Yoo Unryong said gravely, “If you suspected a spy, shouldn’t you have kept the Divine Sage’s story secret?”
Little was known about the Divine Sage’s identity in the martial world.
But Bu Eunseol’s encounter suggested he was likely the Martial Alliance Leader or a high-ranking figure. If a spy among the leaders was colluding with external forces, this was critical information that should not be shared.
“I let it slip on purpose. Whatever the Divine Sage’s identity, it doesn’t affect my plans,” Bu Eunseol said calmly. “If there’s a spy in the Death Shadow Corps, they’ll feel secure after today, thinking they’re above suspicion. And someday, they’ll slip up.”
Even if the spy knew the Divine Sage’s identity, it wouldn’t significantly impact Bu Eunseol’s plans.
Instead, he used it to share vital information with the leaders, projecting an image of absolute trust.
In doing so, he set a trap of complacency for any spy in the Death Shadow Corps.
“Even Cheonwoo… is he a suspect?” Yoo Unryong asked with a bitter smile.
Only he and Bu Eunseol knew of this chamber’s existence.
This meant even Myo Cheonwoo, a fellow Ten Demon Warrior, was a suspect.
“I said it’s just a possibility,” Bu Eunseol replied.
“I know. It’s plausible. But…” Yoo Unryong trailed off, his expression somber.
Unlike Yoo Unryong, whose background was clear, Myo Cheonwoo’s origins were vague and unverified.
Even the Shadow Pavilion’s records noted, “Identity unclear, requires caution.”
“I’m sorry,” Bu Eunseol said, unusually apologetic as he looked at Yoo Unryong. “I’m burdening you more and more.”
From now on, only Yoo Unryong would know Bu Eunseol’s movements and plans.
Unless Mu Heon or Soyo of the Death Spirit Corps stepped forward, all decisions would be discussed with him.
This would significantly increase Yoo Unryong’s workload.
Moreover, he’d need to implement strict security to prevent leaks to the leaders.
All while maintaining suspicion of everyone.
“Sorry?” Yoo Unryong forced a bright smile. If he looked gloomy, it would weigh on Bu Eunseol’s heart, which he didn’t want.
“Have you finished investigating the Sunflower Merchant Guild?”
“Of course.” Yoo Unryong pulled three thick books from his robe.
Two were the Divine Sage’s records on Seon Woojin and his martial arts manual. The third detailed the Sunflower Merchant Guild and all information and rumors about Seon Woojin, its heir.
Upon returning, Bu Eunseol had given Yoo Unryong the Divine Sage’s books and ordered a thorough reinvestigation.
“Whether the Divine Sage is the Martial Alliance Leader or not, he certainly created a flawless dual identity,” Yoo Unryong said, looking at the books. “Few know his face, but his activities are perfectly documented. It’s not a short-term identity—it’s meant for long-term use.”
Seon Woojin, heir of the Sunflower Merchant Guild.
The Divine Sage had invested immense resources and time to create an impeccable dual identity that no intelligence organization could fault.
“The martial arts manual is even more impressive,” Yoo Unryong said, pointing to the book on the table. “Not just throwing knife techniques and grafting arts, but sword techniques and movement skills… it’s close to the righteous sects’ finest arts. In short, Seon Woojin is set up as a top young talent.”
The manual’s techniques were exceptional.
Even if Bu Eunseol displayed formidable prowess, it wouldn’t raise suspicion.
“It was created with a specific purpose,” Bu Eunseol said.
“Exactly. A meticulously crafted, long-term identity. The Sunflower Merchant Guild is a legitimate organization too,” Yoo Unryong confirmed.
Bu Eunseol rubbed his chin.
Contrary to rumors, the Divine Sage was deeply involved in martial world politics and meticulous in concealing his identity and actions, even creating a fake Divine Sage.
Why had he invested such resources to create the identity of a young talent?
Was he not an old man but a young figure?
Or did he need such an identity to plant spies across both righteous and demonic factions?
‘I’ll think about it later.’
These were questions without answers for now.
Dismissing them, Bu Eunseol quickly read through Yoo Unryong’s book.
Seon Woojin of the Sunflower Merchant Guild had been handling trade in the outer regions under the guild master’s orders, with no activity in the Central Plains. Yet he gained fame by defeating numerous notorious bandit groups during his travels.
“It’s a flawless identity,” Bu Eunseol exclaimed.
Seon Woojin’s identity and actions were so perfect they surpassed even the wanderer Seolso’s identity he had crafted. Unlike rumors, he was set as a highly skilled martial artist, with minimal known actions or witnesses.
There was little risk of his identity being exposed.
“The only concern is the setting as the successor of the Boundless Master,” Yoo Unryong said.
The Divine Sage’s book contained nearly identical information to Yoo Unryong’s findings, with one additional detail: Seon Woojin’s martial arts were inherited from the legendary outer region warrior, the Boundless Master.
This allowed Bu Eunseol to display exceptional prowess without suspicion, but the Boundless Master was an outer region figure.
The manual’s techniques were entirely different from Central Plains orthodox martial arts, requiring significant time to master.
“To secure a position in the Martial Alliance with this identity, you’ll need to perfectly master those techniques,” Yoo Unryong said.
“Don’t worry. I’ve mastered enough righteous martial arts in the Martial Emperor’s Vault to make me sick. Even outer region techniques, I’ll learn quickly,” Bu Eunseol replied, closing the book and nodding to Yoo Unryong. “Good work.”
Yoo Unryong had become a meticulous strategist, flawless even by Bu Eunseol’s standards.
Even without the Divine Mountain Sage’s information, studying Yoo Unryong’s thorough research would allow Bu Eunseol to perfectly embody Seon Woojin.
“You’re heading to the Martial Alliance now, right?” Yoo Unryong asked.
Bu Eunseol nodded, and Yoo Unryong said energetically, “Take care. Don’t worry about Majeon.”
“Will you be alright?”
“Of course. Seo Jinha will be back soon, which will lighten my load.”
“Right.” Both Bu Eunseol and Yoo Unryong smiled at the thought of Seo Jinha.
Friend.
In this harsh martial world, that single word was the only thing that could make a man smile.
***
The Martial Alliance was always on the lookout for exceptional talent.
To naturally attract the martial world’s talents, they employed a simple method: the Heroes’ Conference.
Periodically, they selected outstanding young talents and invited them to a grand banquet under the name of the Heroes’ Conference. Being chosen as a “hero” by the Martial Alliance from countless candidates was a matter of great pride for young martial artists.
They eagerly aspired to participate.
This time, the Heroes’ Conference was particularly special.
“At this Heroes’ Conference, we will hold a tournament to recruit exceptional talents to handle independent missions in the martial world!”
When the Martial Alliance announced this, young talents were thrilled.
Even disciples of major sects found it difficult to become a leader in the Martial Alliance without connections or fame.
Selecting a leader through a tournament was unprecedented.
“I heard only about fifty people were invited to this Heroes’ Conference.”
Rumors spread that the number of invitees was less than half the usual.
Some young talents who weren’t invited protested to the Martial Alliance. But their complaints were dismissed, as the selection was based on choosing only the most outstanding for the leader position.
Disappointed, many aspiring talents turned away.
Clatter, clatter.
An eight-horse carriage racing along the road stopped at the Martial Alliance’s entrance with the driver’s cry of “Whoa!”
Click.
The door opened, and a tall man in splendid silk robes, with a folding fan at his waist, stepped out slowly.
He was tall with clear eyes, exuding a gentle and refined aura.
As the silk-robed youth approached, the guards clasped their hands. “What brings you here?”
“I’m here for the Heroes’ Conference,” he replied.
The guards tilted their heads.
The invitees were all exceptional martial artists, typically armed and exuding sharp energy.
But this youth only carried a jeweled folding fan, with no weapons in sight.
His eyes seemed languid, almost weak.
“I heard this Heroes’ Conference includes not just major sect disciples but also masters from obscure factions.”
The conference included not only major sect disciples but also many from lesser-known factions.
It was about skill.
To select a leader to handle martial world affairs, they prioritized ability over fame.
‘He must have something, despite appearances.’
With that thought, the guards clasped their hands. “Please state your name.”
The youth smiled gently and said, “Seon Woojin.”
Seon Woojin.
It was Bu Eunseol, using the new identity of the Sunflower Merchant Guild’s heir given by the Divine Sage.
“Seon Woojin… ah, you’re Young Hero Seon of the Sunflower Merchant Guild,” a guard said, checking the token and list, then extending a hand. “Follow me. I’ll guide you to the banquet hall.”
Bu Eunseol followed the guard into the Martial Alliance.
‘My grandfather’s killer is in the Martial Alliance.’
Despite his calm expression, his heart was boiling.
If the Divine Sage was right, the brutal murderer of his grandfather was somewhere within the Martial Alliance.
‘I’ll tear it apart, from the ground up.’
Even the Divine Sage, likely the Martial Alliance Leader, couldn’t pinpoint which of the Seven Great Masters was the culprit despite thorough investigation. This meant even the best intelligence organizations couldn’t fully uncover the Three Realms.
There was only one way.
Infiltrate the Martial Alliance as a new figure, build merit and trust steadily, and rise from the bottom…
To become someone the Three Realms would want to recruit, reaching the core of their power.
But the Martial Alliance Leader and his close aides were already high-ranking and likely under the Three Realms’ scrutiny.
If they directly planted spies, they’d likely be caught.
‘That’s why the Divine Mountain Sage prepared so meticulously to create an undetectable spy.’
The identity of Seon Woojin was so perfect that even the Three Realms’ vast intelligence couldn’t find fault with it.
The Divine Sage had created a flawless spy. Yet he handed this perfect card to Bu Eunseol without hesitation.
Their interests aligned perfectly.
Bu Eunseol was highly intelligent and skilled, with one sole desire: to eliminate his grandfather’s killer and the Three Realms’ members involved. He was more desperate than anyone, willing to sacrifice everything.
The Divine Sage, seeing this, gave Seon Woojin’s identity to Bu Eunseol instead of a trained spy. And Bu Eunseol had to win the tournament to become a third-rank leader.
‘No need to rush. I’ll climb step by step.’
Being selected as a leader at this conference was just the start.
He needed to keep earning merit and trust, rising to the upper echelons of the Martial Alliance.
‘Don’t get too pleased, Divine Sage.’ Recalling the Divine Sage’s eerie voice, Bu Eunseol smiled coldly. ‘We’re just using each other temporarily because our interests align.’
Without the Divine Sage’s identity, Majeon’s heir wouldn’t have dared to infiltrate the Martial Alliance and rise through its ranks.
But there was a fatal flaw: the Divine Sage knew Seon Woojin was Bu Eunseol.
His identity could be exposed at any time.
In short, while Seon Woojin’s identity was perfect, it was also temporary.
He chose it because the Divine Sage, likely the Martial Alliance Leader or a top figure, desperately wanted the Martial Alliance investigated. Of course, Bu Eunseol had prepared an escape plan in case the Divine Sage exposed him.
“Here we are,” the guard said, pointing to a pavilion ahead.
It bore a plaque reading Prosperity Pavilion, where young men and women were gathered, chatting.
“The banquet hall is inside,” the guard said.
Bu Eunseol nodded. “Thank you.”
His voice was clearer than usual, his tone and gaze softened.
Seon Woojin, heir of the Sunflower Merchant Guild, known as the Horizon Flying Blade.
He was said to have mastered exceptional throwing knife techniques and grafting arts. While he defeated numerous bandit groups in the outer regions, his personality was unexpectedly gentle and refined.
Step, step.
Bu Eunseol entered the Prosperity Pavilion without hesitation.
Murmur, murmur.
About fifty young people were gathered in groups, drinking.
Their expressions brimmed with confidence, and they exchanged greetings freely despite not knowing each other.
These were the Martial Alliance’s carefully selected young talents. Knowing they were among the best, they sought to build connections without hesitation.
In the righteous martial world, connections were power. Building ties could easily gain support or assistance.
‘Hmm.’ Bu Eunseol noticed a few men sitting alone in a corner, unable to mingle.
They were skilled but lacked fame or came from minor sects. Though invited, they had no connections with major sect figures. They burned with determination to become a Martial Alliance leader through this conference.
Swish.
Bu Eunseol sat in a corner, avoiding attention.
He was here to secure a position in the Martial Alliance, not to network with young talents.
‘Good to stay unnoticed.’ He had crafted Seon Woojin’s appearance meticulously: unremarkable to avoid attention but likable enough to leave a good impression. ‘A forgettable face is best for moving freely.’
The Martial Alliance held this conference to form a corps to handle martial world affairs and select its leader. Even as a third-rank corps, it would undertake independent missions.
A low-profile appearance would be advantageous, even without disguise.
‘Martial Alliance liquor.’
Bu Eunseol eyed the liquor on the table, then drank it. A smooth, mild liquid slid down his throat, spreading warmth.
‘Not bad.’
People distinguished between righteous and demonic, but liquor didn’t. The Martial Alliance’s liquor was clear and mild, like that used in rituals.
‘Did they brew it themselves?’ Most taverns sold strong liquor, as martial artists had high tolerance and drank potent spirits like water.
Mild liquor was unpopular and rarely made. But the Martial Alliance had served mild liquor.
‘Liquor suited for the tournament.’
The banquet would end, and the tournament would begin the next day. The Martial Alliance had chosen mild liquor to avoid affecting the tournament.
“I heard someone used Brother Baek’s name to woo a lady from the Needle King Clan.”
A voice made Bu Eunseol’s eyebrows twitch.
The Needle King Clan’s lady was none other than Jongri Sayu, the only daughter of the Needle King Jongri Sahyeon. And the one who approached her using Baek Museong’s name, a disciple of Shaolin, was Bu Eunseol himself.
“In the end, the Needle King Clan lady came to the Martial Alliance to protest. Only after seeing Brother Baek’s face did she realize she’d been deceived. Haha!”
Bu Eunseol turned at the continued voice, curious about who was close enough to Baek Museong to call him “Brother.”
‘That’s…’ At the center of the banquet hall, a man was speaking loudly.
Wearing a Mount Hua Sect sword and with sharply tied hair, he had a distinctive appearance.
Bu Eunseol’s chest surged with heat.
It was Cheon Hwain, a master of the Martial Alliance and a Mount Hua Sect disciple who had fought Yeong Munho.
Sparks flew from Bu Eunseol’s eyes.
In truth, Yeong Munho was brutally killed by Heavenly Sword, known as the Golden Divine Eye.
But it was Cheon Hwain who crippled Yeong Munho with the Clear Fragrance Rock Pine Technique of the Dark Fragrance Shadow Sword.
The thought naturally stirred his killing intent.
