The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 375

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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 375.
The warm breeze that had been caressing the air around Woon Poong Pavilion seemed to transform in an instant into the bitter cold of the depths of winter.
A sharp gleam erupted from Nam Gung Hwan’s eyes.
“What did you just say?”
But Bu Eunseol spoke with an unbothered expression, as naturally as if stating the obvious.
“Wasn’t that what you wanted to hear?”
“….”
“An ignorant fool who happened to stumble upon resolving a great matter. And it was all merely thanks to the assistance of the Namgung Family…or so the saying goes.”
“How dare you…!”
Just as Nam Gung Hwan, at a loss for words, began trembling violently,
“Hahaha!”
Nam Gung Heon spoke with a bright, ringing laugh.
“The fourth has taken a blow from Seol So. Is that not so?”
“Second Brother.”
Nam Gung Hwan spoke with eyes gleaming with killing intent.
“He expressed a member of the Namgung Family as a servant.”
“True. But it was a member of the Namgung Family who started it all.”
At Nam Gung Heon’s point, Nam Gung Hwan’s face flushed crimson.
He was right.
It was Nam Gung Hwan himself who had said that with the Namgung Family’s assistance, all matters had been resolved to diminish Nam Goong Woon’s prestige.
“But I did not use the word servant,”
When Nam Gung Hwan bristled, Nam Gung Heon sighed and shook his head.
“Seol So merely employed forceful language to point out your rhetoric. Had he truly believed you to be a servant, how could he have spoken such words before the brothers of the Main House?”
“I have enjoyed the drink well.”
Bu Eunseol rose from his seat as if his interest had waned.
And he spoke to Nam Goong Woon.
“I shall take my leave now. Drink a while longer.”
“Where are you going?”
At that moment, Nam Gung Hwan rose to his feet, his eyes flashing.
“Our conversation is not yet finished.”
It was a blatant provocation.
Then Nam Gung Soo, who had been sitting in silence all along, flashed his eyes.
“Sit down.”
“First Brother. This man has insulted a member of the Namgung Family.”
Nam Gung Hwan spoke while glaring at Bu Eunseol.
“What I said about my younger brother is an entirely different matter. How can one offer hospitality after hearing such words?”
“So. You mean to defy Father’s instructions?”
“That is…”
As Nam Gung Hwan’s momentum faltered at the recollection of Namgung Jeong’s solemn face,
“Brother. Then how about requesting a sword duel with Seol So?”
At that moment, Nam Gung Heon smiled and stepped in to mediate.
“Among the Main House’s guests, are there not many who come to engage in sword comparisons?”
The doors of the Namgung Family were always wide open, and they readily accepted requests for martial bouts from warriors.
Because of this, it was said that every renowned swordmaster in the Gangnam region had visited the Namgung Family at least once to learn a technique or two.
In that instant, Bu Eunseol’s eyes gleamed.
It was partly because Nam Gung Heon had suddenly proposed a martial bout, but there was another reason as well.
‘How curious.’
As Bu Eunseol’s mind raced upon catching onto something,
“That’s an excellent idea.”
Nam Gung Hwan raised the corners of his mouth and looked at Bu Eunseol.
“Don’t feel burdened. The Main House doesn’t employ lethal techniques in sword comparisons.”
And he added one more thing.
“Though you might sustain serious injuries.”
Bu Eunseol simply crossed her arms and regarded him calmly.
Having publicly engaged in a martial bout with Cheon Geom, I couldn’t use Musan Cheonryu, Yeouui Jingyeol, or Mansang Ilsik.
Moreover, since Nam Gung Hwan was a direct descendant of the Namgung Family, I couldn’t rely on ordinary martial techniques.
I could use the Thirteen Night Technique, but for a public match—and especially here in the Namgung Family—there was no need to employ Mu Hwang’s martial arts.
“That’s a fine idea indeed.”
Bu Eunseol nodded.
“I’ve been wanting to witness the swordsmanship of the Namgung Family, known as the finest blade in Gangnam.”
‘In any case, this man is not the Masked Assassin.’
I knew well that there was virtually no chance Nam Gung Hwan was the Masked Assassin.
Yet the reason I accepted this bout was to observe the reactions of the other Namgung Family brothers and narrow down the culprit.
‘But I mustn’t mention any of this to Nam Goong Woon.’
Nam Goong Woon had a forthright temperament and wore his emotions plainly on his face.
If he learned that one of his brothers had colluded with the Dark Underworld Forces of the Murim,
he would never be able to conceal it.
‘Yet this is something I cannot fathom.’
As a direct descendant of the Namgung Family head, one occupied a position that no one in the Murim need envy.
So why would they join hands with the Dark Underworld Forces of the Murim and target Dan So Ok? She was merely a candidate for the next successor of the Demon Palace, a Secret Order Lord.
“Very well.”
Just as Bu Eunseol fell into thought while stealing a moment, Nam Gung Soo nodded.
“Since Seol has spoken thus, there’s no harm in engaging in a sword comparison.”
With the eldest brother’s solemn permission granted, Nam Gung Hwan smiled and gazed at Bu Eunseol.
“Then let us do it at once.”
“Bu Hyung, why are you suddenly doing this?”
Nam Goong Woon sent a transmission, his tone anxious as Bu Eunseol, whose identity must remain hidden, was making a spectacle of things.
“The fourth brother may not have the best temperament, but his martial prowess is formidable—he has mastered the Main House’s Flying Heaven Chain Formation to its peak. If you’re not careful, your identity could be exposed.”
“Don’t worry. That won’t happen.”
Bu Eunseol, having sent the transmission, spoke again.
“Yet how can you come as a guest of the Namgung Family and draw your blade against the young master of the Namgung household with such casual disregard?”
“Running away, are you? Your words contradict themselves.”
As Nam Gung Hwan wore a scornful smile, Bu Eunseol spoke.
“Face him first.”
The person Bu Eunseol indicated was none other than Nam Goong Woon.
“If you can defeat him, I shall face you directly.”
“Nonsense. You propose a duel to gauge my abilities, yet suddenly demand I cross blades with the youngest? Your logic is flawed.”
Nam Gung Hwan wore an arrogant smile.
“Seol So. If you’re afraid, simply admit it.”
“You cannot even defeat him, let alone me. Why bother with such a predictable match?”
“What did you say?”
Bu Eunseol spoke calmly.
“Should he lose, I shall accept defeat in your stead. And I shall do whatever you demand.”
“….”
“If you command me to kneel, I shall kneel. If you command me to lick your boots, I shall do so. If you order me to leave, I shall depart at once. If you demand I become a servant of the Namgung Family, I shall become one.”
“Hahahaha!”
Nam Gung Hwan found it absurd.
“Seol So. You speak words you should never speak far too easily.”
“If fear grips you, we need not proceed with this wager.”
“Fear?”
Nam Gung Hwan had long regarded Nam Goong Woon as a thorn in his side.
There was no reason to refuse such a confrontation.
“Very well. Let it be so.”
“Brother Bu, why would you…?”
“Trust me. You have already begun your Breakthrough.”
“I have?”
Breakthrough—a transcendence beyond one’s limits.
It meant shattering the boundaries of one’s cultivation and reaching a new realm of power.
The problem was that Nam Goong Woon had never experienced such a thing.
“Trust me. Trust in me, and trust in yourself.”
Bu Eunseol nodded toward Nam Goong Woon.
Trust. It was the greatest force one could give to another.
“I understand.”
Nam Goong Woon took a deep breath and nodded.
“I shall do this.”
Bu Eunseol and the Namgung brothers descended from the Woon Poong Pavilion and moved to the nearest Combat Stage.
The Namgung Family was vast in scale, and many came from outside to duel.
Thus, they had constructed multiple Combat Stages throughout their grounds where blades could cross without interference.
“Begin.”
At Nam Gung Soo’s call, the duel between Nam Gung Hwan and Nam Goong Woon commenced.
‘I’ll end this in one stroke.’
Nam Gung Hwan wore a sinister smile.
In truth, he had made thorough preparations to become a candidate for the position of family head by resolving this artificial core dantian incident in one fell swoop.
But because Nam Goong Woon had resolved it in an instant, he no longer had any opportunity to distinguish himself.
‘How dare you covet the position of family head?’
Nam Gung Hwan was seething with rage.
Until now, he had always been overshadowed by the talents of his older brothers.
But now even Nam Goong Woon, that reckless fool he had never even glanced at, was trying to surpass him.
That was absolutely intolerable.
‘This time I’ll show him the true gap in our abilities!’
Whoosh!
The moment he unleashed the Heavenly Chain Rotating Form, Nam Goong Woon’s figure vanished behind the sword energy.
By blocking not only the enemy’s escape route but also their vision, it unleashed inescapable sword strikes in a chaining pattern. That was the essence of the Heavenly Chain Rotating Form.
Clang!
Nam Goong Woon drew his sword and blocked the attack.
“Ha! Impossible!”
With a booming laugh and a sharp battle cry, Nam Gung Hwan flicked the tip of his blade.
Countless sword flowers bloomed as the technique underwent dizzying transformations.
Zing! Clang!
Nam Goong Woon was barely managing to block, but he couldn’t fully comprehend or keep pace with the changes.
Swish swish!
Nam Gung Hwan’s golden needle sword bent and curved in all directions, making it impossible to predict what technique would come next.
Clang! Crash!
Yet even as fresh wounds appeared on his body and blood flowed, Nam Goong Woon stubbornly endured the assault without yielding.
‘This fellow?’
In the past, he would have thrown down his sword and surrendered within ten moves, yet now he was holding on for thirty exchanges?
Could it be that the wanderer was right—that Nam Goong Woon could actually defeat him?
‘Impossible!’
Growing desperate, Nam Gung Hwan’s Heavenly Chain Rotating Form underwent another transformation.
The blade tip grazed the ground as if to sever the ankles, but it was actually a lethal technique that directly swept across Nam Goong Woon’s chest and throat.
Screech!
Just as the Heavenly Chain Rotating Form poured down like a cascading chain to pierce Nam Goong Woon’s neck,
Boom.
Nam Gung Hwan’s golden needle sword was forced downward.
Nam Goong Woon had unleashed the Imperial Sword Form’s Third Technique, pouring its overwhelming pressure directly into Nam Gung Hwan’s blade.
‘He channeled the pressure of the Imperial Sword Form into the sword I’m wielding?’
In truth, there was no need to unleash heavy sword energy directly onto the enemy’s body.
Merely restricting their movements revealed countless openings.
Nam Goong Woon was applying the enlightenment he had gained from facing a hundred Shil Hon In members in his previous battle.
“Impossible!”
Nam Gung Hwan gathered his power once more and deployed the Flying Heaven Linked Ring Technique.
Whoosh!
The subtlety of the linked ring sword technique lay in its unbroken continuity.
But as Nam Goong Woon repeatedly unleashed pressure to subtly sever the flow, its power was being significantly diminished.
‘This bastard! His martial prowess has grown tremendously.’
Nam Gung Hwan was greatly startled.
Nam Goong Woon was suppressing speed with slowness, and length with brevity.
In other words, he had deeply grasped the profound principles of martial arts—using one’s weaknesses to shatter an enemy’s strengths.
‘Then this is good.’
Nam Gung Hwan rushed forward like a gale, closing the distance between himself and Nam Goong Woon.
Simultaneously, he kicked off the ground and soared above Nam Goong Woon’s head—a momentum as fierce as a hawk diving from the sky to strike its prey.
‘That is…’
A gleam of light blazed in Nam Goong Woon’s eyes.
In close combat, leaping into the air was an absolutely forbidden act.
Yet this was the ultimate technique of the Flying Heaven Linked Ring Technique that Nam Gung Hwan excelled in—unfolding the linked ring sword all at once in mid-air to trap the opponent, then descending to cover them from head to toe in a killing strike.
‘Excellent!’
The Nam Goong Woon of old would have retreated without daring to face such a sharp killing technique.
But for Nam Goong Woon, who had repeated countless life-and-death battles, an offensive of this caliber was merely ordinary compared to the struggles he had endured.
“Hah!”
Drawing a deep breath, he pulled forth all his power.
In the same instant, he thrust a single blade upward above his head—a move that appeared like a mutual destruction technique, a clash where both would perish.
‘Tsk!’
Nam Gung Hwan’s expression twisted in shock as Nam Goong Woon not only held his ground but closed the distance and charged forward.
Clang clang clang!
With a deafening metallic ring, blade met blade in the void.
One suspended in mid-air unleashed sword strikes while the other stood firm, defending against them.
This bizarre exchange of offense and defense persisted for over forty seconds.
Then, as if struck by a thought, Nam Goong Woon reduced the intensity of his onslaught.
Tap.
Seizing this opportunity, Nam Gung Hwan abruptly ceased his linked ring sword technique and descended back to the ground.
“…”
Having landed, Nam Gung Hwan no longer attacked but assumed a defensive stance.
What if Nam Goong Woon had stubbornly held his ground and maintained the exchange of techniques?
Nam Gung Hwan would have remained suspended in the air, forced to block Nam Goong Woon’s relentless assault.
That is, he would have wasted power maintaining his aerial position while continuously unleashing linked ring sword strikes.
Ultimately, he would have been at a disadvantage in the technique exchange.
Nam Goong Woon understood this fact and deliberately slowed his pace, allowing Nam Gung Hwan to land safely.
“A draw.”
At that moment, Nam Gung Heon approached the two with a smile.
“Since both attacks ceased simultaneously, this can indeed be considered a draw.”
He spoke those words, but no one responded in agreement.
Nam Gung Hwan exerted his inner energy to avoid plummeting through the void, unfurling his sword technique.
And Nam Goong Woon stood firm on the ground, attacking with the desperation of life and death.
What if Nam Goong Woon hadn’t held back his hand? What if this had been a battle fought with lives on the line?
The outcome would have been unmistakable.
“Indeed.”
Bu Eunseol knew Nam Goong Woon had won, but she affirmed Nam Gung Heon’s words.
Nam Gung Hwan, his pride wounded, had nothing to say.
“Hmph.”
He let out a scoff with an awkward expression, then fled the Martial Arts Arena.
“Hah.”
Nam Goong Woon, who had planted his Golden Needle Sword into the ground, exhaled a sigh of relief.
He had merely improvised against the Heavenly Wheel Rotating Form.
If judged purely by true sword technique and martial prowess, he believed he still couldn’t match Nam Gung Hwan.
Unaware that even this improvisation was the fruit of his own strength.
“You worked hard.”
As Bu Eunseol approached and patted his shoulder, Nam Goong Woon spoke with a tone tinged with relief.
“Thanks to you, I’ve avoided servitude, Seol hyung.”
At his jest, Bu Eunseol held a faint smile.
“So it has come to pass.”
With Nam Gung Hwan’s defeat, Nam Gung Soo stared at Nam Goong Woon with a cold expression.
Then, without a word, he slowly turned and left the Martial Arts Arena.
“You’ve grown considerably.”
Nam Gung Heon patted Nam Goong Woon’s shoulder with an approving expression.
“I should take my leave as well.”
Then Nam Gung Poong approached and asked urgently.
“That was truly remarkable, wasn’t it? The variation of the Heavenly Wheel Rotating Form that Hwan just displayed—it’s a sword technique learned from the Murim Alliance.”
‘So that’s what it was.’
Only then did Bu Eunseol understand why Nam Gung Hwan had employed that unique sword technique, pouring out his blade energy in mid-air rather than using the Namgung Family’s sword forms.
He had surely established a separate master-disciple relationship with someone from the Murim Alliance in addition to the Namgung Family.
“I simply managed somehow. Haha.”
Nam Goong Woon laughed sheepishly, scratching his head, his laughter resonating through the Martial Arts Arena.
Bu Eunseol’s quarters had been assigned to Seorim Hall, the most scenic location within the Inner Quarters of the Namgung Family.
It was Namgung Jeong’s consideration.
He had ensured that Bu Eunseol could rest comfortably without worrying about the people coming and going through the Namgung Family.
After sharing dinner with Nam Goong Woon, Bu Eunseol returned to her quarters early.
She gave him time to reflect on his experience from the fight and gain new insights.
‘That was an unexpected reaction.’
Pitting Nam Goong Woon against Nam Gung Hwan in combat.
Bu Eunseol observed the reactions of the remaining brothers, seeking to identify the mysterious masked assassin who had attempted to kill Dan So Ok.
However, excluding Nam Gung Hwan, whose eyes were blinded by jealousy, the brothers of the Namgung Family all possessed either refined or understated temperaments.
And they all seemed to harbor a genuine fondness for Nam Goong Woon in their hearts.
‘If that’s the case, then Nam Goong Woon isn’t the target.’
Bu Eunseol’s attempt to uncover the identity of the Masked Assassin at this juncture was also driven by this realization.
Perhaps he was not merely a figure of the Demonic Path, but someone who could ultimately bring harm to Nam Goong Woon? That worry had taken root within her.
After all, the position of Young Master of the Namgung Family had yet to be decided.
But the remaining brothers, save Nam Gung Hwan, were displaying behavior entirely contrary to her expectations.
‘How could a child of the Namgung Family possibly be part of the Dark Underworld Forces?’
Reflecting upon it, the Dark Underworld Forces had thus far recruited and manipulated their targets by dangling long-held desires and desperate yearnings as bait.
But the children of the Namgung Family occupied positions where such tactics would never take hold.
‘And the Namgung Family itself couldn’t be the headquarters of the Dark Underworld Forces either.’
Knock, knock.
At that moment, the sound of knuckles rapping against the door accompanied a low voice.
“Nam Gung Soo.”
Instead of Si Bi’s gentle tone, a cold and detached voice emerged—none other than Nam Gung Soo, the eldest of the Namgung Family.
“Come in.”
Bu Eunseol, who had long since detected his footsteps and stride, nodded in acknowledgment.
Then Nam Gung Soo entered, his expression austere and composed.
“What brings you at this late hour?”
In truth, Nam Gung Soo had been her primary suspect as the Masked Assassin.
His martial prowess surpassed that of his brothers, and he revealed nothing of his inner thoughts—yet here he was, seeking her out of his own accord?
“Plum blossom wine aged a hundred years.”
Nam Gung Soo placed a weighty bottle of wine upon the table.
“One who does not favor tea typically enjoys spirits instead… You should find this most palatable.”
With that, as though his business was concluded, he turned to depart.
“Why do you give this to me?”
When Bu Eunseol inquired, Nam Gung Soo paused mid-stride.
“When Woon departed on his journey through the Gangho and returned, his martial prowess had advanced by leaps and bounds. And he boasted of having acquired a remarkable mentor in Yi Hyung.”
He gazed out at the moonlight streaming through the window before continuing.
“And this time, having journeyed through the Gangho once more, his strength has grown yet again. Moreover, he has crushed the machinations of that vast organization known as Gae Bang.”
Nam Gung Soo fixed his gaze upon Bu Eunseol.
“This is merely my gratitude for those deeds.”
Nam Gung Soo’s temperament was cold, yet he harbored a deep affection for Nam Goong Woon in his heart.
“Are you aware that he resents the Family Head?”
“That is a choice the Family Head has made.”
To Bu Eunseol’s question, Nam Gung Soo’s expression remained unmoved.
“And understanding a father’s heart is likewise the duty of a son.”
Having uttered these cryptic words, Nam Gung Soo turned to leave.
“Then. Rest well.”
And with that, he departed swiftly into the night.
Bu Eunseol gazed toward the distant sky.
Nam Goong Woon called himself a betrayer of virtue and believed his father despised him.
Yet in truth, not only his father but all his brothers loved him.
Each simply in their own way.
Much like Namgung Jeong, the family head.
‘What a fortunate fellow.’
Though tangled like knotted threads, time would eventually untangle it all.
That is, the conflict between the family head and Nam Goong Woon would resolve itself without Bu Eunseol’s further involvement.
“This troubles me.”
With a deep sigh, I gazed toward the distant sky.
Even if the Masked Assassin who attacked Dan So Ok was among the Namgung Family’s brothers, there was no one who would touch or threaten Nam Goong Woon.
Then was there truly a need to dig deeper? After all, things had proceeded without incident until now.
“If the Masked Assassin truly does not touch the Namgung Family or Nam Goong Woon….”
Bu Eunseol hesitated for the first time.
What if the Masked Assassin were a loyal member of the Namgung Family, positioned only to target the Demonic Path? Would exposing this be the right thing to do?
I realized that if I uncovered this, it could sow discord within such a harmonious and tightly-knit clan.
“After all, such forces are embedded throughout both the Orthodox and Demonic Factions. And no one knows how deep their roots run.”
Bu Eunseol exhaled deeply and shook my head.
“There is no need to involve myself in the Namgung Family’s affairs.”
For the first time, I refused to uncover the truth and prepared to depart quietly.
The next day, as the sunset faded and darkness descended.
Bu Eunseol quietly left the Namgung Family.
Though many guards were stationed throughout, Bu Eunseol was a distinguished guest staying at Seorim Hall under Namgung Jeong’s special orders.
Having long mastered the art of disguise, no one stopped me.
After leaving the Namgung Family and walking for some time down a desolate path, Bu Eunseol suddenly came to an abrupt halt.
‘Ah, of course.’
Only then did Bu Eunseol realize I had forgotten one crucial fact.
The Debt Voucher.
Those aligned with the Dark Underworld Forces would surely be after the Debt Voucher I received from Nam Goong Woon.
And as long as I held it, I could not simply leave the Namgung Family as I wished.
A figure emerged silently.
A tall shadow appeared from the ancient tree across the way.
It was Nam Gung Heon.

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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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