Chapter 636
"Commander."
Jo Chung, the adjutant of Baek In-cheong, who had been in the barracks, entered swiftly with hurried steps.
"The imperial troops dispatched by the court are expected to arrive the day after tomorrow."
"Hohoho. That's much faster than anticipated."
For eight days, the Divine Guard Unit had been engaged in relentless clashes with the Blood Mist Corps of the Demon Hall.
The Blood Mist Corps had continuously employed various tactics and stratagems in an attempt to breach the Divine Guard Unit's defensive line.
Yet, in the end, they had only repeated futile assaults.
So far, they had failed to break through even the first defensive line of the Divine Guard Unit's foremost division.
"Now, little by little, the wretched fate of that Martial Soul Lord is becoming painfully clear."
Once the imperial troops arrived, Bu Eun-seol would ultimately have to withdraw his forces.
Moreover, the mere attempt to destroy a sacred realm like the Heavenly Blessing Medicinal Forest would incur severe sanctions from the court.
By then, not even the Demonic Path would have any faction willing to support him.
He would no longer be able to maintain his position as the Martial Soul Lord and would be immediately stripped of his authority.
Tap, tap, tap.
But just then, a messenger from the rear came running into his barracks.
"Commander!"
"What is it now?"
"Jang Bong-gae, formerly an elder of the Beggars' Sect, requests an audience with you."
"Jang Bong-gae?"
Baek In-cheong blinked in surprise.
The Beggars' Sect had been disbanded due to the evil deeds of its Sect Chief, and apart from those who had received offers from the Martial Alliance's intelligence organization,
all its disciples had scattered in every direction.
Yet, suddenly, in the midst of this wartime situation—
an elder from the Beggars' Sect had come to his barracks?
"There must be something."
Instinctively sensing that something was amiss, Baek In-cheong nodded.
"Let him in."
The man who entered the barracks was an elderly figure with a grimy face and a goatee.
It was Yeon Cheol, formerly known as Jang Bong-gae, the Beggars' Sect elder who had once earned fame under the epithet Loyal Soul and Righteous Spirit.
"Commander."
As Yeon Cheol bowed respectfully, Baek In-cheong returned the courtesy with equal formality.
"Elder Yeon, what brings you here?"
Though the Beggars' Sect had been dismissed as the Vanished Sect, many of its former members still operated within the Martial Alliance.
Thus, Baek In-cheong still treated him as an elder of the Beggars' Sect.
"You must halt this battle immediately."
"What do you mean?"
"The Martial Soul Lord of the Demon Hall is correct. The Heavenly Blessing Medicinal Forest is a den of villains."
Baek In-cheong's eyes widened.
"What nonsense is this?"
"With the Wudang Sect's assistance, we have been investigating the vicinity of the Heavenly Blessing Medicinal Forest for a long time."
Yeon Cheol swiftly continued his explanation.
"The impoverished and sickly patients who entered the Heavenly Blessing Medicinal Forest were all subjected to cruel experiments. Countless individuals from various walks of life were injected with poisons like the Human Blossom."
"The Heavenly Blessing Medicinal Forest... doing such things? Impossible!"
Baek In-cheong shook his head.
"Our alliance conducted thorough investigations but found no such evidence."
"Of course not. Even the physicians of the Heavenly Blessing Medicinal Forest are unaware of the internal affairs—they maintain airtight security."
Yeon Cheol pressed on.
"After months of effort, we barely managed to infiltrate and uncover the truth."
"Can you take responsibility for what you've just said?"
"Absolutely."
Yeon Cheol retrieved a booklet from his robes.
"We have already secured definitive evidence."
Baek In-cheong scrutinized the booklet.
Within it were detailed records of the Heavenly Blessing Medicinal Forest's heinous human experimentation, along with the personal information of those who had died as a result.
"Are all these things true?"
"They were gathered by our sect's disciples at the risk of their lives."
"Jo Chung!"
Baek In-cheong immediately summoned his adjutant and handed him the documents provided by Yeon Cheol.
"Use the pigeon message service to relay this to the alliance at once—no, wait."
He cut himself off and shook his head.
"Take all the troops stationed in the rear and conduct a thorough investigation of the Heavenly Blessing Medicinal Forest. Verify whether the contents of this booklet are true. Immediately!"
"Understood."
As Jo Chung left the barracks, Baek In-cheong bit his lip.
'This is disastrous.'
If everything written here was true?
Not only would it publicly expose the Martial Alliance's inability to match the Demon Hall's intelligence network,
but it would also mean they had unwittingly fought on behalf of a vile hidden force masquerading as a benevolent medical forest.
'What should I do?'
Baek In-cheong clenched his teeth.
They had clashed with the Demon Hall multiple times, and the two sides were still locked in a tense standoff.
But if this truth came to light?
This wasn't a situation that could be resolved with mere apologies and claims of ignorance.
'And the imperial troops are arriving the day after tomorrow, no less?'
If they couldn't suppress this matter quickly...
The Divine Guard Unit would have to bow their heads before the Imperial Army and plead the Demon Hall's innocence.
If that happened, their leader Baek In-cheong would suffer such humiliation that he could never show his face in the murim again.
After a day of such unease, Jo Chung returned with his troops.
"It's all true."
Jo Chung, who had just re-entered the barracks, was visibly agitated.
"The Heavenly Blessing Medicine Forest poisoned countless patients with Human Blossoms, and numerous figures from renowned clans were held hostage there."
"Hostages?"
"Yes. It seems they intended to use the poisoned victims and patients as leverage to cover up this incident—as a last resort."
Thud.
Darkness clouded Baek In-cheong's vision.
"Did you clash with them? How did you finish the investigation so quickly?"
"By the time we led the vanguard back to the Heavenly Blessing Medicine Forest, young masters who had infiltrated the place were already destroying a hidden facility and attacking those inside."
Jo Chung, continuing his report, cast an admiring glance at Jang Bong-gae.
"It seems the Beggars' Sect had deployed some remarkable young masters in advance."
Jang Bong-gae, meeting his gaze, shook his head.
"No, our sect only conducted covert investigations."
Then, as if remembering something, he let out an ah and added:
"They must have been masters secretly dispatched by the Wudang Sect."
"Wudang?"
"Yes. As I mentioned earlier... the reason we were able to investigate the Heavenly Blessing Medicine Forest at all was entirely due to Wudang's support."
The reason the scattered Beggars' Sect could reunite and investigate the Heavenly Blessing Medicine Forest was precisely because of the Wudang Sect's covert assistance—Wudang, the dominant force in Hubei.
"The Wudang Sect?"
Baek In-cheong's eyes flashed with disbelief.
"Then why didn't Wudang report any of this to the alliance?"
Surely Wudang knew the Demon Hall and the Martial Alliance were at odds.
If they had the Beggars' Sect investigate the Heavenly Blessing Medicine Forest even before the Martial Soul Lord led the Demon Hall's forces...
Why hadn't they given the Martial Alliance even a hint?
"Wudang said this," Yeon Cheol interjected cautiously, as if sensing Baek In-cheong's thoughts.
"They claimed the matter was too shocking and far-reaching—that absolute confirmation was necessary before acting."
"Well, that's understandable."
Baek In-cheong sighed.
He couldn't fault the Wudang Sect for exercising caution.
Besides, hadn't they themselves thoroughly investigated the Heavenly Blessing Medicine Forest?
There was no room for him to criticize Wudang's reasoning.
"Leader!"
Just then, a young unit member rushed into the barracks and announced loudly:
"The Demon Hall's forces are retreating!"
"What?"
"The Demon Hall's troops are withdrawing."
Baek In-cheong leaped to his feet and dashed outside the barracks.
There was no time to mount a horse.
He immediately activated his Lightness Skill and raced toward the plains where the confrontation had been taking place.
As the unit member had said, the Demon Hall forces were withdrawing without hesitation, as if they had accomplished everything they came for.
'Did they already grasp the entire situation?'
Baek In-cheong's eyes widened.
If they retreated just like this...
And if rumors spread that the Martial Alliance had failed to deal with the Heavenly Blessing Medicine Forest...
That alone would cause an uproar.
'I can't let them leave like this.'
Whoosh!
Activating his Lightness Skill once more, he closed the distance to the retreating Demon Hall forces.
"Leader! Don't!"
Despite Jo Chung's desperate plea from behind, Baek In-cheong unleashed a Movement Technique swift as lightning.
"Martial Soul Lord!"
As he charged forward like a madman, the retreating troops swiftly reformed ranks, blocking his path with chilling, disciplined precision.
Baek In-cheong immediately raised both hands, signaling he had no intention to fight, and shouted:
"Martial Soul Lord! Where are you?!"
His relentless cries finally prompted the Demon Hall troops to part solemnly with a rustling sound.
Then, clad in plain black martial robes, Bu Eun-seol stepped forward slowly.
"Why did you call for me?"
"Martial Soul Lord."
Setting aside all pride, Baek In-cheong rushed toward him and clasped his hands together.
"I apologize!"
At this moment, these were the only words he could offer.
If he didn't apologize now—if he didn't seal this matter—
The condemnation against the Martial Alliance would spiral out of control.
"You were right! The Heavenly Blessing Medicine Forest was producing Soulless Ones and poisoning countless patients with Human Blossoms!"
His expression was solemn, yet his voice was urgent.
"This unit leader shall offer his apology. Therefore, this matter—"
"Unnecessary."
Bu Eun-seol replied with detached calm.
"The Martial Alliance won't face condemnation."
"What do you mean by that?"
"The remnants of Cheonhye Yakrim can be dealt with by the Martial Alliance, no?"
At this unexpected answer, Baek In-cheong's eyes widened in shock.
Why was this mercy being extended to him—someone who had obstinately pushed the Demon Hall to the brink until now?
"...Why?"
Baek In-cheong's voice was hollow, his gaze unfocused.
"This unit leader drove you into a corner, branded you as evil."
"Neither side suffered significant losses."
Bu Eun-seol smiled faintly.
"Despite your overwhelming numbers, you merely held the defensive line. Thanks to that, none of our warriors were harmed."
"That... was only because we were ordered to prevent your advance. The imperial army was due to arrive soon."
Rather than directly attacking Bu Eun-seol, the Martial Alliance had sought to stall—
So that the arriving imperial forces could utterly annihilate the Demon Hall's troops.
"Precisely why this was possible."
"What in the world—?"
Instead of answering, Bu Eun-seol only offered an enigmatic smile.
'So this was his plan from the beginning.'
Only now did Baek In-cheong realize.
Bu Eun-seol had foreseen everything—orchestrated it all.
Even the retreat of his forces—it must have been a deliberate decision, made without hesitation because he had already accomplished what he set out to do.
'Every move was a calculated step. Even this unit leader's actions.'
Baek In-cheong's expression twisted in humiliation.
In the end, the Martial Alliance—no, the Divine Guard Unit—
Had been nothing more than a puppet dancing to Bu Eun-seol's tune.
"You used our alliance."
"Think what you will."
Bu Eun-seol's voice was unwavering.
"It never mattered who tore them down in the first place."
"What do you—?"
"I only wished for everyone to know the truth of Cheonhye Yakrim."
A solemn radiance emanated from his entire being.
'Not for the Demon Hall's glory... nor for personal gain?'
Just as a flustered Baek In-cheong tried to speak again—
"Then."
Bu Eun-seol turned away with quiet finality.
At once, the surrounding Great Leaders straightened their shoulders, pride gleaming in their eyes, and followed him.
Watching them, Baek In-cheong was overcome with shame.
It was the Martial Alliance that had sought glory—that had acted out of greed.
Bu Eun-seol, the Martial Soul Lord, had marched into battle despite opposition and condemnation—
For no other reason than to eradicate the dark forces lurking within Cheonhye Yakrim... and to save those suffering beneath its shadow.
"This unit leader misjudged you!"
Baek In-cheong raised his voice as Bu Eun-seol walked away.
"Thank you for considering our alliance's position!"
Instead of answering, Bu Eun-seol merely glanced back—leaving behind a faint smile before continuing onward.
Watching him, Baek In-cheong burned with unbearable shame.
"Martial Soul Lord!"
At last, unable to suppress the conscience roaring within him, he shouted.
"This unit leader will report every detail accurately to the alliance!"
His voice boomed.
"For the losses incurred in this campaign, we shall provide appropriate compensation!"
An unprecedented concession—yet Bu Eun-seol did not respond, walking away without pause.
Such benefits, such honor—
They held no value to him.
"Martial Soul Lord..."
Baek In-cheong stood motionless, watching until Bu Eun-seol vanished from sight.
Only when he was gone did the assembled troops reform ranks and advance.
When the Blood Mist Corps and Death Shadow War Unit reached the outskirts of Changsha Prefecture, Bu Eun-seol halted.
Turning, he addressed the two young warriors who had followed him.
"You've worked hard. So-jin. And Hye-bin."
The reason Bu Eun-seol could leave the battlefield without worry—could face the Heavenly Venerable—
Was because Hyeok So-jin had commanded the Blood Mist Corps with even greater mastery than himself.
"No need for formalities."
Hyeok So-jin scratched his head sheepishly.
"We know Elder Brother Bu was giving us a chance to gain experience."
Under Bu Eun-seol's command were exceptional talents—Yu Un-ryong, Seo Jin-ha, Wi Cheon-gyeong—
Warriors seasoned in countless battles, skilled in handling intelligence.
Yet despite this, Bu Eun-seol had entrusted Yu Un-ryong with the rear command of the Death Shadow War Unit—
And placed Hyeok So-jin at the forefront, leading the Blood Mist Corps in the fiercest clashes.
Because—
'I will give you a fair opportunity to become the next successor.'
In the past, Bu Eun-seol had made such promises to both Hyeok Gong-baek, the Master of Heaven-Severing Earth-Destroying Sanctuary, and Geuk Hye-ryeong, the Ferry Master of Fleeting Moment Boat.
To keep those promises—
He had given them the opportunity and experience to one day lead the Demon Hall.
"I didn't really do anything," Geuk Hye-bin said, bowing her head as if embarrassed. Bu Eun-seol smiled faintly.
"Not at all. If it weren't for you, we wouldn't have been able to pursue the Heavenly Venerable immediately."
Geuk Hye-bin had led the Hundred Flowers Unit of Fleeting Moment Boat from the rear, swiftly relaying the movements within the Heavenly Grace Medicine Grove to Bu Eun-seol.
Thanks to her, Bu Eun-seol had easily tracked the Heavenly Venerable and the Special Divine Rank members—
And had been able to pursue them without delay.
Not only that, but Geuk Hye-bin had personally commanded the young boys from Langya Pavilion who had infiltrated the Heavenly Grace Medicine Grove,
And in secret coordination with the Thousand-Face Divine Thief Yu Cheong-rim, she had uncovered hidden chambers and laboratories concealed within the grove, contributing greatly to their success.
"By the way, what happened to Yu Cheong-rim?"
"He took all the Ten-Thousand-Year Fire Carp Cores hidden in the Heavenly Grace Medicine Grove and left. He said it was a promise he had made with you, Great Hero Seol."
At Geuk Hye-bin's words, Bu Eun-seol suppressed a bitter smile.
He had never made such a promise to Yu Cheong-rim.
"Well done. I was going to give them to him anyway."
Though it wasn't outwardly apparent,
Yu Cheong-rim's contributions to defeating the Infinite Realm had been immense.
Had he asked for something greater than the Ten-Thousand-Year Fire Carp Cores, Bu Eun-seol would have granted it without hesitation.
"Boundless Mercy, Infinite Buddha."
A low Taoist chant echoed as a blue-robed figure descended from the sky beside Bu Eun-seol.
It was Song-ak, a first-generation disciple of the Wudang Sect, and Elder Yeong-heo.
"Lord, are you leaving now?"
At Yeong-heo's question, Bu Eun-seol nodded.
"Yes."
"I see."
The elder glanced between Song-ak and Bu Eun-seol before shaking his head in bewilderment.
"This humble Taoist truly cannot understand."
"What do you mean?"
"Why did the Demon Hall bestow such great favor upon the Beggars' Sect?"
Before attacking the Heavenly Grace Medicine Grove,
Bu Eun-seol had secretly visited the Wudang Sect under his true identity after asking Song-ak for help.
There, he had informed Daoist Master Yeong-cheong of the situation at the grove and discreetly arranged for Jang Bong-gae to achieve merit alongside them.
By doing so—
The Beggars' Sect would be able to lift its Gate Sealing as a reward for uncovering and dismantling one of the most heinous factions in the martial world.
They would regain the chance to reclaim their former glory as the "Greatest Sect Under Heaven," a gathering place for righteous and heroic warriors.
"I owed a debt to someone from the Beggars' Sect."
Bu Eun-seol thought of In-guk, who had lived righteously and died a lonely death.
He had been a true hero of the Beggars' Sect, a righteous man who had given his life to protect the dying vagrants.
The mere fact that such a person had existed made rebuilding the Beggars' Sect worthwhile.
The leadership had been rotten—but the sect itself had always been noble.
"I see."
Yeong-heo nodded, his expression softening with approval.
"For the Lord to do such a righteous deed is truly a blessing for Murim."
Then Song-ak spoke.
"Elder, shouldn't we request Daoist Master Jang Gyo to properly inform the Martial Alliance of the Martial Soul Lord's achievements?"
"Ah, yes. That would be proper."
Yeong-heo nodded in agreement.
"I shall ask Daoist Master Jang Gyo to clarify that this entire operation was planned by the Lord."
"Please don't."
Bu Eun-seol shook his head.
"Why not?"
Yeong-heo blinked in surprise. Bu Eun-seol smiled faintly.
"I didn't do it for recognition."
Then, calmly, he clasped his hands together.
"The road ahead is long... We shall take our leave first."
He turned away.
Hyeok So-jin and Geuk Hye-bin fell into step beside him, their shoulders aligned with his as they departed.
Behind them, the great leaders of the Death Shadow War Unit shrugged their shoulders before following with dignified strides.
"Boundless Mercy, Infinite Buddha."
Yeong-heo chanted softly as he watched their retreating figures.
Who would have thought that the Martial Soul Lord, known throughout the martial world as a ruthless and bloodless figure, would prove to be such a righteous man?
"Just what kind of connection do you have with him that you communicate separately?"
In truth, Bu Eun-seol had already revealed his identity to Song-ak through the Bullet King Bukgung Ryeong and had visited Wudang Mountain under the alias Seol-so.
But Yeong-heo and the others, unaware of this, found it strange that Song-ak and Bu Eun-seol seemed acquainted.
"Didn't I briefly meet him during my time as the Ten Demonic Heir?"
Song-ak lied for Bu Eun-seol's sake.
"Back then, I formed a slight bond with him and the successor of Sword Pavilion."
"Ah, yes. That must be it."
Yeong-heo gazed at Song-ak with a faint smile.
"Be sure to maintain good relations with him."
Then he added firmly,
"Without a doubt, he is the one destined to become Murim's Savior Star."
Song-ak smiled as he watched Bu Eun-seol's figure disappear into the distance.
"Of course."