Chapter 919
The casualties numbered approximately three hundred.
Not an overwhelmingly large figure by any means.
But considering these were elite troops specially deployed, it represented a significant loss for the Martial Soul Society.
When their first defensive line crumbled so easily and they lost their forces, the Martial Soul Society resorted to an ingenious yet absurd strategy.
"The Demon Hall has launched this unprovoked assault... targeting not only the minor sects affiliated with us but even plotting to overthrow the commercial world factions we protect!"
The Martial Soul Society raised the banner of a united front between orthodox and unorthodox factions.
Through methods like creating employment opportunities—similar to the commercial world factions—or establishing commercial districts,
they had garnered substantial support from merchants and commoners.
Most martial sects affiliated with the Martial Soul Society were minor factions deeply intertwined with civilian populations.
As their defensive lines collapsed under the Blood Heavenly Order's merciless assault and their headquarters came under threat,
the Martial Soul Society rallied these minor sects and commercial world factions.
"Just as predicted."
No matter how much the Martial Soul Society had expanded its influence, a cold analysis revealed their current combat power barely matched that of a provincial hegemon like Shaanxi's Dominator.
Had the Demon Hall truly committed, they could have crushed them at any time.
When the Martial Soul Society desperately scrambled to gather martial artists from minor sects in a last-ditch effort,
Bu Eun-seol—as if he'd been waiting for this exact moment—
callously withdrew his forces in what seemed like mockery.
Having already breached the Martial Soul Society's defenses with a small strike force, inflicting over a thousand casualties,
and particularly eliminating more than three hundred elite masters who formed their defensive backbone,
he had sufficiently achieved his objective after demonstrating the Blood Heavenly Order's might and freezing the hearts of warlords across the martial world.
Had he proceeded to annihilate the assembled merchants and minor sects' forces?
He risked political backlash or intervention from government authorities.
Hence the decision to withdraw without hesitation.
"Now we head for the Azure Heaven Alliance."
Bu Eun-seol immediately redirected his forces toward Sichuan.
But the Azure Heaven Alliance, having heard the rumors,
had already established defensive lines with their affiliated sects before the Blood Heavenly Order could cross into Sichuan.
"Under no circumstances shall those demons set foot in Sichuan!"
The Azure Heaven Alliance's vanguard consisted of young martial artists who had defected en masse from the Martial Alliance,
alongside early affiliates like the Sichuan Tang Clan, the Namgung Family, and Wudang Sect masters.
Since the Blood Heavenly Order's strike force barely exceeded thirteen hundred,
they correspondingly assembled a roughly three thousand-strong vanguard.
Deploying their entire alliance's strength against such a small force would have made them a laughingstock.
"Attack!"
The battle escalated into a frenzy.
Unlike the Martial Soul Society, the Azure Heaven Alliance comprised orthodox Righteous Path martial artists, including numerous exceptional masters.
But they faced Great Demons who had thirsted for bloodshed for years.
Fearless of death, the demons advanced relentlessly until the alliance began losing ground.
"Those reckless brats!"
While the Azure Heaven Alliance boasted many talented swordsmen, few excelled in large-scale combat.
Moreover, the Crimson Demon Black Well and other demonic factions specialized in studying orthodox martial arts—their techniques honed specifically against Righteous Path practitioners.
Ultimately, despite their twofold numerical advantage, the Azure Heaven Alliance suffered defeat.
"Retreat!"
Like the Martial Soul Society, they too found themselves incapable of withstanding the demonic forces commanded by Bu Eun-seol,
forced to withdraw after sustaining heavy losses.
"Advance!"
But unlike before, Bu Eun-seol ordered an unrelenting pursuit.
The Azure Heaven Alliance, however, was no fool.
Having anticipated their first line's collapse,
they'd positioned a special task force in the Second Formation—led by alliance leader Bukgung Ryeong and chief strategist Gongson Dan-gyeong.
"This won't be easy."
Bu Eun-seol stroked his chin, instantly assessing their combat strength.
Though still incomparable to the Demon Hall, the Azure Heaven Alliance now incorporated substantial orthodox faction powerhouses.
With their full commitment to this assault, the Blood Heavenly Order's thirteen hundred stood no chance.
"Having already achieved major victories, there's no need to gamble our lives against them."
Despite organizing this punitive expedition,
defeating colossal alliances like the Azure Heaven Alliance or Martial Soul Society with a mere thousand troops was absurd from the outset.
Having challenged these united factions with a small strike force and secured multiple victories...
Bu Eun-seol had accomplished both his objectives and optimal outcomes.
As their counterattacks intensified, he initiated withdrawal.
"Pursue those mongrels!"
But the enraged Azure Heaven Alliance refused to let them retreat unscathed.
Though the Blood Heavenly Order retreated systematically,
they lost many valiant demons from the Crimson Demon Black Well to the alliance's relentless assaults.
Bu Eun-seol attempted divide-and-conquer tactics after a swift retreat, exploiting the stretched frontline,
but the Azure Heaven Alliance's overwhelming numbers prevented any reversal of fortunes.
Moreover, prolonged battles had exhausted the Blood Heavenly Order's martial artists, their morale plummeting.
"I believe we've shed enough blood for now?"
Ultimately, Bu Eun-seol sent an envoy proposing truce negotiations.
"You invade at will and flee at will? Preposterous!"
Naturally, the Azure Heaven Alliance refused.
But Bu Eun-seol was among the martial world's most seasoned negotiators.
"Should we fight to the death here, the Azure Heaven Alliance too will suffer catastrophic losses."
"You knew this yet attacked first?"
"Isn't factional strife just another day in the Rivers and Lakes?"
Bu Eun-seol spoke shamelessly.
"Let's either begin negotiations we can both live with—or fight to the death right here."
Then he added:
"I'll be requesting additional troops from headquarters, by the way."
If this battle continued?
It would escalate into a full-scale war between the Demon Hall and the Azure Heaven Alliance.
The Azure Heaven Alliance, a newly formed coalition, still lacked the strength to oppose the Demon Hall.
And yet, they had no justification yet to ally with the Martial Alliance either...
In the end, the Azure Heaven Alliance would inevitably suffer the greater loss.
"So you attacked after calculating this far ahead."
Bukgung Ryeong gritted his teeth.
"But if we accept a truce now, our alliance's prestige will plummet. How do you intend to compensate for that?"
"I'll make you an offer you can't refuse."
Bu Eun-seol replied smoothly.
"Let us sign a non-aggression pact. I, as the Lord of this hall, vow that we will commit no hostile acts against you for the next ten years."
"Are you the Demonic Heavenly Emperor? Don't make promises you can't keep."
"Far from it. But soon enough, I will become the Lord of the Demon Hall."
Bu Eun-seol was unshakable.
"Choose. Will you invest in the future—or wage a suicidal war just to preserve your pride?"
From the start, the Azure Heaven Alliance had only one real choice.
"...Fine."
In the end, a non-aggression pact was signed under Bu Eun-seol's name.
And since the Azure Heaven Alliance had technically held the upper hand in this battle, they could still salvage some dignity and face.
"More or less achieved our goals, I suppose."
Bu Eun-seol, too, had accomplished what he'd set out to do.
Out of 1,300 troops, only around 300 had perished.
As promised, he hadn't sacrificed more than thirty percent of his forces.
He had crushed the First Battle Groups of the Azure Heaven Alliance and the Martial Soul Society, while simultaneously announcing the Demon Hall's might to the entire martial world.
"So you were only biding your time until now."
For a mere 1,300 troops to launch a preemptive strike against a coalition and return victorious was unprecedented in martial history.
Through this, Bu Eun-seol—as the Heir of the Demon Hall—
Had delivered a severe warning and check to the Martial Soul Society and the Azure Heaven Alliance, both of whom had been expanding relentlessly.
By never provoking the Righteous Faction and maintaining the Middle Path,
He had silenced the discontent among demonic practitioners who had doubted his qualifications as the Demon Path's Sovereign.
Ultimately, through this event,
He had not only flaunted the Demon Palace's majesty—but also reaffirmed to the martial world that he was fit to rule over a million demonic practitioners as its supreme leader.
Azure Heaven Alliance's Council Chamber.
It was the office of the alliance leader, Bukgung Ryeong.
And deep within it lay a secret chamber, impervious to even a sliver of moonlight.
The interior was frozen in silence, furnished with antiqued decor.
At its center stood a large lacquered table, upon which a bronze lantern cast a dim glow.
Three figures sat around it.
At the head was an old man whose blade-sharp gaze and deeply lined face exuded authority.
Opposite him sat a woman who radiated light even in the darkness.
Her skin was as white as a freshly bloomed lotus, her eyes deep and contemplative.
Her posture was as straight as bamboo.
Beside her was a man wearing a faint smile.
Shallow eyes beneath his brows, a slightly high nose bridge, and subtly upturned lips.
At a glance, he seemed unremarkable—
But upon closer inspection, an unshakable dignity, serene as a still lake, emanated from him.
They were Bukgung Ryeong, Gongson Dan-gyeong, and Bu Eun-seol—disguised as Seon-u Jin.
"This was madness!"
Bukgung Ryeong was the first to speak.
"What if you hadn't rooted out all the spies in time?"
Before Bu Eun-seol could reply, Gongson Dan-gyeong interjected calmly.
"He has spent years moving between the Righteous and Demonic Paths, mastering the art of espionage."
Then, turning to Bu Eun-seol, she continued.
"Having lived in hiding for so long, he was bound to excel at flushing out spies better than anyone."
"Hmph."
Bukgung Ryeong let out a heavy sigh.
"At any rate, the spies and factions embedded in our alliance have been cleanly uprooted..."
"And we've also gauged the strength of the Demon Hall's Great Demonic Persons—like the Crimson Demon Black Well and the Bloody Black Hands, no?"
When Bu Eun-seol grinned, flashing white teeth, Bukgung Ryeong snorted and sharply turned his head away.
"Fine. I'll let it slide this once."
Then, grumbling, he shot a glance at Gongson Dan-gyeong.
"I suppose the Martial Soul Society under that brat's control profited just as much from this, didn't they? Isn't that right, Chief Strategist?"
For the past month, while assembling his battle group within the Demon Hall, Bu Eun-seol had been shuttling frantically between the Martial Soul Society and the Azure Heaven Alliance.
All to weed out every last spy embedded in both factions.
To pull this off, he had consulted endlessly with the Martial Soul Society's inner circle—
As well as Bukgung Ryeong and Gongson Dan-gyeong of the Azure Heaven Alliance.
Once the complete list of spies was finalized, they meticulously planned the battle's execution.
Because the battle group sent against the Blood Heaven Order had to include the spies—
Only to ensure that the units containing them were annihilated during combat.
And the scheme had succeeded flawlessly.
In this punitive campaign, only the detachments harboring spies had been mercilessly slaughtered among both factions' forces.
'There's no way they wouldn't have planted large-scale spies in the Azure Heaven Alliance and the Martial Soul Society.'
The Abyssal Forces lurking within the Martial Alliance, including the Three Realms.
They hold sway not only over the orthodox sects but over the entire Murim.
And the moment a newly formed alliance has just been established is the perfect opportunity to plant spies.
After all, it's a time when they're desperately trying to recruit talented scholars and martial artists continuously.
Especially since the warriors of the Azure Heaven Alliance were mostly composed of those who had defected from the Martial Alliance.
Upon thorough investigation, it turned out that a third of them were large-scale spies planted to secretly manipulate the Azure Heaven Alliance.
The situation with the Martial Soul Society wasn't much different.
To gain recognition as a Central Plains faction, they had accepted countless wandering warriors and scholars.
And in that opening, numerous organizations had planted their spies.
As a result, there were so many infiltrators that entire battalions could be formed solely from spies.
—This purge was an excellent opportunity.
And Bu Eun-seol had turned what could have been a fatal trap into an opportunity instead.
—Wasn't this the perfect chance to carry out a large-scale purge of the deeply rooted spies within both major factions?
He was what one might call the greatest spy in the current Murim—one who had long moved between the two colossal forces dividing the martial world: the Demon Hall and the Martial Alliance.
Thus, identifying the spies and factions that had infiltrated the allied forces was no difficult task for him.
Above all, this large-scale purge was only possible because Bu Eun-seol was both the Martial Soul Society Leader and Seon-u Jin of the Azure Heaven Alliance.
"Indeed. Thanks to that, the Martial Soul Society has been thoroughly cleansed," Bu Eun-seol said, crossing his arms.
"And we've been able to gauge the strength and caliber of the secret organization lurking within the Demon Hall."
The Demon Hall housed many hidden forces.
Though only a portion of the Demonkin from the Crimson Demon Black Well and the Rotten Blood Black Water had been mobilized this time,
this incident had allowed them to roughly assess their combat power and inclinations.
"Still, this was purely due to Heaven's Fortune smiling upon us."
Bukgung Ryeong shook his head.
"If this plan had gone even slightly awry, not just you—but both the Martial Soul Society and the Azure Heaven Alliance would have been wiped out in an instant."
That much was true.
What if this operation had failed?
The fact that Bu Eun-seol was the Martial Soul Society Leader and Seon-u Jin could have been exposed.
In that case, both factions would have faced attacks from the Demon Hall and the Martial Alliance, collapsing in the blink of an eye.
"Spies clinging to an alliance are inevitable. The Demon Hall and the Martial Alliance are teeming with them too."
Bukgung Ryeong let out a deep sigh.
"There was no need to take such risks to deal with them. Had I not considered you a figure who must govern the future of Murim..."
Then he spoke decisively.
"I would never have approved this plan."
"I know."
Bu Eun-seol nodded.
"But someone had to do it, whether it was me or not."
Then he glanced at Gongson Dan-gyeong.
"If it hadn't been me, the Chief Strategist might have carried it out instead."
"What do you mean?"
"I've thought about it. How the Martial Alliance, which had protected Murim for generations, ended up in such a state."
His eyes, fixed on the darkness, grew infinitely deeper.
"In the early days of Murim, the Demonic Path's forces ran rampant. The Martial Alliance was nothing more than a fledgling coalition compared to the Demon Hall."
Bukgung Ryeong understood his implication.
"Are you saying the Martial Alliance deliberately accepted external factions to counter the Demonic Path?"
"Correct. Perhaps they abandoned their banner of upholding justice from that moment onward."
Bu Eun-seol shook his head.
"In that process, they likely failed to resist the temptations of groups like the Three Realms and the Three Clans."
"But those were external factions, not spies, from the start."
"To purge spies, sacrifices of that scale are necessary."
Bu Eun-seol continued,
"The Martial Alliance would never have willingly made such sacrifices. Not when it meant taking risks or weakening their own power."
Bukgung Ryeong let out a thoughtful hum.
He had realized why the Martial Alliance had become such a monstrous entity—
why external forces had been able to thrive while lurking in the Abyss.
"So, in the end, they refused to risk self-purification during a critical period of expansion. Because there was too much to lose."
"Precisely."
Bu Eun-seol spoke as if it were obvious.
"That's why surpassing the Demonic Path became an impossible dream."
"To fully root out spies, one must accept not just a weakened faction but also great danger... I see."
Bukgung Ryeong sighed.
"You already knew all this, didn't you?"
"I assumed you knew as well, since you agreed so readily."
"How could I have?"
Bukgung Ryeong shook his head.
"I only approved it because you were making such bold claims."
At those words, warmth spread through Bu Eun-seol's chest.
He truly hadn't known anything.
He had simply trusted Bu Eun-seol's words and approved the plan.
"Don't call me a foolish old man for it."
Bukgung Ryeong looked at Bu Eun-seol and said,
"When you said you were willing to stake the Martial Soul Society, I naturally assumed you had a plan worthy of that risk."
Then he shook his head.
"I just thought it was far too reckless."
At his words, Bu Eun-seol and Gongson Dan-gyeong exchanged a smile.
Despite being the leader of the Azure Heaven Alliance,
Bukgung Ryeong unhesitatingly admitted when his own judgment was lacking.
At his age, in his position—
He was the only one who could be so unpretentious.
That was why he was advancing at a terrifying pace,
steadily growing into the leader who would guide the united forces of the orthodox factions.
"At any rate, we've eliminated most of the spies within our alliance and the Martial Soul Society thanks to this opportunity."
Gongson Dan-gyeong unrolled a tightly coiled scroll as she spoke.
"According to our investigation, there were about two hundred martial artists connected to the Martial Alliance, along with roughly a hundred spies planted by the Unorthodox Faction, the Black Path, and other forces."
"That's quite a number."
"It was a good opportunity. Infiltrating a newly established allied faction before it solidifies its position is undoubtedly advantageous."
She continued her explanation.
"They'll likely realize soon enough—that all those they lost in this battle were spies."
Taking a deep breath, she added,
"And they'll reassess their opinion of the alliance leader. Since we've already identified and eliminated the spies, they won't act recklessly..."
"From now on, they'll take us seriously."
At Bukgung Ryeong's words, Gongson Dan-gyeong nodded.
"Exactly."
Her gaze drifted into the empty air.
"From now on, you'll be managing a true united faction of the Righteous Path. Countless trials will come, you'll have to negotiate with many, mediate opinions... and face endless assassination threats."
Though young, she was the chief strategist of the Martial Alliance.
She knew all too well how grueling and weighty the position of leading an allied faction could be.
"But I'll stake my life to assist you."
Her voice was firm.
"No matter what happens, I'll do my utmost to ensure the alliance leader never falls."
"I appreciate it."
Bukgung Ryeong smiled faintly.
"This alliance leader will also do his best."
He knew.
The only reason Gongson Dan-gyeong was in the Azure Heaven Alliance was because of Bu Eun-seol.
Because she loved him, because she wanted to help him.
'Since that bastard can't split himself in two, he sent someone as exceptional as her to me.'
"Thank you for trusting me, Alliance Leader."
Bu Eun-seol rose from his seat.
"Then, I'll take my leave—I have matters to attend to."
"Go ahead."
Bukgung Ryeong waved his hand dismissively, as if annoyed.
"Don't concern yourself with the alliance's affairs from now on. I'll handle them."
"Of course."
Bu Eun-seol smiled faintly and turned to Gongson Dan-gyeong.
"Work hard, Chief Strategist."
Then, with a light step, he exited the chamber.
'Just you wait.'
Bukgung Ryeong clenched his fist as he watched him leave.
'I'll grow this alliance into something massive soon.'
He couldn't leave everything to that young man forever.
While humbling himself to aid others,
He, too, had to quickly grasp the martial world's currents and become someone capable of steering it.
After leaving the Azure Heaven Alliance, Bu Eun-seol headed not to the Demon Hall, but to Langya Pavilion.
In truth, the first thing he needed to do with a clear mind was—
Find the "Langya Pavilion disciple" the Martial God Heaven Lord had spoken of.
According to the Martial God Heaven Lord, the sword hilt contained the martial principles and Blade Essence of the Bloody Tears Seven Forms,
While the blade itself bore every sin of his grandfather, laid bare.
In other words, it held nothing less than the truth of the martial world.
Knowing this, he had to recover his grandfather's great saber as soon as possible.
Because Baekri Mu-ha's schemes had grown too vast,
He had no choice but to clean up the aftermath first.
'If a Langya Pavilion disciple truly took Grandfather's great saber...'
If the Martial God Heaven Lord's words were true,
Then entering Langya Pavilion and investigating would quickly reveal who had taken it.
'But it might not be a disciple of the pavilion.'
The Martial God Heaven Lord had suggested it could be someone who had mastered Sensory Martial Arts to Great Completion.
If they had discovered the hidden great saber on Ghost Island—
Then they would be a master who had reached the pinnacle of the Way of the Beast and could unfold the Empty Mind Spirit Perception.
The number of individuals in Langya Pavilion capable of such a feat was extremely limited.
The thought made his chest tighten.
If it truly was someone from Langya Pavilion... then they would undoubtedly be a top-ranking elder, someone he knew.
'And the instability of my own spirit was another variable.'
This incident had made him realize—
Like someone who had unleashed the Azure River Realm Great Art—
That another personality had taken root within him.
And that this personality might be the real Baekri Mu-ha.
'In the end, it was thanks to my incomplete spirit that I could seal him away.'
After witnessing his grandfather's death,
A vast chasm had opened within his spirit.
And it was that bottomless abyss that allowed him to suppress Baekri Mu-ha, an unforeseen personality.
Just before being dragged into that darkness, Baekri Mu-ha had said:
—Because you're nothing but a shell someone created.
He could accept everything else.
But the word shell—he couldn't comprehend it.
If that were true,
Then his very existence was an illusion from the start.
Even all his past memories would be nothing but a mirage.
'Is it possible to fabricate an illusory personality?'
Ordinary people also harbor many facets within their hearts.
But that doesn't mean their personalities split in two or retain separate memories.
Yet the Baekri Mu-ha he saw in the Mind's Eye Mirror was undeniably a completely separate entity.
'If his words are true, then my inability to remember the past might be because I'm just a shell.'
The only memories in Bu Eun-seol's mind were those of his grandfather.
His recollections of Saha Manor were fragmentary and unclear.
He could barely recall their faces, and the fact that they had loved him felt like nothing short of fortune.
'No—I don't need memories.'
In the past, he had yearned painfully for his parents.
But at some point, that longing had faded.
Because he realized the only thing he truly desired was revenge.
There was only one aspiration left in his heart—
To utterly annihilate the murderers and factions that killed his grandfather.
What he needed to do now wasn't to uncover the reason for his split personality...
But to find the person who had taken his grandfather's great saber from the Martial God Heaven's domain hidden on Ghost Island.
CRACK!
As thunder roared, he raced through the air—
And there, piercing the heavens, stood a towering mountain.
The ridgeline was both razor-sharp and gracefully flowing, resembling the dark eyebrows of a handsome man painted on a scroll.
Sword Brow Mountain.
Before he knew it, Bu Eun-seol had arrived at Langya Pavilion.