Chapter 566
"Miss."
Bu Eun-seol asked with utmost sincerity, his expression brimming with anticipation.
"Is it certain that the Baekri Clan has vanished?"
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, could they be secretly continuing their lineage and martial activities like the Yang Clan?"
"Hmm. As far as I know, the Baekri Clan truly self-destructed."
Bu Eun-seol furrowed his brow.
"Then is there any way to immediately identify this so-called Heavenly Darkness Star?"
Yang Seol-rin shook her head.
"No. The Heavenly Darkness Star doesn't emit light in the first place. The only times it shines are when its power is unleashed... or when its bearer awakens to their destiny."
"When its power is unleashed... and when they awaken to their destiny."
"Exactly."
She continued calmly.
"But the Earthly Killing Star can be found soon enough. The more slaughter it commits, the more its energy thrives. Of course, that also means it grows stronger."
"I see."
The explanation about the Earthly Killing Star was irrelevant.
Bu Eun-seol was solely interested in the Heavenly Darkness Star.
After all, there was a chance that very person might be the one who killed his grandfather.
"Then does that mean if the Heavenly Darkness Star neither uses its power nor awakens to its destiny... it could remain hidden forever?"
"No, not quite."
"Why not?"
"Because they bear the destiny of the Heavenly Darkness Star."
Yang Seol-rin spoke with unwavering certainty.
"No one can ever escape their fate."
Bu Eun-seol's gaze turned heavy as he stared into empty space.
Every superlative martial expert and faction he had encountered so far all devoutly believed in the doctrine of fate.
Was destiny truly inescapable?
'Even if the Baekri Clan Leader is the Heavenly Darkness Star...'
Bu Eun-seol shook his head.
Even if the Baekri Clan had secretly continued their lineage, and even if Baekri Mu-jo was the Heavenly Darkness Star...
There was no way to confirm or distinguish it right now.
Moreover, if Baekri Mu-jo truly descended from the legendary Baekri Clan, would he really have kept the surname "Baekri"?
A man who pursued perfection to that extent?
The likelihood was vanishingly small.
'In the end, the answer circles back to one thing.'
The movements of the Seven Great Leaders were perfectly concealed by the Ten Thousand Reflections Hall.
Even the Divine Calculator, presumed to be the alliance leader, couldn't find the culprit...
Ultimately, Bu Eun-seol himself would have to rise to the position of leader, combine the Ten Thousand Reflections Hall's supreme intelligence with the Death Soul Squad under his overwhelming authority, and—
Only then could he stand on equal footing and uncover the culprit.
'But.'
Baekri Mu-jo had treated Bu Eun-seol exceptionally well and was, by nature, a likable figure.
He couldn't bring himself to believe that such a man could be the brutal murderer of his grandfather.
'Since there's no telling when I'll become a leader, I must set aside personal feelings.'
Bu Eun-seol took a deep breath.
After untangling the complex web of matters before him... he resolved to investigate Baekri Mu-jo as his top priority.
"I see."
Having cleared his thoughts, Bu Eun-seol spoke with composed calm.
"Take this road to Xi'an and plant a black flag at the Great Peace Inn. It's the largest inn in the Bu Estate, so it shouldn't be hard to find. Once you do..."
He explained in detail how she should contact his unit members.
Then, struck by a thought, he added,
"But if you use my information network, the fact that you're pursuing the Earthly Killing Star might leak. So..."
"It doesn't matter. I wasn't exactly being discreet to begin with."
A glint flashed in Bu Eun-seol's eyes.
Her words were, in effect, an admission—
The Yang Clan was no mere reclusive family.
They had been covertly active in the martial world all along.
"Even if factions from the Orthodox and Unorthodox Paths chase the Earthly Killing Star, it won't matter."
Yang Seol-rin wore an expression of absolute confidence.
"After all, I'm the only one who can find it."
Though nothing was certain,
Tracking the Earthly Killing Star didn't seem like something achievable just by mobilizing intelligence networks.
"What if someone else kills it? Would that not matter either?"
"Of course, capturing it alive would be ideal. The Earthly Killing Star is born with an exceptionally long lifespan. But..."
She shrugged as if recalling something.
"Even if it's killed, it doesn't matter. It'll take twenty or thirty years for another to appear."
"I see."
Bu Eun-seol nodded, though her words didn't sit right with him.
The idea that a being with such vicious instincts and grotesque power could endlessly reincarnate—dying and being reborn—
Was something he found hard to believe.
"I hope everything resolves smoothly."
Swallowing his myriad thoughts, Bu Eun-seol clasped his hands respectfully. Yang Seol-rin grinned in response.
"We'll meet again."
Her pupils weren't fixed on his face but on the heavens above.
For a moment, Bu Eun-seol felt something peculiar.
"Don't tell me I also have some kind of constellation?"
"Who knows?"
She smiled mysteriously.
Her eyes, reflecting the moonlight, were pure yet enchantingly mesmerizing—
As if holding secrets deeper than the abyss.
Saaa—
A faint breeze brushed through her hair—
And in the next instant, Yang Seol-rin was gone.
***
Having resolved matters at the Profound Heaven Sword Gate, Bu Eun-seol immediately returned to the Demon Hall.
But as he entered the Sichuan region, he received an urgent message from the Death Soul Squad.
A direct summons from Seo Jin-ha.
"Baek Mu-seong has already become a first-grade commander."
Seo Jin-ha's expression was somewhat grave when they met at a secret safehouse in Sichuan.
"That's likely why the Hall Master of Ascending Martial immediately ordered your return to the Martial Alliance. He must be absolutely furious."
Seo Jin-ha had been traveling the Rivers and Lakes as Seon-u Jin, gathering various pieces of information.
But during that time, Baek Mu-seong had accomplished great feats and risen to the rank of First-Rate Commander.
At this rate, it was only a matter of time before he reached Hall Master rank.
Yuk Jang-cheon had every reason to be seething with anger.
"What should we do?"
Seo Jin-ha wore a troubled expression.
"If you return empty-handed this time, they might start restricting your future travels through the Rivers and Lakes."
Until now, because Bu Eun-seol had consistently achieved remarkable feats,
Yuk Jang-cheon hadn't paid much attention to Seon-u Jin's information-gathering excursions.
But in this situation, he would undoubtedly impose sanctions on such wanderings.
'How fortunate.'
Bu Eun-seol's eyes gleamed as something occurred to him.
"Don't worry. That won't happen."
"How?"
"There's a way. Leave it to me."
Bu Eun-seol spoke decisively.
"I'll go to the Martial Alliance. You return to the Demon Hall and wrap up the Profound Heaven Sword Gate matter."
"Ah, I heard bits and pieces. What exactly happened?"
Bu Eun-seol explained in detail the events at the Profound Heaven Sword Gate.
He also relayed everything about Yang Seol-rin.
"What a headache."
Seo Jin-ha clicked his tongue, visibly shocked.
"If everything she said is true, aren't we just flailing around in the dark right now?"
He furrowed his brow.
"And it's all too coincidental."
"What do you mean?"
"Even if the Profound Heaven Sword Gate Master's Child Body White Bones ritual was the trigger that led to the Earthly Killing Star being misunderstood... what if she really is from the Yangseol Family? Couldn't she have known everything and deliberately lured you in?"
Seo Jin-ha's gaze sharpened.
"It's also suspicious how easily she spilled such secrets to a complete stranger like you."
"I don't take all her words at face value either. Even if our meeting was part of a meticulous plan, or if there's another mastermind behind it..."
Bu Eun-seol inhaled deeply and shook his head.
"Something about it didn't feel like a baseless lie."
"Hmm."
Seo Jin-ha let out a contemplative hum.
At first, he had thought this was simply about revenge.
He believed they just needed to help Bu Eun-seol uncover the true nature of the factions that had overturned the Rivers and Lakes.
But as time passed, it felt more like an unfathomably massive monster was slowly creeping into view.
"Well, there'll be an ending one way or another."
Seo Jin-ha shook his head and forced a brighter expression.
After all, Bu Eun-seol was someone who could unravel a thousand thoughts and weave ten thousand plans.
There was no need for him to dwell on dark speculations.
"Let's deal with the Martial Alliance's business first."
Crack.
Seo Jin-ha immediately disguised himself as Bu Eun-seol.
"I'll go ahead. Hang in there."
With a cheerful expression, he left the safe house first.
"..."
Left alone in the safe house, Bu Eun-seol stood motionless for a long time, his gaze hollow.
"The tip of the iceberg, huh?"
Even if what he was seeing was just the tip, it didn't matter. He wasn't even curious about what secrets lurked in the Abyss below.
But... fate seemed determined to drag him down there.
"I'll shatter that fate."
Crack.
Disguised as Seon-u Jin, Bu Eun-seol immediately headed for the Martial Alliance.
The moment he returned,
just as Seo Jin-ha had predicted, Yuk Jang-cheon summoned him at once.
"Commander Seon-u, what in the world have you been doing?!"
Inside the Hall of Ascending Martial, Yuk Jang-cheon's office.
Yuk Jang-cheon was shouting louder than ever before.
"Why do you keep wandering the Rivers and Lakes at such a critical time? There's already more than enough work to handle—why are you wasting time?!"
His face was contorted with frustration.
He had thought the gap between him and his long-time rival, the Lord of Dragon Coil Hall, was widening.
But with Baek Mu-seong's sudden rise, the situation had reversed.
Worse, while Bu Eun-seol was absent, Baek Mu-seong had been racking up achievements and rapidly climbing the ranks, making Yuk Jang-cheon all the more impatient.
"While you were gallivanting around the Rivers and Lakes, Baek Mu-seong—that man—has been steadily accumulating merit under the Dragon Coil Hall's Lord and has already become a First-Rate Commander!"
"..."
"Rumors are spreading that he'll soon rise to Hall Master rank! What exactly are you planning to do about this?!"
Bu Eun-seol, who had been silently listening, slowly opened his mouth.
"Please don't worry. My continued travels through the Rivers and Lakes were precisely for this reason."
"What reason?"
"Commander Baek's original status, position, connections, fame... I couldn't possibly surpass all that overnight, could I?"
"Well, of course not."
"And it was obvious from the start that he'd rise through the ranks much faster than me, even for the same achievements."
As Bu Eun-seol's clear eyes gleamed, Yuk Jang-cheon's expression softened slightly, and he nodded.
He recalled how, every time Bu Eun-seol accomplished something, it wasn't just his martial prowess—
but also his Mystic Calculation Strategy that had resolved countless issues.
"So... you went to the Rivers and Lakes to address that?"
"Exactly."
"How?"
"While agonizing over how to surpass Commander Baek's achievements in one stroke, I happened to obtain new information."
Bu Eun-seol glanced around before lowering his voice.
"The Great Killing Star will soon emerge, bringing a great Blood Calamity upon the Rivers and Lakes."
"The Great Killing Star?"
"Indeed."
Bu Eun-seol's expression was utterly grave.
"A figure from the Yangxue Family has appeared."
And then he explained how the legendary Yangxue Family of Murim had emerged, revealing that they had long been imprisoning the Earthly Killing Star—and how that very Earthly Killing Star had now broken free and was secretly wreaking bloodshed.
'They have been active in Murim for a long time.'
This was something even he, the Heir of the Demon Hall, hadn't known until he encountered Yang Seol-rin.
If the high-ranking officials of the Martial Alliance were aware of these things? Every plan he had laid out so far would need to be completely revised.
That was why Bu Eun-seol was testing the waters through Yuk Jang-cheon.
"Hoh, does that even make sense?"
Yuk Jang-cheon furrowed his brow.
"I've heard legends about the Yangxue Family, but..."
He paused briefly, tilting his head in thought.
"Suddenly claiming they've appeared to divine the will of heaven, or that they've imprisoned the Earthly Killing Star for the sake of Murim—it all sounds rather far-fetched."
"I didn't believe it either. But a figure presumed to be from the Yangxue Family has forcibly sealed one of the sword sects of Qinghai."
"That Qinghai sword sect?"
"Correct."
"Are you certain?"
"It's confirmed intelligence from the Demonic Path."
Bu Eun-seol disclosed all the information without reservation.
Partly to ensure no complications arose even if an investigation were launched—
But more importantly, to observe Yuk Jang-cheon's genuine reaction.
"Hmm."
As he listened to the entire story, a flicker of displeasure passed through Yuk Jang-cheon's eyes.
As a high-ranking official of the Martial Alliance, he too operated an elite intelligence network in secret.
But not just the Martial Alliance's—
Even his own intelligence network had never picked up anything remotely similar.
Which meant that this man, Seon-u Jin, had established his own independent information network.
Rather than being pleased by his subordinate's exceptional competence, Yuk Jang-cheon was wary.
"Commander Seon-u must have gone through great hardship to uncover this. So?"
'He doesn't know.'
Bu Eun-seol could be certain now.
Yuk Jang-cheon was not someone who had glimpsed the Abyss of Murim.
If he had, he would never have reacted like this upon hearing about the Yangxue Family.
Because Seon-u Jin was not someone who could peer into—or even approach—the Abyss of Murim.
'This is for the better.'
Bu Eun-seol inwardly sighed in relief.
If Yuk Jang-cheon had been someone who knew about the Yangxue Family or the One Hundred and Eight Stars?
He would have had to proceed with extreme caution in all future plans.
"It's also said that the Earthly Killing Star grows stronger with each life he takes. If that's true, events that will overturn Murim are about to unfold."
"Grows stronger with each life he takes...?"
Yuk Jang-cheon nodded faintly.
Among martial artists, there were many with unique constitutions, severed meridians, or innate energies and abilities.
Weren't there even the Four Divine Beings, born with the power of nature within them from the start?
The idea of growing stronger through repeated slaughter didn't sound so absurd.
"Then shouldn't this Hall Master refrain from acting?"
If this being called the Earthly Killing Star had truly appeared in the martial world—and if he grew stronger by continuously killing people—
The incident would spiral beyond control.
The Martial Alliance would declare him a Public Enemy of the Martial World, and then it wouldn't be the Hall of Martial Ascension but the Seven Great Battle Corps that would mobilize.
"Correct. To prepare for that, the Hall Master must deploy the intelligence network to track the movements of the suspected Earthly Killing Star in advance."
"Hmm."
"Then, once the situation has escalated sufficiently, convene the Grand Council."
"The Grand Council?"
"Indeed. By then, this Hall will have sensed the unusual signs and gathered all this information—making it known to all."
"The Grand Council isn't so easily convened. Unless hosted by the Alliance Leader himself, it would take at least a month."
Bu Eun-seol nodded.
"That's precisely what we'll exploit."
"Oh?"
"By the time the Hall Master requests a private audience with the Vice Alliance Leader to propose the Grand Council's agenda, it won't seem out of the ordinary. But by the time the council is convened... the martial world will already be in the throes of the Great Blood Calamity."
"Ho."
Yuk Jang-cheon let out an impressed exclamation.
But then, as if struck by a thought, his brow furrowed again.
"If what you say is true... by then, the Earthly Killing Star will have become an overwhelmingly powerful force. Can even the peak-level unit handle him?"
"This time, it won't be me."
"Oh?"
A flash passed through Bu Eun-seol's eyes.
"The Hall Master will personally descend into the martial world and subdue him."
"Ah, now that's bold!"
Yuk Jang-cheon slapped his knee.
If a Great Killing Star emerged to unleash a blood calamity upon Murim—and he himself crushed it—
Even if the Martial Alliance didn't acknowledge it, the martial world would recognize it as a monumental achievement.
That would firmly stamp his credentials as the next Leader.
"You've worked hard. And I apologize."
Yuk Jang-cheon stepped forward and clasped Bu Eun-seol's shoulders with both hands.
"I didn't realize you were laboring day and night like this—and in my impatience, I spoke words that must have stung."
"Not at all."
Bu Eun-seol replied humbly.
"I merely strive to do my best, as the Hall Master has placed his trust in me."
"Hu hu hu."
Yuk Jang-cheon smiled broadly and nodded.
"Prepare a detailed report on what you've learned about the Yangxue Family and the Earthly Killing Star. And report anything the peak masters uncover immediately."
Yuk Jang-cheon spoke calmly.
"I shall gather that information myself and immediately seek out those who match the profile of the Earthly Killing Star. And when the matter escalates, I will promptly report to the Vice Alliance Leader."
"Understood. Then I shall return at once and submit a detailed report."
"Very well. You've worked hard."
Bu Eun-seol immediately turned and exited the office.
Still a sly fox, as ever.
A cold smile lingered at the corner of Bu Eun-seol's lips.
Had Yuk Jang-cheon truly trusted him completely, there would have been no need for him to personally gather intelligence. He would have disclosed all operational intelligence networks and entrusted their command and management to Bu Eun-seol.
But Yuk Jang-cheon had merely ordered him to report what he had uncovered.
That meant, in some corner of his heart—
He still did not fully trust him. He was uneasy.
Good. This works in my favor.
Had there been no secret pact with Gongson Dan-gyeong, Bu Eun-seol might have struggled desperately to earn Yuk Jang-cheon's trust.
But now, it didn't matter.
If he was to become the leader, Yuk Jang-cheon was merely another competitor to be removed.
This is the perfect opportunity to eliminate some of Yuk Jang-cheon's trusted subordinates as well.
Bu Eun-seol planned to exploit Yuk Jang-cheon's distrust—
To sow suspicion among his intelligence network and closest aides.
And for such a plan, there was a perfect candidate.
None other than the Chief Strategist, Gongson Dan-gyeong.
Just as butchers slaughter livestock and carve meat every day—
The martial world is a place where blades are drawn against people daily.
Life and death hang by the edge of a sword, and today's victor may become tomorrow's defeated.
There are no eternal winners or losers—
Only those who live precarious lives. Such are the people of Murim.
Because of this unique nature, figures known as Killing Ghosts periodically emerge in the martial world.
Killing Ghosts—
Those who, after endless battles, become addicted to the pleasure of slaughter.
That pleasure is more addictive than opium.
Eventually, if they do not kill periodically, they succumb to a complete madness—Slaughter Frenzy.
—A Killing Ghost has appeared!
As always, a new Killing Ghost had emerged.
This one was first sighted in a small region of Qinghai.
Night after night, the ghost sought out minor martial halls and slaughtered the warriors within.
Afterward, as if ordinary people no longer satisfied its taste, it targeted only martial artists.
As time passed, the ghost's crimes grew bolder—
It began hunting down renowned figures in the martial world, even wiping out larger martial halls.
—Capture this monster!
As the number of victims grew endlessly—
The families and close friends of the slain hired martial artists and mercenaries to pursue the killer.
But this Killing Ghost's martial prowess was extraordinary.
None succeeded in catching it—instead, entire groups were massacred.
Meanwhile, as rumors of the ghost spread among the martial world, Yuk Jang-cheon rejoiced.
—That must be the Earthly Killing Star.
Those born under the Earthly Killing Star grow stronger with each slaughter, their frenzy deepening.
Soon, the entire martial world would be overturned.
Having already mobilized intelligence networks to track the star's movements—
All that remained was to convene a grand council, disclose the gathered information, and eliminate the threat.
—The Killing Ghost annihilated the Sword-Refining Sect.
By now, the ghost had reached Sichuan, wiping out even the Sword-Refining Sect, one of the Righteous Sects.
Though it was only a second-rate sect, it was affiliated with the Martial Alliance.
Interest in the ghost grew, and now the Alliance had justification to intervene.
Once the grand council was called and the matter discussed, by the time Yuk Jang-cheon made his move—
The Earthly Killing Star would be in the throes of unstoppable slaughter.
And if Yuk Jang-cheon captured it?
He would become a hero who saved countless lives—
The Savior Star.
Martial Alliance, Justice Pavilion.
This was the residence of Vice Alliance Leader Bukri Seung.
In his youth, he had served as head of the Extermination Hall, tasked with rooting out and destroying vile organizations that secretly infiltrated the martial world.
Through relentless achievements, he had climbed to the position of Vice Alliance Leader—a legendary figure.
But now, he resembled a bureaucrat more than a warrior.
This was because the Alliance Leader, Jeong Cheon-je, was often absent.
In his stead, Bukri Seung managed the six great halls (excluding the Seven Great Battle Corps) and hall master-ranked figures, laboring endlessly until his bones ached.
As if to prove the burden of his duties, Bukri Seung's face was gaunt, his eyes shadowed.
The only saving grace was—
Gongson Dan-gyeong, newly appointed as Chief Strategist, handled most affairs efficiently on her own.
Thus, he had not yet collapsed from exhaustion.
"Hmm."
Bukri Seung blinked his weary eyes as he regarded Yuk Jang-cheon, who had requested an audience.
"What a curious coincidence."
After taking a deep breath, Bukri Seung spoke.
"Just this morning, Hall Master Yong came to me with the same opinion as you."
Yuk Jang-cheon looked as if he had been struck from behind.
"What do you mean?"
"Exactly that. Hall Master Yong also claimed that the Killing Ghost may become the Great Killing Star, capable of unleashing a great Blood Calamity upon the martial world."
Bukri Seung stroked his chin.
"He insisted it must be dealt with before it escalates into mass slaughter."
"Did the Lord of Dragon Coil Hall say this himself?"
At Yuk Jang-cheon's urgent question, Bukri Seung shook his head with utter calm.
"No, not directly."
Thank heavens.
Just as Yuk Jang-cheon exhaled in relief, Bukri Seung delivered a shocking statement.
"He said he would send Baek Mu-seong—Chief Baek—into the martial world to handle it."