Chapter 664
"Above, there is paradise; below, there are Suzhou and Hangzhou."
If heaven exists above, then on earth, there are Suzhou and Hangzhou.
Suzhou, especially renowned for its high-quality silk, was home to numerous commercial establishments, including fabric shops.
Moreover, its ever-changing, mysteriously beautiful canals were also considered one of the city's specialties.
Because of this, countless tourists flocked to Suzhou, ensuring that the streets and marketplaces were always bustling with activity.
Clatter, clatter.
A carriage raced down the official road.
Pulled by four snow-white Snow-Cluster Horses, the exterior of the carriage gleamed with a golden sheen, adorned with lavish decorations in every corner.
Whoa, whoa.
The carriage came to a stop in front of one of Suzhou's famous gambling houses—the Golden Dragon Gambling House.
Click.
As the carriage door opened, a man dressed in silk robes stepped out.
Though his body was lean and unimpressive, his eyes shone like torches.
All ten of his fingers were adorned with glittering rings, and his cincture, embedded with large gemstones, held up a luxurious robe made of Heavenly Silkworm Silk.
"Ahem."
At his forced cough, the attendants in front of the gambling house bowed their heads.
"Welcome, sir."
"And the guests?"
"Packed to the rafters, sir."
"Good."
Puffing himself up with pride, the man swaggered inside.
He owned three gambling houses in Suzhou, along with a fabric shop and a guest inn, making him a wealthy merchant.
Thus, his daily routine consisted of nothing more than:
Visiting a courtesan house to drink himself senseless with courtesans, then, by the time the sun reached its zenith, making rounds to the shops he operated.
"Business isn't bad. It won't be long before we overtake the Red Gold Gambling House."
The Red Gold Gambling House was the largest and oldest in Suzhou, its scale incomparable to the Golden Dragon Gambling House.
The attendants bowed their heads but inwardly clicked their tongues at the man's bragging.
"Keep up the hard work. Don't lose sight of your dreams."
As the man stepped out of the Golden Dragon Gambling House, he patted the attendants on the shoulders.
"Risk your lives to save the world, and even you lot can succeed. Ahahaha!"
He let out a boisterous laugh as he gazed at the distant sky.
This man was none other than Yu Cheong-rim, the Thousand-Face Divine Thief, who had followed Bu Eun-seol—
Investigating the headquarters of the Infinite Realm, the organization that had been creating vicious Soulless Ones, uncovering their conspiracy within the Heavenly Grace Medicine Grove.
"Before you know it, wealth and glory will just fall into your hands!"
Following Bu Eun-seol's orders, he had uncovered every hidden mechanism within the Heavenly Grace Medicine Grove—
Not only finding evidence that would expose all of the Infinite Realm's crimes...
But also discovering their secret vault, from which he had walked away with a hefty haul of treasures.
On top of that, thanks to Bu Eun-seol's consideration, he had taken ten Ten-Thousand-Year Fire Carp Cores with him...
Yu Cheong-rim had truly struck it rich, becoming a wealthy merchant who now owned multiple businesses in the expensive land of Suzhou.
"Well, keep up the hard work."
—Cheapskate. If you're going to brag, at least tip us properly.
Though the attendants were brimming with complaints, they bowed obsequiously as they saw him off.
"Ahem."
Chest puffed out, Yu Cheong-rim swaggered back toward his carriage under the attendants' respectful farewells—
"Wow."
Just then, a massive shadow crouched in front of his carriage and let out an awed gasp.
"Is this real gold?"
Dressed in shabby clothes, the shadow looked like a country bumpkin fresh from the countryside.
With soot-stained hands, they groped at Yu Cheong-rim's gleaming carriage in amazement.
"It's so shiny!"
"Hey! Who dares touch this gentleman's carriage without permission?"
Yu Cheong-rim put on a stern voice as he addressed the crouching figure.
"Do you have any idea how expensive that—"
But his words cut off abruptly.
Because the crouching figure slowly rose to their full height.
Whoosh.
Their head seemed to shoot straight up into the sky, rising higher and higher.
Their stature was so immense that they nearly matched the height of the carriage beside them.
Moreover, their build was as enormous as the legendary Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King, their glossy long hair fluttering in the wind.
Swish.
When the seven-foot-tall shadow turned around—
Surprisingly, the face that appeared was that of a beautiful woman, with large, doe-like eyes and adorable cheeks.
But Yu Cheong-rim began stumbling backward as if he had come face-to-face with a bloodthirsty demon.
Because this woman was none other than the Heaven-Crashing Hand, So Ok-rim—
The very woman who had used herself as bait against the Black-White Witch, nearly getting him killed in the process.
"Yu Cheong-rim."
So Ok-rim strode toward him, her voice low.
"You and I have some business to take care of together."
As she marched closer, Yu Cheong-rim let out a cry laced with terror and fury.
"You show up out of nowhere just to torment me again?!"
CRACK!
But then, a thunderbolt suddenly split the clear sky.
At the same instant—
Just an inch from Yu Cheong-rim's cheek, So Ok-rim's fist came to a halt, white steam hissing from it.
"What kind of bug dares buzz around in late autumn?"
Yu Cheong-rim stood frozen like a statue, eyes bulging.
Hiss—
White smoke curled from her fist, large as a cauldron lid.
Shiver, shiver—
Yu Cheong-rim nearly pissed himself.
If that fist had connected with his cheek?
The molars in his mouth would have bid a permanent farewell to his gums, forcing him to live the rest of his life on a diet of nothing but tofu.
"Ugh, disgusting."
So Ok-rim wrinkled her nose as she looked down at Yu Cheong-rim, who was drenched in cold sweat, his head hanging low.
"Why do you sweat so profusely every time you see me?"
"Th-that's because it's too hot."
The current weather was distinctly autumnal, with a cool breeze drifting through the air.
Yet, Yu Cheong-rim was drenched in cold sweat as if standing before a blazing furnace.
'Why the hell is this witch here?!'
His pupils had lost focus.
Just when he had finally left his life of thievery behind and become a respectable businessman—
Why had this monstrous, evil witch appeared before him now?
"Lady So."
Regaining his composure and wiping his sweat, Yu Cheong-rim spoke with the utmost courtesy.
"I've completely washed my hands of—"
"Enough."
So Ok-rim cut him off sharply.
"Let's talk somewhere quiet first."
Thud.
Grabbing the back of his neck like a scruffed puppy, she hauled him up and tossed him into the golden carriage.
Then she climbed in after him.
Demon Hall, Hidden Demon Pavilion - Bu Eun-seol's Office
Bu Eun-seol was in the midst of an endless series of meetings with the Great Lords.
The Return-to-One Realm.
They had stolen the remains of his grandfather, Bu Jan-yang.
Using the power of the One Hundred and Eight Stars, they had enacted the Great Art to inherit the martial legacies of past masters.
And in the end, they had even succeeded in birthing someone who inherited the martial arts of the Blood Emperor, one of the Eight Emperors and Three Stars.
Though he couldn't yet be called a perfect Blood Emperor, given time, the Return-to-One Realm would undoubtedly produce even more flawless masters.
And if that happened...
They might even be able to contend with supreme experts like the Three Demons and Three Venerables.
The Return-to-One Realm's conspiracy had to be stopped at all costs.
"Now that they've nearly perfected someone akin to the Blood Emperor, it won't be long before they begin their full-scale operations in the Martial World."
Bu Eun-seol relayed everything that had happened at Seo-ryeong Mountain to the Great Lords.
After hearing the full account, the Great Lords were utterly stunned.
Following this, under Bu Eun-seol's orders, they mobilized their entire information network to track the vanished Blood Emperor's movements.
A few days later—
"Lord."
Wi Cheon-gyeong entered the office cautiously and spoke.
"You should take a look at this."
What he brought was a letter from Yu Hwa-ryeong, the Chief Steward of the Martial Soul Society.
It detailed suspicions about Sohwa Pavilion, one of the most prominent courtesan houses in Suzhou.
"'Across seven provinces, the largest flow of funds is concentrated in a single courtesan house...'"
As Bu Eun-seol read further, his eyes flashed sharply.
One of the fastest and most discreet ways to secure and move large sums of money was through courtesan houses.
If the Return-to-One Realm intended to operate in the Martial World in earnest, they would need vast financial resources.
Though Yu Hwa-ryeong was a martial artist, he had long managed the Thousand Swords Society's immense wealth.
Upon hearing that Bu Eun-seol was scrambling to uncover the Return-to-One Realm's trail, he meticulously investigated the financial flows of courtesan houses and taverns, eventually pinpointing irregularities at Sohwa Pavilion.
"However, Chief Steward Yu only detected anomalies in the money flow. He suggests a direct investigation is necessary for concrete details."
Bu Eun-seol stroked his chin at Wi Cheon-gyeong's words.
"Sohwa Pavilion..."
"We dispatched the Death Soul Squad for preliminary reconnaissance, but they found little of value."
"Little of value?"
"Given the number of high-ranking officials frequenting the place, security is tighter than even most intelligence networks. There are also unknown but formidable masters stationed there."
It was natural for high-class courtesan houses to take extra precautions against leaks.
But for even the Death Soul Squad—one of the Demonic Path's foremost intelligence units—to fail in gathering intel?
"There's something there."
"Indeed. No matter how high-class the establishment, this level of security is excessive."
Wi Cheon-gyeong's eyes gleamed as he spoke.
"If you permit it, Lord, I will personally investigate."
Wi Cheon-gyeong was sharp-witted and quick to adapt.
A commander and strategist on par with Yu Un-ryong, his abilities were undoubtedly exceptional.
"No. That won't do."
But Bu Eun-seol shook his head.
Sohwa Pavilion was no ordinary courtesan house—it was likely a dangerous place connected to the Three Realms, particularly the terrifying Return-to-One Realm.
No matter how skilled Wi Cheon-gyeong was, the risk was too great.
"I'll go myself."
"You, Lord?"
"The power of the Three Realms is beyond imagination. Even if it's just a minor branch."
Bu Eun-seol usually sent his subordinates on missions if he believed it would help them grow, even if there was some risk.
But the Three Realms were different.
Even their smallest branches possessed combat power so overwhelming that only those who had reached the Supreme Origin Realm could hope to counter them.
That was why Bu Eun-seol had always taken the burden upon himself, dismantling the Three Realms' branches one by one.
"Understood."
Wi Cheon-gyeong, aware of the situation and understanding Bu Eun-seol's protective intent, did not insist further and bowed respectfully.
But inwardly, he made a firm oath.
I will grow stronger—
And lighten my Lord's burden without fail.
In the Pleasure District of Suzhou, where the City That Never Sleeps thrived, the courtesan houses hung lanterns beside their crimson gates as night fell.
From afar, they looked like dazzling stars descending upon the streets.
Whoa—
Just then, an extravagantly adorned carriage came to a halt before Sohwa Pavilion's entrance.
Rumble—
The massive gates swung open, and tall, mild-mannered waiters lined up on either side.
Click.
As the carriage door opened, a tall man in blue robes revealed himself.
His features were utterly ordinary, devoid of any distinguishing traits.
Yet the lustrous blue silk robes he wore, paired with the wide cincture adorned with a large gemstone at his waist, made it clear at a glance—this was the scion of a wealthy family.
Thud, thud.
Just then, from among the attendants, a middle-aged man who appeared to be the chief steward stepped forward, bowing deeply in greeting.
"This humble one, Bang-juk, pays his respects."
Chief stewards of pleasure houses of this scale were usually either masters from the Black Path or local figures of considerable influence.
But Bang-juk was a genuine master of the orthodox Demonic Path, hailing from the Iron Silk Gate, and a man of notable reputation in the Liangguang region.
And yet, astonishingly, here he was, serving as the mere chief steward of a courtesan house.
"Do you know me?" the man in blue asked.
Bang-juk lowered his head.
"How could this one not recognize the name of the renowned Great Hero Seol, famed across the four seas?"
Then he added another remark.
"A Special-Grade Wanderer of the Red Sky Curtain Branch, who has resolved numerous matters of great import."
This was none other than Bu Eun-seol, disguised as Seol-so.
'An impressive information network.'
Bu Eun-seol had made reservations at the Sohwa Pavilion under the name Seol-so well in advance.
Yet the Sohwa Pavilion had thoroughly investigated just who Seol-so was—
Even uncovering that he was a Special-Grade Wanderer.
"Please, this way."
With a deferential gesture, Bang-juk guided Bu Eun-seol inside.
As he followed, a beautifully arranged garden and a small pond came into view.
The buildings within the vast estate-like Sohwa Pavilion, along with its flowers, trees, and artificial landscapes—
All were designed to suppress artificiality and exude a natural beauty.
Undoubtedly, a master artisan had personally designed and constructed this place.
"Here we are."
Bang-juk led him to a third-floor seat in the pavilion towering opposite the lake.
The floor inside was paved with Coldwater Stone, a material so rare that even a thousand gold pieces couldn't buy it, and a pleasant fragrance wafted through the air.
When the door opened, women dressed in snow-white robes stood in quiet attendance.
"May you enjoy your time."
As Bang-juk bowed and turned to leave,
Two young attendants guided Bu Eun-seol further inside to another chamber.
The room was filled with delicacies from land and sea, and a stunningly beautiful woman awaited him.
"This lowly one, Jin So-so, greets Young Master Seol."
She lowered her eyes slightly as she bowed.
Beneath crescent-shaped brows, her large pupils gleamed like amethysts,
Her lips were red, her skin white as snow—possessing a provocative, alluring beauty.
"Judging by your attire and speech, you don't seem like an ordinary courtesan."
At Bu Eun-seol's question, the beauty smiled faintly.
"Though lacking, I serve as the mistress of this pavilion."
It was astonishing.
The name Seol-so was practically unknown in the martial world.
Yet in the Sohwa Pavilion, frequented by high-ranking officials, he was treated as the most honored guest—
And even the reclusive mistress herself had come to greet him personally?
"It is my honor to meet the illustrious Young Master Seol in person."
"You flatter me too much. Such lavish treatment for a mere wanderer is excessive."
"How could one refer to a man like Young Master Seol as a mere wanderer?"
Bu Eun-seol's gaze shifted to the figure behind Jin So-so.
"And who is that?"
Behind her stood a woman who, though not as dazzlingly beautiful, exuded a dewdrop-like purity. She sat quietly before an bowed zither.
"That is Se-ha. Her skill with the bowed zither is unmatched in this pavilion."
Compared to Jin So-so, who bloomed like a flower in full splendor,
Bu Eun-seol found his gaze lingering longer on Se-ha, seated with her head bowed, her demeanor serene.
When their eyes met, Se-ha shyly lowered her head.
"This place seems to have the finest scenery in the Sohwa Pavilion..."
Bu Eun-seol scratched his head.
"I only asked for a quiet place to drink."
Jin So-so chuckled lightly at his words.
"How could we treat a guest like Young Master Seol with anything less?"
Then she shrugged.
"When we heard of your reservation, we specially prepared the Snow Fragrance Pavilion for you—despite it being booked solid until next year."
'Too much. Far too much.'
Bu Eun-seol sensed something amiss.
This level of treatment was something he would only receive in his true identity—
As the Martial Soul Lord.
No matter how skilled a wanderer was, this was beyond excessive.
"This hospitality is far too extravagant."
"Not at all."
Jin So-so approached like a butterfly, settling gracefully beside him.
"Young Master Seol is far too humble."
"Humble?"
"Was not your master, the Bullet King, a hero whose name was inscribed on the Hero Stele—the greatest of his era?"
Her voice was soft as she continued.
"And you, who have inherited his legacy in full—surely you too will soon stand among them."
For a moment, the brows of Bu Eun-seol—disguised as Seol-so—twitched.
The story that Seol-so was the Bullet King's disciple had been a hasty fabrication to resolve the Wudang Sect's affairs—
And that fact was known only to the Wudang disciples.
Yet the Sohwa Pavilion had already gathered intelligence on Seol-so?
'So the Wudang Sect has ears too.'
Astonishingly, the Sohwa Pavilion had not only learned of the events at Wudang but had even uncovered that Seol-so was the Bullet King's disciple.
"That kind of information hasn't spread at all in the martial world."
As Bu Eun-seol made a suspicious expression, Jin So-so spoke.
"This pavilion receives countless distinguished guests. Naturally, we hear many stories unknown to the wider martial world."
"I see."
When Bu Eun-seol nodded slowly, Jin So-so gently extended a wine bottle exuding a potent aroma.
"This humble one would like to offer Young Master Seol-a drink."
As her jade-white arm stretched forward, an indescribably sweet fragrance drifted into his nose.
Until now, Bu Eun-seol had unwittingly caught the scents of countless beauties.
But never before had he encountered a fragrance that so intensely stimulated human nerves like Jin So-so's.
Gulp.
The moment the strong liquor slid down his throat, warmth spread through his stomach, sharpening his senses.
"Please, have another."
Jin So-so poured him drink after drink without pause.
Bu Eun-seol didn't refuse, emptying each cup as soon as it was filled.
After all, his ostensible reason for being here was to drink.
Ding-dong-dong.
After several rounds of wine, Se-ha began playing the bowed zither.
A beautiful melody flowed through the pavilion, and the wine cups were endlessly refilled.
Bu Eun-seol and Jin So-so drank continuously for some time.
Having thoroughly indulged in wine at the Small Flower Pavilion all night, Bu Eun-seol eventually returned to the guest inn where he was staying.
'Something is definitely off.'
Recalling the events at the pavilion, Bu Eun-seol furrowed his brow.
The proprietor, Jin So-so, had no martial training.
Moreover, he hadn't detected any hidden mechanisms inside the pavilion.
The Small Flower Pavilion sold artistry, not flesh—most of its patrons were refined and dignified gentlemen.
Yet Bu Eun-seol could tell this was no ordinary pleasure house.
Attunement.
While conversing with Jin So-so, drinking, and listening to Se-ha's performance...
Servants had quietly entered, subtly altering the furnishings, side dishes, wine—even the cups themselves.
By the time he noticed, the pavilion's interior had been perfectly tailored to his tastes, as if constructed solely for him.
It resembled the Harmonization devised by Baekri Mu-jo, yet it was a distinct martial principle—the pinnacle of Attunement in practice.
Thanks to it, he had enjoyed the wine immensely, its lingering warmth still present even now.
Had he not been there to investigate...
He might have been tempted to stay indefinitely, drinking himself into oblivion.
'Which means there was a formidable master present.'
Only Jin So-so and Se-ha had been in the pavilion—aside from the young attendants and maids who came and went.
Yet someone had observed Bu Eun-seol keenly, analyzed his preferences and temperament, and adjusted the surroundings accordingly.
That could only mean an extraordinary master had been watching from somewhere, altering the atmosphere and furnishings to match him.
'Beyond imagination.'
Bu Eun-seol was certain now.
The Small Flower Pavilion was operated by a hidden faction—either the Three Realms or another power yet unknown to the martial world.
The problem was, without concrete evidence...
Even if he summoned troops to surround and search the pavilion, they might suffer a counterattack instead.
Thus, he couldn't act recklessly.
He needed a thorough plan.
'And they've already made their judgment.'
The pavilion's intelligence network was unimaginably vast, and their assessments were swift.
Not only had they known in advance that Seol-so was the Bullet King's disciple...
But once they discerned from his demeanor that he had no interest in fame or wealth, Jin So-so's attitude had shifted subtly.
Almost as if they had considered recruiting him before giving up.
'I can't do this alone.'
With the pavilion's extensive intelligence and masters who could evade detection, Bu Eun-seol stood no chance of investigating its depths by himself.
'Could the Death Soul Squad manage it?'
After a moment's contemplation, he shook his head.
This place was too dangerous.
He couldn't afford to sacrifice even a single subordinate. If it meant casualties, it was better not to act at all.
'For now, I'll have to leave my mark there.'
The only thing Bu Eun-seol could do now...
Was to keep visiting the Small Flower Pavilion, playing the role of a drunken vagabond with no greater purpose.
The next day, he returned to the pavilion.
This time, however, there was no grand reception—just an ordinary attendant guiding him in, not the chief steward.
Moreover, instead of the Snow Fragrance Pavilion, a modest drinking table had been prepared in a small annex slightly removed from the main garden.
'Expected, but still somewhat jarring.'
Just as he had anticipated...
Once the pavilion realized that the vagabond Seol-so was not someone they could recruit, their hospitality had cooled.
Now, he was merely another patron, nothing special.
Not that it mattered.
He hadn't come here to drink, nor did he need their favor.
'This might even be better.'
Since no one frequented this annex, and no attendants lingered...
It could actually provide an opportunity to investigate the pavilion's inner workings.
"This one is called Yak Hong."
Just then, a petite woman in red robes entered with a bow.
At a glance, she appeared to be a courtesan sent to play the bowed zither.
"Ah—!"
But then something strange happened.
The moment Yak Hong locked eyes with Bu Eun-seol, she flinched violently, covering her mouth.
Thud.
Suddenly, she dropped to her knees, tears streaming down her face.
"Excuse me—"
Just as Bu Eun-seol began to speak—
Crack.
Yak Hong's face began transforming at an alarming speed.
The sound of shifting bones echoed as the serene beauty's features melted away, revealing the eccentric visage of a man.
It was none other than the Thousand-Face Divine Thief, Yu Cheong-rim.
"Ugh... Sniff..."
Yu Cheong-rim clutched the hem of Bu Eun-seol's trousers, tears and snot streaming down his face.
"Please, I beg you—save me."