The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 176
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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 176.
The Bone Replacement and Fetus Theft technique unfolds in three stages.
The first stage expels impurities accumulated within the body, revealing skin as pristine as an infant’s.
The second stage sees teeth fall and regrow, while the organs within are remade anew.
Upon reaching the third stage, the skeletal structure transforms entirely, granting a physique that transcends human limitation—or so the legends claim.
As Bu Eunseol channeled her formidable vital force ceaselessly within the Muryangcheonsu Gwan, the first stage phenomenon of Bone Replacement and Fetus Theft suddenly manifested.
‘Why would this happen so abruptly?’
She came to a halt.
Bu Eunseol stood motionless within the Muryangcheonsu Gwan, observing the fragments of shed skin drifting downward.
After a moment of contemplation, the reason finally became clear.
‘A portion of my sealed meridians has activated once more.’
Within my body lay dormant the pure vital force accumulated since childhood through cultivation methods, mingled with the semi-extreme vital force that Hyul Geum Gang had infused.
Upon reaching the fifth layer of the Semi-Extreme Heart Method, a portion had converted to inner force, yet vital force that remained unconverted to martial power still accumulated in my sealed meridians.
Now, as the pressure of the Muryangcheonsu Gwan compressed my entire body uniformly, a portion of the vital force lingering in those sealed meridians converted once more to inner force.
Thunder rumbled.
As I amplified my martial power once more, it felt as though lightning struck within my body.
My inner force, which had reached the third tier, had now ascended to the fourth tier.
Droplets fell.
Within the transparent Muryangcheonsu Gwan, my translucent skin gleamed with radiance—a vision as if an ancient celestial deity had descended to earth, mysterious and resplendent.
‘A blessing born from calamity.’
Having comprehended all, I remained still, ceasing my steps.
“…!!!”
A strange vibration echoed from behind.
Turning my head, I saw Hyuk So Jin shouting something at the Muryangcheonsu Gwan.
―I thought you were dead! What in the world happened?!
When my skin shed, golden light and energy currents enveloped my entire form, preventing both Hyuk So Jin and Du Yak Rang from witnessing the Bone Replacement and Fetus Theft transformation.
Thus, when I ceased moving, Hyuk So Jin had believed I had breathed my last.
I nodded gently.
Bu Eunseol offered Hyuk So Jin a light nod, as if to say there was no cause for concern.
Then I turned and walked forward with ease.
I reached the edge of the transparent barrier containing the Muryangcheonsu Gwan. At the very moment I attempted to pass through,
“…?”
My eyes flickered with sudden awareness.
Only then did I grasp a new truth.
‘I cannot escape.’
A mystical stone capable of confining the Muryangcheonsu Gwan—possessing immense weight—in the middle of the passage.
So long as it exerted its power, there was no way out.
“Grandmother! We’ve come this far—why won’t you remove the Muryangcheonsu Gwan?”
Hyuk So Jin protested, but the passage was filled with the Muryangcheonsu Gwan, rendering his words inaudible to Du Yak Rang’s ears.
Even if I wished to rescue Bu Eunseol, with that mystical stone embedded within the Muryangcheonsu Gwan, there was no way forward.
‘So she’s been using this technique to hold back powerful enemies all along.’
Bu Eunseol, arms crossed, fell into contemplation once more.
Though she was offsetting the pressure of the Muryangcheonsu Gwan with formidable inner power…
She couldn’t endure this indefinitely. If she didn’t escape within moments, death would be inevitable.
“Hehehehe.”
Du Yak Rang, observing from beyond the transparent barrier, wore an expression of smug satisfaction.
Upon catching sight of that expression, a chill ran through Bu Eunseol’s eyes.
‘Break through it.’
After a deep breath, I withdrew roughly half of the inner power I had been radiating outward.
The veil of qi enveloping my body grew faint, and every bone in my frame seemed to contract.
‘Conventional martial techniques won’t suffice.’
Within the Muryangcheonsu Gwan, as heavy as Mount Tai itself, sword techniques and palm strikes would fail to exert their true force.
‘Then….’
A low hum resonated.
Bu Eunseol’s eyes gleamed as a vortex began to swirl within her right fist.
Simultaneously, the Muryangcheonsu Gwan, which had remained solid and unmoved, began to undulate within the transparent barrier.
Fist Demon Seven Forms, Third Stage.
I was about to unleash the essence of the Extreme Fierce Fist Art—a supreme technique that violently rotates immense fist power and concentrates it upon a single point.
A rushing sound filled the air.
The Muryangcheonsu Gwan, which had surged violently like a tempestuous sea, was now coiled tightly around my right fist.
‘Forget Self, Shatter Together!’
A deafening boom erupted.
As Bu Eunseol extended her fist, a violently rotating water column formed from the Muryangcheonsu Gwan came pouring forth.
A deep rumble! A deeper rumble!
The entire corridor trembled as if struck by an earthquake, and even the transparent stones embedded in the walls began to shift.
Crack. Crackle.
Unable to withstand the pressure of the swirling Muryangcheonsu Gwan, fissures gradually spread across the stones.
‘That one…?’
Just as Du Yak Rang’s mouth fell open in astonishment,
A tremendous crash resounded.
Unable to bear the pressure any longer, the stones shattered, and the Muryangcheonsu Gwan burst forth like a broken dam.
A thunderous roar echoed.
The released Muryangcheonsu Gwan cascaded down the sloped corridor toward the exit where Hyuk So Jin stood.
‘The power… has increased.’
Bu Eunseol’s eyes widened as she observed the fist power she had unleashed.
Due to the enhancement of her inner power, the force of her fist technique had grown beyond what it had been before, even without exerting her full strength.
A light tap.
I leaped lightly, treading upon the side of the corridor before descending beside Bu Eunseol.
“Bu Hyung, are you unharmed?”
Bu Eunseol nodded in response.
By constructing a wall of true energy to block the Muryangcheonsu Gwan, Bu Eunseol’s garments remained nearly dry.
“So you have been concealing your genuine martial prowess all this time. And that technique just now….”
Just as Hyuk So Jin was about to offer words of praise, Bu Eunseol spoke coldly to Du Yak Rang.
“Have you passed the trial?”
Du Yak Rang remained silent, like a mute.
Originally, this Muryangcheonsu Gwan served as the supreme defensive mechanism to repel enemies attempting to breach Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong.
Even if one possessed the inner strength to withstand the pressure, so long as the repulsion stone pushed back the Muryangcheonsu Gwan, entry from within remained impossible.
Yet Bu Eunseol, unable to escape nor enter through this absolute sealed formation, instead weaponized the Muryangcheonsu Gwan itself and shattered it in a single devastating strike.
‘I never imagined this person’s martial arts could be so formidable.’
Du Yak Rang’s eyes trembled visibly.
‘And now that the Muryangcheonsu Gwan is destroyed, what am I to do….’
The expense invested in constructing the Muryangcheonsu Gwan amounted to no less than ten million taels, perhaps more.
Moreover, the Muryangcheonsu Gwan water itself was a rare and precious treasure…
The mystical defensive formation that had protected Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong was now gone forever.
‘This is not the moment for such thoughts.’
Du Yak Rang quickly regained her composure.
Now was not the time to lament financial losses—she had to ensure these terrifying uninvited guests were turned away.
‘There is no choice.’
Du Yak Rang’s eyes gleamed with a venomous light as she bit her lip.
‘Given this woman’s level of inner strength, if she unleashes her martial arts, no one will be able to stop her.’
Just as she was about to step on the silver-jade stone to activate the formation once more,
Rustle, rustle.
The light footsteps of dozens of people brushed past from behind Du Yak Rang.
Simultaneously, dozens of women emerged from within, led by an elderly woman whose hair was combed neatly.
The old woman’s sparse wrinkles resembled the bark of a withered tree. At first glance, she appeared to be well over a hundred years old.
Yet her eyes were deep and clear, brimming with spiritual brilliance—she was no ordinary elder.
“Jeongju.”
Du Yak Rang bowed respectfully toward the old woman.
This ancient-looking crone was none other than Geuk Hye Ryeong, the Jeongju of Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong.
“There is no need for further trials.”
Geuk Hye Ryeong’s penetrating gaze fixed upon Bu Eunseol.
“With such a level of inner strength, any trial would be meaningless.”
This passage contained special mechanisms, and it seemed Geuk Hye Ryeong had observed the entire proceedings.
“Bu Eunseol of Nangya Sect pays her respects to the Jeongju.”
As Bu Eunseol bowed respectfully, Hyuk So Jin also clasped his hands.
“Hyuk So Jin of Jeol Cheon Myul Ji greets the elder.”
Under normal circumstances, she would have offered words of praise.
But Geuk Hye Ryeong merely nodded, saying nothing.
Though they were all part of the Ten Demonic Gates, Nangya Sect and Jeol Cheon Myul Ji maintained no contact whatsoever with Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong.
Moreover, having already committed her support to a different successor, Geuk Hye Ryeong could hardly favor Bu Eunseol and Hyuk So Jin.
“Bring them to Hyeol Wol Dong.”
She spoke tersely to Du Yak Rang, then turned without a backward glance.
‘Hyeol Wol Dong, then.’
Bu Eunseol’s lips curved into a bitter smile.
No matter how unique Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong was as a sect, they would never name a place where they received honored guests a “cave.”
As the sect leader of Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong, she still regarded the two of them as uninvited guests.
* * *
Following the attendants’ guidance into the interior, Bu Eunseol and Hyuk So Jin’s expressions grew peculiar.
The name Hyeol Wol Dong conjured images of a demon’s lair where blood was drained to achieve eternal life.
Yet the interior of Hyeol Wol Dong was filled with a warmth and antiquated elegance, as if it were the dwelling of a princess from some fairy tale.
Before the distinctive flower-shaped palace halls stood flower gardens blooming with rare and exotic blossoms, while the center featured a pond with a pavilion erected beside it.
Women dressed in elaborate robes greeted Du Yak Rang lightly as she passed.
But toward Bu Eunseol and Hyuk So Jin, they cast curious glances, and some smiled openly, revealing white teeth without hesitation.
‘Even for a women’s sect, the atmosphere is quite different.’
Where Shin Nyeo Gung emanated mystery and solemnity, Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong radiated splendor and vitality.
“Enter here. The sect leader will arrive shortly.”
Passing through the great door at the center of Hyeol Wol Dong, they entered a space resembling a banquet hall of a tower.
It was neat and orderly, but the furnishings within appeared worn, suggesting it was not frequently used.
“Fortunately, it’s not an actual cave.”
Hyuk So Jin, surveying the interior, wore a bitter smile.
“It’s identical to the situation when we arrived at Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong. It seems Brother Bu arrived a step too late.”
Bu Eunseol closed both eyes and drew upon the senses of the Beast Path instead of responding.
No matter how he looked at it, Hyeol Wol Dong did not appear to be a space prepared to welcome them.
“There seems to be no need for concern.”
Hyuk So Jin, perceiving that Bu Eunseol had heightened his senses, smiled broadly.
“After all, the sect leader has come out, hasn’t she? If she harbored ill intent, she would not have guided us this deep into Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong.”
The sect leader, Geuk Hye Ryeong, was a supreme master among women who had reached the pinnacle of the Extreme Heaven Realm.
Had she intended to kill Bu Eunseol and Hyuk So Jin, she would have acted immediately.
“She’s likely weighing Brother Bu’s martial prowess to determine which successor would be more useful.”
Bu Eunseol opened his eyes, a faint smile playing at his lips.
“Negotiation or death, then.”
“You mean she’s concealed assassins?”
“Mechanical devices.”
Bu Eunseol swept his gaze around with keen interest.
“I hear faint metallic friction sounds throughout. If negotiations fail, she’ll activate them immediately.”
Swish.
At that moment, the sound of rustling fabric accompanied the entrance of an elderly woman in brilliant silver-shimmering robes—Geuk Hye Ryeong.
“Impressive.”
Seated at the head of the table, Geuk Hye Ryeong offered her first word of praise, regarding Bu Eunseol.
“If you can sense the mechanical devices of Hyeol Wol Dong, then you are indeed worthy of speaking with this sect leader.”
Hyuk So Jin’s mouth fell open.
Bu Eunseol’s words were truth itself. Geuk Hye Ryeong stood perpetually ready to draw her blade at any moment.
“Jeongju, this hardly seems appropriate.”
Hyuk So Jin regarded Geuk Hye Ryeong with unwavering confidence in his gaze.
“You wish to negotiate with a sword pressed to your throat?”
“Hehehehe. Negotiate?”
Geuk Hye Ryeong’s laughter scraped like metal against stone.
“I said the Lord of this Sect was merely willing to converse, did I not?”
Her lips, gnarled as ancient wood, twisted further.
“Those capable of negotiating with the Lord of this Sect are the mighty who hold all of Tianxia beneath their feet—not younglings such as yourselves.”
Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong, wielding the most formidable financial power in all of Tianxia.
From their perspective, even the successor to the Ten Demonic Gates might appear as nothing more than an unripened sapling.
“Consider it an honor merely to converse with the Lord of this Sect.”
Geuk Hye Ryeong’s smile turned glacial.
“We have admitted you to this Sect as an investment in your future potential.”
An investment in future potential.
She spoke of the exceptional latent talent Bu Eunseol had demonstrated at Muryangcheonsu Gwan.
“Now it is your turn to speak.”
She fixed her gaze upon Bu Eunseol, her voice dropping low.
“Tell me—how will you please the Lord of this Sect?”
Geuk Hye Ryeong had not come to propose any negotiation.
―What will you offer me?
That was what she was truly saying.
Should Bu Eunseol fail to present a proposal compelling enough to move Geuk Hye Ryeong’s heart, she would be cast out immediately.
“The Lord of this Sect is not merely the wealthiest in all of Tianxia, but maintains connections with countless mighty warriors.”
As Bu Eunseol fell silent, Geuk Hye Ryeong narrowed her eyes and smiled.
“Yet I wonder what the Master of Nangya Sect could possibly offer me…”
Would this end in catastrophe, or could she steer this conversation toward success?
Everything hinged upon Bu Eunseol’s next words.
Should her answer prove even remotely unsatisfactory?
She would be expelled on the spot, or worse—Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong could become her sworn enemy.
“You who are not mighty enough to hold Tianxia beneath your feet.”
‘So that was the answer all along.’
In that instant, the furrow between Bu Eunseol’s brows dissolved completely.
The answer lay hidden within Geuk Hye Ryeong’s very words.
Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong, blessed with abundance in all things.
She had discovered the singular thing that was lacking here.
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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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