A room lit only by a single lantern.
Someone wearing a bamboo hat and a black face covering entered, leaning on a cane.
He noticed a figure standing with hands behind their back in front of a bookshelf and asked,
"Did he send you?"
The figure replied without turning around,
"Yes."
Hearing the voice, the person in the black face covering instantly recognized who the figure was.
"For you to come in person…"
"There's no need for lengthy chatter. What happened with the matter?"
At that, the masked person dragged his cane to a chair, sat down, and replied,
"A variable has arisen."
"A variable?"
"We planned to stage it as a rivalry between the former alliance leader and the vice-leader, but Bukyoung Dosung has recommended So Geomseon as a candidate for leader."
"So Geomseon?"
The dark figure with hands behind his back could not hide his surprise.
Then he continued,
"That person should have disappeared without a trace."
The last time So Geomseon had been seen was at the inn, where he had a brief duel with Yeolwang Paedo Jinkyun.
Since then, all traces of him had vanished.
In response, the masked man asked,
"That's why I ask—could it be that he's reappeared?"
"We can't say for sure. He ordered us to track all of So Geomseon's movements, but he's been completely gone, as if vanished into thin air, for the past seven months."
"So we're in a situation where we can't be certain."
"Correct. However, the plan remains unchanged."
"Hehehe."
The masked man chuckled at the dark figure's words.
Then he said,
"That's fortunate. I was planning to use this variable to test something anyway."
"Test?"
"For Bukyoung Dosung to recommend So Geomseon, whose whereabouts have long been unknown, there's a chance he's connected."
"I see."
"Therefore, we've decided to proceed without publicly announcing the selection of the next alliance leader."
"There must have been backlash?"
"If we make the election public, Hyeolgyeo (Blood Sect) might intervene. We must carry everything out in secret."
"A wise decision."
That way, they could focus all surveillance efforts on Bukyoung Dosung alone.
This would reveal the nature of the relationship between him and So Geomseon.
"But I assume you didn't come only to discuss the progress of this matter."
"We need the Vice Master of Sacheondang."
"Sacheondang?"
Dang Ujung, Vice Master of Sacheondang.
Currently one of the nine elders of the Murim Alliance and the foremost expert in orthodox poison techniques.
"What about him?"
"We've used up a large portion of the Phantom Demon Poison (Hwanmadok) trying to brainwash him."
The masked man couldn't hide his surprise at this.
"Then... you finally succeeded in brainwashing him?"
"Yes. But because of that, we've run low on Hwanmadok."
"...So you failed to seize the Hyeolju, then."
The creator of Hwanmadok was the Hyeolju (Blood Lord) himself.
They had tried to take him during the recent Murim Alliance subjugation operation—but failed.
"If only you or Seolbaek had acted…"
"That's no longer necessary."
"No longer necessary? Why?"
"The Hyeolju is dead."
"This can't be… Then the formula for Hwanmadok is truly lost?"
Only the Hyeolju had known the exact formula for Hwanmadok. If he couldn't be captured, a countermeasure was needed.
The masked man clicked his tongue.
"Then the Galju must also be dead?"
"No."
"He escaped?"
"Yes."
"That's a relief amidst all the losses. Then do you know who killed the Hyeolju?"
"Hyeolma."
"Hah... Just like So Geomseon, that Hyeolma keeps getting in our way."
Indeed, ever since their defeat in the subjugation, Hyeolma's presence had become increasingly bothersome.
If things had gone as planned, the Hyeolgyeo would have followed their lead.
"In any case, like Mussangseong, Hyeolgyeo ultimately failed."
"Why do you think it failed?"
"I assumed they wouldn't touch the Hyeolju because of Baek Ryeonha, but killing him implies they've given up on her, doesn't it? If they didn't secure Baek Ryeonha, they can't control the bloodline-driven Hyeolgyeo…"
"Fufufu."
"Why are you laughing?"
"You think they failed to secure Baek Ryeonha?"
"What do you mean?"
The dark figure spoke with a meaningful tone.
"There's nothing easier to manipulate than a woman consumed by vengeance."
Clatter! Clatter!!
Inside a shaking carriage.
A red-haired woman sat blindfolded with thick cloth.
Visible dark veins beneath her skin identified her as Baek Ryeon-ha.
In front of her sat a middle-aged man with crossed arms, covered in wounds.
Why was she, someone who should be within the Blood Cult, riding a carriage with a stranger?
The middle-aged man stared intently at the blindfolded woman before speaking.
"We'll arrive soon."
"Ahhh..."
Seeing her unable to speak properly, the man clicked his tongue inwardly.
'The side effects of Hwanma poison are truly frightening.'
Despite being in such a ruined state, she had an unyielding will.
Had she not risked her life to help him escape from the underground prison, he too would have ended up like the Blood Lord.
'What a remarkable woman.'
When he first met her, she had no will to live.
But after losing someone dear to her, she became the very embodiment of vengeance.
Had her revenge been directed at them, it would have been a disaster—but she focused only on her rage toward the current Blood Demon.
'The Blood Lord's death turned out to be a blessing in disguise.'
If the Blood Lord had still been alive, the situation would have been different.
But she blamed the Blood Demon for the loss of her precious person, believing it was all due to the Blood Demon keeping the Blood Lord alive.
'Well, the rightful heir had everything stolen by lowborns and side branches—it'd be stranger if she wasn't angry.'
She passed along quite valuable information.
She revealed that those currently in power within the cult lacked legitimacy.
She even hinted at a major secret involving the current Blood Demon.
She warned that if the secret were exposed, it would deal a devastating blow.
However, she refused to reveal that secret to him.
[Please let me meet the highest authority.]
That was her only condition.
Weakened and poisoned, she knew her value well and wanted to leverage it directly with the top leadership.
'She doesn't know "that person."'
Unfortunately, that person wouldn't be so accommodating.
More likely, they'd pump her with more Hwanma poison to brainwash her fully.
Eventually, she'd spill the Blood Demon's secret on her own.
'It would've been better if she had revealed that too…'
A pity, but what he had was already enough.
At the very least, he had succeeded in securing Baek Ryeon-ha.
'With this contribution, maybe I'll be granted the immortality procedure?'
Many in the organization longed for it—gaining enough merit to receive the procedure that granted immortality.
"Ahhh..."
Clang!
Baek Ryeon-ha grimaced in pain and grabbed her head.
But her movement was restricted by the chains on her hands.
'The poison must be agonizing.'
She seemed to be suffering constantly.
It appeared that Hwanma poison was giving her severe headaches.
"Please hold on just a little longer."
Despite her broken state, as a precaution, her Seven Vital Points had been sealed, and her limbs bound tightly so she couldn't move.
There was no chance she could escape.
Soon, the carriage carrying her arrived at a grand mansion resembling a palace.
When the carriage stopped, the middle-aged man led the blindfolded Baek Ryeon-ha outside.
"You've done well, Galu."
Outside, many martial artists were waiting.
An old, half-gray-haired man—seemingly their leader—greeted him.
The man called Galu whispered something discreetly to the old man, who nodded.
"Follow me."
At the elder's words, Galu supported the blindfolded Baek Ryeon-ha.
"Ahhh..."
"You'll meet the one you've requested soon."
"Ugh..."
Baek Ryeon-ha nodded.
They passed several pavilions and entered a three-story main building.
Instead of going upstairs, they descended to the basement and entered a room.
Inside, there were two chairs and a table.
Several sheets of paper were on the table, with writing materials beside them.
Galu seated Baek Ryeon-ha in front of it and said:
"Please wait a moment."
Baek Ryeon-ha nodded.
Soon, the sound of someone entering the room was heard.
The door opened, revealing a woman in a violet fur coat and a juklip (bamboo hat).
Silver hair flowed out from under the hat.
Seeing her, Galu bowed respectfully.
She walked past him arrogantly, ignoring the bow, and sat across from Baek Ryeon-ha.
Baek Ryeon-ha groaned.
"Ahhh…"
Galu explained, "The poison has severely affected her brain. She cannot speak properly."
"She can write, can't she?"
"She can communicate that way."
"Put a brush in her hand."
Following her command, Galu dipped the brush in ink and placed it in Baek Ryeon-ha's restrained hand.
As Baek Ryeon-ha held the brush, the silver-haired woman spoke.
"You wanted to meet the top authority, right?"
With trembling hands, Baek Ryeon-ha wrote.
Though the blindfold made the writing messy, it was still legible.
[Are you the top leader of this organization?]
The silver-haired woman answered expressionlessly.
"Let's just say I'm close to the top."
Baek Ryeon-ha scribbled again.
[I requested to meet the very top.]
The woman scoffed.
"That's not someone you can just see because you want to."
Scratch scratch scratch!
[Then I have nothing more to say.]
"What?"
[The agreement was to meet the top authority and form a pact.]
The woman's lip curled in displeasure.
Galu clicked his tongue internally.
'She's angered her... of all people, why did she have to come?'
The silver-haired woman was one who acted before speaking.
She raised her hand, and someone entered carrying a tray.
On it was a small incense burner-like item, containing a thick black liquid and several acupuncture needles.
Placing it on the table, the woman said:
"You do realize that making someone talk doesn't always require voluntary cooperation."
At this threat, Baek Ryeon-ha hastily wrote.
[You're saying you'll force me to speak?]
"You catch on quickly."
Baek Ryeon-ha sighed deeply.
The woman sneered and said:
"I'll ask one last time. What is the Blood Demon's secret?"
Her hand moved toward the needle inside the small burner.
If Baek Ryeon-ha didn't answer, the needle would go straight into her head.
Baek Ryeon-ha's hand trembled as she picked up the brush.
"So you didn't want to be forced, huh?"
The woman smirked.
She looked down at the paper to read the secret.
But only two characters were written:
[설백 – Seol Baek]
'!?'
The silver-haired woman's eyes widened behind the bamboo hat.
What was written was none other than her own name.
She was Seol Baek, one of the three most trusted aides of the Supreme Lord.
"...How do you know who I am?"
Even Galu couldn't understand.
Baek Ryeon-ha had been blindfolded the whole time—how could she identify Seol Baek just by voice?
"I'll tell you."
But Seol Baek didn't wait for an answer—action came first.
She grabbed a needle and aimed it for Baek Ryeon-ha's head.
Just then—
Clang!
Baek Ryeon-ha opened both arms, blocking Seol Baek's hand with her chain-bound wrists.
"How…?!"
Galu was shocked.
Baek Ryeon-ha was supposed to be ruined by the poison.
Plus, with her vital points sealed, she shouldn't be able to resist Seol Baek at all.
Seol Baek's tone turned icy.
"Who are you?"
Baek Ryeon-ha finally spoke.
"Hoo. It's not easy meeting the Emperor of Gold, is it?"
'!!!'
To everyone's shock, she could speak normally.
'She spoke…?'
Galu was so stunned that he was speechless.
But that shock was quickly overshadowed—
By what she had said.
She had called someone the Emperor of Gold.
"Restrain her!"
At Galu's shout, the guards in the room rushed toward her.
But Baek Ryeon-ha's body suddenly shuddered.
Then—
From her back and several acupuncture points, sharp needles shot out.
Pop pop pop pop!
"Ugh!"
"Argh!"
The needles flew like hidden weapons, instantly killing those nearby by piercing their necks and heads.
Only Galu and the half-gray-haired elder dodged them.
"You wench!"
Furious, Seol Baek dodged the needles and prepared to strike.
Just then—
Baek Ryeon-ha suddenly raised her hand toward the ceiling.
"What is she doing…?"
Then—
Kwakwang!
The ceiling shook violently with a deafening roar.
"What in the world…?"
As the ceiling cracked open, a sword shot down, sucked right into Baek Ryeon-ha's hand.
Seol Baek scowled.
"The Blood Demon Sword?"
It was indeed the Blood Demon Sword.
But its hilt was soaked in blood.
Then the door to the underground room burst open.
"S-Something terrible's happened! A sword is flying through the estate, slaughtering every guard it sees and… Ah!"
He trailed off as he saw the sword in Baek Ryeon-ha's hand.
That very sword—
Was right there.