“No need to worry. Really.”
Seo Jinha smiled calmly.
Bu Eunseol, always cold and indifferent, had been willing to sacrifice everything for him. A true man could open his heart wide with just one good friend.
To have earned the friendship of a man like Bu Eunseol…
What more could he desire?
“The tendons in your heel were severed messily.” Seeing Seo Jinha’s resolute demeanor, Gyo Junghak spoke with an apologetic expression. “I painstakingly reattached them, but… that area has poor blood circulation, so the prognosis isn’t great.”
“So, it can’t be healed?”
“I can’t say for certain. But…” Gyo Junghak took a deep breath and continued. “With proper treatment and good medicine, there’s a chance for recovery. Don’t worry too much.”
“Yeah, wounds like this will heal with time.” The more casually Seo Jinha spoke, the darker Bu Eunseol’s gaze became.
“And your internal energy?”
“My internal energy… well, it’s somewhat recovered, thanks to the elixir you gave me.” Bu Eunseol didn’t believe him.
He immediately grasped Seo Jinha’s pulse point.
“What are you doing?” Bu Eunseol didn’t answer, instead infusing Ban-geuk Energy.
As Bu Eunseol’s energy entered his body, Seo Jinha felt dizzy, with a sensation like blood rising in his stomach.
But he endured the pain, forcing himself to accept Bu Eunseol’s energy.
Yet his remaining internal energy was barely one or two percent of his former strength.
Moreover, the energy Bu Eunseol infused vanished without a trace, like a stone dropped into the deep sea.
“Your internal energy has drastically diminished.” Gyo Junghak spoke with a bitter expression. “I’ve been checking his pulse repeatedly, but most of his internal energy is gone. He insisted he was fully recovered, so I let it be.”
Seeing Seo Jinha’s face turn pale, Gyo Junghak’s expression grew grave.
“His dantians was ravaged, causing this. The Clear Spirit Oil and Dragon-Slaying Divine Pill healed his wounds, but… a significant portion of his internal energy is already lost.” After a low cough, he continued.
“If that were all, I could have restored it somehow. But the internal energy technique he cultivated is rooted in poison, so there’s nothing I could do.”
Seo Jinha had mastered the Hellfire Radiance Technique, which absorbed poisons and burned them to enhance internal energy.
It was the supreme technique of Hell’s Blood Fortress, allowing one to absorb poison without becoming a poison master. However, its energy circulation and properties were so different from standard martial artists that no treatment could help.
A heavy silence fell over the room.
As the oppressive atmosphere settled, Seo Jinha gave an awkward smile.
“Well, you can’t hide something like this.”
He forced a bright smile.
If he showed pain, Bu Eunseol would feel it too.
“I got into this mess because I didn’t listen to you.” Seo Jinha said playfully.
“Now that I’m a cripple, I guess it’s time to retire.”
Though his body had healed, with most of his internal energy gone, he couldn’t remain in the Cheonsal.
No, there was no place for him in Majeon.
“I’ve requested the Chief Instructor to transfer you to the Death Shadow Corps.” Bu Eunseol spoke calmly. “I’ve prepared a residence and position for you at the Dragon-Slaying Pavilion. Come there when you’re ready.”
Friendship could sometimes bring cruel misery.
Friends should stand as equals. If one sacrifices and lowers themselves, the relationship becomes strained.
“I don’t need pity.” Suppressing his emotions, Seo Jinha spoke nonchalantly. “I’ll handle my own path.”
“Who said anything about pity?” Bu Eunseol replied calmly. “Your internal energy will be fully restored soon.”
“What? How?”
“Don’t rush. There’s a way.” Seo Jinha, as if realizing something, shook his head.
“I’m not going to Hell’s Blood Fortress.”
The internal energy of a master and disciple shares the same source.
Only Gong Yageuk, the lord of Hell’s Blood Fortress who taught him, could fully understand and restore Seo Jinha’s internal energy. Seo Jinha guessed Bu Eunseol planned to plead with Gong Yageuk to restore his energy.
“I cut all ties with Hell’s Blood Fortress when I joined the Cheonsal.”
“Did you think I’d tell you to relearn Hell’s Blood Fortress’s techniques?”
“That’s not it?”
Bu Eunseol snorted and said calmly, “Stop overthinking and pack your things for Nangyang Pavilion once you’re healed.”
“Nangyang Pavilion?”
“To restore your internal energy, you need to loosen your stiff joints and tendons first.” Bu Eunseol spoke casually. “Before returning, I arranged things with the pavilion. Even if you restore your internal energy, if your body remains stiff, you’ll be useless.”
Bu Eunseol had gone to great lengths to save Seo Jinha’s life, but his condition was dire. Anticipating the possibility that his internal energy might not recover, Bu Eunseol had prepared a contingency plan.
‘But Nangyang Pavilion?’
The lords of the Ten Demonic Sects each possessed mysterious abilities.
Especially Ak Muryeong, the lord of Nangyang Pavilion, ranked among the top of the Three Demons and Three Venerables. Even so, he couldn’t restore the internal energy of someone who practiced Hell’s Blood Fortress’s poison-based techniques.
“Bu Eunseol…”
“You can look forward to it.” Looking at Seo Jinha, Bu Eunseol said solemnly, “I’ll work you so hard you’ll miss your days in the Cheonsal.”
Without waiting for a reply, he turned and left.
Clank.
Seo Jinha stared blankly at Bu Eunseol’s retreating figure.
Gyo Junghak, the Elixir King Hall Master, was among the top five healers in the martial world. If even he was helpless, how could Bu Eunseol restore his internal energy?
Staring at the door, Seo Jinha asked, “Is there a way to restore my internal energy besides going to Hell’s Blood Fortress?”
“Hmm, if Nangyang Pavilion has the Extreme Spirit Immortal Fruit or an equivalent elixir, it might be possible.”
Seo Jinha’s expression turned incredulous.
The Extreme Spirit Immortal Fruit was a legendary elixir obtainable once in a millennium. Hadn’t a dispute among the sect’s leaders erupted over the recent acquisition of one? Even if Nangyang Pavilion’s finances had improved thanks to Affectionate Blossom Sect’s support, it was unthinkable they’d have such an elixir.
“Don’t worry. The Martial Soul Command Lord isn’t likely seeking an elixir.”
“What?”
“When he first brought you here, he asked if your internal energy could be restored with your dantian so damaged.” Gyo Junghak smiled faintly. “When I said it was impossible without the Extreme Spirit Immortal Fruit, he smirked and said…”
—Good. I can let go of any lingering doubts.
Pondering those words, Seo Jinha tilted his head.
“What does that mean?”
“I don’t know. How could I understand his mind?” Gyo Junghak gave a mysterious smile. “But I… want to believe in him.”
If anyone else had said it, it would’ve been dismissed as a jest. But Bu Eunseol was a man who kept his promises, even if the heavens collapsed.
If he promised, it would surely happen.
Even Gyo Junghak believed in that.
“I’ll have to stay at the Elixir King Hall for a while.” Rubbing his nose, Seo Jinha took a deep breath and grinned.
“I need to recover quickly and head to Nangyang Pavilion, or he’ll come back and nag me.”
***
Under Bu Eunseol’s leadership, a Supreme Military Command meeting was held at the Dragon-Slaying Pavilion. With the Demon Emperor in seclusion, the Chief Instructor had entrusted Bu Eunseol with handling this matter.
—I’ll have you work to repay the value of the Clear Spirit Oil.
This meeting was the first order Yeop Hyocheon had given Bu Eunseol.
—The Four Harmony Alliance isn’t the mastermind.
This was the conclusion of the Cheonsal’s thorough investigation under Bu Eunseol’s command.
The fact that an unorthodox coalition with limited funds could rebuild Blood Serpent Valley meant they had drawn resources from the Golden Enemy Merchant Group in Fujian.
This implied another force was behind the Golden Enemy Merchant Group.
—The Martial Soul Command Lord shall annihilate all who dared target our elite corps.
The attackers had targeted Bu Eunseol, Majeon’s successor, and Seo Jinha, a commander of the Cheonsal.
Bu Eunseol was given full command to eradicate them.
The Supreme Military Command meeting typically included hall masters, corps captains, and first-tier corps leaders. But Bu Eunseol summoned only the ten first-tier corps leaders, excluding hall masters and corps leaders.
—Calling only us means he’s not planning anything big yet, right?
The ten leaders gathered at the Dragon-Slaying Pavilion tilted their heads.
Ignoring their gazes, Bu Eunseol asked about their opinions on the steps following the Four Harmony Alliance incident.
“We can’t attack the Golden Enemy Merchant Group immediately; it’s problematic.”
“Shouldn’t we gather accurate intelligence from the Shadow Pavilion first?”
“Or shake up the unorthodox sects tied to the Four Harmony Alliance to get answers.”
But the discussions in the meeting room were largely meaningless.
They had no interest in who attacked Seo Jinha.
Some sought to boost their corps’ reputation and gain merit, while others delayed action, citing the lack of a clear mastermind.
“Listen.” Having heard the leaders’ discussions, Bu Eunseol spoke lowly. “From now on, I will mobilize all forces to wipe out the Golden Enemy Merchant Group.”
At his words, the leaders’ eyes widened.
“You’re attacking the Golden Enemy Merchant Group directly?”
“Yes.” At Bu Eunseol’s resolute reply, the leaders were stunned.
—Has the Lord gone mad?
Even in Majeon, deploying forces to attack a merchant group without clear evidence or justification was impossible.
Merchant groups had ties not only with righteous and demonic martial factions but also with the government. A misstep could provoke imperial intervention. Moreover, large merchant groups possessed significant martial forces, requiring a massive deployment to annihilate them.
Such actions required careful consideration.
—Someone needs to stop him.
The leaders exchanged glances, sweating coldly.
Even Black Barbarian Gang thugs considered their target’s status and connections before acting…
To declare an attack on a merchant group so recklessly?
“The sect needs sufficient justification to attack the Golden Enemy Merchant Group.” Unable to stand by, Seok Samyeong, commander of the Demonic Soul Corps, spoke cautiously. “Pursuing domination is fine, but merchant groups aren’t martial factions. Without proper evidence or justification, the sect will face severe backlash.”
“He’s right. Wiping out a merchant group is trivial, but it would immediately draw condemnation.” Other leaders voiced opposition, but Bu Eunseol waved his hand firmly.
“It’s certain the Golden Enemy Merchant Group funded the Four Harmony Alliance. They’re undoubtedly linked to the Blood Serpent Valley incident.”
“It’s common for merchant groups to fund martial factions, isn’t it? The Four Harmony Alliance isn’t the only one they supported.”
It was a valid point.
As a major merchant group, the Golden Enemy Merchant Group sent substantial funds annually to government officials and various righteous and demonic factions.
Attacking them solely for funding the Four Harmony Alliance was unreasonable.
“With that level of evidence…”
“Evidence?” Bu Eunseol’s gaze sharpened.
In the Blood Serpent Valley incident, they targeted him and kidnapped Seo Jinha.
That was tantamount to attacking Majeon directly.
“I, the Martial Soul Command Lord, the successor of Majeon, was attacked, and a commander of the Cheonsal barely survived.”
“…”
“No need for evidence. We’ll make it after wiping them out.”
Hearing this, Seok Samyeong’s face paled.
“You’ll fabricate evidence after destroying the merchant group?”
“What can the dead say in their defense?” A pressure akin to that of a great demon radiated from Bu Eunseol’s eyes.
—His demonic energy has reached its peak.
The leaders’ faces turned ashen.
Bu Eunseol, known for his cold ruthlessness, possessed a demonic nature that would cut down all who defied him?
“We understand why you’re enraged, Lord.” Wiping sweat from his brow, Seok Samyeong spoke cautiously again. “But to attack a merchant group…”
“No more discussion. I’ve decided.” Bu Eunseol stood, looking coldly at the assembly. “I’ll show the martial world what happens when they target our sect.”
The leaders, unconvinced, reluctantly bowed their heads.
Bu Eunseol had been granted authority by Yeop Hyocheon to mobilize the sect’s forces. Opposing him would only earn the future successor’s ire.
“The meeting is over.”
Rumble.
As the meeting ended, the leaders saluted and left.
But their expressions as they exited the Dragon-Slaying Pavilion were grim.
—He could upend the sect.
To decide to annihilate a major merchant group like the Golden Enemy Merchant Group without blinking…
They couldn’t shake the unease rising in their hearts.
In the empty meeting room, Bu Eunseol stood alone. Hands behind his back, he seemed to be waiting for someone.
Creak.
After about a quarter hour, the door opened, and two men entered: one in a dark blue official robe, the other in a commander’s robe adorned with black curtains.
Yoo Unryong and Myo Cheonwoo.
“Is it true, Bu Eunseol?” Myo Cheonwoo approached urgently. “Rumor spread instantly that you’re leading the first-tier leaders to attack the Golden Enemy Merchant Group right after the meeting.”
Creak.
Before Bu Eunseol could reply, the door opened again.
A middle-aged man in black martial robes with a scar on his face entered.
It was So Jamyeong, the commander of the Nine Deaths Squad.
“Who’s this?”
As Myo Cheonwoo tilted his head, Bu Eunseol answered, “So Jamyeong, the commander of the Nine Deaths Squad.”
“The Nine Deaths Squad?” Myo Cheonwoo and Yoo Unryong, now prominent figures in Majeon, knew well what the Nine Deaths Squad did.
“Why is the Nine Deaths Squad leader here…?” As Myo Cheonwoo blinked, So Jamyeong grinned.
“Our corps has become the direct subordinate of the Martial Soul Command Lord.”
“The Nine Deaths Squad is now under the Death Shadow Corps?”
“Since the Martial Soul Command Lord is essentially the Death Shadow Corps, you could see it that way.” Blinking, Myo Cheonwoo gaped at Bu Eunseol.
“What’s this about? Why is the Nine Deaths Squad your direct subordinate?”
The Nine Deaths Squad handled covert missions not officially acknowledged. For a unit secretly under the Chief Instructor to now serve Bu Eunseol?
“It was necessary.” At his brief explanation, Myo Cheonwoo and Yoo Unryong’s expressions darkened.
Though they were his closest aides, they knew nothing of Bu Eunseol’s plans or actions.
“You should know now.” Seeing their hurt-filled eyes, Bu Eunseol sighed softly. “Myo Cheonwoo, Yoo Unryong. Both of you.”
Taking a deep breath, he spoke in a low voice.
“All this time, I’ve been running a separate intelligence network to track Sahyang.”
“Sahyang?”
“Yes.” Bu Eunseol rubbed his chin with a bitter expression. “But every time I found a lead, they cut their tail flawlessly. Seo Jinha fell into a trap while chasing Sahyang.”
He explained calmly.
He had been pursuing Sahyang, investigating Hell’s Blood Fortress and the Martial Alliance, which led to the annihilation of the Five Poisons Sect.
“You’re searching for Sahyang, and it led to all these masterminds?”
Listening for a while, Myo Cheonwoo and Yoo Unryong gaped at each other. That such an organization existed in the martial world was shocking enough, but Bu Eunseol had been tracking them all along?
“Why are you chasing Sahyang?” At Myo Cheonwoo’s question, Bu Eunseol fell silent.
He had never told anyone why he pursued Sahyang, not even So Jamyeong, with whom he discussed covert matters.
—I don’t want to endanger others for my personal matters.
But after Seo Jinha’s incident, Bu Eunseol realized this mindset was wrong.
He was no longer alone. He had subordinates and friends willing to fight for him. Thus, he should collaborate with those he trusted to handle matters together.
That was the way to protect them and prevent sudden dangers.
“The one who killed my grandfather, my only kin, used Sahyang’s hidden weapons.”
“Your grandfather?”
“Yes. I lived alone with my grandfather. We cleaned and prepared unclaimed bodies for burial, reported to the authorities.” Staring into the void, bloodlust flickered in Bu Eunseol’s eyes.
“They brutally killed my grandfather, who lived quietly and peacefully.”
A long silence followed.
Myo Cheonwoo, Yoo Unryong, and So Jamyeong nodded.
No long explanation was needed.
Bu Eunseol’s anguish, as if he’d shed tears of blood, seemed capable of tearing the heavens and collapsing the earth with his rage.
Revenge.
Bu Eunseol was seeking vengeance for his grandfather’s killer.
