The Shadowless Supreme Speed he had mastered was the signature movement art of the Great Thief Go Wol, a technique designed for absolute stealth and the erasure of one’s presence.

However, upon leaving Neung Jo-un’s quarters, Bu Eunseol did not invoke the technique. Instead, he walked with brazen confidence.

I must pretend to survey the interior naturally.

Bu Eunseol had dared to infiltrate the Martial Righteous Alliance using Jong-jeong Yak as a shield precisely to obtain the cover necessary to walk openly like this.

The Martial Righteous Alliance was, after all, the apex of the Orthodox factions. It was a coalition teeming with countless prodigies and masters possessing terrifying martial prowess. If Bu Eunseol relied solely on stealth and roamed recklessly, he would eventually be exposed by a master with superior senses.

I do not have much time left.

The duration of his stay within the Alliance was strictly limited. Within that narrow window, he had to scour the grounds and determine if there was any connection to Evil Fragrance.

Step. Step.

Bu Eunseol strolled leisurely, as if taking a morning promenade. He glanced casually at the pavilions and structures nearby, stopping only at their entrances. Occasionally, when he attempted to venture too deep, guards intercepted him. But because he wandered slowly and retreated without protest, they quickly lost interest.

The scale of the Martial Righteous Alliance exceeded even that of the Demonic Palace. Even a month would be insufficient to investigate the interior thoroughly. Furthermore, the archives storing martial arts manuals and the residences of the leadership were strictly off-limits.

Therefore, Bu Eunseol selected locations where his presence would not arouse suspicion. If a site looked promising, he utilized Spirit Communion with the Empty Mind to scan for hidden mechanisms.

I must not rely solely on prior intelligence.

He had memorized the internal structure of the Alliance thanks to So Ja-myeong, the Captain of the Nine Assassination Squad. However, he used that map primarily to avoid the Alliance Leader and other high-ranking officials. For the investigation itself, he trusted his instincts.

An abandoned warehouse?

Bu Eunseol, scanning the skyline, fixed his eyes on a large, dilapidated structure in the distance. It was a repository for broken weapons and damaged equipment, a place where even common laborers entered without restriction. It seemed an unlikely place to hide secrets.

But Bu Eunseol’s perspective differed.

The basics of searching are to investigate places no one suspects first.

Neung Jo-un had said those words earlier, and they rang true.

Approaching the warehouse, Bu Eunseol unfolded Spirit Communion with the Empty Mind and scanned the building’s exterior.

There is something.

Heightening his hearing, he detected the minute mechanical friction of springs and chains moving deep within.

Entering carefully, Bu Eunseol examined the interior. The space was vast, divided into separate rooms for categorizing equipment. Yet, despite the ample square footage, the layout was sloppy, creating numerous pockets of dead space.

Such structures always conceal hidden chambers.

Taking a deep breath, Bu Eunseol concentrated. He projected his senses into the void to locate the trigger.

Found it.

He opened the door to a stone chamber situated at the warehouse’s far end. It appeared empty, save for blue stone slabs paving the floor.

It’s the floor.

To the naked eye, the slabs were uniform. But to Bu Eunseol, observing through the Spirit Communion with the Empty Mind, several blue stones vibrated with a distinct hue.

They must be stepped on in a specific sequence.

Locating faint traces of previous footprints, Bu Eunseol stepped on the slabs in the correct order.

Rumble.

One side of the stone chamber sank, revealing a narrow passage. Just as he prepared to descend, the Void-Shattering Insight screamed a warning in his mind.

“……!”

Bu Eunseol immediately retraced his steps in reverse order. The wall rose again, sealing the passage.

Flash.

He exited the chamber and melded into the shadows behind a pillar.

Clank.

The sound of the main door opening echoed. Someone was approaching.

Step. Step.

The figure was clad entirely in white, his face obscured by a white mask. Though his features were hidden, the aura radiating from him was as sharp and cold as glacial ice. Just as the masked man prepared to enter the stone chamber to access the secret passage, he paused.

“Strange.”

Tilting his head, the man suddenly snapped his fingers toward the pillar where Bu Eunseol hid.

Hiss-hiss-hiss-hiss!

Finger winds, condensed into bullets of air, erupted from his hand. The sheer volume was staggering—a total of eighty-one distinct strikes poured out in succession.

The finger winds wrapped around the air like a storm, curving with impossible trajectory to scour the space behind the pillar.

“…Was it my imagination?”

Staring into the darkness, the masked man tilted his head. Eventually, he entered the stone chamber and began to tread on the blue stone slabs.

Rumble.

The floor mechanism engaged.

“Even trivial things bother me today,” the man muttered irritably, descending into the dark before exiting the warehouse entirely some time later.

“Phew.”

Once the masked man was gone, Bu Eunseol emerged from the shadows.

Vwoom.

In front of his chest, a mass of black true energy, capable of shrouding his entire form, dissolved into the air. He had unfolded the True Knot of Will Manifestation to silently absorb the masked man’s bombardment.

If not for the True Knot of Will Manifestation, I would have been discovered immediately.

The finger wind skill the masked man displayed was a unique art of the Murim. To fire eighty-one blasts in a single breath was a feat only one man could perform.

That technique is Milky Way Heavenly Dragon Finger. So he’s the Deputy Hall Master of the Law Enforcement Hall.

The master of the finger flicking art known as Peerless Ten Fingers… none other than Dan-ri Muk.

Is he also related to Evil Fragrance? Or…

Bu Eunseol’s heart pounded. If Dan-ri Muk was connected to Evil Fragrance, and if the items hidden here were their weapons, Bu Eunseol had found the thread that would unravel the entire conspiracy.

I should return first.

Martial artists with deep internal energy would remain in a forced sleep for only one double-hour at most. If he kept Neung Jo-un subdued for too long, the man would realize something was wrong.

Fwip.

Returning to Neung Jo-un’s quarters, Bu Eunseol released the sleep point.

“Mmm.”

Neung Jo-un opened his eyes slowly, blinking as he sat up.

“Did I doze off for a moment?”

He examined the room through the crack in the door. He saw Bu Eunseol sleeping comfortably. Glancing at the moon, he realized he had been out for about half a double-hour.

Actually, there is no need to be wary of him.

Wearing a bitter smile, Neung Jo-un shook his head.

Or am I starting to resemble the Junior Commander?

Bu Eunseol was a Special-Grade Wandering Vagrant of the Silent Heaven, Desolate Earth. His entry was vouched for by Hall Master Dam Yu-yeon and requested by Jong-jeong Yak herself. To orchestrate such an elaborate entry for nefarious purposes was implausible.

I suppose I have to be careful since the matter is grave.

Shaking his head, Neung Jo-un leaned back into his chair.

***

The Next Day.

Jong-jeong Yak visited their accommodation early in the morning.

“Did you rest well?”

Even without makeup, dressed only in clean martial attire, her beauty was striking.

“Junior Commander.” Neung Jo-un, sipping tea at the table, bowed his head.

“How did it go?”

Jong-jeong Yak wore a confident smile. “The Garden Master said she would persuade the Hall Masters and open the Ten Righteousness Conference soon.”

“Ah, that is fortunate.” Neung Jo-un stroked his chest in relief.

Simply spreading the rumor of the meeting would prevent Dan-ri Muk from easily pressuring Jong-jeong Yak. If Bu Eunseol’s testimony was accepted, the Inspection Hall would be forced to investigate the Deputy Hall Master.

“Where is Young Hero Seol?”

“He is still resting.”

Jong-jeong Yak knocked on the bedroom door. “Young Hero Seol. Are you awake?”

Bu Eunseol, sitting on the bed circulating his energy, opened his eyes. “Come in.”

“Good news. The Ten Righteousness Conference…”

“I heard from outside.”

“I see.” She beamed at him, her expression much lighter. “Then let’s go eat.”

The Martial Righteous Alliance possessed several cafeterias, similar to the Demonic Palace. However, while the Demonic Palace strictly segregated dining by rank, the Alliance allowed anyone to eat anywhere. The food served was identical for all, regardless of status.

I like this one thing.

Bu Eunseol smiled inwardly. The Demonic Palace ensured loyalty through power; the Alliance maintained its facade of justice by enforcing superficial equality.

“Sit here.”

Jong-jeong Yak guided him to an empty table.

There was a large plate piled high with rice, accompanied by bowls of tofu and greens. A container of thick soup sat nearby, though meat was scarce.

Slurp. Crunch.

Neung Jo-un ate voraciously, likely famished from his time in the Gangho. Bu Eunseol, however, took only a bowl of soup and ate slowly.

Strange.

A spark flashed in Bu Eunseol’s eyes. He felt a sticky, unseen gaze clinging to the back of his neck.

Is it a master I cannot sense?

A chill ran down his spine. Even pushing the Way of the Beast to its limit, he could not pinpoint the source.

It means someone in the high ranks is watching me.

Just as he reached this conclusion—

“Oho, who is this?”

A group of five men in blue martial attire approached Neung Jo-un, fingers pointed in accusation. They were martial artists of the Law Enforcement Hall, subordinates of Dan-ri Muk.

“Isn’t it the high-flying Law Enforcement Junior Commander and her adjutant?”

Because the Law Enforcement Hall held immense power, its ranks were filled with disciples from the Nine Great Sects and the Eight Great Families. They found it intolerable that commoners like Jong-jeong Yak and Neung Jo-un held rank equal to theirs.

“Go on your own way,” Neung Jo-un said irritably, mouth full of rice. “Even a dog isn’t touched while eating.”

Baek Yeong-do, the leader of the group, smirked. “Well, I’m not sure if you’re a puppy or a human.” He pointed at Bu Eunseol. “Is that the rumored wandering vagrant?”

“Why? Are you going to make a move here?” Neung Jo-un retorted coldly. “Afraid your wrongdoings will be exposed?”

“Nonsense!”

Baek Yeong-do clench his fist but quickly relaxed. This was the Alliance; brawling was forbidden.

“Don’t mind them,” Jong-jeong Yak said, waving her hand. “They might be fired soon anyway.”

“What did you say?”

As Baek Yeong-do shouted and stepped forward, Bu Eunseol stood up abruptly, blocking his path.

“Wh-what.”

“Move.”

Bu Eunseol thrust his empty bowl toward the man’s chest. Baek Yeong-do flinched and stepped aside.

“Let’s go together,” Neung Jo-un said, trying to rise.

“It is fine. Eat slowly.”

Bu Eunseol walked away briskly with his dishes. Baek Yeong-do glared at his back, exchanging sinister glances with his cohorts.

Let’s see if that bastard can smile after tumbling down.

Step. Step.

As Bu Eunseol walked from the drop-off area, Baek Yeong-do and another disciple, Eun Jung-hwi, surged their internal energy. They were masters of the Golden Bell Shield, an external art that rendered the body as hard as steel.

Here he comes.

They timed their approach perfectly. Containing their resentment, they aimed to slam their shoulders into Bu Eunseol, intending to send him flying in a humiliating heap.

“Young Hero Seol!” Jong-jeong Yak shouted, realizing their intent too late.

Thud.

Shoulders collided. A low vibration rippled through the air.

Simultaneously, with a sickening crash, two men collapsed. But it was not Bu Eunseol who fell. It was Baek Yeong-do and Eun Jung-hwi.

“Ughhh!”

Writhing on the floor, the two clutched their shoulders, tears streaming down their faces. The impact had been so severe that their shoulders were completely dislocated.

Did Young Hero Seol master external martial arts too?

Jong-jeong Yak and Neung Jo-un rushed over, bewildered. He had collided with masters of the Golden Bell Shield and shattered their defense?

“Are you two okay?”

“Argh!”

The groans intensified as colleagues tried to help them up. The pain was excruciating, as if their meridians had been torn. The onlookers watched in shock—the rising stars of the Law Enforcement Hall were sobbing like children.

“Let’s go to the Medical Immortal Cave first.”

Colleagues supported the weeping pair and exited the cafeteria.

Step. Step.

A low, heavy sound approached. A middle-aged man with a sturdy build and a round face walked toward Bu Eunseol. His muscles were so robust he resembled a large boulder.

A master.

Lightning flashed in Bu Eunseol’s eyes. This man possessed martial prowess like Mount Tai; energy capable of tearing the sky and earth flowed in his hands.

“Your hands are very fast.” The man spoke in a low voice. “What is your relationship with the Seven Strings Sect?”

“What do you mean?”

“Huhu. Wasn’t the martial arts you just unfolded the Scorching Hand Blade Line of the Seven Strings Sect?”

Bu Eunseol feigned surprise. “How do you know that?”

The Seven Strings Sect was a Righteous faction that had once ruled the Liangguang Murim but had fallen into ruin and obscurity. Bu Eunseol had acquired their arts in the Martial Emperor’s Secret Vault.

“Huhu. Since you were a disciple of the Seven Strings Sect, your martial arts were strong.”

The man nodded, seemingly satisfied with his own deduction. He assumed the ruined sect had secretly raised a successor.

“Since you seem to be a figure of a clear Righteous lineage, I will let today’s matter pass.”

“…”

“But if you use martial arts recklessly inside this Alliance in the future… then your two shoulder bones will be shattered.”

As the last word fell, an immense pressure radiated from the man, crushing down on Bu Eunseol.

Formless Qi.

Instantly, Bu Eunseol’s eyes flashed red.