The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 251

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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 251.
“Hwa Gol San?”
Wi Moo Yeom and Yi Se Cheon rushed toward Gong Gong Sin Tu’s corpse.
A sharp hiss pierced the air.
As they pushed through the pale, acrid vapor, Gong Gong Sin Tu’s skin had already begun to liquify like water, exposing bone beneath.
“What in the world happened here?”
Hwa Gol San was potent enough to dissolve skin and bone alike, yet possessed extraordinary volatility. Moreover, it acted only upon bodily fluids.
For this very reason, Hwa Gol San could not be applied to hidden weapons or blades for use.
“Commander Wi! Why did you use Hwa Gol San!”
“What nonsense is this?”
“Are you suggesting the corpse drank the poison of its own accord?”
“Hmph. Perhaps you slipped the poison in while pretending to examine the body?”
Wi Moo Yeom spoke coldly.
“It would be troublesome if the Murim Alliance were revealed to have killed him.”
“Ridiculous.”
Wi Moo Yeom and Yi Se Cheon had not witnessed Gong Gong Sin Tu biting down on his false tooth.
Thus they suspected one another.
“It seems we cannot reach an understanding.”
At Wi Moo Yeom’s signal, the Cheon Sal Unit members drew their weapons.
Immediately, the Murim Alliance members likewise unsheathed their blades.
As the standoff reached its peak, Bu Eunseol stepped forward.
“He ingested the poison himself.”
“What?”
“When I arrived, he was already ingesting it.”
Wi Moo Yeom then spoke with suspicious eyes.
“Earlier, you said his breathing had already ceased upon arrival.”
“By the time I arrived, he was in the process of ingesting the poison.”
‘This woman…’
Wi Moo Yeom bit his lip.
It was difficult to accept Bu Eunseol’s words at face value. Yet with the corpse already dissolved, there was no way to verify the truth.
“This is absurd.”
Yi Se Cheon’s expression grew hollow.
As commander of the Murim Alliance’s elite sword unit, he had faced the Demon Hall with confidence.
But he had gained nothing.
Moreover, due to the Sa Yeong Dae’s interference at Gwan Mo Peak, he had arrived later than the Cheon Sal Unit commander, losing face in the process.
Not only had he failed to capture Gong Gong Sin Tu alive, but he could not even confirm his final moments—only a handful of blood-soaked remains lay before him.
Wi Moo Yeom’s situation was no different.
Had he personally executed Gong Gong Sin Tu, at least his honor would have been preserved.
But when discovered, the man was already mortally wounded and fleeing.
And the one who found him first was none other than the Sa Yeong Dae commander, whom he had long regarded with disdain?
The commander of the Cheon Sal Unit, whose name echoed across Tianxia, had stepped forward personally—yet the outcome of his mission was hollow beyond measure.
—Damn it.
The same curse rose unbidden in the minds of Wi Moo Yeom and Yi Se Cheon.
There was nothing they could do now.
Yi Se Cheon, his teeth clenched so hard his jaw trembled, turned on his heel.
“We withdraw.”
As the Murim Alliance members filed out behind him, Wi Moo Yeom turned to Bu Eunseol with a question.
“Is everything you’ve told us the truth?”
“It is.”
Wi Moo Yeom stared intently at Bu Eunseol’s unwavering face before spitting out his words.
“Return to base.”
The air crackled.
The Cheon Sal Unit members followed him, unfurling their movement techniques as they vanished into the night.
Yet one member remained, refusing to deploy his technique.
It was Seo Jin Ha, the third commander of the Cheon Sal Unit.
He nodded.
When Seo Jin Ha’s gaze met Bu Eunseol’s, he gave a subtle nod before unfurling his technique and disappearing into the sky above.
…
Standing alone, Bu Eunseol gazed silently down at Gong Gong Sin Tu’s corpse, now barely more than a puddle of blood.
Until now, she had striven ceaselessly to gain the power to defy fate.
But she had forgotten what truly mattered.
‘Grandfather…’
A fierce light burned in Bu Eunseol’s eyes. She had made her decision—she knew what she must do next.
* * *
Bu Eunseol attended a clan leader-level conference presided over by Chong Gyo Ryeong for the first time in her life.
It was possible because she held the temporary rank of first-class commander, and secondly because she had been the first to discover Gong Gong Sin Tu’s body.
In particular, Cheon Sal Dae Ju Wi Moo Yeom harbored lingering suspicions about Bu Eunseol.
He had publicly demanded that she explain once more the circumstances of her encounter with Gong Gong Sin Tu during the conference.
“…That is what transpired.”
Bu Eunseol recounted in detail how she had come to pursue Gong Gong Sin Tu.
The decisive evidence was the fatal wound near his heart.
It was true that he had been struck by a hidden projectile, and that he had consumed the Hwa Gol San poison himself.
She simply omitted the detail about the poisoned false tooth she had embedded, and the conversation they had shared in his final moments.
Gong Gong Sin Tu’s corpse had already dissolved into a handful of blood, making any further investigation impossible.
Wi Moo Yeom questioned Bu Eunseol repeatedly about various details, yet he could find no flaw, no inconsistency in her account.
‘This isn’t a conference—he summoned me for an interrogation.’
“I too have a question for you, Commander Wi.”
After finishing her explanation, Bu Eunseol met Wi Moo Yeom’s gaze directly and spoke.
“I received your orders and faithfully guarded Gwan Mo Peak. I pursued Gong Gong Sin Tu, and my unit members repelled the Murim Alliance’s pursuit.”
Bu Eunseol, seated at the table, stared unflinchingly at Wi Moo Yeom as she spoke.
“However, Wi Dae Ju, who commanded this entire operation to capture Gong Gong Sin Tu, has achieved nothing of note.”
“What did you say?”
A pristine killing intent bloomed in Wi Moo Yeom’s eyes.
“What did you just say?”
“Did you not hear me?”
A crimson blood-light flickered across Bu Eunseol’s pupils as well.
“My Sa Yeong Dae repelled the Murim Alliance’s pursuers, and I personally tracked down Gong Gong Sin Tu, discovering him first.”
Bu Eunseol spoke with measured precision, her gaze fixed unflinchingly upon Wi Moo Yeom’s blazing eyes.
“Yet you treat me as a criminal, Wi Dae Ju.”
“There are irregularities in the process that warrant scrutiny.”
“Should I be interrogated merely because of these vague suspicions?”
“Enough.”
As the two’s argument grew heated, Chong Gyo Ryeong Yeop Hyo Cheon raised his hand.
“If the information Gong Gong Sin Tu possessed did not reach the Murim Alliance, then the matter is settled.”
Yeop Hyo Cheon, observing both of them, spoke with a weary sigh.
“There is no need for further dispute regarding this affair.”
How could they defy the solemn command of the Chong Gyo Ryeong?
Wi Moo Yeom and Bu Eunseol had no choice but to clasp their hands respectfully and bow their heads.
Yeop Hyo Cheon nodded solemnly as he spoke.
“Let us move forward.”
Silence descended upon the Great Hall for a moment.
What needed to be discussed next was far more critical and complex than the present matter.
“Originally, this matter concerning Gong Gong Sin Tu should have been resolved by the successor of the Hwawoo Sword Sect.”
Yeop Hyo Cheon drew a deep breath as he spoke.
“However, because the Murim Alliance intervened, the situation spiraled beyond control, and our sect’s masters were forced to become involved.”
After pausing briefly, he surveyed the unit commanders before speaking.
“How do you all judge this matter?”
Then Shim Ui, a unit commander from the Hwawoo Sword Sect, spoke in a measured tone.
“Since this occurred regardless of our sect’s intentions, it is only right to grant them another opportunity to complete a different task.”
He continued after a brief cough.
“Currently, only the Blood-Dyed Sword School and Nangya Sect have completed the successor’s task.”
“Hmm.”
As Yeop Hyo Cheon nodded in agreement, Shim Ui spoke with greater conviction.
“Moreover, Geuk Sal Mil Gak and Destruction Spear Sect are still working on their tasks. By that measure alone, granting them another chance is only just.”
Yeop Hyo Cheon nodded and looked around the hall as he spoke.
“Does anyone have a different opinion?”
Then, as if waiting for this moment, Do In Cheong, a first-rank unit commander from the Blood-Dyed Sword School, clasped his hands.
“May I offer a word?”
“Please do.”
“This matter concerning Gong Gong Sin Tu is not a clash of weapons, but rather an information war. And in information warfare, maintaining secrecy is paramount.”
Do In Cheong spoke with an unperturbed gaze.
“In other words, the mere fact that information has leaked to the Murim Alliance means the Hwawoo Sword Sect has already committed a grave blunder.”
Shim Ui immediately countered.
“Our sect conducted this matter in absolute secrecy. It is merely that spies—hidden in places even we cannot locate—have transmitted such information.”
Shim Ui continued.
“In truth, the source from which Gong Gong Sin Tu’s information spread was the Demon Palace, not our sect. How then can you cast all blame upon us?”
“Are the ears of spies not open everywhere? Ultimately, your failure to prevent this reveals nothing but insufficient capability.”
“Mind your words, Cheon Sal Dae Ju.”
Shim Ui’s eyes turned glacial as he spoke.
“Do you believe yourself qualified to judge the abilities of our sect’s successor?”
“Qualified?”
As the dispute flared once more, Yeop Hyo Cheon opened his mouth again.
“Sa Yeong Dae Ju.”
He fixed his gaze upon Bu Eunseol as he spoke.
“What is your opinion?”
The question came entirely without warning.
Bu Eunseol was momentarily flustered, but soon replied in a measured tone.
“This does not appear to be a matter I should address.”
“Why not?”
“Because I am competing with him for the position of successor.”
“Hehehehe.”
Yeop Hyo Cheon wore a subtle smile.
“I ask not for your answer as a successor candidate of the Demon Palace, but as Sa Yeong Dae Ju.”
Observing his resolute expression, it was clear Yeop Hyo Cheon was determined to hear her response.
After a moment of deliberation, Bu Eunseol opened her mouth with composure.
“If I may offer my opinion as Sa Yeong Dae Ju….”
As I paused briefly and drew a deep breath to continue,
Click.
The conference chamber door opened, and a slender figure entered slowly.
Though dressed in ornate martial robes, his features were clean and innocent, emanating an almost austere atmosphere.
It was Wi Ji Hye Sang, the successor of the Hwawoo Sword Sect.
“Wi Ji Hye Sang of the Hwawoo Sword Sect pays respects to the Chong Gyo Ryeong and the various lords and commanders.”
All those present in the chamber wore expressions of bewilderment.
Though called the successor of the Hwawoo Sword Sect, he held no official registry in the Demon Palace, and therefore had no right to attend this conference.
Yet he entered the Dokryeong Pavilion chamber where the meeting was being conducted with such confidence?
However, Yeop Hyo Cheon showed no surprise whatsoever and nodded his head.
“What brings you here?”
“Though it may be presumptuous, I have come to assume responsibility as a successor candidate of the Demon Palace.”
“Responsibility?”
“I have heard there is fierce contention regarding my personal circumstances.”
Wi Ji Hye Sang clasped his hands together with a most respectful expression.
“However, there is no need for further discussion on that matter.”
“Why is that?”
As Yeop Hyo Cheon posed the question, Wi Ji Hye Sang smiled faintly and spoke in a clear, resonant voice.
“As of today, I shall withdraw from consideration as a successor candidate to the Demon Palace.”
The conference hall erupted in murmurs at this shocking declaration.
Though the mission had not succeeded, he was the successor of the Hwawoo Sword Sect, which held the position of chief among the Ten Demonic Gates.
As the most influential sect within the Demon Palace, if he were to demand another attempt at the mission, even Yeop Hyo Cheon would find it difficult to refuse.
Yet he was voluntarily stepping down as a successor candidate?
Murmur upon murmur.
As the various lords and chieftains whispered and chattered amongst themselves, Yeop Hyo Cheon waved his hand to silence the idle talk.
Then he asked in a grave voice.
“Do you speak in earnest?”
“I do.”
“What prompted such a decision?”
“Had I truly grasped the gravity of this matter, I should have implemented security measures twofold and threefold.”
Wi Ji Hye Sang answered with composure.
“Yet I failed to do so, and thus information was leaked. As a result, the core forces of this hall nearly collided directly with the Murim Alliance.”
With hands clasped together, Wi Ji Hye Sang spoke with gleaming eyes.
“By that fact alone, I lack the qualifications to be a successor. How could I shamelessly retain my position?”
As these unexpected words continued, a brief silence fell over the hall.
Yeop Hyo Cheon, his eyes narrowed to slits, nodded his head.
“If that is your will, then so it shall be.”
And he continued in a low voice.
“As of today, you are disqualified from the position of successor candidate to this hall. I shall report this to Ma Cheon Je accordingly.”
“I am grateful.”
Wi Ji Hye Sang clasped his hands together without hesitation.
The conference ended in disarray.
At Wi Ji Hye Sang’s sudden declaration, not only the lords of the Hwawoo Sword Sect but even those from the Blood Flame Sect who had opposed his remaining as a candidate stood dumbfounded.
From the circumstances, it appeared that Wi Ji Hye Sang’s statement had not been sufficiently coordinated with the Hwawoo Sword Sect.
‘Wi Ji Hye Sang.’
Having stepped outside the Sole Brightness Pavilion, Bu Eunseol gazed toward the distant sky.
Until now, I had seen through and predicted many things. Yet Wi Ji Hye Sang’s true intentions remained utterly beyond my grasp.
‘He deliberately leaked the information.’
Wi Ji Hye Sang was cautious enough to choose his successor mission documents last among all candidates.
It was inconceivable that one so careful would have neglected information security while mindful of the agents the Demon Palace had planted throughout its ranks.
Even Seo Jin Ha had judged this situation not as an attempt to disrupt the current succession structure in my favor, had he not?
Yet defying all such predictions, Wi Ji Hye Sang had abandoned his position as successor to the Demon Palace with almost absurd ease.
‘Is he satisfied with being the successor of the Hwawoo Sword Sect?’
No matter what anyone said, the Hwawoo Sword Sect was the chief of the Ten Demonic Gates.
A thick layer of masters and vast sphere of influence. And unparalleled mastery of the blade.
In truth, no faction of the Demonic Path could compare to the Hwawoo Sword Sect.
‘No, that cannot be.’
Had I harbored no ambition for the successor’s seat, I would never have acted so late in selecting a successor.
Moreover, did I not openly contend with Do Cheon Rin, who had been designated as my heir?
From that alone, it was clear that at the time, I certainly harbored intentions toward the Demon Hall’s succession.
Thump, thump.
As Bu Eunseol, lost in deep contemplation, drew near the East Gate where Sa Yeong Gak stood,
“….”
A shimmering shadow appeared in the distance.
Despite the bright daylight, the shadow was so transparent and faint it resembled a mirage.
‘Wi Ji Hye Sang.’
The figure standing before Sa Yeong Gak was none other than Wi Ji Hye Sang.

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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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