Chapter 833
As Bukgung Ryeong made a pained expression, Bu Eun-seol instead looked startled.
"What kind of sudden talk is this?"
"You're telling me you're going to walk into a trap knowingly without avoiding it, as if it's natural?"
Bukgung Ryeong offered a bitter smile.
"Even the most weathered veterans of the martial world still value their lives. No matter how much an old man like me has experienced all the joys and sorrows of this turbulent world, I still fear drawing my last breath."
"..."
"But you, not even thirty years old, say you don't fear stepping into the Land of the Dead. Do you think that's normal?"
"Elder."
"Right now, you're at the prime of your youth, a time to shine. Yet instead of enjoying that youth, haven't you been unable to live even a single day in peace?"
Bukgung Ryeong's voice was thick with sorrow.
No matter how much their bond transcended age, Bu Eun-seol was still like a grandson to him.
At an age when he should be radiating youth.
Instead, he's endured all kinds of hardships and trials, clinging solely to revenge.
And because of that, his Spirit and Mind are utterly broken.
"You're not... normal."
Bukgung Ryeong shook his head and finally blurted out the words he had kept buried in his heart.
"Right now, you're twisted somewhere inside!"
"I know."
"What?"
"I've been prepared for this since the day I stepped into the martial world."
"If you know, then why?"
Bu Eun-seol was calm.
"Because my world has already ended."
His voice held no emotion, no regret.
Like ashes left behind after burning completely white.
"What kind of nonsense is that? What do you mean your world has ended?"
Bukgung Ryeong forced a laugh, spreading his arms wide.
"No matter how filthy the martial world may be, there's still much beauty in it. And—"
"Grandfather was everything to me. He was the world I saw, the emotions I could feel."
"Bu Eun-seol."
"Heaven threw me into a pit of fire so I could never live in peace, twisting my fate. But Grandfather never abandoned me."
Bu Eun-seol spoke in a dry voice.
"Even though he knew... raising me would destroy his own life."
For the first time, he spoke to Bukgung Ryeong about his feelings.
It was also a consideration for Bukgung Ryeong, who would lead the Azure Heaven Alliance in the future.
To make it clear that his goal was revenge, and nothing else.
That he could never stay here permanently.
Because the Azure Heaven Alliance must become a place that leads righteous figures of the orthodox path.
Because it must remain a space where those of the righteous path can dream freely.
Because someone like him, a vengeful spirit, has no place here.
"Bu Eun-seol."
Bukgung Ryeong lowered his head with a sorrowful expression.
He finally understood the mindset with which Bu Eun-seol had planned the Azure Heaven Alliance.
It was all for Bukgung Ryeong himself, for the righteous members of the orthodox path.
To create a safe haven where his subordinates could live securely.
So that he could leave without regrets.
Because the completion of his revenge wouldn't come from killing the murderer... but from following his grandfather in death.
"You... intended to abandon life."
At last, Bukgung Ryeong understood why Bu Eun-seol seemed so twisted.
From the very beginning.
He had planned to fulfill everything and leave without hesitation.
"You were planning to abandon everything, is that it?!"
Even in the face of Bukgung Ryeong's furious shout.
Bu Eun-seol only gave an utterly indifferent smile.
"There's no abandoning or not abandoning. There's no guarantee I'll even live that long."
"Enough!"
For the first time—and with genuine anger—Bukgung Ryeong lashed out at Bu Eun-seol.
"Drop this double identity of yours. That's an order."
"What are you talking about?"
"I'll find them for you. I swear I'll find the bastard who killed the Seven Fingers Demonic Blade!"
He spoke in the loudest voice he could muster.
"Stop tormenting your own life. At your age, you should be seeing beautiful things and connecting with people."
Then he gripped Bu Eun-seol's shoulders.
"There's still so much in this world you don't know. The world your grandfather made for you isn't all there is."
Swallowing back tears that threatened to burst forth, Bukgung Ryeong clutched his shoulders tightly and pleaded.
"And don't go to the Demon Hall. the Chief Strategist and I will handle the affairs of our alliance."
His expression was deeply mournful.
In his twilight years, he had finally met a kindred spirit.
Despite the vast gap in their ages, he considered Bu Eun-seol a friend who shared his heart and soul beyond time.
Yet that friend... was preparing to leave before him, a man with a white-streaked beard.
"Thank you."
Bu Eun-seol smiled brighter than ever.
"For saying that."
Then he shook his head.
"But don't say these things to others."
"Do you think I won't?"
"Elder."
"Then swear to me now."
Bukgung Ryeong spoke with utmost solemnity.
"Swear that even after everything is over, you won't do anything foolish."
"Elder."
"Now!"
Bukgung Ryeong shouted as if ready to grab Bu Eun-seol by the collar.
"Otherwise, it'll be your death and mine."
Bu Eun-seol let out a sigh and slumped his shoulders.
To be precise, it was merely wishful thinking.
The probability of his own death was far higher than that of achieving revenge.
"Understood. I swear it."
"Good. Then will you also accept my demand to stay away from the Martial Alliance?"
"No, I must go."
"The Martial Alliance is a den of evil spirits. The fact that they're sending you to the Demon Hall means they've undoubtedly laid a trap of equal measure."
"I know. But I have no choice."
Bu Eun-seol exhaled deeply.
"At some point, I realized it. To find the murderer who killed Grandfather, I must eliminate everyone lurking in the Abyss—including the Three Realms."
"..."
"Originally, my plan ended with the Martial Soul Society. If I could forge a force on par with the Demon Hall and the Martial Alliance in a tripod-like balance... then my subordinates would have a safe haven to live in."
His bitter gaze drifted into the empty air before he shook his head.
"But that wasn't the case. Neither the Martial Alliance nor the Demon Hall... In the end, both must be dealt with."
The Martial Alliance was not just home to the Three Realms—it was a den where factions entrenched in Murim for generations crouched in wait.
Then what of the Demon Hall?
The Demon Hall couldn't possibly be clean either.
The Demonic Heavenly Emperor must have peered into every corner of Murim's Abyss.
A lair with such a figure at its helm would inevitably harbor forces lurking in the shadows.
"In any case, it's all just a matter of sequence."
Bu Eun-seol let out a soundless sigh before continuing.
"And as you must have anticipated, barring extraordinary circumstances, I will no longer intervene in the affairs of the Azure Heaven Alliance."
Then he smiled.
"So don't scold me for defying the Alliance Leader's solemn decree. I'll soon be nothing more than a passing traveler anyway."
From now on, Bukgung Ryeong must transform into a true leader who guides the Righteous Faction of Murim.
To do so, no matter what trials lie ahead—
He must protect and lead the Azure Heaven Alliance with his own strength.
"You're determined to go, then?"
"My apologies."
"No, you have nothing to apologize to me for."
Realizing he could no longer persuade Bu Eun-seol, Bukgung Ryeong nodded.
"But this is the last time."
Then, as if giving a final warning, he spoke.
"If what you say is true, then both the Demon Hall and the Martial Alliance must eventually fall."
Bukgung Ryeong's voice was resolute.
"If anything happens to you, I will have no choice but to march on the Demon Hall with the full might of the Azure Heaven Alliance."
"Why would you do that?"
"I can lead the Azure Heaven Alliance well enough. But..."
Bukgung Ryeong fixed Bu Eun-seol with an utterly solemn gaze.
"Governing Murim is something only you can do."
For a long time, he had regarded Bu Eun-seol as the next peerless figure of the world—
And the sole Savior Star who could rescue Murim from the monstrous grasp of the Abyssal Forces.
"I am not of Murim."
Bu Eun-seol wore a self-deprecating smile.
"What right does someone like me have to govern Murim?"
"No, you alone are capable."
Bukgung Ryeong smiled with unwavering trust.
"Precisely because you are not of Murim—only you can govern it."
Bu Eun-seol looked stunned.
But when he saw Bukgung Ryeong's face, filled with conviction and solemnity, laughter burst from him unbidden.
Then Bukgung Ryeong laughed as well.
His laughter was like a beautiful flower blooming in a barren desert, like a crying child beaming at the sight of candy—
Because it was simply too heartening to behold.
Though their reasons differed, the smiles of these two giants mirrored each other.
And that sight—
As if foretelling the gradual lifting of the dark clouds looming over Murim—
Shone brilliantly even within the darkness of the chamber.
As the Peak Leader of the Azure Heaven Alliance, Bu Eun-seol sent a letter to the Demon Hall.
Its contents stated that the current clashes between the Azure Heaven Alliance and the Demon Hall's subordinate factions were the machinations of the Martial Alliance—
And proposed that both alliances publicly acknowledge this fact to prevent unnecessary conflict between the two forces.
The Demon Hall responded immediately.
Along with their agreement—
They extended an invitation not to Alliance Leader Bukgung Ryeong, but to Seon-u Jin, who was directly involved in the incident, suggesting they formalize the resolution through a covenant.
Demon Hall, Singular Light Pavilion.
There, Seon-u Jin—the Peak Leader of the Azure Heaven Alliance who had received the reply—
After ten days of deliberation, accepted the proposal and now stood in the Supreme Cult Commander's office.
Yeop Hyo-cheon was somewhat surprised.
The Seon-u Jin who had entered his office—
Compared to his previous visit to the Demon Hall, his bearing and martial prowess had ascended to an incomparable degree.
'There's real potential here.'
Concealing his thoughts, Yeop Hyo-cheon—
Continued discussing measures to ease tensions between their factions with Seon-u Jin.
"...Ultimately, it seems sufficient to formally draft and announce a covenant pledging non-aggression between our forces."
As Seon-u Jin concluded the discussion, Yeop Hyo-cheon wore an enigmatic smile.
"From the Demon Hall's perspective, both the Azure Heaven Alliance and the Martial Alliance are obstacles to be swept away."
"..."
"Moreover, the Azure Heaven Alliance hasn't yet solidified its position. From our standpoint, toppling it now wouldn't be a bad move."
Yeop Hyo-cheon was a master negotiator with more experience than anyone else.
Strictly speaking, it was the Azure Heaven Alliance that had fire at their feet.
He was pressing that point—even if their opinions aligned—
to steer the negotiation slightly more in favor of the Demon Hall.
"After all, the Martial Alliance already sees our alliance as an enemy, which is why they've orchestrated this. Sooner or later, our alliance and the Martial Alliance will inevitably clash in some form."
"Hmm."
"From the Demon Hall's perspective, an excellent opportunity to watch the two factions fight is just around the corner... Is there really any need to engage in a pointless conflict just to play along with the Martial Alliance's schemes?"
Seon-u Jin emphasized once more.
"If the Demon Hall chooses to fight now, that's fine too."
"Are you serious?"
"Of course."
His reply was firm.
"No matter what, both our alliance and the Martial Alliance belong to the Righteous Faction. If a full-scale conflict breaks out between righteous and evil factions, it might even become an opportunity for us to join forces."
"Hmph."
Yeop Hyo-cheon nodded.
Indeed, how had this young man amassed such a formidable reputation at his age?
Not only was his martial prowess extraordinary, but his negotiation skills were also on par with Yeop Hyo-cheon's own, honed over years of managing the Demon Hall.
"Good."
Yeop Hyo-cheon spoke decisively.
"If you've already considered things to that extent, then there's nothing left to discuss."
"In that case—"
"I shall accept the Commander's proposal."
Seon-u Jin clasped his hands together.
"I appreciate your decisive judgment."
"Conditionally."
"Conditionally...? Please elaborate."
He had already anticipated Yeop Hyo-cheon's maneuvering.
Truthfully, this matter could have been settled with a simple letter—it was an obvious conclusion.
The only reason Yeop Hyo-cheon had summoned him here was for one thing:
The Martial Alliance must have secretly passed information to him.
And Yeop Hyo-cheon would never let such an opportunity slip.
What if Seon-u Jin was Bu Eun-seol?
Then he would have an unexpected bargaining chip in his grasp.
It was clear that this was another attempt to test the authenticity of Seon-u Jin's identity.
But Yeop Hyo-cheon—
as if he had anticipated every single preparation Bu Eun-seol might have made—
made a shocking proposal, one that could shatter any countermeasure in an instant.
"Some time ago, I heard that Commander Seon-u's martial prowess matched that of the Sword Demon, whose name shook the martial world."
"..."
"Our Demon Hall also has a young martial grandmaster whose skills rival the Commander's."
Yeop Hyo-cheon's eyes curved into crescents.
"I would very much like to see Commander Seon-u and the Martial Soul Lord engage in a duel."
Then, with a sly smile, he added:
"Both have reached the Heaven-Shocking Realm at such a young age—surely, they have much to learn from each other."
In the end, this was an unexpected method to test whether Bu Eun-seol and Seon-u Jin were the same person.
Which meant this was not the Demonic Heavenly Emperor's doing—but the Supreme Cult Commander Yeop Hyo-cheon's scheme.
In the past, the Demonic Heavenly Emperor had issued a test, and Seon-u Jin had passed.
If he were to issue the same test again? It would be an admission that his own judgment had been flawed.
The Demonic Heavenly Emperor would never do anything to undermine his own authority.
'With this method, no matter what preparations he's made—even if he prepared a disguise—he won't be able to conceal his identity.'
Yeop Hyo-cheon grinned.
He had recently received confidential intelligence from the Martial Alliance and had acted on it independently.
Currently, there were no young masters in the Demonic Path whose martial prowess matched Bu Eun-seol's.
Likewise, within the Righteous Faction, only a handful could rival Seon-u Jin—
and the sole inheritor of the Martial Emperor's secret transmissions was him alone.
No matter how many eccentric masters existed in the world, there was no one who could replicate the martial prowess of both men.
In other words, he had devised a brilliant plan to conclusively confirm Seon-u Jin's true identity.
"If it's too much trouble, I won't force the matter."
Yeop Hyo-cheon smiled faintly.
"If you refuse, we'll treat this proposal as though it never existed."
That smile carried layers of unspoken implications.
Meaning this wasn't just about uncovering the connection—or true identity—of Bu Eun-seol and Seon-u Jin.
And if he rejected this proposal—
from now on, Yeop Hyo-cheon would never stop suspecting the relationship between Bu Eun-seol and Seon-u Jin.
Using his authority as Supreme Cult Commander, he would ceaselessly create troublesome, irritating obstacles.
"Very well."
Seon-u Jin nodded readily.
"I, too, have long wished to witness the Martial Soul Lord in person and test my skills against his. This is a welcome opportunity."
His immediate agreement took Yeop Hyo-cheon by surprise.
But after a moment, he nodded in satisfaction.
"Good. Then I shall summon the Martial Soul Lord, who is currently out in the martial world. Until then, please wait here at the Hall."
Yeop Hyo-cheon smiled.
"Since you've agreed to this Cult Commander's request, I'll see to it that you receive certain... benefits."
Yeop Hyo-cheon.
By keeping Bu Eun-seol detained in the Singular Light Pavilion while summoning the Martial Soul Lord—
he had played his hand to ensure no counter-scheme could be executed.
The Martial Soul Lord, who had been traveling through the martial world handling various missions, finally returned to the Demon Hall.
And the moment he returned, he headed straight for the Singular Light Pavilion in response to the Supreme Cult Commander's summons.
After a long private audience with Yeop Hyo-cheon, his expression twisted into something strange.
Because Yeop Hyo-cheon had made a somewhat absurd proposal—no, an outright order.
"Why must I fight someone named Seon-u Jin?"
"It is within this Cult Leader's authority."
"Authority, you say—"
Yeop Hyo-cheon cut him off decisively.
"The laws of this palace state that for the purpose of demonstrating our strength and asserting our dominance, no one may refuse a challenge... So it is written."
Then he added,
"If you refuse or show fear, you will be charged with tarnishing the name of the Demonic Path—and there will be no escaping the punishment that follows."
The Supreme Cult Commander wore a self-assured smile.
Just as Baek Jeon-cheon had once invoked the law to the Demonic Heavenly Emperor on Bu Eun-seol's behalf,
Yeop Hyo-cheon was now doing the same—forcing Bu Eun-seol into a position where refusal was impossible by citing the Demon Hall's own laws.
"If you insist to this extent, then I have no choice."
Bu Eun-seol took a deep breath.
"When should I face him?"
"Right now."
Yeop Hyo-cheon's crescent-moon eyes curved in amusement.
And so, the clash between the young grandmasters representing the orthodox and unorthodox factions was set into motion.
However, at the Supreme Cult Commander's request, it would be conducted in private—
Not as a fight to the death, but as a friendly spar to compare their martial prowess.
At the training ground near the Demon Hall's western gate,
Bu Eun-seol stood in black robes, while opposite him stood Seon-u Jin in white.
Both were young men whose martial prowess had already shaken the world,
And they were known to have reached the pinnacle of wisdom, insight, military strategy, and leadership—the very limits of what their generation could achieve.
'This will be interesting.'
Yeop Hyo-cheon's eyes gleamed as he observed them.
The moment these two clashed,
He would know for certain whether they were the same person or not.
'You cannot deceive this Cult Leader's eyes.'
Bu Eun-seol had mastered the Demonic Heavenly Emperor's Emotion Severing Secret Art, while Seon-u Jin was the inheritor of the Martial Emperor—one of the Eight Emperors and Three Stars.
There was no need for them to reveal their true martial arts.
Just by observing the depth of their skills, Yeop Hyo-cheon, with his discerning eye, would instantly grasp their true strength.
"Hmm."
As Yeop Hyo-cheon exerted his internal power, a transparent energy spread across the entire martial stage.
To prevent the shockwaves and sounds of their clash from spreading, he enveloped the entire Grand Martial Training Ground in an Astral Energy Barrier.
Stepping back from the training ground, Yeop Hyo-cheon spoke calmly.
"Begin."
Even after creating such a massive barrier, his voice remained as composed as ever.
That alone was proof of the unimaginable depth of his internal power.
"Shhh."
At Yeop Hyo-cheon's command, the two men slowly advanced toward the center of the stage.
"You may strike first."
When Bu Eun-seol indifferently gestured, Seon-u Jin nodded.
"Then I shall not hold back."
And as he threw a single punch—
Swiish! Swiish!
A sharp surge of energy erupted from his entire body, pressing down on Bu Eun-seol.
The Martial Emperor's supreme technique—Thirteenfold Qi Induction.
Crrack!
In response, a dark energy unfurled from Bu Eun-seol's body, splitting apart the Thirteenfold Qi Induction's force.
He had activated the Willful True Binding.
Fwoom!
When the two supreme techniques of the orthodox and unorthodox paths collided, a bizarre explosion erupted, sending concentric shockwaves rippling outward from the point of impact.
'Impossible.'
The moment the two clashed, Yeop Hyo-cheon's pupils dilated in shock.
Just one exchange was enough.
Bu Eun-seol was truly Bu Eun-seol.
And Seon-u Jin was truly Seon-u Jin.
If these two were not the real deal,
They would never have been able to wield the Demonic Heavenly Emperor's True Qi Martial Arts and the Martial Emperor's supreme technique with such mastery.
'Heh.'
Bu Eun-seol smirked inwardly.
'Your plan has failed, Supreme Cult Commander.'
He was the real Bu Eun-seol, who had just returned from the martial world.
'You were so confident this scheme would expose the truth, weren't you?'
The moment he entered the Demon Hall as Seon-u Jin,
He had guessed that the Supreme Cult Commander would test whether Seon-u Jin and Bu Eun-seol were the same person.
The problem was how.
The information passed to him by the Martial Alliance had undoubtedly included the fact that Bu Eun-seol had taken the real Seon-u Jin himself into custody.
Yeop Hyo-cheon would have known that checking for disguises or transformations would never reveal the truth.
Which left only one method:
Testing their secret martial arts and martial prowess.
The most direct and irrefutable way.
'Because if the Supreme Cult Commander personally attacked or tested them, it might seem like coercion.'
In the end, Yeop Hyo-cheon's only choice was—
'To pit the enemy's spear against the enemy's shield.'
'I got lucky.'
But even if he had seen through Yeop Hyo-cheon's scheme,
Without the real Bu Eun-seol being two separate people, there would have been no way to break it.
Yeop Hyo-cheon knew that too—which was why he had so boldly summoned Seon-u Jin to the Demon Hall.
And Bu Eun-seol had been lucky.
He recalled the face of the man who had visited him in the Hidden Demon Pavilion not long ago.
A figure taller than any of his unit members by a full handspan, with shoulders as broad and imposing as a mountain range.
Muscles like coiled steel that pulsed with every movement,
And an overwhelming majesty that seemed to dominate the world just by existing—
That very man.