Heavenly Demon Divine Saint - Chapter 8

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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 8
“…What did you just say?!”
What nonsense was this? The shock struck like a hammer to the back of my skull, radiating through my entire body.
‘Damn it. The Demonic Sect is marching into the Central Plains?’
The Heavenly Demon Cult had maintained its closed gates for nearly half a century, adhering strictly to seclusion.
Many had found it peculiar that the Demonic Sect, which had already reduced external activities and exercised restraint, would seal its doors entirely—yet now it had suddenly decided to advance into the Central Plains?
‘Of all times, why now?!’
My mind reeled with bewilderment, but I needed to grasp the situation first.
“W-what are you saying? An advance into the Central Plains?”
My voice came out fractured and hoarse.
Sa Ma-ryang’s eyes darted back and forth as he studied my expression.
“Please calm yourself, Young Master. You seem quite shocked….”
“What do you mean by that?! Is this confirmed? Why so suddenly? When exactly is this supposed to happen?”
I barked the questions at him in rapid succession, and Sa Ma-ryang paused before answering.
“That is… the exact timing has not yet been finalized. It was a matter discussed by the Military Council several months ago, so it has not been made public.”
“Then what prompted the Cult to make such a decision? There must be a reason.”
Sa Ma-ryang bowed his head as he replied.
“Forgive my presumption, but I only happened to overhear it when visiting the family estate. The true intentions remain unknown to me. Only the upper echelon would know the full reasons.”
“…So the advance into the Central Plains is definitely decided? You’re certain of that?”
“That much is certain.”
“And the timing?”
“It is scheduled for the end of next year, so less than two years remain. It appears they are hastening because heaven’s timing, earth’s advantage, and human harmony are all aligned.”
“…!”
Sa Ma-ryang was speaking of the three elements that determined success or failure in great undertakings.
Heaven’s timing—the fortune bestowed from above; earth’s advantage—the benefits of geography; human harmony—the unity of people.
The Heavenly Demon Cult of this era had accumulated immense power through prolonged seclusion, becoming unprecedentedly prosperous and formidable. Moreover, I had heard that they had not only conducted reconnaissance throughout the Central Plains but had also positioned formation arrays across the Ten Thousand Great Mountains, creating defenses worthy of being called a natural fortress.
In other words, earth’s advantage and heaven’s timing were aligned. As for human harmony, the demonic disciples would drink poison itself if the Cult Leader commanded it—there was no need to question that.
‘So… they really are marching into the Central Plains?’
I felt as though my soul might scatter from this sudden news.
‘The demonic disciples are marching into the Central Plains….’
The Heavenly Demon Cult’s advance into the Central Plains meant invasion. Recalling the history when the Demonic Path had drawn blades against the world in pursuit of dominating the Realm, unspeakable calamities would surely unfold across the Central Plains.
The Demonic Sect would not break its long seclusion merely for conversation.
They would mercilessly unleash the power they had accumulated behind closed gates under the banner of the Tyrant’s Way, and ultimately, not just martial artists but ordinary people would suffer horrific devastation.
‘This is maddening.’
Of course, there would be those who cried out in righteous indignation and scrambled to prevent catastrophe, but countering every offensive was nearly impossible.
They would not anticipate such a sudden eruption, and even if they prepared defenses, the Demonic Sect’s true strength far exceeded what the world imagined.
I felt a chill race down my spine. My breathing quickened naturally, and my heart pounded.
‘No matter what preparations are made… disaster will descend.’
I could only hope this was mere anxiety, but was there anyone else besides me who understood the situation in the Central Plains and had glimpsed even a fraction of the Demonic Sect’s circumstances?
‘Damn it! There couldn’t be.’
Throughout the entire Realm, there would be no one else capable of stating with such certainty that if the Demonic Sect moves, bloodshed will erupt not only at Shaolin but across every corner of the world.
‘And especially without me….’
The damage would spiral beyond all control.
I gathered my scattered thoughts and arrived at a single conclusion.
‘I must stop them. I absolutely must.’
By whatever means necessary, I had to thwart their grand scheme.
Just as I was steeling my resolve, Yeon Hong opened the chamber door and entered.
“Young Master, please have your meal first.”
“….”
Sa Ma-ryang rose from his seat and spoke.
“I shall take my leave now. I have prepared the medicinal decoction stronger than before, so please consume it after your meal. I pray for your continued good health. Heavenly Demon….”
My head throbbed, so I simply waved him away.
“Don’t be a nuisance. Just go.”
“Yes!”
Even as Sa Ma-ryang departed, my mind was entirely consumed by other matters.
‘How can I stop them?’
In my past life, I would have stepped forward alone to overturn the situation, but my current weakened state made that impossible.
Should I send a letter to the Martial Alliance to prepare them? If I selected skilled masters to scout ahead and assessed the situation….
‘That won’t work either.’
It was impossible. Merely conveying the information would be difficult, and there was no chance the Martial Alliance would believe it.
They would likely curse me and burn the letter to ash. Even if they did believe me, it wouldn’t solve anything. At best, we could minimize casualties, but we couldn’t prevent the advance itself.
‘…That approach won’t do.’
My thoughts naturally shifted in another direction. In truth, I wasn’t entirely without options.
Fortunately—or perhaps unfortunately—I was no longer the bald Martial Monk of Shaolin, but the third son of the Cheon Family, whom the Demonic Sect revered as a deity.
‘That’s right.’
This body, which had felt so suffocating, suddenly seemed precious. To prevent the suffering of countless beings, I had to find a way.
“Yeon Hong, have you heard anything about the Physician discussing the Sect’s advance into the Central Plains?”
Yeon Hong’s eyes widened in shock.
“The, the Central Plains advance?!”
“Yes. I heard it’s scheduled for next year. You haven’t heard about it?”
Yeon Hong shook her head.
“No, this is the first I’m hearing of it. I had no idea the Sect had such a grand plan… When I visited Hyun Yu-won a few days ago, I heard nothing of this.”
“There was no mention of it at Hyun Yu-won either?”
“No. There was certainly no sign of anything unusual… I’m sorry I couldn’t be more helpful, Young Master.”
Hyun Yu-won was the organization that managed not only the Demonic Sect’s finances but also the resources and personnel to be distributed to the successors. In other words, it was the place responsible for the Sect’s household affairs, so it would naturally be more sensitive to such matters.
The fact that even they hadn’t heard of it meant, as Sa Ma-ryang had said, that this was still not publicly disclosed.
If that were the case, wouldn’t it be easier to suppress?
Seeing a glimmer of hope, I waved my hand.
“There’s nothing to apologize for. You’re not part of the Military Council anyway, so it’s understandable you wouldn’t know.”
Since Yeon Hong’s domain didn’t extend to such matters, there were limits to the information I could obtain from her.
It was time to take action.
‘I should start by finding the Military Council.’
As I was turning over possibilities in my mind.
“Why not speak with the Physician who comes and goes? What do you think?”
“Huh? That mad Physician? Why?”
“Well, Sa Ma-ryang’s family has made their profession working at the Military Council. I’m certain you could receive their help.”
“Oh, is that so?”
So that’s what she meant by hearing it by chance from her family?
“To offer such wisdom—truly, the finest advisor in the Realm stands before me. Thank you, Yeon Hong.”
“Oh, you flatter me too much. I’m honored, Young Master. I’ll take it as encouragement to strive further.”
“Yes, I must strive harder. I should eat the rice gruel later. I’ll step out for a moment.”
“Please take care on your way.”
I stepped outside at once.
I quickened my pace, chanting sutras endlessly to calm my turbulent heart. Until now, my only goal had been returning to Shaolin, but that was no longer possible.
‘I must stop this.’
My Buddhist path was far removed from idle observation.
First, I intended to discover why the Demonic Sect had made such a decision.
‘…Is there truly no other way?’
Sa Ma-ryang exhaled a deep sigh. He was leaving his quarters with measured steps, turning over his worries before finally accepting them, his expression hardening as he walked for a long while.
That was when.
“Sa Ma-ryang!”
Cheon So-hyun came rushing out from the quarters.
Sa Ma-ryang softened his expression and turned his head. Then he offered a respectful bow as usual.
“Young Master, what brings you out here? Is there something you wish to ask? If you’re curious about the medicinal ingredients in the decoction….”
“Never mind the decoction. Forget it.”
Cheon So-hyun waved his hand dismissively as he approached.
“I hear that Sa Ma-ryang’s family profession is working at the Military Council. Is that true?”
“Yes? Ah, that’s correct. Those whose abilities are proven typically maintain connections with the Military Council.”
“Then you must have acquaintances there?”
“Well… having grown up under the same roof, that would naturally be the case. But if I may ask, what is the reason for your inquiry?”
“Oh, nothing major. I just wanted an introduction.”
“An introduction?”
“Yes, there are various things I’d like to ask about.”
Suddenly, Sa Ma-ryang fell silent. His pupils trembled greatly as he stared intently at Cheon So-hyun.
Cheon So-hyun sensed that he was deep in thought and showed a puzzled expression.
‘What’s wrong with this bastard now?’
Not knowing what he was thinking, an awkward silence naturally ensued, their eyes locked in a silent contest. Just as his lips began to twitch slightly.
‘Ah….’
Cheon So-hyun suddenly understood the reason.
He should have measured the space before stretching his legs, but his urgency had made him thoughtless.
‘Perhaps this mad Physician….’
It seemed he had no one close enough to the family to introduce.
Watching him ramble excitedly about topics he showed no real interest in was more than enough to tell me that.
“If you truly have no one else, then perhaps….”
“Are you opposed to the Divine Sect’s expansion into the Central Plains?”
At that moment, Sa Ma-ryang’s voice turned glacial, as if frost had crystallized upon his words. His eyes—sharp and piercing, nothing like before—fixed upon Cheon So-hyun.
Cheon So-hyun’s brow furrowed deeply.
“…?”
Sa Ma-ryang’s aura shifted abruptly.
Gone was the affable Physician who concocted strange medicinal broths with a warm smile. In his place stood something far more dangerous—a warrior wielding a blade honed to lethal perfection.
Was the question of opposing Central Plains expansion truly so sensitive a matter?
Was it a long-cherished aspiration for the Demonic Sect?
Even so, I had not broached the subject of expansion—only the absurdity of his sudden interrogation remained.
“Why are you asking me this?”
“Because it is grave.”
“Grave? In what sense?”
“In all senses. Your whereabouts and intentions will surely influence the Sect’s circumstances, will they not?”
“….”
“Please, answer me.”
Whoooooosh!
Grey light crystallized within Sa Ma-ryang’s eyes. The fluctuation of demonic energy radiated from him at close range—he seemed ready to unleash his technique at the slightest provocation.
Cheon So-hyun stared at him and let out a hollow laugh.
“And if I am?”
“I will stop you here. Your intentions constitute defiance and treason—you will be escorted directly to the Law Enforcement Hall.”
As Sa Ma-ryang’s blade energy grew increasingly sharp, a sandstorm swirled around him. Watching this unfold, Cheon So-hyun released another hollow laugh.
“How utterly absurd.”
The very Physician who had aided me in every conceivable way since I fell into the Demonic Sect—and now we clashed. There was no greater farce. In truth, becoming the Third Prince of the Demonic Sect was itself a farce, so nothing surprised me anymore.
“Perhaps a demon has possessed you. Very well—let me see your true strength.”
I was the sort who could never overlook a demon in need of guidance.
Cheon So-hyun smiled faintly and unleashed a palm strike.

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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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