Chapter 543
Won Se-mun blinked rapidly, his mouth hanging open.
"Who in the world could have done such a thing?"
"Most likely that old man from the Hyuk Clan meticulously framed him."
"Hyeokryeon Eung? That bastard?"
"Exactly. Otherwise, would the Disciplinary Hall have thrown him into prison?"
Yu Un-ryong's eyes darkened to an extreme degree.
Truthfully, he had already suspected that Hyeokryeon Eung would retaliate.
But since Bu Eun-seol had remained silent, he had simply waited calmly.
However, now that an arrest and detention order had been issued—and Bu Eun-seol had been completely unaware—
It was clear that a significant portion of the Demon Hall's senior members had aligned themselves with Hyeokryeon Eung's scheme.
If the majority of the senior members demanded punishment... then even if the evidence was somewhat insufficient, there might be no way to avoid it.
'Even if we're prepared, this won't be easy.'
Hyeokryeon Eung had been a senior member of the Demon Hall for a long time. He knew the organization's structure and its vulnerabilities all too well.
Considering that, this trap wouldn't be something they could easily escape.
'Since he can't confront us directly, he's trying to clip our wings first.'
Especially since he had orchestrated this while leading the Hall of Protectors, and the Disciplinary Hall Master had personally come to imprison Bu Eun-seol in the underground prison.
This was absolutely not something they could brush off lightly.
"This won't be easy," Wi Cheon-gyeong muttered, shaking his head as if he had read Yu Un-ryong's thoughts.
"If the former Hall of Protectors Master was so confident in his scheme, he must have been certain there'd be no gaps to exploit."
Yet, he murmured as if he couldn't quite understand.
"But the Disciplinary Hall Master didn't say the Martial Alliance—he said the Martial Alliance Leader. Doesn't that mean... he wouldn't use that title unless he had at least some basis for it?"
"So you're saying our Lord really met with the Martial Alliance Leader?"
At Won Se-mun's question, Wi Cheon-gyeong shook his head again.
"Who knows? But they must have evidence to back it up."
The squad leaders all fell silent.
No matter what anyone said, they were true members of the Demonic Path.
If Bu Eun-seol had met with the Martial Alliance Leader to spy for them—
They could no longer pledge their lives in loyalty to him.
"How amusing. Is that the extent of your faith?"
Then Jo Nam-cheon spoke up.
"Do you really think our Lord would betray us and secretly meet with the Martial Alliance Leader?"
The unit members went silent again.
Hearing those words, Yu Un-ryong felt an inexplicable pang of guilt.
Bu Eun-seol had long since discarded any notion of orthodox or unorthodox factions.
Hadn't he even met with the Martial Alliance's Chief Inspector not long ago?
If it helped his revenge—Bu Eun-seol was absolutely the kind of person who wouldn't hesitate to meet the Martial Alliance Leader.
'What the hell is going on, Bu Eun-seol?'
Yu Un-ryong bit his lip.
Truthfully, from his perspective, it didn't matter whether Bu Eun-seol had met the Martial Alliance Leader or an immortal.
He was a demonic practitioner, but he was also Bu Eun-seol's close friend and adjutant.
Long ago, he had resolved to follow him no matter what choices he made.
But the members of the Death Shadow War Unit were different.
If such a thing had truly happened—
They might not understand Bu Eun-seol's actions and refuse to follow him any longer.
'If it's proven that he's a spy, I'll get Bu Eun-seol out immediately and leave the Demon Hall without hesitation.'
Yu Un-ryong steeled himself.
If all the allegations against Bu Eun-seol were proven? If he had to face punishment?
Then without hesitation, he would break him out and leave the Demon Hall behind.
Krrrung.
The heavy iron gate, painted in red lacquer, let out a grating noise as it opened.
The door was at least a foot thick—an imposing slab of metal.
The Demon Hall's underground prison, the Bottomless Prison.
This was where they confined criminals who had committed unforgivable, grave offenses.
As the door opened, a tall, slender shadow emerged—Bu Eun-seol.
"Lord. Step out."
Yang Gu-eung led Bu Eun-seol out of the cell and into the interrogation room.
It was a small, sealed chamber about thirty feet wide and long, with a table and chairs in the center.
And on either side, torture instruments were displayed conspicuously, as if daring anyone to look.
"Have a seat, Lord."
Yang Gu-eung gestured for Bu Eun-seol to sit.
Bu Eun-seol hadn't had his internal energy suppressed, nor was he dressed in prisoner's garb.
But his hands were bound.
A deliberate restraint, meant to symbolically mark him as a sinner.
"I can't help but feel regret seeing the newly appointed Martial Soul Lord reduced to such a state."
As Bu Eun-seol took his seat, Yang Gu-eung's voice dripped with mocking pity.
"But as of now, you hold the status of a criminal, Lord. I would appreciate it if you acknowledged that fact."
Yang Gu-eung had interrogated countless figures over the years, many of whom were high-ranking officials comparable to Bu Eun-seol.
Yet, not a single one who entered this interrogation room had ever walked out retaining their position.
Because unless there was irrefutable evidence,
the Demon Hall would never imprison a core member in the Bottomless Prison.
In short, Yang Gu-eung was fully prepared to bring Bu Eun-seol down.
"Do you admit to meeting the Martial Alliance Leader?"
"I have never met the Alliance Leader."
"Hoh."
Yang Gu-eung clicked his tongue.
"Lord."
His voice was insinuating.
"Do you truly not understand what it means that I, the Hall Leader, have brought you here?"
Leaning back in his chair, Yang Gu-eung spoke with an unhurried expression.
"Summoning you here is not to interrogate you into confessing a crime—it is merely the final step in obtaining your handwritten statement."
In other words, all the evidence had already been prepared.
He had only brought Bu Eun-seol here to extract a confession.
When Bu Eun-seol remained silent, Yang Gu-eung continued.
"If you admit your crimes willingly, I will leave the Death Shadow War Unit untouched."
With a coaxing tone, he slid a document forward.
"But if you continue to resist, I will have no choice but to implicate them as well—as accomplices who conspired with you in treason."
As the silence stretched, Yang Gu-eung curled the corner of his lips.
"Do you think it impossible?"
He glanced down at the confession before continuing.
"Of course, as the Heir of the Demon Hall, you cannot be punished until a disciplinary council convenes and confirms your guilt."
"..."
"But your subordinates—with the evidence I currently possess—can be thrown into the Prison immediately."
Finally, Bu Eun-seol's tightly sealed lips parted slowly.
"Show me this evidence first."
At that, Yang Gu-eung smiled and handed over a letter.
"Don't even think about tearing it. These are all copies."
Bu Eun-seol silently examined the documents.
'So that's how it is.'
Upon seeing them, he could confirm two things.
First, that Hyeokryeon Eung still had many factions within the Demon Hall supporting him.
And second, that Hyeokryeon Eung had thoroughly grasped Bu Eun-seol's personality and the operational nature of his covert unit.
According to the contents of the letters, Bu Eun-seol had been caught in an inescapable web of evidence.
No matter how he looked at it, there was no gap to slip through.
"Do you admit to everything written here?"
Bu Eun-seol nodded at Yang Gu-eung's question.
"I admit to some of it."
Yang Gu-eung's expression brightened.
"Some is enough. Then will you sign the confession?"
Bu Eun-seol carefully read the words written on the document.
It stated that he acknowledged all the contents detailed in the attached letters.
"Simply sign here. Then, the members of the Death Shadow War Unit will be spared."
"I admit to acting according to these records."
Bu Eun-seol pointed to a section of the confession with his bound hands.
"But I cannot admit to meeting the Martial Alliance Leader here."
Yang Gu-eung blinked, momentarily stunned, then let out a stifled laugh.
'If he insists only on denying the meeting with the Martial Alliance Leader, he thinks he can evade the crime.'
He sneered inwardly.
In truth, the most crucial fact was that Bu Eun-seol had been at Mount Nine Palaces at the time.
After all, there was separate evidence proving he had met the Alliance Leader.
'That can be revealed during the disciplinary council.'
"Hohohoho. Very well."
Yang Gu-eung concealed his true thoughts behind a satisfied smile.
"Fine. I will amend the confession for you. We will remove the part about meeting the Martial Alliance Leader and only have you admit to moving along these routes and being present at this location."
He ordered his subordinate to revise the document immediately.
Then, he handed the altered version back to Bu Eun-seol.
"There. Now, can you sign this?"
"Of course."
Without hesitation, Bu Eun-seol picked up the brush and signed the confession.
'Got him.'
Yang Gu-eung inwardly cheered.
Now that the confession had been signed,
even if the Demonic Heavenly Emperor himself intervened, this fact could not be overturned.
In other words, no matter what, Bu Eun-seol's loss of position was now inevitable.
"Hall Leader Yang."
Bu Eun-seol spoke impassively.
"I bear no particular ill will toward you. After all, you are merely a man who follows orders."
"What are you saying?"
"Keep your promise—do not touch the Death Shadow War Unit."
A crimson blood light flickered in Bu Eun-seol's pupils.
"If that promise is broken... this lord will have no choice but to harbor ill will toward you."
"Heh heh heh. Ha ha ha!"
Yang Gu-eung laughed coldly.
"You're still dreaming. Do you truly believe you remain the Martial Soul Lord even now?"
"..."
"Had you kept your mouth shut, I might have honored the agreement. But hearing such insolence only makes me want to break it."
Rising from his seat, Yang Gu-eung looked down at Bu Eun-seol and sneered.
"Don't tell me you're still clinging to the delusion that you can retain your position?"
Now he had dropped all formalities entirely.
"Hall Leader Yang."
Bu Eun-seol met Yang Gu-eung's gaze squarely.
"I advise you once more—do not do something you will regret."
"Heh ha ha ha!"
Yang Gu-eung only laughed louder, shaking his head.
"You really are dreaming. For all your arrogance, you still fail to grasp your own predicament."
Then, as he strode toward the door, he muttered under his breath:
"Rebellion suits you. Pah!"
He spat on Bu Eun-seol's chest.
And with that, he marched out of the interrogation room and barked loudly:
"Throw the traitor Bu Eun-seol back into the prison! And summon every last rat from the Death Shadow War Unit to the interrogation room! I'll personally wring the truth out of those scum!"
"..."
Bu Eun-seol silently watched the door through which Yang Gu-eung had left.
His expression was so tranquil that it was impossible to discern his thoughts.
The disciplinary hearing proceeded with ruthless efficiency.
The matter at hand was no small affair—the Heir of the Demon Hall had secretly met with none other than the leader of the Martial Alliance.
Before this unprecedented scandal could spread beyond their walls, the Demon Hall had convened an emergency disciplinary hearing to confirm the facts.
And to swiftly mete out punishment, silencing all future dissent.
Murmur, murmur.
The Singular Light Pavilion, where the Supreme Cult Commander presided, was packed with countless figures.
Every hall leader within the Demon Hall had gathered to deliberate the Martial Soul Lord's punishment.
Though some, like the absent leader of Jipma Manor and Baek Jeon-cheon, had yet to return from Beyond the Pass.
The conference hall was now filled to the brim with hall leaders—and shockingly, among them sat figures who had long been absent from such gatherings.
Even the Lord of the Hell Blood Citadel and the master of White Horse Monastery had taken their seats.
Their sudden appearance at the Chief Department Heads Conference could mean only one thing:
They had received word that Bu Eun-seol's downfall was all but certain.
Otherwise, knowing full well the Martial Soul Lord's vengeful nature—one that repaid grudges tenfold—they would never have dared to attend, as if taunting him.
Murmur, murmur.
Just as the hall leaders buzzed among themselves, the doors swung open, and Supreme Cult Commander Yeop Hyo-cheon entered the chamber, taking his seat with an air of serenity.
Despite the gravity of the situation—a hearing to punish the Demon Hall's own heir for committing a serious offense—his expression remained untroubled.
As if he had merely stepped in for tea after a meal.
"Supreme Cult Commander."
All the hall leaders rose the moment he entered, pressing their palms together in respect.
As Yeop Hyo-cheon raised a hand and took his seat, Yang Gu-eung of the Disciplinary Hall spoke in a ringing voice:
"Hall Leader Yang Gu-eung, reporting."
Clasping his hands toward the Supreme Cult Commander and the assembled leaders, he declared loudly:
"As you are all aware, this Chief Department Heads Conference has been convened to determine the severity of punishment for the traitor Bu Eun-seol."
Then, turning slightly, he gave a nod—prompting the Disciplinary Hall's enforcers to step forward and place stacks of documents before the Supreme Cult Commander and the hall leaders.
These were the records proving Bu Eun-seol's meeting with the Martial Alliance leader at Mount Nine Palaces.
"Please review the letters distributed by our hall. Within them, you will find irrefutable evidence that the Martial Soul Lord—this hall's own heir—held a clandestine meeting with the leader of the Martial Alliance."
Murmur, murmur.
As the hall leaders read through the letters, their jaws slackened, and murmurs of disbelief erupted.
Many had attended the hearing with lingering doubts.
But the documents clearly detailed Bu Eun-seol's journey to Mount Nine Palaces—
And eyewitness accounts confirming his encounter with the Martial Alliance leader.
"Bring forth the criminals from the Death Shadow War Unit."
At Yang Gu-eung's command, the doors opened again, and the Death Shadow War Unit's senior officers were dragged in like convicts, bound and restrained.
Their bodies bore the marks of relentless interrogation—bruises, lacerations, the unmistakable signs of torture.
"Despite the overwhelming evidence, these men continue to defend their lord. No doubt they, too, conspired with him in treason against this hall."
"You lying dog! Shut your filthy mouth!"
One of the bound men—Won Se-mun—shouted in defiance. Yang Gu-eung only smirked.
"Patience. We haven't even begun the main proceedings yet."
Then he swept his gaze across the assembled members and spoke.
"Has the Martial Soul Lord not arrived yet?"
At that moment, the door creaked open, and a martial artist clad in resplendent martial robes entered.
The glossy dark gray robes were adorned with intricate golden embroidery stretching from the shoulders to the sleeves—a dazzling depiction of the Twin Dragons Vying for the Pearl.
It was none other than Bu Eun-seol.
"Hoho."
Punishment Hall Leader Yang Gu-eung let out a hollow laugh upon seeing Bu Eun-seol's attire.
To appear in such formal regalia—the ceremonial robes of the Martial Soul Lord—at a meeting convened to discuss his punishment?
"I granted your request to change attire, but... I suppose you wished to flaunt your authority one last time before facing judgment."
Yang Gu-eung's voice dripped with mockery as he addressed Bu Eun-seol.
"But even in those robes, you have already lost your position as the Martial Soul Lord. Wearing them now will only worsen your standing in this situation."
A derisive chuckle erupted from one corner of the meeting hall.
It came from Gongya Geuk and Gang Yang-cheon, who had been observing the scene from afar.
But their laughter vanished in an instant.
Because Bu Eun-seol was also smiling—baring his teeth in a grin so bold and chilling that it froze the expressions of all who had been jeering at him.
"Martial Soul Lord."
At that moment, Yeop Hyo-cheon spoke in a low voice, his eyes fixed on Bu Eun-seol.
"Do you acknowledge all the charges laid out here?"
The hall fell silent in an instant.
The evidence was already overwhelming, stacked right before their eyes.
Whether Bu Eun-seol admitted to it or not, the outcome would remain unchanged.
The Chief Doctrine Commander was merely confirming it one last time.
And it would be no exaggeration to say that Bu Eun-seol's fate hinged on his response.
"I do."
A murmur rippled through the assembly.
They had expected him to deny everything, to buy time and seek some way out—but instead, he had admitted it so readily?
Yang Gu-eung raised his voice.
"Then you also admit to committing treason?"
An unexpected answer followed.
"No, I do not."
"What?"
Yang Gu-eung's brow furrowed as he spoke sternly.
"Are you jesting with this Hall Leader right now?"
"Far from it."
Bu Eun-seol replied calmly.
"This Lord acknowledged the contents of the letter—not that he has ever committed treason."
With an almost contemptuous air, Bu Eun-seol even dropped formalities, addressing Yang Gu-eung in informal speech.
"'Never committed treason'?"
Yang Gu-eung's face twisted in disbelief.
"You went to Mount Nine Palaces and met privately with the Martial Alliance Leader—and you claim that isn't treason?"
"Well said."
Bu Eun-seol nodded.
"This Lord went to Mount Nine Palaces on personal business. I never met the Martial Alliance Leader."
"Did you not sign the affidavit?"
"It's written there, is it not? Everything except meeting the Martial Alliance Leader is true."
Another wave of murmurs swept through the hall.
So that's how he's playing it.
But Yang Gu-eung scoffed.
He had anticipated this kind of evasion from the start.
"Hahahaha!"
Yang Gu-eung let out a low, scornful laugh.
"If that's how you want to play it, fine."
Turning, he clasped his hands together and addressed Yeop Hyo-cheon in a booming voice.
"Shall we summon a witness to prove that the man the Martial Soul Lord met was the Martial Alliance Leader?"
Yeop Hyo-cheon nodded.
At his signal, Yang Gu-eung's adjutant, Jeong Guk, opened the meeting hall doors.
A gaunt middle-aged man, leaning heavily on the arms of two martial artists, limped inside.
It was Geum Jang-cheon, Hall Leader of the Flying Killing Faction.
Yang Gu-eung pointed at him and declared:
"This is Geum Jang-cheon, Hall Leader of the Flying Killing Faction—the man who discovered the Martial Soul Lord's suspicious movements and led the investigation."
Then he turned to Geum Jang-cheon.
"Hall Leader Geum, please recount the events in detail."
Geum Jang-cheon nodded weakly, his voice trembling as he spoke.
"The Hall Leader obtained intelligence... that the Martial Soul Lord was making contact with the Righteous Faction's high command... at Mount Nine Palaces. So this Hall Leader... disguised himself thoroughly... and led his subordinates there."
Geum Jang-cheon's condition seemed dire.
Just a few sentences in, his complexion worsened, and he began gasping for breath.
"Finally... at Mount Nine Palaces' Stalactite Cave... we witnessed the Martial Soul Lord emerging alongside a masked figure. My elites... all concealed their presence using the Black Ghost Ninja Illusionary Stealth Pursuit Art... and observed them."
As he continued, Geum Jang-cheon's face twisted with fear.
"But the masked man... instantly saw through our stealth techniques... and attacked."
"Who was he?"
At Yang Gu-eung's question, Geum Jang-cheon shuddered as if reliving the memory.
"Jeong Cheon-je... That masked man... was none other than the Martial Alliance Leader—Shin Do-mu-bi."