Chapter 639
"It seems the Fist King had been affiliated with some organization until now. And in that place..."
Tae Mu-ryong compiled the information gathered by the Death Soul Squad and the Supreme Unit and relayed it in detail to Bu Eun-seol.
"I see."
After hearing the full story, Bu Eun-seol let out a sigh laced with relief.
Seok Chi-haeng had not suddenly become the Killing Ghost.
It seemed that, while subdued by Bu Eun-seol, the collapse of the Ancient Sword Forest had driven him mad with rage and despair.
If that was the case, then—
There must have been a profound reason behind his becoming the Gatekeeper of the Ancient Sword Forest.
In the end, Seok Chi-haeng had wandered the Martial World in a frenzy, searching for the culprit who destroyed the Ancient Sword Forest, inevitably clashing with numerous factions along the way.
As battles repeated endlessly, he eventually succumbed to Slaughter Frenzy and became the Killing Ghost.
'Could it have been a matter of love, then?'
It was only natural to seek revenge when one's sect was destroyed.
But a martial artist of the Fist King's caliber—one who had reached such extraordinary heights of martial prowess—
Would never lose his reason and turn into a murderous Killing Ghost simply because his sect had fallen.
If that was the case, then perhaps his affiliation with the Ancient Sword Forest had been motivated by love? That suspicion arose in Bu Eun-seol's mind.
'Perhaps the object of his affection was Bi-yeon.'
Bu Eun-seol recalled Bi-yeon—the woman who was the Ancient Sword Forest itself, fused with the Black Divine Artifact.
In her final moments, she had spoken words that seemed to carry regret toward Seok Chi-haeng.
If so, then Seok Chi-haeng had loved her, and that was why he had become the Gatekeeper.
And when the Ancient Sword Forest collapsed and she met her death, he must have been consumed by despair and rage.
"They say the Fist King, now the Killing Ghost, indiscriminately attacks particularly brilliant young martial artists. Because of this, he has clashed with numerous factions."
Tae Mu-ryong spoke with a grave expression.
"However, given his overwhelming martial prowess and the fact that no large-scale massacres have occurred yet—only skirmishes with certain factions—the matter has been somewhat overlooked for now..."
He took a deep breath and shook his head.
"If our analysis is correct, he has already fallen into Slaughter Frenzy and become a Slaughtering Fiend."
"Hmm."
"It's likely he will soon lose his mind completely, and before long, he will become a Great Killing Star, slaughtering martial artists and civilians alike without distinction."
Bu Eun-seol sighed.
It felt as though the Fist King's descent into a slaughtering demon was entirely his own fault.
"I will stop him."
"You mean to say, Commander?"
"That's right."
Tae Mu-ryong's eyes widened.
Did that mean Bu Eun-seol intended to defeat the Fist King as Seon-u Jin?
"Is that possible?"
It wasn't that he doubted Bu Eun-seol's abilities—but Seon-u Jin's established capabilities had their limits.
"I've prepared something for this very purpose."
At Bu Eun-seol's words, Tae Mu-ryong fell into deep thought for a moment before nodding.
"Then I will immediately analyze the Fist King's movements and locate his position. Ah, and one more thing—"
As if suddenly remembering, Tae Mu-ryong scratched his head.
"The Chief Strategist has been looking for you."
He had been wondering about that.
Gongson Dan-gyeong's goal had been the eradication of the Infinite Realm, and to that end, she had maintained a cooperative relationship with Bu Eun-seol, the Heir of the Demon Hall.
And Bu Eun-seol had finally destroyed everything belonging to the Infinite Realm—save for the Supreme Emperor.
Yet, surprisingly, she had shown no particular reaction.
There was no way she didn't know that the Heavenly Medicine Forest was the Infinite Realm... Yet she had neither secretly contacted the Death Soul Squad nor made any statement on the matter.
'I'll find out when I meet her.'
Having organized his thoughts, Bu Eun-seol nodded.
"I'll go see her right away."
Hidden Moon Hall, Gongson Dan-gyeong's Office.
Within the building was a soundproof chamber where no noise could ever leak outside.
Gongson Dan-gyeong had summoned Bu Eun-seol there to speak privately.
"Originally, the Martial Venerable intended to delay the appointment of the next Heavenly Martial Brigade Leader for as long as possible."
Perhaps because of his identity as Seon-u Jin—
Contrary to expectations, she made no mention of the Infinite Realm at all, speaking only about the selection of the next Heavenly Martial Brigade Leader.
"He said that appointing the next Martial Alliance Chief was not his responsibility... and that it should only be done after the current Chief's passing is publicly announced."
Gongson Dan-gyeong shook her head as she spoke.
"Yet suddenly, without any prior discussion, he issued an order to select candidates for the Brigade Leader position..."
"Could it be to revitalize the Alliance's atmosphere?"
"If that were the case, he shouldn't have entrusted the selection and examination process to the Vice Alliance Leader."
She was deeply troubled by the Martial Venerable's abrupt decision to swiftly appoint the next Heavenly Martial Brigade Leader under the supervision of Vice Alliance Leader Bukri Seung.
Currently, Bu Eun-seol's rank was that of a First-rate Commander.
To even be considered as a candidate for the Heavenly Martial Brigade Leader position, he would need to rise to at least the rank of Hall Leader.
But in reality, no one had ever been selected directly from the Hall Leader position. Historically, candidates were chosen from the leaders of major Alliance organizations—the Halls, Gardens, Pavilions, and Forests.
So why suddenly announce the selection of Brigade Leader candidates at this time?
Did that mean Bu Eun-seol, as a First-rate Commander, would be excluded from consideration entirely?
"Since it's already been officially announced within the Alliance, there's no way to retract it now."
Bu Eun-seol, who had been listening silently, spoke up.
"What if you requested an audience with the Martial Venerable?"
"Of course I tried. But right now, we can't even reach him."
"Then how did the elder become the Alliance Chief in the first place?"
Bu Eun-seol asked with a serious expression.
"If we could learn how the Martial Venerable became Chief, we might be able to discern the reason behind his sudden actions now."
Gongson Dan-gyeong furrowed her brow for a moment before recounting what the Martial Venerable had told her.
"At the time of Jeong Cheon-je's death, the orthodox murim was in utter chaos. There was no one capable of immediately countering the Demonic Heavenly Emperor or succeeding the Alliance Chief."
She continued calmly.
"And it seems Jeong Cheon-je had foreseen the future, for he always said this to the Martial Venerable."
—Elder Brother. If I die suddenly, you must take my place as the Alliance Chief.
The Martial Venerable couldn't comprehend it.
How could the Number One of the Righteous Path die so abruptly? Even the dreaded Demonic Heavenly Emperor couldn't guarantee victory against him.
—That will never happen.
He had always laughed it off.
Then one day, after returning from handling affairs in the martial world, the Martial Venerable entered the Heaven and Earth Pavilion's office through the Martial Alliance's secret passage to meet his sworn brother.
But what awaited him in the office was the cold corpse of Shin Do-mu-bi.
No matter how much he examined it, he couldn't determine the cause of death—or why it had happened.
The Martial Venerable was instantly thrown into turmoil.
—Should I honor my brother's request and become the Alliance Chief?
Though his martial prowess was second only to Jeong Cheon-je, he had spent his life wandering aimlessly, rootless as tumbleweed.
Moreover, his relations with the Martial Alliance's inner circle were strained... He had not the slightest desire to become its leader.
Yet after much deliberation, he resolved to carry out Jeong Cheon-je's will.
If he didn't, the balance between the Orthodox and Unorthodox Factions would collapse entirely.
But since he couldn't assume the position through normal means, he concealed the death and took on the role in secret—managing the Martial Alliance while attempting to restore equilibrium between the righteous and demonic factions.
"I see."
As Bu Eun-seol listened, countless questions flooded his mind.
Was everything the Martial Venerable said true?
Even if Jeong Cheon-je had made such a request... Was hiding his death and pretending to be the Alliance Chief truly the best course?
The Martial Venerable was a man of extraordinary wisdom and insight—one who even had another identity as the Divine Calculator.
Why would he resort to such a perilous scheme?
Knock, knock.
Just then, a low voice sounded from behind the chamber door.
"Chief Strategist, the Spirit Dispatch Hall has delivered an assignment slip for you."
Gongson Dan-gyeong's eyes instantly gleamed.
The Martial Venerable always used the Spirit Dispatch Hall to send his letters.
"It seems the Martial Venerable has replied—just in time."
But as she read the letter, her expression darkened.
"An unwelcome reply."
"What does it say?"
"That circumstances have changed abruptly... and he offers his apologies."
She added bitterly,
"He also suggested that if possible, Commander Seon-u should be nominated as a candidate for the Heavenly Martial Brigade's leadership... but that's impossible."
As the Chief Strategist, promoting Bu Eun-seol to Hall Master Rank wasn't beyond her authority.
But only those of Hall Master rank or higher could be nominated as a brigade leader candidate.
Suddenly promoting a First-Grade Unit Leader who had accomplished no particular feats to Hall Master was highly unreasonable.
Nor had the public yet recognized Seon-u Jin as someone capable of leading the Heavenly Martial Brigade.
Moreover, the Martial Alliance highly valued public perception.
Such things couldn't be achieved overnight.
From the perspective of the Alliance's inner circle, Seon-u Jin was still too young and inexperienced to become a brigade leader.
'Not a change of heart, but a change in circumstances...'
Bu Eun-seol fell silent, lost in thought.
The Martial Venerable was the Divine Calculator—someone who knew his true identity.
If this decision wasn't deliberate sabotage, but an unavoidable necessity...
Then becoming a brigade leader candidate wasn't entirely impossible for him.
"Until now, I've built connections and laid the groundwork to make Commander Seon-u the Heavenly Martial Brigade's leader."
Gongson Dan-gyeong sighed wearily.
"But with things as they are, all that effort has come to nothing."
Her face was shadowed.
She had confidently promised Bu Eun-seol the position—using that promise to assign him numerous dangerous missions.
But now... she could no longer keep him bound to her side.
'So this was the sequence after all.'
Bu Eun-seol stared into the void, swallowing a deep sigh.
Was this fate?
For such a thing to happen just as the Fist King had become the Killing Ghost?
Was this not an opportunity—granted to him—to qualify as a brigade leader candidate?
—I'll elevate Seon-u Jin's status to the Seat of the Four Gods and Seven Kings!
His resolve solidified.
Through the Fist King, he would secure a position among the Four Gods and Seven Kings—and thus, his candidacy.
"No. Proceed as planned."
"...What?"
"I'll immediately take to the Rivers and Lakes and prove to the Alliance's inner circle that I possess the qualifications and ability to become a brigade leader candidate."
Gongson Dan-gyeong frowned.
"Do you truly believe that's achievable in such a short time?"
"Didn't Commander Baek do the same?"
"Ah."
She let out a soft exhale—both because she had grasped his underlying meaning and because he had invoked a name she'd rather not discuss.
"Very well. If Commander Seon-u can accomplish that... it would be for the best."
Under the formal rules, hall masters and above could become candidates for unit commander, so she would trust Bu Eun-seol and prepare step by step.
"I was actually about to bring that up myself."
Gongson Dan-gyeong, who had been wearing an uncomfortable expression, hesitated before speaking.
"Baek Mu-seong. The timing of his return is far too coincidental. To arrive bearing the severed head of the Demon Hall's Guardians' Faction Master in this very situation..."
After taking a deep breath, her eyes gleamed sharply.
"There's absolutely no way this isn't related to the Heavenly Martial Brigade Leader selection."
Bu Eun-seol feigned ignorance in his reply.
"Isn't it good news? With Brigade Leader Baek's return, the Alliance will regain its vigor."
"Do you truly believe that?"
Gongson Dan-gyeong stared at him intently, as if trying to peer into his thoughts.
When Bu Eun-seol didn't answer, she continued.
"Regardless, given his martial prowess and achievements, he will undoubtedly contend for the Brigade Leader position. From Commander Seon-u's perspective, he's a far more formidable rival than Hall Leader Yuk."
"Good."
"...What?"
"Having an outstanding figure like him as Brigade Leader wouldn't be disadvantageous for the Alliance."
"Even if he becomes Brigade Leader—could you sincerely congratulate him?"
"Of course."
It was a lie.
In the past, he would have genuinely celebrated Baek Mu-seong's ascension.
But now he knew the man belonged to the Three Realms.
Yet seeing the shadow pass over Gongson Dan-gyeong's face, Bu Eun-seol chose deception.
Because... they could never return to how things once were.
"My apologies for speaking out of turn."
Bu Eun-seol offered a dry smile and clasped his hands together.
"Then I shall depart for the Martial World at once. I must secure my candidacy swiftly."
"Understood."
Gongson Dan-gyeong nodded.
"In the meantime, I'll cultivate factions to support Commander Seon-u. To ensure you become Hall Leader."
"My gratitude."
"Ah—do you still maintain ties with the Martial Soul Lord's direct Information Warfare Unit?"
"I do, yes."
"Excellent."
Gongson Dan-gyeong retrieved a letter from her sleeve and handed it to him.
"Deliver this to him. Tell him the Chief Strategist stands ready to assist if ever needed."
Her gaze was composed, but the embers smoldering in its depths refused to die.
'So the Infinite Realm was never her ultimate goal.'
Only now did Bu Eun-seol understand why she had shown no particular reaction to the Infinite Realm's collapse.
Because the Infinite Realm had never been Gongson Dan-gyeong's final objective.
'With just the Infinite Realm's power alone, one could topple the Martial World's order. What faction—what enemy—could have driven her to this?'
Unaware of what had transpired between her and the Jungson Clan, his curiosity only grew.
"Let us leave together."
Gongson Dan-gyeong rose as she spoke.
"I, too, have business near the North Gate."
"Of course."
Setting aside his swirling questions, Bu Eun-seol exited the Hidden Moon Hall beside her.
Tap. Tap.
But then—a man in white robes approached from ahead.
In perfect unison, Gongson Dan-gyeong and Bu Eun-seol widened their eyes.
Baek Mu-seong. He was walking toward them.
—This is no coincidence.
Contempt, not rage, swirled in Baek Mu-seong's eyes.
Which meant he had known they were together.
His arrival at this precise moment was undeniably deliberate.
"Chief Strategist."
Baek Mu-seong smiled warmly as he approached Gongson Dan-gyeong.
His bearing had become even more imposing, and his arm, whose nerves had been severed now moved freely.
"It's been too long."
Gongson Dan-gyeong returned the greeting pleasantly.
"I heard the news. Congratulations."
"My thanks."
"How fares your condition?"
"Fully restored."
Unlike his formerly gentle tone, his voice now carried weight and solemnity.
"Commander Seon-u is here as well."
Baek Mu-seong nodded at Bu Eun-seol.
"You've been well?"
"Brigade Leader Baek."
Bu Eun-seol stepped forward amiably.
"What happened? Why did you leave without a word?"
Though aware of Baek Mu-seong's complete transformation, he feigned familiarity to avoid suspicion.
"Circumstances necessitated it."
His voice remained as calm and composed as ever.
But the gaze he fixed on Bu Eun-seol was frozen like the glaciers of the North Sea.
"It gladdens me to see you both again."
Baek Mu-seong smiled, revealing white teeth.
"However, pressing matters demand my attention... Let us share tea another time. Farewell."
With that, he turned away indifferently.
Gongson Dan-gyeong stared blankly at his retreating figure.
In the past, he would grow flustered in her presence, unable to conceal his affection.
But now—his indifference went beyond mere detachment. Wasn't there unmistakable contempt in his eyes, as if she were nothing more than a passing attendant?
"He has changed greatly."
At her words, Bu Eun-seol nodded.
"Changed" was an understatement.
Because Baek Mu-seong's bearing had grown incomparably more impressive.
Even his serene expression and icy, sunken pupils—
It was as though his very temperament and personality had become those of an entirely different person.
"Commander Seon-u."
Gongson Dan-gyeong spoke to him in a hushed voice.
"Return only after securing achievements worthy of the Heavenly Martial Brigade candidacy."
Her eyes and voice trembled faintly.
Gongson Dan-gyeong loathed snakes more than anything in this world.
And the transformed Baek Mu-seong—
Felt like nothing less than a colossal serpent wearing human skin.
And if he were to become the Leader, she feared he might devour her whole.
"Understood."
Bu Eun-seol clasped his hands respectfully and turned away.
Now, he had to immediately deal with the Fist King, who had turned into the Killing Ghost.
It was also to prove that Seon-u Jin was worthy of taking the Seat of the Four Gods and Seven Kings—and thus becoming the Heavenly Martial Brigade Leader.
Thud. Thud. Thud.
The Fist King, Seok Chi-haeng, stared at the blood dripping from his fists.
He had lost count of how many men he had beaten to death by now.
His fists were dyed crimson, and beneath his nails clung the remnants of human flesh.
"Ugh..."
Yet, he couldn't suppress the rage boiling inside him.
There had only ever been one thing he wanted in his life.
Even if he had to remain a Gatekeeper forever, he only wished to stay by Bi-yeon's side.
If not for her, his existence would have vanished long ago.
"Ugh..."
Seok Chi-haeng trembled as he gazed at the full moon hanging in the night sky.
Suddenly, the memory of the day he first met her resurfaced.
—Shall I help you?
In the past, Seok Chi-haeng had once crossed paths with the Human Demon Ak Mu-ryeong, said to be the strongest of the Three Demons.
And he had confidently challenged him.
He had believed that with his Azure Heaven Seven Forms, he could stand against even the Human Demon Ak Mu-ryeong.
But the outcome was devastating.
In three moves, his fists were shattered, and he was utterly defeated.
—A mere insect who can't even gauge his own strength... Not even worth killing.
As Seok Chi-haeng knelt, dazed, Ak Mu-ryeong scoffed and walked away.
Left alone on a small forest path, Seok Chi-haeng knelt like a stone statue.
A Fist King whose fists were broken was no longer a Fist King.
There was no hope left for him to live.
Before he knew it, his lips cracked, and his vision blurred.
He didn't know how much time had passed, but it must have been at least half a month.
Starving to death here wouldn't be so bad.
It was a fitting punishment for a mantis who didn't know its place—who had dared to spread its arms to stop a massive cart.
—Huh? I thought you were a statue.
Then, suddenly, a woman appeared before him.
—What's this? Cultivating martial arts? Or heartbreak?
The woman who had appeared out of nowhere chattered incessantly at Seok Chi-haeng.
Then, spotting his shattered fists, she burst into laughter.
—Oh? Were you despairing because you'll never use chopsticks again?
She poked his shoulder playfully as she spoke.
—Want me to fix you?
Finally, Seok Chi-haeng's eyes opened.
His bones weren't just broken—they had been pulverized, scattered in every direction. Even if Hua Tuo were reborn, such injuries would be impossible to heal.
How could this young woman claim she could restore his arms?
—There might be side effects, though. Still okay with it?
Seeing she was serious, Seok Chi-haeng nodded without hesitation.
Even if his legs were ruined, it wouldn't matter. Even if he could never walk again, it wouldn't matter.
As long as his fists were whole... he could wield his Fist Techniques once more.
—Then follow me.
Seok Chi-haeng followed the young woman, walking tirelessly until they finally arrived at a strange house surrounded by mushroom-shaped trees.
—This is the Ancient Sword Forest. A place severed from the world.
And so, the treatment began.
Contrary to her warning, there were no side effects.
Only the bizarre process of submerging his fists daily in a strange metal and liquid mixture—until, gradually, they regenerated.
—Fascinating. Your body must naturally harmonize with this Black Essence Pill.
She smiled brightly, genuinely pleased.
—A hundred more days, and you'll be fully recovered.
Seok Chi-haeng also smiled, brimming with joy.
Once he was healed, he would seek out Ak Mu-ryeong again—and this time, he would smash the Azure Heaven Seven Forms right into his face.
But the side effects manifested in the most unexpected way.
On the three-hundredth day, his fists were perfectly restored... but his heart had broken beyond repair.
He had fallen for the woman who had healed his fists—Bi-yeon, who seemed at least thirty years his junior.
—Let me stay by your side for the rest of my life.
Seok Chi-haeng didn't dare hope to become her lover.
Just being able to see her smile, to hear her chattering voice—
Even if he lost both arms, it wouldn't matter.
—You're serious, aren't you?
Realizing his sincerity, she granted him the position of Gatekeeper of the Ancient Sword Forest, tasking him with eliminating intruders.
In return, he was allowed to spend two hours each day in her dwelling.
Though it was merely staying by her side, that alone was enough.
—You don't age. It must be because of that Black Divine Artifact.
As his years as Gatekeeper passed, Seok Chi-haeng learned that she was far older than him—
And he uncovered the Ancient Sword Forest's purpose and secrets.
—If you know, then leave now. Shouldn't you find your own life?
At Bi-yeon's words, Seok Chi-haeng smiled.
—This is the life I want.
It didn't matter if the world collapsed or burned.
As long as she was by his side.
Until his last breath, he only wished to remain there.
But that happiness was shattered in the end.
A young man appeared out of nowhere, subdued him with a pressure-point strike, and when he awoke, the Ancient Sword Forest lay in ruins.
He howled, searching for her—but all he found was the wreckage of the forest.
—I'll kill him!
Seok Chi-haeng tried to track down that young man who had sealed his acupoints, but his whereabouts were unknown.
Roaming the Martial World, he slaughtered any youth who even vaguely resembled him, until, before he knew it, he was consumed by an unquenchable thirst for blood.
Only when he killed someone—only when blood erupted in all directions—did the resentment, despair, and longing in his heart momentarily subside.
And so, as he continued his slaughter, before he knew it, he had become a Killing Ghost consumed by Slaughter Frenzy.
And this carnage would continue—until he found that young man who had secretly come to Ancient Sword Forest.
Until he tore that bastard limb from limb, drank his blood, and ended him for good.