Heavenly Demon Divine Saint - Chapter 63

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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 63
Cheon So-hyun read the message several times over with a hardened expression.
‘I must see the Cult Leader. Enter the palace?’
It was neither a suggestion nor a request—it was an unmistakable command, laced with an authority that brooked no refusal.
Who in this world could summon and dismiss the Third Prince of the Cult at will?
There was no need to deliberate. The answer was singular.
‘Damn it. This was bound to happen.’
The Cult Leader had summoned him to the Cult Leader’s Hall.
A low rumble echoed through the air.
“…?”
At the sound like thunder crackling, Cheon So-hyun lifted his head in bewilderment.
The man who had brought the letter was glaring with eyes already sharp as blades, radiating a sinister demonic aura that pricked at the skin like needles.
It seemed my careless curse had offended him.
Realizing this could be construed as an insult to the Cult Leader himself, Cheon So-hyun feigned shock and made a great show of excitement.
“What fortune! To think such a day would come through diligent living. Ha, this deserves to be hung where the sunlight shines brightest.”
“Congratulations, Young Master.”
“Indeed. Come, witness this yourself. The Cult Leader has summoned me.”
As Sa Ma-ryang accepted the letter, the oppressive chill that had weighed upon the surroundings dissipated.
Cheon So-hyun asked the messenger.
“Must I depart immediately?”
“Not necessarily. The opening of the Cult Leader’s Hall merely signals your invitation. Present yourself with proper preparation and decorum.”
His gaze swept across Cheon So-hyun’s form.
“I would advise you to compose yourself, lest any impropriety displease him.”
Cheon So-hyun nodded lightly.
“Of course. That goes without saying.”
The injuries sustained in my duel with Yu Baek had not yet fully healed. I was grateful for the time to recover and prepare myself properly.
“Then I shall take my leave.”
“Travel safely. Thank you for delivering such an important letter.”
“Farewell.”
The man, bearing the bearing of a general from the military ranks, bowed to Yi Ma-je before turning and departing.
Sa Ma-ryang spoke in a low voice.
“Young Master, might we walk and speak privately for a moment?”
“Why? Do you have something to say?”
“It is….”
His hesitation made it clear he wished to speak in private, so Yi Ma-je excused himself first.
“I shall go ahead. Take your time with your conversation.”
* * *
After surveying the surroundings, Sa Ma-ryang spoke.
“Young Master, it seems I must now devote myself entirely to the Military Council’s affairs.”
“Hmm? You’ve been doing that all along. Why speak of it now as if it were something new?”
The two walked along the slope of Baek Myun Valley where the messenger had vanished. Sa Ma-ryang’s voice flowed softly.
“The Killing Register I mentioned earlier was actually compiled based on information that leaked from the Chief of the Law Enforcement Hall. It was a result I obtained as Inspector Chief, not as someone from Baek Myun Valley.”
“Ah, so you switched it to make it look like Do Je found it?”
“Yes. It is information I obtained independently while the inspectors were away from their posts, but… suspicion about its source will arise soon. The results ultimately flowed in a direction highly favorable to you, my lord.”
Cheon So-hyun nodded slowly.
Using the position of Inspector Chief for private purposes meant he could potentially fall into danger.
“So you’re planning to devote yourself to Military Council affairs for a while to dispel suspicion.”
“Precisely. Since it will be difficult to meet frequently, I thought it best to explain the next moves in advance.”
“Next moves?”
Sa Ma-ryang met Cheon So-hyun’s gaze.
“Have you perhaps discerned the Cult Leader’s intentions?”
“Well, didn’t the Chief Military Commander report his achievements before? I suspect that’s the reason. Judging by the desire to see accomplishments, he might be checking whether you’ve properly absorbed the Demon Ring Altar.”
Cheon So-hyun shrugged.
“I can’t say for certain. It wasn’t negative content, so I’ll just have to face it head-on. Why do you ask?”
“I dare not presume to fathom the Cult Leader’s thoughts, but it seems that your journey to the Cult Leader’s Hall itself would carry great significance.”
“Hm? What do you mean by significance?”
“Through your efforts thus far, you’ve laid a foundation for opposition to expansion into the Central Plains.”
With Do Je, Baek Myun Valley, and Yi Ma-je all publicly declaring they would accept talented individuals, and Do Je announcing he would bring the Wuzhong Sect under his command, no one would dare regard them lightly anymore.
“With the Killing Register and the people’s support behind us, we cannot inflict direct harm, but those who oppose us will certainly increase day by day.”
“So what once seemed impossible won’t look so impossible anymore?”
“Precisely. However, there are positive aspects as well. Conversely, those senior members who harbored hidden doubts or were in deliberation will certainly watch your movements closely.”
“That’s true. I’ve made quite a name for myself recently.”
Sa Ma-ryang nodded.
“Indeed. Your exploits in the Tuyong Tournament and your achievements in punishing the guilty are being spoken of increasingly, and lately they’ve been calling you the Heaven of Wishes.”
Cheon So-hyun’s brow furrowed.
It seemed I had acquired a title without even realizing it.
“Heaven of Wishes? I didn’t know such a thing existed.”
“Yes, the heaven where all desires are fulfilled. That is the meaning of the title, I’m told.”
Sa Ma-ryang continued with a smile.
“The true power of such a title derives from influence. If rumors spread that you are heading to the Cult Leader’s Hall, it will become an even greater burden for those who oppose you.”
“A burden… meaning they’ll think the Cult Leader has already granted permission and won’t dare touch me easily?”
“One could say it’s a form of protection requested in preparation for the future. Much like how the Dharma Protection Institute has extended its patronage to you.”
Cheon So-hyun stroked his chin and voiced his doubt.
“Couldn’t the conversation simply be about martial achievements or accomplishments?”
“One need only spread rumors to that effect.”
“…?”
“Since even you, who received the summons, cannot discern the Cult Leader’s true intentions, they will have no choice but to speculate while considering every possibility, will they not?”
“Ah, I see.”
Cheon So-hyun nodded readily. I found myself thinking anew that he was quite clever.
“Right. In any case, since Baek Myun Valley is involved, handling information will be easier. In summary, you’re saying we need to draw in the senior members during this opportunity?”
“Yes. We must build our power while looking further ahead…”
That was when it happened.
“As I thought, that’s how it turned out.”
At the sudden interjection, both their gazes snapped upward.
Do Je stood atop the jagged cliff with his hands clasped behind his back.
Cheon So-hyun’s eyes widened. He hadn’t sensed any presence at all, and alarm flooded through him.
‘Why is that demon appearing from there?’
In truth, it was natural that a warrior of The Demon Master’s caliber could conceal his presence if he set his mind to it.
“When did you arrive?”
Do Je leaped lightly down and landed between the two men.
“Just now.”
His gaze turned toward Sa Ma-ryang.
“So what comes next?”
“May I speak of it?”
“You’ve already made such a fuss about it, yet now you hesitate with clumsy restraint.”
Do Je chuckled softly.
“Neither you nor the Third Prince are the type for such weak courtesy, are you? Spare me the trivial pleasantries and get to the point.”
“Yes… then I shall explain. Next, we must either have the senior officials who see the possibility openly express their support, or obtain clearer justification for them to consider.”
“Justification?”
“The Military Council’s plan to advance into the Central Plains arose because of Shaolin’s closure and the subsequent stirrings of the Black Path forces.”
“That’s right.”
By inciting and deepening the conflict between the White Path and Black Path, we could seize the Central Plains far more easily through their mutual exhaustion.
There would be no better moment than this to establish the Demonic Realm, so the Sect made its decision.
Cheon So-hyun spoke.
“So obtaining justification means finding a more opportune moment by assessing the situation in the Central Plains? And securing a pretext to present to the Chief Military Commander?”
“Yes. Ultimately, that is correct. Since the purpose is to minimize losses to the Sect, it will certainly be regarded as a merit.”
“I see. The pieces do fit together.”
Cheon So-hyun narrowed his eyes and regarded Do Je.
In truth, Do Je’s appearance here was not particularly strange. The Cult Leader’s messenger had come openly, and even on the outskirts, this was still Baek Myun Valley.
What was truly strange was Do Je’s casual reaction.
It was a point that needed clarification, so Cheon So-hyun opened his mouth.
“Are you certain about this? As you’ve heard, my position is to postpone our advance into the Central Plains.”
“You speak nonsense. Have you come to quibble over such trivial matters now?”
Do Je let out a hollow laugh.
“I wagered on you in the first place because I judged it would be advantageous, not because I was moved by your ideals. Now that the Sect has publicly adopted the justification of acting for its benefit, motives and methods become irrelevant.”
“That is indeed a fair point.”
Cheon So-hyun nodded readily.
‘A mad demon, truly.’
In reality, postponing the advance into the Central Plains was tantamount to all the plans the Demonic Sect had laid coming to nothing. Most strategies would need revision depending on the season and circumstances at the time.
Sa Ma-ryang was a man who valued human lives over such trivial matters, which was understandable, but Do Je was entirely different.
Baek Myun Valley’s influence would only grow larger—that was his calculation, and he was a man driven by his own interests as the catalyst for action.
One might say he was a demon intoxicated by stimulation.
Do Je spoke in a low voice.
“If we were to obstruct the Black Path’s movements, we might delay their timeline, but ultimately that too would prove difficult. Understanding the political situation in the Central Plains is problematic enough, and even if we gathered intelligence, we’d have no means to act upon it, would we?”
Since the sect’s closure, leaving the grounds was forbidden except for special circumstances. Even he, who had served as the Great Abbot and ascended to the position of The Demon Master, had ventured out only a handful of times for missions.
“That is precisely why your visit to the Cult Leader’s Palace may prove to be an opportunity, sir.”
“Hmm? An opportunity?”
“Yes. Considering that the Cult Leader bestowed the Demon Ring Altar upon you and summoned you immediately after concluding his seclusion… it would be safe to assume he holds you in favor.”
“And then?”
Sa Ma-ryang’s eyes were steady and resolute.
“Request permission to leave the sect from the Cult Leader.”
“…Leave the sect?”
“Yes. Even if he refuses, merely confirming the Cult Leader’s intentions regarding the Great Sect would hold significant meaning. That would become a guiding light for us in any form. Allow me to congratulate you once more, sir.”
“Very well.”
Watching Sa Ma-ryang present his proposal with vigor and Cheon So-hyun respond with reluctance, Do Je let out a soft chuckle.
‘So there was a reason for his ambition.’
The fact that the Chief Military Commander had been troubled by a prodigy who abandoned his family was already spreading through whispered channels.
Such rumors typically carried exaggeration, but listening to Sa Ma-ryang articulate his strategy with the fluidity of water, I felt certain this was understated fact.
Had he truly extended his thoughts that far simply based on receiving a letter and visiting the Cult Leader’s Palace?
Cheon So-hyun nodded and smiled.
“Good. Let’s eat first. Have you taken a meal?”
* * *
For nearly ten days afterward, Cheon So-hyun devoted himself entirely to restoring his physical condition.
The possibility of being permitted to leave the sect kindled an uncommon fervor within him.
If fortune favored him, he might even journey to Shaolin.
‘I wonder how they’re all faring?’
There had been times when the rigid teachings of the Buddhist order caused me suffering, but now that nostalgia stirred within me, I realized Shaolin was truly my home.
‘The Abbot’s consideration was invaluable.’
—Hye Gwang, while forcing teachings upon one contradicts the Buddhist path, the fundamentals must still be observed, mustn’t they? The title of Martial Monk cannot forever serve as an excuse…
—Yes, yes. Of course you’d dislike it. I’ve merely wasted time reading sutras to deaf ears. I’ve come to understand this too is attachment and delusion. I must cultivate my mind anew, so be gone with you.
He was a man who didn’t insist that different paths were wrong, and there was much to learn from him.
The Abbot himself said that thanks to me, his cultivation deepened with each passing day, so we could be called senior and junior brothers who aided each other’s practice.
Or perhaps not.
‘Wait just a little longer, senior brother! I’m coming.’
Sa Ma-ryang and Do Je had discussed obtaining justification by obstructing the Black Path’s movements, but his thoughts extended beyond that.
‘I’ll eliminate the very cause that led to this consideration.’
When word spread that Divine Fist had entered the sect and Shaolin sealed itself, the Demonic Sect began preparing for expansion into the Central Plains.
Therefore, his objective was clear.
‘I’ll head to Songshan. I’ll meet my bald senior brothers. I’ll lift the seal. That’s all!’
The Black Path’s movements could be stopped as well, so justification would be more than sufficient. To formulate detailed plans, restoring his body was the most pressing priority for now.
Meeting with the Cult Leader to discuss my expulsion from the sect was the top priority above all else.
“Hehehehe.”
And now, the most powerful means to elevate my martial prowess lay directly before me.
The Elixir of Radiance I received as the grand prize for winning the Tuyong Tournament—the Transmutation Pill.
Until now, I had been taking internal healing medicine while refining my body to fully absorb the spiritual essence.
‘You said you wanted to see my achievement? Very well… let me show you properly.’
Cheon So-hyun swallowed the Transmutation Pill whole.

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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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