The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 262
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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 262.
Boom! Boom!
This time, Bu Eunseol deployed the Authority of Demonic Supremacy and struck Gu Ju Hun’s Chest Center acupoint with a devastating blow.
“Kkhkhkhkh.”
Any ordinary martial artist would have coughed blood and died instantly. Yet Gu Ju Hun merely let out a sinister laugh and charged toward Bu Eunseol.
“A Bound Demon Purgatory Being?”
At that moment, Jong Ri Sa Yu, who had been observing Gu Ju Hun’s form, gasped in shock.
“I never thought they could actually create a Bound Demon Purgatory Being.”
“A Bound Demon Purgatory Being? What is that?”
Yu Hwa Ryeong, standing nearby, asked urgently, and Jong Ri Sa Yu responded.
“The Medical Sect and the Poison Sect have long researched methods to resurrect humans who have reached death. That is precisely what a Bound Demon Purgatory Being is….”
She spoke with an expression filled with dread.
“It was only theoretically established, and no one had ever actually succeeded in creating a Bound Demon Purgatory Being until now.”
“Then you’re saying that creature is a corpse demon?”
“It’s different from a corpse demon. Simply put, most bodily functions are halted, but… the consciousness remains trapped within the body.”
Despite her attempt to simplify it, Yu Hwa Ryeong found it utterly incomprehensible.
“If a dead body houses a living spirit… then there’s no way to kill it?”
“Severing the neck will do it.”
“The neck….”
Yu Hwa Ryeong’s mouth fell open.
Despite bearing a fatal wound, Gu Ju Hun moved like lightning, wielding the Blood Seal Sword with devastating force.
To sever his neck while he displayed such martial prowess—as if he had reached the pinnacle of the Extreme Heaven Realm—seemed impossible even for Bu Eunseol.
“Is there no other way?”
Yu Hwa Ryeong asked urgently, and Jong Ri Sa Yu shook her head.
“If there is another way, it would be to extract the medicinal substance being continuously injected into his body. The reason his halted body can move at all is because concentrated spiritual medicine and true qi have been infused throughout his form.”
“Medicinal substance being injected? But he’s bleeding coagulated blood—no liquid is flowing out.”
“A Bound Demon Purgatory Being is like a legend passed down through the ages. I don’t know how they succeeded, but….”
Her voice trailed off as she shook her head.
“The power that moves his body must be connected to something somewhere.”
“I see.”
Having heard the entire explanation, Yu Hwa Ryeong drew his sword with grim resolve.
All he could do now was steel himself for death and join the battle.
He had to create even the smallest opening to give Bu Eunseol the chance to sever Gu Ju Hun’s neck.
Meanwhile, Bu Eunseol’s body was becoming marked by blood seals.
In terms of martial prowess, Gu Ju Hun’s strength could not match Bu Eunseol, who had entered the Extreme Heaven Realm.
Yet reborn as a Bound Demon Purgatory Being, he possessed abnormal brute strength and internal energy, along with a tenacious vitality that would not yield even to a pierced heart.
From Bu Eunseol’s perspective, it was as though an unkillable monster kept relentlessly throwing itself at her.
‘A Bound Demon Purgatory Being.’
At that moment, Bu Eunseol heard the conversation between Yu Hwa Ryeong and Jong Ri Sa Yu.
A Bound Demon Purgatory Being—a body that ceases all function while the soul remains tethered within.
To halt the activity of such a demon-like existence, one must either sever its neck or eliminate the drugs injected into its body.
‘Surely, it must be hidden somewhere within the body.’
A sharp metallic ring echoed.
White light streamed from Bu Eunseol’s eyes as she drew the Beast Blade to its full power.
Empty Heart Penetrating Spirit.
Based on Gu Ju Hun’s true energy that dispersed with each clash of weapons, she sought to glimpse fragments of his emotions and spiritual essence.
A subtle hum. A subtle hum.
With each collision of blades, delicate emotions flowed into Bu Eunseol’s consciousness.
‘So that was it.’
In the relentless assault of the Blood Chain Blade, she sensed a thread of sorrowful grief.
He possessed natural talent in martial arts, yet never received proper instruction.
By chance, he encountered a chain sickle weapon and transformed it through his own unique methods, creating the Blood Chain Blade.
Yet the Murim dismissed him for modifying such a grotesque weapon—even in Dong Yeong, it was considered bizarre.
Moreover, having failed to receive inner cultivation techniques at the proper time, his internal energy was meager compared to his martial prowess.
‘So that is how he came to this place. To resolve that resentment.’
She had merely traced a single thread of emotion embedded in his true energy.
Yet Gu Ju Hun’s entire life flashed vividly through Bu Eunseol’s mind.
A primal roar erupted.
Gu Ju Hun, wielding the Blood Chain Blade, unleashed a ferocious cry.
It was the scream of a martial artist who could never become strong because he never received proper training.
She retreated swiftly.
Bu Eunseol spoke in a low voice.
“Yet such shortcuts cannot be justified, no matter the circumstances.”
A metallic click.
She sheathed the Silent Blade and spoke coldly.
“You should have disregarded others’ eyes and walked your own path.”
Another guttural roar.
Gu Ju Hun, making sounds like phlegm rattling in his throat, gripped the Blood Chain Blade and unleashed a pristine killing intent.
It seemed as though he was screaming, ‘What could you possibly know!’
Bu Eunseol gazed down at him with cold indifference.
“Now I shall prove that you were wrong.”
A furious cry.
Consumed by rage, Gu Ju Hun unleashed another ferocious roar and swung the Blood Chain Blade.
His technique was so swift it became invisible.
One could not even sense where the Blood Chain Blade had been launched.
A sharp snap.
Then something extraordinary occurred.
From Bu Eunseol’s left hand, a net-like pattern of golden light cascaded forth.
A dull thud.
The Blood Chain Blade, which had vanished, now hung suspended within the palm of Bu Eunseol’s hand.
The Technique of Malleable True Qi.
An ancient secret that allowed one to solidify true qi into any desired form.
Using this technique, I had seized the invisible Blood Shackle Sword with my bare hands.
Screech!
At that moment, with a low blade cry, my Silent Sword was drawn.
Simultaneously, I brought the Blood Shackle Sword I held in my grip crashing down with all my strength.
Crack!
Though the blade split, an eerie cutting sound echoed forth—not the ring of metal, but something far more sinister.
From the two severed pieces of the blade, a thick, deep blue-green liquid began to spray forth like a fountain.
―Ahhhhh!
As the liquid erupted, Gu Ju Hun shrieked in agony and writhed.
Corpse Marrow Elixir.
The mysterious liquid that sustained the life force of a dead body was none other than what had been hidden within his Blood Shackle Sword.
“Even after becoming a Corpse Marrow Elixir, you cling to your obsession with weapons—how could you ever hope to progress?”
Through the Void Heart Piercing Gaze, I had discerned that his vital point was concealed within the Blood Shackle Sword itself.
And using the Technique of Malleable True Qi, I had crushed the Blood Shackle Sword in one swift motion with my bare hands.
Boom.
As his vital essence drained away, Gu Ju Hun collapsed to his knees, his strength utterly spent.
“Are you unharmed?”
Yu Hwa Ryeong, who had prepared himself solemnly to aid me.
When he saw me shatter the Blood Shackle Sword and subdue Gu Ju Hun in a single stroke, he approached with an expression of both joy and astonishment.
“You are… truly extraordinary. How did you know that blood was hidden within his weapon?”
“I listened to your account and pieced together the clues.”
“You heard our words even in the midst of such a fierce battle?”
Just as Yu Hwa Ryeong opened his mouth in surprise,
“Ah…”
At that moment, a human groan escaped from the lips of the kneeling Gu Ju Hun.
Though his body was dying as his vital essence drained away, his mind seemed to have regained clarity.
“That is true.”
Gu Ju Hun, leaning against the wall and straightening his upper body, gazed directly at me.
“I gained my name through my weapon, so I could not help but cling to it.”
A sorrowful smile flowed from Gu Ju Hun’s blood-stained lips.
“But I lacked the courage to cast it aside and begin anew.”
Remarkably, Gu Ju Hun seemed to have heard everything I had said all along.
“Whether one’s fame is great or small, a warrior’s final resting place is the cold earth below…”
Blood began to flow slowly from his eyes and mouth, which held a faint smile.
“Had I strived without regret each and every day, death would not have felt so hollow…”
And Gu Ju Hun closed his eyes.
As if the regrets of his past were melting away, a single transparent tear rolled down his cheek as his eyes shut.
Gu Ju Hun, who had wielded the Blood Shackle Sword to shake the Murim with his exceptional talent, yet suffered from never attaining the fame he desired.
Instead of starting anew, he had chosen the expedient path to climb quickly.
And in the end, he met a tragic fate.
Crack.
Bu Eunseol, staring into the Corridor stained with darkness, clenched her fists tightly.
Likely, those above were still conducting experiments using people like Gu Ju Hun—those harboring resentment or burning with ambition.
If I did not destroy this place entirely, a second and third Gu Ju Hun would be born.
Thud, thud.
Without looking back, I passed Gu Ju Hun and walked into the darkness.
Hiss.
As I walked, a shimmering aura began to rise from my body.
With each step, I was recovering my vital energy.
“Come with me.”
As Yu Hwa Ryeong, regaining his senses, hurriedly followed Bu Eunseol, Jong Ri Sa Yu, who had been standing dazed, also rushed after them.
Upon emerging outside, remarkably, all the facilities installed underground were collapsing.
Once our location was exposed, they had unhesitatingly destroyed the internal facilities and fled.
As we exited through the passage, a tremendous rumble shook the earth.
“If we had been even slightly later…”
At Yu Hwa Ryeong’s murmur, Jong Ri Sa Yu nodded.
“We would have been buried alive in this place.”
Whoosh.
Then, as Bu Eunseol carefully examined the ground, she suddenly began to deploy her lightness technique at rapid speed.
Boom! Whoosh!
Unfolding the Extreme Speed Shadowless technique, I burst through the Forest and crossed several Mountains in a single breath.
After running for about an hour, I spotted dozens of martial artists in the distant Reed Field, carrying tens of boxes as they fled.
They were all wearing the official robes of the Dong Chang.
Slash!
The moment I saw them, I unleashed a sword strike without hesitation.
“Aahhh!”
With screams, the heads of two officials fell to the ground in an instant.
At the same time, several boxes caught in the range of my sword force shattered, and the documents inside scattered down like rain.
Judging by their pristine appearance, they seemed to be records of the research being conducted in the Underground Facility.
“Ambush!”
As they scattered in all directions to evade the rain of sword energy, a masked Middle-Aged Man stepped forward before Bu Eunseol.
“The rest of you, go ahead.”
He slowly drew the sword at his waist as he spoke.
“I will handle this one.”
Bu Eunseol’s eyes widened.
Remarkably, this Middle-Aged Man also bore traces of the diamond-shaped sword guard on his scabbard.
‘How is this possible.’
As I hesitated, the Middle-Aged Man’s preemptive strike came at me.
Crash! Slash!
He unfurled his blade while simultaneously deploying a vicious hand technique with his left palm, targeting my vital points.
Whoosh!
I immediately countered by unleashing the Formless Heavenly Current.
Clang!
As the two weapons collided and hung suspended in the air for a moment, a sharp wave of energy swept coldly across my chest.
Zing! Crack crack crack!
In mere seconds, we exchanged over a dozen moves.
Though the Middle-Aged Man possessed considerable martial prowess, there was a significant gap between us.
Yet the reason he could hold his own for several exchanges was singular.
His swordsmanship had caught me off guard.
‘Orthodox Sects?’
Remarkably, the sword technique the Middle-Aged Man wielded was also from the Orthodox Sects lineage—specifically, a variation of Hwasan swordplay.
‘So it was the Orthodox Sects after all.’
The assassins of Saixiang also employed modified Orthodox Sects techniques. And now these as well…
Whoosh!
Lost in contemplation, the Middle-Aged Man suddenly hurled a hidden blade.
I quickly jerked my head back, but given the proximity, it grazed my mask.
“Formidable martial skill.”
The Middle-Aged Man murmured quietly then.
“There is no escape.”
His voice and gaze alone revealed a seasoned veteran who had weathered countless trials.
Even if I subdued him and subjected him to every form of torture, I would extract nothing.
Whistle whistle whistle!
Having finally resolved myself, I unleashed a barrage of sword strikes as sharp and swift as arrows.
The Middle-Aged Man evaded with ease and attempted a counterattack, but it would be his last movement in this world.
Crash crash crash crash!
Accompanied by a piercing sound of tearing air, the sword energy that passed through his body returned and poured down upon him.
The Formless Heavenly Current’s Fourth Form—the wondrous technique of Layered Cloud Resonance had unfolded.
Crack crack crack crack!
As dozens of sword energies embedded themselves in his vital points, the Middle-Aged Man collapsed to his knees.
Yet that was not the end.
Crash!
With a time delay, a single sharp blade of energy flew like a hawk in low flight, swiftly passing through the Middle-Aged Man’s neck.
Thud.
A crimson line traced across his neck, and his head fell uselessly to the ground.
Whoosh!
I flicked my fingers lightly.
The mask covering my face flew away, slowly revealing the visage hidden beneath.
It was a face bearing the typical features of a Martial Hall warrior—narrow, piercing eyes and a prominent hooked nose.
Whoosh!
Curling my palm again, I unfurled the Void Grasping technique, and the iron scabbard hanging from the middle-aged man’s waist fell into my hands.
‘So it was an imitation of the Rhombus Water Sword.’
The marks etched into the scabbard were a meticulous imitation of the Rhombus Water Sword that Seok Song had unleashed.
“Because they didn’t know about defensive sword techniques, they left such traces.”
Hyung Su had no idea that the Rhombus Water Sword marks left on the scabbard were defensive sword techniques that responded to killing intent.
He had replicated the traces Seok Song left with perfect accuracy, yet he failed to capture the sword will contained within them.
Instead, he had left traces closer to offensive sword forms.
‘He knew about the intentional marks on the scabbard and turned them to his advantage.’
Hyung Su was not only formidable in martial prowess but also possessed tremendous confidence.
He had deliberately left traces on the scabbards of several officials from the Dong Chang.
This meant Hyung Su either held the rank of Superintendent of the Dong Chang or something even higher.
‘Or perhaps this itself is a trap.’
They had constructed facilities deep underground, and even used Murim experts like Gu Ju Hun as experimental subjects.
This clearly indicated connections with the highest echelons of the Murim.
‘He may have turned the Dong Chang against itself to conceal his true identity.’
Skilled conspirators often exploit the identities of their supporting forces to hide their own.
What remained certain was that Hyung Su, who had annihilated the Ten Seats of the Heavenly Sword Society, was connected to Gwan Bu.
Swoosh!
In that moment, Yu Hwa Ryeong and Jong Ri Sa Yu arrived with a piercing sound.
Upon seeing the fallen official and the scabbard in my hands, Yu Hwa Ryeong rushed forward with an exclamation.
“We succeeded!”
“This wasn’t him.”
“What?”
“Look carefully. The traces are different.”
I handed the scabbard to Yu Hwa Ryeong.
He examined it carefully, then shook his head.
“Honestly, I can’t tell. It looks identical to the traces Master left.”
Yu Hwa Ryeong lacked killing intent and had not mastered the Rhombus Water Sword or the Wind-Cloud Harmony Formation.
Therefore, he could not comprehend the sword will of the four most crucial principles: the Weak Controlling the Strong, Sensing Killing Intent, the Able Defending Against It, and Moving Without Stagnation.
“They are not identical. It appears someone has etched such minute traces onto the swords of all officials from the Dong Chang, or those connected to it.”
“How is that even possible?”
“Perhaps he holds the rank of Superintendent of the Dong Chang or higher… or he is a supreme master of the Murim with close ties to them.”
Yu Hwa Ryeong’s vision darkened.
Hyung Su, who had annihilated the Heavenly Sword Society, possessed such a high station.
“Do not worry. I will find him without fail.”
I spoke calmly, meeting Yu Hwa Ryeong’s gaze.
“Even if not now, we will inevitably cross paths. I will find him.”
In that moment, Yu Hwa Ryeong trembled with emotion, his hands shaking.
In truth, it mattered little whether I said this man was Hyung Su or not. Yu Hwa Ryeong could not verify the truth anyway.
Yet Bu Eunseol was willing to honor her promise even knowing that Hyung Su was connected to the upper echelons of Gwan Bu, or entangled with them.
“But you will soon become the successor of the Demon Palace.”
“It matters not.”
Bu Eunseol, turning her gaze toward Yu Hwa Ryeong, spoke with conviction.
“I will find that man and keep my promise. Return with ease.”
Bu Eunseol had intuited something.
The mysterious forces she had encountered thus far were connected to Hyung Su and those who had annihilated the Ten Seats of the Heavenly Sword Society.
Whether by Yu Hwa Ryeong’s promise or not, I had to find that man.
“I am grateful.”
Yu Hwa Ryeong bowed deeply, his head lowered. Then he spoke with resolute conviction.
“But this is sufficient.”
“What do you mean?”
“You have risked your life to honor the promise our society made. How could I ask for more?”
Yu Hwa Ryeong was a magnanimous man of noble character.
Bu Eunseol had risked her life pursuing Dong Chang’s official and eliminated him. She had done her utmost—there was nothing more to ask for.
He did not wish to see her endangered further under the guise of promises.
‘A good person indeed.’
Most people prioritize their own interests and think nothing of accepting others’ aid.
Especially when it comes to avenging one’s master.
But Yu Hwa Ryeong prioritized Bu Eunseol’s safety above all else, despite her fulfilling the promise.
‘The Murim is not yet rotten, so long as such people exist.’
Those of the Demonic Path move by the logic of strength and self-interest, while the Orthodox Sects are mostly gatherings of selfish individuals.
Good people are rare in the Murim, yet there are those like Yu Hwa Ryeong who understand righteousness and honor.
Perhaps this is why Bu Eunseol, who does not view the Murim positively, still conducts herself with human compassion within it.
A gentle breeze stirred.
Then, Jong Ri Sa Yu arrived belatedly and gasped upon seeing the face of the fallen Middle-Aged Man.
“Bang Dae Woon?”
“Do you know him?”
At Yu Hwa Ryeong’s question, she nodded.
“He was the head of the intelligence network for Dong Chang in this region.”
Dong Chang controlled everything and investigated all matters.
They even monitored the prices of vegetables in the markets and kept watch over the Embroidered Uniform Guard, their nominal allies. Thus they stationed intelligence networks throughout various regions and appointed heads to manage them.
Bang Dae Woon, whom Bu Eunseol had killed, had been the head managing this region.
“I see.”
Yu Hwa Ryeong nodded with a grave expression.
Then, suddenly—
The cloth covering Bu Eunseol’s face fell to the ground. The string had come loose when Bang Dae Woon’s hidden blade had grazed it earlier.
In that moment, beneath the moonlight, Bu Eunseol’s breathtakingly beautiful visage was laid bare.
“Oh?”
Jong Ri Sa Yu’s eyes widened in shock, her entire being frozen in place.
Bu Eunseol’s appearance was every bit as shocking as her martial prowess.
‘How could a person possibly look like that?’
As Jong Ri Sa Yu beheld Bu Eunseol’s face, illuminated by the moonlight’s reflection, her heart swelled as though she had heard the most poignant melody.
“Yu Hyung, then let us meet again next time.”
As Yu Hwa Ryeong nodded, Bu Eunseol’s silhouette vanished in an instant into the night sky above.
Jong Ri Sa Yu, who had been standing in a daze, only regained her senses after a considerable time had passed.
“Who on earth is that person….”
As she turned her head, her mouth fell open.
In that moment, Yu Hwa Ryeong too had departed discreetly.
“The Heavenly Sword Society….”
Jong Ri Sa Yu murmured as though awakening from a dream.
She had much to accomplish ahead. She needed to seize the tail of the force that the Chim Wang Family had been relentlessly pursuing, and she had to master the Needle Sovereign’s Secret Transmission as soon as possible.
And she added one more task to her heart.
“I absolutely must….”
Find that handsome young man from the Heavenly Sword Society without fail….
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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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