Chapter 815
"It's incomprehensible. Why would Sect Leader Wi Ji..."
Bu Eun-seol's eyes, having just left the Fire Rain Sword Sect, darkened.
No matter how much he thought about it, it was impossible.
If it had been an old man like Jeok Bung—someone who had weathered countless battles and was now obsessed with power—he might have understood.
But for Wi Ji-mua, who seemed to have transcended all worldly attachments, to speak like some decrepit old fiend?
"A man of such detachment wouldn't succumb to the temptation of power and become their puppet..."
The Demonic Path Ten Gates—the ten pillars supporting the Demon Hall, the sacred land of ten thousand demons.
Among their leaders, there were those who, driven by their desperate pursuit of strength, had fallen to the temptations of the Three Realms, who now controlled the Murim, or other external forces.
The Demonic Path sought the hegemonic path.
He couldn't point fingers at that, nor could he condemn it.
But Wi Ji-mua was someone who even found his position as sect leader of the Fire Rain Sword Sect cumbersome—
A man who lived like a recluse in the back rooms.
There was no way such a person would collude with external forces.
"In the end, he must have said something he didn't truly mean."
If he had been the type to join hands with outside forces to prosper his sect and secure his own safety—
He might have reached the Martial Extreme Realm,
But he would never have attained Transcendent Unconstrainedness, free from laws and conventions.
"Why would he say such a thing?"
A complicated light lingered in Bu Eun-seol's eyes as he gazed at the distant sky.
"There are no masters in the Fire Rain Sword Sect who could rival him."
No matter how much he pondered, no answer came.
But after seeing Wi Ji-mua, he could faintly sense something—
That the Fire Rain Sword Sect was not all it appeared to be.
That perhaps, within the sect, there was someone who matched Wi Ji-mua in strength or wielded equal authority.
Otherwise, Wi Ji-mua would never have described the Fire Rain Sword Sect as a faction that could vanish at any moment.
"Does even he harbor discontent but have no way to act on it?"
Wi Ji-mua, the Profound Demon, had reached the Profound Mystery Realm in his Sword Studies, contending for supremacy among the Three Demons and Three Venerables—a man versed in both martial and scholarly arts.
Not only that, he was someone who had transcended fame, profit, even life and death—a man who feared nothing.
If such a person were being dragged around helplessly... If he were in a situation where even Jade Shattering was impossible—
Blood relatives.
There could be no other reason.
"Then there's no need to investigate immediately."
If there were tangled circumstances within the Fire Rain Sword Sect? Rather than forcing an investigation now, it would be better to observe the developments and uncover the truth later.
After all, a festering wound would burst on its own.
"If even the Martial Alliance and the Demonic Path are in this state... then there's only one urgent matter to address."
Whether it was the Three Realms, the Heavenly Humans, or the Three Families... they had existed all along, constantly stirring trouble.
But now that he knew even the Fire Rain Sword Sect was not an upright faction of the Demonic Path—
"The Peak Realm Unit."
He needed to quickly establish a safe haven where the Peak Realm Members—neither of the Demonic Path nor the Righteous Faction—could reside.
"In the end, the time has come to execute that plan."
If both the Demon Hall and the Martial Alliance were in such a state? Then as Seon-u Jin, there was no longer any need to remain in the Martial Alliance.
Moreover, the intelligence networks of the Orthodox and Unorthodox factions and the Martial Soul Society's intelligence network, which leads the wanderers had nearly achieved full integration.
"The time has come to create a new faction."
Originally, he had planned to incorporate the Peak Realm Unit into the Martial Soul Society. The Society would have been a place where the members could operate with peace of mind.
But now that he knew the Demon Hall, the Demonic Path Ten Gates, and even the Martial Alliance were all abnormal—
If the Peak Realm Unit, composed of former Martial Alliance members, were to join the Martial Soul Society—a faction Between Orthodox and Heterodox—problems would undoubtedly arise.
And certain forces might—
Bring harm to those Seon-u Jin had formed bonds with.
"There really is no other way."
In the end, Bu Eun-seol decided to execute the contingency plan he had long considered—
To leave the Martial Alliance completely.
Martial Alliance, Peak Realm Pavilion.
This place was situated before the North Gate Bamboo Grove of the Martial Alliance.
As such, unless one had business at the Peak Realm Pavilion, there was no reason to come here.
Nevertheless, from the very beginning, Bu Eun-seol had fortified the interior of the pavilion like a stronghold—
And the grand conference hall was designed as a soundproof chamber where not even a whisper could escape.
After all, he had experienced far too much in the Demon Hall.
And looking back, that had been an excellent decision.
"Shall we now carry out our final mission?"
Seeing all the members seated, Bu Eun-seol spoke with the gravest expression.
—Final mission.
The members' faces stiffened.
Because the "final mission" meant the Peak Realm Unit would be leaving the Martial Alliance.
"Are we executing it immediately?"
Tae Mu-ryong asked with utmost seriousness.
Bu Eun-seol had long prepared a plan for the Peak Realm Unit to leave the Martial Alliance safely.
If they followed through, the unit could vanish quietly, without a trace of trouble.
"No, the plan has changed."
Bu Eun-seol explained calmly.
"We shall establish another faction within the murim."
"Rather than creating an independent faction—"
Bu Eun-seol spoke with utmost solemnity.
"—we will split the Martial Alliance itself to form a new orthodox coalition."
The unit members' faces stiffened in shock, mouths agape.
Creating a new faction was one thing—that much they could comprehend. But splitting the Martial Alliance to form a new orthodox coalition? Such a thing should be impossible. Even if they succeeded, the Alliance would never stand idly by. They would inevitably be branded as traitors, left with no choice but to fight the Alliance to the death.
"Impossible," Tae Mu-ryong cautiously objected. "No matter what else, the Martial Venerable will never let you go willingly, Bureau Chief."
The Martial Venerable was, after all, the one who had granted Bu Eun-seol the identity of Seon-u Jin in the first place, and now acted as the Alliance's de facto leader. If Bu Eun-seol made even the slightest suspicious move—or if the Martial Venerable detected such intentions—he would undoubtedly crush the identity of Seon-u Jin without hesitation and never let Bu Eun-seol walk free.
"No need for concern. In fact, the Martial Venerable will be the very reason we can leave the Alliance flawlessly." A faint smile touched Bu Eun-seol's lips. "From this moment onward, mobilize our entire intelligence network at full strength. Uncover every trace of the Alliance's shadow organizations—their illegal activities, and all evidence thereof."
"..."
"Of course, it won't be easy. But even partial success is acceptable. Dig up as much as you can."
"Unit Leader." Jeong Jong-do spoke up hesitantly. "If we investigate the Alliance from within... eventually, their internal factions will realize what we're doing."
He hesitated before continuing. "By then, our betrayal would be exposed before we even make our move."
"That's fine. It's all part of the plan." Bu Eun-seol's voice brimmed with confidence. "Focus on the investigation without worry. I'll handle the rest."
Tae Mu-ryong, Jeong Jong-do, and the other unit members exchanged uneasy glances. No matter how they thought about it, they couldn't even begin to guess Bu Eun-seol's plan.
"It's alright," Bu Eun-seol said calmly. "Explaining in detail now might disrupt the plan. So trust me and follow my lead."
The unit members' eyes widened. Bu Eun-seol never asked for their trust. That he did so now could only mean one thing—something beyond anyone's imagination was about to unfold, and absolute secrecy was crucial for success.
"Understood."
Having grasped this much, the unit members stifled their curiosity and bowed in unison. Had Bu Eun-seol intended to share the full plan, he would have done so at the start of the meeting. Looking back, they realized—when utmost secrecy was required, he never revealed his plans to anyone. Instead, he assigned each subordinate their tasks separately. And as they carried out their individual duties... before they knew it, the larger picture would fall into place.
The Absolute Pinnacle Unit believed wholeheartedly. That Bu Eun-seol could truly split the Martial Alliance—and forge a new orthodox coalition flawlessly.
The Bullet King, Bukgung Ryeong.
A man who had spent his life championing righteousness, aiding the weak, and punishing evildoers.
For decades, he had been the Renowned Chivalrous Hero representing the orthodox murim, the first to have his name inscribed on the Martial Alliance's Hero Stele while still living. Though he had refused the Alliance's invitations countless times, he had eventually accepted. Now, as an Honorary Guardian, he was enjoying a second golden age.
In his role, he handled various duties and forged bonds with numerous influential figures. All the while, he continued aiding those facing hardships within the Alliance, donating his entire stipend to those in need. Thanks to this, his following had gradually grown, and before anyone realized it, he had become one of the Alliance's central pillars.
Pavilion of Appeals.
A small pavilion nestled in the rear garden of Bukgung Ryeong's residence.
Though past eighty, his spiritual energy overflowed, and he remained as vigorous as ever. He yearned to see the younger generation become the murim's future pillars—to surpass even him as Renowned Heroes. Thus, he kept the Pavilion of Appeals open so that those in distress could seek him at any time.
Those with grievances or in need of help were always welcome.
Every story shared there was kept in strict confidence.
And if injustice was found, he would plunge into action without hesitation.
Because of this, martial artists below middle age trusted and followed him more than their own superiors.
And the martial artist who arrived this time—
Clearly in dire straits, he stumbled breathlessly into the pavilion and requested an audience.
Normally, Bukgung Ryeong would have greeted him with a gentle expression, asking why he had come.
But when Bukgung Ryeong entered the Pavilion of Appeals, his expression was colder than ever as he spoke.
"What is it? I'm busy as hell—why'd you crawl all the way here?"
Because the young man before him had no reason to be facing any hardship.
He was a rising star with no one in the world to envy, wielding immense authority across both the Orthodox and Unorthodox Factions.
The very Chief of the Secret Intelligence Bureau, Seon-u Jin. No—Bu Eun-seol.
"Are you busy?"
At Bu Eun-seol's question,
Zzzing.
Bukgung Ryeong, who had already erected an impenetrable wall of Gang Qi around the pavilion to prevent their voices from leaking, snorted derisively.
"Busier than the foremost young Grandmaster of the Demonic Path? Busier than the Chief of the Secret Intelligence Bureau, whose power rivals even the Seven Great Leaders of the Martial Alliance?"
"Hmm."
Bu Eun-seol wanted to fire back a retort,
but there might be prying eyes around, and more importantly, he had urgent matters to discuss.
So he spoke in a hushed voice instead.
"Let's relocate. These are not words to be spoken here."
Seeing Bu Eun-seol's grave expression, Bukgung Ryeong reluctantly led him to the secret chamber installed within his office.
Krrrung.
As the thick iron gate of the chamber closed, Bukgung Ryeong spoke.
"What's the matter?"
Bu Eun-seol, who had been staring into empty space, replied in an exceedingly low voice.
"I will be leaving the Martial Alliance with my subordinates."
Bukgung Ryeong's expression shifted slightly in surprise.
"Did you find what you were searching for?"
"Not quite."
"Then?"
"I'm leaving because I've seen the true nature of the Martial Alliance."
"True nature?"
Bukgung Ryeong's gaze deepened.
Truth be told, even he had been gradually uncovering the grim, murky reality of the Martial Alliance as the factions under his influence grew.
"I see."
Instead of protesting, Bukgung Ryeong nodded with an almost relieved expression.
"Good decision. This isn't a place meant for long-term residence."
"Isn't that the same for you, Honorary Guardian?"
"Tch, why the sudden formality? Call me as you always have. And..."
Bukgung Ryeong offered a faint, lonely smile.
"It's hardly news that the Martial Alliance is rotten to the core. I need not concern myself with it."
"You intend to stay?"
"Have you forgotten? This old man came here because of you."
His expression turned somewhat aggrieved.
"Was it not at your urging that I came, hoping to cleanse this cesspit somehow?"
"..."
"I have yet to purify this place."
Bu Eun-seol had no rebuttal.
It had been him who persuaded Bukgung Ryeong to join the Martial Alliance.
And it was also him who had urged the elder to somehow make it a righteous place.
"It's futile."
Yet for that very reason, Bu Eun-seol had to convince him now.
Otherwise, even Bukgung Ryeong would either be tainted by this filthy mire or ultimately fall under the control of those vile schemers.
"Even if you strive for a hundred years, the Martial Alliance can never be purified."
"What do you mean?"
"This place is practically the stronghold of the Shadow Force."
"What are you saying? Shadow Force?"
Calmly, Bu Eun-seol recounted everything he had experienced thus far.
As he listened in silence, Bukgung Ryeong's eyes narrowed in shock.
"So it wasn't that something whole had decayed... but that it was rotten from the very beginning."
When Bukgung Ryeong let out a deep sigh, Bu Eun-seol nodded.
"There was never anything to decay in the first place. I initially suspected it was the headquarters of the Three Realms."
"That makes sense. The Martial Alliance has endured through ages of history, a place where immense power is concentrated."
Merely controlling the Martial Alliance would grant one overwhelming influence over the Murim.
If any faction or individual sought to manipulate the martial world? They would have to seize the Alliance first.
As he sank into contemplation, Bukgung Ryeong's eyes suddenly gleamed as if recalling something.
"But whether this is the Three Realms' headquarters or a gathering place for the Shadow Force... what of the martial artists in the light? They have no ties to the Three Realms, do they?"
"What are you trying to say?"
"The core is rotten, but the surface remains untainted."
Bukgung Ryeong spoke impassively.
"The Martial Alliance is filled with pure-hearted youths with bright futures. And I am guiding them toward the righteous path."
His expression grew solemn.
"Even if countless factions lurk in the Alliance's shadows... those in the light have nothing to do with them."
"Old man."
"I know what you're trying to say. However—"
Bukgung Ryeong nodded firmly.
"I've made up my mind. I will continue purifying the light as I have been."
The Martial Alliance's core may be rotten, but—
On the surface, it was nothing more than a righteous alliance upholding justice.
And Bukgung Ryeong was saying that, even if he couldn't cleanse the Martial Alliance's rotten underbelly,
he could at least protect the pure-hearted youths who trained diligently every day, unaware of the corruption.
"I understand what you mean."
Bu Eun-seol shook his head.
"But given the current state of the Martial Alliance, even that is impossible."
"Why?"
"Because even the leader of the righteous faction isn't real."
For a moment, the corners of Bukgung Ryeong's eyes trembled faintly.
"What do you mean by that?"
"The current Martial Alliance Chief is a fake."
"A fake?"
With a deep sigh, Bu Eun-seol began explaining about the Martial Venerable.
How he had long concealed his identity as the Divine Calculator, the Foremost Sage of the Murim,
and how, for over a decade, he had been impersonating the Martial Alliance Chief in place of the slain Jeong Cheon-je.
"Jeong Cheon-je was murdered? How is that even possible?"
As Bukgung Ryeong's eyes widened, Bu Eun-seol shook his head again.
"I don't know the exact details. But the Martial Venerable confirmed to me that the corpse in the Ten-Thousand-Year Ice Jade Coffin was Jeong Cheon-je. And in truth, he hasn't made a public appearance in a very long time."
"But if what you say is true, couldn't the Martial Venerable be dedicating himself to avenging Jeong Cheon-je's brutal death?"
"Far from it. There's evidence he colluded with an outside force."
Bu Eun-seol elaborated further.
According to Mu-gyeol, Jeong Cheon-je's true disciple,
the Martial Venerable had conspired with an external faction and was likely deeply involved in Jeong Cheon-je's death.
"But that hasn't been proven, has it?"
"The truth? You want to hear a clear truth?"
Flames seemed to ignite in Bu Eun-seol's eyes.
"The Martial Venerable poisoned the Peak Realm Members with a lethal Poison Parasite—one with no antidote. Even now, they live under the effects of the toxin he implanted in them."
Bukgung Ryeong's eyes bulged.
"What kind of nonsense is that?"
Bu Eun-seol explained once more—
why the Martial Venerable had infected the Peak Realm Members with the Poison Parasite.
"How could such a thing...?"
After hearing everything, Bukgung Ryeong slumped into his chair with a hollow expression.
He had spent his life wandering the martial world alone before finally settling in the Martial Alliance.
And since then, he had devoted all his strength to guiding the younger generation.
Because the youths were the future of the murim.
One day, they would rise to become the Alliance's core, its pillars.
But if the leader of the righteous faction was rotten from the start—
then all his efforts were meaningless.
"Now that I think about it... it makes sense."
Bukgung Ryeong shook his head.
"Danmok Gi, the Martial Venerable. The reason he could rise to become one of the Three Venerables... was because he was the kind of man who would use any means necessary to achieve his goals."
Bukgung Ryeong and the Martial Venerable were not only of similar age but had also been active in the martial world around the same time.
So they knew each other well.
"He was especially obsessed with power. If it meant increasing his martial prowess, he wouldn't hesitate to learn even the most esoteric ritual arts."
Bu Eun-seol spoke as if he couldn't comprehend it.
"Then why hasn't any of this come to light in the martial world?"
"Thanks to Jeong Cheon-je—no, thanks to the Alliance Chief."
Bukgung Ryeong shook his head again.
"Jeong Cheon-je shielded him to an absurd degree. In the past, the Martial Venerable killed Haseo-un, the Iron Nail Sword, a renowned hero, in the process of obtaining a secret martial arts manual. Yet the Alliance Chief quietly covered it up."
"Isn't it common for lives to be lost in battles over martial arts manuals?"
"That's true. But think about it. No matter what Haseo-un did, he posed no real threat to the Martial Venerable. And yet, he killed him without hesitation."
Bu Eun-seol stroked his chin.
Jeong Cheon-je had been a perfect figure—both as a martial artist and as the leader of the Martial Alliance.
Yet for the Martial Venerable, a man ruthless enough to kill without hesitation for a manual,
Jeong Cheon-je—known to be morally flawless—had abused his authority in private?
"Are you saying the Martial Venerable's nature is that vicious?"
"Not vicious—just extremely meticulous and thorough."
Bukgung Ryeong shrugged.
"He killed Haseo-un to ensure word of him obtaining the manual never spread. That's all."
"If you knew this, why didn't you expose it to the martial world?"
"First, because it happened during a battle over a manual. Second... because the Alliance Chief personally asked me to keep it quiet."
Bu Eun-seol couldn't hide his shock.
"Jeong Cheon-je came to you himself to clean up the mess?"
"Yes."
Bu Eun-seol took a deep breath.
Why had Jeong Cheon-je used his immense authority to erase all traces of that day?
Why had he gone so far as to personally seek out the Bullet King, the foremost Renowned Hero of the Righteous Faction, to make such a request?
"Can you tell me what happened that day?"
"The Alliance Chief somehow learned that I had witnessed the incident. He came to me and said this—"
Bukgung Ryeong uttered words that were nothing short of shocking.
"'Danmok Gi, the Martial Venerable, is currently carrying out a mission to secretly protect the martial world... So I ask that you do not spread word of this.'"