Nae Bihon suppressed the surge of emotion welling up inside him and shouted, still feigning ignorance.
“What nonsense are you spouting? You two little rascals…”
“We know.”
Bu Eunseol declared firmly.
“We know that Brother Nae remembers everything.”
“What do you—”
“If you had truly lost your memories, there would have been no reason to pass down the Thunder Soul Divine Art to Dae Guhwi in the Pool of Demon Blades.”
At that time, Bu Eunseol had witnessed Nae Bihon saving Dae Guhwi and instantly realized that he had not lost his memories.
Because he had transmitted the Thunder Soul Divine Art’s incantations to Dae Guhwi.
If the goal had been merely to save his life, stabilizing the Thunder Spirit Energy would have sufficed.
Yet Nae Bihon had deliberately refined the Thunder Spirit Energy that had seeped into Dae Guhwi’s body and transmitted the Thunder Soul Divine Art, which allowed him to wield that energy.
No doubt it was out of a wish for Dae Guhwi to grow even stronger with the power of the Thunder Spirit Energy and one day become the palace lord of the Beast Palace.
“Hmph.” Caught with his inner thoughts exposed, Nae Bihon bellowed and tried to deny it. “I only did it because having one more person who can use Thunder Spirit Energy would be useful. If I lose my power again, I can just make use of that kid, can’t I?”
It was a feeble excuse for words coming from the Thunder God who shook the heavens.
Bu Eunseol waved a hand dismissively and said, “Fine, fine. First, let’s change places.”
“Change places? Why?”
“If we charge into the Pang Clan so recklessly, won’t we just be repeating the same mistake?” Bu Eunseol spoke calmly. “We must be cautious this time. If things go wrong, Brother Nae could even be branded a public enemy of the martial world.”
“Being branded a public enemy doesn’t frighten me.”
“Of course not.” Bu Eunseol smiled gently. “But shouldn’t we also consider this little brother’s reputation, and the position of Dae Guhwi, who will one day become Brother Nae’s disciple?”
At those words, a ripple stirred in Nae Bihon’s heart.
A man with no prior connection had lowered himself to call Nae Bihon “brother.”
The youngest son of the Beast Palace Lord Dae Gon, followed him like a master.
Something warm rose in Nae Bihon’s chest, and he abruptly turned his head.
“Hmph.” With a snort, he barked coldly, “Of all people, the Majeon heir is my little brother, and the Beast Palace Lord’s youngest son is my disciple. My fate really is twisted beyond measure.”
His voice was icy, but his eyes trembled faintly.
Bu Eunseol and Dae Guhwi.
Could they be gifts from the heavens to compensate for the lonely years he had endured?
Following Bu Eunseol, Nae Bihon entered one of Majeon’s safe houses near Hebei.
The safe house always contained a secret chamber, perfect for confidential discussions.
“Now, please tell me about the situation back then.” Once inside the chamber, Bu Eunseol spoke to Nae Bihon. “We need to start planning how to bring them down.”
Nae Bihon immediately recounted in detail his fight with the old monster.
After listening carefully to the entire story, Bu Eunseol stroked his chin.
“…I see.”
The Eight Emperors and Three Saints had appeared four hundred years ago; since then, neither their predecessors nor their descendants had ever appeared publicly in the martial world.
Moreover, the descendants of the Eight Emperors and Three Saints—except for So Okrim—were highly likely to be figures from the Three Realms.
If the Pang Clan members were descendants of the Eight Emperors and Three Saints?
Then the current descendants of the Eight Emperors and Three Saints all held different identities and were likely high-ranking officials established in the martial world.
‘Does that mean the descendant of the Blade Emperor founded the Pang Clan?’
The Pang Clan did not have a long history; it had first appeared even later than the era when the Eight Emperors and Three Saints emerged four hundred years ago.
That meant the Pang Clan itself could be a family created by the descendant of the Blade Emperor.
“But something is strange.” Bu Eunseol tilted his head. “He bitterly regretted being unable to contend with the Seven-Finger Demon Blade. If he were the Pang Clan Leader, there’s no way he couldn’t have faced the Seven-Finger Demon Blade.”
“It could be orders from the Three Realms.”
“That’s possible. But there’s something even stranger.”
Bu Eunseol told him about the Southern Sky Great Hero.
“If he were the Pang Clan’s Supreme Elder, he absolutely could not have failed to pursue the Great Hero of the Southern Sky for so long. He has duties as a member of the Pang Clan, and all his movements would be exposed.”
“They could set up a puppet. Every scoundrel who farts loudly in the martial world has a double identity.”
“That’s true, but…” Bu Eunseol stroked his chin. “We definitely need to investigate. This is none other than the Pang Clan, one of the Eight Great Families.”
Even with solid evidence, Majeon’s main forces could never enter Hebei territory.
That was why this matter required extreme caution.
“First, I’ll have my subordinates gather information on the Pang Clan’s situation, then we can discuss how to crush them.”
Nae Bihon let out a low groan.
For countless years of endurance, he had searched for his enemies and sharpened the blade of revenge.
Now that the enemy’s nest was finally before him…
In the past, he would have charged in without delay, come hell or high water.
But the current Nae Bihon had been cured of all his madness and maintained a clear mind. He would never act rashly.
“No choice, then.” Nae Bihon nodded.
Revenge had already begun.
If so, they had to perfectly grasp the enemy’s situation and then utterly destroy them.
At Bu Eunseol’s command, the intelligence networks of the Death Spirit Corps and the Supreme Branch sprang into action.
Demonic faction intelligence forces generally excelled at finding orthodox faction news, while orthodox intelligence forces excelled at finding demonic faction news.
The more the investigation into the Pang Clan continued, the more Bu Eunseol sensed something odd.
Demonic intelligence forces paid little attention to fellow demonic factions unless they were hostile.
But the Martial Alliance’s intelligence network was different.
They invested considerable expense and time to obtain news not only from the demonic faction but also from within the orthodox faction. That meant there was a high probability that many of the Martial Alliance’s leadership and mid-level figures were from the Three Realms.
They desired a vast amount of information that circulated throughout the entire martial world.
And the oddities were not limited to one or two.
The Pang Clan was perfectly sealed by an outstanding intelligence organization; no matter how much they investigated, they could not grasp the internal situation.
—The current Pang Clan Leader is refraining from external activities.
The only thing they could confirm was one fact.
The Pang Clan Leader, Pang Muncheon, was suffering from a mysterious illness and had secluded himself.
“Strange indeed.” Nae Bihon, listening to the information Bu Eunseol provided, stroked his chin. “Then does that mean the Supreme Elder, Pang Yeok, still holds real power?”
The title of Supreme Elder was merely an honorary position granted to Clan Leaders who had greatly distinguished themselves in the martial world or achieved remarkable feats upon retirement, to honor them.
For internal affairs to run smoothly despite the Clan Leader’s seclusion, it was proof that Supreme Elder Pang Yeok still held real power.
“Of course that’s possible, but the Pang Clan grants considerable discretion to the heads of each organization. Even without a Clan Leader, it would function somehow.”
The reason the Pang Clan had rapidly risen to become one of the Eight Great Families despite its short history was partly due to its characteristic of guaranteeing the rights of each organization’s leader.
For tasks related to their organization, the leaders could independently carry out missions without the Clan Leader’s approval.
Thus, the Pang Clan could operate adequately even if the Clan Leader was absent.
“However, judging by the complete information blackout, something has definitely happened inside the Pang Clan.”
Bu Eunseol could sense it instinctively.
The Pang Clan was not in a normal state.
Otherwise, the Death Spirit Corps and Supreme Branch would never fail to detect even a hint of the internal situation.
“Then infiltration is the only option.” Dae Guhwi, who had been listening silently, spoke up. “The martial arts of our palace are highly specialized for infiltration. How about I scout the situation inside the Pang Clan?”
The Wild Beast Palace’s martial arts were modeled after various animals’ abilities, so they excelled not only in martial prowess but also in infiltrating diverse locations.
Moreover, since Dae Guhwi could now handle Thunder Spirit Energy, he could perform reconnaissance far better than any ordinary intelligence agent.
“No.” Bu Eunseol declared firmly.
“The complete information blackout from the Pang Clan means it is as impregnable as an iron fortress, with thorough defenses.”
Even among the Eight Great Families, obtaining information through spies was always possible.
But a total blackout meant the place was likely a perfectly fortified stronghold.
“Furthermore, the Pang Clan has stood tall in the martial world for generations. Countless hidden mechanisms to detect enemy infiltration must be concealed; attempting it rashly would only cause trouble.”
“Then there’s no way.” Nae Bihon spat the words as if ejecting something from his mouth. “I should have quickly picked up that Supreme Elder Token back then. If I had, that vile Pang Yeok would have crawled out of the Pang Clan to retrieve it.”
At those words, Bu Eunseol’s eyes sparkled.
A brilliant plan had just come to mind.
“The Majeon storehouses hold many treasures. Among them are no small number of spoils taken from orthodox sects.”
Bu Eunseol recalled the booklet Yoo Unryong had written for him long ago.
It listed the treasures that the Martial Soul Command Lord could possess or dispose of.
At the very end of that list were written the characters for Five Tiger Blade.
***
Pang Seoun, the Pang Clan’s chief steward, could not hide his bewilderment.
The Martial Soul Command Lord of Majeon had suddenly requested a visit.
Martial Soul Command Lord, Bu Eunseol.
It was true that he had done many good deeds in the martial world. But that did not mean demonic and orthodox factions could get along amicably.
Especially the Pang Clan, which maintained a more hostile stance toward demonic sects than any other.
They had even sent assassins during Majeon’s Ten Demon Warriors Plan to attempt the murder of outstanding talents.
Yet the Majeon heir wished to visit the Pang Clan?
That made no sense.
At least, not until he read the end of the letter sent by the Martial Soul Command Lord.
—This hall has recently realized that we have been keeping the Five Tiger Blade. This Command Lord wishes to visit the Pang Clan to discuss its return.
Shockingly, the reason for the Martial Soul Command Lord’s visit was to return the Five Tiger Blade, a treasure of the Pang Clan.
The Five Tiger Blade could slice iron like tofu, and it contained the essence of the Five Tiger Severing Gate Blade Technique that the early Pang Clan had devised.
If they could recover it?
The Pang Clan’s blade techniques could advance significantly once more.
“I don’t understand why he would return it.”
At Pang Seoun’s mutter, his aide Seo Uk spoke cautiously.
“He is the one who will lead Majeon in the future. Moreover, his relations with the orthodox faction are not bad. He likely intends to build ties with our clan as well.”
“Hmm.”
“I’ve heard that recently he even returned the Six Harmonies Fan, a treasure of the Zhuge Clan.”
Pang Seoun stroked his chin.
It was well-known that the Majeon heir was building unreserved friendships with the orthodox faction and walking a righteous path. For him to return an orthodox treasure to avoid bad blood with the orthodox faction and as part of his conduct as the next sect leader certainly had its own justification.
“Then he could just return it—why insist on a private meeting?”
“He probably wants to confirm whether he can build ties with our clan before deciding whether to return the Five Tiger Blade.”
“As the rumors say, a clever fellow. He checks whether it’s profitable before returning the treasure…”
Pang Seoun nodded.
Moreover, he requested a secret visit, not an official one.
That meant he was considerate of the Pang Clan’s position of rejecting the demonic faction.
If word spread that the Majeon heir had visited, the Pang Clan’s stance would become awkward.
“There’s not a single flaw to pick at.” Pang Seoun shook his head. “This is not something this chief steward can decide.”
Rising from his seat, he said, “I must ask the Supreme Elder and decide.”
Pang Seoun entered a splendid pavilion at the center of the Pang Clan.
Manipulating a hidden mechanism, a passage leading underground appeared with a creaking sound.
Step by step.
After walking deep inside, a wide hall with faint light came into view.
Passing through the hall and entering a narrow corridor, he saw a small door.
“Chief Steward Pang Seoun.”
Bowing respectfully, the door opened on its own.
As he stepped inside, the sound of curtains parting echoed, and a small shadow approached from within.
Not tall, but with sharp eyes and an aura as fierce as an abstract painting.
It was none other than the Pang Clan’s Supreme Elder, Pang Yeok.
Pang Seoun immediately bowed to pay respects, but—
Swish.
Pang Yeok passed him by as if it were nothing.
Seeing this, Pang Seoun let out an “Ah” and shook his head.
“The Supreme Elder is not present.”
He bowed respectfully to Pang Yeok and turned around.
“No choice, then.” Emerging outside again, Pang Seoun wore a bitter expression.
“With the Supreme Elder absent… I must decide myself.” Stepping out of the pavilion, he gazed at the distant sky. “Whatever his intentions, it doesn’t matter. The fact that the Martial Soul Command Lord approaches first is proof that our clan holds the advantageous position.”
Narrowing his eyes, he muttered, “First, I need to figure out what he wants.”
Several days later.
A secret guest visited the Hebei Pang Clan.
It was none other than the Majeon heir, Martial Soul Command Lord Bu Eunseol.
However, since this was a private meeting, the fact did not leak outside.
‘So this is the Pang Clan.’
Bu Eunseol’s eyes narrowed as he entered.
The interior of the Hebei Pang Clan, a symbol of orthodox blade techniques, resembled a massive martial academy more than an opulent great family. Most buildings were training grounds for practicing martial arts, scripture halls, or armories; living quarters were scarcely visible.
“I am Chief Steward Pang Seoun.” Pang Seoun greeted Bu Eunseol personally, without sending a servant.
“Bu Eunseol.” Bu Eunseol smiled in response.
“This way, please.”
Pang Seoun led the way himself.
Yet the place he brought him to was not a guest hall but a tea room used by the Pang Clan leadership for secret discussions.
“My apologies.” Having guided him to the tea room, Pang Seoun spoke with a slightly apologetic expression. “Normally, the Clan Leader should be here, but due to illness, this chief steward will attend to the Command Lord.”
“No matter.” Bu Eunseol waved it off lightly, but inwardly he found it odd.
When the Clan Leader was absent, figures with authority to act in his stead usually stepped forward. Bu Eunseol had come to negotiate the return of a treasure the Pang Clan had lost long ago. Recovering it would allow the Pang Clan’s blade techniques to advance further.
For such an important occasion, the chief steward in charge of household affairs was attending?
“It is this chief steward’s duty to manage the clan’s treasures, after all.” Sensing Bu Eunseol’s thoughts, Pang Seoun cleared his throat and said, “As you know, our clan grants considerable discretion to the head of each organization regarding their duties.”
“Hmm.”
“Recovering the Five Tiger Blade naturally falls under this chief steward’s duties. That is why I am greeting the Command Lord.”
“It does not concern me.”
“Pardon?”
Bu Eunseol wore a faint smile. “To be honest, it wouldn’t matter who came out.”
“I don’t understand.”
“The Pang Clan harbors great animosity toward the demonic faction, does it not? One cannot fill the stomach with the first spoonful, so this Command Lord intends to proceed one step at a time.”
As he continued, a burning ambition blazed in his eyes.
“The current martial world is dominated by unknown forces, is it not? This Command Lord believes we should divide factions not simply by orthodox and demonic, but by whether we can share the same vision for the future.”
Understanding Bu Eunseol’s meaning, Pang Seoun smiled faintly.
“Then the reason the Command Lord proposed returning the Five Tiger Blade is to open the channel for exchange.”
“Exactly.”
“But I don’t understand.” Pang Seoun tilted his head. “Our clan despises the demonic faction more than any of the Eight Great Families. The Command Lord could easily build ties with many other orthodox sects—why bother with the difficult task of exchanging with our clan?”
“That is precisely why.” Bu Eunseol smiled. “If I can exchange with the Pang Clan, which despises the demonic faction so extremely, then I can exchange with any sect, can I not?”
Pang Seoun’s eyes widened.
‘A frightening fellow.’
If he built ties with the Hebei Pang Clan, which looked down on the demonic faction? Bu Eunseol could easily open exchanges with any orthodox sect.
If even the Pang Clan, which despised the demonic faction, acknowledged him… no one would hesitate to form ties with Bu Eunseol.
“Very well. Since the Command Lord speaks so openly, this chief steward will be frank as well.” Having grasped Bu Eunseol’s intentions, Pang Seoun spoke calmly.
“Even if you return the Five Tiger Blade, our clan’s stance will not change.”
“Is that so? A pity.”
“However…” He wore a subtle smile. “You can build ties with this chief steward personally.”
‘An old fox.’
Bu Eunseol sneered inwardly.
In short, ties with the Pang Clan were impossible, but ties with Pang Seoun himself were possible.
‘He only wants to take credit for recovering the Five Tiger Blade. After that, he’ll wash his hands of me.’
“As I said, can one fill the stomach with the first spoonful?” Swallowing his thoughts, Bu Eunseol smiled and said, “If we build ties little by little, even the sturdy gates of the Pang Clan may open.”
“Heh heh, indeed, the Command Lord is easy to talk to.”
Though his face was full of goodwill, Pang Seoun inwardly could not suppress a chuckle.
‘The young pup dreams big.’
Whether he built ties with Bu Eunseol or not, it was all the same. Simply recovering the Five Tiger Blade would make this negotiation a success.
“This Command Lord takes that to mean you share my thoughts.”
“Of course.” Pang Seoun smiled broadly with goodwill. “To return the Five Tiger Blade just for friendship with a mere chief steward—it is truly overwhelming.”
After all, friendships could appear and vanish.
Even if exchange began with Bu Eunseol bringing the Five Tiger Blade, in the end, nothing would be gained.
Yet, as if completely unaware of Pang Seoun’s thoughts, Bu Eunseol smiled brightly.
“Then, on my next visit, I shall bring the Five Tiger Blade.”
“Thank you.” Pang Seoun beamed, clasping his hands, and Bu Eunseol returned the courtesy politely.
“Then.”
Bu Eunseol immediately left the Pang Clan.
On the surface, there seemed to be no particular gain.
He had met only the chief steward, Pang Seoun; he had neither spied on the interior nor grasped the internal situation. In the end, the only conclusion from the private meeting was to return the Five Tiger Blade unconditionally.
Nevertheless, a faint smile lingered on Bu Eunseol’s lips as he boarded the carriage.
‘The Pang Clan is definitely not normal.’
The purpose of this visit to the Pang Clan was not to gather information using the Five Tiger Blade as bait, because even if he visited hundreds of times, the Pang Clan would keep its internal situation tightly sealed.
Bu Eunseol’s sole aim was one thing.
—If something unusual has happened in the Pang Clan, surely there is someone trying to resolve it?
That the Pang Clan’s Supreme Elder was a descendant of the Blade Emperor could be interpreted in two ways.
Either the Pang Clan itself was subjugated to the Three Realms from the start, or Supreme Elder Pang Yeok had pledged himself to the Three Realms.
Coincidentally, the current Pang Clan Leader, Pang Muncheon, had been using illness as an excuse to seclude himself for over ten years.
That meant something unusual had definitely occurred within the Pang Clan, and Pang Muncheon was likely hiding because of it.
—If the probability is high that not the entire Pang Clan but only the Supreme Elder and a few others belong to the Three Realms… then wouldn’t there be someone inside the Pang Clan trying to break that situation?
Bu Eunseol had formed this hypothesis.
It had already been over ten years since the Clan Leader secluded himself.
In that time, someone must have rebelled against Supreme Elder Pang Yeok and sought help from various sects to normalize the Pang Clan.
Yet nothing had changed—perhaps every attempt had failed?
Hearing this, Nae Bihon had said,
—Failure might be natural. The Three Realms stand behind them.
Supreme Elder Pang Yeok not only wielded the terrifying blade techniques of the Blade Emperor but also had access to the Three Realms’ outstanding intelligence network.
Even if outside help was received, failure was inevitable.
Then Dae Guhwi had spoken.
—What if a great figure from the demonic faction approached?
Dae Guhwi’s gaze had fixed on Bu Eunseol.
If the Majeon heir, the Martial Soul Command Lord who had long clashed with the Three Realms, appeared?
The Pang Clan might clutch at him like a drowning man grasping at straws.
—Quite an interesting idea.
Nae Bihon had nodded.
If the Pang Clan was under Pang Yeok’s—or the Three Realms’—control?
And if Bu Eunseol, who opposed them, entered the Pang Clan?
Moreover, if the reason for entering was to build ties with them?
Then the person wanting to resolve the Pang Clan’s issues might approach.
—Very well. Let’s try it.
Using the Five Tiger Blade as pretext, Bu Eunseol had entered the Pang Clan and expressed his desire to build ties.
‘Will they come?’
Finishing his recollection, Bu Eunseol did not return directly to Majeon but headed to the provincial capital.
He wandered the bustling marketplace, pretending to sightsee.
How much time had passed?
“…!”
Bu Eunseol’s eyes widened.
Someone had sent him a transmission.
