Chapter 972
The Martial Soul Society, Martial Soul Pavilion, Grand Conference Hall.
"Bu Eun-seol."
Do Cheon-rin, the first to arrive in the grand conference hall, spotted Bu Eun-seol standing tall near the window and immediately rushed over.
"What the hell happened?"
He grabbed Bu Eun-seol's shoulders and shook them urgently.
"Why haven't you contacted us until now?"
Before Bu Eun-seol could even respond, Do Cheon-rin continued rapidly.
"The Demonic Heavenly Emperor is not a man who goes back on his word. Yet you broke the promise of the Life and Death Palm Decree—where have you been all this time? And why did you come straight here instead of reporting to the Demon Hall immediately?"
"Calm down."
Bu Eun-seol spoke composedly.
"There were reasons."
He was about to explain everything that had happened in India from the beginning, but Do Cheon-rin, who seemed to have grown more impatient in the meantime, cut him off with another question.
"And why the hell are you setting up another household in the middle of all this?"
"Another household?"
"First, you brought in a pretty girl as a servant, and now you've made a cute young lady an attendant here in the main hall!"
After concluding all his business in India, Bu Eun-seol had not returned directly to the Demon Hall.
To fulfill Hye Myo-eum's request—
To ensure Seong-a could live safely, no longer shackled by the term "New Bloodline"—
He had arranged for her to live as an attendant of the Martial Soul Society.
After all, the dark art that had transformed her into a New Bloodline could only be undone by the blood of someone with mixed heritage from the Baekri Clan and the True Demon.
Unless she ingested his blood, Seong-a was indistinguishable from an ordinary girl—so much so that even the Demonic Heavenly Emperor would find nothing amiss.
Bu Eun-seol was the Poison King of India. Moreover, after absorbing the Four Deadly Poisons of Dokjon in India, Bu Eun-seol had not only developed poison essence within his body but also gained the ability to transfer the energy flowing within him to others.
By infusing Seong-a with the mysterious energy that could perfectly alter one's appearance, he had reshaped her features to resemble those of a Central Plains native.
If she lived quietly here—
She could remain safe indefinitely.
"The deadline I agreed upon with the Demonic Heavenly Emperor has already passed by over a month anyway..."
Bu Eun-seol spoke calmly.
"And uncovering clues about the Baekri Clan and the True Demon required some sacrifices."
"What are you talking about?"
"It's something I'll explain to everyone during the meeting anyway..."
Then, he recounted everything that had transpired in India.
As he listened, Do Cheon-rin's eyes widened.
Who would have thought that in such a short time, Bu Eun-seol had undertaken such a perilous adventure in India?
However, Bu Eun-seol omitted the fact that Seong-a was a New Bloodline, lying instead that he had arranged for her to live in an ordinary Indian village.
No matter how tight the security, information could still leak.
Above all, he wanted her to live a normal life, free from the storms of the martial world.
"You deliberately spread false information that a New Bloodline was here in the main hall and then left?"
Do Cheon-rin's eyes bulged as if he had been backstabbed.
If that were the case... wouldn't the coming events be obvious?
"What, are you not confident?"
"Hmph, as if I'm not confident."
Do Cheon-rin's expression brimmed with pride.
"This main hall now possesses martial might so formidable that no faction, no matter how powerful, can easily challenge us."
He thumped his chest.
"Let the Baekri Clan or the True Demon come—we'll be ready."
"And if you master the Mind's Eye Mirror, it'll be even more perfect."
"No need. We're fine without it."
Do Cheon-rin waved his hand dismissively.
In truth, Bu Eun-seol had already delivered the perfected manual of the Mind's Eye Mirror—completed by Han Sang-ja—to the Martial Soul Society.
Simply by deploying it, the hall could become an impregnable fortress capable of defending against even superlative martial experts.
Unfortunately, the Four Great Divisions had made no progress in mastering it.
—Our martial arts are more than enough!
The four division leaders—Noe Bi-hon, Bing Han-pung, Do Cheon-rin, and Dae Gu-hwi—had each mastered one of the pinnacle martial disciplines of the martial world.
They were grandmasters who had devoted their lives to refining their arts and establishing their own schools.
Rather than relying on the ancient secret art of the Mind's Eye Mirror proposed by Bu Eun-seol, they were determined to achieve Great Completion through the martial skills they had spent their lives mastering.
Bu Eun-seol had tried persuading them multiple times, but since the Martial Soul Society had yet to face any serious confrontations, he had allowed them some leeway to reconsider.
"However."
Do Cheon-rin spoke with utmost gravity.
"If things go wrong, the entire Martial Soul Society could be wiped out in an instant."
"I know."
Bu Eun-seol nodded.
"That's why I called this meeting."
Murmur, murmur.
Amidst the growing clamor, the sound of numerous footsteps filled the hall as the core members of the Martial Soul Society began filing in one by one.
All the division leaders—Noe Bi-hon, Bing Han-pung, and Dae Gu-hwi—along with strategist Dam Yu-yeon, Chief Steward Yu Hwa-ryeong, and others.
They were the core members and pillars of the Martial Soul Society.
"Lord!"
Upon spotting Bu Eun-seol, the hall's key members swarmed around him with delighted expressions.
They were overjoyed that he was unharmed after losing contact, each inquiring after his well-being in turn.
Bu Eun-seol exchanged brief greetings with them.
Then he repeated the detailed explanation he'd given Do Cheon-rin about everything that had transpired during his absence.
Every listener's mouth fell open as they absorbed his account.
They'd heard he was conducting investigations under the Demonic Heavenly Emperor's orders.
But to think he'd been risking his life alone on perilous adventures in distant foreign lands?
"The absurd legend of the True Demon is gradually becoming reality," murmured Bing Han-pung with a sigh after listening silently.
Tales of the True Demon's existence had been passed down through murim history like folklore.
But neither he nor his familiars had ever truly appeared in martial history.
Yet now in this era, the Eight Heavenly Servants and Four Divine Heavens were emerging one by one.
And hearing reports that his attendants were creating New Bloodlines in India...
They were forced to acknowledge the True Demon was no mere legend.
"But... is this truly acceptable?" Dae Gu-hwi blurted out after absorbing everything.
"Even if we commit the hall's full combat power, we'd struggle against the enemies who'll come swarming."
The True Demon's attendants must be desperately searching for their vanished New Bloodline.
If her last traces remained with the Shadow Spirit Hall?
They'd face overwhelming foes - the True Demon's entire hierarchy might descend upon them.
"That won't happen," Bu Eun-seol stated calmly.
"They operate vast intelligence networks. Their background checks would have concluded long ago."
"Background checks...?"
"They've already confirmed the New Bloodline isn't here."
"That can't be." Dae Gu-hwi spoke with confident conviction.
"Our Beast Division warriors have keener noses than hunting hounds - we'd instantly detect any outsiders or reconnaissance forces."
The solemn-faced members suppressed smiles at his naive comparison of his own Beast Division to hunting dogs.
"They're unlike ordinary masters. Not only do they wield ancient secret arts unknown to the world, their operational methods differ completely from conventional murim factions."
"So you're saying we'll use the New Bloodline information to draw out the Baekri Clan or the True Demon's forces," Bing Han-pung interjected.
"If it's them, they might even uncover the assassin who harmed the Seven Fingers Demonic Blade - the target they've pursued all along."
The girl in the underground Ajanta Caves was the first New Bloodline - the progenitor - that the True Demon had strived to create.
If she vanished suddenly, leaving final traces with the Shadow Spirit Hall?
While the Baekri Clan might not act, the True Demon's servants would move heaven and earth to find her by any means necessary.
This could become leverage for negotiations.
"I did consider that possibility," Bu Eun-seol admitted, taking a deep breath before shaking his head.
"But negotiation is impossible."
"Impossible?" Bing Han-pung tilted his head quizzically.
"The True Demon's faction must desperately want that New Bloodline girl's whereabouts. If the Lord claims to know, couldn't negotiations proceed?"
"I mean negotiations won't even be attempted," Bu Eun-seol corrected, shaking his head again.
"Even established as we are in murim, to the Baekri Clan or True Demon, we're still mere infants."
He sighed profoundly before continuing.
"If a babe clutches a gold nugget, you simply take it. Why bother negotiating?"
"Then the situation is even graver," Bing Han-pung observed.
"If negotiations are impossible... they'll tear through our hall in moments to interrogate us about her whereabouts."
All members nodded grimly.
However deep the Shadow Spirit Hall's roots in murim, if the Baekri Clan or True Demon resolved to attack?
Resistance would be futile from the outset.
"Correct. Hence this emergency meeting."
The shocking declaration left members' faces stiff with tension.
No matter what they tried, war had become inevitable.
"Haven't we moved too soon?" Dam Yu-yeon asked quietly.
"Though our hall has grown substantially, we're still unprepared to withstand their assault."
Her cold assessment stated an undeniable truth.
This battle offered no tangible benefits nor room for negotiation.
Yet because of Bu Eun-seol's decision,
Every hall member now faced incomprehensible circumstances requiring them to stake their lives.
"If the Baekri Clan or True Demon's forces attack, our hall will likely be defeated."
Even as the Shadow Spirit Hall's founder,
Bu Eun-seol couldn't sacrifice these warriors merely for his personal ambitions or opinions.
"But to proceed with such an important matter—"
"Without any prior discussion? Acting entirely on your own whim?"
Dam Yu-yeon had pointed it out clearly.
"Your words are correct, however—"
At that moment, Yu Hwa-ryeong spoke up while looking at Dam Yu-yeon.
"In the current martial world, there are many factions that threaten our society's safety. The Martial Alliance, the Demon Hall, the Three Clans, and even the Same Heart Society. Not to mention forces whose identities remain unknown."
He continued swiftly.
"But do you think they'll simply wait for us to grow stronger? Haven't we been training diligently all this time precisely for sudden, urgent battles?"
He wasn't wrong.
Yet, Dam Yu-yeon's expression did not brighten.
This battle had clearly been forced upon them abruptly by someone.
"There's no need to worry."
Then, Bu Eun-seol spoke calmly.
"This wasn't done recklessly, without thought. This fight will inevitably stop at the Middle Path."
"What do you mean?"
At Dam Yu-yeon's question, Bu Eun-seol explained composedly.
"Since ancient times, there has been a neutral force in the martial world that prevents interference in the battle between the Baekri Clan and the True Demon—one that ensures their balance is not disrupted. It regulates them."
He met the eyes of each person present as he continued.
"But the moment one learns of its existence, they are immediately attacked. That's why it has remained an absolute secret, unknown to anyone."
Bu Eun-seol took a deep breath before speaking with solemnity.
"If my predictions are correct, this neutral force will undoubtedly appear this time."
The Sacred Realm.
Those who knew its name were few—even among those bound by the Covenant.
If an outsider were to learn of it, they would be killed by its hands.
That was why Bu Eun-seol could only explain it this way, unable to reveal its name even before the core members of the Shadow Spirit Hall.
"Does such a place truly exist in this world?"
When Dae Gu-hwi asked in astonishment, Bu Eun-seol nodded.
"It does. The fact that the existence of the Baekri Clan and the True Demon has remained hidden for so long is also connected to them."
For a moment, silence filled the conference hall.
"So there's a force that sanctions martial artists who might disrupt the balance between the Baekri Clan and the True Demon..."
After a long pause, Noe Bi-hon finally spoke.
"That would mean the Baekri Clan and the True Demon cannot directly interfere in the affairs of the martial world. Which is why... they created subordinates like the Three Realms and the Eight Heavenly Servants."
"Correct."
As Bu Eun-seol nodded, Do Cheon-rin spoke.
"Then the Baekri Clan and the True Demon would also be sending their subordinates this time, as they always have?"
"Right."
But Dam Yu-yeon interjected with a grave expression.
"But the intervention of this neutral force is merely speculation, isn't it?"
"It is."
Bu Eun-seol nodded again.
"However, if things go as planned, this incident will allow us to observe how the Baekri Clan, the True Demon, and the neutral force that maintains their balance... conduct their affairs."
After another deep breath, he continued.
"In truth, the current martial world can be seen as their battleground."
"A battleground."
Only then did Dam Yu-yeon understand what Bu Eun-seol meant.
"So through this incident, you intend to confirm whether they are truly neutral... or merely a construct created for the convenience of the Baekri Clan and the True Demon."
"That's right."
Bu Eun-seol paused briefly before speaking again.
"What if the Baekri Clan and the True Demon are beings that transcend everything? If no matter how much we strive, there is no room to defy or resist their will..."
As Bu Eun-seol trailed off, a silence as heavy as death settled over them.
"If that's the case... I will abandon everything."
His shocking words wrapped the room in a suffocating stillness.
It was Do Cheon-rin who finally broke the silence after a long while.
"What... do you mean by that?"
"If they truly are beings beyond all reach, I will relinquish all my current standing, become a nameless wanderer of the martial world, and face them alone."
At this unexpected declaration, the others could only gape, unable to speak.
After coming this far, how could he discard everything he's built without hesitation?
Yet, it was also a statement they could fully comprehend.
No matter how many titles one held.
No matter how much power one amassed... if the martial world was ultimately in their grasp?
Then all their efforts would be nothing but meaningless struggles.
"Rather than becoming a nameless wanderer, why not seek refuge under one of the two factions?"
Noe Bi-hon, who had remained silent until now, grinned as he spoke.
"With your skills, little brother, even the Baekri Clan or the True Demon would welcome you."
Though half-joking, there was sincerity in his words.
Bu Eun-seol responded with a dry smile.
"That wouldn't be bad, but for some reason, it doesn't appeal to me."
Truthfully, even if he wanted to, he couldn't.
Because he was a mixed-blood of the two great clans.
He could belong to neither.
According to the old man from the Sacred Realm,
if his true identity were ever exposed, neither faction would remain idle.
"Either way, the conclusion is the same..."
Just then, Yu Hwa-ryeong spoke up.
"Through this matter, we'll confirm whether the martial world is merely their playground—or if it operates under its own set of rules."
The assembled members nodded in agreement.
If the Baekri Clan and the True Demon truly wielded absolute authority,
then all their efforts up until now would have been meaningless.
But if, as Bu Eun-seol said, neutral factions indeed held their ground and the two great powers also adhered to certain rules—
then the martial world was not merely their playground, and the Martial Soul Society could become a faction recognized within those very rules.
"And if we succeed in this matter..."
Bu Eun-seol took a deep breath, his eyes flashing as he surveyed the members seated in the meeting hall.
"It will be the moment the long-veiled enigma—the Martial Soul Society Leader—steps into the light of the martial world."
The members' eyes widened.
Though Bu Eun-seol had always been the Society Leader, he had never officially acknowledged the title, deeming the time not yet right.
But after resolving this matter—
he intended to openly assume the role of the true Martial Soul Society Leader and lead the organization.
He had been carefully timing the Society Leader's debut, and through this incident in India,
he would reveal himself under that identity.
Whether it was the Baekri Clan or the True Demon,
if they pursued the missing New Bloodline in India, they would inevitably come across the name "Martial Soul Society Leader."
Thus, the Servants of the True Demon, unable to locate the New Bloodline, would have no choice but to seek out the Society Leader.
That was precisely why he had devised this plan—to seize the opportunity.
"But you haven't even left the Demon Hall yet."
At Do Cheon-rin's words, Bu Eun-seol shook his head.
"The Martial Soul Society Leader will appear under the guise of Seol-so."
"As the wandering martial artist Seol-so?"
"Correct."
"But if you present yourself as the Bullet King's disciple while also being the Society Leader... won't your martial arts seem too weak?"
Bu Eun-seol explained.
"Truthfully, the identity of the Bullet King's disciple was merely a secondary cover for Seol-so. Originally, he was meant to be an inheritor of a great status and martial arts—one who wields Natural Qi as his foundation. His martial arts will manifest as the True Void, and he will emerge as an Absolute Master."
"Natural Qi?"
"Thanks to certain insights I gained during my time in India... I've learned to wield it to some extent."
The Heavenly Light Endless Art.
By unifying the Three Divine Powers through this profound technique, Bu Eun-seol intended to firmly reestablish Seol-so's identity.
"But what if your disguise is exposed?"
At Do Cheon-rin's concern, Bu Eun-seol replied confidently.
"I possess a disguise technique that even figures from the Baekri Clan or the True Demon could never see through. There's no need to worry about that."
Had anyone else made such a claim, they would have been met with skepticism—How could such a technique exist?
But because it was Bu Eun-seol speaking, the reaction was a simple, Ah, of course.
After all, he had consistently accomplished what others deemed impossible.
"Then the time for the Society Leader's return to the Demon Hall... will be after this battle."
For the first time, Dam Yu-yeon addressed Bu Eun-seol respectfully as "Society Leader."
It was both a declaration that she would now serve him with genuine loyalty, setting aside all past relations,
and an earnest hope that this plan would proceed flawlessly, leading to Seol-so's true identity as the Martial Soul Society Leader being publicly revealed to the martial world.
"Indeed."
Bu Eun-seol nodded calmly.
"Depending on how this matter unfolds, I may return to the Demon Hall... or I may erase all identities and become a wandering rogue."
Ultimately, this battle would determine
whether Seol-so would emerge in the martial world as the Society Leader—a grandmaster shaping the realm—
or whether Bu Eun-seol would abandon all identities and roam the world alone as a nameless wanderer.
A heavy silence once again settled over the meeting hall.
This confrontation had always been inevitable—but its suddenness was overwhelming.
Yet how often did things in this world go as planned?
That was why the wise always prepared for unforeseen dangers.
"Then we must begin preparing for battle immediately."
Do Cheon-rin spoke with unwavering confidence.
"Though, given that we've trained rigorously without wasting a single day, there's little left to prepare."
At this, all the hall leaders, including Noe Bi-hon, bared their teeth in confident smiles.
As Do Cheon-rin said, they had trained relentlessly every single day without fail.
Though they had refused Bu Eun-seol's proposal and thus failed to complete the Mind's Eye Mirror, they were certain they could hold their ground against any formidable foe.
"From this moment forth, this Society has welcomed its true Leader. Let us all pay him the respect he is due."
At Noe Bi-hon's words, the assembled members nodded in solemn agreement.
Rather than going along with Bu Eun-seol's intention to step forward as Society Leader only after winning this battle,
they would recognize him as their rightful leader now.
"Very well."
Bu Eun-seol took a deep breath.
"Now, let us stake our lives—and unravel one of the martial world's greatest secrets."
From this moment on, they might have to face the two great factions that ruled the world.
But he could still smile.
Because he stood alongside comrades and close friends—those he could entrust even his life to.
"As you command!"
At his command, all the senior members in the meeting hall assumed solemn expressions and bowed in salute.
Before he was the Society Leader—
Bu Eun-seol had long been their sworn brother and benefactor, one who had vowed to share life and death with them.
If they were to die fighting the two great powers that ruled the world, their names would be etched forever in the annals of martial history.
There was nothing to fear. Nothing to regret.