The transparent skin reflecting the sunlight emitted a subtle glow, and the smile on his lips was refreshingly cool.
“Young Master Bu.” Upon spotting Bu Eunseol, Weiji Hyesang wore a fresh smile and clasped his hands.
It was a pure smile with no hint of darkness whatsoever.
‘How demonic.’ But in Bu Eunseol’s eyes, it seemed like an old monster that had lived for hundreds of years was smiling with its eyes crinkled.
Swallowing his inner thoughts, Bu Eunseol calmly returned the bow.
“What brings you here?”
“Are you heading back to the Death Shadow Pavilion?”
“Yes.”
“I see. I’m also on my way toward the east gate.” Though it was absolutely no coincidence, Weiji Hyesang said with a brazen expression. “Shall we go together?”
“Fine.” He had wanted to probe Weiji Hyesang’s true intentions anyway.
For him to initiate conversation like this was something to be grateful for.
“By the way, congratulations.” Weiji Hyesang smiled, revealing his white teeth. “You killed the Beggar King and completed your mission, so you’ve completely solidified your position as successor.”
“I heard that Blood Flame Blade Sect has also handled all matters.”
“Even if Blood Flame Blade Sect obtained the Extreme Spirit Elixir, isn’t that just pulling out an item from their own storehouse?” Weiji Hyesang, revealing his white teeth, looked at Bu Eunseol. “Moreover, the Extreme Slaughter Sect and Extinction Palace still haven’t finished their missions….”
He said with a highly amused expression.
“If you can properly receive the support of the Ten Great Demonic Sects, the successor position is as good as yours, Young Master Bu.”
Bu Eunseol gave no reply.
Such words were merely an introduction to get to the main point.
“I heard you went through quite a hardship in this expedition.” As the silence continued, Weiji Hyesang finally began to bring up the main topic. “You pursued the Heavenly Thief alone and were the first to discover his corpse.”
“It was just good luck.”
“How could that be? The Heavenly Thief is a mysterious figure who evaded the orthodox sects’ pursuit for decades, isn’t he?” Weiji Hyesang spoke with a proud expression, as if he himself had performed the feat. “To track such a person in one go and discover him first means you must have devised a profoundly far-sighted plan in advance, Young Master Bu.”
‘The main point is still far off.’ Before he knew it, the pavilion where the Death Shadow Corps stayed came into distant view.
But Weiji Hyesang was still just chattering away.
“The Heavenly Thief, that fellow was quite an interesting character. Something I learned while pursuing him….” The blooming smile on Weiji Hyesang’s face and his chatter showed no sign of stopping. “He thought he was sacrificing himself for the martial world. In reality, he had never seen any list of spies planted in both orthodox and demonic paths….”
Then, turning his head to stare piercingly at Bu Eunseol’s face, he enunciated clearly.
“He said he had simply lived as a fugitive for decades to divert the gaze of those lurking in the darkness.” Bu Eunseol’s expression stiffened slightly.
Those words were what the Heavenly Thief had told Bu Eunseol only as he approached death.
‘Is this really something he learned by chance?’ As he fell into contemplation, Weiji Hyesang pointed anew at the Death Shadow Pavilion.
“I’ve been talking nonstop, and we’ve already arrived.” Then, clasping his hands, he said playfully. “Well, I’ll be going now.”
In the end, he hadn’t brought up any questions.
“Take care.” As Bu Eunseol clasped his hands, Weiji Hyesang made an “ah” sound as if something had just occurred to him.
“Isn’t it fascinating?”
“….”
“For someone like the Heavenly Thief to go around with something like a poison tooth embedded, like a third-rate assassin.”
Halt.
Bu Eunseol’s expression hardened rigidly. The only one who had seen him bite the poison tooth was Bu Eunseol himself, wasn’t it?
Yet Weiji Hyesang knew about it?
In the end, the answer was one of three.
Either he had coincidentally obtained information that the Heavenly Thief had embedded a poison tooth. Or, when Bu Eunseol encountered the Heavenly Thief, he had been hiding nearby….
‘Or the one who stabbed the sword into the Heavenly Thief’s heart was Weiji Hyesang himself.’ As Bu Eunseol’s gaze turned serious and he opened his mouth, Weiji Hyesang clasped his hands.
“Then, see you next time.” His attitude seemed to reveal a determination not to answer any questions that might come flying.
In the end, Bu Eunseol swallowed the question that had risen in his mind.
Weiji Hyesang was the successor of the Hwa Wu Sword Sect. With his status as a Majeon’s successor candidate, he had neither the authority to detain the departing man nor the power to force his mouth open.
“Take care.” Bu Eunseol ultimately let him go without issue.
“Yes.” Weiji Hyesang turned with a friendly smile.
Bu Eunseol stared at his disappearing back with sharp eyes.
His appearance was like that of an innocent boy who knew nothing, but in reality, he was a more dangerous figure than Do Cheonlin. Perhaps Weiji Hyesang was involved in some deep conspiracy, or maybe he was even the mastermind behind it.
‘I can’t delay any longer.’ Bu Eunseol resolved.
He would seek out the mysterious assassin group—and the grand master of hidden weapons known as Sahyang.
***
A thick night fog hung over the river.
Each time the oar was rowed, the small boat advanced with a splashing sound. With arms crossed, Bu Eunseol stood at the bow, gazing at the landscape of Gyerim shrouded in fog.
the Affectionate Blossom Sect.
He intended to use the vast information network of the demonic path’s foremost to grasp the tail of Sahyang.
Step step.
Finally arriving at the entrance of the the Affectionate Blossom Sect, Bu Eunseol disembarked and walked inside. Unlike in the past, no mechanisms were installed at the entrance anymore. Thanks to Bu Eunseol’s help, the martial arts of the combat force, the Hundred Flower Maidens, had rapidly strengthened.
Moreover, terrifying experts from Nangyang Pavilion were stationed here, and great demonic figures of absolute extermination had settled as martial arts instructors. Before long, the the Affectionate Blossom Sect had come to possess formidable military power befitting its status as one of the Ten Great Demonic Sects.
“Young Master Bu.” Mira Yeong, in charge of the entrance, recognized Bu Eunseol’s face and greeted him warmly. “What brings you here without notice?”
“I have something urgent to discuss with the Pavilion Lord.”
“I see. I’ll send word right away.” Mira Yeong had one of her disciples guide Bu Eunseol to the pavilion where Geuk Hyeryeong was.
Originally, the place had been a barren landscape densely laid with silver shadow stones needed for array formations. But now, it was decorated as a beautiful garden, with a small pond and a gazebo built.
And in front of it was a small shadow squatting and gazing at flowers.
It was a girl dressed in light pink clothes, her long hair braided into two pigtails. It was none other than Geuk Hyebin.
“Ah?” Upon spotting Bu Eunseol, she jumped up and ran over. “Aaah!”
Geuk Hyebin ran toward Bu Eunseol with a welcoming smile and bowed her head.
“Have you been well?”
“Aaaah!” Geuk Hyebin grabbed Bu Eunseol’s hands and smiled happily. From that smile alone, he could tell one fact.
The child who could no longer empathize with others and pretended to do good deeds had completely disappeared. Geuk Hyeryeong had faithfully followed Bu Eunseol’s advice, reducing her workload and showering her with attention and love. Thanks to that, Geuk Hyebin had become a healthy girl in both body and mind.
Rustle rustle.
At that moment, accompanied by the sound of fabric brushing, an old woman emerged leading over a dozen disciples. Her face was full of wrinkles, but her eyes were clear and sparkled with divine light. It was none other than Geuk Hyeryeong, the Pavilion Lord of the the Affectionate Blossom Sect.
“Pavilion Lord.” Bu Eunseol bowed deeply.
Though Geuk Hyeryeong was a woman, she was far more powerful than bearded men.
In a short time, she had grasped Bu Eunseol’s character and supported him, not sparing massive aid to Nangyang Pavilion. Moreover, in the fight with the Death Spirit Sect, she broke the principle of ‘not interfering in other sects’ battles’ and sent disciples to help him.
Of course, all this was possible because Bu Eunseol had first shown life-risking trust.
“It’s been a while.” Geuk Hyeryeong nodded and showed a welcoming smile. “I’ve been hearing about your exploits all along.”
Instead of replying, Bu Eunseol took out a small wooden box from his bosom and presented it.
It was the mysterious Jade Bee Honey brought from the Martial Emperor’s Secret Vault.
“What is this?”
“It’s Jade Bee Honey. It won’t fully restore the vocal cord muscles, but it should help to some extent.”
Geuk Hyeryeong couldn’t hide her joyful expression.
“Jade bee honey….” This elixir, already vanished from the martial world, was known to instantly repair even chunks of severed muscle.
Of course, it couldn’t perfectly restore the vocal cords injured long ago…. But it would allow Geuk Hyebin to produce some voice.
“Thank you, thank you!” With an emotional expression, Geuk Hyeryeong grasped Bu Eunseol’s hand.
What made her even happier was that Bu Eunseol hadn’t forgotten and had taken care of her granddaughter, Geuk Hyebin. Bu Eunseol smiled.
“It’s just repaying a little of the grace you’ve shown me, Pavilion Lord.”
‘I chose the right person.’ She smiled broadly and led Bu Eunseol by the hand.
“Rather than standing here, let’s go inside first.” Geuk Hyeryeong didn’t ask things like what brought him here.
Bu Eunseol was the highest guest of the the Affectionate Blossom Sect and would become the future master to rule Majeon.
“Refresh yourself and let’s talk.” Geuk Hyeryeong showed a smile full of wrinkles.
Pure Gold Pavilion.
This was where the Pavilion Lords of the Affectionate Blossom Sect had resided for generations, and it had never once been opened to outsiders. Because this place was connected to the secret vault where the the Affectionate Blossom Sect’s treasures were hidden.
But today, the doors of Pure Gold Pavilion were wide open to welcome Bu Eunseol.
However, unlike the lavish interior, a simple spread was set on the banquet table. Normally, they would have laid out delicacies from land and sea, with numerous disciples carrying fine wines. But knowing well that Bu Eunseol disliked ostentation, they had prepared a light banquet.
“Now, speak comfortably.” Geuk Hyeryeong personally filled Bu Eunseol’s cup to the brim and said. “Whatever it is, this pavilion will do its utmost to help.”
From Bu Eunseol’s expression, she faintly guessed why he had come here. That he intended to make a difficult request.
“Sahyang…” Bu Eunseol said with a grave expression. “I want information on that place.”
In an instant, Geuk Hyeryeong’s relaxed complexion changed.
In the martial world, there are mysterious sects whose home bases remain undisclosed. And such sects must never be touched. The fact that they could hide their bases for generations means?
They had never tolerated those who uncovered their secrets up to now.
“Are you serious?”
“Yes.”
Geuk Hyeryeong took a sip of the wine in her cup and nodded without further words.
“Understood.” Geuk Hyeryeong didn’t ask.
Why Bu Eunseol was pursuing them. Or about the great damage the the Affectionate Blossom Sect might suffer if they touched Sahyang. If it was Bu Eunseol’s request, she would unhesitatingly carry it out, even if it exposed the entire the Affectionate Blossom Sect to danger. Because Bu Eunseol would likewise stake everything to protect the the Affectionate Blossom Sect.
“I don’t know if it’s possible, but let’s try.”
“How long do you think it will take?”
“A secret sect like Sahyang must have invested long efforts to block tracking.” Geuk Hyeryeong said with a grave expression. “I can’t say how much time it will take.”
“I see.” As disappointment flashed in Bu Eunseol’s eyes, Geuk Hyeryeong smiled faintly.
“No need to be discouraged. Coincidentally, when digging for information, they might reveal a vulnerability or make a mistake.” Then, in a strong voice, she said. “If that happens, there’s a chance we can find them quickly. I’ll mobilize this pavilion’s information network to the maximum, so wait and see.”
“Thank you.”
“Is that why you came to see this pavilion?”
“Yes.” From the Heavenly Thief incident, Bu Eunseol had realized that Majeon had countless eyes and ears.
Whether using messenger hawks or human couriers. Information passed through even one step carried a high risk of exposure.
“And there’s one more thing I’d like to request.”
“Speak.”
“The Seven-Finger Demon Blade….”
Taking a deep breath, Bu Eunseol said in a low voice.
“I want to know every detail about Bu Zhanyang, who was called the demonic path’s foremost blade master.”
