The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 229

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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 229.
Baek Ri Mu Ha.
Thirty years ago, he had emerged in Murim like a comet—a master of extraordinary prowess.
He was Gwang Ma (the Mad Demon), Bang Geuk, who had been the strongest of the Mado Sipgyeol at that time.
He then successively defeated Baek Chu Soo, the Sword Absolute among the Three Absolutes and the strongest of the Righteous Path, and Seok Jo Woon, the Northern Hero among the Seven Heroes.
His reputation for single-handedly toppling the mightiest masters of Jeongsayang-do reverberated across the four seas.
But then something extraordinary occurred.
Baek Ri Mu Ha, who possessed such overwhelming power that he was called the next greatest master under heaven, suddenly vanished from Murim as if he had evaporated.
—Where on earth had he gone?
Countless intelligence networks and Murim factions competed to track his whereabouts.
Yet no trace of him could be found, as though he had never existed in this world to begin with.
For Baek Ri Mu Ha, who appeared suddenly and disappeared mysteriously, the people of Murim bestowed upon him the epithet of the Greatest Secret of Murim, or simply the One Secret.
“Only Baek Ri Mu Ha, known as the One Secret, would be capable of making Gong Gong Sin Tu, who is hunted by Jeongsayang-do, vanish from Murim.”
‘Baek Ri Mu Ha…’
I forced myself to calm my racing heart.
I couldn’t understand why merely hearing that name stirred ripples across my otherwise tranquil spirit.
“It seems the story has leaked out.”
Baek Jeon Cheon shook his head and continued.
“In any case, if we can safely escort him back to our headquarters, it would become a major event that could reshape the landscape of Jeongsayang-do.”
Now I understood precisely why Ma Cheon Je and Chong Gyo Ryeong, along with the other top leaders, had entered into conference.
“Then the subject of the meeting must be clear.”
He, who had been gazing at the distant sky, spoke with meaningful weight.
“Whether Wi Ji Hye Sang’s matter should be viewed merely as a successor’s task, or as an affair of our headquarters itself.”
“Precisely so.”
Baek Jeon Cheon smiled warmly at my keen deduction.
“However, this conference was also convened because of your matter, Master Bu. After all, you have slain one of the Four Gods Seven Kings.”
His eyes held a mixture of admiration and regret.
“But the Gae Bang—or rather, the Orthodox Sects—will desperately prevent a rising master of the Demonic Path, not yet in his twenties, from joining the Four Gods Seven Kings. By any means necessary.”
“It is as I anticipated.”
“Are you not disappointed?”
Baek Jeon Cheon furrowed his brow deeply as he spoke.
“If even a single person had witnessed the duel between you and Geol Wang… the Gae Bang would never have dared to resort to such underhanded schemes.”
It was a curious thing.
In truth, the fact that I had defeated Geol Wang in single combat was something no one in Murim, save for the members of Sa Yeong Dae, could believe.
Yet Baek Jeon Cheon accepted it as entirely natural that I had defeated Geol Wang in a fair and honorable duel.
“Do you not harbor suspicion, Master?”
“Suspicion? What do you mean?”
“The rumor that I did not duel Geol Wang alone, but slew him with assistance.”
“Hahahaha.”
Baek Jeon Cheon smiled warmly instead.
“Only those unfamiliar with the Master’s character would speak such nonsense.”
And he spoke with unwavering conviction in his eyes.
“The Master would sooner take her own life than resort to such filthy tactics to defeat Geol Wang.”
A fleeting emotion flickered across Bu Eunseol’s cold gaze.
There existed no exchange, no friendship between these two.
Yet Baek Jeon Cheon understood her with the clarity of a long-trusted friend, truly knowing who she was.
“There’s no need to look at me that way. Anyone who has met the Master would understand.”
Before long, the two stood before a building situated at the far end of the East Gate.
Bu Eunseol came to an abrupt halt, her expression turning puzzled.
This place had once been nothing but barren wasteland.
When had such a massive structure risen here?
Moreover, towering walls encircled the perimeter, making it resemble an enormous estate.
“This is the new headquarters of Sa Yeong Dae.”
Upon entering, a vast Martial Arts Arena came into view, and beside it stood a kitchen with doors thrown wide open.
From the sight of servants washing vegetables and scrubbing dishes outside, it appeared to be a dining hall capable of accommodating large numbers of people simultaneously.
‘Everything is brand new.’
The interior structures and the arena had clearly been constructed recently.
Could Ma Cheon Je have built this facility in anticipation of Bu Eunseol’s success in eliminating Geol Wang?
‘That’s unlikely.’
Bu Eunseol shook her head.
Though I had devised a meticulous plan, killing Geol Wang had been nearly a matter of fortune.
What if I had never encountered Gwang Yeon or the Eighteen Arhats?
And what if the dharma of the Sak Jeong Bi Gyeol hadn’t plunged me into demonic delusion, preventing me from using the Yeop Hyo Cheon technique repeatedly?
My body would have been buried in cold earth, not within the Demon Palace.
‘The timing must have simply aligned by chance.’
Even Ma Cheon Je would have found it difficult to predict such an outcome.
Just as Bu Eunseol was about to shake her head inwardly, Baek Jeon Cheon spoke with a smile.
“Typically, the major council meetings continue for several days consecutively. The Master should rest in her quarters and recover from the fatigue accumulated thus far.”
“Thank you.”
Bu Eunseol bowed deeply with utmost respect.
In the harsh world of Murim, those who offer such unconditional kindness are rare.
Even rarer when such a person holds a high position within the Demon Palace.
“Please, think nothing of it. Oh, one more thing…”
As Baek Jeon Cheon turned to leave, he spoke in a low voice.
“The Master of Hyuk Ryeon who was stationed outside Gwan Oe is returning to headquarters. The Chong Gyo Ryeong has issued the recall order.”
And he smiled warmly as he continued.
“If the opportunity arises, I do hope you will meet with Master Hyuk Ryeon.”
Meeting Hyuk Ryeon Eung was something Bu Eunseol desired as well.
“I shall make certain to do so.”
“Very well then.”
Baek Jeon Cheon turned his body with another faint smile.
Bu Eunseol surveyed the interior of the estate once more.
A separate dining hall was equipped, and a Martial Arts Arena had been installed as well… In terms of facilities alone, this was the finest treatment among second-tier pavilions.
Thump, thump.
At that moment, dozens of people descended from the Bamboo Forest erected behind the estate.
They were none other than the Sa Yeong Dae members.
“The Master has arrived!”
Won Se Moon, standing at the forefront and drenched in sweat, cried out loudly.
Whoosh.
The remaining members behind him all rushed out at once.
“Master!”
Their bodies all glistened with perspiration. They had clearly entered the Bamboo Forest to cultivate their inner energy and practice martial arts.
Now, without anyone commanding them, they were relentlessly honing their martial skills.
―If they did not, they could not survive under my command.
I always faced enemies stronger than myself and wagered on perilous battles.
Because of this, the Sa Yeong Dae members trained themselves so they could complete their missions and survive no matter the situation or circumstance.
“Where are the rest of the members?”
Before Bu Eunseol stood only the first unit of members led by Won Se Moon.
“The second and third units are still cultivating in the Bamboo Forest, and the Vice Master is training separately.”
“Why aren’t you using the perfectly good Martial Arts Arena?”
“We rarely use it except when cultivating our inner energy. We avoid it because other pavilions might occasionally see us…”
The Sa Yeong Dae members had undergone harsh training to face Geol Wang’s unit.
Moreover, following Bu Eunseol’s instructions, they had even trained by observing others’ martial practice to refine their techniques and insights.
Because of this, it had become habitual to avoid showing their cultivation to outsiders.
“What about Myo Cheon Woo and Yu Woon Ryong?”
At Bu Eunseol’s question, Won Se Moon scratched his head.
“I’m not certain. Other than coming to their quarters, they don’t really spend time with the other members.”
“I see.”
Bu Eunseol fell silent.
The two of them were, after all, from the Ten Demon Immortals.
Though they had grown closer to the Sa Yeong Dae members over time, it was clear that upon arriving at the Demon Hall, they were acutely aware of their precarious position.
‘I’ll need to handle that matter soon.’
Bu Eunseol, recalling the faces of the two, nodded shortly after.
The next day.
A low voice belonging to Si Bi reached the door of Bu Eunseol’s quarters as she cultivated her inner energy.
“Master. A warrior from the Sole Brightness Pavilion requests an audience with you.”
Bu Eunseol opened her eyes and stepped outside, where she recognized a familiar warrior’s face.
It was Wi Choong, who had guided Bu Eunseol to the Sole Brightness Pavilion when the successors had gathered in the past.
“Wi Choong of the Sole Brightness Pavilion offers his respects to the Sa Yeong Dae Master.”
“What brings you here?”
“The Chong Gyo Ryeong summons you, Dae Ju.”
‘Not Ma Cheon Je, but the Chong Gyo Ryeong himself.’
Bu Eunseol regarded Wi Choong with a distant gaze.
Since returning to the Demon Hall, I had been anticipating a private audience with Ma Cheon Je.
Even during the life-and-death struggle with Geol Wang, even when I narrowly escaped death at the hands of Nangya Pavilion Master Ak Moo Ryung—
Throughout it all, only one question had lingered in my mind.
―Why does Ma Cheon Je regard me so intently?
Ma Cheon Je had always treated me with subtle distinction.
Only now did I realize it stemmed not merely from exceptional talent. I had sensed an instinctive certainty that hidden intentions lay beneath the surface.
Yet whether due to pressing matters demanding his attention, or perhaps to ensure fairness in the forthcoming succession—
Despite having eliminated such a formidable figure as Geol Wang, despite knowing I had narrowly escaped death from Ak Moo Ryung’s wrath—
Ma Cheon Je had not summoned me.
“Dae Ju.”
Pulled from my reverie by Wi Choong’s call, I finally collected myself and nodded.
“I shall depart at once.”
Sole Brightness Pavilion, Yeop Hyo Cheon’s office.
“Sa Yeong Dae Master Bu Eunseol has arrived.”
As I announced myself and spoke, Yeop Hyo Cheon’s low voice resonated.
“Enter.”
Though no one was visible, the door glided open as though someone had pulled it from within.
For an office belonging to the current Demon Hall’s second-in-command, it was remarkably austere.
Along one side stood bookshelves densely packed with volumes, while a table and chairs for multiple people to converse occupied another corner.
In essence, save for these few furnishings, the vast expanse of the office was filled with emptiness.
‘Hmm.’
Upon entering, I felt something peculiar stir within me.
Gazing upon the sparse emptiness of the office, I felt an inexplicable urge to unburden myself of the thoughts I carried.
‘Even this void must be deliberately arranged.’
The placement of every item and the emptiness itself contained subtle, profound design.
Tap, tap.
As I ventured deeper, an elderly figure seated at the table came into view.
His frame was diminutive, his appearance utterly unremarkable.
Yet he was in truth the Dark King, Yeop Hyo Cheon—deemed to possess the most formidable martial prowess among the Four Gods Seven Kings.
I approached and clasped my hands respectfully.
“Sa Yeong Dae Master Bu Eunseol pays respects to the Chong Gyo Ryeong.”
“You have labored greatly.”
Yeop Hyo Cheon offered a benevolent smile.
“Ordinarily, Ma Cheon Je would have commended your achievements directly, but the situation within our sect has grown exceedingly complex.”
Rising from his seat, Yeop Hyo Cheon gestured toward the table across from him.
“You’ve likely heard the general account from Man Bak Dang Master, but do sit.”
Though positioned second only to one and above ten thousand, he displayed no pretense of authority, treating his subordinates with ease.
‘The Chong Gyo Ryeong intentionally suppressed his aura and majesty.’
Masters like Yeop Hyo Cheon, who possessed such formidable martial prowess, naturally radiated overwhelming presence and authority.
Yet not a single thread of qi escaped him—making it impossible to gauge just how devastating his true power truly was.
Whoosh.
As Bu Eunseol took her seat, Yeop Hyo Cheon spoke.
“The missions outlined in the directives this time were matters even our sect struggled to resolve.”
He exhaled deeply before continuing.
“No one anticipated they would be handled in such a short span of time.”
“Is there a problem?”
“It’s not so much a problem as a difficult choice to make.”
Yeop Hyo Cheon released another sigh, his voice dropping low.
“The Extreme Spirit Immortal can cleanly sever any meridian blockage—it’s a treasure beyond measure. But the Demonic Path isn’t short on cultivators suffering from meridian damage, is it?”
“That’s certainly true.”
“But what’s even more troublesome is the matter concerning Gong Gong Sin Tu. A figure our sect abandoned pursuit of long ago… and now the heir of the Hwawoo Sword Sect has caught his trail.”
Yeop Hyo Cheon, arms crossed, shook his head.
“In this situation, it would be proper for our sect to join forces with the Hwawoo Sword Sect and capture Gong Gong Sin Tu. But if we do that, the successor selection will fall into complete chaos.”
Only then did Bu Eunseol grasp the full picture.
Pursuing and capturing Gong Gong Sin Tu had long been a cherished goal of the Demon Hall.
But now that Wi Ji Hye Sang had caught his scent, they were deliberating whether to support him with full force, even if it meant interfering in the succession battle.
“So what was the decision?”
“In conclusion, we decided to wait a bit longer.”
Yeop Hyo Cheon wore a thin smile.
“After all, the missions of the Hwawoo Sword Sect, Geuk Sal Mil Gak, and the Destruction Spear Sect’s successors remain incomplete.”
Only Bu Eunseol and Do Cheon Rin had fully completed their tasks.
Wi Ji Hye Sang had merely caught Gong Gong Sin Tu’s trail—he hadn’t succeeded in capturing him alive. Moreover, Yong Jeok Bi and Sin Do Woon Hui still hadn’t produced results.
Since no final conclusion had been reached, the Demon Hall apparently decided to wait a while longer.
“Regardless, you should receive a reward for dealing with Geol Wang.”
Yeop Hyo Cheon spoke quietly.
“Ma Cheon Je has delegated full authority to me… so tell me if there’s anything you desire.”
Bu Eunseol felt something peculiar stir within her.
Normally, when commending achievements and distributing rewards, the leadership would confer among themselves and then bestow them accordingly.
But both Ma Cheon Je and the Chong Gyo Ryeong always asked Bu Eunseol what she wanted.
‘As if they already knew what I desired.’
Bu Eunseol sighed.
Her martial prowess had grown considerably, yet she still could not fathom the depths of Ma Cheon Je or the Chong Gyo Ryeong.
―No one can know his true thoughts, and no one understands what he plans.
These were words spoken by Gak Ju Dan Cheong not long ago to describe Ma Cheon Je. And Bu Eunseol found herself in complete agreement.
“Feel free to speak without reservation.”
At Yeop Hyo Cheon’s words, Bu Eunseol took a deep breath.
The position of successor remained undecided, yet she had already mounted the tiger. Having come this far, there was nothing left but to climb ever higher.
“I wish to expand the scale of our organization beyond its current size.”
Bu Eunseol drew a deep breath, her expression grave and resolute.
“I would like you to formally grant me the position of Second-Rank Pavilion Master.”

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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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