Chapter 490
Though the Peak Squad was a newly established combat unit, they had already achieved numerous great merits and proven their exceptional prowess through events like the Phoenix Tournament and the battle in Guizhou.
Thus, despite being recently formed, they had risen to become a Second-grade Corps and were its leadership was receiving attention.
But a nail that sticks out gets hammered down.
Having gained recognition far too quickly, the Peak Squad became the target of envy and jealousy from other corps.
Moreover, while officially part of the Martial Alliance, they had no close relationships with other corps or unit members.
Their leader, Seon-u Jin, was also often away in the Rivers and Lakes, leaving no opportunity for camaraderie with leaders of other corps.
In the end, the Peak Squad was subtly being ostracized within the Martial Alliance, and its members silently endured the situation.
Then, a strange thing began happening a few days prior.
"Deputy Leader Tae. Are you free today? We happen to have some fine liquor sent from Great Peace Wine House in Shandong."
"I am Jang Un, a member of the Spirit Sword Squad. We're holding a gathering today at the Wind and Moon Inn with several other unit members..."
Suddenly, numerous members within the Martial Alliance began approaching Tae Mu-ryong, Jeong Jong-do, and all the other members with friendly words—or even inviting them to their gatherings.
Whether they were eating or even when the Peak Squad was at the North Gate Bamboo Grove, people acted familiar with them.
All because of one rumor.
—I heard Chief Strategist Gongson is very close with the Peak Leader.
—Despite her notorious aversion to men, she went to the Ten Thousand Blossoms Store alone with the Peak Leader!
Chief Strategist Gongson Dan-gyeong.
Who was she?
A genius of Mechanical Engineering, comparable to the Heavenly Master of Skilled Hands, who had reached the pinnacle of Mechanism Formations.
The heir to the Gongson Clan's vast, generational wealth.
Though she couldn't join the ranks of the Three Beauties of the World due to the dazzling beauty of Gongson Dan-a, the Flower of Eloquence, she was still a rare beauty in her own right—a legendary figure who had become the Martial Alliance's Chief Strategist in her thirties.
A woman said to possess every conceivable virtue, yet one who had always treated men as if they were mere stones...
How could she be so close to the Peak Leader that they secretly visited the Ten Thousand Blossoms Store together?
At first, it was dismissed as nonsense.
But then, the fact that the two had been attacked by unknown enemies near So-ho's warehouse was confirmed by the warriors of the Star Guard Corps who had responded to the incident.
Eventually, the rumor evolved into whispers of a subtle tension between the two.
The strange thing was Gongson Dan-gyeong's reaction.
There was no way she hadn't heard the rumor quietly shaking the Martial Alliance.
Yet she made no move to address it.
Leave a rumor alone, and it grows like a snowball.
Because of this, whispers spread within the Alliance that she and Seon-u Jin were already engaged, even exchanging betrothal gifts.
And as these rumors spread, the warriors of the Martial Alliance began desperately approaching the Peak Squad—either to confirm the truth or to befriend Seon-u Jin, the man blessed with the incredible fortune of being the Chief Strategist's lover.
***
The office of Yuk Cheong-a, Hall Leader of the Yeonseong Hall.
The place was far too lavish to be called a mere hall leader's office, filled with luxurious furnishings.
Swish, swish.
Yuk Cheong-a sat at her desk, brush moving ceaselessly across paper.
Not only did she oversee the warriors under the Hall of Martial Ascension, but she also managed household affairs—leaving her with barely enough time even if she had ten bodies.
Knock, knock.
Then came the sound of knocking, followed by the low voice of a subordinate.
"The Peak Leader has arrived."
"Let him in."
Creak.
The door opened, and a slender man stepped inside.
It was Bu Eun-seol, disguised as Seon-u Jin.
"Peak Leader Seon-u Jin, answering your summons."
Though they were of similar age, there was still a vast difference in status between a Second-grade Commander and a Hall Leader.
Even as Bu Eun-seol bowed respectfully, she continued writing without pause.
"..."
Bu Eun-seol quietly sealed his lips and glanced around.
'Surely she doesn't plan to assign me a mission here, does she?'
The Yeonseong Hall frequently handled classified documents, so only its affiliated warriors were permitted entry.
Yet she had suddenly summoned him here?
"My apologies."
With a soft thud, Yuk Cheong-a set down her brush and rose from her seat.
"There were a few urgent letters I needed to write."
"Not at all. It's fine."
As Bu Eun-seol clasped his hands, Yuk Cheong-a gestured to the reception table opposite her.
"Have a seat."
Once he sat, an odd silence lingered.
Yuk Cheong-a simply stared at him without a word.
"May I ask why you called for me?"
Finally breaking the silence, Bu Eun-seol spoke, prompting Yuk Cheong-a to reply in a low voice.
"I've heard the rumors, but I wanted to confirm for myself."
"What would you like to confirm?"
"Is it true? Are you really in that kind of relationship with Chief Strategist Gongson?"
Bu Eun-seol's expression turned bewildered.
With the Star Guard Corps involved, stopping the spread of strange rumors was impossible.
But what truly surprised him was Yuk Cheong-a's demeanor.
Until now, she had never shown any particular emotion, yet her expression had frozen into something icy cold.
"Though my father is cooperating with the Chief Strategist, that is only a temporary relationship."
As if explaining why her face had hardened, Yuk Cheong-a continued calmly.
"But if Commander Seon-u intends to remain by the Chief Strategist's side, that would be putting the cart before the horse."
In short, she meant it would be problematic if he planned to become Gongson Dan-gyeong's direct subordinate.
Understanding her implication, Bu Eun-seol shook his head indifferently.
"As you know, this mission was merely a task assigned by the Chief Strategist, carried out with the Hall Master's prior approval."
"I'm aware of that. But... why isn't the Chief Strategist responding?"
Gongson Dan-gyeong had not only intended to uncover the counterfeit goods circulating through the Ten Thousand Blossoms Store and trace the factions behind them—
She had also planned to gauge the intentions and intelligence of the enemy targeting her, and even expose the traitor hiding within the Strategy Pavilion.
That was why she had anticipated the Star Guard Corps' interference and the spread of this scandal. She simply didn't see any value in responding.
"Sometimes, rumors fade faster when left alone rather than addressed outright."
Of course, he couldn't explain all of Gongson Dan-gyeong's circumstances.
Bu Eun-seol did his best to frame it in a way Yuk Cheong-a could understand from the Chief Strategist's perspective.
"Especially since it's a rumor not even worth responding to."
"Hmm."
Yuk Cheong-a wore a doubtful expression.
"So, Commander Seon-u has no relationship with Chief Strategist Gongson whatsoever?"
"That's correct."
"I see."
Yuk Cheong-a let out a soft breath through her nose before nodding.
"You may go now."
Bu Eun-seol was somewhat taken aback.
Had she summoned him just to ask this single question?
"Very well."
Swallowing his bewilderment, Bu Eun-seol bowed and stepped out.
As he left the office, Yuk Cheong-a rubbed her forehead and exhaled deeply.
'Why am I like this?'
Truthfully, there had been no need for a private meeting over something like this.
She had already confirmed through investigation that the rumors spreading through the Martial Alliance were baseless.
Yet, for some reason, she had wanted to hear Bu Eun-seol deny it himself.
Even she found this summons unreasonable—an action she couldn't quite explain.
'I must become the Empress. I don't even have time to spare for matters of the heart.'
She had long abandoned any notion of happiness as a woman.
Since joining the Martial Alliance, her sole goal had been reaching the apex, and she had worked tirelessly toward it.
Even bringing her father, Yuk Jang-cheon—a wandering warrior of the martial world—into the alliance and elevating him to Hall Master of the Hall of Martial Ascension had been solely to further her own ambitions.
But lately, stray thoughts kept surfacing. A man she had never once considered before kept catching her eye.
'Is it just envy?'
Gongson Dan-gyeong was impossibly young and beautiful for a woman in her thirties.
Moreover, her family background, scholarly knowledge, martial arts—there was nothing she didn't excel in.
She had, in essence, been born with everything a woman could desire.
But Yuk Cheong-a didn't envy any of that.
Gongson Dan-gyeong would ultimately live the life of a woman, while she would become the Empress.
Yet recently, strange feelings kept stirring within her.
Despite receiving courtship from men far more handsome and well-connected, she had never batted an eye.
But for some reason, she kept developing a romantic attraction to Seon-u Jin.
'From now on, I should keep my distance from Commander Seon-u.'
Yuk Cheong-a steeled herself.
For the sake of her dream—the vision of herself being hailed as the first Empress.
Bu Eun-seol spent an unusually long stretch of time with the Peak Squad, working alongside his unit members and training with them.
In truth, the Peak Squad was merely a stepping stone for Bu Eun-seol to rise within the Martial Alliance's hierarchy.
What if he achieved his goal?
Or if the Divine Calculator changed his mind midway?
Or if the alliance's intelligence network uncovered his identity as a spy?
No matter the outcome, the only conclusion awaiting him was exposure as a spy.
Of course, he had prepared for that eventuality—but the real issue was the Peak Squad members and their futures.
If Bu Eun-seol's true identity were revealed, they would either face brutal retaliation or be forced to leave the Martial Alliance.
That was why he had spared no effort in teaching them martial arts and subjecting them to grueling training.
So that even if they left the alliance, they could hold their own anywhere in the martial world.
So that no matter what went wrong... they could survive unscathed.
"Commander, the Seonhwa Merchant House has sent a letter addressed to you."
A letter was delivered to Bu Eun-seol as he worked in his office.
He calmly opened the envelope.
Inside was a brief note inquiring after his well-being and mentioning the merchant house's circumstances.
But there was no reason for the Seonhwa Merchant House to send Bu Eun-seol a letter.
This letter had been sent by Soyo through the Death Soul Squad's information network.
Hmm.
The moment he invoked the Empty Mind Spirit Perception, entirely different contents began to surface.
'That man has appeared again...'
Bu Eun-seol bit his lip.
The letter stated that another large group of Soulless Ones had emerged in Tianshan.
Which meant that strange old man—the Heir of the Blade Emperor—had appeared once more.
Bu Eun-seol clenched his teeth.
'Is he still pursuing the Southern Heaven Great Hero, Gwan Hae-geum?'
The strange old man, the Heir of the Blade Emperor, possessed immense martial prowess. In a pure contest of blade techniques, even Bu Eun-seol would be no match for him.
Moreover, the man harbored an eerie obsession with the Seven Fingers Demonic Blade, likely the reason he was still relentlessly chasing Gwan Hae-geum.
'I must lead the Death Shadow War Unit and wipe them all out.'
The Southern Heaven Great Hero, Gwan Hae-geum, was the disciple of the Nameless Old Man—a shadow of the Seven Fingers Demonic Blade.
And he was also the grateful benefactor who had once revealed the Nameless Old Man's whereabouts.
To ensure Gwan Hae-geum would no longer suffer under the Heir of the Blade Emperor and could retire in peace...
Not only the Soulless Ones, but even the Heir of the Blade Emperor himself had to be eradicated—and news of the Nameless Old Man delivered.
Bu Eun-seol summoned all his unit members to the conference room.
"This Unit Leader will be venturing back into the Rivers and Lakes."
His voice was calm as he surveyed his subordinates.
"We must investigate those who previously attacked Chief Gongson."
The Martial Alliance had launched a massive investigation into the forces that had raided So-ho's warehouse.
After all, targeting the movements of none other than the Martial Alliance's chief strategist—
Was an utterly unforgivable act.
However, the incident had been hastily concluded as a contract hit carried out by the Ink-Blood Sect and Demon-Mixing Ridge, lured by an enormous bounty.
The two sects had supposedly accepted a massive sum from an unidentified client to assassinate the chief, and upon failing, immediately disbanded and committed mass suicide.
'What nonsense.'
But Bu Eun-seol knew the truth.
The Ink-Blood Sect and Demon-Mixing Ridge were nothing more than severed tails discarded by the Three Realms.
After all, the same thing had happened to Dan So-ok, a former chief candidate, and the conclusion had been just as dubious.
"But hasn't the Alliance's investigation unit already concluded that matter?"
"Of course they have. But there are too many suspicious details. Scum like Demon-Mixing Ridge and the Ink-Blood Sect aren't the kind to fear the Alliance enough to commit suicide."
Bu Eun-seol's tone was firm.
"It seems our unit will have to reopen the investigation."
At times like this, he was almost grateful for the Three Realms.
They always left behind no traces, ensuring that even if an investigation were launched, nothing substantial would be found.
And thanks to this incident, Bu Eun-seol now had an excuse to remain in the Rivers and Lakes for an extended period.
"Then will the Unit Leader be going alone? Should we assign a few members to accompany you?"
At Tae Mu-ryong's question, Bu Eun-seol shook his head.
"No need. I'll have to make contact with various intelligence networks—it's better if I go alone."
The members exchanged glances and nodded in understanding.
—Our Unit Leader truly never rests for even a moment.
From their perspective, Bu Eun-seol was constantly seeking out tasks, whether assigned or not.
And if their leader was like this, then they, as his subordinates, had no choice but to strive tirelessly as well.
"Then what if I accompany you? This matter will likely take considerable time."
When Tae Mu-ryong stepped forward, Bu Eun-seol smiled faintly.
"If even the Deputy Unit Leader leaves, who will lead the members and oversee their training?"
"Unit Leader."
"I'll return soon."
As Bu Eun-seol turned to leave, Jeong Jong-do spoke up.
"Then why don't the members see the Unit Leader off together, for once?"
He grinned as he glanced around at the others.
"It's been weighing on my mind that the Unit Leader always departs without ceremony."
Bu Eun-seol smiled.
Truthfully, he hadn't spent much time with the elite unit members.
Yet they all keenly felt his unwavering commitment to nurturing their abilities.
Perhaps that was why, even without frequent interaction, their loyalty remained steadfast and fierce.
"Very well, let's do that."
With a smile, Bu Eun-seol walked alongside his members toward the Martial Alliance's main gate.
Thud, thud—
But just then, a figure leading a large group of martial artists hurried past.
It was none other than the Martial Alliance's Interior Superintendent, Seok Ryung-an.
"A guest of extraordinary status must have arrived."
Tae Mu-ryong, standing beside Bu Eun-seol, muttered in astonishment.
"For the Interior Superintendent to personally walk out to the main gate—this must be an exceedingly distinguished visitor."
Before long, Bu Eun-seol and the elite unit arrived near the main gate.
And there, stepping through the gate, was a striking man clad in white robes.
His features were exceptionally refined, and a dignified smile graced his lips.
At a glance, he exuded an upright and noble aura—so much so that it almost seemed as if a clear breeze followed in his wake.
'That man.'
Bu Eun-seol was greatly startled upon seeing the white-robed man.
Wasn't he the same man who had shared drinks with him at the funeral parlor in Misu Village?
"You've arrived, Young Hero Baek."
At that moment, Chief Steward Seok Ryung-an greeted the white-robed man with deference.
"You must be weary from your long journey. Please follow me."
With an exceedingly cordial manner, he personally escorted the white-robed man inside.
The Chief Steward responsible for all the Martial Alliance's affairs held an extremely high position. For such a man to lead the way like a mere waiter—what in the world was this man's true identity?
"Such hospitality leaves me at a loss for how to comport myself."
"Hahaha. You humble yourself too much. By seniority, am I not practically your nephew? Moreover, being hailed as the Golden Upright Divine Dragon throughout the martial world—"
Bu Eun-seol's eyes narrowed as he overheard Seok Ryung-an's words while guiding the white-robed man.
'So he was the Buddha Venerable's secular disciple all along.'
Just from witnessing the fluid motion with which he'd thrown that glass bottle, one could surmise he was a young grandmaster.
But never in his wildest dreams had Bu Eun-seol imagined he'd be Baek Mu-seong, the Buddha Venerable's disciple.
Why would this man—who never showed his face in the martial world—make such a public visit to the Martial Alliance?
Bu Eun-seol exhaled a deep sigh.
Someday, he would have to meet the Buddha Venerable and inquire about the Absolute Demon Saber Project.
'What a pity. I rather liked him.'
But if he was the Buddha Venerable's disciple, it would be best to avoid cultivating any friendship.
For depending on the Buddha Venerable's answer, they might become adversaries.
"Getting drinks together will be difficult now."
"Huh?"
When Tae Mu-ryong asked, Bu Eun-seol shook his head.
"Nothing. It's nothing."
Turning away impassively, Bu Eun-seol smiled at his unit members.
"Then I'll be going."
"Safe travels, Unit Leader."
As Bu Eun-seol departed, Tae Mu-ryong and all the unit members bowed their heads.
Hidden Moon Hall, Gongson Dan-gyeong's office.
There, Baek Mu-seong sat at the reception table after returning from his conversation with the Vice Alliance Leader.
Across from him was Gongson Dan-gyeong.
"It's been a while, Senior Sister."
At Baek Mu-seong's words, Gongson Dan-gyeong nodded.
"It has."
While Gongson Dan-gyeong maintained an impassive expression, Baek Mu-seong's face was slightly flushed.
"I heard you were in grave danger. Had the Star Guard Corps Leader not intervened, it could have been disastrous."
"It was nothing serious. Just a joint operation between Black Path factions and assassin sects targeting the Ten Thousand Blossoms Store."
Baek Mu-seong's gaze grew solemn.
If it had merely been assassin sects attacking, a heavyweight like Baekri Mu-jo wouldn't have personally stepped in.
But Baek Mu-seong refrained from prying further and simply nodded.
"I also heard you completed the mission alongside a young Unit Leader from the Martial Alliance. Thanks to him, the Chief Administrator survived unharmed."
"That's correct."
An awkward silence lingered between them.
After hesitating for a moment, Baek Mu-seong bit his lip and spoke in a low voice.
"Do you still resent me?"
An abrupt question.
Having posed it, Baek Mu-seong stared intently at Gongson Dan-gyeong's eyes—desperately hoping to see them waver. Like the last ember glowing in burnt-out ashes, he yearned for some remnant of emotion.
"Of course not."
But contrary to his hopes, her gaze remained utterly tranquil.
"That was all so long ago."
"I see."
Baek Mu-seong's eyes darkened.
His expression resembled that of a foolish man still clinging to lingering affection for a past lover, uncertain how to proceed.
"Senior Sister, perhaps—"
Just as he began to speak, Gongson Dan-gyeong gestured to the piled-up letters on her desk.
"Young Hero Baek. I apologize, but I'm currently swamped with backlogged work... Could we meet again another time when the opportunity arises?"
Though it was a frosty expulsion order, Baek Mu-seong instead wore a faint smile.
Had Gongson Dan-gyeong treated him with complete indifference till the end, he would have been devastated.
But she was deliberately avoiding him.
And that very act proved some trace of emotion still remained.
"Belated congratulations on your promotion to Chief Administrator, Senior Sister."
"Thank you."
"I apologize for taking up your busy schedule. Then... until next time."
Rising from his seat, Baek Mu-seong immediately turned and exited.
After gazing at the Hidden Moon Hall briefly, he looked up at the distant sky as if recalling something and murmured,
"Who was that man who accompanied her on the mission?"
A low voice whispered in his ear:
「The newly appointed leader of the Pinnacle Squad, Seon-u Jin. 」
How astonishing.
Baek Mu-seong—known to wander the martial world alone—actually had subordinates within the Martial Alliance?
Moreover, the fact that this agent remained concealed indicated this was no ordinary underling.
"Ah. The one who played a pivotal role in forging the peace treaty with the Blazing Flame Sacred Palace."
Baek Mu-seong seemed thoroughly informed about every major and minor incident that had occurred in the Martial Alliance.
"Investigate him thoroughly and report back to me."
「Understood. 」
Turning once more to face the Hidden Moon Hall, Baek Mu-seong spoke with a pained expression.
"Senior Sister. I've returned with the power to atone for past sins now. So... let's take our time."
Then, without hesitation, he turned away.