The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 335

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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 335.
“Are you jesting with me?”
Bu Eunseol laughed coldly at Kang Yang Cheon’s words.
“Does it sound like I’m jesting?”
“So you’re serious.”
“The White Horse Sect, one of the Ten Demonic Gates, grows weaker due to the Sae Oe faction. How could I not be serious about this?”
Despite hearing her biting sarcasm, Kang Yang Cheon barely suppressed the laughter threatening to burst forth.
‘Even someone clever as you makes mistakes in the end.’
Young people who have never tasted failure sometimes commit absurdly reckless blunders and misjudgments.
Kang Yang Cheon believed that Bu Eunseol, who had never experienced defeat, had become overconfident in herself and made a hasty decision.
“Then that’s perfect.”
Kang Yang Cheon spoke with a pleased tone.
“If we establish peace with the Buk Hae Bing Gung, this matter can be resolved smoothly.”
“But only after I bring the Buk Hae Bing Gung under my faction’s control….”
Bu Eunseol’s eyes, fixed upon the Eun Ma Bi Gyeok where Kang Yang Cheon stood, flickered like the flame of a lit lantern.
“I’ll need to conduct an audit of the factions that gnaw away at this hall’s strength. There are far too many sects committing such wasteful acts.”
Silence fell over the hall at Bu Eunseol’s words.
An audit.
Bu Eunseol had just declared before Kang Yang Cheon that she would strip the White Horse Sect bare.
No matter that he was the Muhonjung Lord, the position of a Ten Demonic Gates Master was, save for Ma Cheon Je, truly supreme and unparalleled.
In essence, Bu Eunseol had transcended rank and station to suddenly press a blade against Kang Yang Cheon’s throat.
“Hehehehe. Hahahaha!”
Yet Kang Yang Cheon, as if seized by some thought, burst into loud laughter instead.
Thud.
When his laughter ceased, he spoke with utter composure.
“I wish the Lord good fortune.”
To succeed in this plan, he had thoroughly investigated the circumstances of factions spread throughout Sae Oe.
Simultaneously, he had predicted the timing of Bu Eunseol’s return to the Demon Palace.
Though he could not track the movements of the Muhonjung Lord, protected by countless intelligence networks, as easily as reading a palm, he could certainly learn of his entry into Ho Nam by any means necessary.
And when news finally came that he had entered Ho Nam, Kang Yang Cheon hastily convened an emergency Demon Hall Council meeting.
Bu Eunseol’s strategic brilliance was already well-established fact.
Therefore, he had devised his scheme so that she could neither predict nor prepare for the proposals he would raise in the council.
For even the cleverest person will commit errors when forced to react on impulse.
And the scheme to shatter that arrogant fool’s reputation in one stroke… had finally succeeded.
‘I touched his pride, and just as expected, he decided impulsively.’
Within the Eun Ma Bi Gyeok, Kang Yang Cheon wore a sinister smile.
Currently, the Buk Hae Bing Gung was… in no position whatsoever to even broach talk of peace.
Now at last, he could inflict failure and despair upon that presumptuous fool who didn’t know his place.
* * *
Word that Bu Eunseol would strike the Buk Hae Bing Gung spread rampantly throughout the Demon Palace.
―So the Lord of Muhonjung has finally made a blunder.
The personnel of Demon Hall reacted with uniform skepticism toward Bu Eunseol’s decision.
Buk Hae Bing Gung has long maintained a position of neutrality between the righteous and demonic paths.
Moreover, it is merely called a palace in name. It is a place where six families with transcendent-level martial prowess that dominate the Northern Sea have gathered.
In other words, it possesses a force akin to a coalition, making it not a place that Demon Hall’s military strength could easily swallow.
As if to prove this, Buk Hae Bing Gung had never once permitted the approach of external forces.
Moreover, there was an even greater problem.
The current Buk Hae Bing Gung was in such dire straits that it seemed to be in the throes of internal strife.
―Buk Hae Bing Gung currently finds five families, excluding the Bing Family, in complete disarray. Furthermore, the Palace Lord is said to be in poor health and has secluded himself from the world.
In such circumstances, let alone peace talks, they must first put their own house in order.
But what if an outsider were to enter and propose peace talks?
The one who approved it could be accused of treason for drawing in external forces.
Or, families sensing the crisis could each draw in external forces, further accelerating the division.
For this reason, even Bu Eunseol, however brilliant in strategy, would be left helpless in this situation.
In the conference hall within Jam Ma Gak.
Bu Eunseol, Yu Woon Ryong, Myo Cheon Woo, and So Ok Rim were seated there.
“Why did you make such a decision without consulting anyone?”
Yu Woon Ryong spoke in a tone of regret.
“After investigation, all the rumors proved true. The five families of the Northern Sea, excluding the Bing Family, are clashing with one another, and the Palace Lord cannot contain the situation.”
The situation at Buk Hae Bing Gung, learned through intelligence networks, was nothing short of a silent civil war. It was a situation where peace talks with external forces were utterly impossible.
“Even if the Palace Lord were to agree to peace talks, it would not be accepted. The divided families cannot be reconciled.”
As Yu Woon Ryong continued speaking, his eyes widened as if recalling something.
“Or could it be? You plan to persuade the Palace Lord to draw upon the main palace’s forces to seal the rifts and conclude peace talks?”
He shook his head firmly without even waiting for Bu Eunseol’s response.
“If the main palace’s forces are brought in to resolve this matter, the five families will immediately rebel.”
And he spoke with a forceful voice.
“For a palace to draw in external forces to resolve internal problems would undermine the legitimacy of Buk Hae Bing Gung.”
In short, if any sect were to mobilize external forces to resolve internal divisions?
In that moment, it would lose all justification and instead face a backlash.
“Change your decision even now. There are certainly other options….”
“It doesn’t matter.”
Bu Eunseol, who had listened silently to Yu Woon Ryong’s lengthy words, cut him off.
“Before going to Yunhai Biyeok Palace, I had already grasped the circumstances not only of Seo Jang but of all the sects in Sae Oe.”
In that instant, Yu Woon Ryong and Myo Cheon Woo exchanged glances, their eyes widening.
Then Bu Eunseol had known of Buk Hae Bing Gung’s situation long ago. But why make such a hasty judgment?
“Of course it will not be easy, but that does not mean peace talks with Buk Hae Bing Gung are impossible.”
“By what means? The situation there is such that even the main palace’s forces cannot enter.”
“I will not lead the main palace’s forces. Only three of us will go—myself included.”
“Three people?”
Then Myo Cheon Woo, who had been listening quietly, quickly interjected as if grasping Bu Eunseol’s intention.
“So you intend to slip into Buk Hae Bing Gung with just a handful of people and resolve the rifts among the five families? You can’t bring an army.”
“That’s correct.”
At this, Myo Cheon Woo narrowed his eyes and shook his head.
“The plan itself is sound. But the problem is, how in the world do you even enter that place? Buk Hae Bing Gung won’t open their gates for us.”
“Ah, I’ll handle that.”
So Ok Rim, who had been standing behind the Lords the entire time, waved her hand and spoke.
“I’m rather close with the Palace Lord of Buk Hae Bing Gung. If I say I’ve come, they’ll open the gates.”
In that instant, Myo Cheon Woo’s expression darkened considerably.
So Ok Rim of the Crimson Heaven Lineage.
Her martial prowess was formidable, but her temperament was volatile and her conduct often reckless.
Yet she intended to undertake this crucial mission alongside her.
However, Yu Woon Ryong’s thoughts diverged.
Seeing the brilliant gleam in Bu Eunseol’s eyes, he already sensed that every detail of the plan had been meticulously orchestrated.
“So you’ve gone ahead and devised all manner of schemes without consulting us first. Haven’t you?”
Yu Woon Ryong spoke with certainty.
Bu Eunseol possessed not only exceptional strategic acumen but would never resort to impulsive judgment.
Trust.
The reason Sayoung Battle Division was so formidable was that every subordinate under Bu Eunseol’s command placed absolute faith in him.
“Yes.”
“Very well. Then let’s consider that problem resolved.”
Yu Woon Ryong crossed his arms and posed the question.
“But how exactly do you intend to broker peace with a place that can’t even maintain internal discipline?”
Yu Woon Ryong spoke with a grave expression.
“Buk Hae Bing Gung ranks among the most formidable major sects in the Sae Oe region. Moreover, they maintain strict neutrality. Even if Ma Cheon Je himself were to go, success would be unlikely.”
Bu Eunseol, arms crossed, spoke with composure.
“One need only consider how to topple a massive embankment.”
“An embankment?”
“Create only a small, hairline fracture. Once that is done, the pent-up torrent will naturally carve a great chasm of its own.”
Bu Eunseol’s gaze, fixed momentarily upon the window, held a brilliant gleam for an instant.
“Buk Hae Bing Gung is no different. Despite their immense power and scale, the rifts began with the most minute of fractures.”
He continued speaking with measured calm.
“And repairing such fractures requires no great force. A small contingent, working with precision to mend the fractured sections, is all that is needed.”
Yu Woon Ryong, who had been listening in silence, shook his head.
“But how can you know whether those fractures remain minor, or whether the embankment has already collapsed beyond repair? There’s no way to discern that.”
“No, there is a way.”
“How?”
Bu Eunseol, glancing briefly at So Ok Rim, spoke with deliberate calm.
“Buk Hae Bing Gung’s fragmentation stems from one of the descendants of the Eight Emperors and Three Stars having infiltrated and sown discord.”
“The Eight Emperors and Three Stars?”
“Yes. From the moment I learned that the Northern Sea family had fractured long ago, I sensed something was amiss.”
Bu Eunseol looked at So Ok Rim and spoke.
“But only after hearing her account did I grasp the full picture. That one of the six families had made contact with the descendants of the Eight Emperors and Three Stars.”
Afterward, I recounted in detail everything I had heard from So Ok Rim.
That for four hundred years, the descendants of the Eight Emperors and Three Stars had been positioned throughout the Gangho, and had even infiltrated the Buk Hae Bing Gung.
And that one of them might be the hidden mastermind who had been shaking the Gangho all this time.
“I see.”
Yu Woon Ryong and the Lords, having heard the entire account, simultaneously drew in deep breaths.
The Eight Emperors and Three Stars were masters of exceptional skill who had shaken the Murim four hundred years ago.
Yet not only had they continued to produce descendants and pass down their legacy through the generations, but one of them was now a leader committing tyranny while dominating the Gangho?
“But can we trust this?”
Myo Cheon Woo, who had been listening silently, voiced his doubt.
“No matter how much Shin San Ja is revered as a sage of the Murim’s foremost diviner, I don’t believe his information network surpasses that of the Demon Hall.”
The source of all the information So Ok Rim had spoken of was a man named Shin San Ja.
No matter how mysterious a figure he was known to be, no one could guarantee the certainty of that information.
“Hmph, if you don’t wish to believe it, then don’t.”
So Ok Rim then spoke with an irritated expression.
“If you’re capable of uncovering it yourselves, then by all means, try.”
Myo Cheon Woo nodded as if it were obvious.
“Of course. We shall investigate the truth of the matter on our end as well.”
Yu Woon Ryong then nodded.
“From now on, we shall mobilize the Demon Hall’s information network to its fullest capacity. We shall also relay the contents of this conference to the small Lord of the Guusal Unit….”
“Leave that to Myo Cheon Woo.”
“Pardon?”
“You must go as well.”
At Bu Eunseol’s words, Yu Woon Ryong’s complexion darkened.
“Me, not Myo Cheon Woo?”
When Bu Eunseol had mentioned three people, Yu Woon Ryong had naturally assumed it would be So Ok Rim and Myo Cheon Woo.
So Ok Rim obviously had to go because of her connections to the Buk Hae Bing Gung, and Myo Cheon Woo because he possessed the strongest martial prowess in the Sayoung Battle Division.
“To resolve this matter, we need not brute force, but rather keen insight.”
Bu Eunseol, who had been gazing out the window, looked at Yu Woon Ryong and spoke.
“We must find the traitor family among the five families—the one in league with the descendants of the Eight Emperors and Three Stars.”
“I understand.”
Yu Woon Ryong lowered his head dejectedly.
He was currently writing a crucial section of the Ten Severed Paths Scripture, and had not ventured outside save for essential duties.
To resolve matters concerning the Buk Hae Bing Gung, located so far away in a distant land, would surely take a month or two.
That meant he would have to forgo his pleasures in the meantime.
“Very well. I shall accompany you.”
Yu Woon Ryong, nodding with reluctance, spoke to Myo Cheon Woo.
“The duties I oversee can be left entirely to Mu Gwang. You need only manage your subordinates well.”
“Understood. Go without worry and return safely.”
“Then let’s depart.”
At Bu Eunseol’s words, Yu Woon Ryong and So Ok Rim turned their bodies.
From now on, the three of them had to travel to Buk Hae Bing Gung, collude with the descendants of the Eight Emperors and Three Stars, and find the family that had fractured the five great houses.
* * *
A colossal palace materialized upon a frozen lake, its surface gleaming white as fresh snow.
Buk Hae Bing Gung, erected upon grounds exceeding fifty thousand pyeong, resembled from a distance a single massive mountain carved entirely into an architectural marvel.
Yet upon entering the fortress, it appeared no different from any other great city.
Six families ruled the Northern Sea and dwelt together within these walls, with one among them ascending to the position of Palace Lord to govern Buk Hae Bing Gung.
Upon arriving at Buk Hae Bing Gung, Bu Eunseol’s party, leveraging So Ok Rim’s connections, gained immediate access to Bing Jeong Gak, where the Palace Lord resided.
Ordinarily, they would have been guided to Bing Ha Gung, where the Great Hall received foreign dignitaries.
However, because the Palace Lord, Bing Han Poong, lay afflicted with illness, they were conducted directly to his quarters for recuperation.
Creak.
As the party entered Bing Jeong Gak under Wi Sa’s guidance, each member blinked in astonishment.
Though one might assume Buk Hae Bing Gung was constructed entirely of ice, the interior radiated brightness and warmth, suffused with a gentle, comforting heat.
“Cough.”
Upon stepping inside, the sound of coughing echoed through the chamber.
Entering the Guest Hall, they beheld a middle-aged man clad in robes white as snowflowers, gazing out the window.
It was none other than Bing Han Poong, the present Palace Lord of Buk Hae Bing Gung.
He was the patriarch of the Bing Family, one of the six great houses of the Northern Sea, and had led Buk Hae Bing Gung for fifty years.
Upon becoming Palace Lord of Buk Hae Bing Gung, one absorbed the Ten-Thousand-Year Ice Crystal passed down through generations into one’s dantian, granting access to formidable ice techniques. Yet prolonging its storage within the body caused the blood vessels to gradually freeze from the overwhelming power.
He should have relinquished his position ten years prior, but circumstances prevented him from transferring both the Palace Lord’s seat and the Ten-Thousand-Year Ice Crystal.
Moreover, he had developed a malady of the spirit, his vitality waning and his physical condition deteriorating.
Consequently, he maintained his position in name alone, having largely withdrawn from administrative duties.
“And who might this be?”
Upon seeing So Ok Rim, Bing Han Poong’s lips curved into a faint, refined smile.
“What wind has blown the successor of Eun Ha to this desolate place?”
“What is it? Still not feeling well?”
So Ok Rim spoke with ease and familiarity, as though addressing a neighborhood acquaintance, their bond with the Palace Lord of Buk Hae Bing Gung clearly intimate.
“At this age, there’s scarcely a sound part left in me.”
As Bing Han Poong smiled thinly, Bu Eunseol and Yu Woon Ryong stepped forward.
“I am Bu Eunseol, Master of the Muhonjung of Demon Hall, and I pay my respects to the Palace Lord.”
“I am Yu Woon Ryong, Lord of Sang Hak, and I pay my respects to the Palace Lord.”
“Demon Hall, you say.”
Bing Han Poong regarded So Ok Rim with an enigmatic smile.
“You must be aware of our circumstances. Has the successor of Eun Ha come to deliver the final blow to this Palace Lord?”
To bring external forces into Buk Hae Bing Gung while it fractured into discord—
Such an act would deal him a mortal wound.
“How could that be?”
Yet So Ok Rim spoke with absolute confidence.
“Upon investigation, I discovered that the descendants of the Eight Emperors and Three Stars have been orchestrating the divisions among the Northern Sea families all along.”
“I’m already aware of that.”
“Hmm?”
“Even so, this is a matter that external forces must never interfere with.”
Bu Eunseol spoke at that moment.
“We are not attempting to interfere in the affairs of Buk Hae Bing Gung, but merely seeking to divide the six families of the Northern Sea and identify those who have aligned themselves with external forces.”
“A traitor?”
“Yes.”
Bu Eunseol spoke with confidence.
“By merely finding the traitor, Buk Hae Bing Gung will become so fortified that no external force whatsoever could touch it.”
In that instant, the smile vanished from Bing Han Poong’s lips.
It was a statement that demonstrated precise understanding of Buk Hae Bing Gung’s internal circumstances.
“With just the three of you?”
“Yes.”
“How amusing.”
Bing Han Poong nodded as he spoke.
“You wouldn’t be offering this without expecting something in return. What do you want?”
“Please establish a peace accord with the Demon Palace.”
“A peace accord with the Demon Palace, you say.”
Bing Han Poong spoke with a bitter expression.
“That would be nothing but one-sided submission.”
“That is not the case.”
Bu Eunseol spoke with a serious expression.
“Buk Hae Bing Gung has come to this state because it has pursued an unconditional policy of rejection toward external forces.”
“Hmm.”
“Even if we find the traitor, maintaining such an insular approach will only lead to this happening again.”
Bu Eunseol spoke with conviction.
“But if we establish a peace accord, things will change. External forces with ill intentions cannot approach recklessly. And through exchange with the Demon Palace, you will not only expand your power but also learn the essence of diverse martial arts from Zhong Yuan.”
“But does the Demon Palace not demand one-sided tribute?”
Bu Eunseol spoke decisively.
“The purpose of this peace accord is to make clear that there is no conflict between the Demon Palace and the Sae Oe forces. There will certainly be no one-sided tribute.”
And she calmly explained the background of why such a peace accord would be established.
“How candid.”
Bing Han Poong smiled faintly as he spoke.
“But surely you must know that revealing all your cards puts you at a disadvantage in negotiations.”
“We have dared to open the gates of Buk Hae Bing Gung, which have remained closed for generations.”
Bu Eunseol also wore a smile.
“Such a disadvantage is nothing at all.”
“Hahahaha.”
Bing Han Poong burst into a hearty laugh.
He had come to realize that Bu Eunseol was not only remarkably candid but genuinely desired to establish a peace accord.
‘A person who keeps their promises.’
What pleased me even more was that Bu Eunseol’s gaze was forthright and direct, lacking the characteristic arrogance and oppressive aura typical of those who walked the Demonic Path.
“However, I cannot make such a decision unilaterally as Palace Lord. There is the matter of public opinion, after all.”
Bing Han Poong’s expression darkened.
Currently, he did not possess proper authority as Palace Lord.
If he were to unilaterally propose peace, it would only accelerate the division among the five families of Buk Hae Bing Gung.
“There will be no opposition.”
“How so?”
“Because I will make it so.”
Bu Eunseol spoke calmly.
“If the Palace Lord permits it, I will reshape the public opinion within Buk Hae Bing Gung.”
“Hehehehe.”
At Bu Eunseol’s successive bold declarations, Bing Han Poong could not help but let out a hollow laugh.
Did this young person view all matters of the world as so simple?
Changing the opinion of an entire sect was something that could not be easily accomplished through force or even vast wealth.
Yet here they stood, making such bold claims with an untroubled expression.
“It would be somewhat difficult for this palace, which maintains neutrality between the righteous and demonic, to be incorporated into Demon Hall.”
As Bing Han Poong gently opened the door to refusal, Bu Eunseol spoke with resolve.
“Henceforth, this Hall will not walk an unconditional path of tyranny.”
“Why is that?”
“Because I have a Lord.”
Bu Eunseol spoke with eyes full of conviction.
“The foundation and martial arts of Buk Hae Bing Gung are rooted in the Demonic Path. Even if this Hall forms peace with us, there would be nothing particularly strange about it.”
Pausing for a moment, a faint smile crossed my lips.
“And I will codify and guarantee the rights regarding this peace accord. So there will be no disadvantage.”
“Hehehehe….”
Bing Han Poong laughed softly.
“More than favorable—truly an unfavorable treaty. Hahahaha.”
Even if Bu Eunseol’s proposal were accepted, there would be no harm, and if successful, the fractured internal affairs could be restored in one fell swoop.
At this point, Bing Han Poong could not refuse the proposal.
“Very well.”
Bing Han Poong nodded and spoke decisively.
“I accept the proposal. If you three alone can accomplish this, I will gladly form peace with Demon Hall.”
“Thank you.”
“But how do you intend to find the traitor who caused the rift?”
“Please leave it to us for now.”
Bu Eunseol spoke with composure.
“I will not cause trouble for the Palace Lord, and I intend to find them through a method that all can accept.”
“Explain at least the general approach.”
“First, we must step back and examine the larger picture. That is where we must begin.”
“Not at all. Had that been possible, I would have done so a decade ago.”
“It will be different if we undertake it.”
Bing Han Poong, observing the unwavering determination in Bu Eunseol’s eyes, furrowed his brow.
“You mean to investigate this matter yourselves?”
“Yes.”
After a moment of contemplation, Bing Han Poong exhaled deeply.
“However, I regret to say that what I can arrange is merely three visits.”
“Three visits, you say?”
“Since there are three of you, you may meet with the patriarchs of three families through my authority alone.”
His words revealed that the power of Bing Han Poong, despite his title as Palace Lord, was merely nominal.
“That is…”
Yu Woon Ryong’s expression grew troubled, but Bu Eunseol nodded in acknowledgment.
“That is sufficient assistance. We are grateful.”
And she spoke with unwavering conviction.
“Then we shall begin at once.”

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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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