Chapter 630
—"The Martial Soul Lord of the Demon Hall, Bu Eun-seol, has raised an army!"
—"Their target is the Heaven-Blessed Medicinal Forest, revered as the sacred sanctuary of Murim!"
Suddenly, a shocking rumor struck the martial world like a thunderbolt.
The heir of the Demon Hall, the Martial Soul Lord Bu Eun-seol.
That radiant figure who shone like the sun over the demonic path had abruptly mobilized a massive force, openly declaring his intent to sweep through the Heaven-Blessed Medicinal Forest.
—"It must be nonsense. Just baseless rumors."
Most martial artists dismissed the story as absurd.
Though he belonged to the demonic path, the Martial Soul Lord had consistently acted righteously, never once oppressing civilians or the weak.
And now, of all places, he would attack the Medical Forest—revered by all in Murim—leading the Demon Hall's main forces?
It made no sense whatsoever.
Yet rumors began spreading that the Death Shadow War Unit and the Blood Mist Corps were preparing for deployment under Bu Eun-seol's command.
It was said that Hyeok So-jin and Geuk Hye-bin—successors of the Heaven-Severing, Earth-Destroying and the Fleeting Moment Boat—were leading their troops toward the Demon Hall.
Moreover, the Demon Hall's branch offices had entered combat readiness to ensure their main forces could swiftly pass through Hunan and immediately advance into Hubei.
At this, the martial world—especially the Martial Alliance—erupted in chaos.
—"We must stop them!"
The Demon Hall in Hunan and the Martial Alliance in Henan had long maintained Hubei as a buffer zone, neither side crossing into the other's territory.
But if the demonic path's massive army, led by Bu Eun-seol, entered Hubei?
That would be an unmistakable provocation against the Martial Alliance.
And what if, instead of targeting the Heaven-Blessed Medicinal Forest, that army simply entrenched itself in Hubei?
By then, it would be too late to reverse the situation.
The Martial Alliance immediately dispatched the Divine Guard Unit to the Hubei border to block Bu Eun-seol's forces.
In response, factions across Murim tensed, closely monitoring both sides' movements.
If the vanguards of the Demon Hall and the Martial Alliance clashed, it could very well become the spark that ignited the Great Orthodox-Unorthodox War.
Deep within the heart of the Heaven-Blessed Medicinal Forest...
A beautiful garden stretched out, and at its center stood a uniquely styled pavilion.
Inside, a vast grand hall came into view, its pillars illuminated by flickering lanterns.
Carved onto the surfaces of those pillars were the Four Symbols—the qilin, the vermilion bird, and others—emitting a faint glow.
Strange paintings adorned the ceiling of the grand hall, and beneath them stood a wide stone altar.
At the very center of the altar rested a hemispherical vessel filled to the brim with a black liquid.
Below the altar, figures clad entirely in black lay prostrate, their heads bowed.
[So, that bastard has finally pinpointed the location of our realm.]
As the voice echoed, the black liquid stirred as if alive, writhing this way and that.
Sploosh—!
Finally, it surged into the air, abruptly taking the shape of a human figure.
The Heavenly Venerable.
Just as Bi-yeon had said, the Heaven-Blessed Medicinal Forest was the Infinite Realm's headquarters.
And that dark shadow's form were being created through the liquid placed upon the altar.
"The Martial Alliance has also mobilized their Divine Guard Unit," said one of the prostrated Special Divine Rank members, the Spirit-Sensing Venerable.
"If the Demon Hall does not halt its advance, the two vanguards will meet on the Plains of Ezhou."
The Spirit-Sensing Venerable continued, "This is not just our realm's concern. Should we send envoys to the Azure River Realm and the Noble Unity Realm?"
[Heh heh heh...]
The shadowy figure of the Heavenly Venerable chuckled lowly before shaking his head.
[The two vanguards will not clash.]
He spoke with certainty.
[If the two allied forces were to collide, it would be the civilians who would suffer the most.]
His voice brimmed with conviction.
[There's no need for us to intervene. The Imperial Palace will act first.]
Yet the Spirit-Sensing Venerable lowered his head and replied, "The Imperial Palace has stated they will observe the developments."
[Observe?]
"Yes. The Emperor declared he would watch how the Demon Hall and the Martial Alliance clash for ten days before making any decisions."
[Ten days...]
The Heavenly Venerable's shadow rippled.
He understood the Imperial Household's situation as clearly as reading the lines of a palm, and he knew the Emperor's personality inside out.
The Emperor was absolutely not the kind to tolerate the Demon Hall attacking a place like the Heaven-Blessed Medicinal Forest—a sanctuary of healing.
Yet now, he would stand by and watch the Demon Hall and the Martial Alliance fight for ten days?
[Preposterous.]
A pair of sharp eyes formed within the Heavenly Venerable's shadow.
[Find out immediately what is truly happening.]
Demon Hall, Hidden Demon Pavilion. Death Shadow War Unit's conference hall.
Bu Eun-seol and his senior officers sat together, their heads bent in deep discussion, expressions grave.
"Frankly, not only will we be unable to pass through Hubei, but mobilizing such a large army in the first place is impossible," Wi Cheon-gyeong stated firmly after hearing Bu Eun-seol's plan.
"The Emperor would never permit a conflict of this scale."
The current Emperor paid no heed to the quarrels of martial artists, but he cherished the common people above all else.
"What if we raise an army and attack the Heavenly Grace Medicinal Forest?"
Without hesitation, the imperial army would immediately mobilize.
"Don't worry."
Bu Eun-seol spoke calmly.
"That won't happen."
"That won't happen, you say?"
Bu Eun-seol glanced briefly at Yu Un-ryong, who sat composedly.
At that, Yu Un-ryong took a deep breath and spoke in a low voice.
"We've been given ten days."
Turning his gaze out the window, he fixed his eyes on the distant sky.
As dusk approached.
A shadow cautiously made its way toward a pavilion deep within the Imperial Palace.
Upon entering, a long passageway came into view, with small chambers scattered throughout.
The shadow moved deftly through the maze-like interior of the pavilion, as if familiar with its layout, and proceeded inward.
Eventually, it entered a chamber at the far end.
Inside, shelves lined with countless books stood against the walls, while a large table and chairs occupied the center.
The shadow approached the table, bowing its head before prostrating itself.
How much time had passed?
With a creak, the door opened, and the sound of soft footsteps echoed.
A figure clad in dragon robes emerged—his pupils like those of a dragon, his entire being exuding the majesty of the heavens.
"Your humble servant, Yu Jeong-pung, greets His Majesty the Emperor."
The shadow that had just entered was none other than the Emperor, while the one prostrating was none other than Grand Secretary Yu Jeong-pung.
"I simply cannot understand it."
The Emperor spoke composedly.
"The man who could be considered the supreme leader of the demonic martial world... now seeks to destroy the very medicinal forest that has, for generations, provided healing to the poor. And you ask me to stand by and watch?"
"Not stand by, Your Majesty, but to grant a mere fortnight's grace."
Yu Jeong-pung spoke in a pleading tone.
"The Heir of the Demon Hall has never once harmed the innocent or common folk. On the contrary, he has consistently sought out and punished those martial factions that commit atrocities."
"Hmm."
The Emperor nodded.
Even he had heard the tales of the Martial Soul Lord, whose name resounded across the martial world.
"The reason for attacking the Heavenly Grace Medicinal Forest is because it serves as the stronghold of those very leaders who abduct commoners and slaughter people."
"Do you have proof?"
"We are in the process of securing that proof while simultaneously preparing to eliminate them."
"Tch."
A solemn energy emanated from the Emperor's gaze.
"And you call that an answer?"
"I stake my life on it."
Yu Jeong-pung pressed his forehead to the floor.
"Grant us but a fortnight. By then, everything will be made clear."
The Emperor fell silent for a moment.
The destruction of a medicinal forest that had endured for generations was absolutely unforgivable.
But Yu Jeong-pung was his most trusted minister, not one to speak idly.
For such a man to stake his life and plead so earnestly—how could he turn him away?
"And what of the harm that may befall the commoners in those fifteen days?"
"No harm will come to the commoners in that time. However, clashes between the Demon Hall, the Martial Alliance, and the orthodox and unorthodox factions will continue."
"Now that you mention it..."
The Emperor exhaled thoughtfully.
"Didn't you say your son was in the martial world?"
"That is correct. He currently serves as the strategist of the Death Shadow War Unit within the Demon Hall."
"Oh?"
The Emperor sighed.
No one knew better than he how upright, incorruptible, and loyal Yu Jeong-pung was.
So why was such a man making this request?
Ah, I see.
Suddenly recalling Yu Jeong-pung's family circumstances, the Emperor swallowed his words.
Hmm.
After organizing his thoughts, the Emperor slowly spoke.
"Since it is you making this request, and no one else... I suppose I have no choice."
"I am deeply grateful, Your Majesty."
"However, fifteen days is too long. I will grant you ten."
Then, with utmost solemnity, he added:
"If, after ten days, you fail to produce irrefutable proof, or if the fighting continues..."
An icy energy poured from the Emperor's eyes.
"Your head alone will not be enough to settle this matter."
"I am unworthy of Your Majesty's mercy."
Once outside the palace, Yu Jeong-pung gazed up at the distant sky.
"Sigh."
He shook his head.
It was the child who had left, vowing to resent him for the rest of his life.
The one who had disappeared after declaring he would become a swordsman, never once showing his face again.
Yet, Yu Jeong-pung had never been able to scold him harshly.
Because all of this was his own fault.
Everything that had happened was due to his own mistakes.
But then, one day, that very child had come before him and knelt.
He had pleaded for time—time to calm the Emperor's wrath so he could catch them, explaining that the Heavenly Grace Medicinal Forest was a den of ringleaders who slaughtered both martial artists and commoners alike.
—Very well.
Though the request bordered on the impossible, Yu Jeong-pung had agreed.
Not because his stubborn son, who had never once bowed his head, had knelt before him in supplication.
The once violent and impatient demeanor had vanished, and before anyone realized it, he had appeared as a Dragon Among Men, capable of propping up the heavens.
'This father of his did commit terrible deeds.'
Yu Jeong-pung knew that Yu Un-ryong had been scorned as an illegitimate child.
Yet, he had genuinely loved Yu Un-ryong's mother.
But in the end, she met a lonely and miserable death, and the young Yu Un-ryong had witnessed it with his own eyes.
When Yu Jeong-pung belatedly learned of this, he wanted to do something for the boy, but the young Yu Un-ryong had rushed out, tears of blood streaming down his face, vowing revenge.
Time passed, and just when it seemed he had barely made a name for himself as a martial artist of the Demon Hall, he had, before anyone knew it, become a strategist whose name shook the world.
Following the Martial Soul Lord of the Demon Hall, he suppressed vile criminals who committed atrocities.
He aided commoners in distress and, with his outstanding achievements and stratagems, led countless battles to victory.
And now, this grown son of his—who bore no resentment toward him—had knelt before him, pleading to save innocent commoners.
How could he possibly refuse such a request?
"Through this matter, this father will finally rid himself of the debt in his heart."
Yu Jeong-pung gazed at the distant sky.
Though he didn't know when that bastard would appear again, the next time they met, he felt they might be able to greet each other with smiles.
Yu Un-ryong snapped out of his reminiscence and withdrew his fixed gaze from beyond the window.
In his childhood, he had thought forgiveness was impossible.
But now, he understood his father's feelings—that he had no choice but to act as he did back then.
"How in the world is a mere ten days even possible?"
At Won Se-mun's question, Yu Un-ryong replied calmly.
"Because that was the promise I received."
Seeing the certainty in Yu Un-ryong's eyes, the squad leaders finally let out sounds of realization.
They recalled the rumors that Yu Un-ryong came from a rather distinguished family.
"Even so, it's impossible."
At that moment, Wi Cheon-gyeong stepped forward.
"Even if the imperial army doesn't mobilize, the Supreme Cult Commander will oppose it."
He continued with a grave expression.
"The Supreme Cult Commander has always vehemently avoided direct confrontation with the Martial Alliance. Without any evidence, if we say we're raiding the Heavenly Grace Medicinal Forest, he will absolutely not approve."
"He's right."
Bu Eun-seol nodded.
"Others might be swayed, but the Supreme Cult Commander would never allow a clash with the Martial Alliance."
"Then what do we do?"
"I'll handle it."
"How?"
Bu Eun-seol answered indifferently.
"The Demonic Heavenly Emperor."
"But isn't the Demonic Heavenly Emperor in closed-door training?"
"Even if the Demonic Heavenly Emperor isn't present, there is someone who understands his will well."
Bu Eun-seol turned his head to look out the window.
In that direction stood the Holy Demon Pavilion, where the Demonic Heavenly Emperor resided.
Holy Demon Pavilion.
The grand hall where the Sky of the Demonic Path, the master of the Demon Hall, dwelled.
But the Demonic Heavenly Emperor had not resided there for a long time.
Because he had been in an unbroken cycle of closed-door training, retreat after retreat.
Thud. Thud.
As Bu Eun-seol stepped inside the Holy Demon Pavilion—having sent word ahead—a quiet figure stood waiting on the other side.
Though slightly gaunt, her eyes were remarkably clear, and her features were as elegant and beautiful as a flower in bloom.
It was none other than the Upper Blossom, Jin Seol.
'Come to think of it, the Demonic Heavenly Emperor is practically a grandfather to her.'
Just as Bu Eun-seol had been raised by his grandfather's hands, she had stayed by the Demonic Heavenly Emperor's side until she was fourteen.
Then, at fifteen, she began learning the affairs of the Demon Hall.
By eighteen, she had become the Upper Blossom, overseeing all ceremonial matters of the Demon Hall.
Moreover, she was the only person—aside from the Supreme Cult Commander—who could have a private audience with the Demonic Heavenly Emperor at any time.
It was said that the Demonic Heavenly Emperor had never once refused any request she made.
Hadn't he even secretly expressed his intention to bequeath all his martial arts essence to whoever married Jin Seol?
Though her official position was merely Upper Blossom, in terms of actual authority, Jin Seol was among the top five most powerful figures in the Demon Hall.
"You've come."
Like a wife welcoming her husband's return, she greeted him with quiet grace.
"Have you been well?"
At Bu Eun-seol's greeting, Jin Seol offered a faint, dry smile.
"Thanks to you."
She had been blaming herself, believing that the massacre committed by Sim Wol had happened because of her.
Since that day, she had completely withdrawn from the affairs of the Demon Hall, secluded herself in the Holy Demon Pavilion, and—like a nun of the Mystic Path—abstained from meat, dedicating herself daily to Buddhist prayers.
'For a woman of the Demonic Path, her heart is far too tender.'
Bu Eun-seol felt a pang of pity.
Though Jin Seol was known as a cold and arrogant woman, her true nature was gentle and deeply affectionate.
Hadn't the reason she became engaged to Sim Wol been simply because he treated her so well that she couldn't bring herself to refuse his affection?
"But what brings you here?"
"I've identified one of the shadow factions that have long been disturbing Murim," Bu Eun-seol replied calmly.
"To deal with them, we must overcome numerous obstacles—one of which is the Supreme Cult Commander."
"The Supreme Cult Commander?"
"Indeed."
Taking a deep breath, his eyes flashed sharply as he continued.
"We must strike the Heavenly Medicine Forest."
A heavy silence followed.
Jin Seol, who had been staring blankly into the air, nodded slowly.
"I see. To attack the Medicine Forest, we'd inevitably clash with the Martial Alliance. The Supreme Cult Commander would never stand idly by."
"Moreover, as things stand, we lack both justification and evidence. If the Supreme Cult Commander opposes us, there's no way to stop him."
Jin Seol, who had been listening silently, finally spoke.
"Then how may I assist you, my lord?"
"I've heard that the Upper Blossom shares an exceptionally close bond with the Demonic Heavenly Emperor, as his adopted daughter."
Jin Seol's expression turned slightly incredulous.
Bu Eun-seol was not a man who relied on others in times of crisis, nor one who leaned on another's authority.
"Are you suggesting I personally seek an audience with the Demonic Heavenly Emperor and make the request?"
"Of course not."
Bu Eun-seol's tone remained composed.
"I merely came to ask you something I've long been curious about—for the sake of resolving this matter."
"Speak."
"Why did the Demonic Heavenly Emperor elevate Lord Ye, who was then the Night-Dancing Heavenly Lord, to the position of Supreme Cult Commander?"
A heat capable of melting iron flickered in Bu Eun-seol's eyes.
"Can you tell me the inside story?"
Jin Seol's pupils pulsed faintly, like flickering embers, before cooling back into icy stillness.
"Why ask me that?"
"Because I doubt the Demonic Heavenly Emperor would have kept such a story from his most cherished Upper Blossom."
Realizing his implication, Jin Seol evaded the question.
"The Demonic Heavenly Emperor was never one to immerse himself in the affairs of the Demon Hall. His seclusion for closed-door training is nothing new."
"..."
"The Supreme Cult Commander has long attended the Demonic Heavenly Emperor... Naturally, after serving as the Lord of Heaven, he came to oversee all matters of the Demon Hall."
"Young Lady Jin."
Bu Eun-seol exhaled a heavy breath.
"You know very well that was not the intent of my question."
At those words, Jin Seol's sharp eyes trembled faintly.
Bu Eun-seol had referred to himself as "this one" and addressed her as "Young Lady"—setting aside status and rank, appealing purely to the bond between them.
"Unbecoming of a Lord."
"What do you mean?"
"My lord has never been one to exploit another's goodwill."
This was already the third time she had heard such words.
Gongson Dan-gyeong.
Ever since meeting her, Bu Eun-seol had been changing, little by little.
"If it seemed that way, I apologize."
Bu Eun-seol pressed his palms together and bowed deeply.
"It's just... When I stand before you, Young Lady Jin, I still feel like that country boy who first arrived from Langya Pavilion."
It was an honest confession from the depths of his heart.
"Even now, I remain absorbed only in the affairs of the Death Shadow War Unit, ignorant of the grand ceremonies of the main hall."
Almost bashful, Bu Eun-seol let out a soft laugh through his nose.
This was not the demeanor of the Grandmaster of the Demonic Path who commanded countless martial artists.
Jin Seol's eyes rippled like disturbed water.
If this wasn't an act...
Then the heart of the youth who had once been the Ten Demonic Heir from Langya Pavilion had remained unchanged, even now as the Heir of the Demon Hall.
'He's sincere.'
Bu Eun-seol's eyes were clear—not those of a cunning strategist, but of a pure martial artist.
"People change with their station," Jin Seol sighed deeply.
"But you, my lord, remain truly unfathomable."
In the end, this extraordinary Divine Being paid no heed to how others perceived him or the image he projected.
That was why, no matter what position he attained or what power he wielded, he remained unshaken.
'Only two kinds of people can do that.'
Those utterly detached from worldly concerns, living in natural action without a ripple of disturbance—
Or those who fix their gaze solely on a single goal, never looking back.
And Bu Eun-seol was surely the latter.
'Then what is his purpose?'
"May I have my answer?"
Roused from her thoughts by his question, Jin Seol replied.
"Answer my question first. Then I shall answer yours."
"Very well."
"Do you wish to become the master of the Demon Hall, my lord? Or do you not?"
It was a question that would not only reveal Bu Eun-seol's intentions in an instant—
But also swiftly uncover his ultimate goal.
Bu Eun-seol took a slow, deep breath.
The answer would determine whether Jin Seol's aid could be secured.
It would be wiser to give the answer she wanted rather than speak the truth.
'But then I would truly be using her.'
He shook his head.
With an expression heavier than stone, he shook his head once more.
"I do not wish to."