Chapter 530
The Star of Great Wisdom, Gongson Dan-gyeong.
She was a woman envied by all.
From her family background to her beauty, wisdom, and character—she had been born with every blessing a woman could possibly possess.
So what reason could such a woman have to hold such a bitter grudge against the Infinite Realm?
"Are you afraid, Commander Seon-u?"
Her icy voice sent a chill down the back of his neck.
"Can you do it?"
Bu Eun-seol took a deep breath.
'A single answer will completely alter my future.'
Would he jump off this ship now, even as it seemed on the verge of sinking?
Or would he stay aboard and see it through to the end?
'No... Perhaps there was never a choice to begin with.'
What if he refused this proposal?
Gongson Dan-gyeong would do anything to keep her secrets.
The moment he had stepped into the Hidden Moon Hall's secret chamber... Bu Eun-seol had already boarded a ship with no way off.
"I understand."
Gongson Dan-gyeong rested her chin on her hand, her eyes gleaming.
"You answered faster than I expected."
"..."
"I thought you'd hesitate a little, or deliberate more. Surely you didn't already suspect this plan?"
"That couldn't be. It's just—"
Bu Eun-seol shook his head bitterly.
"I simply realized there are no other options."
"Heh heh heh."
A low laugh escaped her lips.
"I like that I never have to repeat myself with you, Commander Seon-u."
Bu Eun-seol's intuition had been correct.
Had he refused this proposal?
That beautiful woman, with her fairy-like features, would have transformed into a witch dragging him straight into hell.
"But don't worry. I'll make sure you never regret that choice."
Her voice was clear and confident.
"After all, you came to the Alliance to fully unleash your abilities, didn't you?"
"..."
"With your talents, you will undoubtedly reach the very pinnacle of the Alliance."
Her face was incomparably beautiful and pure.
But to Bu Eun-seol's eyes, she looked like a water ghost—smiling as she pulled him into the depths.
Only now did he realize that this stunning woman, laughing so innocently...
Was just as unhinged as he was.
'Well, she'd have to be, wouldn't she?'
Bu Eun-seol himself had amassed an unbelievable amount of achievements despite his youth.
And Gongson Dan-gyeong, in her thirties, had set an unprecedented record by ascending to the position of Chief Strategist of the Martial Alliance.
The reason such feats were possible?
Because both of them were willing to charge blindly toward their goals, trampling over anything in their way—utterly mad.
A shocking rumor suddenly spread through the Martial Alliance.
The Golden Upright Divine Dragon, Baek Mu-seong.
Word had it that this rising Grandmaster would suddenly become an official warrior of the Alliance.
—What an absurd rumor.
At first, people scoffed.
As a disciple of the Buddhist Venerable, his martial prowess was extraordinary—and his standing was immense.
He had no reason to join the Martial Alliance.
He could already interact with the leaders of the orthodox sects without hesitation and even request favors from them.
But the rumor turned out to be true.
He had indeed joined the Alliance, officially becoming one of its warriors.
—This makes no sense.
The martial world was baffled.
Baek Mu-seong had never formally joined the Alliance, but he had always maintained close ties with its leadership.
A man who didn't need to lower himself to the status of an Alliance warrior—a figure who had moved through the martial world like a hidden dragon, leaving no trace.
Why would he debase himself by becoming an official member now?
—The Golden Upright Divine Dragon, Baek Mu-seong, has become a Second-grade Commander of the Dragon Coil Hall.
The warriors of the Martial Alliance were met with yet another puzzling piece of news.
Given his standing—enough to command respect even from the elders of the Nine Great Sects and One Gang—he should have been granted at least a Hall Master's rank.
And yet, he had settled for a mere Second-grade Commander of the Dragon Coil Hall?
As a rising Grandmaster representing the orthodox faction—a man who lacked nothing—why would he make such a choice?
A secret chamber within the Martial Alliance.
Not a single ray of light penetrated its depths, and a dark mist swirled in all directions.
The air inside was so stifling it felt like a vacuum, making it hard to breathe.
A murderous aura hung thick in the air—as if a monstrous beast with jagged fangs might emerge at any moment.
Had an ordinary person stepped inside, they would have been overwhelmed by uncontrollable unease and fled.
But the man who entered the chamber stood as comfortably as if he had walked into a guest inn, showing no discomfort whatsoever.
Clad in white robes, his jade-like features were paired with clear, luminous eyes.
An ethereal energy radiated from his entire being, as if not a speck of the world's filth could ever cling to him.
This was none other than the Golden Upright Divine Dragon—Baek Mu-seong.
[Are you insane?]
Suddenly, a pair of glowing yellow eyes flickered into existence in the darkness.
At the same time, a frigid voice echoed through the chamber.
[Why join the Martial Alliance now?]
"Whether sooner or later, does it matter?"
Baek Mu-seong spoke with a placid expression.
"I would have had to register with the Alliance eventually, no?"
The eyes gleaming in the darkness flashed sharply.
Then, an even colder voice rang out.
[Even if you join the Martial Alliance, you won't receive any missions.]
Baek Mu-seong had entered as a Second-grade Commander under the Dragon Coil Hall's banner.
Did that mean the owner of those eyes lurking in the darkness was the Lord of the Dragon Coil Hall?
Or perhaps it was one of the Martial Alliance's high command who could impose sanctions on him?
"I never intended to receive missions from you in the first place."
Baek Mu-seong spoke with unshakable confidence.
"I'll be receiving my missions elsewhere, after all."
[Is he referring to the Yeonseong Hall Leader?]
Yuk Cheong-a, once a disciple of the Divine Nun of the South Sea who led the Elders' Hall, had risen to become the youngest hall leader in the Martial Alliance through her exceptional abilities.
Not only that—she was widely doted upon by numerous senior figures.
She was particularly skilled at selecting or securing missions worthy of merit.
"Precisely."
Baek Mu-seong bared his white teeth in a faint smile.
"Say what you will about her, but her ability to procure missions is undeniable."
Then, with unwavering conviction, he added:
"If I accumulate merit quickly through her, I might even rise to become the youngest unit leader."
Shockingly, he too was eyeing the vacant position of Heavenly Martial Brigade Leader.
[Do you truly intend to topple everything you've built so far over a mere woman?]
"What have I built, really? It was just an empty title to begin with."
Baek Mu-seong had long yearned to join the Martial Alliance.
Because the woman he adored was here.
He had always wished to remain by her side.
But opposition from his own faction had barred him from entering.
Moreover, the Martial Alliance wasn't a place where one could rise through ranks on ability alone—no matter how exceptional his skills were, he needed someone to pave his way.
And then, fortune smiled upon him.
Yuk Cheong-a had extended her hand to him.
If he became a second-grade commander under the Dragon Coil Hall...
She promised to funnel missions his way, ensuring he would rise to become a unit leader.
Baek Mu-seong no longer had any reason to hesitate.
The Yeonseong Hall Leader, Yuk Cheong-a.
With her abilities, she could undoubtedly secure missions prestigious enough to elevate him to unit leader.
And with his own capabilities...
Becoming the youngest unit leader was well within reach.
"Isn't once enough?"
Baek Mu-seong spoke with a pained expression, almost pleading.
"Severing the attachments in one's heart, I mean."
[How pitiful.]
Yet the voice from the darkness remained merciless.
[Even after wasting all this time due to your weak-mindedness, you still refuse to wake up.]
"I am not weak."
Baek Mu-seong declared firmly.
"I won't be shackled by the past any longer."
He met the darkness with unwavering eyes.
"And don't worry—I'll stop once I secure the position of Heavenly Martial Brigade Leader."
Whoosh.
The gleaming eyes within the darkness vanished.
Baek Mu-seong pressed his palms together toward the shadows, then slowly exited the chamber.
[That boy truly is hopeless.]
From the darkness, a low voice murmured once more.
[His fall into the abyss was already predetermined.]
With those final words, silence reclaimed the void.
Yuk Jang-cheon sat rigidly in his office, his expression hardened.
The Golden Upright Divine Dragon, Baek Mu-seong.
That exceptional young grandmaster had joined none other than his rival and competitor—the Dragon Coil Hall's Lord Yong Myeong.
And the one who had led him there was none other than his own daughter, Yuk Cheong-a?
"Are you certain?"
At Yuk Jang-cheon's question, his adjutant standing across from him bowed his head.
"Indeed. So much so that Lord Yong Myeong even offered the Yeonseong Hall Leader the position of Administrative Affairs Hall Leader within the Dragon Coil Hall."
"Ha ha ha."
Yuk Jang-cheon burst into laughter.
He had known Cheong-a was decisive.
He had known she lacked any filial affection for her father.
But he had never anticipated she would sever ties so boldly.
"Cheong-a, you're no different from those cunning, scheming snakes of the Nine Heavens Society."
Yuk Jang-cheon muttered under his breath.
He had already been betrayed by close acquaintances, and the Nine Heavens Society—to which he had devoted his life—had crumbled to dust.
And now, his only daughter, over a single harsh word...
Had cut him off in an instant and turned against him?
Moreover, bringing a prodigy rivaling Seon-u Jin into the Dragon Coil Hall...
Wasn't just a severance of their father-daughter bond—it was a declaration of open enmity.
"Suspend the Yeonseong Hall Leader's duties immediately."
Yuk Jang-cheon's voice was icy.
"From now on, all Yeonseong Hall affairs are to be transferred to Sang Gu-baek."
"Lord."
His adjutant, Ho Un-jong, spoke cautiously.
"The Yeonseong Hall Leader is effectively the brains of our faction. We cannot afford to let her go like this."
"Brains? Yes, she was the brains."
Yuk Jang-cheon's eyes burned with fury.
"And now those very brains are turning a blade against me."
"Lord—"
"Enough."
Yuk Jang-cheon cut him off coldly.
"Carry out the order."
Ho Un-jong bowed with a heavy expression.
"As you command."
He turned away with a sigh.
'This is wrong.'
Ho Un-jong gazed at the distant sky.
Yuk Jang-cheon was a man of vast connections and formidable leadership.
But he was excessively strict toward his subordinates' mistakes, and his temperament swung wildly with every word spoken.
Just as he had immediately cast out Yeon Ja-gang—who had served him loyally for over a decade—after his failed negotiations with Dan So-ok, flying into a rage without hesitation.
'And he trusts Commander Seon-u far more than necessary.'
The reason Yuk Jang-cheon could dismiss Yuk Cheong-a's absence so easily...
Was because he had Peak Leader Seon-u Jin—a strategist and martial artist nearly her equal in wisdom and skill.
"Things are taking a complicated turn."
Ho Un-jong shook his head.
If Yuk Cheong-a and Baek Mu-seong joined forces, they could plan and execute many things.
But the only card left in Yuk Jang-cheon's hand was Seon-u Jin.
From now on, the fate of the Hall of Ascending Martial and Yuk Jang-cheon himself rested entirely in his hands.
Having returned to the Martial Alliance, Bu Eun-seol gathered the Peak Realm Members for a meeting.
Not only had they entered the Pratyekabuddha Hall,
but they had also received Bu Eun-seol's modified Flawless Sword Technique and the Iron Heart Secret Formula. Unlike before, they now exuded a solemn, weighty aura.
They needed to grow stronger.
Because one day, they would have to leave the Martial Alliance—because of Bu Eun-seol.
And yet, their eyes burned with fervor.
To them now, Bu Eun-seol was no longer just a commander.
He was a lord worth risking their lives to protect.
Of course, Bu Eun-seol understood their feelings well.
Part of him wanted to tell them everything—his situation, his circumstances—even if he left out the fact that he was the Heir of the Demon Hall.
But he couldn't.
Because in the end, he would have to leave the Martial Alliance. It was better for them to remain ignorant.
"From now on, this unit will be divided into two separate formations."
Bu Eun-seol's calm voice cut through the silence as he looked at his subordinates.
"The unit will split into two squads. The First Squad will continue classifying and handling intelligence as before. The Second Squad will travel the Rivers and Lakes to gather information—but they must also establish an independent intelligence network."
A brief silence followed.
"So, from now on, we'll be taking on secret missions that cannot be disclosed externally."
Tae Mu-ryong, who had been deep in thought, spoke in a low voice as he looked at Bu Eun-seol.
"Building an independent intelligence network means we'll have to carry out operations that must never be exposed."
"Correct."
Bu Eun-seol nodded lightly.
"And the outcome will be one of two things."
He took a deep breath before continuing in a composed tone.
"Either we rise to unfathomable heights... or we plummet into ruin."
Those who undertook secret missions gained immense authority and rewards.
But the risks were just as great.
If things went wrong, they would fall into an abyss from which there was no return.
"Whatever the mission, just give us the order."
At Tae Mu-ryong's words, Jeong Jong-do and the rest of the unit members responded with determined expressions.
"Since the Commander has made this choice, we'll do our best."
"When else would we get promoted this fast? It's all thanks to the Commander."
The members laughed and chatted freely even in Bu Eun-seol's presence.
It wasn't because they had grown lax—it was proof that they had gained both the skill and the composure to do so.
The terrifying thing about Bu Eun-seol's mercenary arts was this:
He allowed them to relax almost carelessly in ordinary times, but the moment a mission began, he molded them into a force of terrifying discipline.
"By the way, have you heard the rumors?"
Jeong Jong-do spoke up cautiously.
"That young hero Baek Mu-seong, the one they call the Golden Upright Divine Dragon, has become a second-grade commander in the Dragon Coil Hall. He even created a new unit out of thin air—the Heavenly Severance Unit—and assigned elite members to it."
The Martial Alliance had been abuzz with talk of Baek Mu-seong for some time now.
With his martial prowess and reputation, he had no need to join the Martial Alliance at all.
Yet here he was, mingling effortlessly with the Alliance's elite, bearing the epithet of Golden Upright Divine Dragon—a title befitting his extraordinary martial skill and fame—
only to start from the bottom as a second-grade commander.
"There's a rumor that the reason Commander Baek joined the Alliance is because of Chief Strategist Gongson."
Jeong Jong-do's expression turned uneasy.
"They say he was once very close to her."
"What does that have to do with our Commander?"
When Tae Mu-ryong asked, Jeong Jong-do lowered his voice.
"It's just... since the Commander is also on close terms with the Chief Strategist, I was a little worried."
Starting with the affairs of the Ten Thousand Blossoms Store, Gongson Dan-gyeong had secretly taken Seon-u Jin as her adjutant during the mission to eradicate the Heavenly Human Cult.
Rumors spread that she not only acknowledged his abilities but was also quite intimate with him.
And Jeong Jong-do hoped those rumors were true. After all, the two made a striking pair—a handsome man and a beautiful woman.
"That matter has nothing to do with this Commander."
Seeing through Jeong Jong-do's thoughts, Bu Eun-seol swiftly changed the subject.
"Now, shall we discuss our future tasks?"
The Peak Realm Unit, now promoted to first-grade, was reorganized into two squads.
Tae Mu-ryong, as deputy commander, would continue overseeing their original duties, while Jeong Jong-do would take on the role of intelligence squad leader—
tasked with traveling the Rivers and Lakes with his subordinates to establish a new information network.
Once the meeting concluded, Bu Eun-seol immediately left the Martial Alliance.
He then met Seo Jin-ha at a secret safehouse near Changsha Prefecture, where he changed his identity once more.
He relayed Gongson Dan-gyeong's message—that she wished to meet the Martial Soul Lord in secret.
"I don't understand."
Seo Jin-ha stroked his chin after hearing everything.
"The Martial Alliance's Chief Strategist wants to secretly meet with you? If word gets out, it'll be just as damaging for her."
"My guess is... she harbors an intense grudge against the Infinite Realm."
"Hmm. I should probably have the Death Soul Squad investigate."
"I've already given those orders. But considering her position as Chief Strategist... we likely won't find anything."
Gongson Dan-gyeong understood the importance of intelligence even better than Bu Eun-seol.
She would never have left any traces of her past exposed.
"Hmm."
Arms crossed, Seo Jin-ha fell deep into thought before suddenly speaking up as if remembering something.
"I was just about to call you myself. A few days ago, the Supreme Cult Commander suddenly summoned me out of nowhere."
"The Supreme Cult Commander?"
"Yeah. Judging by the fact he called me alone, he must have some hidden motive again. That old man's never summoned anyone for anything good, has he?"
Bu Eun-seol stroked his chin.
"Understood. I'll make sure to meet with the Supreme Cult Commander first upon returning to the Demon Hall."
"But how do you plan to establish contact with Chief Strategist Gongson? If you forge ties too easily, it'll only arouse suspicion."
"I've instructed the leader of the Death Soul Squad and Tak Gong-bong to gradually weave connections between the persona of Seon-u Jin and the Death Shadow War Unit."
Bu Eun-seol shrugged as he spoke.
"Moreover, I've reorganized the Elite Unit to establish an intelligence division tasked with building an information network in the martial world."
He proceeded to explain in detail the decisions made during the meeting.
"Ah, that should make things easier."
If the Elite Unit independently built its own intelligence network, even if Seon-u Jin established ties with the Death Soul Squad to communicate with the Demon Hall, there would be no risk of exposure from the outside.
"Come to think of it, it seems all the core members of the Martial Alliance have their own independent intelligence networks."
Bu Eun-seol's expression turned grave.
"Not long ago, Yuk Cheong-a also obtained exclusive information that the Jongri Family had developed an antidote for the Human Blossom."
"Ah, the Jongri Family."
Only then did Seo Jin-ha's eyes widen as if he'd just remembered something.
"Do you have any idea how much I suffered back then?"
Just recalling that day made Seo Jin-ha's nose sting and his cheeks burn.
The hands of Jongri Sa-hyeon, the so-called Needle King, were one thing—but the destructive force radiating from Jongri Sa-yu's delicate hands... That searing pain was something he'd remember for the rest of his life.
"That's why I brought liquor."
Bu Eun-seol pointed to the large wine jar he'd placed on the table earlier.
"Century-aged Fen Wine, brought straight from Shanxi's Apricot Blossom Winery. I had to beg and plead to get the last jar."
"Hmph, you think a single jar of liquor is enough to make up for it?"
Despite his words, Seo Jin-ha's face brightened as he uncorked the jar. The fragrant aroma instantly sharpened his senses.
Then, Bu Eun-seol pulled a small bundle from his sleeve—blanched mountain herbs.
"What's this?"
"I tried all sorts of side dishes, but nothing paired better. Have a drink and try it."
"Hmm."
Seo Jin-ha downed the Fen Wine in one smooth gulp before chewing the herbs thoughtfully.
The Fen Wine left a lingering soft fragrance and subtle sweetness even after swallowing. But as he chewed the bitter mountain herbs, something strange happened—the wine's aftertaste grew richer and longer-lasting.
"Heh, so you did feel guilty after all."
Seo Jin-ha seemed pleased with the herbal accompaniment, chewing away contentedly.
"For the exalted Martial Soul Lord to personally prepare side dishes and present them like this..."
It seemed he was more touched by the hand-prepared herbs than the expensive Fen Wine.
"Guh."
Bu Eun-seol, who had been watching Seo Jin-ha drain another bowl of wine, finally asked:
"But how exactly did you resolve it?"
"Resolve what?"
"The matter with the Jongri Family."
"Well, I just followed your advice."
Seo Jin-ha replied nonchalantly.
"Spiritual herbs, a thick face, and extra patience."
"You mean it ended with just one slap to the cheek?"
Bu Eun-seol knew the temperaments of Jongri Sa-hyeon and Jongri Sa-yu all too well.
Jongri Sa-hyeon, obsessed with medicinal herbs, might have been manageable—but Jongri Sa-yu, with her tenacious personality, was hardly someone to let things slide easily.
"Aside from her hands being painfully strong, she wasn't so bad."
Seo Jin-ha continued chewing the herbs as he spoke.
"Her beauty goes without saying—graceful, dignified, and seemingly well-educated too. That old Needle King taught her well... her hands were viciously strong..."
He took another swig of wine and grinned.
"She'd make an excellent spouse, that one."
Clunk.
Bu Eun-seol's movement stopped as he was about to drink at Seo Jin-ha's words.
A chill crept up the back of his neck.
"Spouse?"
'Oh no.'
As a flash of light flickered in Bu Eun-seol's eyes, Seo Jin-ha hastily backtracked.
"What I meant was... the young lady of the Jongri Family is such an outstanding woman that she'd make a splendid spouse for anyone fortunate enough to win her."
Though his words were bold, his gaze kept drifting downward inexplicably.
Bu Eun-seol followed Seo Jin-ha's wandering eyes and pressed:
"How would you know she'd make an excellent spouse?"
Seo Jin-ha puffed out his chest defiantly.
"Isn't it obvious at a glance?"
"Explain in detail. What exactly did you discuss with her?"
"Well, I just said what you told me to—that it was an unavoidable circumstance arising from work for the martial world's sake."
"And then?"
"And then what? I argued that tracking down the Seven Fingers Demonic Blade was also for the martial world's benefit... After persistent persuasion, she finally understood, that's all."
"She just accepted it after hearing that?"
"Of course. I repeated every word exactly as I said it, without missing a single syllable."
Seo Jin-ha raised a hand solemnly.
"If I've spoken even a single falsehood, may I be struck by lightning!"
He was unshakable.
After all, everything he'd said so far was true.
He'd merely omitted that his "persistent persuasion" had included a promise to "take full responsibility."
And as long as that detail remained hidden, he could face Bu Eun-seol with a clear conscience.
"Hmm."
Bu Eun-seol fell silent.
Seo Jin-ha was speaking boldly, even boastfully.
Yet his eyes kept dropping to the floor.
"If you confess honestly, I won't blame you."
In an instant, Seo Jin-ha's eyes sparkled.
Bu Eun-seol was never one to go back on his word.
Which meant this was the perfect opportunity to clear his conscience.
"I promised to take responsibility."
Seo Jin-ha scratched his head and beamed innocently.
"Whatever happens, I said I'd take responsibility. Hahaha!"
In that moment, Bu Eun-seol's fist clenched tight.
As he watched Seo Jin-ha's laughter while leaving the Jongri family, he had sensed an inexplicable foreboding—and now he instinctively knew that premonition had become reality.