The rumor that Bu Eunseol had led an inspection team to audit Hell’s Blood Fortress spread swiftly within Majeon.
‘How long has it been since he became the successor…?’
The reactions from most of the sect’s higher-ups were far from favorable. Though Bu Eunseol had gained the support of the entire Demonic Martial World, he had yet to secure the firm backing of the Ten Demonic Sects. And yet, the moment he ascended to the position of Martial Soul Command Lord, he audited one of the Ten Demonic Sects, Hell’s Blood Fortress?
‘Even if he’s the successor, isn’t this a bit too much?’
Among the demonic martial artists unaware of the full context, the prevailing sentiment was that Bu Eunseol might be wielding the scepter of power a tad too aggressively.
***
At the Suppressed Demon Pavilion, in the grand meeting hall.
A strategy meeting for the Shadow War Division was underway.
Bu Eunseol had not yet arrived.
Seated at the table were his deputy, Myo Cheonwoo, along with Yoo Unryong, Won Semun, Wi Cheongyeong, and Jo Namcheon, all wearing grave expressions.
“It seems we need a solution,” said Yoo Unryong, dressed in scholarly robes, his face serious. “Being the successor means uniting all factions smoothly, but the current situation is heading in the opposite direction.”
Myo Cheonwoo, arms crossed, nodded in agreement.
“From what I’ve heard from the clan leaders and hall masters, they’re all saying they’re afraid of the Martial Soul Command Lord.”
“Those fools,” Won Semun interjected. “What exactly are they afraid of?”
With a bitter smile, Myo Cheonwoo replied, “They say if they fall out of favor with the Martial Soul Command Lord, they’ll face severe consequences. They think even the slightest mistake will be met with zero leniency.”
“This isn’t something we can just laugh off,” Wi Cheongyeong said, his expression grave. “If his first act as lord sets this tone, people won’t view his future actions favorably either.”
“We need to solidify his position as successor once more,” he added.
“How?” Won Semun asked.
Wi Cheongyeong responded calmly, “The best way would be to accomplish something grand enough to shake the martial world again. Something to remind everyone just how extraordinary the Lord is.”
“Is that even possible?” Won Semun scoffed. “What fame is left for him to gain?”
Wi Cheongyeong fell silent at the retort.
It was true.
At his young age, Bu Eunseol had already claimed a seat among the Seven Kings of Death and was the official successor, the next master of Majeon.
For his name to resound through the martial world once more, he would need to achieve something as monumental as slaying the King of Destruction.
Click.
At that moment, the meeting hall’s door opened, and Bu Eunseol, dressed in casual attire, stepped inside.
“You’ve arrived,” the squad leaders said, rising from their seats and clasping their hands in respect.
Myo Cheonwoo spoke up. “Where have you been since this morning?”
“I had some private matters to discuss with the Nine Deaths Squad Leader,” Bu Eunseol replied.
“The Nine Deaths Squad Leader? Again?” Myo Cheonwoo tilted his head, a hint of disappointment on his face. “Lately, it feels like you’re spending more time with him than with us, your deputies.”
“That’s how it’s been,” Bu Eunseol said.
Bu Eunseol was not only deeply calculating but also kept his true thoughts closely guarded. While this was an excellent trait for maintaining secrecy, it could feel frustrating or even disheartening to loyal subordinates.
“We were just wrapping up the discussion…” Myo Cheonwoo began, but Bu Eunseol raised a hand to stop him.
“I heard everything on my way here. And I agree with it.”
“Huh?”
“The idea of making my name resound again,” he said in a low voice, continuing, “Which is why I plan to leave Majeon for a while.”
“Why?” Myo Cheonwoo asked.
“There’s a reason.”
The room fell silent.
Those present knew Bu Eunseol’s nature all too well.
Seeing his resolute expression, they realized he had already devised and set a plan in motion.
“Myo Cheonwoo, Yoo Unryong,” Bu Eunseol said, “continue handling all affairs in my stead as you have been.”
The successor of Majeon wielded immense power, but with it came a mountain of responsibilities.
With Myo Cheonwoo and Yoo Unryong working together, the Suppressed Demon Pavilion ran as smoothly as if Bu Eunseol himself were leading it. Thanks to their exceptional capabilities, Bu Eunseol could leave the sect without worry.
“And the rest of you,” he said, looking at Won Semun and the others, “continue your duties, but also take charge of training the subordinates under Myo Cheonwoo and Yoo Unryong.”
“Training?” Won Semun asked, eyes widening.
Bu Eunseol nodded. “Yes. Train them to be ready for immediate deployment to the battlefield.”
The group exchanged glances, blinking in surprise.
Did this mean another battle was imminent?
“Bu Eunseol,” Myo Cheonwoo said, “we’re your subordinates, after all. Don’t you think you owe us at least a little explanation?”
Bu Eunseol let out a soft snort, then spoke as if he had no choice. “I’m heading out to the martial world to handle a few matters. And if things go according to plan…”
His eyes narrowed.
“No one will dare oppose my actions again.”
***
Red Sky Veil
The largest mercenary market in the Central Plains, where skilled mercenaries from all over gathered to earn their keep.
The Scripture Transmission Hall.
This was where mercenaries came to pick up jobs or collect their payments in the Red Sky Veil. Beyond a large wooden sign reading “Free Contracts,” a staircase led to a long corridor. At the end of this corridor was the office of Dam Yuyeon, the Master of the Scripture Transmission Hall.
“Master Dam,” a man with a sword strapped to his back, wrapped in bandages, entered as the office door opened.
His long hair was tied in a topknot, and his eyes were long and narrow.
His face was unremarkable, but Dam Yuyeon, seated at her desk, stood up in surprise.
“You…!”
“Do you remember me?” the man asked.
“Of course!” she replied with a bright smile. “How could I forget Seolso, the elite-grade mercenary of our market?”
In the past, Bu Eunseol had registered as a mercenary in the Red Sky Veil under the alias “Seolso” alongside Black Leopard to gain martial experience.
He took on various jobs, accumulating valuable experience.
He dealt with the warrior from Buljeong Mountain, acquired the Divine Origin Pearl of the Divine Maiden Palace, and even sparred with Jeong Cheon, the Grass Sword Wanderer’s disciple.
He also participated in battles between the Heavenly Tremor Sect and the Blade Tyrant Sect, where he fought fiercely against a masked figure.
The Red Sky Veil had provided Bu Eunseol with countless insights and experiences. Having left Majeon, he had now returned to this place, disguised once more as Seolso.
“What have you been up to all this time?” Dam Yuyeon asked.
Bu Eunseol had vanished from the Red Sky Veil years ago after handling various tasks. Curious about his whereabouts, Dam Yuyeon had used her information network to track him, but no trace of the mercenary named Seolso could be found.
“I had my reasons,” Bu Eunseol said.
Dam Yuyeon didn’t press further.
Everyone had their story, but mercenaries’ lives were especially tumultuous. In the mercenary market, no one asked about a mercenary’s real name or past.
Only the present moment mattered.
“How is Lord Jeong Cheon doing?” Bu Eunseol asked.
“After sparring with you, Seolso, he left for the northern frontier to train,” she replied.
Jeong Cheon’s master, the First Sword Wolf, hailed from the northern frontier, so there was likely a place there tied to his legacy or training grounds.
“I see,” Bu Eunseol said, nodding.
Dam Yuyeon gave a bittersweet smile. “He had no interest in martial arts originally, but after facing you, something changed in him.”
It seemed that after sparring with Bu Eunseol, Jeong Cheon had been inspired by his fiery martial spirit.
“I see,” Bu Eunseol said, a faint smile crossing his lips.
With Jeong Cheon’s skill, he would likely return having achieved earth-shattering martial prowess. That would mean another worthy rival to spar with in the future.
“Are you here for a job?” Dam Yuyeon asked.
“If there’s a designated contract, I’d like to take one,” he replied.
elite-grade mercenaries could choose not only free contracts but also high-paying designated contracts arranged by the Scripture Transmission Hall.
“A designated contract?” she asked.
“Free contracts only have trivial jobs,” Bu Eunseol said calmly. “I’d prefer something I can handle alone.”
“I’m sorry, but there aren’t any designated contracts available right now,” she said.
“I see,” Bu Eunseol nodded. “I’ll be staying at the Unrae Inn nearby. Let me know if a good job comes up.”
“I will,” she replied.
Bu Eunseol gave a nod and stepped out of the office. Not long after, a woman in white robes entered Dam Yuyeon’s office.
“Sister,” the woman said.
“Yak?” Dam Yuyeon exclaimed, startled. “What brings the Martial Alliance’s Law Enforcement Officer here?”
The Martial Alliance’s Law Enforcement Hall, responsible for upholding and enforcing its laws, was buried under a mountain of tasks due to its scale. To manage this, the Alliance selected young martial artists with a strong sense of justice from among its rising talents, granting them the authority of inspectors.
These were the Law Enforcement Officers, essentially judges with the power to investigate and enforce laws both within and outside the Alliance.
The woman in white was none other than Jongjeong Yak, the only daughter of the Jongjeong Clan and a long-time friend of Dam Yuyeon.
“I need your help,” Jongjeong Yak said, her expression deadly serious.
“Help?” Dam Yuyeon asked.
“I need a mercenary skilled in martial arts and well-versed in the underworld.”
Dam Yuyeon looked puzzled.
As a proud Law Enforcement Officer of the Martial Alliance, Jongjeong Yak could request escorts from the Alliance whenever she needed.
Why come to the mercenary market for a mercenary?
“Are you out in the martial world alone? Without any martial escorts?” Dam Yuyeon asked.
“Of course I brought escorts,” Jongjeong Yak replied.
“Then why hire a mercenary as an escort?”
“It’s not about needing an escort.”
“Huh?”
“There are… circumstances.” Seeing Dam Yuyeon’s concerned expression, Jongjeong Yak gave a wry smile. “They wouldn’t assign proper forces to someone like me, a Law Enforcement Officer. Apart from my deputy, all the martial artists assigned to me are greenhorns.”
In truth, the position of Law Enforcement Officer was a contentious one within the Martial Alliance.
Granting significant authority to young martial artists to investigate within and outside the Alliance was bound to ruffle feathers among the established leadership. Moreover, since relatively low-ranking officers held such powerful positions, some Alliance members mocked them, comparing them to mere lieutenants in a government office.
‘There’s a problem with her superiors or someone higher up,’ Dam Yuyeon realized, quickly grasping the situation.
In a low voice, she said, “Then why not ask for help? You’re close with the Master of the Secret Flower Garden.”
The Secret Flower Garden managed the labor force hired by the Martial Alliance and had diplomatic authority to invite external figures. The Master of the Secret Flower Garden was particularly fond of the capable Jongjeong Yak and had helped her become a Law Enforcement Officer.
“There’s no solid evidence yet,” Jongjeong Yak replied. “If I bring this up prematurely, it could end up harming the Master instead.”
Dam Yuyeon’s expression darkened.
She realized Jongjeong Yak was undertaking an extremely dangerous and critical mission.
“Alright,” she said. “I’ll call in the best mercenary team from our Red Sky Veil.”
“No, I don’t need a whole team,” Jongjeong Yak said.
“Huh?”
“Leading a large group like a mercenary team would only make it easier for them to track me. I just need one high-tier mercenary with experience in the martial world and decent martial skills to assist me with a few tasks.”
“One high-tier mercenary?” Dam Yuyeon blinked.
Jongjeong Yak grinned. “I don’t have the funds to hire an elite-grade mercenary.”
“Hmm,” Dam Yuyeon thought for a moment, then her eyes lit up. “Alright. I’ll send you the best high-tier mercenary we have.”
***
Unrae Inn, Third Floor, VIP Room
Bu Eunseol sat cross-legged on the bed, meditating. A faint voice transmission reached him from outside the window.
“My Lord, this is Woo Kyung from the Nine Deaths Squad.”
After a brief pause, another transmission followed.
“Jongjeong Yak is meeting with the Master of the Scripture Transmission Hall.”
Bu Eunseol slowly opened his eyes. He sent a voice transmission back to Woo Kyung on the rooftop.
“Soon, someone will come from the Scripture Transmission Hall. From now until everything is complete, ensure my movements are completely erased.”
Understood.
With that, Woo Kyung’s presence vanished entirely.
Bu Eunseol stood and gazed out the window.
Looking at the clear sky, he recalled a recent conversation with So Jamyeong, the Nine Deaths Squad Leader.
***
“Absolutely not,” So Jamyeong had said.
After the audit of Hell’s Blood Fortress, Bu Eunseol had discussed a plan with So Jamyeong to infiltrate the Martial Alliance and uncover connections to the Sahyang Clan and the Eastern Division.
At first, So Jamyeong was vehemently opposed.
The Martial Alliance was a colossal entity, larger than Majeon, with fearsome masters guarding it—a veritable dragon’s den. While it appeared lax on the surface, its security was airtight. Any reckless infiltration from the outside would be detected immediately.
Moreover, if Bu Eunseol, the successor of Majeon, was caught investigating the Martial Alliance?
The sect’s honor would be tarnished, and Bu Eunseol’s life could be at risk.
“No matter how skilled your martial arts are, thoroughly investigating the Martial Alliance from within is impossible,” So Jamyeong said.
“Don’t worry,” Bu Eunseol replied calmly. “This mission will only involve observing the Alliance’s internal affairs.”
In the current situation, all Bu Eunseol could do was search for links between the Martial Alliance and the Sahyang Clan. If the Sahyang Clan were involved, there would likely be secret weapon caches or hidden armories.
“Just observing the interior?” So Jamyeong asked.
“Can you fill your stomach with the first bite?” Bu Eunseol’s voice echoed softly in the sealed room. “In a situation where we know nothing about the Alliance’s inner workings, sending even the most skilled operatives would likely lead to discovery.”
He paused, staring into the void, then continued, “In that case, it’s better if I go myself.”
So Jamyeong gave a faint nod.
Bu Eunseol was once known as the legendary Number Eighteen of Yueyang in the Nine Deaths Squad. He could carry out reconnaissance missions far better than any operative.
“So, this infiltration is just a light probe for the future?” So Jamyeong asked.
“Exactly,” Bu Eunseol replied.
“If that’s the case, it might be feasible. But you’ll need a solid identity to enter the Martial Alliance.”
Unlike Majeon, the Martial Alliance maintained strict security and meticulously tracked all entrants.
Seeing Bu Eunseol’s firm resolve, So Jamyeong began devising a plan. Upon learning of Bu Eunseol’s mercenary identity, he formulated a strategy.
“By chance, a Law Enforcement Officer from the Jongjeong Clan is heading to the Red Sky Veil,” So Jamyeong said.
Jongjeong Yak.
She was the daughter of the Jongjeong Clan from the Guangxi region.
Though called a clan, its influence and scale were so negligible that it wasn’t even recognized as a martial clan. Yet, driven by the mockery of prestigious clans and major sects, she had relentlessly tackled her missions. With her exceptional talent and willingness to risk her life, she had achieved numerous feats, ultimately becoming a Law Enforcement Officer.
“She has a strong ambition for success,” So Jamyeong explained. “That’s why she took on dangerous tasks like the theft of the Purple Dawn Pills, which others from prominent clans avoided.”
Recently, fifty Purple Dawn Pills destined for the Martial Alliance had been stolen.
Sensing something amiss, Jongjeong Yak began investigating, but pressure from higher-ups caused the case to be buried.
Undeterred, she continued her investigation in secret and uncovered evidence that elixirs entering the Alliance had been misappropriated for a long time. To achieve another major accomplishment, she had ventured into the martial world to track down the Purple Dawn Pills.
“A Law Enforcement Officer is a significant position. Why is she so driven to climb higher?” Bu Eunseol asked.
So Jamyeong shook his head. “The title of Law Enforcement Officer sounds grand, but it’s little more than a wandering judge, unaffiliated with any hall in the Alliance. Even martial artists from the Law Enforcement Hall often look down on them.”
To maintain a massive orthodox faction like the Martial Alliance, strict discipline and structure were necessary. Thus, the unique position of Law Enforcement Officer was created, but it came with significant drawbacks.
“And why is she going to the Red Sky Veil?” Bu Eunseol asked.
“She’s been attacked multiple times while investigating the Purple Dawn Pill case, even with Alliance escorts,” So Jamyeong said in a low voice. “Someone high up in the Alliance, who doesn’t want her digging deeper, is likely pulling strings.”
Bu Eunseol nodded.
Jongjeong Yak, with her ambition for success and defiance against higher-ups’ pressure, would undoubtedly be a valuable link in investigating the Martial Alliance.
***
As Bu Eunseol finished his recollection and turned around,
Knock, knock.
A soft knock on the door was followed by a low voice.
“Seolso, it’s Dam Yuyeon, Master of the Scripture Transmission Hall.”
Hearing her voice, Bu Eunseol smiled.
Dam Yuyeon had come in person, likely to connect him with Jongjeong Yak.
