The primary source of income for the Affectionate Blossom Sect was the high-end taverns and brothels scattered across the central plains.
They earned tens of thousands of taels daily.
By operating these brothels, the Affectionate Blossom Sect used the information gathered and their vast wealth to form alliances with the leaders of both righteous and demonic factions, flaunting their influence.
The Affectionate Blossom Sect, Pure Gold Pavilion.
It was the residence of the sect leader, Geuk Hyeryeong.
Normally, she would be tirelessly analyzing reports and information from various regions, gauging martial world trends, and negotiating with the leaders of other sects. She would handle all of the Affectionate Blossom Sect’s affairs without pause.
But because of this, she couldn’t give attention and love to her only kin, Geuk Hyebin, which led to a deep ailment in her heart. If she hadn’t met Bu Eunseol, an exceptional talent of Majeon, Geuk Hyebin’s condition might have become irreversible.
“Good job.” Geuk Hyeryeong was helping Geuk Hyebin study the Affectionate Blossom Sect’s formations using wooden chopsticks.
If Pure Gold Pavilion was once a hectic workplace, it was now a warm space where she played with and taught her granddaughter.
Geuk Hyeryeong’s only blood relative was Geuk Hyebin.
And Geuk Hyebin was a child who needed much care and love.
The time spent together would become cherished memories, helping to foster a proper character and disposition.
And all of this was a truth taught by the young demonic grandmaster, Bu Eunseol.
“Sect Leader.” At that moment, a low voice came from outside the door.
It was Du Yakrang, the master of Samidong, who managed all of the Affectionate Blossom Sect’s mechanisms and formations.
“Come in.”
Du Yakrang opened the door and entered with a respectful expression.
“What’s the matter?” At Geuk Hyeryeong’s question, Du Yakrang glanced at Geuk Hyebin and hesitated.
Geuk Hyeryeong nodded and headed to the study inside Pure Gold Pavilion.
“What’s going on?”
“It seems you need to see this.” After a moment’s hesitation, Du Yakrang handed over a ledger.
It detailed the Affectionate Blossom Sect’s monthly earnings.
“Isn’t this the account book?”
“Sect Leader, don’t you notice anything strange?” Seeing Du Yakrang’s troubled expression, Geuk Hyeryeong examined the ledger closely.
Then, she too realized something was wrong.
“I see.” Geuk Hyeryeong nodded.
She finally noticed that the recorded earnings were gradually decreasing.
She had received reports about declining profits but hadn’t thought much of it. But now, upon closer inspection, the earnings had dropped by more than half.
“What’s going on?” At Geuk Hyeryeong’s question, Du Yakrang bowed her head.
“It seems Lady Yu, the master of Flowing Flower Garden and overseer of Ok Yeonhyang, is keeping a separate purse.”
“Lady Yu?” Geuk Hyeryeong tilted her head.
Yu Suryeon, who managed all the taverns and brothels under the Affectionate Blossom Sect, was a loyal vassal and someone Geuk Hyeryeong deeply trusted.
Her suddenly keeping a separate purse?
“That can’t be.”
“Sect Leader, you’ve been so focused on caring for the young lady that you’ve barely touched sect affairs, haven’t you?” With a pained expression, Du Yakrang continued, “As a result, Lady Yu has gradually taken control of the sect’s finances. Moreover…”
Glancing at Geuk Hyeryeong, she lowered her head and said, “She’s been recruiting disciples dissatisfied with the sect to her side.”
Geuk Hyeryeong was shocked.
She could understand Yu Suryeon developing greed and keeping a separate purse. But recruiting disciples discontent with the Affectionate Blossom Sect?
What kind of nonsense was this?
“As you know, Sect Leader, you’ve been investing heavily to support the Martial Soul Command Lord, the successor of Nangyang.” Looking at Geuk Hyeryeong’s confused expression, Du Yakrang continued, “It seems she’s recruited disciples dissatisfied with that decision.”
Geuk Hyeryeong let out a groan.
The Affectionate Blossom Sect’s predecessor was Hwanhui Palace.
It was a sect that had endured the most invasions by external forces among women’s sects. Moreover, Hwanhui Palace was a gathering of courtesans used and abandoned by men. Bound by their shared hardships and hatred for men, the sect was united.
Thus, Geuk Hyeryeong’s support for Bu Eunseol had sparked discontent among many.
“Of course, that’s part of it.” Geuk Hyeryeong said with a sharp gaze. “But Yu Suryeon couldn’t pull this off alone. There must be an external force involved.”
The Affectionate Blossom Sect was no longer just a coalition of courtesans but a legitimate martial sect with a clear master-disciple hierarchy.
For the master of Flowing Flower Garden to recruit existing disciples was something she couldn’t achieve alone.
There must be a powerful external force backing her.
“This sect will not be swayed by external forces, so there’s no need to worry.”
At Geuk Hyeryeong’s words, Du Yakrang frowned. “I agree, but the problem is the rumor that Lady Yu has stolen the Black Ledger.”
This time, Geuk Hyeryeong was genuinely shocked.
The Black Ledger recorded the secret transactions of the Affectionate Blossom Sect’s funds—the so-called “dark money.”
One reason the Affectionate Blossom Sect could influence the martial world without relying on martial strength was the Black Ledger.
And Yu Suryeon had stolen it?
As Geuk Hyeryeong’s expression grew grave, Du Yakrang spoke as if she’d been waiting.
“If she’s stolen the Black Ledger, she may have already taken control of the sect’s intelligence network.” With a deeply serious expression, Du Yakrang said, “We must immediately deploy the Hundred Flower Maidens to eliminate Lady Yu.”
The Hundred Flower Maidens were the Affectionate Blossom Sect’s greatest force, masters of exceptional martial arts. If they were sent, no matter what external forces Yu Suryeon was colluding with, her head could be taken swiftly.
“Hmm.” At Du Yakrang’s words, Geuk Hyeryeong gazed at the distant sky beyond the window.
After deep thought, she shook her head.
“Let it be.”
“What?”
“Should our sect’s disciples spill each other’s blood?”
“But…”
Geuk Hyeryeong said firmly, “Perhaps the division of our sect is exactly what the external forces want.”
“But what if Lady Yu conspires with them and strikes first?”
“That will never happen.” Geuk Hyeryeong shook her head resolutely. “If Yu Suryeon planned to rebel with external forces, she would have done so long ago.”
With a wistful expression, she continued, “And if she and external forces strike first, not only Majeon but also Nangyang and the Heaven and Earth Severing Sect, with whom we have ties, will naturally intervene.”
“I see.”
As Du Yakrang nodded in realization, Geuk Hyeryeong said, “But if I, the sect leader, strike first, she’ll have a justification to draw in external forces, claiming injustice.”
Deep wrinkles formed around her eyes.
“Even if that’s not the case, how could I let my disciples slaughter each other? Considering the history of this sect, founded by courtesans comforting one another… it’s unthinkable.”
Du Yakrang let out a deep sigh.
Geuk Hyeryeong loved the Affectionate Blossom Sect and its disciples more than anyone.
Even if a blade were at her throat, she would never order her disciples to kill each other.
“The Martial Soul Command Lord.”
Geuk Hyeryeong spoke again.
“Still no news?”
“None.”
“I see. So that’s why.” With a melancholic expression, Geuk Hyeryeong said, “They targeted our sect because they’ve accepted the Martial Soul Command Lord’s disappearance as fact.”
“Exactly. He’s never been gone this long before.”
“Heh.” With a soft chuckle, Geuk Hyeryeong murmured in a barely audible voice, “Didn’t we decide to share life and death with him?”
Her words sounded almost like resignation.
But her eyes burned with the fire of a volcano.
She believed.
She believed Bu Eunseol would return and resolve everything.
It was that belief that allowed the Affectionate Blossom Sect, which had never allied with other sects, to willingly join his cause.
***
The Heaven and Earth Severing Sect.
This was a place where Majeon’s greatest masters prepared for their final days.
The demons residing in the Heaven and Earth Severing Sect were all physically broken.
If their skills and bodies were intact, they would have become elders of Majeon, still roamed the martial world, or founded small sects to rule a region. But having suffered critical injuries or lost much of their power while traversing the martial world, they had no choice but to enter the Heaven and Earth Severing Sect. Upon entering, they had to leave behind their unique martial arts. In return, they were guaranteed a peaceful life, free from the bloodshed of the martial world.
Thus, they became old men, cherishing past glories in their hearts and living in memories.
The Heaven and Earth Severing Sect, Yeongse Pavilion.
It was the office of Hyeok Sojin, designated as the next sect leader.
After a long journey through the martial world with Bu Eunseol, he gained great insight and martial prowess. Based on that experience, he was now stably managing the Heaven and Earth Severing Sect.
Thanks to Hyeok Sojin’s awakening, Hyeok Gongbaek, who had long toiled, gradually stepped back from duties and was nearing retirement.
“This is why I didn’t want this job.” Sitting in his office, lost in thought, Hyeok Sojin lowered his head.
Despite everything running smoothly, his expression wasn’t bright.
The Heaven and Earth Severing Sect, a paradise where old demons quietly resided. The masters there were gradually succumbing to old age, falling ill one by one.
“Hmm.” Hyeok Sojin let out a pained groan.
His daily routine began with visiting Peach Blossom Paradise. And each time he returned, he felt this torment.
Most of the demons were as old as his grandfather.
As time passed, they couldn’t withstand the weight of age, growing frail, falling ill, and collapsing. Their once-straight backs bent, and their faces became speckled with age spots.
Though some retained a degree of power, their bodies’ organs had lost resilience, unable to contain it properly.
“In the end, there’s nothing I can do.” Hyeok Sojin clutched his head with both hands.
No matter how well he managed Peach Blossom Paradise, comforted the demons, or kept them company, they were losing vitality day by day. In the end, for Hyeok Sojin, it was no different from caring for death row inmates marching toward their end.
“Brother Bu…” Suddenly, Bu Eunseol’s steadfast image flashed in his mind.
Only now did he understand why Bu Eunseol had won the demons’ hearts by personally crafting their coffins.
The demons of Peach Blossom Paradise were mostly old and sick. Their ambitions and even memories of the past were fading.
Thus, they needed someone to remember their lives and see them off in their final moments.
“Sojin.” At that moment, a low voice came from outside.
Hyeok Sojin composed himself, rushed to the door, and opened it. There stood an elegant old man with neatly combed white hair.
It was the sect leader, Hyeok Gongbaek.
“Grandfather.”
“Why didn’t you come for dinner?”
“Oh.” Hyeok Sojin’s eyes reddened.
His power had reached the level of Five Qi Harmony, so he barely needed food to feel hunger.
Hyeok Gongbaek knew this well, yet he still worried about his grandson.
Because he knew better than anyone that, even if Hyeok Sojin wasn’t hungry, he enjoyed the pleasure of eating.
“Are you struggling?” Noticing Hyeok Sojin’s dark expression, Hyeok Gongbaek asked. “Your face looks a bit grim.”
Hyeok Sojin forced a bright smile and shook his head.
“Well… the Mad Master keeps teasing the sick old men, so I was thinking about how to stop him.”
“Ho ho.” Seeing the shadow in Hyeok Sojin’s eyes, Hyeok Gongbaek spoke kindly, “As people age, they become like children. You don’t need to worry about every little thing.”
“Understood.” He said so, but Hyeok Sojin’s expression didn’t improve.
His grandfather, Hyeok Gongbaek, had unfathomable power and was free of illness, so he would live a long, healthy life.
But the demons of Peach Blossom Paradise, of similar age, were not so fortunate.
Thus, witnessing their daily struggles with life, illness, and death was agonizing.
Seeing the once-great warriors grow old and frail was like a reminder of life’s transience.
“I felt the same when I was young.” Hyeok Gongbaek smiled warmly. “While managing this sect, watching the previous generation’s demons go through life, illness, and death… it was tough.”
He looked at his grandson with affectionate eyes.
“Sometimes, I wondered if our lives are just fleeting struggles.”
“They aren’t?”
“Of course not.” Hyeok Gongbaek took a deep breath and said, “I remember all their lives. The martial arts they left behind have become the Heaven and Earth Severing Sect’s ultimate techniques, passed down through generations.”
With a fervent gaze, he continued, “To the young, old and sick elders may seem pitiful. But their lives were not. They survived to the end and left their mark on the martial world.”
Hyeok Sojin stared at his grandfather, dazed.
He didn’t fully understand, but he vaguely grasped the meaning.
‘Survive to the end and leave a mark.’
Growing old and frail may seem pitiful.
But it’s only possible because they survived. And that was no easy feat.
“From birth, humans overcome hardships and illnesses to grow. If they had lost, they wouldn’t have become adults.” Seeing Hyeok Sojin’s confusion, Hyeok Gongbaek explained gently, “The demons of Peach Blossom Paradise survived the martial world, and kept surviving… until they grew old.”
Pausing briefly, he spoke with conviction, “In other words, becoming an elder is proof of overcoming countless hardships and surviving—a victor.”
‘Becoming an elder is proof of surviving to the end, a victor.’
Finally understanding his grandfather’s meaning, Hyeok Sojin’s eyes widened.
Their lives were not pitiful.
The one who should feel pity was Hyeok Sojin himself.
The elders had overcome the trials and hardships that young people had faced and would face.
They were Hyeok Sojin’s future.
“I was short-sighted.”
Hyeok Sojin felt genuine shame.
To pity the demons’ lives because he was intoxicated by the privilege of youth?
That was merely arrogance born of possessing youth.
Seeing Hyeok Sojin’s quick realization, Hyeok Gongbaek smiled warmly.
“That’s it. You learn slowly like this.”
“But where are you going? Why are you dressed for travel?”
At Hyeok Sojin’s question, Hyeok Gongbaek frowned slightly and said, “According to the Blood Ruler Corps, something’s amiss at the Affectionate Blossom Sect.”
“I heard that too. The amount of information coming to the Blood Ruler Corps has decreased.”
The Heaven and Earth Severing Sect received not only immense wealth but also an excellent intelligence network from the Affectionate Blossom Sect.
This allowed their intelligence corps, the Blood Ruler Corps, to monitor the martial world’s dynamics like the back of their hand.
“Well, with Nangyang’s masters stationed there, it’s probably fine… but since they’ve always supported us materially and otherwise, it’s only right to visit.”
Hyeok Gongbaek said in a low voice, “From now on, we should develop the Blood Ruler Corps into an independent intelligence unit, not reliant on the Affectionate Blossom Sect’s network.”
Hyeok Sojin nodded at his grandfather’s words.
Originally, the Heaven and Earth Severing Sect neither involved itself nor could involve itself in the martial world’s affairs. But to support Bu Eunseol, an exceptional figure, they were expanding their influence and engaging in the martial world.
“Understood. Travel safely.”
“Yes, and…” With a dry smile, Hyeok Gongbaek said, “Just in case, it might be wise to recall the vanguard leaders and their units sent to the martial world.”
Through Bu Eunseol’s teachings, Hyeok Sojin had learned the importance of martial world experience.
Wanting to give the Heaven and Earth Severing Sect’s young warriors a chance to grow, he had sent the sect’s main forces and their commanders to gain experience.
In particular, with close ties to Nangyang, the three vanguard units were training with Nangyang’s Storm Corps, Spear God Corps, and Golden Star Corps.
But Hyeok Gongbaek was concerned about the security gap left by the absence of thousands of troops.
“I’ll recall them as soon as their training is complete.” Hyeok Sojin replied casually.
The Heaven and Earth Severing Sect was one of the Ten Demonic Sects and a place where old demons spent their final days.
No force in the martial world would dare attack it.
“Alright, I’ll be off.” Hyeok Gongbaek smiled and boarded a carriage.
However, with the sect’s main forces gone, he left behind the Ghost Soul Corps, his personal secret and guard unit, and took his close friend, the Wind Master Pung Yeoryang, with him.
Four days later.
“Young Master!”
Won Hong, the master of the Jeolmudae guarding the outer perimeter, rushed into Hyeok Sojin’s office.
“Two thousand troops are surging toward our sect like a tidal wave.”
“Two thousand troops?” Hyeok Sojin frowned.
Unlike the past, the Heaven and Earth Severing Sect was no longer just a retreat for elders awaiting death.
With immense wealth from the Affectionate Blossom Sect, it attracted young disciples, and its shared intelligence network allowed them to monitor the martial world closely.
Yet they hadn’t known about two thousand troops approaching?
“What was the Blood Ruler Corps doing?”
“Well… there’s been a rebellion in the Affectionate Blossom Sect, and their intelligence network is paralyzed.”
Hyeok Sojin’s eyes widened.
He had heard something was off, but an actual rebellion?
‘Grandfather’s instincts were right.’
Then Won Hong spoke again.
“Their eyes aren’t normal. They might be puppets.”
“Puppets?” Hyeok Sojin’s brow furrowed deeply.
‘The puppets Brother Bu fought so often? Or those artificial inner elixirs?’
Bu Eunseol had shared most of his information with the Heaven and Earth Severing Sect, so Hyeok Sojin was well aware of Majeon and the artificial inner elixirs.
“Have Master Ma Yeom command all three vanguard units to crush them in one swoop…”
Hyeok Sojin, giving the order casually, stopped mid-sentence.
Weren’t all three vanguard units, the sect’s main forces, currently away?
‘There’s a spy.’
Hyeok Sojin bit his lip until it bled.
Not only were the main forces gone, but Hyeok Gongbaek had left as well, and a large army was sent in response.
That meant there was a spy within the Heaven and Earth Severing Sect colluding with external forces.
