Heavenly Demon Divine Saint - Chapter 39

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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 39
Hyung Baek regarded his superior with a puzzled expression.
‘So it wasn’t an ordinary matter.’
After briefly reconsidering his question, Hyung Baek arrived at his conclusion and replied.
“Yes, only the Inspectors and Gwak Ji-ryang were present in that chamber. Since it wasn’t a method that could be detected through eavesdropping, those who know of it would be limited to that group.”
Sa Ma-hyuk nodded slowly.
‘Sa Ma-ryang and Sa Ma-sim’s Heart Technique….’
Multiple thoughts crossed his mind, but ultimately this was a question that could only be resolved through direct confrontation. Sa Ma-hyuk cleared the tangled thoughts from his head and changed the subject.
“If there are more criminals like Yang Bong in the harsh territories, things will become quite busy ahead. Tsk, we’re already short-handed as it is.”
Hyung Baek let out a weathered chuckle.
“Haha. There’s no need for concern. The Inspector Chief has already prepared a solution for that.”
“A solution?”
Hyung Baek nodded.
“The follow-up work will be handled entirely by the Law Enforcement Hall. We need only oversee the process, so our personnel won’t be depleted.”
Sa Ma-hyuk’s eyes widened with surprise at this unexpected answer.
No matter how absolute the Inspection Bureau’s authority was, it couldn’t arbitrarily wield the administrative power of another organization. It was particularly unbelievable that the Law Enforcement Hall, which had poor relations with the Military Council, would comply so readily.
“The Law Enforcement Hall?”
“Indeed.”
Hyung Baek recalled the moment when he had apprehended the fleeing member and, bringing Song Ryeong with him, returned to Sa Ma-ryang.
“Gok Jin-hon, Gwa Jong-cheon—even you two….”
Song Ryeong suppressed his anger and looked around the chamber.
“This is shameful. I never imagined so many were implicated in misconduct.”
“This is likely not all of it. As we interrogate the apprehended criminals and conduct repeated investigations at the Demon Prison, surely more involved parties will emerge.”
Song Ryeong clenched his teeth hard. The protruding point of his jaw laid bare his agitation completely.
It wasn’t merely because of the unsightly appearance of the apprehended members or the warning of further investigations.
It was the Inspector Chief’s gaze. Those quietly burning eyes felt as though they concealed something more yet to come.
“Since we’re both busy, you needn’t waste time. What is the reason you’ve summoned me here?”
“It’s the place where the criminals are being held.”
Song Ryeong’s brow furrowed.
“…Explain in detail.”
The gazes of Song Ryeong and Sa Ma-ryang tangled in the empty air.
“Can the Deputy Leader declare with certainty that you yourself are innocent?”
“If failing to manage what’s right before one’s eyes is a crime, then perhaps it is one. But regarding the human trafficking matter—no, I am uninvolved in any other misconduct. Didn’t the section chief, or rather Gwak Ji-ryang, confess to everything?”
Sa Ma-ryang’s eyes narrowed to slits.
Song Ryeong’s claim was factual. Gwak Ji-ryang was hardly in a state to dare speak falsehoods, so it was reasonable to consider him uninvolved.
But whether he was innocent was not the crucial matter. Having found grounds for suspicion, the Inspector Chief would simply make use of it.
“Yes, he testified to being uninvolved. Since false testimony is unlikely, at least within what Gwak Ji-ryang knows, you would be innocent.”
“Within what he knows?”
“I have determined there exists a possibility that someone unknown even to Gwak Ji-ryang has been scheming in the shadows.”
Sa Ma-ryang’s voice sank to a heavier tone.
“In these times, when even the sealing of gates has been decided to preserve our full strength, trafficking in disciples for private gain is among the gravest of crimes. We cannot afford to dismiss even the slightest possibility.”
Song Ryeong’s expression hardened into an icy mask. Displeasure seeped through his tone like poison through water.
“So you’re suggesting… right now… that I’m the one behind this?”
Sa Ma-ryang answered with measured composure.
“There are aspects that require further investigation, but the circumstances point in that direction.”
“Circumstances? You mean because I’m aware of my brother’s retirement and the Inspector Chief’s initial investigation?”
“….”
“For someone with such information networks to have remained ignorant until matters reached this point—that strains credibility, doesn’t it?”
Sa Ma-ryang regarded Song Ryeong in silence.
His unwavering gaze only sharpened Song Ryeong’s hostility further.
“That’s a leap in logic. How could one manage those who scheme deliberately to deceive? My information gathering stems from my position as a senior member focused on the Military Council’s movements—nothing beyond that.”
“Leap or not, the conclusion remains unchanged.”
Sa Ma-ryang spoke with finality.
“As the Deputy Leader himself acknowledged, mere negligence in oversight provides sufficient grounds for suspicion. Moreover, it appears less a matter of incapacity than deliberate oversight.”
Tsk, tsk, tsk.
Dense demonic energy leaked through Song Ryeong’s breathing. His eyes swept across the assembled inspectors before he spat out each word as if chewing glass.
“This has gone too far. If it’s truly so airtight, why not arrest me outright? Did you summon me here merely to humiliate me?”
Sa Ma-ryang shook his head.
“I’ve created an unfortunate misunderstanding. That was never my intent. As I mentioned, certain aspects remain circumstantial at present.”
“….”
“Even if this matter could be concluded as dereliction of duty, we cannot exclude even the smallest possibility. I’m offering you the opportunity to clear your name.”
“Clear my name?”
Song Ryeong’s face flushed crimson.
Sa Ma-ryang met his sharp gaze with unwavering calm.
“Yes. You must prove your innocence yourself.”
Sa Ma-hyuk let out a soft chuckle.
“Quite skillful.”
Even if Song Ryeong were truly innocent, he had no choice but to comply.
The Military Council’s judgment was absolute, and the Inspector Chief represented the Chief Military Commander of the Divine Sect. Once formal accusations were leveled in this setting, even the Deputy Leader of the Law Enforcement Hall could not refuse.
Hyung Baek burst into hearty laughter.
“Skillful doesn’t begin to cover it—one might call this the glory of our association. Is it easy to achieve such results on one’s first inspection? Ha ha!”
With limited manpower, he had drawn in personnel from the Law Enforcement Hall. Utilizing them would allow the inspection to conclude far more smoothly.
Above all, he could now scrutinize not only the Demon Prison but also the personnel of the Law Enforcement Hall itself—a dual victory beyond measure.
“Blood truly cannot deceive. I often see the former Chief Military Commander overlapping with you. Ha ha ha!”
“I merely fulfilled my duty as Inspector Chief.”
Sa Ma-hyuk maintained his composed demeanor throughout, yet Hyung Baek, who had observed him for years, detected a subtle shift in his tone.
It was satisfaction. He attempted to suppress the leaking emotion, but it could not escape Hyung Baek’s discerning eye.
Hyung Baek’s lips curved upward. He too was pleased by his junior’s achievement.
“No matter how aged I’ve become, my eyes haven’t failed me yet, so you can trust my judgment.”
Hyung Baek continued, his smile fading as concern tinged his voice.
“However, if there’s a difference from back then, it’s simply that young people these days need assurance of proper compensation for their work before they take genuine interest and commit themselves wholeheartedly.”
“Do you harbor concerns? About Sa Ma-ryang?”
Hyung Baek nodded.
“To some degree, yes. Sa Ma-ryang has achieved results that exceed his demonstrated capabilities. In both skill and natural talent.”
“….”
“Given Sa Ma-ryang’s temperament, there’s a considerable likelihood he experienced disillusionment or intense revulsion witnessing the depravities of criminals. His use of the Buddhist meditation technique stemmed from such emotions. What if we granted him a reward so he might quickly recover his spirits?”
Sa Ma-hyuk, who had maintained a brief silence, nodded.
“I shall bear that in mind. You’ve labored greatly as well, Elder Hyung.”
* * *
At that very moment.
Whoooosh—!
As Cheon So-hyun devoted himself to breathing exercises, pure white heat shimmer swirled around him. The energy that enveloped his entire body like ethereal wings was sharper and deeper than before.
This was the aura of demonic energy—a wild, boundless force that frequently spiraled beyond the master’s control and scattered into the surroundings, which is why it was called demonic cultivation.
Yet even as Cheon So-hyun cultivated, he meticulously contained the heat to avoid affecting his surroundings.
Through profound enlightenment and repeated gradual practice, his ability to command true energy had grown increasingly refined.
“Exhale…”
Cheon So-hyun opened his eyes slowly, releasing a scorching breath. He clenched and unclenched his fists, rapidly assessing his condition.
‘Excellent, truly excellent.’
Hummmmm!
The martial spirit energy extending from my lower dantian surged powerfully through my entire body in seamless circulation.
Every moment of devoted training resonated through my meridians without reservation.
No matter how divine the technique, the essence of Warrior Spirit Divine Art was demonic cultivation.
Because it raged so ferociously, unrefined portions had existed—but now there was no discord.
I felt certain that the power of my strikes would differ, and each step I took would resonate differently.
“Now I’ve reached a level worth acknowledging.”
This achievement hadn’t come merely from devoted training.
It was right to view it as a result achieved through faithfulness to fundamentals and fulfilling my duty as a Buddhist practitioner.
‘Indeed, that’s precisely it.’
As the saying goes—purity amidst defilement.
Like a lotus blooming from mud, I advanced without being tainted or seduced by my surroundings. Even in the midst of a thorny path, I never ceased honing my Buddhist spirit.
“Hehe, a natural-born Buddhist if ever there was one.”
Cheon So-hyun’s lips curved upward in a broad smile. He rose from his seat and rolled his shoulders, tilting his head side to side.
“Baek Myun Valley, then. Time to pay a visit.”
* * *
Baek Myun Valley, the dwelling where Yi Ma-je resided.
Kang Hyun spoke with a note of concern in his voice.
“He’s not coming again today…. Master, doesn’t it seem like he’s running late? We’re not being stood up, are we?”
Whoosh!
Yi Ma-je brought down his wooden sword with a terse reply.
“He’ll arrive soon enough. There’s no need for impatience.”
“…Yes.”
Kang Hyun scratched the back of his head as he tidied the scattered training equipment across the Training Ground.
It was an ordinary day much like any other, save for one detail—this was not Unam Peak, but Baek Myun Valley.
Whether due to my Master’s deep connections, the Blade Emperor Sect had provided lodgings for me to stay, though that had been more than a week ago now.
Had something unforeseen occurred? Or perhaps the letter had failed to reach him?
These doubts had become as routine as my daily tasks.
‘Well… he’ll arrive soon enough. He’s not someone who warrants worry.’
It was precisely as I was gathering the training poles to one side.
“I’ve arrived.”
“Huh?”
At the unexpected voice, my head snapped around.
“Young Master!”
Cheon So-hyun stood at the entrance, perspiration streaming down his face. He had apparently found his way here by following the location I’d noted in my letter.
I approached with evident delight.
“Why did you take so long? I thought something had happened.”
“Tsk, tsk.”
Cheon So-hyun clicked his tongue.
Like some foolish mortal.
“When the time comes, all things align as they must. Yet you indulge in empty worries. What, did you fear encountering bandits like yourself on the road?”
Suddenly, I recalled my first meeting with Cheon So-hyun. I laughed somewhat sheepishly, rubbing the bridge of my nose.
“Ha ha… why must you bring up ancient history?”
At that moment, Yi Ma-je’s wooden sword came to an abrupt halt in the air.
“You’ve come?”
“Yes, I ran here with all haste.”
As Cheon So-hyun stepped inside, his gaze swept across the surroundings.
‘Relentless. Absolutely relentless.’
He remained as relentless as ever.
The training environment had been recreated as though the iron-scented dwelling of Unam Peak had been transplanted wholesale. Judging by the unmarked surfaces of the training poles, everything appeared newly constructed.
“Have you been well these past days?”
“Well enough. You, on the other hand, seem to have spent your time most intensely.”
As Yi Ma-je observed Cheon So-hyun, undisguised admiration surfaced across his features.
It was evident that the intervening time had not been squandered. His bodily balance had grown far more harmonious than before, thick forearms were visible beneath his sleeves, and beneath his black martial robes, taut musculature was distinctly defined.
This meant he had trained relentlessly even after departing Unam Peak.
Yet despite his breathing being somewhat labored, the vital energy leaking outward was scarcely perceptible.
‘Remarkable.’
He had become skilled enough to control even the subtle energy that naturally emanated from within.
This was a technique only a warrior who had achieved mastery could display.
“Your vital control has grown far more refined in our time apart. You’ve labored well.”
“Not labor exactly, though I did exert considerable effort. Yi Ma-je, your body seems to have grown considerably more robust. You haven’t been overexerting yourself, have you?”
Yi Ma-je smiled with rare satisfaction.
“I’ve put in considerable effort myself. You must be exhausted, but wouldn’t you prefer to rest first?”
It was a question about when I planned to visit the Blade Emperor Sect.
“There’s no reason to delay. Let’s depart at once.”
At my straightforward reply, Yi Ma-je’s smile deepened.

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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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