Chapter 614
A sudden piece of tragic news swept through the Murim.
Chae Ju-hong, the highest-ranking elder of the Mount Hua Sect, had abruptly passed away the night before when his heart stopped.
In preparation for his funeral, numerous figures from the Nine Great Sects—including Shaolin—attempted to visit Mount Hua.
However, as if the sect had sealed its gates, Mount Hua politely turned away all condolence visitors from the various factions and quietly conducted the funeral in private.
The reason behind this was a shocking truth.
Elder Chae Ju-hong of Mount Hua had been the mastermind behind the sporadic abduction cases that had occurred throughout Shaanxi and Sichuan.
He had been cultivating a bizarre and unorthodox art by draining the yin qi of women.
The only reason the truth had never come to light was that all the abducted women had come from ordinary families.
What would happen if such a fact became known to the Murim?
The disciples of Mount Hua would never be able to show their faces in the martial world again.
Gongson Dan-gyeong, who was aware of the truth, had also chosen to remain silent.
First, if it were revealed that Mount Hua's elder had been a fake, the orthodox Murim would plunge into chaos.
Second, if it came to light that Seon-u Jin—under Gongson Dan-gyeong's leadership—had been the one to eliminate the fake Chae Ju-hong?
Every faction would immediately begin scrutinizing the movements and records of those two.
Until they could uproot the organizations that were changing identities, this matter had to be buried.
* * *
Murim Alliance, Hidden Moon Hall. Gongson Dan-gyeong's private office.
"You've done well."
Gongson Dan-gyeong commended Bu Eun-seol, who had returned safely after completing his mission.
Not only had he perfectly resolved the long-unsolved abduction cases, but he had also brought back evidence of the atrocities committed by Chae Ju-hong, the former elder of Mount Hua.
"These pieces of evidence will prove useful in the future."
"For the Martial Venerable?"
If they held onto the weaknesses and misdeeds of each sect like this—
They wouldn't even need to invoke the authority of Jeong Cheon-je to secure support or assistance from the factions.
"Of course not. The Martial Venerable would never stoop to shaking down the sects with their weaknesses."
Gongson Dan-gyeong smiled faintly.
"These are far more useful for my work."
She had a formidable enemy—the Infinite Realm.
If necessary, she was prepared to leverage the factions' weaknesses to force their cooperation.
'Terrifying.'
Gongson Dan-gyeong. She hesitated at nothing to achieve her goals.
In that regard, she was strikingly similar to Bu Eun-seol, who charged forward for revenge without sparing a single thought for the distinction between orthodox and unorthodox factions.
"Thanks to this incident, the Martial Venerable has acknowledged that Commander Seon-u and I are on the same side. Naturally, he also agreed to promote you to leader."
Bu Eun-seol's eyes gleamed.
Then, with an utterly resolute expression, he spoke.
"Then arrange a private audience for me."
"With the Martial Venerable?"
"Yes."
Bu Eun-seol nodded.
"If he's acknowledged that we're allies, shouldn't that much be possible?"
'If the Martial Venerable is both the Murim Alliance Chief and the Divine Calculator... then when speaking in private, he wouldn't bother hiding his identity.'
From his perspective, he needed to confirm whether the Martial Venerable and the Divine Calculator were the same person.
He intended to meet the Alliance Chief in private and verify his true appearance.
"That's impossible."
Gongson Dan-gyeong shook her head.
"Gaining his trust after just one success is unrealistic."
Then she stated firmly,
"Let me reiterate—the Martial Venerable trusts no one in this alliance. That includes even me."
They still hadn't uncovered who had ambushed Jeong Cheon-je or which faction they belonged to.
From the Martial Venerable's perspective, everyone in the alliance was suspicious.
Not just the key figures of the Murim Alliance—he could trust no one.
"But didn't the Chief Strategist begin this plan alongside the Martial Venerable from the start?"
"Ah, I never mentioned that, did I?"
Gongson Dan-gyeong revealed something astonishing.
"My situation was similar to Commander Seon-u's. I accidentally discovered the secret passage in the Heaven and Earth Pavilion and learned the truth that way."
"Then—"
"The Martial Venerable recognized my exceptional talent and recruited me. He was confident I could assist him adequately as Chief Strategist."
In the end, Gongson Dan-gyeong hadn't been part of the Martial Venerable's plan from the beginning either.
She had only learned midway that he was acting as the Murim Alliance Chief.
Recognizing her outstanding wisdom and intellect, the Martial Venerable had appointed her as Chief Strategist to aid him.
'Then the Martial Venerable might have other allies.'
No matter how close he was to Jeong Cheon-je or how highly he ranked among the Three Demons and Three Venerables—
Bu Eun-seol doubted he could have orchestrated such an enormous scheme alone.
"During my time as head of the Great Forest Pavilion, I met him frequently, but after becoming Chief Strategist... we've mostly exchanged letters through intermediaries. Still, there's no need to worry."
Gongson Dan-gyeong spoke soothingly, like a reassuring elder.
"Though we can't publicly announce Commander Seon-u's achievements right now due to circumstances... all of this will serve as proof when the time comes for you to rise as leader. Think of it as steadily accumulating merit."
Bu Eun-seol simply wanted to confirm whether the Martial Venerable and the Divine Calculator were the same person.
But she had misunderstood, thinking he sought direct recognition of his achievements from the Martial Venerable.
"Of course, I'll do my best to arrange an opportunity for you to meet the elder."
She continued with an apologetic expression.
"For now, can you be satisfied with this much?"
From her perspective, Bu Eun-seol had become an indispensable ally and bargaining chip—one she could no longer demand absolute obedience from, as she had in the past.
"Hmm."
Bu Eun-seol nodded as if resigned.
"Understood."
In truth, apart from the evidence he had given Gongson Dan-gyeong, he had separately preserved proof of the crimes related to the Mount Hua Sect elder's kidnapping—evidence he had gathered while dismantling the lower ranks of the abductors.
'If I hand all the evidence to her, I might get stabbed in the back.'
These were crucial achievements that would later prove Seon-u Jin's worthiness as a hall master. He could never entrust them solely to her.
"By the way, you still couldn't identify the mastermind?"
"That's correct. However, Chae Ju-hong didn't seem to belong to the Three Realms."
Bu Eun-seol recounted Chae Ju-hong's reactions in detail.
After hearing everything, Gongson Dan-gyeong's gaze grew profound.
"So, apart from the Three Realms, another faction in the martial world is capable of orchestrating such schemes."
"Yes."
After a moment of contemplation, she nodded.
"Regardless, from their perspective, their lower ranks were suddenly obliterated—they must be on high alert now."
Then she smiled.
"You've worked hard, so take some time to rest. Or you may continue your usual activities in the martial world."
"Without reporting to Hall Master Yuk?"
"Hehehe. I believe they've already caught on."
Gongson Dan-gyeong shrugged.
"After the Jade Wall Hall Master incident, the father and daughter have been in close contact again. Judging by how frantically they've been putting their heads together, they must have already deduced that Commander Seon-u is one of my people."
"So I don't need to intervene?"
"Hehehe. Haven't you already gained the backing of me, Bukgung as Honorary Guardian, and even the Alliance Chief?"
Her smile turned playful.
"For now, I'll handle matters concerning that father-daughter pair. Commander Seon-u, just focus on your future missions."
That was exactly what Bu Eun-seol wanted.
With so many complicated matters piling up, he had no desire to waste energy on Yuk Jang-cheon and Yuk Cheong-a.
Bu Eun-seol's expression darkened as he stepped out of the Hidden Moon Hall.
He had secured the most powerful connection—from the Martial Venerable, who acted as the Alliance Chief, to the Chief Strategist herself.
But this connection was far too dangerous.
What if the Martial Venerable wasn't the Divine Calculator?
One day, the Martial Venerable might uncover Bu Eun-seol's true identity. If that happened, everything could crumble like foam on water.
'I need to find the Martial Venerable.'
If he could locate the man acting as the Alliance Chief, he could confirm whether he was the Divine Calculator.
But the Martial Venerable never revealed himself, communicating with Gongson Dan-gyeong only through intermediaries with extreme secrecy.
Perhaps he wouldn't show himself until Bu Eun-seol was elevated to hall master.
'I should deal with the most urgent matter first.'
The pressing issue now was undoing A-yeon's brainwashing.
Her personality had merged with that of an evil person, and her pure affection had twisted into obsession and possessiveness.
And if she could fulfill her desires, she would stop at nothing.
"The Azure River Realm's methods are utterly bizarre."
Shattering the minds of evil people, then fusing them with the personalities of good ones—eliminating great villains while simultaneously creating superlative martial experts?
It was as grotesque as the Ghost Realm's practice of tampering with the corpses of past masters.
Moreover, they were likely allied with—or perhaps even one with—some unknown faction that had yet to surface in the martial world.
They might prove even more troublesome than the Ghost Realm, the most feared of the Three Realms.
"Would she know, perhaps?"
Bu Eun-seol turned his head, glancing back at the Hidden Moon Hall.
Gongson Dan-gyeong's wisdom was no less than his own, and she was deeply versed in the martial world's affairs.
Would she know how to undo the Azure River Realm's brainwashing?
"No, I can't."
He immediately shook his head.
The person he needed to be most wary of in the Martial Alliance wasn't the Martial Venerable or Yuk Jang-cheon—it was Gongson Dan-gyeong.
If he carelessly asked her about the Azure River Realm, he couldn't predict the consequences.
If he ever sought her help, it would have to be a last resort.
Murmur, murmur.
From a distance, a group of people approached, their low voices carrying.
'The old man.'
It was the Bullet King, Bukgung Ryeong, and his entourage of followers.
'Must be nice living like that.'
Bukgung Ryeong, whose name had been engraved on the Hero Stele in his lifetime and who had become the first Honorary Guardian of the Martial Alliance.
The Alliance had granted him authority nearly equal to that of the Chief Inspector in recognition of his merits.
And now, those eager to cling to power endlessly flocked to him, flattering and currying favor to secure their own positions.
Seniority and connections.
These were the very pillars that upheld the Martial Alliance.
Step, step.
But then, from the opposite end of the path, a man strode forward, his robes fluttering with each confident stride.
His features were immaculate and refined, as if untouched by even a speck of worldly grime.
It was none other than Song-ak, a Great Righteous Master of the Wudang Sect.
"Honorary Guardian."
Song-ak pressed his palms together respectfully toward Bukgung Ryeong.
In response, the Bullet King extended his hand warmly.
"What brings you here?"
The Wudang Sect, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Shaolin, had always maintained a pristine reputation, renowned for their virtuous deeds.
Even Bukgung Ryeong—who rarely spared a glance for the dignitaries of other sects—held a deep bond with Wudang.
Particularly with Song-ak, the likely successor to the sect leadership, whom he had doted on since childhood. Song-ak, in turn, had always followed him closely.
"I had business nearby and thought to offer my congratulations while paying my respects."
Song-ak presented a cloth-wrapped bundle he had been carrying.
Inside were simple treats—cakes and rice sweets.
The onlookers sneered.
—Pathetic. Is that supposed to be a congratulatory gift?
To bring cheap snacks as a gift for the Martial Alliance's Honorary Guardian, the Bullet King who commanded the world's respect?
"What's this, bringing such humble offerings?"
But then, something unexpected happened.
Bukgung Ryeong's face lit up with a smile as he accepted the gift with genuine delight.
"Come, let's share some tea."
As the Bullet King led Song-ak away with familiarity, the lingering crowd wore expressions of envy.
They had presented lavish gifts, only to be ignored—yet this Wudang disciple earned warmth with mere snacks?
—Should we bring food next time too?
The onlookers clicked their tongues and dispersed.
But as Bukgung Ryeong and Song-ak turned, they happened to face the direction where Bu Eun-seol stood.
As the two approached, Bu Eun-seol swiftly adjusted his expression and clasped his hands in respect.
"Honorary Guardian."
"Ah, it's you."
Bukgung Ryeong glanced at the Hidden Moon Hall behind Bu Eun-seol and smiled.
"Visiting the Chief Inspector?"
"Yes."
Bu Eun-seol forced a smile, though his eyes were shadowed with unspoken troubles.
"I see. You've worked hard."
Bukgung Ryeong nodded and continued on his way with Song-ak toward his quarters.
"Is the Sect Leader in good health?"
Once settled in his residence, Bukgung Ryeong served tea to Song-ak.
"There isn't any trouble, is there?"
His expression grew slightly concerned as he studied the young Daoist.
Wudang had always remained aloof from power struggles, sending only a congratulatory envoy to the Hero Stele's unveiling.
They had never gone out of their way to send gifts or personal visits.
The fact that Song-ak had come belatedly with a gift suggested something was amiss.
"Of course. The Sect Leader is in good health."
"That's a relief."
Bukgung Ryeong exhaled in reassurance.
Daoist Master Yeong-cheong, Wudang's leader, had suffered a severe internal injury in his youth, the aftereffects of which still plagued him.
Though his profound Internal Power and robust physique kept him going, his health was always a concern.
"Our sect couldn't properly congratulate you before, so when I had business in Henan, the Sect Leader instructed me to pay my respects in person."
Song-ak spoke cheerfully, but his eyes dimmed slightly.
Undoubtedly, something had happened in Wudang.
So that's it.
If Wudang had simply wanted to exchange pleasantries and reaffirm their bond, they would have sent Yeong Hae-ja or another elder close to Bukgung Ryeong.
But dispatching Song-ak—swift and discreet—meant there was an urgent, confidential matter to discuss.
"It's fine."
Bukgung Ryeong wore an uncharacteristically gentle smile.
"You can speak freely. Though I hold the title of Honorary Guardian, I'm still just a wandering outsider at heart."
Song-ak smiled faintly.
That was exactly what he needed to hear.
What he had to say next wasn't for the ears of the Martial Alliance's Honorary Guardian—but for the Bullet King who roamed the Martial World alone.
"To be honest... something has happened within our sect."
Song-ak chose his words carefully.
As he spoke, Bukgung Ryeong listened in silence, his expression growing graver by the minute.
The tale Song-ak unfolded was too horrifying, too bizarre, to be something that had occurred within Wudang.
"Such a thing has happened?"
"Yes."
Song-ak spoke as if ashamed.
"We couldn't disclose this to outsiders, nor could we resolve it ourselves... After much deliberation, I came to seek your counsel."
His eyes gleamed earnestly as he looked at Bukgung Ryeong.
"You've seen much of the world, Elder."
As Song-ak said, Bukgung Ryeong's lifelong travels had granted him unparalleled knowledge and insight.
Yet even he could only grimace in response.
No matter how much he thought about it, he couldn't even begin to guess why such a thing had occurred, let alone find a solution.
'This isn't a matter of broad knowledge—it's something that requires direct investigation to uncover the answer.'
In the past, he would have rushed straight to Wudang Mountain without a second thought, as if demanding answers on the spot.
But now he knew better.
That his insight and wisdom weren't particularly outstanding.
And the reason he knew that was because of one person—that insufferable little bastard from the Demonic Path, Bu Eun-seol.
'Wait.'
Bukgung Ryeong's eyes gleamed.
Say what you will about him, but wasn't that kid's insight and wisdom unmatched in the martial world?
Even if he didn't know why this had happened, if he investigated the scene himself—
He would undoubtedly find a clue.
"Our sect desperately needs your guidance, Elder."
As Song-ak bowed his head with a pleading expression, Bukgung Ryeong let out a sigh.
"This isn't something that can be judged lightly."
Bukgung Ryeong spoke with a tone of lamentation.
"First, rest here for a while."
Then, with the utmost seriousness, he added:
"We'll continue this discussion tomorrow."
Bu Eun-seol sat in his office, deep in thought.
He had already stationed the Death Soul Squad and the Flying Demon Unit in multiple locations, including the Divine Maiden Palace, establishing both an emergency communication network and a covert protection system.
Even if some unforeseen mishap occurred, they wouldn't be harmed.
'But...'
No matter how much he combed through the Martial Alliance's records, he couldn't find any leads on how to undo the Azure River Realm's brainwashing.
He had even ordered Yu Un-ryong to scour the Demon Hall's archives, flipping through every book like a madman.
He had sought counsel from trusted figures like Gyo Jung-hak, the Medicine King Faction Lord, and other reliable advisors.
Yet they couldn't even believe such brainwashing techniques existed—proof of how utterly alien and bizarre the Azure River Realm's methods were to the martial world.
'There's still time.'
Since A-yeon's personality had split in two, not only her martial arts but also her wisdom must have increased.
She wouldn't act recklessly.
'Should I ask the Chief Strategist or track down the Divine Calculator?'
As he stared at the letters piled on his desk, Bu Eun-seol frowned in incomprehension.
'Why is the Sword Pavilion reacting like this?'
A-yeon was, after all, a disciple of the Sword Pavilion.
Technically, her actions were the Sword Pavilion's responsibility.
Before coming to the Martial Alliance, Bu Eun-seol had immediately contacted the Sword Pavilion through the Death Soul Squad to inform them of A-yeon's condition.
But their response had been nothing more than a perfunctory acknowledgment—thanking him for the information and stating that they, too, were still searching for her...
'Is it because she's just an ordinary disciple now?'
In truth, after confessing her true feelings to Bu Eun-seol, A-yeon had voluntarily stepped down from her position as successor.
Was that why they weren't concerned? Or was the Sword Pavilion still in chaos?
The Sword Pavilion had been thrown into disarray when Elder Nun Injeong's mistaken judgment turned Ok Yu-ha, their intended successor, into a cripple.
Though Bu Eun-seol had barely regained his lucidity with help, the Sword Pavilion still hadn't appointed a new Pavilion Lord.
Their operations remained somewhat unstable.
'Or perhaps they're grooming a new successor.'
Given the Sword Pavilion's precarious state and A-yeon's voluntary resignation, they might be selecting a new outstanding disciple rather than reinstating her.
Even so, it didn't make sense.
Unlike the Demonic Path, the Righteous Faction was strict about master-disciple bonds.
There was no way they would ignore a disciple being lured by a sinister faction and turned into a villain.
'Then does that mean something has happened within the Sword Pavilion as well?'
Bu Eun-seol took a deep breath.
In this situation, he couldn't afford to meddle in the Sword Pavilion's internal affairs just to offer help.
'No—I should do what I can.'
The Sword Pavilion was deeply connected to his grandfather. If something had happened, he couldn't just turn a blind eye.
In the end, Bu Eun-seol began drafting another set of letters to send to the Sword Pavilion.
Then, abruptly, he glanced out the window. The blazing sun burned fiercely in the sky, and as he watched it, a certain person surfaced in his mind.
'The Pavilion Lord would know the solution.'
Ak Mu-ryeong, the eldest of Langya Pavilion and the strongest of the Three Demons.
He was the most erudite martial scholar in the murim.
Moreover, since his youth, he had ceaselessly traveled between the Central Plains and Beyond the Frontier, engaging in duels—his breadth of knowledge must be vast.
Perhaps he even knew something about the brainwashing techniques used by the Azure River Realm.
'...No, that won't work.'
—If you want to destroy them, destroy them. If you want to coexist, coexist.
When Bu Eun-seol had asked about the Three Realms, Ak Mu-ryeong had been unequivocal.
—Do not borrow anyone else's hand.
Whether he crushed them or compromised with them, he had to handle everything alone.
'Ah, there's one more person nearby.'
After pondering deeply, Bu Eun-seol's eyes lit up.
Though not as knowledgeable as the Divine Calculator, this person had lived in the martial world far longer.
Though not as powerful as Ak Mu-ryeong, this person's breadth of experience surpassed even his.
Rustle.
Just then, a faint sound came from outside the window.
It was the deliberate Sound of Breaking Air produced by an extraordinary master.
At the same time, an extremely subtle Voice Transmission reached his ears.
'Did our thoughts align?'
A faint smile touched Bu Eun-seol's lips as he immediately left the Martial Alliance's West Gate.
After dashing for a while with Lightness Art, he arrived at a small valley where a waterfall cascaded down.
There, sitting atop a large boulder and drinking under the moonlight, was an old man.
It was none other than the Bullet King, Bukgung Ryeong.