Chapter 529
Yuk Cheong-a's face flushed crimson, as if it might burst at any moment.
Seon-u Jin, who had always treated her with detached indifference... had actually taken a liking to her?
And to boldly declare his intentions directly to Yuk Jang-cheon of all people—!
"So it was true after all."
Yuk Jang-cheon let out a deep sigh.
Yuk Cheong-a was not only a woman of exceptional strategic intellect, but also someone who had never shown the slightest interest in romance.
Moreover, given her temperament as a tactician who analyzed every situation with cold precision—
She should have immediately recognized how absurdly false the claim that Seon-u Jin had come to court her was.
Yet here she was, blushing and flustered?
Yuk Jang-cheon couldn't conceal his disappointment.
"...It was a lie."
Only after seeing Yuk Jang-cheon's disappointed expression did Yuk Cheong-a realize she'd been deceived.
"Why would you tell such a lie?"
"You of all people should know Commander Seon-u isn't the type to say such things."
Yuk Jang-cheon spoke with solemn gravity.
"Commander Seon-u said this: If there's even a hint of personal feelings between you two, you and I could be endlessly suspected over matters related to the Chief Strategist."
Yuk Cheong-a's complexion instantly turned icy.
To exploit the affection she held for him as a means to avoid reasonable suspicion—?
'Gongson Dan-gyeong.'
Yuk Cheong-a bit her lip.
However brilliant Seon-u Jin's strategic mind might be, he wasn't the type to manipulate emotions like affection to corner others.
Which meant... this had undoubtedly been orchestrated by Gongson Dan-gyeong's instructions to Seon-u Jin.
"Hmm."
Yuk Jang-cheon sighed deeply again as he watched Yuk Cheong-a's flustered state.
"For the time being, sever your interest in Commander Seon-u and focus solely on Yeonseong Hall affairs."
"Father—"
"That is final."
Yuk Jang-cheon's tone was hammer-strike decisive.
"Unless you intend to bring another man of Commander Seon-u's caliber before me."
After gnawing at her lip in frustration for a long moment, Yuk Cheong-a turned sharply without even a bow and stormed out of the chamber.
"Hmm."
Yuk Jang-cheon shook his head as he watched her leave.
He'd long known Yuk Cheong-a harbored grand ambitions.
He'd even been aware that her motivation for elevating him to Hall Master of Ascending Martial wasn't filial devotion, but to secure a powerful ally who could replace the Divine Nun of the South Sea.
"But in the end, a daughter remains a daughter after all."
His child, who'd seemed destined to chase power her entire life—
Was gradually awakening to romance upon meeting an exceptional man.
Of course, this was perfectly natural.
Yet those with grand ambitions must never divert their gaze toward romantic entanglements.
The emotion called affection clouds eyes and ears. It could become an immense obstacle to one's future.
"Wouldn't it suffice if this father became faction leader? Became Martial Alliance Chief?"
Muttering quietly to himself, Yuk Jang-cheon shook his head bitterly.
Then, as if nothing had happened, he picked up brush and inkstone and resumed drafting his correspondence.
"Your dreams have grown too grand, Father."
Meanwhile, Yuk Cheong-a's eyes had turned cold as she emerged from the Hall of Ascending Martial.
"Have you forgotten whose backing placed you in that position?"
From her perspective, Yuk Jang-cheon had never been a warm father.
He'd never been a family man to begin with, and after her mother's early death from illness, he'd immersed himself even deeper in Martial World affairs.
Particularly after discovering Yuk Cheong-a's peerless martial talent, he'd networked with countless martial luminaries to secure her a master.
This wasn't for Yuk Cheong-a's future, but purely as a strategy to expand the Nine Heavens Society's influence at the time.
Ultimately, Yuk Jang-cheon entrusted Yuk Cheong-a to the Martial Alliance's Elders' Hall Master—the Divine Nun of the South Sea.
Not because he favored the Nun, but because she'd offered the greatest benefits and support.
Like selling a prized possession to the highest bidder.
"A man who should have been driven out by friends and subordinates alike, left to wander the Martial World in wretchedness."
Had the Divine Nun not suddenly passed away,
She would never have brought Yuk Jang-cheon into the Martial Alliance.
Only when she found herself lacking both the backing and factions needed to ascend as Martial Queen—
Did she recruit Yuk Jang-cheon out of necessity, making him her stepping stone.
But after the Heavenly Martial Brigade's leader abruptly left the Alliance, Yuk Jang-cheon's ambitions began swelling in turn.
And now, having acquired Seon-u Jin, a man with exceptional strategic intellect and ability—
With newfound conviction that he could become faction leader, he no longer kept her in his sights.
"Surely you didn't think familial sentiment was why I brought you into the Martial Alliance."
The cold light in Yuk Cheong-a's eyes deepened as she gazed up at the Hall.
"It was because I believed you'd make an excellent stepping stone. But..."
She turned away with a shake of her head.
"Upon reflection, you seem less a stepping stone and more an obstacle."
Yuk Cheong-a took a deep breath.
Her father, Yuk Jang-cheon, was a man of exceptional ability. However, his overwhelming lust for power and inability to understand his subordinates' hearts were his fatal flaws.
If her intuition was correct—
Seon-u Jin had likely already aligned himself with Gongson Dan-gyeong.
In the end, those two would become obstacles in her path.
"There's no helping it."
Yuk Cheong-a had lived within the Martial Alliance since childhood.
Having survived in this den of conspiracies and schemes, constantly proving her worth—
The betrayal of a trusted subordinate meant nothing to her.
"I had hoped to avoid this method if possible."
Shaking her head slightly, Yuk Cheong-a smiled faintly.
"Chief Strategist Gongson... You will come to deeply regret choosing Commander Seon-u."
With that faint smile still lingering, she strode forward with confidence.
Seon-u Jin was indeed a fine pawn.
But she had an even better one prepared.
The Golden Upright Divine Dragon—Baek Mu-seong.
* * *
Two days later, Bu Eun-seol headed toward the Ten Thousand Blossoms Store in Henan with Gongson Dan-gyeong.
Originally, they had planned to visit on the day they first met, but urgent matters had delayed their schedule.
Bustle, bustle.
The Ten Thousand Blossoms Store was unusually crowded.
This was because all the past complaints about the store's attendants had vanished.
To become a formal attendant of the store—
One had to undergo training in customer service, product knowledge, and other necessary skills.
In return, even during training, they received a modest wage, and once officially employed, their salary and benefits far surpassed those of guest inn waiters.
As a result, not only well-groomed and intelligent youths from nearby areas but even the most sought-after waiters from guest inns—
All were applying to become attendants, creating an unprecedented phenomenon.
And all of this was thanks to Bu Eun-seol's advice.
"There are definitely more customers than before."
Gongson Dan-gyeong let out an admiring sigh as she surveyed the interior.
Even in the past, the store had been busy—
But now, it was packed to the point where there was barely room to stand.
"Just as Commander Seon-u suggested, expanding facilities for children has brought in more family customers."
Gongson Dan-gyeong, her face hidden beneath a veil, narrowed her eyes slightly.
Thanks to Bu Eun-seol's advice, the store's revenue had more than tripled compared to before.
And for Gongson Dan-gyeong, this meant solidifying her position as Chief Strategist while increasing her influence.
After all, wealth was power.
"Shall we look at swords first?"
Even behind the veil, her delight was palpable.
Given how she was usually buried in work, this rare outing seemed to have lifted her spirits.
'Ugh.'
In contrast, Bu Eun-seol was unbearably uncomfortable.
With every step he took, the gazes of the Star Guard Corps and the elite masters from the Strategy Pavilion, secretly guarding the Chief Strategist—
Trailed relentlessly over his body, scrutinizing him.
'At least they trust me somewhat.'
Places like the Ten Thousand Blossoms Store, teeming with people, were notoriously difficult to secure.
Unless absolutely necessary, the Star Guard Corps typically forbade such outings—
Because if anything went wrong, they would bear full responsibility.
But after being acknowledged as a potential future Grandmaster following the Heavenly Human Cult subjugation—
The Star Guard Corps leader had shown some leniency, knowing Bu Eun-seol would be closely guarding her.
"There's a weapons counter over there."
Unlike ordinary forges, the weapons section was decorated like an elegant teahouse.
The counter displayed weapons forged from Whitelotus Refined Steel, while treasured swords were exhibited on pedestals further inside.
"We're here to look at swords. Could you recommend one?"
At Gongson Dan-gyeong's request, the attendant politely gestured toward the counter.
"How about this one?"
What the attendant presented was a sleek, well-balanced Blue Steel Sword.
"If you purchase this now, we'll include a Black Dragon Sword Scabbard from the No Family Ironworks for just ten taels."
Bu Eun-seol suppressed a wry smile.
So much for training attendants in customer service and sales strategies—
They were still subtly pushing the bundle deal.
"What do you think? Does it catch your eye?"
Gongson Dan-gyeong's eyes widened as she examined the sword.
As a master of battle formations and an exceptional strategist, her knowledge of weapons was formidable.
"The density and balance are superb. It must be the work of a skilled master blacksmith."
"Hmm."
"What's wrong? You don't like it?"
She blinked at him in confusion.
"Strength, hardness, toughness, uniformity... All of it is quite impressive, no?"
"The sword itself is good."
Bu Eun-seol replied calmly.
"But a weapon isn't necessarily excellent just because it's sturdy and sharp."
"Just hard and sharp, you say?"
"To make the sword's appearance more ornate, the blade was drawn out too long. As a result, the hilt also ended up disproportionately elongated."
Bu Eun-seol lightly pressed down on the blade and examined its side profile.
"The sword techniques I employ primarily rely on swift, agile counterattacks, so I require a light, longsword. But this Blue Steel Sword, while sturdy, is far too heavy and oversized."
"Ah, I forgot that Commander Seon-u doesn't practice orthodox Central Plains swordsmanship."
Seon-u Jin was someone who had trained in foreign martial arts. Gongson Dan-gyeong had momentarily overlooked that fact.
"Then, is there no sword here that suits your taste?"
"For now, it seems this place only carries swords suited for Central Plains swordsmanship. I'll likely have to return another time to find a proper weapon."
"You're quite particular when it comes to choosing arms."
Gongson Dan-gyeong's eyes sparkled as she spoke.
"But what if I were to order you to buy a sword? To wield this one, specifically?"
An absurd question.
Perhaps, as someone not of orthodox martial lineage but hailing from the commercial world, now risen to the rank of First-Grade Commander in the Martial Alliance—
She was curious about the values and thoughts of the man named Seon-u Jin.
Or maybe, still suspecting he might be a spy planted by another faction, she was probing him.
"A weapon is like a close friend you entrust your life to—there can be no compromise with anyone. But if the Chief Strategist were to issue such an order..."
After a brief pause, Bu Eun-seol answered decisively.
"Then I would wield this sword, as commanded."
"Is that so?"
"Am I to use this sword, then?"
Gongson Dan-gyeong smiled sweetly.
"Not at all. I was merely asking out of curiosity."
Afterward, Bu Eun-seol thoroughly explored the Ten Thousand Blossoms Store with Gongson Dan-gyeong.
Now it seemed that buying him a weapon had merely been a pretext—what she truly wanted was to stroll around and enjoy the breeze.
No, that's not it.
Though it appeared she was simply browsing the store, Gongson Dan-gyeong repeatedly questioned Bu Eun-seol—
Asking for his opinions, listening to his thoughts, all while scrutinizing his reactions with intense focus.
Like Gongson Dan-gyeong, Bu Eun-seol had risen to a high position at a young age and was well accustomed to commanding subordinates.
She wants to learn about me.
At last, Bu Eun-seol understood.
The reason Gongson Dan-gyeong had brought him to the Ten Thousand Blossoms Store under the pretense of selecting a sword was to quickly gather information about him.
She had promised to elevate him to the position of Heavenly Martial Brigade Leader.
And the process to achieve that would be unimaginably fierce.
Because what took others over a decade would have to be accomplished in a fraction of the time.
To do so, he would have to face numerous formidable adversaries and resolve countless challenges.
Thus, Gongson Dan-gyeong needed to grasp not only Bu Eun-seol's martial prowess and wisdom but also his temperament, personality, habits, and idiosyncrasies—down to the finest detail.
Only then could she deploy him effectively in the right place at the right time.
But truly knowing a person required considerable time.
So instead of taking the long road of mutual understanding, Gongson Dan-gyeong was creating situations—
Observing how he reacted, accelerating her comprehension of the man named Bu Eun-seol.
That was why, at times, she treated him with the warmth of a decades-long friend—
And at other times, with the stern demeanor of a commanding officer.
Which means she's preparing to assign me another critical mission.
Just as Bu Eun-seol sank deep into thought, Gongson Dan-gyeong, having finished touring the store, said—
"My throat's dry. Let's go for some tea."
She led him to the teahouse inside the Ten Thousand Blossoms Store.
The Seven Immortals Tea House.
The very same establishment secretly managed by Wi Ji-hye-sang, the successor of the Fire Rain Sword Sect, had now opened a branch here.
Though its ownership has since changed.
After Bu Eun-seol exposed the Seven Immortals Tea House, Wi Ji-hye-sang abandoned its operations and sold it off at a bargain price.
The Hibiscus Merchant Guild's leader had immediately acquired it.
"Sitting in this teahouse reminds me of when I briefly inspected the Hangzhou Branch. Back then..."
Once seated, Gongson Dan-gyeong chattered incessantly.
Since they were in a private, enclosed room, Bu Eun-seol had no choice but to sit and listen.
When he pretended to focus attentively, she grew even more animated, even candidly gossiping about the Martial Alliance's inner circle.
She's at ease.
Even as she rambled, Gongson Dan-gyeong found herself harboring a peculiar thought.
Bu Eun-seol's gaze was polite, yet at the same time, chillingly indifferent.
Of course, "indifferent" was a rational assessment.
Gongson Dan-gyeong, blessed with striking beauty, had received countless looks of admiration and desire from men since childhood.
Whether from boys or elderly men—
Not a single one had ever looked at her without curiosity or attraction.
Yet this man's gaze was as detached as that of a Buddhist monk's—utterly devoid of interest.
Could it be... has he mastered the Virgin Boy Skill?
Impossible.
Even if he had mastered the Virgin Boy Skill, it would only mean he had never touched a woman.
It wouldn't make him indifferent to all things like the Cold Heart Art would.
What am I even thinking?
Gongson Dan-gyeong inwardly shook her head.
She was not the type to spare any thought for trivial matters like relations between men and women.
It was just that, having encountered such perfectly detached eyes for the first time, useless thoughts had inexplicably sprouted in her mind.
"Commander Seon-u."
Having wiped away the idle musings in her head, Gongson Dan-gyeong spoke to Bu Eun-seol in a near-whisper.
"With your abilities, you should be capable of blocking sound using energy, correct?"
So now we get to the point.
Realizing at last that Gongson Dan-gyeong was about to assign him a mission, Bu Eun-seol raised his Internal Power.
Whoom.
As a transparent energy spread outward from his body, all external sound was completely cut off.
"It is done."
"Good."
Having removed her veil, Gongson Dan-gyeong blinked her large, gleaming eyes and spoke.
"I've paid you handsomely in advance, so it's about time we got to work, don't you think?"
She had proposed that they board the same ship, promising him the position of First-Grade Commander.
And true to her word, not only had he obtained the rank of First-Grade Commander, but she had also rewarded him with access to the Pratyekabuddha Hall.
In other words, her investment had been successful—and now, she intended to reap its bountiful returns.
"Of course."
When Bu Eun-seol responded, Gongson Dan-gyeong spoke with utmost seriousness.
"Let me say this again—once you've joined hands with me, betrayal is pointless. Whether you're an outsider or something else entirely, if I fall into the abyss, you'll be dragged down with me."
"I understand."
"This mission won't be easy, either. But I believe you're capable of handling it."
"Give me your orders."
As Bu Eun-seol replied impassively, Gongson Dan-gyeong took a deep breath.
Then she exhaled the air that had filled her swelling chest.
"Make contact with the Heir of the Demon Hall—the Martial Soul Lord."
An intensely vivid light flickered in her pupils.
"I must meet him."
Bu Eun-seol couldn't hide his astonishment.
Gongson Dan-gyeong wanted to meet him? Had she somehow discovered his true identity?
"You wish to meet the Heir of the Demon Hall?"
"Yes."
Gongson Dan-gyeong's clear eyes held not suspicion but a resolute glow.
It was clear she wasn't doubting the identity of Seon-u Jin—she genuinely intended to meet him, the successor of the Demon Hall.
So this is why she said betrayal would be useless.
Bu Eun-seol nearly let out a disbelieving laugh.
Gongson Dan-gyeong had placed not only herself but also Bu Eun-seol—
On a tightrope where a single misstep would send them both plummeting into the abyss.
"That is impossible."
Bu Eun-seol refused firmly.
"If such a thing were to happen, not only I but even the Chief Strategist would face consequences beyond control."
If a promising commander of the Martial Alliance were to secretly meet with the heir of the Demon Hall—
And if it were revealed that the reason for this meeting was because Chief Strategist Gongson Dan-gyeong desired it—
Seon-u Jin—and Gongson Dan-gyeong—could instantly be branded as spies.
"I told you."
Gongson Dan-gyeong smiled faintly.
"That it wouldn't be easy."
Her smile was beautiful, but to Bu Eun-seol's eyes, it resembled a water ghost dragging him into the abyss.
"Is meeting him absolutely necessary?"
"Yes."
Bu Eun-seol fell silent for a moment before speaking again.
"Why do you wish to meet him?"
It was a question asked not by Seon-u Jin, but by Bu Eun-seol himself—out of sheer curiosity.
"He has done quite a lot of righteous deeds, unlike previous members of the Demonic Path. He eliminated sects that kidnapped children and factions that created the Lost Souls."
A flash of light passed through Gongson Dan-gyeong's eyes.
"The Martial Soul Lord, Bu Eun-seol. I suspect he knows of the existence of the Infinite Realm. Moreover, he likely opposes them."
Bu Eun-seol was deeply startled but kept his composure as he asked,
"Do you intend to collaborate with a figure from the Demonic Path to strike against the Infinite Realm?"
"Perhaps."
"If that is your reason, then meeting him is even more inadvisable."
"And why is that?"
"The risks are far too great. The mere revelation that you made contact would cost the Chief Strategist everything she has built until now."
Bu Eun-seol vehemently dissuaded her.
Having boarded the same ship as Gongson Dan-gyeong, if she sank, he would sink with her.
"No—even the attempt to meet him could land the Chief Strategist under false accusations. A situation where you cannot defend yourself may arise."
"Commander Seon-u."
Gongson Dan-gyeong wore a calm yet unyielding expression.
"Did you think there would be an easy, safe, or comfortable path to destroying a secret organization that has seized control of Murim?"
Her voice carried a chill as pale as frost.
"There is none. The only way is to stake your life and fight."
The moment their gazes met, Bu Eun-seol felt an eerie sensation, as if his hairs were standing on end.
It was a sharp, desperate glint he had never seen in her expression before.
Grudge. Vengeance.
Gongson Dan-gyeong harbored deep resentment toward the Infinite Realm.
Why?
She was not opposing them for the sake of Murim's justice.
She bore a bitter grudge against the Infinite Realm, and for the sake of revenge—
She was willing to stake her life to bring them down.