Chapter 560
Whoosh—!
A majestic Buddhist radiance suddenly manifested before Bu Eun-seol's eyes.
The light completely dispelled the surrounding darkness and, in an instant, began illuminating the entire world.
Simultaneously, a small shadow appeared before Bu Eun-seol.
It was an old man—emaciated, his body covered in sparse wrinkles that made his age impossible to discern.
The highest-ranking Shaolin master in the martial world, revered as a living Buddha—the Buddhist Venerable, Great Master Hong-hyeon.
"Patron, are you unharmed?"
The Buddhist Venerable gazed at Bu Eun-seol with a benevolent smile.
Only then did Bu Eun-seol regain consciousness and bow deeply in greeting.
"This humble junior of the martial world, Bu Eun-seol, pays his respects."
Regardless of sect affiliations, the Buddhist Venerable was a figure revered by all martial artists.
Moreover, hadn't Bu Eun-seol once received a small kindness from the Buddhist Venerable during his time with the Martial Alliance?
"Young man, why do you show such excessive courtesy to this humble monk?"
"Did you not save my life?"
Bu Eun-seol bowed his head with utmost respect.
"I am deeply grateful for your life-saving grace."
"Now that I think of it, you are..."
The Buddhist Venerable tilted his head slightly as he scrutinized Bu Eun-seol's attire and face.
"I am Bu Eun-seol, a disciple of Langya Pavilion."
"Hohoho, I wondered where such a dragon-like youth had emerged from—so you are the successor of the Hall Master Sado."
"You flatter me too much."
Bu Eun-seol's demeanor remained exceedingly respectful.
Had the Buddhist Venerable not appeared—?
'Even if I hadn't died by the Heavenly Venerable's hand, something catastrophic would have happened.'
In that moment when he was losing consciousness, Bu Eun-seol had sensed an overwhelmingly ominous energy.
It wasn't just death—it was something far more terrifying, something even death couldn't shake off.
Without the Buddhist Venerable's intervention, he would have fallen into an abyss from which there was no return.
"But how did you come to be here?"
At Bu Eun-seol's question, the Buddhist Venerable chuckled.
"A horde of dark figures had surrounded the area, so I came to investigate. And lo and behold, they had mobilized an entire army just to kill one person—you."
Bu Eun-seol glanced around and asked, "Did you see the one who attacked me?"
"He blocked this old monk's single palm strike in an instant and then vanished without a trace."
"A single palm strike..."
Bu Eun-seol muttered under his breath.
He hadn't even been able to withstand a single strike—he had been swallowed by death.
Yet the Buddhist Venerable had repelled the Heavenly Venerable with just one palm strike, driving him away like a stray dog.
'Was I mistaken in my assumptions?'
After erasing the Sword Sovereign's manifestation, he had secretly believed that, even if he clashed with anyone, he wouldn't at least die.
But that had merely been a process of deciphering the Nature Sword Style—it hadn't even been a proper duel with the Sword Sovereign.
Though Bu Eun-seol was walking his own path, he had no idea how far he had truly progressed.
He was still nowhere near the level where he could contend with a master of the Martial Extreme Realm.
And the Buddhist Venerable before him stood at a realm so unfathomable that his martial prowess was beyond estimation.
Bu Eun-seol couldn't help but feel humbled.
"Had it been a real fight, things might have been different."
As if sensing Bu Eun-seol's thoughts, the Buddhist Venerable spoke calmly.
"But that strange fellow didn't seem interested in fighting this old monk."
Then, with a benevolent smile, he turned to leave.
"Well then—"
"Wait a moment, Great Master. Why did you save me, a member of the Demonic Path?"
"Haven't you consistently done what is right?"
The Buddhist Venerable smiled with pure sincerity.
"Perhaps that is why this old monk's body moved of its own accord, even from such a great distance."
'So that's how it was.'
Before his battle with the Special Divine Rank, Bu Eun-seol had sensed an immense presence moving toward him from the distant sky.
That had been the Buddhist Venerable.
The Buddhist Venerable added one more thing.
"And that is also why you are now hated and attacked by your fellow Demonic Path members."
A strange thought occurred to Bu Eun-seol.
There was no way the Buddhist Venerable was unaware of the Three Realms.
Why, then, did he insist on labeling his attackers as "Demonic Path members"?
'Ah, I see.'
Bu Eun-seol quickly grasped the Buddhist Venerable's underlying meaning.
'The Buddhist Venerable suspects that the Demon Hall's faction was the one who leaked information to the Three Realms.'
But that wasn't the most pressing matter right now.
"Great Master."
Bu Eun-seol immediately clasped his hands together and bowed.
"There is one thing I wish to ask you. I implore you—please do not refuse me an answer."
The Buddhist Venerable's expression turned enigmatic.
What could this young man of the Demonic Path possibly ask that would make him speak with such earnestness and deference?
"Speak."
After briefly scanning his surroundings, Bu Eun-seol took a deep breath and asked:
"Were you aware of the Absolute Demon Saber Project?"
This was both a question and a test.
There was no way the Buddhist Venerablewouldn't know about a project the former abbot of Shaolin had participated in.
If he claimed ignorance?
Then, from this moment onward, the Buddhist Venerable would become Bu Eun-seol's enemy.
"Amitabha."
In an instant, the Buddhist Venerable's deep-set eyes narrowed.
"A matter unknown to anyone in the martial world... Where did you hear of it?"
That response alone was tantamount to admitting he knew of the Absolute Demon Saber Project.
'Thank goodness.'
"While tracking the movements of a master of our hall—the Seven Fingers Demonic Blade, Bu Jan-yang—I happened to hear of it."
"'Happened to,' you say."
The Buddhist Venerable's face, lined with wrinkles like an ancient tree, darkened with profound sorrow.
Shaking his head, he gazed at the distant sky and murmured:
"That was not just this temple's sin—it was the sin of the entire Righteous Faction."
Then, in a low voice, he revealed something utterly shocking.
"Because of a false prophecy, countless people died."
Thud.
Bu Eun-seol's expression was that of a man struck on the back of the head.
Mo-ryun the Dharma Seeker.
He had made a false prophecy—and because of it, countless people had died?
"A false prophecy? What do you mean?"
"The timing."
The Buddhist Venerable spoke in a calm yet resolute voice.
"He miscalculated the timing of when the prophecy would begin."
The Buddhist Venerable shook his head.
"Because of that, not only those who participated in the Absolute Demon Saber Project, but all who knew of it—perished."
"Yet Your Holiness still lives?"
The Buddhist Venerable smiled faintly.
"Does this old monk appear alive to you?"
It was a bitter smile, one whose meaning was impossible to decipher.
Perhaps he had struggled desperately to undo that sin, only to fail in the end.
Or perhaps he had lived on, grieving the deaths of his Shaolin disciples.
"If someone were to see you keeping company with this old monk, your standing would become even more precarious."
It seemed like an abrupt change of subject, but it was true nonetheless.
At present, Bu Eun-seol had not yet secured the full loyalty of the Demonic Path.
Simply engaging in friendly conversation with the Buddhist Venerable could arouse suspicion among countless demonic martial artists.
"Thank you for your concern. But I do not trouble myself with such things."
"That is well."
The Buddhist Venerable chuckled softly and nodded.
"The storms of the martial world are treacherous—always be cautious."
"Thank you."
Bu Eun-seol bowed respectfully, but when he raised his head again, the monk had already vanished like mist.
As if he had never been there at all.
For a long moment, Bu Eun-seol stood frozen.
In the end, the Buddhist Venerable had known everything—and claimed that Mo-ryun the Dharma Seeker's prophecy had been wrong.
Which meant there was a secret within the Absolute Demon Saber Project that even Abbot Dam-jeung of Blood Shaolin was unaware of.
"I must return."
Bu Eun-seol took a deep breath.
"Even after weeding them out, remnants of the Three Realms still lurk."
Investigating the Absolute Demon Saber Project was important, yes.
But right now, he had to return to the Demon Hall and execute every last participant in this ambush.
The Demon Hall was in an uproar.
Bu Eun-seol had been attacked by an unknown faction while returning.
Assaulting the Heir of the Demon Hall was tantamount to challenging the Demon Hall itself.
And when it became known that the assailants had completely surrounded Chaoyang to ambush him, the atmosphere in the Demon Hall turned as brittle as thin ice.
—The main hall. No, could there be moles from an outside faction even within the Secret Shadow Pavilion, the highest intelligence organization of the Demonic Path?
The Martial Soul Lord's movements and return route were strictly concealed by the Death Soul Squad, the intelligence unit under his command.
But from the moment he entered Hunan—
The Secret Shadow Pavilion also managed the information alongside the Death Soul Squad, for the sake of his escort.
Meaning, unless the Death Soul Squad had betrayed him, the leak could only have come from the Secret Shadow Pavilion.
—I will conduct a full investigation of the Secret Shadow Pavilion.
When Bu Eun-seol declared his intent to inspect the Demon Hall's supreme intelligence agency, every figure in the Demon Hall was stunned.
The Secret Shadow Pavilion was no mere intelligence organization.
It answered only to the Demonic Heavenly Emperor, obeying his commands alone.
Even Supreme Cult Commander Yeop Hyo-cheon could only access its information—he could not issue orders.
It was, in effect, the Demonic Heavenly Emperor's direct subordinate.
And now, Bu Eun-seol intended to investigate it.
From the elders who already disliked him... to the Jipma Manor Lord himself, they all rushed to dissuade him.
"You must not interfere with the Secret Shadow Pavilion."
Dan Wol-hon, the Jipma Manor Lord, had come to Bu Eun-seol's office with a grave expression.
"Instead, request an audience with the Hall Lord. That you were attacked is no different from the main hall itself being attacked. Even if he is in seclusion, that is reason enough."
The moment Bu Eun-seol touched the Secret Shadow Pavilion, it would be reduced to devastation.
Because doing so would be no different from challenging the authority of the Demonic Heavenly Emperor.
They absolutely could not allow Bu Eun-seol to force through this investigation.
"That won't do."
But Bu Eun-seol remained firm.
"I have already obtained concrete evidence that information was leaked from the main hall. If we ignore this, the same thing will happen again."
"Then let this Manor Lord meet with the Hall Lord in your stead."
"It's useless."
"Why?"
"Because he isn't here."
Bu Eun-seol knew full well that the Demonic Heavenly Emperor, supposedly in seclusion, was not in the Demon Hall.
Nor did he have any intention of waiting for him to return or leisurely tracking him down.
By then, the Secret Shadow Pavilion would have thoroughly covered its tracks.
"Even so, you cannot do this."
"Why do you say that?"
"The moment you interfere with the Secret Shadow Pavilion, the Supreme Cult Commander will immediately strip you of your position."
Dan Wol-hon's expression was severe.
"Do you think this Manor Lord is indulging you out of fondness?"
There was only one reason he was so desperately trying to stop Bu Eun-seol.
For the sake of his daughter, Dan So-ok.
If Bu Eun-seol were to fall from grace, his daughter—soon to become the Chief of Staff—would be heartbroken.
"You must consider those under your care as well."
Seeing that his words weren't getting through, Dan Wol-hon softened his tone.
"What of So-ok—no, what of your subordinates, who live only for your sake?"
After a brief silence, Bu Eun-seol spoke as if conceding.
"Then, Manor Lord, grant me just one request."
"A request?"
Bu Eun-seol drew a thin booklet from his sleeve.
"What is this?"
Dan Wol-hon opened it curiously—inside was a detailed record of the Demon Hall's military forces and organizational structure.
"Is this the personnel registry of the main hall?"
"Something like that."
Bu Eun-seol's voice was firm.
"Investigate those marked in red. Among them are those colluding with outside factions."
"You want this Manor Lord to investigate the main hall's personnel in your stead?"
"Doesn't the Manor Lord already oversee most of the main hall's forces?"
Bu Eun-seol's expression was relaxed.
"No one will question you for inspecting your own subordinates. There will be far less resistance, too."
For a moment, Dan Wol-hon's thick eyebrows twitched.
He had humored the boy for his daughter's sake—
And now, this brat was trying to use him, a figure ranked within the top five of the Demon Hall's hierarchy, as his personal investigator?
If he did as Bu Eun-seol asked—
He would become a laughingstock, the Jipma Manor Lord obeying the Martial Soul Lord's orders.
No matter how much he might be a prospective son-in-law for his daughter, this was an excessive demand.
"I must refuse."
Dan Wol-hon rose from his seat, clasped his hands behind his back, and spoke coldly.
"Did you truly expect the head of Jipma Manor to comply with such a request? You still have much to learn."
His voice was icy.
"To hold such a position and yet be utterly incapable of reading people—pathetic."
With a scoff, he turned sharply on his heel.
"I'll take my leave."
At that, Bu Eun-seol pressed his palms together and bowed in courtesy.
"My gratitude."
"For what?"
"Even so, you considered my position and came here personally."
Dan Wol-hon paused mid-step, as if struck by the words, but soon strode out of the office.
Click.
Not long after Dan Wol-hon left, Yu Un-ryong, dressed in the attire of a scholar, entered with a grave expression.
"Even for you, this was too much."
"..."
"The head of Jipma Manor came here in person out of respect for your standing. And you hand him a ledger, asking him to conduct the investigation for you? He's not even your adjutant!"
Yu Un-ryong spoke as though he couldn't comprehend it.
"Besides, if we've already identified all the suspicious individuals, why not just investigate them ourselves? What's the point of dragging this out?"
"They're fakes."
"Huh?"
"We couldn't actually identify the suspects. Whoever orchestrated this was confident enough to erase all traces—enough to attempt an assassination on me."
Yu Un-ryong's mouth fell open.
"What? Then why show him that ledger? What if Dan Wol-hon does investigate the so-called suspects?"
"He's a man of immense pride. Even if I had begged him to merely glance at the ledger, he wouldn't have deigned to look."
Bu Eun-seol lifted his teacup with an unhurried expression.
"However, he would intervene if I were to dismantle the Secret Shadow Pavilion. He dotes on his daughter too much for that."
"So even the rumor about thoroughly searching the Secret Shadow Pavilion was—?"
"Correct. Merely a fabrication to lure Dan Wol-hon here."
Bu Eun-seol's eyes narrowed slightly.
"After this, Dan Wol-hon will be utterly convinced that I've identified all suspicious figures within the Demon Hall and intend to investigate them."
"..."
"And that rumor will spread through his subordinates."
He smiled faintly at Yu Un-ryong.
"Once such a rumor circulates, the Secret Shadow Pavilion won't be able to remain idle."
"Whether it's fake or real... if they do nothing, there's a real chance the Secret Shadow Pavilion could be obliterated?"
"Precisely."
Yu Un-ryong's jaw slackened.
He knew Bu Eun-seol was a brilliant strategist, but to exploit someone's goodwill like this—
"This isn't like you."
"What do you mean?"
"Gongson Dan-gyeong—you've been influenced by her, haven't you?"
Yu Un-ryong's expression darkened.
"Using people's goodwill and relationships in your schemes. That's Chief Strategist Gongson's specialty."
He wasn't wrong.
This stratagem was something Bu Eun-seol had naturally picked up after spending so much time with Gongson Dan-gyeong.
"Besides, the master of the Secret Shadow Pavilion might see through your plan."
"Of course, that's possible."
Bu Eun-seol's gaze was unwavering, filled with conviction.
"But what if, by some chance, it's real? What if the Secret Shadow Pavilion is truly gutted?"
"Then... the Demonic Heavenly Emperor's authority would crumble."
"Exactly."
A faint smile played on Bu Eun-seol's lips.
"The master of the Secret Shadow Pavilion would never allow that."
Yet despite his calm words, a bloody light flickered in his pupils.
"He won't just bring us the tail—he'll deliver at least a torso worth of satisfaction."
Yu Un-ryong felt a chill.
Bu Eun-seol was indeed a master strategist, but he had never been the type to exploit others' goodwill for his schemes.
Of course, one could dismiss this incident as trivial, but—
He suddenly worried that Bu Eun-seol was becoming tainted by Gongson Dan-gyeong's cold-blooded cunning.
"I understand what you're saying, but..."
Yu Un-ryong nodded slowly, his voice low.
"Don't use schemes like this again. If Dan Wol-hon ever finds out, he'll be deeply disappointed."
No one would want their genuine goodwill to be exploited.
Yu Un-ryong feared that such tactics might erode the goodwill Dan Wol-hon held for Bu Eun-seol.
"Lately, the Demon Hall—no, the entire Demonic Path—hasn't been favorable toward us, has it?"
The recent incident involving Hyeokryeon Eung had led Bu Eun-seol to weaken the Demon Hall's forces once again.
And now, flipping the Secret Shadow Pavilion on its head... It was only natural to worry.
"Understood."
Bu Eun-seol nodded.
"I'll ensure it doesn't happen again."
The easy agreement made Yu Un-ryong sigh even as he nodded.
He knew all too well that Bu Eun-seol didn't care whether the Demon Hall or the Martial Alliance collapsed.
Bu Eun-seol's prediction was precise.
Only a day after Dan Wol-hon's visit, the master of the Secret Shadow Pavilion abruptly sent an envoy, requesting a private audience.
In the history of the Demon Hall, the Secret Shadow Pavilion's master had never requested a private meeting with anyone other than the Demonic Heavenly Emperor.
It was an unprecedented event.
Yet Bu Eun-seol responded thus:
―If you wish to see this lord, set a date and come to the Hidden Demon Pavilion in person.
The Secret Shadow Pavilion's master, his pride deeply wounded, remained silent for a long time.
But in the end, he had no choice but to comply.
This matter was far too critical to let pride stand in the way.
―Very well. I shall visit tomorrow around the Mi Period.
Upon receiving the reply, Bu Eun-seol commanded Yu Un-ryong:
"Instruct the commanders of the Death Shadow War Unit. At the appointed time, they are to mobilize their troops and go to the Secret Shadow Pavilion with their troops and receive its master there."
Yu Un-ryong couldn't suppress a laugh upon hearing the order.
If the Death Shadow War Unit's commanders marched their forces to greet the Secret Shadow Pavilion's master at the designated time—
It would look as though they were escorting a criminal to the Hidden Demon Pavilion.
"Is that really necessary?"
"The Demonic Path is ruled by authority and power alone."
Bu Eun-seol spoke nonchalantly.
"Until now, the people of this hall believed the Secret Shadow Pavilion's master held a higher standing than the Martial Soul Lord."
"..."
"But if they witness this spectacle, the world's gaze will shift."
Yu Un-ryong's lips parted slightly.
Ever since joining the Martial Alliance...
Bu Eun-seol had gained an even more precise and penetrating ability to read people's hearts.