The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 186
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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 186.
In a quiet tea house with no one else around, six young people sat together.
They were Bu Eunseol and Hyuk So Jin, along with the Jegal siblings and the Hwang Bo Brothers.
“So what you’re saying is….”
Bu Eunseol, who had been listening silently to Jegal Seowoon’s explanation, finally spoke.
“…the Je Gal Family will take the lead, with the Hwang Bo Family and Mo Yong Family joining forces to directly eliminate Yi Hun Gwang Ja, who has revealed himself this time.”
The Je Gal, Mo Yong, and Hwang Bo Families.
Not only were these three among the Eight Great Families most actively engaged in Murim affairs, but they also maintained deep bonds of friendship with one another.
Thus, the moment Yi Hun Gwang Ja appeared, they immediately pooled their strength to form a pursuit unit.
‘As expected.’
Bu Eunseol nodded faintly, as if she had anticipated this.
The Je Gal Family in particular never failed to emerge in Gangho whenever turmoil arose in Murim.
Bu Eunseol had noticed Jegal Seowoon was from the Je Gal Family when she spotted the Six Harmony Fan tucked at his waist back at the Inn.
In other words, she had deduced that they had come to Gangho to deal with Yi Hun Gwang Ja.
“But how do you intend to capture Yi Hun Gwang Ja, who is said to be so elusive?”
“The previous generation masters of the three families, including our Main House, are already on Yi Hun Gwang Ja’s trail.”
“On his trail.”
As Bu Eunseol’s expression turned skeptical, Jegal Seowoon’s phoenix-like eyes gleamed as he continued.
“Of course, Yi Hun Gwang Ja is a seasoned fugitive. He would certainly be aware that the previous generation masters of three families are pursuing him.”
After taking a sip of tea, he continued.
“He will likely evade the pursuit by avoiding blockaded escape routes. That is why we have decided to pool our efforts and locate Yi Hun Gwang Ja’s movements ourselves.”
Bu Eunseol let out a low hum.
Though Jegal Seowoon had used the word “locate,” his meaning was crystal clear.
They intended to bypass the pursuit units sent by the three families and eliminate Yi Hun Gwang Ja themselves.
“But why do you require our participation?”
Bu Eunseol asked with a puzzled expression.
Three of the Eight Great Families had already united just to capture one Yi Hun Gwang Ja.
Their forces were more than sufficient, and there was virtually no reason to invite outsiders.
“Both Master Bu and Master Hyuk possess exceptional martial prowess and remarkable righteousness.”
He cleared his throat and smiled.
“Ordinarily, one would focus solely on dealing with the bandits, but Master Bu prioritized the welfare of the common people first.”
Jegal Seowoon held a faint smile.
“I believe the Way of Righteousness is the most important principle in Murim. And only those with such conviction can capture truly wicked villains.”
He continued, alternating his gaze between Bu Eunseol and Hyuk So Jin.
“Moreover, both of you are indifferent to fame and fortune, with no desire to build reputation. Most of the credit for eliminating the bandits was due to your efforts, yet you departed quietly.”
“You need us based solely on righteousness?”
“Of course not. Righteousness is merely the foundation.”
“The foundation, you say.”
Bu Eunseol smiled faintly.
“If you wish to capture him without selfish motives, there would be no need for us to step forward separately. It would be more efficient to request additional forces at the locations you suspect and eliminate Yi Hun Gwang Ja that way.”
“Of course, our desire to capture Yi Hun Gwang Ja is partly motivated by the prestige it would bring. I won’t pretend we have no ambitions whatsoever.”
Jegal Seowoon spoke with candor.
“However, the fact that the three families’ advance units joined forces spread far too quickly. Given that Yi Hun Gwang Ja, a master of evasion, is now aware that three advance units are pursuing him….”
He paused to sigh, then shook his head.
“He will undoubtedly evade our pursuit. That’s why we advised either forming new pursuit units or dividing the three existing units to blockade all anticipated escape routes. But… our counsel was not heeded.”
In short, though he had conveyed his opinions to the senior figures of the three families, they refused to listen, leaving the younger generation to capture Yi Hun Gwang Ja themselves.
‘These people are gravely underestimating Yi Hun Gwang Ja’s abilities.’
Based on the Guusal Unit’s compiled intelligence, Yi Hun Gwang Ja’s actual strength differed vastly from his reputation—he had entered the Transcendent Realm long ago.
Yet they intended to pursue him based merely on rumors circulating through the Murim?
‘Or perhaps they are overconfident in their own abilities.’
“Of course, it’s possible that Yi Hun Gwang Ja is a master far stronger than his reputation suggests.”
Jegal Seowoon continued as though he had read Bu Eunseol’s innermost thoughts.
“That’s why we attempted to recruit Cheon Ui Scholar, who shares a personal connection with myself and the Hwang Bo Brothers. But he had already departed for Yunnan.”
“Cheon Ui Scholar?”
I had never heard that name before.
As Bu Eunseol tilted her head in confusion, Jegal Seowoon explained.
“He has not gained widespread renown because he refrains from Murim activities, but he is a master who originated from Wudang.”
“A disciple of the Wudang Sect, then?”
“Indeed. Though he is a lay disciple, he has mastered the Tai Chi Sword Arts deeply and possesses exceptional strategic acumen as well.”
Jegal Seowoon intended to recruit Cheon Ui Scholar, who rivaled the masters of the Mo Yong Family, to handle Yi Hun Gwang Ja with absolute certainty.
“Yi Hun Gwang Ja’s Piercing Bone Blade Method is shrouded in brutal killing techniques, making it highly probable that it will unleash unexpected devastation.”
Jegal Seowoon spoke with utmost seriousness.
“That’s why we sought to recruit Cheon Ui Scholar to prepare for any unforeseen contingencies… but since he departed for Yunnan, we had no choice but to accept our disappointment.”
Jegal Seowoon paused, took a sip of tea, then resumed speaking.
“However, I witnessed the exceptional martial prowess of two individuals aboard the merchant vessel. Meeting Bu Xiaoxia and Hyuk Xiaoxia, whose abilities are no less than Cheon Ui Scholar’s, must surely be fate.”
They possessed knowledge of the ways of heroes, remained indifferent to wealth and fame, and excelled in martial arts.
For Jegal Seowoon, who urgently needed to deal with Yi Hun Gwang Ja, these two were an opportunity he simply could not afford to miss.
“Bu Xiaoxia.”
Jegal Seowoon spoke once more with conviction.
“Will you join us?”
‘Excellent.’
Bu Eunseol allowed a faint smile to grace her lips.
In truth, she had permitted Jegal Seowoon’s approach hoping to glean information about Yi Hun Gwang Ja’s whereabouts.
But for him to deliver her enemy directly into her grasp? Nothing could be more fortuitous.
“Let’s give it a try.”
“Thank you.”
Jegal Seowoon beamed with delight and clasped his hands together.
Yet the Hwang Bo Brothers merely stood in silence, their expressions visibly displeased.
“Seorin.”
Deliberately ignoring their displeasure, Jegal Seowoon addressed Jegal Seorin.
“Since Bu Hyuk and Hyuk So Jin have promised to join forces, explain the current situation to them.”
“Yes.”
She then unfolded a detailed map of the Guangxi region across the table.
“Right now, the vanguard units of three families are pursuing Yi Hun Gwang Ja, who has fled the Sa Eun Bu area. And we’ve arranged to rendezvous here with Mo Yong Gyeong, the second son of the Mo Yong Family.”
Jegal Seorin spoke carefully.
“After joining forces with the Mo Yong prince, we’ll wait at the mountain pass of Woo Jung Mountain, where we expect Yi Hun Gwang Ja to appear.”
“You’re saying Yi Hun Gwang Ja will come to Woo Jung Mountain?”
“If our prediction is correct.”
As Jegal Seorin smiled, the interior of the tea house seemed to brighten.
In that moment, the Hwang Bo Brothers’ mouths curved upward in grins.
‘So he’s interested in the spoils as well.’
It seemed the Hwang Bo Brothers had joined this endeavor with yet another hidden purpose.
“Then now….”
Jegal Seowoon rose to his feet and spoke with vigor.
“Let us depart!”
* * *
Two carriages raced along Gwan Do.
One carried Jegal Seorin and Jegal Seowoon, while the other held Bu Eunseol and Hyuk So Jin.
“Hmm.”
Hyuk So Jin, releasing a deep sigh, opened his mouth with a dissatisfied expression.
“I’m not entirely comfortable with this operation.”
“What do you mean?”
“Can this really be called a venture into the Gangho… or rather, a true battle?”
Hyuk So Jin, arms crossed, spoke with evident displeasure.
“No matter how deserving of death this Demon Lord is… to charge forward as a group like beaters driving game, then capture him. It simply doesn’t appeal to me.”
Since venturing into the Gangho with Bu Eunseol, I had constantly fought for my life from disadvantageous positions.
But now, to wage battle by overwhelming a minority with superior numbers… it felt unsatisfying.
“I believe I mentioned this before.”
Bu Eunseol, having discerned Hyuk So Jin’s true feelings, spoke matter-of-factly.
“Warriors are not cultivated through intense combat alone. Martial prowess can advance through diverse experiences as well.”
“That is… certainly true.”
Hyuk So Jin, about to retort, closed his mouth firmly when his gaze met Bu Eunseol’s.
His demeanor resembled that of a younger brother who dared not talk back to a stern elder brother, swallowing his words.
Witnessing this, Bu Eunseol suddenly recalled Heuk Pyo, who was training in martial arts at Donghyo Seorang.
With exceptional talent and unwavering diligence, his martial cultivation must be advancing by leaps and bounds each day.
“And have no concerns.”
Bu Eunseol, staring intently at Hyuk So Jin, spoke with meaningful weight.
“There is no guarantee we will hold the advantage in this battle.”
“What?”
“Despite three vanguard units from the Eight Great Families pursuing him, he remains uncaptured. Perhaps….”
“Whoa, whoa!”
At that moment, the coachman’s low shout rang out.
Soon after, the carriage came to a halt before a dilapidated manor, some distance from the city.
This was Nak Sung Manor, where Mo Yong Gyeong, the second son of the Mo Yong Family, had agreed to rendezvous.
“Brother Jegal.”
Emerging from the manor was a handsome young man dressed in resplendent silks, adorned with ornamental earrings.
It was none other than Mo Yong Gyeong, the second son of the Mo Yong Family patriarch and one of the Seven Heroes Three Teachings—the Flashing Flying Sword.
“Brother Mo Yong.”
Mo Yong Gyeong greeted Jegal Seowoon and the Hwang Bo Brothers warmly.
But as Bu Eunseol and Hyuk So Jin approached behind them, his eyes blinked in surprise.
“Who are these…?”
As wariness filled his gaze, Jegal Seowoon spoke hastily.
“The Cheon Ui Scholar failed to honor his commitment. So in his stead, I bring Bu Eunseol, Minor Hero Bu, and his sworn brother Hyuk So Jin, Minor Hero Hyuk.”
In that instant, Mo Yong Gyeong’s expression darkened.
He had never heard their names before, and moreover, the auras of both individuals seemed utterly ordinary.
“Surely you jest. You mean to suddenly add unknown figures to this operation?”
“It is not sudden. Minor Hero Bu and Minor Hero Hyuk, on the way here…”
Jegal Seowoon elaborated at length on Bu Eunseol and Hyuk So Jin’s martial prowess and righteous spirit in swiftly dispatching the Gyoryong Bang’s water bandits.
Yet as Mo Yong Gyeong listened in silence, his expression did not improve.
Thereupon, Jegal Seowoon explained once more with a grave countenance.
“Yi Hun Gwang Ja is a murderer who has roamed the Murim for over a decade, evading the pursuit of Jeongsayang-do.”
And meeting Mo Yong Gyeong’s eyes directly, he continued.
“His true strength may exceed what is known. We must reinforce our forces to suppress him without difficulty.”
“Yet can one truly call them exceptional fighters merely for dispatching a band of water bandits?”
Mo Yong Gyeong asked cautiously, but his intent was clear—he was looking down upon Bu Eunseol and Hyuk So Jin.
Flustered, Jegal Seowoon spoke in a low voice.
“Even if that were so, merely buying time would suffice.”
As Mo Yong Gyeong maintained his skeptical expression, Jegal Seowoon wiped the sweat from his brow.
He was anxious lest Bu Eunseol and Hyuk So Jin take offense and withdraw.
Yet the two showed no particular reaction despite having heard the entire exchange.
‘Truly admirable character. They have indeed become true gentlemen!’
He mistakenly believed they were restraining themselves not merely out of patience, but because they possessed such noble virtue.
But the reality was entirely different.
「Brother Bu. Another frog in a well has appeared.」
「Silence.」
「Are you not being overly discriminatory? Since another well-dwelling frog has made an appearance, surely you should offer him a sharp rebuke?」
The two paid Mo Yong Gyeong no mind whatsoever, exchanging trivial gossip through their secret transmission.
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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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