Chapter 528
'I'll master every single one of these variations.'
Having made up his mind, a scorching heat flowed from Bu Eun-seol's eyes.
Without a comprehensive final formula, it was impossible to encapsulate all three hundred variations in a single stroke or execute them flawlessly.
In that case, he would simply memorize every variation of the Sword Laughs at Xuanyuan technique contained within the manual.
'I'll force them into my mind, no matter what.'
Bu Eun-seol focused his spirit and relentlessly read through the manual.
How much time had passed?
"Haa."
He took a deep breath and slowly closed the manual.
At last, he had committed every variation of the Sword Laughs at Xuanyuan technique to memory.
'The most abstruse martial study I've learned so far.'
Had there been a final formula, these variations could have been woven into a single flow, allowing him to practice repetitive motions and master them with ease.
But there was no final formula.
Bu Eun-seol had forcibly crammed three hundred and ninety-five variations—none of which he fully understood—into his mind.
No matter how prodigious his memory was, this was a reckless attempt.
Those variations only became a complete Sword Stroke technique when they formed a perfect whole.
Thus, if he forgot even one of them, all his efforts up to now would be rendered meaningless.
'By now, the allotted time must be up.'
Fortunately, he no longer felt the weight of watchful eyes.
Bu Eun-seol began placing the numerous manuals scattered across the table back onto the shelves, one by one.
The Sword Laughs at Xuanyuan manual was returned to the very top of the shelf.
Thud. Thud.
Just then, the sound of footsteps echoed from afar.
"Commander Seon-u."
The approaching figure was Daoist Mok, the caretaker of the Pratyekabuddha Hall.
He gazed at Bu Eun-seol with a beaming smile.
"The allotted time has come to an end."
"Has it?"
Bu Eun-seol deliberately feigned surprise as he glanced around.
Since light was detrimental to the preservation of texts, the Pratyekabuddha Hall had no windows.
As such, it was impossible to perceive the passage of time.
"Understood. I shall take my leave immediately."
As Bu Eun-seol clasped his hands and turned to go, Daoist Mok spoke again.
"So, what have you gained here?"
An abrupt question.
When Bu Eun-seol turned back, Daoist Mok narrowed his crescent-moon eyes and smiled.
"Since the founding of our alliance, no second-grade commander has ever set foot on this floor of the Pratyekabuddha Hall. Ah, though I suppose you'll soon be promoted to first-grade."
"Is that so?"
"I'm curious about what martial arts you've studied."
Though Daoist Mok's face was brimming with mirth, his pupils held no trace of laughter.
"Your Iron Sword Thirteen Forms is impressive, but it must trouble you that it lacks a decisive move."
"..."
"That's why I wondered if you'd sought something to compensate for it."
Bu Eun-seol had to forcibly suppress his startled expression.
'He even knows the shortcomings of my Iron Sword Thirteen Forms?'
That meant Daoist Mok had traced every instance of Bu Eun-seol's use of the technique.
If so, he was either affiliated with the Three Realms or aligned with the Divine Calculator.
"No need to look so surprised."
When Bu Eun-seol remained silent, Daoist Mok maintained his bright smile and continued.
"You've been racking up achievements and earned approval for promotion to first-grade commander in record time, haven't you? You've caught the attention of not just the Pavilion Lord but many in the high command."
Daoist Mok went on.
"Every time you accomplished something, an investigation unit was dispatched to verify it. Including your sword techniques and the traces they left."
It was an irrefutable, perfectly logical explanation.
But Bu Eun-seol couldn't bring himself to take it at face value.
"I appreciate the attention."
Keeping his true thoughts hidden, Bu Eun-seol replied flatly.
"As the Pavilion Lord mentioned, I've been researching ways to overcome the limitations of my sword techniques."
"Did you find a solution?"
"I repeatedly studied the Flawless Sword Manual and the Iron Heart Secret Formula."
"Hmm..."
Daoist Mok fell into thought for a moment before nodding with narrowed eyes.
"A fine choice."
"You think so?"
"Indeed. The Flawless Sword Manual and Iron Heart Secret Formula are sword studies and mind-training disciplines on par with the supreme teachings of the Nine Great Sects and One Gang."
Daoist Mok stared intently at Bu Eun-seol before breaking into a satisfied smile.
"Your discernment in selecting martial arts alone speaks volumes about your talent. I look forward to your future accomplishments."
"Thank you."
Bu Eun-seol clasped his hands respectfully once more.
Then, he slowly turned and exited the Pratyekabuddha Hall.
'Which side is he on?'
Recalling Daoist Mok's narrowed eyes, Bu Eun-seol clenched his fists tightly.
Just like the Demon Hall, the Martial Alliance was no different.
Those who truly held power always operated separately, forming their own exclusive networks.
Unless he entered that inner circle himself—
Unless he climbed to a position so high that he could look down upon it all—
He would never uncover the truth.
'I'll climb. Faster.'
Having secured Gongson Dan-gyeong's support, he had already played his hand to rise to the rank of Leader in the shortest time possible.
If he continued accumulating merits, he might even ascend to the third floor of the Pratyekabuddha Hall.
And perhaps, he might even find the remaining half of the Sword Laughs at Xuanyuan manual there.
'I will reach the very summit—without fail.'
With a cold gaze, Bu Eun-seol silently looked up at the Pratyekabuddha Hall and the Heaven and Earth Pavilion, the residence of the True Heaven Emperor, before turning away indifferently.
Upon returning to the Hall of the Supreme Peak, Bu Eun-seol imparted the purified forms of the Flawless Sword Manual and the Iron Heart Secret Formula to Tae Mu-ryong and Jeong Jong-do.
Then, he also instructed the unit members in martial arts tailored to their individual levels.
"You're teaching us the martial arts from this floor of the Pratyekabuddha Hall as well?"
The unit members were all astonished.
They had thought the martial arts from just the first floor of the Pratyekabuddha Hall were more than enough. Yet here was Bu Eun-seol, imparting even more knowledge to them?
"Aren't you all now members of a first-tier unit? You must raise your skills quickly."
Though his words said one thing, Bu Eun-seol's inner thoughts were different.
The higher he climbed, the sooner the time would come to part ways with the members of the Supreme Peak Unit.
He wanted to teach them as much as possible—to nurture their abilities so they could stand tall no matter where they ended up.
Only then, in the future...
Could they erase, even a little faster, the stigma and brand of having once served under a commander who had been a spy for the Demonic Path.
Hidden Moon Hall, Gongson Dan-gyeong's office.
"My... sword?"
Bu Eun-seol, standing respectfully across from her, blinked in surprise.
After leaving the Pratyekabuddha Hall, Bu Eun-seol and the Supreme Peak Unit had been formally recognized as a first-tier unit in a grand Ascension Ceremony held at the Grand Training Stage, where all units had gathered.
But even during the appointment ceremony, when Bu Eun-seol attempted to wear his scabbardless iron sword, the Hall Master of the Favorable Wind Pavilion—perhaps concerned it would diminish the dignity of a First-Rate Commander—had lent him one of his own treasured swords.
And now, having witnessed that, Gongson Dan-gyeong had summoned Bu Eun-seol to offer him a treasured sword from the Ten Thousand Blossoms Store in Henan.
"There's no need for the Chief Strategist to trouble herself. A single weapon is enough for me."
Bu Eun-seol wore an awkward expression.
Though it looked like nothing more than a plain black iron sword, it was in truth the Slaughter Demon Sword—a blade capable of shattering even legendary demonic swords.
It was something that couldn't even be compared to the so-called Divine Swords and Treasured Sabers peddled at exorbitant prices in the market.
"You intend to wield a sword without a scabbard?"
"Then I shall request a suitable scabbard from the Weapon Warehouse."
"Heh. I refuse your refusal."
Gongson Dan-gyeong smiled mysteriously.
"Truthfully, this isn't just about buying you a weapon."
"What do you mean?"
"There are two reasons. First, I want to publicly demonstrate that the Chief Strategist repays her debts—especially to a commander who risked his life to protect her from the Heavenly Human Cult's ambush."
She continued in a leisurely tone.
"Second... it's about time we began driving a wedge between the Hall Master of the Hall of Martial Ascension and the Hall Leader of the Yeonseong Hall."
The statement came out of nowhere.
As Bu Eun-seol blinked in surprise, she chuckled and elaborated.
"Ambitious and brilliant figures like Hall Leader Yuk have strong possessive tendencies."
"..."
"And Commander Seon-u is a hero without a single flaw—so she'll be even more covetous."
Gongson Dan-gyeong's pupils flickered like starlight.
"Once we step outside, you must meet with Hall Master Yuk immediately. And then..."
With a confident expression, she whispered a series of instructions to Bu Eun-seol.
Hall of Martial Ascension, Yuk Jang-cheon's office.
Yuk Jang-cheon sat at his desk, diligently writing letters.
"Hah..."
After an hour of uninterrupted work, deep furrows had formed on his brow.
He had worked tirelessly every single day to become the leader of the Heavenly Martial Brigade, forging connections with influential figures across all factions.
There were two ways to rise in rank within the Martial Alliance:
Outstanding achievements—or vast connections.
Though Yuk Jang-cheon was a man of exceptional skill, he had joined the Martial Alliance relatively late, leaving him with few supporters.
His ascension to Hall Master of the Hall of Martial Ascension had only been possible because of his ties to Yuk Cheong-a.
To become the leader of the Heavenly Martial Brigade, he now needed to build his own achievements and expand his network.
'Those were difficult times.'
Leaning back in his chair, Yuk Jang-cheon reminisced about the past.
The reason he had secured a Seat of the Four Gods and Seven Kings wasn't just because of his unparalleled mastery of palm techniques—
But also because he had once established the Nine Heavens Society, a force that once held immense sway in the martial world.
Yet, despite its prominence, the Nine Heavens Society had collapsed due to absurd infighting.
A great conflict had erupted to oust Yuk Jang-cheon, its founding leader.
Back then, he had been domineering by nature, making all decisions unilaterally.
Originally, the Nine Heavens Society had been founded by eight close friends who shared his ideals—true to its name (Nine Heavens).
But they, dissatisfied with his methods and temperament, had ultimately shattered the society.
Yuk Jang-cheon had been furious—but by then, no one stood by his side.
And so, nearing his fifties, he had lost all his foundations and influence.
It was then that a welcome visitor came to him.
"I shall invite Father to join the Alliance as one of its key figures."
It was a proposal from his only daughter, Yuk Cheong-a, who had become the disciple of the former Elders' Hall Master of the Martial Alliance—the Divine Nun of the South Sea.
She had inherited both her father Yuk Jang-cheon's martial talent and the sharp intellect of her mother, who hailed from the Ghost Valley Academy.
From a young age, Yuk Cheong-a had been recognized for her brilliance, and eventually, her reputation reached the ears of the Elders' Hall Master of the Martial Alliance—the Divine Nun of the South Sea—who took her in as a disciple.
Having spent her early years within the Alliance, Yuk Cheong-a officially became a martial artist under its banner upon reaching adulthood.
She quickly distinguished herself by achieving remarkable feats, and before long, she ascended to the position of the youngest Hall Leader in the history of the Martial Alliance.
But then, the unexpected happened.
The Divine Nun of the South Sea, who had supported her throughout her life, succumbed to a worsening chronic illness and passed away prematurely.
Truthfully, Yuk Cheong-a's rise to becoming the youngest Hall Leader had been largely due to the Divine Nun's immense influence.
Now, with so many responsibilities still ahead and her primary backer gone, Yuk Cheong-a found herself in deep contemplation.
Then, as if fate intervened, the Hall Master of the Hall of Martial Ascension—her direct superior—fell gravely ill.
When the Hall Master eventually stepped down to seek treatment,
—"If we appoint the man known as the Palm King, Yuk Jang-cheon—my father—he can immediately take over the duties of the Hall of Martial Ascension."
She proposed inviting her father, Yuk Jang-cheon, to assume the position of Hall Master and persuaded the Alliance's key figures.
Unlike the current responsibilities, which involved handling various tasks,
the Hall of Martial Ascension had originally been an institution dedicated to instructing and overseeing low-ranking martial artists.
Thus, it required someone well-versed in diverse martial disciplines and deeply experienced in the ways of the Rivers and Lakes.
Yuk Jang-cheon was not only skilled in palm techniques but had also mastered multiple martial arts. Moreover, his experience leading the Nine Heavens Society and training subordinates made him exceptionally qualified—just as Yuk Cheong-a had claimed.
—"Bring him here once."
Yuk Cheong-a promptly invited Yuk Jang-cheon to the Alliance, where he met with the high command.
Finally, with unanimous approval from the key figures, he was appointed as the Hall Master of the Hall of Martial Ascension.
After joining the Martial Alliance, Yuk Jang-cheon led a life that was, by his standards, quite satisfactory.
With Yuk Cheong-a's steadfast support and a position befitting his reputation as one of the Four Gods and Seven Kings,
he had secured a formidable role—commanding tens of thousands of martial artists, even if they were of lower rank.
But before long, trouble arose.
As Yuk Jang-cheon, who had joined late, began wielding his authority as Hall Master, the Seven Great Leaders grew increasingly uncomfortable.
—"From now on, all low-ranking martial artists shall receive training under their respective battle corps."
When the Seven Great Leaders reached this conclusion during the Grand Council, Yuk Jang-cheon was dumbfounded.
If this decision stood, the Hall of Martial Ascension's primary duty—training low-ranking martial artists—would vanish. What, then, was he supposed to do?
—"Do not worry. I will handle everything."
Yuk Cheong-a stepped forward then.
As if she had anticipated this very situation,
she began redirecting all manner of unresolved tasks from various departments to the Hall of Martial Ascension.
Around the same time, the head of the Nectar Bureau quietly left the Alliance.
Officially, he had relinquished all duties and retired to his hometown—but in truth, he had been caught spying and executed.
Yuk Cheong-a persuaded the key figures once more, transferring the Hall Leader-ranked officials and their subordinate departments under the Nectar Bureau's jurisdiction to the Hall of Martial Ascension.
She then restructured the Hall's system to accommodate these new responsibilities.
Thanks to her exceptional foresight and administrative skill, the Hall of Martial Ascension managed to function reasonably well again.
—"Jo Cheon-wang, leader of the Heavenly Martial Brigade, has voluntarily stepped down."
Then, in the midst of it all, an opportunity arose that made Yuk Jang-cheon's eyes gleam.
Jo Cheon-wang, the leader of the Heavenly Martial Brigade, had relinquished his position and retired as a recluse.
—"The moment has come!"
Yuk Jang-cheon was practically beside himself.
At present, within the Martial Alliance, only three individuals possessed the prestige to assume leadership of the Heavenly Martial Brigade—himself, the lord of the Dragon Coil Hall, and Yong Myeong.
From that day onward, he worked tirelessly to forge connections with numerous key figures in the Alliance.
But that alone was not enough.
As the Hall Master of the Hall of Martial Ascension, it was difficult for him to earn merit directly.
Thus, he needed to secure exceptional subordinates who could achieve great feats on his behalf.
—"Competent individuals would never come to this hall..."
Outstanding talents were already affiliated with the Seven Great Battle Corps, and those who showed promise in the future
only aspired to join them.
In the end, Yuk Jang-cheon nearly gave up—
until he took under his wing a man named Seon-u Jin, who had been lying low in the commercial world.
Seon-u Jin, with his astonishing intellect and formidable martial prowess, exceeded expectations with every mission, achieving extraordinary feats.
Finally, during the campaign to subjugate the Heavenly Human Cult, he amassed such immense merit that he rose to the rank of First-rate Commander in record time.
And as a result, Yuk Jang-cheon's chances of becoming the leader of the Heavenly Martial Brigade skyrocketed.
"Hmm."
Emerging from his reminiscence, Yuk Jang-cheon shook his head.
"Truly, the heavens have blessed me."
As the image of Seon-u Jin surfaced in his mind, he took a deep breath.
Had he not obtained such a talent?
No matter how deep his connections with the senior members or how many achievements he had made by leading his subordinates... he could never have been certain of ascending to the position of Heavenly Martial Brigade Leader.
Knock knock.
Just then, the sound of knocking echoed, accompanied by the low voice of an attendant.
"Hall Master Yuk Cheong-a has arrived."
"Let her in."
With the creak of the door, a graceful woman in blue robes entered the room.
It was Yuk Cheong-a.
"What brings you here?"
"Father."
Yuk Cheong-a's gaze flickered toward the secret chamber within the office.
Understanding her intent, Yuk Jang-cheon opened the chamber door and stepped inside.
Once they entered, Yuk Cheong-a immediately cut to the chase with a grave expression.
"I believe the time has come to cast aside Commander Seon-u."
Yuk Jang-cheon furrowed his brow.
"What nonsense is this?"
"You deliberately took Commander Seon-u as your adjutant for the Heavenly Human Cult extermination operation, didn't you? Even though the Strategy Pavilion is filled with many outstanding strategists."
A sharp glint flashed in Yuk Cheong-a's eyes.
"It almost seems as though you intentionally sought to heap all the merits onto him."
"Isn't it better for this old man to favor Commander Seon-u?"
"Not necessarily."
"Hmm?"
"If someone like Chief Strategist Gongson were to extend a hand, wouldn't even Commander Seon-u waver?"
Yuk Cheong-a lowered her voice.
"I'm saying he might switch sides to Chief Strategist Gongson's faction."
"That's absurd."
Yuk Jang-cheon let out a dry laugh.
"Why would Commander Seon-u go under the Strategy Pavilion? There's no position there worthy of him."
The highest rank a young talent like him could attain was deputy leader of one of the Seven Great Battle Corps.
No matter how much Gongson Dan-gyeong might want Seon-u Jin by her side, the Strategy Pavilion couldn't offer him a position of equivalent standing.
"There are only two possibilities. Either the Chief Strategist promised him a new position..."
Yuk Cheong-a's voice dropped to a whisper.
"...or she regards him as a romantic interest."
Yuk Jang-cheon scoffed in disbelief.
"You're saying Chief Strategist Gongson has taken a romantic interest in Commander Seon-u? A man who just became a first-rate commander?"
"First-rate commander is merely a title. And given Commander Seon-u's abilities, he could easily climb even higher."
"Evidence?"
Yuk Jang-cheon's expression turned deadly serious.
"Do you have any basis for such a claim?"
"I do."
Yuk Cheong-a spoke in a hushed tone.
"I heard Chief Strategist Gongson plans to take Commander Seon-u to the Ten Thousand Blossoms Store in Henan after finishing her duties—supposedly to 'get some air.'"
"..."
"Under the ridiculous pretext of buying him a sword. Given her personality and past behavior, it's utterly unthinkable—"
"Cheong-a."
Yuk Jang-cheon cut her off sharply, exhaling a long sigh.
"Commander Seon-u risked his life to protect the Universal Sword Guard and the Chief Strategist. Given his contributions, isn't gifting him a sword the least we could do?"
"If she wanted to give him a sword, she could've just opened the alliance's Weapon Warehouse, couldn't she?"
"Perhaps she sought his advice regarding the Ten Thousand Blossoms Store, like before."
"Then she wouldn't have publicly announced their outing like this."
Yuk Cheong-a's brow was deeply furrowed.
This was far from her usual demeanor—calm, analytical, and detached.
"It's clear Chief Strategist Gongson holds Commander Seon-u in special regard."
"Are you troubled by their closeness?"
"What do you mean?"
Yuk Jang-cheon sighed and shook his head.
"I'm saying you're doing this simply because you dislike seeing Commander Seon-u with the Chief Strategist."
"Father."
"Commander Seon-u came to see me earlier."
Yuk Jang-cheon's expression darkened as he spoke.
"Fearing such misunderstandings might arise, he calmly reported everything to me before leaving."
Then, in a solemn voice, he continued:
"He said he refused multiple times. But Chief Strategist Gongson insisted, claiming she needed to discuss matters related to the Heavenly Human Cult case and the Ten Thousand Blossoms Store. He had no choice but to comply."
"..."
"He even requested that I assign Hall of Martial Ascension members to accompany them, just to prevent any rumors from spreading."
Yuk Jang-cheon shook his head in disbelief.
"And yet, out of petty jealousy, you're trying to discard a loyal subordinate I worked so hard to secure."
"It's not just that. Commander Seon-u is—"
"Then let me ask you one thing."
Yuk Jang-cheon's voice cut like a blade as he stared straight at Yuk Cheong-a.
"Have you ever, even once, felt the slightest romantic attraction toward Commander Seon-u?"
"Father."
"Just answer. Yes or no."
Yuk Cheong-a hesitated, unable to respond.
Because, truthfully, she had.
But whether it was the lingering ambition and possessiveness she had harbored for so long—
Or a genuine desire to grow closer to him as a woman—she couldn't be certain.
"No."
After a deep breath, Yuk Cheong-a nodded firmly.
"I've never felt any romantic attraction toward him."
"Is that so? What a shame."
"Huh?"
Yuk Jang-cheon clicked his tongue regretfully and shook his head.
"Earlier, while reporting about the Chief Strategist, Commander Seon-u subtly hinted at something."
He took a deep breath, then fixed Yuk Cheong-a with a piercing gaze as he spoke in a low voice.
"He said he wishes to propose an engagement with you."