At that moment, the Rootless Brigade warriors kneeling behind Bu Eunseol trembled slightly.
For Bu Eunseol, a candidate for heir, to request the official title of a Majeon leader… Didn’t that essentially mean demanding formal recognition for the Rootless Brigade as an official troop?
“…” The Demon Emperor, gazing intently at Bu Eunseol, turned and gave a slight nod to Yeop Hyocheon.
At this, Yeop Hyocheon signaled, and Jin Seol, accompanied by maids standing behind him, brought a box and slowly descended the platform. Approaching Bu Eunseol, Jin Seol opened the box handed to him by the maids.
Click.
Inside was a command token wrapped in red cloth, shimmering with five-colored light. In its center were the characters for “Death Shadow”.
Bu Eunseol’s heart chilled as he gazed at the token. No matter how profound the Demon Emperor’s power and martial arts were, such a token couldn’t be crafted on the spot. This meant the Demon Emperor had predicted that Bu Eunseol, upon succeeding in his mission, would request the official leadership of the Rootless Brigade.
‘It’s one of two things,’ Bu Eunseol thought.
Either the Demon Emperor had foreseen his every move, or someone had meticulously reported his actions in the martial world.
‘It doesn’t matter.’ Bu Eunseol dismissed the thought.
Now wasn’t the time for such musings.
The fervent passion radiating from the Rootless Brigade—no, the Death Shadow Corps warriors behind him—demanded that he grasp their aspirations with both hands.
Looking down at Bu Eunseol, the Demon Emperor spoke softly, “I heard you annihilated Marauders in secrecy and silence.”
Despite defeating Marauders’s elites, the Rootless Brigade’s identity had remained hidden. Rumors spread in the martial world of “shadows that silently deliver death” sent by Majeon. As this reputation grew, the Demon Emperor bestowed the name Death Shadow Corps (Death Shadow Corps).
“Nangyang disciple, Bu Eunseol,” the Demon Emperor said impassively, looking down at him.
“For your achievement in eliminating Marauders, I appoint you as the leader of the Death Shadow Corps, a third-rank troop of this order.”
At that moment, smirks appeared on the lips of Majeon leaders standing by. “As expected, a third-rank troop.”
Majeon’s troops were divided into first, second, and third ranks.
First-rank troops followed only their direct superior’s orders and could undertake solo missions if desired.
Second-rank troops had authority and discretion in mission execution. Third-rank troops, however, were bound to strictly obey and carry out orders from above.
“However, while performing duties related to the heir candidacy…” the Demon Emperor continued. “I permit you to undertake solo missions at your discretion.”
The eyes of the standing leaders widened in shock. Though called a third-rank troop, Bu Eunseol had essentially been granted the authority of a first-rank troop.
“That greenhorn is allowed solo missions?”
“Only for heir candidacy tasks.”
“Right, if he fails to become the heir, he’ll be cast aside.”
Ignoring the leaders’ whispered transmissions,
“I accept the command,” Bu Eunseol said, bowing respectfully and accepting the token.
***
Days later, within Majeon.
Forty warriors marched in strict formation toward the heart of Majeon. Their black uniforms bore the character “Jeol” (Extinction) on the back, and their waists held sheathed swords with red lines.
These were the warriors of the Extinction Corps.
Step, step.
Approaching from the opposite direction was a group of thirty warriors. They wore glossy, high-quality black uniforms but carried a variety of weapons. Their gait was too carefree for Majeon warriors, some even chatting with their comrades.
Such casual behavior was unimaginable in Majeon, which emphasized discipline and solemnity. These were the Death Shadow Corps warriors under Bu Eunseol.
“As long as you don’t disrupt the chain of command, do as you please,” Bu Eunseol had ordered upon entering Majeon. “Your individuality is your weapon, and that will become my strength.”
Even after recognizing them as official warriors, Bu Eunseol allowed their individuality. He had discerned that the Death Shadow Corps performed at their best in a free atmosphere. It might seem a trivial order, but they followed it as if it were a grand decree. In no time, they had become loyal subordinates faithfully executing Bu Eunseol’s commands.
“Ridiculous bunch,” said Extinction Corps’s leader, Gok Jindong, in a low voice, eyeing the Death Shadow Corps walking like a ragtag group. “They got lucky becoming official warriors and now strut around in fancy clothes.”
The Death Shadow Corps warriors, with their deep inner power and sharp hearing, couldn’t have missed Gok Jindong’s words, despite his low tone.
“Well, who do we have here? Isn’t that Leader Gok of the Extinction Corps?” said Won Semun, walking jauntily at the front, playfully waving both hands.
Gok Jindong’s eyes widened. “Are you mad?”
“You calling me ‘you’?”
“How dare a mere warrior jest with this leader?”
Jo Namcheon, standing nearby, chuckled. “Seems the leader doesn’t like being greeted.”
“What did you say?”
“All Won Semun did was clasp his hands to welcome you.”
“With that smug grin?”
“What, should he greet you with tears instead of a smile?”
“Hmph.” Momentarily speechless, Gok Jindong smirked slyly as if recalling something. “Your arrogance won’t last.”
“What do you mean?” Jo Namcheon asked.
“You may have been appointed an official leader, but you’re still just an heir candidate. If your leader falls from candidacy, you’ll all be back to being nobodies. Heh heh.”
Though Bu Eunseol was an official Majeon leader, his position was tied to his status as an heir candidate. In other words, it was a title gained by bypassing the organizational hierarchy through the Demon Emperor’s selection. Moreover, wasn’t his authority for solo missions limited to heir candidacy tasks? If Bu Eunseol failed to become the heir, the Death Shadow Corps could return to obscurity.
“You worry about the strangest things,” said Wi Cheongyeong, passing by Gok Jindong with bangs covering his face. “Our leader is the legitimate heir of the Ten Demonic Sects, whether or not he becomes Majeon’s heir. You should worry about preserving your own position, Leader Gok.”
“Preserve? You insolent Rootless Brigade—”
“We’re not Rootless Brigade. We’re Death Shadow Corps, Leader Gok.” A yellow flash gleamed in Wi Cheongyeong’s eyes through his bangs. “You couldn’t have missed our leader receiving the token a few days ago… Or are you rejecting the name bestowed by the Demon Emperor?”
Gok Jindong’s face darkened as he shook his head. “No, that’s not what I meant.”
The Death Shadow Corps’s name was personally granted by the Demon Emperor. If word reached the Disciplinary Hall that he disrespected it, he could face punishment for blasphemy.
“My words were a mistake. Forget them,” Gok Jindong said, sweating as he waved his hand.
Jo Namcheon smiled, clasping his hands respectfully. “You should start being more careful, Leader.” As he turned with a smirk, the other warriors grinned and moved on.
“Heh heh!” The warriors’ faces were alight with uncontainable laughter.
“To think we could put that pompous Extinction Corps leader in his place?”
“This is why you’ve got to climb the ranks!”
“We’re set for life under a leader like ours.” The warriors, once scorned, reveled in the moment.
To see the insufferable Extinction Corps leader humiliated and unable to retort?
“Hahaha!”
For the first time, they fully embraced their newfound status.
***
Majeon housed numerous troops, each with different ranks and privileges.
For instance, the warriors of the top-tier troops—Cheonsal, Amcheon, and Myeonhon—each had private quarters and dedicated maids for meals.
Lower-tier troops used shared dormitories and communal dining halls. By this measure, the Death Shadow Corps received exceptional treatment. They were provided a dedicated dormitory building, a small training ground in front, and an office for Bu Eunseol.
“You really need to pick the right side,” Jo Namcheon marveled, watching workers cautiously replace a signboard. “The Demon Emperor himself appointed our leader, so we get this kind of treatment.”
Wi Cheongyeong, standing beside him, shook his head. “But it’s strange. Usually, a new troop gets a new building. Why give us the one used by the Mayeongdae?”
Jo Namcheon, stroking his chin, said seriously, “Our leader is destined to become Majeon’s heir, isn’t he? Once that happens, our status will change again, so this must be temporary.”
Wi Cheongyeong smiled instead of replying. Deep down, he believed Bu Eunseol would undoubtedly become Majeon’s heir, and they would soar even higher.
“Hmph, why not just sing a hymn praising the leader?” Won Semun, overseeing the warriors’ blade training at the training ground, snorted. “Extinction Corps’s leader wasn’t entirely wrong.”
“What do you mean?” Jo Namcheon asked.
Won Semun frowned. “If our leader falls from candidacy, will he stay as a Majeon leader? He’ll return to Nangyang.”
Jo Namcheon’s face darkened.
Though a Majeon leader, Bu Eunseol was fundamentally Nangyang’s legitimate heir. If he failed to become the heir, he’d have no reason to remain.
“Won Semun, you still haven’t shed that rebellious streak,” Wi Cheongyeong sighed.
Creak.
The office door opened, and Bu Eunseol and Hyeok Sojin stepped out.
Jo Namcheon and Wi Cheongyeong moved to salute, but—
“Leader, you’re here?” Won Semun darted forward, clasping his hands. “I’ve trained the warriors in blade techniques and completed their formation drills.”
“Well done,” Bu Eunseol nodded.
Won Semun rubbed his hands vigorously. “Hard work? This is all for our leader’s and my success! Haha!”
‘That shameless guy…’ Jo Namcheon and Wi Cheongyeong’s expressions darkened. Moments ago, he criticized Bu Eunseol’s uncertain future, and now he was fawning?
“Captain, that’s not what you said earlier about the leader’s candidacy…” Han Seowung, approaching with a disgruntled look, began.
“Quiet!” Won Semun swiftly stretched Han Seowung’s puffed cheeks like dough. “The leader has great things ahead. Don’t trouble him with useless talk!”
“…” His brazen attitude darkened the faces of not just the first team’s captains but all the warriors.
Step, step.
A warrior in a black uniform approached Bu Eunseol, clasping his hands. “Wi Chung of Solitary Light Pavilion greets the leader.”
“What is it?” Bu Eunseol asked.
“All heir candidates have gathered, so Leader Bu is requested to come to the Solitary Light Pavilion.”
“Understood.” Nodding, Bu Eunseol pulled a manual from his robe and handed it to Won Semun.
“What’s this?” Won Semun asked.
“Secret techniques of Heaven and Earth Severing Sect. The first team will be at the forefront in battle.”
“Another martial arts manual?” Won Semun grinned.
Bu Eunseol said coldly, “No need to rejoice. Those who don’t master this to the third level within a month won’t remain Death Shadow Corps warriors.” The first team warriors, who had been watching Bu Eunseol casually, stiffened.
‘Fail to master this to the third level in a month, and you’ll lose your Death Shadow Corps status.’ That was what Bu Eunseol was saying.
“I’m heading to the Solitary Light Pavilion. Start training diligently.” With that, he and Hyeok Sojin followed the Solitary Light Pavilion warrior out of Sayeonggak.
A deathly silence fell.
The warriors’ eyes, once full of laughter, burned with renewed fervor. Bu Eunseol hadn’t merely granted the Death Shadow Corps sweet privileges. He made it clear that only those who ceaselessly strove could remain in the Death Shadow Corps. Only those who tirelessly advanced could stand by Bu Eunseol’s side.
Step, step.
Bu Eunseol and Hyeok Sojin followed the Solitary Light Pavilion warrior through the pavilion toward the heart of Majeon.
‘By the Mid-Autumn Festival, all heir candidates must come to Majeon.’ Not long ago, Yeop Hyocheon, the Chief Instructor known as the “Dark King,” issued this command. To fulfill this solemn order, the heir candidates of the Ten Demonic Sects had gathered in one place.
“Brother Bu, have you heard?” Hyeok Sojin, walking beside him, said in a low voice. “The heirs of White Horse Temple, Hell’s Blood Fortress, and Death Command Sect have been excluded from candidacy.”
It wasn’t surprising.
Those three sects had attacked Bu Eunseol and suffered bitter defeats. Their plan to crush him with numbers had repeatedly failed. Majeon likely deemed such failures unworthy of heirship and removed them.
“I see,” Bu Eunseol nodded, continuing forward.
A crescent-shaped pavilion slowly came into view.
Solitary Light Pavilion.
The place where he first met the Chief Instructor and received the mission to eliminate a great righteous master. Now, as an official Majeon leader, he returned to the Solitary Light Pavilion.
And there…
Hwa Wu Sword Sect, Blood Flame Blade Sect.
Extreme Slaughter Sect, Myeol Ingung.
All the heir candidates he would compete against were gathered.
