The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 203

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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 203.
In that instant, all the members of the Mubon Squad standing behind Bu Eunseol trembled with barely contained excitement.
Bu Eunseol, a successor candidate, was openly declaring her intention to claim the formal position of Master of the Demon Hall itself….
Was that not essentially a demand to recognize the Mubon Squad as an official division?
“….”
Ma Cheon Je, who had been gazing down at Bu Eunseol, turned his head and gave a subtle nod to Yeop Hyo Cheon.
At that signal, Jin Seol and Si Bi, who stood behind Yeop Hyo Cheon, descended slowly from the Platform carrying a single box.
Jin Seol, who had approached Bu Eunseol, opened the box she received from Si Bi.
Click.
Within lay a spirit tablet wrapped in crimson silk, shimmering with five-colored radiance. Inscribed upon its center were the characters “Sa Yeong”—Shadow of Death.
Bu Eunseol’s heart grew cold as she beheld the tablet.
No matter how mysterious Ma Cheon Je’s power and martial prowess, he could not have crafted such a spirit tablet in a single breath.
In other words, Ma Cheon Je had foreseen that Bu Eunseol would demand the formal position of Master of the Mubon Squad upon completing her mission.
‘It must be one of two things.’
Bu Eunseol reflected.
Either Ma Cheon Je comprehended and anticipated everything about her, or someone had meticulously reported every detail of her actions in the Gangho.
‘It matters not.’
Bu Eunseol dismissed the thought.
This was not the moment to dwell on such matters.
I had to embrace with both hands the burning aspirations radiating from the members behind me—no, from the members of the Sa Yeong Dae.
Ma Cheon Je, still gazing down at Bu Eunseol, spoke in a low voice.
“I hear you annihilated the Maban Sect with discretion and silence.”
The Mubon Squad members had overwhelmed the Maban Sect’s elite without revealing their identities.
Rumors spread throughout the Murim that the Demon Hall had dispatched “shadows that dealt death in secrecy.”
As such a designation took root, Ma Cheon Je bestowed upon them the name Sa Yeong Dae—the Shadow of Death Squad.
“Bu Eunseol, disciple of the Nangya Sect.”
Ma Cheon Je spoke with measured composure, gazing down at Bu Eunseol.
“For your service in eliminating the Maban Sect, I hereby appoint you Master of the Sa Yeong Dae, a Third-Rank Division of this Hall.”
In that moment, faint smirks played at the corners of the mouths of the division masters standing in attendance within the Demon Hall.
―So it was a Third-Rank Division after all.
The divisions of the Demon Hall were ranked from First to Third.
First-Rank Divisions answered only to their direct superiors and could undertake independent missions if they wished.
Second-Rank Divisions held authority and discretion in mission execution. Third-Rank Divisions, however, must strictly obey and carry out all orders from above.
“However, during the execution of missions related to the successor candidacy….”
At that moment, Ma Cheon Je continued.
“I shall permit you to undertake independent missions at your discretion.”
The eyes of the standing division masters widened in shock.
Though nominally a Third-Rank Division, Ma Cheon Je had effectively granted Bu Eunseol the authority of a First-Rank Division.
―This mere slip of a girl will conduct independent missions?
―But only those related to the successor candidacy, he said.
―Ah, I see. If I fail to become the successor, I’ll be discarded like a worn-out tool.
Whether the lords gossip through their secret transmissions or not,
“I shall obey your command.”
Bu Eunseol lowered her head and accepted the token of authority with proper courtesy.
* * *
Several days later, within the Demon Palace.
Some forty martial artists advanced toward the heart of the Demon Palace while maintaining a rigid formation.
The character for “Destruction” was inscribed near the back of their martial robes, and they wore swords with sheaths marked by crimson lines at their waists.
They were members of the Jeol Myeong Dae.
Thump, thump.
Yet from the opposite direction came thirty warriors approaching them.
They wore luxurious martial robes that shimmered with radiance, though their weapons were a motley assortment of different types.
Their gait was far too carefree for warriors of the Demon Palace, and some even chatted casually with their comrades beside them.
Such a sight would be unimaginable within the Demon Palace, which emphasized solemnity and discipline.
They were none other than the members of Bu Eunseol’s Sa Yeong Dae.
―As long as you don’t disrupt the chain of command, you may do as you wish.
Upon entering the Demon Palace, Bu Eunseol had issued this command to them.
―Your individuality is your weapon, and it shall become my strength.
Bu Eunseol recognized them as formal members while still honoring their individuality.
She had discerned that her Sa Yeong Dae could unleash their greatest power within an atmosphere of freedom.
Perhaps such an order might seem trivial to some. Yet they followed it faithfully, as though they had received a grand mandate.
Before long, they had become devoted subordinates who executed Bu Eunseol’s every command with absolute precision.
“What a bunch of clowns.”
Gok Jin Dong, commander of the Jeol Myeong Dae, spoke in a low voice as he watched them walk like a rabble without maintaining formation.
“They got lucky becoming formal members and now they strut about in those fancy robes.”
The members of the Sa Yeong Dae all possessed deep inner power and acute hearing.
There was no way they could miss Gok Jin Dong’s words, low voice or not.
“Pardon me, but aren’t you the commander of the Jeol Myeong Dae?”
“What?”
Won Se Moon, who had been walking at the front with a carefree swagger, playfully waved both hands, causing Gok Jin Dong’s eyes to widen.
“Have you lost your mind?”
“Lost my mind?”
“How dare a mere member jest with me, the commander?”
Then Jo Nam Cheon, standing beside Won Se Moon, let out a soft chuckle and spoke.
“It seems the commander dislikes receiving greetings.”
“What did you say?”
“All Won Se Moon did was clasp his hands together to welcome you, didn’t he?”
“With that grinning face of his?”
“Then what, should he greet you with tears? Is that what you prefer, Commander?”
“Hmph.”
Gok Jin Dong, momentarily at a loss for words, suddenly recalled something and smiled wickedly.
“Your arrogance will be short-lived.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“She may have been appointed as the official leader, but in reality, she still holds the status of a successor candidate, doesn’t she? If your leader falls from the successor candidate position… you’ll all become cold rice again. Hehehehe.”
Though Bu Eunseol was called the official leader of the Demon Hall, she had ultimately obtained that position through her status as a successor candidate.
In other words, it was a position obtained by Ma Cheon Je’s direct choice, circumventing the organizational hierarchy.
Moreover, hadn’t the authority for independent mission execution been limited only to successor candidate missions?
If Bu Eunseol failed to become the successor in the future? The Sa Yeong Dae could very well become cold rice once more.
“You certainly worry about many things.”
Then Wi Cheon Gyeong, whose bangs obscured his forehead, brushed past Gok Jin Dong’s side and spoke.
“Our leader is the legitimate successor of the Ten Demonic Gates, regardless of whether she becomes the successor of the main branch. Perhaps you should focus on preserving your own position, Gok.”
“Preserving? You damned Mubon Squad bastard…”
“We are not the Mubon Squad. We are the Sa Yeong Dae, Gok.”
Between Wi Cheon Gyeong’s bangs, a pale yellow lightning flickered in his eyes.
“Surely you didn’t miss seeing our leader receive the spirit token days ago… or are you rejecting the title bestowed by Ma Cheon Je?”
At Wi Cheon Gyeong’s words, Gok Jin Dong’s complexion turned dark and he shook his head.
“No, I absolutely meant nothing of the sort.”
The Sa Yeong Dae was a title directly granted by Ma Cheon Je.
If word of disrespecting it reached the Law Enforcement Hall, he could face punishment for blasphemy.
“What your leader said just now was a mistake. Forget it.”
Gok Jin Dong, wiping cold sweat from his brow, waved his hand, and Jo Nam Cheon smiled and respectfully clasped his hands together.
“You should also start paying attention to your appearance now, Gok.”
Then, chuckling softly, he turned around, and the remaining members also walked away with snickering grins.
―Hehehehe!
The corners of the members’ mouths overflowed with laughter that seemed ready to split.
―We actually got to land a blow on that bastard Jeol Myeong Dae leader?
―People really do need to climb the ranks to see the world!
―We’re set now. Serving under a leader like that.
The members who had always been despised.
That eyesore of a Jeol Myeong Dae leader was humiliated and couldn’t even throw a fit?
―Ahahaha!
They were savoring their newly elevated status for the first time.
* * *
The Demon Hall had numerous squads, but their ranks and treatment differed accordingly.
For example, the members of the three elite squads—Cheon Sal, Am Cheon, and Myeol Hon—which could be called the highest-ranking squads in the Demon Hall, each had personal quarters assigned and Si Bi stationed to manage their meals.
And for the lower-ranking squads, they used the common dormitories built within the Demon Hall, and meals were also taken in the communal dining hall.
From that perspective, the Sa Yeong Dae was receiving quite favorable treatment.
Only the Sa Yeong Dae members were provided with a separate residential building, a small Training Grounds had been constructed in front of it, and a small office for Bu Eunseol had also been installed.
“Indeed, one must climb the right ladder to see success.”
Jo Nam Cheon, watching the workers carefully replacing the nameplate, let out an exclamation of admiration.
“Ma Cheon Je appointed him as commander directly, so this kind of treatment is only natural.”
At that, Wi Cheon Gyeong, standing beside him, shook his head.
“But it’s strange. Usually when a new squad is formed, they build a new building for it. Why did they give him the one Ma Young used?”
Jo Nam Cheon, who had been stroking his chin for a moment, spoke with a serious expression.
“After all, the commander is destined to become the successor of the Demon Hall, isn’t he? When that time comes, our positions will change as well, so this must be temporary.”
Wi Cheon Gyeong answered with a smile instead of words.
In truth, he believed it too.
That Bu Eunseol would surely become the successor of the Demon Hall. And that they would also spread their wings and soar even higher.
“Hmph, why don’t you just compose a song praising the commander?”
Won Se Moon, who had been directing the members’ sword techniques at the Training Grounds, let out a scoff.
“Actually, what Jeol Myeong Dae said isn’t wrong.”
“What do you mean?”
When Jo Nam Cheon asked back, Won Se Moon furrowed his brow.
“What if the commander falls out of the successor candidates? Would he remain as the commander of the Demon Hall? Of course he’d return to the Nangya Sect.”
At that, Jo Nam Cheon’s face darkened.
Though he was called the commander of the Demon Hall, Bu Eunseol was ultimately the legitimate successor of the Nangya Sect. If he failed to become the successor, there would be no reason for him to remain in the Demon Hall.
“Won Se Moon. You still haven’t abandoned that rebellious nature of yours.”
Around the time Wi Cheon Gyeong sighed while watching this,
Creak.
The office door opened and Bu Eunseol and Hyuk So Jin came out.
Then Jo Nam Cheon and Wi Cheon Gyeong clasped their hands together to bow,
“Commander. You’ve arrived?”
But Won Se Moon had already scurried forward ahead of them, speaking with his hands clasped.
“I’ve taught all the members sword techniques and completed their formation training.”
“You’ve worked hard.”
When Bu Eunseol nodded, Won Se Moon rubbed his clasped hands together vigorously.
“Hard work? This is all for our commander and my own advancement. Hahahaha!”
―That madman….
Jo Nam Cheon and Wi Cheon Gyeong’s eyes darkened sharply as they watched.
When did he criticize Bu Eunseol’s uncertain future, and now he was fawning like he’d wipe the ground clean for him.
“Squad Leader. Your words contradict yourself. Just now you said the commander was among the successor candidates….”
Han So Woong, who had approached without notice, opened his mouth with a displeased expression,
“Shut up!”
Won Se Moon, with nimble technique, stretched Han So Woong’s puffy cheeks left and right with force.
“The commander has great matters ahead. Don’t make him uncomfortable with unnecessary talk!”
“….”
At his shameless attitude, not just the squad leaders but all the members’ faces darkened.
Thump, thump.
Then a martial artist in black robes slowly approached where Bu Eunseol was and clasped his hands.
“Wi Choong, a martial artist of the Sole Brightness Pavilion, greets the commander.”
“What is the matter?”
“All successor candidates have gathered, so the Master of the Demon Palace is summoned to the Sole Brightness Pavilion.”
“Understood.”
Bu Eunseol nodded and pulled a secret manual from her robe, handing it to Won Se Moon.
“What is this?”
“These are the demonic techniques of Jeol Cheon Myeol Ji. The members of the First Squad must stand at the forefront during combat.”
“You’ve used another secret manual again?”
As Won Se Moon grinned widely, Bu Eunseol spoke coldly.
“There’s no need to be pleased. Anyone who fails to master this technique to the third stage or higher within a month cannot remain a member of the Sa Yeong Dae.”
In that instant, the expressions of the First Squad members, who had been watching Bu Eunseol with relaxed postures, hardened.
―Anyone who fails to master this technique to the third stage or higher within a month will be stripped of their position in the Sa Yeong Dae.
This is what Bu Eunseol was saying.
“I will be going to the Sole Brightness Pavilion, so practice diligently from now on.”
Then she and Hyuk So Jin followed the martial master of the Sole Brightness Pavilion out of the Sa Yeong Gak.
A silence as profound as death descended.
The eyes of the members, which had been filled with laughter, now burned with fierce determination once more.
Bu Eunseol had not given the Sa Yeong Dae members only sweet benefits.
She had made it abundantly clear that only those who did not settle for the present and constantly strived could remain in the Sa Yeong Dae.
Only those who ceaselessly pursued perfection.
Only such individuals could stand by Bu Eunseol’s side.
Footsteps echoed steadily.
Bu Eunseol and Hyuk So Jin followed the martial master of the Sole Brightness Pavilion through the Palace Hall, heading toward the heart of the Demon Palace.
―All successor candidates of the Demon Palace are to come to the main hall by the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Not long ago, an order had been issued by Yeop Hyo Cheon, the Grand Patriarch of the Demon Palace, one of the Four Gods Seven Kings known as the “King Who Rules Darkness.”
And to carry out that solemn command, all the successor candidates of the Ten Demonic Gates had gathered in one place.
“Brother Bu, have you heard the news?”
Hyuk So Jin, walking beside her, spoke in a low voice.
“I heard that this time, the successors of the White Horse Sect, Hell Blood Sect, and the Saryeong School have been excluded from the successor candidates.”
It was hardly surprising.
All three sects had attacked Bu Eunseol and each had tasted bitter defeat.
In short, the plans of the three sects to suppress Bu Eunseol through collective strength had failed one after another.
The Demon Palace likely recognized such failures as a lack of successor qualities and excluded them from the candidates.
“I see.”
Bu Eunseol nodded and continued walking as a crescent-shaped Palace Hall slowly came into view ahead.
The Sole Brightness Pavilion.
The place where I first met the Grand Patriarch and received the order to eliminate the Great Master.
Now, having become the official Master of the Demon Palace, I had returned to the Sole Brightness Pavilion once more.
And there would be…
The Hwawoo Sword Sect, the Blood-Dyed Sword School.
Geuk Sal Mil Gak, the Destruction Spear Sect.
Gathered before me were all the successor candidates of the Demon Palace who would compete with Bu Eunseol going forward.

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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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