered around Tae Mu-ryong, worked tirelessly through sleepless nights.
They began creating a map marking the spheres of influence held by the orthodox and unorthodox factions affecting the Guizhou region.
While the Murim world possessed numerous maps marking hostile forces, it was rare to find one simultaneously charting both orthodox and unorthodox factions.
After all, conflicts between orthodox and unorthodox factions were nearly nonexistent.
Especially since any large-scale confrontation between allied groups could escalate uncontrollably, they generally avoided encroaching on each other's territories.
Thus, creating maps that simultaneously displayed both enemy and allied forces—like military war maps—was exceptionally uncommon.
"It's complete."
After three nights of gathering intelligence through the Ten Thousand Reflections Hall and local information networks in Guizhou,
the Supreme Blade Unit finally completed a flawless map detailing the distribution of all orthodox and unorthodox factions across the entire Guizhou region.
"Hmm."
Bu Eun-seol nodded as he examined the newly completed territorial map.
The unit members had produced a far more detailed and comprehensive map than he had anticipated—and in far less time.
This was proof that Tae Mu-ryong and Jeong Jong-do were leading the unit members exceptionally well.
"How is it?"
At Tae Mu-ryong's question, Bu Eun-seol nodded while still studying the map.
"You've created something far more detailed than I expected."
Even as he spoke, his gaze remained fixed on the map.
Recognizing that Bu Eun-seol had fallen deep into thought, Tae Mu-ryong clasped his hands together.
"Then we shall take our leave."
Only then did Bu Eun-seol snap out of his contemplation and nod.
"There's nothing more for the main unit to do now. Let the members rest comfortably."
"Understood."
As Tae Mu-ryong and the unit members exited, Bu Eun-seol returned his focus to the map.
How much time had passed?
"Plum-for-Peach Substitution."
A faint smile touched the corners of Bu Eun-seol's lips.
Plum-for-Peach Substitution.
It meant a plum tree falling in place of a peach tree.
Bu Eun-seol had finally devised a surefire stratagem to resolve this matter.
Meanwhile, an oppressive war cloud loomed over the Guwol Mountain region.
During this time, several clashes had broken out between the Coiling Dragon Hall and the Myriad Demons Faction.
Fortunately, none had escalated into bloodshed, but tensions had risen to a razor's edge, teetering on the brink of explosion.
By now, Dan So-ok—commanding the Myriad Demons Faction—found her worries deepening.
Resting her chin on the table, she struggled to conceive a plan to break this deadlock.
Yet no matter how much she pondered, no brilliant solution came to mind.
"We can't afford a direct confrontation with them... nor can we drive them out of the Yeogyeong region."
Massaging her temples, she shook her head.
The Coiling Dragon Hall remained entrenched in Guwol Mountain, willing to risk all-out war.
Of course, the martial artists of the Myriad Demons Faction could easily handle those of the Coiling Dragon Hall.
But if war broke out, the Divine Guard Unit lying in wait would immediately intervene.
In that case, the Myriad Demons Faction would have no choice but to retreat without a word.
"How are we supposed to protect the Yeogyeong region without engaging in full-scale war?"
Dan So-ok shook her head again.
No matter how she looked at it, the situation seemed impossible.
"Even if we win the battle, we still can't reclaim this Yeogyeong region."
What if the Myriad Demons Faction's martial artists demonstrated strength enough to repel even the Divine Guard Unit?
In the end, it would trigger a full-blown Righteous-Demonic War.
Currently, the orthodox faction held the advantage in the martial world, and the Martial Alliance had justification for this conflict.
Over such a minor territorial dispute in the Yeogyeong region, they couldn't possibly risk all-out war... meaning the Demon Hall would ultimately have to concede the territory through negotiation.
"Pardon the intrusion."
At that moment, an almost imperceptible voice transmission reached Dan So-ok's ears, and a small shadow materialized before her eyes.
It was as though a ghost had stepped out of thin air.
"You are?"
Dan So-ok's eyes widened at the sudden appearance of the shadowy figure.
A masked girl with an emaciated frame, deathly pale skin, and mysterious silver-irised eyes.
It was none other than So-yo, the Deputy Unit Leader of the Death Soul Squad, who routinely assisted Bu Eun-seol in his travels through the martial world.
"Now that my internal energy has surpassed 120 years..."
Dan So-ok was no longer the frail girl suffering from Severed Meridians.
Thanks to the Golden Spirit Immortal Fruit Bu Eun-seol had given her, she now possessed internal energy equivalent to 120 years of cultivation. Having also received exceptional martial arts training from Dan Wol-hon,
she had become a peerless heroine who could stand against any opponent—yet she hadn't even detected this petite girl's presence?
"Is something the matter?"
Just then, a guard stationed outside the barracks, hearing Dan So-ok's voice, hurried inside.
Swish.
Simultaneously, So-yo vanished from Dan So-ok's sight.
"We heard the Lord's voice from outside, so—"
"My apologies. I was lost in thought for a moment."
Dan So-ok waved her hand dismissively, sending the guard away.
Floating gently...
She deliberately ignored So-yo, who now hovered midair near the ceiling of the barracks, limbs splayed out as if lounging on an invisible surface.
"Understood. Very well."
Once the guard had left, So-yo landed lightly on the ground again, utterly unperturbed.
Dan So-ok couldn't conceal her astonishment.
'How on earth did she perform such a movement technique?'
So-yo had executed Wind-Riding Flight for just a brief moment, hovering in midair with her arms and legs spread wide.
"What brings you here?"
As Dan So-ok swallowed her surprise and whispered in a low voice, So-yo extended an envelope toward her.
He told me to deliver this to you.
So-yo's telepathic transmission was so faint it was barely audible.
Dan So-ok tilted her head as she examined the envelope.
"Then... Lord Bu—"
She blinked mid-sentence as she raised her head.
Before she realized it, So-yo had vanished like mist before her eyes.
Flustered, Dan So-ok opened the envelope and spread its contents across the table.
'This is—'
It was a meticulously detailed map marking the territories and influence of orthodox sects rooted in the Guizhou region.
'Why would the Lord give this to me?'
A sense of unease crept over her as she studied the map intently.
"Could it be..."
After scrutinizing the map for a long while, Dan So-ok's gaze halted on one particular spot, her eyes gleaming.
She was a strategist of exceptional intellect—one whose name was mentioned among candidates for the next Chief Strategist.
Thus, she instantly grasped the intention behind Bu Eun-seol's message.
'With this method...'
A smile of elation bloomed on her lips.
With this method... she could devise a flawless strategy to swallow the Yeogyeong region whole—without suffering any losses against the Martial Alliance, whose eyes burned crimson with greed.
'You knew I'd taken on this task for your sake, and that's why you sent me this letter.'
Dan So-ok clutched the map tightly.
The moment she'd been cornered, Bu Eun-seol had immediately provided her with the means to escape the crisis.
'Thank you... my husband.'
Whispering the term of endearment she'd longed to voice—if only in her heart—she nodded firmly.
'I swear I'll become the Chief Strategist of the main camp and stand by your side as your strength.'
Tucking the map into her robes, Dan So-ok's eyes flashed.
There was no more time to waste.
She had to launch her counterattack immediately—and deal a crushing blow to that mole-like Coiling Dragon Hall Leader.
"What did you say?"
Yeon Ja-gang's eyes bulged as he received the report from his subordinates.
"You're telling me the masters of the Myriad Demons Faction are advancing straight toward our main camp?"
The news was unbelievable.
No matter how many times he'd provoked her, Dan So-ok had always desperately avoided direct conflict. Yet now she was leading the Myriad Demons Faction here?
"So much for being a Chief Strategist candidate. Seems her position came from nepotism and a pretty face."
The Coiling Dragon Hall and Peak Squad weren't frontline combat units—combined, their forces numbered barely eighty.
Yet the troops Dan So-ok had brought from the Myriad Demons Faction exceeded five hundred.
Even so, Yeon Ja-gang smiled.
Their aggressive advance?
It only gave him the perfect justification to call in the Divine Might Corps waiting in reserve.
Hahahaha!
Yeon Ja-gang burst into hearty laughter.
"That foolish little girl is handing me a golden opportunity."
Then he barked orders at his subordinates.
"Abandon all defensive preparations and retreat immediately! Dispatch a pigeon message to Deputy Commander Gun at once—inform him the Myriad Demons Faction has initiated full-scale war!"
—The Demon Hall and Martial Alliance are waging all-out war in Yeogyeong!
Such rumors spread like wildfire through the martial world.
Yeogyeong wasn't the most fertile land in Guizhou, but...
It contained Guwol Mountain—a crucial trade route merchant groups had no choice but to traverse.
Controlling this territory alone allowed the Hell Blood Citadel to reap substantial annual profits.
But when the Iron Shield Squad Leader of the Martial Alliance was killed here by a master of the Hell Blood Citadel...
The Martial Alliance had stationed the Coiling Dragon Hall here to investigate the incident.
With both justification and military strength on their side...
Everyone assumed the Demon Hall would inevitably concede.
Yet then Dan So-ok, the Secret Order Lord who'd been negotiating with them...
Suddenly mobilized her Myriad Demons Faction and drove the Coiling Dragon Hall out of Guwol Mountain!
—If they want to resort to force, so be it!
The Myriad Demons Faction troops Dan So-ok commanded were elite masters handpicked from the Jipma Manor's forces.
Forced into retreat, Coiling Dragon Hall Leader Yeon Ja-gang immediately requested reinforcements from the Divine Guard Unit stationed at Guizhou's border.
—Wipe out those shameless Demonic Path mongrels!
With the Divine Guard Unit at his back, Yeon Ja-gang marched into Guwol Mountain once more.
The Myriad Demons Faction masters erected defensive lines, but to no avail.
Like sand before a tidal wave, they were swiftly overwhelmed.
Inside the Coiling Dragon Hall barracks at Guwol Mountain...
Divine Guard Unit Deputy Commander Gun Ok-sang and Coiling Dragon Hall Leader Yeon Ja-gang were deep in discussion.
"Deputy Commander, this is our golden opportunity."
Yeon Ja-gang was persuading Gun Ok-sang.
Thanks to Lord Dan So-ok's show of force, they now had the justification to mobilize the Divine Guard Unit waiting in reserve.
And in one swift motion, they had pushed the Ten Thousand Demon Hall beyond the borders of Guwol Mountain.
Yet Yeon Ja-gang was not satisfied. He aimed to drive out not just the Ten Thousand Demon Hall but all demonic factions within the Yeogyeong region.
"Is it truly necessary to go that far?"
Gun Ok-sang furrowed his brow as he spoke.
"If we push them all the way out of Yeogyeong, the Demon Hall might dispatch a military force."
"That will never happen."
Yeon Ja-gang's voice brimmed with confidence.
"The Demon Hall had already chosen the Secret Order Lord as the scapegoat for this failed negotiation from the very beginning. After all, she is the betrothed of the Martial Soul Lord, who weakened the forces of the Hell Blood Citadel."
"Hmm."
"Even if the Demon Hall dispatches a military force, the justification lies with our Alliance. They attacked our hall without any clear apology or compensation."
Yeon Ja-gang's voice carried a fervent intensity.
"If we can expel all demonic forces from Yeogyeong, including the Ten Thousand Demon Hall, it will serve as a beachhead for expanding our Alliance's influence into the Guizhou region in the future."
Then he added one more thing.
"And the credit for this achievement will belong to you, Deputy Commander."
Gun Ok-sang let out a bitter smile.
He had never been particularly eager for glory, nor would any achievement drastically change his standing.
The one truly itching for recognition was none other than Yeon Ja-gang himself.
"I'll send word to the Commander first."
"If we do that, it'll be too late. If we don't push the Ten Thousand Demon Hall to the brink now, the Demon Hall will send another high-ranking official to reopen negotiations. And then, from the Alliance's perspective, we won't be able to keep pressing them with force."
Yeon Ja-gang spoke again.
"We must strike while the conflict is fresh. If we hesitate, we'll never get another opportunity like this."
Gun Ok-sang exhaled deeply.
If they could expel the Demon Hall's forces from Yeogyeong, it certainly wouldn't be a bad thing.
"Can you take responsibility for this?"
Gun Ok-sang's expression turned solemn.
"If things go wrong, can you bear the consequences?"
"Of course."
Yeon Ja-gang answered firmly.
"I stake my name on it."
Gun Ok-sang studied the unwavering resolve in Yeon Ja-gang's eyes, then nodded.
"Very well. Let's proceed."
—The Coiling Dragon Hall and the Divine Guard Unit are driving the Ten Thousand Demon Hall out of Yeogyeong!
Once again, shocking rumors spread through the martial world.
Once the clash began, the Coiling Dragon Hall and the Divine Guard Unit moved with unstoppable momentum.
Like a bamboo splitting under a blade, they began pushing back not just the Ten Thousand Demon Hall but all demonic forces within Yeogyeong.
The Ten Thousand Demon Hall occasionally attempted counterattacks, but they were severely outnumbered.
In the end, they couldn't even mount a proper resistance and had no choice but to retreat beyond Yeogyeong.
—Success!
When the majority of the demonic forces were finally expelled from Yeogyeong, Yeon Ja-gang let out a triumphant cheer.
Thanks to the foolish Secret Order, they had not only reclaimed Guwol Mountain but also pushed the Ten Thousand Demon Hall and other demonic factions beyond the borders of Yeogyeong's influence.
But who could have known?
That this was merely stepping into an inescapable quagmire.
—The retreating forces of the Ten Thousand Demon Hall have stationed themselves near the Jeoksu River.
Suddenly, shocking news arrived.
The Ten Thousand Demon Hall, which had been repeatedly defeated and driven out of Yeogyeong by the Divine Guard Unit, had established a defensive line near the Jeoksu River.
Only then did the martial world realize why Dan So-ok had recklessly provoked a fight despite knowing the Divine Guard Unit stood behind the Coiling Dragon Hall.
—She deliberately instigated the conflict to gain justification for entering the Jeoksu River area!
She had intentionally ordered the Ten Thousand Demon Hall to push against the Coiling Dragon Hall, giving the Divine Guard Unit a reason to intervene.
And once the Divine Guard Unit got involved, she had predicted they wouldn't stop at just securing the trade routes of Guwol Mountain—they would seize control of the entire Yeogyeong region.
Yeon Ja-gang, desperate for glory, would never let this opportunity slip.
So she deliberately retreated, surrendering Yeogyeong—only to take control of the Jeoksu River area, which had long served as a buffer zone between the Righteous and Demonic Paths.
Under normal circumstances, the Demon Hall's forces would never have been able to enter the Jeoksu River region.
But since they had been forced to retreat there under the Divine Guard Unit's pursuit, no one could object.
—The Martial Alliance gained little and lost much.
The Jeoksu River region was a far more lucrative trade route than Guwol Mountain could ever be.
Merchant groups flocked there, making it a hub of wealth, and the river's famously clear waters had given rise to countless renowned breweries.
Yet this place had always been neutral—neither the Martial Alliance nor the Demon Hall had laid claim to it, and neither orthodox nor unorthodox factions dared encroach.
It had been a buffer zone.
But now, Dan So-ok and the Ten Thousand Demon Hall could station themselves there openly.
Justification.
The Martial Alliance, which prioritized righteousness and morality above all else, could never wage war without proper justification.
Dan So-ok and the Ten Thousand Demon Hall had merely retreated—as if driven out of Yeogyeong by the forces of the Coiling Dragon Hall and the Divine Guard Unit...
In the end, they had merely retreated to the vicinity of Jeoksu River.
This meant the Coiling Dragon Hall had been overly ambitious in their attack, so they couldn't be blamed for it.
But what if, after driving the Myriad Demons Faction out of Yeogyeong, they pursued them all the way to Jeoksu River and attacked them there?
That would be nothing short of outright plunder.
And all the justification they had painstakingly built up until now would be lost in an instant.
"What in blazes is the meaning of this?!"
Gun Ok-sang, seated at the table inside the barracks, glared at Yeon Ja-gang with a stern voice.
"We pushed them out of Yeogyeong, only to hand them Jeoksu River instead?"
His voice was louder than usual, his eyes brimming with fury.
"Just how do you intend to take responsibility for this?"
The Myriad Demons Faction had merely fled to escape them.
If they chased them down again just because they were now at Jeoksu River, the Divine Guard Unit would no longer be a vanguard of the Martial Alliance—they'd become nothing more than raiders.
"I had my suspicions, but this was also within expectations."
Yet Yeon Ja-gang remained unperturbed as he spoke.
"I was aware they were skillfully alternating between advances and retreats to maneuver toward Jeoksu River."
"What kind of nonsense is that? If you knew, why didn't you stop them?"
Yeon Ja-gang replied calmly to Gun Ok-sang's outburst.
"Jeoksu River didn't become a buffer zone between the Orthodox and Unorthodox factions for no reason."
He continued his composed explanation.
"The merchant groups near Jeoksu River have long hired wandering martial artists with their wealth to protect themselves. And right by the river lies the Wandering Drifters—the largest ronin market in Guizhou."
"The Wandering Drifters? Ah, I see."
"Indeed. At one point, their influence was so great they even clashed with Hell Blood Citadel."
From the moment negotiations over Yeogyeong began, Yeon Ja-gang had thoroughly investigated the factions in the Guizhou region.
And even as he sensed Dan So-ok's forces retreating toward Jeoksu River through their feints, he deliberately chose not to intervene.
Because the area around Jeoksu River was not a place one could simply march into recklessly.
"But even they wouldn't dare wage an all-out war against the Demon Hall, would they?"
"The Wandering Drifters are no ordinary ronin market. They've been opposing Hell Blood Citadel for years. Even if they collapse, they'll never bow to the Demon Hall."
Yeon Ja-gang smiled.
"And only if the Wandering Drifters resist and a major conflict erupts will the Alliance have justification to intervene."
"Oho, of course. That makes perfect sense."
Gun Ok-sang exhaled in admiration and nodded.
If the Myriad Demons Faction forcibly stationed themselves at Jeoksu River and clashed with the Wandering Drifters...
The merchant groups and financial hubs along Jeoksu River would inevitably suffer severe damage.
Naturally, the Martial Alliance could then mobilize a large force under the pretense of protecting the merchants.
In the end, the Myriad Demons Faction would only be pointlessly stirring up trouble by provoking the Wandering Drifters.
"So that's how it is."
Only now did Gun Ok-sang understand why the Hall Master of the Hall of Martial Ascension, Yuk Jang-cheon, had sent Yeon Ja-gang for these negotiations.
He was a strategist of far greater intellect than rumored.
"Then the Demon Hall will soon come. Our unit must prepare accordingly."
"This won't be resolved in a matter of days. You may proceed with composure."
At Yeon Ja-gang's words, Gun Ok-sang nodded with a satisfied smile.
"Understood. Keep a close watch on the movements around Jeoksu River and the Demon Hall in the meantime."
"Naturally."
Just as Yeon Ja-gang clasped his hands—
"My lord—"
The voice of his trusted subordinate, Gu Jong-myeong, reached him.
"Commander Seon-u of the Peak Squad requests an audience with you."
"Commander Seon-u?"
Yeon Ja-gang's brow furrowed.
He had repeatedly told him to stay out of this. Why was he suddenly seeking an audience now?
"Then I shall take my leave."
"Please go ahead, Deputy Hall Master," Yeon Ja-gang said.
As Gun Ok-sang nodded and turned away, Yeon Ja-gang swiftly clasped his hands in farewell.
Then, in a cold voice, he said:
"Tell him the Hall Leader is occupied."
He snorted derisively.
"As the so-called Intelligence Commander, he must be eager to analyze the Myriad Demons Faction's movements at Jeoksu River and report to me."
Yeon Ja-gang knew the nature of men like Seon-u Jin all too well.
Outwardly meek, but inwardly consumed by the desire to rise through the ranks as quickly as possible.
No doubt he was trying to insert himself into this affair somehow, desperate to claim some credit.
After all, he had managed to distinguish himself thus far.
He couldn't possibly return empty-handed without accomplishing anything.
"My lord. Commander Seon-u requests your presence once more. He says he has urgent matters regarding Jeoksu River to discuss."
At Gu Jong-myeong's voice, Yeon Ja-gang's lips curled.
'See? I can read the minds of men like you as clearly as an open book.'
Because he had once been the same.
"Tell him the Hall Leader does not repeat himself. And..."
His expression turned grave.
"Henceforth, if Commander Seon-u seeks an audience, turn him away immediately."
"Understood."
This decision would prove to be Yeon Ja-gang's fatal mistake.
Yet he remained blissfully unaware—unaware that he was already ensnared in the web Bu Eun-seol had woven, flailing helplessly.
Unaware that, even as he dreamed of triumph, events beyond his imagination were already unfolding...