Chapter 458
The Jeoksu River region had long remained untouched by the factions of the Orthodox and Unorthodox Paths, with merchants voluntarily hiring wandering martial artists to protect their commercial interests and territories.
The Wandering Drifters.
As the largest ronin market in Guizhou and a neutral organization unaffiliated with any faction of the Orthodox or Unorthodox Paths, they had firmly established their presence there.
The Jeoksu River area, where the area was free of all Orthodox and Unorthodox factions and an atmosphere of peace prevailed.
Yet now, an untimely storm of war was brewing over that land.
First, it seemed the Demon Hall and the Martial Alliance were negotiating due to the death of Iron Shield Squad Leader No Dok-cheong—only for armed conflict to suddenly erupt.
Then, after repeated advances and retreats, the Myriad Demons Faction was pushed back beyond Yeogyeong by the Divine Guard Unit.
And finally, they planted themselves squarely in the vicinity of the Jeoksu River.
—"We cannot permit the stationing of Demon Hall troops here."
At last, the Wandering Drifters stepped forward.
—"The Jeoksu region has been jointly led by merchants and wandering martial artists, a place where the factions of the Orthodox and Unorthodox Paths have never extended their talons."
The Jeoksu River area was a territory even the Hell Blood Citadel, who once dominated all of Guizhou, had hesitated to touch.
They were not the kind to tolerate the intrusion of even a fraction of the Demon Hall's forces.
—"It seems there has been some misunderstanding."
Dan So-ok, the Secret Order Lord of the Demon Hall leading the Myriad Demons Faction, was the first to request a dialogue with the Wandering Drifters.
—"Let us first sit down and talk."
In response, the Money Manager overseeing the Wandering Drifters' general operations, Ok Ho-bang, stepped forward.
A man of considerable capability, he had long managed the Wandering Drifters in place of the Wolf Lord and was also an exceptional negotiator.
Once, he had been an ambitious figure who sought to overthrow the Wolf Lord, join hands with the Hell Blood Citadel, and swallow the Wandering Drifters whole.
Yet moved by the Wolf Lord Domyeong's magnanimity—who had watched over him despite knowing everything—he now served Domyeong and the Wandering Drifters with greater loyalty than anyone else.
Hanlim Inn, Banquet Hall.
A middle-aged man with plump cheeks sat there, arms crossed.
Though his overall build was stout, almost greasy, his gaze was clear and sharp.
This was none other than Ok Ho-bang, the Money Manager of the Wandering Drifters.
He waited here to negotiate with the Secret Order Lord, Dan So-ok.
"This won't be easy."
Ok Ho-bang narrowed his eyes.
They had assumed the Myriad Demon Hall had been driven out of Yeogyeong by the Coiling Dragon Hall and the Divine Guard Unit, retreating in defeat.
Yet to think they had turned crisis into opportunity, feigning retreat only to firmly establish themselves along the Jeoksu River?
This ingenious stratagem had astonished not just Ok Ho-bang but the entire martial world.
It was also proof that Dan So-ok was a far more cunning and formidable talent than anyone had anticipated.
"But we cannot yield an inch."
Tap, tap.
Just then, the sound of light footsteps echoed as a middle-aged man in dark blue martial robes entered.
His eyes were long like a phoenix's, and a gentle smile graced his face.
He looked like a feeble scholar who couldn't even wring a chicken's neck—yet in truth, he was a master possessing terrifying martial prowess.
The Wolf Lord of the Wandering Drifters, Domyeong.
"Wolf Lord?"
Ok Ho-bang stood up in surprise upon seeing Domyeong.
"How did you come to be here?"
Not long ago, Domyeong had attained a profound enlightenment in martial arts and entered closed-door training in the Deep Mountain Secluded Valley.
Knowing that Domyeong sought to break through to a new realm of martial arts, Ok Ho-bang had deliberately not informed him of the Myriad Demons Faction's movements.
Yet here he was, having come of his own accord?
"No matter the circumstances, how could this Wolf Lord stand idly by in such a matter?"
"Wolf Lord..."
Domyeong chuckled and grasped Ok Ho-bang's shoulder.
"Do not try to shoulder everything alone."
Ok Ho-bang inwardly let out a sigh of relief.
Truthfully, even for someone as experienced as him, this matter was no simple affair.
Since the Secret Order Lord was a figure from the Demon Hall, such a critical negotiation should rightfully be left to Domyeong.
"But I am concerned."
Ok Ho-bang wore a troubled expression.
"The Secret Order Lord is a master strategist, capable of devising plans to conquer the Jeoksu River region under the pretext of the Martial Alliance's attacks. She will never withdraw her forces without a fight."
"Well, rather than spill blood, wouldn't it be better to surrender peacefully?"
At Domyeong's unexpected words, Ok Ho-bang stared at him in shock.
"The Wandering Drifters have safeguarded the Jeoksu River region without yielding to any faction until now. If the Demon Hall seizes control of this territory, won't we become nothing more than their ronin?"
Domyeong replied with a relaxed expression.
"Lately, I've observed the sects that have submitted to the Demon Hall—they've been granted remarkably generous terms. Their independence and core rights remain entirely intact, with only about one-tenth collected as tribute."
"That was only possible because they were major sects like the Cloud Sea Azure Spirit Palace or the North Sea Ice Palace, powers from beyond the central plains."
Ok Ho-bang spoke firmly.
"And even then, it's only the beginning... Their demands will grow greater with time. That is an unchanging truth passed down through the ages."
"Hmm."
"If the Wandering Drifters and the Myriad Demons Faction clash, the merchants will suffer immense losses. And when that happens, the Martial Alliance will swoop in as if they've been waiting for this very moment."
Ok Ho-bang spoke in a firm voice.
"The Secret Order surely knows this as well, so there must absolutely be no armed conflict—"
Tap, tap.
Just then, the sound of quiet footsteps approaching the banquet hall could be heard.
In an instant, Ok Ho-bang tensed up.
If Domyeong was already here, the only person who could be arriving now was the Secret Order herself, leading the Myriad Demons Faction.
Swish.
Yet the person who entered the banquet hall was none other than a masked man.
"Who are you?"
When Ok Ho-bang questioned him, the masked man replied nonchalantly.
"What if we recognize the Wandering Drifters' influence but only absorb the territories of the renowned merchant factions into the Demon Hall? A tribute of one-tenth should suffice."
Shockingly, it seemed the masked man had overheard the entire conversation between Domyeong and Ok Ho-bang.
"Are you from the Demon Hall?"
Ok Ho-bang scrutinized the masked man carefully.
Though his frame appeared lean, his eyes carried an air of noble dignity. He was clearly no ordinary figure.
Then, the masked man stared straight at Domyeong and asked,
"What does the Wolf Lord think?"
"Hmm."
Domyeong crossed his arms, let out a sigh, and spoke.
"One-tenth is a bit steep—how about eight percent? As you know, business has been drying up lately..."
"Wolf Lord!"
Ok Ho-bang nearly jumped out of his skin.
After all that explanation—how could he be making such a spineless move?
The masked man crossed his arms and said,
"Is the situation truly that difficult?"
"Well, unlike other ronin markets, our lodge takes very little commission from the wandering martial artists."
"Very well. Then we'll lower it to five percent. However, the terms of this agreement must never be disclosed to outsiders."
"Heh heh heh, how bold. Will you even make a day's wages from that?"
"When absorbing the Redwater region—a territory untouched by political factions—what does money matter?"
At the masked man's words, Domyeong extended his hand.
"Indeed, refreshingly straightforward. Then we should seal it with an oath."
Ok Ho-bang was aghast.
Normally, agreements between sects were formalized in writing to ensure clear evidence.
But this wasn't some children's game—were they really going to swear an oath with a handshake?
'Has the Wolf Lord gone mad from closed-door cultivation...?!'
"No, this is unacceptable! The Wolf Lord is currently unwell—"
Clap, clap, clap.
Before he could finish, the masked man and Domyeong struck palms firmly, sealing their oath.
"I leave the Wandering Drifters in your hands. Ensure the ronins and merchants of the Redwater region never get dragged into conflict."
At Domyeong's words, the masked man faintly narrowed his eyes.
"I will do my utmost."
Normally, such words were mere courtesy—empty platitudes.
But when the masked man said he would do his utmost, it carried a conviction stronger than a vow to stake one's neck.
Perhaps it was because his voice and gaze were so subdued, so deadly serious.
The masked man continued.
"Withdraw the Myriad Demons Faction's troops immediately. Later, we will establish a branch here."
"A branch?"
"Of course, only at the level of an Information Warfare Unit—just enough to gather intel on the Redwater region without inconveniencing the Wandering Drifters or the merchants."
"Hmm, so you mean to establish a symbolic Demon Hall branch as a gesture of absorbing the territory. To prevent the Murim Alliance from encroaching."
"Precisely."
Domyeong nodded.
"Understood. Let it be so."
"No, this cannot be!"
Ok Ho-bang nearly shrieked, stepping between Domyeong and the masked man in desperation.
"The merchants and money houses of the Redwater region trust our lodge deeply! If we suddenly submit to the Demon Hall—"
"We're only absorbing the territory symbolically."
Domyeong placed a hand on Ok Ho-bang's shoulder.
"I'll persuade the merchants and money houses myself. So they won't feel uneasy."
"W-Wolf Lord..."
"Given the current state of the Murim world, this was inevitable sooner or later."
Domyeong glanced at the masked man and spoke leisurely.
"Then shouldn't we strike a good deal while we still can? Don't you agree?"
Ok Ho-bang felt dizzy.
He realized no amount of persuasion would change anything.
"So my opinion... was never needed from the start."
Shoulders slumped, Ok Ho-bang turned away.
"Then I'll take my leave first."
"Money Manager Ok."
Just then, the masked man called out to him.
"Do you have some final command for me?"
When Ok Ho-bang asked weakly, the masked man stepped forward.
"You should discipline your son more strictly from now on."
Then, looking down at him, he added,
"Thanks to that insolent brat, I was forced into an engagement I never wanted."
"What are you—"
"That boy. Recently, he went Beyond the Frontier, playing king among the ronins and racking up battle merits. Tell him to report to me immediately upon his return."
And with that, he strode out without another word.
Ok Ho-bang blinked in stunned silence at his retreating figure.
"What on earth did that masked man say? And 'Lord'...?"
"Don't tell me—!"
Only then did Ok Ho-bang realize the masked man's identity and nearly leapt out of his skin.
"Wolf Lord! Surely he couldn't be—!"
"That's right. Precisely him."
As Domyeong gave a faint smile, Ok Ho-bang's mouth fell open.
"You already knew?"
"Not at all. I merely guessed from the sound of his footsteps."
Domyeong had once been a disciple of the Langya Pavilion.
That was why he had detected the energy of the Way of the Beast in the deliberately audible footsteps of the masked man.
"But then, why didn't you step forward yourself and—?"
"Didn't I say? That he was forced into an unwanted betrothal."
In that moment, Ok Ho-bang understood everything.
The Secret Order, Dan So-ok, had been betrothed to the Martial Soul Lord. And this mission, too, was not unrelated to him—he was secretly aiding her from the shadows.
Tap, tap.
Just then, the sound of light footsteps echoed as a shadow approached the banquet hall.
Click.
The figure that finally entered was a peerless beauty clad in deep blue court robes, her long hair coiled like clouds atop her head.
It was none other than the Secret Order, Dan So-ok herself.
"You've arrived before me."
As she began to bow politely, Dan So-ok suddenly sensed something amiss and tilted her head in confusion.
Domyeong, the Wolf Lord of the Wandering Drifters, and Ok Ho-bang, his subordinate Money Manager—
The two men were staring straight at her, their lips curling with barely suppressed smiles.
Their gazes were so peculiar, their grins so unmistakable, that Dan So-ok flusteredly touched her own cheek.
"Is... is there something on my face?"
—The Jeoksu River region has been absorbed into the Demon Hall's domain!
—Even the Wandering Drifters, who had long maintained neutrality between orthodox and unorthodox factions while ruling Guizhou, have sworn allegiance to the Demon Hall!
The Murim world was left reeling in shock.
A merchant and mercenary stronghold where neither orthodox nor unorthodox factions had ever gained a foothold—
And now, the Jeoksu River region had fallen to the Demon Hall?
Even when the Hell Blood Citadel's might had shaken all of Guizhou, the Wandering Drifters had refused to bend.
Yet now, they had knelt—without a single act of resistance or clash of arms.
As if to prove it, a Demon Hall Branch was established in the Jeoksu River region.
Though modest in scale, the mere fact that a branch had been erected meant the area was now formally recognized as part of the Demon Hall's territory.
—The Martial Alliance has lost far more than it gained.
In the end, the Demon Hall had sacrificed flesh to seize the enemy's spine.
And it was all thanks to the astonishing stratagem of the Secret Order, Dan So-ok.
Despite her youth, martial artists could not help but marvel at her brilliance—she had achieved a flawless victory against the Martial Alliance.
—How could this have happened?!
Meanwhile, when the news reached the Divine Guard Unit, Deputy Commander Gun Ok-sang flew into a rage.
Because of Yeon Ja-gang's greed, they had effectively handed over the Jeoksu River—a territory as precious as gold—on a silver platter.
And without even the slightest justification to reclaim it... For the Martial Alliance, this was the height of humiliation.
In the end, the Divine Guard Unit could neither advance nor retreat and returned to the Martial Alliance in utter defeat.
—The Coiling Dragon Hall is to withdraw immediately upon the arrival of the Boundless Sword Unit.
Yuk Jang-cheon, Hall Master of the Hall of Martial Ascension, had ordered the troops stationed in the Yeogyeong region to be replaced—the Coiling Dragon Hall swapped out for the Boundless Sword Unit.
This decision had surely been made in consultation with Chief Strategist Gongson Dan-gyeong... and if the Coiling Dragon Hall was being recalled, their punishment was as clear as day.
"Ughhh..."
When Yeon Ja-gang heard all this, his fury threatened to erupt uncontrollably.
This could not be called his failure.
He refused to accept it.
The Wandering Drifters had never bowed, not even to the Hell Blood Citadel.
Who could have predicted they would suddenly submit to the Demon Hall—and to a mere child strategist like Dan So-ok, leader of the Myriad Demons Faction?
And how could anyone have foreseen that the Wolf Lord himself would personally intervene, securing the merchants' consent for the establishment of a Demon Hall Branch near the Jeoksu River?
"This is not my fault!"
This was no failure of his.
It was an unforeseeable disaster—a calamity that should never have occurred.
"Damn it—!"
Clutching his head in rage, Yeon Ja-gang suddenly remembered one crucial fact.
The Peak Leader.
The Information Warfare Unit, which had been forcibly assigned to this negotiation solely because of the Hall of Martial Ascension's favor—was right before his eyes.
"Summon the Peak Leader at once!"
At Yeon Ja-gang's roar, his subordinates immediately called for the Peak Leader, Seon-u Jin, and brought him to the barracks.
"The Peak Squad is an Information Warfare Unit, is it not?"
As Bu Eun-seol—disguised as Seon-u Jin—entered the barracks, Yeon Ja-gang's bloodshot eyes bore into him.
"The Hall Master sent you to assist me, didn't he? Then why didn't you anticipate this outcome?"
It was a petty, cowardly excuse.
But Yeon Ja-gang had no intention of shouldering this failure alone.
He was determined to shift the blame—claiming that the Peak Squad, as an Information Warfare Unit, had failed to gather intelligence on the Jeoksu River region.
If he bore this disgrace alone, he would never retain his position as Hall Leader.
"I did anticipate it."
But the answer that returned was not what Yeon Ja-gang had expected.
"And because of that, I sought an audience with the Hall Leader multiple times."
"What?"
Bu Eun-seol spoke impassively.
"But did the Hall Leader not refuse my requests for an audience?"
BANG!
Yeon Ja-gang slammed his fist on the table and roared.
"You call that an excuse?! If I had refused, you should have at least relayed the information through my other subordinates!"
His glare was murderous as he shouted again.
"Just because I refused an audience, you decided not to inform me of something so critical?"
Yeon Ja-gang was now fully committed to obstinacy.
Even if it meant his death, he was determined to drag that infuriating Peak Leader down with him like a water ghost.
"Of course, I attempted to speak with the disciples of the Coiling Dragon Hall multiple times. But every time I came, they would simply say the Hall Leader was too busy and turn me away."
Yet as Bu Eun-seol continued his explanation, Yeon Ja-gang's eyes gradually widened.
"After repeated attempts yielded the same result, I had no choice but to report the situation to the Hall Master."
"Wh-what? You r-reported it?"
Only then did Yeon Ja-gang realize why the Hall Master of the Hall of Martial Ascension had been so furious.
And why the troops stationed in the Yeogyeong Region had been replaced.
"What were you thinking, reporting something like that?!"
"We are the Information Warfare Unit."
Bu Eun-seol met Yeon Ja-gang's gaze squarely as he spoke.
"As the Hall Leader said, we had to find a way to relay that critical information—no matter what."
Bu Eun-seol had foreseen it all.
That Yeon Ja-gang's rage, after ruining everything, would ultimately be directed at him and the Peak Leader's faction.
And so, he had deliberately sought out Yeon Ja-gang multiple times, wearing an expression and demeanor that suggested he was eager to contribute—knowing full well that Yeon Ja-gang would dismiss him without even hearing him out.
And then, he had reported to the Hall of Martial Ascension that the Jeoksu River region might fall into the hands of the Demon Hall.
Of course, he had also made sure to mention that the Coiling Dragon Hall's leader and his subordinates had refused to even listen to his reports.
"Commander Seon-u—!"
Yeon Ja-gang had been about to roar again, but the cold glint in Bu Eun-seol's eyes made him shut his mouth.
'This bastard predicted even this situation and made his move in advance!'
A shiver ran down his spine.
Yeon Ja-gang, who had intended to drag the Peak Leader's faction down with him like a water ghost, only now grasped the full picture.
'To ensure not even a shred of credit would be shared, he completely cut off the Peak Leader's faction... And it led to this outcome.'
His greed had already handed the Jeoksu River region to the Demon Hall—an irreversible blunder.
But now, even his own petty, underhanded actions had been meticulously reported to the Hall of Martial Ascension.
There was no turning back now.
"...Fine. It was all my fault."
Only then did Yeon Ja-gang regain his senses.
Seon-u Jin had done nothing wrong.
On the contrary, he had faithfully carried out his orders and even attempted to offer advice in case of unforeseen circumstances.
No matter how he twisted it, the fault lay entirely with him.
"Our hall will remain stationed in Yeogyeong until the Boundless Sword Unit arrives."
Yeon Ja-gang, his expression utterly desolate, gazed at the distant sky as he spoke.
"The Peak Leader's faction is to return immediately. The rest... I will handle myself."
"Understood."
As Bu Eun-seol clasped his hands and turned to leave, Yeon Ja-gang's voice called out again.
"Commander Seon-u."
Bu Eun-seol turned his head.
Yeon Ja-gang's face now looked a decade older, and the hair at his temples had turned stark white.
"...I'm sorry. And... I'm counting on you."
Having committed an irreversible blunder, not only would he lose his position as Hall Leader—
Upon returning to the alliance, all that awaited him was disciplinary action.
In this situation, the only thing he could hope for was that Seon-u Jin would put in a good word for him.
After his meeting with Yeon Ja-gang, Bu Eun-seol returned to the barracks where the Peak Leader's faction members were waiting.
"Our unit will now return."
Bu Eun-seol's voice was calm as he addressed his subordinates.
"Though the Coiling Dragon Hall's leader refused to heed our warnings, and the outcome was unfavorable... I am deeply proud of this unit's capabilities."
Led by Tae Mu-ryong, every member had worked to map out the situation in the Guizhou region, creating a detailed chart of all factions—both orthodox and unorthodox—in a remarkably short time.
Their skill in this regard was second to none among any intelligence unit in the Martial Alliance.
Moreover, using that map, they had devised a plan to assist Dan So-ok and even reported to the Hall of Martial Ascension the likelihood of the Jeoksu River region falling to the enemy.
Thanks to their efforts, Bu Eun-seol had managed to catch two rabbits at once.
"Then let us return."
At Bu Eun-seol's words, the unit members smiled in satisfaction.
Though their efforts had not borne fruit, they had a commander who recognized their work.
That alone was enough to make them smile.
'Now, the most crucial task remains.'
Bu Eun-seol turned and gazed at the distant sky.
Truthfully, from his perspective, the most important thing in this expedition had not been earning merit or aiding Dan So-ok.
It was dispelling the subtle suspicions harbored by the Chief Strategist, Gongson Dan-gyeong.
'This is only the beginning.'
Bu Eun-seol's eyes flashed as he looked at the horizon.
He had already issued covert instructions through So-yo—soon, he would be completely free of her suspicions.
"Ah, and did you prepare the items I mentioned earlier?"
For this plan, Bu Eun-seol had instructed his subordinates to gather certain materials in advance.
"We've each secured one, as instructed."
At their response, Bu Eun-seol nodded.
His plan was only just beginning.