Chapter 911
"I've realized something just now."
Yu Un-ryong turned his head as he spoke.
"You'd do well not to smile, if possible."
"Why?"
"Just because."
"Is that so? Understood."
Bu Eun-seol gave a slight nod and stepped outside.
"Where are you going?"
"The Azure Heaven Alliance."
"Why the Azure Heaven Alliance?"
"I hear there are senior members picking fights with me. Shouldn't I resolve that matter immediately?"
Bu Eun-seol, who had been walking out, turned his head and spoke in a low voice.
"Those outside often know more about internal affairs than those within."
Yu Un-ryong's eyes widened.
Because he knew exactly what Bu Eun-seol was planning.
"Investigating the senior members' weaknesses to suppress them is no longer effective."
Yu Un-ryong shook his head.
"This is not the Martial Alliance. There are countless people who'll do any filthy deed for wealth and glory."
Then he added,
"A meeting will be held at the Secret Shadow Pavilion in six days. Rather than going to the Azure Heaven Alliance—"
"I'll return by then."
Bu Eun-seol's voice was firm.
"Don't worry. I'll handle it myself."
With those final words, Bu Eun-seol left.
Yu Un-ryong stood there for a long while with a dazed expression.
Something had changed.
Had he eaten something wrong? That wooden block of a man had completely transformed.
"Don't tell me—"
Yu Un-ryong clapped his hands together.
"Has he finally opened his eyes?"
Having lived steeped in schemes and bloodshed during what should have been his brightest years, he had been utterly indifferent to matters of the heart.
But now... the tightly sealed dam had burst completely.
Had he begun carrying an atmosphere like the spring breeze?
"Well, putting that aside—"
Yu Un-ryong shook his head.
"Even if such a method worked, he couldn't possibly be unaware that it'd only be temporary."
Bu Eun-seol had always overcome countless obstacles with strategies that defied expectations.
But swaying the opinions of senior members within the same organization was never easy.
It couldn't be resolved in a short time—it required significant manpower and financial resources.
And yet, he intended to settle it by investigating their weaknesses?
'Could it be...?'
As Yu Un-ryong stroked his chin, pondering the various tactics Bu Eun-seol might employ—
Murmur, murmur.
The sound of numerous people talking outside reached his ears.
Feeling something was off, Yu Un-ryong stepped out.
There, the warriors of the Death Shadow War Unit had gathered, with Wi Cheon-gyeong and Jo Nam-cheon wearing blank expressions.
"What's going on?"
When Yu Un-ryong approached and asked, Wi Cheon-gyeong blinked rapidly.
"Ah, well... the Lord, he—"
"What about the Lord?"
Wi Cheon-gyeong scratched his head.
"After watching Won Se-mun and the unit members training hard in martial arts, he went up to them, patted their backs, and said, 'You've worked hard,' before leaving."
"..."
"Because of that... as you can see, Won Se-mun and the unit members have gone berserk, training nonstop."
Won Se-mun and the unit members, their eyes burning with exhilaration as if heaven itself had acknowledged them, were practicing their martial arts like madmen.
Even when someone collapsed from the intense movements, they immediately got back up.
Even when their breath hitched in their throats, they gritted their teeth and resumed their stances. They pushed their training beyond limits, again and again.
—We...!
At Won Se-mun's shout, the unit members roared with voices that could shake Mount Tai.
—Are one with the Lord!
"..."
Yu Un-ryong rubbed his forehead with a troubled expression.
It wasn't bad that Bu Eun-seol, who had always been cold and somewhat aloof, had become someone who expressed emotions.
But seeing it like this, it felt... off.
An indescribable, bizarre sense of dissonance.
"The Lord must've had some good news. Don't mind it and focus on your duties."
People could change.
And for now, nothing was wrong.
In the end, Yu Un-ryong brushed it off with those words.
Demon Hall, Secret Shadow Pavilion.
In the grand conference hall, numerous senior members had gathered, their expressions grave as they engaged in heated discussions.
Endless Deliberation Assembly.
A type of emergency meeting convened when urgent matters arose within the Demon Hall.
Presided over by the Secret Shadow Pavilion's master, Hwa Jung-cheon, it was attended by senior members of Hall Master rank and above.
This assembly held even greater significance than the Demon Governance Council.
Because the one presiding over it—the master of the Secret Shadow Pavilion—was a true power wielder who held all the strings of information within the Demon Hall.
In the current martial world, the most crucial asset was information.
The Secret Shadow Pavilion's master obeyed no one's orders except the Demonic Heavenly Emperor's and never disclosed information without his permission.
Thus, he wielded immense authority within the Demon Hall.
Hwa Jung-cheon, who held power second only to the Demonic Heavenly Emperor and the Chief Doctrine Commander in solemnity.
The Endless Deliberation Assembly he presided over carried influence nearly equal to that of the Demon Governance Council.
And the agenda of this assembly was none other than the reassessment of trust in the Martial Soul Lord, Bu Eun-seol.
Even though his subordinates must have informed him that such a matter was unfolding,
the Martial Soul Lord had left for the martial world again shortly after returning to the Demon Hall.
And even after four days, there was no sign of his return.
The senior members, who had already been preparing to discuss the issue regarding the Martial Soul Lord, seized this opportunity to convene the Endless Deliberation Assembly.
"I truly cannot fathom what the Martial Soul Lord is doing."
"Though he's traveled the Martial World and achieved merits... when has that ever directly benefited the Demon Hall?"
"Exactly. Moreover, he focuses solely on training the Death Shadow War Unit while neglecting the operations of the main hall."
"And the fact that the Death Shadow War Unit is practically being used as his private army is another issue. If he's built them up so much, shouldn't he at least spare some attention for the Demon Hall's frontline troops?"
The complaints erupted endlessly in the conference hall.
And every single one of them was justified—actions that rightfully deserved condemnation.
The next ruler of the Demon Hall.
That was not merely a seat of power.
It was a position akin to a battlefield commander, one who must fiercely manage the Demonic Martial World on the frontlines against the ever-growing influence of the Righteous Faction.
Therefore, any candidate who leaned too far in one direction had to be eliminated.
And if they were deemed unfit to lead the Demon Hall... even if they had already been chosen as successor, they had to be swiftly replaced.
Hwa Jung-cheon, Lord of the Secret Shadow Pavilion, listened silently to the discussion.
'The more the elders' grievances pile up, the easier it will be to resolve this.'
He knew Bu Eun-seol was operating an enormous intelligence network in secret.
In fact, its scale was growing so vast that even the Secret Shadow Pavilion's investigations could no longer track it.
If left unchecked, it might one day swallow even the Secret Shadow Pavilion itself. In that sense, it was fortunate that they now had justification to remove the Martial Soul Lord from power.
"In the end, we must persuade the Chief Doctrine Commander to convene the Demon Governance Council and decide whether the Martial Soul Lord retains his position."
At that moment, Yang Yeon-so, Hall Leader of the Golden Crow Hall, spoke in a solemn voice.
"The Demon Hall—no, the entire Demonic Path—must grow stronger. We can no longer afford to keep the Martial Soul Lord..."
Creak.
But just then, the wide doors of the Secret Shadow Pavilion's conference hall swung open, and a man clad in black robes slowly strode in.
His complexion was so pale it seemed bloodless, his long hair untied—a peerless beauty.
His black robes, adorned with roc feathers, bore the majestic embroidery of the Twin Dragons Vying for the Pearl.
And in his hand, he carried a large, unidentifiable bundle.
The very man who had left for the Martial World again shortly after his return to the Demon Hall.
The one whose absence had been the subject of heated debate in this very hall—Martial Soul Lord Bu Eun-seol.
"Ah... Ah..."
Yang Yeon-so, who had been speaking so boldly just moments ago, gaped soundlessly at the sight of him.
Bu Eun-seol was not one to let slights go unanswered.
Having openly proposed his removal, Yang Yeon-so knew retaliation was inevitable.
"Martial Soul Lord."
It was Hwa Jung-cheon who spoke then.
"Had I known you would return today, I would have invited you to the Shadow Council meeting."
His words were not sincere.
They were a jab at the fact that even the Secret Shadow Pavilion's intelligence could no longer track Bu Eun-seol's movements—let alone predict his return.
But Bu Eun-seol only smiled faintly, pretending not to notice.
"I had a feeling you might say that, so I took the liberty of attending."
At that, Nak Seong-cheon, Hall Leader of the Iron Victory Hall, cleared his throat and spoke.
"Martial Soul Lord. This council is strictly for hall leaders affiliated with the main pavilion."
Instead of answering, Bu Eun-seol strode forward with leisurely grace.
Click. Click.
Then, staring directly at Nak Seong-cheon, he repeatedly tilted his head toward the door.
The meaning was clear: Move aside.
'What the hell...?'
Nak Seong-cheon, as Hall Leader of the Iron Victory Hall, was the one who procured all weapons brought into the Demon Hall.
A man of considerable authority. And yet, here he was, being dismissed with nothing more than a flick of the head?
When Nak Seong-cheon pretended not to notice and averted his gaze—
"...!"
Bu Eun-seol's eyes widened sharply, his expression turning outright menacing.
Then, in a low voice, he spat out a string of words—one of which was unmistakably "son of a bitch."
'I will repay this humiliation without fail.'
Suppressing his boiling rage, Nak Seong-cheon rose from his seat.
"Hmph."
Satisfied, Bu Eun-seol nodded slightly before sinking deeply into the now-vacated chair and lazily waving a hand.
"Now then, don't mind this lord. Please, continue with your meeting."
Only heavy silence filled the hall.
How could they possibly discuss his reappointment when he was sitting right there, bold as brass?
'Even if he ruins this meeting, so be it.'
Hwa Jung-cheon's lips curled into a faint sneer.
Even if this Shadow Council was disrupted, they could always convene another.
In fact, the more havoc Bu Eun-seol wreaked, the worse public opinion of him would become.
'The Demon Governance Council will convene sooner than expected.'
If word spread that Bu Eun-seol had so blatantly violated the Demon Hall's laws and acted with such arrogance?
They would gain the approval of far more than just the elders gathered here.
Even the Chief Doctrine Commander—no, even the Demonic Heavenly Emperor himself might agree, allowing them to escalate the matter to the Demon Governance Council.
"My Lord. Isn't this too blatant?"
Unable to endure it any longer, several elders began to protest.
"This is the Shadow Council. A meeting the Martial Soul Lord has no right to attend."
"If the Martial Soul Lord participates like this, the meeting itself becomes impossible."
Murmur, murmur.
Once the complaints started, the elders grew bolder, their expressions openly challenging Bu Eun-seol.
"Then why don't you try pleading your case here?"
"If you can win our hearts, the issue of your reappointment will be resolved immediately."
Though they appeared arrogant, the senior members all had reason for confidence.
The one presiding over this meeting was a figure whose authority in the Demon Hall far surpassed that of the Martial Soul Lord—Hwa Jung-cheon, Master of the Secret Shadow Pavilion.
Secondly, no matter how ruthless Bu Eun-seol might be,
they knew full well he would never act without justification or cause.
In fact, it was Bu Eun-seol himself who had violated the sacred rules of the Demon Hall by barging into the Hall of Endless Deliberations.
They believed this level of criticism was only to be expected.
Squelch!
But then, the unthinkable happened.
The heads of high-ranking Hall Leaders like Jin Yun of the Ghostfire Hall and Jo Mun-ryang of the Demonic Moon Hall—
Thud. Thud.
—soared into the air before tumbling to the ground in an instant.
Splurt. Splash!
Blood sprayed in all directions, yet no one moved.
Bu Eun-seol's attack had been utterly unpredictable, transcending all constraints of speed and space beyond anyone's anticipation.
Moreover, they simply couldn't process what had just happened.
"Wh-what in the...?"
The senior members, belatedly snapping back to their senses, widened their eyes in shock.
Inside the Demon Hall, in a meeting hall filled with Hall Leader-rank figures—
How could such a brutal massacre take place?
"What in the world are you doing?!"
Unable to contain their fury and disbelief, some drew their weapons and shouted.
"Slaughtering senior members of the Demon Hall without any reason?"
"Martial Soul Lord, have you lost your mind?"
This was a scene beyond comprehension.
The man who had always maintained icy composure, who strictly upheld the laws of the Demon Hall—how could he behead senior members without cause?
And wasn't the revered Master of the Secret Shadow Pavilion watching with his own piercing eyes?
"Slaughter?"
Bu Eun-seol let out a derisive snort.
Then he unfurled the cloth bundle he had been carrying onto the table.
Rustle—
Dozens of documents spilled out in a cascade.
"Colluding with external factions or leaking classified information."
Tap.
He picked up one thin booklet and dropped it onto the corpse of the Ghostfire Hall Leader.
"Intentionally forming factions within the alliance or inciting power struggles."
Tap.
Another document landed on the Demonic Moon Hall Leader's lifeless body.
"Embezzling or misusing the Demon Hall's financial resources..."
Every single document in that bundle
was a meticulous record of the deceased Hall Leaders' corruption.
"And lastly..."
Finally, he tossed a booklet onto the forehead of the Venom Hall Leader—the highest-ranking figure present after Hwa Jung-cheon—and muttered in a low voice,
"Undermining troop morale, inciting rebellion... or damaging the Demon Hall's authority."
Bu Eun-seol spoke with solemn finality.
"All crimes punishable by immediate execution under the laws of this palace."
The senior members blinked rapidly.
Of course, his words weren't wrong.
Such laws had indeed been codified in the Demon Hall's legal statutes.
But this was an alliance of the Demonic Path.
With so many powerful figures gathered, flexibility was inevitable—unless it was outright treason or rebellion, discretion was always applied.
Yet now, he was actually enforcing those laws to the letter, beheading them on the spot?
"Who in this palace has ever strictly followed the laws like this?"
Yang Yeon-so, unable to hold back any longer, protested.
"The Hall Leaders gathered here are the very backbone that sustains this palace!"
He shouted as if this were utterly unconscionable.
"And you've cut them down in one stroke, jeopardizing the palace's operations—doesn't that also qualify as a serious offense?"
"You seem to be under a misconception."
A glacial light, colder than the glaciers of the North Sea, flashed in Bu Eun-seol's eyes.
"The Demon Hall is the sacred land of ten thousand demons—the Demonic Path itself."
"..."
"If any of you take issue with how I've enforced the laws, step forward. I'll accept your challenge."
"What kind of nonsense is that? Are you suggesting we start cutting each other down right here?"
Bu Eun-seol smirked coldly.
"Running your mouths and undermining authority is fine, but you draw the line at actual bloodshed?"
He looked down at the Hall Leaders and scoffed.
"Tell me—are you really the senior members of the Demon Hall?"
Yang Yeon-so and the others fell silent, like mutes who had swallowed honey.
Bu Eun-seol was a man who walked the Middle Path—utterly unlike the Demonic Path's usual figures.
Yet here he was, slaughtering Hall Leaders without hesitation and invoking the principles of Demonic Hegemony?
"I made myself clear during my inauguration," Bu Eun-seol said, gazing down at them. "If anyone has grievances, challenge me anytime. If a superior candidate emerges, I'll step down from my position."
"But I won't yield to rats cowering in holes, squeaking from the shadows. That, I cannot tolerate."
"Martial Soul Lord."
Hwa Jung-cheon's expression was somber as he surveyed the corpses of the Hall Leaders.
"As Hall Leader Yang said, beheading the core Hall Leaders in one stroke and disrupting the palace's operations is also a serious offense. Does that mean you consider yourself above the law?"
"Don't worry about it."
Bu Eun-seol leaned back leisurely in his chair.
"I've already relayed these matters to each organization's deputy leaders beforehand, so there will be no disruptions in operations."
Hwa Jung-cheon's eyebrows shot up.
So it turned out Bu Eun-seol had meticulously prepared to assassinate the hall leaders long before even entering this place.
"Ah, now that I think of it, how fortunate that we lack evidence of Pavilion Lord Hwa colluding with external factions."
Bu Eun-seol grinned as he spoke.
"After all, the Demon Hall has no one who could replace Pavilion Lord Hwa, does it?"
For an instant, a crimson blood light—more scorching than the sun—flowed from Hwa Jung-cheon's pupils.
How dare this insolent whelp provoke him, who wielded authority rivaling even the Supreme Cult Commander?
"Ah, I've taken too much of your time."
Bu Eun-seol rose from his seat with perfect nonchalance.
"From now on..."
He looked down at the fallen hall leaders as he spoke.
"...whenever an agenda concerning this lord is raised, do inform me in advance. I shall make certain to attend personally."
It was a terrifying threat.
If this continued, wouldn't everyone be too afraid of Bu Eun-seol to attend the Demonic Governance Council at all?
"Then I'll take my leave."
Bu Eun-seol turned to depart with a faint smile when—
"Lord."
Ang Yeon-so spoke with resolute determination, his expression hardened as if he'd reached some decision.
"The Demonic Governance Council is presided over by the Secret Shadow Pavilion's Lord. Doesn't your behavior today constitute insubordination?"
The Secret Shadow Pavilion's Lord Hwa Jung-cheon ranked fifth in the Demon Hall's hierarchy, his authority comparable to Supreme Cult Commander Yeop Hyo-cheon or Elders' Hall Master Blood Demon Jeok Bung.
Yet Bu Eun-seol had stormed into the conference and slaughtered hall leaders at will—an act that could undoubtedly be construed as insubordination.
"An excellent point."
Bu Eun-seol nodded amiably.
"Since this matter carries sufficient grounds for accusations of insubordination, by all means submit it to the Demonic Governance Council. The Demonic Heavenly Emperor shall render judgment."
After all, Bu Eun-seol held the title of Lord.
Any punishment against him must be deliberated in the Demonic Governance Council.
Yet at these words, Hwa Jung-cheon's body trembled violently instead, unable to voice any response.
If they truly submitted this matter to the Council as suggested?
Even if Bu Eun-seol could be punished.
Hwa Jung-cheon's dignity would inevitably plummet to the depths.
Because to punish Bu Eun-seol.
They'd have to borrow the Demonic Heavenly Emperor's authority—placing them in an inferior position.
Moreover, since Bu Eun-seol would undoubtedly insist on lawful due process.
The likelihood of the "insubordination" accusation being dismissed was far higher.
"I see."
Hwa Jung-cheon, having suppressed his rage, actually laughed.
"I shan't forget today's events."
His authority had already been ruthlessly shattered by this incident.
From now on, Bu Eun-seol was his enemy.
"Naturally."
Bu Eun-seol merely smiled faintly before turning away with utter composure.
News of the Demonic Governance Council's carnage spread instantly through the Demon Hall.
The fact that Bu Eun-seol—who had consistently advocated temperance and walked the Middle Path—
Had mercilessly beheaded the hall leaders who sought to oust him.
Sent shockwaves not just through the Demon Hall, but the entire martial world.
Though rumors had circulated about the Martial Soul Lord's ruthlessness and cruelty.
Those traits had only manifested against those who provoked him.
Yet even if they had committed grave offenses.
To barge into a council and slaughter the Demon Hall's senior leaders in one stroke?
—The Martial Soul Lord must have had sufficient reason.
As such rumors spread, the Righteous Faction suspected undisclosed circumstances.
—Had he been hiding his claws all along?
Meanwhile, demonic figures believed he'd purged rebellious elements shaking the succession structure, using this opportunity to eliminate them.
—The Demonic Heavenly Emperor doesn't choose successors lightly.
The Emperor had mastered the Demonic Gate Great Art of manipulating human psychology.
Since he'd selected this successor through rigorous trials, these actions must be part of some greater scheme.
—Is the Demon Hall's succession finally solidifying?
Righteous factions unite behind confirmed successors immediately.
But demonic practitioners differ.
Even with an established succession, if they deem the candidate incapable of uniting them all?
They never submit—instead plotting to drag him down from the start.
This is why the Demon Hall establishes succession structures quickly but delays formal coronations.
Because countless challenges and attacks will follow, all of which must be overcome.
Only by surviving this gauntlet can one truly stand as the Demonic Path's undisputed sovereign.
—We can't let the Martial Soul Lord solidify the succession.
As these rumors spread through the martial world.
Unexpected factions found themselves with fires at their feet.
Namely, the Blood Cult.
Originally, the Blood Cult and Demonic Path weren't particularly hostile.
But the Demonic Heavenly Emperor, pursuing absolute hegemony, dismissed the Blood Cult and barred their entry to the Central Plains.
Now a Martial Soul Lord comparable to him might seize power?
To the Blood Cult, Bu Eun-seol was just as troublesome and fearsome as the Emperor himself.
His peerless martial arts and stratagems had already made him the martial world's young Grandmaster—reminiscent of the Emperor in his youth.
If he officially became the Demonic Path's sovereign?
—If we can't depose the Martial Soul Lord immediately, we must at least break his momentum!
As a successor candidate, shattered prestige would easily erode his support base.
Unless they act swiftly from now... the Blood Cult might never set foot in the Central Plains even a century later.
From their perspective, such an outcome must be prevented at all costs.