The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 321

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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 321.
As he had anticipated, the traps continued.
The moment he detonated the powder, the sickly elders suddenly unfurled their blades or hurled hidden weapons, attempting every conceivable ambush.
Yet with such mediocre skill, they could not even graze a single hair on Cheon Geom’s head—not when he had steeled his resolve and maintained vigilance from the start.
He treated the elders while maintaining heightened senses, and the instant he detected anything amiss, he slipped away from Mo Wok.
“To gather so many elders in one place… they must be from Jeol Cheon Myul Ji.”
Having just emerged from his thirtieth visit, Cheon Geom nodded as if a realization had struck him.
Only Jeol Cheon Myul Ji could assemble such a congregation of elderly masters from the Demonic Path.
“I should have captured at least one of them.”
The traps and escape routes they had prepared were remarkably meticulous.
Even with his martial prowess, he could not pursue them, and whenever he managed to give chase, they vanished like ghosts.
“Well, it matters not. I need only continue treating them.”
Cheon Geom’s lips curved upward.
Within a few more days, he would have visited every elder living throughout the Heung San region.
―The Lord of the Murim Alliance, Cheon Geom, has gone to Heung San alone and has been treating elders afflicted with a mysterious plague.
Fortunately, rumors of his treating the elders had begun to spread throughout Murim.
That he would expend his inner energy to heal strangers—elderly folk from remote mountain villages, no less—was no trivial matter for one of Murim.
Such an act was never easy for a martial artist.
When one depleted vital energy through treatment, one had to recover that power through secluded cultivation.
―Cheon Geom. He truly seeks to save the common people.
Once word spread that Cheon Geom was treating commoners with his inner energy, the public’s assessment of him—once notorious as a madman—transformed in an instant.
He was praised as a righteous figure, and his deeds were lauded as exemplars for the Orthodox Sects to emulate.
The individual is wise, yet the masses are foolish.
Always, the majority opinion of people is shaped and swept along by rumor and public sentiment.
“Is it finished now?”
The rumors had spread sufficiently through Murim, and by now, most of the ailing elders had been treated.
At this point, returning to the Murim Alliance should allow him to suppress the negative sentiment to a reasonable degree.
“This is the last one.”
Having visited every corner of the Heung San region, Cheon Geom had only one small village remaining.
Once he treated the elders here, everything would be complete.
His vital energy had been considerably depleted, but a month of secluded cultivation would restore it without difficulty.
“Pardon my intrusion.”
After explaining the situation once more, Cheon Geom took the elder’s pulse.
Upon careful examination, the elder appeared to be an ordinary person, and he sensed nothing suspicious.
“Then allow me to treat you.”
Just as Cheon Geom reached to place his hand on the elder’s vital point to channel his energy,
“Conserving your energy by resorting to every trick in the book.”
The recumbent elder released a low sigh.
In that instant, fire blazed in Cheon Geom’s eyes.
‘This elder was also from Jeol Cheon Myul Ji.’
Cheon Geom, consumed by anger, released a palm strike without channeling his true energy, his expression twisted with irritation.
Whoosh!
The old man’s body crashed through the door and flew outside.
Yet something felt wrong.
The sensation against his palm was oddly soft and yielding, and the old man who should have scrambled away in panic lay trembling violently on the ground.
‘Impossible!’
A sinister premonition seized Cheon Geom, and he immediately examined the old man’s body.
‘He’s wearing protective armor.’
Beneath his outer garments lay another layer of shimmering cloth.
He had been wearing protective armor designed to absorb impact.
Yet despite this precaution, the old man’s face had turned deathly pale, and his body continued to shake uncontrollably.
Sensing something amiss, Cheon Geom immediately checked the old man’s meridians again.
‘Vitality-enhancing medicine as well?’
Not only was he wearing protective armor, but he had also consumed medicine that fortified the internal organs.
Because of these precautions, the old man had not suffered severe injuries from Cheon Geom’s palm strike. He bore only deep bruising at the point of impact and minor internal trauma.
“Please, spare me.”
Unable to move, the old man trembled with fear, wringing his hands desperately.
“I merely spoke as I was instructed.”
Cheon Geom leaned his face close to the old man’s and demanded answers.
“What do you mean by that?”
“A month ago, a certain martial master gave me a substantial sum of money, excellent medicine, and fine garments.”
The old man spoke while trembling in his prone position.
“And he promised that when the medicine’s effects caused me pain, he would send someone to treat me…”
The old man dared not meet Cheon Geom’s gaze, breathing heavily as he continued.
“In exchange, when you took my pulse, I was to say, ‘He goes to such lengths to conserve his true energy.'”
The old man could no longer endure his fear and pain, and he lost consciousness.
No matter how effective the medicine and armor were, they could not fully withstand Cheon Geom’s full-force palm strike.
‘Damn it!’
In that instant, flames ignited in Cheon Geom’s eyes.
He had finally realized he had fallen into a trap.
‘If word spreads that I injured a common civilian… all my efforts until now will be for nothing!’
Just as Cheon Geom was about to infuse his true energy to heal the old man completely,
“Lord Cheon.”
A middle-aged man in official robes descended from the sky, followed by dozens of martial artists.
It was Jeong Il Ryong, the Inspector of the Murim Alliance’s Inspection Bureau, and his subordinates.
“What exactly are you doing?”
Cheon Geom found himself at a loss for words.
The surface of the protective armor the old man wore bore the unmistakable marks of Geom Joon’s secret technique, the Carefree Hidden Heaven Palm.
“This is a trap.”
“A trap?”
“Look at this. How could an elderly person living in such a place afford to wear such expensive robes?”
Jeong Il Ryong furrowed his brow deeply as he spoke.
“An elderly person living in such a place?”
“Yes, what I mean is….”
Cheon Geom disliked Jeong Il Ryong’s arrogant gaze, but he suppressed it and explained the situation thus far.
If the Inspection Bureau Chief was the type to live and breathe the word ‘evidence’, then the mere fact of wearing such robes should be enough to clear his name.
“But what brings you here?”
At Cheon Geom’s words, Jeong Il Ryong sighed and spoke.
“According to our intelligence, the strange illness spreading through Heung San was deliberately orchestrated by someone.”
“Precisely. That is….”
“You deliberately caused the strange illness to restore your reputation, or so the claim goes.”
Cheon Geom’s eyebrows twitched.
“Are you saying I committed such acts?”
Jeong Il Ryong remained silent for a moment, then spoke coldly.
“After investigating, we discovered the elderly were not suffering from a strange illness, but rather from side effects caused by spiritual medicine.”
“….”
“And you, Lord Cheon, were not treating them at all—merely injecting minimal vital energy to alleviate symptoms.”
“That is——”
Jeong Il Ryong cut off Cheon Geom’s words and continued.
“Without expending much vital energy, simply making it known that you were doing good deeds for the Murim.”
“….”
“And now you’ve escalated to attacking commoners before treating them?”
Cheon Geom, who had been listening quietly, suddenly burst into laughter.
“Hahahaha!”
Now I understood.
All this time, I had been floundering in the intricate trap Bu Eunseol had woven.
No matter how much I explained, it would never take hold.
The board was already meticulously arranged.
“Sigh.”
After laughing like a madman for a while, Cheon Geom suddenly exhaled a sigh and shook his head.
“Does the Murim Alliance truly have nothing but blockheads?”
In that instant, a brilliant light flashed in Jeong Il Ryong’s eyes.
“What did you just say?”
“If you are the Inspection Bureau Chief, shouldn’t you investigate more thoroughly? Shouldn’t you?”
Cheon Geom spoke with a contemptuous smile.
“Playing into the Demon Palace’s schemes, the Chief himself has come forth. Where did your information come from? Did you verify it properly?”
“Lord Cheon. You are far too reckless.”
Jeong Il Ryong pointed to the female inspection officer standing behind him as he spoke.
It was Jip Beop So Ryeong, who had once uncovered Dan Ri Muk’s corruption alongside Bu Eunseol.
“Then are you saying our Inspection Bureau officers are minions of the Demon Palace?”
“Where did this information come from?”
“From Jeok Cheon Mak Ji. One of our members investigated it directly.”
“You see? It’s such an elaborate trap, isn’t it? Can’t you tell at a glance? They even concealed the information’s source in layers?”
At Cheon Geom’s words, Jeong Il Ryong’s eyes grew increasingly sharp.
“If everything you’ve said so far were true, you would have known it was a trap from the beginning, wouldn’t you?”
“Exactly. Now your mind is finally working, isn’t it?”
“Then why didn’t you contact the Murim Alliance? You should have devised a way to escape the trap, so why did you continue with the treatment?”
“That’s because… well, you see.”
Cheon Geom fell silent, running his hand through his hair.
Even he could recognize how many flaws riddled his own argument.
“Lord Cheon Geom.”
Jeong Il Ryong spoke with gravity.
“A Lord of the Murim Alliance bears tremendous authority, and with it comes corresponding responsibility.”
“And?”
“You should have conducted yourself befitting your station as a Lord.”
“Hehehehe. Hahahaha!”
Cheon Geom, who had been listening quietly, suddenly burst into wild laughter.
“With such needlessly complicated systems, it’s no wonder the Murim Alliance never progresses. Do you understand?”
“Cheon Geom!”
“Enough. I know I was wrong too.”
Cheon Geom’s laughter ceased abruptly as he shrugged his shoulders.
“I’m throwing away the position of Lord of the Murim Alliance.”
Without hesitation, he turned on his heel.
“Cheon Geom!”
Despite Jeong Il Ryong’s cry, Cheon Geom paid no heed and continued walking.
Gazing toward the distant sky, he clenched both fists with crushing force.
“Now I’ll truly match you. Bu Eunseol.”
* * *
A strange rumor spread through Murim.
Cheon Geom, disciple of Geom Joon, a peerless martial genius who had wandered the Gangho in secrecy and earned the alias Jeong Geum Shin An…
Was actually mentally unsound and possessed a wicked nature—rumors that spread with alarming speed.
―The treatment at Heung San was ultimately just a sham, they say.
―Right. Rather than worrying about internal energy depletion, he only used enough power to alleviate symptoms, or so I heard?
―And he even attacked deliberately before treating him? An elderly man at that.
It did not take long for the reputation of Jeong Geum Shin An, Cheon Geom, who had shaken Murim, to crumble to nothing.
Cheon Geom had been far too confident in himself.
He had believed in his superior martial prowess and trusted his keen intellect.
But one cannot live alone in this world.
Moreover, to dismantle a system, one must first adapt to that system.
Just as Bu Eunseol, the successor to the Demon Palace, had done.
Cheon Geom now had no other choice.
All that remained was a direct confrontation with Bu Eunseol.
Yet true to his madness, Cheon Geom began to perpetrate another outrageous act.
―Bu Eunseol. I challenge you.
Cheon Geom boldly announced his fight with Bu Eunseol to the entire Murim.
―If you have the courage, let us settle this on the night of the fifteenth of the eighth month, beneath Seok Gwang Pyeong on Tae Jeong San!
Tae Jeong San was a mountain of bone—composed entirely of rock and stone—and beneath it lay a vast expanse of stone bedrock.
This place was called Seok Gwang Pyeong, and it was spacious enough to accommodate thousands of people.
Cheon Geom’s final gambit.
It was to issue a public challenge, wash away the infamy he had accumulated until now, and seize tremendous renown once more.
―Ohhhhh!
The Murim masses erupted in fervor.
Bu Eunseol—who had ascended to the position of advisor to the Four Gods Seven Kings at a tender age, and inherited the legitimate succession of the Nangya Sect as the heir to the Demon Hall.
He was the foremost talent of the Demonic Path and was practically regarded as the supreme successor of the younger generation in Murim.
But what manner of figure was Cheon Geom?
Was he not the one who had perfectly mastered Geom Joon’s Ten Thousand Forms Eclipse Technique, earning the title of the Second Geom Joon?
A public martial contest between two prodigious geniuses of this generation—something one might witness only once in an age!
―Let us go! To Seok Gwang Pyeong!
Every soul in Murim began to pack their belongings without exception.
Bu Eunseol and Cheon Geom.
All rushed toward Seok Gwang Pyeong to witness the clash of these two extraordinary prodigies.
* * *
The Conference Hall of Jam Ma Gak.
“That madman is scheming right to the very end.”
Yu Woon Ryong, seated in a chair, spat out the words.
“If he issues a challenge so publicly and manages to emerge victorious, he could wash away all the infamy he’s accumulated in a single stroke.”
With fists clenched, he spoke in a cold voice.
“The Murim masses revere the strong. That is the nature of Murim itself.”
Myo Cheon Woo, who had been listening in silence, nodded in agreement.
“Perhaps even if he were to lose, his intention might be to showcase his martial prowess and techniques to the Orthodox Sects.”
After a brief pause, he continued.
“Or perhaps he seeks to cultivate the impression of a ruthless demonic fiend.”
Bu Eunseol’s purpose was to sever Cheon Geom’s life in retribution for the cruel death he had inflicted upon Young Moon Ho.
Yet those in Murim who were unaware of the enmity between the two might not comprehend Bu Eunseol’s sudden unleashing of killing techniques.
In such a case, it could indeed plant the image of a cruel demonic fiend in the minds of Murim’s people.
“That hardly matters.”
Yu Woon Ryong shook his head.
“Whether it be a martial contest or anything else, slaying an enemy in a fair and honorable duel is commonplace.”
“That’s true, but…”
Myo Cheon Woo stroked his chin.
“I’m concerned about a public duel. The reason such contests have disappeared from Murim is precisely because there are too many loopholes to exploit.”
“Mm.”
“During the duel, one could receive guidance through sound transmission, use hidden weapons, or in the worst case, interfere directly in the match itself.”
“Surely Geom Joon’s disciple wouldn’t resort to such methods?”
Myo Cheon Woo shook his head.
“That madman has never cared about honor. If he had, he wouldn’t employ techniques that leave his victims breathing while dying in agony.”
“Hmm.”
Yu Woon Ryong fell silent at Myo Cheon Woo’s words.
Bu Eunseol is the successor to the Demon Palace.
A public confrontation could hardly benefit him.
Moreover, having ascended to the Four Gods Seven Kings, countless masters would challenge him in the future.
If he publicly revealed his enlightenment technique, his enemies would prepare countermeasures.
Creak.
At that moment, the door opened and Bu Eunseol entered.
As if waiting for this, Yu Woon Ryong spoke.
“Bu Eunseol. Cheon Geom’s martial prowess is formidable. You risk exposing your true capabilities in this duel.”
He paused briefly before continuing with a serious expression.
“His reputation has already fallen to the depths. There will be countless opportunities to kill him in the future. There’s no need to accept his challenge now.”
But Bu Eunseol merely gazed out the window, offering no response.
Unable to bear the silence, Myo Cheon Woo finally spoke.
“He has nothing to lose. But you….”
“It doesn’t matter.”
“Bu Eunseol.”
“It’s fine.”
Bu Eunseol spoke with absolute conviction.
“There’s nothing for you to worry about.”
“How? Your swordsmanship will be clearly revealed from the start.”
“I’ll bring the Icy Soul Blade.”
Bu Eunseol said matter-of-factly.
“Using the Icy Soul Blade will obscure my technique variations to some extent.”
The Icy Soul Blade possesses two unique characteristics.
When infused with inner energy and swung, an icy chill spreads like mist from the blade, and when reflected by moonlight, the blade becomes transparent.
The combatants themselves can perceive the trajectory of the sword energy, so it poses no problem for them.
However, those watching from a distance would be unable to properly comprehend the technique variations of the Icy Soul Blade.
By coincidence, Ma Cheon Je had bestowed upon Bu Eunseol a blade perfectly suited for such a confrontation.
“Moreover, the swordsmanship of Bon Gak is not fixed forms. When the opponent’s technique grows stronger, mine grows stronger as well.”
Bu Eunseol spoke calmly.
“Unless one understands the sword intent of the Formless Heavenly Stream, no matter how many times one observes my technique variations—a hundred times, a thousand times—they cannot break through my swordsmanship.”
“Then there would be no need to bring the Icy Soul Blade.”
Myo Cheon Woo, who had been listening, remarked.
“Using an unfamiliar blade in a duel of this magnitude would put you at a disadvantage.”
A fair point.
All swordmasters possessed a cherished blade they wielded primarily, and Bu Eunseol’s silent sword had achieved perfect unity between arm and blade—a state of seamless harmony.
“No, I will take the Bing Hun Sword.”
“Hmm?”
“There is reason I must wield it.”
A smile played at the corners of Bu Eunseol’s lips.
Yu Woon Ryong and Myo Cheon Woo exchanged glances, then nodded with reluctant acceptance.
“Very well.”
Yu Woon Ryong drew a deep breath and spoke.
“Then I shall announce that we accept the challenge.”
Bu Eunseol possessed not merely exceptional intellect, but meticulous preparation for countless contingencies.
One of such caliber would not stumble into error through blind vengeance.
Having assured them of this certainty, it would come to pass.
Throughout this time, Bu Eunseol had sown countless seeds without directly clashing with the Murim Alliance, each one designed to bring down Cheon Geom.
Now came the moment to harvest the fruits of that labor.

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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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