The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 386

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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 386.
The expression on Sim Wol’s lifeless face seemed to vividly display the terror and agony he must have felt in the depths of hell.
A faint hissing sound.
Something flowing from Sim Wol’s dantian released white smoke before evaporating in an instant.
“So this was… a fused artificial core.”
Now Bu Eunseol could understand.
Sa Ok Cheong, the Phantom King.
When he had breathed his last, hadn’t white smoke and thick blood also poured from his body?
At that time, she had thought it was poison dwelling within his body… but it had been the traces of a fused artificial core.
“So that’s why he drank blood.”
Since Sa Ok Cheong had also consumed an artificial core, uncontrollable murderous intent would have erupted within him.
So he had created the fictional figure of the Black-White Witch, continuously suppressing the surging killing intent by drinking people’s blood.
‘But the Hyuk Ryeon Lord…’
Bu Eunseol was confused.
The Hyuk Ryeon Lord had not yet returned from Gwan Oe. So how could he have delivered an artificial core to Sim Wol?
A figure descended through the air.
Numerous martial artists descended from the sky.
They were the masters of the Sayeong Hall led by Yu Woon Ryong.
Yu Woon Ryong let out a sigh upon discovering Sim Wol’s gruesome corpse.
“So it ended like this after all.”
“What of Jin Sang Hwa?”
“The Demon Hall’s masters have arrived to escort her back. However, Cheong Hyang Mun…”
Yu Woon Ryong bit his lip.
“Because of this madman, our division’s reputation will plummet to the ground. Moreover, he slaughtered the disciples of Cheong Hyang Mun so brutally… I don’t know how to resolve this.”
“There’s no need to worry.”
Bu Eunseol spoke.
“Ma Cheon Je will handle it.”
“What? Ma Cheon Je?”
Yu Woon Ryong shook his head.
“Ma Cheon Je is in closed cultivation.”
“He will emerge. Chong Gyo Ryeong will likely inform him.”
Bu Eunseol’s expression was resolute.
“Because this concerns Jin Sang Hwa, and no one else.”
Ma Cheon Je cherished Jin Seol as if she were his own daughter.
Now that she had been betrayed and suffered such an ordeal… Ma Cheon Je would handle everything that followed.
“I see.”
Yu Woon Ryong, understanding Bu Eunseol’s meaning, nodded.
Then, as if suddenly remembering something, he opened his mouth.
“Will Jin Sang Hwa be alright?”
“She will be fine.”
Bu Eunseol spoke matter-of-factly.
“She is the flower that represents our hall. She will never falter or bow before such tribulations.”
Bu Eunseol’s prediction proved accurate.
Chong Gyo Ryeong sought out Ma Cheon Je, who was in seclusion, and relayed all the facts that had transpired.
Thereupon, Ma Cheon Je emerged from his seclusion despite his retreat and personally oversaw the handling of this matter.
First, he directly restored the martial techniques that Cheong Hyang Mun had lost, and sent three hundred spirit stones to nurture outstanding disciples.
And in the name of the Demon Hall, he issued an official apology and paid substantial compensation to Cheong Hyang Mun and the families of the disciples who had perished.
It was an apology and recompense so clear and decisive that the Orthodox Sects could find no fault to seize upon.
Because of this, there were none among the Orthodox Sects who vehemently condemned the Demonic Path or the Demon Hall.
What was remarkable was Ma Cheon Je’s reaction.
Though a disciple of Man Bak Dang had suddenly become Sal Gwi and committed unspeakable atrocities,
and though Jin Seol, whom he cherished so dearly, had faced grave trials and tribulations, he conducted no detailed investigation nor held anyone accountable.
As if he knew everything all along.
Bu Eunseol wished to seek out Ma Cheon Je and ask him.
―Do you know of the Three Realms that disturb the Murim?
―If you do know, why do you not stop them?
But Ma Cheon Je would not provide answers. Had he intended to reveal them, he would have done so long ago.
Ma Cheon Je is a being that symbolizes chaos.
Through countless wars waged thus far, he has destroyed not only numerous masters,
but even the order and ideologies that stood within both the Righteous and Demonic Paths—everything that humans could possibly destroy.
Unless one rises to a level capable of countering the ‘phenomena’ he creates, one can never truly comprehend his nature.
In contrast, the position of Jeok Bung, the Elder Council Master, had become exceedingly precarious.
No matter what excuse he offered, it was difficult to escape the criticism that he had raised his disciple poorly.
―I shall relinquish my position as Elder Council Master and enter seclusion.
Jeok Bung, acutely aware of his responsibility, stepped down from his position as Elder Council Master and entered seclusion.
But that would be only temporary.
He was a man consumed by ambition, one who had used his disciple Sim Wol like a chess piece.
Before long, he would return and attempt to seize power by any means necessary.
* * *
The atmosphere within the Demon Hall remained unsettled for some time.
Sim Wol, the disciple of the Elder Council Master, had been a murderous fiend who indiscriminately slaughtered both Murim practitioners and common people?
Because of this, Ma Cheon Je, who was in seclusion, emerged and formally apologized to Cheong Hyang Mun, and the Demon Hall paid enormous compensation.
Elder Council Master Jeok Bung entered seclusion, and Jin Seol, who could be called the flower of the Demon Hall, likewise withdrew into isolation.
As a result, all manner of events the Demon Hall had been planning were cancelled.
In short, all the members of the Demon Hall had suffered great humiliation.
Yet there was one person whose honor and prestige remained entirely undiminished—Bu Eunseol, the Master of the Muhonjung.
She had pursued Mu Young Sal Gwi, who disturbed the Murim, caught its tail, and without hesitation executed it despite knowing its identity was a disciple of Man Bak Dang.
Because of that fair and righteous conduct, the Orthodox Sects even bestowed upon Bu Eunseol the epithet of “the Righteous One within the Demonic Path.”
Of course, those within the Demonic Path were displeased with such an evaluation of Bu Eunseol,
but there was no way to forcibly prevent what the Orthodox Sects praised.
Jamma Pavilion, Bu Eunseol’s office.
I processed the matters scattered before me one by one, indifferent to the atmosphere surrounding Murim and the Demon Hall.
―They are called the Three Realms, and the one currently wreaking havoc in Murim is the Infinite Realm….
Suddenly, Sim Wol’s final words came to mind.
―To find the Lord of Hyuk Ryeon….
The person who handed me the inner core, and the figure from the Three Realms hiding within the Demon Hall—the Dharma Protector Lord, Hyuk Ryeon Eung?
This was a critical matter I could not keep to myself alone.
‘Even if Ma Cheon Je were to overlook it, from the perspective of this hall, it is something we cannot simply pass by.’
The Dharma Protector Lord of the Demon Hall being a puppet of an external force? Setting aside my position as the successor to the Demon Hall, a proper investigation must be initiated.
Bu Eunseol immediately sought out Chong Gyo Ryeong, the Chief Inspector.
Ma Cheon Je had entered seclusion once again, effectively withdrawing from all duties of the Demon Hall.
Since I needed to investigate the Dharma Protector Lord, the highest authority, I intended to consult with Yeop Hyo Cheon.
“The Lord of Hyuk Ryeon gave him an artificial inner core that amplifies martial power and killing intent….”
However, Yeop Hyo Cheon could not accept that explanation at all.
“All this time, the Lord of Hyuk Ryeon has been carrying out covert missions at Dae Mak under the orders of the previous lord.”
Surprisingly, Hyuk Ryeon Eung had been performing secret missions at Dae Mak under Ma Cheon Je’s command all this time.
‘So that is why he had not returned.’
Hyuk Ryeon Eung, who was supposed to return immediately to Gwan Oe once his punishment was lifted.
The reason he had not yet returned to the Demon Hall—it was because he was carrying out the covert mission Ma Cheon Je had assigned him.
“For him to suddenly return to this hall and give an inner core to Sim Wol? That is far too unreasonable a story, is it not?”
“Could he not have returned in secret?”
“The movements of the Lord of Hyuk Ryeon are being steadily tracked by Bi Young Gak. Such a thing could not possibly occur.”
Yeop Hyo Cheon was asserting that no matter who the Lord of Hyuk Ryeon was, he could absolutely not escape the notice of Bi Young Gak.
“Then in the end, Sim Wol—did that man speak nonsense to confuse the lord?”
He paused briefly before speaking with conviction.
“Or perhaps someone aware that the Lord of Hyuk Ryeon was absent used this to their advantage and approached Sim Wol.”
Both scenarios held probability.
However, I believed Sim Wol would not have failed to consider such possibilities.
‘A figure of Sim Wol’s caliber would not conduct such a careless investigation.’
Sim Wol was, no matter what anyone said, a member of Man Bak Dang.
Even if offered an inner core that would make one an immortal, he was not the type to accept it carelessly.
He must have begun a thorough investigation of Hyuk Ryeon Eung because of this incident.
By consuming the artificial inner core, he would have gained the trust of the Three Realms, and he would have been able to uncover the organizational structure to some degree.
“Just to be safe, conduct another investigation. Check whether there were any gaps in the Lord of Hyuk Ryeon’s whereabouts or any suspicious circumstances surrounding him.”
His words said one thing, but his expression suggested he would not devote much attention to it.
Due to the incident Sim Wol caused, the Demon Hall had already suffered considerable humiliation.
Even if Hyuk Ryeon Eung were a traitor, rather than holding a grand conference to investigate thoroughly, the intention was to conduct a discreet inquiry and seal the matter.
“Understood. I shall conduct a separate investigation as well.”
As I left Sole Brightness Pavilion, my mind grew even more tangled.
Had Sim Wol lied?
Or could it be that Chong Gyo Ryeong and Bi Young Gak understood the entire situation yet were deliberately lying?
If not that either….
‘Could Hyuk Ryeon be the master of the Three Realms?’
Bu Eunseol shook her head immediately.
Hyuk Ryeon Eung was a supreme elder who had devoted himself to the Demon Hall for a long time.
If he were the leader of this mysterious organization, Ma Cheon Je could not possibly be unaware of it.
‘Then could it be Ma Cheon Je?’
Bu Eunseol furrowed her brow.
Could this all be Ma Cheon Je’s game? Could the leader of this organization called the Three Realms actually be Ma Cheon Je himself?
‘That couldn’t be.’
Strictly speaking, although Ma Cheon Je was the master of the Demon Hall, he could not completely escape the influence of the Ten Demonic Gates.
Though he was called the foremost of the Demonic Path, the power of the Demon Hall and the Ten Demonic Gates were evenly matched.
If Ma Cheon Je were the leader of the Three Realms with the hidden power to destroy and revive sects, then?
He would have at least operated the Demon Hall according to his will and would never have endured endless seclusion.
‘But….’
If Hyuk Ryeon Eung were truly a spy for this organization called the Three Realms, why did he save her while risking punishment?
Such an abrupt and unilateral decision that even provoked resistance from the leadership was something a spy should absolutely never do.
‘It must be one of three possibilities.’
Ma Cheon Je knew of Hyuk Ryeon Eung’s identity and the Three Realms yet allowed it to persist.
Or perhaps the Lord Hyuk Ryeon possessed an extraordinary ability capable of deceiving Ma Cheon Je.
Otherwise… Sim Wol truly lied.
‘There’s no need to think hastily.’
The investigation into Hyuk Ryeon Eung had already begun.
If he were not a spy, he would return, and everything would be revealed.
There was no need to focus her mind on matters where immediate answers could not be found.
After all, didn’t she have more pressing concerns than unraveling the Murim situation or investigating shadowy forces?
‘With the Repayment Pavilion, I should be able to find Hyung Su, the one who killed grandfather.’
What mattered most to Bu Eunseol now was finding Shin San Ja.
Having obtained the Repayment Pavilion… if she could find him, she could finally obtain what she had yearned for most—information about Hyung Su.
Several days later, at Jamma Pavilion. Bu Eunseol’s office.
Bu Eunseol was conversing with Mu Heun, the lord of the Sa Hon Dae, the secret intelligence division of the newly established Sayoung Battle Division.
“It seems we must quickly find someone to serve as vice-commander of our division.”
After conversing for some time, Mu Heun’s expression grew solemn.
“When the commander ventures into Gangho, there is no one to follow discreetly and handle important duties.”
Bu Eunseol nodded in agreement.
She too had deliberated for a long time but had yet to find a suitable candidate for vice-commander.
The conditions were simply too demanding.
Bu Eunseol did not remain solely within the Demon Hall but often wandered Gangho.
Therefore, the vice-commander had to compile various intelligence and deliver it directly to her as she roamed Gangho.
Not only must they possess exceptional wisdom and insight, but they must also be skilled enough in lightness of body to keep pace with her.
Currently, within the Sayoung Hall, only two individuals fit these criteria: Mu Heun and Wi Cheon Gyeong.
However, Wi Cheon Gyeong serves as one of the pillars of the Sayoung Hall as a Lord, making it impossible for him to become the Deputy Lord of the Sa Hon Dae.
Thus, even if I wished to operate the Sa Hon Dae now, without a thread connecting Bu Eunseol to the Sa Hon Dae, I must find someone capable of serving as Deputy Lord with urgency.
“I shall search for such a person myself once more.”
“Understood.”
Knock, knock.
At that moment, a knock sounded at the door, followed by Yu Woon Ryong’s voice.
“It is Yu Woon Ryong.”
“Enter.”
Upon seeing Mu Heun standing beside Bu Eunseol, Yu Woon Ryong clasped his hands in greeting.
“Lord Mu.”
“Lord Yu.”
As the two exchanged light greetings, Mu Heun spoke to Bu Eunseol.
“Then I shall take my leave.”
“There is no need. I have matters to discuss with Lord Mu as well.”
“With me?”
As Mu Heun blinked, Yu Woon Ryong glanced briefly around before speaking in a low voice.
“I have located Shin San Ja’s whereabouts.”
In that instant, Bu Eunseol’s eyes widened.
Shin San Ja—the sage and mysterious figure of Murim who had never revealed his location, offering no answers without the Debt Repayment Token.
At last, his whereabouts had been discovered.
“How did you find him?”
Yu Woon Ryong answered immediately to Bu Eunseol’s question.
“He was caught in the intelligence network of Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong. He has set up a fortune-telling shop in Myo Ga So in Nam An Bu, posing as a diviner.”
Shin San Ja had not revealed himself to Murim, but when discovered in the past, he was always engaged in the work of a wandering diviner.
Moreover, Myo Ga So was a village where vagrants gathered, making it quite convenient for evading those who pursued him.
“The probability of this being genuine is quite high.”
Yu Woon Ryong nodded at Bu Eunseol’s words and spoke.
“The problem is that not only meeting him, but even finding him is possible only for those who possess the Debt Repayment Token—such is Shin San Ja’s iron principle.”
Yu Woon Ryong spoke with a grave expression.
“In other words, while you go to find Shin San Ja, I cannot assign you any escort or forces. Because they do not possess the Debt Repayment Token.”
He sighed and shook his head.
“He has upheld this strange principle for a long time. If even a small contingent were attached to you, Shin San Ja would immediately abandon Myo Ga So.”
Mu Heun, who had been listening silently, nodded.
“In other words, if you wish to meet him, you must venture into Gangho alone.”
“Indeed. However, such an undertaking is far too dangerous, which is why I intended to consult with Lord Mu before proceeding.”
Then Bu Eunseol cut in decisively.
“I will go alone.”
“What?”
“Your words are correct. If I travel to Myo Ga So with any form of escort, the likelihood of him refusing to meet me is high.”
“But it’s far too dangerous.”
At Yu Woon Ryong’s words, Bu Eunseol smiled faintly.
“How else could I meet such a mysterious figure without accepting that level of risk?”
And she spoke once more, her tone resolute.
“Besides, without possessing the Debt of Gratitude Medallion, I couldn’t even accompany him. So don’t concern yourself.”
Bu Eunseol drew a deep breath.
“I must meet him, no matter what.”
Recognizing the unwavering determination in her heart, Yu Woon Ryong nodded with an expression of resignation.
“Very well.”
Noticing his own expression had grown dark, Yu Woon Ryong quickly offered a bright smile.
“You’ll have no trouble with it.”
Since the incident at Buk Hae Bing Gung, Yu Woon Ryong had consistently shown his support and faith in Bu Eunseol’s plans.
He had come to understand that this was the first way he could truly help her.
* * *
Murim Alliance, Eun Wol Gak
A lantern burned in the office of the Palace Hall, and at the desk sat a middle-aged man in elegant robes, his brush moving across paper with practiced grace.
His eyes gleamed with crystalline clarity, and a refined smile lingered at the corners of his mouth.
With a luxuriant beard grown to his chin, his gaze sparkled with the profound wisdom of candlelight.
This was none other than Tae Sa Hyeon, the Chief Inspector of the Murim Alliance.
Creak.
Suddenly the door opened, and a man dressed in martial robes embroidered with brilliant silver patterns walked in slowly.
His hair was dyed black, yet his eyes—those irises—were the deep blue of the sea itself.
“You summoned me, Chief Inspector?”
As the Blue-Eyed Man clasped his hands in respect, Tae Sa Hyeon slowly set down his brush.
“Your martial prowess seems to have advanced further in the meantime.”
Smiling faintly, he examined the Blue-Eyed Man’s form carefully, then narrowed his eyes.
“Has Jo Dan Ju transmitted another remarkable technique to you?”
The Blue-Eyed Man then spoke, his voice faint yet tinged with subtle frustration.
“How could that be? It’s been more than two years since I last saw my master.”
“Is that so.”
Tae Sa Hyeon clicked his tongue with a regretful expression, then gestured toward the reception table across from him.
“Sit. Will you take some tea?”
“That won’t be necessary.”
“Hehe. True enough—Jo Dan Ju doesn’t care for tea either.”
Tae Sa Hyeon nodded and settled into his seat before speaking.
“I’ll speak plainly. The Lord of Muhonjung has left the Demon Hall and now walks the Murim alone.”
“…The Lord of Muhonjung.”
A flash of light crossed the Blue-Eyed Man’s eyes.
Bu Eunseol—who had once appeared suddenly in the Underground Fortress of Sichuan where he cultivated the Flame of Humanity, instantly blocked his blade, and shattered even the Binding Jade Immortal Seal.
How could he ever forget the one who had dealt him such humiliation?
The unfortunate truth was that the Chief Inspector knew nothing of this.
“And Jo Cheon Wang, Jo Dan Ju, has also obtained this intelligence and is preparing to venture into Gangho. It is the perfect opportunity for him to avenge his son.”
“Then the task you wish to assign is….”
“Such opportunities do not come easily.”
A sharp gleam flickered across Tae Sa Hyeon’s eyes.
“Jo Dan Ju’s martial prowess is formidable, yet he has mastered the martial essence of Nangya Sect, granting him a tenacious vitality. Moreover, he can steal an enemy’s techniques on the spot.”
He spoke with a solemn and resolute voice.
“This opportunity is the perfect chance to eliminate that demonic being. Do you understand what I’m saying?”
“Mm.”
The Blue-Eyed Man nodded, yet his expression grew troubled.
“If that happens, I fear Jo Dan Ju will not leave me unscathed.”
“Hahaha. Do not worry. How could he lay a hand upon the disciple of the Chief Inspector, who is the pillar of this alliance?”
The Blue-Eyed Man furrowed his brow.
“Only a handful besides the Chief Inspector know this truth. I am merely an unregistered shadow—a ghost—in the Murim Alliance.”
“A ghost, you say.”
Tae Sa Hyeon spoke as though dismissing the notion.
“I have heard that the Chief Inspector’s refusal to officially register you in the Murim Alliance means he intends to employ you for greater purposes in the future.”
“Regardless, Jo Dan Ju knows neither my identity nor my face. If I were to commit such an act, his Dragon Slaying Sword could shatter my neck.”
“Leave the aftermath to me. I shall handle it.”
Tae Sa Hyeon spoke in a low voice.
“If you handle this matter properly, I myself will bring you into the light and guarantee you the position of Lord of this alliance.”
In that instant, joy flashed across the Blue-Eyed Man’s eyes.
To obtain a legitimate position in the light, rather than remaining a secret operative handling the Murim Alliance’s dark deeds.
Was this not something he had yearned for even in his dreams?
“Why do you offer me such an opportunity?”
The Blue-Eyed Man spoke with an expression of incomprehension.
“You have many excellent subordinates under your command.”
“Haha. Though they are skilled, how can they compare to your abilities?”
Tae Sa Hyeon spoke with a subtle tone.
“If you kill him, I shall recommend you as Vice-Lord of the Iron Blood Party, which currently lacks leadership. In that way, the Chief Inspector Division and the Iron Blood Party can cooperate more closely, would you not agree?”
Only then did the Blue-Eyed Man grasp Tae Sa Hyeon’s true intention.
‘He means to place me beneath him.’
Tae Sa Hyeon had held the position of Chief Inspector for a long time, yet had failed several times.
One of those failures was the assassination of the Ten Demon Experts of Nangya Sect as they left the Demon Hall alone.
‘By bringing me under his wing, he may find an opportunity to overthrow my master.’
“Shall I attempt it?”
At Tae Sa Hyeon’s question, the Blue-Eyed Man, who had been lost in deep thought, answered quietly.
“I understand.”
“You are accepting?”
“I am.”
“A wise decision.”
Tae Sa Hyeon smiled, and the Blue-Eyed Man bowed respectfully, pressing his palms together.
“Then I shall take my leave.”
As the Blue-Eyed Man stepped out of the Palace Hall, he turned his head to gaze back at Eun Wol Gak, where Tae Sa Hyeon remained.
‘His neck hangs loose—he’s searching for a way to survive.’
The position of Chief Inspector was undoubtedly one of the most critical posts, yet it was also the one that saw the most frequent turnover.
There was no shortage of talented administrators capable of replacing the Chief Inspector, and with such formidable authority came equally weighty responsibility.
Moreover, with the Elder Council and the Lords constantly watching for weakness, one could not survive in such a position without substantial accomplishments, extensive connections, and unwavering support.
‘It’s long past time he stepped down.’
Tae Sa Hyeon was a man who should have relinquished his position as Chief Inspector long ago.
Yet somehow, through accumulated merit and leveraged connections, he clung to power, enduring against all odds.
“If I succeed, he gains tremendous merit. If I fail, his reputation suffers. Either way, the calculation favors him.”
Tae Sa Hyeon’s intentions were transparent.
This opportunity would either bring me under his control as a loyal subordinate, or—should I fail—it would clip the wings of the master who opposed him.
Success or failure, it mattered not. Tae Sa Hyeon stood to lose nothing either way.
“Yet I have no reason to refuse, either.”
Bu Eunseol.
She was someone who should have perished long ago. Dealing with her now would be far from an unwelcome task.

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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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