Chapter 880
'The Sage Forest was truly a dangerous place.'
Bu Eun-seol's gaze deepened.
A place that had even artificially birthed the King of the Sages, the Heavenly Mechanism Star.
Perhaps the Sage Forest... might have also carried out or facilitated other bizarre undertakings beyond that.
And perhaps his grandfather had uncovered all those hidden truths—which was why he had attacked the Sage Forest.
"Do you think I can defeat the True Demon and all its Servants?"
"That, I cannot know. However..."
Han Sang-ja wore an expression brimming with conviction.
"If I were forced to place a bet... I would stake everything on the Lord's victory."
Then, with confidence, he added:
"Had I not believed so, I would never have dared to dream of revenge against that Heavenly Mechanism Star in the first place."
Bu Eun-seol felt a faint bitterness in his heart.
Because he realized Han Sang-ja seemed to regard him as little more than a tool for vengeance.
"Don't look at me with such eyes."
As if piercing through Bu Eun-seol's inner thoughts, Han Sang-ja spoke with a desolate expression.
"I have merely boarded the same ship as the Lord. If the Lord falls, so too does my revenge. I would have no reason to continue living."
Han Sang-ja had chosen Bu Eun-seol as his instrument of vengeance.
Because he believed Bu Eun-seol would triumph in every battle—and above all, because he judged him worthy of entrusting his very life to.
"I understand what you mean."
Bu Eun-seol could see through Han Sang-ja's heart with perfect clarity.
After all, he himself was a man who was pursuing revenge.
Even if their positions were reversed, he would have made the same choice.
"But saying so changes nothing. As I told you before, this is merely a transaction born of mutual necessity."
Despite the cold reply, Han Sang-ja smiled brightly.
Because that was precisely the answer he had longed to hear.
"I knew the Lord would understand."
"Then what becomes of me, now that I've absorbed the Demon-Sealing Fragment?"
This, in truth, was the heart of the matter.
Bu Eun-seol had changed his stance—unlike before.
Han Sang-ja had sworn that the Demon-Sealing Fragment would bring him nothing but benefit, with no harm whatsoever.
But what if the sole basis for that assurance was the breaking of the Covenant?
Or what if, in response to this question—
Han Sang-ja brought up revealing heavenly secrets again, demanding yet another fulfillment of their promise?
From now on, Bu Eun-seol had no intention of making further deals with him—and moreover, he planned to impose his own sanctions, considering the danger involved.
After all, Han Sang-ja had known full well that there was a chance Bu Eun-seol would absorb the Demon-Sealing Fragment—yet he had deliberately withheld that knowledge, ensuring Bu Eun-seol would have no choice but to seek him out.
In the end, he was no different from the Heavenly Mechanism Star—another being who sought to manipulate human fate according to his own will.
"By my estimation, the Lord will only gain the ability to sense Demon-Sealing Fragments. You will obtain no other power from it."
"And what basis do you have for such a prediction?"
"Because the Lord possesses the most ordinary constitution in all the world."
"An ordinary constitution?"
"Indeed. To be ordinary is, in truth, to be the most stable and balanced state possible."
Han Sang-ja spoke calmly.
"If one leans too far in any direction or grows excessively strong, that balance is disrupted, and Harmonization collapses."
"So you've analyzed my body as well?"
"The Boundary Formations that once confined the Lord were modeled precisely after the flow of energy within your body."
Han Sang-ja wore a somewhat apologetic expression, as if recalling that memory.
"Because the energies within the Lord's body exist in a state of perfect, diverse coexistence... I was certain they could hold you for at least an hour."
In other words, at that time—
Han Sang-ja had taken the Sage Forest Formation, passed down through generations—
and replicated the flow of qi within Bu Eun-seol's body to create an entirely new Boundary Formation.
'Terrifying.'
The human body was often called a miniature cosmos—unfathomably complex, with order inherent even amidst endless chaos.
Yet to have measured and replicated all of that, crafting a new Boundary Formation from it?
"Of course, all of this is merely my conjecture. In fact, I had intended to ask the Lord directly—what phenomena occurred after absorbing that energy?"
"Just as you predicted, there was nothing."
Bu Eun-seol answered honestly.
"That black, fog-like substance seemed to enter through my nose, but nothing else happened."
"As I thought."
Han Sang-ja pondered for a moment before nodding.
"Let me assure you once more. Even if the Lord has absorbed a Demon-Sealing Fragment... your soul will never be eroded, nor will you suffer any harmful influence whatsoever."
"I'd like to hear your reasoning."
Forcing Bu Eun-seol to absorb the Demon-Sealing Fragment without proper explanation or precaution—
was an act far more reckless than infiltrating Ghost King Valley to kill the Ghost King.
If Han Sang-ja failed to provide a satisfactory answer here? That would effectively mark the end of their dealings.
And Bu Eun-seol fully intended to impose sanctions—measures to ensure Han Sang-ja could no longer operate freely in the martial world.
"As I mentioned before, members of the Baekri Clan are extremely vulnerable to Demon-Sealing Fragments and can be eroded by the True Demon's consciousness."
Han Sang-ja continued his explanation with unshaken composure.
"Conversely, for the Servants of the True Demon, it would be beneficial. As I've said, we presume that each of the True Demon's Servants is allotted a fixed portion of Demon-Sealing Fragments from the beginning."
He swiftly elaborated.
"Since they serve under the same master, they cannot harm one another—but if one dies... their fragments will flow into another."
"Hmm."
"Had that not been the case, they would have fought bloodily amongst themselves to seize those fragments."
"But I am neither of the Baekri Clan nor a Servant of the True Demon."
Bu Eun-seol spoke solemnly.
"Is it because the Covenant was broken? Or simply because I'm an ordinary martial artist?"
"To be perfectly honest..."
Han Sang-ja wore a troubled expression.
"I suspect that the Lord is a descendant who carries the bloodlines of both the Baekri Clan and the True Demon."
"..."
"However, I was fully aware that speaking such truths aloud... could cost me my life. That's why I desperately feigned ignorance."
Bu Eun-seol gave a faint nod.
This was precisely what he'd wanted to hear.
Given Han Sang-ja's intelligence and wisdom, he'd assumed the man must have deduced his origins.
This had been a test—whether Han Sang-ja would maintain his pretense of ignorance to the end or speak frankly.
"Even if I were of mixed blood? Would such a scheme still be permissible?"
"I understand the concept of mixed blood as either absorbing the strengths of both lineages or combining differing traits to forge new possibilities."
Han Sang-ja bowed his head.
"Therefore, I believed the Demon-Sealing Fragment would not only fail to harm the Lord but might even prove beneficial."
"Good."
Bu Eun-seol nodded.
"Since Brother Han has been forthright, I shall reciprocate."
His voice lowered as he continued.
"I am aware of Brother Han's wisdom—that it can foresee the future or pierce through the hearts of men."
Bu Eun-seol's tone grew solemn beyond measure.
"But what if you grow overconfident in that ability? Or proceed with absolute certainty in your judgments?"
His gaze swept over Han Sang-ja's body like a honed blade.
"You would become no different from the Heavenly Mechanism Star—a wicked sage who justifies any means for his ends."
Han Sang-ja felt cold sweat drench his entire body.
Until now, he had placed excessive faith in his own predictions, acting with unwavering certainty.
Had he persisted in such behavior? Had he withheld even a fraction of the truth moments ago?
He realized then—Bu Eun-seol would have either severed his head on the spot or imposed sanctions to exile him from the Martial World.
"The Lord's guidance is righteous."
Han Sang-ja pressed his forehead to the ground.
"Henceforth, I shall never again presume to dictate another's fate with my meager wisdom."
Bu Eun-seol exhaled deeply.
Han Sang-ja possessed intellect rivaling the Heavenly Mechanism Star and harbored the same relentless thirst for vengeance.
Left unchecked—
He might have grown into a figure even more dangerous than the Heavenly Mechanism Star.
Yet here he was, drenched in cold sweat, reflecting on his actions. Bu Eun-seol could sense he would never repeat such mistakes.
It was as if he had glimpsed the abyss within Han Sang-ja, much like how the Demonic Heavenly Emperor used Nature Shattering to pierce the depths of others.
"If Brother Han has realized this, I need say no more."
"Yes, yes."
Han Sang-ja spoke with visible shame.
"I swear never to bring disgrace upon the name of Sage Forest."
Bu Eun-seol swiftly shifted the topic.
"Speaking of which, the Ghost King mentioned that absorbing the Demon-Sealing Fragment grants certain 'abilities.'"
"Correct. And that is precisely why martial artists recklessly pursue them despite the risks."
Han Sang-ja continued,
"Ordinary martial artists—those unrelated to the Baekri Clan or the Servants of the True Demon—gain supernatural abilities transcending martial arts upon obtaining a fragment. The more fragments one absorbs, the greater the power."
Only then did Bu Eun-seol let out a quiet "Ah."
"But since I experienced neither benefit nor harm today, you must have deduced my lineage even more easily."
A man who could infer volumes from a single word.
He had harbored faint suspicions ever since violating the Covenant.
And today, hearing that absorbing the fragment brought no change—
He was now certain. He was of mixed blood from both lineages.
"Precisely. But I assure you, I never sought to pry into the Lord's personal affairs deliberately. I merely needed to assess your capabilities to ensure our plans proceed smoothly—"
No matter how he justified it, Han Sang-ja couldn't conceal his true intent:
He had sought to measure Bu Eun-seol's strength as a tool for vengeance.
"That's why you finally decided to speak openly."
"My apologies."
"No matter. It's in the past."
Bu Eun-seol dismissed it casually.
"We have far too many pressing matters to dwell on such trivialities."
Han Sang-ja was like him—
Willing to do anything for revenge. He had no intention of reproaching him for it.
"It matters not how Brother Han views me—whether as a person or a tool."
Bu Eun-seol drew a clear boundary between them.
"So long as we do not harm one another and assist mutually, that would be ideal."
"Thank you."
Han Sang-ja bowed, recognizing the kindness in those words.
"But rest assured, I have no intention of switching allegiances. There was only ever one ship sailing to this destination."
He resumed his explanation.
"Now that the Lord possesses a Demon-Sealing Fragment, dangers will inevitably arise."
"..."
"Yet I predict the Lord will overcome every crisis and uncover crucial clues along the way."
Nod.
Bu Eun-seol inclined his head slightly.
"Then it seems I must ask another favor of Brother Han."
"Not at all. Was this not my scheme to begin with? Besides, I've provided little of real value this time."
Han Sang-ja waved his hands dismissively.
"This is a trade. Since the Lord has undertaken unexpected actions due to my involvement, it's only right I reciprocate."
Fortunately, Han Sang-ja had passed Bu Eun-seol's final test flawlessly.
This time, he hadn't imposed any conditions.
More than that—he'd been afraid Bu Eun-seol might refuse to trade altogether.
'For now, he remains trustworthy.'
Though Han Sang-ja saw Bu Eun-seol as a tool, he also considered him a good friend.
And the feeling was mutual.
"Should the Lord seek information, you need only come to me. In return, I ask only that you fulfill a request of equivalent worth."
Veiling his true thoughts, Han Sang-ja spoke with perfect neutrality.
"Truthfully, nothing aligns interests as perfectly as this."
"Understood."
Bu Eun-seol asked one final question that had been weighing on him.
"Even if one possesses Demon-Sealing Fragments, is it possible to avoid conflict altogether?"
"Of course it's possible. There may be cases where someone without greed stumbles upon the fragments by chance."
Han Sang-ja's voice dropped lower as he continued.
"But such instances are exceedingly rare. Demon-Sealing Fragments grow stronger when gathered together, you see."
"So conflict is inevitable in the end."
"Precisely. Even if one party wishes to avoid fighting, those who crave power will inevitably provoke battles or resort to assassination."
A brief silence fell between them.
Han Sang-ja spoke again.
"If you ever need to contact me, simply leave word at this Azure Wind Night Rain Manor."
"But wouldn't that eventually lead to your discovery?"
The fact that messages left at this manor reached Han Sang-ja meant—
Anyone tracking its information flow could potentially uncover his whereabouts.
"I appreciate your concern. But this place exists solely for communication. I will establish numerous safehouses throughout the Central Plains and will rotate between them."
Heavenly Mechanism Star was the most intelligent and ruthless person in the martial world.
From the moment Han Sang-ja raised his blade against him, he had resolved to live as a wanderer for life.
"Understood."
"And should I obtain any information that might aid you, my lord, I shall send word without fail."
"Do so. My thanks."
"I sincerely hope you achieve your goals."
Han Sang-ja bowed with perfect courtesy.
"Pressing matters demand my leave."
As he turned with solemn determination,
He resembled not a martial sage, but a swordsman honing his blade for vengeance.
Bu Eun-seol's lips curled into a barren smile.
The sight mirrored his own reflection perfectly.
In the end, this merciless martial world
Had forged yet another soul walking the silent path of retribution.
Upon returning to Demon Hall, Bu Eun-seol immediately convened a meeting to explain Ghost King Valley's situation,
He explained how Heavenly Mechanism Star had established an association, gathered factions under his control, and secretly engineered events.
"So a being called Heavenly Mechanism Star emerges to throw the martial world into chaos?"
Myo Cheon-u's lament voiced what all unit leaders thought inwardly.
Just when they believed nothing could shock them further.
If Bu Eun-seol's words held truth,
This was equivalent to the Great Killing Star's emergence—a figure whose emotions could not be divined.
"For such a being to be evil... the entire martial world must brace itself."
Wi Cheon-gyeong sighed heavily as he spoke.
"When one like him makes his move, entire sects will collapse—that's the scale we're facing."
Yu Un-ryong shook his head slowly.
"It seems the martial world can no longer be divided into simple good and evil."
His murmur carried profound melancholy.
"Merely a gathering of factions pursuing their respective desires."
Silence fell over the unit leaders.
No absolute good or evil remained in their world.
Each pursued personal objectives,
Acting without hesitation to achieve them.
Considering even the primordial conflict between Baekri Clan and True Demon wasn't truly about morality—
Just two incompatible forces clashing long before labels of virtue or wickedness existed.
"Moreover, the martial world contains far more than just martial arts."
Myo Cheon-u, who had been listening quietly, finally shook his head.
"Too many mysteries remain undiscovered here."
Enemies they'd encountered thus far
Could nullify even the Three Divine Powers,
Restricting others' abilities or manifesting absolute power within specific domains.
With their origins unclear,
Countless mysterious forces with unknown mechanisms still permeated their world.
"Mind's Eye Mirror's completion?"
At Bu Eun-seol's question, Yu Un-ryong answered softly:
"About seventy percent. All unit leaders combined can manifest it, while regular members need at least eighty-one to activate it."
"That suffices for now. We're not engaging in full-scale war yet."
Bu Eun-seol produced a manual from his robes.
"Set aside the Mind's Eye Mirror for now. Focus on mastering Beast Martial Arts first."
"Beast Martial Arts?"
"I contacted Beast Palace before returning and secured the palace lord's permission in advance."
As Yu Un-ryong blinked in surprise, Bu Eun-seol nodded.
"Ghost King Valley taught me that Only Beast Force—humanity's primal strength—can fight unaffected by any power restrictions, making it an exceptional weapon."
Beast Palace's martial arts resisted all external interference while reliably enhancing combat prowess.
Recognizing this, Bu Eun-seol had swiftly negotiated with the Beast Palace Lord during his return,
Securing permission to teach the Beast Power Arts combined with the Way of the Beast.
"Of course, this isn't the original Beast Palace manual. Merely techniques to draw forth Beast Force when internal energy or other powers are restricted."
Bu Eun-seol's expression turned grave.
"Master this first."
When all unit leaders bowed in acknowledgment, Bu Eun-seol rose.
"Now I depart for the martial world."
"To Azure Heaven Alliance?"
At Jo Nam-cheon's question, Bu Eun-seol shook his head.
"I'll avoid Azure Heaven henceforth. Only minimal visits to maintain Seon-u Jin's identity."
The Bullet King Bukgung Ryeong's Azure Heaven Alliance grew more stable by the day.
While partly due to the Martial Alliance's subdued activity,
It chiefly reflected how Bukgung Ryeong's command and leadership abilities his master had long suppressed finally began to shine.
Bu Eun-seol had declared Azure Heaven belonged to the Righteous Path, and now—
In truth, the Azure Heaven Alliance was transforming into a gathering of upright individuals... becoming the true Righteous Martial Alliance.
If they continued to develop like this, the Azure Heaven Alliance—not the Martial Alliance—would become the foremost representative of the orthodox factions.
Bu Eun-seol intended to interfere as little as possible in the Azure Heaven Alliance's affairs, hoping they would grow unimpeded.
"But the Martial Soul Society still needs a central figure. From now on, I'll focus on it as much as possible."
"Understood."
At Bu Eun-seol's words, the squad leaders all nodded.
"Come to think of it, I think I finally understand the Three Realms' stance."
At that moment, Wi Cheon-gyeong muttered under his breath.
The Three Realms had long acted as the Baekri Clan's proxies, guarding and dominating the martial world.
But eventually, they too must have realized the truth.
That everything was an illusion.
That they were not some secret faction ruling over the martial world, but merely loyal hounds bred by the Baekri Clan.
That the martial world was nothing but a battleground for the Baekri Clan and the True Demon, and they were mere pawns.
Once they realized all this, they must have despaired.
No matter how hard they tried.
As long as the Baekri Clan and the True Demon existed, the martial world would never know peace...
And from the moment they understood that they would have to fight endlessly against the True Demon's servants.
"Perhaps that's why they didn't hinder the Lord's movements and left him alone."
At Wi Cheon-gyeong's muttering, the squad leaders nodded again.
Until now, Bu Eun-seol had constantly interfered with the Three Realms' affairs.
He had repeatedly obstructed the operations of the Return-to-One Realm—so much so that even the Three Realms' own members considered it madness—and ultimately razed the Infinite Realm's headquarters to the ground.
Yet the Infinite Realm's leader never appeared, and the Three Realms never once attempted retaliation.
At first, they had assumed it was simply due to their unique creed—
That if an operation failed, they would abandon it without hesitation and vanish to conceal their identities and tracks.
But looking back, that wasn't the whole story.
"They must have been waiting for me to learn the whole truth."
Bu Eun-seol murmured softly.
Only now did he realize that the Three Realms had never seriously tried to kill him.
If they had truly wanted to eliminate him at all costs?
Regardless of the Demonic Heavenly Emperor's opposition, the Three Realms would have thrown everything they had into destroying him first.
But they hadn't.
Because the higher Bu Eun-seol rose in status—
The closer he came to the forces and laws that had ruled the martial world for generations—
The more they must have believed he would understand their position.
That the Three Realms were not merely power-hungry dogs who had bitten their master.
That they simply wanted to end this endless war.
"Then wouldn't the Three Realms try to recruit the Lord now?"
At that moment, Won Se-mun spoke up.
"Isn't it said that the enemy of my enemy is my friend? Now that the Lord understands the situation, they might start making overtures."
"Does that make any sense? After the Infinite Realm was destroyed, do you really think the Three Realms would suddenly open their arms to recruit the Lord?"
Jo Nam-cheon scoffed, and Won Se-mun stuck out his tongue.
"What if the Three Realms aren't the main body either? What if they're just part of some other faction...?"
At his absurd remark, the squad leaders burst into laughter—but Bu Eun-seol didn't smile.
Somehow, it didn't seem entirely impossible.
"But we can't sympathize with their reasoning."
Yu Un-ryong's voice was firm.
Even if they had learned the same truth and fallen into despair—
The Three Realms could have sought another way.
Yet they had chosen the most immediate and convenient method available to them.
No matter their intentions—
They had thrown the world into chaos and harmed innocent people... and for that, they had to take responsibility.
"Then let's adjourn the meeting here."
Bu Eun-seol rose from his seat.
At the time, he had no idea—
That if Won Se-mun hadn't joined the Demonic Path Murim... he might have become a gifted shaman.
Bu Eun-seol left the Demon Hall and headed for the Martial Soul Society.
Though the martial world was currently peaceful, many events were unfolding beneath the surface.
Yet the Martial Alliance showed no reaction, maintaining an eerily quiet stance—
As if nothing were happening at all.
'They must feel no urgency. From their perspective...'
The Martial Alliance, including the Three Realms—
Was essentially a gathering of the Abyssal Forces lurking beneath the martial world's surface.
In other words, they were the hidden masterminds who had ruled the martial world for generations...
From their standpoint, the rise of the Azure Heaven Alliance and similar events must seem like fleeting disturbances.
They knew the whole truth.
No matter how much others struggled—
To their eyes, they must look like fish thrashing helplessly in an inescapable net.
Zing.
As Bu Eun-seol dashed forward using his Lightness Skill, a strange sensation flickered through his mind.
It was an energy both utterly foreign and eerily familiar.
'So that's what it was.'
Abruptly, he changed direction and headed for Chengdu.
The marketplace was bustling with countless merchants and passersby.
Staring blankly at the scene, he moved forward as if entranced.
His steps finally led him to Chengdu's largest guest inn.
At noon, the inn was packed to the brim.
Crowds of people swarmed inside, while satisfied patrons patted their full stomachs and left.
Creak.
When he opened the door and stepped inside, a waiter with an apron greeted him warmly.
"Welcome! Are you dining alone?"
Bu Eun-seol nodded, and the waiter smiled, gesturing.
"Fortunately, there's just one seat left. Right this way."
Miraculously, in the crowded inn, the best seat by the window on the upper floor was still available.
"What would you like to order?"
Instead of answering, Bu Eun-seol scanned the surroundings.
Since ascending to the position of Martial Soul Lord—
He had never been able to visit Chengdu as freely as other martial artists, nor had he even considered stepping into a bustling guest inn like this.
The enemies always possessed formidable Martial Prowess and vast Faction influence.
If a Fight were to break out, the Probability of innocent People getting hurt was far too high.
Yet for some reason—
He had abruptly entered Chengdu and sought out the most bustling guest inn.
Because all of this...
He had realized that the bustling streets of Chengdu, the crowded guest inn, the numerous People—all of it was nothing but an elaborate fabrication.