A secluded chamber within the Shadow Pavilion.
A faint, soothing incense wafted through the air, easing the fatigue of body and mind. A table and bookshelf crafted from fragrant sandalwood stood in the room. Before the table, two shadows sat facing each other.
Bu Eunseol and Hwa Jung-cheon, the master of the Shadow Pavilion.
Hwa Jung-cheon greeted Bu Eunseol, who had arrived unexpectedly, with a notably softer and more amicable demeanor than before. This was proof that Bu Eunseol was steadily establishing himself as a stable successor.
“What brings you here?” Hwa Jung-cheon said, looking at Bu Eunseol seated before a teacup. “Surely you didn’t come just to see this Pavilion Master.”
“I came to ask about the deputy leader of Majeon.” Bu Eunseol spoke directly, without beating around the bush. Unlike before, his tone was calm and respectful, as if addressing an elder. “The deputy leader has been missing for decades. Why is the position still left vacant?”
Hwa Jung-cheon frowned slightly. “Such questions are better directed to the Demon Emperor or the Chief Instructor.”
“I came to hear your opinion.”
“My opinion, you say?”
Bu Eunseol spoke frankly. “The Demon Emperor is in seclusion, and the Chief Instructor doesn’t seem likely to give a straightforward answer.”
“Hahaha.” Hwa Jung-cheon let out a soft laugh at Bu Eunseol’s candid words. “That’s the most honest thing I’ve heard in a while.”
He nodded and continued.
“Since you’re so forthright, I’ll be honest as well.”
“Go ahead.”
“I acknowledge that you’ve overcome many trials to solidify your position as successor.”
“…”
“But you’re not yet perfect. To be blunt, you still have a long way to go.”
“Still neutral, then?”
“Exactly.” Hwa Jung-cheon gazed at Bu Eunseol with a subdued expression.
“Thus, if I provide you with information, you must be prepared to bear equivalent losses.”
Bu Eunseol immediately understood and nodded. Since Hwa Jung-cheon maintained neutrality, giving Bu Eunseol information about certain individuals meant he would also share Bu Eunseol’s information with others.
“You’re honest. Truly.”
“No choice but to be so.”
Hwa Jung-cheon gave a wry smile, stroking his chin. “If I didn’t clarify this, you’d surely draw your sword and aim for my neck, wouldn’t you?”
“Yes.” Bu Eunseol nodded readily. “I’ll accept the losses you mentioned. So, speak.”
“Hmm. You want my opinion on why the deputy leader’s position remains vacant…” Hwa Jung-cheon let out a low hum, leaning back in his chair.
“First, we must discuss how the Seven-Finger Demon Blade, Bu Zhanyang, became the deputy leader.” With a deep sigh, Hwa Jung-cheon gazed into the void, not at Bu Eunseol.
“To put it simply… he rose to the position because he had the support of over half of the Ten Demonic Sects.”
“…”
“But the reasons were never fully revealed. Only rumors circulated that he had leverage over the Ten Demonic Sects.” His eyes deepened, as if recalling distant memories.
“The original candidate for deputy leader was Gyo Ak, the deputy master of the Hwa Wu Sword Sect, known as the Evil Scissor Sword.”
Hwa Jung-cheon continued.
“But six sects, excluding the Hwa Wu Sword Sect, Heaven and Earth Severing Sect, Affectionate Blossom Sect, and Nangyang Pavilion, suddenly recommended the Seven-Finger Demon Blade. That’s how he became deputy leader.”
Bu Eunseol’s eyes narrowed.
A leading candidate suddenly steps down, and an unexpected figure gains majority support to take the position? As Hwa Jung-cheon said, it was clear there was either blackmail, an irresistible benefit, or some secret agreement at play.
“What kind of leverage could he have had over the Ten Demonic Sects?” Bu Eunseol asked, puzzled, and Hwa Jung-cheon gave a dry smile.
“It’s not the case now, but forty years ago, the martial arts of the Ten Demonic Sects had peculiar compatibilities. Many of their techniques were polar opposites.” He spoke in a low voice. “The Death Command Sect was particularly vulnerable to the White Horse Temple’s unorthodox methods, and the Extreme Slaughter Sect’s assassination techniques were rendered ineffective before Nangyang Pavilion’s practical martial arts.”
“Hmm.”
“In fact, back then, the Seven-Finger Demon Blade clashed with the masters of the Ten Demonic Sects multiple times. And each time, it’s said he used martial arts that exploited their weaknesses.”
“It’s common to learn an opponent’s martial intricacies during combat, isn’t it? Your hall prioritizes such techniques.”
“It wasn’t just mimicking their intricacies—he executed them perfectly, as if he’d trained for decades.”
Bu Eunseol was astonished but shook his head. “If the Seven-Finger Demon Blade could perfectly wield the Ten Demonic Sects’ unique martial arts, he’d never have become deputy leader.”
If he had stolen their exclusive techniques, wouldn’t he have faced the full wrath of the Ten Demonic Sects?
“If there was evidence, that would’ve been the case.” Hwa Jung-cheon said casually. “But despite killing countless orthodox figures and Ten Demonic Sect masters, the Seven-Finger Demon Blade left almost no traces. He likely took measures to prevent his tracks from being uncovered.”
Bu Eunseol realized another fact.
The Seven-Finger Demon Blade had gone to great lengths to leave no traces of his martial arts.
“I don’t understand.” Bu Eunseol shook his head. “If what you say is true, the Seven-Finger Demon Blade blackmailed the Ten Demonic Sects to become deputy leader?”
Even if he was the strongest demonic warrior, he was alone. To think he coerced half the demonic martial world’s power, the Ten Demonic Sects, to become deputy leader?
The story had too many holes to believe outright.
“It’s hard to believe, isn’t it? Of course, there’s no way to verify it. Rumors are just rumors.”
Even if Hwa Jung-cheon’s words were true, there was no way to confirm them. If you asked the six sect leaders if they were blackmailed by the Seven-Finger Demon Blade, none would admit it.
“But as if to support those rumors, the Ten Demonic Sects’ martial techniques advanced remarkably afterward.” Hwa Jung-cheon said with a meaningful expression. “As if compensating for their exposed exclusive techniques. Moreover, the compatibilities between the sects vanished.”
Bu Eunseol, deep in thought, spoke.
“Then couldn’t the rumor be interpreted differently?”
“How so?”
Bu Eunseol said calmly. “The deputy leader gave the six sects a secret to advancing their martial arts.”
“…”
“And those six sects couldn’t refuse his proposal.”
Hwa Jung-cheon looked slightly surprised.
“You’re probably the first to interpret the rumor that way.” He frowned briefly, then shook his head. “But no matter how I think about it, that’s unlikely. The Seven-Finger Demon Blade was rumored to have poor relations with the Ten Demonic Sects.”
He continued.
“In fact, after he became deputy leader, the Ten Demonic Sects’ unity crumbled, and they began suspecting each other.”
“Suspecting?”
“There were rumors that one of the Ten Demonic Sects secretly collaborated with the Seven-Finger Demon Blade.”
Bu Eunseol took a deep breath. To think the Seven-Finger Demon Blade, Bu Zhanyang, had such a complex history in Majeon.
‘Perhaps he deliberately spread those rumors.’
A small suspicion can fracture even the tightest bonds.
If the Seven-Finger Demon Blade intentionally spread such rumors? He deliberately sowed discord among the Ten Demonic Sects, making them distrust each other.
‘That’s why the White Horse Temple reacted that way.’
Bu Eunseol gave a wry smile. When he asked the White Horse Temple’s leaders about the Seven-Finger Demon Blade’s whereabouts, their agitation made sense.
They feared being branded as traitors who collaborated with him.
Even decades later, they dreaded those rumors.
‘They’re afraid.’
Bu Eunseol finally understood.
The demonic path, and the Ten Demonic Sects, feared Bu Zhanyang. They feared his return and hesitated to fill the seat he left vacant.
“But even if that was the Ten Demonic Sects’ intent, the Demon Emperor likely had other plans.”
“That, I don’t know. The Lord is generally indifferent to most Majeon matters.” He spoke frankly. “Besides, the weakening of the Ten Demonic Sects’ unity wasn’t bad for him.”
Though the Demon Emperor commands the Ten Demonic Sects, he can’t control them recklessly. It’s a balance of power. The combined strength of the Ten Demonic Sects nearly equals the Demon Emperor’s.
Their mutual suspicion and checks benefit the Demon Emperor.
“Is that answer enough?” Hwa Jung-cheon’s question snapped Bu Eunseol out of his thoughts. He respectfully clasped his hands.
“It was very helpful.” As Bu Eunseol saluted, Hwa Jung-cheon said, surprised.
“No need for such formality. Everything I said will reach the Ten Demonic Sects anyway.”
“Still, you broke protocol to share personal matters. That alone deserves thanks.” Bu Eunseol smiled faintly. “And I learned you align with the Demon Emperor.”
This conversation revealed that Hwa Jung-cheon sided with the Demon Emperor, not the Ten Demonic Sects. If he were with the sects, he’d never have shared this, even with a blade at his neck.
“Heh heh heh.” Hwa Jung-cheon let out a subtle laugh. “Ever consider that the Demon Emperor might’ve predicted your actions and instructed me to tell you this?”
“Trying to confuse me?” Bu Eunseol asked honestly. “Of course, I considered it. The Demon Emperor… is capable of that.”
“Heh heh heh. Knowing that, you still came… to use me to provoke the Ten Demonic Sects further.” Hwa Jung-cheon, reading Bu Eunseol’s intent, gave another subtle laugh.
Bu Eunseol’s strategy was to provoke the Ten Demonic Sects through this private meeting.
“One last thing.” Pausing, Bu Eunseol spoke coldly.
“I hope I never have to cut you down.”
Hwa Jung-cheon fell silent, narrowing his eyes. He muttered cryptically.
“With human effort, one can overcome the heavens.”
Human effort overcoming the heavens—meaning one can change fate through hard work.
Pondering his words, Bu Eunseol shook his head.
“I don’t believe in fate.”
With that, he left the Shadow Pavilion.
***
Days later, Bu Eunseol held a council meeting.
To share the information from Hwa Jung-cheon and discuss future plans.
He formally included So Jamyeong, the Nine Deaths Squad Leader, in the council. As promised, he was implementing steps for the Nine Deaths Squad to rise to prominence.
Creak.
As Bu Eunseol entered the meeting room, the leaders stood and clasped their hands. But their expressions were subdued, unlike the usual lively atmosphere before meetings.
“What’s wrong?” Sensing the odd mood, Bu Eunseol asked, and Yoo Unryong sighed deeply.
“An invitation arrived.”
“An invitation?”
“From the Hwa Wu Sword Sect.” Yoo Unryong handed Bu Eunseol a gilded letter.
Opening it slowly, Bu Eunseol read quickly.
It invited him to the Hwa Wu Sword Sect leader the Profound Demon’s seventieth birthday celebration.
‘They took the bait.’
A glint flashed in Bu Eunseol’s eyes. His meeting with Hwa Jung-cheon was like casting a fishing line into the river.
And the first to bite was none other than the Hwa Wu Sword Sect.
“It’s a trap.” So Jamyeong spoke up. “Rumors that you’re investigating the deputy leader’s actions have spread across the Ten Demonic Sects.”
He continued with a grave expression. “Moreover, the Profound Demon rarely shows himself, even within the sect. Some say the sect’s affairs are now handled by the chief instructor, Sword Demon Wi Hyeok-gun.”
Myo Cheonwoo nodded.
“They’ve always been hostile. You mustn’t accept the invitation.”
But Bu Eunseol shook his head calmly.
“It doesn’t matter.”
“My Lord!” So Jamyeong said gravely. “Though the Demon Emperor stands at the demonic path’s pinnacle, there’s a saying that the Hwa Wu Sword Sect holds up the demonic martial world. Their influence is unmatched.”
His words weren’t exaggerated.
The Hwa Wu Sword Sect is the largest single faction in the demonic path, wielding immense power. Some even say the true leader of the demonic path is not the Demon Emperor but the Hwa Wu sect leader.
“Entering their domain, your life isn’t guaranteed. Even if the Demon Emperor investigates, they’d cover up anything that happens within their walls.” Seeing Bu Eunseol’s unchanged expression, So Jamyeong spoke earnestly again.
“Is it worth risking your life to meet their leader?”
“Yes.” Bu Eunseol said calmly. “Our goals align.”
“What?”
“Just as they want to probe my intentions, I intend to thoroughly investigate their situation and motives.” He continued with a cold smile. “They’re offering a chance to investigate. How could I miss it?”
“No.” So Jamyeong opposed fervently. “They invited only you. You can bring just one attendant.”
He continued. “Within their territory, even the Nine Deaths Squad can’t stand by. They’d find and expel us immediately.”
His point was clear, though indirect.
Once inside, even Bu Eunseol’s life couldn’t be guaranteed.
“It’s fine.”
“My Lord.”
Bu Eunseol spoke calmly. “How can I investigate the Hwa Wu Sword Sect, the foremost demonic sect, without taking such risks?”
But So Jamyeong still looked unconvinced. Entering the Hwa Wu Sword Sect with just one attendant? No matter how skilled Bu Eunseol was, it was too reckless.
Then Yoo Unryong nodded, as if realizing something.
“You anticipated the Ten Demonic Sects would reach out when you met Hwa Jung-cheon.”
“Correct.”
“Do you have a plan?”
Bu Eunseol nodded, and Yoo Unryong nodded back, relieved. “Then it’s settled.”
His eyes were full of trust. Bu Eunseol never acted rashly, despite appearances—a fact known to all in the Suppressed Demon Pavilion.
“Hmm.” So Jamyeong let out a low hum.
He knew Bu Eunseol’s cunning and ability, but this time, he couldn’t comprehend it. Yet with all the captains showing such trust, he had no more to say.
“Then, is there nothing for my corps to do?”
Thud.
At So Jamyeong’s question, Bu Eunseol took a small box from his robe and placed it on the table.
“Have your fastest member deliver this.”
“To where?”
“Nangyang Pavilion in Iron Staff Mountain. Deliver this box and letter to Master Iron.”
“This to Nangyang Pavilion?”
“Yes. Give it to Master Iron with the letter, and he’ll understand.” So Jamyeong, though puzzled, bowed.
“Understood.”
“Then, I or Captain Wi should be the attendant.”
Myo Cheonwoo stroked his chin.
Among the leaders, Myo Cheonwoo had the strongest martial arts. But Wi Cheongyeong matched Bu Eunseol in agility, insight, and cunning, making him invaluable in certain situations.
“It’s already decided.”
“Who?”
“Won Semun.” Bu Eunseol pointed to Won Semun, sitting dazed with bloodshot eyes.
“Huh?” Having drunk heavily the previous night and attended the meeting, his eyes and face were red.
“Me, sir?” As Won Semun’s eyes widened, Bu Eunseol nodded.
“Yes.”
“Hahaha!” Won Semun leapt up, clapping his hands. “Finally, the leader recognizes my true worth!”
“No way.” Wi Cheongyeong and Jo Namcheon stood simultaneously, protesting in unison.
“You know he’s reckless, don’t you?”
“Exactly. Won Semun’s a bad choice.”
Yoo Unryong added, concerned. “The Hwa Wu Sword Sect always plays dirty. From the moment you arrive, they’ll try to undermine your dignity.”
The captains adamantly opposed.
Taking the Suppressed Demon Pavilion’s—no, Majeon’s—greatest ruffian as the sole companion to the perilous Hwa Wu Sword Sect?
“It’s already decided.” Bu Eunseol’s resolute expression made the leaders shake their heads reluctantly.
Thus, it was decided that Bu Eunseol and Won Semun would visit the Hwa Wu Sword Sect, said to be more terrifying than hell.
