Chapter 675
Yuk Cheong-a fell into deep contemplation.
After weighing countless considerations for a long while, she suddenly smiled coldly and rejected the proposal outright.
"I refuse."
"And why is that?"
"If the Alliance Leader truly harbors such intentions... there would be no need to involve the Clear Radiance Hall Leader in such convoluted procedures, would there?"
Yuk Cheong-a curled the corners of her lips.
"Even with the support of numerous high-ranking officials including the Vice Alliance Leader, it would be child's play for the Alliance Leader to eliminate Commander Seon-u if he so wished."
It was a chillingly accurate analysis.
Mu-gyeol nodded in acknowledgment, readily conceding the point.
"That much is true."
"But for the esteemed Hall Leader to make such a proposal to this Deputy Hall Lord—doesn't that amount to looking down on me too much?"
"Deputy Hall Lord, you're misunderstanding something."
Mu-gyeol calmly explained.
"First, for the Alliance Leader to pressure the high command, including the Vice Alliance Leader, into eliminating Commander Seon-u—the risks would be far too great."
"Risks?"
"If word were to spread that the Alliance Leader issued such an order? Given the already precarious state of opinion within the Alliance, it would cause an uproar."
Yuk Cheong-a nodded.
the Righteous Heavenly Emperor, the Divine Martial Artist Shin Do-mu-bi, had been repeatedly engaging in closed-door cultivation for far too long.
Moreover, he had been unilaterally handling various matters without making his presence known...
Before anyone realized it, the support of the high command and their evaluations of him had become deeply divided.
"That does make sense."
From the Alliance Leader's perspective, it would be far less troublesome to pit a competitor like Mu-gyeol against Commander Seon-u.
Even if things went awry, he could evade responsibility by claiming it was Mu-gyeol's unilateral decision.
"But if that's the case, I have even more reason to refuse your proposal."
Yuk Cheong-a couldn't hide the contempt in her expression.
"If things go wrong, you—the Clear Radiance Hall Leader—would be the sacrificial pawn, wouldn't you? Why should this Deputy Hall Lord board a ship that might sink?"
"Even so, Deputy Hall Lord, you'll have no choice but to choose me."
Mu-gyeol spoke in an utterly solemn voice.
"Because Hall Leader Yuk will betray you."
"Betray me?"
"Indeed."
Mu-gyeol stared straight into Yuk Cheong-a's eyes.
"A person like Hall Leader Yuk never truly trusts anyone. And he has been betrayed countless times by his subordinates thus far."
"So?"
"Hall Leader Yuk has compiled a ledger documenting all the misconduct of her subordinates."
A faint glint flashed in Mu-gyeol's eyes.
"Including that of Deputy Hall Lord Yuk, his own blood relative."
After a brief silence, Yuk Cheong-a asked,
"On what grounds are you making such claims?"
"Look into it yourself. Among the documents Hall Leader Yuk has hidden away, you'll find records of the irregularities Deputy Hall Lord committed to assist him."
Yuk Cheong-a's expression remained impassive.
Though Yuk Jang-cheon was not particularly renowned for his intellect,
she had recently come to realize that he was far more cunning and deep-minded than she had thought.
That he had compiled ledgers documenting his subordinates' misconduct and weaknesses was hardly surprising.
"As Hall Leader Mu says, my father trusts no one. He's been betrayed by his subordinates countless times. Most recently, even by Seon-u Jin, a subordinate he trusted so deeply."
Yuk Cheong-a wore an expression as if it were nothing out of the ordinary.
"A ledger documenting misconduct? It's only natural to employ such measures to prevent betrayal from subordinates. There's nothing unusual about that."
"I wonder if you'll still say that after seeing what's written inside."
"What's written inside?"
"Explaining it to you now would be pointless—you wouldn't believe me. Deputy Hall Lord should investigate it personally."
At Mu-gyeol's confident reply, Yuk Cheong-a furrowed her brow.
When she thought about it, it was entirely plausible behavior from Yuk Jang-cheon's perspective.
Betrayed even by Seon-u Jin, whom he had trusted so much.
Even by herself, once. From his standpoint, there would have been no one left to trust.
She had long anticipated that he might gather evidence of misconduct from all his subordinates, herself included.
In truth, Mu-gyeol's words weren't particularly shocking.
But judging by Mu-gyeol's unwavering expression, it wasn't just a simple compilation of misconduct.
What if he had seized hold of fatal weaknesses?
If that were the case, she could never—under any circumstances—join hands with Yuk Jang-cheon.
"Very well."
Yuk Cheong-a spoke calmly.
"I'll hear more of the Clear Radiance Hall Leader's proposal."
"Commander, you're saying you'll personally approach one of the Eight Great Families?"
At the Pinnacle Pavilion's grand conference hall,
Bu Eun-seol was discussing the upcoming examination with his unit members.
"Even though Honorary Guardian has already secured a separate letter of recommendation from the Wudang Sect, there's no need to obtain another one."
Though Seon-u Jin was a rising star, he wasn't yet in a position to easily gain the support of the Nine Sects' leaders or the Family Heads of the Eight Great Families.
Yet, upon hearing the examination's contents, Bukgung Ryeong had stepped forward—not for Seon-u Jin, but for Bu Eun-seol.
He had obtained a recommendation letter bearing the personal endorsement of the Wudang Sect Leader himself.
"According to Vice Alliance Leader Shin's announcement, there was no mention of how much support one must gather. I believe the Wudang Sect's backing alone should suffice for a candidate leader," said Tae Mu-ryong.
Jeong Jong-do nodded in agreement. "Correct. There's no need for the Great Leader to personally visit the aristocratic families or the Nine Sects."
Bu Eun-seol gave a slow nod. "Naturally, I'm not fixated on mere numbers. However, that support was given to me by the Honorary Guardian—it cannot be said I earned it myself."
He continued calmly, "At minimum, one must secure supporting factions through their own strength. This Great Leader judges that to be the true focus of this trial."
The unit members swallowed hard and nodded at his words. His reasoning was sound.
Whether it was obtaining the Martial Heaven Unit's battle formations, passing the Defense Trial, or even gathering support factions—none of these had played to Bu Eun-seol's advantage so far.
Moreover, these trials always carried hidden meanings beneath the surface.
Which meant this wasn't simply about gathering endorsements.
Bu Eun-seol believed the true test lay in personally securing support from the Nine Sects or the Eight Great Families.
"Having heard the Great Leader's words, that does seem highly plausible," said Tae Mu-ryong, echoed by all the unit members.
"But the Eight Great Families are out of the question. Aren't they closer to Hall Leader Baek or Vice Hall Leader Yuk?" Jeong Jong-do interjected.
"Precisely. Others aside, Yuk Cheong-a—Vice Hall Leader Yuk—would immediately raise objections with both hands. After all, they could easily obtain recommendation letters elsewhere," Jeong Jong-do added.
The unit members' opinions aligned perfectly with Bu Eun-seol's own thoughts.
"Which is precisely why we must go," Bu Eun-seol said with a faint smile. "Having received a Nine Sects' recommendation so easily, I believe we should personally secure the Eight Great Families' support."
It was practically leaping into a pit of flames rather than merely facing an obstacle.
Eventually, the unit members gave up trying to decipher Bu Eun-seol's deeper intentions.
Profound stratagems and far-reaching plans—Bu Eun-seol always saw several moves ahead of others.
"Understood. Then we'll prepare diligently as well," they conceded.
Instead, they resolved to thoroughly analyze the Eight Great Families' situations from their respective positions to ensure Bu Eun-seol's visit would succeed.
'Starting as an Information Warfare Unit was the right decision.'
Bu Eun-seol felt a swell of pride.
Thanks to relentless training, his Peak Realm Members had not only rapidly enhanced their martial prowess but also developed exceptional intuition and analytical skills as intelligence operatives.
While no single member stood out as a strategic genius, their collective reasoning rivaled that of the most brilliant advisors.
"Judging by your expression, Great Leader, you already have a destination in mind," observed Tae Mu-ryong.
Bu Eun-seol nodded. "Indeed."
"Where do you intend to go?"
A faint smile touched his lips. "The Namgung Family."
No one understood the Namgung Family better than Bu Eun-seol.
He had thoroughly grasped not only Family Head Namgung Jeong's temperament but also the personalities and internal affairs of every family member.
Without revealing his true identity—maintaining only the persona of Seon-u Jin—he intended to secure a recommendation letter from the foremost of the Eight Great Families, ensuring no future disputes about this trial's legitimacy.
Departing the Martial Alliance, Bu Eun-seol immediately headed for the Namgung estate.
For this trial, speed was essential—the sooner one secured endorsements from limited options, the better.
With only four candidates and a finite number of recommendation sources, destinations were effectively predetermined.
And for Bu Eun-seol, the choice was clear.
The Namgung Family led the Eight Great Families.
Their endorsement would carry far greater weight than those from lesser clans.
Conversely, Baek Mu-seong, Mu-gyeol, and Yuk Jang-cheon had broader options.
Particularly Baek Mu-seong (a disciple of the Buddha Honored One) and Yuk Cheong-a (student of the Divine Nun of the South Sea), who had cultivated relationships with leaders of the Nine Sects and Eight Gates since childhood.
Wherever they chose, obtaining recommendations would be effortless.
And Yuk Cheong-a would undoubtedly strive to eliminate Bu Eun-seol from contention.
Whoosh!
Bu Eun-seol accelerated, deploying the Righteous Faction's Flowing Cloud Movement Technique.
Yet his speed and stealth nearly matched the legendary Heavenly Dragon's Great Roaming Steps.
His profound understanding of movement arts, together with his mastery of Swift Shadowless at the Great Origin Realm, allowed him to adapt even orthodox movement techniques at will.
Fwish!
Then something strange occurred.
A blue flash suddenly streaked across the distant sky as a shadow began rapidly gaining on Bu Eun-seol.
Glancing back, he recognized the pursuer—Baek Mu-seong himself.
'Not Yuk Cheong-a... but him.'
As the Buddha Honored One's disciple, Baek Mu-seong had built connections with numerous Righteous Sect leaders since youth.
He could secure endorsements anywhere with ease.
Clearly, he wasn't seeking recommendations—he aimed to obstruct Bu Eun-seol from obtaining his.
'He's completely changed.'
Had this been the Baek Mu-seong of old, he would have rather slit his own throat than resort to such petty methods.
'Can a person's nature change so easily?'
Baek Mu-seong was a man of strong pride.
Even when he knew Bu Eun-seol's skills surpassed his own, rather than feeling jealousy—
he had been someone who felt shame and despair.
Yet now, he was attempting to use such childish and underhanded tactics?
'Is it because of his desperate longing for the position of Chief Strategist?'
Bu Eun-seol instead felt pity for Baek Mu-seong.
When humans blindly desire what they cannot obtain, they inevitably fall into suffering and despair.
Baek Mu-seong, who had wanted nothing but Gongson Dan-gyeong, seemed to have ultimately lost himself and become a completely different person.
Whoosh—!
Arriving in the Yellow Mountain region, Bu Eun-seol finally reached the Namgung Family estate.
'Still as prosperous as ever.'
The Namgung Family seemed even more flourishing than before, with dignitaries from all walks of life frequently coming and going from the manor, signing the guestbook.
Approaching the great gate, Bu Eun-seol handed a name card to the guards.
"I am Seon-u Jin, Peak Leader of the Martial Alliance, here to see the Family Head."
"Is that so? Please wait a moment."
Just in case, Bu Eun-seol had already sent a letter ahead under the Martial Alliance's name.
Yet the Namgung Family still insisted on verifying his name card before notifying the Family Head.
Clack, clack.
But then, Baek Mu-seong, who had been following, entered the Namgung estate.
Recognizing him, the guards immediately bowed their heads respectfully.
"Young Hero Baek! It's been so long since your last visit."
They hastily ushered him inside.
"Please, come this way. We'll escort you to the Family Head."
Baek Mu-seong didn't even need a name card.
Trees provide shade, men provide fame.
Not only was he a disciple of the Buddhist Venerable, having built connections with the leaders of the Eight Great Families since childhood—
But as someone who had long been renowned throughout the Rivers and Lakes, Baek Mu-seong was a guest the Namgung Family couldn't afford to ignore.
Tch.
As he stepped inside, Baek Mu-seong turned his head slightly and smirked at Bu Eun-seol.
It seemed to say, No matter how hard you try, you won't get an endorsement here.
Bu Eun-seol waited, unfazed.
Eventually, the guards returned and began guiding him.
"Would you mind waiting here? We've informed the Family Head, so he should arrive shortly."
"Thank you."
Bu Eun-seol sat at the table and calmly waited for Namgung Jeong.
But even as lunch passed and the sun began to set, the Family Head did not appear.
"So this is why the orthodox factions of Murim go to such lengths to build connections."
Even as Seon-u Jin, who had risen to the Seat of the Four Gods and Seven Kings and become a renowned young Grandmaster in the martial world—
Had this been the Demon Hall, he would have been treated with due respect without needing personal connections or seniority.
But the orthodox Murim was different.
No matter how formidable his martial prowess, how exceptional his wisdom or fame—
The solidly entrenched walls of the high command and the established powers were not so easily breached.
Of course, within the Martial Alliance, his rank as a Hall Master granted him some influence—
But to the upper echelons of the martial world, the title of a Martial Alliance Hall Master held no sway whatsoever.
"So this is why Manager Yuk desires the position of Leader so desperately."
As a Leader, one could mobilize the Martial Alliance's forces at will.
It meant having the power to command forces equivalent to entire sects, with every action sending ripples through the martial world.
In other words, only with that level of authority could one stand on equal footing with the established powers of the orthodox factions.
"But the Namgung Family Head will come."
An ordinary person would have taken this as an insult and left long ago.
But Bu Eun-seol continued waiting silently for the Namgung Family Head.
The Namgung Jeong he knew was not an arrogant man who looked down on others—
Even as the leader of the Namgung Family, seated at the head of the Eight Great Families.
If he hadn't come despite the formal name card, it was likely due to pressing matters—
Or perhaps Baek Mu-seong's meddling.
Creak.
As if to confirm this, the door opened, revealing a tall, imposing figure.
Baek Mu-seong.
"So here you are."
Baek Mu-seong looked at Bu Eun-seol with feigned surprise and spoke.
"Still waiting for the Family Head?"
"I am."
Hahaha.
Baek Mu-seong shook his head.
"Give up. The Family Head has already pledged his support to me."
When Bu Eun-seol didn't respond, he smirked.
"Don't believe me?"
"I don't think you've fallen so far as to lie outright."
Hahaha!
Baek Mu-seong laughed cheerfully.
He thought Bu Eun-seol had finally dropped his composure and was criticizing him.
But his laughter didn't last long.
Bu Eun-seol's gaze remained tranquil—if anything, tinged with pity.
"If you know I'm not lying, why are you still sitting here?"
Baek Mu-seong's voice turned sharp as he studied Bu Eun-seol's relaxed expression.
"Shouldn't you hurry off somewhere else as soon as possible?"
Instead of answering, Bu Eun-seol simply smiled.
Baek Mu-seong let out a derisive snort, his mood visibly souring.
"You actually believe you can persuade the Family Head, don't you?"
"Brother Baek seems to be the one with time to spare."
"I, on the other hand, have no need to chase after a signature."
"..."
"Even if I stay still, letters of recommendation bearing seals will find their way to me. So of course I can afford to be idle."
"I see. Then I hope you've stockpiled plenty."
Bu Eun-seol replied flatly.
"I, however, will be satisfied with obtaining the Family Head Namgung's signature alone."
"Hohoho. We'll see about that."
Baek Mu-seong turned away.
But the composure that had lingered on his face until now had completely vanished.
The sun had begun to set without notice.
Bu Eun-seol gazed out the window at the fading twilight.
He had thought, at the very least, that Namgung Jeong was a man who valued righteousness over status and distribution of power.
Had he truly been swayed by Baek Mu-seong's honeyed words and schemes—to the point of refusing even to show his face?
"E-excuse me, sir."
Just then, a young servant of the Namgung Family cautiously opened the guest hall's door and spoke with a lowered head.
"My apologies for keeping you waiting so long."
"It's fine."
"It seems... the Family Head will likely not be able to meet you today."
"Don't trouble yourself over it. I'm the one choosing to wait."
At Bu Eun-seol's indifferent response, the young servant awkwardly bowed his head again.
"Actually, all scheduled audiences at the main house have concluded for the day..."
"Scheduled audiences?"
"Yes, sir. It would be best if you returned tomorrow or arranged another appointment."
Occasionally, there were those who visited the Namgung Family without prior arrangements—either stubbornly demanding an audience with the Family Head or insisting on waiting indefinitely.
For this reason, a strict rule had been established: once evening fell, any guests who had not been explicitly summoned by the Family Head would be escorted out without exception.
"It's fine."
"Pardon?"
"The Family Head will be here shortly."
The servant scratched his head with a troubled expression.
"Sir, the main house's rules are absolute. Even if the Martial Alliance... no matter who comes, they cannot be changed."
Though the servant had phrased it delicately—"even if the Martial Alliance..."—the implication was clear.
Even if the leader of the Martial Alliance himself arrived, the rule would not bend.
"I'm aware. But the Family Head must have momentarily forgotten about my presence due to... someone."
That "someone" was Baek Mu-seong.
But the servant, unaware of this, could only bow his head in discomfort.
"W-well, that is..."
"Why hasn't this guest been escorted out yet?"
A deep, scarred voice suddenly cut through the hall as a towering middle-aged man—built like three men combined—strode in.
This was Namgung Gwang, Hall Leader of the Ironwood Hall, responsible for the security of the outer grounds.
Once renowned for his bold swordsmanship, he had earned the epithet Wind Dragon Great Hero in his prime.
"The Hour of the Dog is nearly upon us. Why are the guest hall's lights still on?"
At the tiger-like roar of Namgung Gwang's voice, the servant immediately lowered his head.
"This gentleman insisted on waiting, so..."
"What? Did you not explain the family's rules?"
"I did, but..."
Hearing this, Namgung Gwang's temper flared as he turned his gaze to Bu Eun-seol.
"Once the Hour of the Dog arrives, all guests—save for those of the inner circle—must depart."
Though his tone remained formal and stern, there was an undercurrent of respect, as if he recognized Bu Eun-seol's status.
"Even if you've come from the Martial Alliance, there are no exceptions."
"I'm aware."
"Then why haven't you left?"
"The Family Head will be coming this way."
"What kind of nonsense—"
Namgung Gwang nearly scoffed, but the moment he caught the eerie glint of madness swirling in Bu Eun-seol's clear eyes, he hesitated.
'What kind of gaze is that...?'
But matters in the martial world were not settled by mere gazes and momentum.
Moreover, if this guest wasn't removed immediately, the Namgung Family's dignity would suffer.
"This Hall Leader does not repeat himself."
"..."
"If you refuse to rise from your seat after my warning, I must regrettably resort to force. I trust you understand."
Yet Bu Eun-seol only responded with a faint smile.
It was unmistakable provocation.
'This bastard!'
Unable to endure any longer, Namgung Gwang began gathering his Internal Power—
Swish.
—when Bu Eun-seol suddenly turned his head, pointing toward the hall's entrance.
Confused, Namgung Gwang furrowed his brow.
"What do you mean by this?"
"Can't you hear it?"
"Hear what? What nonsense are you—"
Just as Namgung Gwang was about to bark back—
Tap. Tap.
A faint sound of footsteps reached them.
Namgung Gwang's eyes flickered in shock.
'He heard footsteps from 300 feet away?!'
His own hearing was exceptional—capable of detecting sounds within 300 feet.
But this young chief before him had been staring at the door long before the sound had even registered...
Meaning his Extrasensory Perception far surpassed Namgung Gwang's own.
'He's far stronger than the rumors suggested.'
Gulp.
As Namgung Gwang stared at the door with a tense expression—
Tap. Tap.
The door slid open with the sound of Light Steps, revealing a middle-aged man clad in blue robes.
With refined features and a well-groomed beard, he could have been mistaken for a scholar at a glance.
But his eyes were as clear as a tranquil lake, and an overwhelming Energy radiated from his entire being.
The current Family Head of the Namgung Clan—
Namgung Jeong.