The technique Bu Eunseol had mastered, Swift Beyond Shadow, was a divine movement art from the great swordmaster Gowol. It was an unparalleled method for stealthy infiltration or concealing one’s presence.
Yet, as Bu Eunseol slipped out of Neung Joun’s quarters, he did not employ his movement technique. Instead, he walked boldly, with deliberate steps.
‘I must act as if I’m casually touring the interior.’ The reason Bu Eunseol had gone to the trouble of using Jong Jeongyak to enter the Martial Alliance was precisely to gain a status that allowed him to roam freely like this.
The Martial Alliance was the Martial Alliance.
It was a coalition of righteous sects, teeming with countless talents and masters wielding fearsome martial arts.
If Bu Eunseol relied solely on his martial prowess and movement techniques, recklessly wandering here and there? He could easily be discovered by masters far superior to him or even come under attack.
‘There isn’t much time left for me.’
Moreover, the time Bu Eunseol could remain in the Martial Alliance was strictly limited.
Within that time, he had to thoroughly investigate the surroundings of the Martial Alliance and determine if there was any connection to the Sahyang Clan.
Step, step.
Bu Eunseol strolled leisurely, as if taking a casual walk, glancing at the pavilions and buildings around him, occasionally approaching their entrances.
At times, when he ventured toward more secluded areas, guards would stop him. But as Bu Eunseol refrained from getting too close to the pavilions and wandered slowly, their interest in him soon waned.
The scale of the Martial Alliance was even larger than that of Majeon’s headquarters. To thoroughly investigate its interior, even a month would be insufficient. Moreover, areas like the repository of martial arts manuals or the residences of the Alliance’s leaders were strictly off-limits, even to approach.
Thus, Bu Eunseol wandered as if on a stroll, carefully selecting places where he could come and go or investigate without being noticed. And when he found a suspicious location, he employed his Mind-Piercing Technique to check for hidden mechanisms.
‘I mustn’t rely solely on the information I already have.’
In truth, he had memorized a detailed map of the Martial Alliance’s internal structure, thanks to a request to the Ninth Killing Lord, So Jamyeong.
But that map was only meant to help him avoid the residences of the Alliance’s leaders, including the Alliance Leader himself. Rather than relying on it, he trusted his instincts to investigate the interior.
‘A storage warehouse?’ As Bu Eunseol quickly scanned the buildings, his gaze settled on a large structure in the distance.
It was a dilapidated warehouse used to store broken weapons or damaged equipment.
It was a place where not only the Martial Alliance’s warriors but even ordinary laborers could enter without restriction—a location ill-suited for hiding anything.
But Bu Eunseol saw things differently.
“The foundation of a search is to start with the places no one would suspect,” Neung Joun had once said.
And those words were true. Searching the least suspicious places first prevents wasting time. Approaching the warehouse, Bu Eunseol used his Mind-Piercing Technique to meticulously examine the building’s exterior.
‘There’s something here.’ Raising his auditory senses, he faintly heard the sound of springs or chains moving—a subtle indication of a hidden mechanism.
Carefully entering, Bu Eunseol thoroughly inspected the interior.
‘Something’s off.’ The interior was quite spacious, with separate rooms for categorized equipment.
Despite the ample space, the arrangement was haphazard, leaving many unnecessary empty areas.
‘This kind of layout suggests hidden spaces.’
Taking a deep breath, Bu Eunseol focused his mind. He used his Mind-Piercing Technique once more to locate any concealed mechanisms.
‘There it is.’ Bu Eunseol opened the door to a stone chamber at the far end of the warehouse.
The room was empty, with the floor covered in blue stone tiles.
‘The floor, huh.’ To the naked eye, the tiles looked unremarkable, but to Bu Eunseol, using his Mind-Piercing Technique, some of the tiles appeared in a distinctly different hue.
‘They must be stepped on in a specific order.’ Finding traces of footprints, Bu Eunseol stepped on the tiles in sequence.
Grind, grind, grind.
A section of the stone wall sank, revealing a small passageway.
As he prepared to enter—
“…!” His Mind-Shattering Eye Technique triggered a warning.
Bu Eunseol immediately stepped on the tiles in reverse order. The wall rose again, closing the passage.
Whoosh.
He slipped out and hid behind a pillar facing the stone chamber.
Click.
At that moment, the sound of a door opening echoed, and someone approached the stone chamber where Bu Eunseol was.
Step, step.
The figure was clad entirely in white, with a white mask covering their face. Though their appearance was hidden, the aura emanating from them was sharp and cold, like ice. As the masked figure moved toward the stone chamber with the hidden passage— “Strange.” They tilted their head, then suddenly unleashed a barrage of finger strikes toward the pillar where Bu Eunseol was hiding.
Swish, swish, swish!
Eighty-one finger strikes shot forth in rapid succession.
The storm of energy sliced through the air, curving and passing through the space where Bu Eunseol was concealed.
“…A mistake, perhaps.” The masked figure tilted their head again, staring into the darkness.
Then they entered the stone chamber and began stepping on the tiles in sequence.
Grind, rumble.
The sound of grinding stone echoed as the arrangement of the tiles shifted.
“What a bother, making me worry over nothing,” the masked figure muttered irritably before leaving the warehouse.
“Phew.” As the masked figure departed, Bu Eunseol emerged from the shadows.
Buzz.
A massive black energy shield shimmered in front of him, large enough to cover his entire body.
To silently block the masked figure’s powerful finger strikes, he had deployed his Willful Energy Technique.
‘If I hadn’t used the Willful Energy Technique, I would’ve been exposed immediately.’
The masked figure’s finger strikes were truly unparalleled in the martial world. Moreover, the technique of unleashing eighty-one finger strikes in a single breath was unique to one person in the martial world.
‘The Galactic Dragon Finger. That must be the Deputy Leader of the Law Enforcement Hall.’
The only one capable of such a technique, firing eighty-one finger strikes in a single move, was Danri Muk, the Deputy Leader of the Law Enforcement Hall, known as the Matchless Ten Fingers, a master of the Finger Strike Technique.
‘Is he connected to the Sahyang Clan? Or…’
Bu Eunseol’s heart raced.
If Danri Muk was involved with the Sahyang Clan? If what he hid here was related to their secret weapons? Then Bu Eunseol had just stumbled upon a key figure who could lead him to the Sahyang Clan’s trail.
‘I should head back for now.’ Martial artists with profound inner energy could fall into a deep sleep for only about two hours.
If he kept Neung Joun asleep with pressure point techniques for too long, Neung Joun would immediately sense something was amiss.
Rustle.
Returning to Neung Joun’s quarters, Bu Eunseol used his Willful Energy Technique to gently release the pressure points.
“Mmm.” Neung Joun stirred, slowly opening his eyes and scanning his surroundings.
“Did I fall asleep for a moment?” Cautiously rising, he peered through the door’s crack, carefully observing the room.
There, he saw Bu Eunseol seemingly fast asleep. Glancing at the moonlight outside, he estimated he’d been out for about an hour.
‘I don’t really need to be wary of him.’ With a wry smile, he shook his head. ‘Or am I starting to take after the Law Enforcement Officer?’
Bu Eunseol was an elite-grade mercenary of the Red Sky Veil.
Not only was he vouched for by the Water Mirror Lord, Dam Yuyeon, but it was Jong Jeongyak herself who had earnestly requested his presence in the Martial Alliance.
To have planned all this in advance to infiltrate the Alliance was nearly impossible. Moreover, someone with malicious intentions would hardly choose such a convoluted path to enter the Martial Alliance.
‘It’s probably because the matter at hand requires extra caution.’
Shaking his head, Neung Joun settled back into his chair.
***
The next day.
Jong Jeongyak visited Neung Joun’s quarters early in the morning.
“Did you rest well?” Though she wore no makeup, her clean martial attire made her beauty even more striking.
“Law Enforcement Officer.” Neung Joun, sipping tea at the table, clasped his hands in greeting. “How did things go?”
Jong Jeongyak smiled confidently.
“The Alliance Leader has promised to persuade the Hall Leaders to convene the Ten Righteous Conference soon.”
“That’s a relief.” Neung Joun sighed in relief.
The mere rumor of the Ten Righteous Conference being held would prevent Danri Muk from easily pressuring Jong Jeongyak. And if Bu Eunseol’s testimony was accepted at the conference, the Inspection Hall would begin investigating Danri Muk.
“Where’s Young Master Seol?”
“He’s been resting in his room.” Jong Jeongyak knocked on the door.
“Young Master Seol, are you awake?”
Bu Eunseol, who had been meditating on his bed, slowly opened his eyes and said, “Come in.”
“Good news! The Ten Righteous Conference—”
“I overheard from outside.”
“I see.” With a lighter expression, she said to Bu Eunseol, “Then let’s go eat.”
The Martial Alliance, given its scale, had multiple dining halls, much like Majeon’s headquarters.
The difference, however, was that in Majeon, meals were served at designated places based on rank. In contrast, the Martial Alliance allowed anyone to eat at any dining hall as long as there were seats available, as the same food was served regardless of status.
‘This is one thing I like.’ Bu Eunseol smiled inwardly.
In Majeon, where loyalty was secured through power and authority, even the food distributed was strictly differentiated by rank.
But the Martial Alliance, founded on the principle of upholding martial justice, enforced policies like this to outwardly demonstrate frugality, especially among those of higher status.
“Please, sit here.” Jong Jeongyak guided Bu Eunseol to an empty table.
There, a large plate was piled high with rice, accompanied by side dishes of tofu and greens. On one side was a bowl of hearty broth with a modest amount of meat.
Chomp, chomp.
Perhaps due to exerting himself multiple times in the martial world, Neung Joun ate voraciously. But Bu Eunseol took only a bowl of broth, eating it slowly.
‘Strange.’ A glint flashed in Bu Eunseol’s eyes as he ate quietly. He felt an inexplicable, sticky gaze clinging to the back of his head.
‘A master I can’t sense?’ A chill ran down his spine.
Even with his Beast Way heightened to its limit, he couldn’t pinpoint the source of the gaze.
‘Someone from the higher ranks is watching me.’ As Bu Eunseol subtly nodded, sensing something— “Well, well, who do we have here?” Five men in blue martial uniforms approached Neung Joun, pointing at him.
They were warriors from the Law Enforcement Hall, under Danri Muk’s command.
“Isn’t that the esteemed Law Enforcement Officer and his deputy?”
Given the immense authority of the Law Enforcement Hall, its members were mostly disciples of the Nine Great Sects or descendants of the Eight Great Families. Yet, suddenly, a group of late-stage disciples had become Law Enforcement Officers, wielding the same authority as them. How infuriating was that?
Especially since Jong Jeongyak and Neung Joun had no backing or faction, they were particularly ostracized. Moreover, as rumors spread that Jong Jeongyak, closely associated with the Secret Flower Garden Master, was investigating the Law Enforcement Hall…
The warriors of the Law Enforcement Hall openly ignored and excluded Jong Jeongyak and Neung Joun.
“Move along.” Neung Joun, mouth full of rice, said irritably. “They say even dogs aren’t disturbed while eating.”
The leader of the five, Baek Yeongdo, smirked at Neung Joun.
“Well, I’m not sure if it’s a dog or a person.”
Pointing at Bu Eunseol across the table, he said, “Is that the rumored mercenary?”
“What, planning to make a move here?” Neung Joun replied coldly. “Afraid your misdeeds will be exposed once the investigation starts?”
“Nonsense!” Baek Yeongdo’s fist clenched momentarily but soon relaxed.
This was the Martial Alliance. No matter how much they disliked each other, causing a scene here was forbidden.
“Don’t mind them,” Jong Jeongyak, who had been silent, said, waving her hand at Neung Joun. “They might be out of a job soon anyway.”
“What did you say?” Enraged, Baek Yeongdo shouted and stepped toward her, but—
“I’m done eating.” Bu Eunseol abruptly stood, blocking Baek Yeongdo’s path.
“What, what’s that?”
“Move.” Bu Eunseol held his empty bowl toward Baek Yeongdo.
Reluctantly, Baek Yeongdo stepped aside.
“Let’s go together,” Neung Joun said, starting to rise, but Bu Eunseol waved him off.
“It’s fine. Take your time.” Carrying his dishes, Bu Eunseol walked off briskly.
Baek Yeongdo, glaring at Bu Eunseol’s back, exchanged looks with his group. With sly smiles, they slipped out of the dining hall while Bu Eunseol returned his dishes.
Let’s see if that guy can still smile after he’s knocked down.
Step, step.
As Bu Eunseol approached after returning his dishes, Baek Yeongdo and another warrior from the Law Enforcement Hall, Eun Junghwi, gathered their inner energy.
Both were masters of the outer martial art, Golden Bell Shield, which made their bodies as hard as steel. No matter how skilled a master was, a physical collision would leave them reeling.
‘Here he comes.’ As Bu Eunseol stepped out of the dining hall, Baek Yeongdo and Eun Junghwi fully activated their inner energy.
Channeling their frustration toward Jong Jeongyak and Neung Joun, they slammed their shoulders into Bu Eunseol. They intended to humiliate Jong Jeongyak and Neung Joun by making Bu Eunseol look pathetic.
“Young Master Seol!” Jong Jeongyak, realizing their plan too late, shouted urgently, but it was already too late.
Thud.
A low vibration rang out as their shoulders collided. At the same time, a loud crash echoed as two men tumbled unceremoniously to the ground.
It wasn’t Bu Eunseol who fell but Baek Yeongdo and Eun Junghwi, who had deliberately initiated the collision.
“Argh!” The two writhed on the ground, grimacing in pain, tears welling in their eyes.
The impact was so severe that both had dislocated their shoulders.
‘Does Young Master Seol practice outer martial arts too?’
Jong Jeongyak and Neung Joun, rushing over, exchanged puzzled glances. To dislocate the shoulders of two outer martial arts masters who had fully activated their inner energy? After colliding with them?
“Are you guys alright?” their comrades asked, trying to help them up.
“Ugh!” The two let out louder groans.
As their comrades supported them, the pain in their dislocated shoulders felt like their meridians were tearing apart.
“Are you okay?”
“Ughhh…” Despite their comrades’ concern, the two could only whimper in pain.
Onlookers watched with a mix of shock and embarrassment.
Baek Yeongdo and Eun Junghwi, renowned as promising late-stage disciples of the Law Enforcement Hall, were crying in pain, unable to maintain their dignity?
“We should take them to the Immortal Healer’s Cave.” Their comrades, barely supporting the sobbing pair, hurried out of the dining hall.
Step, step.
Amid the low sound of footsteps, a middle-aged man with a sturdy build and a round face approached Bu Eunseol.
His chest and back muscles were so massive that, from the side, he resembled a giant spinning top.
‘A master.’ A glint flashed in Bu Eunseol’s eyes.
The man’s presence was like a mountain, with an aura in his hands capable of tearing apart heaven and earth.
“Your hands are quite fast,” the middle-aged man said in a low voice, looking at Bu Eunseol. “What is your connection to the Seven Strings Sect?”
“What do you mean?”
“Heh, wasn’t the technique you just used the Blazing Hand Blade of the Seven Strings Sect?”
Bu Eunseol feigned surprise.
“How did you know?”
The Seven Strings Sect.
It was once a prominent righteous sect in the Yangguang martial world. But due to internal strife, its core masters perished all at once.
With no masters left to pass down its finest techniques, the Seven Strings Sect gradually declined and became a forgotten sect. And Bu Eunseol had learned its martial arts in the Martial Emperor’s Vault.
“Heh, so you’re a disciple of the Seven Strings Sect. No wonder your martial arts are strong.”
The middle-aged man nodded as if he understood. In the past, the masters of the Seven Strings Sect were formidable.
He mistakenly believed that the long-lost Seven Strings Sect had finally restored its martial arts legacy and produced a disciple like Bu Eunseol.
“You seem to be from a legitimate righteous lineage, so I’ll let today’s incident slide.”
“…”
“But if you recklessly use your martial arts within the Alliance again… your shoulder blades will be shattered.”
As he finished speaking, a powerful aura surged from the middle-aged man, pressing down on Bu Eunseol.
‘Formless Energy.’
Bu Eunseol’s eyes flashed red for a moment.
