Chapter 567
Yuk Jang-cheon's face darkened to the color of ink.
'Does this mean the Dragon Coil Hall is making its move after all?'
He bit his lip.
Not a single intelligence organization within the Martial Alliance had detected any trace of the Killing Ghost.
Only Seon-u Jin, who had ventured into the Rivers and Lakes, had stumbled upon the information by chance.
So how could the Hall Leader of the Dragon Coil Hall have obtained such intelligence simultaneously?
"Are you saying the Hall Leader of the Dragon Coil Hall has pinpointed the Killing Ghost's location?"
"That, I do not know. However—"
Bukri Seung stroked his chin as he spoke.
"He mentioned suspicions around Sichuan and proposed sending investigators there."
In that instant, the strength drained from Yuk Jang-cheon's entire body.
'The information has leaked.'
After hearing about the Earthly Killing Star from Seon-u Jin,
Yuk Jang-cheon had immediately mobilized his own intelligence network to conduct a thorough investigation.
He had confirmed the credibility of the reports regarding the Earthly Killing Star and uncovered evidence of the Killing Ghost's emergence.
Following that, he had meticulously tracked the Killing Ghost's movements and completed his own investigation.
Ultimately, he had discovered that the killer was secretly committing massacres near the borders of Sichuan.
Yet, barely days after obtaining such intelligence—
How could the Hall Leader of the Dragon Coil Hall already possess detailed knowledge of the Killing Ghost, whose existence remained unknown to the martial world?
Moreover, dispatching Baek Mu-seong to handle the matter now...
Wasn't this a deliberate move to counter him, as if anticipating his own direct intervention?
'Did Cheong-a do this?'
Yuk Cheong-a oversaw all intelligence and internal affairs of the Hall of Martial Ascension,
so she had a vague understanding of Yuk Jang-cheon's secret organization and the identities of his closest operatives.
'Or has Chief Yeok betrayed me?'
Chief Yeok was responsible for operating Yuk Jang-cheon's intelligence network.
If the leak had come from within, the culprits were most likely one of those two.
'Besides, if we eliminate him now... wouldn't it just be killing some random Killing Ghost and nothing more?'
Yuk Jang-cheon's original plan had been to feed Bukri Seung information about the Killing Ghost and convene a Grand Justice Assembly.
Even as the assembly was being prepared, the killings would continue unabated.
By the time the assembly commenced in about a month,
the Killing Ghost would have committed atrocities so vast that he would deserve the title of Great Killing Star.
At that point, Yuk Jang-cheon intended to reveal every piece of intelligence he had gathered, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
He would then personally descend into the Rivers and Lakes to eliminate the Killing Ghost, leaving an indelible impression on the High Command.
But to dispose of the killer at this stage?
'This is a clear message—they won't let me claim the credit.'
As Yuk Jang-cheon gritted his teeth,
"Though I must say, it's rather strange."
Bukri Seung narrowed his eyes and spoke.
"Both Hall Leaders used the same phrasing. The term 'Great Killing Star' hasn't been used since Hyeol Mu-geuk, who was called the Heavenly Killing Star three hundred years ago."
The term "Great Killing Star" typically referred to
a terrifying Great Demonic Person who had unleashed bloodshed on an unimaginable scale.
But such a title had fallen out of use
after Hyeol Mu-geuk, who three hundred years ago had slaughtered martial artists and commoners alike without mercy.
Yet now, two high-ranking figures of the Martial Alliance
were boldly declaring that a mere Killing Ghost, who had only just begun operating in Qinghai, could become a Great Killing Star... Bukri Seung found it somewhat puzzling.
Yuk Jang-cheon quickly defended himself.
"Upon hearing of the Killing Ghost's appearance, I conducted a thorough investigation, and this was the conclusion. Though it's not yet definitive."
"I see. Then what do you propose?"
Bukri Seung rubbed his tired face and stroked his chin.
"It hardly seems like a matter requiring a Grand Justice Assembly... Yet for the Hall Master of the Hall of Martial Ascension to personally intervene wouldn't reflect well either."
Though Baek Mu-seong was hailed as a transcendent Grandmaster who defied age and generation, his official rank was merely that of a first-rate commander in the Martial Alliance.
But if Yuk Jang-cheon, the Palm King of the Four Gods and Seven Kings, stepped forward to handle the same mission?
It would only tarnish his divine prestige and dignity.
"There's no other choice."
Regaining his composure, he forced a smile and replied.
"Then this Hall will first dispatch commanders or hall leaders to eliminate him."
"Very well."
Bukri Seung smiled faintly.
"I hadn't realized the Hall Master of the Hall of Martial Ascension was so deeply invested in the affairs of the Rivers and Lakes, given how devoted you usually are to the Alliance's internal duties."
Yuk Jang-cheon maintained his strained smile.
Though it was meant as a compliment of sorts,
to Yuk Jang-cheon—who had focused solely on missions assigned by the Alliance in his bid to become a division chief—it sounded more like a veiled jab.
"Then."
As he stepped out of the Justice Pavilion, Yuk Jang-cheon swallowed his boiling rage and clenched his teeth.
"To think I'd miss this golden opportunity to prove my worth as the Hall Master of the Heavenly Martial Brigade in the eyes of the High Command...?"
Clutching his bitter heart, Yuk Jang-cheon returned to the Hall of Ascending Martial Arts.
And immediately summoned Bu Eun-seol once more.
"What do you mean by this?"
Bu Eun-seol, having heard the full account from Yuk Jang-cheon, wore an expression of shock.
"Then what happens to all the plans we've prepared until now?"
"Forget them. There's nothing we can do in this situation."
As Yuk Jang-cheon suppressed his anger and spoke, Bu Eun-seol shook his head.
"Even if the Hall Master doesn't step in, you must gather the Hall's units and current Hall Masters. We can't just hand over the credit for eliminating the Killing Ghost to the Dragon Coil Hall, can we?"
"Right now, that man is merely a killer who committed a few massacres in Qinghai Province before crossing into Sichuan. We can't mobilize the full might of our Hall for something like this."
Yuk Jang-cheon gritted his teeth as he spoke.
"Moreover, the Dragon Coil Hall's lord only dispatched Baek Mu-seong and his unit members. If I were to deploy our entire force, it would only invite ridicule."
"..."
"People would say I threw everything I had just to steal another's achievement."
After a brief pause to steady his breath, flames seemed to blaze fiercely in Yuk Jang-cheon's eyes.
"Now there's only one way. You must step forward."
"Me?"
"Lead the Supreme Unit and track down that Earthly Killing Star. Then eliminate him faster than Baek Mu-seong can."
Yuk Jang-cheon took a deep breath.
"Baek Mu-seong—there's already talk of elevating him to the position of Hall Master. We can't afford to let him claim another achievement."
He looked straight at Bu Eun-seol and spoke with finality.
"With the martial prowess you displayed in slaying the Heavenly Human Cult's leader, an unrefined killer like this should be no match for you."
Then his brow furrowed.
"Just in case, let me make this clear. Even if you find yourself in a life-or-death situation—you must never, under any circumstances, join forces with Baek Mu-seong. Do you understand?"
In other words, even if Bu Eun-seol were pushed to the brink of death, he was not to accept Baek Mu-seong's aid—lest the man claim another accomplishment.
'As expected. This is the limit of his caliber.'
Bu Eun-seol inwardly sneered.
Now he understood why Yuk Jang-cheon, despite creating the illustrious Nine Heavens Society and serving as its leader, had met such a miserable fate.
At the very least, the head of an organization should know how to consider the safety of his subordinates.
Because those subordinates—they too are people with emotions and thoughts.
Yet Yuk Jang-cheon regarded his underlings as mere tools to be used for his own achievements.
And ultimately, it was precisely this mindset that led to his own organization—and even his daughter—turning their backs on him.
"Understood."
Concealing his true feelings, Bu Eun-seol clasped his hands together.
Upon leaving the Hall, he and his unit members meticulously reviewed the traces of the killer said to possess the Earthly Killing Star's energy.
'The Earthly Killing Star isn't just a being of brute strength.'
Had he not possessed cunning intellect, he could never have escaped the Yang Family Manor in the first place.
He must have known pursuers were after him and was deliberately obscuring his trail.
'And Yang Seol-rin—she must also be scouring the Sichuan region, no?'
Bu Eun-seol had provided Yang Seol-rin with full access to his information network and troops to aid her search.
Moreover, the Yang Family likely had its own intelligence channels—she might even locate the killer faster than he could.
'This time, it's best to leave the credit entirely to her.'
From the start, Bu Eun-seol had no intention of capturing the Earthly Killing Star himself.
He was certain Yang Seol-rin would be the one to do it.
This entire plan was merely to justify why "Seon-u Jin" absolutely had to venture into the Martial World.
"Great Leader."
Tae Mu-ryong, who had been watching Bu Eun-seol lost in thought, finally spoke.
"Is there another approach we should take?"
Snapping out of his contemplation, Bu Eun-seol nodded.
"Rather than mobilizing the entire unit immediately, I should first assess the situation alone."
"You mean to venture into the Martial World by yourself again? That won't do."
Tae Mu-ryong's expression turned grave.
"Though it hasn't spread widely yet, this killer's martial prowess is truly formidable. There's a real risk you could end up in danger, Great Leader."
"I won't engage him."
Bu Eun-seol smiled faintly.
"This isn't something I can resolve. I'm merely putting on the appearance of doing my utmost—for the sake of the Hall Master's mission."
The unit members were stunned.
Until now, Bu Eun-seol had been the man who turned the impossible into reality.
And now he was saying he would only pretend to carry out the mission?
"There are various types of commanders," Bu Eun-seol said in a subdued voice, having read the unit members' thoughts. "Among them are those who view their subordinates as mere tools."
"That isn't inherently wrong. Cold, calculated command can ensure mission success. However..." Bu Eun-seol met their gazes. "When serving under such a commander, subordinates must learn to judge for themselves."
He let the words hang in the air.
"Whether a mission is worth staking their lives upon."
Jeong Jong-do spoke up. "How can we distinguish such missions?"
"Generally, they're the ones where the commander doesn't accompany you."
The unit members burst into laughter, recalling how the Hall of Martial Ascension's leader always remained turtle-like in his hall, issuing orders from safety.
But then Tae Mu-ryong's eyes gleamed as he asked, "Does that include us too?"
It was a somewhat absurd question.
Yet Tae Mu-ryong stared intently at Bu Eun-seol and pressed further. "By that logic, we could just pretend to follow even your orders, Commander."
"Of course." Bu Eun-seol smiled. "What could be more important than your lives? If I ever give such an order, feel free to half-heartedly pretend to comply."
—Hahaha!
Low laughter rippled through the meeting room.
Everyone knew Bu Eun-seol always led from the front when lives were at stake.
That he'd chosen these unit members to share life-and-death struggles despite opportunities for personal advancement.
Whether his words were sincere or not, the Peak Realm Members were prepared to stake their lives on his commands.
"Understood."
Amidst the laughter, only Tae Mu-ryong nodded with utmost solemnity.
And within his heart, he finally made a long-delayed decision.
Bu Eun-seol had been postponing preparations to venture into the martial world.
He had no intention of earning merit from this mission.
While it served to justify Seon-u Jin's continued presence in the martial world,
it was equally part of his scheme to make Yuk Jang-cheon distrust his own subordinates.
He'd accordingly informed Gongson Dan-gyeong of the situation via letter beforehand.
And she, aligning with his intentions, had secretly leaked information about the Killing Ghost to the Dragon Coil Hall.
But Gongson Dan-gyeong had devised an even more ruthless plan than Bu Eun-seol's.
—Since we're at it, shouldn't we divide not just Hall Master Yuk but also Hall Leader Yuk?
Gongson Dan-gyeong was convinced Yuk Cheong-a harbored feelings for Bu Eun-seol.
Otherwise, her rift with Yuk Jang-cheon wouldn't have occurred.
—Let's kill two birds with one stone through this affair.
Recalling her scheme, Bu Eun-seol couldn't help but sigh.
Though angelic in appearance, Gongson Dan-gyeong understood better than anyone how to shatter trust between people.
—Understood.
Bu Eun-seol didn't oppose the plan.
He needed to surpass both Yuk Jang-cheon and Baek Mu-seong to become the organization's leader anyway.
The Martial Alliance was a den of schemes and treachery surpassing even the Demon Hall.
There was no room for naive tolerance or misplaced righteousness.
'Though I'd prefer Miss Yang Seol to handle the Earthly Killing Star matter personally.'
Truthfully, Bu Eun-seol believed imprisoning someone solely for being born as the Earthly Killing Star at Yang Seol's estate was unjust.
Better to kill them himself than let Yang Seol imprison them.
But witnessing the presumed Killing Ghost committing the Blood Calamity as Yang Seol had warned...
His perspective couldn't help but shift.
Not because he believed in fate.
Simply because imprisonment at Yang Seol's estate would be crueler punishment for the ghost.
He merely approved of that method of retribution.
As Bu Eun-seol exited the training hall and walked toward the northern gate, a young man approached with clasped hands.
"Pardon me, Commander. I'm Jeung Gak, a martial artist from the Splendid Glory Hall."
The Splendid Glory Hall was the position Yuk Cheong-a had obtained upon transferring from Yeonseong Hall to the Dragon Coil Hall.
'So it begins.'
Bu Eun-seol's eyes narrowed.
Gongson Dan-gyeong's scheme was now in motion.
"What brings you here?"
"Hall Leader requests your presence at So-ho Pavilion."
So-ho Pavilion was accessible only to Martial Alliance officials of Hall Master rank or above.
Its soundproof rooms were typically used for confidential discussions.
"Decline on my behalf."
"Pardon?"
"Inform the Hall Leader that since we now belong to separate organizations, we should avoid uncomfortable encounters."
Before Jeung Gak could respond, Bu Eun-seol clasped his hands in farewell.
"Very well."
As he turned away, Jeung Gak could only stand there with a dazed expression.
Inside the secluded chamber of Sohojung Pavilion, a woman in blue robes sat at the table.
She was a beauty with a straight nose bridge and deep-set eyes, yet shadows lingered in her gaze.
'Why on earth would he do such a thing?'
The information about the Killing Ghost had been obtainable from the Dragon Coil Hall.
Though the source was anonymous, Yuk Cheong-a instinctively knew—
That it was Seon-u Jin who had leaked such information.
Yuk Cheong-a had access to the highest-grade intelligence available through the Ten Thousand Reflections Hall, the Martial Alliance's intelligence organization.
Moreover, she even possessed personal intelligence networks typically operated only by the Alliance's high command.
Yet there were still organizations whose internal affairs remained impenetrable—one of which was the Supreme Pinnacle Unit.
That was precisely why she could be certain.
The information about this newly emerged Killing Ghost—it had undoubtedly been leaked by Seon-u Jin.
"Hall Leader, it's Jeung Gak."
A low voice sounded from outside, accompanied by faint footsteps.
"Tell him to enter."
"Actually... Commander Seon-u has refused the summons."
"What did you say?"
As Yuk Cheong-a exclaimed, Jeung Gak stammered out his reply.
"He said to relay that since we now belong to different organizations, meeting would only cause mutual discomfort."
Yuk Cheong-a couldn't suppress her disbelief.
And even if they were now in competition, how dare he ignore a superior's summons?
"Commander Seon-u... That man must be gravely mistaken!"
Rising from her seat, she immediately stormed out of Sohojung Pavilion and headed toward the northern gate where the Supreme Pinnacle Sect was stationed.
Walking briskly, she soon spotted a figure in white garments meandering toward the Bamboo Forest.
It was none other than Bu Eun-seol.
"Commander Seon-u."
Yuk Cheong-a spoke coldly.
"The discipline of our Alliance has truly deteriorated!"
"Hall Leader."
"Even if our affiliations have changed, I am still the Hall Leader of this Alliance. And yet you refuse a summons at your own discretion?"
"As you well know, Hall Leader, the Hall Master is currently in a towering rage."
Bu Eun-seol let out a deep sigh as he spoke.
"If word were to reach his ears that I met with you under these circumstances... it would be unmanageable."
That much, Yuk Cheong-a understood perfectly.
But there was something she absolutely had to ask.
Because she had already guessed the source of the information about the Earthly Killing Star that the Dragon Coil Hall had obtained.
"Why did you do it?"
The moment she saw Bu Eun-seol, Yuk Cheong-a cut straight to the point, her voice low.
"This incident could have been a perfect opportunity."
"I don't understand what you mean."
"The information about the Killing Ghost."
Yuk Cheong-a wore an expression of incomprehension.
"It should have been an excellent chance. To earn your father's trust and distinguish yourself."
A woman's sixth sense could be terrifying at times.
Without a shred of evidence, she had already concluded that Bu Eun-seol was the one who had leaked the information.
"What is it you truly want? To isolate your father? Or to join hands with Chief Strategist Gongson and climb even higher?"
"..."
"Why aren't you answering?"
"If I answer, will you believe me?"
Someone like Yuk Cheong-a didn't take words at face value, even if they were spoken.
Those with keen discernment analyzed and reanalyzed until they could convince themselves.
Yet Yuk Cheong-a gave an unexpected reply.
"I'll believe you. So speak."
Bu Eun-seol fell silent for a moment.
Then, as if resigned, he finally opened his mouth.
"It wasn't me who leaked it."
"What?"
"I said it wasn't me who leaked it."
Though his conscience pricked him slightly, strictly speaking, it was the truth.
The one who had directly leaked the information to the Dragon Coil Hall was Gongson Dan-gyeong—she was the one.
"Then it must have been the Chief Strategist."
"..."
"Commander Seon-u, do you trust her?"
Yuk Cheong-a's voice was icy.
"She may have the face of a celestial maiden, but in truth, she drags countless young people into hell. Just like Baek Mu-seong—Commander Baek."
When Bu Eun-seol remained silent, she continued.
"Even now, it would be wise to distance yourself. Otherwise, you too will fall into the abyss."
"I will pretend I never heard what you just said."
Bu Eun-seol clasped his hands together and spoke with utmost courtesy.
"Very well."
Then he turned and walked away.
Yuk Cheong-a felt an indescribable emotion.
She didn't know how long it had been since she last faced Seon-u Jin after she left the Hall of Martial Ascension.
In the past, he had always been a docile follower.
Loyal and dependable to the point that he would have plunged into boiling water without hesitation if she commanded it.
But in the time since, he had changed.
Though his slender, delicate frame remained the same, his gaze had grown more solemn, and the qi emanating from his body had sharpened.
And now, he had become a cold figure capable of ruthlessly rejecting and turning away from her words.
"Commander Seon-u!"
Biting her lip, Yuk Cheong-a shouted with an unfamiliar emotion she had never felt before.
And she ran toward Bu Eun-seol.
Thud, thud.
But just then—
As if waiting for this moment, a pair of figures approached from the distance.
Gongson Dan-gyeong and Baek Mu-seong.