The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 247

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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 247.
It was an order I simply could not comprehend.
Yet Gok Jin Dong did not question it, merely clasping his hands together. There was no point asking—he knew Bu Eunseol would never explain herself anyway.
‘Ah, I see now.’
Suddenly, understanding bloomed within Gok Jin Dong.
He grasped why Bu Eunseol had issued such a command.
Night had grown deep without notice.
Crackle, crackle.
Campfires flickered where the Jeol Myeong Dae and Dok An Dae waited in position.
After all, their mission was not concealment or reconnaissance, but merely to guard this passage.
It required only that word spread of a unit stationed here to defend it.
“Commander, are you truly certain about this?”
It was then that O Deung Ryong, commander of the Dok An Dae, spoke with careful hesitation.
“We are still in wartime, and if the Sa Yeong Dae commander truly drinks as ordered….”
“You understand nothing.”
Gok Jin Dong let out a scoff.
“This place lies far from Oji Mountain. It is a location where conflict with the Murim Alliance is impossible, even if they wished it.”
He gripped a wine flask brimming with liquor, his laughter hollow and resigned.
“If the Murim Alliance dogs reach this place, it means Gong Gong Sin Tu has either been captured or slain.”
“Then that would mean….”
“The Cheon Sal Unit commander has eliminated the Sa Yeong Dae commander. Denying him even the chance to claim merit.”
Gok Jin Dong spoke with absolute certainty.
“And the Sa Yeong Dae commander knows this, which is why he drowns himself in despair like this.”
“Indeed, that must be it.”
As O Deung Ryong nodded, Gok Jin Dong drained his cup deeply and exhaled a bitter sigh.
“Damn it. Those Mubon Squad bastards are actually rising in the ranks.”
The Mubon Squad was a gathering place of ruffians whom even the lowest martial artists of the Demon Hall regarded with contempt.
Yet by finding a capable superior, they had steadily accumulated merit, and now they had attained the status of a first-rank unit?
‘And that person….’
Gok Jin Dong found Bu Eunseol’s gaze deeply unsettling.
If she were the successor of the Ten Demonic Gates, she should live as such a successor.
Why did she covet even the position of Demon Hall commander, disrupting the entire chain of command?
“I should just beat her senseless and be done with it.”
Gok Jin Dong had already crossed into his forties.
At this rate, it was certain he would remain a second-rank commander for life, never achieving first-rank status even by fifty.
“Damn it.”
Gok Jin Dong drowned his sorrows deep within his wine.
Yet there were those watching from the darkness as the Jeol Myeong Dae and Dok An Dae indulged in their drinking.
…
They gazed silently from the shadows at the drinking gathering of the Dok An Dae and Jeol Myeong Dae.
Completely merged with the darkness and wielding an exquisite concealment technique, even my form remained indistinct.
Because of this, it would have been difficult to recognize me even if standing close before a campfire.
A soft whisper of movement.
The group moved silently past Jeol Myeong Dae, heading upward toward where Sa Yeong Dae was stationed.
At that moment, at Sa Yeong Dae’s encampment.
Scattered throughout the middle slopes of Gwan Mo Peak were camps constructed from leather cloth.
Originally, Bu Eunseol had no intention of establishing camps at all.
But Won Se Moon had seized the camps belonging to Jeol Myeong Dae and Dok An Dae and installed them here.
―After all, this won’t be resolved quickly, will it? The Lord Commander should have at least one camp!
…or so he claimed, but Won Se Moon proceeded to seize every remaining camp that Jeol Myeong Dae and Dok An Dae possessed.
So that all Sa Yeong Dae members could rest comfortably.
As a result, Jeol Myeong Dae and Dok An Dae were forced to sleep exposed to the night dew without even a roof over their heads.
A gentle rustling sound.
Inside the camp, I sat at a table, deep in meditation.
Whenever I had even a moment to spare, I devoted myself to studying the dharma of Mu Hwang Jeong Gak.
Unlike the Sak Jeong Secret Manual, which had been inscribed upon my spirit in an instant like a brand, Mu Hwang Jeong Gak’s dharma did not integrate easily.
This itself was proof that my nature was better suited to the Sak Jeong Secret Manual than to Mu Hwang Jeong Gak’s secrets.
‘I will certainly integrate Mu Hwang Jeong Gak as well.’
Had I been an ordinary martial artist, I would have unhesitatingly chosen the Sak Jeong Secret Manual, which elevated one to higher realms more swiftly.
But I refused to abandon Mu Hwang Jeong Gak and continued my relentless research.
Rather than merely following the heart methods containing the enlightenment of two supreme masters, I sought to use them as a stepping stone to reach even greater heights.
‘Learning inner energy heart methods from Master Hyul Geum Gang was great fortune.’
Hyul Geum Gang had transmitted the Inverse Extreme Heart Method to me while meticulously explaining the subtle aspects of heart methods that move the mind within inner energy cultivation.
Because of this, I could interpret and master heart methods of high realms such as the Sak Jeong Secret Manual and Mu Hwang Jeong Gak in my own way.
‘This is not easy.’
As I remained immersed in deep meditation, studying Mu Hwang Jeong Gak’s dharma,
A faint piercing sound.
An extremely subtle sound of air being cut reached outside the camp.
It was a sound so thin that only I could hear it. And the sound stretched out long and lingered.
Rather than attacking, the sound was deliberately prolonged to allow me to sense the attacker’s location.
‘How interesting.’
There existed someone who understood the capabilities of Beast Path techniques so thoroughly?
I immediately slipped out of the camp and deployed my movement technique with stealth.
A blue shadow flickered.
In the distance, a concealed figure rushed swiftly forward.
The speed was considerable, but the trajectory was consistent—deliberately moving in a straight line so I could easily pursue.
Finally, upon reaching a secluded depth within the forest, the figure that had been rushing ahead came to a halt.
A sharp sound.
Moonlight seeping through the branches revealed only the shadow’s silhouette.
Though the face was obscured by darkness, the figure was tall and powerfully built.
Bu Eunseol discerned the shadow’s identity at a glance, merely from its physique.
“Seo Jin Ha.”
“Hehehehe.”
With that low chuckle, the shadow slipped free from the darkness and revealed itself beneath the moonlight.
A beautiful yet androgynous visage that seemed incongruous with that robust frame.
The sole comrade who had fought back-to-back with Bu Eunseol on Hell Island, now a member of the Cheon Sal Unit and one of the Ten Demon Immortals of Hell Blood Sect.
It was Seo Jin Ha.
“You couldn’t even see my face—how on earth did you recognize me?”
“Your distinctive physique.”
“Hehehehe. Still speaking in riddles, I see.”
Seo Jin Ha approached without hesitation and smiled upon seeing Bu Eunseol.
“Have you been well?”
He was the only one who had survived Hell Island alongside me, pooling our strength.
Thus, he alone among all those from Hell Island harbored no resentment toward me, and could be called my first and closest friend.
“You’ve become a squad leader.”
Seo Jin Ha was taken aback by my words.
“How did you know? The main unit has no squad leader insignia.”
“Even a Cheon Sal Unit member cannot move alone in the current situation.”
We are in a state of war, with the Murim Alliance’s sword brigades locked in a standoff against us.
No matter how elite a brigade member one is, moving independently would be impossible.
“Moreover, if you could pass through countless brigades on the way here without difficulty, then you must be at least a Cheon Sal Unit squad leader.”
The Cheon Sal Unit is the Demon Palace’s finest brigade.
A squad leader of that caliber would outrank most first-class brigade commanders.
“I can’t match you.”
Seo Jin Ha laughed softly and shook his head.
“You always deduce multiple pieces of information from the smallest clue.”
Then he examined my body thoroughly before letting out a sigh.
“But how exactly do you live to become like this?”
“What do you mean?”
“I’ve advanced my martial arts by narrowly escaping death countless times since joining the main unit…”
His voice was thick with frustration and envy.
Though he had become one of the Ten Demon Immortals of Hell Blood Sect, Seo Jin Ha had always prided himself on possessing talent unmatched in his generation.
Moreover, since entering the Cheon Sal Unit and undertaking numerous missions, he had become certain of one thing.
―My martial arts have now surpassed the level of the Ten Demon Immortals!
His martial prowess had developed at an accelerated pace through countless fierce battles.
And having earned recognition for that martial skill, he had ascended to the position of Cheon Sal Unit squad leader, yet…
In that same span, Bu Eunseol had captured one of the Four Gods Seven Kings and now stood as a first-class brigade commander of the Demon Palace.
“I simply cannot keep pace with you.”
His voice carried both admiration and envy.
“What business did you summon me for?”
Bu Eunseol, observing Seo Jin Ha’s eyes tinged with envy, shifted the topic.
“You didn’t summon me merely to show your face once.”
“Bu Eunseol.”
Seo Jin Ha’s lips parted slowly as he regarded her with a piercing gaze.
“This matter concerning Gong Gong Sin Tu is undoubtedly a conspiracy orchestrated by the Hwawoo Sword Sect.”
“But what’s that protruding from your chest?”
After uttering such a shocking statement, Seo Jin Ha suddenly exclaimed in realization.
“Forgive me, my mind is elsewhere.”
He then withdrew a gourd flask from his robes and tossed it to Bu Eunseol.
“Before we talk… let us share a drink first.”
“Speak first.”
“I refuse. You’ll simply leave otherwise.”
Seo Jin Ha let out a low chuckle.
He knew her nature better than anyone.
The two sat side by side, leaning against a boulder.
Moonlight descended softly, and beyond the tranquil forest, the gentle chorus of insects resonated through the night.
The two exchanged sips from the gourd flask in silence.
Gulp, gulp.
After taking a draught from the flask in his hand, Seo Jin Ha spoke in a low voice.
“For reasons unknown, the Hwawoo Sword Sect has apparently been tracking Gong Gong Sin Tu for a considerable time.”
He then tossed the flask back to Bu Eunseol and continued.
“And the revelation of those movements to all under heaven is surely also their conspiracy.”
“A conspiracy?”
“More precisely, the machinations of Wi Ji Hye Sang himself.”
Seo Jin Ha’s expression grew grave as he gazed toward the distant sky.
“Since you alone struck down Geol Wang, the succession is essentially already determined to be yours, is it not?”
Bu Eunseol, who had penetrated Gaebang’s intelligence network and eliminated one of the Four Gods Seven Kings.
He had proven himself the supreme heir in both martial prowess and tactical acumen.
“Thus Wi Ji Hye Sang orchestrated this incident to sabotage the succession structure.”
Seo Jin Ha continued with measured composure.
“From the outset, Gong Gong Sin Tu is a mysterious figure who has eluded Jeongsayang-do’s pursuit for decades. Capturing him alive would be impossible.”
“Hmm.”
“Wi Ji Hye Sang deliberately leaked information to draw the Demon Palace into this affair.”
As Seo Jin Ha spoke, he sensed something amiss.
Despite the shocking revelations, Bu Eunseol’s expression remained utterly unchanged.
“Could it be… you already knew?”
“I had my suspicions. To some extent.”
Bu Eunseol spoke with composure.
“He was cautious enough not to choose even a concubine hastily. There is no way he would allow such a mission to reach the ears of the Murim Alliance.”
From the moment Baek Jeon Cheon had told her of Gong Gong Sin Tu, Bu Eunseol had already anticipated such circumstances.
What Wi Ji Hye Sang had chosen was precisely a mission where information security was paramount. If such intelligence had spread throughout the Murim Alliance, there could be only one reason.
Wi Ji Hye Sang had deliberately leaked that information.
“So the commander of the Cheon Sal Unit was in on it as well.”
Bu Eunseol smiled faintly.
“Requesting a first-class division even though you knew no additional forces could be dispatched. And having the main unit guard Gwan Mo Peak.”
“Hmm.”
“If I were to commit a grave mistake or blunder here, it could shatter the tilted succession structure in an instant.”
Seo Jin Ha’s eyes widened in surprise.
“You anticipated even that far?”
“Consecutive coincidences are rare.”
Bu Eunseol spoke matter-of-factly.
“Being suddenly ordered to guard Gwan Mo Peak. And having the Jeol Myeong Dae, which doesn’t have good relations with the main unit, placed under my command.”
Seo Jin Ha, who had been listening silently, exhaled a heavy breath.
“You’re right. It seems there’s likely a secret agreement between our commander and the Hwawoo Sword Sect.”
And he spoke with a regretful expression.
“Or perhaps it’s because you refused to return the Spirit Sword Immortal during the Jeong Mu Dae Hoe. If you had surrendered that sword back then…”
“It would have been pointless.”
Bu Eunseol shook her head firmly.
“Even if I had given up the sword, the relationship between the vice-commander of the Cheon Sal Unit and the Hell Blood Sect would not have changed. The same applies to the Cheon Sal Unit commander.”
And she gazed directly at Seo Jin Ha as she spoke.
“This would have happened regardless, at some point.”
“You’re right, now that you mention it, that could very well be the case.”
Seo Jin Ha smiled helplessly.
He had realized his worries were unfounded.
Bu Eunseol—the only one from whom I felt genuine friendship on Hell Island.
She had now climbed to the very top as a successor candidate spanning the entire Demonic Path realm.
And it was not simply because her martial prowess was exceptional.
Her mind. Bu Eunseol possessed greater depth and superior wisdom than anyone else, which made such achievements possible.
“Ah, the distance between us is growing.”
“What do you mean?”
“You’re doing so well that I’m starting to feel jealous.”
Bu Eunseol laughed in a way uncharacteristic of her.
Those who reveal their true feelings without hesitation are free of lingering resentment and possess genuine sincerity.
Rather, it is those who pretend to be manly or act as though they possess great magnanimity who tend to stab you in the back.
Then Seo Jin Ha spoke again.
“I heard you took Myo Cheon Woo and Yu Woon Ryong as members of your unit?”
“That’s correct.”
“So you’re truly freeing them from the shackles of the Ten Demon Experts. Without any loose ends.”
The Ten Demonic Gates are as tenacious and formidable as their influence.
For the Ten Demon Experts to become truly free, there is only one path—registering their residence with the Demon Hall.
Just like Seo Jin Ha himself.
At that moment, Bu Eunseol tossed a gourd bottle with only a mouthful of liquor remaining to Seo Jin Ha.
“You certainly drank it down to the last drop.”
Seo Jin Ha drained the gourd bottle in one gulp and slowly rose from his seat.
“I know you’ll handle things well on your own, but still—don’t clash with our Lord just yet.”
“….”
“I know you’re strong, but our Lord is truly formidable. Beyond imagination.”
Seo Jin Ha spoke with an expression of utmost gravity.
“What you see now is not the entirety of his power.”
If we’re talking about concealing one’s true strength, Bu Eunseol was no different. Besides, even as the Lord of the Cheon Sal Unit, I had no intention of cowering.
Yet I answered without hesitation.
“I understand.”
Seo Jin Ha must have been concerned about me and made the journey here in a single stride.
The only way I could reciprocate such goodwill was with an honest answer.
“Once this mission is complete, things will become somewhat quieter.”
Seo Jin Ha smiled faintly.
“Next time we meet, let’s go to a fine tavern and share a drink.”
And gazing into the darkness, he wore a mysterious smile.
“All of us together.”
“I understand.”
“Then I’ll take my leave.”
With those words, Seo Jin Ha unfurled his movement technique in an instant.
A faint blue light flickered.
Watching Seo Jin Ha vanish into the night sky, Bu Eunseol turned around.
“Come out now.”

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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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