The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 352

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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 352.
Neung In Sa Tae nodded.
“Indeed. The supreme sword technique of Geom Gak, the Danhyeo Yeomong Sword, had its secrets passed down only through oral transmission, and the variations of the technique were demonstrated directly during instruction.”
From her deeply wrinkled eyes flowed a profound darkness of resentment.
“However, the Chilji Demonic Sect severed the lineage of Geom Gak’s greatest sword technique and stripped away its mysteries. In truth, the power of the Danhyeo Yeomong Sword has been reduced to less than half its original might.”
Bu Eunseol’s eyes widened.
Throughout her covert travels across the Gangho, she had heard only tales of merit regarding the Chilji Demonic Sect.
Yet a sect that had protected the Orthodox Sects for generations had committed such brutal massacres?
“However, I cannot comprehend this.”
Bu Eunseol pointed out a flaw in Neung In Sa Tae’s account.
“If the Chilji Demonic Sect committed such atrocities, why has no rumor of it spread throughout the Murim?”
“That matter involves complicated circumstances of Geom Gak that cannot be explained to outsiders.”
Neung In Sa Tae shook her head.
“What I wish to convey is that because of that vile Chilji Demonic Sect, Ok Yu Ha ultimately could not become the successor of Geom Gak… and fell into a sickness of the heart.”
Bu Eunseol exhaled deeply.
The Chilji Demonic Sect had annihilated the elders of Geom Gak—such resentment would not fade even after centuries.
‘Yet this is strange.’
Examining the Chilji Demonic Sect’s history thus far, they had not been stained with blood, and had shown considerable goodwill toward the Orthodox Sects.
They were certainly not the type to ruin the life of Geom Gak’s successor or slaughter the sect’s elders without cause.
“Well, what use is there in recounting such ancient tales? They are matters of the past, after all.”
As Neung In Sa Tae waved her hand, Bu Eunseol forcibly swallowed her curiosity.
“Understood.”
She then looked around and spoke.
“Then please teach me the method of circulating vital energy in Geom Gak. I shall attempt to restore her vitality by infusing energy once.”
“I am uncertain if it will be possible.”
Neung In Sa Tae shook her head with a grave expression.
“The inner cultivation method of Geom Gak is far too abstruse; I wonder if you could comprehend it even with explanation.”
“If the elder of Wudang Sect could accomplish it, I too should be capable.”
“The divine techniques of Taoism and the profound methods of Buddhism share common principles, making it possible. However, are you not a martial artist of the Gangho?”
Neung In Sa Tae sighed as she spoke.
“Moreover, if Chung Hyeon Jin In expended vital energy to such a degree, there is a high probability that he could not fully comprehend Ah Yeon’s energy circulation.”
“I shall simply do my utmost.”
At this, Neung In Sa Tae nodded as if she had made a decision.
“First, let us go to a quiet place.”
Bu Eunseol followed Neung In Sa Tae’s guidance into a small palace hall located in the most secluded area of Geom Gak.
Judging by the plaque inscribed with “Shim Mi Gak,” this appeared to be a place where the disciples of Geom Gak received instruction in inner cultivation secrets.
The interior was empty, and only the serene moonlight filtered through the windows.
Neung In Sa Tae spoke in a low voice.
“It would be impossible to explain Ah Yeon’s energy circulation method in a short time. I shall impart to you the complete secrets of Mil Won Heart Method, the foundational inner cultivation technique of Geom Gak.”
“You mean to transmit an inner cultivation method?”
Bu Eunseol’s expression turned puzzled.
Internal cultivation methods represented the very essence of a martial sect.
For this reason, not even a single character of such teachings was ever transmitted to outsiders.
“The life of Bon Gak’s successor hangs in the balance, does it not?”
Neung In Sa Tae spoke matter-of-factly.
“Besides, even if I transmit the fundamental principles, one cannot perfectly master the internal cultivation technique merely from that.”
In that instant, another flash of insight streaked through my mind.
Yet I soon nodded with an unperturbed expression.
“I understand.”
“Time is short, so I shall teach you the fundamental principles immediately.”
Neung In Sa Tae began explaining to Bu Eunseol the essential principles of the Mil Won Heart Technique and the methods of circulating true energy.
Geom Gak’s internal cultivation technique differed markedly from ordinary Orthodox Sect methods, and its approach was exceedingly complex.
‘Could it be that all Buddhist profound techniques share the same underlying principle?’
The fundamental principles that Neung In Sa Tae explained bore striking resemblance to the health cultivation secrets of the Muscle Change Scripture that my grandfather had once transmitted.
This was because Geom Gak’s internal cultivation technique, like Shaolin’s, originated from the pursuit of maintaining a healthy body to deepen one’s understanding of Buddhist dharma.
The only difference lay in the nature of the true energy itself.
Whereas the health cultivation secrets of the Muscle Change Scripture generated warm energy to create a robust body,
Geom Gak’s technique produced cool energy capable of instantly stilling a turbulent spirit.
‘This is one method of generating powerful true energy.’
As Bu Eunseol fell into deep contemplation, Neung In Sa Tae spoke.
“Though the Mil Won Heart Technique serves as the foundational practice, its principles align with Dan Young Heart Technique, Bon Gak’s supreme method. The original name of Dan Young Heart Technique is, after all, Dan Young Mil Won Heart Technique.”
“I see.”
“Then listen once more, and attempt to recite it yourself.”
Bu Eunseol memorized the principles Neung In Sa Tae recited again.
In the process, I attempted to circulate my true energy using the health cultivation secrets of the Muscle Change Scripture as the foundation.
A deep hum resonated.
My spirit became infinitely serene, and all sounds from the world around me were shut out.
Simultaneously, a blue light settled between my brows.
“You….”
Neung In Sa Tae was greatly startled when a faint light appeared between Bu Eunseol’s brows as I recited the fundamental principles, and asked urgently.
“What have you just done?”
“I merely attempted to circulate my energy in a roughly similar manner to the technique you taught, as a trial.”
At Bu Eunseol’s answer, Neung In Sa Tae’s eyes widened in shock.
The fundamental principles of a technique merely explained the foundations of true energy generation.
To properly circulate internal power, one must accurately learn the complex body cultivation methods under a master’s guidance.
Should one recklessly circulate true energy, it would be like pouring oil upon oneself and leaping into flames.
With good fortune, one becomes a cripple; in severe cases, one bleeds from the seven apertures and dies.
Yet from merely hearing the fundamental principles, had Bu Eunseol discerned the circulation technique of Dan Young Mil Won Heart Technique, Geom Gak’s supreme method?
‘That cannot be.’
Yet the faint light that had appeared between Bu Eunseol’s brows was undeniable.
When I mastered the Forbidden Secret Art to its pinnacle, am I not the Original Spirit of Light?
‘Setting aside the matter of measuring inner power cultivation methods with the Grand Conclusion, this Vibration Wave…’
The vibrations and light flowing from Bu Eunseol’s body.
Was that not the undulation of true qi that appeared in the masters of martial arts who possessed inner power exceeding forty years?
‘Surely not. Could this person be…’
A single flash of insight crossed her mind.
In that moment, a peculiar light settled in her eyes.
Only then did she understand how this young wanderer could maintain composure before Ok Yu Ha and deliver such a chilling strike.
And how she could possess martial power so formidable it defied imagination.
‘So that’s it.’
In an instant, sinister and vicious light flashed across Neung In Sa Tae’s pupils.
It was an expression that the elder of Geom Gak, who had always appeared benevolent, should never have shown.
“Do not misunderstand.”
Bu Eunseol spoke calmly, having seen through Neung In Sa Tae’s thoughts from that gaze.
“I learned a similar cultivation method long ago.”
“I see.”
Neung In Sa Tae quickly composed her expression and hastily changed the subject.
“Ah Yeon—do you happen to know why that child ventured back into Gangho?”
“I do not.”
“That child once went to Demon Palace to gather information about the Ohdok School. After returning from there, she frequently wore an expression full of worry.”
Neung In Sa Tae sighed as she spoke.
“Since that day, the child has devoted herself to refining her sword techniques. She even mastered Bon Gak’s supreme sword art, the Solitary Dream Sword, yet her expression remained troubled.”
‘Perhaps the martial exchanges with the Lords’ subordinates actually dampened her confidence.’
Ah Yeon had sparred with the Lords, and against Yu Woon Ryong in particular, she had achieved only a half-move victory.
Therefore, Bu Eunseol believed that she had become disheartened because of this.
“And when the Black-White Witch appeared, she boldly ventured into Gangho, yet an unfavorable outcome occurred. There is also fault in Bin Ni’s inability to stop her despite knowing the child’s complicated state of mind.”
“How could that be the fault of the elder?”
Bu Eunseol offered a word of comfort, unlike her usual manner.
It was an apology, for Ah Yeon’s inner demon was connected to herself.
“But then again.”
Neung In Sa Tae spoke of something unexpected.
“In Demon Palace, there is a young master called the greatest rising star of the Demonic Path. Do you know of him?”
“I have heard rumors of it.”
“I hear he is not only formidably strong with no peer in martial prowess, but also possesses an unparalleled appearance.”
“Well, rumors in Murim are always exaggerated, are they not?”
“Hehehehe. Is that so.”
Neung In Sa Tae spoke with a smile.
“Bin Ni spoke needlessly. Can you discern the true qi circulation of Bon Gak?”
“To some extent, it should be possible.”
“Ah Yeon is the successor of Bon Gak. She must never go wrong.”
Neung In Sa Tae gazed intently at Bu Eunseol, her voice warm and measured.
“Please, I entrust that child to your care.”
Bu Eunseol and Neung In Sa Tae emerged from Shim Mi Gak and made their way to a grand palace hall situated far from the heart of Geom Gak.
Beneath a wooden plaque inscribed with “Yak Seok Won,” the pungent aroma of medicinal herbs hung thick in the air, while disciples who appeared to be from Haeng Rim busily decocted remedies.
“Come inside.”
As Neung In Sa Tae led her through the entrance of Yak Seok Won, a dozen disciples stood rigid in the corridor, their expressions grave as they maintained their vigil over the interior.
The life of Geomgak Successor hung by a thread, and they stood guard with solemn dedication.
Their eyes all bore the weight of deep concern—clearly they worried for Ah Yeon’s welfare.
From their demeanor alone, Bu Eunseol could discern how Ah Yeon had treated the disciples of Geom Gak in her ordinary days.
Footsteps echoed softly.
Following the long corridor deeper inward, a small chamber came into view.
Its interior was sparse yet possessed an elegant refinement.
Upon a wooden bed lay quilts, and a beautiful woman clad in white robes sat in meditation posture, channeling her inner energy.
It was Ah Yeon.
In her struggle to expel the frigid ice energy, her Jinyang—the vital essence bound to her very life force—had suffered grievous damage, leaving her in a state of slow decline.
Moreover, trapped still within the grip of demonic affliction, her complexion had turned ashen, and the pallor of illness was unmistakable.
It was only through the masters of Geom Gak infusing her with their formidable qi, and through Chung Hyeon Jin In rekindling the dying embers of her Jinyang, that she had recovered to this extent.
‘Her body has wasted away further.’
Bu Eunseol clicked her tongue inwardly.
Ah Yeon was far more emaciated than when she had lain within the coffin, her frame withered and thin. Yet despite this, her face remained beautiful, as though moonlight itself had crystallized upon her features.
The door creaked open.
A middle-aged beauty with a cold expression entered.
It was Ok Yu Ha.
“Headmaster.”
Neung In Sa Tae’s expression grew anxious.
She had only just managed to persuade Bu Eunseol; if Ok Yu Ha were to have another outburst now, everything would unravel.
“Do not worry. I came only to express my gratitude.”
She then turned to address Bu Eunseol.
“I, as the former headmaster, have committed grave errors on multiple occasions. I beg you—pay them no mind and treat Ah Yeon properly.”
Her gaze was cold, yet the arrogance that once marked it had vanished.
Her tone and voice had transformed from that of a young, impetuous maiden into the measured cadence of a solemn, mature woman.
It seemed that through her previous mistakes, clarity of mind had been restored to her.
“I understand.”
“Then, I entrust her to you.”
Ok Yu Ha departed quietly, careful not to disturb Bu Eunseol’s focus.
Neung In Sa Tae then spoke with visible relief.
“Exceptional disciples stand guard here. Rest assured and concentrate fully on the treatment.”
She too slowly withdrew from the chamber.
With both of them gone, silence settled over the room like a blanket.
Bu Eunseol carefully positioned herself behind Ah Yeon, who continued her meditation practice.
Yet she seemed completely oblivious to his presence, her eyes tightly shut as she focused entirely on circulating her inner energy.
‘The Soul-Sealing Technique hasn’t been broken.’
Her eyes moved restlessly beneath closed lids, her brow furrowed in distress.
It appeared that, trapped in a demonic state, the Soul-Sealing Technique remained unbroken, forcing her to endure endless hallucinations.
Bu Eunseol carefully positioned herself behind the woman and crossed her legs into a meditation posture.
Never before had I been alone in a room with a woman like this, and as the sweet fragrance of her body reached my nostrils, my mind grew turbulent.
Bu Eunseol cautiously drew upon her inner power and placed her palm against the woman’s dantian point.
As the soft warmth of skin transmitted through my hand, my thoughts became even more complicated.
‘If I lose mental clarity, we’ll both succumb to the demonic state.’
Taking a deep breath, Bu Eunseol activated the Glacial Heavenly Stream Seal.
Instantly, her body grew cool, distracting thoughts vanished, and her mind became as clear as a transparent lake.
The extreme yin energy contained within the Glacial Heavenly Stream Seal produced an effect similar to the Cold Heart Technique.
Zing.
As she injected anti-polar true energy once more, the energy within the woman’s body began to resist.
However, knowing the circulation patterns of the Crimson Shadow Heart Technique, Bu Eunseol did not forcefully suppress that resistance.
Instead, she carefully modulated the flow, matching her injection to the woman’s natural energy circulation without forcing it.
‘This will take quite some time.’
Bu Eunseol now understood why Chung Hyeon Jin In, despite her superior martial power, had become exhausted.
At this controlled pace of energy infusion, it would take at least three days and nights of continuous effort to barely restore her body.
‘There’s no choice but to try.’
The foundation of Bu Eunseol’s inner power was the Anti-Polar Heart Technique, rooted in the Shaolin Heart Method.
Because of this, not only was her martial power profound, but her foundation was exceptionally solid.
Unlike ordinary martial artists, even three days of continuous energy infusion would not cause her to fall into exhaustion.
Whoosh!
As the moon set and dawn broke, a scorching energy began to rise from deep within Ah Yeon’s dantian.
Pure as flame, it burned away all impurities within her body.
‘Is it finally working?’
The Jinyang energy within Ah Yeon’s body was as vital as life itself.
As that Jinyang energy blazed anew, color returned to her complexion in an instant, and her previously unstable energy circulation became smooth and steady.
Whoosh.
Just as Bu Eunseol began to relax, the Jinyang energy dormant within the woman’s body suddenly erupted again.
Sizzle.
As scorching energy surged forth with enough intensity to melt every meridian, Bu Eunseol’s eyes flew wide open.
‘This won’t do.’
The Jinyang energy within her body was like a wild, uncontrollable horse.
After spending all day soothing and coaxing it into stability, it had revealed its destructive nature again in mere moments.
Sizzle.
White smoke began rising from her body.
If left unchecked, Ah Yeon would be reduced to ash and perish.
‘I cannot use the Glacial Heavenly Stream Seal again.’
If I were to use the Icy Seal again, I could extinguish the heat, but Jinyang’s vital essence would be snuffed out forever. Once that happens, there’s no turning back—I would fall into an irreversible abyss and breathe my last.
There’s no other way.
Bu Eunseol hesitated for a moment, then bit her lip.
And instead of the Reverse Extreme Heart Method, she drew upon Geom Gak’s Single Shadow Heart Technique.
Whoooosh!
As Bu Eunseol summoned the Single Shadow Heart Technique, her body began to tremble faintly.
No matter how much it contained the essence of nature itself, the Reverse Extreme Heart Method was a demonic technique.
In other words, it harbored laws that unleashed destructive power.
It was fundamentally different from the Muscle-Changing Scripture or the Single Shadow Heart Technique, which awakened the vital essence of the five organs and nourished the blood meridians.
Yet now, channeling the heart seal of the Orthodox Sects through the foundation of a demonic technique, Bu Eunseol felt as though her entire body was being torn in two.
Was this too reckless?
Blood spilled.
Blood trickled from the corner of Bu Eunseol’s mouth.
If I continued to pour vital energy like this, I would suffer fatal internal injuries as well.
—Seol Ah. You’ve endured so much.
As an enormous backlash surged through my meridians, I felt a moment of vertigo.
And at that same instant, the gentle voice of my grandfather reached my ears.
—Didn’t I tell you to take it easy?
Have I fallen into a heart demon as well?
Realizing I had succumbed to a heart demon, I bit my lip.
The lingering effects of the unresolved Soul-Stealing Seal had finally affected my spirit as well.
—Seol Ah.
In that instant, the entire world turned white, and suddenly the surrounding landscape shifted to the interior of Pyeong-an Funeral House from a decade ago.
And I found myself as a child, carried on Bu Chanyang’s back.
What a vivid illusion.
Yet something was strange.
Even though I had fallen into the illusion and reverted to my childhood form,
I maintained my current calm and composed mind, did I not?
The illusions she and I see must be completely different. So this was the true power of the Soul-Stealing Seal.
The Phantom King’s Heart-Stealing Art—
it was a method that displayed one’s innermost desires as if they were real, while simultaneously stealing another’s soul.
The landscape before my eyes and grandfather’s warm back felt no different from reality.
If I had one wish, whether in the afterlife or the next life, it would be to reunite with grandfather once more.
Yet as I returned to the past and felt grandfather’s voice, his warm embrace, and his benevolent gaze, my spirit was deeply shaken.
What does it matter if it’s an illusion?
I smiled faintly.
And without realizing it, I was sinking deeper into the heart demon.

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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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