Chapter 659
The martial world had no shortage of sects that once flourished with glorious reputations, only to vanish without a trace at some point.
Behind the crumbling martial hall stood a rocky peak, with a small spring nearby.
This place too had once been the domain of a sword sect that dominated the Celestial Gate region.
Now, weathered by time, it had become a desolate ruin, with only traces of its former glory remaining.
In this heart's abyss where no human footsteps reached, two divided forces had secretly stationed themselves.
The reason was simple—the young representatives of the Righteous Faction and the Demonic Path were holding a meeting here.
Namely, Bu Eun-seol and Gongson Dan-gyeong.
"Thank you for accepting my sudden request so graciously."
Gongson Dan-gyeong spoke while gazing at the gaping hole in the martial hall's ceiling where the roof had collapsed.
This meeting had been her doing—a covert invitation extended to Bu Eun-seol.
"In my haste to find a location undetectable by any intelligence network... I ended up bringing you to such a shabby place."
When Gongson Dan-gyeong smiled apologetically, Bu Eun-seol shook his head impassively.
"Think nothing of it."
"You must be busy, so let's get straight to the point."
Bu Eun-seol had anticipated not just the collapse of the Infinite Realm but also the emergence of Ghost Child.
Moreover, he had sought Gongson Dan-gyeong's help in dealing with Ghost Child.
She had accepted his request.
And made sure the entire martial world knew of Ghost Child—a being who slaughtered innocents with brutality.
At the same time, she had meticulously investigated Bu Eun-seol's actions up to now.
Through this, she learned two things:
First, that the Heavenly Herb Forest had been the Infinite Realm's headquarters.
Second, that Bu Eun-seol had intelligence on the Three Realms and other martial factions that had yet to reveal themselves.
Currently, she was in the midst of tracking down the hidden stronghold of the Jungson Clan, who had been committing atrocities from the shadows.
Realizing that Bu Eun-seol's intelligence network far surpassed her own,
she had arranged this meeting—partly to express gratitude for his recent assistance, but also to discreetly inquire whether he knew the Jungson Clan's whereabouts.
"To be frank, today's meeting is because I wished to ask you a few things, Lord."
"I expected as much."
Bu Eun-seol smiled faintly.
"Didn't the Chief Strategist readily grant this lord's request not long ago? Speak freely—there's no need to hesitate."
He doesn't weigh gains and losses.
She had proposed maintaining a cooperative relationship with Bu Eun-seol, revealing that her goal was the annihilation of the Infinite Realm.
And Bu Eun-seol had accomplished what she had longed to destroy—
uncovering the Infinite Realm's hidden headquarters, which no one else had discovered, and dealing with it single-handedly.
That alone gave him more than enough right to demand many things from her.
Yet he never brought it up, never spoke of profit or loss—only of mutual aid.
"Thank you."
Gongson Dan-gyeong offered a smile.
"Even though you accomplished what this Chief Strategist long desired—the eradication of the Infinite Realm—you've never once held it over me."
"Do you really think I did that alone?"
Bu Eun-seol's lips curled slightly.
"It was only because of the Chief Strategist's help that I could gradually seize their tails, one by one."
Had it not been for Gongson Dan-gyeong,
Bu Eun-seol would never have uprooted Hyeokryeon Eung and his followers from the Demon Hall.
Thus, he never boasted of his own achievements.
Instead, he never forgot the kindness shown to him and always sought to repay it.
And such behavior was beginning to stir even Gongson Dan-gyeong's heart—a heart long cynical toward human relationships.
Had I not spent my childhood in the Martial Alliance... perhaps I would have confided everything in him openly.
Truthfully, Gongson Dan-gyeong's grudge ran deeper against the Jungson Clan—
who had brutally murdered all the children, including Chu-so—than against the Infinite Realm.
However, according to Chu-so's words,
those who killed her parents and abducted her were the Infinite Realm, so she had sought to eradicate them.
Yet in reality, she had never once encountered any members of the Infinite Realm.
Nor did she know who exactly had killed her parents and taken her.
Thus, even with the Infinite Realm's downfall, she felt no great catharsis.
But seeing Bu Eun-seol's composed and trustworthy demeanor,
she suddenly felt the urge to blurt out her hatred for the Jungson Clan to him.
But I must never trust others.
She had joined the Martial Alliance early on, all for the sake of revenge.
After handling countless matters in places like this Demon-Subduing Palace and rising to the position of Chief Strategist,
she had learned one bitter truth:
That people, when cornered, would commit any act without hesitation.
That one must never trust others.
That figures like Chu-so—who would sacrifice everything for another—were rare in this world.
"You flatter me too much."
Suppressing the surge of thoughts, Gongson Dan-gyeong spoke.
"You foresaw the rise of Ghost Child's faction. May I hear how you came to that conclusion?"
For a brief moment, Bu Eun-seol's expression turned subtly unreadable.
"So the Chief Strategist doubts the very process by which this lord dealt with the Infinite Realm."
"To some extent, yes."
Gongson Dan-gyeong answered honestly.
"In the past, there was such a person by my side. He always overcame every crisis, but in truth, all of those crises were ones he deliberately created himself."
She wore an apologetic expression.
"I know that you, Lord, are not greedy and have an unassuming personality. That's why I spoke so candidly."
Then she added one more thing.
"Being a good person and seeing the bigger picture are two different matters."
"Very well. I'll tell you."
Bu Eun-seol spoke without holding back.
When he had destroyed the Cheonhye Yakrim, he had killed a high-ranking figure known as the Heavenly Venerable.
Afterward, a person called the Supreme Emperor had appeared, testing him and delivering mysterious prophecies.
"I see."
Gongson Dan-gyeong's expression showed slight surprise.
So the reason the Infinite Realm had committed such atrocities was to stop an entity called Ghost Child?
From Gongson Dan-gyeong's perspective—someone who had always considered the Infinite Realm and the Jungson Clan to be Absolute Evil—this was undeniably a shocking revelation.
"And to add one more thing..."
Bu Eun-seol went on to explain to her about the Azure River Realm and the Ghost One Realm.
As she listened, Gongson Dan-gyeong's pupils widened.
Some of the information aligned with what she already knew.
But most of it was beyond anything she could have imagined.
"I didn't expect this much..."
In the current martial world, where information warfare was as crucial as actual combat, those who knew more held greater power.
It was true that Gongson Dan-gyeong had extended her hand first, seeking Bu Eun-seol's cooperation under their shared goal of dealing with the Infinite Realm.
But she had never anticipated that Bu Eun-seol would be this principled—that he would share such invaluable information with her without hesitation.
"There's no need to thank me."
Bu Eun-seol spoke frankly.
"I only told you because I thought it would be easier to receive your help in the future if you fully understood the Three Realms' objectives and the information about them."
Going forward, he intended to expand the Martial Soul Hall even further.
And for that, he might need her assistance many more times.
"But why?"
Her expression turned puzzled as she continued.
"Why would you, a Lord of the Demonic Path, go to such lengths?"
"What do you mean?"
"Whether it's Ghost Child or whatever else, wouldn't widespread chaos actually benefit the Demon Hall's position?"
Gongson Dan-gyeong met Bu Eun-seol's gaze directly.
"Just why is the Heir of the Demon Hall trying to stabilize the martial world?"
"..."
"Up until now, your actions have earned you the support of the orthodox factions and common folk, but hasn't the Demonic Path grown increasingly discontent because of it?"
Bu Eun-seol had never once considered himself a martial artist.
Nor had he acted out of some grand ambition or sense of justice.
If he had to put it into words—
He simply disliked seeing innocent civilians caught in the crossfire of martial artists' conflicts, getting hurt or killed.
But Gongson Dan-gyeong, who had no way of knowing this, found every one of Bu Eun-seol's actions suspicious.
"It doesn't matter."
Bu Eun-seol replied calmly.
"I'm not doing this to gain the support of either the orthodox or unorthodox factions."
"Then why? A sense of justice? Or for some other purpose?"
After a brief moment of contemplation, Bu Eun-seol opened his mouth plainly.
"I simply do what I believe is right."
Gongson Dan-gyeong's expression went blank.
Because she could tell—those words were sincere.
And she felt ashamed.
The Martial Alliance was supposed to be a coalition formed to uphold justice in the martial world.
But in reality, few within it truly carried such convictions.
Yet here was the Heir of the Demon Hall—the Martial Soul Lord—
Protecting civilians and safeguarding the martial world as if it were the most natural thing in the world?
"Then, do you have any other questions?"
At Bu Eun-seol's inquiry, Gongson Dan-gyeong hesitated briefly.
But soon, she nodded.
"Yes."
What she truly wanted to ask about was the Jungson Clan's whereabouts.
But given that Bu Eun-seol was—
Not someone who could simply be labeled a demonic practitioner—
With his unique yet righteous way of thinking, and with his true motives still unclear,
She ultimately couldn't bring herself to ask about the Jungson Clan.
If she did, her ultimate goal—targeting the Jungson Clan—might be exposed.
'For now, let's maintain this cooperative relationship and observe. To see what his true intentions are.'
Hiding her inner thoughts, she spoke with a polite expression.
"After this matter, I feel I owe you a great debt, Lord."
Then she clasped her hands together and bowed.
"Let us continue to maintain a good working relationship going forward."
"Agreed."
"Then, until next time."
As Gongson Dan-gyeong turned to leave, Bu Eun-seol spoke again.
"Wait."
Truthfully, he had accepted this meeting because there was something he wanted to ask her as well.
"May I ask you one thing?"
At Bu Eun-seol's question, Gongson Dan-gyeong nodded.
"Please, go ahead."
"The Martial Alliance Leader—what kind of person is he?"
Gongson Dan-gyeong blinked her large eyes in surprise.
It was a question she had never expected.
"You're well aware that all information regarding the Alliance Leader is classified."
"It's just that, after speaking with you today... I suddenly found myself curious, that's all."
Bu Eun-seol spoke.
"The true visage of the Number One of the Righteous Path, who stands as the equal of the Demonic Heavenly Emperor."
It was a deeply meaningful remark.
Gongson Dan-gyeong asked,
"What does the Lord think of him?"
"Though their paths differ, could not a Grandmaster of Martial Arts like him earn the reverence of all?"
"To be perfectly honest—"
Gongson Dan-gyeong took a deep breath, her expression turning utterly solemn.
"The current Alliance Chief is not someone deserving of anyone's reverence."
The answer was unexpected.
"That is a statement I cannot comprehend."
"People have duplicitous sides to them, no matter who they are."
Suddenly, Gongson Dan-gyeong smiled.
The sight was so pure and fresh, it was like gazing upon an innocent, teenage beauty.
"Well then, I'll take my leave first."
The moment her smile vanished—
In an instant, she reverted to the cold, unfeeling strategist of the Martial Alliance.
"Take care on your way."
Regaining his composure, Bu Eun-seol bowed slightly. As he watched her retreating figure, he sighed deeply.
'The Martial Alliance is still the Martial Alliance, after all.'
Contrary to what was known, the Martial Alliance was a den of demons—where endless tragedies unfolded and all manner of conspiracies thrived.
And Gongson Dan-gyeong, who had survived the Demon-Subduing Palace—
She was no different from another demon, one who captured and subdued devils.
"She must have endured untold suffering."
When he recalled the innocent smile she had shown at the end, he felt an unexpected pang of pity.
That pure expression had not been feigned—it was merely a glimpse of what she had long concealed within.
If so, then unlike what was known, she must have lived a life of hardship and torment.
"Not someone deserving of reverence..."
Repeating Gongson Dan-gyeong's words, a flash of light flickered through Bu Eun-seol's pupils.
Just what was his true purpose?
Had Jeong Cheon-je truly died? And why had Gongson Dan-gyeong made such an evaluation?
When back when he was still Seon-u Jin,
She had described him as a man who devoted himself to protecting the Orthodox Murim in Jeong Cheon-je's stead.
'I'll know soon enough.'
Before long, Bu Eun-seol would ascend to the position of Heavenly Martial Brigade Leader and enter the Martial Alliance's inner circle.
Once that happened, he would not only be able to investigate the movements of the Seven Great Leaders one by one—but also uncover the true nature of the Martial Alliance.
Step. Step.
An elderly man dressed as a Copyist walked through the depths of a secluded forest.
Though it seemed like an ordinary woodland, this place was, in truth, a space separate from the real world.
As if to prove it, a mysterious energy rose from the forest floor, and time flowed at an unbearably slow pace.
Beyond the trees, a massive cave came into view.
Without hesitation, the Copyist entered.
Inside the cave lay an enormous library.
Countless books were densely packed on the shelves, their numbers beyond reckoning.
The Copyist circled the library, running his fingers over a few of the tomes.
Then, with a deep rumble, a wide space opened between the shelves—revealing two doors.
Creak.
Standing before the left door, the Copyist suddenly transformed.
His figure stretched into a tall, imposing old man, his entire body covered in scars sharp as blades.
This was Danmok Gi—the Martial Venerable, foremost among the Three Venerables, currently playing the role of the Martial Alliance Chief, Jeong Cheon-je.
A man who also bore the title of the Foremost Sage of the Murim.
Screeeech.
When he opened the left door, an endless darkness yawned before him.
As he stepped inside, countless stars began to twinkle within the abyss.
It was as though he were gazing upon the vast expanse of the universe.
"A truly cruel and merciless fate."
A profound light spilled from the Martial Venerable's eyes as he observed the glittering stars.
His gaze, however, was fixed not on the dazzling ones—but on a star so dark it emitted no light at all.
And that star was faintly producing two afterimages.
"Soon, the Heavenly Might Star—the foremost of the One Hundred and Eight Stars—will make its appearance."
His eyes locked onto another star above it, one that had yet to shine.
Fsssh.
But suddenly, a faint wisp of smoke curled from the Martial Venerable's hand.
At the same time, the space filled with radiant stars began to distort.
"This won't last much longer either."
He opened his right hand.
There, a single translucent orb was slowly melting away, as though dissolving into nothingness.
Thud.
After closing the door and exiting the cave, a transparent figure prostrated itself at his feet.
Had it been using Concealment Art?
Cloaked in a transparent current of energy, its form resembled that of a human sculpted from air itself.
[Troops from the Return-to-One Realm have appeared at Seol-ryeong Mountain.]
The transparent shadow relayed the information to the Martial Venerable through a method akin to Wisdom-Light Mind Speech.
[Given that they've deployed an Absolute Boundary across the entire forest... It seems they've allied with those forces to buy time for completion.]
"Good."
The Martial Venerable's voice was indifferent.
"Then let us take this opportunity... to test the blade of the Hall Master Sado."
An image surfaced in his mind—
The son of the Divine Being, Baekri Mu-ha.
The blade of the Demonic Heavenly Emperor.
And the man who held the very thing he himself desired, even in his dreams.
"Sado Mu-myeong... He will never know."
The Martial Venerable smiled faintly.
"Not even in his dreams... who truly holds the real blade."