The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 372

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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 372.
Namgung Jeong’s sword energy soared into the void.
“Yi Hyung?”
“Yes. In truth, all the merit I have gained this time is entirely due to Yi Hyung’s grace.”
“You mean that wanderer called Seol So.”
In that instant, Nam Goong Woon felt as though struck from behind.
“Did you know?”
“Did you think I wouldn’t?”
Nam Goong Woon felt a chill run through him.
“Are you saying the Main House placed an informant within Gae Bang?”
“An informant?”
Namgung Jeong’s brow furrowed slightly.
“No one calls the intelligence agents stationed throughout various regions ‘informants.'”
“Ah, I see. I misspoke.”
Nam Goong Woon scratched his head with an embarrassed expression.
He had heard from Bu Eunseol about a certain force that maintained informants within the Orthodox Sects.
Indeed, was not No Bong, the leader of Gae Bang, himself an agent of an external power?
Through this, Nam Goong Woon had come to understand that informants existed within the Orthodox Sects, and this knowledge had bred both resistance and fear within him.
“That wanderer called Seol So is said to be among the elite wanderers even within Jeok Cheon Mak Ji. The Master of Su Gyeong Jeon praised him most highly.”
Remarkably, Namgung Jeong had thoroughly investigated this wanderer named Seol So and appeared to have connections with Dam Yoo Yeon, the Master of Su Gyeong Jeon.
‘It must be because they traveled together to Shin Nyeo Gung.’
Only then did Nam Goong Woon recall that he had accompanied Namgung Sae-ah to Shin Nyeo Gung, along with Bu Eunseol, who had assumed the guise of Seol So.
‘My aunt resides there, after all.’
Namgung Sae-ah, who was at Shin Nyeo Gung, must have filed a report to the Nam Goong Family regarding this person called Seol So.
As a result, the Nam Goong Family would have conducted a comprehensive investigation and surveillance of this wanderer named Seol So.
“So this time as well, you handled matters alongside this wanderer Seol So.”
“Yes.”
‘Fortunately, the fact that Brother Bu is the successor of Demon Palace remains hidden.’
Nam Goong Woon exhaled a breath of relief inwardly. However, Namgung Jeong misinterpreted his expression and spoke.
“Honesty is commendable, but neither can I deny your merit.”
“No, truly Yi Hyung handled everything.”
Nam Goong Woon spoke honestly.
“It was Yi Hyung’s merit alone to uncover the conspiracy of Gae Bang in the first place.”
“So you intend to grant him a reward of immeasurable value.”
“Yes.”
Nam Goong Woon swallowed hard.
He expected that Namgung Jeong would soon issue a thunderous prohibition.
There was no way he would permit granting a reward beyond monetary valuation to another.
“Do as you wish.”
Yet an unexpected answer came in return.
Namgung Jeong unexpectedly granted Nam Goong Woon’s request without hesitation.
“Are you certain about this?”
“The Main House has upheld integrity as its foundation for generations. Since you say you cannot claim another’s accomplishments, I have no choice but to permit it.”
“Thank you….”
“However, there is a condition.”
Namgung Jeong cut off Nam Goong Woon’s words decisively.
“If you wish to have the Gratitude Hall, come to the Main House and retrieve it yourself.”
“To the Main House… you say?”
Nam Goong Woon blinked in confusion, unable to comprehend.
But Namgung Jeong’s gaze had already returned to his books.
It was a silent dismissal.
“I understand. I shall convey your words accordingly.”
Nam Goong Woon clasped his hands together in resignation.
In the Murim, the most famous mountains are the Five Peaks.
Yet what truly renowned travelers of Zhong Yuan speak of is Hwang San.
Hwang San, filled with pine trees of peculiar forms and strangely shaped stones.
Countless peaks rose there, and the hidden vistas beheld from Yeon Hwa Bong, the highest summit, and Gwang Myeong Jeong, the flat peak, bestowed both mystical beauty and overwhelming grandeur.
And near that Hwang San stood the Namgung Family, one of the Eight Great Families of the Murim, positioned at the head.
“Brother Bu. It is here.”
Nam Goong Woon, seated on the third floor of Woon Hae Ru, the largest establishment near Hwang San, waved his hand.
A middle-aged man ascending the stairs then sat across from him.
It was Bu Eunseol, disguised as Seol So.
“It brings me such joy to see you again like this.”
Nam Goong Woon wore a bright smile.
Within the family, I felt as though I were suffocating.
But stepping into the Gangho, I experienced a liberation as though soaring into the heavens.
Moreover, being with Yi Hyung, who brought pride merely by his presence, lifted my spirits even higher.
“You must have endured much hardship on such a long journey.”
Bu Eunseol nodded and spoke.
“So the Family Lord has permitted you to give me the Gratitude Hall?”
“Indeed.”
Nam Goong Woon spoke with pride.
“Our household is renowned for its integrity, is it not? When the Family Lord learned that all the accomplishments were achieved by a wanderer named Seol So, he permitted the bestowal of the Gratitude Hall.”
“Hmm.”
Bu Eunseol’s expression was not bright. Nam Goong Woon nodded in understanding.
“I understand. The Family Lord likely suspects your true identity.”
Nam Goong Woon was no fool.
That Namgung Jeong had instructed him to retrieve the Gratitude Hall himself was likely to verify Bu Eunseol’s true nature.
“Knowing that I have sworn brotherhood with you, he likely wishes to confirm whether this poses a threat to the Main House. I apologize.”
“Do not concern yourself.”
Bu Eunseol wore a serene smile.
“Since the Family Head has taken an interest in me, it’s a matter I should have resolved anyway.”
Namgung Jeong is the leader of the Eight Great Families and a man of exceptional martial prowess and strategic brilliance.
Given that such a man has resolved to investigate Seol So, a wanderer… it’s a confrontation that was bound to happen eventually.
‘And perhaps through this opportunity, I can identify who attempted to assassinate the Young Palace Master.’
Bu Eunseol had previously discerned that the third form of the Imperial Sword Technique that Nam Goong Woon had displayed against the Masked Assassins matched the swordsmanship of the Masked Assassin who had targeted Dan Seo Ok in the past.
―My older brothers have already learned it all, and I’m the only one who learned it late.
This meant that one of Nam Goong Woon’s brothers was the culprit who had targeted Dan Seo Ok.
However, Bu Eunseol had no intention of actively seeking out the Masked Assassin hidden within the Namgung Family.
After all, infiltrating the heavily guarded Namgung Family to identify the culprit would be nearly impossible.
Moreover, I had no desire to sow discord within the Namgung Family where Nam Goong Woon resided.
The Namgung Family was the most orthodox of all Orthodox Sects. Assassinating one of the Demon Palace’s leaders would not constitute a grave offense.
But if the Namgung Family extended an invitation like this, the situation changed entirely.
Bu Eunseol had resolved to identify the true identity of the Masked Assassin who had targeted Dan Seo Ok, along with obtaining the Repayment Hall.
“What are you thinking about?”
Awakened from his reverie by Nam Goong Woon’s words, Bu Eunseol shook his head.
“Nothing at all.”
And I offered a genuine smile.
“Thank you.”
“Thank me for what, all of a sudden?”
“The Repayment Hall was truly something I needed.”
I drew a deep breath.
“To receive it from you—I can only express my gratitude.”
“Gratitude? But didn’t you handle everything yourself? I was just there beside you.”
Nam Goong Woon smiled as he spoke.
“The Family Head recognizes this, which is why he intends to give the Repayment Hall to you.”
In that moment, a peculiar thought crossed my mind.
The way he deliberately referred to his father as the ‘Family Head.’
And each time Nam Goong Woon uttered the words ‘Family Head,’ his expression seemed to darken somehow, his eyes growing dimmer.
It was an attitude that ill-suited the usually bright and cheerful Nam Goong Woon.
“Is something troubling you?”
“What do you mean?”
“Are relations with the Family Head not good?”
“Ah, no. How could that be?”
Nam Goong Woon waved both hands and smiled.
“What good or bad relations could exist between father and son?”
Nam Goong Woon dismissed it with a casual gesture.
“It’s just that I have a reckless nature, so he probably doesn’t approve of me.”
His words were light, but his eyes remained downcast.
“So whenever I meet the Family Head directly, I habitually fall into a melancholy mood for several days afterward.”
What child in this world grows dark-eyed every time they speak of their father?
“I see.”
Yet Bu Eunseol simply nodded without concern.
Prying into another family’s affairs was not proper. There was no need to force words from someone unwilling to speak.
“Hmm.”
Nam Goong Woon observed Bu Eunseol’s gaze—as if she could see straight through to his very soul.
Suddenly, an overwhelming desire seized him to unburden himself of the worries he had never shared with anyone.
And perhaps that was because he truly trusted and cared for Bu Eunseol.
“In truth, the Family Lord does not favor me. No—he despises me deeply.”
At last, Nam Goong Woon laid bare the secrets he had buried in the depths of his heart.
“My mother died giving birth to me.”
With his head bowed, Nam Goong Woon shook it slowly as he murmured.
“A filial wretch who killed the woman he loved through his very birth. That is what I am.”
Bu Eunseol exhaled quietly.
A mother’s death in childbirth was not an uncommon occurrence.
Yet the Namgung Family Lord harbored such fierce hatred for his beloved child over such a tragedy?
“I have spoken needlessly.”
As the atmosphere darkened, Nam Goong Woon quickly changed the subject.
“Right—I am grateful that you honored my request. For keeping No Bong’s secret.”
In truth, No Bong had been a spy planted by Sang Gwan Woon, the previous leader.
Moreover, his true identity was a descendant of Hyeol Hwang, one of the Eight Emperors and Three Stars, and he had long exploited Gae Bang to commit countless atrocities.
Had such facts been revealed, Gae Bang would carry that stigma for centuries to come.
Nam Goong Woon had asked Bu Eunseol to ensure that the fact of No Bong’s treachery would not be made public.
“It is nothing. Regardless, Gae Bang would have sealed its gates anyway.”
“Still, if it became known that the leader was a spy… Gae Bang could never rise again, no matter how many centuries passed.”
“That may well be true.”
This time, Bu Eunseol changed the subject.
“But are you truly certain about giving me the Boeubjeon?”
She spoke frankly.
“Merely possessing it would greatly increase your chances of becoming the Namgung Family Lord.”
“Bah, what would someone like me do as Family Lord?”
Nam Goong Woon waved his hand dismissively.
“And there is no need for concern. Once the Family Lord speaks his word, he keeps it without fail.”
Then, as if struck by a thought, he sighed.
“But if the Family Lord were to learn of your true identity… he would show no mercy whatsoever.”
Namgung Jeong’s elder brother, Nam Goong Gyeol.
He had been brutally murdered by Chil Ji Ma Do Bu Janyeong, his head severed in the past.
Since then, Namgung Jeong harbored such hatred toward the Demonic Path—especially those of the Demon Palace—that it consumed him.
“Do not worry. Such a thing will not come to pass.”
Even if Namgung Jeong harbored other intentions, Bu Eunseol had no choice in the matter.
From his perspective, he absolutely had to obtain the Boeun Hall, regardless of what risks he had to take.
* * *
The Nam Goong Family’s sphere of influence, situated near Hwang San, was limited to the vicinity of An Hui.
Because of this, their territorial reach was actually among the smallest of the Eight Great Families.
Yet the reason the Nam Goong Family served as the head of the Eight Great Families and wielded tremendous influence throughout the Murim was singular.
The Nam Goong Family’s true power lay in people themselves.
There was scarcely a place among the leadership of the Orthodox Sects throughout Zhong Yuan where the Nam Goong Family had no representatives.
Moreover, they were thoroughly positioned in key posts within the government and merchant circles. Because of this,
―one could survive even falling out of favor with the Murim Alliance, but if one fell out of favor with the Nam Goong Family, there was nowhere left to stand.
Such was the saying that had emerged.
As if to prove this, the gates of the Nam Goong Family were never without visitors—the great leaders of various sects, wealthy merchants and caravan masters from all regions.
‘Indeed.’
Bu Eunseol’s eyes sparkled as she entered the Nam Goong Family estate with Nam Goong Woon and surveyed her surroundings.
The manor of the Nam Goong Family, situated in the Hwang San region, was like a miniature replica of the Murim Alliance’s headquarters.
Not only were martial artists constantly coming and going through the manor, but people lined up in long queues at the guest registry.
“That must be exhausting.”
At Bu Eunseol’s words, Nam Goong Woon tilted his head.
“What do you mean?”
“Having to manage a family clan of this magnitude as its patriarch.”
Nam Goong Woon was about to respond with a slight laugh when
“Young Master.”
Wi Sa, recognizing Nam Goong Woon, approached him and clasped his hands in greeting.
“The patriarch has invited you and your guest to Na Seon Jeon.”
“Na Seon Jeon?”
Nam Goong Woon’s expression hardened, and Bu Eunseol asked,
“What sort of place is Na Seon Jeon?”
“That would be… the Weapon Storage of the Main House where ancient weapons are kept. There is also a small Martial Arts Arena inside.”
“A Weapon Storage.”
Bu Eunseol’s eyes narrowed slightly.
“I should prepare myself mentally.”
“Bu Hyung.”
“It’s fine. He likely intends a light test. As long as I don’t reveal my martial prowess, it should be manageable.”
Though she spoke thus, Bu Eunseol’s gaze had grown distant.
The two of them followed Wi Sa’s guidance and entered the Weapon Storage, which lay somewhat removed from the central area, alongside Nam Goong Woon.
The interior, paved with solid blue stone slabs, contained various weapons of the eighteen martial disciplines, and further back was a separate storehouse for ancient weapons.
And at the center stood a middle-aged man dressed in a dark blue martial robe.
He was none other than Namgung Jeong, the patriarch of the Nam Goong Family.
“The wanderer Seol So pays his respects to the patriarch.”
“I am Namgung Jeong.”
As Namgung Jeong responded curtly, silence fell over the interior.
“I myself wield the sword, and I have long admired the Master of the Namgung Family, known as the Righteous Swordsman.”
Bu Eunseol then pressed her palms together and bowed her head once more.
“Yet to meet you in person like this—it is a blessing of three lifetimes.”
Such courteous words were merely a gesture to preserve the dignity of Nam Goong Woon, her sworn brother.
But something felt amiss.
Ordinarily, even if displeased, the Master of the Namgung Family would have offered a few words of humility.
Yet Namgung Jeong remained silent, his piercing gaze fixed upon her like a blade.
“You—leave this place.”
Namgung Jeong gestured dismissively toward Nam Goong Woon.
“I have urgent matters to discuss.”
“Master.”
Nam Goong Woon, sensing the tension in the air, forced a smile and clasped his hands together.
“My sworn brother has saved my life countless times. He is my benefactor.”
“I said leave.”
As Namgung Jeong’s gaze grew stern, Nam Goong Woon’s eyes wavered.
Under normal circumstances, merely witnessing such a look would have sent him fleeing immediately.
Yet this time, he did not yield and made his plea once more.
“Bu Eunseol came to the Main House in good faith, believing your promise of a reward.”
“Must you repeat yourself three times before your own Master?”
Though Namgung Jeong’s presence grew more oppressive, Nam Goong Woon refused to back down.
“Am I not a member of the Namgung Family?”
“What did you say?”
“My sworn brother has saved my life repeatedly, making him a benefactor to this house as well.”
Nam Goong Woon spoke with an aggrieved tone, his voice rising.
“While we may not offer lavish hospitality, how can you summon someone to this desolate weapon storage?”
Namgung Jeong’s expression shifted slightly in surprise.
For the first time in his life, Nam Goong Woon had dared to defy him.
“It is fine.”
At that moment, Bu Eunseol gently patted his shoulder.
“Do as the Master commands and wait outside.”
“But—”
“I carry the Golden Needle Token of the Namgung Family that you gave me. For that reason alone, no harm will befall me.”
An aura of untouchable power emanated from Bu Eunseol, much like Namgung Jeong’s own.
Yet its essence was different.
Rather than inspiring fear as the Master’s presence did, it brought infinite reassurance.
“Understood. But my withdrawal extends only beyond Na Seon Jeon.”
Those words carried Nam Goong Woon’s resolve—that should anything go wrong, he would share her fate.
Bu Eunseol smiled and nodded calmly.
“I understand.”
“Then I shall wait outside.”
Namgung Jeong watched Nam Goong Woon retreat, his gaze unwavering.
Then he stomped his foot heavily against the ground.
Clang. Rumble, rumble, rumble.
Suddenly, metallic sounds echoed from the outer walls of Na Seon Jeon, and the walls and ceiling began to be covered with dark, gleaming metal.
Within Na Seon Jeon, where ancient weapons were stored, hidden mechanisms had been installed to ensure that any thief who entered could never escape.
“You’ve roasted the Main House’s bloodline quite thoroughly.”
A brilliant white light emanated from Namgung Jeong’s eyes.
“Muhonjung Master, Bu Eunseol.”
Remarkably, he had already seen through her true identity from the beginning.
“You don’t seem particularly surprised.”
“There’s nothing surprising about it.”
“What did you say?”
Bu Eunseol spoke with an unbothered expression.
“Isn’t the Master of Haehwa Hall from Shin Nyeo Gung the Main House’s younger sister?”
….
“Since she became betrothed to the Young Palace Master of Shin Nyeo Gung… she would surely have revealed her true identity to at least those two people she trusts.”
When Bu Eunseol first entered Shin Nyeo Gung, Namgung Sae-ah witnessed her true nature.
And she had tried to connect her with Yeon So Ha.
Given that, when Yeon So Ha returned to Shin Nyeo Gung, there was no way she wouldn’t have revealed that Seol So was actually Bu Eunseol.
“You came to the Main House knowing your identity had been exposed… why?”
At Namgung Jeong’s words, Bu Eunseol exhaled sharply and spoke with determination.
“I need the Booeun Hall.”
Booeun Hall.
It was absolutely necessary for Bu Eunseol to obtain answers from the greatest sage of Murim through the Booeun Hall.
“The Main House’s patriarch would not speak falsehoods.”
Namgung Jeong’s brow twitched.
“The patriarch promised the Booeun Hall to the wanderer Seol So.”
And he fixed Bu Eunseol with a cold gaze.
“Not to a cunning demonic spawn hiding their identity and seducing the Main House’s son.”
“What exactly did I seduce?”
Contempt flowed from Namgung Jeong’s eyes.
It was the typical gaze of an Orthodox master who despised those of the Demonic Path.
“Do you think I don’t know that you recognized Woon’s talent and cultivated a relationship with him in advance?”
“Talent, you say.”
Bu Eunseol stared directly into Namgung Jeong’s eyes, then shook her head.
“So that’s what it was.”
Bu Eunseol exhaled deeply, finally understanding everything.
Seeing Bu Eunseol’s reaction, Namgung Jeong’s curiosity intensified greatly.
“What do you mean by that?”
“I’ve come to understand why Nam Goong Woon has suppressed his talents so thoroughly and lived such a constrained life.”
A flash of Jeong Gwang’s presence flickered across Namgung Jeong’s eyes.
“What do you mean by that?”
“Lord of the Namgung Family. You cherish and love Nam Goong Woon far too dearly. Excessively so.”
Namgung Jeong’s gaze grew peculiar.
Until now, every member of the Namgung Family had believed he despised and treated Nam Goong Woon with coldness.
Yet this unexpected outsider from the Demonic Path was claiming he loved Nam Goong Woon excessively?
“I have no idea what nonsense you’re spouting.”
“The fact that you’ve quietly summoned me alone to this Weapon Storage to handle me personally—isn’t that to ensure no whispers arise when Nam Goong Woon becomes the next family lord?”
What if you had intended to lure Bu Eunseol to the Namgung Family and kill her?
There would be no need for the family lord to personally intervene alone.
The moment Bu Eunseol entered the Namgung Family, a single command would summon the legendary Namgung sword masters and their elite swordsmen in overwhelming numbers.
But Namgung Jeong deliberately called Bu Eunseol to this empty Weapon Storage.
That was a situation designed to prevent any word of the relationship between Nam Goong Woon and the Demon Palace’s successor, Bu Eunseol, from leaking outside.
And here, Namgung Jeong intended to kill Bu Eunseol in one swift stroke.
Bu Eunseol stared directly at Namgung Jeong and spoke.
“Nam Goong Woon, who left outside, has likely been quietly detained by the trusted subordinate you stationed there.”
“Your insight is remarkable.”
From Namgung Jeong’s eyes, which had admitted everything without reservation, a pure white killing intent bloomed forth.
“Then you’re prepared to die, aren’t you?”

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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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