“Are you joking right now?”
At Kang Yangcheon’s words, Bu Eunseol gave a cold smile.
“Do I seem like I’m joking?”
“You’re serious, then.”
“If White Horse Temple, one of the Ten Demonic Sects, claims its influence is weakened because of foreign sects, how could I not be serious?”
Despite the biting sarcasm, Kang Yangcheon barely suppressed a burst of laughter.
‘Even a clever guy like you finally makes a mistake.’
Young people who have never tasted failure sometimes make absurd errors or misjudgments. Kang Yangcheon believed that Bu Eunseol, who had never experienced defeat, had overestimated himself and made a hasty decision.
“Very well, then,” Kang Yangcheon said in a pleased tone. “If you can form an alliance with the North Sea Ice Palace, this matter can be smoothly resolved.”
“However, after bringing the North Sea Ice Palace into our fold…” Bu Eunseol’s eyes, gazing at the Hidden Demon Partition where Kang Yangcheon stood, flickered like a lit lantern. “We should resume auditing the sects that are undermining our influence. There are far too many sects engaging in pointless antics.”
At Bu Eunseol’s words, a silence fell over the room.
An audit.
Bu Eunseol had just declared, in front of Kang Yangcheon, that he would thoroughly shake down White Horse Temple.
Even as the Martial Soul Command Lord, the leaders of the Ten Demonic Sects held a status second only to the Demon Emperor himself.
In essence, Bu Eunseol had transcended rank and status, effectively holding a blade to Kang Yangcheon’s throat.
“Hohoho. Hahaha!” But Kang Yangcheon, struck by some thought, burst into loud laughter.
Snap.
Stopping his laughter, he spoke calmly, “I wish the Lord luck in his endeavors.”
To ensure the success of this plan, he had meticulously investigated the state of sects across the foreign regions.
At the same time, he had predicted the timing of Bu Eunseol’s return to Majeon. While he couldn’t track the movements of the Martial Soul Command Lord, protected by numerous intelligence networks, like the back of his hand, he could at least confirm his entry into Hunan.
And when word came that Bu Eunseol was entering Hunan, he swiftly convened an emergency Demonic Assembly.
Bu Eunseol’s brilliance was already well-known.
Thus, Kang Yangcheon had devised a scheme to ensure Bu Eunseol couldn’t anticipate or prepare for the agenda he would raise at the assembly.
Even the sharpest mind could make mistakes when forced to react on the spot.
And his plan to topple the reputation of this arrogant upstart… had finally succeeded.
‘Provoke his pride, and he makes impulsive decisions, as expected.’
Inside the Hidden Demon Partition, Kang Yangcheon wore a sinister smile.
The North Sea Ice Palace was currently… in no condition to entertain talks of an alliance.
This time, he would finally make that presumptuous fool taste failure and frustration.
***
The news that Bu Eunseol intended to ally with the North Sea Ice Palace spread like wildfire within Majeon.
‘The Martial Soul Command Lord has finally made a misstep.’ The sect’s members unanimously reacted with skepticism to Bu Eunseol’s decision.
The North Sea Ice Palace had long maintained neutrality between the orthodox and demonic paths. Moreover, despite being called a palace, it was a coalition of six powerful families that dominated the North Sea.
In other words, it possessed military might akin to an alliance, too formidable for even Majeon to easily subdue. As proof, the North Sea Ice Palace had never once permitted access to external forces.
And there was an even bigger problem.
The current North Sea Ice Palace was believed to be in such turmoil that it resembled a civil war.
‘The North Sea Ice Palace is in disarray, with five of the six families, excluding the Bing family, in conflict. Furthermore, the palace lord is reportedly ill and has secluded himself.’
In such a state, not only was an alliance impossible, but the palace could barely manage its internal affairs.
If an outsider proposed an alliance in such circumstances?
The one approving it could be accused of treason for inviting external forces. Or, sensing a crisis, the families might each bring in external forces, further accelerating the division.
Thus, no matter how brilliant Bu Eunseol’s strategies were, this time he was deemed helpless.
***
In the meeting room of the Suppressed Demon Pavilion.
Bu Eunseol, Yoo Unryong, Myo Cheonwoo, and So Okrim were seated together.
“Why did you make such a decision without consulting us?” Yoo Unryong said in a regretful tone. “After investigating, the rumors were true. The five families of the North Sea, excluding the Bing family, are in conflict, and the palace lord is unable to resolve it.”
According to the intelligence network, the North Sea Ice Palace was in a silent civil war, utterly incapable of forming an alliance with an external force.
“Even if the palace lord agreed to an alliance, it wouldn’t be accepted. They can’t even mend the divisions among the families.” As Yoo Unryong continued, he suddenly widened his eyes as if struck by a thought. “Wait, are you planning to persuade the palace lord to use our sect’s forces to resolve the conflict and secure an alliance?”
He shook his head firmly without waiting for Bu Eunseol’s response. “If we bring in our sect’s forces to handle this, the five families will immediately rebel.” He spoke with conviction, “Bringing in external forces to resolve internal issues would undermine the North Sea Ice Palace’s legitimacy.”
In short, if a sect used external forces to quell internal strife, it would lose all legitimacy and face a backlash.
“You should change your decision now. There are plenty of other—”
“It doesn’t matter,” Bu Eunseol cut him off, having listened silently to Yoo Unryong’s long explanation. “Before heading to the Azure Cloud Sea Palace, I thoroughly investigated the state of all foreign sects, including those in the Western Regions.”
Yoo Unryong and Myo Cheonwoo exchanged glances, their eyes widening.
So, Bu Eunseol had known about the North Sea Ice Palace’s situation for a long time. Why, then, had he made such a hasty decision?
“Of course, it won’t be easy, but forming an alliance with the North Sea Ice Palace isn’t impossible.”
“How? Their gates are closed even to our sect’s forces.”
“I won’t bring our sect’s forces. Only three of us will go, including me.”
“Huh? Three?” Myo Cheonwoo, who had been listening silently, quickly chimed in, as if grasping Bu Eunseol’s plan. “You’re saying a small group will enter the Ice Palace to resolve the conflict among the five families? Since we can’t bring an army?”
“Exactly.”
Myo Cheonwoo narrowed his eyes and shook his head. “It’s a good plan, but the problem is how to even get in. The North Sea Ice Palace won’t open its gates.”
“Oh, I’ll handle that,” So Okrim said, waving her hand casually. “I’m close with the palace lord. If I say I’m here, they’ll open the gates.”
Myo Cheonwoo’s face darkened instantly.
So Okrim, the Heaven-Collapsing Strike.
Her martial prowess was formidable, but her temperament was fiery, and her behavior was brash.
To think they’d undertake such a critical task with her?
But Yoo Unryong thought differently. Seeing the gleam in Bu Eunseol’s eyes, he realized a meticulous plan had already been devised.
“You planned all this without consulting us, didn’t you?” Yoo Unryong said confidently.
Bu Eunseol was not only brilliant but never made impulsive decisions.
Trust.
The strength of the Death Shadow Corps lay in the unwavering trust all its members had in Bu Eunseol.
“Correct.”
“Alright, let’s say that’s settled,” Yoo Unryong said, crossing his arms. “How exactly do you plan to form an alliance with a place that can’t even manage its own affairs?”
Yoo Unryong’s expression was grave.
“The North Sea Ice Palace is one of the most powerful sects in the foreign regions. Plus, they maintain neutrality. Even if the Demon Emperor himself went, it’d be hard to succeed.”
Bu Eunseol, arms crossed, spoke calmly, “Think of it like bringing down a massive dam.”
“A dam?”
“You only need to create a small crack. Once that’s done, the raging waters will widen the breach on their own.” Bu Eunseol’s eyes gleamed as he stared out the window.
“The North Sea Ice Palace is the same. Despite its immense power and scale, its cracks began with the smallest things.” He continued calmly, “And repairing those cracks doesn’t require great force. A small group can delicately mend the fractured parts.”
Yoo Unryong, listening silently, shook his head.
“But how do you know if the crack is small or if the dam has already collapsed beyond control?”
“No, we can know.”
“How?”
Glancing at So Okrim, Bu Eunseol said calmly, “The North Sea Ice Palace’s division was caused by one of the Eight Emperors and Three Stars’ descendants infiltrating and sowing discord.”
“The Eight Emperors and Three Stars?”
“Yes. I’ve suspected something was off ever since I heard the North Sea families were divided.” Bu Eunseol looked at So Okrim and continued, “But it was her words that helped me piece together the full picture. One of the six families is in contact with a descendant of the Eight Emperors and Three Stars.”
He then recounted in detail what So Okrim had told him. That for the past four hundred years, the descendants of the Eight Emperors and Three Stars had been entrenched in the martial world, including the North Sea Ice Palace.
And that one of them might be the mastermind shaking the martial world.
“I see.” After hearing the full story, Yoo Unryong and the captains took a deep breath.
The Eight Emperors and Three Stars were masters who shook the martial world four hundred years ago. To think they had continued their lineage, and one of them was a mastermind committing atrocities while controlling the martial world?
“But can we trust this?” Myo Cheonwoo, who had been listening silently, voiced his doubts. “Even if the Divine Mountain Sage is the Wisest Sage and the Divine Evaluator of the martial world, I don’t believe he could surpass our sect’s intelligence network.”
The source of all So Okrim’s information was the Divine Mountain Sage. No matter how mysterious he was reputed to be, no one could guarantee the accuracy of his information.
“Hmph, don’t believe it if you don’t want to,” So Okrim said, her expression sour. “Go find out for yourself if you think you can.”
Myo Cheonwoo nodded as if it were obvious. “Of course. We’ll verify its authenticity ourselves.”
Yoo Unryong nodded in agreement. “We’ll mobilize our sect’s intelligence network to the fullest from now on. I’ll pass the meeting details to Captain So Jamyeong of the Nine Deaths Squad…”
“Leave that to Myo Cheonwoo,” Bu Eunseol interrupted.
“Huh?”
“You’re coming too.” At Bu Eunseol’s words, Yoo Unryong’s face darkened.
“Not Myo Cheonwoo, but me?”
Yoo Unryong had assumed Bu Eunseol meant So Okrim and Myo Cheonwoo when he mentioned three people. So Okrim had connections to the North Sea Ice Palace, so she was a given, and Myo Cheonwoo was the strongest in martial arts in the Death Shadow Corps.
“To resolve this, we don’t need brute force but keen insight,” Bu Eunseol said, staring at Yoo Unryong while looking out the window. “We need to find the traitorous family colluding with the external force—the descendant of the Eight Emperors and Three Stars.”
“I see,” Yoo Unryong said, his head drooping glumly.
He was currently working on a critical part of the Ten-Section Staff Technique and rarely left his duties. Resolving the North Sea Ice Palace’s issues, far across the land, would take at least a month or two.
That meant giving up his personal pleasures for the time being.
“Alright, I’ll go with you,” Yoo Unryong said, nodding reluctantly, then turned to Myo Cheonwoo. “Leave my tasks to Mu Gwang. You just focus on managing the subordinates.”
“Got it. Don’t worry and go.”
“Then let’s depart.” At Bu Eunseol’s words, Yoo Unryong and So Okrim turned to leave.
From now on, the three would head to the North Sea Ice Palace to find the family colluding with the descendant of the Eight Emperors and Three Stars, causing the division of the five families.
***
A massive palace stood atop a frozen white lake.
The North Sea Ice Palace, built on land spanning over fifty thousand pyeong, looked from afar like a mountain carved whole.
Yet, inside, it resembled any other bustling city.
The six families dominating the North Sea lived together, with one family’s head serving as the palace lord.
Upon arriving, Bu Eunseol’s group was immediately granted access to the Ice Crystal Pavilion, where the palace lord resided, thanks to So Okrim’s connections. Normally, outsiders would be directed to the Glacier Palace, where official receptions were held. But since the palace lord, Bing Hanpung, was bedridden, they were led directly to his residence.
Creak.
As they entered the Ice Crystal Pavilion under the guard’s guidance, the group blinked in surprise.
They had expected the North Sea Ice Palace to be entirely made of ice, but the interior was bright, warm, and filled with a cozy ambiance.
Cough.
A coughing sound greeted them as they entered. In the guest room, a middle-aged man in snow-white robes gazed out the window.
It was the current lord of the North Sea Ice Palace, Bing Hanpung.
As the head of the Bing family, one of the six North Sea families, he had led the palace for fifty years.
When one becomes the palace lord, they absorb the Thousand-Year Ice Crystal into their dantian, granting them powerful Ice Techniques. However, storing it in the body for too long causes the blood vessels to gradually freeze due to its overwhelming energy.
He should have passed on the palace lord position and the Ice Crystal ten years ago. But due to certain events, he hadn’t. Additionally, a mental ailment had weakened his vitality, worsening his physical condition.
In the end, he had all but withdrawn from his duties, merely holding onto the title of palace lord.
“Who do we have here?” Bing Hanpung said, a faint but refined smile on his face as he saw So Okrim. “What brings the heir of the Celestial Emperor to this barren land?”
“What’s that? You’re still unwell?” So Okrim replied, speaking as casually as if addressing a neighborhood uncle, showing her genuine familiarity with the palace lord.
“At my age, there’s hardly a part of me that’s still healthy,” Bing Hanpung said with a faint smile.
Bu Eunseol and Yoo Unryong stepped forward.
“Bu Eunseol, the Martial Soul Command Lord of Majeon, greets the palace lord.”
“Yoo Unryong, the Martial Soul Command Lord’s aide, greets the palace lord.”
“Majeon, huh,” Bing Hanpung said, giving So Okrim a peculiar smile. “You must know the state of our palace. Has the heir of the Celestial Emperor come to deliver the final blow to this palace lord?”
Bringing external forces into the palace during its division was tantamount to dealing him a fatal blow.
“No way!” So Okrim said confidently. “I found out that the division of the North Sea families was caused by the involvement of a descendant of the Eight Emperors and Three Stars.”
“I already know that.”
“Huh?”
“Even so, this is something external forces must never interfere with.”
Bu Eunseol spoke up, “We’re not here to meddle in the palace’s affairs. We only aim to find the one who caused the division of the six families and colluded with external forces.”
“A traitor?”
“Yes.”
Bu Eunseol said with conviction, “By finding the traitor, the North Sea Ice Palace will become impregnable again, untouchable by any external force.”
Bing Hanpung’s smile vanished.
It was a statement that precisely grasped the palace’s internal situation.
“Just the three of you?”
“Yes.”
“Interesting,” Bing Hanpung said, nodding. “You’re not doing this for free. What do you want?”
“Form an alliance with our sect.”
“An alliance with Majeon?” Bing Hanpung said with a bitter expression. “Isn’t that tantamount to unilateral submission?”
“Not at all,” Bu Eunseol said seriously. “The reason the North Sea Ice Palace is in this state is because of its unconditional policy of rejecting external forces.”
“Hmm.”
“Even if we find the traitor, maintaining such a closed-off stance will only lead to this happening again.” Bu Eunseol spoke firmly, “But an alliance would change that. Malicious external forces wouldn’t dare approach. And through exchanges with our sect, you’d expand your influence and learn the essence of various Central Plains martial arts.”
“But doesn’t Majeon demand unilateral tributes?”
Bu Eunseol said firmly, “The purpose of this alliance is to show there’s no conflict between our sect and foreign forces. There will be no unilateral tributes.”
He calmly explained the background of why this alliance was proposed.
“You’re honest,” Bing Hanpung said with a smile. “But revealing all your cards like that invites disadvantageous negotiations, don’t you know?”
“I’ve come to open the gates of the North Sea Ice Palace, which have been closed for generations,” Bu Eunseol said with a smile. “A little disadvantage is nothing.”
“Hahaha.” Bing Hanpung let out a refreshing laugh.
He realized Bu Eunseol was not only sincere but genuinely desired an alliance.
‘He’s someone who keeps his promises.’ What impressed him more was that Bu Eunseol’s eyes were upright, devoid of the typical demonic arrogance or intimidation.
“But I can’t decide this alone. There’s public opinion to consider,” Bing Hanpung said, his expression darkening.
He currently lacked proper authority as palace lord. If he unilaterally decided on an alliance, it would only accelerate the division of the five families.
“There won’t be any opposition,” Bu Eunseol said.
“How?”
“I’ll make it so.” Bu Eunseol spoke calmly, “If the palace lord permits, I’ll sway the palace’s public opinion.”
“Hahaha.” Bing Hanpung let out a hollow laugh at Bu Eunseol’s bold claims.
Did this young man think the world was so easy?
Changing a sect’s public opinion wasn’t something even brute force or vast wealth could easily achieve.
Yet he was making such claims so casually.
“It’s a bit difficult for our palace, which maintains neutrality, to join Majeon.”
As Bing Hanpung subtly opened the door to refusal, Bu Eunseol said firmly, “Our sect will no longer pursue unconditional hegemony.”
“Why not?”
“Because I’m here.” Bu Eunseol spoke with confident eyes. “The North Sea Ice Palace’s roots and martial arts are demonic. Forming an alliance with our sect wouldn’t be too strange.”
Pausing briefly, he gave a faint smile.
“And we’ll formalize the rights of the alliance to ensure no disadvantages.”
“Hohoho…” Bing Hanpung laughed softly. “That’s an overly generous treaty, to the point of being unfair. Hahaha.”
Bu Eunseol’s proposal, even if accepted, posed no harm and, if successful, could swiftly resolve the palace’s internal chaos. At this point, Bing Hanpung had no choice but to accept.
“Very well,” he said, nodding decisively.
“I accept your proposal. If the three of you can do it, I’ll gladly form an alliance with Majeon.”
“Thank you.”
“But how do you plan to find the traitor causing the rift?”
“Leave it to us,” Bu Eunseol said calmly. “We’ll ensure no trouble comes to you and find them in a way everyone can accept.”
“Explain the general method.”
“First, we need to step back and look at the bigger picture. That hasn’t been done yet.”
“Nonsense. If that were possible, I would’ve done it ten years ago.”
“It’ll be different with us.” Bing Hanpung furrowed his brow, staring at Bu Eunseol’s unwavering eyes.
“You’ll investigate directly?”
“Yes.”
After a moment’s hesitation, Bing Hanpung sighed. “Unfortunately, I can only grant you three visits.”
“Three visits?”
“Since there are three of you, you can only meet the heads of three families, under my authority.” His words revealed how nominal his power as palace lord had become.
“That’s…” Yoo Unryong began, looking troubled, but Bu Eunseol nodded.
“That’s more than enough help. Thank you.”
With a confident voice, he added, “Let’s begin.”
