Chapter 731
'There's no time.'
Bu Eun-seol's heart grew urgent.
Now, only half a day remained.
Moreover, the Martial Venerable was not someone who would idly pass his time attending the Council of Elders.
There was no telling when he might storm into this place. If things continued like this, there was a chance he'd return empty-handed without finding anything.
Click.
Bu Eun-seol immediately entered the room to the right.
Inside, there was a desk resembling an office workspace, various garments and clothes.
And tools that seemed to be used for engraving the emblem of the Gratitude Coin.
'As expected, this was the Divine Calculator's hideout.'
Bu Eun-seol opened the desk drawer.
There, he saw a square iron case emitting an auspicious aura.
'There's no opening.'
The iron case was like a solid block of metal, without a single gap.
Just like the Ten-Thousand-Year Ice Jade Coffin from before.
Zzzing.
Bu Eun-seol once again summoned the Empty Mind Spirit Communion.
'A method that requires infusing a specific energy.'
It seemed the way to open this iron case wasn't by applying physical force but by channeling a very unique type of energy.
After a brief moment of contemplation, Bu Eun-seol attempted to activate the Heavenly Robe Mind Art, but it was useless.
'There's no time.'
Bu Eun-seol's urgency deepened.
He didn't know whether this iron case belonged to the Martial Venerable or Jeong Cheon-je.
However, if it had been stored in such a secret cave, it must contain something of immense importance.
Undoubtedly, it had been secured with a special method to prevent anyone from opening it easily.
No matter how exceptional Bu Eun-seol's wisdom was.
There was no way to open an iron case—rigged with a secret mechanism by someone as formidable as the Martial Venerable or Jeong Cheon-je—in such a short time.
'But I can't take it with me either.'
One of Mu-gyeol's stern warnings had been to leave absolutely no trace that someone had entered this place.
What if the Martial Venerable discovered signs of intrusion?
He would scrutinize every person around him down to the last detail.
And Mu-gyeol wouldn't be able to escape suspicion either.
"It must be martial arts."
—Did Jeong Cheon-je leave behind any special martial arts or instruct you to master any?
Before coming here, Bu Eun-seol had asked Mu-gyeol this question.
It had occurred to him that Jeong Cheon-je might have created a special device or mechanism—one that could only be activated by the bond between master and disciple.
After all, the Martial Venerable had also installed a unique mechanism beneath the Pratyekabuddha Hall, one that required the Martial Arts True Scripture for access.
—He strictly ordered me to master the eleven highest-tier Ultimate Arts among Shaolin's Seventy-Two Supreme Arts.
Upon hearing that answer, Bu Eun-seol had left without another word.
The martial art that held the foremost position among Shaolin's Seventy-Two Supreme Arts was none other than the Prajna Great Power.
And, by an incredible stroke of luck, Bu Eun-seol also possessed that power.
However, he couldn't deliberately unleash it—it only manifested when his body was on the verge of collapse while channeling Harmonization.
Crackle.
As he drew out the full extent of his internal power, his body teetered on the brink of destruction due to the chaotic energy.
Oooom.
Then, the Prajna Great Power activated on its own, and a majestic golden light radiated from Bu Eun-seol's body.
The moment he channeled that energy into the iron case—
Clank.
With the sound of grinding metal, the surface of the square iron case split open.
Which meant this iron case...
Most likely belonged not to the Martial Venerable, but to Jeong Cheon-je.
"A key?"
Surprisingly, inside the iron case was a single key gleaming with a dull luster.
And a piece of paper, thin as a dragonfly's wing, rolled up in a torn state.
'The Spring and Autumn Annals.'
Bu Eun-seol immediately unfurled the rolled paper.
He instinctively knew that this thin letter was likely the last will Jeong Cheon-je had hidden within the Spring and Autumn Annals.
"This..."
Bu Eun-seol's eyes widened as he unfolded the letter.
—Baekri Mu-ha is the Savior Star of Murim. Even if it costs me my life, I will ensure his survival.
Staring at the words written on the torn paper, Bu Eun-seol furrowed his brow.
"What does this mean?"
Jeong Cheon-je had tried to save his father?
Then, did that mean he died trying to save him? Or that he had been close to his father?
"Moreover."
This paper wasn't intact.
It looked as though it had been torn apart, unable to withstand the clash of some tremendous force.
Even the remaining fragments were as thin as a dragonfly's wing.
Did that mean the Martial Venerable had ambushed someone to seize the Spring and Autumn Annals and only managed to obtain a fragment?
Zzzing.
But at that moment, a low vibration resonated from Bu Eun-seol's chest.
The Linked Sound Warning Pearls had detected an overwhelming surge of True Qi.
'Is it the Martial Venerable?'
Click.
Bu Eun-seol carefully closed the iron case.
After stepping outside, he began rearranging the books on the shelves exactly as they had been before.
'There's no time.'
Once every book was in place, he swiftly exited the cave.
Whoosh.
Finally, he emerged from the passage connected to Cloud-Colored Valley and descended to the foot of the Dabie Mountains.
'I need to leave this area immediately.'
Goooooo!
But then, accompanied by a faint Sound of Breaking Air, an overwhelming energy blanketed the entire region.
'Too late.'
Whoosh.
Bu Eun-seol summoned his Internal Energy at full strength. Immediately, a deep pit began forming in the ground.
He was executing the Earth Escape Art.
Shhk.
As he stepped inside, activating the Turtle Breath Grand Art, the pit began filling in naturally.
Having reached the realm of Tranquil Stillness, he emitted no shockwaves of Internal Energy—and with the Turtle Breath Grand Art in effect, he vanished without a trace.
No matter how exceptional a master might be, they wouldn't be able to detect his presence.
'But my opponent is the Martial Venerable.'
A genius who had completely mastered the martial arts of the Righteous Faction and stood on the threshold of the Righteous Heavenly Emperor's realm.
Bu Eun-seol could not afford to let his guard down.
Kwoong.
The clear sky darkened, and finally, a gray silhouette emerged near the mountain ridge.
The Martial Venerable. Danmok Gi.
The one currently acting as the Martial Alliance Chief.
An absolute master of the Righteous Faction had revealed himself in the Dabie Mountains.
"..."
The Martial Venerable silently surveyed his surroundings.
The moment he appeared, the chirping of birds and insects vanished, and even the wind seemed to hold its breath.
His transparent pupils scanned the dense forest.
Though he appeared to be merely looking—
Through extrasensory perception, he was meticulously examining every ant in the woods, every grain of sand.
"Was it a mistake?"
Even with all his senses heightened, he detected nothing.
Shaking his head, the Martial Venerable turned away.
"Still... there's no need to leave behind an uneasy feeling."
Whoosh.
A faint sphere began forming in the Martial Venerable's right hand.
Then, all the air in the forest was sucked toward his palm, and the earth trembled as if struck by an earthquake.
He was about to unleash his Limitless Power—to obliterate the entire forest without a trace.
'He could overturn not just the forest, but the very ground itself.'
Hidden underground, maintaining the Turtle Breath Grand Art, Bu Eun-seol steeled himself.
Extrasensory perception wasn't limited to the surface.
Even Bu Eun-seol could easily locate a mole hidden underground within about four hundred feet.
The Martial Venerable's extrasensory perception was undoubtedly superior.
If destroying the forest didn't dispel his unease?
He would undoubtedly flip the earth itself.
'Can I hold out against the Martial Venerable?'
The Martial Venerable was a superlative martial expert, second only to the Demonic Heavenly Emperor.
Fortunately, Bu Eun-seol was confident in his movement technique—but the problem was that the Martial Venerable's strength was beyond estimation.
He couldn't even be sure if escape was possible.
Kwaaaa—
Just as the Martial Venerable's hand stretched toward the forest with a monstrous sound—
Goooooo—
A strange Sound of Breaking Air echoed from somewhere.
At the same time, a white silhouette flashed in the distant sky before—
Kwaaang!
—crashing into the ground, sending dust and debris flying in all directions.
A figure clad in radiant, sacred light—so majestic that not a speck of dust could approach.
The leader of the Sacred Guard Corps.
The Holy Sword, Baekri Mu-jo.
"Hmm."
Baekri Mu-jo let out a low hum as he scanned the area.
But there was no one around.
Astonishingly, even the Martial Venerable, who had been standing there moments ago, had vanished without a trace.
'Why has he come here?'
The Martial Venerable, who had merged with nature and concealed himself in an instant, was deeply unsettled.
The Secret Cave in Cloud-Colored Valley held the identity of the Divine Calculator—
Along with countless other secrets unknown to the murim, and even the purification of power.
If a master like Baekri Mu-jo discovered it?
He would never be able to use the Divine Calculator's identity again, and the many things hidden in his retreat could be stolen.
"Strange."
Baekri Mu-jo, still examining his surroundings, slightly furrowed his brow.
Even though the Martial Venerable—arguably the Number One of the Righteous Path—had stealthily concealed himself—
He sensed something amiss and continued spreading his extrasensory perception.
'Should I kill him?'
The Martial Venerable, still hidden, wrestled inwardly.
Though Baekri Mu-jo was an exceptional master, he could kill him if he truly wished.
'But—'
The Martial Venerable bit his lip.
The Seven Great Leaders must never be touched. If he did, even he wouldn't be able to handle the consequences.
'Now that he's here, the Star Guard Corps will arrive soon.'
Even if Baekri Mu-jo had come ahead, he wouldn't have moved alone.
It wouldn't be long before the warriors of the Star Guard Corps followed.
'Then I'll wait.'
The Martial Venerable erased his presence as much as possible and observed Baekri Mu-jo.
And so, their standoff stretched on endlessly.
'As expected, he came.'
Bu Eun-seol, still underground using the Turtle Breath Grand Art, sensed the standoff between the Martial Venerable and Baekri Mu-jo and smiled faintly.
He had prepared for the possibility that the Martial Venerable might return sooner than expected by setting up the Linked Sound Warning Pearls.
But that wasn't his only contingency plan.
Even with the pearls—
Given the Martial Venerable's extraordinary Lightness Skill, there was a chance he could block Bu Eun-seol's escape before he could flee.
'That's why I deliberately leaked information to Leader Baekri.'
He hadn't believed that someone called the Sage of the Murim would defend his secret retreat with mere traps and mechanisms.
After deep thought, he suddenly recalled something Gongson Dan-gyeong had once told him.
―Leader Baekri seems to be searching for the Alliance Chief's secluded training grounds.
If that was the case, then Baekri Mu-jo—
There was a high probability he already suspected the true identity of the current Martial Alliance Chief, the Martial Venerable.
―Is there anyone in the current murim who can stop the Martial Venerable?
Based on known martial prowess—
Only the Demonic Heavenly Emperor could stand against him.
But Bu Eun-seol had long noted that, despite the Martial Venerable's wariness toward the Seven Great Leaders, he never acted against them.
―It's unlikely all Seven Great Leaders possess strength formidable enough to trouble the Martial Venerable.
Especially since the Heavenly Martial Brigade Leader Jo Cheon-wang and the Heaven-Piercing Unit Leader Yang Dae-ryang weren't particularly outstanding in strength.
If Martial Venerable had truly wished to eliminate them in secret, it wouldn't have been impossible.
—Then, could it be that Martial Venerable is bound by some unspoken agreement or restriction preventing him from acting against the Seven Great Leaders?
After much deliberation, Bu Eun-seol had discreetly leaked information to the Star Guard Corps, luring Baekri Mu-jo here.
Moreover, Baekri Mu-jo held the terrifying status of Supreme Emperor.
'If Martial Venerable and Baekri Mu-jo were to fight, it would be killing two birds with one stone.'
What if these two superhumans were to clash?
That battle would reveal the true extent of Martial Venerable and Baekri Mu-jo's martial prowess.
'But it doesn't seem like they'll fight.'
Hidden underground while maintaining the Turtle Breath Grand Art, Bu Eun-seol felt a pang of disappointment.
Given Martial Venerable's temperament, it was unlikely he would engage Baekri Mu-jo in his own hidden retreat.
"..."
Time continued to pass.
Like Martial Venerable before him, Baekri Mu-jo had yet to detect the hidden presence—but the lingering unease kept him rooted in place.
'It's because of me.'
Bu Eun-seol finally realized why Baekri Mu-jo refused to leave.
Martial Venerable had completely concealed his presence using Limitless Power, making it impossible even for a Master of Baekri Mu-jo's caliber to sense anything amiss.
Yet the reason he remained was likely due to Bu Eun-seol's own hidden presence—trapping even Martial Venerable in place, unable to move.
Tap. Tap.
Despite freezing all bodily functions and maintaining the Turtle Breath Grand Art with only the barest whisper of breath, Bu Eun-seol felt cold sweat trickling down his back.
Merely being within the range of Baekri Mu-jo's extrasensory perception was enough to suffocate him under overwhelming pressure.
'I must not let even my mind waver.'
Steadying his spirit and mind, Bu Eun-seol silently maintained the technique.
Before he knew it, the sun had begun to set.
At the entrance of Great Bie Mountain, Martial Venerable and Bu Eun-seol remained hidden, holding their breath—while Baekri Mu-jo stood watchful, eyes ablaze.
Finally, as dusk fully descended—
'If they were capable of leaking classified information to our unit, they must possess an impressive intelligence network.'
Baekri Mu-jo's sharp eyes narrowed in thought.
'I can sense something... but I can't pinpoint its source.'
At last, he drew his treasured sword.
Unable to locate the source of his unease despite heightening his senses, he prepared to resort to his final measure—just as Martial Venerable had done earlier.
Goooooo—
A blinding white light coalesced around Baekri Mu-jo's blade.
He was preparing to unleash his sacred sword technique—one that would reduce the entire area to scorched earth.
Kukukuku—
The moment his sword was drawn, not only the forest but the very earth itself trembled.
—What now?
In that instant, both the hidden Martial Venerable and Bu Eun-seol hesitated.
If Baekri Mu-jo's sacred sword technique was unleashed, there would be no room for luck.
If their identities were exposed, it would mean the end of everything.
Flash!
But then—a tiny flicker of light burst from the shaking earth.
"That is—"
Baekri Mu-jo's pupils trembled.
Wasn't that the legendary spirit beast known as the White Lightning Golden Mouse?
Whoosh.
As Baekri Mu-jo extended his hand, the creature perched on his palm as if recognizing its master.
A mole-like creature with snow-white fur and golden eyes—utterly adorable.
"So you were the source of my unease."
The White Lightning Golden Mouse was called the King of All Beasts.
Small enough to fit in a palm, yet capable of moving with lightning speed—
Its body was as hard as steel, so much so that even a tiger the size of a house would flee rather than face it.
—Kiiii!
The creature let out a unique cry, resembling the screech of a hawk.
"To stumble upon such a treasure out of nowhere..."
Tucking the White Lightning Golden Mouse into his robes, Baekri Mu-jo smiled faintly before turning away.
Whoosh.
In an instant, he vanished into the distant sky.
After some time passed, Martial Venerable—who had remained hidden—let out a sigh and revealed himself.
"Had it not been for the White Lightning Golden Mouse, we would have faced the worst possible outcome."
Taking a deep breath, he gazed at the distant horizon.
"He may send the Star Guard Corps to investigate again."
Baekri Mu-jo was a man of deep suspicion.
There was no telling when he might return—so they had to leave quickly while he was gone.
Swoosh—
Before long, Martial Venerable's figure dissipated like mist.
Crrrrk.
With Martial Venerable gone as well, the earth in the forest sank slightly before a shadow abruptly emerged.
Bu Eun-seol, having withdrawn the Turtle Breath Grand Art, revealed himself using the Earth Escape Art.
"Had Baekri Mu-jo not come, I would have been discovered."
His back was drenched in cold sweat.
This place was Martial Venerable's secret hideout—where Jeong Cheon-je's mementos were stored.
If Martial Venerable had realized Bu Eun-seol was hiding here?
Their alliance would have shattered instantly, and he would have acted immediately to silence him.
"That was far too close."
Had he not discreetly leaked information to the Star Guard Corps as a precaution—
He might have been killed by Martial Venerable himself.
"Truly, one should never recklessly incur debts."
Bu Eun-seol took a deep breath and shook his head before turning away.
Though he hadn't managed to uncover any significant information,
he intended to return to Mu-gyeol and relay what he had found.
—Reorganize the intelligence network.
Before returning to the Martial Alliance,
Bu Eun-seol had ordered the former intelligence organization through So-yo:
—Cease focusing on tracking the movements of the Seven Great Leaders of the Murim Alliance. Instead, integrate the intelligence organizations holding information on the Wanderers' Market with the Martial Soul Society.
Bu Eun-seol realized that the martial world still held countless secrets unknown to him,
and he felt the need to forge a stronger intelligence organization.
—An immediate merger with the Martial Soul Society will be difficult. During the reorganization process, there's a high possibility that external intelligence factions may detect our information flow.
Even in the face of the Death Soul Squad leader No Trace's negative reply, Bu Eun-seol remained resolute.
—Take your time and proceed carefully. It's not something that can be done right away.
Bu Eun-seol was well aware that merging three intelligence organizations was currently impossible.
Moreover, during the integration process, hostile factions might intercept their information flow or even eavesdrop on its contents.
But he had no choice but to attempt it.
Only then would it lay the foundation for future success,
allowing the Martial Soul Society's intelligence network—now grown into a massive coalition—to fully absorb the Death Soul Squad and the Pinnacle Squad.
And Bu Eun-seol added one more instruction:
—To prevent detection of the information flow, suspend all communications through the network for the time being. The risk of eavesdropping is too high.
—Understood.
After issuing the reorganization orders, Bu Eun-seol returned to the Martial Alliance.
And immediately sought out Mu-gyeol in his office at the Clear Radiance Hall.
"...So that's how it is."
Bu Eun-seol relayed all the information he had uncovered at the hidden refuge in Cloud-Colored Valley.
The torn paper bearing Jeong Cheon-je's handwriting, which judged Baekri Mu-ha as part of the martial world's fabric.
And the iron box containing a single key.
"A key."
Mu-gyeol's pupils darkened.
He seemed to take the word "key" far more seriously than the mention of Baekri Mu-ha.
Perhaps he was recalling something Jeong Cheon-je had spoken of while still alive.
"Thank you."
Having heard everything, Mu-gyeol expressed his gratitude—but also issued a warning.
"However, from now on, never manipulate the Seven Great Leaders of our alliance again."
Surprisingly, he already knew Bu Eun-seol had leaked information to Baekri Mu-jo.
"The remaining leaders are all formidable warriors even my master acknowledged. Each possesses extraordinary skills, as you know."
"If you've already assessed the capabilities of the Seven Great Leaders, why didn't you appoint a successor beforehand?"
"Of course we did."
Mu-gyeol's response was unexpected.
"From the beginning, my master had already chosen a successor. Though lacking in martial prowess, he is honest and possesses the true spirit of a warrior."
Bu Eun-seol had a guess.
"Don't tell me... you mean the Martial Heaven Unit leader?"
"Correct."
Mu-gyeol confirmed.
"My master had long considered Jo Cheon-wang, leader of the Martial Heaven Unit, as the next alliance chief. He believed that with proper guidance, Jo Cheon-wang's martial shortcomings could quickly be remedied."
Bu Eun-seol's lips parted in surprise.
Jeong Cheon-je had, over a decade ago, already chosen Jo Cheon-wang as his successor.
'It makes sense.'
Though Jo Cheon-wang was among the weakest of the Seven Great Leaders in martial skill,
he was untainted by any faction and was a man who understood righteousness and honor.
Had he not been, he wouldn't have stepped down in shame after resorting to petty schemes for his son's revenge—choosing instead to live as a wandering warrior.
"I see."
Bu Eun-seol felt an inexplicable pang of regret.
There were few decent people left in the Martial Alliance.
But Jo Cheon-wang was a man who knew principle. Had he become chief, the alliance might have transformed once more.
"The only pity is that the Martial Venerable has no intention of changing the Martial Alliance."
Mu-gyeol's expression darkened.
In truth, the Martial Venerable, while acting in Jeong Cheon-je's stead,
possessed both the power and ability to reform the alliance into something better.
Even if he couldn't touch the factions entrenched in the Martial Alliance's Abyss,
he could have restructured the internal organization and elevated the right people.
Yet he didn't.
Which meant his claim of safeguarding the Righteous Faction's stability—
of maintaining balance between the Orthodox and Unorthodox Paths in Jeong Cheon-je's stead—
was likely untrue.
"Let me ask you one thing."
Bu Eun-seol voiced the question that had long weighed on him.
"Is the Martial Alliance a den of the Three Realms?"
Mu-gyeol's lips curled into an enigmatic smile.
As if he had anticipated such a question.
"Perhaps."
His answer was deliberately vague.
"That depends on perspective."
"What do you mean?"
"I say this because I know how you view the Three Realms."
Bu Eun-seol's eyes flashed.
"Are you saying the Three Realms are good?"
"What martial organization can be called good or evil?"
Mu-gyeol's gaze, fixed on empty air, turned transparent.
"In the end, they all move according to their own fate."
"You're starting to sound like him. Playing twenty questions with empty words."
"..."
"If you don't want to answer, don't."
Bu Eun-seol turned away coldly.
"Either way, I'll take my leave."
As Bu Eun-seol made to leave, Mu-gyeol spoke again.
"There's one more thing."
Taking a deep breath, he said:
"Even if it weren't for the writings in the iron box left by my master, I had already guessed to some extent that your father was a good man."
"..."
"And if your father was good, then naturally, I thought perhaps you might be too."
"I don't understand what you're saying."
As Bu Eun-seol furrowed his brow,
Mu-gyeol fixed him with a blade-sharp gaze and delivered an utterly shocking statement.
"The Baekri Clan still stands."