Chapter 631
Upon hearing his answer, Jin Seol came to a realization.
What Bu Eun-seol aimed for was not to become the Number One of the Demonic Path.
A position like the master of the Demon Hall held no value or meaning to him.
"I see."
Having once again grasped the kind of person Bu Eun-seol was, she calmly opened her mouth.
"Did you truly believe you could hear my answer after giving such a reply?"
"I had no such thought."
Bu Eun-seol spoke composedly.
"I was merely being honest."
And then he gave an awkward smile.
For a moment, a faint smile bloomed at the corner of Jin Seol's lips.
Bu Eun-seol had not come to scheme against her or to seek personal gain.
He had simply treated her like a long-time friend with whom he shared deep bonds, and had come to ask for her help.
"At the time, the Demonic Heavenly Emperor evaluated Lord Yeop, who was then the Night-Dancing Heavenly Lord, in this manner."
Jin Seol took a deep breath before speaking.
"He said, 'He may become the Supreme Cult Commander who oversees all affairs of the Demon Hall, but he cannot become the Deputy Hall Lord who bears responsibility for the Demon Hall.'"
"Bears responsibility for the Demon Hall..."
Bu Eun-seol's eyes narrowed slightly.
He had instantly grasped the meaning behind the Demonic Heavenly Emperor's words.
"I see."
Nodding his head, Bu Eun-seol respectfully clasped his hands together.
"Thank you. This has been of great help."
"Think nothing of it."
As Jin Seol offered a feeble smile, Bu Eun-seol felt a pang of pity.
One could atone for their mistakes.
But there was no need to torment or ruin one's own life in the process of atonement.
Even as she continued to atone, Bu Eun-seol wished for her to reclaim her former self.
"Lady Jin."
Bu Eun-seol carefully parted his lips.
"Would it not be time for you to return now?"
Sensing that his choice of words had been inappropriate, Bu Eun-seol quickly continued.
"I've heard that ever since the Upper Blossom stepped back from the front lines, many have been struggling. It's said that even the ceremonial rites that should be held in the main hall have been reduced because of it."
Jin Seol let out a soft breath through her nose.
Though he appeared indifferent to the world.
He was, in truth, meticulously attentive to everyone around him.
'How cruel.'
Yet to Jin Seol, that very kindness felt cruel.
What she desired was affection. That pure goodwill would only bring her another kind of pain.
"I'll consider it."
Swallowing the emotions rising in her heart, Jin Seol turned away.
"Then."
And she was the first to leave.
Under normal circumstances, she should have seen Bu Eun-seol off, but her unsettled heart had made her forget even that.
Bu Eun-seol watched her fading figure with a sense of remorse.
'Am I unconsciously making those around me unhappy?'
Sim Wol's evil deeds, her misfortune—
Somehow, it all felt like his fault.
'If she reclaims her honor, she'll be able to stand tall again.'
Jin Seol's reputation and honor had been utterly tarnished because of her ties to Sim Wol.
But what if her name were spread far and wide for good deeds? Then she could hold her head high once more.
Bu Eun-seol resolved to soon arrange matters so that Jin Seol's name would be praised by all.
The Needle King, Jongri Sa-hyeon.
He was known as a man who immersed himself in medicine and acupuncture, paying no heed to the trivial affairs of the mundane world.
But in truth, he ceaselessly pursued the factions that sought to disrupt the martial world.
For years, he had labored to create an antidote for the vile drugs concocted by the Infinite Realm—
The Human Blossoms.
And at last, his efforts bore fruit. He had developed an antidote for that dreadful drug, which sent the human body into frenzy and suppressed the spirit and mind.
The so-called Needle King Pill.
He had affixed his own epithet to this antidote, capable of saving countless lives.
Because he wished for his name to endure through the ages.
But then something peculiar happened.
Just as the antidote was completed—
The Soulless Ones and the factions that had been wreaking havoc in the martial world began to gradually vanish.
And that was thanks to the efforts of Bu Eun-seol, the Heir of the Demon Hall.
He had ceaselessly clashed with the Infinite Realm, the creators of the Soulless Ones, and steadily weakened their power.
Though it was not publicly known, because of him, many of the Infinite Realm's facilities and affiliated sects had been largely destroyed.
And they had no choice but to drastically curtail their activities.
Xi'an Prefecture, a secret chamber within the Demon Hall's safehouse compound.
Seo Jin-ha, who had come to the safe house in response to Bu Eun-seol's summons, could not hide his bewildered expression.
"Do I really have to go?"
After hearing Bu Eun-seol's full explanation, Seo Jin-ha wore a grave expression.
"What I mean is... couldn't you send someone else?"
"Impossible."
Bu Eun-seol replied firmly.
"Only you and I can resolve this matter."
"Then why don't you go?"
"I would like to, but this is a battle against time."
Bu Eun-seol was meticulously advancing various plans to strike at the Heavenly Herb Forest—
No, the Infinite Realm.
Especially to bring down that terrifying figure known as the Heavenly Venerable.
It required unimaginably meticulous planning and extensive preparation.
And now, there was something he absolutely had to obtain.
That was why Bu Eun-seol had immediately summoned Seo Jin-ha, who had been roaming the martial world under the identity of Seon-u Jin.
"If factions clash openly, the Martial Alliance might deploy the Divine Guard Unit's subordinate organizations, including the Absolute Peak Corps."
"If the Demon Hall and the Martial Alliance clash from now on—"
"From the Martial Alliance's perspective, they might deploy Seon-u Jin—who is evaluated as a Grandmaster of the new generation—to the frontline."
"That's precisely why we must prepare everything perfectly before that happens."
"Can't be helped, I suppose."
Seo Jin-ha nodded his head.
"So all I need to do is bring back the antidote for that Human Blossom?"
"Correct. But it won't be easy."
Bu Eun-seol spoke with a grave expression.
"That antidote is the culmination of the Needle King's lifelong devotion. He even boldly named it the 'Needle King Pill.'"
"..."
"For him to give it to none other than someone from the Demonic Path—from his perspective, it would feel like having all his achievements stolen away."
Seo Jin-ha nodded again.
The Needle King was a man with a strong desire for fame.
After pouring his life's effort into creating that antidote, there was no way he would hand it over to Bu Eun-seol without resistance.
"Ah, don't worry."
Seo Jin-ha crossed his arms with a relaxed expression.
"I'll definitely get it for you. Just trust me and wait."
Under normal circumstances, regardless of success or failure,
Bu Eun-seol would have nodded with eyes full of trust.
But knowing Seo Jin-ha's eccentric tendencies all too well, his expression only darkened further.
"Just in case, let me make this clear—absolutely not."
"What is?"
"Jongri Sa-yu. You're not thinking of swaying her heart to obtain the Needle King Pill, are you?"
Seo Jin-ha had once before played tricks on Jongri Sa-yu, placating the Needle King Family's fury when they threatened to storm the Demon Hall in retaliation.
Back then, Bu Eun-seol had been the one to ask for his help—but he hadn't anticipated this kind of method.
Though furious, he had let it slide.
But he couldn't allow such a thing to happen again.
"Using Jongri Sa-yu is forbidden."
Bu Eun-seol fixed Seo Jin-ha with a solemn gaze.
"Don't even dream of scheming against her to obtain the antidote."
"You really don't trust me at all!"
Seo Jin-ha widened his eyes in exaggerated indignation and thumped his chest.
"Do you seriously think I'd resort to such underhanded tricks to get the antidote?"
"Yes."
How did he know?
Seo Jin-ha's chest prickled with guilt, but he waved a finger with an unrepentant expression.
"Not a chance."
"..."
"That method wouldn't work anyway. Jongri Sa-yu—she's not the type to be so easily swayed."
"Then how do you plan to obtain it?"
"Doesn't everything in this world come down to improvisation?"
Seo Jin-ha clapped Bu Eun-seol on the shoulder.
"Just wait without worry. Whether it's the Needle King Pill or the Club King Pill, I'll bring them all back."
"Hmph."
"Though I can't go empty-handed. I'll need to offer something of equivalent value."
Seo Jin-ha stroked his chin thoughtfully.
"I'll probably have to take some treasures or rare items from the Death Shadow War Unit. That alright?"
"Of course."
Bu Eun-seol nodded.
"To obtain that antidote, even ten million gold would not be too high a price. Take whatever you need."
"Good."
With a confident smirk, Seo Jin-ha waved his hand dismissively.
"Don't worry about it—just focus on what you need to do. I'll handle bringing back the Needle King Pill."
"I leave it to you."
Bu Eun-seol patted Seo Jin-ha's shoulder with a face full of trust.
But at that moment, he had no idea.
That this very task would later lead to an unimaginable turn of events.
An unexpected guest arrived at the Jongri Family's grand manor nestled at the foot of Gold King Mountain.
The Martial Soul Lord, Bu Eun-seol.
The young Grandmaster, already designated as the Demon Hall's future Hall Master, had come to the manor once again.
The Needle King, Jongri Sa-hyeon, sat in the guest hall, sipping tea and exchanging pleasantries with Bu Eun-seol.
But as their conversation continued,
his expression grew increasingly rigid.
"So... what you're saying is—you've located the hidden base of the secret organization that's been creating Soulless Ones all this time. And to annihilate them, you want every last one of the Needle King Pills I've sacrificed my entire life to create?"
"Correct."
At these words from Bu Eun-seol—no, from Seo Jin-ha disguised as Bu Eun-seol—frost settled in Jongri Sa-hyeon's gaze.
"That won't be possible."
"Esteemed Elder."
"Do you have any idea how much time and effort I poured into creating those pills?"
"Of course. Naturally, in exchange for taking your Spirit Pills, I will provide compensation worthy of their value."
"Compensation?"
Jongri Sa-hyeon's eyes sharpened like an axe blade.
"The only compensation I desire is the complete destruction of that secret organization and the eternal remembrance of my name throughout history. Can you guarantee that?"
"That... I cannot promise."
"Then I must refuse."
Jongri Sa-hyeon cleared his throat and turned away.
"Alternatively, tell me their location."
"..."
"My main house will mobilize immediately and wipe them out."
Old man. Do you really think your tiny Jongri Family, even if they swarm like ants, could stand against the Infinite Realm?
Seo Jin-ha nearly snorted in disbelief, but he maintained an impeccably polite tone.
"Their power and scale surpass imagination."
"Hohoho. Do you know the strength of my main house?"
"However—"
"My connections run deep. If their forces prove insufficient, I have many allies to call upon."
Greedy old fool.
As the tedious back-and-forth dragged on, Seo Jin-ha grew weary.
Guess it really won't work.
The fact that he had even named the antidote the "Needle King Pill" spoke volumes about how deeply invested he was in this.
He must have dreamed of eradicating the Infinite Realm and having his name revered throughout Murim.
And here they were, trying to take it all without offering anything in return—no wonder he was dead set against it.
"Surely you don't believe the Demon Hall is the only one capable of handling them?"
Jongri Sa-hyeon's face was brimming with pride.
Seo Jin-ha sighed inwardly and shook his head.
In any case, I never expected anything from you in the first place.
"My apologies. It seems I've made an unreasonable request."
"As long as you understand."
Jongri Sa-hyeon rose coldly from his seat and issued an expulsion order.
"You may leave now."
Without hesitation, Seo Jin-ha stepped outside.
Just as he was about to walk away from the Jongri estate, lonely and dejected—
"Young Master."
A young attendant's voice called from behind.
"The young mistress requests your presence."
Heh.
Seo Jin-ha smiled faintly without turning around.
Just as planned.
He had already obtained information that Jongri Sa-yu was staying at the Jongri estate.
Had that not been the case, not even death and resurrection would have brought him here to demand the Needle King Pill.
"Very well. Lead the way."
Seo Jin-ha shrugged and followed the young attendant.
After passing several buildings and walking down a narrow path, a beautiful garden unfolded before them.
And beneath a large plum blossom tree stood a graceful woman clad in white palace robes.
It was Jongri Sa-yu.
"My Lord."
Upon spotting Seo Jin-ha, she greeted him with a light bow.
Her qi had grown noticeably sharper, likely from her dedication to martial arts, and she radiated a healthier beauty than before.
"Did you plan to leave without even seeing me after coming all this way?"
Jongri Sa-yu pouted slightly, her expression wounded.
The disguised Bu Eun-seol—Seo Jin-ha—no longer carried that desolate, breathtaking aura.
Though his charm seemed slightly diminished compared to before, his fame had risen beyond comparison.
By now, he had become the most sought-after groom in the martial world, bar none.
True, there was the restriction of his affiliation with the Demonic Path, but even if one scoured the entire murim, there was no one else like him...
Jongri Sa-yu had already privately marked Bu Eun-seol as her future husband.
"I had no choice but to leave quietly."
Seo Jin-ha wore an expression of utmost melancholy.
"If I met you, the elder would fly into a rage."
"What do you mean by that?"
Instead of answering, Seo Jin-ha lowered his head and shook it slowly.
"No. Pay no mind to my careless words."
"It's alright. Tell me."
Jongri Sa-yu spoke calmly but firmly.
"What could possibly make Grandfather so angry at the mere thought of me meeting you?"
"I've finally uncovered the root of the factions stirring chaos in the martial world..."
Seo Jin-ha explained the situation plainly.
He had traced the source of the Soulless Ones plaguing the martial world.
And to deal with them, he needed the Poison King Pill crafted by the Jongri family.
"This... is truly a difficult problem."
After hearing everything, Jongri Sa-yu's expression darkened.
"Grandfather devoted his entire life to tracking down the factions behind the Soulless Ones and developing the Poison King Pill."
She shook her head bitterly.
"And now, if you ask for it, he'll feel as though you're stealing away all those years of effort and achievement."
Seo Jin-ha understood.
No matter how much Jongri Sa-hyeon had acted out of righteousness, he must have also desired to leave a great name in the martial world.
He couldn't blame him for that.
"I see."
Seo Jin-ha sighed deeply and shook his head again.
"There's nothing to be done, then."
His expression turned desolate as he gazed at the distant sky.
"Even though I've barely managed to seize the axis of malice to stabilize the martial world as soon as possible, it's all come to nothing."
"Stabilize the martial world..."
For a moment, Jongri Sa-yu's eyes sparkled.
She remembered what Seo Jin-ha had once told her.
—How could I possibly settle down before the martial world is stabilized?
It was the same excuse used by womanizing rogues from the Righteous Faction, but the innocent Jongri Sa-yu had taken his words as gospel.
"That's right. You bear the responsibility of stabilizing the martial world as soon as possible."
"No. What can a man like me do to stabilize the martial world? All I can do is chase after those vile bastards until the day I die."
Had Bu Eun-seol seen this act, he would have been furious enough to slap Seo Jin-ha across the face.
As expected, Seo Jin-ha's plan was to exploit Jongri Sa-yu's infatuation to obtain the Poison King Pill.
"To think the Lord harbored such feelings... I had no idea."
Jongri Sa-yu's face flushed red.
His words about stabilizing the martial world—to her, it was as good as saying he wanted to build a home with her.
She interpreted it as nothing short of a veiled marriage proposal.
I am blameless, Bu Eun-seol.
Avoiding Jongri Sa-yu's heated gaze, Seo Jin-ha stared at the distant sky and inwardly cried out.
All I said was that I wanted to stabilize the martial world!
Still, his conscience pricked him for toying with such an innocent girl.
Besides, she's your future wife anyway.
He justified it to himself—after all, he was just borrowing a little help from the woman he would eventually marry.
"There's no helping it."
Jongri Sa-yu twirled a lock of hair near her ear.
"If the Lord is doing the right thing, how can my family stand idly by?"
"Is it really possible?"
"But can relationships between people work on words alone?"
She glanced at Seo Jin-ha and spoke in a low voice.
"Naturally, there must be a sacred relic or token... something that carries your feelings."
Jongri Sa-yu was no fool.
If his feelings for her were truly that firm, she was asking for proof—Give me something to believe in.
A token.
If Seo Jin-ha recklessly gave her one, Bu Eun-seol would be trapped in an inescapable pit.
But Seo Jin-ha lowered his head, the corners of his lips curling into a rotten smile.
Just as planned.