The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 286

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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 286.
―Dan Ri Muk, the Vice Lord of the Law Enforcement Hall, passed away due to exhaustion from overwork.
This was the official announcement from the Murim Alliance.
The Vice Lord of the Law Enforcement Hall, who was supposed to enforce the law, had been caught committing misconduct and was under investigation.
The fact that he had taken his own life in the midst of this investigation did not look favorable.
To preserve the honor of the deceased Dan Ri Muk and to maintain the dignity of the Murim Alliance, they announced to the outside world that he had died from exhaustion while performing his duties.
Within the Alliance itself, aside from the Inspection Unit investigating Dan Ri Muk, few knew the exact circumstances, so keeping it quiet was not difficult.
The vacant position of Vice Lord of the Law Enforcement Hall was left unfilled for the time being.
Separately, it was said that Yang Seol, the Lord of Hwa Mil Won, had quietly stepped down from her position due to illness and departed for a period of recuperation.
However, since the Hwa Mil Won did not have much work to do ordinarily, the absence of its Lord was not greatly felt.
And it was said that Jip Beop So Ryeong and his aide Neung Jo Woon were promoted one rank and transferred to the Inspection Bureau.
However, since this was merely a minor personnel adjustment within the Murim Alliance, no significant rumors spread.
Bu Eunseol returned to the Demon Palace.
Unfortunately, through this journey into the Gangho, she had not found any connection between the Murim Alliance and Saixiang.
But there had been an unexpected major discovery.
The forces that had been wreaking havoc throughout the Murim.
They were restoring forgotten lost sects and turning them into puppets.
They were neither persuading existing factions nor cultivating forces directly themselves.
They simply restored forgotten lost sects that had already faded from the Gangho, used them where needed, and discarded them if the desired results did not materialize.
No one would refuse massive support without asking for anything in return.
In this way, they could extend their influence across Zhong Yuan without revealing themselves.
―The Sayoung Battle Division is to prepare for immediate deployment.
Thereupon, Bu Eunseol immediately headed to Yunnan with the masters of the Sayoung Battle Division.
As the Lord of Muhonjung, Bu Eunseol could move her subordinate battle divisions at will.
She had not the slightest intention of leaving the Ohdok School, which kidnapped children and conducted cruel experiments, unmolested.
Moreover, to swiftly annihilate them, she did not report to Ma Cheon Je or Chong Gyo Ryeong.
The moment they went through complicated procedures and held a formal meeting to operate the battle division…
They would cut off their tails and disappear once more.
―Lord. You should at least report before departing.
―You speak truly. Operating a battle division independently is only a power written in the records. There is no history of a battle division actually moving without reporting!
The commanders of the Sayoung Battle Division, Myo Cheon Woo, Yu Woon Ryong, and others earnestly dissuaded Bu Eunseol.
What if moving the battle division so arbitrarily produced unexpected consequences?
Bu Eunseol’s authority, already viewed unfavorably, would surely plummet to the depths.
―By the time we follow procedures, they will already be gone.
Since the Lord of Hwa Mil Won is dead, information has already leaked.
If we follow formal procedures through reporting and then move the battle division, they will already have vanished.
Bu Eunseol dismissed her subordinates’ counsel and immediately mobilized the Sayoung Battle Division toward Yunnan.
―The Lord of Muhonjung has gone mad.
The dignitaries of the Demon Palace turned pale and shook their heads as Bu Eunseol arbitrarily moved the battle division and departed from the Demon Palace.
Even Dan Wol Hon, the Jipma Clan Lord who could mobilize most of the Demon Palace’s forces, would report when moving forces of battle division scale.
Yet now Bu Eunseol, who had only just become the successor, was moving the Battle Division as she pleased?
―I don’t know what she’s doing, but this time I won’t overlook it! Even if Ma Cheon Je were to forgive her!
Eventually, the clan leaders who had been dismissing Bu Eunseol began to openly voice their discontent.
―We cannot simply stand by and allow such a reckless successor to act freely!
―Agreed! When he returns, we shall demand Ma Cheon Je impose disciplinary measures!
The discontent of the clan leaders grew ever greater, becoming a unified public sentiment.
The moment Bu Eunseol returned to the Demon Hall, they intended to strip her of her position and initiate disciplinary proceedings.
Yet then, a strange rumor suddenly began to spread throughout Murim.
―The Sayoung Battle Division of the Demon Hall has annihilated the Ohdok School.
Rumors began circulating that the Sayoung Battle Division, led by Bu Eunseol, had completely destroyed the Ohdok School of Yunnan, which was thought to have already vanished.
―The Ohdok School? They destroyed the Ohdok School again, which was exterminated so long ago? What does this mean?
All the martial artists who heard the rumor were astounded.
The Ohdok School was known to have been mysteriously wiped out over a hundred years ago.
Yet it turned out they had established themselves in Yunnan with such secrecy that no information organization had detected them.
―The Ohdok School had been kidnapping children from all across Zhong Yuan and conducting human experimentation!
And finally, the reasons for the Sayoung Battle Division’s annihilation of the Ohdok School and the evidence began to emerge one after another.
The Ohdok School had been kidnapping children and conducting human experimentation for the past thirty years, it was said.
This time, the Sayoung Battle Division had completely destroyed them while publicly revealing all the evidence.
As the shocking news spread, the information organizations of each Murim faction moved swiftly.
―The Sayoung Battle Division’s announcement was true.
―They had been secretly kidnapping children using the Sal Mun.
And they confirmed that everything the Sayoung Battle Division had announced was factual.
The martial artists could only be astounded.
It was already shocking enough that the Ohdok School, which had disappeared long ago, was still active.
But on top of that, they had been kidnapping children and committing acts that would incur universal condemnation?
Moreover, the Orthodox Sects, including the Murim Alliance, could only be astounded.
That the Ohdok School, which they thought had disappeared, was openly operating, and the fact that they had kidnapped children…
None of the Orthodox Sects’ information organizations had detected any of it.
―Does this mean their intelligence network surpasses ours?
―The kidnappings of children that have occurred throughout Zhong Yuan, and the successor of the Demon Hall has resolved them all….
From the mouths of the Orthodox Sect members came expressions of shock and amazement,
―They certainly chose a fine successor.
―Indeed. She’s been stirring up winds and clouds day after day, and this time she’s raised the prestige of the Demon Hall once more.
From the mouths of the Demonic Path members poured forth exclamations and praise.
Bu Eunseol’s name was truly resounding throughout Jeongsayang-do day after day.
Sole Brightness Pavilion, the office of Yeop Hyo Cheon.
Bu Eunseol, who had returned with the Sayoung Battle Division after sweeping away the Ohdok School, was in private audience with Yeop Hyo Cheon, the Chong Gyo Ryeong.
This was because Ma Cheon Je had suddenly entered closed-door cultivation.
According to the rumors circulating, Ma Cheon Je’s martial prowess and cultivation had undergone another sudden and dramatic advancement, and this was an unavoidable choice to stabilize that energy.
“Muhonjung Lord. Your actions never cease to astound this Chong Gyo Ryeong.”
Yeop Hyo Cheon offered Bu Eunseol a faint smile.
“This expedition has once again raised the prestige of our Demon Hall throughout Murim. You’ve worked hard.”
His gaze and demeanor were as if he were looking upon a beloved grandson.
Yet Bu Eunseol was no longer deceived by that smile.
Even if today I possessed value and received meticulous care like a grandson, should my usefulness vanish tomorrow, he would slit my throat without hesitation.
That was the nature of the Demonic Path.
“Moreover, this affair has silenced those within our hall who harbored resentment toward you. You’ve done exceptionally well.”
“Thank you.”
Yeop Hyo Cheon smiled with satisfaction.
“But how did you come to learn of the Ohdok School’s activities and their misdeeds?”
In the past, to answer this question, I would have draped falsehood over the fabric of truth.
But now, as the Lord of the Muhonjung, I had no need for elaborate excuses—I simply concealed the facts with confidence.
“I happened to learn of it through a trustworthy informant.”
“Hehehehe.”
Yeop Hyo Cheon chuckled dismissively and nodded.
“Indeed, with the vast intelligence network of Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong in your grasp, such things are certainly possible.”
Yeop Hyo Cheon spoke again.
“In any case, since Ma Cheon Je is in seclusion… I thought to bestow a reward in his stead.”
He then placed an envelope upon the table.
“What is this?”
“A Four-Star—a birth chart document.”
“Why would you give me a birth chart…?”
“Isn’t it time you established a household?”
Bu Eunseol could not hide her bewildered expression.
“Isn’t a birth chart sent alongside a marriage proposal only after a betrothal is decided?”
“What Murim warrior concerns themselves with such trivial formalities?”
Bu Eunseol shook her head.
“Unfortunately, I am an orphan and cannot have my birth chart read.”
“Hehehehe. Is the Lord of Muhonjung the only one born an orphan in the Demonic Path who rose through her own efforts?”
Yeop Hyo Cheon smiled broadly.
“I brought this birth chart not to divine compatibility, but to hear your thoughts, Lord Muhonjung.”
He then spoke in a low voice.
“I am not attempting to play matchmaker. It is simply for the sake of your future path.”
“I don’t understand what you mean.”
“Read it first.”
Bu Eunseol reluctantly opened the envelope.
Within lay a sheet of paper, pristine as snow, folded with care.
As I slowly unfolded it, a woman’s name and birth hour were inscribed upon it.
My eyes widened as I gazed upon those characters.
“Jin Seol….”
Surprisingly, the name written at the beginning of the document was Jin Seol.
“You speak of Jin Sang Hwa, the young lady Jin?”
Yeop Hyo Cheon nodded.
“Indeed.”
He spoke with solemn gravity.
“Obtain Jin Sang Hwa. If you are to become the next master of the Demonic Path, you must secure her.”
“Why is that?”
“Because obtaining her is tantamount to obtaining half of the Demonic Path’s dominion.”
It was incomprehensible.
Jin Seol—she was merely a Sang Hwa who managed all ceremonial affairs of the Demon Hall.
Of course, it was remarkable that one so young had risen to the position of Sang Hwa, standing alongside the highest echelons like Ma Cheon Je and the Elder Council’s master.
But was that not all there was to it?
‘The Chong Gyo Ryeong could not be ignorant of my nature.’
He surely knew that I was not the sort to seek power through women.
Yet to make such a proposal regardless? There was clearly some other hidden agenda at work.
As if peering into Bu Eunseol’s innermost thoughts, Yeop Hyo Cheon spoke with a meaningful smile.
“You will understand the reason once you form a betrothal with her.”
Coming from the Chong Gyo Ryeong Yeop Hyo Cheon, it could not be idle talk.
Then his words contained two truths.
That forming a betrothal with Jin Seol would truly grant me half of the Demonic Path’s dominion.
Second, that no matter how I mobilized my intelligence network, I could not uncover the secrets Jin Seol possessed.
‘I will discover it.’
Bu Eunseol, having resolved this inwardly, shook her head.
“I appreciate the proposal, but I have no intention of establishing a household at this time.”
Bu Eunseol still had much to accomplish.
And who could say how it would all end? I had never even entertained the notion of leisurely building a family.
“I am not asking for an immediate decision.”
Yeop Hyo Cheon wore a faint smile.
“This is merely the selfish desire of this old sect leader.”
Bu Eunseol’s brow twitched slightly.
Even after becoming the successor to the Demon Hall, Yeop Hyo Cheon continued to speak in riddles.
‘He is saying he is confident I will react as he wishes.’
Bu Eunseol, reconsidering her thoughts, smiled and clasped her hands together respectfully.
“Understood. Then I shall consider it carefully.”
“Good. I must attend a meeting now, so I shall take my leave first.”
Yeop Hyo Cheon’s expression resembled a grandfather arranging a match for his beloved grandson.
Yet the light in Bu Eunseol’s eyes, observing him, grew distinctly colder.
“Then.”
Bu Eunseol clasped her hands respectfully and slowly turned.
Upon exiting the Sole Brightness Pavilion, numerous clan lords and dignitaries were walking toward her.
It was likely to attend a meeting presided over by Chong Gyo Ryeong.
“Lord of Muhonjung.”
Upon seeing Bu Eunseol, they all clasped their hands together in greeting. Among them were officials who had cursed Bu Eunseol with heated voices.
However, Bu Eunseol’s fame for annihilating the Ohdok School this time had truly shaken the entire Murim.
From now on, no matter what Bu Eunseol did, no one dared voice objections.
Tap, tap, tap.
Bu Eunseol, having acknowledged their greetings lightly, exited the Sole Brightness Pavilion with confident strides.
In the past, those harboring discontent would have cast disapproving glances or whispered complaints, but now no one dared such actions.
After that day.
I secluded myself in my quarters, meditating.
Because I had hastily dealt with the Ohdok School, I had not only failed to digest the insights gained from the Murim Alliance, but had not even properly comprehended them.
All members of the Sayoung Battle Division, realizing I was in closed-door cultivation, refrained from approaching my quarters.
They even cautioned the attendants not to venture near my quarters, lest they disturb my concentration.
But in truth, such matters were irrelevant.
My meditation had long transcended the level where external stimuli could disturb my spiritual tranquility.
Had it been otherwise, I would not have been able to comprehend the profound insights of the Buddha Sage within my quarters.
‘Indeed, the Three Sages are the Three Sages. Even with the same Wuji Scripture, the realm reached by masters of the Orthodox Sects differs greatly from that of the Demonic Path.’
Jeok Bung, Ak Moo Ryung, and Ma Cheon Je.
The masters of the Wuji Scripture standing at the pinnacle of the Demonic Path all placed the ultimate principle of martial arts in the ‘Heart’.
Jeok Bung pressured my spirit through casual conversation, while Ak Moo Ryung directly struck my spirit with the power of illusory transformation.
And Ma Cheon Je proved through the Sak Jeong Secret Formula that the firmness of the spirit is the firmness of martial arts.
But Buddha Sage Hong Hyeon was different.
Through the Prajna Great Ability, he transformed the martial principle of my Thirteen Night Technique and annihilated it in an instant.
That is, he pursues ‘Qi’ as the fundamental basis of martial arts, and through Qi, he freely manipulates even the principles of martial arts themselves.
‘So this is why the Demonic Path and the Righteous Path diverged.’
All streams return to their source.
When martial arts reach the ultimate realm, all seemingly different principles converge into one.
However, the martial arts of the Demonic Path and the Orthodox Sects possess fundamentally different natures, leaving no room for them to mix like water and oil.
‘At this point, I would rather focus on cultivating the Wuhuang Jeong Gak and the Thirteen Night Technique.’
The Thirteen Night Technique, advanced one step through this insight from the Buddha Sage.
Its power was formidable enough to surpass the Woman’s True Seal, which had always served as my final trump card.
Moreover, it possessed the advantage of being a balanced martial art in both offense and defense—consuming little energy and requiring no special defensive preparation when deployed.
‘In the end, a choice must be made someday.’
I could sense it clearly.
When the moment comes to reach the pinnacle of martial arts, I too must make a choice.
At that crossroads between Righteousness and Demonism.
Chirp, chirp, chirp…
As I awakened from meditation, the chirping of birds drifted softly to my ears.
Opening my eyes slowly, I rose and stepped outside.
“My Lord!”
As he stepped outside, Won Se Moon came rushing over with a beaming smile.
“Have you completed your seclusion, Lord?”
“I have.”
“But Lord… are you getting married?”
“What nonsense is this.”
Bu Eunseol’s brow furrowed, and Won Se Moon glanced around before speaking.
“Word has spread throughout the Elder Council that you’re searching for a bride, Lord.”
In that instant, a flash of light gleamed across Bu Eunseol’s eyes.
‘So the contents of the private meeting at the Sole Brightness Pavilion have leaked.’
There was no way information discussed in private at the Holy Demon Pavilion or the Sole Brightness Pavilion could escape to the outside world.
Which meant Yeop Hyo Cheon had deliberately spread this rumor.
‘He was serious, then.’
Bu Eunseol exhaled softly through his nose and dismissed it curtly.
“It’s baseless gossip.”
And with an indifferent expression, he turned away.
But Bu Eunseol did not know.
What kind of upheaval such a rumor would cause. Nor that because of it, figures even he could not contend with would soon arrive at the Demon Palace in succession.

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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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