Chapter 568
Yuk Cheong-a, who had been about to grab Bu Eun-seol's sleeve, froze mid-motion upon spotting the two figures.
In that brief moment, Bu Eun-seol respectfully clasped his hands together toward Gongson Dan-gyeong and Baek Mu-seong.
"Chief Strategist, Commander Baek."
Gongson Dan-gyeong nodded with a gentle smile.
"Commander Seon-u. What brings you here?"
As she uttered those words, her gaze wasn't fixed on Bu Eun-seol but rather on Yuk Cheong-a standing beside him.
Understanding the implication behind Gongson Dan-gyeong's words, Bu Eun-seol replied courteously:
"I was returning when... I happened to encounter Hall Leader Yuk."
For an instant, Baek Mu-seong's expression stiffened slightly where he stood beside Gongson Dan-gyeong.
The unit was located in the Bamboo Forest at the far end of the Martial Alliance's north gate.
There was no conceivable reason for Yuk Cheong-a to be here unless she had deliberately sought it out.
'So that's how it is.'
Feeling the weight of Gongson Dan-gyeong and Baek Mu-seong's pointed stares, Yuk Cheong-a laughed inwardly.
'She orchestrated this whole situation to drive a wedge between Commander Baek and me.'
Only now had she realized this entire scenario was part of Gongson Dan-gyeong's scheme.
"And what brings you two here?"
When Bu Eun-seol redirected the conversation with his question, Gongson Dan-gyeong glanced meaningfully at Baek Mu-seong.
"I heard the Hall Masters of Ascending Martial Hall and Dragon Coil Hall coincidentally proposed the same mission to the Vice Alliance Leader simultaneously."
Her tone remained composed as she looked at Baek Mu-seong.
"When two elite units compete over the same mission, the likelihood of failure actually increases. I was about to persuade both Hall Masters."
"Persuade them...?"
"If both units must be deployed regardless, wouldn't it be better to have them combine their strengths properly?"
'This was definitely premeditated.'
Yuk Cheong-a's expression turned glacial.
Watching Gongson Dan-gyeong spin her tale as smoothly as flowing water removed all doubt.
The position of Chief Strategist wasn't so idle that she'd personally oversee a First-Grade Commander's mission.
Ultimately, Gongson Dan-gyeong had anticipated every development.
She'd waited for Yuk Cheong-a to confront Seon-u Jin, then timed Baek Mu-seong's arrival perfectly.
After all, the unraveling of relationships always begins with the smallest seed of doubt.
"I see Commander Baek has already accepted her proposal."
Yuk Cheong-a finally directed barbed words at Baek Mu-seong.
"Given how eagerly you followed the Chief Strategist here."
Judging by Baek Mu-seong's agreeable expression, it seemed he couldn't have refused Gongson Dan-gyeong's request even if he'd wanted to.
"Nothing's been finalized yet."
Baek Mu-seong met Yuk Cheong-a's icy stare with impassive calm.
"But since the Hall Leader puts it that way, I suppose I should defer to the Chief Strategist's decision."
'Was this doomed from the start?'
The realization struck Yuk Cheong-a.
Even without Gongson Dan-gyeong's scheme, maintaining close ties with Baek Mu-seong would have been impossible.
She'd long known of Baek Mu-seong's affection for Gongson Dan-gyeong... but had assumed he'd keep professional and personal matters separate.
Yet those blinded by love possess no such discernment.
"I actually came to seek Commander Seon-u's opinion regarding a similar matter."
Yuk Cheong-a's voice turned arctic as she addressed Baek Mu-seong.
"Much like you did, Commander Baek."
Frigid energy practically radiated from her words.
That Gongson Dan-gyeong had summoned them for something this significant spoke volumes.
Yet he'd followed along without even informing her, behaving so recklessly...
An indescribable sense of betrayal and disappointment welled up within her.
"Is my opinion truly necessary here?"
Bu Eun-seol interjected with detached calm.
"If the leadership has reached an agreement, I'll naturally comply."
"Excellent."
Gongson Dan-gyeong's gaze alternated between Baek Mu-seong and Bu Eun-seol.
"Then I'll take this as both commanders being in accord, and shall proceed to persuade the two Hall Masters."
"Understood. I have urgent matters requiring..."
Bu Eun-seol clasped his hands toward Gongson Dan-gyeong, Yuk Cheong-a, and Baek Mu-seong.
"I'll take my leave first."
Baek Mu-seong similarly bowed to both women.
"Then I shall excuse myself as well."
With that, he too turned to depart.
Only Gongson Dan-gyeong and Yuk Cheong-a remained at the bamboo grove's entrance.
'Gongson Dan-gyeong.'
Yuk Cheong-a bit her lip.
With this single, seemingly casual encounter,
She'd shattered the cooperative relationship Yuk Cheong-a had carefully built with Baek Mu-seong in an instant.
This was only possible through profound insight into human psychology and relationships.
In Yuk Cheong-a's path to ambition, her greatest obstacle was none other than... Gongson Dan-gyeong herself.
"Commander Seon-u receives such generous favor. For even minor missions like this, the Chief Strategist personally attends to every detail."
"Is that so?"
Gongson Dan-gyeong countered with a radiant smile.
"Though it hardly seems minor when two Hall Masters were staking their lives on it."
Her words carried pointed sarcasm about the competitive attitudes of Hall Master Yuk Jang-cheon of Ascending Martial Hall and Hall Master Yong Myeong of Dragon Coil Hall.
Yuk Cheong-a offered no further reply, simply clasping her hands respectfully.
"I'll take my leave then."
"Very well."
As she turned away, Yuk Cheong-a's eyes glistened with frost colder than ice.
'Chief Strategist. You'll come to regret today's events.'
With matters having reached this point, collaborating with Baek Mu-seong was no longer possible anyway.
Now, whether it was Seon-u Jin or Baek Mu-seong... she had no choice but to use Seon-u Jin or Baek Mu-seong as expendable pieces.
—Commander Baek, Commander Seon-u. The two of you will handle the Killing Ghost that has appeared this time.
In the end, through Gongson Dan-gyeong's mediation, the Hall Master of the Hall of Martial Ascension and the Lord of the Dragon Coil Hall each dispatched Seon-u Jin and Baek Mu-seong—but with the condition that they combine their forces.
To become the leader of the Heavenly Martial Brigade.
The fact that the two Hall Masters were fiercely competing to claim merit was well known among the high command.
However, it was clear that if they recklessly competed to eliminate the Killing Ghost, it would only lead to disaster.
Moreover, from an outsider's perspective, it would look terribly unseemly—as if they were bloodthirsty for achievements... hence this decision.
Of course, Gongson Dan-gyeong's influence had played a role behind the scenes, and the two Hall Masters had reluctantly agreed, swallowing their pride like bitter medicine.
Meanwhile, the Murim Alliance's senior members reacted with bewilderment upon hearing the news.
Seon-u Jin, the Peak Leader who had risen as a new-generation Grandmaster.
Baek Mu-seong, the disciple of the Buddha Honored One, hailed as the Golden Upright Divine Dragon and standing tall as the next-generation Grandmaster.
To send both of them—along with their elite units—just to capture a single Killing Ghost?
—Who would claim the merit?
Every senior member of the Murim Alliance watched the outcome of this mission with keen curiosity.
Bu Eun-seol and Baek Mu-seong each selected ten outstanding subordinates from their units and departed the Murim Alliance.
If they didn't resolve this matter as quickly as possible, more people would fall victim to the Killing Ghost.
The two units swiftly made their way toward Sichuan without delay.
However, since they had to lead their subordinates, their routine consisted of using Lightness Skill during the day and camping at night.
Finally, upon reaching the borders of Sichuan, they found an abandoned house nearby to take shelter from the night dew.
Tap, tap, tap.
The crackling of bonfires lit by each unit broke the silence of the night.
Though the two units traveled together, they operated separately in all matters, and Bu Eun-seol and Baek Mu-seong exchanged no meaningful conversation.
Originally, the two hadn't been on bad terms, but this incident had made their relationship somewhat awkward.
To be precise, Baek Mu-seong was the one feeling uncomfortable around Bu Eun-seol.
'Senior Sister holds Commander Seon-u in special regard.'
As he wandered through the forest, letting his subordinates rest, Baek Mu-seong's eyes narrowed.
'Well, it's only natural.'
Seon-u Jin was an extraordinary figure—someone whose brilliance shone through an otherwise unassuming demeanor.
A man so remarkable that even Baek Mu-seong, who had never spared a glance for peers of his generation, found his attention stolen.
Perhaps it was inevitable that a prodigy like Gongson Dan-gyeong would take an interest in him.
If only Bu Eun-seol had shown even the slightest affection toward Gongson Dan-gyeong, it might have eased his heart.
But he always treated her with indifference—and that, ironically, grated on him even more.
'So in the end, he's my rival in love.'
Even if Seon-u Jin remained aloof toward Gongson Dan-gyeong, what if she continued to regard him as special?
Regardless of his own feelings, Seon-u Jin would still become his rival.
Crunch, crunch.
Just then, footsteps approached from behind, accompanied by the presence of a white-clad figure carrying something large in hand.
It was Bu Eun-seol.
"So here you are. Take it."
As he drew closer, Bu Eun-seol tossed what he was holding toward Baek Mu-seong.
It was a glass bottle—so enormous it could fit a small child.
"We'll likely reach the vicinity of Songpan by tomorrow. Once we do, we might be too busy chasing the target to spare even a moment for a drink."
Baek Mu-seong smiled awkwardly.
"You've already dropped the formal speech since leaving the Alliance."
"Why bother with such tedious manners all the way out here?"
Pop.
Baek Mu-seong uncorked the bottle.
Instantly, an indescribably sweet aroma of liquor tickled his nose.
"Where's yours?"
"Did you plan to drink that entire thing alone?"
"Ah, right."
Baek Mu-seong's eyes widened as he took a sip.
The liquor inside was Jiannan Spring, Sichuan's famed brew, and judging by its fragrance, it had been aged for at least a hundred years.
He tossed the bottle back to Bu Eun-seol.
"When did you even get your hands on something this good?"
"I didn't 'get' it—I prepared it before we left the Alliance."
Gulp, gulp.
After taking a hearty swig, Bu Eun-seol spoke plainly.
"I figured since we're heading out together, Baek-Elder Brother and I should share a drink."
Baek Mu-seong took a deep breath.
Though his heart had been wounded because of Gongson Dan-gyeong...
Bu Eun-seol remained unchanged.
No matter the circumstances, he paid no heed to external factors and treated him exactly as he always had.
For the first time, Baek Mu-seong felt ashamed.
"I didn't realize I was such a petty man."
"What do you mean?"
Baek Mu-seong spoke his mind honestly.
"To be frank, I've resented you these past few days. She seems interested in you, yet you act as if you couldn't care less."
"Would you prefer it if I showed interest in the Chief Strategist?"
"No, that's not what I—"
Even as he spoke, he realized how absurd he sounded.
Baek Mu-seong waved his hand dismissively.
"What I mean is—"
"I know."
"Huh?"
"A man who treats the woman you like with indifference—how could that possibly look appealing to you?"
Baek Mu-seong's eyes widened in surprise.
He hadn't expected Bu Eun-seol to be this perceptive—to understand his feelings so clearly.
"You must have been deeply disappointed."
"..."
"To think you've been associating with such a narrow-minded person all this time."
Baek Mu-seong lowered his head in embarrassment. But an unexpected reply came.
"Such purity and emotional honesty are all it is."
Bu Eun-seol tossed him the glass bottle as he spoke.
"So stop blaming yourself so much."
Thud.
Baek Mu-seong, who had caught the bottle and gazed down at it, allowed a faint smile to form.
Before a jieu—a friend who truly understood him—there was no need to feel ashamed of anything.
He had realized that all he needed to do was express his heart openly.
"You've always felt like a long-time friend to me."
Baek Mu-seong spoke with a noticeably more relaxed expression.
"That's probably why I keep saying unnecessary things without realizing it."
"Now you know."
Bu Eun-seol pretended to be affected by the alcohol, his expression indifferent as he stared at the distant sky.
He was giving Baek Mu-seong time to sort out his complicated feelings.
"Have you ever been in love?"
Baek Mu-seong asked a somewhat abrupt question.
"Someone as outstanding as you—I doubt those around you would've left you alone."
"A few marriage proposals came my way, but I refused them all. I've no intention of starting a family yet."
"I see."
Baek Mu-seong chuckled.
"You'll understand someday. When you stand before someone you love, you can't help but fumble."
"..."
"Your eyes and ears go blind, and your heart fills with nothing but their image."
Baek Mu-seong burst into laughter as he watched Bu Eun-seol's dazed expression.
"Don't look at me like I'm some feverish ghost. Once you fall in love yourself, you'll understand what I mean."
After laughing for a while, Baek Mu-seong let out a deep sigh and spoke again.
Then, as if he had made up his mind, he continued.
"From now on, I'll keep distinguishing myself and rise to become the leader of the Heavenly Martial Brigade. I'll surpass even you and Hall Master Yuk."
"..."
"And when that time comes, I'll propose to her."
Baek Mu-seong smiled cheerfully.
"Of course, Senior Sister will refuse. But as the brigade leader, I'd have frequent access to the Chief Strategist, wouldn't I? I plan to spend the rest of my life waiting by her side like that."
"Why are you telling me this?"
At Bu Eun-seol's question, Baek Mu-seong answered in a low voice.
"Because I like you too much."
Before he knew it, a brilliant white light flickered in Baek Mu-seong's pupils, and a radiant energy surged from his body.
A Peerless Grandmaster. He was unleashing the overwhelming power he had kept hidden until now without restraint.
"After this mission, you won't have any more merits to claim. The same goes for the Killing Ghost's affairs."
Despite the chilling words, Baek Mu-seong's lips were curled in a delighted smile.
"And once I become the brigade leader, I'll appoint you as my deputy. Even if I do something foolish or make a few mistakes... you'll coolly clean up after me, won't you?"
"Brother Baek."
"I've already told you. So don't resent me for it."
Baek Mu-seong wore a somewhat sorrowful smile.
"To win her heart, I must become the brigade leader."
Bu Eun-seol couldn't say anything.
The world was full of countless people, and each held different things as the highest value in their lives.
Some prized honor, others vast wealth, and still others... love above all else.
Even though he was someone who could one day become a Peerless Grandmaster and leave an indelible mark on the Murim.
Baek Mu-seong had set winning Gongson Dan-gyeong's heart as the greatest goal of his life.
"Am I strange for being like this?"
At Baek Mu-seong's question, Bu Eun-seol shook his head.
"No."
Then he added one more thing.
"I envy you, Brother Baek, for being able to be honest with your emotions."
"Is that supposed to comfort me?"
"It's the truth."
Bu Eun-seol offered a dry smile.
"I could never do the same."
If Baek Mu-seong's goal was love...
Bu Eun-seol's was revenge.
And to achieve that, he had to defeat countless enemies and overcome numerous trials.
Revealing his emotions openly or acting on impulse... was something he couldn't do—something he mustn't do.
'Will I be able to, once my revenge is over?'
Even Bu Eun-seol didn't know the answer.
All he could do was hope that Baek Mu-seong's love would be fulfilled.
"From now on, you and I are truly rivals."
"If you mean romantic rivals, I'll have to decline."
"Hahaha. Not that kind—real rivals."
As Baek Mu-seong laughed, Bu Eun-seol smiled as well.
Normally, rivals couldn't bless each other or regard one another with ease.
But these two could.
Because they would strive without regrets.
Because they could bless the other even if one became the brigade leader.
Because though their ultimate goals differed, they were men who understood the value of friendship.
"Then let's stop drinking."
"Huh?"
"We have to compete hard starting tomorrow."
It was Bu Eun-seol's consideration.
If they kept talking and drinking like this... this good-natured fool might lose sight of his goal entirely—
All because he would show Bu Eun-seol such profound friendship.
Swoosh!
Bu Eun-seol stood up and swung the glass bottle skyward.
The liquor inside soared into the night sky, scattering into countless droplets.
"Let's head back. The subordinates will be worried."
At Bu Eun-seol's words, Baek Mu-seong nodded with a smile.
"Right."
Side by side, they walked toward where their men were camped.
"Oh, by the way—once I become brigade leader, I'll bring not just you but the entire Supreme Peak under my command."
"Dream big. Save that talk for when you reach Hall Master Rank."
As the two disappeared into the forest, whispering to each other—
Plip-plop, plip-plop.
The droplets of liquor Bu Eun-seol had flung upward rained back down.
Was it coincidence? Or fate?
The falling droplets...
Drew a long line, perfectly splitting the spot where Bu Eun-seol and Baek Mu-seong had stood facing each other—
Right down the middle.