The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 221

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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 221.
“So, it’s that young upstart from back then.”
Gu Hong Cheong’s eyes gleamed as he recognized Bu Eunseol at a glance.
“Where is the Green Tiger Gourd?”
Bu Eunseol calmly pointed to her waist.
There hung a gourd bottle with a faint green luminescence—none other than the Green Tiger Gourd, the sacred treasure of Gae Bang.
“Why did you summon this elder to this place?”
“I suspect you already know the answer better than I do.”
Gu Hong Cheong laughed toward the sky as if utterly bewildered.
“Hahahaha! What remarkable confidence you possess!”
His laughter ceased abruptly, and his expression turned murderous.
“In all my years, I have never encountered anyone with such audacious gall as you.”
….
“They say you are a candidate for the succession of the Demon Palace, so you must possess considerable skill. Perhaps you even have the ability to exchange blows with this elder.”
He muttered as if speaking to himself, then gazed directly at Bu Eunseol with a smirk.
“But you do not understand this elder’s nature at all.”
“What do you mean?”
“What would this elder gain from defeating a pyramid like you?”
Gu Hong Cheong let out a scornful sigh.
“I would only earn the shame of having slaughtered a thoughtless child.”
Bu Eunseol smiled instead.
“Is that why you brought so many methods with you?”
“Hehehehe. You already knew?”
As Gu Hong Cheong raised his hand, Gae Bang disciples clad in tattered robes slowly emerged around the Woo Hwa Platform.
Gu Hong Cheong had instructed Moo Hong to deliver the Geol Wang Order to Jin Yak Moon, an elder of the Eight Paths who followed him in secret.
He had then covertly commanded all the disciples under Elder Jin to completely surround the Woo Hwa Platform.
“Had you challenged this elder with honor and integrity, perhaps you might have had the chance to fight one-on-one.”
Flames blazed in Gu Hong Cheong’s eyes like the sun itself.
“But you stole the sacred treasure of this sect.”
….
“Did you truly believe you could face this elder in single combat after committing such an act?”
Gu Hong Cheong took a deep breath and spoke again in a low voice.
“The Green Tiger Gourd, which the Patriarch possessed, is the greatest treasure of this sect. And anyone who steals the sacred treasure of this sect may be attacked by all disciples.”
Gae Bang possessed a sect rule that allowed the mobilization of numerous disciples against those who stole the sacred treasure.
Since Bu Eunseol had stolen the sacred treasure of Gae Bang, there was now justification to mobilize Gae Bang disciples against her.
“With such a sect rule in place, whether I mobilized a thousand or ten thousand Gae Bang disciples, no one could point a finger at this elder.”
Gu Hong Cheong laughed, baring his yellowed teeth.
“Unfortunately, you miscalculated.”
“So you’re saying you fear me and wish to avoid a fair duel.”
“Hehehehe. Even if you deploy a formation barrier, it will be useless.”
Gu Hong Cheong let out a scornful laugh.
“You are merely a candidate for the succession of the Demon Palace, yet No Bong will become the Sect Master responsible for all Eight Paths. How could you possibly stand against a young disciple of the Demonic Path in a one-on-one confrontation?”
Bu Eunseol—a candidate for succession to the Demon Palace.
Her martial prowess was undoubtedly formidable. Like a seasoned old ginger, Gu Hong Cheong was methodically eliminating even the slightest risk factors.
‘Now that I’ve found the treasure that will make me Sect Master, there’s no need to court danger by engaging her directly.’
Once he obtained the Green Tiger Blade, Gu Hong Cheong would become the Sect Master of Gae Bang, responsible for all Eight Paths.
From his position, there was no reason to risk a confrontation with a mere soldier like Bu Eunseol.
“Disciples of this sect, hear me!”
Gu Hong Cheong’s voice rang out with solemn authority.
“Subdue the thief who dares steal this sect’s treasure in one swift motion.”
Crack!
At his command, the Gae Bang disciples flooding Woo Hwa Platform brought their long staffs down against the ground in unison, then began advancing slowly toward Bu Eunseol.
Thud, thud, thud.
The disciples moved forward at a measured pace.
Yet as a thousand strong marched in perfect formation, the sheer weight of their presence bore down like Mount Tai itself.
“So you refuse to fight?”
“Think what you will.”
“Afraid of defeat, are you?”
Bu Eunseol, who had been smiling coldly, gazed toward the distant sky and sighed deeply.
“At your age, chasing power and wealth—when could you ever cultivate supreme martial mastery?”
In that instant, a flash of light crossed Gu Hong Cheong’s eyes.
Her piercing words had struck at the very core of his being.
“Do you think me merely an old man consumed by lust for power?”
Gu Hong Cheong’s expression grew stern.
“This sect was once so prosperous it was called the greatest faction under heaven. Yet as time passed, our influence waned and our organization fell into disarray.”
And he spoke as if venting long-suppressed anguish.
“My disciple Yeon Wi Sung possessed neither martial skill nor strategic wisdom superior to my own. Yet he became Sect Master simply because the previous master chose him! As a result, this sect has been in decline ever since!”
Gu Hong Cheong drew a deep breath and clenched his teeth.
“And No Bong, who became the next Sect Master, harbors no ambition whatsoever. He merely scrapes by, selling information to other sects to maintain our meager standing.”
As if recalling those bitter years, he exhaled roughly.
“Had I ascended to Sect Master long ago and managed the sect’s affairs, we would have surpassed even Shaolin and become the greatest faction under heaven.”
In truth, Gu Hong Cheong loved Gae Bang more than anyone. That is why he yearned for it to become a powerful sect.
Yet despite possessing the greatest influence throughout the Righteous Path, he had grown weary of merely selling information to the Murim world, and resentment had taken root.
“At your age, you don’t understand how a sect truly operates.”
“What did you say?”
“You fail to grasp why Gae Bang has endured despite its countless disciples.”
Bu Eunseol spoke with a soft, derisive snort.
“Where vast numbers gather, corruption is inevitable.”
And she fixed Gu Hong Cheong with a cold gaze.
“Gae Bang chose survival by coexisting with the underworld and exchanging information networks, rather than accumulating raw power.”
In that instant, Gu Hong Cheong’s expression stiffened slightly.
Bu Eunseol’s words were identical to what he had always heard from Sang Gwan Woon, the Patriarch back in his younger days.
“Hmph, what do you think you know about the Patriarch of this sect?”
He shook his head as if trying to dispel his thoughts and spoke.
“There is no need for further conversation.”
Thud, thud, thud.
Before long, the Gae Bang disciples had closed the distance to roughly ten zhang from Bu Eunseol.
Then he called out once more in a loud voice to the Gae Bang disciples.
“Dispose of this wretch in one breath and reclaim the Jade Tiger Scroll of this sect!”
No matter how formidable Bu Eunseol’s martial arts were, she could not overcome a thousand Gae Bang disciples.
Moreover, if Gu Hong Cheong secretly lent his strength, only death awaited Bu Eunseol.
Rumble, rumble, rumble.
Then something strange occurred.
The Gae Bang disciples at the rear of the thousand-strong formation suddenly rushed forward.
Yet instead of attacking Bu Eunseol, they turned their bodies and stood as if to protect her.
“What?”
Seeing this, Gu Hong Cheong rubbed his eyes in disbelief.
Why would the disciples of Gae Bang take the side of Bu Eunseol, a figure of the Demonic Path?
Thud.
Then the formation of Gae Bang disciples parted, and a beggar wearing a tattered cloth on his head walked out carrying a long staff.
Whoosh.
As he removed the cloth covering his face, the refined features of a middle-aged man were revealed in the sunlight.
It was Hae Poong, the current Vice-Patriarch of Gae Bang.
“Hae Poong, you….”
Gu Hong Cheong spoke with wide eyes of astonishment.
“How did you come to be here?”
“….”
“Surely you don’t mean to take the side of this Demonic Path wretch!”
“Grand Elder.”
Hae Poong spoke with a deep sigh.
“This person possesses the Jade Tiger Scroll, a treasure our sect has long sought.”
“So? I have already activated the Geol Wang Order to surround this wretch.”
“She has stated that if force is used, she will immediately destroy the Jade Tiger Scroll.”
Gu Hong Cheong flinched.
Only then did he realize that Bu Eunseol had made secret contact with Hae Poong before coming to Woo Hwa Platform.
“You have conspired with that wretch?”
“It is not conspiracy. She came directly to our sect not long ago and said that if you would allow her to face you alone, she would hand over the Jade Tiger Scroll intact.”
“So you would betray this elder based on that wretch’s words?”
“Grand Elder, there is no possibility of you suffering defeat to her. Why would you fear a confrontation with her?”
Gu Hong Cheong suppressed the surging resentment in his heart and laughed harshly.
“Afraid? Hahahaha!”
Now I realized that Bu Eunseol had already concluded negotiations with Hae Poong regarding the Green Tiger Seal she’d discovered.
And she had kept it tightly concealed, moving secretly to Woo Hwa Platform while blending in with the methods I had mobilized.
“If you attempt to suppress me with superior numbers, I will immediately destroy the Green Tiger Seal and flee.”
“….”
“But if the Grand Elder engages in a one-on-one duel with this Demonic Path man, wouldn’t you be able to safely recover the sacred treasure you’ve sought for so long?”
“Hae Poong!”
Gu Hong Cheong cried out in a voice filled with fury.
“You are now using the Green Tiger Seal as a pretext to defend a Demonic Path disciple and betray our organization!”
“Grand Elder.”
Hae Poong spoke with a sorrowful expression.
“The position of Grand Elder is not meant to command the forces of our organization, but rather to guide us when we stray from the righteous path.”
He released a deep sigh before continuing.
“Then why do you create a seal that doesn’t even exist—the Geol Wang Seal—directly involve yourself in organizational affairs, and seek to lead our organization?”
“You won’t listen no matter what I say!”
Gu Hong Cheong erupted in anger.
“Our organization must grow stronger! But you all use the excuse of maintaining a beggar’s duty as a pretext to remain complacent!”
“Our organization has always mingled with the common people and conveyed news from throughout the Murim.”
Hae Poong spoke with earnest conviction.
“But if we suddenly pursue hegemonic ambitions, how would we differ from the Demonic Path Sect?”
“What did you say, Demonic Path!”
“Grand Elder!”
As the argument intensified, Hae Poong also raised his voice with passion.
“The position of Grand Elder is meant to advise on organizational matters!”
After taking a deep breath, he cried out again.
“From the very beginning, directly operating our organization’s intelligence network and portions of the Eight Paths’ forces… that itself is wrong!”
Silence fell over Woo Hwa Platform for a long moment.
Gu Hong Cheong, having regained his composure, asked in a measured tone.
“So. What do you intend to do?”
“Because the previous leader fell ill in spirit, he neither produced the Beggar’s Staff nor designated a successor, correct?”
Hae Poong spoke with unwavering resolve.
“But now that we have obtained the Green Tiger Seal, which is equivalent to the Beggar’s Staff, I intend to elect a new leader.”
“Hehehehe, so that was your true intention all along.”
Gu Hong Cheong wore a hollow smile.
Only now did I realize that all of this had been Bu Eunseol’s trap, and I had fallen into a situation from which there was no escape.
“So this elder can never become the leader.”
Even if I died and came back to life, Bu Eunseol would never surrender the Green Tiger Seal to me.
My plan to obtain a sacred treasure surpassing the Beggar’s Staff and become leader had crumbled to dust.
“Was it all merely a fleeting dream?”
Despite all my struggles to create a more powerful Gae Bang.
The era would not accept him.
In the end, Hae Poong, who had even obtained the Green Tiger Gourd, would become the next Master of Gae Bang.
“We have kept our promise.”
Then Hae Poong spoke to Bu Eunseol.
“Now you must keep yours.”
If Gu Hong Cheong and Bu Eunseol were to fight, the Green Tiger Gourd at his waist could be shattered.
Without hesitation at Hae Poong’s words, Bu Eunseol drew the Green Tiger Gourd from her waist and tossed it to him.
Clink.
Hae Poong caught the Green Tiger Gourd, a faint smile playing at his lips as he asked.
“Are you not afraid that I might break my promise? I could attack you after taking this.”
“You are not fit to be Master either.”
“What do you mean?”
“If Gae Bang has fallen to such depths, it would be cause for celebration.”
Bu Eunseol spoke with eyes that showed no wavering.
“If you would carelessly break a promise made on something sacred… then Gae Bang would soon become a second-rate sect, unable even to claim a seat at the lowest rung of the Nine Sects One Alliance.”
Only then did Hae Poong realize his misspoken words, and his face flushed red.
By merely uttering such words, he had tarnished the dignity of Gae Bang, which had always revered cooperation and honored its oaths.
“I apologize. That was a careless remark.”
Hae Poong clasped his hands together and spoke with a grave expression.
“Even one from the Demonic Path trusts in our sect’s reputation… it was not a thing to say, even in jest.”
And he stepped back and said.
“As promised, our sect will not interfere in this duel.”
Then Hae Poong, holding the Green Tiger Gourd aloft, cried out.
“All disciples of our sect, hear me! Withdraw immediately to beyond ten li!”
Bu Eunseol and Gu Hong Cheong would now begin their duel.
If they remained surrounding the area, they would surely scatter Bu Eunseol’s focus and drain her inner strength.
Moreover, someone could interfere at the critical moment.
Bu Eunseol had made this demand of Hae Poong from the start so she could conduct a fair and honorable duel.
“I will return when the sunset fades.”
At Hae Poong’s words, Bu Eunseol gave a slight nod.
Then she slowly stepped forward before Gu Hong Cheong.
“Shall we begin?”
But Gu Hong Cheong’s gaze was not fixed on Bu Eunseol—it was locked on the Green Tiger Gourd held in the hands of Hae Poong as he turned to leave.
In his eyes as he beheld the jade-green radiance of the Green Tiger Gourd, rage and resignation alternated in violent waves.
A plan he had dreamed of for decades had crumbled before his eyes.
Because of this, a subtle flaw had emerged in his spiritual essence.
‘Even handing over the Green Tiger Gourd to Hae Poong here was intentional!’
To fight with one’s inner strength scattered before battle was the same as fighting with iron weights bound to one’s feet.
Gu Hong Cheong realized that Bu Eunseol had deliberately shown him the moment she handed the Green Tiger Gourd to Hae Poong, inflicting a profound despair and blow upon his spirit.
“Very well. I shall face you.”
Gu Hong Cheong swallowed the rage threatening to burst forth and spoke.
The state of his spirit matters not. Once I strike him down, it will be finished.
As he strode forward, the shimmering heat of vital energy surged skyward.
Regardless of holding only the lowest rank among the Four Gods Seven Kings, Geol Wang remained Geol Wang.
He radiated a formidable presence befitting his legendary name.
‘Is this truly all there is?’
Bu Eunseol, observing Gu Hong Cheong’s materialized vital energy, clenched her fists.
At last, the decisive confrontation with Geol Wang had begun.

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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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