Supreme Pavilion, Bu Eunseol’s office.
“You’re summoning this captain?”
Bu Eunseol looked at the warrior who had suddenly appeared, his expression one of puzzlement.
A warrior from the Justice Pavilion had come to inform him that he must attend the Tribunal immediately.
In the end, the event he had anticipated was now unfolding.
‘It has begun.’
Bu Eunseol took a deep breath.
He could not precisely predict how it would conclude. But ever since he had handed over the Death Spirit Corps’s information to Gongsun Dankyung, he had been prepared for this.
“If you will come with us.”
The standing warrior politely extended a hand, and Bu Eunseol nodded.
“Understood.”
Inside the Justice Pavilion’s grand conference hall.
Under the chairmanship of Vice Alliance Leader Buk Ri-seong, another Tribunal was in session.
Various matters were swiftly handled, and now only the proposal submitted by Serene Jade Hall Leader, Naeng Gungcheon, remained.
“One matter left.”
Buk Ri-seong’s gaze fixed on Serene Jade Hall Leader, Naeng Gungcheon, who sat in the corner.
Receiving the gaze, Naeng Gungcheon rose from his seat as if he had been waiting and said,
“Captain Seon has been summoned and should arrive shortly.”
Creak.
No sooner had he spoken than the conference hall doors opened, revealing a tall, mild-looking man in white robes.
It was Bu Eunseol, disguised as Seon Woojin.
“Supreme Corps Captain Seon Woojin, responding to the summons…”
“Stand over there.”
Naeng Gungcheon coldly cut off Bu Eunseol’s words and pointed to the center of the hall.
“Understood.”
As Bu Eunseol silently took his place in the center, Naeng Gungcheon spoke icily.
“As I mentioned, this agenda concerns Captain Seon.”
After briefly surveying those present, he continued.
“It is clear that the Martial Soul Command Lord borrowed a boat from the Water Dragon Clan, yet the payment is recorded under Captain Seon’s name.”
At Naeng Gungcheon’s nod, his adjutant distributed thick books containing various details to Buk Ri-seong and the assembled Hall Leaders.
“The successor of Majeon, the Martial Soul Command Lord, used a bill from the Silver Lake Money House in Shaanxi—the primary transaction house of the Sunflower Merchant Guild.”
Naeng Gungcheon continued his explanation for some time.
In conclusion, not only did the Martial Soul Command Lord’s movements overlap with Seon Woojin’s, but the Martial Soul Command Lord had used a bill belonging to Seon Woojin.
If these facts were true?
This was not something that could be glossed over with vague answers.
It was a situation where he would immediately be dragged to the punishment hall for interrogation.
“I cannot understand how such a thing could happen.”
As Buk Ri-seong let out a low groan, Naeng Gungcheon said, “According to this Hall Leader’s investigation, the Martial Soul Command Lord used that money to rent a boat from the Water Dragon Clan in Dongjeong.”
Taking a deep breath, Naeng Gungcheon spoke solemnly.
“And the destination was none other than Ghost Island.”
It was a perfect checkmate.
Bu Eunseol had hurried to Ghost Island to rescue the Bullet King.
In his urgency, he had used a bill from the Silver Lake Money House that belonged to Seon Woojin.
It had been an entirely unforeseen mistake.
Murmur, murmur.
The hall quickly filled with murmurs.
How could the most prominent young master of the Demonic Faction possess and use a bill belonging to Seon Woojin to enter Ghost Island?
Even as the atmosphere in the conference hall grew frigid,
Bu Eunseol stood quietly to one side, silently listening to Naeng Gungcheon’s words.
‘He took the bait well.’
Serene Jade Hall Leader, Naeng Gungcheon.
He would never orchestrate such an event on his own.
He had clearly been co-opted by some faction or behind-the-scenes figure and was carrying this out.
‘Whether Chief Inspector Gongsun is the mastermind will become clear soon enough.’
All the information Naeng Gungcheon was presenting had been obtained by mobilizing both the Death Spirit Corps and the Supreme Corps—two major intelligence organizations.
It was information held by Gongsun Dankyung.
But a woman as meticulous and wise as her would never use someone like Serene Jade Hall Leader merely to bring down Seon Woojin.
‘She has put forward a beater.’
Bu Eunseol faintly nodded.
In truth, when he had rescued Bukgung Ryeong on Ghost Island and returned to arrive at Nangyang Pavilion, he had already realized his mistake with the bill.
Yet Bu Eunseol had deliberately provided Gongsun Dankyung with this information without omitting it.
First, because he had used the intelligence networks of both the Death Spirit Corps and Supreme Corps to create perfect evidence that would completely refute such accusations.
Second, to root out those within the Martial Alliance who harbored hostility toward Seon Woojin or still suspected him.
Including Gongsun Dankyung.
These were irresistible, tempting bait that no one could ignore.
“It certainly is strange.”
The Vice Alliance Leader nodded.
“Captain Seon. Do you have anything to say in your defense?”
“Of course I do.”
Just as Bu Eunseol was about to respond calmly,
“Please wait a moment.”
Naeng Gungcheon unexpectedly interjected.
“Before hearing Captain Seon’s words, may I call one witness?”
“A witness?”
“Yes.”
The Vice Alliance Leader tilted his head.
“What sort of witness?”
“The newly appointed Lord to our Alliance, Lord Bukgung.”
Serene Jade Hall Leader looked at Bu Eunseol with a cold smile.
“After all, Lord Bukgung was on Ghost Island at the time.”
In that instant, Bu Eunseol’s eyebrows shot up.
‘The Three Realms are behind this.’
With Serene Jade Hall Leader’s position, he could not possibly have known that Bukgung Ryeong was on Ghost Island at that time.
That meant he was a member of the Three Realms.
Assuming Seon Woojin operated an outstanding intelligence division and possessed a secret force,
Even if solid evidence were presented, they had anticipated it could be fabricated.
Thus, they had called Bukgung Ryeong from the start to render that evidence unusable.
Though Bu Eunseol had erased all traces of the corpses…
If it was the Three Realms, they would have grasped the situation on Ghost Island to some extent.
‘I only hope this is not Chief Inspector Gongsun’s plan.’
Even if Serene Jade Hall Leader Naeng Gungcheon was from the Three Realms, he lacked the ability to devise such a meticulous scheme using Bukgung Ryeong.
In other words, behind this affair stood someone meticulous and exceptionally wise.
If that was Gongsun Dankyung?
Then naturally, she too would be part of the Three Realms.
“According to the investigation, Lord Bukgung was on Ghost Island at the time, so he should be able to describe the situation in detail.”
“Very well.”
The Vice Alliance Leader nodded.
“Bring in the Lord.”
At that moment, Bu Eunseol clenched his fists tightly.
Bukgung Ryeong did not know Seon Woojin’s true identity.
If he truthfully recounted everything that happened on Ghost Island?
All the evidence Bu Eunseol had prepared in advance would become unusable.
Creak.
The door opened, and an old man in white robes slowly entered.
An aura like autumn frost enveloped his body, and his eyes were long like a phoenix’s.
It was the Bullet King, Bukgung Ryeong, who had dominated the martial world with his unparalleled Inner Bullet Energy.
“Vice Alliance Leader.”
Bukgung Ryeong offered a light salute, and the Vice Alliance Leader returned it.
“My Lord.” Naeng Gungcheon stepped forward, saluted Bukgung Ryeong, and asked in a polite voice, “Thank you for appearing as a witness.”
“No need for such words.”
“You were on Ghost Island at the time, were you not?”
“That is correct.”
“And whom did you see there?”
As he asked the question, Naeng Gungcheon looked at Bu Eunseol and curled his lips.
—There’s no escape, you cur.
This conference hall was filled not only with Martial Alliance Hall Leaders but also the Vice Alliance Leader and the Bullet King.
Even if he broke through the roof to flee, he could not escape their grasp unscathed.
“What this Lord saw on Ghost Island was…”
As Bukgung Ryeong opened his mouth, Bu Eunseol stood at a crossroads.
If he combined Thunder Spirit Energy with Swift Beyond Shadow, he could escape immediately.
But Naeng Gungcheon was from the Three Realms.
Not only Buk Ri-seong and the Bullet King, but powerful experts were surely deployed around here.
Or perhaps a heavy encirclement had been laid near the Martial Alliance.
‘But I must escape first so the Supreme Corps members can move according to plan.’
Just as Bu Eunseol began gathering his divine energy,
“…none other than Captain Seon here.”
In that instant, silence fell over the hall.
It was an utterly unexpected answer.
Even Naeng Gungcheon, as if struck from behind, widened his eyes and asked,
“What do you mean? You saw Captain Seon?”
“Did you not ask whom I saw on Ghost Island?”
“The one recorded as renting the boat to Ghost Island is the successor of Majeon, the Martial Soul Command Lord.”
“True. He was there as well.”
“What do you mean by that?”
Bukgung Ryeong replied with a calm expression. “That fellow tried to challenge me on Ghost Island. But unexpected interferers appeared, preventing the duel, and he eventually left.”
Sparks flew from Naeng Gungcheon’s eyes.
“You mean you intended to duel the Martial Soul Command Lord there?”
“Indeed. I had an accidental encounter with that arrogant brat near West Lake. Too many people were around to fight freely.”
Bukgung Ryeong continued calmly.
“So we agreed to meet on Ghost Island in half a month to duel. And so he came.”
“Then why was Captain Seon on Ghost Island?”
“There was a connection that warranted it.”
“Connection, you say?”
Bukgung Ryeong wore a troubled expression.
“It is not a tale fit to tell here.”
Naeng Gungcheon asked again with suspicious eyes.
“Why not?”
“There are circumstances, as I said.”
“Please speak clearly, Lord.”
“Hah.”
In that moment, cold light flashed from Bukgung Ryeong’s eyes.
“Are you interrogating me now?”
As his anger rose, frigid air swirled through the hall.
“Ahem.”
Unable to bear it, Buk Ri-seong cleared his throat and stepped in.
“Lord, since things have come to this, why not tell the full story?”
He pointed at Bu Eunseol and added, “If the exact facts are unknown, this young lord may face difficulties.”
“Hmm.”
Bukgung Ryeong let out a low groan as if he had no choice and opened his mouth.
“I called him as an observer.”
“An observer?”
“Yes. Merely watching my duel with that arrogant fellow… would grant him immeasurable profound insight.”
At that moment, Naeng Gungcheon interjected again.
“What on earth do you mean?”
“You keep making me say more.”
Bukgung Ryeong replied coldly.
“Since I was dueling a demonic seed anyway, I called Captain Seon as an observer to give him a chance to awaken to the mysteries of my Inner Bullet Energy.”
In that instant, Buk Ri-seong asked in surprise,
“Was Captain Seon your disciple, Lord?”
Bukgung Ryeong had never taken a disciple in his life and wandered the martial world alone. Yet he had suddenly taught Inner Bullet Energy to Captain Seon? Did that mean he had accepted him as a disciple?
“No disciple. It was merely a momentary whim.”
Bukgung Ryeong looked at Seon Woojin—no, Bu Eunseol—and smiled.
“While staying at the Jongri family, I briefly met Captain Seon. And while wandering the martial world, I encountered him again by chance.”
A proud smile appeared in Bukgung Ryeong’s eyes.
“As it turned out, he had been wandering alone and doing many good deeds.”
At that moment, those present widened their eyes.
Seon Woojin was known as the lord of the Supreme Corps—an intelligence unit—who went out alone to grasp the state of the martial world.
Yet in the midst of that, he had been doing good deeds worthy of praise from the Bullet King Bukgung Ryeong?
“No wonder the Supreme Corps Captain is always so busy.”
As Buk Ri-seong added, Bukgung Ryeong nodded.
“His talent is outstanding, and his character is upright, so in a moment of excitement, I taught him the basics of Inner Bullet Energy.”
“Then did you defeat the Martial Soul Command Lord? I wonder why no rumors spread in the martial world.”
To Buk Ri-seong’s question, Bukgung Ryeong smacked his lips.
“While waiting for him on Ghost Island and training my martial arts, a massive force suddenly attacked me. At first, I thought that wicked fellow had sent them…”
He continued with a bitter expression.
“But they turned out to be from an unknown faction using strange methods… This old man nearly died. But thanks to the timely arrival of that Majeon leader and Captain Seon, I survived.”
The silent Serene Jade Hall Leader opened his mouth.
‘So that’s why those traces were there?’
Bukgung Ryeong had originally been meant to be captured on Ghost Island.
But he had safely escaped, and the experts and troops sent there were utterly annihilated.
Examining the traces, a powerful expert had appeared to help him… and it turned out to be the Martial Soul Command Lord who had come for the duel.
“Hah, then why did you not acknowledge him at the Hero’s Monument erection ceremony?” Buk Ri-seong widened his eyes. “Captain Seon is practically your disciple, Lord.”
“Disciple, nonsense. Did I not say it was a momentary whim?”
Bukgung Ryeong looked at Bu Eunseol.
“However, though he did many good deeds, he never revealed his identity.”
He calmly surveyed the assembly once more and continued.
“I respected that heart, so I did not acknowledge him. Nor did we form a formal master-disciple bond.”
Listening to the exchange between Bukgung Ryeong and Buk Ri-seong, Naeng Gungcheon’s mouth fell open.
If things turned out this way, he—who had attacked Seon Woojin again—would fall into ruin.
Naeng Gungcheon desperately racked his brain.
‘No, couldn’t all this be a lie?’
“Captain Seon.”
His eyes flashing, he said, “If the Lord’s words are all true, then you can use Inner Bullet Energy. Isn’t that right?”
“This fellow seems to suspect you quite a bit.”
Before Bu Eunseol could answer, Bukgung Ryeong spoke in a gentle voice.
His expression and eyes were like those of a master truly cherishing a beloved disciple.
“Show him.”
As Bu Eunseol turned his head, Bukgung Ryeong gave a faint nod.
‘He knew my identity.’
Bu Eunseol inwardly smiled bitterly.
Bukgung Ryeong knew Bu Eunseol was Seon Woojin yet was helping to keep his true identity hidden.
But this was not something they had arranged…
Bukgung Ryeong had instantly grasped the situation and improvised.
And the effect was tremendous.
No one would ever dare doubt a living hero honored with a Hero’s Monument—the Orthodox Faction’s great righteous warrior.
“Very well.”
In truth, Bu Eunseol had never learned Inner Bullet Energy.
But with over five hundred years of inner energy, he could imitate equivalent techniques without learning it.
Boom!
As Bu Eunseol flicked his finger, a explosive sound rang out, and compressed air shot forth like a cannonball.
It was power created using Bu Eunseol’s true divine energy.
Yet those present could only mistake it for the Bullet King’s Inner Bullet Energy.
—So that’s it.
Everyone present nodded.
Bukgung Ryeong was a contemporary great righteous warrior honored with a Hero’s Monument while alive.
Since he vouched for Seon Woojin, even if the emperor suspected him, they would have to believe.
“I—I did not know the full circumstances.” Naeng Gungcheon trembled.
His position had already crumbled.
Moreover, many among the Martial Alliance leadership knew of the Three Realms and were wary of them.
In the end, this affair had subtly revealed that he belonged to the Three Realms…
He would have no place left in the Martial Alliance.
“It’s fine.”
Bu Eunseol smiled at Naeng Gungcheon.
“It is also my fault for hiding my identity.”
“Is it not the behavior young warriors of the martial world should emulate—to hide themselves and lower their profile while doing good deeds?”
At that moment, Buk Ri-seong showed Bu Eunseol a proud smile.
“There is no need to feel sorry for such things.”
Not only Buk Ri-seong but most of the Hall Leaders wore deeply moved expressions.
Supreme Corps Captain Seon Woojin.
They had known he was intelligent and skilled in martial arts. But due to his rapid promotion and attention, many had envied and resented him.
Yet upon learning he hid himself while doing good deeds, even those who disliked him could not help but feel fondness.
“Though Captain Seon possesses such outstanding ability and the spirit of a great righteous warrior… like Lord Bukgung, he hides his merits, leading to these successive incidents.”
Buk Ri-seong spoke solemnly. “From now on, if anyone wishes to frame Captain Seon again, they had best offer their neck first.”
With those words, the conference ended.
Naeng Gungcheon could only lower his head and break into cold sweat.
All that remained for him was to be quietly disposed of by the Three Realms or to leave the Alliance and return to his hometown.
A moonlit night.
Bu Eunseol and Bukgung Ryeong sat facing each other in a small tavern a short distance from the Martial Alliance, tilting their cups.
“How on earth did you know?”
Bu Eunseol’s question carried many layers of meaning.
Bukgung Ryeong set down his cup and snorted.
“How many people do you think have fought back-to-back with this old man since I entered the martial world?”
It was Bukgung Ryeong who coined the term “Unrivaled Under Heaven.”
And the only person with whom he—who had dominated the martial world alone his entire life—had ever stood back-to-back was Bu Eunseol.
“So it was then.”
Bu Eunseol recalled something and smiled faintly.
He remembered when, at the Hero’s Monument erection ceremony, while greeting Yuk Jangcheon, the man had patted his shoulder.
“Having trained finger-flicked Inner Bullet Energy all my life, the sensation in my fingertips is unmatched under heaven.”
Just as Bu Eunseol, from long experience as a mortician, could remember others’ physiques with his eyes, Bukgung Ryeong possessed the ability to distinguish people by the shape and texture of muscles felt through his fingertips.
“I know the form of your shoulders and back muscles all too well.”
Moreover, as an absolute master, having clashed and struck Bu Eunseol’s form many times in battle, he could recognize them instantly.
“You’re not asking why?”
Bu Eunseol questioned in a low voice.
“I could destroy the Martial Alliance.”
“Heh heh heh. If that were the case, the Martial Alliance would have been finished long ago.”
Bukgung Ryeong drained his cup casually.
“The Alliance is rotten anyway. And you must be up to something.”
He believed.
That Bu Eunseol cared nothing for Orthodox or Demonic distinctions and was doing what was right.
“In truth, it’s not for righteousness, nor for the martial world.”
As Bu Eunseol tried to explain, Bukgung Ryeong waved his hand.
“No need to explain every detail to me. My head already feels like it’s splitting.”
At his words, Bu Eunseol snorted and shook his head.
There was no need to voice the thoughts in his heart.
When you truly like someone, you come to see right through their inner mind.
‘I shouldn’t mention the Alliance Leader to the old man yet.’
Bukgung Ryeong had always deeply despised the Martial Alliance. Having only just become a Lord, he had yet to establish a firm base or support within the Alliance.
If he heard about the Heavenly Emperor or the Martial Venerable, he might feel great confusion or disgust toward the Alliance.
“I’ll go first.”
Having emptied ten jars of wine, Bukgung Ryeong rose first.
“Now that I’m a Lord or whatever, there are many matters to attend to.”
Without looking back, he left the tavern.
Bu Eunseol watched him go and smiled.
Now Bukgung Ryeong would become a powerful backer supporting him within the Martial Alliance.
Even in the worst case, he could achieve complete independence without relying on Gongsun Dankyung or Yuk Jangcheon.
