Heavenly Demon Divine Saint - Chapter 15

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 15
‘What is this?’
Cheon Mu-tan’s eyes narrowed with displeasure.
It wasn’t because another guest had been received in the Main Building. The fact that the Chief Military Commander had come down alone meant there was someone else upstairs with whom he’d been conversing.
This unease stemmed from a familiar voice.
‘Somewhere… I’ve heard it before…’
A voice that stirred revulsion as if turning his organs inside out. As he wrestled with the discomfort—like fingernails scraping across metal—his expression suddenly froze. He’d just recognized whose voice it was.
“…Did you perhaps meet with the Third Prince?”
“I did.”
Cheon Mu-tan’s jaw trembled slightly.
“What business would the Chief Military Commander have had with the Third Prince?”
“It was a matter of council, so I’m unable to elaborate.”
Thick tendons rose across the back of Cheon Mu-tan’s hand. Rage boiled within him at the Chief Military Commander’s gaze, which had consistently looked down upon him with contempt.
“Surely you harbor no biased sentiments toward the successors?”
“I remain mindful and vigilant at all times, so there is no need for concern.”
It was meant to convey that he maintained neutrality as Chief Military Commander, but it reached Cheon Mu-tan differently. It sounded as though he frequently entertained such thoughts and was taking precautions against them.
‘Worthless trash…’
Emotional turmoil began to surge within Cheon Mu-tan’s heart.
This was an unforeseen situation. He’d heard that Cheon So-hyun, having awakened from the Heavenly Demon’s Tribulation, had become little more than a living corpse. They said he would need at least five years of recuperation just to regain freedom of movement.
That’s why he hadn’t spared even a moment’s attention. It would be laughable to concern himself with trash incapable of caring for his own body.
‘But…’
He’d held a private audience with not only the Cult Leader but also the Chief Military Commander?
‘Even in that state, the trash still manages to displease me.’
Just as Cheon Mu-tan was struggling to suppress his emotions, the Chief Military Commander’s gaze pierced through him.
‘Tsk.’
Merely mentioning the Third Prince caused his facial muscles to stiffen. His cultivation was so lacking it was hard to believe he was descended from divinity.
To claim he possessed the talents of an emperor—the ability to prove himself and stand supreme above all the cult’s followers—his vessel was far too shallow.
‘I knew he was jealous of the Third Prince, but not to this degree.’
He swallowed the disappointment that naturally bloomed within him and spoke.
“As you know, the Military Council has been quite occupied of late, so I shall take my leave.”
Cheon Mu-tan suppressed the emotions welling up inside as he replied.
“…Very well.”
* * *
Meanwhile, on this floor of Songeum Pavilion.
Cheon So-hyun waited for Ruju while repeatedly stroking his belly.
“Has he abandoned his business entirely? Why hasn’t he shown his face?”
Sa Ma-ryang answered with a puzzled expression.
“It seems quite busy outside. Could something have happened? I’ll go check.”
“Never mind. I just called for him, so he’ll come on his own. More importantly, from our conversation, it seems the Chief Military Commander has some ulterior motive?”
“Likely so. The Military Council must have preparations they’ve been making. We cannot know what they are immediately, but what matters is that an opening has emerged for us to exploit.”
“A gap, you say?”
“Yes. In achieving great endeavors, geography matters more than timing, and human harmony matters most of all. Since Uncle has agreed to listen, the senior members can now voice their opinions.”
“That’s certainly progress, but… couldn’t he reverse his position later? This isn’t exactly an official setting, after all.”
Sa Ma-ryang shook his head.
“Uncle is not a man who goes back on his word once spoken. If we establish proper justification, he will not overlook it. Even if he were to reverse his stance, it would be entirely possible to act on the basis of this conversation. Let us seek an outlet by finding those who sympathize with our cause.”
Cheon So-hyun nodded in agreement.
“Either way, it sounds like we need to focus on Yi Ma-je for now. So, do you know anything about him?”
Sa Ma-ryang pondered briefly before answering.
“The Elder Council itself engages in so little external activity that there’s almost no information available. Yi Ma-je in particular maintains a reclusive life, so it would be difficult to obtain information unless one is part of the Cult’s leadership.”
“Hmm, if it weren’t for the Chief Military Commander, I wouldn’t have known whether he’d voice opposition or not. So I suppose I’ll just fill my belly and leave…”
Whoosh!
In an instant, Cheon So-hyun’s gaze snapped toward the door.
‘What was that?’
An ominous presence suddenly emanated from beyond the door. My heightened senses, sharpened through cultivating inner energy, had detected it.
Soon, heavy footsteps drew closer, and with a sharp sound, the door burst open.
‘Who is this now?’
A young man who appeared to be around twenty swept the chamber with a rigid expression. Our eyes met, and a natural staring contest ensued.
It was Sa Ma-ryang who broke the brief silence.
“S-Second Prince?!”
Cheon So-hyun’s eyes narrowed subtly.
‘…Second Prince? So that would be Cheon Mu-tan? Which means he’s the Cult Leader’s son?’
Now that I looked closer, I could see traces of the Cult Leader’s features scattered across his face. I wasn’t sure what exactly my relationship with him was, but judging by his expression, it didn’t seem to be a friendly one.
Cheon Mu-tan bit his lip and spoke in a heavily suppressed voice.
“I heard your body was badly damaged, yet you seem unharmed. I’m relieved, Third Brother.”
“…Huh?”
“I heard you were on the upper floor and came rushing in without even greeting you. If I’ve offended you, I apologize.”
Cheon So-hyun stared at him blankly at the tone suggesting he had been deeply worried.
Had he rushed here upon hearing news of the brother he’d been waiting for so long?
‘Did his urgency cause him to leak his inner energy?’
Even among demons, the bonds of blood were no different from those in the Central Plains—I had confirmed this in the Cult Leader’s Palace. Not a warm reunion, but even the peculiar reactions that followed.
“Well, there’s no reason to feel offended. I’m not so petty. Don’t worry about it.”
If I could communicate with another successor, it would surely help in blocking the great scheme. With that thought, Cheon So-hyun readily gestured to the seat across from him.
“Don’t stand there with tired legs. Why don’t you sit for now?”
“May I?”
“Of course you may. It’s been so long since we’ve reunited—we can’t part immediately. Sit comfortably.”
“Then I’ll take the liberty.”
Cheon Mu-tan sat in the seat where the Chief Military Commander had just been. His gaze continued to sweep across Cheon So-hyun, noticing the peculiar changes.
‘What is this?’
Contrary to expectations that I’d be nearly a walking corpse, my appearance was quite intact. No, more than intact.
“You seem much brighter than before. Your complexion and energy are better, and I didn’t expect you to respond to conversation either.”
Cheon So-hyun nodded.
“Demonic possession changes a person. After lying in bed for so long, I figured I should try living differently. Now I intend to face everything with a brighter outlook.”
“Ah, is that so? How fortunate. It’s good to hear such words.”
Cheon Mu-tan’s lips curled upward. He nodded while suppressing an inward sneer.
‘So he’s making his own desperate efforts, it seems.’
His circumstances were already well known.
This so-called successor had neither the backing to secure financial support nor any real power base. All he possessed was martial skill, yet he’d been trapped in demonic possession for a full six months.
In other words, he’d completely fallen out of the succession race.
‘Pathetic wretch. He’s completely finished.’
Cheon Mu-tan spoke with derision barely concealed in his expression.
“Indeed… you seem far better than when you were wandering about with that gloomy face. I was quite worried, you know. But how is your body?”
Cheon So-hyun met his gaze.
Heat began to creep through me at his utterly tasteless manner of speaking, but the thinking of demons was inherently diverse. I quickly regained my composure.
“There’s no need to worry. Everything is fine now. I’d say I’m even better than before.”
“Oho, it must not have been easy on your own. You’ve made quite an effort.”
“Well, naturally. It’s thanks to my Servant who helps in every way and my Physician who makes such a fuss about everything. He brews these strange medicinal soups that are surprisingly effective.”
“Your Physician?”
“Ah, I haven’t introduced him yet.”
As Cheon So-hyun’s gaze turned to the side, Sa Ma-ryang bowed respectfully.
“It is my first time meeting you. I am Sa Ma-ryang, working as a Physician.”
He introduced himself with proper courtesy. It was an ordinary greeting with nothing particularly noteworthy.
However.
“Sa Ma-ryang?”
“Yes.”
“So you’re saying you’re Sa Ma-ryang?”
“Yes.”
An unexpected reaction arose from Cheon Mu-tan. His thick brows twitched.
“The prodigy of the Sa Ma Family—I believe that was his name, wasn’t it?”
Sa Ma-ryang answered with a somewhat embarrassed expression.
“It was merely a name given to me as encouragement to develop, despite my meager and foolish nature.”
At his affirmative response, Cheon Mu-tan’s complexion hardened subtly.
Prodigy—a term generally used to describe someone of exceptional talent.
It was often bestowed by senior figures in martial sects as encouragement upon promising disciples with bright futures, and if such a title came from outside sources, it meant his abilities were recognized throughout society.
However, Cheon Mu-tan’s knowledge of him stemmed not merely from his reputation as possessing unusually outstanding talent among the Sa Ma bloodline.
“So you’re the eccentric who topped the examination and then rejected the position of Censor. You kicked away your golden path with your own feet, and now you’re clinging to your third brother’s side? Why?”
“Pardon?”
Cheon Mu-tan narrowed his brows, displaying clear displeasure.
“I asked what your intention is in following him around even while working as a Physician. Are you more interested in pursuing private gain than the greater good?”
“…”
“Or is it all merely rumor?”
Sa Ma-ryang answered after a brief silence.
“Rumors are merely rumors. Much of it is exaggerated.”
“Yes, I suppose so.”
Cheon Mu-tan let out a scoff, his gaze fixed on Cheon So-hyun.
“Still, you must be pleased, Third Brother.”
“What do you mean?”
“Surely the Chief Military Commander came all this way because of this man. Isn’t that right?”
“And yet.”
“While unconscious for more than half a year, you kept the Sa Ma Family’s prodigy at your side and even created a position for him? To call back the wayward prodigy, the Chief Military Commander would have to listen as well. One might even call it providence.”
Sa Ma-ryang found himself newly aware of this truth: this was no ordinary heir.
Arrogant and presumptuous. Such an attitude came without the slightest hesitation, as if it were only natural. Even when simply asking why he remained at the Third Prince’s side, it amounted to open mockery.
He spoke as though unaware that such judgment could never align with greater principles, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
Contempt for all, self-absorbed supremacy—any epithet would fit, yet somehow it felt inevitable.
He was the heir of the Cheon Family, after all. Whatever he had done thus far, only the world’s acclaim had followed. How could it be otherwise?
‘That must be why he feels so different.’
Sa Ma-ryang’s gaze shifted sideways. The Third Prince maintained a smile throughout, his composure unshaken despite the relentless sarcasm that should have provoked offense.
‘Indeed, he is different.’
In the slow curve of his lips, there was a tranquility like still water reflecting the moon—not turbulent reaction to petty provocation, but a gentle letting it pass.
‘His cultivation runs deep, truly. Yes, there’s no point in engaging in such quarrels….’
Yet before he could finish that thought, Cheon So-hyun spoke.
“Did you teach yourself manners in isolation? Your ignorance is almost refreshing.”
“…?”
“Why is this brat so utterly disrespectful?”
Cheon Mu-tan’s eyes narrowed.
“…What did you say?”

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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