Opening a door in the corner of the forge, he revealed a small office with a table and furnishings. Sitting at the square table, Wang Geol looked at Bu Eunseol.
“When you say the martial world’s situation, what exactly do you mean?”
“Basic knowledge that any martial artist should know.”
“I see.” Wang Geol took a thick book from a shelf and placed it on the table.
“What’s this?”
“Everything you want to know.”
Judging by its condition, the book had been recently made. When Bu Eunseol cautiously opened it, his eyes widened. It detailed the general state of the martial world, the characteristics and information of various sects, and brief profiles of renowned martial artists.
‘It was made recently.’ The book even included detailed information about the Ten Demonic Sects.
‘Surely it wasn’t made for me.’ Wang Geol, who spent every day crafting weapons and tools, must have sacrificed sleep to create this book. Yet its contents precisely addressed everything Bu Eunseol was curious about.
“Are you going out into the martial world?” Wang Geol asked.
Bu Eunseol couldn’t hide his surprise. “How did you know?”
“You don’t have time.” Like Blood Vajra and Baek Yeon, Wang Geol saw through Bu Eunseol’s intentions. “Read it all, and you won’t struggle from ignorance. Burn it after you’re done.”
“Understood. Thank you.” As he tucked the book away and turned to leave, Bu Eunseol felt a sudden intuition. Wang Geol, Master Iron, seemed to know everything. Could he also know about the murderer who killed his grandfather? And if asked, he might answer without questioning the reason.
“I have one more question.”
Suppressing his rough breathing, Bu Eunseol stared at Wang Geol. He was about to ask about the characteristics of the murderer—something he had never asked anyone before. Dan Cheong or Baek Yeon would likely probe for reasons or investigate further, but Wang Geol seemed like someone who would answer without asking why.
“…Someone who can freely manipulate bones and muscles, executing upward sword strikes with precision, capable of severing both hands of a moving opponent with perfect accuracy,” Wang Geol said with an unprecedented glint in his eyes. “They also use the extreme poison of Rotten Flesh and Decaying Blood, typically employed by human butchers, along with Sahyang’s hidden weapons.”
Silence filled the study for a quarter of an hour before Wang Geol spoke again in a low voice.
“If such a person exists, determining their martial level or sect affiliation might be meaningless.”
“Why?”
“If they possess such formidable swordsmanship yet use hidden weapons and poison, they’re likely a spy operating in secret, hiding their identity from the martial world.” Bu Eunseol’s eyes wavered as he processed Wang Geol’s words.
‘The murderer who killed my grandfather might not be a renowned demonic master… but a spy?’
He had assumed the culprit was a powerful demonic master with exceptional swordsmanship, someone he could track down after mastering Nangyang’s techniques. But a spy who conceals their identity?
“Of course, this is just speculation,” Wang Geol continued calmly. “Even if they’re a spy, with that level of skill, they’re likely a high-ranking figure or someone who has rapidly risen through the ranks.” In other words, they were probably a significant figure, which also suggested that Bu Zhanyang, his grandfather, was likely a major figure as well.
“I see.” Swallowing the shock within, Bu Eunseol clasped his hands. “I’ll take my leave.”
As he turned to leave, Wang Geol called out in a low voice, “Wait.”
“I have a proposal for you.”
***
Clear Breeze Pavilion
The residence of Dan Cheong, the Vice-Sect Leader of Nangyang.
With the current Leader in seclusion, Dan Cheong had a mountain of responsibilities. Though Nangyang ranked at the bottom of the Ten Demonic Sects and lacked disciples, it was still comparable to any of the Nine Great Sects in scale and personnel.
‘Ugh.’ Scratching his head while reviewing piled-up letters in his office, Dan Cheong sighed.
‘Even I think I’m too lax. Letting just anyone barge in…’ Seeing Bu Eunseol enter unannounced through a servant, Dan Cheong resolved to reform the reporting system.
“So, what brings you here?”
“I want to venture into the martial world.”
“The martial world?” Dan Cheong blinked.
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“To master practical martial arts quickly, I need to gain enlightenment through real combat.”
“That’s not wrong, but it’s not possible,” Dan Cheong said firmly. “To enter the martial world, you must be part of a hall or squad and have permission from its leader. That’s Nangyang’s rule.”
Picking up the stack of documents on his desk, he continued, “As Vice-Sect Leader, I can’t just let you go on a whim.”
“I understand.”
“You do?”
Bu Eunseol, as if waiting for this moment, said, “I want to join the Nine Deaths Squad. Please allow it.”
“What?” Dan Cheong, reading a letter, stood with a glint in his eyes. “Where did you hear about the Nine Deaths Squad?” His voice was stern, his expression tinged with anger.
“From Master Iron.” The “proposal” Wang Geol had made was for Bu Eunseol to join the Nine Deaths Squad, which handled Majeon’s covert missions.
Pausing, Dan Cheong frowned. “Master Iron said something unnecessary.”
“Will you allow it?”
“Do you even know what the Nine Deaths Squad does?”
The Nine Deaths Squad handled assassinations, abductions, sabotage, and theft of critical resources—secret missions Majeon didn’t officially acknowledge. Majeon’s affiliated sects were required to supply personnel to the squad, regardless of reason.
“I know,” Bu Eunseol nodded gravely. “Joining the Nine Deaths Squad means my existence will be erased, and I’ll undertake missions risking my life each time.”
In fact, Master Iron, Wang Geol, was once the leader of the Nine Deaths Squad. Recognizing Bu Eunseol’s talent and desire for a blood-soaked journey in the martial world, he had recommended joining the squad.
“Listen carefully to what this Vice-Sect Leader says,” Dan Cheong said with a serious gaze. “Every sect, righteous or demonic, trains spies. It’s even more true for alliances like Majeon and the Martial Alliance.”
“Spies?”
“Yes. Personal conflicts depend on who wields their sword faster. But battles between sects or factions hinge on who operates a superior intelligence network.”
Pausing to catch his breath, Dan Cheong continued, “A single piece of high-grade intelligence can ruin a thriving sect or turn allies into enemies. Skilled spies can infiltrate enemy ranks or assassinate key figures.”
Looking at Bu Eunseol, he went on, “In the past, Majeon trained spies directly. But centralized training led to issues, like the existence of member lists and the risk of betrayal affecting the entire network.” Dan Cheong sighed. “To address this, Majeon began drafting skilled masters from various sects for covert missions.”
Bu Eunseol’s eyes widened. Spies from multiple sects, operating anonymously, would indeed reduce risks.
“They don’t ask who the operatives are or which sect they’re from. That’s the Nine Deaths Squad. Do you understand?”
The martial world wasn’t a place where mere martial prowess guaranteed victory. Bu Eunseol realized there was another, hidden side to the martial world he hadn’t known.
“The main reason I oppose this is that joining the Nine Deaths Squad means you’ll no longer be a disciple of Nangyang or even affiliated with Majeon—you’ll be nothing.” In other words, if something went wrong, no one would take responsibility.
“Only two types of Nangyang disciples join the Nine Deaths Squad voluntarily: those who’ve committed grave sins or those desperate for money,” Dan Cheong said in a low voice. “Completing missions for the Nine Deaths Squad can absolve certain sins, and each mission comes with substantial payment, attracting those in need of funds.”
He continued, “But you’re destined to represent Nangyang. There’s no need for you to become an executioner for the dangerous tasks of the Nine Deaths Squad.”
“It doesn’t matter.”
“You, a Ten Demon Warrior, want to join the Nine Deaths Squad?”
“I want to become strong.”
“You can become strong enough as a Ten Demon Warrior.”
Bu Eunseol shook his head firmly. “I need to become strong quickly.” He had already built the foundation for practical martial arts. The more life-and-death battles he experienced, the faster he would grow.
“I was told that rather than wandering the martial world aimlessly, it’s better to take on official missions as a member of the Nine Deaths Squad, even if they’re dangerous.” Dan Cheong was speechless. It was true that facing life-and-death situations would make one stronger faster than anyone else.
“Is there a reason you need to become strong so quickly?”
Bu Eunseol clamped his mouth shut. Realizing he wouldn’t answer despite repeated prompting, Dan Cheong sighed.
“Fine. One more thing,” he said, his voice resolute. “The Ten Demon Warrior plan was pushed by the Lord of Majeon. From the perspective of the Ten Demonic Sects, even if an exceptional member emerges, they can’t abandon loyal disciples or direct descendants.”
Pausing, he continued, “The Ten Demon Warrior is just a sword to be used without hesitation against the righteous faction’s great masters.”
“I know.”
“You do?”
Recalling a conversation with Baek Jeoncheon, Bu Eunseol replied, “The Lord of Manbak Hall told me the same thing.”
“Manbak Hall’s Lord… Baek Jeoncheon?”
“Yes.” Dan Cheong, momentarily puzzled, nodded.
‘So, he took a liking to this kid too’. Bu Eunseol had a talent that stirred the hearts of martial artists, as if the thing they’d sought their entire lives stood before them.
“I see.” Clearing his throat, Dan Cheong stared at Bu Eunseol. “But Nangyang is different.”
His eyes blazed like the sun. “We intend to make you a true master, not a disposable tool.” Dan Cheong saw Bu Eunseol not as a Ten Demon Warrior but as a successor to lead Nangyang’s next generation.
Pausing, he asked, “Even so, do you still want to join the Nine Deaths Squad?”
“Yes.” Dan Cheong had no more words. Even a governor can’t force compliance. If Bu Eunseol wouldn’t listen after all this, there was nothing more to be done.
“Dangerous trials make a martial artist strong, but the Nine Deaths Squad’s missions are less trials and more gambles with your life.” Sighing, Dan Cheong said, “The squad’s original name was Seek Death Squad, because its members undertake missions without expecting to return alive.”
“I understand what you’re saying, Vice-Sect Leader,” Bu Eunseol said with unwavering eyes. “But I only want to become strong quickly. The concerns you have won’t come to pass.”
“Why not?”
“Because I’m not just a Ten Demon Warrior—I’m a disciple of Nangyang.”
– Nangyang’s disciples are not weak.
Those were Dan Cheong’s own words, and Bu Eunseol seemed to echo them.
“I don’t understand,” Dan Cheong said with a wry smile.
Nangyang lacked the close master-disciple bonds or deep camaraderie of other sects. It was merely a gathering of wolves seeking strength, passing down and inheriting techniques.
So why was Bu Eunseol so loyal to Nangyang?
As if reading Dan Cheong’s thoughts, Bu Eunseol replied calmly, “Because Nangyang is now my home.”
