Chapter 598
An unprecedented grand event was unfolding within the Martial Alliance.
The Bullet King, Bukgung Ryeong.
A chivalrous hero who had wandered the martial world alone for decades, upholding his convictions and continuing his acts of righteousness—a figure representing the orthodox martial world.
He had been invited as the first-ever Honorary Guardian of the Martial Alliance and was simultaneously nominated as the eighth name to be engraved upon the Hero Stele.
The Hero Stele.
Only renowned heroes who had achieved feats that would forever remain in the annals of the martial world could have their names inscribed upon it.
Until now, only seven individuals had ever been granted that honor.
And now, an eighth Hero Stele had been erected, with Bukgung Ryeong's name to be carved upon it in his lifetime.
The ceremony to inscribe Bukgung Ryeong's name on the Hero Stele was attended by every single martial artist of the Martial Alliance without exception.
Even the Righteous Heavenly Emperor, Shin Do-mu-bi, who had remained secluded in closed-door training until now, had broken his isolation to attend.
'At last, I'll be able to see the faces of the Righteous Heavenly Emperor and the Seven Great Leaders.'
Every martial artist of the Martial Alliance, including Bu Eun-seol, had gathered without fail near the Heavenly Tower Pavilion on the back mountain of the Martial Alliance, where the Hero Stele stood.
Bu Eun-seol, being a First-rate Commander, was at least able to stand somewhere in the middle.
Even so, the distance to the platform was roughly seven hundred feet. But with his enhanced vision, it was no different from seeing their faces up close.
Thud, thud.
Then, six figures began ascending the platform.
At last, the Seven Great Leaders of the Martial Alliance were making their appearance.
Thump, thump.
Bu Eun-seol's heart pounded violently as he watched them.
If the Divine Calculator's words were true...
Among those six figures was the murderer who had killed his grandfather.
Whoosh.
Finally, the six leaders stood upon the platform, revealing their majestic presence.
For a moment, Bu Eun-seol felt as though a violent storm had erupted across the entire world.
The five leaders standing alongside Baekri Mu-jo—
Their qi was astonishingly...
Not the slightest bit inferior to Baekri Mu-jo, who was presumed to be the strongest among them?
'Were the leaders always this powerful?'
The Seven Great Leaders, who had restrained their activities in the martial world, remaining solely within the Martial Alliance to accumulate merit—
Their martial prowess had reached a level far more terrifying than what had been known.
'Then why hasn't the Martial Alliance wiped out the Demon Hall?'
If all seven leaders possessed strength comparable to Baekri Mu-jo...
Even if they wished to avoid the Great Orthodox-Unorthodox War, they could have at least crushed the highest masters of the Demonic Path, including the masters of the Demonic Path Ten Gates, and completely broken the demonic factions' momentum.
So why had they remained restrained all this time, never encroaching upon the Demonic Path?
'The Three Realms?'
A chilling hypothesis ran down Bu Eun-seol's spine.
What if the Seven Great Leaders were not orthodox martial artists at all, but high-ranking members of the Three Realms?
And what if they were using that to manipulate the Martial Alliance from within?
A truly terrifying thought.
Moreover, if the Seven Great Leaders were affiliated with the Three Realms—what if they united and acted together?
Even Jeong Cheon-je would be unable to disregard their will.
Yet, since they weren't outright enemies, he couldn't simply eliminate them either. It would be an extremely thorny situation.
'No, perhaps their aura alone doesn't prove their strength.'
Looking back, Jo Cheon-wang, leader of the Heavenly Martial Brigade, had only held a very slight advantage over him.
Even if Jo Cheon-wang had been the weakest among the Seven Great Leaders, the gap between him and the others couldn't possibly be that vast.
The martial prowess of the leaders—aside from Baekri Mu-jo—could only be accurately gauged by facing them in direct combat.
'The only certainty is that among them could be the murderer who killed Grandfather.'
A bloody light flickered in Bu Eun-seol's eyes.
If the Divine Calculator's words were true...
The one who had threatened his grandfather with his life, gouged out his grandfather's eyes and severed his arm, and cruelly scattered hidden weapons—that very murderer stood among them.
Grip.
Bu Eun-seol clenched his fist.
He wanted nothing more than to charge forward right now and behead every single one of them.
But such a thing was impossible.
Moreover, if he showed even the slightest hint of abnormality, all his efforts up to this point would be for nothing.
He had to exert tremendous effort to suppress the killing intent threatening to burst forth.
'I've come too far, through too many twists and turns.'
Ever since he had learned that his grandfather was a peerless swordsman who had once shaken the world,
He had known that his revenge would never be easy.
But until now, Bu Eun-seol had endured far too much patience and taken far too many detours.
No matter who the murderer was, the urge to rush onto that platform, swing his sword, and sever their heads was nearly unbearable.
Thud, thud.
But then, the sound of footsteps reached Bu Eun-seol's ears.
The footsteps were unmistakably light and sprightly, like those of an immortal, yet to Bu Eun-seol's ears, they reverberated like thunder.
When he turned his head, he saw a middle-aged man clad in blue robes, resembling a celestial being, ascending the platform.
Jeong Cheon-je, Shin Do-mu-bi.
The Grandmaster who governed the world, the undisputed Number One of the Righteous Path, had finally revealed himself before all the martial artists of the Martial Alliance.
Thud. Thud.
With every step Jeong Cheon-je took toward the platform, Bu Eun-seol's heart pounded as if it would burst.
'Jeong Cheon-je.'
The majesty of the foremost figure of the orthodox faction was akin to that of a divine being gazing down upon the mortal realm from the heavens.
His presence was so transcendent that not even a speck of worldly dust could touch him.
Unlike the absolute, oppressive might of Ak Mu-ryeong, an ethereal and boundless energy lingered around him.
'Was my assumption wrong?'
Shin Do-mu-bi exuded the full grandeur of the Number One of the Righteous Path, and even if all Seven Great Leaders were to attack him at once—
He possessed the power to repel them effortlessly.
'Or perhaps the Seven Great Leaders are all concealing their true strength.'
Just looking at Baekri Mu-jo alone, who had yet to reveal his full capabilities... it wasn't entirely impossible.
The only regret was that the most crucial piece of information—
Whether Jeong Cheon-je and the Divine Calculator were the same person—remained impossible to discern.
'I can't tell, no matter how hard I look.'
Jeong Cheon-je's eyes held a mysterious glow, the kind one could never forget after meeting them even once.
Even if he had disguised himself, hiding that radiant eye glow would have been impossible.
Perhaps that was why... the Divine Calculator had gone to such lengths to conceal his appearance.
One look at those eyes, and anyone would instantly recognize him as Jeong Cheon-je.
'It's suffocating.'
The Demonic Heavenly Emperor concealed his extraordinariness beneath an ordinary facade—his appearance was no different from that of any other old man.
But Jeong Cheon-je was different.
Despite being over seventy, he maintained the visage of a middle-aged man.
His extraordinariness had reached its zenith.
Just looking at him made the martial artists of the Martial Alliance hold their breath... as an overwhelming yet strangely gentle pressure radiated from him.
Step. Step.
Then, an elderly man ascended the platform—Bukgung Ryeong.
Whoosh.
As he stepped onto the platform, Shin Do-mu-bi personally guided him toward the pre-prepared Hero Stele.
"Here."
When Shin Do-mu-bi extended his hand, Bukgung Ryeong nodded and personally engraved his name onto the stele.
Shhhhk—!
At that, not only the martial artists but even the leaders and Shin Do-mu-bi himself bowed their heads and clasped their hands in respect.
They were paying homage to the first person in history to have his name inscribed on the Hero Stele while still alive.
The ceremony concluded grandly.
For Bukgung Ryeong, now an Honorary Guardian, a dedicated hall was provided, complete with personal attendants and direct subordinates.
The position of Honorary Guardian typically placed one under the jurisdiction of the Elders' Hall.
However, Bukgung Ryeong was granted the freedom to traverse the Rivers and Lakes and carry out justice as he saw fit.
He was permitted to undertake any mission independently and had the authority to mobilize and command martial artists from any branch of the Martial Alliance at any time.
Given that his name had been inscribed on the Hero Stele while still alive, this was nothing short of an exceptional privilege.
Once the ceremony ended, Yuk Jang-cheon led Bu Eun-seol toward Bukgung Ryeong.
The two had long been renowned figures in the martial world and had both ascended to the Seat of the Four Gods and Seven Kings.
Their only prior encounter had been a chance meeting in the martial world, but Yuk Jang-cheon greeted Bukgung Ryeong with hearty familiarity, clasping his hands warmly.
"Elder Bukgung. It's been a long time."
Yuk Jang-cheon greeted Bukgung Ryeong cheerfully.
"Ah, I should address you as Honorary Guardian now. My sincerest congratulations."
"Thank you."
"Congratulations, Honorary Guardian."
At that moment, Bu Eun-seol, standing beside him, respectfully clasped his hands. Bukgung Ryeong let out a small sound of recognition.
"Ah, the young man from back then."
As Bukgung Ryeong recognized Bu Eun-seol, Yuk Jang-cheon quickly interjected.
"This young man here is the fastest in the alliance's history to rise to the rank of First-rate Commander. With his potential, he might even become a Hall Leader even sooner than Cheong-a."
"Indeed, he carries the aura of a rare prodigy."
Bukgung Ryeong nodded approvingly.
This wasn't mere politeness—there was something strikingly impressive about the glint in the eyes of this young man called Seon-u Jin.
Gazing into Bu Eun-seol's still, unwavering pupils, Bukgung Ryeong gently patted his shoulder.
"The era of young talents like you is upon us. Work hard."
"Thank you."
"Congratulations, Honorary Guardian."
Just then, a woman clad in resplendent blue palace robes approached Bukgung Ryeong.
It was Yuk Cheong-a, who had now become the Deputy Hall Lord of the Dragon Coil Hall.
"You refused every time I pleaded with you, yet in the end, you've changed your mind after all."
When Yuk Cheong-a smiled, revealing teeth as white as snow, Bukgung Ryeong replied apologetically.
"So it seems."
"We've been preparing your quarters as an Honorary Guardian. Would you like to see them now?"
Though she was the Deputy Hall Lord of the Dragon Coil Hall, Yuk Cheong-a's residence had been arranged near the Elders' Hall.
Moreover, the High Command, aware of her connection to Bukgung Ryeong, had ordered her to assist him in quickly adapting to the Martial Alliance's environment and rules.
"Then we'll meet again later."
At Bukgung Ryeong's words, Yuk Jang-cheon and Bu Eun-seol lightly bowed in acknowledgment.
"That fox is impossible to deal with."
Yuk Jang-cheon shook his head as he watched Bukgung Ryeong walk away, guided by Yuk Cheong-a.
"Even if that Baek Mu-seong were to return, there'd be no hope left. Why is she still clinging so desperately...?"
Bu Eun-seol said nothing.
Someone like Yuk Cheong-a wouldn't remain idle like this.
She was undoubtedly scheming something to make an even greater leap forward.
'Whatever it is, it doesn't matter.'
At present, all his focus was entirely on the Return-to-One Realm.
Rather than concerning himself with Yuk Cheong-a or Yuk Jang-cheon, he needed to stop whatever the Return-to-One Realm was plotting as soon as possible and recover his grandfather's physical body.
Once the Martial Alliance's event concluded, Bu Eun-seol stepped back into the martial world and summoned Do Cheon-rin.
With the matters on Cold Moon Island fully resolved, it was now time to deal with the Three Realms' facility—the one inscribed on Do Cheon-rin's sword.
Their plan was to infiltrate Gangok District and destroy it.
***
Safe House of the Demon Hall, Western Peace Prefecture.
"Did you find the demonic sword?"
At Bu Eun-seol's question, Do Cheon-rin nodded and drew out a single, sharply gleaming demonic blade.
"Of course. I barely managed to secure one more."
Before entering the Martial Alliance, Bu Eun-seol had made one request of Do Cheon-rin.
To procure another demonic sword rumored to be circulating in the martial world.
They needed a demonic sword to use when infiltrating Gangok District, as inscribed on Do Cheon-rin's Phantom Demon Sword.
Fortunately, through the intelligence networks of the Death Soul Squad and the Supreme Edge Unit, Do Cheon-rin had located another wielder and obtained an additional demonic sword.
"I just hope it doesn't point to Cold Moon Island again."
Do Cheon-rin wore a tense expression as he drenched the blade in his own blood.
Then, when Bu Eun-seol doused it once more with his blood, a faint glow rose from the sword's surface, revealing inscribed characters.
Gangok District.
To their immense relief, it was not Cold Moon Island.
"Luck is on our side."
Do Cheon-rin exhaled in relief.
Had both swords pointed to Cold Moon Island? They would've had to roam the martial world yet again in search of another demonic sword wielder.
"Luck?"
Bu Eun-seol muttered softly before voicing an unexpected thought.
"Perhaps they have a method to alter the inscriptions on the swords?"
"What do you mean?"
"Now that Cold Moon Island has been destroyed, they might have a way to change the characters engraved on the blades."
The demonic swords were crafted by the Return-to-One Realm to select those capable of awakening past superlative martial experts.
But with Cold Moon Island gone—
If that prevented them from locating the One Hundred and Eight Stars, there could be no greater loss.
From the Return-to-One Realm's perspective, wouldn't they have immediately changed the inscriptions to Gangok District? That was the thought that crossed his mind.
"Impossible. How could they alter the characters engraved on the swords?"
Bu Eun-seol shook his head.
"I know it sounds far-fetched. But after witnessing the Great Art they employ... I can't help but wonder if it's possible."
Do Cheon-rin nodded and looked down at the sword.
Even obtaining a large number of these swords with such functions was a difficult feat.
Yet the Return-to-One Realm had scattered them throughout the martial world, designed so that when they absorbed the blood of a master who had reached a certain level of martial prowess, the characters would manifest.
In truth, such a thing itself bordered on the impossible.
Moreover, if they truly possessed a method to identify those with the same disposition as past masters and transform them into similar physical bodies...
Then changing a few characters on a sword would seem like nothing in comparison.
"If that's the case, we must be extremely cautious this time."
Do Cheon-rin stared at the characters on the sword as he spoke.
"One of their meticulously crafted facilities was destroyed by someone whose identity remains unknown. There's no way they wouldn't have prepared countermeasures."
"Most likely."
Bu Eun-seol nodded.
"That's why I don't plan to go alone this time."
"You intend to bring masters from the Demon Hall?"
"Absolutely not. I have no intention of sacrificing my subordinates. If I were to bring them along, they might deduce that I was the one who destroyed Cold Moon Island's facility."
"Then what?"
"This time, I'll utilize the Martial Alliance's forces."
"The Martial Alliance?"
"Correct."
Bu Eun-seol spoke impassively.
"I've established connections within the Martial Alliance as well."
After experiencing numerous events, Bu Eun-seol had come to recognize Do Cheon-rin as a trustworthy figure.
Yet he still hadn't revealed the full truth about his Seon-u Jin identity. The fewer who knew about his double life, the safer it was.
"Well, that might work too."
Do Cheon-rin offered a faint smile as he handed over the demonic sword.
"But if you mobilize the Martial Alliance's masters, the Return-to-One Realm will likely abandon any plans of using this sword to track down the One Hundred and Eight Stars."
"I'm aware."
Bu Eun-seol nodded.
"After Cold Moon Island, the Ghostly Unity Sect would have already overhauled its entire strategy. They now know someone among the sword-bearers opposes them."
"Then Gangok District must already be a prepared trap for intruders."
"Precisely."
Bu Eun-seol nodded calmly.
"This will be our chance to gauge both the nature of the Return-to-One Realm's trap and the extent of their power."
After parting with Do Cheon-rin, Bu Eun-seol returned to the Martial Alliance and sought out Gongson Dan-gyeong.
The demonic sword brought by Do Cheon-rin now hung at his waist.
Strictly speaking, requesting military support from Yuk Jang-cheon, Hall Master of the Hall of Ascending Martial, would have been more efficient for achieving merit.
But Bu Eun-seol intended to kill three birds with one stone.
Not only would he uncover the scale and nature of the Return-to-One Realm's trap—
He would also assess the extent of Gongson Dan-gyeong's personally concealed martial strength, given her declaration to eliminate the Infinite Realm.
Moreover, if he led Martial Alliance troops into Gangok District?
The faction that destroyed Cold Moon Island might be misattributed to the Alliance.
A flawless triple-layered scheme.
Hidden Moon Hall, Gongson Dan-gyeong's office.
"This is utterly unbelievable."
Gongson Dan-gyeong tilted her head, staring at the demonic sword placed on the desk.
Even after hearing Bu Eun-seol's explanation, she shook her head as if struggling to comprehend.
"You're saying they forged demonic swords and scattered them?"
"Correct."
Bu Eun-seol explained composedly.
"While traveling the martial world, I witnessed masters wielding mysterious blades engaged in combat. I intended to leave once their duel concluded, but..."
He paused briefly, shaking his head.
"The victor detected my presence and abruptly attacked. I had no choice but to retaliate..."
Bu Eun-seol had employed the first stance of the Iron Sword Thirteen Forms—Life as Light as a Swan Feather.
The redirected strike had ironically killed his assailant.
But when the man's blood touched the sword he carried, it suddenly emitted light and etched these characters into the blade.
"Blood contact revealed inscriptions on the sword's body...?"
Gongson Dan-gyeong furrowed her brow.
The Infinite Realm primarily focused on Human Blossoms, medicinal essences, and bodily modifications—
She had never heard of them employing such mystical spellcraft.
This suggested another faction among the Three Realms was behind it.
"The Infinite Realm is merely my conjecture. The master blacksmith who forged these blades may have inscribed them for reasons of his own."
"It certainly warrants investigation."
Gongson Dan-gyeong nodded.
"However, even if the sword bears the name of a specific location, we cannot mobilize the Alliance's full military might for this."
A reasonable stance.
Even if this were a Three Realms stronghold—
Without definitive proof, the Alliance couldn't commit its forces.
"Had we reported this to Hall Master Yuk... he would undoubtedly have ordered Commander Seon-u to investigate alone."
Gongson Dan-gyeong deliberated momentarily.
If this facility was connected to the Three Realms? Seon-u Jin alone would be insufficient.
Should his investigation fail prematurely... even their plan to elevate him as leader of the Martial Heaven Unit would collapse.
'Commander Seon-u must become Unit Leader without fail.'
To annihilate the Infinite Realm in the future—
And to exact vengeance—
She needed to secure Seon-u Jin as her own agent.
Moreover, his promotion would grant her—
Effective control over an entire Martial Alliance unit.
"Hmm."
Exhaling softly, Gongson Dan-gyeong nodded as if reaching a decision.
"First, I'll dispatch operatives from the Strategy Pavilion for covert reconnaissance... then we'll revisit this discussion."
"Understood."
As he turned to leave, Bu Eun-seol allowed a faint smile to surface.
'The bait has been taken.'
Gangok District was almost certainly a trap meticulously prepared by the Return-to-One Realm.
The investigation would undoubtedly fail.
Yet without Alliance military support... Gongson Dan-gyeong would have no choice but to deploy her hidden personal forces.