Chapter 575
The Martial Alliance was plunged into successive shocks.
Not long after Baek Mu-seong had left the alliance as a cripple,
this time, Yeon Ja-gang—who had been practically driven out of the Hall of Martial Ascension—had attempted to frame a Peak Leader as a spy by fabricating evidence.
Fortunately, thanks to the courageous confession of Tae Mu-ryong, the deputy leader of the Peak Leader's unit, the unjust incident had been prevented before it could escalate.
Yet the fact remained that a martial artist within the alliance, overcome by hatred, had tried to manipulate evidence to punish someone—
that alone was enough to leave everyone reeling.
"This incident was not Yeon Ja-gang's independent doing."
But before the shock could subside, another startling rumor began spreading from the Disciplinary Hall.
"There is a mastermind behind Yeon Ja-gang."
Yeon Ja-gang, now reduced to a mere clerk in the Azure Spirit Pavilion, lacked the ability to either recruit or coerce the deputy leader of a Peak Leader's unit.
In the end, the Disciplinary Hall, having discerned that someone was pulling Yeon Ja-gang's strings, began investigating the matter intensively.
And soon, it was revealed that Yeon Ja-gang had met repeatedly with Yong Myeong, the lord of the Dragon Coil Hall.
Additionally, it became known that the Chief Department Heads Conference had also been convened at Yong Myeong's request to Bukri Seung.
Of course, this alone wasn't proof.
After all, Yong Myeong had merely requested the meeting on Yeon Ja-gang's behalf.
But... what if there had been some kind of deal between Yong Myeong and Yeon Ja-gang?
What if they had conspired from the very beginning to frame Seon-u Jin?
In that case, Yong Myeong, too, would be absolutely unable to escape punishment.
However, neither Tae Mu-ryong—who had confessed voluntarily—nor Yeon Ja-gang—whose hidden crimes had been exposed—
would say a word about the mastermind behind it all, leaving the Disciplinary Hall's investigation at a standstill for some time.
Peak Leader's Office, Seon-u Jin's Quarters
Bu Eun-seol, seated in his office, wore a dazed expression, still reeling from the shock.
There had been only one instance where, in his haste, he had entrusted Tae Mu-ryong with disposing of a letter.
But to think that Tae Mu-ryong had noticed the oil smeared on that letter—and had known all along, pretending otherwise?
Not only that, but Yeon Ja-gang had been suspicious of him this entire time,
deliberately transferring to the Azure Spirit Pavilion to inspect every letter addressed to Seon-u Jin in his search for evidence?
'Have I been underestimating the grudges of men?'
Yeon Ja-gang's actions were a stark reminder—
a glimpse into just how far human persistence and resentment could go.
'I was too indifferent.'
Bu Eun-seol's roots lay in the Demonic Path.
And he had believed that his only true subordinates were the martial artists of the Death Shadow War Unit.
Since he was someone who would leave eventually, even if the people of the Martial Alliance pledged their loyalty to him,
he had felt only a vague sense of guilt toward them.
But Tae Mu-ryong had remained loyal despite knowing Bu Eun-seol was a spy of the Demonic Path.
And he had sacrificed his own status and honor to devise a scheme that would topple Yeon Ja-gang and those behind him all at once.
All for Bu Eun-seol's future.
So that he would never again be suspected of being a spy.
'I was mistaken.'
The members of the Peak Leader's unit—
they, too, had blindly followed and served him with loyalty, just like his subordinates in the Death Shadow War Unit.
But Bu Eun-seol had only worried about their futures.
He had deliberately turned away from the sincerity of Tae Mu-ryong and the others who had given him their unwavering loyalty.
"Leader, it's Jeong Jong-do."
Just then, Jeong Jong-do's voice came from beyond the door.
"Come in."
At Bu Eun-seol's words, the door opened, revealing Jeong Jong-do with a deeply troubled expression.
Despite the upheaval in the Martial Alliance, despite Tae Mu-ryong being interrogated in the Disciplinary Hall—
Bu Eun-seol had been sitting calmly in his office, handling paperwork as usual.
Jeong Jong-do had come because he was worried.
"What will happen to the deputy leader now?"
No matter how much he had confessed in the end, the fact remained that he had attempted to fabricate evidence to frame someone.
Even if he escaped punishment, the stigma would remain, and Tae Mu-ryong would no longer be able to stay in the Peak Leader's unit.
"Shouldn't we at least go see him once?"
When Bu Eun-seol didn't answer, Jeong Jong-do spoke again, his voice earnest.
"The deputy leader was deceived by that scheming old man, Yeon Ja-gang. He would never betray you in his heart."
"Forgiveness isn't the issue here."
Bu Eun-seol spoke in a composed tone.
"But the Disciplinary Hall is still investigating, so I can neither meet him nor intervene."
Though his words were calm, his expression was dark.
Only then did Jeong Jong-do realize that Bu Eun-seol was just as worried as he was.
"I'm sorry. I came here uninvited and spoke out of turn."
"No. And don't worry."
Bu Eun-seol smiled reassuringly.
"I've already asked Hall Master Yuk and the Chief Strategist to ensure the deputy leader receives the lightest possible punishment."
"You spoke to the Chief Strategist as well?"
"Yes."
"I see."
Jeong Jong-do brightened instantly.
The Chief Strategist was one of the highest-ranking figures in the alliance, even above the Seven Great Leaders.
If Gongson Dan-gyeong exerted her influence, Tae Mu-ryong would at least avoid severe punishment.
'But then why does the leader look so grave?'
Unable to fathom Bu Eun-seol's complicated emotions, Jeong Jong-do bowed his head deeply.
"I apologize, Leader."
"For what?"
"For not realizing your feelings and speaking out of turn."
"It's fine."
Bu Eun-seol replied evenly.
"We'll have to wait for the Disciplinary Hall's investigation to conclude, but the deputy leader won't face any heavy penalties."
"Understood."
Unlike when he had entered, Jeong Jong-do left the office with a cheerful smile.
But Bu Eun-seol would soon come to regret it.
Had he known of Tae Mu-ryong's loyalty—
He should have pulled him out of the Disciplinary Hall by any means necessary. And he should have listened to his true feelings.
Moreover, he had failed to properly understand the true nature of the Martial Alliance.
Unlike the Demon Hall, which prioritized strength and authority, he had believed that since the Alliance upheld the banner of justice, it would at least adhere to basic procedures and morality.
He had momentarily forgotten that the Martial Alliance was even more rife with schemes and treachery than the Demon Hall—that it was a place where anything could be done to maintain power.
—The Disciplinary Hall had begun investigating the Lord of the Dragon Coil Hall.
Once again, ominous rumors spread through the Martial Alliance.
The Lord of the Dragon Coil Hall, who had been in competition with the Hall of Ascending Martial, had finally been named as the mastermind behind this false accusation.
—It was merely a simple meeting out of personal acquaintance!
Yong Myeong vehemently insisted that his meetings with Yeon Ja-gang had been nothing more than that.
But his words were difficult to take at face value.
A disgraced figure, demoted to the Azure Spirit Pavilion—
Had no reason to hold multiple, closely guarded meetings with a high-ranking leader like the Lord of the Dragon Coil Hall.
In the end, Yong Myeong found himself with fire at his feet.
What if it was revealed that he was behind Yeon Ja-gang?
His moral standing would be severely tarnished, and he would never be able to rise to the position of Heavenly Martial Brigade Leader.
Dragon Coil Hall, Ascending Brilliance Pavilion. Yong Myeong's office.
"That lunatic Yeon Ja-gang!"
CRASH!
The inkstone on the table shattered against a pillar.
Yong Myeong, who had hurled it, trembled uncontrollably, unable to suppress his boiling rage.
He had trusted that rat-like bastard, thinking he could easily topple Yuk Jang-cheon—
But now, his reckless actions had backfired, putting him in a self-inflicted crisis.
"This can't go on."
Yong Myeong clutched his head.
What if the Disciplinary Hall's investigation continued? What if it was discovered that he had orchestrated this whole affair?
There would be no escaping punishment.
"Yeon Ja-gang is unexpectedly stubborn, it seems."
His adjutant, Yak Heum, spoke cautiously.
"Even under interrogation in the Disciplinary Hall, he refuses to say anything that might harm you, my lord."
"Stubborn? Don't make me laugh."
Yong Myeong sneered.
"That rat-like bastard, Yeon Ja-gang, simply understands the structure of power all too well."
"..."
"He knows dragging his master down with him won't do him any good, so he's keeping his mouth shut."
"Your insight is impeccable."
Yak Heum's expression darkened as he continued.
"But the real problem is Tae Mu-ryong."
"Tae Mu-ryong?"
"Yes."
Yak Heum lowered his voice.
"Among his confessions, he claims to have received a document from Yeon Ja-gang implicating you, my lord."
"A document? Yeon Ja-gang destroyed the original and only gave Tae Mu-ryong an envelope, didn't he? And all it contained was a statement that Yeon Ja-gang would take full responsibility."
"Tae Mu-ryong insists there's another document."
"What? That's impossible!"
Yong Myeong bit his lip.
"If such a document existed, the Disciplinary Hall would have already thrown me in prison without hesitation!"
"I thought the same, but... I can't shake the unease."
Yak Heum spoke carefully.
"He's the kind of man who deceived even Yeon Ja-gang and arranged for the fabricated evidence to be presented at the Chief Department Heads Conference. He wouldn't overlook such a detail."
"Hmm."
"Perhaps he's bluffing now, knowing that even if such a document exists, you wouldn't face severe punishment."
"Or perhaps he's laying the groundwork to drag me down into the abyss by tying me to another incident?"
"Precisely."
Yong Myeong exhaled sharply.
Unless Tae Mu-ryong had lost his mind completely, he wasn't the type to make baseless claims.
As Yak Heum said, this could very well be a calculated move to bring him down.
"...Fine."
After a long silence, Yong Myeong spoke in a low voice.
"First, secretly summon Peak Leader Seon-u Jin to the Compassionate Voyage Retreat."
"Seon-u Jin?"
"We need to confirm whether Seon-u Jin or Yuk Jang-cheon is behind Tae Mu-ryong."
"And if Lord Yuk is involved...?"
"It doesn't matter."
Yong Myeong's expression turned utterly chilling.
"One thing is certain—Tae Mu-ryong is loyal to Seon-u Jin. And Seon-u Jin knows it... He won't be able to abandon a subordinate who sacrificed himself for him."
A cold glint flashed in his eyes.
"He won't easily let go of Tae Mu-ryong's life."
Yak Heum swallowed hard.
In short, Yong Myeong intended to threaten Seon-u Jin with Tae Mu-ryong's life to suppress this matter.
"W-Well, where else could one find such a loyal subordinate?"
Though uneasy, Yak Heum forced a smile and flattered him.
"Seon-u Jin surely knows that too. As you predicted, my lord, he will undoubtedly try to save Tae Mu-ryong's life."
"Heh heh heh."
Yong Myeong smirked and nodded.
"Summon Seon-u Jin immediately—in secret."
A frigid killing intent seeped from Yong Myeong's eyes.
The blazing, lantern-like glow of his gaze and its razor-sharp intensity sent shivers down even Yak Heum's spine, despite his years of service.
"Understood."
Bowing deeply, Yak Heum scrambled out of the room in a hurry.
As the sun dipped low on the horizon, casting long shadows...
Near the western gate of the Martial Alliance, two figures stood side by side before a mountain hermitage—Bu Eun-seol and Yong Myeong.
After exchanging formal greetings, the two silently admired the crimson sunset blazing across the sky.
"The workings of nature are profound, aren't they?" Yong Myeong murmured in a low voice, watching the fading light. "Just when you think the sun, burning so fiercely, has vanished for good... come morning, it rises again."
He turned his gaze to Bu Eun-seol. "A man's life is much the same. It blazes bright, then flickers out—only to ignite once more."
A pause. Then, with deliberate slowness: "And so it is with my affairs. They may seem extinguished, yet they flare up again. Such is the cycle."
"I'm afraid I don't follow your meaning."
Bu Eun-seol's response was deliberately opaque.
Yong Myeong cut straight to the point.
"Thanks to your subordinate, I find myself in a rather... troublesome situation." His voice remained amiable, almost gentle.
"I was deceived by Yeon Ja-gang's words—met that man just once. And when he brandished so-called evidence, I merely requested the Vice Alliance Leader convene a council."
Yet as he spoke, a sharp glint flashed in his eyes.
"But your subordinate is using that as leverage to threaten me. As if I orchestrated this entire affair."
"If what you say is true, then surely the Disciplinary Hall will uncover every detail?"
"You misunderstand me."
Yong Myeong's expression darkened.
"If one interferes with nature's course—preventing what should burn out from doing so—the wrath of the Great Nature may descend. Do you grasp my meaning?"
Though couched in metaphor, the threat was unmistakable.
"That sounds like a warning that my subordinate won't survive."
"How unfortunate that you'd interpret it so. Do I strike you as so crude a man?"
No more circumspection. Yong Myeong's voice turned icy.
"Let me be plain: cross me, and you'll vanish without a whisper."
"How shocking."
Bu Eun-seol's eyes, reflecting the sunset, gleamed like crimson gemstones.
"I never imagined I'd hear such words from you, Commander."
"Commander Seon-u. This Alliance is a place where only the strong survive."
Yong Myeong's tone was frigid.
"You didn't truly believe this organization upheld justice and righteousness alone, did you?"
"..."
"As the leader of the Information Warfare Unit, you of all people should know this."
He pressed further, leaving no room for evasion.
"How many have chosen the wrong side only to disappear without a trace?"
Of course, Bu Eun-seol knew.
During his time as a Third-grade Commander, returning from securing a peace agreement with the Blazing Flame Sacred Palace...
The Martial Alliance had once sent covert assassins under the guise of an "inspection."
"Commander."
Bu Eun-seol met Yong Myeong's gaze squarely.
"I know only one thing for certain."
His voice, winter-cold, carried an edge.
"Whether martial artist or commoner—those who harm family never meet a good end."
"What did you say?"
"My subordinates are my family. Should anyone lay a hand on them..."
A pause. The air itself seemed to sharpen.
"I won't stand idle. Not even for the Alliance Leader."
Yong Myeong burst into disbelieving laughter.
"Ha! You still don't comprehend, do you?"
"It seems you're the one who misunderstands."
From Bu Eun-seol's eyes spilled a darkness deeper than night.
"Let me repeat: touch my people, and I won't hesitate—even if it's the Alliance Leader himself."
An overwhelming aura erupted from his body.
Not the restrained presence of Seon-u Jin, but the true, unrestrained killing intent of Bu Eun-seol.
This confrontation had revealed something: Yong Myeong wasn't merely ambitious—he was ruthlessly cruel.
And so, Bu Eun-seol made sure his warning was unmistakable.
No room for games.
"You—"
Staggered by the pressure, Yong Myeong faltered.
This aura... it rivaled even Baek Mu-seong, the so-called disciple of the Buddhist Venerable!
Had he known this was but half of Bu Eun-seol's suppressed power, he might have recoiled outright.
'To think he was hiding this...'
As Yong Myeong blinked in shock—
"If you've nothing further to say, I'll take my leave."
Bu Eun-seol clasped his hands politely and bowed.
But when he lifted his head, his gaze was a blade.
A silent reaffirmation: every word had been deadly serious.
Step. Step.
Yong Myeong watched him walk away, then let out a grating laugh.
"Ghk... haha! Hahahaha!"
His laughter was mocking, but Bu Eun-seol didn't so much as glance back as he exited the Compassionate Voyage Retreat.
"Now I see why the Baekri Clan's leader was so fixated... and why Commander Yuk keeps favoring him."
Yong Myeong shook his head, almost pitying, as the figure receded into the distance.
"But no matter."
The martial world operated on strength—yet the Martial Alliance was different.
Here, power coalesced through layers of factions, an amalgamation of organizations.
No individual, no matter how formidable, could stand alone.
"Yak Heum."
Yong Myeong called to his aide, who stood waiting in the shadows.
"Contact them."
His eyes lifted to the darkening sky.
"It's best to uproot weeds early."
Like all leaders, Yong Myeong had connections—those who handled inconvenient matters.
They commanded countless spies and factions within the Alliance's underbelly.
And for anyone aligned with their interests? They'd do anything.
The Three Realms.
With them, two men could vanish without evidence—without a single soul the wiser.