The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 231

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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 231.
The carriage departed Seong Do and pressed onward without pause until it reached Hwang Gye.
The landmark of this place was a roadside tavern overlooking the expansive riverbank.
Though it was broad daylight, many people gathered around the tavern, drinking while bathed in the river breeze.
Hyuk So Jin, gazing out the window, smiled broadly and spoke.
“Since ancient times, they say the wine drunk along the Hwang Gye riverbank is sweeter than wine poured by a beauty.”
Bu Eunseol did not indulge in such frivolities. Knowing full well that Hyuk So Jin would not succeed, he spoke with enthusiasm anyway.
“Particularly, despite the name Hwang Gye, there are many springs with excellent water in this vicinity, drawing numerous visitors….”
“Let’s go.”
Bu Eunseol nodded briefly.
“Since we’ve come this far.”
“Truly?”
Hyuk So Jin, his expression one of pleasant surprise, clapped his hands and spoke.
“Then we must hurry!”
Bu Eunseol commanded the carriage driver to halt and rose from his seat.
Hyuk So Jin, observing this, spoke in a playful tone.
“But what brings this about? For you to take the initiative….”
His expression, which had been lively, suddenly darkened as something occurred to him.
For Hyuk So Jin, this was his final journey through Gangho.
Bu Eunseol, understanding this, sought to spend as much pleasant time with him as possible.
A figure brushed past.
At that moment, a young scholar passed by Bu Eunseol.
For an instant, the young man’s lips moved ever so slightly, though it was an extraordinarily brief moment.
“That area seems to have a fine view.”
As Bu Eunseol pointed toward the tavern, Hyuk So Jin followed without complaint.
Walking toward the tavern with a clear view of the riverbank, Bu Eunseol surveyed his surroundings and spoke in a low voice.
“Word has come that the lord has nearly recovered. Along with assurance not to worry under any circumstances.”
Bu Eunseol had just received intelligence about Jeol Cheon Myul Ji from the young scholar who had passed.
Because Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong’s intelligence network had merged with the Fengyun Corps, Bu Eunseol could obtain or transmit information from anywhere.
“I see. That is fortunate.”
“With his grandson returning, it seems the lord has found renewed strength.”
Bu Eunseol spoke with a warmth he had rarely shown before.
Both men shared the common experience of being raised by their grandfather. Therefore, he understood Hyuk So Jin’s feelings all the more deeply.
Hyuk So Jin, feeling bashful, rubbed his nose.
“There is no need to relay such messages one by one.”
And he smiled, revealing white teeth.
“My grandfather is a strong man. I was never worried to begin with.”
The two men walked side by side into the tavern near the riverbank.
Inside, the proprietor, a towel wrapped around his head, roasted peanuts in a large pot.
“Is this all the appetizers you have?”
Hyuk So Jin’s expression fell in disappointment, and the proprietor chuckled before speaking.
“Not just us, but every street vendor in this area serves only peanuts roasted with dried chilies and spices as appetizers.”
“Hmm.”
“After downing a cup of yellow wine, if you grab a handful of those spicy roasted peanuts, even the immortals would envy you.”
At the proprietor’s vivid description, Hyuk So Jin nodded eagerly, his mouth watering.
“I can’t possibly refuse. Bring us three pots of yellow wine and a generous plate of roasted peanuts.”
“Right away, coming up.”
The proprietor quickly returned with three bottles of yellow wine and a plate of roasted peanuts.
“Brother Bu, please accept a cup from me.”
Hyuk So Jin filled Bu Eunseol’s cup to the brim with yellow wine.
Yet something seemed to weigh heavily on his mind, and his brow furrowed.
“They should arrive in about the time it takes to drink three cups.”
“Your perception has grown quite sharp.”
“It’s all thanks to you, Brother Bu.”
Gulp.
As Bu Eunseol and Hyuk So Jin drained their third cup,
Whoosh.
Sharp cutting sounds pierced the air in rapid succession.
Shortly after, dozens of martial artists materialized around the street stall where Bu Eunseol sat.
Hyuk So Jin, who had been raising his cup to his lips, caught sight of the character “Hyun” embroidered on their martial robes and his expression darkened.
“Hyun Cheon Bang?”
Hyun Cheon Bang was a dark path faction that wielded considerable influence throughout the Hwang Gye region and beyond.
However, because they maintained connections with government officials and exerted influence in the merchant circles, they were not recognized as a legitimate Demonic Path sect.
But why had they come here with dozens of subordinates in tow?
“I am Gwak Seung, Master of Hyun Cheon Bang.”
Then, from among the dozens of martial artists, a robust man in ornate martial robes strode forward and clasped his fists in salute.
“You are Bu Eunseol, the Minor Cooperator of Bu, are you not?”
While Hyun Cheon Bang could not be called one of the Murim’s foremost major factions, Gwak Seung was nonetheless a tyrant who wielded considerable power in his region.
Yet his demeanor toward Bu Eunseol was nothing short of respectful.
“I am.”
Bu Eunseol nodded, and Gwak Seung’s face broke into a bright smile.
“All the effort my faction invested in purchasing information has finally borne fruit.”
When Bu Eunseol’s expression turned puzzled, Gwak Seung’s eyes gleamed as he spoke.
“I, Gwak Seung, Master of Hyun Cheon Bang, challenge you.”
Bu Eunseol remained silent for a moment.
To appear suddenly out of nowhere and issue a challenge?
As silence hung in the air instead of a response, Gwak Seung calmly began to explain himself.
“I have harbored a long-standing grudge with Geol Wang that remains unresolved. For years I have sought to track down that old man, but Gae Bang’s interference made it impossible to discover his whereabouts.”
To summarize what followed from Gwak Seung’s continued explanation, the matter was thus:
He had once suffered humiliation at the hands of Geol Wang, and from that day forward, he had trained relentlessly in martial arts, nursing his resentment.
However, no matter how much he mobilized his intelligence network, he could not find Geol Wang, and just as he was about to abandon his revenge, he heard rumors that Bu Eunseol had killed him.
And Gwak Seung, using the martial power he had cultivated to face Geol Wang, was now declaring his intention to challenge Bu Eunseol.
‘How ridiculous. He’s simply trying to steal Bu’s reputation.’
Hyuk So Jin, listening to the conversation from the side, wore an expression of utter disbelief.
Everything Gwak Seung said was merely an excuse.
The truth was that he had simply been too afraid of Geol Wang to dare challenge him until now.
―Bu Eunseol killed the Grand Elder with assistance from Fang Shou.
―He perceived that the Grand Elder’s martial power had deteriorated due to illness, and only then did he issue his challenge.
―Yun Wang Bu Eunseol. He is merely fortunate.
Gwak Seung must have heard the shameful epithets and rumors that Gae Bang had spread.
And believing all those rumors to be true, he was now boldly challenging Bu Eunseol.
If he could achieve victory in this duel, he would gain tremendous renown in a single stroke.
“Young Master Bu appeared in Murim like a comet, defeated masters in succession, and ultimately captured even Geol Wang—a truly legendary achievement.”
Gwak Seung lavished praise upon Bu Eunseol.
This way, should he emerge victorious, the fruits of his victory would be all the sweeter.
“Since then, I, Gwak, have harbored a small wish—to test myself against a young grandmaster such as Young Master Bu.”
Though his faction was small, a regional hegemon issuing such a challenge carried tremendous significance.
For Bu Eunseol, it meant that even a regional lord yearned to face him—the highest honor one could receive.
“Very well.”
Bu Eunseol nodded readily and pointed toward the river bank.
“This place is too cramped. Let us go there instead.”
Thump, thump, thump!
Immediately, countless patrons drinking at the surrounding stalls rose from their seats.
Bu Eunseol was the most sensational prodigy of the current Murim, the rising storm that captivated all. To witness his battle firsthand?
There was no way they could miss such an opportunity.
Boom!
Yet something astonishing occurred.
Before the crowd could even leave their seats to watch, the victor was already decided.
“Ugh…”
Gwak Seung, struck by the Seven Fists of the Demon Palm that Bu Eunseol unleashed, lay collapsed on the ground, spitting blood.
“Cough…”
“It has been long since I last used my body in actual combat,” Bu Eunseol said calmly, looking down at Gwak Seung.
“When the body grows stiff, one cannot execute techniques properly. Return after you have refined your martial arts further.”
“…I am ashamed.”
Defeated in a single punch, Gwak Seung’s face burned crimson with humiliation.
“Then.”
Clasping his hands together, he turned without looking back and departed with his subordinates using lightness technique.
“Unexpected,” Hyuk So Jin said, blinking his eyes.
“That’s surprising.”
Hyuk So Jin blinked and spoke.
“I never knew Senior Bu could be so magnanimous.”
The Bu Eunseol of old would have sent an opportunist like Gwak Seung away on his own two feet without a second thought.
Yet this time, she had merely inflicted light internal injuries before graciously letting him depart.
“Though Hyun Cheon Bang is but a minor sect, he is still its master. He challenged me with proper respect and courtesy.”
“I see.”
Hyuk So Jin nodded in understanding.
“As the future successor of the Demon Palace, you demonstrated magnanimity.”
“He is favorably disposed toward the Demon Palace. There was no need to utterly crush him and humiliate him.”
In other words, she had deliberately shown generosity to win the sect master’s favor.
‘Wait… could it be?’
A sudden thought flickered through Hyuk So Jin’s mind as his eyes widened.
Bu Eunseol was a true martial artist who walked her own path, caring nothing for sectarian interests or the dignity of rivals.
Yet now she was moving with political calculation, as if she had truly become the successor to the Demon Palace.
‘That was it.’
As Hyuk So Jin gazed upon Bu Eunseol’s expression, he finally understood the entire situation.
The reason behind her actions.
‘She was teaching me.’
As the future leader of Jeol Cheon Myul Ji, I could no longer conduct myself like a wandering martial artist.
Every action I took would represent my sect, and I must always choose what would benefit my organization most.
Bu Eunseol was teaching me until the very end, so that I might become an excellent sect master.
“Why do you go to such lengths?”
Hyuk So Jin spoke with a voice thick with emotion.
“Why do you care for me so much…?”
“It was a promise made with the Sect Master.”
And she turned away without expression.
“Now rise and be on your way.”
Bu Eunseol once again concealed her goodwill behind the excuse of a promise to Hwan Ma.
A man’s heart is not conveyed through words.
Knowing this all too well, Hyuk So Jin made a silent vow within his heart.
No matter what trials lay ahead, I would protect this man before me.
Even if it cost me my life.
Thud, thud, thud.
Yet an unexpected situation unfolded.
The sound of dozens of footsteps echoing in unison—thirty armed martial artists approached the street stall.
‘Those people…’
Hyuk So Jin’s eyes widened.
All the martial artists wore white headbands, the distinctive mark of the Murim Alliance’s warriors.
They were elite masters of the Murim Alliance.
At the head of the white-banded warriors stood a young man with an arrogant bearing and a middle-aged man with a grave demeanor.
Both emanated the formidable aura of accomplished martial masters.
“Hmph.”
Among them, a young man with an arrogant expression stared intently at Bu Eunseol’s refined features before speaking.
“Are you Bu Eunseol?”
When Bu Eunseol offered no response, the young man’s lips curved upward.
“I am Jo Bi Woon.”
Jo Bi Woon of the Flawless Sword, a master of swift blade techniques.
He was counted among the Seven Bridges and Three Peaks, a prodigy of exceptional skill.
Since his fifteenth year, none in the Sanseok Region could match him, and now, well past his youth, he possessed prowess rivaling the Great Masters of the Murim Alliance itself.
Moreover, he was the sole son of Jo Cheon Wang, the Sovereign of the Wu Tian Duan—one of the Seven Great Divisions of the Murim Alliance and wielder of the Imperial Dragon Sword.
The Murim Alliance constantly provided protection to the direct families of its leadership. Thus, he perpetually enjoyed their guard.
“I hear rumors that you’ve defeated Great Masters in succession and even vanquished Geol Wang. Is that true?”
Jo Bi Woon’s expression was insufferably arrogant.
And with reason—he had never tasted defeat in his entire life.
Moreover, he had witnessed Bu Eunseol’s palm technique from afar when she defeated Gwak Seung.
It appeared to be merely powerful martial arts, nothing more… He concluded her reputation was exaggerated.
When Bu Eunseol remained silent, he spoke again.
“What say you? Shall we test our skills?”
With a cold smile, he glanced at the sword at his waist and continued.
“If you can withstand a few moves of my blade, you’ll gain even greater renown.”
‘Using the Murim Alliance’s protection as a shield, seeking fame for driving away Bu’s elder brother.’
Hyuk So Jin immediately saw through Jo Bi Woon’s true intentions.
Around Jo Bi Woon stood the Murim Alliance’s peak experts, their eyes wide and alert.
Furthermore, his backing was none other than the Sovereign of the Wu Tian Duan, one of the Seven Great Divisions.
He deliberately provoked her, knowing full well that Bu Eunseol would never accept the duel.
Even the mere reputation of her refusing the challenge would serve him considerably.
“Hmm.”
Bu Eunseol turned away as though she had heard nothing.
“Are you afraid, Cloud King?”
He boldly called out that shameful epithet—the one created by Gae Bang—before her.
“To have slain Geol Wang through such filthy and cowardly methods, and yet to bear such a ridiculous title.”
Despite Jo Bi Woon’s mockery, Bu Eunseol continued forward without even a glance back.
“Hah, running away with your tail between your legs—so the rumors of you killing Geol Wang were lies after all. Ha ha ha!”
Then Bu Eunseol turned her head in response.
And smiled faintly.
In that instant, Jo Bi Woon’s face went rigid.
As the refined beauty of Bu Eunseol’s features conveyed a contemptuous gaze mixed with mockery, an indescribable humiliation washed over him.
“You wretch!”
Jo Bi Woon trembled with rage and cried out loudly.
But Bu Eunseol did not even glance back, quickening her pace.
“Where do you think you’re running!”
Jo Bi Woon drew his blade with practiced swiftness and unleashed a torrent of sword energy toward the back of Bu Eunseol’s head.
It was a feint—designed to force her to evade and turn her gaze toward him.
And it would be the last movement Jo Bi Woon would ever make in his lifetime.
Whoosh!
As the sword energy erupted, a dark blade materialized in Bu Eunseol’s grip with a resonant ring of steel.
Flash!
Without even turning, she unleashed a brilliant torrent of light.
A meteor-swift technique unfolded like lightning itself.
“….”
Jo Bi Woon stood frozen, his eyes wide and unblinking.
Drip, drip, drip.
Crimson blood cascaded from the point between his brows, painting the ground in a scarlet bloom.
The meteor-swift technique had pierced through his brow in a single, decisive strike—and he fell lifeless.
Thud.
As his body finally crumpled to the ground,
“No!”
The masters of the Murim Alliance cried out in anguished horror at the sight.
In that same instant, Gu Dong Ak, the captain of the escort guard at the forefront, drew his blade.
“Halt right there!”
With a thunderous roar, Gu Dong Ak moved like lightning, positioning himself directly before Bu Eunseol.

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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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