Yeop Hyocheon listened quietly to Bu Eunseol’s words and nodded.
“You’ve already been officially appointed as a second-rank Leader of Majeon,” he said.
Yeop Hyocheon smiled faintly, as if he had been waiting for this moment.
“That’s why we’ve provided new quarters and a training ground for your members.” Rising from his seat, he continued, “Soon, twenty newly selected elite members will be assigned to the Death Shadow Corps.”
Bu Eunseol couldn’t hide his surprise. The number of additional members he had intended to request was exactly twenty.
‘I see. Was this a prediction accounting for Myo Cheon-woo and Yoo Unryong?’
A sudden, amusing thought crossed Bu Eunseol’s mind. Perhaps the Demon Emperor didn’t see the future or read minds…
Maybe he simply thought the same way Bu Eunseol did.
“So, what should I do now?” Bu Eunseol asked.
“Nothing,” Yeop Hyocheon replied with a faint smile. “Since things have turned out this way, it wouldn’t hurt to take some rest while the other successors complete their missions.”
It was an unexpected statement.
As Bu Eunseol blinked in surprise, Yeop Hyocheon gave a subtle smile.
“You don’t need to report anything separately, whatever you do.”
“Understood,” Bu Eunseol replied, bowing deeply after collecting his thoughts.
In a time like this, being granted free time was a golden opportunity. He would have to make the most of it from now on.
***
Two days later, at the training ground in front of the Death Shadow Corps quarters.
Twenty newly recruited young members stood in formation. Their faces, fresh from being selected, were youthful and visibly tense. Before them stood Bu Eunseol, dressed in the Leader’s attire, and two others in worn martial robes.
They were Myo Cheon-woo and Yoo Unryong.
“Myo Cheon-woo, Yoo Unryong,” Bu Eunseol said solemnly, looking at the two. “From now on, you are the leaders of the fourth and fifth squads of the Death Shadow Corps.”
“Squad leaders?” Yoo Unryong blinked in surprise.
Bu Eunseol nodded. “From now on, train these members directly. Make them capable of holding their own on the battlefield.”
Though they had been assisting Bu Eunseol and were integrated into the Death Shadow Corps, the two were originally from the Ten Demon Warriors. They were beings who couldn’t fully blend with the regular members.
Bu Eunseol was well aware that they still felt like outsiders. Thus, he had assigned direct subordinates to them. This would foster a sense of responsibility and belonging.
“Train them to survive and return from any battlefield,” Bu Eunseol said sternly. “Currently, the first squad specializes in swordsmanship, the second in movement techniques and hidden weapons, and the third in external martial arts.”
He looked at the two calmly and continued, “The fourth squad will specialize in palm techniques, and the fifth in unconventional methods.”
Looking at Myo Cheon-woo and Yoo Unryong, he added, “You’ve been officially registered as squad leaders, so go to the Privy Council and give your names. They’ll provide you with proper martial robes.”
“Bu Eunseol,” Myo Cheon-woo began to speak, but Bu Eunseol ignored him.
“Your quarters will be assigned separately. Make them battle-ready within two months if possible.”
“Bu Eunseol!” Myo Cheon-woo called out again, but Bu Eunseol turned away as if he hadn’t heard.
“He’s got us good,” Myo Cheon-woo said, slumping his shoulders.
Yoo Unryong replied calmly, “Didn’t you see this coming?”
“Of course I did,” Myo Cheon-woo said.
“Then why were you calling out to him so desperately?”
“Pay.”
Looking at his empty money pouch, Myo Cheon-woo said with utmost seriousness, “How much is the salary for a squad leader in Majeon?”
***
Back in his office, Bu Eunseol took a book from the shelf and began writing.
It was the Nangyang True Excellence, which he had previously set aside.
Even now, the disciples of the Nangyang Pavilion were likely enduring all sorts of hardships to master the Beast Way. Thus, he aimed to find a method to steadily improve both the Beast Way and the foundational martial arts of the Nangyang Pavilion as soon as possible.
‘If I can complete the Nangyang True Excellence during this free time… that would be rewarding.’
Knock, knock.
At that moment, a knock on the door was followed by a man in black martial robes approaching and respectfully clasping his hands.
“Su Hwa, disciple of the Shadow Pavilion, greets the Death Shadow Corps Leader.”
The Shadow Pavilion was Majeon’ top covert division, even recruiting members from the Ten Demon Warriors.
“What’s the matter?” Bu Eunseol asked.
“A message from the Peongan Corps,” Suhwa replied.
‘Now that I’m a second-rank Leader, the Shadow Pavilion delivers messages from the Peongan Corps directly…’
It was the sweet taste of power.
Indeed, as one’s status rises, humans inevitably become intoxicated by the growing authority. But Bu Eunseol had no interest in power or fame.
“There’s no need to do this in the future,” he said calmly, picking up the letter. “The division has plenty of squad leaders.”
“…Understood,” Suhwa replied, looking puzzled but clasping his hands respectfully. “Then, I’ll take my leave.”
As Suhwa left, Bu Eunseol began reading the letter.
“So that’s how it is,” he muttered, his expression hardening as he read.
Letting out a low hum, Bu Eunseol left the office with a grave look and headed toward the bamboo grove behind the quarters. In the clearing at its center, members of the first and third squads were gathered.
“The concept of ‘striking after the enemy moves’ is a principle that can only be effectively applied when one has reached the pinnacle of mastery,” Hyeok Sojin was explaining, standing at the front, interpreting martial principles for the members.
“In combat, the most critical element is seizing the initiative. To dominate the initiative, you must strike first…” After finishing his practice, Hyeok Sojin would explain the flaws or mistakes in martial techniques to the Death Shadow Corps members.
Thanks to this, their insight and martial skills were improving day by day.
‘Impressive.’ This wasn’t something Bu Eunseol had instructed.
By teaching martial principles to the Death Shadow Corps members, Hyeok Sojin was simultaneously refining his own foundational martial arts. In fact, his martial prowess was advancing daily, reaching a level comparable to the successors of the Ten Demonic Sects.
“Sojin,” Bu Eunseol called as he approached.
Hyeok Sojin stopped his explanation and smiled brightly. “What brings you here?”
“Let’s talk for a moment,” Bu Eunseol said.
Noticing the gravity in Bu Eunseol’s expression, Hyeok Sojin felt an ominous premonition.
“Is it about the my sect?” he asked.
After a brief pause, Bu Eunseol nodded. “The Sect Leader has collapsed.”
Thud.
At that moment, Hyeok Sojin’s heart sank.
“Grandfather…” he whispered.
“Don’t worry. His life isn’t in danger; he’s just overexerted himself,” Bu Eunseol reassured him.
After a moment of thought, Hyeok Sojin asked, “How did you know about this?”
Bu Eunseol gave a subtle smile. “Did you think the elders would support me just because I made some connections?”
“What do you mean?” Hyeok Sojin asked.
“I asked Elder Phantom Demon to keep me informed about the Heaven and Earth Severing Sect through the Peongan Corps,” Bu Eunseol explained.
He had been periodically receiving updates about the Heaven and Earth Severing Sect through the Peongan Corps, keeping tabs on the Affectionate Blossom Sect’s movements. The warriors of Affectionate Blossom Sect supported Bu Eunseol wholeheartedly because they knew he kept his promises like gold.
“I’m sorry, Brother Bu,” Hyeok Sojin said, rubbing his forehead in embarrassment. “As a successor, I was caught up in my martial journey and forgot about them, but you’ve been watching over Heaven and Earth Severing Sect in my stead.”
“I was merely keeping my promise to Elder Sect Leader,” Bu Eunseol said calmly. “Unlike personal promises, agreements between factions are absolute. If they aren’t upheld, the faction’s survival could be at stake.”
If it were just about keeping a promise, monitoring the movements of Affectionate Blossom Sect’s demons would have sufficed. But Bu Eunseol went further, staying informed about the major and minor affairs of Heaven and Earth Severing Sect and even keeping Hyeok Gobaek’s well-being in mind.
And that was all for Hyeok Sojin’s sake.
“Thank you,” Hyeok Sojin said.
On the surface, Bu Eunseol seemed indifferent to everything, but he closely observed those around him with care. Hyeok Sojin felt immense pride that such a man was his sworn brother.
“Now…” Bu Eunseol paused, gazing at the distant sky. “It’s about time to return to Heaven and Earth Severing Sect.”
Hyeok Sojin lowered his head.
No feast lasts forever, and every meeting is followed by a parting.
Once his martial journey was complete, as the successor of Heaven and Earth Severing Sect, he would have to take over from the Phantom Demon and manage the sect.
But because his journey with Bu Eunseol had been so enjoyable, he had been avoiding that reality.
Now, it was truly time to return.
Hyeok Sojin forced a smile. “You’re right. With this idle grandson gone, I’ll have to take over from Grandfather and manage Heaven and Earth Severing Sect.”
Bu Eunseol nodded and said quietly, “It’s late today, so we’ll leave early tomorrow.”
***
The next day.
In front of the Death Shadow Corps quarters’ training ground, all the members stood in formation. They had gathered to bid farewell to Hyeok Sojin upon hearing of his departure.
“You’ve all heard, right?” Hyeok Sojin said, stepping forward with a bright smile. “Your Deputy must now return to his own sect.”
A heavy sigh rose from the Death Shadow Corps members.
Even Myo Cheon-woo and Yoo Unryong’s eyes showed reluctance.
If Bu Eunseol was a strict father, Hyeok Sojin was like a caring mother.
Thanks to his presence—looking after each member and approaching them warmly—the Death Shadow Corps members, including the latecomers Myo Cheon-woo and Yoo Unryong, had been able to blend in naturally.
“Even without me, follow the Leader’s orders well,” Hyeok Sojin said.
“Are you leaving for good?” Wi Cheongyeong asked.
Hyeok Sojin gave a bittersweet smile. “There’s no such thing as ‘for good.’ If fate allows, we’ll meet again somewhere.”
“I see,” Wi Cheongyeong said, clasping his hands with a reluctant expression. “Take care, Deputy Leader.”
At that, all the members standing in formation shouted in unison and bowed deeply.
—Take care, Deputy Leader!
Then, they each called out one by one.
“Well, if we miss you, we’ll just head to Heaven and Earth Severing Sect!”
“Will you feed us if we go?”
“Why not just ditch everything and stay with the Death Shadow Corps?”
The Death Shadow Corps members, once devoid of camaraderie or even basic affection, had grown deeply attached to Hyeok Sojin through their shared life-and-death missions in a short time.
“Keep improving your martial arts until I return,” Bu Eunseol said, stepping forward. “Especially the fourth and fifth squads—I’ll personally inspect your skills when I come back.”
“Wait, is the Leader going somewhere too?” Won Semun asked.
Bu Eunseol gave a faint smile. “We started together, so we should end together, shouldn’t we?”
At that moment, the members felt something warm stirring in their chests.
‘We started together, so we should end together.’
It felt like something Bu Eunseol was saying to the Death Shadow Corps members.
‘We began this martial journey together, so we should end it together…’
Hyeok Sojin’s heart warmed as well.
Since he had started this martial journey with Bu Eunseol, it was only right to end it together.
“You’re right. We started together, so we should end together,” Hyeok Sojin said, smiling.
As he spoke, Myo Cheon-woo, who had been standing silently, stepped forward.
“If you’re going, request an escort from Majeon,” he said, arms crossed and expression serious. “After killing the Beggar King, every scoundrel in the martial world has their eyes on you. If you two go out alone now, all sorts of riffraff will come after you.”
“That’s true,” Bu Eunseol nodded. “That’s why we’re traveling together.”
Hyeok Sojin’s eyes widened as he realized something. “Brother Bu, you don’t mean…”
“This journey will lay the foundation for you to become an outstanding successor,” Bu Eunseol said calmly. “That was my final promise to Elder Sect Leader.”
The Phantom Demon had asked Bu Eunseol to awaken the dormant passion and warrior spirit in Hyeok Sojin.
And Bu Eunseol had not only ignited that warrior spirit but had also molded Hyeok Sojin into a formidable martial artist worthy of being Heaven and Earth Severing Sect’s successor. But that wasn’t enough. Bu Eunseol intended to further elevate Hyeok Sojin by demonstrating his advanced martial prowess.
‘He’s trying to impart his final insights to me.’
At a young age, Bu Eunseol had reached the threshold of the Supreme Heaven Realm, an unprecedented feat. He was about to pass on the profound insights gained from his battle with the Beggar King to Hyeok Sojin.
“Then I’m going too,” Yoo Unryong said, stepping forward abruptly. “I can’t miss out on a fight.”
“Me too,” Myo Cheon-woo added.
Bu Eunseol shook his head. “No.”
“Why not? I want to grow stronger by watching you fight,” Myo Cheon-woo protested.
“That’s exactly why you shouldn’t come,” Bu Eunseol said calmly. “Both of you have reached the peak of the Transcendent Realm, but you’ve never taught martial arts to others.”
Myo Cheon-woo let out an “Ah” as he realized something. He recalled how Hyeok Sojin’s martial progress had surged unexpectedly while teaching the Death Shadow Corps.
“That’s right. At your level, the fastest way to advance your martial arts is to start teaching others,” Bu Eunseol explained.
Myo Cheon-woo and Yoo Unryong exchanged surprised glances.
‘He didn’t assign us members just to work us hard.’
In truth, they too had a desire to teach the Death Shadow Corps members. But since the existing members had already learned specialized techniques under Bu Eunseol, they couldn’t impart their own insights.
Now, with new members, they could finally pass on their insights and foundational martial arts.
“Understood. We’ll do it,” Myo Cheon-woo said.
The expressions of Myo Cheon-woo and Yoo Unryong changed. Realizing Bu Eunseol’s care in helping them advance their skills, they felt a newfound sense of loyalty.
“Don’t worry and go,” Myo Cheon-woo said.
Jo Namcheon laughed and shouted, “Exactly! Go without worries, Leader. We’ll train diligently in the meantime.”
“Yes, go without worries!” the other members echoed.
As each member spoke up, Bu Eunseol nodded.
“Train diligently until I return.”
—Yes, sir!
As the members bowed in unison, Bu Eunseol looked down at them calmly.
Now, he was setting out to accompany Hyeok Sojin, who had to protect Heaven and Earth Severing Sect, for one final journey.
