Silence descended upon the detached house, a heavy, suffocating weight that made the air itself feel sluggish.
“You’re out of your mind.”
After a long pause, Yong Jeok-bi broke the stillness, staring incredulously at Bu Eunseol.
“You intend to kill one of the Four Gods and Seven Kings? Since there is no deadline, do you plan to wait a decade before striking?”
Yong Jeok-bi was the successor of the Extreme Assassination Pavilion, a man seasoned in the art of killing. Yet, even to his experienced eyes, this task was an impossibility without at least ten years of preparation.
Bu Eunseol offered no reply.
The assassination of the Beggar King.
It was a task Bu Eunseol absolutely had to undertake. Without the sacrifice of the Wind and Cloud Squad, he would have met his death long ago in the snowy wastes.
Besides, I am sick and tired of moving only when ordered.
Had he been handed another passive mission, Bu Eunseol would have felt utterly weary. But Yeop Hyo-cheon had poured out a box of missives, and by a stroke of immense luck, the very target he desired was among them. For a man who had always fought to carve his own path, it was destiny.
“Hmm.”
Do Cheon-rin let out a thoughtful groan. His eyes twinkled, a realization dawning behind them. “Bu Eunseol. You intend to change the contents of the missive later, don’t you?”
The absence of a deadline could be interpreted as a loophole—time to negotiate a change in target.
However, Yeop Hyo-cheon shook his head, his voice firm. “Once a missive is chosen, it cannot be changed.”
Do Cheon-rin abruptly stepped forward, clasping his hands in a plea. “Grand Commander, no matter how exceptional a martial arts genius one may be, there are barriers that simply cannot be breached.” His expression was the picture of grave concern. “Of course, in the distant future, he might rise to the esteemed position of one of the Four Gods and Seven Kings. However, didn’t you present these missives to evaluate the current abilities of the potential successors?”
It was incomprehensible.
Why was Do Cheon-rin, who had vehemently opposed Bu Eunseol’s candidacy, pleading on his behalf?
“Isn’t it better for you if I fall, Do Cheon-rin?”
At Bu Eunseol’s sharp question, Do Cheon-rin smirked. “That wouldn’t be bad. But I hate seeing a competitor I considered a rival ruin himself with an absurd mistake.”
Strange words.
Strictly speaking, Do Cheon-rin’s competitor was Wiji Hye-sang, not Bu Eunseol. The Blood-Stained Blade Clan and the Flower Rain Sword Sect had been bitter rivals for generations. Yet, Do Cheon-rin was publicly designating Bu Eunseol as his worthy opponent.
“His words are correct, Young Hero Bu.”
Despite Do Cheon-rin’s insulting dismissal of him, Wiji Hye-sang fixed his expression and smiled brightly.
“Why not accept his advice and think it over one more time?”
Though appearing innocent and naive, Wiji Hye-sang was conveying the same message: I also consider you, not Do Cheon-rin, as my true rival.
The two were engaging in a battle of nerves, using Bu Eunseol as the proxy. Aware of the subtext, Bu Eunseol shook his head indifferently.
“I have already decided.”
As the answer flowed out, Yeop Hyo-cheon asked in a low, vibrating voice.
“It seems you have also decided which of the Four Gods and Seven Kings you will assassinate.”
“I have.”
“Name him.”
“Gu Hong-cheong.”
“The Beggar King.”
Yeop Hyo-cheon wore a faint smile, as if he had expected nothing less.
Certainly, the Beggar King was ranked lowest among the Four Gods and Seven Kings, possessing the weakest martial arts cultivation of the group. Yet, he had reached the early stages of the Supreme Heavenly Realm and, above all, was the Supreme Elder of the Beggar Sect—the greatest intelligence organization of the Orthodox Faction. Considering the political and martial weight he carried, he was a fortress that could not be easily breached.
“I see.”
Nodding nonchalantly, Yeop Hyo-cheon shifted his gaze to Wiji Hye-sang.
“Will you not choose a missive today?”
“That is correct.”
“Then it is finished.” Yeop Hyo-cheon offered a dry smile, addressing the group. “Since you have all decided your paths, you may leave.”
The successors in the detached room bowed respectfully to the Grand Commander and filed out. Do Cheon-rin and Wiji Hye-sang kept their gazes fixed on Bu Eunseol until they crossed the threshold.
But Bu Eunseol stood still, rooted to the spot.
“It seems you have something to say to this Grand Commander.”
When Yeop Hyo-cheon smiled broadly, Bu Eunseol nodded.
“I do.”
“Speak.”
Bu Eunseol gathered his hands. With an utterly serious, yet cautious demeanor, he asked, “Is the successor of the Demonic Palace predetermined?”
Silence stretched, heavy and thick.
Yeop Hyo-cheon stared intently into Bu Eunseol’s eyes, his expression urging the boy to continue.
“I will ask again.” Bu Eunseol took a deep breath. “Was Do Cheon-rin designated as the successor of the Demonic Palace from the start?”
“Why do you think so?”
“Even as the Young Patriarch of the Blood-Stained Blade Clan, he surely cannot command experts belonging to the Demonic Palace with such ease.”
It was a deduction that required little effort. Do Cheon-rin had utilized Hall Masters of the Demonic Palace to maneuver Bu Eunseol out of the Wolf Fang Pavilion, luring him to the abandoned manor. Furthermore, the moment they parted ways, experts from both Orthodox and Unorthodox factions—including the Wudang Sect and Infernal Blood Fortress—had launched an ambush as if on cue.
Regardless of his status in the Blood-Stained Blade Clan, such reach was excessive.
“Huhu.”
Yeop Hyo-cheon displayed a satisfied smile. It was an answer in itself.
“Even though you entered the martial world late… you do not lag behind the successors of the Ten Demonic Sects, who inherited the finest talent and education of the Demonic Path, by even an inch.”
Muttering words that hovered between a sigh and admiration, Yeop Hyo-cheon spoke quietly. “Does that satisfy your curiosity?”
“It does.”
Bu Eunseol respectfully gathered his hands and turned to leave. But then, Yeop Hyo-cheon’s low voice caught him from behind.
“In the future of this Palace, a knife is needed.”
When Bu Eunseol turned back, Yeop Hyo-cheon wore a strange, unreadable smile.
“Become a knife. A single, sharp knife.”
A knife has two uses. It can threaten by its mere existence, or it can sever when wielded.
Become a knife that cuts out the rot.
Bu Eunseol did not ask for clarification. Yeop Hyo-cheon’s eyes conveyed the precise meaning.
“I have one favor to ask,” Bu Eunseol said.
“Speak.”
They conversed in hushed tones for a moment, secrets passing between master and candidate.
“Thank you.”
Having finished, Bu Eunseol bowed once more. Without delay, he turned and left the detached house.
***
Rattle, rattle.
The gates of the Demonic Palace groaned open, and a black-painted Eight-Horse Carriage thundered onto the official road.
A flag symbolizing the Demonic Palace fluttered atop the carriage. Around it, the Team Leaders of the Deathly Shadow Squad rode on swift horses, while the squad members followed in the shadows, utilizing their movement techniques.
“What on earth are you thinking, Brother Bu?”
Hyeok So-jin spoke to Bu Eunseol, who was gazing out the window, arms crossed.
“To kill the Beggar King. Why on earth did you choose such a task?”
By the time they departed the Demonic Palace, rumors had already spread that Bu Eunseol had accepted a mission to assassinate one of the Four Gods and Seven Kings. That a top-secret matter had leaked so quickly made it clear: one of the four successors had intentionally sown the wind.
Do Cheon-rin had hidden his choice, and Wiji Hye-sang had abstained… but both possessed superhuman insight.
No, it might not be those two.
Hyeok So-jin shook his head. Perhaps Yong Jeok-bi or Shin Dowoon-hwi—or maybe all four combined—had spread the news.
“It is merely something that must be done,” came Bu Eunseol’s reply.
Hyeok So-jin sighed. Since Bu Eunseol phrased it as a necessity, it was now an inevitability.
“In any case, shouldn’t we stop the spread of rumors? If the Beggar Sect hears that Brother Bu is targeting their king…”
Bu Eunseol smiled coldly.
“No. If they hadn’t done it, I would have spread the rumor myself.”
“What?”
“The Beggar King is a man of immense pride. If he knows I am targeting him, he will appear openly, if only to display his dominance.” Bu Eunseol narrowed his eyes. “Even if not for that, there are many reasons to let the rumor fly.”
“…”
Hyeok So-jin shut his mouth. Thinking back, Bu Eunseol never acted on impulse. He always assessed the board meticulously. If he allowed this, there was a deep and far-reaching stratagem at play.
“Why on earth are you trying to strike the Beggar King?”
In that instant, a terrifying gleam erupted in Bu Eunseol’s eyes.
“Because he touched a disciple of my Pavilion.”
For those who touched the disciples of the Wolf Fang Pavilion, there was death. For their sect, annihilation. Bu Eunseol intended to strike down the Beggar King to remind the martial world of the Wolf Fang Pavilion’s iron rule.
“Then where are we going now?”
“Annihilating Seals Palace.”
“Annihilating Seals Palace…” Hyeok So-jin pondered the name before narrowing his eyes. “Don’t tell me you intend to gather strength to strike the Beggar King together?”
No matter how outstanding Bu Eunseol’s skills were, the Beggar Sect swarmed with masters. And since the Beggar King was a master of the Supreme Heavenly Realm, Bu Eunseol could not handle him alone.
“Not at all. I will deal with him alone.” Bu Eunseol spoke calmly, eyes closed. “However, to secure a one-on-one duel with him, I need the help of a master of a similar level to myself.”
“Similar… I see.”
Hyeok So-jin nodded, realization dawning.
A master of similar age and power to Bu Eunseol. There was only one such category under the heavens: The Ten Demonic Successors.
Bu Eunseol intended to gather the remaining successors to bolster his strength.
***
Annihilating Seals Palace.
Situated beneath Mount Tianfeng, southeast of Suzhou, the sect commanded a breathtaking view.
A beautiful forest of cypress and pine trees lined the river path. Beyond it rose a structure resembling the One Pillar Gate—the entrance to a great temple. As Bu Eunseol and Hyeok So-jin looked up, they saw the signboard: Annihilating Seals Palace.
This was the home of the strongest Palm Art of the Demonic Path, a sect said to place the world beneath its feet with a single pair of Six Palms.
Bu Eunseol alighted from the carriage and ascended the mountain gate with the Deathly Shadow Squad. At the entrance, two warriors with bright eyes stood tall like divine generals. The spirit radiating from them proved they were no ordinary gatekeepers.
“I am Bu Eunseol, Captain of the Deathly Shadow Squad of the Demonic Palace.”
The guards flinched.
The position of a Squad Captain might not be the pinnacle of rank, but in the Gangho, it was tantamount to representing the Demonic Palace itself.
“For what matter have you visited our palace?”
“I have come to see the Ten Demonic Successor of the Annihilating Seals Palace.”
The two guards exchanged subtle glances before bowing.
“Please wait a moment.”
One guard hurriedly retreated inside.
They knew my purpose.
Bu Eunseol grasped the situation instantly. The Annihilating Seals Palace had anticipated his visit. Far from being surprised, the guards had clearly received instructions on how to handle his arrival.
Is the Ten Demonic Sects truly the Ten Demonic Sects?
As a core force of the faction, their information network was unimaginably dense. They had tracked his route and predicted his thoughts.
This won’t be easy.
Creak.
The inner door opened, and the guard returned. “Please follow me.”
They were led to a small, secluded pavilion, far removed from the sect’s center. Beside a tranquil pond, an elderly man with a white beard and blue robes sat drinking tea, possessing the leisurely air of an immortal.
Though his frame was small and thin, his back was rigid, and a clear light flashed in his eyes.
Bu Eunseol bowed. “I am Deathly Shadow Squad Captain Bu Eunseol.”
The old man nodded lightly, as if only just noticing his guest.
“I am Mok In-cheong, the Judiciary Hall Master.”
Falling Sun Overturning Heavens, Mok In-cheong.
A terrifying master known to make the sun fall and the sky overturn with a wave of his hand. But it was strange. Why was the Judiciary Hall Master—who strictly governed internal laws—greeting him instead of the Reception Hall?
“You came to see the Ten Demonic Successor of our Palace?”
“I did.”
“Impossible.”
“Why is that?”
“Because that child is in the Wall-Facing Cave.”
Bu Eunseol frowned. What sin could Myo Cheon-woo have committed to warrant confinement in the Wall-Facing Cave?
“Did he commit a crime?”
“Well.” Feigning ignorance, Mok In-cheong dropped a heavy stone. “I heard you publicly declared you would kill the Beggar King?”
From those words, Bu Eunseol deduced two facts: Shin Dowoon-hwi was indeed the one who spread the rumor, and the Annihilating Seals Palace had no intention of releasing Myo Cheon-woo.
“I can guess what you are thinking. But if you are truly aiming for the position of successor, I wouldn’t recommend such a method.” Mok In-cheong seemed convinced Bu Eunseol intended to use Myo Cheon-woo to strike the Beggar King.
“That does not seem like a matter for the Hall Master to worry about.”
Despite the stiff retort, Mok In-cheong smiled faintly.
“I have no choice but to worry. Are you not currently competing with the successor of our Palace? Even so, the reason we let you in without resistance is because the Wolf Fang Pavilion has no particular grudge against us. Do you understand what I mean?”
Bu Eunseol stared coldly at the elder. The sudden confinement of Myo Cheon-woo was suspicious, and Mok In-cheong’s attitude bordered on a threat.
“It seems you have something else you wish to say.”
“I advise you again,” Mok In-cheong’s voice dropped, ice-cold. “Go back quietly.”
At that moment, martial artists concealed around the pavilion flared their auras. Simultaneously, the ring finger of Mok In-cheong, still holding the teacup, pointed directly at Bu Eunseol. At the slightest provocation, he was poised to unleash a devastating palm strike.
When Bu Eunseol remained silent, Mok In-cheong nodded with satisfaction.
“Then. I am busy, so I will take my leave first.”
“I came here as the Deathly Shadow Squad Captain.”
“So?”
Bu Eunseol’s voice turned solemn, cutting through the pressure.
“As a Squad Captain of the Demonic Palace, I command you. Bring Myo Cheon-woo before me.”