The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 230
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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 230.
Yeop Hyo Cheon listened quietly to Bu Eunseol’s words and nodded.
“You have now officially become a second-rank commander of the Demon Palace.”
Yeop Hyo Cheon smiled broadly as if he had been waiting for this moment.
“That is why I have provided new quarters and Training Grounds for the members.”
Yeop Hyo Cheon rose from his seat and spoke.
“Soon, twenty elite members newly selected will be assigned to Sa Yeong Dae.”
Bu Eunseol could not hide his surprise. The exact number of reinforcements he had been about to request was precisely twenty.
‘I see. It was a prediction accounting for Myo Cheon Woo and Yu Woon Ryong.’
Bu Eunseol suddenly recalled an amusing hypothesis.
Perhaps Ma Cheon Je did not see the future or peer into hearts at all—
but simply thought the same way I do.
“Then what should I do?”
“Nothing.”
Yeop Hyo Cheon smiled broadly.
“Since matters have unfolded this way, it would be good for you to take some rest while the other successors complete their tasks.”
An unexpected response.
As Bu Eunseol blinked, Yeop Hyo Cheon held a faint smile.
“There is no need to report separately on whatever you do.”
“Understood.”
Having settled his thoughts, Bu Eunseol bowed deeply.
To be granted free time at such a critical juncture was an opportunity worth its weight in gold.
From now on, I had to make proper use of this time.
Two days later, at the Training Grounds before the Sa Yeong Dae quarters.
Twenty newly recruited young members stood in formation there.
Their faces, freshly enlisted, all appeared youthful, and tension was evident on every brow.
Before them stood Bu Eunseol in the robes of a commander and two people in shabby martial garments.
They were Myo Cheon Woo and Yu Woon Ryong.
“Myo Cheon Woo, Yu Woon Ryong.”
Bu Eunseol spoke solemnly as he regarded the two.
“From now on, you are the squad leaders of the third and fifth squads of Sa Yeong Dae.”
“Squad leaders?”
Yu Woon Ryong blinked, and Bu Eunseol nodded.
“From this point forward, train the members directly. Ensure they can hold their own on any battlefield.”
Though they were mixed among Sa Yeong Dae under the pretext of assisting me, they were fundamentally Ten Demon Experts.
They were beings who could not blend smoothly with ordinary members.
I was acutely aware that they remained somewhat adrift.
That is why I assigned direct subordinates to them. This way, their sense of responsibility and belonging would deepen.
“Train them so they can survive and return alive from any battlefield.”
Bu Eunseol spoke with solemn gravity.
“Currently, the Sa Yeong Dae’s first division specializes in sword techniques, the second in divine methods and assassination arts, and the third in external martial disciplines.”
Bu Eunseol spoke matter-of-factly while regarding the two men.
“Now the fourth division will specialize in spear techniques, and the fifth in unconventional methods.”
Bu Eunseol addressed Myo Cheon Woo and Yu Woon Ryong with the same composed tone.
“Since you’ve been formally registered as division leaders, go to the Chu Mil Won and present yourselves. They’ll prepare your uniforms.”
“Bu Eunseol.”
Myo Cheon Woo opened his mouth, but Bu Eunseol pretended not to hear.
“Quarters will be assigned separately. Make them presentable within two months if possible.”
“Bu Eunseol!”
Myo Cheon Woo called out again, but Bu Eunseol simply turned away without acknowledging him.
“Quite the cold shoulder.”
As Myo Cheon Woo’s shoulders drooped, Yu Woon Ryong spoke calmly.
“You didn’t see this coming?”
“Not at all. I knew exactly what would happen.”
“If you knew, why did you call out to him so desperately?”
“Salary.”
Myo Cheon Woo gazed down at his empty purse, his expression utterly serious.
“Just how much is the stipend for a Demon Palace division leader?”
* * *
Returning to the Office, Bu Eunseol withdrew a manuscript from the bookshelf and began writing something.
It was the Nangya Records that had been left incomplete before.
Even now, the disciples of the Nangya Sect were enduring countless hardships to master the Night Beast Technique.
Therefore, I sought to discover the secrets for systematically elevating the Nangya Sect’s foundational martial arts alongside the Night Beast Technique as quickly as possible.
‘If I can complete the Nangya Records during this spare time… that would be worthwhile.’
Knock, knock.
At that moment, a man in black martial robes approached as the door was tapped, clasping his hands respectfully.
“Su Hwa of the Bi Young Gak presents himself to the Sa Yeong Dae Master.”
The Bi Young Gak was the Demon Palace’s most secretive intelligence division, even drawing personnel from those who had once been among the Ten Demon Experts.
“What brings you?”
“A message from the Fengyun Corps.”
‘So now that I’ve become a division master, the Bi Young Gak delivers messages from the Fengyun Corps directly to me… I see.’
Truly, the sweet taste of power.
Moreover, as humans rise in station, they inevitably become addicted to the intoxication of authority.
But Bu Eunseol harbored no interest whatsoever in power or prestige.
“There’s no need to do this in the future.”
Bu Eunseol spoke matter-of-factly as she took the letter.
“There are many division leaders in this organization, after all.”
“…Understood.”
Su Hwa clasped his hands respectfully, though his expression betrayed incomprehension.
“Then.”
After he left, I began reading through the letter.
“So it has come to pass.”
As I continued reading for some time, my expression hardened into stone.
After letting out a heavy breath, I stepped out of the office with a grave countenance.
Then I entered the Bamboo Forest behind the quarters. In the clearing at its heart, members of the First and Third Units had gathered closely together.
“In truth, the principle of ‘striking after the opponent moves’ can only be employed once one has reached a perfected and supreme realm.”
Hyuk So Jin stood at the forefront, expounding upon martial arts principles.
“That is to say, the most crucial element in combat is seizing the initiative, and to suppress the initiative, one must strike first…”
After completing his demonstration, Hyuk So Jin would explain the flaws and errors in martial technique to the Sa Yeong Dae members together.
Thanks to this, the insight and martial prowess of the Sa Yeong Dae members were growing with each passing day.
‘Quite effective.’
This was not something I had instructed.
Hyuk So Jin was simultaneously transmitting martial arts principles to the Sa Yeong Dae members while refining his own foundational techniques anew.
In fact, his martial skill had advanced daily, and he had now reached a level comparable to any successor of the Ten Demonic Gates.
“So Jin.”
As I approached, Hyuk So Jin ceased his exposition and broke into a bright smile.
“What brings you here?”
“We need to talk for a moment.”
Noticing my grave expression, Hyuk So Jin felt an ominous premonition.
“Is it related to our sect?”
After a brief moment of contemplation, I nodded.
“The Sect Leader has collapsed, it seems.”
Thump.
In that instant, Hyuk So Jin’s heart sank.
“Grandfather…”
“Do not worry. There is no danger to his life—he merely overexerted himself, or so I am told.”
After pondering something briefly, Hyuk So Jin asked in return.
“How did you come to know of this news?”
Then I offered a subtle smile.
“Do you think those elders would support me simply because I’ve built a few connections?”
“What do you mean?”
“I asked Hwan Ma to arrange matters so that I receive regular reports on Jeol Cheon Myul Ji through the Fengyun Corps.”
Through the Fengyun Corps, I received periodic reports on Jeol Cheon Myul Ji and monitored the movements of Do Won Hyang.
And the demons of Do Won Hyang, knowing that I honored my promises as precious as gold, gave me their unwavering support.
“I apologize, Brother Bu.”
Hyuk So Jin rubbed his forehead with one hand in embarrassment.
“As the successor, I was absorbed in my journey through Gangho and forgot that place, yet you have watched over Jeol Cheon Myul Ji in my stead.”
“I merely kept my promise to the Sect Leader.”
I spoke matter-of-factly.
“Unlike personal promises, the covenants between sects are absolute. Should they be broken, the very survival of a sect could be jeopardized.”
If it were merely a matter of keeping a promise, I would only need to monitor the movements of the demons in Do Won Hyang.
But Bu Eunseol attended to all matters great and small at Jeol Cheon Myeol Ji, always keeping Hyuk Gong Baek’s wellbeing in mind as well.
And that consideration was for Hyuk So Jin’s sake.
“Thank you.”
Though I appeared indifferent to all things on the surface, I observed the people around me with meticulous care.
And Hyuk So Jin took immense pride in the fact that such a person was his sworn brother.
“Now that I think about it….”
Bu Eunseol paused for a moment, gazing toward the distant sky before speaking.
“It seems the time has come to return to Jeol Cheon Myeol Ji.”
In that instant, Hyuk So Jin’s head drooped.
No feast lasts forever, and after every meeting comes parting.
Once his journey through the Gangho was complete, he would need to manage Jeol Cheon Myeol Ji as its successor, inheriting Hwan Ma’s legacy.
But because the journey with Bu Eunseol had been so enjoyable, he had merely chosen to ignore that reality.
Yet now he truly had to return there.
Hyuk So Jin forced a smile.
“I see. With no more idle grandson to indulge, I must inherit grandfather’s mantle and manage Jeol Cheon Myeol Ji.”
Bu Eunseol nodded and spoke softly.
“It is late today, so we shall depart early tomorrow.”
The next day.
Before the Martial Arts Arena at the Sa Yeong Dae quarters, all the members stood in formation.
They had gathered to bid Hyuk So Jin farewell upon hearing of his departure.
“You’ve all heard, I presume?”
Hyuk So Jin stepped forward with a radiant smile.
“Your deputy commander must now return to his original post.”
In that moment, a heavy sigh escaped from the lips of the Sa Yeong Dae members.
Even in the eyes of Myo Cheon Woo and Yu Woon Ryong, reluctance shone through.
If Bu Eunseol was a stern father, then Hyuk So Jin could be called a caring mother.
Thanks to his presence—attending to each member individually and approaching them without hesitation—the Sa Yeong Dae members had.
Even Myo Cheon Woo and Yu Woon Ryong, who had joined later, naturally integrated into the group.
“Even in my absence, obey the commander’s orders well.”
“Are you leaving for good?”
When Wi Cheon Gyeong asked, Hyuk So Jin wore a bittersweet smile.
“There is no such thing as ‘for good.’ If fate permits, we shall meet again somewhere.”
“I see.”
Wi Cheon Gyeong clasped both hands together with a reluctant expression.
“Safe travels, Deputy Commander.”
Then all the members standing at attention cried out in unison and bowed deeply.
―Safe travels, Deputy Commander!
And each spoke loudly in turn.
“Well, if we miss you, we’ll just visit Jeol Cheon Myeol Ji ourselves!”
“Will you at least provide meals when I leave?”
“Why not simply abandon everything and remain with Sa Yeong Dae?”
These Sa Yeong Dae members had never shown camaraderie, let alone affection.
Yet in that brief span, undertaking missions that danced along the precipice of death alongside Hyuk So Jin, I had grown to cherish him deeply.
“Before you return, cultivate your martial arts further.”
At that moment, Bu Eunseol stepped forward and spoke.
“Especially the members of Teams Four and Five—upon your return, I shall personally inspect your martial prowess.”
“Wait, where are you going, Lord Commander?”
At Won Se Moon’s question, Bu Eunseol smiled faintly.
“Since we began this together, should we not see it through to the end?”
In that instant, something warm stirred within the chests of all the members.
—Since we began together, we shall end together.
It sounded as though Bu Eunseol was speaking these words directly to the Sa Yeong Dae members.
‘Since we began this journey through Gangho together, we shall see its end together…’
Hyuk So Jin’s heart burned with warmth as well.
Having begun this Gangho journey with Bu Eunseol, it was only right that we see it through together.
“I see. Since we have begun, it is only fitting that we see it through together.”
As Hyuk So Jin spoke with a smile, Myo Cheon Woo, who had been standing silently, suddenly stepped forward.
“If you’re going, request an escort from the Demon Palace.”
With arms crossed, he spoke with unmistakable gravity.
“Aren’t all manner of Murim scoundrels watching you because you killed Geol Wang? If you venture out alone now, every ruffian will come swarming.”
“A fair point.”
Bu Eunseol nodded in agreement.
“That is precisely why I am bringing a companion.”
At this, Hyuk So Jin’s eyes widened as understanding dawned.
“Bu Hyung. You don’t mean…”
“Through this journey, I shall lay the foundation for you to become a worthy successor.”
Bu Eunseol spoke matter-of-factly.
“It was the final promise I made to the Lord.”
Hwan Ma had asked Bu Eunseol to awaken the dormant passion and warrior spirit within me.
And Bu Eunseol had not only awakened my warrior spirit but cultivated Hyuk So Jin into a formidable martial master worthy of succeeding Jeol Cheon Myul Ji.
Yet that was not enough—Bu Eunseol now intended to display his elevated martial prowess, pushing Hyuk So Jin to new heights once more.
‘He means to pass on his final insights to me.’
Bu Eunseol, at a young age, had stepped into the threshold of the Extreme Heavenly Realm—displaying unprecedented martial achievement.
He intended to impart to Hyuk So Jin the profound insights he had gained from his battle with Geol Wang.
“Then I shall go as well.”
At that moment, Yu Woon Ryong suddenly stepped forward.
“I cannot miss a fight.”
“Then so shall I.”
As Myo Cheon Woo also stepped forward, Bu Eunseol shook his head.
“That won’t do.”
“Why not? I want to grow stronger watching you fight.”
“That reason makes it even more impossible for you to come.”
When Myo Cheon Woo laid bare his honest feelings, Bu Eunseol explained calmly.
“Both of you have already reached a mature transcendent realm. Yet neither of you has ever taught martial arts to another.”
Only then did Myo Cheon Woo let out a sound of realization.
He recalled how Hyuk So Jin’s martial prowess had grown by leaps and bounds while teaching Sa Young Dae.
“Precisely. At your level, to advance your martial mastery swiftly from now on, teaching others will prove far more effective.”
Myo Cheon Woo and Yu Woon Ryong exchanged glances, their expressions filled with astonishment.
‘So she wasn’t simply assigning us members to command after all.’
In truth, they too harbored a desire to teach the Sa Young Dae members.
Yet the existing members had learned distinctive martial techniques from Bu Eunseol, so they could not impart their own insights.
But now that new Sa Young Dae members had arrived, they could finally transmit their insights and foundational techniques.
“Understood. We shall do so.”
The expressions of Myo Cheon Woo and Yu Woon Ryong had transformed.
Upon recognizing Bu Eunseol’s consideration in perpetually advancing their martial prowess, a loyalty they had never felt before blossomed within them.
“Go without worry.”
As Myo Cheon Woo spoke, Jo Nam Cheon laughed and cried out.
“Yes, Lord. Go without worry and return safely. We shall devote ourselves to rigorous cultivation in your absence.”
“Yes, Lord! Go without worry and return safely!”
As each member spoke in turn, Bu Eunseol nodded.
“Cultivate diligently while I am away.”
―Yes!
As the members bowed in unison, Bu Eunseol gazed down upon them impassively.
Now I would make this final journey alongside Hyuk So Jin, who must protect Jeol Cheon Myeol Ji.
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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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