The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 264

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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 264.
“Please, be seated.”
Gu Yang Jung Hak offered Bu Eunseol a seat with measured composure.
“What brings you to visit our humble sect?”
“I have come seeking your assistance.”
“Hehehehe.”
Gu Yang Jung Hak chuckled with detached amusement.
“Though our sect has accumulated some modest influence, we are but a peripheral faction on the fringes of Cheong Hae. How could we possibly aid the former leader of the Demon Palace?”
Contrary to his words, the Wind Shooting Sword Gate wielded the greatest influence among all sects of the Qinghai Demonic Sword Sects.
Moreover, news that the Demon Palace’s former leader was stationed at Yao Jian Plain had spread throughout the Murim like wildfire.
Gu Yang Jung Hak knew everything, yet feigned ignorance with the cunning of a seasoned operator, affecting false modesty.
Had Bu Eunseol been an ordinary martial artist, he would have proceeded by praising Gu Yang Jung Hak’s humility and continuing the pleasantries.
But he despised both prolonging meaningless conversation and speaking in roundabout ways.
“Lend us a single vessel operated by the Wind Shooting Sword Gate.”
Bu Eunseol spoke with direct bluntness.
“Our former leader intends to enter Yao Jian Plain covertly, evading Heuk Ryeon’s eyes.”
The Nu River, flowing through narrow gorges, possessed treacherous currents unsuitable for water routes.
Yet toward Yao Jian Plain, the current gentled considerably, allowing merchant vessels laden with cargo to operate.
True to their nature as a bandit sect, Heuk Ryeon had chained multiple ships across the passage through Yao Jian Plain, collecting tolls from all vessels that passed.
“I understand the Wind Shooting Sword Gate operates merchant vessels directly. Such a ship would pass through the Yao Jian Plain vicinity without suspicion.”
As Bu Eunseol laid bare his plan without hesitation, Gu Yang Jung Hak’s complexion shifted dramatically.
‘This young man is threatening me.’
He had revealed a critical operation to a complete stranger.
Was this not equivalent to a threat—that if he refused, the Wind Shooting Sword Gate would be reduced to rubble?
‘If I refuse, he will drench this sect in blood.’
Beads of sweat formed on Gu Yang Jung Hak’s brow.
‘I must prevent this information from leaking at all costs.’
“Can you help us?”
As Bu Eunseol pressed the question again, Gu Yang Jung Hak drew a deep breath.
The fate of countless disciples hung upon his single word.
“Our sect master is….”
He paused, unable to continue.
The Wind Shooting Sword Gate was an ancient, venerable sect with roots stretching back generations in this barren Cheong Hae.
Their refusal to join the Demon Palace stemmed from pride in belonging to the originating sects of the Qinghai Demonic Path.
Yet if he knelt before this green youth from the Demon Palace under coercion?
He could no longer walk the Cheong Hae martial world with his head held high.
“Our sect will not involve itself in the conflict between the Demon Palace and Heuk Ryeon under any circumstances.”
Gu Yang Jung Hak spoke with formal dignity and quiet resolve.
“I must decline your request. Please convey my understanding to the Blood Mu Dan master.”
“It seems you have some arrangement with Heuk Ryeon.”
Bu Eunseol continued speaking with an expressionless face, her tone unwavering.
“Or perhaps you’re confident that I will be the one to fall.”
‘Is she trying to test the Sect Leader?’
Gu Yang Jung Hak narrowed his eyes briefly, then shook his head to deny her words.
“That’s not it. I simply have no intention of involving myself in the affairs of the Demonic Path of Zhong Yuan.”
“If Heuk Ryeon continues to gain power, then Sak Geom Ridge will inevitably become their next target.”
“We will handle such matters ourselves.”
Gu Yang Jung Hak spoke with firm resolve.
“Our sect is not some great power. But if we were the type to bow before the Demon Hall’s influence, we would have surrendered our nameplate long ago.”
Bu Eunseol sensed the deep hostility in his voice and let out a sigh.
“I am not using the Demon Hall’s authority to coerce the Sect Leader. I am making a request.”
“You call it a request, but from our sect’s perspective, it is nothing but coercion.”
Gu Yang Jung Hak spoke coldly.
“Not a single member of our sect will be deployed in this conflict.”
“It seems you’ve misunderstood something.”
Bu Eunseol met Gu Yang Jung Hak’s gaze directly, speaking with calm composure.
“I’m not asking for military support. I’m asking to borrow ships so that my forces can immediately launch an assault on Heuk Ryeon’s main base at Yao Jian Plain.”
“Isn’t that the same thing? To breach Heuk Ryeon’s coastal defenses, you’ll inevitably need a massive force.”
Gu Yang Jung Hak spoke with an unyielding expression.
“Or are you truly asking to borrow just a single ship?”
At that moment, the doors to Feng Yu Pavilion burst open, and a young woman in crimson robes strode in decisively.
“I will provide them.”
The woman spoke to Bu Eunseol with a firm voice.
“All of our sect’s merchant vessels and elite forces.”
“Jeong!”
Gu Yang Jung Hak, startled, leaped up to stop the woman.
“This is not your place to interfere.”
“No. This is exactly where I belong.”
The woman in crimson robes, Gu Yang Cheong Jeong, gestured toward Bu Eunseol as she spoke.
“This person saved not only me, but all the successors of the Cheong Hae Seven Sword Sects from the clutches of the Blood Sea Demon Well. I owe her a debt of gratitude.”
“What?”
Gu Yang Jung Hak’s eyes widened as he shook his head in confusion.
“What are you saying? That person is the successor of the Nangya Sect…”
“That’s right. This person is the successor of the Nangya Sect, Bu Eunseol.”
Gu Yang Jung Hak’s mouth fell open involuntarily.
The young person he had believed all this time to be merely a messenger conveying the Hyeol Mu Dan Master’s words…
The orthodox successor of the Ten Demonic Gates, and a leading candidate to succeed the Demon Hall—one who had single-handedly slain Geol Wang.
Was this truly Bu Eunseol?
“You are…”
Gu Yang Jung Hak gazed at Bu Eunseol, his voice trembling as he spoke.
“The legitimate successor of Nangya Sect, Bu Eunseol?”
“That is correct.”
As Bu Eunseol nodded, Gu Yang Jung Hak’s mouth fell open as though he had seen a ghost.
Bu Eunseol’s frame was not only slender, but she emanated neither the distinctive oppressive aura nor the inner energy typical of martial artists.
Had anyone other than his own daughter made such a claim, he would have dismissed it outright.
‘She has reached the realm of returning to simplicity!’
Only then did Gu Yang Jung Hak, having perceived Bu Eunseol’s formidable martial prowess, speak with a trembling voice.
“Why did you not reveal your identity?”
“Would that not itself be a form of coercion?”
Bu Eunseol spoke calmly.
“I came here with genuine sincerity to make this request of the sect leader.”
“I see.”
Gu Yang Jung Hak’s expression grew hollow.
Had she arrived as a successor or a first-rate sect master, she would never have spoken with such consistent respect to the leader of a minor sword sect in Cheong Hae.
She had come with genuine sincerity, and thus had maintained her courteous demeanor throughout.
“I believe you—that you came with genuine sincerity, without leveraging your elevated status, martial prowess, or the favor you bestowed upon my daughter.”
After a moment of deliberation, Gu Yang Jung Hak shook his head.
“Therefore, I too shall speak with honesty.”
After a brief hesitation, he spoke in a low voice.
“I am truly grateful to the sect master for saving my daughter. I shall repay that debt without fail.”
Drawing a deep breath, he spoke with an expression of anguish.
“But I cannot aid you in this matter. I cannot stake the fate of this sect on the gratitude of saving my daughter.”
“Father!”
“I am the leader of this sect.”
Gu Yang Jung Hak spoke with a stern voice.
“I cannot risk the lives of all my disciples for the sake of one.”
“That is far too cowardly a thing to say.”
“Cowardly?”
Gu Yang Cheong Jeong spoke with resolve.
“When the benefactor heard that the Blood Sea Demon Well intended to annihilate this sect, she boldly revealed her identity as a member of Nangya Sect.”
“Jung Ah.”
“Yet you say you cannot stake this sect’s fate on the gratitude of saving me alone? Is that the pride of the Qinghai Demonic Sword Sects that you always emphasize?”
Only then did Gu Yang Jung Hak recall the tale of the Ten Demon Immortals from Nangya Sect who had aided his daughter long ago.
Not only had she saved his daughter without any prior connection, but she had deliberately revealed her identity to protect the Seven Sword Sect from assault by the Blood Sea Demon Well.
‘But was that not a kindness she could only extend because she hailed from Nangya Sect?’
Gu Yang Jung Hak shook his head.
What if Bu Eunseol had been a disciple of an ordinary sect rather than Nangya Sect?
She would never have dared reveal her master’s sect.
“I know what you are thinking, Father. You believe the benefactor could reveal her identity so easily because she hails from Nangya Sect.”
“Is that not the truth?”
“That’s incorrect.”
“What did you say?”
Gu Yang Cheong Jeong spoke with firm resolve.
“Ever since that day, I have been investigating Master Bu’s movements.”
Having composed her turbulent emotions, she continued with measured calm.
“At that time, Master was evading the Orthodox Sects’ pursuit while confronting masters of great renown. That is why he had to conceal his whereabouts and identity.”
Lifting her head once more, she spoke with unwavering conviction.
“In such circumstances, Master willingly revealed his identity for our sake. He accepted the peril of exposure, risking everything.”
Only then did Gu Yang Jung Hak recall the rumors—that Bu Eunseol, the successor to the Demon Palace, had been assaulted by the Blood Sea Demon Well and single-handedly faced the Cold Blood Demons.
What if he had not saved Gu Yang Cheong Jeong? What if he had not revealed his identity?
He would never have made enemies of the Blood Sea Demon Well, nor would he have suffered such a catastrophic assault.
“Mm.”
Understanding the full weight of the situation, Gu Yang Jung Hak exhaled a deep sigh of shame.
All people prioritize their own interests.
In doing so, they deliberately turn away from or forget the kindness and favors others have shown them in the past.
Perhaps that is human nature—an inevitable response.
Yet Gu Yang Cheong Jeong, though in the bloom of her youth, had not forgotten the favor Bu Eunseol had bestowed upon her, and she had resolved to repay it without fail.
“This old fool was mistaken.”
Gu Yang Jung Hak bowed his head in shame.
“Even a young one like you understands the weight of debt, yet I—under the pretense of protecting this sect—have acted with ingratitude toward the Master who saved us from the Blood Sea Demon Well’s grasp.”
Then, toward Bu Eunseol, he clasped his hands together.
“I shall place all of this sect’s resources at your disposal. Moreover, I will provide full support from all our martial masters.”
At that, Gu Yang Cheong Jeong clapped her hands and added with a smile.
“Do not worry, Father. Not only we, but all of the Cheong Hae Seven Sword Sects will aid Master.”
“What do you mean?”
As Bu Eunseol’s eyes widened in bewilderment, Gu Yang Cheong Jeong beamed brightly.
“When I sent word to my friends that Master had arrived, they immediately rushed here.”
* * *
The Wind Shooting Sword Gate immediately cleared their largest Palace Hall so that Sa Yeong Dae could rest comfortably.
They prepared exquisite wine and delicacies, hosting a grand banquet for all the members.
Furthermore, they offered Bu Eunseol the most beautiful Flower Garden within the Wind Shooting Sword Gate—Jeong Su Jae—so she could rest at ease.
―Please rest. We shall prepare a boat to traverse the Nu River at once.
Not only that, but Gu Yang Jung Hak immediately prepared a boat from the Wind Shooting Sword Gate capable of crossing the Yao Jian Plain.
―There is no need to hurry.
At that moment, Bu Eunseol spoke with a leisurely expression.
―Our forces must move toward the Yao Jian Plain when we hear that the Hyeol Mu Dan’s main contingent has mobilized.
Only then did Gu Yang Jung Hak grasp Bu Eunseol’s strategy and nod in understanding.
She intended to strike at the flank of the Yao Jian Plain precisely when the Hyeol Mu Dan’s main forces advanced into Heuk Ryeon.
If timed correctly, they would be able to penetrate the heart of Heuk Ryeon before anyone else.
Within the Wind Shooting Sword Gate, the Great Conference Hall.
A dim lantern burned in that place, and seven people gathered around a table in a circle.
They were the successors of the Cheong Hae Seven Sword Sects, including Gu Yang Cheong Jeong.
Upon hearing that Bu Eunseol was here, they had rushed over in haste.
However, when they learned that Bu Eunseol was conferring with the commanders of Sa Yeong Dae at Jeong Su Jae,
they decided to first devise a strategy among themselves to aid Bu Eunseol.
They stared at the map laid upon the table with grave expressions.
“It seems we cannot easily pass through Heuk Ryeon’s sword gate.”
After a prolonged silence, Gu Yang Cheong Jeong’s lips moved as she gazed at the map.
“Though it is said that Heuk Ryeon and our sect have long refrained from encroaching upon each other, these are now times of war. They will surely conduct a thorough search of any vessel.”
At Gu Yang Cheong Jeong’s words, everyone nodded in agreement.
Heuk Ryeon blocked the narrow and confined waterway leading to Yao Jian Plain with ships linked by chains, collecting tolls from those who passed.
Yet in this precarious situation, with the Demon Palace’s forces at a standoff, there was no chance they would readily open the waterway to allow passage to the main headquarters.
“That much is obvious.”
Wi Ji Woon, the successor of the Gwanghanjian Sect, spoke with his arms crossed.
“If not just one or two, but a large number of vessels from the Cheong Hae Seven Sword Sects were to pass through, they would conduct a thorough inspection.”
Then Ma Han, the young master of the Sea Tower Sword Gate, interjected.
“What if we were to offer them a generous bribe instead? The fort commander there, Muk Jeok, the Murderous Axe Demon, is said to have been a former commander of the Jang Gang Water Route Fort….”
Creeeeak.
At that moment, the door opened and Bu Eunseol, dressed in conference robes, entered.
During the conference with the commanders, I had received word that the successors of the Cheong Hae Seven Sword Sects were waiting to see me.
And as soon as the conference concluded, I came here immediately.
“Eun Gong!”
All the successors of the Seven Sword Sect clasped their hands together with delighted expressions.
“Have you been well all this time?”
“We have always heard news of Eun Gong shaking the Murim.”
Bu Eunseol looked at the successors offering their greetings with a somewhat surprised expression.
Originally, they had been much like idle nobles, comfortably enjoying what had been given to them.
But now their eyes gleamed with intensity, and traces of rigorous training marked their entire bodies.
“You have all changed.”
At my words, Wi Ji Woon scratched his head sheepishly.
“After receiving guidance from Eun Gong, we all corrected our indolent ways.”
After being oppressed by Go Geuk Shin of the Blood Sea Demon Well, they had come to realize how pathetic their lives had been.
They devoted themselves to martial cultivation every single day and strived to cultivate the qualities and insight befitting a successor.
―A successor’s position is not one meant for enjoying and indulging in what one possesses!
A successor must stand at a position that will determine the fate of the sect in the future.
Only after seeing Bu Eunseol did they finally awaken to this truth.
“Hmm.”
I nodded as I observed the successors who had changed so impressively.
“But why have you all gathered here?”
Then Gu Yang Cheong Jeong spoke with a grave expression.
“We were discussing how to conceal the massive forces, including the martial artists from the sword sects we’ve observed aboard the vessels.”
“You mean the Seven Sword Sect forces?”
Bu Eunseol tilted her head in confusion, and Ma Han struck his chest as he spoke.
“Naturally, shouldn’t we also follow the Lord and engage Heuk Ryeon?”
Bu Eunseol then shook her head firmly.
“There’s no need. We only require a single vessel from the Wind Shooting Sword Gate—one capable of reaching the Yao Jian Plain safely.”
The successors’ expressions all became strange.
“Surely you don’t mean only the personnel you brought?”
“That’s correct.”
“That won’t do.”
Ma Han stepped forward.
“Heuk Ryeon has constructed formidable defensive lines near the coast to guard against enemies entering the Yao Jian Plain through the Nu River.”
Wi Ji Woon quickly added his support.
“That’s right. Moreover, given the current wartime situation… those forces will number at least three hundred. Perhaps even more.”
“That’s fine.”
Bu Eunseol wore a faint smile.
“Even if it’s five hundred instead of three hundred, we can break through easily enough.”
The successors exchanged glances and blinked at one another.
No matter how formidable the martial artists of the Demon Palace were, the Sa Yeong Dae members Bu Eunseol had brought numbered merely fifty.
However skilled they might be, the probability of defeating over three hundred Heuk Ryeon disciples was virtually nonexistent.
‘Could they possibly be one of the Demon Palace’s elite special forces?’
If the personnel Bu Eunseol had brought were one of the three elite special forces of the Demon Palace—Cheon Sal, Am Cheon, or Myeol Hon—then such a feat would naturally be possible.
But wasn’t the Sa Yeong Dae a newly formed unit that had only recently been established?
‘It’s fortunate that the true capabilities of the Sa Yeong Dae haven’t yet been revealed.’
Bu Eunseol smiled as she observed their expressions.
The Sa Yeong Dae was composed of members possessing considerable martial prowess, naturally incomparable to the Demon Palace’s elite special forces.
However, they had always faced numerous enemies and had internalized the tactical doctrines to counter such situations down to their very bones.
In other words, when it came to large-scale warfare, the Sa Yeong Dae’s combat strength was no less than that of the elite special forces.
“I appreciate your concern.”
Bu Eunseol spoke with a gentle yet resolute expression.
“But there’s no need to discuss this matter further. I assure you, it will be fine.”
“Then there’s nothing we can do to help?”
As the successors of the Seven Sword Sect lowered their heads with dejected expressions, Bu Eunseol opened her mouth with a serious look.
“Of course. There is something far more important.”
And she whispered in a low voice to the successors.

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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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