Leaving the Namgung estate, Bu Eunseol headed straight for Nangyang.
Initially, he intended to return to Nangyang to rest his weary body and mind and seek assistance.
But he soon realized two truths.
He was no longer a disciple nurtured in the embrace of Nangyang. And even Nangyang wasn’t immune to the clutches of those shadowy forces.
‘It’s not surprising that spies infiltrate the righteous and demonic sects. That means Nangyang isn’t exempt either.’
Until now, he had inadvertently thwarted or destroyed the schemes of the shadowy forces that planted spies across the martial world.
But seeing Namgung Pung, a direct descendant of the Namgung family, become their pawn made him realize the gravity of the situation.
The Martial World’s Supreme.
To control and manipulate the leaders of both righteous and demonic sects? They were practically the embodiment of the martial world’s supreme authority. Moreover, their actions weren’t merely about stirring or dominating the martial world. They surely had a grander goal.
To achieve it, they were planting spies in every sect or manipulating their leaders.
As the successor of Majeon and the rightful heir of Nangyang, this wasn’t something he could overlook.
‘They hold the upper hand in intelligence.’
Despite mobilizing his information networks to the fullest, Bu Eunseol couldn’t track Elder Pung after he fled the Namgung estate.
It was as expected.
The shadowy forces he had encountered so far consistently surpassed even Majeon’s intelligence capabilities.
But Bu Eunseol had no intention of giving up. He was patiently and persistently operating his intelligence network.
One day, they would slip up, or he would catch them by chance.
‘There must be spies in Nangyang too.’
Nobong, from the Cheonhwa Villa in Kaifeng, had seen right through the discovery of the artificial inner core at Nangyang.
That meant they had insight into Nangyang’s internal affairs.
Bu Eunseol first informed Heaven and Earth Severing Sect and Affectionate Blossom Sect of this, ordering them to root out any potential spies.
And he planned to visit Nangyang in person to discuss this with Dan Cheong.
Nangyang, Clear Breeze Pavilion.
This was the office of Nangyang’s Vice-Sect Leader, Dan Cheong.
With the recent surge in disciples and responsibilities, his workload had exploded. As a result, he rarely had free time, often buried in paperwork.
But now, no documents were in sight, and Dan Cheong sat leisurely, sipping tea.
The reason for this carefree lifestyle?
As Nangyang’s scale grew uncontrollably, Dan Cheong, after much deliberation, had established the General Affairs Bureau, divided into three departments, to assist with his duties.
The First Department supported Dan Cheong, effectively managing Nangyang in place of the sect leader, coordinating information between units.
The Second Department efficiently managed assets, while the Third Department handled Nangyang’s events and ceremonies.
Thanks to the General Affairs Bureau, Dan Cheong had finally escaped the endless pit of administrative work. Now, he could enjoy a leisurely life, simply reviewing reports from the bureau.
Knock, knock.
A soft knock came, followed by a maid’s voice.
“The Martial Soul Command Lord has arrived.”
“Let him in,” Dan Cheong said in a relaxed tone, setting down his teacup.
He had already received word from the Peongan Corps that Bu Eunseol was heading to Nangyang.
“Vice-Sect Leader.” The door opened, and a tall, refined man in gray bowed.
It was Bu Eunseol, who had come straight from the Namgung estate.
Clink.
Dan Cheong, looking at Bu Eunseol, set down his teacup with a surprised expression.
‘The wave of his energy has completely vanished?’
For someone of Bu Eunseol’s caliber to have no trace of energy fluctuation meant his inner energy wasn’t stored in his dantian but distributed evenly across his meridians and acupoints—a state achievable only by reaching the Six Harmonies Golden Source realm.
“Well, well,” Dan Cheong said, nodding with an enlightened expression. “The air in Majeon must be good.”
His eyes seemed to lose focus.
In hindsight, Bu Eunseol had never progressed through martial arts stages conventionally.
“The air… you say?” Bu Eunseol asked.
“No, it’s nothing,” Dan Cheong said, shaking his head.
He had decided not to try understanding or rationalizing Bu Eunseol’s martial progress.
“So, what brings you here? What could the busy Lord have on his mind?” Noticing Bu Eunseol’s troubled expression, Dan Cheong gestured to the seat across from him.
“Sit first. Let’s talk over a cup of tea.”
As the maid brought tea, Bu Eunseol reflexively checked what kind it was.
He had been pestered by tea-loving masters too many times.
‘The Vice-Sect Leader drinks ordinary loose tea.’ The tea Dan Cheong sipped was inexpensive, made from wild tea leaves roasted and fermented.
‘Well, of course.’ Bu Eunseol nodded inwardly.
Tea was a luxury.
No matter how prosperous Nangyang had become, it was still Nangyang. Dan Cheong upheld a martial artist’s duty, maintaining a frugal lifestyle.
Slurp.
Bu Eunseol took a light sip.
It was an ordinary taste, available anywhere, but it filled him with the warmth of a home-cooked meal.
“Now, tell me. What’s going on?” Dan Cheong asked.
“There’s something I haven’t told you,” Bu Eunseol said, setting down his teacup.
He detailed the events he had encountered during his travels in the martial world.
However, he omitted mention of the Seven-Finger Demon Blade. It wasn’t time to reveal that yet.
“…Not only reviving a destroyed sect in an instant but planting spies as the leader of the Beggars’ Sect and recruiting a direct Namgung descendant,” Dan Cheong said.
Despite hearing it all, he wasn’t particularly surprised.
“It’s not common, but it’s not exactly rare in the martial world, is it?”
“Is that… so?” Bu Eunseol couldn’t hide his surprise.
He had expected Dan Cheong to leap up, summon Baek Yeon, and demand an immediate investigation. Yet Dan Cheong’s expression was so calm, almost indifferent, as if hearing about a distant relative’s trivial affairs.
“Look back at the long history of the martial world. Shadowy forces hiding their identity and purpose, manipulating the martial world, have always existed,” Dan Cheong said matter-of-factly. “Unlike the righteous sects, which claim to uphold the martial world’s spirit, the demonic and dark paths always prioritize profit and power. They walk entirely different paths.”
Sipping his cooled tea, Dan Cheong continued.
“Yet, the simultaneous emergence of alliances like Majeon and the Martial Alliance was inevitable because shadowy forces have always existed.”
“You mean the rise of alliances was due to these shadowy forces?” Bu Eunseol asked.
“Exactly. Secret societies and shadowy forces always have tight bonds and immense power, don’t they?” Dan Cheong said with a knowing smile.
“Toppling a single sect isn’t hard, but defeating a massive alliance like Majeon or the Martial Alliance is nearly impossible. So, they naturally arose.”
Bu Eunseol’s eyes widened.
Dan Cheong’s perspective was entirely different from anything he had considered.
“I haven’t uncovered their purpose yet, but I’ve heard they’ve been manipulating sects and orchestrating the bloodbaths in the martial world,” Bu Eunseol said, his expression grave. “Is that natural too?”
“Hm. It sounds grand, but from a broader perspective, it’s not much different,” Dan Cheong said, calmly explaining to a confused Bu Eunseol. “Both righteous and demonic sects constantly strive to expand their influence. The demonic path swallows other sects or seizes nearby trade routes for tribute.”
“…”
“The righteous sects form alliances or wield overwhelming intelligence to exert influence in various ways.” Looking directly into Bu Eunseol’s eyes, he continued.
“Martial world factions inevitably use strategies to exert significant influence across multiple fronts. The only difference is whether they target a sect or the entire martial world.”
Bu Eunseol looked as if he’d been struck on the back of the head. Dan Cheong’s words introduced a concept he had never imagined.
“As I said, secret societies have always been common in the martial world. Planting spies in sects or secretly manipulating people is all too typical,” Dan Cheong said.
“Typical, you say…”
“The imperial palace,” Dan Cheong said, crossing his arms. “For generations, the palace has tried to manipulate the martial world to its liking. Most shadowy forces originate from there.”
“I see,” Bu Eunseol nodded.
When they cultivated the Human Flower in the underground city, the Eastern Division was involved.
“But…” Bu Eunseol instinctively felt it.
The masterminds behind these events weren’t from the imperial palace.
“From what I’ve experienced, it seems even the palace might be a mere pawn to them.”
“That could be,” Dan Cheong said, smiling at Bu Eunseol’s complex expression. “From your story, it sounds like they’ve already taken control of the martial world.”
“Regardless, the emergence of alliances like Majeon and the Martial Alliance was to avoid being manipulated by such powerful shadowy forces.”
The Martial Alliance, on the surface, exists for the peace of the martial world, naturally uniting various sects.
But the demonic path is different.
It’s governed solely by the logic of power and prioritizes profit. Yet, the demonic path’s tight unity stemmed from this very need—to protect themselves from inevitable shadowy forces.
“If these shadowy forces are so powerful, couldn’t they manipulate even alliances like Majeon or the Martial Alliance?” Bu Eunseol asked.
“Of course they could,” Dan Cheong said with a faint smile.
“Then that, too, would be inevitable.”
Pausing briefly, he continued.
“Majeon, led by the foremost demonic master, holds nearly half the demonic path’s power. If they can manipulate even that, doesn’t it mean they have the strength and legitimacy to do so?”
Dan Cheong’s words were clear.
If a force could control even an alliance, it wasn’t mere manipulation—it was rightful domination.
‘This is the demonic path.’
Listening to Dan Cheong, Bu Eunseol nodded. He realized anew how different the paths of the demonic and righteous sects were.
If someone used power and schemes to dominate others, the righteous path would see it as evil.
But in the demonic path, if someone dominated through power and schemes, they were acknowledged as superior and rightful.
“Surprised?” Dan Cheong asked, smiling faintly at Bu Eunseol’s face. “I’ve known since long ago that you have the makings of a righteous hero.”
“No, I…” Bu Eunseol began.
“It’s fine. Nangyang has pursued martial virtue for generations. The lines between demonic and righteous are blurred here,” Dan Cheong said, rising slowly and looking out the window. “But chasing down shadowy forces or saving the martial world—that’s the work of righteous figures.”
Turning to Bu Eunseol, he said, “If you aim for the pinnacle of the demonic path, why not build a force so powerful that even those shadowy groups can’t touch you?”
Dan Cheong’s words hit Bu Eunseol with another shock.
Though he had lived as a demonic figure, he had never dominated or oppressed others.
In fact, his actions were closer to those of a righteous hero.
But Dan Cheong saw the emergence of secret societies and shadowy forces as inevitable. And he believed it was natural for the strong to dominate the weak.
He was telling Bu Eunseol to become someone who could even swallow those forces.
‘If I become strong enough…’
From a demonic perspective, that was the solution. If he gained untouchable power, no one could challenge him.
“Of course, you’d need to uncover your enemies first,” Dan Cheong added.
Bu Eunseol realized he had forgotten the main reason for coming to Nangyang.
“There could be spies in Nangyang too, couldn’t there?” he asked.
“Hahaha. Is that why you came so suddenly?” Dan Cheong laughed heartily at Bu Eunseol’s honest words.
“Even if there are spies in Nangyang, it doesn’t matter.” With a proud expression, he continued. “Those spies will either become true disciples of Nangyang or leave.”
Bu Eunseol understood.
No one could dominate or shake Nangyang, bound by the spirit of martial virtue.
If a spy infiltrated, they would either leave or be reborn as a true disciple.
“I see,” Bu Eunseol said, feeling a surge of pride.
No matter the circumstances, Nangyang would not waver. No matter how powerful a force emerged.
Nangyang was Nangyang.
That fact would never change.
Dan Cheong smiled faintly at Bu Eunseol.
“Baek Yeon will return in a few days. Afterward, we’ll mobilize the Peongan Corps to gather information on these shadowy forces. We need to know who our enemies are.”
“Understood. Thank you,” Bu Eunseol said, his heart lighter.
It was the reassurance of having Nangyang’s unwavering support.
And the confirmation that, even in the demonic path ruled by power, some things remained constant.
***
Returning to Majeon from Nangyang, Bu Eunseol immediately convened a meeting of the Death Shadow Corps captains.
Recognizing the importance of intelligence, he naturally included So Jamyeong , the Nine Deaths Squad leader.
“…That’s what happened,” Bu Eunseol said.
He explained that the Beggars’ Sect leader and a Namgung direct descendant were part of the shadowy forces. And that there was a high likelihood of spies in every sect and leadership, both righteous and demonic.
“…”
Silence fell over the meeting room, the air heavy.
Puppets.
If such a force existed in the martial world, weren’t they all just puppets dancing to their tune?
“It seems we’ll need to delay bringing our unit into the open,” So Jamyeong said with a bitter smile after a long silence. “If what the Lord says is true, our unit shouldn’t step into the light yet.”
The captains nodded.
What Bu Eunseol needed most now was a covert unit to handle secret intelligence and operations in the shadows.
“Oh, and,” Myo Cheonwoo said. “While you were away, a mad killer has turned the Huguang region into a slaughterhouse.”
During Bu Eunseol’s travels, a brutal murderer had emerged in the martial world. Roaming the vast Huguang region, he massacred martial artists and civilians alike, day and night. Countless martial artists and even the Martial Alliance had sent experts to investigate, but no trace had been found.
“He’s not alone,” Bu Eunseol said matter-of-factly. “No mere killer could evade the Martial Alliance’s pursuit.”
Without significant intelligence capabilities, escaping the alliance’s tracking was impossible.
“Likely so,” Myo Cheonwoo said, crossing his arms. “With nothing uncovered, martial artists are calling him the Shadowless Killer.”
Wi Cheongyeong, who had been listening silently, spoke up.
“But to say he has a backer, his methods differ entirely from past killers.”
Bu Eunseol continued discussing martial world affairs with the captains.
“Let’s end today’s meeting here,” he said, rising.
Yoo Unryong spoke up. “Oh, and this is minor, but…” After a brief hesitation, he said with an embarrassed expression, “There’s some unexpected news.”
“Unexpected news?” Bu Eunseol asked.
“Jin Seol. She’s engaged to a disciple of Manbak Hall.”
Not only Bu Eunseol but the other captains looked puzzled.
For someone of Jin Seol’s caliber to be engaged to a mere Manbak Hall disciple?
“No way. That’s just a rumor,” Won Semun said, waving his hand. “What could Jin Seol lack to marry some Manbak Hall nobody?”
But Bu Eunseol nodded. “Shim Wol.”
“You knew?” Yoo Unryong said, surprised. “You’re right. The one Jin Seol is engaged to is named Shim Wol.”
“I didn’t know. I’ve just… met him a few times,” Bu Eunseol said. “He’s too skilled and wise to be just a Manbak Hall disciple.”
Bu Eunseol recounted his encounters with Shim Wol. And how he had tried to recruit him under the Elder Sect Leader.
“He likely has another identity or a specific reason for joining Manbak Hall.”
So Jamyeong nodded at Bu Eunseol’s words.
“You already suspected, my Lord.” Then he revealed a surprising fact. “Shim Wol. He’s not an ordinary Manbak Hall disciple but the named disciple of the Elder Sect Leader.”
“Named disciple?” Myo Cheonwoo asked, shocked. “How could a disciple of the Three Demons join Manbak Hall?”
“Manbak Hall handles the sect’s major and minor affairs, doesn’t it? It’s the perfect place to make an impression on the sect’s leadership,” So Jamyeong said, looking at Bu Eunseol. “Without the Ten Demon Warriors plan, he might have been recommended by the Elder Sect Leader as a candidate for Majeon’s successor.”
Bu Eunseol nodded in agreement.
The Demon Emperor and the Elder Sect Leader could each select a successor candidate outside the Ten Demonic Sects.
Bu Eunseol had long suspected Shim Wol was connected to Jeok Bung. If so, he had expected Shim Wol to eventually compete with him as a successor candidate.
But contrary to expectations, Shim Wol didn’t enter the succession race. After numerous trials, Bu Eunseol, with the support of all demonic figures, became the successor.
“For such a figure to abandon ambition and marry Jin Seol—that’s odd in itself, isn’t it?” Yoo Unryong said.
So Jamyeong shook his head. “The Elder Sect Leader despises those without achievements, even his own disciples.”
Bu Eunseol’s eyes deepened.
Even if Jeok Bung’s nature was such, to discard a talent like Shim Wol for a marriage with Jin Seol?
Moreover, their marriage would have no impact on Majeon’s power structure. No matter how he thought about it, it didn’t add up for Jeok Bung.
‘Something’s off.’
Bu Eunseol felt an unprecedented sense of foreboding.
And his instincts had never been wrong.
