At Majeon’s entrance, atop a high platform
The Demon Emperor stood tall.
Below, three thousand warriors, prepared for battle, stood solemnly in formation.
The Blood Martial Corps, recently returned from missions beyond the pass, were ready to depart again under the Sect Leader’s orders to deal with the Black Alliance, a coalition of bandit groups dominating the Qinghai region.
Standing alone under the sun, the Sect Leader surveyed them.
He spoke a single command: “Annihilate the Black Alliance.”
“We obey!”
The thunderous voices of the three thousand warriors shook the heavens.
The war against the Black Alliance had begun.
***
Near the Nujiang River, flowing through Qinghai’s rugged mountains
A plain called the Sword-Rune Plain housed a massive fortress, the headquarters of the Black Alliance, which ruled Qinghai. Its exterior resembled the ramshackle headquarters of the Beggars’ Sect, but its buildings were strategically arranged to fend off large enemy forces.
A few li away, large encampments were being set up.
The Blood Martial Corps had established a forward base to annihilate the Black Alliance. At the center of the encampment stood a table with a detailed map of the Sword-Rune Plain. Twelve warriors in black robes surrounded it, with a middle-aged man standing prominently at the head.
He wore a blood-red scabbard at his waist, his eyes sharp as blades.
This was Jwa Dae-Baek, leader of the Blood Martial Corps.
“Hm.” He scanned the warriors.
Ten were captains of the Blood Martial Corps. At the end stood two young men with striking appearances, facing each other.
One exuded a radiant, sun-like elegance, while the other emanated a decadent, moonlit beauty.
They were Bu Eunseol and Do Cheonlin, candidates for Majeon’s heir.
“The goal of this campaign is the annihilation of the Black Alliance,” Jwa Dae-Baek said, his gaze fixed on Bu Eunseol and Do Cheonlin, not the captains. “You may think this battlefield will decide the heir’s position.”
He glared at them menacingly. “But the heir selection is none of my concern.”
Bu Eunseol and Do Cheonlin were legitimate heirs of the Ten Demonic Sects and candidates for Majeon’s leadership. They held the most prestigious status among the demonic younger generation.
But this was wartime.
Strict obedience was required, and Jwa Dae-Baek held the authority to execute anyone who disobeyed.
“Death Shadow Corps Leader,” he said sternly, as if to remind them of the situation.
“Your Death Shadow Corps may be recognized as a first-class unit, but it’s merely a detachment under my command.”
“I understand,” Bu Eunseol replied.
Jwa Dae-Baek withdrew his gaze and spoke loudly, “The Black Alliance has thirty thousand troops. Though they’re bandits, even their lowest grunts have some martial training, making them roughly equal to our three thousand.” Pointing at the map, he continued, “Despite our advance into Qinghai, they’re not surrendering but openly fortifying their defenses.”
To Seobaek Myeong, the Ice Blood Captain, he said, “First, we need to assess their movements and morale. Move the Ice Blood Corps to this area to monitor the Black Alliance.”
“Understood.” Jwa Dae-Baek issued further orders to his captains.
To Do Cheonlin, he said, “You brought fifty experts from the Blood Flame Blade Sect?”
“Yes. The Chief Instructor permitted me to bring a force equal to the Shadow Corps.” The fifty swordsmen Do Cheonlin brought were the elite of the Blood Flame Blade Sect, equivalent to an entire special unit of Majeon.
Jwa Dae-Baek nodded impassively. “I’ll assign the Bloodless and Night Red units to your command.” Pointing at the map, he said, “When the full assault begins, our forces will clear a path to the Sword-Rune Plain. Then, advance directly to the Black Alliance’s heart.”
Turning to Bu Eunseol, he said, “You lead a well-trained force, so you’ll act as a detached unit.”
“Detached unit?”
“You’ll disrupt the Black Alliance’s rear.” In a low, solemn voice, he continued, “Cross Duak Mountain immediately and move to their rear. Repeatedly strike and retreat to divert their attention.”
Bu Eunseol’s eyebrow twitched.
‘So blatant it’s almost overt.’
The Black Alliance wasn’t foolish.
Upon hearing of Majeon’s assault, they had fortified defenses from the Nujiang River to Duak Mountain. Leading his men to the rear via Duak Mountain would require relentless qinggong for half a month. Even if they reached it, exhausted, they’d achieve no merit—only annihilation awaited.
‘He’s determined to make Do Cheonlin the heir.’
Jwa Dae-Baek, the Blood Martial Corps leader, wouldn’t act alone. Rumors among Majeon’s leadership suggested a deal with Do Cheonlin and the Ten Demonic Sects.
‘Refuse, and he’ll find fault.’
Jwa Dae-Baek held full command authority. Disobeying would lead to even more absurd or perilous missions.
‘Hm.’ Instead of answering immediately, Bu Eunseol studied the map. After a long gaze, a spark of brilliance flashed in his eyes.
‘Qinghai…’ As Bu Eunseol sank into thought,
‘Heh, he has no choice but to refuse.’ Jwa Dae-Baek, not pressing for an answer, closely observed Bu Eunseol staring at the map.
‘He must know this is a trap.’ Disrupting the Black Alliance’s rear with just the Death Shadow Corps was absurd. Jwa Dae-Baek planned to use this impossible mission to undermine Bu Eunseol’s prestige and assign him another dangerous, meritless task.
“Understood,” Bu Eunseol said unexpectedly, clasping his hands.
“The Death Shadow Corps will take on the rear disruption.”
‘What?’ Caught off guard, Jwa Dae-Baek blinked. “You’ll disrupt their rear with just fifty men?”
“You ordered it, didn’t you?”
Snapping out of it, Jwa Dae-Baek nodded. “Indeed.” Still dazed, he sharpened his gaze. “You’ll undertake this mission?”
“Yes.” Bu Eunseol went further. “If an opportunity arises during the disruption, may I break through to the Black Alliance’s heart?”
“What?” Jwa Dae-Baek frowned, incredulous.
‘Is this guy mocking me?’ With the Death Shadow Corps’ numbers, breaking through the rear was impossible, let alone the defenses—annihilation was certain.
Yet he spoke of reaching the heart?
A thought struck Jwa Dae-Baek.
‘Did he see through my plan?’ He had planned to use refusal as an excuse to assign Bu Eunseol another perilous task. But Bu Eunseol, sensing this, was likely maneuvering to survive and report later.
‘I received an absurd mission, so naturally, I couldn’t achieve merit!’ He probably planned to use this excuse to vie for the heir position back at Majeon.
Jwa Dae-Baek smirked faintly.
‘That won’t happen.’
The Demon Emperor would never tolerate such excuses.
Hiding his sly smile, Jwa Dae-Baek nodded solemnly. “Very well. Depart immediately.”
Without hesitation, Bu Eunseol clasped his hands and left the tent.
Do Cheonlin, watching with sharp eyes, said to Jwa Dae-Baek, “Commander, send the fastest messengers to monitor Bu Eunseol and the Death Shadow Corps.”
“No need,” Jwa Dae-Baek sneered. “This is Qinghai. Even if he could soar to the heavens, he can’t strike their rear.”
‘He’s not listening.’ Do Cheonlin narrowed his eyes.
Bu Eunseol had completed every supposedly impossible mission. He wouldn’t simply give up due to Jwa Dae-Baek’s interference.
“Understood.” Nodding without further argument, Do Cheonlin whispered to his confidant, Du Yeong, “Select the swiftest among our experts to monitor the Shadow Corps.”
“Will Commander Jwa allow us to move troops independently?”
“He’s already in our pocket. He won’t care about one missing member.”
“Understood.” As Du Yeong left, Do Cheonlin looked to the distant sky.
‘This mission must not fail.’ Even if he didn’t gain merit, it didn’t matter. He already had the support of over half the Ten Demonic Sects. But he had to ensure Bu Eunseol couldn’t achieve merit here. If Bu Eunseol matched his accomplishments, the heir position would slip away forever.
‘Bu Eunseol, this time, even you can’t succeed.’
Biting his lip, Do Cheonlin muttered, “For the future of the demonic path… I must become Majeon’s heir.”
***
Inside the Death Shadow Corps’ encampment
As Bu Eunseol explained the mission, the atmosphere turned funereal. Normally, the Shadow Corps would have erupted in protest. But now, they were silent, knowing Bu Eunseol suffered most.
After a long silence, Myo Cheonwoo stepped forward.
“Bu Eunseol.” Usually, the corps members spoke casually, often interrupting him.
But in wartime, they never used informal speech. However, Myo Cheonwoo and Yoo Unryong, old comrades, always spoke freely regardless of the situation.
“Majeon is a coalition of power. To rise, you need a powerful backer,” Myo Cheonwoo said with a bitter smile. “But you became a first-class captain on your own. That’s remarkable.”
It was the warmest comfort a friend could offer.
But Bu Eunseol, as if not hearing, turned his head. “What did you say?”
“Huh? Oh, nothing.” Myo Cheonwoo thought Bu Eunseol was too shocked to think clearly.
But the shock soon turned back on him.
“Everyone, prepare. We’re moving to strike the Black Alliance.”
“What?” Myo Cheonwoo blinked. “Bu Eunseol, are you sane?”
“What do you mean?”
“With this number, how can we disrupt their rear? If we charge in, we won’t even reach Sword-Rune Plain—we’ll be annihilated by the forces guarding Duak Mountain.”
“Myo Cheonwoo’s right,” Yoo Unryong stepped forward. “They’ll heavily guard Duak Mountain’s paths and the Nujiang River’s banks, vulnerable to direct strikes.”
Bu Eunseol frowned. “Who said we’re going straight to Sword-Rune Plain?”
“What?” Yoo Unryong furrowed his brow. “Then where?”
Bu Eunseol said in a low voice, “Sakgeom Pass.”
The corps members exchanged glances.
Sakgeom Pass was home to sword clans claiming to be the Qinghai Demonic Path, often at odds with Majeon.
“You’re planning to borrow the Qinghai demonic sects’ boats to reach Sword-Rune Plain?” Yoo Unryong asked.
Bu Eunseol nodded. “Exactly.”
“Impossible,” Yoo Unryong said firmly, shaking his head. “That’s where demonic sword sects hostile to Majeon gather. They might even be colluding with the Black Alliance.”
Pausing, he continued, “And you think our sect’s unit can barge in and borrow their boats?” With a serious expression, he said, “Bu Eunseol, I know you’re exceptionally capable.”
“…”
“But this is a large-scale battle with armies clashing in a specific region. You can’t do it alone.”
Bu Eunseol smiled. For the usually terse Yoo Unryong to speak at such length showed he was fulfilling his duty as the Shadow Corps’ deputy leader.
“Don’t worry,” Bu Eunseol said with a spring breeze-like smile. “I have a plan.”
The corps members’ eyes sparkled.
‘Who is our leader?’
Their gazes radiated unwavering trust.
None of Bu Eunseol’s missions had been ordinary or easy.
He had accomplished every impossible task.
“Alright,” Yoo Unryong nodded reluctantly.
Myo Cheonwoo exchanged glances with Won Semun and Wi Cheongyeong, saying, “Let’s prepare to move.”
Sakgeom Pass
Originally called Takimok, the region was named Sakgeom Pass after the Sakgeom Clan, the origin of the Qinghai Demonic Path. Leaving the encampment, Bu Eunseol and the Shadow Corps traveled a full day to reach Sakgeom Pass.
Seven sword sects of Qinghai, influenced by the Sakgeom Clan, resided there.
Though their martial arts and influence paled compared to Majeon, they held significant power in Qinghai. Upon arriving, Bu Eunseol led the Death Shadow Corps to the most powerful of these clans, the North Wind Sect.
“What brings you here?” the gate guard asked, maintaining a bold stance despite the Death Shadow Corps’ intimidating presence.
With thousands of disciples and generations of alumni in key government and merchant positions, they weren’t cowed, even by Majeon’s elite.
“I’m here to see your leader,” Bu Eunseol said.
“Who are you?”
“Bu Eunseol, from the Blood Martial Corps.”
Beyond slaying the Seven Kings of Death, Bu Eunseol’s name was known only for his clashes in Dongpyoseorang and his fights with the Great Righteous Masters.
He rarely appeared publicly in the martial world.
His refined appearance and slender frame, without titles like “Nangyang Pavilion’s Heir” or “Majeon Heir Candidate,” made it hard for most to recognize him.
“The Blood Martial Corps…” The guard tensed.
No martial artist was unaware that the Blood Martial Corps was dispatched to crush the Black Alliance.
“Wait here.”
The guard returned after a while. “Enter.”
Creak.
As the massive gate opened, Bu Eunseol and the Shadow Corps entered.
The interior of the North Wind Sect, called Qinghai’s foremost sword sect, was vast. But the atmosphere was tense, with heavily armed warriors stationed at every path.
‘Ready to attack at any command.’
The Death Shadow Corps’ eyes gleamed with tension. In such a situation, even an army several times their size would be helpless if attacked.
Yet Bu Eunseol walked calmly, unfazed.
‘What is our leader thinking?’ Though tense, the corps members weren’t overly worried. With Bu Eunseol, they could march into hell with a smile.
“Here,” the guard said, cautiously pointing to a hall with a plaque reading “Pungwoo Pavilion.”
“You all wait here,” Bu Eunseol said.
The corps members nodded, and he entered the hall without hesitation. Unlike the ornate exterior, the interior was simple. A fresh, rustic scent, like that of a mountain forest, wafted from somewhere.
“Come in,” said an elderly man tending orchids by the window, slowly turning.
His silver hair was neatly combed, and his loose robes reminded Bu Eunseol of the Dark King, Yeop Hyocheon. But his aura was vastly different, appearing almost like an ordinary old man to Bu Eunseol’s eyes.
“I heard you’re from the Blood Martial Corps, sent by Majeon.”
“I’m Bu Eunseol.”
Clasping his hands, Bu Eunseol greeted him, and the old man smiled. “I’m Guyang Mugung.”
This elderly man was the leader of the North Wind Sect, once called the Qinghai Demonic Sword.
