Chapter 604
Peak Pavilion, Bu Eun-seol's Office.
"Are you referring to this commander?"
Bu Eun-seol wore an expression of bewilderment as he gazed at the martial artist who had suddenly arrived.
A martial artist from the Justice Pavilion had come to inform him that he must attend the Chief Department Heads Conference immediately.
As a first-rate commander, he had no authority to attend such a conference. Which could only mean that the anticipated event was now unfolding.
'It has begun.'
Bu Eun-seol took a deep breath.
Though he couldn't predict exactly how this would conclude, he had been prepared for this moment ever since handing over the Death Soul Squad's intelligence to Gongson Dan-gyeong.
"Please accompany us."
When the standing martial artist respectfully extended his hand, Bu Eun-seol gave a nod.
"Understood."
The Justice Pavilion's Grand Conference Hall.
Once again, the Chief Department Heads Conference was being held under the supervision of Vice Alliance Leader Bukri Seung.
Various matters were swiftly addressed, leaving only the agenda item submitted by the Jade Wall Hall Master, Naenggung Cheon.
"Only one remains now."
Bukri Seung's gaze fixed upon Naenggung Cheon, who sat in a corner of the hall.
Meeting his eyes, Naenggung Cheon rose from his seat as if he had been waiting for this moment.
"Commander Seon-u has been summoned and should arrive shortly."
Creak.
No sooner had those words left his lips than the conference hall doors swung open, revealing a tall, mild-mannered man in white robes.
It was Bu Eun-seol, disguised as Seon-u Jin.
"Peak Leader Seon-u Jin, answering the summons—"
"Stand over there."
Naenggung Cheon coldly cut him off, pointing to the center of the conference hall.
"Understood."
Without another word, Bu Eun-seol took his place at the heart of the assembly. Naenggung Cheon spoke with icy precision.
"As I mentioned earlier, this agenda concerns Commander Seon-u."
After briefly surveying the gathered hall leaders, he continued.
"While it was the Martial Soul Lord who borrowed the vessel from the Water Serpent Gang, the payment records indicate it was Commander Seon-u who provided the funds."
As Naenggung Cheon finished with a nod, his adjutant distributed booklets containing detailed evidence to Bukri Seung and the assembled hall leaders.
"The heir of the Demon Hall, the Martial Soul Lord, used banknotes from Silver Lake Bank in Shanxi—the primary financial institution of the Seonhwa Merchant House."
Naenggung Cheon continued his explanation at length.
In essence, not only did the movements of the Demon Hall's heir overlap with Seon-u Jin's, but the Martial Soul Lord had also used the same banknotes as Seon-u Jin.
If these allegations held truth?
This was no matter to be dismissed with evasive answers.
It was a situation demanding immediate interrogation by the Disciplinary Hall.
"How such a thing could occur is beyond me."
As Bukri Seung stroked his beard in contemplation, Naenggung Cheon pressed on.
"Our investigation confirms the Martial Soul Lord used those funds to charter a vessel from the Water Serpent Gang on Dongting Lake."
Taking a deep breath, Naenggung Cheon declared solemnly.
"And their destination was none other than Ghost Island."
It was a perfect trap.
Bu Eun-seol had rushed to Ghost Island to rescue the Bullet King.
In his haste, he had used the Silver Lake Bank notes tied to Seon-u Jin's identity.
An utterly unforeseen blunder.
Murmurs erupted.
The hall instantly filled with hushed exclamations.
How could the most prominent young grandmaster of the Demonic Path possibly possess banknotes used by Seon-u Jin to access Ghost Island?
Even as the atmosphere in the conference hall plunged into icy tension,
Bu Eun-seol remained standing silently at the edge of the assembly, listening impassively to Naenggung Cheon's accusations.
'They took the bait beautifully.'
Jade Wall Hall Master Naenggung Cheon.
There was no chance he would orchestrate this independently.
Clearly, he had been recruited by some faction or influential figure to advance this scheme.
'Whether Gongson the Chief Strategist is behind this will reveal itself in time.'
Every piece of intelligence Naenggung Cheon presented had been obtained through the coordinated efforts of the Death Soul Squad and the Peak Leader's intelligence networks—
information controlled by Gongson Dan-gyeong.
Yet that meticulous woman, who combined strategic brilliance with profound insight,
would never deploy a mere hall master like Naenggung Cheon to topple someone of Seon-u Jin's stature.
'She's using him as a beaters' dog.'
Bu Eun-seol gave an almost imperceptible nod.
In truth, he had recognized his mistake with the banknotes by the time he rescued Bukgung Ryeong from Ghost Island and returned to Langya Pavilion.
Nevertheless, Bu Eun-seol had deliberately allowed Gongson Dan-gyeong to obtain this information without redaction.
First, because he had already prepared irrefutable counterevidence using the intelligence networks of both the Death Soul Squad and the Peak Leader's division.
Second, to identify all those within the Martial Alliance who still harbored hostility or suspicion toward Seon-u Jin.
Including Gongson Dan-gyeong herself, of course.
This was far too tempting a bait to ignore.
"These are indeed troubling inconsistencies."
The Vice Alliance Leader nodded gravely.
"Commander Seon-u. Do you have anything to say in your defense?"
"Of course I do."
Just as Bu Eun-seol prepared to respond calmly,
"Please wait a moment."
Naenggung Cheon interjected with unexpected words.
"Before hearing Commander Seon-u's statement, may I call upon one witness?"
"A witness?"
"That is correct."
The Vice Alliance Leader tilted his head.
"What witness are you referring to?"
"The newly appointed Honorary Guardian of our alliance—Honorary Guardian Bukgung."
The Jade Wall Hall Master smiled coldly as he looked at Bu Eun-seol.
"After all, Honorary Guardian Bukgung was present on Ghost Island at the time."
In an instant, Bu Eun-seol's eyebrows shot up.
'So the Three Realms were behind this.'
Given the Jade Wall Hall Master's position, it would have been impossible for him to even know that Bukgung Ryeong had been on Ghost Island at the time.
Which meant he was an agent of the Three Realms.
Operating under the assumption that Seon-u Jin commanded an elite Information Warfare Unit and possessed a secret faction.
Even if concrete evidence were presented, they had anticipated that it could be fabricated.
So instead, they had prepared a countermeasure—bringing in Bukgung Ryeong from the very beginning to render any such evidence useless.
Though Bu Eun-seol had erased all traces from the corpses...
If it was the Three Realms, they must have grasped at least some of the situation on Ghost Island.
'But I can only hope this isn't Chief Strategist Gongson's plan.'
Even if the Jade Wall Hall Master, Naenggung Cheon, was an agent of the Three Realms, he wasn't the type to orchestrate such a meticulous scheme using Bukgung Ryeong.
Meaning, behind this incident was someone with a calculating personality and exceptional strategic insight.
And if that person was Gongson Dan-gyeong?
Then naturally, she too would be an agent of the Three Realms.
"According to our investigation, Honorary Guardian Bukgung was present on Ghost Island at the time, so he should be able to provide a detailed account of the situation."
"Very well."
The Vice Alliance Leader nodded.
"Summon the Honorary Guardian."
In that moment, Bu Eun-seol clenched his fist.
Bukgung Ryeong didn't know Seon-u Jin's true identity.
But if he were to speak honestly about everything that had happened on Ghost Island—
Every piece of evidence Bu Eun-seol had prepared in advance would become unusable.
Creak.
The door opened, and an elderly man dressed in white robes slowly entered.
An aura as profound as the autumn sky enveloped his entire body, and his eyes were as long and sharp as a phoenix's.
It was the Bullet King, Bukgung Ryeong—a peerless master who had forged his own legend with the unrivaled Inner Energy Bullet Art.
"Vice Alliance Leader."
As Bukgung Ryeong offered a light bow, the Vice Alliance Leader returned the gesture.
"Honorary Guardian."
Naenggung Cheon stepped forward, bowed to Bukgung Ryeong, and then inquired in a respectful tone.
"Thank you for appearing as a witness."
"Think nothing of it."
"You were on Ghost Island at the time, correct?"
"I was."
"Who did you see there?"
As he posed the question, Naenggung Cheon glanced at Bu Eun-seol, the corner of his lips curling upward.
—There's no escape for him now.
Not only were the hall masters of the Martial Alliance gathered in this conference hall, but the Vice Alliance Leader and the Bullet King were also present.
Even if he tried to flee by bursting through the roof, there was no way he could safely evade their grasp.
"What this Honorary Guardian saw on Ghost Island was..."
As Bukgung Ryeong's mouth opened, Bu Eun-seol stood at a crossroads.
If he combined the Thunder Essence Divine Qi with Swift Shadowless, he could escape this place instantly.
But Naenggung Cheon was an agent of the Three Realms.
Not only were Bukri Seung and the Bullet King here, but he had undoubtedly stationed formidable masters in the vicinity—
Or perhaps even laid out a massive encirclement around the Martial Alliance headquarters.
'But if I don't get out first, the Peak Realm Members won't be able to act according to plan.'
Just as Bu Eun-seol was about to draw upon the Two Spirit Energies—
"...It was none other than Commander Seon-u."
A heavy silence instantly fell over the conference hall.
The answer had come completely out of left field.
Naenggung Cheon's eyes widened as if he had been struck from behind.
"What do you mean? You saw Commander Seon-u?"
"You asked who I saw on Ghost Island, did you not?"
"But the one who chartered the ship to Ghost Island was recorded as the Heir of the Demon Hall—the Martial Soul Lord!"
"Ah, right. He was there too."
"What are you saying?"
Bukgung Ryeong replied with an indifferent expression.
"That fellow came to Ghost Island to settle a score with me. But unexpected troublemakers showed up, so we couldn't fight properly. In the end, he left."
Flames flickered in Naenggung Cheon's eyes.
"You were planning to fight the Martial Soul Lord there?"
"That's right. I happened to run into that arrogant brat near West Lake. But there were too many people around, so we couldn't fight to our heart's content."
Bukgung Ryeong continued calmly.
"So we agreed to meet on Ghost Island half a month later to settle it. And he came."
"Then why was Commander Seon-u on Ghost Island?"
"He had his own reasons."
"Reasons, you say?"
Bukgung Ryeong made a troubled face.
"It's not something I can discuss here."
Naenggung Cheon pressed again with a suspicious glare.
"Why can't you say?"
"I told you—there are circumstances."
"Please speak plainly, Honorary Guardian."
"Hmph."
In an instant, a frigid light erupted from Bukgung Ryeong's eyes.
"Are you interrogating me now?"
As his anger flared, an icy gust swirled violently through the conference hall.
"Hmph."
Unable to stand by any longer, Bukri Seung cleared his throat and stepped forward.
"Honorary Guardian, since matters have come this far, why not speak your piece to the end?"
Then, pointing at Bu Eun-seol, he added:
"If we don't know the exact facts, this young Commander may face unnecessary difficulties."
"Hmm..."
With a reluctant sigh, Bukgung Ryeong finally opened his mouth.
"I summoned him as an observer."
"An observer?"
"Indeed. Simply by witnessing that arrogant bastard's combat methods... one could gain immeasurable martial insights."
At that moment, Naenggung Cheon interrupted again.
"What in heaven's name does that mean?"
"You keep forcing me to elaborate."
Bukgung Ryeong answered with frosty displeasure.
"Since I'm fighting a disciple of the Demonic Path anyway, I intended to summon Commander Seon-u as an observer—to give him a chance to comprehend the profundity of my Inner Energy Bullet Art."
Suddenly, Bukri Seung asked in astonishment:
"Was Commander Seon-u your disciple?"
Bukgung Ryeong had never taken any disciples before, remaining a solitary wanderer of the martial world.
Yet now he'd inexplicably taught his Inner Energy Bullet Art to Commander Seon-u. Did that mean he'd accepted him as a disciple?
"Disciple is too strong a word. It was merely a passing whim."
Bukgung Ryeong smiled as he looked at Seon-u Jin—that is, Bu Eun-seol.
"When I stayed at Jongriga Manor, I briefly met Commander Seon-u. Later, while roaming the martial world, I happened to encounter him again."
A proud smile crept into Bukgung Ryeong's eyes.
"Turns out he'd been traveling alone through the martial world, accomplishing quite a few commendable deeds."
Instantly, the assembled members widened their eyes in shock.
Seon-u Jin was known to operate alone as Commander of the Peak Division's Information Warfare Unit, gathering intelligence on martial world affairs.
But to think he'd been doing such praiseworthy deeds that even the Bullet King would commend him?
"So that's why the Peak Leader was always so busy."
As Bukri Seung chimed in, Bukgung Ryeong nodded.
"He possessed exceptional talent and admirable character, so on a momentary impulse, I taught him the basics of my Inner Energy Bullet Art. Nothing more."
"Then was it you who defeated the Martial Soul Lord? Strange that no rumors spread through the martial world."
At Bukri Seung's question, Bukgung Ryeong made a bitter face.
"While waiting for him on Ghost Island and honing my martial arts, a large force suddenly ambushed me. At first I thought that vile bastard had sent them..."
His expression darkened as he continued.
"But they turned out to be from an unidentified faction using bizarre techniques... This old man nearly died. Were it not for that Demon Hall Lord and Commander Seon-u arriving just in time, I wouldn't be here."
The Jade Wall Hall Master, who had been listening silently, gasped.
'So that explains those traces!'
Bukgung Ryeong should have been captured on Ghost Island.
Yet he escaped unharmed, while all the masters and troops sent there were completely annihilated.
Investigations showed signs of an immensely powerful master aiding him... Who would've guessed it was the Martial Soul Lord coming for their duel?
"Well then, why didn't you acknowledge each other at the Hero Stele ceremony?"
Bukri Seung's eyes grew round with surprise.
"Commander Seon-u is practically your disciple in all but name."
"Disciple? Didn't I say already? It was just a passing fancy."
Bukgung Ryeong gazed at Bu Eun-seol.
"Yet he's performed many good deeds while consistently concealing his identity."
He calmly scanned the room before continuing.
"I respected that discretion, hence pretended not to know him. It's not like we formally established a master-disciple bond anyway."
As Naenggung Cheon listened to this exchange, his mouth fell open.
With this development, wouldn't he—who'd attacked Seon-u Jin yet again—plummet into irredeemable disgrace?
Naenggung Cheon desperately clutched his head.
'No—what if this is all lies?'
"Commander Seon-u."
Suddenly, his eyes flashed as he spoke.
"If the Honorary Guardian's words are true, then you should be able to demonstrate the Inner Energy Bullet Art, no?"
"Seems our friend here remains deeply suspicious of you."
Before Bu Eun-seol could respond, Bukgung Ryeong spoke in a kindly tone.
His expression and gaze resembled that of a master doting on his cherished disciple.
"Show him."
When Bu Eun-seol turned his head, Bukgung Ryeong gave an almost imperceptible nod.
'So he knew my true identity all along.'
Bu Eun-seol smiled bitterly to himself.
Bukgung Ryeong had recognized Bu Eun-seol as Seon-u Jin, yet was now helping conceal that identity.
However, this wasn't some prearranged scheme between them—
The Bullet King had instantly grasped the situation and improvised this cover story.
And the effect was tremendous.
After all, who would dare suspect a living hero of the orthodox faction—one who'd earned a Hero Stele?
"Very well."
In truth, Bu Eun-seol had never learned the Inner Energy Bullet Art.
But with over five centuries of internal energy cultivation, he could mimic its techniques even without formal training.
BOOM!
The moment Bu Eun-seol flicked his finger, compressed air erupted like a cannonball with a deafening roar.
Though it was merely a manifestation of his Divine True Energy, the gathered assembly had no choice but to mistake it for the Bullet King's signature Finger Flick Qi.
—So that's how it is.
The crowd nodded in unison.
Bukgung Ryeong was a Renowned Chivalrous Hero, one whose deeds had earned him a Hero Stele in his lifetime.
Now that such a man had vouched for Seon-u Jin,
even if the Emperor himself harbored suspicions, there was no choice but to believe.
"I—I had no idea such circumstances existed..."
Naenggung Cheon trembled uncontrollably.
His standing had already crumbled like loose gravel.
Worse still, many among the Martial Alliance's High Command were aware of—and wary of—the Three Realms.
In the end, this incident had inadvertently exposed his affiliation with them...
Now, there would be no place left for him within the Martial Alliance.
"It's alright."
Bu Eun-seol smiled gently at Naenggung Cheon.
"I, too, bear fault for concealing my identity."
"To lower oneself while performing righteous deeds—is that not conduct worthy of emulation by the younger generation of Murim?"
At that moment, Bukri Seung cast a proud smile toward Bu Eun-seol.
"Thus, there is no need for you to feel apologetic."
Not just Bukri Seung—most of the Hall Leaders wore deeply moved expressions.
Peak Leader Seon-u Jin.
They had known he was brilliant and peerless in martial arts.
But his rapid promotions and the attention he garnered had also bred envy in many.
Yet now that they knew he had been hiding himself while performing good deeds,
even those who had disliked him couldn't help but feel admiration.
"Commander Seon-u possesses such extraordinary ability and the bearing of a Renowned Hero... yet, like Honorary Guardian Bukgung, he concealed his merits, leading to this unfortunate chain of events."
Bukri Seung spoke solemnly.
"If anyone attempts to slander Commander Seon-u again, they had best step forward with their necks bared."
With those words, the assembly concluded.
Naenggung Cheon could only hang his head, cold sweat dripping down his back.
All that remained for him now was either a quiet execution by the Three Realms—or a humiliating retreat to his hometown, exiled from the Martial Alliance.
Under the flowing moonlight,
Bu Eun-seol and Bukgung Ryeong sat facing each other in a small guest inn, slightly removed from the Martial Alliance, tilting their cups in silence.
"How did you know?"
Bu Eun-seol's question carried multiple layers of meaning.
Bukgung Ryeong set down his cup and snorted.
"How many people do you think this old man has fought back-to-back with in all his years in Murim?"
The very term "Murim's Lone Independent" had been coined for Bukgung Ryeong.
And in a lifetime of standing alone, the only person he had ever fought side by side with—
was Bu Eun-seol.
"That time, then."
Bu Eun-seol smiled faintly, recalling something.
He remembered the moment during the Hero Stele ceremony when Yuk Jang-cheon had clapped him on the shoulder.
"A lifetime of honing the Inner Energy Bullet Art with my fingers—my tactile senses are unmatched under heaven."
Just as Bu Eun-seol, from years as an Undertaker, could memorize a person's physique with a glance,
Bukgung Ryeong possessed the ability to distinguish individuals by the shape and texture of muscles beneath his fingertips.
"Your shoulder and back muscles—I know them too well."
Moreover, Bukgung Ryeong was a peerless master.
Having clashed with Bu Eun-seol multiple times, exchanging blows and grappling, he could recognize him in an instant.
"Aren't you going to ask why?"
Bu Eun-seol's voice was low.
"I could be plotting to destroy the Martial Alliance."
"Heh. If that were the case, the Martial Alliance would've been finished long ago."
Bukgung Ryeong downed his cup dismissively.
"Frankly, the Alliance is already rotten to the core. You're up to something, I'm sure."
He trusted him.
Not only did Bu Eun-seol not care for the divide between Orthodox and Unorthodox Factions—he was certain the man was working toward something just.
"To be honest, it's not for justice. Nor for Murim."
As Bu Eun-seol began to explain, Bukgung Ryeong waved him off.
"Spare me the details. My head's about to split as it is."
Bu Eun-seol exhaled through his nose and shook his head.
There was no need to voice the thoughts in his heart aloud.
When you truly came to like someone, you could read their inner thoughts without words.
'The matter of the Martial Alliance Chief... it's still too soon to tell the old man.'
Bukgung Ryeong had always loathed the Martial Alliance to his core.
Now, newly appointed as an Honorary Guardian, he had yet to establish a firm foothold or support base within the organization.
If he were to learn of Jeong Cheon-je or the Martial Venerable,
it might only sow chaos or deepen his disgust for the Alliance.
"I'll take my leave first."
Having drained ten jars of liquor, Bukgung Ryeong rose to his feet.
"Now that I'm some Honorary Guardian or other, I've got duties to attend to."
Without so much as a backward glance, he strode out of the inn.
Bu Eun-seol watched him go, smiling.
Now, Bukgung Ryeong would become a powerful backer for him within the Martial Alliance.
Even in the worst-case scenario—without relying on Gongson Dan-gyeong or Yuk Jang-cheon—he could stand perfectly on his own.