The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 374

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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 374.
Namgung Jeong fell silent, his head bowed.
The sword techniques of the Changgungs Bi Yeon Sword were inherently intricate and subtle, composed of devilishly complex forms.
Because of this, a free-spirited individual like Nam Gung Poong could never master them easily.
After much deliberation, Namgung Jeong had deliberately and righteously modified the Changgungs Bi Yeon Sword techniques that had been passed down through generations of the Namgung Family.
And Bu Eunseol had taken the modified Changgungs Bi Yeon Sword method she had created and evolved it further, infusing it with Nam Gung Poong’s habits and mannerisms.
The sword intent embedded within that technique—it was righteous yet tinged with sorrow, honest yet brimming with resentment.
And those emotions were… nothing but resentment toward the father who had taught him the sword method.
“He harbors no ambition to become the family head.”
Bu Eunseol spoke.
“Yet he risked his life infiltrating the Gae Bang simply to gain recognition from his cold father.”
Namgung Jeong shook his head, understanding the implication of her words.
“You need not speak such things. This is merely a matter of the family’s internal affairs.”
“I have no intention of meddling in another’s family matters either.”
Bu Eunseol spoke with a grave expression.
“But there are things that must be said. If left as is, his life will be ruined.”
“Ruined, you say?”
“How long do you intend to have him play the role of a reckless fool?”
Bu Eunseol’s eyes gleamed sharp as daggers.
“Only when enough time has passed that it becomes irreversible will he finally feel regret?”
“I told you not to meddle!”
“I said so—not meddling in the family head’s life, but I cannot stand idle watching his life crumble!”
Bu Eunseol’s voice, which had been soft until now, gradually grew louder.
“Had the family head simply conveyed one honest word from his heart, at the very least, it would never have come to this.”
Namgung Jeong closed his mouth.
Never once in all his years had anyone raised their voice before him. He had never even imagined someone would scold him, blaming his very nature.
“No matter how close parent and child may be, one cannot see into another’s heart. Surely the family head knows this better than anyone?”
Namgung Jeong shook his head.
“So… you’re saying a parent must voice every thought in their heart to gain a child’s recognition?”
“Not for the family head to gain recognition, but so that you may guide your child onto the righteous path through dialogue.”
Bu Eunseol understood.
That contrary to Nam Gung Poong’s beliefs, Namgung Jeong cherished him dearly.
Otherwise, he would never have stepped forward personally to attack her.
“Look closely.”
Bu Eunseol drew her sword when she saw no change in Namgung Jeong’s expression.
Crack!
Then she swung her blade with all her might toward the ground below.
Sharp and piercing sword energy carved itself into the solid blue stone floor.
“The family head will think that the sorrow and resentment Nam Gung Poong poured into the Changgungs Bi Yeon Sword is resentment toward you.”
“Is that not the case?”
“That is so. He does not resent the family head—he despises himself.”
A profound compassion gleamed in Bu Eunseol’s eyes.
“To the point where he calls himself unfilial.”
“Unfilial? What do you mean by that?”
As Namgung Jeong’s eyes widened, Bu Eunseol spoke coldly.
“He was born by killing his mother and destroyed his father’s life—how could he think otherwise?”
In that instant, Namgung Jeong’s hands trembled.
“That child… said such things to you?”
“Indeed. He said the family head despises him because of it.”
“Ahhh.”
Namgung Jeong sighed with a devastated expression.
Nam Goong Woon was the fruit of love left behind by his beloved wife at the end, a second self purchased with his very life.
Moreover, Nam Goong Woon’s talents surpassed his own.
For this reason, he had been strict with him, dispensing punishment without mercy whenever he erred.
It was to awaken his talents as swiftly as possible, so he might become a person greater than himself.
To make him a prudent and dignified family head of the Namgung Family, someone he could boast of to his wife in heaven.
Yet such discipline had instead festered the boy’s heart.
“The more precious the child, the more strictly one must raise them. This family head merely sought to nurture that boy into excellence.”
“I understand. However, such methods of education are only appropriate for children with deep insight and keen perception of others’ emotions.”
Bu Eunseol explained.
“Nam Goong Woon appears bold, but his true nature is exceedingly delicate, with volatile emotions. To expect such a child to divine his father’s heart is unreasonable, is it not?”
“This family head has five children. To treat only that one with such delicacy…”
“Children do not choose to be born. Parents choose to have them. Therefore, should you not raise each according to their nature, doing your utmost?”
Bu Eunseol explained calmly.
“Just as people’s appearances differ, so too must the methods of raising them.”
Namgung Jeong grasped the meaning of Bu Eunseol’s words and exhaled deeply.
In truth, he loved his youngest son, Nam Goong Woon—the last gift his beloved wife had left behind—most of all.
And he knew well that the boy was the most delicate and tender-hearted among his children.
Yet such a temperament could never make a family head. So he had been all the harsher—only to find that such discipline was rotting the boy’s very heart.
“What would you have this family head do?”
“Treat him with affection. And speak no words you do not mean.”
“You ask the impossible.”
“If that is too difficult, then at least call him by his name from now on.”
Bu Eunseol spoke in a low voice.
“Begin with that. If you gradually expand your expressions in this way, he too will come to understand the family head’s heart and grow into a finer person.”
Namgung Jeong’s expression turned bitter.
Bu Eunseol had grasped Nam Goong Woon’s heart in ways he himself could not, and had even penetrated the sword intent of the Cangqiong Biyan Sword.
Moreover, in both inner power and sword mastery, there was not the slightest gap between her and himself.
Truly a dragon among men. This young Demonic Path cultivator before him was the most outstanding prospect Namgung Jeong had ever witnessed in his lifetime.
‘So such talents exist even within the Demonic Path.’
Understanding another person’s heart is possible for anyone with keen insight.
However, only those who truly comprehend and care for that person can help them empathize and find healing.
‘Moreover, she hasn’t been asserting her status at all.’
Bu Eunseol had consistently referred to herself not as the “Lord” but as “myself”.
It was her way of not flaunting her position before Nam Gung Woon’s father, instead lowering herself to speak as a mere martial artist.
‘So she genuinely cherishes Woon.’
Nam Gung Jeong felt something stir within him.
The successor of the Demon Palace, destined to become the leader of the Demonic Path, was showing such careful consideration for his son?
‘Come to think of it…’
Nam Gung Woon possessed the ability to see people clearly, regardless of the boundaries between the Righteous Path and the Demonic Path.
That was precisely why he could become sworn brothers with such a remarkable figure.
‘In fact, that’s something to take pride in.’
It only proved that Nam Gung Woon himself was an exceptional person.
“Indeed.”
Nam Gung Jeong took a deep breath and spoke.
“I can at least call you by your name.”
He had no choice but to acknowledge it.
Bu Eunseol’s character, her martial prowess, and even the way she cared for his son.
“While you remain at the Main House, you shall be known as Seol So.”
Nam Gung Jeong spoke matter-of-factly.
“As the head of this family, I will ensure your identity remains concealed.”
Bu Eunseol’s lips curved into a faint smile.
Nam Gung Woon—that spirited young man—she had wondered why he could identify and correct his martial weaknesses so quickly…
It seemed he had inherited Nam Gung Jeong’s admirable quality of acknowledging his faults without hesitation.
“Once Woon awakens, accept the reward from the treasure pavilion. And if you wish… you may remain at the Main House a while longer.”
Nam Gung Jeong’s final words were barely audible.
Bu Eunseol smiled once more.
Nam Gung Woon.
She had wondered why that cheerful young man sometimes grew unexpectedly shy—now she understood he had inherited that bashfulness from Nam Gung Jeong as well.
* * *
“What exactly happened?”
When Nam Gung Woon asked again, Bu Eunseol, having finished her recollection, shook her head.
“I merely exchanged blades with the family head and spoke briefly afterward.”
“You exchanged blades? With Father?”
Nam Gung Woon’s mouth fell open.
He was well aware of Bu Eunseol’s extraordinary martial skill.
Yet Nam Gung Jeong bore the epithet “Righteous Sword” and was a master of orthodox sword techniques.
The fact that she remained unscathed after clashing at full strength with such a family head—did that mean her skill surpassed his enough to grant him victory?
“It was merely a formal exchange. We weren’t truly fighting.”
Bu Eunseol offered a brief explanation of the situation.
I hadn’t actually crossed swords with him—I had merely expressed the essence of swordsmanship. Fortunately, Namgung Jeong understood everything and ceased the confrontation.
“And I promised to call your name properly.”
“The Family Head said so?”
Nam Goong Woon couldn’t comprehend it.
He couldn’t even begin to fathom what conversation had transpired between Bu Eunseol and the Family Head.
“How strange. The Family Head never listens to anyone else.”
Nam Goong Woon muttered softly and walked toward the table. He opened a drawer and produced an old coin.
It was Shin San Ja’s Gratitude Coin.
“Please accept it, Brother Bu.”
Bu Eunseol slowly grasped the Gratitude Coin that Nam Goong Woon offered.
At last, I had obtained Shin San Ja’s divine artifact that I had searched for so desperately.
‘…!’
A gleam of surprise flashed across Bu Eunseol’s eyes as she received the coin.
From the feel of the coin against her fingertips, it was clear this had been minted not long ago.
This meant Shin San Ja had specifically crafted a new Gratitude Coin for the Namgung Family.
‘The divine artifact wasn’t created long ago—it’s remade whenever needed…’
This suggested that Shin San Ja was still actively engaged in Murim affairs, creating Gratitude Coins and distributing them to those he wished to help.
‘This is an ill omen, whatever the case.’
The Gratitude Coin wasn’t merely a token of Shin San Ja’s appreciation.
Perhaps it was bait to manipulate people? The thought crossed my mind.
“Thank you.”
“There’s no need to thank me. It was something you should have taken from the beginning.”
Nam Goong Woon spoke with a regretful expression.
“Since you’ve come all this way, I wish you could stay at the Main House for a while… but I suppose that would be difficult?”
Bu Eunseol was, in any case, the successor to the Demon Palace. If her identity were revealed while staying at the Namgung Family, it would be catastrophic.
Just as Bu Eunseol was about to speak,
Creak.
The door suddenly burst open and a large built man strode in with commanding steps.
Tall and solidly built, he resembled a well-forged longsword.
“Youngest, are you alright?”
“Third Brother.”
He was the third of the Namgung Family, Nam Gung Poong, the Seven-Hued Swordsman.
Nam Gung Poong possessed swift movement techniques and wielded his sword with extraordinary brilliance. The epithet arose because seven colors of radiance spread with each swing of his blade.
“What’s this? You look fine to me.”
Nam Gung Poong examined Nam Goong Woon’s body here and there, then stretched his cheeks in bewilderment.
“You brat! You’re worrying me for nothing.”
Then he noticed Bu Eunseol and blinked.
“Ah, so you’re that wanderer who is his sworn brother.”
News of Bu Eunseol had already spread rapidly throughout the Namgung Family.
This was likely Namgung Jeong’s consideration to ensure there would be no problems during Bu Eunseol’s stay here.
Nam Gung Poong clasped his hands together with a warm smile.
“I am Nam Gung Poong.”
“Seol So Yo.”
Observing Nam Gung Poong’s lithe frame and long legs, I found myself suddenly reminded of Wi Cheon Gyeong.
Yet his unguarded manner of speech bore greater resemblance to Won Se Moon and Jo Nam Cheon than to Wi Cheon Gyeong.
“What brings you here?”
“What brings me? I heard that you suffered grievous wounds after defying the Lord, so I came to see for myself.”
Nam Gung Poong spoke with a smile.
“And they say you’ve brought a sworn brother from the Gangho to our Main House—how could I not pay my respects?”
Nam Goong Woon was infamous not only within the Namgung Family but throughout the Gangho as a reckless troublemaker.
For this reason, disciples of the Murim sects and heirs of great families alike had never entertained the thought of cultivating his acquaintance.
Yet he had not only sworn brotherhood with someone from the Gangho, but brought them into the household?
Every member of the Namgung Family burned with curiosity about who this person could be.
“Master Seol, it seems we are of similar age—would you not consider becoming friends with me as well?”
“How could I presume to do so?”
“Hahahaha. Since you are the sworn brother of my younger brother, we are all companions in this matter.”
Unlike the arrogant scions of other great families, Nam Gung Poong conducted himself with remarkable courtesy even toward Bu Eunseol, a wanderer.
“Come now, since you’ve graced our Main House with your presence, please join us. A tea gathering is underway, and I shall introduce you to our brothers.”
“A tea gathering?”
As Bu Eunseol blinked in surprise, Nam Gung Poong explained.
“The Main House holds a mandatory gathering once each month, where the brothers convene at Woon Poong Pavilion for tea and refreshments. It is to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood.”
Nam Goong Woon, having calmly explained this to Bu Eunseol, turned to Nam Gung Poong and spoke.
“Third Brother, Master Seol must take his leave now.”
Nam Goong Woon was exercising extreme caution lest Bu Eunseol’s true identity be exposed.
Yet now Nam Gung Poong suddenly wished to introduce him to the Namgung brothers? Anxious, Nam Goong Woon hastened to send Bu Eunseol away.
“Already departing? Why?”
“It’s just that… Master Seol, being a wanderer, must accept other commissions as well.”
As Nam Goong Woon stammered, Nam Gung Poong laughed and waved his hand dismissively.
“Commissions can be accepted anytime, can they not? Now that you’ve come all this way, how could I simply let you go? Is that not so, Master Seol?”
Without waiting for a response, he took Bu Eunseol’s hand and spoke.
“Come now, this way. The scenery of the Main House’s Woon Poong Pavilion is quite worth seeing. Let us go there and enjoy pleasant conversation.”
‘He’s providing the opportunity himself.’
Bu Eunseol had intended to investigate the Namgung brothers one by one, hoping to find the Masked Assassin who had attacked Dan So Ok.
Yet here Nam Gung Poong was, willingly inviting him to a place where the brothers were gathered. There was no reason to refuse.
“Very well.”
But something was strange.
Even as Bu Eunseol rose to his feet, Nam Goong Woon remained awkwardly smiling and hesitant, did he not?
“I do not participate in the tea gatherings with my elder brothers.”
Sensing Bu Eunseol’s gaze upon him, Nam Goong Woon spoke with a smile.
“The age difference makes it awkward to share tea with them, nothing more.”
“Hahahaha. Woon. You’ve become quite the confident candidate for family head, haven’t you?”
Nam Gung Poong spoke up.
“Moreover, since you’ve accomplished great merit this time, there’s no reason you shouldn’t attend the tea gathering.”
Bu Eunseol’s eyebrows twitched slightly.
She had been told the tea gathering was held for the brothers to strengthen their bonds with one another.
Yet Nam Gung Poong was saying Nam Goong Woon had become a candidate for family head and accomplished merit, so he should attend the tea gathering?
‘So they’ve been excluding him from attending all this time.’
Bu Eunseol, having grasped the full situation, spoke.
“Let’s go together then.”
At her words, Nam Goong Woon nodded as if he had no choice.
“Understood.”
Woon Poong Pavilion possessed a landscape the Nam Goong Family could take pride in.
Not only could one overlook the vast Nam Goong Family estate at a glance, but a refreshing breeze constantly swept through.
Turning one’s head, one could admire the sunset hanging over the towering peaks of Hwang San Mountain.
And in the pavilion erected there sat three sturdy men.
They were Nam Goong Woon’s older brothers.
They were leisurely sipping tea while gazing at the sunset.
Unlike other families, the Nam Goong Family enjoyed excellent brotherhood among its members.
This was because the Nam Goong Family, having absorbed retainers and external forces across generations, possessed the character of a coalition rather than a true clan.
The closer one served the family head, the higher one’s status and the more assured one’s authority.
The Gangnam Martial Alliance.
Therefore, people referred to the Nam Goong Family as the Martial Alliance of Gangnam.
“Elder brothers. Hwan.”
Nam Gung Poong, leading Bu Eunseol forward, waved his hand toward his brothers.
They were Nam Gung Soo, the eldest of the Nam Goong Family, Nam Gung Heon, the second, and Nam Gung Hwan, the fourth.
The Nam Goong Family brothers were all in their thirties, with two-year age gaps between them.
Only Nam Goong Woon, the youngest, was a late-born child, so he differed from them by about ten years.
“You’re late.”
Nam Gung Soo, the eldest, spoke quietly while looking at Nam Gung Poong.
“Your brothers have been waiting for you.”
“Hahahaha. My apologies. I was checking on Woon’s condition to see if his injuries had recovered.”
As Nam Gung Poong scratched his head with a laugh, Nam Gung Soo’s gaze shifted to Nam Goong Woon.
Then his eyes fixed upon Bu Eunseol standing beside Nam Goong Woon.
“So this is the wanderer who swore brotherhood with Woon.”
“Hahahaha. That’s correct.”
Nam Gung Poong extended his hand toward Bu Eunseol.
“Eunseol. Allow me to introduce you. This is Nam Gung Soo, the eldest of the Main House.”
The Cold Sage Swordmaster, Nam Gung Soo.
He was the eldest of the Nam Goong Family and a master swordsman who primarily wielded the Woon Hyun Swordsmanship rather than the family’s central sword technique.
He spoke very little and possessed an atmosphere as cold as ice, yet his nature was benevolent, which is why he earned the epithet Cold Sage Swordmaster.
“Seol So Yo.”
As Bu Eunseol greeted with composed hands pressed together, the fourth brother, Nam Gung Hwan, watching from the side, felt his eyebrows twitch.
No matter how exceptional a special-grade wanderer of Jeok Cheon Mak Ji might be, wanderers remained among the most lowly professions in Murim, second only to assassins.
Yet here was the eldest descendant of the Nam Goong Family receiving merely a perfunctory greeting with hands barely raised.
“It seems this fellow lacks some social awareness.”
At that moment, Nam Gung Hwan, the fourth brother who had set down his teacup, opened his mouth with an arrogant expression as if his pride had been wounded.
“Now that you’ve set foot in the Nam Goong Family, wouldn’t it be wise for your own sake to adjust your demeanor to be somewhat more respectful?”
Nam Gung Hwan possessed an inherent arrogance and took great pride in the Nam Goong Family.
Thus, he interpreted Bu Eunseol’s composed greeting to Nam Gung Soo as an insult directed at himself.
―Though he is called a wanderer, he is Yi Hyung’s sworn brother and a guest of the Main House. Never treat him with disrespect.
Had it not been for the stern command of the Family Lord, Namgung Jeong, I would have acted immediately.
“Please understand. The fourth brother has quite a prickly temperament, you see.”
Nam Gung Poong, sensing the frigid atmosphere, quickly gestured toward the handsome man seated beside him.
“This is the second brother, Nam Gung Heon.”
Autumn Moon Shining Bright—Nam Gung Heon.
He had become famous not for his swordsmanship, but for his exceptionally refined appearance.
How else could his epithet have been bestowed not upon his martial prowess, but upon “the autumn moon radiating brilliant light”?
When Nam Gung Heon’s gaze met Bu Eunseol’s, he narrowed his refined eyes and pressed his hands together.
“Nam Gung Heon.”
Fortunately, Nam Gung Heon possessed an easygoing temperament, and despite knowing Bu Eunseol was a wanderer, he greeted her first.
“Seol So Yo.”
Bu Eunseol likewise pressed her hands together in courtesy.
“And finally, this is the fourth brother, Nam Gung Hwan.”
Nam Gung Poong gestured toward Nam Gung Hwan last.
At that, Nam Gung Hwan looked down at Bu Eunseol with arrogant eyes.
“Seol So Yo. You’re said to be a special-grade wanderer of Jeok Cheon Mak Ji, correct?”
When Bu Eunseol nodded, he wore a subtle smile.
“If you’re a wanderer from Jeok Cheon Mak Ji, you should reek of having rolled about here and there. Yet your appearance and bearing are utterly ordinary. I sense no trace of inner power’s depth.”
His words were nothing short of insulting and arrogant.
Nam Goong Woon, who had been listening quietly all along, felt his expression darken.
“Brother.”
“I’m simply stating a fact.”
Nam Gung Hwan raised the corners of his mouth as he spoke.
“I’ve heard that wanderers learn various deceptions and special techniques.”
Nam Gung Hwan believed that Bu Eunseol had learned special methods to conceal her bearing.
As the atmosphere grew cold, Nam Gung Poong smiled and spoke to Nam Gung Soo.
“Eldest brother. Since Yi Hyung has arrived, wouldn’t it be fitting for Seol So Yo to join us for this tea time as well?”
“Join us?”
“If we’ve brought her this far and don’t even offer her a cup of tea, Seol So Yo will surely curse the Nam Goong Family as stingy.”
Nam Gung Poong possessed exceptional eloquence.
His lighthearted remark broke through the frozen atmosphere, and the tension eased considerably.
“Indeed.”
With permission granted, Nam Gung Poong extended his hand in invitation.
“Come now, Seol So, please be seated. Woon, sit here as well.”
Once the two had taken their places, the attendants who had been standing by poured tea for them.
The liquid gleamed with a golden hue reminiscent of amber, and its fragrance was so pure it seemed to cleanse one’s very bones.
“This is Tieguanyin, the finest among green teas. And this particular variety comes from Anxi, renowned for its superior quality.”
At Nam Gung Heon’s explanation, Bu Eunseol lifted her teacup and took a sip.
Immediately, a sweet and mellow taste mingled with a subtle orchid-like fragrance that danced across her palate.
“How does it taste?”
Nam Gung Heon asked Bu Eunseol with a serious expression.
“I prepared the tea for this gathering myself, you see.”
Bu Eunseol suppressed a faint smile.
Why did all tea enthusiasts insist on serving tea to others and then asking how it tasted?
“The aroma is quite pleasant.”
When Bu Eunseol gave a lukewarm response, Nam Gung Heon’s expression fell slightly.
“Is that so?”
Bu Eunseol turned her gaze toward Nam Goong Woon, who had been sitting awkwardly the entire time.
“What do you think? How is the tea?”
“You mean this?”
“Yes. Give it a try and tell me what you think.”
Nam Goong Woon gulped down his tea and nodded.
“This is Tieguanyin cultivated in Songam Village. Since it’s made from leaves picked in spring, it carries a strong roasted aroma, yet the flavor is remarkably deep.”
“Impressive.”
Nam Gung Heon smiled, while Nam Gung Hwan let out a scoff.
“You were scolded by Father for not understanding tea, yet it seems you’ve been studying in secret?”
All the sons of the Namgung Family were refined and pleasant, but Nam Gung Hwan alone possessed a sharp temperament and appeared to harbor resentment toward Nam Goong Woon.
“But Woon, how did you manage to obtain internal information about Gae Bang?”
Nam Gung Poong asked with curiosity as he sipped his tea.
“Gae Bang operates such a vast intelligence network that it’s difficult for outsiders to investigate.”
“That is—”
Just as Nam Goong Woon was about to speak, Nam Gung Hwan interjected.
“You must have placed an informant there. How else could Woon have gathered intelligence from within Gae Bang?”
“Correct.”
At that moment, Bu Eunseol’s voice resonated through the Woon Poong Pavilion.
“I orchestrated everything myself.”
Bu Eunseol’s lips curved upward as she looked down at Nam Gung Hwan.
“He merely followed my instructions faithfully.”
“What did you just say?”
In an instant, Nam Gung Hwan’s pupils dilated.
“A seed?”
I mocked Nam Goong Woon, and he could tolerate matching my ridicule.
But calling a direct descendant of the Nam Goong Family a “seed” was something I simply could not endure.
“Are my ears deceiving me?”
From Nam Gung Hwan’s body, who had set down his teacup, a thick murderous aura billowed forth.
“Did you just refer to a member of the Nam Goong Family as a seed?”
“I did.”
Bu Eunseol spoke calmly.
“The youngest of the Nam Goong Family, Nam Goong Woon, played the role of my seed.”

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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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