The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 338

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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 338.
Until now, Bing Han Poong could not be said to have held a proper position as Palace Lord.
Han Woo Sang, who should have pledged loyalty after the Han Ja Wook assassination attempt, had turned his back, and the remaining families, as if they had been waiting, refused to acknowledge the Palace Lord’s authority.
Faced with this situation, Bing Han Poong entrusted most of the palace’s duties to Baek Jin Yu, the patriarch of the Baek Family, who maintained broad connections with the Five Families.
However, when Bu Eunseol revealed that Han Ja Wook’s assassination was not the Palace Lord’s doing, the situation changed completely.
―The Palace Lord knew everything yet made no excuses even for a close friend.
Bound by loyalty to a friend and the responsibility of being Palace Lord, Bing Han Poong had quietly endured misunderstanding and criticism all this time.
All his disciples were now moved by his generosity and integrity, showing deep respect.
Moreover, it was revealed that the one who attacked Han Ja Wook was a high-ranking figure from Buk Hae Bing Gung.
Furthermore, they had mastered an internal cultivation technique that does not exist within Buk Hae Bing Gung.
―Remarkably, it is said to be a martial force capable of wielding both yin and yang techniques.
―And there’s a high probability they’re from the leadership, given they could anticipate the secrets of the Han Bing O Rui Zhang.
Normally, if such facts became known, suspicion would naturally fall upon Hyung Su.
However, the disciples of Buk Hae Bing Gung, shocked by these revelations, were instead consumed by different thoughts.
―Haven’t our palace been far too closed off all this time?
Buk Hae Bing Gung possessed numerous martial texts and exceptional masters.
Yet they had devoted themselves solely to studying the secret techniques passed down through generations.
As a result, new martial techniques and learning had not developed significantly within the palace, remaining stagnant.
But when they learned that a traitor within Buk Hae Bing Gung had used the Han Bing O Rui Zhang created through yin-yang techniques, they were deeply shaken.
―The sects of Zhong Yuan frequently exchange with one another and research martial arts. Shouldn’t we do the same?
―I heard that the Spirit Lord from Demon Palace even proposed peace and suggested exchanges regarding martial techniques.
The opinion of Buk Hae Bing Gung, which had maintained its closed stance, was changing.
This was something that could not be accomplished through martial skill or force alone.
Bu Eunseol had resolved the assassination incident at Buk Hae Bing Gung in one stroke while simultaneously transforming the perspective of the previously closed-minded warriors of Buk Hae Bing Gung.
Dong Bing Gak, Conference Hall.
There, Yu Woon Ryong and So Ok Rim were engaged in serious conversation.
The opinion of Buk Hae Bing Gung regarding peace had shifted favorably.
Now what remained was to gain the support of the descendants of the Pal Hwang Sam Seong and find the traitor who had sown division within Buk Hae Bing Gung.
A thunderous rumble.
Then, from outside came a commotion accompanied by the sound of numerous footsteps.
The door suddenly burst open.
Heavily armed warriors of Buk Hae Bing Gung rushed inside.
They were none other than the Jip Beop Dang Master and his warriors.
“What is the matter?”
As Yu Woon Ryong called out, the Jip Beop Dang Master standing at the front spoke with wide eyes.
“The Palace Lord has been assassinated.”
“What?”
Yu Woon Ryong shot to his feet.
Everything had been proceeding smoothly, yet suddenly the Palace Lord had been assassinated?
“But why have you come rushing to us?”
Yu Woon Ryong’s Jip Beop Dang Master spoke.
“The martial technique Hyung Su employed is not from our Palace.”
In that instant, Yu Woon Ryong’s body stiffened.
‘Damn. I didn’t consider this possibility.’
Thinking about it, the sequence was inevitable.
There was no way the traitor lurking in darkness would simply sit idle and watch the Five Families unite their strength.
The betrayer had exploited Bu Eunseol’s group being outsiders to construct an inescapable trap.
“We came as guests of the Palace Lord. How could we possibly harm him?”
“We must conduct an investigation. Please follow me.”
Yu Woon Ryong’s gaze shifted to So Ok Rim.
What if they had already laid a trap from which there was no escape?
During the investigation process, they would have constructed a snare that offered absolutely no means of flight.
In the worst scenario, while Bu Eunseol might evade, the other two could be ensnared beyond salvation.
‘I must eliminate them swiftly and secure an escape route.’
Yu Woon Ryong drew upon his inner force while gripping the Ten-Section Staff concealed within his sleeve.
But then, So Ok Rim simply nodded without concern.
“Let’s go.”
“Go? Where are you talking about?”
“We didn’t do it anyway.”
So Ok Rim’s expression was so composed that even Yu Woon Ryong’s anxious heart found itself settling into calm.
‘If she doesn’t cooperate, I cannot escape alone.’
Having lost the opportunity to flee, Yu Woon Ryong exhaled slowly and gradually released the tension from his fingers gripping the Ten-Section Staff.
The place the Jip Beop Dang Master led them to was a prison deep underground, designed for interrogating criminals.
‘Surely they don’t intend to torture us.’
Yu Woon Ryong’s eyes widened.
Generally, underground prisons like the Underground Prison are constructed for torture, as sound cannot escape to the outside world.
Yet So Ok Rim’s demeanor was as relaxed as taking a leisurely stroll.
‘She must have some plan in mind.’
Yu Woon Ryong shook his head.
Though So Ok Rim appeared reckless and impulsive on the surface, she was likely quite intelligent in reality.
Because mastering advanced martial techniques requires exceptional intellect as well.
Given that she had mastered martial arts at a level where she could incapacitate Won Se Moon with a single hand, her strategic acumen was undoubtedly formidable.
Thud.
At that moment, the Jip Beop Dang Master, having opened the massive iron door, spoke to Yu Woon Ryong.
“Place your weapons on that table and enter.”
“Very well.”
Yu Woon Ryong reluctantly laid his Ten-Section Staff upon the iron table.
“I have no weapons.”
As she extended her massive hands forward, the Jip Beop Dang Master gestured helplessly toward the Underground Prison.
“Enter.”
“Together, you mean?”
Yu Woon Ryong’s face twisted in disbelief as he spoke.
“You’re going to lock a man and woman in the same cell?”
At that, the Jip Beop Dang Master’s expression hardened.
“The Underground Prison in this palace has only this one chamber.”
“Surely there must be another way?”
“This is merely temporary detention pending investigation. I ask for your patience.”
Then, turning to So Ok Rim, he spoke again.
“Since nothing has been confirmed yet, I will not suppress your inner energy. So please enter quietly.”
“Hmph.”
So Ok Rim snorted derisively and strode into the Underground Prison.
Seeing this, Yu Woon Ryong reluctantly followed her inside.
Clang.
As the iron door shut, So Ok Rim sprawled across the floor as if the Underground Prison were her own bedchamber.
‘How strange.’
Yu Woon Ryong stroked his chin thoughtfully.
If they truly intended to imprison someone, they should not only confiscate weapons but also seal the vital points to prevent the use of inner energy.
Moreover, it was standard procedure for the prison warden to conduct a thorough body search and confiscate all hidden weapons and concealed blades.
Yet here was Buk Hae Bing Gung, no mere local Martial Hall, detaining people with such careless negligence?
‘Ah, I see now.’
A subtle smile played at the corners of Yu Woon Ryong’s lips.
Now I understood why they had brought me here instead of Myo Cheon Woo.
‘Had it been Myo Cheon Woo or any other Lord, they would have immediately used force to escape.’
Being imprisoned in the Underground Prison without any justification would drive anyone to madness.
Only I possessed the discernment to see through such sloppiness and remain composed.
‘She wants me to keep her in check.’
If So Ok Rim lost her temper and caused a disturbance, the entire plan would crumble.
Having finished his reasoning, Yu Woon Ryong gazed at the recumbent So Ok Rim with the gentlest of expressions.
“What is it? Why are you staring like that?”
“Oh, it’s nothing.”
Knowing well her volatile nature, Yu Woon Ryong spoke softly.
“Is there anything uncomfortable about your situation?”
There was always the possibility she might feign sleep while secretly destroying the Underground Prison and attempting escape.
“How could the Underground Prison be comfortable? What a foolish question.”
Observing So Ok Rim’s unhurried demeanor, Yu Woon Ryong sensed something beneath the surface.
‘She seems to have some separate plan in mind…’
Yu Woon Ryong cleared his throat and cautiously probed her.
“Do you have some scheme you’re considering?”
“A scheme?”
“It’s fine—tell me. After all, we’re in the same boat, are we not?”
“There isn’t one?”
“So you’re saying you came willingly to be captured?”
As Yu Woon Ryong’s face twisted in bewilderment, So Ok Rim scratched her cheek vigorously.
“Since there’s no crime, they’ll release me soon enough.”
The focus drained from Yu Woon Ryong’s eyes.
It was becoming increasingly clear that So Ok Rim hadn’t mastered the Ascending Martial Arts through intellect, but rather through sheer brute force and stubborn persistence.
Snnnnore.
Apparently exhausted, she soon began snoring softly.
Looking closely, she appeared to be in deep slumber, her face completely slack with sleep.
‘If her mind is in such a state, perhaps her sleeping is actually helping matters.’
Yu Woon Ryong felt oddly relieved that So Ok Rim was sleeping peacefully without causing an outburst.
Those with tremendous strength but lacking in wisdom typically ruined plans or created disasters. The fact that she remained quiet was a blessing beyond measure.
‘I must continue to manage her carefully so she doesn’t have another episode.’
The meticulously crafted plan was now entering its final stages. I could not afford any hasty actions.
“Hmm.”
Shaking my head, Yu Woon Ryong settled into a cross-legged meditation posture.
Then I entered deep contemplation, carefully considering what lay ahead.
* * *
Inside the Bing Ha Tian Liu Gate.
Ripple, ripple.
The pond of the Cold Spirit Divine Water within the Ice Cave trembled ceaselessly.
As Bu Eunseol stored frigid energy in her dantian through the Bing Ha Tian Liu Seal over four days, the Cold Spirit Divine Water rippled in harmony with her cultivation.
‘Ughhhh.’
The frigid energy stored in her dantian surged like a ferocious evil dragon, repeatedly racing through the Du meridian to the Baihui point and back down in an instant.
If I failed to stabilize the frigid energy, my meridians would either freeze solid or tear apart.
‘Is this impossible?’
Thin ice began forming around Bu Eunseol’s dantian.
Unable to control the frigid energy, her blood vessels were beginning to freeze.
‘I will not surrender.’
Throb, throb, throb.
Thick veins bulged across Bu Eunseol’s forehead.
Though I felt as though every blood vessel in my body was tearing apart, I refused to yield, continuing to circulate the Bing Ha Tian Liu Seal.
―The Yin-Yang Extreme True Qi contains all the forces of nature. The great natural world is in constant flux and circulation, like the infinite four seasons.
Suddenly, Hyul Geum Gang’s words from when he transmitted the Yin-Yang Extreme Heart Method flashed through my mind.
―Spring gives birth, summer nurtures, autumn harvests, and winter rests to prepare for new life. And the Yin-Yang Extreme True Qi likewise creates all things and transforms them into vital energy.
‘Seasons… circulation.’
I had been constantly trying to use the Bing Ha Tian Liu Seal to store frigid energy in my dantian.
But the fundamental heart method stored within my body was the Yin-Yang Extreme Heart Method, which embraces all the vital forces of nature.
Just as the four seasons circulate naturally, I needed to accept the frigid energy into my body in the same way.
‘The Bing Ha Tian Liu Seal is merely one part of the Yin-Yang Extreme Heart Method.’
Crack.
As enlightenment bloomed within me, something shattered throughout my body.
Simultaneously, a formidable Han Bing True Qi surged from my dantian, pooling along the Governor Vessel running down my spine.
Then it naturally flowed through the Jade Pillow Gate and cascaded down the Conception Vessel like a waterfall.
Hisssss.
The water roiling in the Pond gradually cooled, becoming ordinary water devoid of any chill before slowly evaporating.
All the frigid essence of the Han Ling Divine Water had been stored within my dantian.
Whoooosh!
White currents of qi flowed from my entire body, and my hair began to transform, taking on the appearance of white snowflakes.
Bing Ha Dae Je.
I had transformed into the very image of the Buk Hae Bing Gung’s founding ancestor, Bing Ha Dae Je, reincarnate.
“Exhale.”
Finally, having completed my cultivation, I opened my eyes.
A blue deeper than the sea lingered for a moment before my hair, bleached white by the frigid essence, returned to its original color.
Simultaneously, a blue radiance emerged from my left hand.
“So it worked.”
Gazing down at my left hand, I unleashed Han Bing True Qi into the Pond using the Bing Ha Tian Liu Technique.
Crack-crack-crack.
In an instant, the entire Pond froze solid. The surface had turned such a deep blue from the intensity of the freeze that it gleamed like sapphire.
“It succeeded.”
I gazed down at my left hand with satisfaction.
Having mastered the Reverse Extreme Heart Method, I could originally unleash yin and yang qi freely.
But now that I had learned the Bing Ha Tian Liu Technique, I could emit not merely ordinary yin-cold qi, but the Extreme Yin Qi capable of freezing entire seas.
“What… how is this possible?”
At that moment, Bing Han Poong, who had entered the Ice Cave, opened his mouth in astonishment.
Four days had passed, and he had come to check on the progress of my cultivation.
Had I failed to properly master the ice technique, he had intended to share some of his own Han Bing True Qi with me.
Yet my entire body radiated a chill as if I had absorbed dozens of ten-thousand-year ice crystals.
Moreover, the Han Ling Divine Water—a treasure of the Buk Hae Bing Gung—had completely dried up?
“My apologies.”
I gestured toward the Pond with an embarrassed expression.
“I absorbed the Extreme Yin Qi from it, and it seems to have become ordinary water.”
“You absorbed all the Extreme Yin Qi from a Pond made of Han Ling Divine Water?”
Bing Han Poong’s mouth fell open.
Had he not witnessed the Han Ling Divine Water solidify into ice, he would have thought I was boasting.
‘If that’s true, it’s equivalent to absorbing Extreme Yin Qi dozens of times more powerful than ten-thousand-year ice crystals.’
In the meantime, I dried myself and dressed in one swift motion.
“Has it already been four days?”
“Indeed.”
Only then did Bing Han Poong, regaining his composure, speak.
“You’ve prepared the circumstances and evidence of an ambush beforehand, and confined your colleagues as well… It seems we can’t delay any longer.”
“Understood.”
“Will you begin immediately?”
“Yes.”
Bu Eunseol nodded, feeling the power of the Bing Ha Tian Liu Gate flowing through her body.
“With this power, both traps have become perfect.”
She took a deep breath and drew upon her inner strength.
Whiiiing.
White and blue energy began to swirl like a vortex above her left palm.
Zing!
Finally, a transparent crystalline formation of frigid energy took shape in the center of her palm.
“Are you prepared, Palace Lord?”
“Of course.”
“Understood.”
Shaaaa!
Bu Eunseol extended her left hand without hesitation.
With a peculiar sound of tearing space, the crystalline formation pierced fiercely into Bing Han Poong’s vital point.
* * *
Kurrrung.
The firmly sealed door to the Underground Prison opened.
Inside, Yu Woon Ryong was cultivating while So Ok Rim, just waking from sleep, was yawning.
“You may come out now.”
At the Jip Beop Dang Master’s words, Yu Woon Ryong’s eyes snapped open.
They had merely confined them in the Underground Prison without conducting any interrogation.
Moreover, fine food and wine were provided at every meal, and the Jip Beop Dang Master had visited several times to ask if there was anything they needed.
What was surprising was So Ok Rim.
She hadn’t had a single seizure, merely sleeping like a sick dog for three days straight.
‘She must have been told something.’
Yu Woon Ryong smiled bitterly.
Given So Ok Rim’s temperament, there was no way she would have remained docile in the Underground Prison for three days.
Bu Eunseol must have given her advance notice.
‘Wait? Then why didn’t she tell me?’
Yu Woon Ryong found the thought strange.
If all of this had been planned by Bu Eunseol in advance, she would have certainly informed him beforehand.
‘Was it a plan executed on impulse? That can’t be right.’
Yu Woon Ryong looked down at So Ok Rim, who was sleeping soundly.
‘Did she perhaps think that So Ok Rim would grasp the entire situation like I did?’
Yet So Ok Rim had simply slept without a care in the world.
Even if she trusted him completely, shouldn’t she have at least cultivated like he did and prepared for unexpected circumstances?
“You may come out now.”
The Jip Beop Dang Master called out again,
“Mmm.”
So Ok Rim stretched and rose from her seat with vacant eyes.
“Please follow me.”
However, the Jip Beop Dang Master did not retrace his steps. Instead, he repeatedly pressed his hand against the wall blocking the innermost section of the Underground Prison.
Grrrrk.
With a mechanical sound, a hidden secret passage revealed itself.
‘What is this now?’
Yu Woon Ryong’s eyes widened, but So Ok Rim slipped inside without hesitation.
After walking through a winding passage for some time, they finally arrived at none other than the Palace Hall where Bing Han Poong was staying.
“Then.”
The Jip Beop Dang Master bowed respectfully to Yu Woon Ryong and So Ok Rim, then turned back.
“What? How is this possible?”
Upon entering, Bu Eunseol was sitting perfectly fine in the Secret Chamber.
“What have you been doing for four days?”
To Yu Woon Ryong’s question, Bu Eunseol replied calmly.
“I made the first move.”
“Huh?”
“If we truly seal the Five Families, they would be in trouble. They would certainly devise such a scheme.”
Bu Eunseol spoke matter-of-factly.
“I made a prior agreement with the Palace Lord to pretend to interrogate you under the pretext of searching for Hyung Su. That way, I could buy time.”
“You should have told me beforehand.”
When Yu Woon Ryong wore an aggrieved expression, Bu Eunseol replied,
“There were circumstances. I didn’t expect it to take this long… I myself only just emerged four days later.”
Bu Eunseol revealed that she had secretly learned Ice Martial Arts from Bing Han Poong during this time.
“I see. But why did you keep it secret from me?”
Yu Woon Ryong whispered while glancing at So Ok Rim.
“You told her.”
“I didn’t tell her.”
“What? What did you say?”
“I never told her.”
“That can’t be right.”
As Yu Woon Ryong’s eyes widened, So Ok Rim caught on instantly and let out a scoff.
“What, you thought I was a complete fool? Didn’t you?”
“That’s not it.”
“Not it? What do you mean not it? It’s obvious from looking at you.”
‘So she was deliberately acting rough.’
Yu Woon Ryong had always felt something off about So Ok Rim’s demeanor.
Yu Woon Ryong had seen through that his confinement in the Underground Prison was Bu Eunseol’s plan, and because he trusted her implicitly, he could wait with composure.
But could she, known to be simple and reckless, have also seen through everything and waited patiently?
‘In the end, she’s also wearing a mask.’
If Bu Eunseol had hidden her brilliant mind beneath coldness on Hell Island, then So Ok Rim was concealing her cunning through reckless, simplistic actions.
‘I need to develop a better eye for reading people.’
Yu Woon Ryong sighed inwardly before speaking.
“But will those fools actually fall for such a shallow trick?”
At that moment, So Ok Rim furrowed her brow and spoke.
“The Palace Lord was supposedly assassinated—they won’t fail to verify it properly, will they? Besides, among the family heads, there must be those in league with the descendants of the Eight Emperors and Three Stars. They’ll definitely investigate the truth of this matter.”
“We actually attacked him.”
“What?”
“Otherwise, they won’t believe it.”
Bu Eunseol spoke matter-of-factly.
“And that traitor will definitely want to verify it himself—whether the Palace Lord is truly wounded.”
“Even so… this is wrong.”
So Ok Rim, recalling something, shook her head.
“If the Palace Lord is injured, the traitor won’t come alone.”
At this sharp observation, Bu Eunseol smiled.
“That’s precisely why we’re here.”
And she pointed to the wall of the Secret Chamber.
“On the other side of this wall is where the Palace Lord is recovering. We must listen to their conversation and identify which of them is the traitor.”
“You’ll identify him just from conversation? How?”
“I’ll handle that myself.”
At Bu Eunseol’s explanation, So Ok Rim’s expression turned blank.
Though she herself possessed outstanding cunning, she could not fathom what plan Bu Eunseol harbored.
Nor could she discern what thoughts occupied her mind.
“But setting us aside, why is the Palace Lord going this far?”
Yu Woon Ryong asked as if he couldn’t comprehend it.
A figure of the Palace Lord’s stature at Buk Hae Bing Gung orchestrating such a scheme while injuring his own body?
There must have been plenty of other methods available.
“Because this method is faster than any other plan.”
“Faster…”
“If the Five Families of Buk Hae Bing Gung, excluding the Bing Family, had perfectly united their strength? Then the current landscape of Murim would surely have changed dramatically.”
Bu Eunseol’s eyes deepened.
“The Palace Lord wants to unify Buk Hae Bing Gung as quickly as possible. So that it can reclaim its former glory.”
Bing Han Poong needed to seal the rifts between the Five Families as quickly as possible. Only then could Buk Hae Bing Gung regain stability.
That’s why he willingly accepted injury and participated in this plan.
Moreover, it was founded upon his trust in Bu Eunseol as a person.
And now, Bu Eunseol had to live up to that trust.
Merely by listening to the conversation between the Palace Lord and the family heads in this Secret Chamber…
She had to identify the culprit who had divided Buk Hae Bing Gung.

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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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