As Jang Song and Hyeong Geuk fled the Tang Clan grounds in a hurry, they led their subordinates and immediately headed for Yunnan.
Jang Song, half-dead, was carried in a carriage, while Hyeong Geuk stared out the window with a bewildered expression.
The sudden retreat of Jin Cheongon, the leader of the Poison Demon Sect.
The unexpected martial prowess of Tang Gon, far surpassing their predictions.
And during the duel, the assassination squad meant to infiltrate the Tang Clan had been completely annihilated by someone unknown. Only then did they realize that a formidable force had intervened, sabotaging their plans.
“It couldn’t have been that young leader.”
The series of events that had unfolded couldn’t possibly be the work of a mere third-rank Martial Alliance leader. Even if it were orchestrated by someone of the rank of a former leader, it would still be hard to believe.
In particular, the complete severance of the communication network around the Tang Clan grounds—an operation that would require mobilizing a massive intelligence network and a force of former-leader scale simultaneously—was something only achievable with the active involvement of the Martial Alliance’s top brass.
‘In any case, everything has gone wrong. We have no choice but to retreat quickly and await their orders again.’
As Hyeong Geuk clutched his head and shook it in frustration, the carriage suddenly came to a halt with a loud neigh from the horses.
Heeee!
“What’s going on?” Hyeong Geuk shouted.
A trembling voice from one of his subordinates replied, “Branch Leader, you need to come out and see this.”
Sensing something amiss, Hyeong Geuk stepped out of the carriage and saw a figure standing tall on the narrow path.
It was a man wearing a glossy black mask, his entire body radiating waves of true energy like a mirage, making his form appear hazy.
“An Emissary,” Hyeong Geuk realized, recognizing the figure as an envoy of the Three Realms. He quickly clasped his hands in respect.
“I don’t understand what’s happening,” Hyeong Geuk said, his voice filled with confusion as he spoke rapidly. “The branch leader of the Poison Demon Sect, Jin, suddenly fled in the middle of the night. Moreover, an enormous intelligence network intervened around the Tang Clan, cutting off all external communication.”
“…”
“I thought retreating like this would ruin everything, so we requested a duel to break their momentum, but…” As the silence stretched on, Hyeong Geuk felt something was off but continued speaking. “Young Master Tang Gon was far more exceptional than we anticipated, immune to the Heavenly Poison Blood Mist Technique you taught us…”
Hyeong Geuk’s words trailed off as he suddenly froze.
His head began to tilt unnaturally, as if an invisible giant hand had seized his throat.
Crack, crack, crack.
As his neck twisted further, Hyeong Geuk’s gaze was forced to turn backward.
“What…?” In that moment, his eyes widened in shock.
All his subordinates standing behind him had collapsed, dead. In their place stood dozens of assassins.
“What is this?!” Hyeong Geuk shouted, his neck still contorted. “Emissary, what is the meaning of this?!”
[All those connected to the Tang Clan among the Three Poison Sect have been thoroughly dealt with.]
“What do you mean, ‘dealt with’?”
[You are the last.]
Hyeong Geuk’s eyes bulged in disbelief.
What was this supposed to mean? After granting them immense wealth and martial arts, why were they now trying to kill them?
[It would be troublesome if someone dug deeper.]
Crack!
With those final words, Hyeong Geuk’s vision tilted toward the blue sky.
Thud!
His neck completely snapped, Hyeong Geuk collapsed like a felled log.
The masked Emissary stood in silence for a moment before suddenly turning to a tree in the distance and speaking.
[Have you seen enough?]
His eyes, visible above the mask, narrowed.
[Martial Soul Command Lord, Bu Eunseol.]
At those words, a faint shadow seemed to drop from the tree, and in an instant, Bu Eunseol stood before the Emissary, his disguise removed.
“You knew.”
[There’s only one person capable of mobilizing Majeon’s intelligence network with a single command to block all communication around the Tang Clan.]
To completely sever the communication network around the Tang Clan, the Death Death Shadow Corps alone would have been insufficient. Thus, Bu Eunseol had no choice but to mobilize every intelligence resource at his disposal.
Of course, he had done so knowing full well that the Three Realms could detect it.
‘As long as Seon Woojin’s identity isn’t exposed, it doesn’t matter.’
[Impressive loyalty.]
The Emissary spoke in a low voice.
[To come secretly to aid the Tang Clan for the sake of an old friendship.]
When Bu Eunseol had formed his bond with Tang Gon, he hadn’t relied heavily on disguises or intelligence networks. Thus, the Three Realms were well aware of their friendship.
It seemed they didn’t think much of his subtle assistance to the Tang Clan.
Of course, this was all part of Bu Eunseol’s calculations.
“What are you?” Bu Eunseol asked coldly.
The Emissary chuckled. [You already know.]
“I won’t ask twice.” A bloodthirsty glint flashed in Bu Eunseol’s eyes, signaling his intent to use force if the Emissary dodged the question or played games.
[Still so confident in your skills?]
“Are you relying on your subordinates?”
[Amusing.] The Emissary boldly gestured for the assassins to stand down and stepped forward confidently toward Bu Eunseol. [Go ahead and try. I’ll make sure to completely undo the unity you barely achieved for the Tang Clan.]
Bu Eunseol had suspected as much.
All the plans so far had been to unite the Tang Clan and awaken Tang Gon’s potential.
Yet, he couldn’t hide his astonishment.
Why had the Three Realms supported the Three Poison Sect to facilitate Tang Gon’s awakening and the Tang Clan’s unity?
“Let me rephrase the question.” Bu Eunseol took a deep breath. “What is your goal?”
[Due to Tang Pae’s illness, the Tang Clan’s unity crumbled, and its power weakened significantly. Moreover, despite Tang Gon’s exceptional talent, he hadn’t yet blossomed.] The Emissary spoke calmly. [But through this event, Tang Gon has awakened, and the Tang Clan will rally around him once more. That was the goal. Does that answer your question?]
With that, the Emissary slowly turned away.
Bu Eunseol wanted nothing more than to use force to capture the Three Realms’ Emissary and ascertain his true strength.
But he couldn’t.
The moment he resorted to force, they could destroy the Tang Clan again.
Since Bu Eunseol had to maintain Seon Woojin’s identity for the time being, he couldn’t simply stay in Majeon and command his forces to protect the Tang Clan.
“What is your true purpose?” Bu Eunseol called out to the retreating Emissary. “If you’re not the Infinity Realm, can’t you at least tell me your goal?”
The forces supporting the Three Poison Sect weren’t the Infinity Realm, which had repeatedly clashed with him, but another faction within the Three Realms.
He had already suspected this since wiping out the Blood Fiend Sect.
Thus, this was the best question he could ask.
[Not bad.]
The Emissary, turning back, narrowed his eyes.
[Indeed, at your age, no one has ever survived clashing with our realm.]
With a tone of admiration, the Emissary paused before speaking.
[Clear River Realm.]
Turning away again, the Emissary added, [If you want to know more, find out for yourself.]
Swish.
In an instant, the Emissary vanished like mist, his movement technique akin to that of a ghost.
“Clear River Realm…”
Bu Eunseol’s eyes trembled as he stared at the spot where the Emissary had disappeared.
If it wasn’t simply referring to a clear river, it likely derived from the term Hacheonghaeyeon—the Yellow River running clear and the seas calm, symbolizing the emergence of a sage ruler and a peaceful world.
Did that mean the Clear River Realm was a faction aligned with the imperial palace? Or, unlike the Infinity Realm, were they striving to create a peaceful world?
‘The Three Realms, as the name suggests, are divided into three factions.’
Suddenly, the words of a blue-eyed man from the Martial Alliance came to mind.
According to him, even artificial inner elixirs were created by the three factions to check each other or wage war.
“So they’re all active in the same era.”
Until now, only the Infinity Realm had openly appeared in the martial world, leading Bu Eunseol to suspect that the Three Realms’ factions took turns emerging.
But now, it seemed they were competing with different goals.
“Or perhaps there’s a leading faction with a specific goal, and others are secretly working to counter it…”
Whatever the case, one thing was certain: the Three Realms were clashing and revealing themselves simultaneously.
And for Bu Eunseol, this wasn’t necessarily bad news.
“Then the faction infiltrating the Martial Alliance might not be the Infinity Realm either…” Frowning as he gazed at the distant sky, Bu Eunseol realized the Three Realms were too vast and secretive for him to uncover their roots just yet. “No. Whether they’re manipulating factions to achieve their desired outcomes, it’s all the same.”
If the Clear River Realm were truly benevolent, they wouldn’t have used the Tang Clan as leverage to threaten him.
A blazing light, like the sun, flashed in Bu Eunseol’s eyes.
“I’ll uncover and crush them all.”
His infiltration of the Martial Alliance as a leader was to find the mastermind behind his grandfather’s death and the perpetrator within the Three Realms.
Whether united or divided into three, the Three Realms were still the Three Realms—an entity fundamentally incompatible with Bu Eunseol.
***
Martial Alliance, Ascendant Martial Hall. Yuk Jangcheon’s Office.
Yuk Jangcheon, looking down at the report on his desk, wore a peculiar expression.
‘I don’t understand what happened.’
For nearly a decade, the Three Poison Sect had grown remarkably and was poised to wage all-out war against the Tang Clan—a foregone conclusion.
Yet the Martial Alliance had all but ignored the Tang Clan’s request for mediation.
Though it appeared peaceful on the surface, the Martial Alliance’s internal situation was highly complex. Getting involved in mediation would mean being unable to extricate themselves later—a fact as clear as day.
Moreover, due to the Tang Clan’s historically independent actions, the Martial Alliance saw no need to risk clashing with Majeon. In the end, they had assigned a third-rank leader to handle the mediation, essentially turning a blind eye.
Yet the situation had unfolded in an entirely unexpected way.
The Poison Demon Sect had suddenly fled during negotiations, and the Poison Leaf Sect and Poison Bee Sect, finding themselves in a difficult position, had requested a duel.
Tang Gon, the Young Master of the Tang Clan.
Known as the Tang Clan’s rallying point after his campaign in Blood Poison Valley, he had risen to the position of young master.
But afterward, he had remained reclusive, showing no notable achievements or martial prowess.
Yet, wielding the Heavenly Poison Blood Mist Technique, he had overwhelmingly defeated Jang Song and Hyeong Geuk, who displayed extraordinary martial skills.
As a result, the Three Poison Sect’s momentum was broken, making it difficult for them to challenge the Tang Clan again.
Furthermore, the Tang Clan was now rallying around Tang Gon, not Tang Pae, as its new focal point.
In the end, the Three Poison Sect’s ambitions were crushed, and Tang Gon and the Tang Clan’s fame soared.
This left the Martial Alliance in an awkward position.
By sending a third-rank leader to mediate a sect dispute, they had essentially turned their backs on the Tang Clan’s crisis.
Yet, the Tang Clan had sent treasures and hidden weapons to the Martial Alliance as a gesture of gratitude.
“The Tang Clan will never forget the support shown by the Martial Alliance and Supreme Branch Leader Seon.”
In particular, Seon Woojin had played a significant role in negotiations with the Three Poison Sect, reportedly forcing the Poison Demon Sect to retreat.
“Leader Seon risked his life to support our clan during negotiations with the Three Poison Sect.”
With the situation unfolding this way, the Martial Alliance, which had been gradually distancing itself from the Tang Clan, had no choice but to shift its stance.
Thanks to Supreme Branch Leader Seon Woojin’s efforts, their strained relationship had thawed.
‘Hmph.’ Closing the report, Yuk Jangcheon let out a low groan. ‘I can’t make sense of it.’
In truth, he had completely written off any expectations or favor toward Seon Woojin.
For a third-rank leader to take on a sect mediation task? Such behavior was utterly reckless.
Yet, when given a mission and sent out, Seon Woojin returned having achieved unexpected success.
At this point, Yuk Jangcheon was deeply perplexed.
‘Could it be… Is Leader Seon a vessel far greater than ordinary judgment can assess?’
Great figures are often met with strange looks from others because they possess grand ambitions and abilities, achieving the unexpected.
Knock knock.
At that moment, a knock came from the door, followed by the voice of a servant.
“Hall Master, Leader Seon has arrived.”
“Let him in.”
The door slid open, and a man in white robes approached, respectfully clasping his hands. Tall but slender, with bright, sparkling eyes that somehow seemed frail and weak.
He looked like someone better suited to flicking an abacus in a merchant guild.
Yet, in reality, he was an unparalleled genius, possessing martial skills rivaling great masters and exceptional intellect.
‘So that’s why Leader Baekri said that.’
“If Supreme Branch Leader rises to second-rank, I’m considering having him work directly under my command. What do you think?”
Those were the words of Baekri Mujo, the leader of the Star Guard Division, spoken at a recent general meeting.
Baekri was a perfectionist who only kept the most exceptional under his command.
Yet, he had taken an interest in a third-rank leader who was merely a nominal member of his corps?
‘That’s absolutely unacceptable.’ Yuk Jangcheon shook his head.
The Supreme Branch was originally established by Ascendant Martial Hall and the Elder Hall.
However, the Elder Hall had abandoned the plan, and due to Ascendant Martial Hall’s nature, they couldn’t keep the third-rank corps under their direct control.
After much deliberation, they had placed it under the Star Guard Division.
Moreover, hadn’t Ascendant Martial Hall been handling the corps’ missions and management all along?
To let the Star Guard Division take them now was unthinkable.
“Supreme Branch Leader Seon Woojin greets the Hall Master,” Bu Eunseol said, clasping his hands.
Snapping out of his thoughts, Yuk Jangcheon adjusted his expression.
“You’ve worked hard.” With an uncharacteristically warm expression, he extended his hand. “Have a seat.”
As Bu Eunseol sat, Yuk Jangcheon ordered tea to be brought.
“This matter was completely unexpected, but you’ve brought about surprising results,” Yuk Jangcheon said, pointing to the report.
Bu Eunseol, sensing the complex emotions behind Yuk Jangcheon’s words, shook his head.
“I didn’t do anything this time. It was all handled by Young Master Tang.”
“The report lacked detailed content. It seems the negotiations with the Three Poison Sect were conducted in secret.”
Yuk Jangcheon pointed to a book on the desk.
Besides the report Bu Eunseol had submitted, another book lay there.
‘Is this how it always is?’
A glint flashed in Bu Eunseol’s eyes.
Was it because he was a third-rank leader? Or because he lacked a clear affiliation?
Every mission Bu Eunseol completed was subject to additional investigation by the Martial Alliance to verify its authenticity.
“The information that the Three Poison Sect was determined to attack the Tang Clan was confidently vouched for by the Master of Mankyeong Hall. What happened?” Yuk Jangcheon asked.
“Young Master Tang Gon is an exceptionally remarkable individual. He had long anticipated the Three Poison Sect’s rise and had made various preparations,” Bu Eunseol explained calmly, reiterating the contents of his report.
Listening silently, Yuk Jangcheon stroked his chin.
“So, you arbitrarily claimed that the Martial Alliance would absolutely intervene in the conflict between the Tang Clan and the Three Poison Sect, even against their leaders?”
“Yes. Young Master Tang had already resolved to wage all-out war against them. The mediation request came from the Tang Clan’s outer courtyard master.”
“But if things had gone wrong, it wouldn’t have been something you could handle.” Yuk Jangcheon looked at Bu Eunseol with a sharp expression. “If a full-scale war had broken out and Majeon had intervened, how would you have taken responsibility? The Martial Alliance had no intention of getting involved.”
“Merchants are sensitive to even the smallest gains and losses. When negotiating, they analyze every card the opponent might play,” Bu Eunseol said, meeting Yuk Jangcheon’s gaze with a calm but resolute voice. “After closely analyzing this negotiation, I concluded that Majeon would absolutely not intervene in the Three Poison Sect’s fight.”
“Why is that?”
“Because Majeon’s heir, the Martial Soul Command Lord, has a significant friendship with Young Master Tang Gon.”
Yuk Jangcheon’s eyes widened, and he slapped his knee.
“You knew.”
The reason the Tang Clan’s mediation request had reached the Young Master Conference was that Mankyeong Hall had already identified the relationship between Bu Eunseol and Tang Gon.
“Even if the Three Poison Sect tries its hardest, Majeon won’t intervene. The Tang Clan’s mediation request can be handled lightly.”
Based on the bold assurances of the Master of Mankyeong Hall, the higher-ups had sought a low-level organization to handle the mediation.
And Seon Woojin had known this?
“I see.”
With all doubts resolved, Yuk Jangcheon broke into a bright smile.
This matter would likely require further explanation at the Grand Conference.
To fully claim this achievement as his own, Yuk Jangcheon needed a convincing explanation for the higher-ups.
“Let me say again, I did nothing,” Bu Eunseol added. “I merely guessed Young Master Tang’s intentions and bluffed to lend strength to his stance.”
“Nonsense. You acted boldly and wisely as the Martial Alliance’s envoy, which led to this favorable outcome.”
With all suspicions cleared, Yuk Jangcheon lavishly praised Bu Eunseol’s contributions.
“The Tang Clan has shown great sincerity to the Martial Alliance because of this. Your achievements must be recognized.”
“Young Master Tang is a generous man. Contrary to rumors, his martial skills are exceptional, and he seems to regard me favorably.”
“I see.”
Yuk Jangcheon had little interest in the Tang Clan’s affairs.
His primary concern now was how to keep Bu Eunseol under his command.
“Regardless, not only this hall but several key figures have started to take notice of you. If you handle a few more tasks well…”
Trailing off, Yuk Jangcheon continued, “You’ll soon be promoted to second-rank leader. That would mean you could officially be assigned a position.”
Realizing he might have revealed too much, he quickly changed the subject.
“Anyway, well done. There won’t be any missions for a while, so rest well.”
“I have one request, Hall Master,” Bu Eunseol said.
“Speak.”
“It seems there’s some kind of force behind the Three Poison Sect’s attempt to attack the Tang Clan.”
“That’s unlikely. The Three Poison Sect has long had bad blood with the Tang Clan and wanted to expand into Sichuan. Having grown significantly, they likely sought revenge.”
“That may not be the case.”
Bu Eunseol explained calmly, “Though called the Three Poison Sect, they are three distinct factions. The fact that all three expanded simultaneously is concerning.”
“Hmm. And your request?”
Stroking his chin, Yuk Jangcheon prompted Bu Eunseol, who cautiously said, “I’d like to go out into the martial world to investigate who’s behind the Three Poison Sect.”
Though he said this, Bu Eunseol had another motive.
‘I’ve been away from my position too long.’
To maintain his dual identity, he needed another arrangement.
By going out into the martial world, Bu Eunseol planned to create a perfect dual identity.
Yuk Jangcheon looked surprised. “You want to go out without even resting?”
“This corps is meant to handle the martial world’s affairs, isn’t it? Even if I find nothing, I can gather some information.”
“Haha.” Yuk Jangcheon smiled. “Do as you wish. But…”
He subtly drove a wedge into the enthusiastic young man.
“Remember that this mission is approved by this hall, not the Star Guard Division.”
“Of course.”
“If you need support, let me know anytime.”
“Thank you.” As Bu Eunseol left, a brief silence settled over the office.
After staring into space for a while, Yuk Jangcheon spoke in a low voice.
“So, what do you think?”
Swish.
A hidden door behind a bookshelf opened, and a woman in blue robes stepped out—Yuk Cheongah.
“I definitely want to keep him by my side,” Yuk Jangcheon said.
“I have to admit, he’s an extraordinary individual,” Yuk Cheongah replied in a low voice. “Seeing how he seeks out and completes missions, he seems to have ambition beneath his appearance. But…”
“But what?”
“We need to investigate him further. This Tang Clan matter, and the fact that someone of his caliber has been hiding in the merchant world—it’s suspicious.”
“Didn’t Mankyeong Hall already investigate him hundreds of times?”
“Mankyeong Hall’s intelligence is impressive, but much of it is verified only on paper. That’s why we always need to double-check in person.”
“Hmm.”
“If things continue like this, he’ll soon become a second-rank leader and be officially assigned somewhere. If we don’t investigate now, we may not get another chance.”
“Do you think he’s someone who needs investigating?”
Yuk Cheongah answered firmly, “Yes.”
After a moment of thought, Yuk Jangcheon nodded.
“We’ll need to find the right person.”
“I’ve already chosen someone.”
Yuk Cheongah handed him a small booklet.
“There’s an enforcement officer who persistently uncovered spies in the Enforcement Hall’s deputy leader and the Secret Flower Garden Sect. She’s now with the Inspection Hall.”
Opening the booklet, Yuk Jangcheon saw the detailed history of Jongjeong Yak, an ambitious enforcement officer who had once accompanied Bu Eunseol, disguised as Seolso, to the Jasodan.
