Chapter 651
At the Conference on Expelling Heterodoxy, convened to decisively drive out the forces from beyond the frontier, an astonishing outcome was announced.
—The Martial Soul Society had been born.
The Wanderers' Market of Shaanxi, the Red Sky Curtain Branch, had transformed into a coalition between orthodox and unorthodox factions under the name "Martial Soul Society."
Both the Martial Alliance and the Black Path had formally recognized them.
—The Martial Soul Lord has done it again.
The Red Sky Curtain Branch was subordinate to the Demon Hall, and the foreign forces stationed there had also been invited by Bu Eun-seol.
Since a new coalition had been formed there, the public naturally assumed Bu Eun-seol was its leader.
—Yet the society's leader was Dae Gu-hwi, a scion of the Beast Palace, while the North Sea Ice Palace Lord had instead joined under his command.
To everyone's shock, the Martial Soul Society declared that it was a new coalition formed by the foreign forces who had come to the Central Plains at Bu Eun-seol's invitation—all of whom had now abandoned their original allegiances—to protect the martial world.
Moreover, the Martial Soul Lord Bu Eun-seol officially stated that he had no relation to the Martial Soul Society.
He clarified that the name "Martial Soul Society" simply meant "martial artists who revere martial arts."
—"This society shall now be formally established."
Thus, the Martial Soul Society, now rooted in the Red Sky Curtain Branch, held its founding ceremony.
Dae Gu-hwi, the youngest son of the Beast Palace Lord Dae Gon, became the society's leader. Do Cheon-rin, who had left the Bloodflame Blade Family to live as a wanderer, was appointed head of the Wanderers' Division.
Dam Yu-yeon, the Hall Master of the Scripture Instruction Hall at the Red Sky Curtain Branch, took charge of general affairs, while Bing Han-pung, the former North Sea Ice Palace Lord, became the leader of the Ice River Division.
Though the finer details of the organization were not disclosed...
The fact that the Red Sky Curtain Branch, once under the Demon Hall, had suddenly become a coalition between orthodox and unorthodox factions alongside forces from beyond the frontier was nothing short of shocking.
—"This must be a joke."
The martial world refused to believe it. No—they couldn't believe it.
The very term "Martial Soul" had become synonymous with Bu Eun-seol.
How could a "Martial Soul Society" exist without Bu Eun-seol?
But when the Joint Petition detailing the agreements made at the Conference on Expelling Heterodoxy was publicly released, the martial world was stunned.
Every rumor that had been circulating turned out to be true.
—According to the Joint Petition, the Martial Soul Society was strictly limited to the role of transmitting information about the Killing Ghosts active in the Central Plains martial world to the Martial Alliance and the Black Path.
They had also pledged never to engage in martial activities unless explicitly requested for assistance.
The martial artists were so baffled they nearly burst into laughter.
After going through all the trouble of assembling foreign forces, they ended up unable to act freely and were reduced to mere informants?
And the Martial Soul Society had agreed to draw up such a joint petition?
Who in the world would believe such an absurdity?
—"This society has identified that the recent emergence of the Killing Ghosts—a group of boys called Ghost Child—poses a threat to the martial world and had prepared to mobilize. However, due to the vehement opposition of the Martial Alliance and the Black Path factions, we have agreed to only provide information."
When the Martial Soul Society officially announced this, the martial artists were left speechless.
This amounted to an admission that the Martial Soul Society had no connection to the Martial Soul Lord and had been reduced to a mere intelligence organization relaying news about Ghost Child.
—"So the Martial Soul Society isn't a failed attempt by the Martial Soul Lord to expand his influence... but an actual coalition formed to protect the Central Plains martial world."
Though perplexed, the martial world had no choice but to accept it.
A force that could have grown significantly—comprising two foreign divisions and the Red Sky Curtain Branch—had willingly degraded itself into a mere intelligence organization tasked with detecting these "Ghost Child" entities.
They had even accepted the ludicrous condition of being barred from any activity unless the Martial Alliance or Black Path sects requested their aid.
—"The Killing Ghosts have resumed their activities."
After the founding of the Martial Soul Society,
the martial world was thrown into chaos once more.
The Killing Ghosts known as Ghost Child—
those who had slaughtered civilians and vagrants—had reappeared.
True to their promise, the Martial Alliance and the Black Path factions mobilized to eliminate them.
But soon, a shocking outcome emerged.
The Martial Alliance's second-tier corps and the masters dispatched by the Black Path factions, sent to exterminate the Ghost Child, were instead annihilated.
—"Just as the Martial Soul Society warned, they aren't ordinary Killing Ghosts!"
They had assumed these were just the usual specters that occasionally plagued the martial world.
But in truth, they possessed monstrous strength on par with Peak Masters.
—"To track and eliminate them, we must deploy forces at the division level!"
They were powerful, cunning, adept at shaking off pursuit, and skilled at concealment.
Sending a small corps of twenty or thirty would only result in slaughter.
To confront the Ghost Child, at least five or six corps would be required.
In the end, the Martial Alliance and the Black Path Alliance assembled a large-scale division and began their extermination efforts.
They had no choice but to swallow their bitter medicine.
—They'd assumed the Killing Ghosts' abilities had been exaggerated to deliberately establish the Forces from Beyond the Frontier within the Central Plains martial world!
But when they actually pursued and captured the Ghost Children...
They truly possessed terrifying strength that required deploying entire battalions just to subdue them.
—Damn it all!
Only then did the Martial Alliance and the Black Path Alliance realize they had been deceived by the Martial Soul Society—no, by Bu Eun-seol.
Thinking the Forces from Beyond the Frontier had been brought in to take root in the Central Plains, they had desperately imposed restrictions on martial activities.
But in reality, they had merely exploited the martial artists' sense of rejection and fear toward an "invasion from Beyond the Frontier."
Without lifting a finger themselves...
They had effectively issued orders to eliminate the Killing Ghosts, who were nothing but a scourge upon the martial world.
—How much longer must we keep hunting down these cockroach-like Killing Ghosts that keep endlessly popping up?!
Exhausted by the enormous operational costs, the Black Path factions finally began to falter.
The Martial Alliance might have endured, but...
The Black Path factions was a faction that risked their lives only for profit.
Yet now, to eliminate Killing Ghosts who slaughtered innocent civilians and vagrants—people with no connection to them—
They had to stake not only vast sums of money but also the lives of their subordinates?
—"Is it too difficult for you?"
As soon as such reactions surfaced, the Martial Soul Society immediately responded as if they had been waiting for this moment.
—"If you can't handle it, just say so. We'll provide support anytime."
At those words, the Black Path forces could only swallow their complaints without a peep.
If they violated the terms inscribed in the Joint Petition...
It was explicitly stated that they would either face attacks from both sides or be forced to pay massive reparations.
And if they borrowed the Martial Soul Society's strength?
Ultimately, it would mean formally recognizing their right to roam freely in the Central Plains...
That, at least, they had to resist with every ounce of their strength.
—Just how did the Martial Soul Society know these creatures would appear?
Until now, there had been no such beings as Ghost Children in the martial world.
Yet the Martial Soul Society had somehow discerned their existence and capabilities, preparing countermeasures in advance.
All so the Righteous Faction and the Black Path could join forces to eliminate them.
Of course, those who knew the inside story of the Three Realms—
Or certain high-ranking figures in the martial world connected to them—were not particularly surprised.
But the majority of martial artists, unaware of such circumstances... could only find the situation baffling.
Shaanxi, Red Sky Curtain Branch—Soulless Pavilion.
Unceasing laughter erupted from the third-floor conference hall.
"Kehahahaha!"
The source was none other than Bing Han-pung, Noe Bi-hon, Do Cheon-rin, and Dae Gu-hwi, who had just received news about the Martial Alliance and the Black Path Alliance.
Thanks to Bu Eun-seol's scheme...
The Ghost Children, whom the Infinite Realm had been handling all along, were now being desperately hunted down by the Martial Alliance and the Black Path Alliance.
Though only a few Ghost Children had appeared in the martial world so far...
The Infinite Realm had created Human Blossoms, Artificial Dantians, and even Demon-bound Dry Prison Humans to combat them—such was their fearsome strength.
Yet because of the Joint Petition, originally intended to restrain the Martial Soul Society...
They now obeyed orders like loyal hounds, risking their lives to eliminate the Ghost Children whenever the Martial Soul Society pinpointed them...
From their perspective, it was enough to make them weep with indignation.
"Regardless, this is only the beginning."
Bu Eun-seol spoke calmly.
"The Infinite Realm has been eliminating them for generations. No matter how many they kill, they keep reappearing."
At his words, the expressions of those present grew solemn.
For centuries, the Infinite Realm had eradicated Ghost Children who slaughtered the weak without reason.
That meant they must have tried every possible method to suppress their resurgence.
Yet because they couldn't fully eliminate them, they had resorted to creating Human Blossoms and Demon-bound Dry Prison Humans.
"By any chance... do you regret destroying the Infinite Realm?"
Dae Gu-hwi cautiously asked, noticing the shadow that briefly crossed Bu Eun-seol's face.
"Not at all."
Bu Eun-seol shook his head.
"What the Infinite Realm did was no different from the Ghost Children. Claiming to protect the majority, they ended up repeating the same atrocities against innocent people."
Then he gazed out the window.
"Perhaps their true purpose was something else entirely."
"Their true purpose?"
"For instance, maybe they didn't want to defeat the Ghost Children... but to obtain bodies like theirs. Or perhaps they sought power akin to Neither-Human-Nor-Beast's."
They had created Human Blossoms and Artificial Dantians, giving birth to the formidable Soulless One known as Demon-Binding Jade Men.
They had even attempted to artificially recreate the Death God's steed.
In the end, their goal was power.
Perhaps the Infinite Realm had wanted to create beings like the Ghost Children all along.
"Maybe they weren't like that in the beginning."
Noe Bi-hon interjected.
"It's possible they started with pure intentions to protect the martial world, only to become corrupted later. That's usually how sects fall into depravity."
Bu Eun-seol nodded his head.
"That could very well be the case. After all, the members of the Infinite Realm all prided themselves on believing they were doing good deeds."
"What are your plans for the captured Ghost Children?"
At Dae Gu-hwi's question, Bu Eun-seol sighed.
"First, we've prepared facilities at the main branch and the Heaven-Severing, Earth-Destroying Sanctuary to treat them."
After taking a deep breath, he continued.
"We must first determine whether it's simple brainwashing or the result of undergoing some Great Art or training process."
If the Infinite Realm had abandoned them to this extent...
Restoring them to normal boys would be nearly impossible.
Yet Bu Eun-seol had no intention of giving up.
"So, what should the main council do now?"
At Do Cheon-rin's question, Bu Eun-seol replied.
"If the Supreme Emperor is correct, the Ghost Children's rampage will continue for some time. In that case, whether the Martial Alliance acts or not... the Black Path will eventually have no choice but to ask for our help."
Bu Eun-seol, who had been gazing at the distant sky, spoke again.
"In preparation for that day, we must train to demonstrate the true worth of the Unbreakable Council. And when the subjugation operation begins, we must maintain strict military discipline to avoid harming civilians."
Everyone nodded at Bu Eun-seol's words.
Soon, the Ghost Children would erupt across the murim.
The Martial Alliance might not act, but the Black Path would eventually raise the white flag.
To prepare for that, they must train and ensure the Unbreakable Council can officially operate in the murim.
Step by step, they had to make their preparations.
Dam Yu-yeon's contributions were immense in transforming the Red Sky Curtain Branch into the Unbreakable Council.
Not only did she oversee the internal renovations of the Red Sky Curtain Branch...
She maintained the existing Wanderers' Market system while reorganizing the elite forces of the North Sea Ice Palace and the Beast Palace into regular units.
She also revived the Rogue Vanguard as a direct subordinate force.
'She's endured so much.'
Do Cheon-rin had stayed by Dam Yu-yeon's side, assisting her throughout.
Though his martial arts training made the work bearable for him, Dam Yu-yeon possessed neither high martial prowess nor great stamina.
Leading the transformation of the Red Sky Curtain Branch into the Unbreakable Council must have been an exhausting task.
Even now, with the Unbreakable Council officially established, she continued her duties without rest.
Until the masters of the Death Shadow War Unit could join them...
Or until they absorbed other sects and recruited scholars, there was no one to replace her.
'Perhaps I should do something to make her happy.'
After some thought, Do Cheon-rin went to the Capital Blessing Silk House and bought her a fine silk dress befitting her status.
Though Dam Yu-yeon managed vast sums of money, she herself lived frugally.
She owned only a single formal dress for ceremonial occasions.
She didn't even possess the common luxuries most women indulged in.
'A ornamental pendant would be nice too.'
Since he was already out, Do Cheon-rin visited several shops and purchased a few ornamental pendants that would suit her.
'Who knew I would change like this?'
Since childhood, Do Cheon-rin had harbored grand ambitions.
He had vowed to one day stand at the pinnacle of the Demonic Path Murim.
But upon encountering the wall that was Bu Eun-seol, he realized that ambition was nothing more than an unattainable dream.
Yet he felt no bitterness or pain.
Rather, thanks to the bond he had formed with him...
He found a happiness greater than any ambition fulfilled.
Because it led him to the woman he loved—Dam Yu-yeon.
And the process of rewriting murim history was just as thrilling as his childhood dreams.
Accomplishing one grand endeavor after another under Bu Eun-seol's leadership...
It was as challenging and arduous as standing atop the Demonic Path Murim.
Clack, clack.
As the carriage carried him back, a smile played on Do Cheon-rin's lips.
He pictured Dam Yu-yeon's beautiful face welcoming him upon his return to the Red Sky Curtain Branch.
'Is this what happiness feels like?'
He couldn't help but smile even when doing nothing.
There were many beautiful women in the world.
But none who tugged at his heart like this lovely woman.
Stoic yet easily flustered...
Capable of commanding tens of thousands of troops with courage and decisiveness, yet shyly smiling before her lover.
'Bu Eun-seol... I wish you could feel this happiness too.'
Suddenly, he pitied Bu Eun-seol, who tirelessly traversed the orthodox and unorthodox factions, wearing out his shoes to assess the murim's state.
'He should just abandon it all and start a family.'
Do Cheon-rin chuckled at the thought.
If he achieved everything, could that guy really settle down and raise children?
That block of wood?
Hum.
But then, an eerie vibration was felt.
The Phantom Demon Sword.
The Phantom Demon Sword, which had been perfectly suppressing its demonic energy thanks to the Demon Swordsmith's scabbard.
Was it suddenly releasing demonic energy and resonating with a sword cry?
This could only mean one thing.
It happened solely when its owner faced imminent danger.
BOOM!
With a sudden explosive sound, the carriage Do Cheon-rin was riding in was obliterated.
Someone had unleashed a massive sword qi.
Thud.
But Do Cheon-rin had already burst through the carriage, soaring into the sky, flipping once in midair before landing gracefully on the ground.
"I'll have to go buy them again."
The gifts he had painstakingly purchased were now all ruined because of the destroyed carriage.
Just as Do Cheon-rin muttered bitterly—
Whoosh—
A whirlwind abruptly swept before his eyes.
Dust and leaves swirled violently, and in the next moment, a black-clad assassin wearing a mask appeared like a ghost directly in front of him.
Judging by the prayer-like aura emanating from him, Do Cheon-rin could tell—this was a formidable opponent unlike any he had faced before, one who had mastered a bizarre and unique martial art.
"You are Do Cheon-rin, correct?"
The black-clad assassin's dry lips parted.
Swish—
A light breeze brushed past, scattering the hair that had been covering his face.
Behind the mask, a prominent nose bridge was visible, and within the sharp eyes, pupils gleamed.
Judging by his gaze, he appeared to be a couple of years younger than Do Cheon-rin.
"The Three Realms... No, the Ghostly Realm, I presume."
"You were expecting us, it seems."
"Wasn't it obvious?"
Do Cheon-rin glanced down at the Phantom Demon Sword.
This sword was one of the demonic blades the Ghostly Realm had scattered across the martial world.
And though they had schemed some grand conspiracy using these swords... Bu Eun-seol had thwarted their plans.
In the end, the Ghostly Realm quietly closed off Cold Moon Island and Gangok District, vanishing without a trace.
But they couldn't possibly leave the demonic swords unattended. It was only natural they would come to retrieve them.
"Surrender the sword and take your own life."
The black-clad assassin spoke in a hoarse voice.
"We will return your corpse intact."
Though the words were absurd, his tone was calm, even earnest.
It seemed he genuinely wished for Do Cheon-rin to commit suicide so his body could be preserved whole.
"Nonsense."
"Then there's no helping it."
The black-clad assassin wasted no more words and immediately drew his sword.
Shiiing—
The blade he wielded was extraordinarily long, almost like a spear, while the hilt was unusually short.
Do Cheon-rin's eyebrow twitched.
The moment he saw the odd-shaped sword in the assassin's grip, he realized—
This man had mastered a sword art that was the polar opposite of his own Bloodflame Blade Art and Dream-Reaching Illusory Demon Sword Art.
'They sent a true killer.'
The fact that the Ghostly Realm had dispatched a lone assassin to retrieve the sword meant they were confident in his abilities.
If Do Cheon-rin made even the slightest mistake, his head would roll in an instant.
"Hmm."
Do Cheon-rin's gaze flickered briefly to his chest.
Hidden there was a signal flare that could summon the Death Soul Squad at any moment to alert them of his peril.
If he used it and fled, reinforcements would arrive within two hours.
No matter how formidable the black-clad assassin was, he could shake him off without issue.
'No... The Ghostly Realm likely doesn't know I've achieved a breakthrough.'
Bu Eun-seol had written a martial treatise for him, and after studying it, Do Cheon-rin had broken through his limits.
And that information would never have reached the Ghostly Realm's ears.
'I am no longer the Young Clan Head of the Bloodflame Blade Family, nor a figure of the Demonic Path.'
Having stayed at the Red Sky Curtain Branch, he had abandoned both the Bloodflame Blade Art and the Dream-Reaching Illusory Demon Sword Art.
Because he had realized—unless he forged his own path like Bu Eun-seol, unless he reached a higher realm of sword studies, he could no longer survive in the martial world.
So rather than avoiding this battle, he would stake his life on it—
And turn it into an opportunity to elevate his martial arts.
After all, he was now the leader who had to guide countless wandering warriors.
"Let's begin."
Do Cheon-rin stepped forward with confident strides.
Since childhood, the martial art he had trained in the longest was the Bloodflame Blade Art, and he had strived endlessly to grasp its ultimate principle.
But after learning the Illusory Demon Venerable's Dream-Reaching Illusory Demon Sword Art, he realized his true talent lay in swordsmanship.
And after meeting Bu Eun-seol, he began his breakthrough.
Through battles with the Black Banner Society, he found the key to perfectly merging the Bloodflame Blade Art and the Dream-Reaching Illusory Demon Sword Art.
And finally, he created his own unique sword study.
With this sword art, he could undoubtedly secure victory against this black-clad man.
"Draw your sword."
"When the time comes."
"That arrogance of yours—"
The black-clad man sighed at Do Cheon-rin's words.
"—will be your death."
Before the last syllable even faded, a chilling flash erupted.
Sssktt—!
In an instant, the fabric near Do Cheon-rin's chest split open, and blood gushed forth.
A blade so swift it was imperceptible had sliced through his breast.