The Jeoksu River area had long been free of righteous and demonic influence, with merchants hiring mercenaries to protect their trade and territories.
Dongpyoseorang.
Guizhou’s largest mercenary market, a neutral group unaffiliated with either righteous or demonic factions, held sway there.
The Jeoksu River area, once peaceful and free from both factions, was now clouded with the threat of conflict.
Following the death of Iron Captain Noh Dokcheong, negotiations between Majeon and the Martial Alliance had turned into sudden armed conflict. The Ten Thousand Demons Hall, after repeated advances and retreats, was pushed out of Yeokyung by the Divine Might Division and settled at Jeoksu River.
“We cannot allow Majeon’s forces to station here,” Dongpyoseorang declared. “The Jeoksu area has been managed by merchants and mercenaries, untouched by righteous or demonic factions.”
Even the Hell’s Blood Fortress, which once dominated Guizhou, couldn’t easily touch Jeoksu.
They wouldn’t tolerate Majeon’s forces settling there.
“There seems to be a misunderstanding,” said Dan So-ok, Strategy Hall Leader, leading the Ten Thousand Demons Hall.
She requested a dialogue with Dongpyoseorang. “Let’s talk first.”
Ok Hobang, the Treasurer overseeing Dongpyoseorang’s operations, stepped forward.
A shrewd operator and skilled negotiator, he had once ambitiously tried to ally with the Hell’s Blood Fortress to seize Dongpyoseorang.
But, moved by the loyalty of the Leader, Do Myeong, who had watched over him, Ok Hobang now served Do Myeong and Dongpyoseorang with utmost loyalty.
At Hanlim Inn’s banquet hall, a plump middle-aged man sat with arms crossed.
Despite his oily appearance, his eyes were clear and sharp—it was Ok Hobang, awaiting negotiations with Dan So-ok.
“This won’t be easy,” Ok Hobang muttered, narrowing his eyes.
He had thought she retreated from Yeokyung, driven out by the Dragon Might Hall and Divine Might Division. Yet, she had turned the crisis into an opportunity, feigning retreat to settle at Jeoksu River.
Her ingenious plan shocked not only Ok Hobang but the entire martial world.
It proved Dan So-ok was an even more brilliant strategist than reputed.
“But we cannot yield,” he resolved.
Rustle, rustle.
Light footsteps approached, and a middle-aged man in a teal robe entered, a gentle smile on his face. His eyes were long like a phoenix’s, and he looked like a frail scholar incapable of killing a chicken, but he was a formidable master.
It was Do Myeong, the Leader of Dongpyoseorang.
“My Lord?” Ok Hobang stood, surprised. “Why are you here?”
Do Myeong had recently achieved a great martial revelation and secluded himself in a remote valley.
Knowing he was pursuing a new martial realm, Ok Hobang hadn’t informed him of the Ten Thousand Demons Hall’s actions.
Yet, he had come on his own.
“How could I, as the leader, not act in such a matter?” Do Myeong said, smiling and grasping Ok Hobang’s shoulder. “Don’t bear too much alone.”
Ok Hobang sighed in relief.
This was no easy task, even for someone as experienced as him. As a Majeon figure, Dan So-ok’s negotiations rightfully belonged to Do Myeong.
“But I’m worried,” Ok Hobang said, concerned. “The Strategy Hall Leader is cunning enough to use the Martial Alliance’s attack as a pretext to seize Jeoksu River. She won’t withdraw easily.”
“Wouldn’t it be better to yield than spill blood?” Do Myeong said unexpectedly.
Ok Hobang exclaimed, “The Leader has protected Jeoksu River from all factions. If Majeon takes this territory, won’t we become their mercenaries?”
Do Myeong replied calmly, “Recent factions absorbed by Majeon received generous treatment. They retain independence and major rights, paying only a tenth in tribute.”
“That’s because they’re major external factions like the Cloud Sea Wall Palace or North Sea Ice Palace,” Ok Hobang said firmly. “And starting at a tenth, they’ll demand more over time. That’s an age-old truth.”
“Hmm,” Do Myeong mused.
“If we clash with the Ten Thousand Demons Hall, the merchants will suffer greatly. Then the Martial Alliance will swoop in,” Ok Hobang said forcefully. “The Strategy Hall Leader knows this, so she’ll avoid armed conflict—”
Step, step.
Low footsteps approached the banquet hall.
Ok Hobang tensed. With Do Myeong present, only the Strategy Hall Leader, leading the Ten Thousand Demons Hall, could be approaching.
But the figure who entered was a masked man.
“Who are you?” Ok Hobang asked.
The masked man replied calmly, “If we recognize Dongpyoseorang’s authority but take only the Mingmun Merchant Guild’s territory for Majeon, how about it? A tenth in tribute should suffice.”
Shockingly, he seemed to have overheard Do Myeong and Ok Hobang’s entire conversation.
“Are you from Majeon?” Ok Hobang scrutinized him.
Though slender, his eyes held a noble air. He was no ordinary figure.
The masked man stared at Do Myeong and asked, “What’s the Lord’s opinion?”
“Hmm,” Do Myeong said, crossing his arms and sighing. “A tenth is a bit much. Eight parts would be better. Work has been scarce lately…”
“Lord!” Ok Hobang exclaimed.
After all his explanations, what was this deflating response?
The masked man crossed his arms. “Are times that tough?”
“Unlike other mercenary markets, we charge mercenaries minimal fees,” Do Myeong said.
“Fine. I’ll lower it to five parts, but this must remain confidential,” the masked man said.
“Hahaha, quite generous. Will that cover a day’s wages?” Do Myeong chuckled.
“In embracing Jeoksu River, untouched by righteous or demonic factions for generations, what’s money?” the masked man replied.
Do Myeong extended his hand. “Well said. Shall we seal it with a handshake?”
Ok Hobang was stunned.
Normally, faction agreements were formalized in writing for clarity.
But a handshake, like children playing a game?
‘The Lord’s gone mad from secluded training!’ he thought.
“No, I cannot agree to this. The Lord is unwell—” Ok Hobang protested.
Clap.
The masked man and Do Myeong clasped hands firmly, sealing the oath.
“Please take care of Dongpyoseorang and ensure the mercenaries and merchants here aren’t dragged into conflicts,” Do Myeong said.
The masked man’s eyes narrowed slightly. “I’ll do my utmost.”
Such words were typically polite formalities. But his promise carried a resolve stronger than staking his life, perhaps due to his low, earnest voice and gaze.
He continued, “I’ll withdraw the Ten Thousand Demons Hall’s forces immediately but establish a branch here later.”
“A branch?” Do Myeong asked.
“A small intelligence team to gather information, ensuring no inconvenience to Dongpyoseorang or the merchants,” the masked man clarified.
“So, a symbolic branch to claim the territory and keep the Martial Alliance out,” Do Myeong said.
“Exactly.”
Do Myeong nodded. “Agreed.”
“No, this won’t do!” Ok Hobang shouted, stepping between them urgently. “The merchants and markets of Jeoksu River trust the Lord greatly! If we’re absorbed by Majeon so suddenly—”
“It’s only a symbolic claim,” Do Myeong said, placing a hand on Ok Hobang’s shoulder. “I’ll persuade the merchants and markets to ease their concerns.”
“Lord, Lord!” Ok Hobang stammered.
“Given the martial world’s current state, this was inevitable,” Do Myeong said, glancing at the masked man with a relaxed smile. “Better to join the side offering good terms quickly, don’t you think?”
Ok Hobang felt dizzy, realizing his words were futile.
“My opinion… was never needed,” he said, shoulders slumping, and turned to leave.
“Treasurer Yok,” the masked man called.
“What do you want?” Ok Hobang asked wearily.
The masked man approached.
“Raise your child more strictly.” He looked down at him. “Because of that insolent boy, I was forced into an unwanted betrothal.”
“What do you mean?”
“That boy’s been out in the external regions, acting as a mercenary king and earning war merits. Tell him to come to me first when he returns,” the masked man said, then swiftly left.
Ok Hobang blinked, watching him go.
What had he said? And who was this lord?
“Wait!” Ok Hobang exclaimed, realizing the masked man’s identity. “Lord! Could he be…”
“Exactly,” Do Myeong said with a faint smile.
“You knew?” Ok Hobang gaped.
“Not really. I just guessed from his footsteps,” Do Myeong said.
A former disciple of the Nangyang Pavilion, he had sensed the aura of the Beast Way in the masked man’s deliberate footsteps.
“Then why not confront him directly—”
“Didn’t he say? An unwanted betrothal,” Do Myeong replied.
Ok Hobang understood everything.
The Strategy Hall Leader was betrothed to the Martial Soul Command Lord, and this mission was tied to him, so he was secretly aiding her.
Rustle, rustle.
Light footsteps approached, and a figure entered the banquet hall.
Click.
A stunning beauty in a teal palace dress, her long hair styled like clouds, appeared—Dan So-ok, Strategy Hall Leader.
“You’re here early,” she said, about to bow politely when she sensed something odd and tilted her head.
Do Myeong and Ok Hobang stared at her, their faces brimming with subtle smiles.
Their gazes were so peculiar and amused that Dan So-ok, flustered, touched her cheek.
“Is… something on my face?”
***
“The Jeoksu River area has been absorbed into Majeon’s territory!”
“Dongpyoseorang, rooted in Guizhou for generations and neutral between righteous and demonic factions, has also joined Majeon!”
The martial world was in shock for some time.
Jeoksu River, a self-governing territory of merchants and mercenaries untouched by either faction, had been absorbed by Majeon.
Even when the Hell’s Blood Fortress dominated Guizhou, Dongpyoseorang hadn’t yielded, yet now it had surrendered without resistance or conflict.
Proving this, a Majeon branch was established in Jeoksu River.
Though small, its presence signified Majeon’s claim over the area.
“The Martial Alliance gained little and lost much…”
In the end, Majeon sacrificed flesh to take the enemy’s bones.
This was due to the brilliant strategy of Dan So-ok, Strategy Hall Leader.
Martial artists marveled at her intellect, achieving a complete victory over the Martial Alliance despite her youth.
“What happened?!” Gun Yoksang, Vice-Commander of the Divine Might Division, roared upon hearing the news.
Due to Yeon Jagang’s greed, they had handed over the golden territory of Jeoksu River. With no justification to reclaim it, the Martial Alliance faced unprecedented humiliation.
Unable to act, the Divine Might Division returned to the Alliance in dismay.
“When the Infinite Sword Division arrives, the Dragon Might Hall is to return to the Alliance immediately.”
Yuk Jangcheon, Lord of the Ascendant Martial Hall, replaced the forces stationed in Yeokyung from the Dragon Might Hall to the Infinite Sword Division.
Likely decided after consulting Commander Gongsun Dankyung, it was clear what fate awaited the Dragon Might Hall upon their return.
“Urgh,” Yeon Jagang groaned, unable to contain his fury upon hearing the news.
This wasn’t his mistake. He couldn’t accept it.
Dongpyoseorang had never yielded, even to the Hell’s Blood Fortress.
Who could have predicted it would submit to Majeon, to a young strategist like Dan So-ok? How could anyone foresee the Leader of Dongpyoseorang personally securing the merchants’ consent for a Majeon branch?
“This isn’t my fault!” Yeon Jagang insisted.
It was an unforeseeable, catastrophic accident.
“Urgh,” he groaned, clutching his head, when a realization struck him.
The Supreme Branch.
Favored by Yuk Jangcheon and unnecessarily dispatched to these negotiations.
“Call Captain Seon immediately!” Yeon Jagang shouted.
His subordinates promptly summoned Seon Woojin, Captain of the Supreme Branch, to the tent.
“The Supreme Branch is an intelligence unit, right?” Yeon Jagang yelled, eyes bloodshot, as Bu Eunseol, disguised as Seon Woojin, entered. “Didn’t the Hall Lord order you to assist me? You didn’t anticipate this situation?”
It was a petty, cowardly excuse.
But Yeon Jagang had no intention of bearing this alone.
He planned to blame the Supreme Branch’s lax intelligence for failing to gather information on Jeoksu River, causing this blunder.
If he took sole responsibility, he couldn’t maintain his lordship.
“I did anticipate it,” Bu Eunseol replied, contrary to Yeon Jagang’s expectations. “And I sought you out several times because of it.”
“What?” Yeon Jagang exclaimed.
“But you refused to meet me, didn’t you?” Bu Eunseol said calmly.
Bang!
Yeon Jagang slammed the table. “Is that an excuse? If I refused, you should have informed my subordinates!” Glaring murderously, he shouted, “Just because I refused a meeting, you didn’t report critical information?”
Yeon Jagang was determined to drag Bu Eunseol down with him, like a vengeful ghost.
“Of course, I tried to inform your hall’s disciples multiple times, but they said you were always busy,” Bu Eunseol explained.
Yeon Jagang’s eyes widened as he continued.
“When my efforts were repeatedly rebuffed, I had no choice but to report to the Hall Lord.”
“What? Report?” Yeon Jagang realized why Yuk Jangcheon was so furious and why the stationed forces were changed.
“You reported it?!” he shouted.
“We’re an intelligence unit,” Bu Eunseol said, meeting his gaze squarely. “As you said, we had to report critical information by any means.”
Bu Eunseol had foreseen this.
He knew Yeon Jagang’s anger would turn on him and the Supreme Branch for ruining everything. Thus, he deliberately approached Yeon Jagang multiple times, feigning eagerness to contribute.
This ensured Yeon Jagang would dismiss him and refuse to listen.
He also reported to the Ascendant Martial Hall that Jeoksu River might fall to Majeon, including the fact that Yeon Jagang and his subordinates ignored his reports.
“Captain Seon!” Yeon Jagang began to shout, but stopped, meeting Bu Eunseol’s coldly gleaming eyes.
‘He predicted this and acted accordingly!’ Trembling, Yeon Jagang finally grasped the situation. ‘In my greed to hoard all the merit, I shut out the Supreme Branch… leading to this.’
Handing Jeoksu River to Majeon was an irreparable mistake, compounded by his petty actions being reported to the Ascendant Martial Hall.
There was no turning back.
“Yes, it’s all my fault,” Yeon Jagang admitted, regaining his composure.
Seon Woojin wasn’t to blame.
He had faithfully followed orders and tried to offer advice for unforeseen events.
No matter how he looked at it, the fault was his own.
“My hall will remain in Yeokyung until the Infinite Sword Division arrives,” Yeon Jagang said, staring at the distant sky with a wretched expression. “The Supreme Branch is to return immediately. I’ll handle the rest.”
“Understood,” Bu Eunseol said, clasping his hands to leave.
“Captain Seon,” Yeon Jagang called.
Bu Eunseol turned to see Yeon Jagang’s face aged a decade, his hair graying at the temples.
“I’m sorry. And… please put in a good word,” he said.
Having made an irreparable mistake, he couldn’t preserve his lordship and faced punishment upon returning. He could only hope Seon Woojin would speak favorably on his behalf.
Returning to the Supreme Branch’s tent, Bu Eunseol addressed his waiting members.
“Our team will now return,” he said calmly. “Though Lord Yeon didn’t accept our advice, leading to unfavorable results, I’m very proud of our team’s capabilities.”
Tae Muryong and the team had analyzed Guizhou’s situation, creating a map of all righteous and demonic factions in a short time.
Their skill rivaled any intelligence unit in the Martial Alliance.
Moreover, through that map, Bu Eunseol had devised a strategy to aid Dan So-ok and reported the risk of losing Jeoksu River to the Ascendant Martial Hall.
Thanks to their efforts, he had achieved both goals.
“Let’s return,” he said.
The team smiled cheerfully.
Though their efforts weren’t recognized, having a captain who valued them was enough.
‘Now for the most important part,’ Bu Eunseol thought, gazing at the distant sky. In truth, the most critical goal of this mission wasn’t gaining merit or helping Dan So-ok.
It was dispelling the subtle suspicions of Commander Gongsun Dankyung.
‘It begins now,’ he thought, his eyes gleaming.
Having already issued secret orders through Soyo, he would soon be free of her suspicions.
“By the way, have you prepared the items I mentioned?” he asked.
The corps nodded. “We’ve each secured one as instructed.”
Bu Eunseol nodded.
His plan was just beginning.
