Chapter 914
"Lord."
Yeon So-ha murmured softly as she gazed at the distant, burning sky.
"Why have you become so merciless?"
The man she loved had always been someone who, despite his cold exterior, carried warmth in his heart.
But now, he was the complete opposite.
Though he wore a tender smile,
his eyes and the depths of his heart were frozen colder than a glacier of ten thousand years.
As if he were a different person entirely.
"Young Palace Lord."
At that moment, Namgung Se-a approached slowly and spoke.
"The Lord came all this way, crossing thousands of miles, to save you."
She sighed before continuing.
"And by doing so, he issued a warning to the entire martial world—that neither you nor the Divine Maiden Palace are to be touched again."
"I know."
Yeon So-ha replied with a sorrowful expression.
"But that isn't him."
The Bu Eun-seol she knew was a man who disregarded the divide between orthodox and unorthodox, a figure of broad-mindedness.
He never targeted the weak, only the strong.
He chose the righteous path over empty justifications and never took lives needlessly.
Yet now... he had changed completely.
"So-ha."
Yeon Ja-mi, who had been watching silently, finally spoke.
"People change, my child. And he is a man of the Demonic Path."
Even when rumors spread that Yeon So-ha was betrothed to Bu Eun-seol, she had let it pass.
And when he proposed the Sichuan Alliance, she was the first to agree, offering immense financial support.
She had trusted her daughter's judgment—and her own eyes.
But Bu Eun-seol had changed.
The man who once went to great lengths to avoid harming anyone
had now become a ruthless grandmaster of the Demonic Path.
"Perhaps the martial world forced this change upon him."
She, too, had her own sources of information within Murim.
She had long known that figures of the Demonic Path had withheld their support for Bu Eun-seol,
deeply dissatisfied with his moderate ways.
"Or perhaps... it's all an act."
Namgung Se-a cautiously suggested.
"To secure the support of the Demonic Path."
But that was merely an excuse for Yeon So-ha's sake.
The mercilessness Bu Eun-seol had shown this time was genuine.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have slaughtered two thousand Blood Cult troops or personally executed the Divine Maiden Palace's traitors.
"Either way, it's over."
Bu Eun-seol had made his stance on annulling the engagement unmistakably clear.
He was not a man to go back on his word...
And so, all ties between them had come to an end.
—The Blood Wolf Unit of the Blood Cult had secretly infiltrated the Central Plains to strike at the Divine Maiden Palace.
Shocking rumors spread like wildfire.
The Blood Cult, which had long coveted the Central Plains, had astonishingly deployed the Blood Wolf Unit into Sichuan.
But in the end, they were brutally annihilated—by a single man.
—The Martial Soul Lord detected their movements and single-handedly wiped out the Blood Wolf Unit to rescue his betrothed.
When this rumor spread, even the orthodox factions—let alone the Demonic Path—couldn't help but scoff.
—The Martial Soul Lord's prestige has taken a hit.
The man who had mercilessly slaughtered the Demon Hall's elites to secure his position, who had declared his ambition for Demonic Hegemony—
had rushed headlong to save his betrothed, a woman who could be considered of orthodox origins?
But the truly shocking rumors came next.
—Furthermore, the Broken Gold Palace, which had colluded with the Blood Cult to disrupt intelligence and facilitate the invasion of the Divine Maiden Palace,
lost three thousand troops and was forced into Gate Sealing.
This, too, was the work of a single man.
The Heir of the Demon Hall—the Martial Soul Lord.
The man who had always walked the path of a moderate Demonic Sect master,
who had gone to great lengths to avoid conflict with the orthodox factions—
not only beheaded the Demon Hall's hall leaders who had opposed his succession plans in the conference hall...
but also slaughtered the main forces of the Broken Gold Palace, one of the Seven Great Female Palaces, for aiding the Blood Cult's attack on the Divine Maiden Palace.
Ultimately forcing them into Gate Sealing.
—We cannot let the Martial Soul Lord go unchecked!
The palace lords of the remaining Seven Great Female Palaces and the Martial Alliance sent envoys to the Demon Hall, lodging fierce protests.
But that was all.
Bu Eun-seol reacted as if he couldn't care less about their barking, and their protests ended there.
Most martial artists neither condemned nor blamed him.
No—they couldn't.
The Broken Gold Palace's actions in aiding the Blood Cult's infiltration of the Central Plains
were not merely the reckless deviation of their Young Palace Lord, Jeong Jo-hyeok.
It was an act that threatened the safety of the entire Central Plains martial world—an outrageously dangerous move.
Moreover, since Bu Eun-seol was betrothed to the Young Palace Lord of the Divine Maiden Palace, his justification was more than sufficient.
—Orthodox or unorthodox, those who provoke the Martial Soul Lord will die.
Before anyone realized it, these words had spread throughout Murim like an unspoken law.
Had Bu Eun-seol only dealt with the Blood Cult and aided the Divine Maiden Palace,
he would have been mocked as a hypocrite—ruthless to the Demonic Path yet lenient to the orthodox factions.
In truth, the Blood Cult had anticipated Bu Eun-seol coming to the Divine Maiden Palace's rescue.
Because of this, they had hoped the support from the Demonic Path followers would wane.
But Bu Eun-seol revealed a side of himself he had never shown before—
The ruthless, overbearing demeanor of a true Demonic Path martial artist.
He had annihilated an orthodox sect like Broken Gold Palace, one with a long-standing legacy, in a single stroke.
And as a result, he instead gained fervent support from the Demonic Path.
—Is he solidifying his position as the future Hall Master of the Demon Hall?
All intelligence organizations in the martial world analyzed Bu Eun-seol's actions as strategic.
Though he had long held the position of Martial Soul Lord and had accumulated numerous achievements in the martial world,
He had never particularly managed his authority or influence as the Heir of the Demon Hall.
But through this incident, he instantly gained overwhelming support from the Demonic Path.
Once, they had thought him unlike a true demonic martial artist... but now, they realized there was no one more fitting of the title than him.
—Martial Soul Lord! Martial Soul Lord!
For nearly a decade, the Demonic Path had been unable to assert itself in the martial world, its influence constantly suppressed by the Righteous Faction.
But when Bu Eun-seol so decisively seized both justification and tangible gains, crushing the pride of the orthodox martial artists,
Most Demonic Path followers couldn't help but be exhilarated.
And this created an entirely unforeseen situation.
—We must ride this momentum and establish the Demonic Martial World!
Even the senior figures within the Demon Hall who had not been favorable toward Bu Eun-seol—
Even the bloodthirsty demonkin—had their hearts swayed by this event.
And they made a rather shocking proposal.
—The prestige of the Demonic Path Ten Gates has waned recently, and the Demon Hall's influence is not what it once was. Why not take this opportunity to deal with those who, like the Blood Cult, are thorns in our side, and orthodox sects that encroach on our territory?
The sects they proposed targeting were all orthodox factions affiliated with the Martial Alliance—groups that could trigger the Great Orthodox-Unorthodox War.
Or unorthodox and Black Path factions that opposed the Demon Hall's influence.
—We believe the Lord is more than capable of creating the necessary justification.
However, even the radical hardliners in the Demon Hall were no fools.
Rather than rushing headlong into battle,
They reasoned that if they utilized Bu Eun-seol's exceptional intellect—reputed to rival Zhuge Liang's divine wisdom—
They could strike these factions without isolating the Demon Hall, all while securing a valid pretext.
—Justification, you say.
Upon hearing their proposal, Bu Eun-seol responded thus:
—Does 'justification' refer to moral righteousness?
Or is it the support of the majority in the martial world?
Then, he made an unexpected counterproposal.
—Justification is sometimes nothing more than wordplay. As long as the outcome proves its legitimacy, that is enough.
He was not saying they should seek justification before fighting—
But that they should win first and then claim justification.
—As expected of the Martial Soul Lord!
The hardline Combat Faction within the Demon Hall—
The demonkin and factions who sought resolution not through dialogue or compromise, but through war, conflict, and sheer force—were utterly enthralled.
—No justification holds meaning before power. Is that not the very essence of Demonic Hegemony?
Once Bu Eun-seol's words spread,
The moderates within the Demon Hall—those who coldly assessed the flow of events—immediately raised objections.
—The current martial world is in an extremely stable state.
This is not like the era when the Demonic Heavenly Emperor or Elder Blood Demon roamed freely... when we could freely slaughter the Righteous Faction!
No matter how brilliantly Bu Eun-seol might secure victory through schemes and claim justification afterward,
The sheer scale of forces mobilized under the banner of the Demon Hall could never be dismissed as independent action.
If Bu Eun-seol made a misstep or failed to secure justification?
Not only could it spark the Great Orthodox-Unorthodox War—it might even become the catalyst for the Demonic Path's downfall.
—First, we shall assemble an expeditionary force.
Ignoring their words, Bu Eun-seol gathered the Combat Faction members of the Demon Hall and began discussing the formation of an expeditionary force.
He was not planning a one-off suppression using the Death Shadow War Unit—
He was genuinely assembling a large-scale expeditionary force to expand his influence.
Hidden Demon Pavilion, Grand Conference Hall
The hall was filled with Death Shadow War Unit leaders preparing for the general assembly of chiefs.
Rumors had spread that a massive expeditionary force was being formed, linking not just the Death Shadow War Unit but multiple organizations under the Demon Hall.
Because of the meeting's importance, even No Trace of the Death Soul Squad and Protector Tak Il-hon were in attendance.
Only So-yo, still residing in the Secluded Valley with Ja Su-ryeon, was absent.
"There's no way the Lord would proceed with such matters without consulting us first..."
Wi Cheon-gyeong spoke with an uncharacteristically grave expression.
"I truly don't understand what's happening."
"He must have some profound stratagem in mind."
Won Se-mun feigned nonchalance, speaking cheerfully.
"Do you really think the Lord would act without any forethought?"
Yet despite his words, the atmosphere in the conference room remained heavy.
Regardless of whether this suppression succeeded or not,
Such actions were completely at odds with Bu Eun-seol's usual methods.
Bond.
Until now, he had always prioritized the bond between himself and the warriors of the Death Shadow War Unit above all else.
No matter how perilous the trials, no matter how desperate the circumstances that forced him to seek external aid—
He had always relied on ingenious stratagems and unshakable unity to overcome even forces many times his own.
"But to suddenly gather the hardline factions and combat organizations of the Demon Hall to form a large-scale war brigade?"
This approach was tantamount to him personally shattering the very convictions he had upheld until now.
"Could it be an attempt to regain the support of the Demon Hall and the Demonic Path once more?"
At that moment, Jo Nam-cheon spoke up.
"Thanks to recent events, the Lord is receiving unprecedented fervent support from the Demonic Path. Frankly speaking, I don't think it's a bad idea to row the boat while the tide is high."
"Far from it. That kind of support will only become a quagmire dragging us down."
Tak Il-hon shook his head.
"If we gain support this way, in the end, only the hardliners will remain by our side."
Then, in an exceedingly grave tone, he continued,
"Sooner or later—whether we want it or not—we'll be forced into endless battles until we seize dominance over the Murim."
Tak Il-hon had once led a faction himself, so he understood the nature of authority better than anyone.
The actions of a successor determine the direction they will take once they formally ascend to power.
If Bu Eun-seol gained the support of the hardline factions and figures within the Demon Hall and the Demonic Path like this...
In the future, only the most extreme elements would remain by his side.
And if he became the Demon Hall's leader while relying on such figures, he would have no choice but to move in the direction they desired...
Ultimately, he would be forced into endless wars to seize control of the Murim.
"Otherwise, the Lord will no longer be recognized as the Sovereign of the Demonic Path."
Creak.
At that moment, the conference room door opened, and Bu Eun-seol entered.
Unlike his usual insistence on plain attire, whether in the Hidden Demon Pavilion or anywhere else...
Now, he was dressed in lavish silk robes, adorned with an ornate cincture and jewelry befitting only the Imperial Family or the heirs of high-ranking officials.
Because of this, Bu Eun-seol exuded an almost bewitching charm, like that of a beautiful woman.
"I've heard the discussion well enough."
As he entered, Bu Eun-seol—having likely overheard Tak Il-hon's words—continued with an impassive expression.
"This has nothing to do with the so-called 'Demonic Hegemony' or any other convoluted matters."
He tapped the armrest of his prepared chair lightly and laughed.
"Things like this—the position of the Demon Hall's successor—aren't all that grand to begin with."
The Great Lords wore expressions of bewilderment.
They knew Bu Eun-seol held no distinction between the Orthodox and Unorthodox Factions in his heart...
But never before had he dismissed the position of the Demon Hall's leader, leading a million demonic practitioners, as insignificant.
"Then why are you doing this?"
At Tak Il-hon's question, Bu Eun-seol grinned, revealing his white teeth.
"Because it's fun, isn't it?"
Thud.
For a moment, the Great Lords looked as if they had been struck on the back of the head.
Unfazed, Bu Eun-seol strolled leisurely around the conference room as he spoke.
"Lately, it's always been the Shadow Forces secretly scheming all sorts of things while the Murim above the surface remains uneventful."
A deathly silence filled the conference room.
—Just doing it for fun. The Murim is boring, after all.
Right now, Bu Eun-seol was...
Executing a plan that could trigger the Righteous-Demonic War, and yet speaking like this.
And those were words that should never have come from his mouth.
Because he, more than anyone, despised bloodshed and fighting. He had only entered the Rivers and Lakes for revenge.
"The war brigade will soon be assembled. Of course, the ones taking the forefront won't be us—it'll be the Demon Hall's combat organizations."
Bu Eun-seol smiled brightly at Tak Il-hon.
"They love bloodshed, so letting them spill as much as they want should be entertaining."
It certainly would be.
If the Demon Hall's hardline combat factions took the lead in endless battles...
A war far longer and bloodier than the Righteous-Demonic War would unfold.
And its conclusion would likely be...
A war of annihilation, with neither victors nor losers.
"So, there's no need for our own warriors to train or prepare for the brigade's formation."
Bu Eun-seol shifted his gaze from Tak Il-hon back to the Great Lords.
"We need only sit back and enjoy the spectacle of how thrilling the battles will be."
Then, with a laugh, he turned away.
"With that, this meeting is adjourned. The brigade will soon be reorganized, so rest until then."
Creak.
As Bu Eun-seol stepped outside, a chilling air spread through the conference room.
No one could bring themselves to speak.
Because if they did... they would have to accept that this was no dream, but reality.
An irreversible war was being meticulously prepared.
Bu Eun-seol met with the Demon Hall's key figures and began selecting the most aggressive combat factions.
Then, assessing their abilities and organizational traits, he started forming the war brigade.
In truth, it wasn't a brigade meant for victory.
These were merely...
The most radical demonkin—warmongers who had grown sick of the Demon Hall's moderation.
Those who resented the demonic practitioners for not pursuing the Demonic Hegemony.
That was all they were.
As if to prove it,
they were intoxicated with the joy of being able to wage large-scale battles.
With the delight of being able to unleash a blood-soaked slaughter under the command of Bu Eun-seol, who had never once tasted defeat in battle.
They followed his arrangements without a second thought.
In stark contrast, the warriors of the Death Shadow War Unit were plunged into deep contemplation beyond words.
Bu Eun-seol had changed.
No, to be more precise—he was no longer in his right mind.
If things continued like this?
Everything they had built until now, all the goals they had pursued, would vanish like bubbles in water.
—We must find a way.
As if they had made a silent pact,
the Great Lords had all secluded themselves in their offices, agonizing over how to resolve this situation.
And Yu Un-ryong was no exception.
Knock, knock.
"My Lord, a guest has arrived."
Along with Mu-gwang's voice, the door opened, revealing an entirely unexpected visitor.
The Young Palace Lord of the Divine Maiden Palace, Yeon So-ha.
"Young Palace Lord."
Startled, Yu Un-ryong rose from his seat and bowed in greeting.
"To what do we owe this sudden visit?"
Yeon So-ha was a key figure of the Divine Maiden Palace, someone the Death Soul Squad closely monitored and protected.
How could she have come here without any prior notice?
"You weren't aware yet, were you?"
Yeon So-ha murmured with a sorrowful expression.
"All the Unit Members of the Death Soul Squad stationed near our palace have withdrawn."
"Why would that be?"
"Because the Lord spoke of annulling our engagement."
"What do you—?"
Yeon So-ha explained in detail the circumstances of Bu Eun-seol's recent visit to the Divine Maiden Palace.
Yu Un-ryong listened with an increasingly grave expression.
This is utterly unbelievable.
If one were to name the person in this world who could best mimic Bu Eun-seol's habits and actions?
It would be Seo Jin-ha, who played the role of his shadow.
And if one were to name the person who best understood Bu Eun-seol's thoughts and personality—it would be Yu Un-ryong himself.
For the sake of managing the Death Shadow War Unit in Bu Eun-seol's absence,
he had strived to grasp every aspect of the man—his thoughts, principles, standards, philosophy, beliefs, values... all of it.
He knew Bu Eun-seol's goals, and he knew the fervent aspirations that drove him.
This is absolutely not Bu Eun-seol.
Seeing Yu Un-ryong's hardened expression, Yeon So-ha seemed to guess his thoughts and offered a desolate smile.
"You may not believe me, but everything I've said is true."
She continued,
"And I've heard that the Lord is gathering the hardline factions of the Demon Hall to wage a large-scale war."
She had come here after witnessing Bu Eun-seol's actions, which seemed to be hurtling toward ruin.
"Are you saying the Lord has changed?"
"He hasn't changed."
Yeon So-ha said something unexpected.
"That is still him."
"What do you mean?"
"I thought about it carefully. Can a person change so suddenly?"
Yeon So-ha, who had been staring blankly into the air, took a deep breath.
"And then I realized—he didn't change abruptly. He had been hiding that nature all along."
"..."
"It's not that his personality changed. He had been suppressing that side of himself. And some kind of trigger caused it to explode."
To anyone else, these words would have been incomprehensible.
But Yu Un-ryong nodded. And then he smiled faintly.
"You truly care for him, Young Palace Lord."
"Huh?"
"To be honest, I had the same thought."
Yu Un-ryong let out a sigh.
"I just wasn't certain."
The truth was, Yu Un-ryong knew as well.
Bu Eun-seol was a man who lived with warmth in his heart despite his cold demeanor—
but at the same time, he possessed a nature so pure in its wickedness that it could shatter all laws and norms.
Perhaps, under the education of the Seven Fingers Demonic Blade Bu Jan-yang, that nature had been suppressed.
"There are things you naturally come to understand when you care deeply for someone."
Yeon So-ha smiled.
"Truthfully, I thought you, Chief Yu, would understand what I meant."
"So that's why you came to me."
"Yes."
She nodded.
"And not just that—I believe I also know a way."
"A way, you say?"
Yeon So-ha's eyes gleamed with conviction.
"A way to reconcile the inclinations buried deep within the Lord's Spirit and Mind."
"Young Palace Lord, I fully understand your concern for the Lord."
Yu Un-ryong spoke solemnly with a firm expression.
"But even if his personality has shifted somewhat, it is hardly proper for a subordinate like myself—or even you, his betrothed—to presume to control him."
"I'm sorry. I must have misspoken and caused a misunderstanding."
Yeon So-ha replied politely, her voice calm and measured.
"What I meant was that the change in the Lord now is a kind of Inner Demon."
"Inner Demon?"
"Yes, I'm certain of it."
Yeon So-ha spoke decisively.
"The way he's changed—it's absolutely not something he desired himself."
In that instant, Yu Un-ryong's eyes flashed.
The truth was, he too had been predicting and analyzing many things about this situation,
preparing meticulous plans accordingly.
And Yeon So-ha was no different.
'Bu Eun-seol, what in your past life did you do to be blessed with such fortune?'
Yeon So-ha wasn't just beautiful in appearance.
Though unknown to Murim,
she was a rare talent—gentle and kind in nature, yet possessing extraordinary wisdom and insight.