The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 273

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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 273.
Murderous intent swirled within Bu Eunseol’s eyes.
Even if it were a personal matter, how could the Lord of Bi Young Gak make such a definitive claim?
“Isn’t it obvious?”
Yet the Lord of Bi Young Gak wore a leisurely smile.
“You investigated the movements of the Seven Demonic Paths in Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong. And you moved your information network to try to catch Saixiang’s tail, did you not?”
Bi Young Gak—the Demon Hall’s supreme intelligence organization.
Remarkably, this place not only meticulously tracked the movements of the Ten Demonic Gates and the flow of intelligence networks, but also…
conducted a thorough investigation of my every action.
“This is Bi Young Gak, Spirit Lord.”
Hwa Jung Cheon wore a cold, mocking smile.
He had certainly expected Bu Eunseol to be flustered or caught off guard.
‘Hmm?’
Yet the reaction was entirely different from his expectation. Instead, she was narrowing her eyes and nodding calmly.
‘So that’s how it was.’
The provocation I had directed at Hwa Jung Cheon regarding Saixiang.
It was to gauge the intelligence-gathering capabilities of Bi Young Gak and the limits of their reach.
‘All along, the reason Ma Cheon Je and Chong Gyo Ryeong could see through my actions as if reading my palm was surely because of Bi Young Gak.’
And as I had anticipated, Bi Young Gak faced no restrictions in gathering intelligence.
Even Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong, which possessed the Ten Demonic Gates’ finest intelligence organization, was included among their surveillance targets.
This meant that no matter what I did or how I moved my information networks, I could not escape Bi Young Gak’s surveillance net.
‘This will be necessary. Certainly.’
Having resolved something, my eyes narrowed.
Through Hwa Jung Cheon’s answer, I was now prepared to execute a plan I had long been contemplating.
After organizing my thoughts, I provoked Hwa Jung Cheon once more.
“What if the matter concerning Saixiang was not merely a personal affair of the Lord?”
At the continued arrogant tone, a look of disappointment flickered across Hwa Jung Cheon’s eyes.
“As the Lord of Bi Young Gak, I am fully aware of what I am currently undertaking.”
And he continued with an expressionless face.
“If what you seek has any connection to my current endeavors, I would naturally have cooperated. Does that answer your question?”
A brief silence fell.
Bu Eunseol, who had been staring intently at Hwa Jung Cheon, nodded lightly.
“That is fortunate.”
“What do you mean?”
“At the very least, the Lord is not an enemy of this Spirit Lord.”
The murderous intent had vanished from my body, and a gentle smile played at my lips.
“Within my organization, there are many who view my ascension as successor with displeasure.”
Hwa Jung Cheon’s expression hardened.
That smile was like gazing upon the edge of a cold and sharp blade.
“Had the Lord of Bi Young Gak, who holds the information threads of my organization, harbored such intentions, I would have had no choice but to draw my sword with tears in my eyes.”
Only then did Hwa Jung Cheon’s eyes widen as understanding dawned upon him.
“You were testing Gak Ju just now?”
“Indeed.”
I had tested Hwa Jung Cheon.
And had he maintained his hostile stance, I would have truly sought to sever his head.
“Hehehehe. Hahahaha!”
Hwa Jung Cheon suddenly burst into laughter.
“They called you the Mad Blade, yet the Bon Gak has welcomed a madman as successor!”
Though his words were thus, his eyes gleamed with delight.
“Indeed, without madness, one could not accumulate such martial prowess at such a tender age.”
His laughter ceased abruptly as he fixed his gaze upon me.
“Now that you have become successor, you are organizing who stands with you, are you not?”
“Yes.”
As I nodded readily, Hwa Jung Cheon’s lips curved into a smile.
“But this Gak Ju stands with no one.”
“That is acceptable. I hope you will maintain neutrality as you do now.”
Blood light bloomed in my eyes.
“Should Gak Ju harbor treacherous thoughts, regardless of any risk, you must be the first I cut down.”
Hwa Jung Cheon is the Gak Ju of Bi Young Gak, which oversees all intelligence of the Demon Hall. Should he turn hostile toward me?
I would abandon the successor’s seat itself if it meant I must cut him down.
“Hehehehe. See that you conduct yourself well, Lord.”
Hwa Jung Cheon released a low chuckle.
“Lest this Gak Ju harbor treacherous thoughts.”
A formidable aura erupted from his body—one capable of obliterating the killing intent I had unleashed in a single breath.
“Should this Gak Ju resolve himself, even the successor of the Demon Hall would become a cold corpse.”
A chilling threat.
Yet I smiled gladly in response.
“Gladly.”
And I clasped my hands respectfully.
“Thank you for granting me your precious time. Then.”
As I departed, an enigmatic light flowed from Hwa Jung Cheon’s eyes.
“Whether this is fortuitous or whether all shall unravel, I must observe a while longer.”
His voice carried manifold emotions—as though he were the orchestrator of some grand conspiracy harboring countless secrets.
* * *
Guusal Unit Commander, So Ja Myeong.
He was born as a Blood Master of Geuk Sal Mil Gak and was once an exceptional Guusal Unit member who handled only the most critical assignments.
“Lord, you were the legendary Guusal Unit member called Number Eighteen during your time at the Agyangjibu.”
A smile graced So Ja Myeong’s lips as he sat across from me.
He was from Geuk Sal Mil Gak and harbored no particular grievance toward me.
Moreover, he knew that I was once Number Eighteen, who had shaken the Agyangjibu.
Perhaps because of this, she was displaying a considerably favorable attitude toward Bu Eunseol’s sudden arrival.
“But what brings you here now? The Guusal Unit officially doesn’t exist.”
So Ja Myeong offered a faint smile.
The Guusal Unit was an unrecognized special operations force, and the existence of its members was thoroughly concealed.
Because of this, So Ja Myeong, the commander of the Guusal Unit, was also recorded as a non-existent figure within the Demon Hall.
“It’s certainly pleasant to have become the successor. To meet the Guusal Unit commander directly like this.”
“Please speak freely, regardless of formality.”
As Bu Eunseol offered a polite greeting, So Ja Myeong spoke with a laugh.
“After all, the Lord is currently conversing with a person who doesn’t exist before the Demon Hall.”
“Very well.”
At his meaningful words, Bu Eunseol nodded and spoke in a low voice.
“I wish to place the Guusal Unit directly under my command.”
“Directly under…?”
So Ja Myeong’s expression showed incomprehension.
“You mean to place the Guusal Unit under the command of the Muhonjung Lord?”
“That is correct.”
The Guusal Unit was not an organization that conducted righteous work.
The missions that came down were secretive and concerned covert struggles against the Orthodox Sects.
Moreover, if one were to trace the chain of command, it could be said to fall directly under the Chong Gyo Ryeong.
For the unit to suddenly fall under Bu Eunseol’s authority was absurd.
“Directly under… I see.”
Yet So Ja Myeong nodded as if he had grasped something.
The Guusal Unit belonged to the Demon Hall, yet it was the only place that did not—could not—fall under the surveillance of Bi Young Gak.
This was because its very existence was denied from the outset. No matter what acts the Guusal Unit committed, the Demon Hall bore no responsibility.
Bu Eunseol had felt the terrifying power of Bi Young Gak through her encounter with Hwa Jung Cheon.
Therefore, she sought a secret operations unit that could completely conceal her actions and remain free from the surveillance networks of any intelligence organization.
She intended to operate the Guusal Unit as an organization under her direct command.
“What does our Guusal Unit gain by falling under the Lord’s command?”
“Within five years, I will recognize the Guusal Unit as an official corps of the Demon Hall and grant you corresponding status.”
“It seems the Lord is under a misunderstanding.”
So Ja Myeong shook his head.
“In exchange for having their very existence denied, the members of the Guusal Unit earn substantial sums of money.”
And he continued slowly.
“Because of this, not only disciples of the Ten Demonic Gates who seek wealth, but applicants from all manner of factions apply to the Guusal Unit. So why should our unit need to receive official status?”
“I’ve heard that the payment per mission has been decreasing.”
Bu Eunseol continued calmly.
“The missions assigned to the Guusal Unit will only diminish further. Currently, the Murim under Jeongsayang-do is quite stable. Covert factional conflicts will gradually disappear.”
Bu Eunseol smiled.
“The Guusal Unit’s place is already shrinking. Isn’t that so?”
So Ja Myeong’s smile vanished.
Just as Bu Eunseol had said, the Guusal Unit’s assignments were dwindling, and the financial support allocated to them had been drastically slashed.
The Guusal Unit members, who risked their lives on missions without name or status, desired only one thing: money.
Moreover, joining the Guusal Unit meant severing ties with one’s original sect, so those who had served long had nowhere to return.
The greater problem was that So Ja Myeong, the commander of the Guusal Unit, faced the same predicament as his subordinates.
“Commander So, who left Geuk Sal Mil Gak and has long commanded the Guusal Unit, must be in similar circumstances.”
“It’s good that you understand that much.”
So Ja Myeong’s expression grew grave.
“I would like to hear what the Lord Commander desires from our unit.”
Bu Eunseol had dangled before him a tempting and sweet fruit that would be difficult to refuse.
If so, then what he demanded in return must be equally difficult.
“Information.”
Bu Eunseol spoke matter-of-factly.
“Currently, Bi Young Gak monopolizes information and remains loyal only to Ma Cheon Je.”
So Ja Myeong’s expression turned puzzled.
“But surely the Lord Commander has access to many information organizations? I understand that Fengyun Corps of Nangya Sect operates, and the intelligence network of Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong is also active.”
“What I seek cannot be obtained through ordinary information organizations.”
Bu Eunseol spoke in a low voice.
“Only dangerous intelligence that intelligence operatives must risk their lives, fight, struggle, and ceaselessly strive to obtain.”
“I see. In other words, it’s similar to the missions the Guusal Unit performs.”
“Moreover, my movements must be completely concealed so that no information organization, no matter how vast, and no individual, no matter how powerful, can ever discover them.”
A fierce glint flashed through Bu Eunseol’s eyes.
“Even if that person is Ma Cheon Je.”
So Ja Myeong regarded Bu Eunseol with intrigued eyes.
Why would he, who had only just become the successor to Demon Palace, need a special operations unit to conduct covert missions?
What information could he possibly seek that would require him to operate beyond the sight of the foremost figure of the Demonic Path?
“What matters require investigation?”
“I will tell you once you agree to serve under me.”
“Such things should not be sworn to with mere words.”
Just as the Demonic Path operated, the Guusal Unit members too were loyal only to profit and gain.
Even if they swore a hundred times, such oaths were worth less than a tumbling leaf.
“What the Guusal Unit members pursue is ultimately the benefits that return to themselves. You understand this well, do you not?”
“Hehehehe. If that is possible, then that too is acceptable.”
Bu Eunseol smiled, revealing white teeth.
But the smile was so cold that So Ja Myeong could not bring himself to laugh.
―Loyalty or death.
Bu Eunseol’s gaze spoke those very words.
“I had heard rumors that the Lord Commander possessed a cold nature, but I did not realize you were such a ruthless tyrant.”
So Ja Myeong directly called Bu Eunseol “cold-hearted.”
And it was a most honest sentiment.
“I await your answer.”
So Ja Myeong shook his head with a grave expression at Bu Eunseol’s words.
“For the Lord, who understands the nature of the Guusal Unit so well, to offer such substantial support and place this unit under your command… I am truly honored.”
Then he spoke calmly.
“However, I must respectfully decline your proposal.”
Though he refused outright, Bu Eunseol’s expression remained composed, as if waiting for So Ja Myeong’s explanation that would follow.
“By the very nature of our unit, we cannot offer eternal loyalty to the Lord.”
“A fair point. Then what do you propose?”
“Provide us with generous funding. So long as the funds flow abundantly, we shall be your most faithful subordinates.”
―If you wish to buy our loyalty, purchase it with money. A great deal of money.
“In other words, you’ll serve faithfully as long as I provide substantial funds.”
“Precisely so.”
Bu Eunseol smiled.
It was a far more trustworthy answer than any oath of loyalty sworn in words.
“Excellent.”
Bu Eunseol nodded.
“From this moment forward, I shall pay double the standard rate allocated per assignment.”
“D-double?”
So Ja Myeong’s mouth fell open.
Already, Chong Gyo Ryeong Yeop Hyo Cheon was reducing funds, claiming the success bonuses for Guusal Unit missions were excessive.
Yet Bu Eunseol was starting with double payment?
“Are you truly serious?”
“Of course. Depending on future assignments, I may raise it to triple.”
“How is that possible? Where could such funds possibly come from…?”
So Ja Myeong, gazing at Bu Eunseol’s confident expression, suddenly let out a sound of realization.
‘Ah, of course.’
Only then did he remember the one fact he had overlooked.
Bu Eunseol was a person who received unlimited support from Geuk Hye Ryeong of Jeongju in Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong, that eccentric place.
The financial power of Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong rivaled that of the entire Demon Hall.
In other words, Bu Eunseol, though not the Demon Lord, was someone who could command the formidable wealth of the Demon Hall.
“Hehehehe! Hahaha!”
So Ja Myeong laughed heartily.
He had been dissatisfied with the stuffy old men and outdated factions of the Demon Hall holding power…
And had remained content in his position as commander of the Guusal Unit.
But now that a brilliant successor capable of overturning the entire Demon Hall had appeared… he could not help but feel joy surge within him.
“Agreed.”
So Ja Myeong spoke with a smile playing at his lips.
“So long as the funds are provided, the Guusal Unit shall be your loyal force under your command.”
“Then allow me to inform you of the urgent task at hand.”
A solemn light kindled in Bu Eunseol’s eyes.
Starting with the main headquarters of Sa Hyang, which had long remained shrouded in mystery…
The masked assassins who had used strange drugs and burned down Seonggacheoljang. He was attempting to trace the tail of that force.
* * *
The Dissolution Council.
A conference convened and presided over by the heir of the Demon Hall, summoning the leadership of the Ten Demonic Gates.
However, this conference was merely a power granted in name.
Throughout the long history of the Demon Hall, the heir had never once opened this conference.
This was because there existed the Demonic Politics Council, the supreme conference attended by the lords of the Ten Demonic Gates under the direction of Ma Cheon Je.
The position of heir was still awkward for issuing commands to the leadership of the Ten Demonic Gates.
Yet Bu Eunseol had suddenly convened the Dissolution Council and summoned the leadership of the Ten Demonic Gates.
Inside the conference chamber of Jamma Pavilion.
Seven figures sat there, their expressions as if they had bitten into astringent persimmons.
They were the lords of the Ten Demonic Gates, excluding Jeol Cheon Myeol Ji and Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong, as well as Geuk Sal Mil Gak, which had been temporarily sealed.
Though merely a formality, when the Dissolution Council was convened, the deputy lords of the Ten Demonic Gates were to attend.
However, those who viewed Bu Eunseol unfavorably had, as if by agreement, dispatched lords instead.
“I am Bu Eunseol, Lord of the Muhonjung.”
Bu Eunseol, seated at the center of the conference chamber, spoke while surveying the lords.
“You lords have come.”
She spoke in a low voice, a faint smile playing at her lips.
“Do you lords possess decision-making authority regarding the matters to be discussed at this Dissolution Council?”
Then Woo Seok, the White Blood Lord of the White Horse Sect, spoke with a displeased expression.
“Of course.”
“The same applies elsewhere?”
At Bu Eunseol’s question, all the lords nodded with expressions of annoyance.
“Indeed it does.”
“Then that is good.”
Bu Eunseol withdrew a bound manuscript from her robes.
“Upon my investigation, I discovered far too many irregularities related to the Ten Demonic Gates.”
Thud.
As Bu Eunseol set the manuscript on the table, she looked toward Woon Sa Dok, the Red Blood Lord from Hell Blood Castle.
“Therefore, first, we must begin an audit of Hell Blood Castle.”

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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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