Chapter 588
Kwa-woo-woo!
Bu Eun-seol, who had been sprinting at full speed, halted his Movement Technique near an unnamed cliff in the mountains.
'I wasn't the only one walking a new path.'
The battle with Baekri Mu-jo had struck him like a thunderbolt.
The man had been pioneering a new martial realm—one that wasn't the Extreme Heaven Realm or the Martial Extreme Realm, just as Bu Eun-seol himself had been doing.
Moreover, his sword techniques formed a unique school unlike anything else in the Murim.
And unlike Bu Eun-seol, who still couldn't define his own martial prowess in any concrete terms, Baekri Mu-jo had clearly already found his precise path.
'Is that why he was so fixated on Harmonization?'
Back at the Star Guard Hall, Bu Eun-seol had observed Baekri Mu-jo's office.
He had realized that the man trained in martial arts even in his daily life, applying its principles even to the arrangement of his writing tools.
And through that arrangement, he had grasped the concept of Harmonization.
At the time, Bu Eun-seol's body had been a chaotic mix of conflicting energies, tearing itself apart.
By martial logic, superimposing more than one force was supposed to be impossible.
But thanks to understanding Harmonization, he had been able to align energies he once thought irreconcilable.
Which meant Baekri Mu-jo, too—
—must have had multiple conflicting forces within his body and had clearly researched this concept to resolve them.
'The surface couldn't be more deceptive. Him, and the Martial Alliance.'
If the Demon Hall was a den of demons snarling and fighting for dominance,
then the Martial Alliance was a place where saintly figures smiled while plunging knives into your back.
To survive here, one must never reveal their true self—
and must conceal at least thirty percent of their true strength.
'Especially that final move—it was nothing short of shocking.'
The Holy Sword Baekri Mu-jo had unleashed at the end—
—was nothing less than the Absolute Sword Art, an embodiment of despair, something utterly inescapable.
Had Bu Eun-seol not used Sword Aura to escape its range, had he not relied on Thunder Essence Divine Qi to slip beyond its reach—
—he would have suffered fatal injuries and been forced into a humiliating retreat.
'Are the other Leaders like him?'
When he had seen the Seven Great Leaders gathered on the platform before, the qi they radiated hadn't seemed much different from Baekri Mu-jo's.
Each had carried a distinct presence.
'No. That can't be.'
Bu Eun-seol shook his head.
If they had all reached the same level of martial prowess as Baekri Mu-jo—
—the Martial Alliance would have already crushed the Demon Hall and established a world of righteousness.
Even Jo Cheon-wang, the former leader of the Heavenly Martial Brigade, had only held the upper hand due to his unique technique, Fixed Moment, and his vast combat experience—
—not because the gap in their martial prowess was significant.
Judging by that alone, Baekri Mu-jo's martial prowess was undoubtedly in a league of its own. The other Leaders likely didn't come close.
Which meant—
The probability that he was the assassin who had ambushed Bu Eun-seol's grandfather was now extremely high.
'I'll find out soon enough.'
Once he became a Leader, he would gain immense authority—and with it, the ability to investigate every hidden action of the Seven Great Leaders.
He would uncover who the assassin was who had come for his grandfather that day.
'Until then, I must be most wary of Leader Baekri.'
He had once thought of the man as merely likable.
But now that he had seen his true face, he had become the one Bu Eun-seol needed to guard against the most.
'Time to return to the Martial Alliance.'
The members of the Pinnacle Squad would soon return from their Demon Leave.
After everything that had happened—
—he intended to stay with them in the Martial Alliance for a while, away from the Demon Hall.
Bu Eun-seol gazed at the distant sky before heading toward Henan.
After immediately swapping identities with Seo Jin-ha and returning to the Martial Alliance,
Bu Eun-seol didn't attend to other duties. Instead, he obtained and read through the personnel records of his squad members.
Just as he had done with the warriors of the Death Shadow War Unit, he began piecing together their personal histories.
'So that's how it was.'
From Tae Mu-ryong down, every member of the squad was an orphan.
In this bleak world, they had lived with no one to rely on—until fortune allowed them to learn martial arts and become warriors.
But even the sects they belonged to had been woefully inadequate in providing them shelter.
In the end, their last choice had been the Martial Alliance.
And the place they had decided would be their lifelong home—
—was the Pinnacle Squad.
'They needed family too.'
After losing his grandfather, Bu Eun-seol had chosen Langya Pavilion as his family.
Langya Pavilion hadn't embraced him. Instead, it had taught him to stand alone.
And so, Bu Eun-seol had accepted Langya Pavilion as his home.
Because that was what family truly was.
And the squad members—
—had seen Bu Eun-seol, who sought to give them the ability to stand on their own, as family.
'They must have felt hurt all this time.'
Because he had been someone who would eventually leave—
—he had kept them at arm's length, turning a blind eye to their loyalty.
But now that he knew everything, he could open his heart to them from here on out.
Just like the warriors of the Death Shadow War Unit.
Knock knock.
Just then, the sound of knocking came at the door, followed by Jeong Jong-do's low voice.
"Great Leader, a warrior from the Star Guard Corps requests an audience."
'The Star Guard Corps?'
A foreboding premonition flashed through him.
Why would someone from the Star Guard Hall come looking for him now?
'Don't tell me—have they recognized me?'
Impossible.
His Disguise was flawless, and the barrier around his Spirit and Mind was perfect.
Even if Baekri Mu-jo were a far greater master than anticipated, he shouldn't be able to see through Bu Eun-seol's true form.
"Let them in."
At Bu Eun-seol's words, a man in his thirties with piercing eyes entered and clasped his hands respectfully.
"Great Leader Sang Geon-myeong of the Army Heaven Unit, under the Star Guard Corps."
Since the Army Heaven Unit was a Second-rate Corps, he addressed Bu Eun-seol with the utmost deference.
"What is the matter?"
"The Leader has summoned you, Commander."
"The Leader?"
Bu Eun-seol felt an ominous premonition.
It wasn't every day that someone of Baekri Mu-jo's stature summoned someone in secret.
Besides, wasn't he affiliated with the Hall of Ascending Martial?
"You mean right now?"
"That is correct."
Setting down the brush he had been holding, Bu Eun-seol rose from his seat with an air of resignation.
"Understood. Lead the way."
Exiting the Pinnacle Hall, Bu Eun-seol followed Sang Geon-myeong's guidance.
After walking for some time, Bu Eun-seol sensed something amiss and glanced around.
"This doesn't seem to be the path to the Sacred Guard Hall."
"The Leader has summoned you to the Thousand Weapons Pavilion."
"The Thousand Weapons Pavilion?"
Bu Eun-seol's expression shifted strangely.
The Thousand Weapons Pavilion was where the Martial Alliance stored weapons and developed new armaments.
It was a heavily secured facility, sealed off on all sides, lined with all manner of weaponry—why would he be summoned there?
As they entered deeper into the pavilion, a vast warehouse came into view, displaying an array of weapons.
However, what stood at the entrance were not true divine weapons.
The truly precious arms were kept in a secret chamber further inside.
Passing through another door, they arrived at a spacious training ground-like area.
It was a place meant for testing or experimenting with stored weapons.
Beside the training ground was a small passageway, at the end of which stood what appeared to be a modest office door.
"I have brought Commander Seon-u."
"Hm."
A low voice sounded from within, prompting Sang Geon-myeong to clasp his hands together.
"Then."
Bu Eun-seol gave a slight nod, took a deep breath, and stepped inside.
Instantly, his eyes trembled violently.
The interior was nearly identical to Baekri Mu-jo's office in the Sacred Guard Hall—artificial, yet exuding perfect harmony.
But there was one difference.
A flower vase.
Right in the center of the office stood an absurdly large flower vase.
Yet, the harmony within remained unbroken—if anything, it was maintained flawlessly.
'He suspects me.'
That bizarre vase had been placed deliberately.
Baekri Mu-jo was testing whether Bu Eun-seol could perceive the harmony within and discern the subtleties of martial arts from it.
'I must avoid looking at it if possible.'
Bu Eun-seol struggled to avert his gaze from the vase.
But the red flowers within seemed to exert an almost soul-sucking pull.
"Seon-u Jin pays his respects to the Leader."
With great effort, Bu Eun-seol tore his eyes away from the vase and bowed respectfully toward Baekri Mu-jo, who sat in a chair.
"It has been a while."
Baekri Mu-jo nodded faintly, a thin smile on his lips.
"You have made considerable progress in that time."
"Thank you. However..."
Bu Eun-seol pointed at the vase with a puzzled expression.
"What is that vase?"
"Vase?"
"The interior of this office is arranged with perfect order, yet that vase seems to disrupt it in an oddly profound way."
For a moment, Baekri Mu-jo blinked.
He had expected Bu Eun-seol to feign ignorance strenuously—yet here he was, not only showing keen interest in the vase but also...
Though he had phrased it as "order," wasn't he subtly revealing an ability to appreciate harmony?
'Rather than pretending ignorance, it's better to display superior skill and break through head-on.'
Had this been before his confrontation with Baekri Mu-jo, he would have feigned ignorance with all his might.
But now, he knew just how extraordinary the man was.
Thus, instead of clumsily deceiving him, he decided to elevate Seon-u Jin's perceived abilities and navigate this crisis naturally.
"Hoh."
Baekri Mu-jo's expression was one of admiration.
"You possess the ability to appreciate the intricate arrangement I have crafted?"
Bu Eun-seol wore an embarrassed expression.
"Recently, my martial arts have advanced greatly, and unlike before, I seem to perceive things that were once invisible to me."
Baekri Mu-jo raised an eyebrow.
Not only had much time passed, but Seon-u Jin had also accomplished numerous feats through various missions.
Now, he was regarded as a potential future Grandmaster.
Surely, with so many opportunities for growth, his martial prowess must have improved as well.
It was only natural that he might now possess the ability to perceive internal harmony, unlike in the past.
"The reason I summoned you is to make one more proposal."
Baekri Mu-jo spoke in a composed tone.
"Join my division."
Then, he uttered words that were nothing short of shocking.
"The moment you join, I will give you a Hall Leader position in my division. And within three years, I will appoint you as Deputy Leader without fail."
It was an astonishing offer.
Even Bu Eun-seol couldn't hide his surprise, his expression resembling that of someone who had just been slapped.
"You would dismiss Deputy Leader Seo Muk?"
"Regardless, I will ascend to the position of Alliance Leader within three years."
Baekri Mu-jo continued.
"I intend to promote Deputy Leader Seo Muk to Leader and appoint you as Deputy Leader in his stead."
Without a moment's hesitation, Bu Eun-seol immediately lowered his head.
"I must decline."
A flash of light flickered in Baekri Mu-jo's pupils.
"You decline?"
"That is correct."
"Why?"
"How could I possibly dare to measure the Leader's capabilities?"
Baekri Mu-jo's expression turned peculiar.
Those words carried a subtle negation of Baekri Mu-jo's claim that he would become the Alliance Leader.
Yet, it was an impeccably polite refusal—one that left no room for criticism—because no matter how exceptional Seon-u Jin was...
It was an acknowledgment that assessing the martial prowess and abilities of the Seven Great Leaders, including Baekri Mu-jo was an impossible feat.
"And if the Leader is confident in ascending to the position of Alliance Leader, then this is an offer I must refuse all the more."
"What do you mean by that?"
"Wherever I belong, am I not still your loyal subordinate?"
If Baekri Mu-jo was destined to ascend to the position of Alliance Leader anyway—
Whether Bu Eun-seol remained in the Star Guard Division or transferred to the Hall of Ascending Martial, he would still be under the same command. Any order could be issued regardless.
In other words, there was no need to forcibly move him to the Star Guard Division.
"I see."
Baekri Mu-jo wore a faint, ambiguous smile.
Seon-u Jin's perfect counter had shattered all attempts to test Seon-u Jin.
Yet, he then uttered something entirely unexpected.
"Since you're here, why not spar with this Division Leader?"
"Spar, you say?"
"Indeed."
"How could I dare—"
"Isn't this the perfect opportunity to gauge this Division Leader's martial prowess?"
Baekri Mu-jo spoke with a faint smile.
"You claimed you couldn't measure my abilities, didn't you?"
"But..."
"Don't refuse. Among the First-Grade Commanders, you'd be the first to spar with me."
Bu Eun-seol's eyes flashed.
A chance to receive martial guidance from one of the Seven Great Battle Group Leaders—
No fool would let such an opportunity slip. This was an offer he absolutely could not refuse.
"My gratitude."
In the end, Bu Eun-seol could only assume an expression of deep reverence and follow him to the training grounds outside.
Baekri Mu-jo stood imposingly in the Thousand Weapons Pavilion's training arena, its walls and ceiling entirely forged of steel.
The sword he had wielded earlier had been replaced with another treasured blade.
Yet, since the hilt remained unchanged, it was clear he had simply fitted a new blade over the hidden rapier.
"No need for tension."
Baekri Mu-jo casually extended a hand toward Bu Eun-seol.
"Unleash your sword techniques freely."
'So, this is the test after all.'
Truthfully, he had anticipated this to some extent.
In their last clash, Bu Eun-seol had wielded the Power of Harmony.
Though it wasn't a martial principle newly emerged in the Murim, someone of Baekri Mu-jo's caliber couldn't have failed to detect it.
Because Bu Eun-seol's harmonization—
Was ultimately an insight he had gained from the arrangement in Baekri Mu-jo's office.
When their harmonized forces had clashed—
Baekri Mu-jo's mind must have conjured the faces of everyone who had entered his office until then.
Including Seon-u Jin.
'A man like Baekri Mu-jo wouldn't have summoned me without some degree of certainty.'
Someone of his stature wouldn't act on mere suspicion.
Which meant—if he didn't fully dispel Baekri Mu-jo's doubts now?
The Division Leader would not hesitate to deliver a fatal strike.
With his authority—
He could easily fabricate a reason to behead even a First-Grade Commander in an instant.
'No choice.'
The newly reborn Jeokjeongdae was only just beginning.
Bu Eun-seol, too, had to take his next leap within the Martial Alliance.
'I must escape this crisis without revealing my true identity.'
For Jeokjeongdae's sake, he had to remain as a Commander of the Martial Alliance.
'Then—'
A flash ignited in Bu Eun-seol's pupils.
He had finally found a way to survive this crisis.
"Then I shall be discourteous."
Shring!
The moment he drew his sword, Baekri Mu-jo's gaze locked onto the iron blade in Bu Eun-seol's hand.
Flash!
A brilliant radiance erupted from the tip of Bu Eun-seol's sword.
It was the Quick Sword Form, recorded in the Flawless Sword Manual—a technique he had mastered in the Pratyekabuddha Hall.
"An excellent sword technique."
Baekri Mu-jo flicked his hand lightly.
Instantly, Bu Eun-seol's sword momentum melted away like snow, unable to advance further.
"No need for formalities."
Recognizing that Bu Eun-seol had only demonstrated a polite opening stroke, Baekri Mu-jo shook his head.
"Give it your all."
Bu Eun-seol lowered his sword tip slightly in acknowledgment.
"Understood."
Then, slowly raising his blade, he aimed it at Baekri Mu-jo's throat.
It wasn't a stance from Central Plains swordsmanship—but an extremely aggressive, violent posture reminiscent of Japan's sword arts.
Swish!
Yet the attack itself was deceptively light.
At that moment, Baekri Mu-jo's eyes widened sharply.
Before him, hundreds of geometric patterns chaotically unfolded—
And then, a hundred and eight streaks of sword qi burst forth, each moving at different speeds.
Flash!
With a dazzling brilliance, Baekri Mu-jo's treasured sword flickered with white light, shattering the sword strokes.
Clang-clang-clang!
Even as he deflected the initial strikes, the strokes continuously morphed, repelling the sword qi Bu Eun-seol unleashed.
Before long, the tip of his treasured sword glowed red-hot, cracks beginning to spiderweb across its surface.
Sword Laughs at Xuanyuan.
Bu Eun-seol had modified a variation from this ancient manual—said to have been created by Master Gwangseong—and fused it with the Iron Sword Thirteen Forms before unleashing it upon Baekri Mu-jo.
Thud!
The moment the final streak of sword qi was blocked, a terrifying killing intent erupted from Baekri Mu-jo's eyes.
'This one cannot be left alive.'
As if resolved to behead Bu Eun-seol, white light flashed from Baekri Mu-jo's blade.
'If this doesn't work... I die here!'
A killing move had already condensed upon Baekri Mu-jo's sword.
Unless Bu Eun-seol revealed his true strength and countered immediately—
His head would undoubtedly be severed.
But to remain in the Martial Alliance a little longer—for the sake of Jeokjeongdae, which wasn't yet ready—
Bu Eun-seol immediately played his final card.
As he poured forth his sword technique, he secretly unleashed a hidden secret from the Ink Soul Sword.
Zzzzing—
Simultaneously, a peculiar energy flowed into his sword tip, unsettling Baekri Mu-jo's blade.
Halt.
As if sensing the energy, the killing intent radiating from Baekri Mu-jo's entire body abruptly diminished.
For a long moment, silence as cold as poured ice water filled the space.
Then, an immeasurably deep and low voice emerged from Baekri Mu-jo's lips.
"An astonishing sword technique."
His voice held no trace of killing intent, and his gaze had softened to its usual warmth.
"It worked."
Bu Eun-seol's back was drenched in cold sweat.
Fortunately, Baekri Mu-jo had detected the secret technique he had covertly unleashed. The life-or-death gamble had paid off.