“Sit down.”
Guyang Mugung calmly gestured for Bu Eunseol to take a seat.
“What brings you all the way here?”
“I’ve come to seek your assistance.”
“Hohoho.” Guyang Mugung let out a composed laugh. “Though our sect has built some influence, we’re merely a peripheral faction in Qinghai. How could we possibly aid the great forces of Majeon?”
Contrary to his words, the North Wind Sect was the most influential faction in the Qinghai Demonic Path. Moreover, the news that Majeon’s forces were stationed at Sword-Rune Plain had spread widely throughout the martial world.
Guyang Mugung was feigning ignorance, acting humbly like a sly fox despite knowing everything.
If Bu Eunseol were an ordinary martial artist, he might have praised Guyang’s humility and continued the conversation politely. However, Bu Eunseol disliked dragging out meaningless conversations or speaking in circles.
“Please lend us just one of the boats operated by the North Wind Sect.” Bu Eunseol spoke bluntly. “Our forces plan to infiltrate Sword-Rune Plain discreetly, avoiding the Black Alliance’s eyes.”
The Nujiang River, flowing through narrow gorges, had strong currents and was too perilous to be used as a waterway. However, toward Sword-Rune Plain, the current slowed, allowing merchant ships carrying goods to operate.
True to their bandit nature, the Black Alliance had chained several ships together at the passage to Sword-Rune Plain, collecting tolls from passing vessels.
“I’ve heard the North Wind Sect directly operates merchant ships. With one of your boats, we could pass through the Sword-Rune Plain area without raising suspicion.” As Bu Eunseol boldly revealed his plan, Guyang Mugung’s expression darkened.
‘This young man is threatening me.’
Revealing such a critical strategy to a complete stranger? It was tantamount to a threat: help us, or the North Wind Sect will be razed to the ground.
‘If I refuse, he’ll bathe this sect in blood.’ Beads of sweat formed on Guyang Mugung’s forehead. ‘He’d ensure no information leaks.’
“Can you help us?” Bu Eunseol asked again.
Guyang Mugung took a deep breath. His response would determine the fate of countless sect members.
“The leader of this sect…” He hesitated, unable to continue.
The North Wind Sect was a storied faction, rooted in Qinghai for generations.
Their refusal to join Majeon stemmed from pride in being part of the origin of the Qinghai Demonic Path. But to kneel before this young upstart from Majeon due to threats?
He would no longer be able to walk proudly in the Qinghai martial world.
“This sect has no intention of getting involved in the conflict between Majeon and the Black Alliance.” Guyang Mugung spoke politely yet firmly. “I must decline your request. Please convey my apologies to the Blood Martial Corps Leader.”
“It seems you’ve made some kind of deal with the Black Alliance.” Bu Eunseol continued impassively. “Or perhaps you’re confident our forces will be defeated.”
‘Is he testing me?’ Guyang Mugung narrowed his eyes briefly, shaking his head to deny the claim.
“There’s no such thing. We simply have no intention of meddling in the affairs of the Central Plains’ Demonic Path.”
“If the Black Alliance continues to dominate, their next target will inevitably be Sakgeom Pass.”
“We’ll handle such matters ourselves.” Guyang Mugung spoke resolutely. “This sect may not be grand, but if we were going to bow to Majeon’s might, we’d have taken down our plaque long ago.”
Bu Eunseol sighed, sensing the deep hostility in his voice.
“I’m not threatening you with Majeon’s authority. I’m making a sincere request.”
“You call it a request, but to this sect, it’s nothing but a threat.” Guyang Mugung replied coldly. “Not a single member of this sect will be involved in this fight.”
“You seem to have misunderstood.” Bu Eunseol stared into Guyang Mugung’s eyes and said calmly, “I’m not asking for troops. I’m asking to borrow a boat so our forces can directly infiltrate the Black Alliance’s stronghold at Sword-Rune Plain.”
“Isn’t that the same thing? To break through the Black Alliance’s coastal defenses, you’d need a large number of troops anyway.” Guyang Mugung spoke with a resolute expression. “Or are you truly asking for just a single boat?”
At that moment, the door to Pungwoo Pavilion burst open, and a young woman in red robes stormed in.
“I’ll provide it.” The woman looked at Bu Eunseol and spoke firmly.
“From our sect’s merchant ships to our elite forces, everything.”
“Jeong-a!” Startled, Guyang Mugung leapt to his feet, trying to stop her. “This is not your place to interfere.”
“No, it is my place.” The woman in red, Guyang Cheongjeong, pointed at Bu Eunseol.
“This man is the benefactor who saved not only me but all the heirs of the Qinghai Seven Sword Sects from the clutches of the Blood Sea Demons.”
“What?” Guyang Mugung shook his head, blinking in disbelief. “What do you mean? He’s the heir of Nangyang Pavilion…”
“That’s right. He’s Young Master Bu, the heir of Nangyang Pavilion.” Guyang Mugung’s jaw dropped unceremoniously.
All this time, he had thought this young man was merely a messenger relaying the Blood Martial Corps Leader’s words. To think he was the legitimate heir of the Ten Demonic Sects and a leading candidate for Majeon’s leadership—Bu Eunseol himself?
“You…” Guyang Mugung looked at Bu Eunseol with a trembling voice. “You’re the legitimate heir of Nangyang Pavilion, Bu Eunseol?”
“That’s correct.” As Bu Eunseol nodded, Guyang Mugung’s mouth fell open as if he’d seen a ghost.
Bu Eunseol’s slender frame and refined appearance lacked the typical aura or intimidation of a martial artist. If it hadn’t been his daughter saying this, he would never have believed it.
‘He’s reached the realm of Return to Simplicity!’ Only then did Guyang Mugung realize Bu Eunseol’s immense martial prowess, his voice trembling.
“Why didn’t you reveal your identity?”
“That would’ve been a real threat, wouldn’t it?” Bu Eunseol replied calmly. “I came here to make a genuine request.”
“I see.” Guyang Mugung’s expression turned hollow.
If Bu Eunseol had come as an heir or a first-class captain, he wouldn’t have spoken so respectfully to the leader of a small Qinghai sword clan. He had been polite all along because he was sincerely asking for help.
“I believe you came with a genuine request, not flaunting your high status, martial prowess, or even the kindness you showed my daughter.”
After a moment of hesitation, Guyang Mugung shook his head.
“But I must be honest as well.” Pausing briefly, he spoke in a low voice. “I’m truly grateful for you saving my daughter. I will repay that debt.”
Taking a deep breath, he continued with a pained expression, “But I cannot assist in this matter. I cannot risk the fate of this sect just because you saved my daughter.”
“Father!”
“I am the leader of this sect.” Guyang Mugung said sternly. “I cannot endanger the lives of our entire clan for the sake of one person.”
“That’s too cowardly.”
“Cowardly?”
Guyang Cheongjeong spoke firmly.
“When the Blood Sea Demon threatened to destroy our sect, Young Master Bu boldly revealed his identity as a member of Nangyang Pavilion.”
“Jeong-a.”
“But you say you can’t risk the sect’s fate over the kindness shown to me? Is that the pride of the Qinghai Demonic Path you always emphasize?”
Only then did Guyang Mugung recall the story of the Nangyang Pavilion’s Ten Demonic Sects member who helped his daughter long ago. Not only did he save his daughter, a stranger, but he also revealed his identity to protect the Seven Sword Sects from the Blood Sea Demon’s assault.
‘But wasn’t that kindness possible because he’s from Nangyang Pavilion?’ Guyang Mugung shook his head.
If Bu Eunseol weren’t a disciple of Nangyang Pavilion but from an ordinary sect, would he have dared reveal his identity?
“I know what you’re thinking, Father. You believe he could reveal his identity easily because he’s from Nangyang Pavilion.”
“That’s not true?”
“You’re wrong.” Guyang Cheongjeong said with a resolute expression. “Ever since that day, I’ve been investigating Young Master Bu’s actions.”
Calming her emotions, she continued, “At the time, he was evading pursuit from the orthodox factions while facing great masters. He had to keep his identity and movements hidden.” Raising her head, she spoke with conviction, “Yet, in that situation, he willingly revealed his identity to save us, risking exposure.”
Guyang Mugung then recalled the rumor that Bu Eunseol, Majeon’s heir candidate, had faced the Blood Sea Demon’s Cold-Blooded Ghosts alone after their assault. If he hadn’t saved Guyang Cheongjeong or revealed his identity, he wouldn’t have made an enemy of the Blood Sea Demon or faced such a perilous attack.
“Hmm.” Realizing the full situation, Guyang Mugung let out a deep sigh of shame.
People naturally prioritize their own interests.
As a result, they often deliberately ignore or forget the kindness others show them.
It might be human nature, a natural response.
But despite being a young woman in her prime, Guyang Cheongjeong hadn’t forgotten the kindness Bu Eunseol showed and was determined to repay it.
“I was wrong.” Guyang Mugung bowed his head in shame.
“Even a young person like you remembers debts of gratitude, yet I, under the pretext of protecting the sect, was acting ungratefully toward the benefactor who saved us from the Blood Sea Demon.”
Turning to Bu Eunseol, he clasped his hands.
“I will lend you all of our sect’s boats. Moreover, I’ll fully support you with our sect’s warriors.” Guyang Cheongjeong clapped her hands and added, “Don’t worry, Father. Not only us but all the Qinghai Seven Sword Sects will help Young Master Bu.”
“What do you mean?” As Bu Eunseol blinked in confusion, Guyang Cheongjeong smiled brightly.
“When my friends heard you were coming here, they rushed over immediately.”
***
The North Wind Sect promptly cleared an entire pavilion for the Death Shadow Corps to rest comfortably.
They prepared delicious food and wine, hosting a grand banquet for the members. For Bu Eunseol, they provided Jeongsuje, the most beautiful garden pavilion in the North Wind Sect, for his rest.
“Rest well. I’ll immediately arrange a boat to pass through the Nujiang River,” Guyang Mugung said.
“There’s no need to rush,” Bu Eunseol replied with a relaxed expression. “Our forces need to move toward Sword-Rune Plain only when word spreads that the Blood Martial Corps’ main force is advancing.”
Realizing Bu Eunseol’s plan, Guyang Mugung nodded.
He intended to strike the Black Alliance’s flank in sync with the Blood Martial Corps’ main assault, allowing them to penetrate the heart of the Black Alliance first.
Inside the North Wind Sect’s grand meeting hall, a secretive lantern flickered.
Seven people sat around a table, including Guyang Cheongjeong—the heirs of the Qinghai Seven Sword Sects.
Having heard Bu Eunseol was here, they rushed over immediately. But upon learning he was meeting with the Shadow Corps’ captains in Jeongsuje, they decided to strategize how to assist him.
They stared at a map on the table with grave expressions.
“It seems we won’t easily pass through the Black Alliance’s defenses,” Guyang Cheongjeong said after a long silence, her eyes fixed on the map. “Though our sect and the Black Alliance have avoided conflict, this is wartime. They’ll surely inspect every ship thoroughly.”
Everyone nodded at her words.
The Black Alliance blocked the narrow waterway to Sword-Rune Plain with chained ships, collecting tolls. In a tense standoff with Majeon’s forces, they wouldn’t easily open the waterway to their stronghold.
“That’s obvious,” said Weiji Un, heir of the Gwanghan Sword Sect, crossing his arms. “With not just one or two but a large number of Qinghai Seven Sword Clan ships passing through, they’ll inspect every inch.”
Ma Han, the young master of the Sea Current Sword Sect, let out a groan.
“Why not bribe them with iron? The Black Alliance’s stronghold leader, the Murderous Axe Demon Muk Jeok, is a former leader of the Janggang Waterway Bandits…”
Creak.
The door opened, and Bu Eunseol, dressed in martial robes, entered.
He had heard that the heirs of the Qinghai Seven Sword Sects were waiting to meet him during his meeting with the captains and came immediately after.
“Benefactor!” The heirs of the Seven Sword Sects greeted him with warm expressions, clasping their hands. “Have you been well?”
“We’ve always heard of your feats shaking the martial world.”
Bu Eunseol looked slightly surprised at their greetings. Originally, they were closer to idle young masters enjoying their privileges. But now, their eyes gleamed with determination, and their bodies bore traces of rigorous training.
“You’ve all changed,” Bu Eunseol said, nodding.
Weiji Un scratched his head sheepishly. “After being saved by you, we all corrected our lazy attitudes.”
After suffering under the Blood Sea Demon Go Geuksin, they realized how frivolous their lives had been. They dedicated themselves daily to martial arts and worked to cultivate the qualities and knowledge befitting heirs.
“Being an heir isn’t about enjoying privileges!” they had realized.
An heir must stand ready to determine the sect’s fate.
It was Bu Eunseol who made them understand this truth.
“Hm.” Bu Eunseol nodded at the transformed heirs. “But why are you gathered here?”
Guyang Cheongjeong replied with a serious expression, “We were discussing how to hide a large force, including our sect’s warriors, on the ships.”
“The Seven Sword Sects’ forces?” Bu Eunseol tilted his head.
Ma Han pounded his chest. “Of course, we must fight alongside you against the Black Alliance!”
Bu Eunseol firmly shook his head. “There’s no need. Our forces only require one North Wind Sect boat to reach Sword-Rune Plain safely.”
The heirs’ expressions turned strange.
“You mean just with the members you brought?” they asked.
“Yes.”
“No way.” Ma Han stepped forward. “The Black Alliance has built a formidable defense line along the coast to guard against enemies entering Sword-Rune Plain via the Nujiang River.”
Weiji Un quickly added, “Exactly. And in wartime, their forces will number at least three hundred—likely more.”
“It’s fine,” Bu Eunseol said with a faint smile. “Three hundred or even five hundred—I can break through.”
The heirs exchanged glances, blinking in disbelief.
No matter how skilled Majeon’s warriors were, Bu Eunseol’s Death Shadow Corps numbered only fifty. Even if they fought well, defeating over three hundred Black Alliance bandits was nearly impossible.
‘Could they be one of Majeon’s elite units?’
If Bu Eunseol’s members were from one of Majeon’s top units—Cheonsal, Amcheondae, or Myeonhon—it would be plausible.
But wasn’t the Shadow Corps a newly formed unit?
‘It’s fortunate their prowess hasn’t been revealed yet.’ Bu Eunseol smiled, observing their expressions.
The Death Shadow Corps, composed of highly skilled members, couldn’t compare to Majeon’s elite units. But they had always faced multiple enemies and were thoroughly trained in tactics to handle such situations. In large-scale battles, the Shadow Corps’ combat strength was comparable to elite units.
“I appreciate your concern,” Bu Eunseol said softly but firmly. “But there’s no need to discuss this further. We’ll be fine.”
“Then is there nothing we can do to help?” the heirs asked, lowering their heads dejectedly.
Bu Eunseol spoke with a serious expression, “Of course, there’s something more important.”
He whispered to them in a low voice.
