The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 403

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————

Chapter 403.
Four days later.
Before the Bamboo Forest at the Murim Alliance North Gate stood a magnificent structure.
Beyond the towering white stone walls lay a beautiful garden with a small pond at its center, and dominating that space was a grand palace hall.
Beside it were quarters capable of housing over a hundred members, complete with a dining hall built into the interior.
It rivaled the accommodations of an elite division in every way—and remarkably, it had been constructed in merely four days by mobilizing hundreds of workers.
“I heard the successor to the Seon Hwa Trading Company hired renowned carpenters and laborers from Hanam all at once.”
“And apparently, he orders dozens of taels worth of food for every meal.”
“Some of the elite division members stationed nearby joked that they should transfer to that pavilion in the bamboo forest instead.”
The temporary camp constructed at the North Gate had become the talk of the Murim Alliance.
The Elite Division—created to handle matters of the Gangho that the Murim Alliance’s regular divisions could not manage.
And Seon Woo Jin, a candidate for leadership of that division, had demonstrated to the Alliance’s members what the power of wealth truly meant.
Footsteps echoed softly.
A figure approached the entrance of the palace hall in the Bamboo Forest where Bu Eunseol was staying.
Dressed in blue robes with a pale complexion and clear, bright eyes.
At first glance, she appeared to be a refined lady untouched by martial arts, yet she was in fact one of the Murim Alliance’s most renowned female masters.
It was Yuk Cheong Ah.
“Goodness.”
As the leader of Yeonseong Hall, she dealt with countless tasks daily.
Save for meal times, she scarcely had a moment to walk the halls of the Alliance.
When she had heard the rumor that the Seon Hwa Trading Company’s successor had built a palace-like hall at the North Gate, she had merely laughed it off.
“I thought it was merely exaggerated gossip…”
Yet seeing the completed structure before her, was it not even grander than the rumors suggested?
“Is Seon Woo Jin here?”
Upon entering the hall, she gasped again.
Inside stood a Martial Arts Arena where two warriors trained together, honing their techniques.
They were the elite division members Bu Eunseol had selected—Tae Mu Ryong and Jeong Jong Do.
‘That… that’s…’
Originally, they had worn shabby garments and wielded worn weapons that required constant maintenance.
Yet now they were dressed in gleaming robes, and their weapons had been completely replaced.
The transformation was so dramatic that watching them felt like observing opera performers.
“Yuk Dang Ju.”
Tae Mu Ryong and Jeong Jong Do recognized her and clasped their fists in salute.
“What brings you here?”
Up close, the sight was even more dazzling.
Tae Mu Ryong had become a robust warrior in ornate martial robes, bearing silver tridents with collapsible handles across his back.
At the waist of Jeong Jong Do, whose beard had once bristled unkemptly, now hung a resplendent treasure sword in place of his old blade.
“Where is Seon Woo Jin?”
“At this hour, he should be at Sang Rim Pavilion.”
“Sang… Sang Rim Pavilion?”
“Ah, it’s a pavilion inside the compound. Allow me to show you the way.”
Tae Mu Ryong led Yuk Cheong Ah across the vast courtyard to a pavilion standing before a small pond.
There sat a slender young man of refined bearing, sipping tea. It was none other than Seon Woo Jin, the heir to the Seon Hwa Trading Company.
‘Unbelievable.’
Here he was, in a temporary encampment where orders could arrive at any moment, yet he had constructed an elegant garden and was indulging in leisurely pursuits like an immortal.
Moreover, the tea he was drinking was silver leaf tea—a rare Western Regions specialty that money alone could scarcely procure.
“Lord Seon. The Yuk Dang Ju has arrived.”
A flash of light flickered across Yuk Cheong Ah’s eyes.
‘He’s already established order and hierarchy?’
Judging by Tae Mu Ryong’s deferential manner and tone, this place had already taken on the rigid structure and discipline of any other division of the Murim Alliance.
‘This is absurd.’
No matter how exceptional a person might be, how could he have won the genuine loyalty of two such strong-willed martial artists in less than ten days?
“Yuk Dang Ju.”
As Bu Eunseol clasped her hands in greeting, Yuk Cheong Ah did the same.
“Seon Woo, my friend.”
After the two exchanged their salutations, Tae Mu Ryong bowed respectfully.
“Then I shall take my leave.”
As Yuk Cheong Ah watched Tae Mu Ryong’s retreating figure disappear, she let out an exclamation.
“Remarkable.”
“What is?”
“That you’ve already turned them into loyal subordinates.”
“I wouldn’t say they’re loyal subordinates yet.”
“Not loyal subordinates? They seem to have far better discipline than the retainers of my own organization.”
When she offered this jest with a hint of humor, Bu Eunseol set down her teacup and shook her head.
“Since childhood, I learned the ways of merchants and how to handle people. They follow me simply because I’ve provided them with tangible benefits through my wealth.”
It was a lie.
Bu Eunseol had already transformed the Mubon Squad—the most unruly ruffians of the Demonic Path—into loyal subordinates.
Compared to that, winning the hearts of these two honest and straightforward orthodox sect members was child’s play.
Bu Eunseol’s natural bearing of authority and gravitas had already begun to inspire genuine loyalty in them.
“That may well be true.”
Yuk Cheong Ah accepted the explanation readily.
As the heir to a merchant guild, she would naturally have learned from childhood how to command people and lead organizations.
With such formidable wealth at her disposal, controlling two subordinates would be effortless.
Just as Yuk Cheong Ah was settling her thoughts, Bu Eunseol posed a question.
“But what brings you here?”
“Ah, that’s right.”
Only then did she remember, and she handed Bu Eunseol a letter.
“A mission has finally come down.”
As Bu Eunseol accepted the letter, she spoke in a low voice.
“The letter details it, but you may use any means necessary and the deadline is flexible. Since the mission has been issued to both temporary divisions simultaneously, I hope you’ll succeed.”
“Understood.”
Once Yuk Cheong Ah departed, I opened the sealed letter.
Then I let out a bitter laugh and shook my head.
“So they intend to keep playing this game to the very end.”
The letter contained the following mission.
―Resolve the conflict between Gojeokmun and Nakyoungmun.
I set the letter down beside my teacup.
Gojeokmun and Nakyoungmun were second-rate sects located in the Gongchangbu of Seomseong, situated close to one another and sharing the same martial arts lineage.
Two hundred years ago, Han Seung and Cheong Yeon Yeon, who were lovers, accidentally discovered a secret manual containing the supreme techniques of Gwangjeorl and Kwaejeonmun.
Unfortunately, the manual was more than half damaged and incomplete.
Eventually, the two of them interpreted the manual arbitrarily, but unable to narrow their differences in martial philosophy, they ended up in a fierce quarrel.
In the end, Han Seung and Cheong Yeon Yeon could not bridge their ideological gap and parted ways, each taking their own path.
Later, after retiring from Murim in their old age, the sects they each founded became Gojeokmun and Nakyoungmun respectively.
The two sects were situated so close together, and with the lingering resentments of their predecessors passed down through generations, their relationship was far from amicable.
Yet they had managed to coexist without any significant disputes or conflicts.
Recently, however, the disciples began snarling at one another, and finally, bloody battles erupted.
The fighting escalated further, and now the disciples of both sects would draw their weapons and fight at the mere sight of one another.
Moreover, the fights showed no regard for location, continuing in crowded inns and market streets alike.
The merchants and common people bore the brunt of this devastation.
As the damage to surrounding merchants and civilians became severe due to the conflict between the two sects, the Murim Alliance decided to intervene in mediation.
They sent a temporary division under my command and Cheon Hwa In’s.
The next day, in the Bamboo Forest north of the Murim Alliance, in the temporary division’s conference hall.
There sat I and my subordinates Tae Mu Ryong and Jeong Jong Do with grave expressions.
“This isn’t a mission at all—it’s a scheme to elevate Cheon Hwa In to the rank of Lord.”
Tae Mu Ryong, staring at the letter on the table, shook his head with an exasperated expression.
“What need does the Murim Alliance have to intervene in a war between second-rate sects like Gojeokmun and Nakyoungmun?”
He continued after a sigh.
“These two sects are located within Hua Shan Sect’s sphere of influence. In other words, if Hua Shan Sect stepped forward, they would be forced to reconcile.”
“I share the same opinion.”
Jeong Jong Do spoke with a gloomy expression.
“After all, we are merely a temporary division of the Murim Alliance. But Cheon Hwa In—he has Hua Shan Sect backing him. A single word from him would end the dispute.”
Both men’s opinions were reasonable and well-founded.
Yet I shook my head.
“That may not be the case.”
I maintained formal speech with my subordinates without exception.
This was because Shin San Ja had established that the character of Seon Woo Jin, the successor to the Seon Hwa Trading Company, possessed.
A personality so gentle and benevolent by design.
Even if I were to gradually alter this disposition later, for now I must faithfully follow the settings Shin San Ja had created.
“That may not be the case, you say?”
At Jeong Jong Do’s question, I offered a faint smile.
“Disputes between people ultimately boil down to matters of emotion. And Cheon Hwa In—that man possesses an arrogant disposition coupled with formidable pride.”
He continued in a measured voice.
“Rather than investigating the detailed circumstances, he will leverage the Hua Shan Sect’s influence to resolve matters swiftly. Why? Because he wishes to conclude this pointless trial quickly and become a Lord of the Murim Alliance.”
Bu Eunseol paused briefly before speaking with conviction.
“Even the smallest sect possesses the pride of a Sect Leader. However, given Cheon Hwa In’s temperament, there is no chance he will handle this with caution and wisdom.”
He paused momentarily before speaking with resolve.
“Moreover, since this problem stems from deepened emotional rifts, merely invoking the Hua Shan Sect’s prestige will not resolve it easily.”
A profound light emanated from Bu Eunseol’s eyes as she alternated her gaze between Tae Mu Ryong and Jeong Jong Do.
“We must keep this in mind and orchestrate a perfect reconciliation between the two sects. Only then will the Murim Alliance have nothing to say.”
The two men blinked.
Bu Eunseol’s analysis felt remarkably accurate, yet they could not fathom what plan she was contemplating.
“If the Lord has already devised a brilliant stratagem, would it not suffice to arrive a day earlier and handle the matter accordingly?”
Jeong Jong Do spoke with an anxious expression.
“We cannot discount the possibility that Cheon Hwa In will resolve everything immediately.”
Bu Eunseol shook her head.
“Though we dispatched the letter simultaneously, Cheon Hwa In has Gu Elder as his backing, so he has likely already departed for Seomseong.”
She continued with a leisurely expression, regarding her subordinates.
“Therefore, there is no need to rush. Let us proceed slowly while investigating the true circumstances.”
Tae Mu Ryong and Jeong Jong Do exchanged glances.
Unable to discern Bu Eunseol’s intentions, they simply bowed their heads and clasped their hands.
* * *
Having departed the Murim Alliance with Tae Mu Ryong and Jeong Jong Do, Bu Eunseol soon arrived at Gongchangbu.
Upon arrival, rather than visiting the two sects immediately, she gave Tae Mu Ryong and Jeong Jong Do substantial sums of money.
She then ordered them to use those funds to gather information about Gojeokmun and Nakyoungmun from information networks and the lower classes.
―Even the most trivial details are valuable; conduct a thorough investigation.
In truth, had Bu Eunseol issued even a silent command to Sa Hon Dae, she could ascertain not only the financial status of both sects but even the number of chopsticks in their kitchens.
Yet why would she expend time and money ordering an investigation from Tae Mu Ryong and Jeong Jong Do, who had never handled intelligence before?
‘These men must become reliable subordinates who will steadfastly support me until I establish myself in a key position within the Murim Alliance.’
Going forward, I would need to shuttle between the Demon Palace and the Murim Alliance.
Therefore, I required capable subordinates who could skillfully manage various matters within the Murim Alliance.
And both men possessed such qualities.
Tae Mu Ryong excelled in insight and eloquence, and was adept at uniting people.
Jeong Jong Do, meanwhile, was swift in information analysis and situational judgment, with superior intuition.
Both men had simply been overlooked due to their sect origins. Yet they possessed exceptional talent in martial arts as well, and should their shortcomings be addressed, they would swiftly take flight.
Bu Eunseol intended to cultivate the talents of Tae Mu Ryong and Jeong Jong Do, rapidly ascending to key positions within the Murim Alliance.
* * *
Within Gongchangbu, at the Star Courtyard of the Cheongyeon Inn.
Before a beautiful flower garden where exotic flowers and rare plants flourished stood a small pavilion.
Within that pavilion sat a middle-aged man with piercing eyes and a bald middle-aged man facing each other.
They were none other than Heo Woon Chang, Sect Leader of Gojeokmun, and Baek Do Gwang, Sect Leader of Nakyoungmun—minor sects established in the Gongchangbu region.
The two men stared at each other in silence.
Before long, footsteps announced the arrival of a man dressed in white robes entering the Star Courtyard.
It was Cheon Hwa In.
“Thank you for honoring my invitation.”
Cheon Hwa In, an elder from the Hua Shan Sect, had received advance briefing on the matter through the help of Gu Jeong In.
He had immediately arrived at the Gongchangbu and summoned Heo Woon Chang and Baek Do Gwang to this place.
―How presumptuous.
Despite arriving more than an hour late to the appointed time, Cheon Hwa In wore a composed expression, causing thick veins to bulge on the foreheads of the two Sect Leaders.
Even if their sects were second-rate, they were still Sect Leaders guiding their own organizations.
No matter that he was the foremost disciple of the Hua Shan Sect, to summon them to an inn as though issuing orders?
Their irritation simmered beneath the surface.
If both sects had not fallen within the Hua Shan Sect’s sphere of influence?
If Cheon Hwa In were merely an ordinary foremost disciple and not a new generation master from the Elite Division?
They would never have accepted such an invitation, even with a blade at their throats.
“Well then. What did you wish to discuss?”
At Heo Woon Chang’s question, Cheon Hwa In smiled and opened his mouth.
“I hear that two sects who had been getting along well have recently had some disputes?”
He glanced between Heo Woon Chang and Baek Do Gwang before continuing.
“These conflicts have been escalating, and the damage is now extending to merchants and common folk.”
At Cheon Hwa In’s words, the two Sect Leaders cleared their throats and spoke.
“Our disciples’ feelings were hurt, and it seems they clashed a bit.”
“I shall ensure our sect exercises greater restraint.”
Cheon Hwa In nodded.
“That is well, but wouldn’t it be best if you two were to achieve complete reconciliation?”
“Reconciliation?”
Heo Woon Chang and Baek Do Gwang simultaneously wore bewildered expressions.
“What reconciliation are you suddenly speaking of?”
“I have heard that your relationship was never particularly poor to begin with.”
…
“However, when your successors’ relationship deteriorated rapidly, your disciples came to hate one another as well.”
Cheon Hwa In admonished the two Sect Leaders as though he were their elder.
“But surely there is no need for sects walking the same path in the same region to bare their fangs at one another?”
When the two men still did not respond, Cheon Hwa In spoke with a solemn expression.
“If you two were to reconcile publicly, your disciples would cease their fighting. That is what I have come to request.”
Heo Woon Chang and Baek Do Gwang felt curses rising in their throats.
―What in the world…
In truth, there were multiple complex reasons why the two Martial Halls had come to blows.
Yet this disciple of the Hua Shan Sect, without properly understanding the circumstances, was now demanding that the two Sect Leaders reconcile.
“We shall handle our sect’s affairs within our sect.”
At Heo Woon Chang’s words, Baek Do Gwang also swallowed his anger and nodded.
“I will caution my disciples once more to refrain from involving themselves in such matters.”
“You have misunderstood my words.”
Cheon Hwa In brushed his fingers across his forehead.
“I demand that the conflict between these two sects be completely resolved at once. Do you not comprehend?”
At words that bordered on coercion, Heo Woon Chang and Baek Do Gwang fell silent.
Though they spoke nothing, their expressions—tinged with displeasure—conveyed their refusal unmistakably.
‘Civility will not suffice.’
Cheon Hwa In, inwardly clicking his tongue, exhaled sharply and shook his head.
“Do you truly wish for myself—no, for my sect—to become involved?”
And thus he deployed his final stratagem.
If second-rate sects like Gojeokmun and Nakyoungmun fell from Hwasan’s favor? And if they wielded their pressure upon these two?
The two sects would find their very standing and dignity as Murim powers shaken to their foundations.
“…Very well.”
Heo Woon Chang and Baek Do Gwang reluctantly bowed their heads.
“You have made a pledge to me.”
Cheon Hwa In spoke with satisfaction.
“I trust you will make a public declaration of formal reconciliation at the earliest opportunity.”
Then, without so much as a backward glance, he rose and departed.
“Until we meet again, then.”
Heo Woon Chang and Baek Do Gwang could only watch Cheon Hwa In disappear into the distance, their lips pressed firmly together.
And days later,
―The conflict between the two sects was resolved immediately.
Rumors spread throughout Gongchangbu that the two sects had signed a reconciliation agreement.
Thereupon, Cheon Hwa In promptly sent a letter to the Murim Alliance, reporting that the matter had been settled.
But an unexpected development unfolded.
Unable to openly clash due to Cheon Hwa In’s coercion,
the two sects instead mobilized the Black Gang to encroach upon each other’s commercial interests and territorial rights.
―This is far worse than simply trading blows!
With the backing of the two sects, the Black Gang’s power struggle intensified, and the innocent common folk bore the full brunt of the devastation.
“Are you jesting with me?”
An enraged Cheon Hwa In immediately sought out the Sect Leaders to threaten them, but his words no longer carried weight.
“We signed the reconciliation agreement as you demanded and mediated through the officials. So what more do you want?”
At the Sect Leaders’ words, Cheon Hwa In blazed with fury.
“Are you mocking me? Why have you not restrained your disciples from manipulating the Black Gang to incite conflict?”
“That is not our concern.”
“Do you call that an answer?”
Cheon Hwa In’s eyes burned with fire as he emanated a menacing aura.
“Or perhaps my request was merely amusing to you?”
As Cheon Hwa In’s expression and tone grew increasingly disrespectful, the Sect Leaders could no longer restrain themselves.
“We indulged your unreasonable demands out of respect for Hwasan’s honor. This has gone far enough.”
They spoke in unison.
“Are you the Supreme Master of Murim, or is Hua Shan Sect the Supreme Master of Murim? Let us contact the Murim Alliance and settle this matter.”
In that instant, Cheon Hwa In flinched.
‘How did the Murim Alliance come up in conversation?’
Two Sect Leaders suddenly invoking the Murim Alliance as leverage.
Didn’t that mean they already knew his mission came from the Murim Alliance?
‘Could it be… those bastards?’
In that moment, Cheon Hwa In recalled the face of the dim-witted successor of the Seon Hwa Trading Company.
A man who should be selling goods from his merchant guild, yet dared to boast of becoming a Lord of the Murim Alliance.
Seon Woo Jin.
“What will you do?”
Faced with the Sect Leaders’ sharp response, Cheon Hwa In had no choice but to retreat.
“We shall discuss this matter further at another time.”
As Cheon Hwa In stepped outside, sparks of fury blazed in his eyes.
‘Fine then. I shall ensure you cannot succeed either.’
If he had failed, then their mission would fail as well.
But he never dreamed.
He had only devoted himself to martial arts. In the realm of Gangho where schemes and stratagems flourished, he lacked the ability to navigate the countless intricacies that unfolded.
And even if a hundred years passed…
He would never match the merchant heir he had so long dismissed and scorned for his apparent dullness.

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————