Chapter 532
She had only told Seon-u Jin that the secret society ruining the Murim was the Infinite Realm.
But in truth, she was well aware of the Three Realms.
"What nonsense are you spouting?"
Bu Eun-seol furrowed his brows and narrowed his eyes.
"You're claiming this Lord grew under the Azure River Realm's meticulous plans?"
"You may call it conviction."
"Then you must have evidence."
Bu Eun-seol scoffed incredulously, stroking his chin.
"Evidence even this Lord isn't aware of."
As if she'd been waiting for this, Gongson Dan-gyeong spoke.
"I heard the Lord never trained in martial arts during his youth and worked solely as an undertaker. Is that true?"
"It is."
"That's where the lie begins."
"A lie?"
"Yes. Even if the Lord possesses heaven-sent martial talent, without systematic training since childhood? He could never have mastered Langya Pavilion's Superior Martial Arts."
A sharp glint flashed in Gongson Dan-gyeong's eyes.
"I'd stake everything I possess as Chief Strategist on this—the Lord received rigorous instruction from an exceptional master since boyhood."
Bu Eun-seol smiled faintly.
In truth, that wasn't entirely wrong either.
Grandfather Bu Jan-yang had taught him the Life Nourishing Secret from the Sinew Reforging Classic, allowing him to accumulate vast reserves of true qi within his body.
Through his work as an undertaker, he became intimately familiar with human anatomy and could effortlessly decipher martial techniques.
Only, that education wasn't meant to raise him as a martial master... but to let him live long and happily as a mortician.
Yet paradoxically, that very training became indistinguishable from the process of nurturing a peerless grandmaster of supreme martial arts.
"Will you deny it?"
Bu Eun-seol exhaled through his nose as he observed Gongson Dan-gyeong's confidence.
Even if he denied it, she wouldn't believe him.
And it was true he'd received rigorous training since childhood against his wishes.
"This Lord does not lie."
With those words, Bu Eun-seol cut her off.
Then he met her gaze and continued.
"So you suspected I belonged to the Azure River Realm based solely on that?"
"Isn't the Lord more qualified to confirm that than I?"
"..."
"Without the Azure River Realm's protection, the Lord would have been killed long ago by the Infinite Realm's hands. They never spare those who oppose their banner."
'She's investigated every detail of my past.'
Three reasons allowed Bu Eun-seol to survive the Infinite Realm's early attempts and grow stronger.
His growth far exceeding their expectations. Hyeokryeon Eung's confidence that he could control Bu Eun-seol anytime.
And lastly—the existence of the Azure River Realm opposing the Infinite Realm.
Having thoroughly investigated Bu Eun-seol's history without knowing these details, Gongson Dan-gyeong had concluded he belonged to the Azure River Realm after piecing together the circumstances.
'She was worth meeting after all.'
Though her deduction missed the mark completely, it was grounded in solid evidence.
Which meant her information network was as formidable as Bu Eun-seol's.
That alone made her a valuable potential ally.
"Amusing."
"Are you admitting it?"
"Hardly. But this Lord once harbored similar doubts. Whether the Azure River Realm was secretly aiding me."
Bu Eun-seol shook his head.
"But I have no connection to them. They're merely using me because I oppose the Infinite Realm."
Gongson Dan-gyeong chuckled.
"The Lord hasn't been monitoring the government offices' movements, has he?"
"Government offices?"
Bu Eun-seol's gaze turned icy.
"What are you implying?"
"Let me mention just two things."
Gongson Dan-gyeong's eyes behind her veil curved like crescent moons.
"In the past, the Infinite Realm mobilized massive forces to search near Prince Wei's Residence. But their operation was halted due to interference from another faction."
She stared intently at Bu Eun-seol.
"Curiously, rumors spread that the Lord went missing around that same time?"
"..."
"Second. During Blood Vajra's Penitential Journey, there was a group that attacked the Lord when he ventured alone into the Martial World."
An inscrutable smile played on her lips.
"Do you truly believe they were from the Infinite Realm?"
A flash of insight crossed Bu Eun-seol's eyes.
He'd found it strange even then.
It had been the perfect opportunity to eliminate him. Why send only those forces? Did they truly consider Blood Vajra a non-combatant? Such questions had lingered.
"So you've been investigating my every move."
"Isn't that obvious? The Lord is the pivotal figure shifting the Demonic Path's landscape."
"Chief Strategist, are you saying you possess an intelligence network capable of tracking the Infinite Realm?"
"That, I cannot answer."
Bu Eun-seol's eyes wavered visibly.
If this continued, she would seize control of the conversation, leaving him scrambling to keep up until its conclusion.
"Then wouldn't the suspicious one actually be you, Chief Strategist?"
"What do you mean?"
"To think that someone who's only just become the Martial Alliance's Chief Strategist can detect the movements of the Infinite Realm's forces. Isn't that a little too remarkable?"
"Just as you have your own means, Lord, I too may possess an exceptional intelligence network."
"Well, perhaps."
Bu Eun-seol smiled coldly.
"But how amusing. That someone who holds both honor and position lacks justification."
Justification.
The one thing Gongson Dan-gyeong critically lacked was precisely that.
Considering her background and status, it was impossible for her to form an adversarial relationship with the Infinite Realm.
"And yet, you're willing to take on all risks to fight them..."
Bu Eun-seol curled the corner of his lips.
"If the Chief Strategist isn't from the Azure River Realm, then there's only one answer."
He stared straight into Gongson Dan-gyeong's pupils.
"You harbor a deep-seated grudge against the Infinite Realm."
Gongson Dan-gyeong only smiled faintly, offering no reply.
But with this, Bu Eun-seol and Gongson Dan-gyeong had each blocked the other's probing.
They had exchanged the initiative in this conversation once.
"At any rate, since this is our first meeting, let's end the discussion about mutual suspicion here."
By admitting she had suspicions,
she was essentially acknowledging that she had spoken based solely on circumstantial evidence gathered from investigating Bu Eun-seol's movements—without definitive proof.
'I thought she had an intelligence network rivaling the Three Realms, given how precisely she grasped Hyeokryeon Eung and the Elder's affairs.'
In the end, only two things were certain.
That Gongson Dan-gyeong also commanded a covert intelligence organization like the Death Soul Squad.
And that the Azure River Realm was favorably inclined toward him—enough to make him suspect even her intelligence network might be aligned with him.
'Why is the Azure River Realm showing me such favor? Simply because they oppose the Infinite Realm?'
Just as Bu Eun-seol was lost in thought, Gongson Dan-gyeong spoke again.
"Now, only the decision remains."
With those words, she fell silent.
As if leaving the final choice to Bu Eun-seol.
'Hmm.'
Bu Eun-seol narrowed his eyes.
Under normal circumstances, he would never have agreed to meet someone like Gongson Dan-gyeong in the first place.
Her true intentions were inscrutable, and she pursued actions that could bring everything crashing down with a single misstep—without the slightest hesitation.
She was like a madman charging headlong toward ruin, unafraid and unstoppable.
In short, she was far too dangerous to recklessly grasp the hand she extended.
"Very well."
And yet, he took Gongson Dan-gyeong's offered hand.
Because as Seon-u Jin, he would remain by her side. As her close aide, he would have the opportunity to spy on her schemes and thoughts.
"I will cooperate with you to eliminate the Infinite Realm."
"Truly?"
"Indeed."
For the first time, Gongson Dan-gyeong looked surprised.
She had never expected Bu Eun-seol to accept her hand so readily.
Those with keen foresight and caution never seize an outstretched hand, no matter how favorable the terms.
They verify, agonize, and predict countless times before making a decision.
But Bu Eun-seol had defied her expectations and agreed at once.
"Then... there must be a bargaining chip in your possession that I'm unaware of. How intriguing."
Chilling.
The moment he agreed, she immediately deduced that Bu Eun-seol held some unknown leverage.
"It shouldn't matter. Perhaps it's precisely because of such things that you and I can join forces as allies."
Gongson Dan-gyeong smiled as if simply securing Bu Eun-seol's cooperation was fortune enough.
"Then we must now devise a plan where neither of us suffers losses."
Since they had agreed to collaborate against the Infinite Realm,
they would have to deal with the Red Demon Gate as well, ensuring Gongson Dan-gyeong suffered no losses in her position as Chief Strategist.
"A simple matter."
Bu Eun-seol replied calmly.
"I will handle the Red Demon Gate. If they truly are connected to the Infinite Realm and the Soulless Ones, then it won't matter if I crush them."
At that, Gongson Dan-gyeong smiled sweetly, as if she had been waiting for this.
"Then do so."
'So this was the answer she wanted from the start.'
Bu Eun-seol smirked bitterly.
She had never intended to relinquish control over the Hanzhong region's power structure.
She merely wanted to confirm whether Bu Eun-seol truly opposed the Infinite Realm—whether he had the will to destroy them.
If he truly intended to fight the Infinite Realm, he would personally lead his forces to crush the Red Demon Gate.
After all, the only way for the two of them to maintain a secret alliance without mutual losses...
was for Bu Eun-seol to strike the Red Demon Gate without involving the Martial Alliance's troops.
'A truly terrifying woman.'
Swallowing his thoughts, Bu Eun-seol spoke flatly.
"However, I have a condition."
"Speak."
"Listening to you, it seems clear the Chief Strategist commands an independent and formidable intelligence network."
Gongson Dan-gyeong's eyes narrowed.
So this was why he had agreed so readily—to make an outrageous demand?
The leader of an organization considers their intelligence network as vital as their own lifeline.
If Bu Eun-seol had demanded to share it, refusal would have been inevitable.
"Then it seems our negotiations have broken down."
"Listen to the end."
Bu Eun-seol continued calmly.
"There is someone my current intelligence network cannot locate. That means they must be connected to the Righteous Faction... most likely the Martial Alliance's highest intelligence organization."
"What are you saying?"
"Find me a master blacksmith."
"A... master blacksmith?"
Bu Eun-seol faintly smiled as he observed Gongson Dan-gyeong's stiffened expression.
"That's right."
The meeting between Bu Eun-seol and Gongson Dan-gyeong could be considered a success for both.
They had confirmed each other's unwavering resolve—to eliminate the Infinite Realm, even if it required a secret alliance.
And Gongson Dan-gyeong kept her promise.
She immediately located the master blacksmith Bu Eun-seol had requested.
'Just as I thought.'
In Bu Eun-seol's hand was a letter sent by Seo Jin-ha—currently disguised as Seon-u Jin—through the intelligence network of the Supreme Peak.
It had been sent by Gongson Dan-gyeong.
Even after mobilizing all of the Demon Hall's intelligence forces, they had failed to locate the Demon Swordsmith.
As expected, he had been hiding under the protection of the Martial Alliance's high command.
He had been living a new life under an identity provided by the Martial Alliance.
After obtaining the information from Gongson Dan-gyeong's letter, Bu Eun-seol wasted no time and headed straight for Smoke Moon Valley, where the Demon Swordsmith was said to be.
Thud. Thud. Thud.
Upon arriving at Smoke Moon Valley, he found a small stone house ahead, with a forge built beside it.
And in front of the workbench stood an elderly man with a bristly beard, hammering away at a piece of iron placed atop the anvil.
His eyes were sharp and fierce, while his face and forearms were densely covered in scars.
Bu Eun-seol could tell—these were not wounds from battle, but marks of brutal torture.
This was none other than the Demon Swordsmith, renowned as the foremost master blacksmith of the demonic path.
"..."
Even as Bu Eun-seol approached the workbench, the Demon Swordsmith did not so much as glance at him.
He merely let out a deep sigh and muttered under his breath.
"So you've found me after all."
Though they had never met face-to-face before.
Even without looking at Bu Eun-seol, his expression suggested he already knew—this man was from the Demon Hall.
Clang. Clang. Clang.
As Bu Eun-seol stepped closer, the swordsmith instead began hammering again, still refusing to meet his gaze.
Watching his movements, Bu Eun-seol could tell the Demon Swordsmith had never trained in martial arts.
Yet his hammer strikes carried more force than those of a martial artist who had refined their techniques, and each motion held an inexplicable profundity.
'No wonder the Chief Doctrine Commander insisted on tracking him down.'
Bu Eun-seol himself had once played the role of a blacksmith.
That was why, just by observing the Demon Swordsmith's hammering, he could discern the extraordinary skill the man possessed.
"I won't go with you."
The Demon Swordsmith finally spoke.
"Just kill me now."
"You know who I am?"
The swordsmith let out a dry chuckle, still not looking at him.
When Bu Eun-seol stared at him in incomprehension, the old man sighed.
Clank.
Setting down his hammer, the Demon Swordsmith's eyes burned with a fierce heat.
"Better to cut me down in one stroke. Even in death, I will never lay hands on another demonic sword."
His gaze was fixed on the hilt hidden at Bu Eun-seol's waist.
Only then did Bu Eun-seol recall the Slaughter Demon Sword concealed there.
But no demonic energy seeped from it.
Otherwise, he would never have dared to carry it while disguised as Seon-u Jin.
Yet the Demon Swordsmith had sensed the sword's presence and recognized it as a demonic blade.
'I won't be able to wield this sword as Seon-u Jin from now on.'
If the Demon Swordsmith could identify it, others might too.
If word spread that the Martial Alliance's chief was carrying an unidentified demonic sword... suspicion would inevitably follow.
"You seem to be under a misunderstanding."
Bu Eun-seol placed the command medallion symbolizing his authority as the Martial Soul Lord onto the workbench.
"I am Bu Eun-seol, the Martial Soul Lord."
"Is that so?"
The Demon Swordsmith muttered with a hollow expression.
"Such an esteemed guest has arrived, yet I didn't even greet you properly."
"What exactly happened to you?"
At Bu Eun-seol's question, the old man's brow furrowed.
"Why are you asking me that?"
His eyes brimmed with deep contempt.
"Wouldn't the high and mighty lords of the Demon Hall know better?"
As the cryptic exchange continued, Bu Eun-seol's frown deepened.
Despite clearly revealing his identity as the Martial Soul Lord, the Demon Swordsmith responded only with scorn.
He feared neither death nor the Demon Hall, treating both with utter disdain.
Which meant—something had happened. Something Bu Eun-seol knew nothing about.
"The Demon Hall—"
Just as Bu Eun-seol began to speak—
Whoosh!
At that moment, a strange Sound of Breaking Air echoed from the distant sky.
Judging by how swiftly and silently it spread, a formidable master was approaching at high speed using a movement technique.
Thud!
Dozens of martial artists clad in the Martial Alliance's plain gray uniforms landed in front of the forge.
At the forefront stood a powerfully built, muscular man with eyes wide open.
'So they weren't just letting him live quietly.'
They were none other than warriors of the Martial Alliance's Heavenly Martial Brigade, and the man leading them was none other than the brigade's deputy commander—the Dragon Tiger Sword, Gwa Geuk-cheon.
Surprisingly, some of the Heavenly Martial Brigade's warriors, left behind after Jo Cheon-wang's departure, had been stationed here to guard the Demon Swordsmith.
"I knew it would come to this."
Gwa Geuk-cheon looked at the Demon Swordsmith with contempt in his eyes.
"Demon Swordsmith. Did you grow tired of mountain life and decide to defect back to the Demonic Path?"
The Demon Swordsmith furrowed his brow.
"What nonsense are you spouting?"
"If not, then how else would a person from the Demonic Path have crawled their way into this secret location—known only to the Alliance's high command?"
"That's a laughable accusation. How in the world would I know about that?"
Perhaps it was because he was a blacksmith who worked with steel.
Even as the deputy commander of the Martial Alliance's Seven Great Battle Corps glared at him, the Demon Swordsmith paid no heed and roared back.
"Don't drag me into your baseless suspicions."
"Hmph."
Gwa Geuk-cheon, wearing a cold smile, glanced back and forth between the Demon Swordsmith and Bu Eun-seol.
"Do you truly not know why warriors from our Alliance rotate here every year under the pretense of training?"
"What are you getting at?"
"Demon Swordsmith. We were given orders to kill you on the spot if we so much as suspected you were making contact with the Demonic Path."
Gwa Geuk-cheon sneered.
"After all, it would be troublesome if you returned to the Demonic Path and created the Demon Sword Path."
"Hahaha."
The Demon Swordsmith let out a hollow laugh.
From the very beginning, Smoke Moon Valley had never been a place for warriors to secretly train.
It was merely a location where warriors were stationed under the guise of training—year after year—to keep watch over him.
"In the end... whether it's the Demon Hall or the Martial Alliance... it seems there was never a place for me to stay."
"Hahaha. Isn't that obvious? You were nothing more than a master blacksmith—too valuable to discard, yet too dangerous to leave unchecked."
The Demon Swordsmith sighed and threw down his hammer.
All this time, he had lived under the Martial Alliance's protection, forging the swords they desired and repairing their ancient weapons.
But now, after they had squeezed every last drop of use from him over the past decade, he was finally met with this fate.
"In the past, you would've strutted around the Alliance with your head held high."
Then, a voice cut through the silence.
"But now, having lost your leader and left isolated, you've been reduced to guarding a pitiful old blacksmith—is that it?"
It was Bu Eun-seol's voice.
"Isn't that right, Deputy Commander?"
In an instant, flames flickered in Gwa Geuk-cheon's eyes.
Just as Bu Eun-seol had said, with Jo Cheon-wang gone, the Heavenly Martial Brigade was effectively disbanded.
Until a new leader was appointed, they were left in indefinite limbo—
Which was why they had been ordered to leave the Martial Alliance and station themselves at Smoke Moon Valley, guarding the Demon Swordsmith under the pretense of training.
"Who the hell are you?!"
At Gwa Geuk-cheon's shout, Bu Eun-seol removed his mask and boldly revealed his identity.
"Bu Eun-seol."
"Bu Eun-seol?"
Gwa Geuk-cheon's eyes widened.
"The Martial Soul Lord of the Demon Hall, Bu Eun-seol?"
The very man who had killed Jo Bi-un in a single stroke, forced Jo Cheon-wang into retirement while Jo Cheon-wang sought revenge for his son, and left the Heavenly Martial Brigade in ruins—was standing right before him?
"Kuhahahaha!"
Gwa Geuk-cheon burst into mad laughter, thick with killing intent.
"They say enemies meet on a narrow bridge—and here you are!"
A grin of delight spread across his face.
The reason he had accepted this assignment at Smoke Moon Valley—
It was to perfect the Heavenly Martial Brigade's greatest sword formation, the Silver Shield Formation—a technique that could not be executed without Jo Cheon-wang's presence.
He had wanted to prove himself worthy of becoming the brigade's next leader.
And after relentless training, he had finally succeeded—completing a lesser version of the Silver Shield Formation with a hundred elite warriors just days prior.
And now, the perfect opponent to test it against had appeared before him?
'If I kill this bastard, I might actually become the next leader!'
Under normal circumstances, he wouldn't have dared to challenge someone even Jo Cheon-wang couldn't kill.
But with the lesser Silver Shield Formation at his disposal, he could eliminate this man in an instant. Smug with confidence, Gwa Geuk-cheon bellowed his command.
"Deploy the Silver Shield Formation!"
Whoosh!
In an instant, a hundred warriors emerged as if rising from the earth, surrounding Bu Eun-seol.
Each of them wielded a longsword and a massive silver shield that gleamed brilliantly.
The Silver Shield Formation.
It was the Heavenly Martial Brigade's ultimate sword formation—one that used mirror-like silver shields to completely block an opponent's vision and senses before severing their lifeline in a blinding flash of light.
Flash! Flash!
Even before the formation was fully activated, Bu Eun-seol's vision blurred, and his very senses began to fade.
'The Silver Shield Formation...'
Bu Eun-seol had studied the Martial Alliance's formations extensively.
Each of the Seven Great Battle Corps possessed their own unique sword formations—
Some so powerful and intricate that they could not be executed without their respective leaders.
And the Silver Shield Formation was one of them.
A formation that could only be deployed under the Heavenly Martial Brigade's commander—and one that had remained undefeated to this day.