Solitary Light Pavilion, Yeop Hyocheon’s Office
Two steaming teacups sat on the reception table.
Across from Yeop Hyocheon sat a woman with snow-white skin, a refined nose, and strikingly clear eyes.
It was Dan So-ok, the daughter of the Strategy Department Head considered the successor for her father’s position.
“Me?” Dan So-ok couldn’t hide her surprise at Yeop Hyocheon’s words.
She had heard that the Martial Alliance had sent forces to Guizhou, escalating a territorial conflict.
‘I never imagined they’d entrust the negotiations to me,’ she thought.
The Martial Alliance held the moral high ground. No matter how well she negotiated, Majeon would inevitably suffer losses.
“If you can resolve this without losses, you’ll secure a strong position as the next strategist,” Yeop Hyocheon said.
‘Resolve it without losses.’
It was an outrageous demand.
If Dan So-ok succeeded, she’d solidify her candidacy for strategist.
But it was an impossible task.
“I…” Dan So-ok began to refuse, shaking her head, when Yeop Hyocheon interjected unexpectedly.
“And aren’t you engaged to the Martial Soul Command Lord?”
“What?”
“There’s criticism that the Martial Alliance could advance into Guizhou because the Martial Soul Command Lord weakened the Hell’s Blood Fortress,” he said, lifting his teacup with a relaxed expression. “If you handle this, wouldn’t that be ideal?”
His intent was clear.
‘Since your betrothed caused this, shouldn’t you, his fiancée, take responsibility?’
That was his message.
Dan So-ok felt both joy and worry.
For Bu Eunseol, she’d walk into hell itself with a smile. But this matter couldn’t be resolved with love and sacrifice alone. Failing to produce results could harm Bu Eunseol as well.
‘If someone has to resolve this, and it’s for his sake…’ After a moment’s thought, she nodded.
“I’ll do it.”
“Good thinking,” Yeop Hyocheon said, nodding with a smile. “Then, Strategy Department leader, take on this challenging task.”
But his following words, despite his warm smile, were cold and harsh.
“However, this negotiation concerns the pride of both Majeon and the Martial Alliance. If we suffer losses, you’ll bear the consequences.”
In an instant, Yeop Hyocheon transformed from a kindly grandfather into a ruthless leader. But Dan So-ok, accustomed to such demeanor, clasped her hands.
“Understood.” After her meeting with the Chief Instructor, she immediately left Majeon.
Leading the elite warriors of the Ten Thousand Demons Hall, known as the finest under the Demon Suppression Division, she headed to Yeokyung, where the Dragon Might Hall was stationed.
‘I hope I can resolve this well,’ she thought.
She didn’t care about her own reputation.
She only wished to settle this matter to spare Bu Eunseol the blame for weakening the Hell’s Blood Fortress.
Meanwhile, Bu Eunseol, leading the Supreme Corps, also departed the Martial Alliance for Yeokyung.
Arriving at Yuchun Valley near Chengdu, he saw dozens of tents set up at the mountain’s base.
The Dragon Might Hall was stationed there for negotiations with Majeon.
‘As expected of someone skilled in negotiations,’ Bu Eunseol thought, his gaze deepening as he surveyed the tents.
Typically, negotiations occurred in neutral locations like luxurious inns or banquet halls in Chengdu. But Yeon Jagang, Lord of the Dragon Might Corps, had set up camp at the foot of Yuchun Valley, the heart of the Hell’s Blood Fortress’s territory and a key trade route for external caravans.
This showed that, unless a satisfactory agreement was reached with Majeon, he intended to remain long-term, ready for armed conflict.
“Wait here,” Bu Eunseol instructed his team to stand by outside the tents, then approached Yeon Jagang’s tent and announced clearly, “Seon Woojin, Captain of the Supreme Corps.”
No response came from within.
“I’m here on the commander’s orders to assist the Dragon Might Hall’s mission…” As he spoke again, a figure emerged slowly from the tent.
A middle-aged man with a pockmarked face and narrow eyes, rather unsightly—Yeon Jagang, Lord of the Dragon Might Corps.
“Seon Woojin, Captain of the Supreme Corps, greets you,” Bu Eunseol said, clasping his hands.
Yeon Jagang nodded lightly.
“I’m Yeon Jagang.”
In his youth, Yeon Jagang had been a renowned swift swordsman in Shaanxi. But during his travels, he realized his skills and talent weren’t enough to dominate the martial world.
He pivoted early, joining the Martial Alliance.
Though not exceptional in martial arts, his cunning was notable. Through relentless effort and life-risking missions, he earned numerous merits and, nearing his fifties, became a hall lord—a tenacious figure.
“What do you think I’m here for?” he asked abruptly.
Bu Eunseol met his narrow eyes before responding, “To reclaim the trade routes around Yuchun Valley for the Alliance.”
“Correct. That will require intense negotiations, and perhaps even armed conflict,” Yeon Jagang said, narrowing his eyes further. “But I’ll handle the negotiations, and if conflict arises, the Divine Might Division will step in.”
His voice turned cold. “Do you understand?”
Yeon Jagang had worked tirelessly to become Yuk Jangcheon’s confidant. Yet, a young upstart from a merchant background had surpassed him, meeting Yuk Jangcheon privately, which naturally soured his view of Bu Eunseol.
‘He’s telling me not to gain any merit,’ Bu Eunseol thought, giving a bitter smile.
Yeon Jagang was wary of Bu Eunseol’s rise and intended to sideline him during these negotiations.
‘This isn’t my first time facing this,’ Bu Eunseol reflected. Even when he campaigned to become Majeon’s successor, he faced discrimination and disdain.
No matter how hard Yeon Jagang tried, it was futile—Bu Eunseol was already above him.
“Understood,” Bu Eunseol replied courteously.
Yeon Jagang’s brow furrowed at his compliant response.
Just then, “Hall Lord, it’s Gu Jongmyeong,” said the vice-lord and Yeon Jagang’s confidant, clasping his hands.
“A messenger from Majeon requests your presence.”
“Who came?” Yeon Jagang asked.
“The Strategy Hall Leader,” Gu Jongmyeong replied.
Bu Eunseol’s eyebrow twitched. Majeon had many skilled negotiators capable of swaying Yeon Jagang.
Of all people, why send Dan So-ok?
‘It’s the Chief Instructor’s doing,’ Bu Eunseol realized instantly.
The Hell’s Blood Fortress likely protested that this situation arose due to the Martial Soul Command Lord. Yeop Hyocheon must have acknowledged this and urged Dan So-ok to take on the negotiations to aid the Command Lord, given their public engagement.
‘If she succeeds, she’ll be rewarded handsomely. If she fails, they’ll blame both her and me,’ he thought.
The negotiations were structured for Majeon to lose.
Yeop Hyocheon intended to highlight this failure to tarnish both Dan So-ok and Bu Eunseol for weakening the Hell’s Blood Fortress.
‘That won’t happen, Chief Instructor,’ Bu Eunseol thought, biting his lip.
If this continued, he would inevitably clash not only with the Hell’s Blood Fortress but also with Majeon’s forces.
“The Strategy Hall Leader. Majeon’s chosen an interesting scapegoat,” Yeon Jagang said with a smile. “Sending the fiancée of the Martial Soul Command Lord, no less.”
Gu Jongmyeong nodded. “She’s waiting at Shangae Pavilion, the midpoint.”
“Very well. I’ll go shortly.” Turning to Bu Eunseol, Yeon Jagang said coldly, “Since it’s the commander’s order, set up camp a short distance from ours. I’ll call if needed.”
He intended to keep the Supreme Corps’s camp separate, ignoring them entirely.
But Bu Eunseol clasped his hands courteously. “Understood.”
As he turned calmly, Yeon Jagang glanced at the Supreme Corps members lined up behind him.
‘Hmph, they expected this,’ he thought.
Like Bu Eunseol, they were composed, seemingly accepting the situation. As an intelligence team, the Supreme Corps understood the Martial Alliance’s dynamics and relationships better than most.
They likely saw Yeon Jagang’s disdain as natural and showed no ambition to gain merit.
“Set up camp a short distance from the Dragon Might Hall,” Bu Eunseol told his team nonchalantly. “I’m going to Chengdu to assess the situation again.”
“Understood!” the team responded, beginning to set up camp.
Bu Eunseol employed his qinggong toward Chengdu.
Whoosh!
But mid-air, he twisted, changing his attire and donning a mask.
“Soyo,” he sent a mental transmission to Soyo, hidden somewhere nearby. “Contact the Death Spirit Corps to create a trail of Seon Woojin gathering information in Chengdu. I’m going to scout.”
“Alright,” Soyo replied.
Bu Eunseol immediately headed to Shangae Pavilion, where Yeon Jagang and Majeon were to negotiate.
In Yeokyung, Shangae Pavilion was known for its beautiful sunsets.
Elite warriors from the Ten Thousand Demons Hall, clad in black, were strictly positioned there. At the pavilion’s center sat a woman in a teal palace dress, her skin snow-white, her eyes dazzling like sunlight reflected on a river—Dan So-ok, Strategy Hall Leader.
‘She’s suffering because of me,’ Bu Eunseol thought, concealing his presence near the pavilion.
Step, step.
From the opposite side, dozens of white-clad figures approached. Leading them was a middle-aged man in white robes embroidered with a phoenix—Yeon Jagang with the Dragon Might Hall warriors.
“…”
With forces positioned on either side of the pavilion, tension reached its peak.
Step, step.
Yeon Jagang approached the pavilion without hesitation.
Dan So-ok rose, clasping her hands. “Greetings. I’m Dan So-ok, Strategy Hall Leader.”
As a Majeon lord, her rank was higher than a Martial Alliance hall lord. But with the Alliance holding the upper hand and her youth, she greeted first without hesitation.
“I’m Yeon Jagang, Lord of the Dragon Might Corps,” he replied, clasping his hands respectfully.
In such negotiations, everything—from the order of greetings to demeanor—was a subtle yet fierce battle of wills.
Yet both maintained courteous and mild attitudes.
Confident in their negotiation skills, they avoided wasting energy on trivial matters.
“Thank you for responding to our invitation despite your busy schedule,” Dan So-ok said, her voice low but clear, carrying a faint sweetness, like the scent of fruit.
An ordinary man might have been captivated by her beauty and presence.
But Yeon Jagang was unaffected.
Having practiced the Childlike Purity Technique to compensate for his limited inner strength, he maintained purity, granting him pure and robust inner power. Thus, he viewed women as stones, unaffected even if Dan So-ok were a divine Bodhisattva.
“No trouble at all,” Yeon Jagang said with a calm smile. “There are many matters to settle with Majeon, aren’t there?”
Dan So-ok smiled faintly. “Rather than settle, I’d say agree. Our factions have differing positions.”
She tried to ease the tense atmosphere.
But Yeon Jagang’s voice grew colder. “The word ‘agree’ doesn’t suit a matter of life and death.”
“The killer of Captain Noh hasn’t been identified. Majeon is here out of moral obligation,” she replied.
“Moral obligation,” Yeon Jagang said flatly. “Captain Noh died from the Hell’s Blood Fortress’s poison technique.”
“Their techniques could have leaked. Just as many martial artists use the Nine Great Sects’ techniques without being their disciples.”
“Sounds like you’re evading responsibility.”
“We’ll take responsibility if it’s warranted. But we won’t accept baseless accusations,” Dan So-ok retorted.
“So that’s your stance.” As sharp words were exchanged, Yeon Jagang groaned, his eyes hardening. “Unless Majeon offers acceptable terms…”
He paused, then said in a low voice, “I’ll consider all dialogue void.”
A shocking statement.
In negotiations, such a unilateral declaration was unthinkable.
‘No mere hall lord could say that,’ Dan So-ok thought, her eyes narrowing.
A hall lord wouldn’t dare spark a conflict between Majeon and the Alliance. This meant Yeon Jagang had consulted the commander beforehand.
‘They’re determined to claim Yuchun Valley’s land routes,’ she realized, her gaze turning cold.
Negotiations were about finding common ground between conflicting interests. With such a one-sided demand, this could no longer be called a negotiation.
“That’s a difficult statement to accept,” she said coldly. “I believed we could find a mutually satisfactory agreement. It seems I was mistaken.”
Strength met strength.
Reasoning with an unyielding opponent only led to losing the initiative.
“Then the negotiations are over,” Yeon Jagang said, standing calmly. “It seems Majeon is using you as a scapegoat. Pity.”
He smiled faintly. “I heard you took this task because you’re engaged to the Martial Soul Command Lord.”
“Perhaps,” Dan So-ok replied, standing with equal calm. “I hear the new commander is ambitiously leading this. Failing to conclude even this negotiation will weaken her position.”
“You seem prepared,” Yeon Jagang said.
“Prepared for what?” Dan So-ok replied coldly, turning to leave Shangae Pavilion.
“Tell your commander: Majeon is ready anytime.”
Yeon Jagang responded confidently, “Since no satisfactory agreement was reached, my hall will remain stationed near Yuchun Valley. Try to drive us out if you dare.”
Dan So-ok left without replying.
Yeon Jagang watched her with a faint smile. “It’s going well.”
Negotiations were never the goal.
Having deployed forces to Yuchun Valley, they had no intention of withdrawing, even if Majeon resorted to force. Even if Dan So-ok ordered an assault with the Ten Thousand Demons Hall, they couldn’t defeat the Divine Might Division behind the Dragon Might Hall.
‘I had no intention of interfering anyway,’ Bu Eunseol thought, his eyes flashing as he overheard the exchange. ‘The Alliance never intended to negotiate.’
Having stationed troops here, they had no plans to retreat.
For a mere trade route around Yuchun Valley, Majeon wouldn’t risk an all-out war.
Even if Dan So-ok pushed with her forces, they couldn’t overcome the Divine Might Division.
His original goal was to dispel Gongsun Dankyung’s suspicions.
But now, another task had been added: to help Dan So-ok, who had taken on an unfair mission to aid him, avoid losses in this negotiation.
***
Returning to the camp, Bu Eunseol began analyzing the situation and devising a strategy.
‘Commander Gongsun plans to seize Yuchun Valley, even if it means armed conflict. They have both justification and sufficient forces,’ he thought.
Judging by Yeon Jagang’s attitude, Gongsun Dankyung had no intention of retreating, even if Dan So-ok ordered an all-out attack.
She even seemed to desire a conflict.
Unless Majeon and the Alliance prepared for an all-out war, there was no way to reclaim Yuchun Valley’s territory.
But Bu Eunseol relentlessly worked his mind.
‘They want a fight…’ A smile spread across his face as a plan formed. ‘Then I’ll give them one.’
Summoning his team to the tent, he issued a brief command. “We need to create a map of the Guizhou region.”
“A map?” Tae Muryong asked.
“Yes, not a standard map, but one marking all righteous and demonic factions in Guizhou.”
The team blinked in confusion.
They had seen Yeon Jagang treat Bu Eunseol poorly upon arrival. With no role in the negotiations, why create such a map?
“We’re known as an intelligence team. Regardless of Lord Yeon’s thoughts, we must do what we’re capable of,” Bu Eunseol said calmly, sensing their doubts. “There’s a chance of armed conflict between the Alliance and Majeon’s forces.”
The team exchanged glances.
‘Our commander is too kind,’ they thought.
Despite being insulted in front of his subordinates, he was gathering information for Yeon Jagang. They nodded, concerned about his kindness.
“This is for our team’s sake too,” Bu Eunseol whispered with a smile. “Someone narrow-minded like Lord Yeon will want someone to blame if things go wrong. This is to prevent that.”
Tae Muryong and the team chuckled, thinking he was joking.
Yeon Jagang was a negotiation expert, and the Alliance held the moral high ground. Even if conflict arose, the Alliance wouldn’t lose, so ruining the negotiations was nearly impossible.
“Understood. We’ll work on it,” Tae Muryong said, laughing as he led the team away.
But how could they know?
As Bu Eunseol predicted, Yeon Jagang would botch everything, falling into a trap that would make holding his lordship precarious.
