Chapter 518
A Demon Sword That Devours Demon Swords.
This iron sword was none other than the Demon Sword-Slaughtering, forged specifically to consume demonic blades.
"The Demon Sword-Slaughtering..."
Bu Eun-seol stared fixedly at the sword in his hand.
He had never even heard rumors of a sword whose engraved patterns would appear and vanish along its blade like this.
"Moreover."
Thanks to the power emanating from this sword, his blocked meridians had been cleared, allowing him to wield his Internal Energy and eliminate Cheon Hwa-in.
In other words, just like the Divine Sword and Demon Saber, this Demon Sword-Slaughtering possessed extraordinary abilities.
"Are you asking me to take you with me?"
Feeling the faint vibration transmitted through the hilt, Bu Eun-seol shook his head.
He had never intended to use a demonic sword in the first place, and once everything was over, he planned to completely collapse the Sword Tomb and destroy all the demon swords within.
Since the Demon Sword-Slaughtering was closer to a demonic weapon than a divine one—a Demonic Creature, in fact—it too should rightfully be destroyed.
But it had saved him in his moment of crisis... He couldn't bring himself to shatter it now.
Hummm.
The Demon Sword-Slaughtering resonated softly once more.
Then, abruptly, a realization flashed through his mind.
The Death God Energies originated from the Great Nature.
They inherently contained the power to ward off evil.
Meaning, if this sword could channel the Two Spirit Energies... then it couldn't be a Demon Weapon that brought harm to humans.
"Very well."
Bu Eun-seol spoke while gazing at the iron sword.
"For now, we'll travel together. However—"
His eyes turned icy as he declared solemnly,
"If you ever thirst for blood or make any other demands, I will shatter you without hesitation."
Huummm!
In response, the Demon Sword-Slaughtering emitted a powerful Sword Resonance, as if declaring, My prey is only other demon swords.
Bu Eun-seol emerged from Taiping Mountain.
Not only had the Sword Tomb constructed by the Heavenly Human Cult collapsed, but the mountainside connected to it had also been nearly destroyed.
Moreover, there was no trace of the cult's members left.
Most likely, they had fled during the mechanism's collapse, and those who remained had been slaughtered by Cheon Hwa-in, who had been corrupted by the Blood of a Thousand People.
"What an absurd outcome."
The Heavenly Human Cult's Taiping Branch had sought to awaken the demon swords they had collected, only to bring ruin upon themselves.
But why had they entrusted a terrifying demon sword like the Blood of a Thousand People to Cheon Hwa-in, a member of the Mount Hua Sect?
They couldn't have been unaware that he belonged to the Righteous Faction.
And where were all the other demon swords they had awakened until now?
Numerous questions arose, but no matter how much he pondered, he couldn't find the answers.
"I still have a long way to go."
Bu Eun-seol let out a sigh as he surveyed the ruined landscape of Taiping Mountain.
"This time, I truly almost died."
Until now, he had steadily advanced his martial prowess, confident that only those at the Martial Extreme Realm could rival him.
But Bu Eun-seol still faced a fundamental problem.
Within his body lay multiple formidable forces—ones that could neither merge nor coexist.
Each of them could be considered a masterpiece in its own right...
Yet when crammed together onto a single canvas, they could no longer be called masterpieces.
—To suppress or harmonize the energies within your body, you'll need the power of the Death God.
Gongson Dan-a's advice echoed in his mind.
And her words had been proven true.
Only after obtaining the Water Essence Divine Qi and Thunder Essence Divine Qi had he been able to envelop himself in the Power of Harmony and survive.
In the end, to resolve this issue, he had no choice but to obtain all the Death God's powers.
"For now, I should return."
What mattered now was reporting everything about the Heavenly Human Cult's branch and earning Gongson Dan-gyeong's trust.
'She'll likely entrust me with something major.'
Bu Eun-seol could sense it.
By resolving the incident at the Heavenly Human Cult's branch, he had gained the opportunity to become one of Gongson Dan-gyeong's closest aides.
Swish.
After retrieving the fragments of the shattered Blood of a Thousand People,
Whoosh—
Bu Eun-seol immediately activated his Lightness Skill, heading north toward the Martial Alliance.
But there was one crucial fact he remained entirely unaware of.
Because of this incident—
Because he had obtained this bizarre Demon Sword-Slaughtering—
He had now become...
A candidate for the most terrifying Successor of the Three Realms, an organization that had remained hidden until now.
Martial Alliance, Hidden Moon Hall. Gongson Dan-gyeong's Office.
Bu Eun-seol delivered a meticulous and exhaustive report on everything he had investigated within the Sword Tomb.
However, he omitted a few key details—such as obtaining an iron sword that shattered demonic blades and killing the Ghost-Faced Envoy.
—...[Previous details omitted] After secretly stealing the Ghost-Faced Envoy's key, I infiltrated the secret passage beneath the Sword Tomb.
Upon discovering and destroying the mechanism that injected martial artists' blood, the Sword Tomb began to collapse... [Subsequent details omitted]...
She nodded as she read through the report he had submitted.
It contained a thorough account of their schemes—just how cruel and monstrous their actions had been.
"You've truly worked hard."
Gongson Dan-gyeong smiled brightly as she praised Bu Eun-seol, who stood rigidly before her.
Until now, they had infiltrated capable intelligence agents into the Taiping Branch, but not a single one had returned alive.
Had it not been for Bu Eun-seol,
they would never have uncovered the truth—why the Heavenly Human Cult's Taiping Branch had suddenly collapsed, or what exactly they had been plotting.
"I was fortunate."
Bu Eun-seol took a deep breath before speaking.
"Had things gone even slightly wrong, I would have lost my life there as well."
That was the truth.
Had he not obtained the Water Essence Divine Qi and Thunder Essence Divine Qi,
had he not been able to sustain the Power of Harmony within his body for so long—
even if he had the skill to soar through the skies, he would have been buried alive along with the Sword Tomb.
"You've endured much."
Gongson Dan-gyeong nodded in satisfaction.
"And now, we can finally have a truly candid conversation."
Her smile faded, replaced by an expression of utmost seriousness.
"Let us relocate for a moment."
She led Bu Eun-seol into a concealed chamber within her office,
a secret space not unlike the one Bu Eun-seol had installed in the Death Shadow War Unit.
It was clear she, like him, was acutely aware of prying ears and guarded against them fiercely.
"Commander Seon-u. What I am about to tell you now is classified at the highest level."
Gongson Dan-gyeong spoke with solemn gravity.
"As the leader of the Information Warfare Unit, I trust you are fully aware of the consequences should any of this be leaked."
"Of course."
The moment Bu Eun-seol answered, she drew a deep breath and continued.
"There exist factions within the Murim so secretive that only the highest echelons are aware of them. By now, you must have harbored some suspicions yourself."
"What exactly do you mean?"
"The thought that perhaps, behind the scenes, there are forces manipulating the orthodox and unorthodox factions—that shadowy figures are pulling the strings of each sect's leadership. That kind of suspicion."
At her blunt words, Bu Eun-seol deliberately feigned surprise.
"You're correct. After witnessing several recent incidents in the martial world, I couldn't shake off such thoughts."
"It's true."
Gongson Dan-gyeong's expression hardened.
"Such forces do exist in the current Murim. A secretive organization known as the Infinite Realm."
This time, Bu Eun-seol's shock was genuine.
Someone of Gongson Dan-gyeong's standing should have at least some knowledge of the Three Realms.
So why was she singling out the Infinite Realm specifically?
'Which means...'
A faint glimmer flickered in Bu Eun-seol's eyes.
Perhaps, despite her position as Chief Strategist, Gongson Dan-gyeong still lacked definitive intelligence on the Three Realms—
Or, knowing full well, she had deliberately named only the Infinite Realm.
'Both possibilities exist.'
Not all high-ranking members of the orthodox and unorthodox factions were privy to the truth of the Three Realms.
But someone like Gongson Dan-gyeong? It was unthinkable she wouldn't know. The odds leaned heavily toward the latter.
"The Infinite Realm... An unusual name."
Bu Eun-seol pushed aside his racing thoughts and asked,
"But why has such an organization remained unknown to the martial world?"
"Those aware of the Infinite Realm are exceedingly few. Even among the core members of the orthodox and unorthodox factions, most remain ignorant."
Gongson Dan-gyeong spoke calmly.
"Even if one wished to dismantle the Infinite Realm, their influence is too vast. We don't even know where or how to strike, leaving us at a loss."
Her words grew even more astonishing.
Gongson Dan-gyeong wanted to destroy the Infinite Realm?
For someone who knew of the Three Realms, this was no simple declaration.
Even he—successor to Langya Pavilion and future master of the Demon Hall—dared not annihilate them.
Though he had long strategized to defeat them piece by piece, for her to openly desire the eradication of the Infinite Realm...
'Why?'
Bu Eun-seol had an absolute reason: vengeance.
But Gongson Dan-gyeong? What possible motive could she have?
Surely she hadn't set such a goal out of some noble desire to uphold justice in the martial world?
"Discussing this in such secrecy means this isn't an official stance as Chief Strategist."
The moment Bu Eun-seol pinpointed the crux, Gongson Dan-gyeong nodded.
"Correct. Their influence extends covertly not only throughout the orthodox and unorthodox factions but even within our own alliance. To openly declare hostility would be tantamount to suicide."
"I see."
"I have been searching for individuals whose names remain unknown in the martial world yet possess exceptional abilities. Only such people can oppose the Infinite Realm."
Gongson Dan-gyeong's eyes gleamed.
"Can you guess why I'm searching for individuals who meet such conditions?"
"Presumably because those with exceptional abilities are more likely to have already been recruited by them."
"Exactly."
Gongson Dan-gyeong let out an admiring sigh.
Yet Bu Eun-seol deliberately adopted an awkward expression as he spoke.
"Just as the Chief Strategist said, I've certainly gained neither great fame nor status, so there's no chance I'd have been recruited by them."
"Not at all."
Gongson Dan-gyeong fixed Bu Eun-seol with an intensely sharp gaze.
"From the very beginning until now, I've continuously suspected Commander Seon-u. It's just that no matter how much I investigated, I couldn't find any evidence."
"What do you mean by that?"
"Commander Seon-u. I'm saying the probability that you've been recruited by the Infinite Realm or an external force—that you're a spy—is extremely high."
Bu Eun-seol momentarily gaped as if at a loss for words.
"If you suspect me, then why are you telling me all this?"
"The reason is simple."
Gongson Dan-gyeong's pupils glittered like cold starlight.
"Even if you are a spy... your abilities are simply too exceptional to pass up without utilizing them."
'So this is why she rose to the Chief Strategist position at such a young age.'
Bu Eun-seol couldn't help but marvel at her bold judgment and confidence.
Even if he were a spy—
She was absolutely certain she could manipulate him to her advantage.
Which meant Gongson Dan-gyeong, too—
Just like Bu Eun-seol, was someone who would use anything and everything to achieve her goals.
"Though it would be even better if not."
Gongson Dan-gyeong flashed an utterly candid smile.
"If Commander Seon-u isn't a spy, then he could truly become one of my own."
Pausing briefly, she shook her head.
"I've digressed."
Then, looking straight into Bu Eun-seol's eyes, she continued.
"I won't ask clichéd questions like 'Will you become mine?' Someone of Commander Seon-u's caliber would undoubtedly demand something more substantial."
"You probably wouldn't believe me even if I said I'm not a spy."
"I won't deny that."
"And yet you're still making me an offer."
Bu Eun-seol met her gaze squarely as he asked:
"An offer so sweet that even if I were a spy, I couldn't possibly refuse it."
Instead of answering, Gongson Dan-gyeong curled her lips into a faint smile.
She enjoyed conversing with perceptive individuals.
Because within the words of the clever lay efforts to decipher the other's intentions—
And until the conversation concluded, the tension-filled atmosphere, like treading on thin ice, would persist.
And Gongson Dan-gyeong was someone who relished such tension more than anyone.
"Precisely."
After taking a deep breath, she dropped a bombshell.
"This Chief Strategist is considering elevating Commander Seon-u to the vacant position of Heavenly Martial Brigade Leader."
"...!"
"In place of the Hall of Martial Ascension's Master."
Bu Eun-seol's eyes widened.
Though he had accomplished many feats, he was still merely a Second-grade Commander of the Martial Alliance.
Moreover, he hadn't even reached his thirties—how could someone like him ascend to a brigade leader position?
"Commander Seon-u must be thinking this: In an old-fashioned alliance that rigidly prioritizes hierarchy and seniority, how could such a thing be possible? Am I wrong?"
"At first, yes. But not anymore."
"Why is that?"
Bu Eun-seol smiled faintly.
"Because the person who shattered that precedent is sitting right before me."
Indeed.
Gongson Dan-gyeong had ascended to the Martial Alliance's Chief Strategist position in her thirties.
Given the Alliance's history of strictly upholding seniority and hierarchy, this should have been absolutely impossible.
Yet she had done it.
Which meant she possessed the power to make such impossibilities happen once more.
"Commander Seon-u is delightfully perceptive—no need to repeat myself."
Gongson Dan-gyeong beamed.
"So? Are these terms sufficient for you to join hands with me?"
"Do you truly believe I'm capable of such a role?"
"Of course."
Her gaze brimmed with conviction as she stared at him.
"I've sensed it for some time, but this mission confirmed it. Commander Seon-u—you've been concealing considerable power."
"..."
"If you join me, there'll be no need to hide that power anymore. Your abilities would become mine as well."
Once more, she laid out her conclusion.
"I'd appreciate your decision now, one way or another."
Bu Eun-seol couldn't answer immediately.
Accepting Gongson Dan-gyeong's offer would mean—
Betraying Yuk Jang-cheon, who had trusted him unwaveringly until now and had strived to help him achieve merit.
Her large pupils shimmered with confidence, and a playful smile lingered at the corners of her lips.
She was certain.
That Bu Eun-seol would inevitably betray Yuk Jang-cheon.
"So you believe I possess the ability to defeat Hall Master Yuk."
To ascend to the Heavenly Martial Brigade Leader position, he would ultimately have to surpass even Yuk Jang-cheon—a martial grandmaster of the highest order, one of the Four Gods and Seven Kings revered as the 'Palm King.'
And Gongson Dan-gyeong had placed her bet on Bu Eun-seol emerging victorious even against Yuk Jang-cheon.
Even knowing the probability that he might be a spy.
'Remarkable. A truly terrifying woman.'
Until becoming the Heir of the Demon Hall, Bu Eun-seol had endured countless schemes and secret struggles, surviving life-or-death battles.
Yet Gongson Dan-gyeong, who seemed like she had lived her entire life as a sheltered flower in a greenhouse... was leading a life not so different from his own.
"If you're someone of Commander Seon-u's caliber, I assume you've already finished calculating the odds. Or am I wrong?"
Under Gongson Dan-gyeong's confident gaze, Bu Eun-seol finally spoke.
"There's just one thing that bothers me."
"Go ahead."
"What happens if I refuse?"
The moment Bu Eun-seol rejected her, the risk of exposing Gongson Dan-gyeong's crucial secret—that she was opposing the Infinite Realm—would arise.
Moreover, her previously amicable relationship with Yuk Jang-cheon would immediately sour.
A woman like her would never have failed to prepare a countermeasure for such a scenario.
Yet the answer that came was unexpected.
"Nothing happens."
"What do you mean?"
"It simply means that such a thing will never occur."
Gongson Dan-gyeong gazed at Bu Eun-seol with absolute certainty in her eyes.
"Because Commander Seon-u will undoubtedly accept my proposal."
A profound light shimmered in her large, ocean-like pupils.
"You want to rise through the ranks of the Martial Alliance as quickly as possible. Desperately so."
"..."
"Otherwise, you would never have placed yourself under the Hall Master of the Hall of Martial Ascension. Not after rejecting the attention and favor of the Star Guard Corps Leader, no less."
Perhaps this was all too obvious.
Bu Eun-seol had kicked aside the sturdy bridge that was the Star Guard Corps and stepped onto the unstable one that was the Hall of Martial Ascension.
There was only one reason for that.
Because he was certain he could elevate Yuk Jang-cheon to the position of Leader and himself to Deputy Leader.
To others, it might have seemed like a delusional dream—but Bu Eun-seol had the ability to make it happen.
Gongson Dan-gyeong had not only discerned his plan but was also convinced of his capability.
'A dangerous yet alluring bridge.'
Raising Yuk Jang-cheon to the position of Heavenly Martial Brigade Leader and becoming his deputy had been Bu Eun-seol's optimal plan.
But even that would take considerable time.
Moreover, the authority of a Deputy Leader alone might not be enough to reach the Martial Alliance's inner circle.
But what if he became one of the Seven Great Leaders?
Then such worries would be entirely unnecessary.
'There's no real choice here.'
Bu Eun-seol clasped his hands together.
"I accept the Chief Strategist's proposal."
Gongson Dan-gyeong nodded as if she had expected nothing less.
"A wise decision."
Then, after taking a deep breath, she fixed her gleaming eyes on Bu Eun-seol.
"Then we must quickly elevate Commander Seon-u to the rank of First-rate Commander."
In the past, the Chief Strategist's authority alone would have sufficed to appoint a First-rate Commander.
Those of Hall Master rank and above had the authority to appoint First-rate Commanders at their discretion.
But when the Sword Sage's disciple, Cheon-geom, became a First-rate Commander through such means, the Martial Alliance suffered irreversible disgrace and condemnation.
Since then, appointments based solely on connections without merit had been rendered impossible.
To appoint a First-rate Commander now, a majority of Hall Master-rank figures had to approve the appointment.
A majority consensus among Hall Masters.
In other words, one had to accumulate monumental achievements—enough to make the appointment unavoidable.
"You don't seem surprised."
"Because there's nothing to be surprised about."
Bu Eun-seol did not doubt Gongson Dan-gyeong's words.
Because she possessed the power and wisdom to make such things happen.
"And I assume it's not unrelated to this Heavenly Human Cult incident."
"You've already guessed it, I see."
Gongson Dan-gyeong's expression was one of genuine admiration.
The more she conversed with Bu Eun-seol, the more certain she became that he possessed wisdom on par with her own.
And that pleased her immensely.
If Bu Eun-seol's abilities surpassed her expectations, then he would be capable of handling even more complex and difficult tasks.
"Thanks to the incident caused by the Heavenly Human Cult's Taiping Branch, the Alliance now has justification to deal with them."
"Then—"
"I intend to mobilize troops immediately and strike at the Heavenly Human Cult's main temple."
Bu Eun-seol took a deep breath.
Though the Heavenly Human Cult's history was not particularly long, it had already grown into a massive sect dominating the Yellow River region.
Especially since they were not purely a martial faction—they included ordinary civilians among their ranks.
Attacking such a place required substantial justification.
"Even with justification, it won't be an easy task."
The Yangmun Mountain region where the Heavenly Human Cult was based was a natural fortress. A thousand men could hold off ten thousand there.
Especially since there were only two paths leading into the area.
If battle broke out, they could employ various stratagems to prevent a large-scale invasion altogether.
"The collapse of the Heavenly Human Cult is inevitable anyway."
Gongson Dan-gyeong's eyes gleamed as she spoke.
"The real problem is how enough merit can be accumulated in this campaign to elevate Commander Seon-u to First-rate Commander."
Tap.
Unfolding a map on the table, Gongson Dan-gyeong smiled at Bu Eun-seol.
"Let's discuss that now."