Chapter 650
As Song Sam-do rose to his feet, cursing as if he were about to unleash his Internal Power at any moment, Seok Ung-cheon restrained him.
"Leader Song. Contain yourself."
"No, that damn—"
Just as Song Sam-do was about to hurl another curse, he met Seok Ung-cheon's solemn gaze and immediately swallowed his words.
Provoking one of the Seven Great Leaders was no different from provoking the Martial Alliance itself.
Moreover, faced with Seok Ung-cheon's mountainous momentum, there was no way he could push any further.
"I... I let my emotions get the better of me."
As Song Sam-do sat back down, the tense atmosphere in the conference hall settled.
Then Dae Gu-hwi spoke again.
"This doesn't feel like a conference hall—more like a marketplace where petty thugs spout whatever comes to mind."
Though his words were insulting, Song Sam-do no longer erupted in anger.
Dae Gu-hwi shrugged his shoulders as if disappointed by the lack of reaction.
"At any rate, it has nothing to do with the Martial Soul Lord. It's merely a title representing the Warrior Spirit."
"Explain clearly. What exactly is this Martial Soul Society?"
When Seok Ung-cheon stepped in to question him, Dae Gu-hwi answered.
"The Martial Soul Society is a coalition between the Orthodox and Heterodox factions. It's an alliance formed to deal with the Ghost Children still lurking across the Central Plains, harming innocent people."
"Ghost Children?"
"Correct. That's what we call the boys responsible for the recent massacre."
"Hahahaha!"
Jeong Cheol-sim, who had been listening silently, burst into laughter as if he found the whole thing absurd.
"Why should factions from Beyond the Frontier intervene in matters of the Central Plains? Do you take the martial world of the Central Plains for a playground where you can waltz in and play childish games?"
"Of course not."
"Then leave at once. Unless you wish to wage war against the Central Plains martial world."
"We cannot leave."
"What did you say?"
Dae Gu-hwi smiled faintly.
"It's true that I hail from the Beast Palace—but not anymore."
He spoke calmly.
"I, the Society Leader, have left the Beast Palace. He has relinquished all claims to succession."
Thud.
The unexpected response made the assembled leaders widen their eyes in shock.
Dae Gu-hwi, who had been practically designated as the Beast Palace's next successor, had abandoned it?
What kind of nonsense was this?
"Wait a moment."
Seok Ung-cheon, who had been listening quietly, seemed to realize something and spoke up.
"Then does that mean the North Sea Ice Palace Lord also—"
"Indeed."
Dae Gu-hwi nodded.
"Lord Bing has also left the North Sea Ice Palace. He has agreed to lead our Ice River Vanguard."
Gasp.
The leaders' mouths fell open.
The North Sea Ice Palace Lord, who had been expanding his influence, had suddenly stepped down from his position and joined the Martial Soul Society?
What in the world was going on?
"Who do you think you're fooling with this nonsense?!"
Jeong Cheol-sim shouted in rage, but Dae Gu-hwi responded coolly.
"Mind your words. Society Leader."
A flash of white lightning flickered in Dae Gu-hwi's eyes.
"I, too, am a leader of the Martial Soul Society."
"Hahaha! Who would ever acknowledge a whelp like you as a leader?"
"Whelp?"
Dae Gu-hwi smiled coldly as he rose from his seat.
"Then there's nothing left to discuss. Lord, let us go."
As Dae Gu-hwi turned to leave, Jeong Cheol-sim's expression changed.
If his rudeness caused the conference to collapse, he would bear full responsibility.
"Wait."
Clenching his teeth so hard his fangs nearly shattered, Jeong Cheol-sim pressed his palms together.
"This leader momentarily lost his composure and acted discourteously. For that, I offer my apologies."
Seok Ung-cheon quickly interjected.
"Leader Jeong has apologized sincerely. Please set aside your anger. Now that we know you are the Martial Soul Society Leader, no further discourtesy will be shown."
"Are you acknowledging my position as the Society Leader?"
Seok Ung-cheon hesitated at Dae Gu-hwi's question.
'He wouldn't dare lie in a gathering like this.'
If Dae Gu-hwi and Bing Han-pung had truly abandoned their sects to come here—
Whether it was forced or not, they couldn't openly dispute it.
"What is there to acknowledge? If you say you are the Society Leader, then you are the Society Leader."
Though Seok Ung-cheon's slippery words were unsatisfactory, Dae Gu-hwi reluctantly sat back down as if there was no other choice.
"Very well."
Seok Ung-cheon immediately continued.
"We understand that figures from sects Beyond the Frontier, including Leader Dae, have forsaken their statuses and formed this Martial Soul Society. But what exactly do you mean by 'between Orthodox and Heterodox'?"
"Our sole purpose is to eradicate the Ghost Children scattered throughout the martial world. It matters not whether they belong to the Righteous or Unorthodox Paths."
"But why must you be the ones to deal with them?"
"To protect the common folk and the weak from the Ghost Children."
Dae Gu-hwi smiled innocently.
He showed not the slightest hint of self-interest—only the will to safeguard the martial world.
Unfortunately, his audience consisted of faction leaders whose eyes burned only for power and profit.
Whether his words were sincere or not, they could never allow outsiders to establish roots here.
"Regrettably, that won't do."
Seok Ung-cheon shook his head.
"You may call it 'between Orthodox and Heterodox,' but the North Sea Ice Palace and the Beast Palace... if we must categorize them, they lean toward the Demonic Path, do they not?"
He smiled coldly.
"As you know, Shaanxi has long been the territory of the Righteous Faction. We cannot permit Demonic Path forces to take root here."
Seok Ung-cheon was a leader of the Martial Alliance.
His refusal meant the Martial Alliance's opposition.
If the Martial Soul Society, a Demonic Path faction, tried to force its way into Shaanxi—
It was no different from declaring they would punish them.
—Heh heh heh.
At Seok Ung-cheon's words, the faction leaders present all curled their lips into sinister smiles.
Since Seok Ung-cheon has openly declared his opposition, unless we wage war against the Martial Alliance, there's absolutely no way to withstand this.
"It can't be helped. Even though we clearly stated we stand between the Orthodox and Unorthodox Paths, you insist on labeling us as part of the Demonic Path."
Dae Gu-hwi shrugged his shoulders as he spoke to Seok Ung-cheon.
"In that case, our society will join the Martial Alliance and submit to its command."
"What?"
Seok Ung-cheon's eyes widened in shock.
For a force comprising over half the might of the North Sea Ice Palace and the Beast Palace to suddenly declare they wished to submit under the Martial Alliance—it was absurd.
"We abandoned our sects and came here solely to uphold peace in the Central Plains' martial world."
Dae Gu-hwi spoke with an air of perfect innocence.
"That's why we clearly stated we stand between the Orthodox and Unorthodox. But since Sect Leader Seok has made such a definitive declaration, we have no choice. We'll just have to join the Martial Alliance."
Then he added one more thing.
"However, if we become part of the Righteous Faction, our Wanderers' Market will also be restricted to Righteous Faction members. So the Martial Alliance won't gain much profit from our inclusion."
Seok Ung-cheon blinked rapidly.
The exact combat strength of the Martial Soul Society couldn't be fully assessed, but what was already known included two core forces from Beyond the Frontier and the Rogue Vanguard.
And now they wanted to join the Martial Alliance?
If that happened, not only would the troublesome issue of the Silent Sky Lonely Earth—which had effectively become part of the Demon Hall's influence—be resolved, but the Martial Alliance would also gain a formidable military force without lifting a finger.
"Martial Soul Lord. Are you serious?"
In the end, Seok Ung-cheon directed his question not to Dae Gu-hwi but to Bu Eun-seol.
"Our society leader doesn't seem like the type to joke about such matters."
Bu Eun-seol shrugged.
"As I've said before, this lord sought their help to deal with the Ghost Children who were disrupting the martial world."
"..."
"But when people pointed to this lord as the one behind their settling here and criticized him, I came to this conference out of a sense of responsibility. Let me reiterate—the Martial Soul Society has absolutely no connection to this lord."
Making such a declaration in front of the leaders of the Righteous, Unorthodox, and Demonic Paths meant one thing:
Regardless of the truth behind the scenes, it was an official acknowledgment that Bu Eun-seol and the Martial Soul Society were separate entities.
"Ahem."
Seok Ung-cheon cleared his throat.
"If you insist on that, then I suppose there's no other choice."
Unable to hide his delight, he nodded.
"Society Leader Dae. If you truly wish to submit to our alliance, then immediately mobilize all your forces and—"
"Nonsense."
At that moment, the Dark Heaven Gang leader, who had been silently listening, spoke up loudly.
"Why should the Martial Soul Society join the Martial Alliance?"
Then he turned his gaze toward Seok Ung-cheon.
"This is suspicious."
"What do you mean?"
"Isn't it strange? They formed a coalition force, and now they suddenly want to join the Martial Alliance?"
The Dark Heaven Gang leader stared at Seok Ung-cheon with a doubtful expression.
"Could it be that this was all prearranged? That this conference was orchestrated just to legitimize the Martial Alliance absorbing an outer-region combat force?"
"How could that be?"
Though offended, Seok Ung-cheon held back. The Dark Heaven Gang was a major faction on par with the Black Banner Society, which had annexed thirteen smaller gangs.
Moreover, its leader was one of the Ten Demonic Paragons—a figure of higher seniority than himself. He forced himself to respond calmly.
"If there had been any prior agreement, why would this alliance leader have opposed them so vehemently?"
Seok Ung-cheon wore a resolute expression.
"Even if they were to join, whether they'd be accepted remains uncertain. And even if they were, the process of integration would be far from simple."
"It can't be helped, then. If the Martial Alliance is in such a difficult position..."
At that moment, Dae Gu-hwi made another outrageous statement.
"Then we'll submit under the Black Banner Society leader instead."
"What?!"
This time, both Seok Ung-cheon and the Dark Heaven Gang leader leaped to their feet.
The Demonic Path had already weakened somewhat, allowing the Black Banner Society's forces to grow uncontrollably.
If the Martial Soul Society became a subordinate force under them? The balance of power in Shaanxi's martial world would be overturned entirely.
"Are you serious?"
At the Black Banner Society leader's question, Dae Gu-hwi clasped his hands together.
"Of course. Why would I spout nonsense in a place like this?"
Then, with the utmost sincerity, he added:
"We only declared our neutrality to protect the Central Plains' martial world. In truth, our allegiance matters little to us."
The Black Banner Society leader's lips twitched.
This was a conference attended by the leaders of the Orthodox, Unorthodox, and Demonic Paths. Once words were spoken here, they could never be taken back.
"Then I suppose there's no other choice."
Just as the Black Banner Society leader was about to nod in agreement, Seok Ung-cheon, the Dark Heaven Gang leader, and the Yaksha Gate leader all jumped up in unison.
"Both forces originated from the Demonic Path—why would they join the Black Path?!"
"We cannot allow them to submit under the Black Banner Society!"
"This is unacceptable!"
Chaos erupted.
As the uproar continued for over eight minutes, Seok Ung-cheon felt a headache coming on.
But then, suddenly, his eyes widened in realization.
Only now did he grasp Dae Gu-hwi's—no, Bu Eun-seol's—true plan.
'This was his intention from the very beginning.'
The Martial Alliance had convened this Conference on Expelling Heterodoxy to impose sanctions on Bu Eun-seol, a figure of the Demonic Path, while inviting the Black Path leaders as well.
The incident of recklessly allowing outer-region forces into the Central Plains—
Seok Ung-cheon had assumed Bu Eun-seol would exploit the tension between the Martial Alliance and the Demon Hall, maneuvering through the precarious standoff between the combined forces of the Orthodox and Unorthodox Paths to create an escape route.
But instead, Bu Eun-seol had anticipated the Martial Alliance's scheme and turned it against them—
Rather, he had created the perfect opportunity for the Martial Soul Society to be recognized as a faction existing between the Orthodox and Unorthodox Paths.
'We're already riding a tiger we can't dismount.'
Seok Ung-cheon bit his lip.
With the leaders of the Orthodox, Unorthodox, and Demonic Paths gathered here like this,
the Martial Soul Society could never belong to either side.
If I can't have it...
Then neither can anyone else. That's the natural order of the world.
"Enough!"
Having grasped the situation, Seok Ung-cheon nodded.
"I understand what you're saying, Great Society Leader."
Then, solemnly, he declared:
"I will formally recognize the Martial Soul Society as a sect existing between the Orthodox and Unorthodox Paths."
In the end, Seok Ung-cheon—representing the Martial Alliance—quickly acknowledged the Martial Soul Society.
If he didn't, the Martial Alliance's immediate threat might shift entirely to the Black Path.
"Hmm..."
The Black Path leaders all swallowed their discontent.
Only now had they too grasped the situation.
If the Martial Soul Society were to join the Martial Alliance?
They would become a formidable enemy capable of turning their blades on us.
That must be prevented at all costs.
"What are the Black Path's thoughts on this?"
At Dae Gu-hwi's question, they gritted their teeth and answered:
"Fine. We acknowledge the Martial Soul Society as a coalition existing between the Orthodox and Unorthodox."
In the end, all the Black Path leaders also recognized the Martial Soul Society.
Even if the Martial Soul Society was large, as long as the Martial Soul Lord didn't interfere at all,
being recognized as a neutral faction wouldn't make them an overwhelming threat.
Rather than letting them belong to either the Righteous or Black Paths, acknowledging them as an independent coalition was far more advantageous.
"That's a relief. In that case, we can operate the Wanderers' Market alongside our other ventures without being tied to either faction."
At Dae Gu-hwi's words, the others wore expressions of men who had just been sucker-punched.
—We're still being dragged along by their schemes.
Coalitions inevitably required vast sums of money.
But for the Wanderers' Market to thrive, it was better not to belong to either the Righteous or Demonic Paths—
otherwise, they wouldn't be able to take jobs from both sides.
Now that the Martial Soul Society was recognized as a neutral faction, they could freely accept work from both the Orthodox and Unorthodox Paths—
and continue raking in enormous profits as they had been.
"Well, fine."
Seok Ung-cheon nodded.
"Even if the Martial Soul Society is now recognized as a neutral coalition, there is one thing you absolutely cannot do."
His expression turned grave.
"You claim to deal with the Killing Ghosts, but that is strictly a matter for the Central Plains martial world. Do you understand?"
If the Martial Soul Society had joined the Martial Alliance or the Black Banner Society?
They wouldn't have been able to nitpick about their origins.
But now, through this conference, the Martial Soul Society had been acknowledged by both the Martial Alliance and the Black Path Alliance as a neutral coalition.
Meaning—their origins were still from Beyond the Frontier.
That fact would never change.
Now, both the Martial Alliance and the Black Path would prevent them from becoming a coalition capable of wielding influence over the Central Plains martial world.
"Why not? The Ghost Children will keep appearing."
"I've said it before—that is for the Central Plains martial world to handle."
"Even if the common people all die? Can you keep that promise?"
"What promise? It was the Central Plains martial world's affair from the start."
"You don't say."
Dae Gu-hwi smirked.
"Even now, it was us who caught the Ghost Children."
"You think we can't do the same?"
"Anyone can make claims."
Dae Gu-hwi smiled as he looked at Seok Ung-cheon and the Black Path factions's leaders.
"Do you really think the Black Path Alliance would bother with such troublesome, unprofitable work?"
Instantly, the faces of the Black Path leaders in the conference hall turned icy.
Coming from Dae Gu-hwi—whose face was usually so mild and unassuming—the mockery carried considerable weight.
"You think we won't act? Can you guarantee that?"
At Song Sam-do's outburst, Dae Gu-hwi replied flatly:
"We're not martial artists—we protect commoners and vagrants. But those here... Well, the Martial Alliance might, but the Black Path and Unorthodox Faction? I doubt it."
"Are you using the Black Path as an excuse to meddle in martial affairs?"
"It's not an excuse—it's the truth."
Dae Gu-hwi's smile was laced with scorn.
"If the Black Path factions can truly handle this, our Society will never intervene."
Then he added:
"The gaze of the common people is unexpectedly terrifying. Even if you make temporary promises and stand by idly, in the end, we will step in."
—He has a point.
The leaders in the conference hall all nodded faintly.
The court of public opinion was a fearsome thing.
The Martial Alliance might act, but the Unorthodox and Black Path factions wouldn't lift a finger.
If that happened, the Martial Soul Society would rise as the common people's saviors—
and gradually expand their influence until they rivaled even the Black Banner Society. No, until they stood equal to the Martial Alliance or the Demon Hall itself.
—Their growth must be stopped at all costs.
The same thought flashed through every mind in the room.
"This Society Leader swears it."
Then, Jeong Cheol-sim spoke.
"If those so-called Ghost Children appear within our territory, we will eliminate them without fail."
"The Alliance will do the same."
At Seok Ung-cheon's words, Dae Gu-hwi turned his gaze to the other Black Path factions leaders.
"And them?"
Dae Gu-hwi pressed.
"How can we trust their promises?"
Then, as if struck by inspiration, Seok Ung-cheon clapped his hands.
"Then let us take this opportunity to draft a Joint Petition."
The leaders who saw through Seok Ung-cheon's intentions sharpened their eyes.
Dealing with mere ghosts is nothing.
"Then why don't we take this opportunity to have all faction leaders present at this Conference on Expelling Heterodoxy draft a jointly signed document?"
Under the pretext of helping commoners.
This would completely block the Martial Soul Society's martial activities from taking root in the Central Plains martial world.
"Agreed."
"Let us do so."
Jeong Cheol-sim and Song Sam-do immediately stepped forward.
"Let us pledge that whenever those vile creatures—be they Ghost Children or other specters—appear within our respective territories, we shall deal with them immediately."
"Excellent. Most excellent."
All the faction leaders in the conference hall voiced their approval.
Then, with smug satisfaction, they turned their gazes toward Bu Eun-seol and Dae Gu-hwi.
—How about that? You won't be able to act freely anymore.
But something was strange.
Why were they smiling faintly instead?
"Very well."
Dae Gu-hwi spoke cheerfully.
"Since you've made that promise, our society will provide immediate intelligence whenever Ghost Children are discovered."
"Intelligence?"
"Indeed. Our information network is quite thorough. The wandering martial artists operating across the martial world serve as our eyes and ears."
The eyes of everyone present narrowed.
The Martial Soul Society was an organization that could grow explosively if given the chance.
They absolutely had to prevent it from interfering in Central Plains affairs.
"Providing intelligence is acceptable. But you must not intervene directly."
At Seok Ung-cheon's words, Dae Gu-hwi nodded.
"Of course."
"Then let us draft the joint petition immediately to formalize this pledge."
His tone was utterly resolute.
"Unless explicitly requested by any faction, you are absolutely forbidden from interfering."
Ironically, it wasn't the Martial Alliance but the Black Path gangs who most needed to suppress the Martial Soul Society's rise.
At Seok Ung-cheon's words, the Black Path leaders nodded again.
"Agreed. Should they break this pledge, they shall face simultaneous attacks from both the Black Path and the Martial Alliance."
Present here were the leaders of both the Martial Alliance and the Black Path factions, holding this conference openly.
If they failed to honor the pledge made in this joint petition?
Even Bu Eun-seol, the Heir of the Demon Hall, could never evade that responsibility.
Then Dae Gu-hwi spoke again.
"However, if our society is formally requested to assist... we would have no choice but to operate within the martial world. You must not prevent us from functioning as a coalition between orthodox and heterodox factions."
—As if that would ever happen.
The faction leaders in the conference hall suppressed mocking laughter.
Dealing with the Killing Ghost would never require the Martial Soul Society's assistance.
And they would certainly never make such a request, allowing them to take root in the Central Plains.
"Agreed."
All the faction leaders nodded. Satisfied, Dae Gu-hwi also nodded with a pleased expression.
"Excellent."
The joint petition was completed in an instant.
It acknowledged the Martial Soul Society as a coalition operating between orthodox and heterodox factions in Shaanxi.
And it strictly forbade them from interfering in Central Plains martial affairs unless explicitly requested by other factions.
It also included clauses about providing information only on the Killing Ghost.
"Does this document meet your expectations?"
When Seok Ung-cheon asked, Dae Gu-hwi shook his head.
"Nothing to add."
He immediately signed his name and stamped his handprint.
"Then everything is settled."
Bu Eun-seol surveyed the room and nodded.
"Now that it's confirmed this Martial Soul Society matter has no connection to my hall or me, the Lord, we shall take our leave."
Hearing this, Seok Ung-cheon smiled faintly.
"Very well."
"Then I shall depart as well."
Dae Gu-hwi clasped his hands and left side by side with Bu Eun-seol.
"Safe travels. Forgive us for not seeing you out."
"Think nothing of it. Until next time."
As Bu Eun-seol and Dae Gu-hwi departed, the Black Path leaders exchanged sinister chuckles without a word.
"Heh heh heh."
"Hahahaha!"
They looked at each other and laughed in satisfaction.
Had they not united?
The Martial Soul Society would have risen as an influential force in the Central Plains, controlling the martial world at will.
"The Martial Soul Lord must have thought he could sneak his foreign allies into the Central Plains under our noses. What a fool."
Jeong Cheol-sim smirked as he spoke.
"Rumor has it his standing within the Demon Hall isn't what it used to be. He must have felt threatened."
Had the Martial Soul Society risen as a martial power?
Whether aligned with the Righteous Path or the Demon Hall, they would have recklessly disrupted the balance everywhere.
But these leaders had anticipated everything.
To keep that one force from manipulating them, they bound them all with this joint pledge.
"That Martial Soul Lord—it seems he intended to use the Martial Soul Society to create another power base, influencing not just the Demonic Path but also the Righteous Faction, Black Path, and Unorthodox sects."
The Dark Heaven Gang leader nodded knowingly.
"Playing both sides—claiming allegiance to the Righteous Path one moment, the Black Path the next—using sham negotiations to maintain his foothold in the Central Plains."
Jeong Cheol-sim laughed confidently.
"But now that we've secured this ironclad joint petition and oath, there's nothing left they can do."
Song Sam-do suppressed a sneer.
"By officially declaring he's not the society's leader and propping up that puppet leader to avoid punishment for rebellion..."
He chuckled darkly.
"...he's ironically barred himself from interfering in the Martial Soul Society's affairs. Now he truly has no moves left."
Everyone in the conference hall flashed relieved expressions.
The Martial Soul Lord, Bu Eun-seol.
A grandmaster of the Demonic Path known until now for his righteous deeds.
But in truth, all of it had been groundwork to establish the Martial Soul Society.
The Martial Alliance and Black Path Alliance, instantly recognizing his scheme, had united to crush his ambitions.
"From now on, the Martial Soul Society will be little more than another name for Red Sky Curtain Branch's wanderer market."
Seok Ung-cheon rose and clasped his hands.
"Thank you all for coming this far. Let us conclude this conference."
Thus ended the Conference on Expelling Heterodoxy.
None of them could have dreamed what was to come.
...never realizing that they had just shouldered the duties meant for the Infinite Realm.
With smiles plastered across their faces, they left the conference hall.