The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 404

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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 404.
Gongchangbu, the Banquet Hall of Nakying Inn.
Bu Eunseol, Tae Mu Ryong, and Jeong Jong Do sat before a broad table in that place.
“Your words were correct, Lord.”
Tae Mu Ryong opened his mouth.
“On the surface, the conflict appeared to stem from discord among the Sect Leaders, with their disciples clashing against one another… but upon investigation, the circumstances proved entirely different.”
He was now reporting his findings to Bu Eunseol.
“The successors of Gojeokmun and Nakyoungmun had fallen in love with each other and were meeting in secret. Because of this, the two sects grew so close that rumors even emerged of them pursuing a merger.”
For sects with entirely different histories and martial techniques to unite would normally be unthinkable.
But Gojeokmun and Nakyoungmun shared the same roots, making it possible.
“With a history spanning less than two hundred years as a newly founded sect, and martial techniques rooted in the same foundation… had the two become formally betrothed, the merger of both sects would have been merely a matter of time.”
Tae Mu Ryong continued his explanation calmly.
“However, due to some incident, the lovers quarreled bitterly and became enemies. In their fury, they attacked each other, and both suffered grave injuries. As a result, Gojeokmun and Nakyoungmun transformed into mortal enemies.”
“I see. Did you discover the cause of their conflict?”
“From what we’ve learned, it appears an external force was involved.”
This time, Tae Mu Ryong answered Bu Eunseol’s question.
“Near Angang, adjacent to Gojeokmun and Nakyoungmun, there exists a Demonic Path sect called Dokseom Sect. They have been constantly seeking to expand their influence toward Gongchangbu.”
“I see.”
“However, because of Gojeokmun and Nakyoungmun’s presence, they could not easily extend their reach. But had those two sects merged… they would have become a formidable sect that Dokseom Sect could never challenge, let alone approach, for the rest of their existence.”
Tae Mu Ryong spoke with a grave expression.
“From Dokseom Sect’s perspective, they would have wanted to prevent the merger of those two sects at any cost. Therefore, the probability that Dokseom Sect was involved in the conflict between the two sects is quite high.”
“Are you certain?”
At Bu Eunseol’s question, Tae Mu Ryong shook his head with a regretful expression.
“We have not yet found clear evidence of Dokseom Sect’s involvement due to insufficient time. However, if you grant us a little more time, I will certainly uncover it.”
After hearing all the explanations, Bu Eunseol nodded.
In truth, I had also quietly mobilized the Sa Hon Dae’s intelligence organization to investigate the cause of the deadly conflict between Gojeokmun and Nakyoungmun.
Yet Tae Mu Ryong and Jeong Jong Do, through direct footwork and investigation, had gathered information with remarkable speed and accuracy, completing their analysis as well.
Save for their inability to secure evidence regarding Dokseom Sect due to limited manpower and time…
Their ability to handle intelligence and predict circumstances was truly comparable to that of a Lord of any elite intelligence division.
‘This speaks to their exceptional insight and strategic wisdom.’
“You have worked hard.”
Bu Eunseol nodded and spoke.
“However, there is no need for further investigation.”
I then produced two scrolls and distributed them to Tae Mu Ryong and Jeong Jong Do respectively.
“What is this?”
“Evidence that Dokseom Sect was involved in the conflict between the two successors.”
Tae Mu Ryong and Jeong Jong Do were greatly startled and unrolled the scrolls.
Within them were detailed accounts of evidence showing how Dokseom Sect had cunningly orchestrated a scheme to drive the two successors toward ruin.
“They deliberately approached them and fabricated accusations that they intended to steal the opposing sect’s secret martial techniques.”
Tae Mu Ryong, having read the scrolls, opened his mouth in astonishment.
“With this evidence, I can persuade both successors and immediately halt the conflict between the sects.”
Jeong Jong Do opened his mouth to ask.
“But how did you obtain such information?”
“Merchants are the most sensitive to information.”
Bu Eunseol wore a faint smile.
“The moment I received the assignment, I borrowed the strength of the intelligence organization that assists my trading company.”
Tae Mu Ryong and Jeong Jong Do exchanged bewildered glances.
If she had already obtained this evidence, she could have simply called the two successors, conveyed the information, and reconciled them—the matter would have been settled.
Had she done so, she could have quickly passed the Murim Alliance’s test and become a Lord… yet she deliberately spent time and resources entrusting the investigation to them?
“You were training us.”
Tae Mu Ryong nodded as if he had grasped something.
“To resolve any incident, one must first verify proper information. And that means understanding how to obtain such information and how to handle it.”
Bu Eunseol smiled broadly.
“Precisely. From now on, you two will handle many matters on my behalf. So it’s not a bad idea to practice beforehand through this opportunity.”
Tae Mu Ryong and Jeong Jong Do widened their eyes.
Only now did they realize that the person before them was not merely a successor to a trading company… but possessed the exceptional wisdom and strategic acumen to outmaneuver even formidable sect leaders.
“However, even with this evidence, it won’t be easy to meet those two and persuade them.”
Bu Eunseol spoke calmly, regarding both men.
“From now on, you two will go separately to Gojeokmun and Nakyoungmun and make discreet contact with their successors. And if you arrange a meeting where the two can clear up their misunderstanding…”
Bu Eunseol smiled.
“This mission will conclude successfully.”
Murim Alliance, Grand Council Chamber.
Originally, this was where all the senior leaders under the Murim Alliance Master gathered to discuss critical matters.
But now in the Grand Council Chamber were Yuk Jang Cheon, the Lord of Deng Wu Dian, and Gu In Jeong, an elder from the Hua Shan Sect.
Only the senior leaders involved in the establishment of this new division were assembled.
“I hear the provisional division led by Seon Woo Jin, the successor of the Seon Hwa Trading Company, cleanly mediated the conflict between Gojeokmun and Nakyoungmun.”
Yuk Jang Cheon spoke, regarding Gu In Jeong.
“It turns out that Dokseom Sect was involved in the dispute between the two sects. They drove the successors, who were once lovers, to become mortal enemies.”
Despite the continued explanation, Gu In Jeong showed no reaction.
“It seems that Seon Woo Jin would be the most suitable candidate to become the Lord of the Gangho Division and Elite Division we’re establishing.”
As Yuk Jang Cheon drove home his point, Gu In Jeong finally opened his mouth.
“But wasn’t it not his ability that resolved this matter?”
“What do you mean?”
“Didn’t Cheon Hwa In call the two sect leaders and publicly reconcile them? Yet when their conflict persisted, Seon Woo Jin merely reaped the benefits by obtaining the information.”
Gu In Jeong continued to speak nonsense.
“If Cheon Hwa In had not stepped forward first and revealed that their conflict was not a simple matter, then Seon Woo Jin could never have resolved it so easily.”
Yuk Jang Cheon barely suppressed a hollow laugh and opened his mouth.
“Gu Elder. I’ll speak frankly with you.”
“What is it?”
“I acknowledge that you made the greatest effort in establishing this Elite Division. As a result, it became directly subordinate to the Elder Council.”
“….”
“But the Elite Division was established precisely to handle the miscellaneous matters the Murim Alliance’s Sword Division cannot resolve, was it not? We need individuals who excel not only in martial prowess but in resourcefulness and quick thinking.”
Yuk Jang Cheon sighed as he spoke.
“I am well aware that Gu Elder has always had Cheon Hwa In in mind as the Lord of the Elite Division. I myself agreed that he, being of exceptional caliber, possesses the qualities to lead the Elite Division admirably.”
He continued with utmost gravity.
“But if someone of superior talent were to emerge, would it not be only natural to grant him the position of Lord?”
Gu In Jeong fell silent for a moment before nodding.
“Of course. If he proves to be a superior talent surpassing Hwa In, then he should naturally become the Lord.”
“Then….”
“But this incident has not clearly demonstrated that he surpasses Hwa In.”
Gu In Jeong averted his gaze, as though uncomfortable with his own words.
“The original task was to eliminate the conflict between Gojeokmun and Nakyoungmun, was it not?”
He paused briefly before continuing.
“Since Dokseom Sect can be identified as the true culprit, if they are not properly dealt with, the conflict may arise again.”
Yuk Jang Cheon, grasping Gu In Jeong’s meaning, furrowed his thick brows and shook his head.
“Gu Elder. The Temporary Division has not even properly assembled its members yet. How can we possibly overcome them?”
“Even if we cannot defeat them, we can certainly push back the forces they have extended into Gongchangbu, can we not? Handling various matters without resorting to force is precisely the duty of the Elite Division.”
Gu In Jeong spoke with brazen composure.
“Let us make it so that whoever obtains a sworn oath from Dokseom Sect—that they will withdraw their forces extended into Gongchangbu and never encroach upon our territory—becomes the Lord of the Elite Division.”
Yuk Jang Cheon fell silent.
It was an unreasonable demand without merit, yet his hesitation stemmed from a single reason.
The mission Gu In Jeong proposed was an exceptionally suitable one for confirming the capabilities of an Elite Division Lord.
‘Dokseom Sect is certainly the instigator behind the collision between Gojeokmun and Nakyoungmun….’
After a moment of deliberation, Yuk Jang Cheon nodded.
“Very well. This is truly the last time.”
And with utmost seriousness, he spoke.
“At the next meeting, we must not discuss the selection of a Lord, but rather determine the direction in which the Elite Division should be led.”
Gu In Jeong nodded as though it were obvious.
“Of course.”
―Behind the conflict between Gojeokmun and Nakyoungmun lay the scheming of Dokseom Sect.
―The task was to obtain a sworn oath from Dokseom Sect that they would withdraw their forces extended into Gongchangbu and never encroach again.
Whoever obtained this oath would be deemed to have completed the mission.
A new directive from the Murim Alliance had been issued.
The true culprit behind the incident involving Gojeokmun and Nakyoungmun was none other than Dokseom Sect.
Therefore, the Murim Alliance declared that obtaining a sworn oath from Dokseom Sect—that they would never extend their forces toward Gongchangbu—constituted the completion of the mission.
“It begins again.”
Tae Mu Ryong and Jeong Jong Do, having received the directive from the Murim Alliance, bit their lips.
“Gu Elder has orchestrated this deliberately.”
No matter how insignificant Dokseom Sect was as a Demonic Path faction, they commanded over three hundred disciples.
The three of them had no means to coerce or persuade Dokseom Sect.
However, Cheon Hwa In had been assigned twenty martial artists from the Murim Alliance—seasoned veterans of Gangho with exceptional skills. And more importantly, didn’t the Hua Shan Sect stand behind him?
“Wasn’t this mission designed with the Hua Shan Sect’s backing in mind from the start?”
Jeong Jong Do spat out the words as if chewing them.
“On the surface, twenty elite warriors are sent to the Dokseom Sect, but it’s as good as having the Hua Shan Sect behind them. The Dokseom Sect Leader will never dare defy Cheon Hwa In’s commands.”
Tae Mu Ryong spoke with equal gravity.
“Precisely. It seems the Murim Alliance intends to appoint Cheon Hwa In as the Lord of the Elite Division without question.”
The expressions of both men darkened.
Seon Woo Jin possessed exceptional martial prowess and strategic brilliance.
Yet no matter how talented a single individual might be, they could not stand against the pressure of those wielding such formidable power.
“Would it not be better to expose this injustice to the other leaders of the Murim Alliance?”
Tae Mu Ryong grasped at a thread of hope.
“The Murim Alliance has the Law Enforcement Hall and the Inspection Bureau. If we revealed all the irregularities thus far….”
“Impossible.”
Bu Eunseol shook her head.
“This could not be the unilateral decision of Elder Gu In Jeong alone. It must be something the leadership has discussed and agreed upon together.”
At her resolute words, Tae Mu Ryong and Jeong Jong Do hung their heads.
They understood it too.
That no matter how hard they tried, there was no way forward. That all their efforts thus far had been nothing but meaningless struggling.
Yet they had harbored a faint hope—that perhaps a miracle might occur if they stood with Seon Woo Jin.
But now even that hope had turned to bubbles.
“Is there truly any need to enter such a corrupt and contemptible organization as the Murim Alliance?”
Jeong Jong Do spoke as if to console Bu Eunseol.
“Why not instead establish your own Seon Hwa Sect? With your abilities and resources, you could make it a leading power in Murim within a decade.”
“Indeed. If that were to happen, we could follow and serve you as Lord for the rest of our lives, could we not?”
When even Tae Mu Ryong agreed, Bu Eunseol smiled softly.
If these men had been Lords of the Sayoung Battle Division?
Even if they fell together, they would have devised some scheme to strike a blow against the leadership.
But because they were righteous-path figures, their thinking was remarkably principled.
Moreover, despite having worked together for barely half a month, they possessed such deep loyalty that they would pledge their devotion to Bu Eunseol.
“Do not worry.”
Bu Eunseol rose from her seat and spoke.
“That will not happen.”
“What do you mean?”
“Once I complete this mission, I will certainly become an official Lord.”
“How so?”
Bu Eunseol averted Jeong Jong Do’s gaze and looked out the window as she spoke.
“If our enemies wield power to perpetrate corruption, then we too can resolve this by matching their methods, can we not?”
“Then….”
Tae Mu Ryong and Jeong Jong Do locked eyes, their expressions widening with realization.
They understood—Bu Eunseol intended to leverage the Seon Hwa Trading Company’s connections to resolve this matter.
―Can the Merchant Guild’s connections accomplish that?
I harbored doubts, though I wasn’t particularly worried.
After all, Bu Eunseol had consistently delivered results up until now.
“However, Cheon Hwa In likely rushed to Winam Mountain where the Dokseom Sect is located the moment he received his orders.”
Tae Mu Ryong spoke as if recalling something at that moment.
“They will be faster than seeking aid from other powers, my Lord.”
“That’s no concern.”
Bu Eunseol’s eyes crinkled into crescents as she smiled.
“They will come away empty-handed.”
Rising from her seat, Bu Eunseol continued.
“I will resolve this matter alone. The two of you must return to the Murim Alliance immediately.”
She then withdrew three thin manuals from her robes and offered them forward.
“Study these upon your return. And pass the remaining one to the new members you recruit later.”
Tae Mu Ryong and Jeong Jong Do were greatly astonished as they opened the manuals.
What Bu Eunseol had provided were martial techniques and lightness skills that would supplement the deficiencies in their own martial arts.
Moreover, the martial arts to be taught to the new members were far superior to those typically studied by ordinary Murim Alliance warriors.
“How did you possibly obtain such martial techniques?”
“Wealth can accomplish far more than one might imagine.”
Bu Eunseol wore a faint smile.
“Return to the Alliance and train. I will handle this matter.”
Only then did Tae Mu Ryong and Jeong Jong Do realize one crucial fact.
Their superior possessed not only exceptional martial prowess and strategic brilliance, but also mysterious backing of unknown origin.
“We accept your command.”
Tae Mu Ryong and Jeong Jong Do instinctively bowed deeply, clasping their hands together.
The Dokseom Sect.
A Demonic Path Sect located on Winam Mountain in Seomseong.
Though the name suggested a focus on poison, they primarily wielded saber techniques—a second-rate blade sect within the Demonic Path.
Yet the name Dokseom Sect existed for two specific reasons.
First, they always coated their blades with potent toxins.
Second, they primarily employed ground saber techniques, executing their blade methods while lying flat against the earth.
Before they deployed their ground saber techniques, their prone posture resembled a poison toad, thus earning them the name Dokseom Sect.
Having pacified the Winam Mountain region with bizarre poisons and ever-shifting ground saber techniques, the Dokseom Sect constantly sought to expand their influence into Gongchangbu.
However, similar-sized sects like Gojeokmun and Nakyoungmun stood in their way, causing their attempts to repeatedly fail.
The Dokseom Sect’s Chanying Pavilion.
The residence of Gwak Gu, the Dokseom Sect Master, known as the Poison Blade of the Pressing Hand.
He was fond of women and had never slept alone for even a single night. Having finished his exertions, Gwak Gu lay in deep slumber, embracing his concubine.
A faint sound of wind-cutting pierced the air.
Yet something was amiss.
The soft body of the concubine he held suddenly stiffened like a log.
A very thin, piercing sound was heard, and the soft body of the concubine he was holding suddenly became stiff and hard as a log.
“Who are you?!”
Gwak Gu sensed something amiss and sprang from his bed in one fluid motion.
A Black Shadow loomed before him in the darkness of the chamber, standing perfectly still.
“Who dares enter?!”
Gwak Gu’s thunderous cry carried the weight of his inner power, shaking the entire Dokseom Sect.
Naturally, his subordinates should have come running at such a sound. Yet strangely, the surroundings remained deathly silent.
“Don’t harbor false hopes. No matter how loudly you scream, your voice won’t reach beyond this place.”
Only then did Gwak Gu perceive the faint ripple of qi energy surrounding his chamber.
The shadow had somehow constructed a barrier of qi to seal away all sound.
‘This is an opponent I cannot face.’
Creating such a sound-blocking barrier of qi required the cultivation of at least the highest third rank.
Gwak Gu realized the shadow before him was an absolute master he could never hope to touch, and he clenched his teeth.
Yet he was a Sect Leader of Il Mun, a seasoned veteran who had survived countless brushes with death.
Though he recognized the shadow’s formidable martial prowess, he spoke with unwavering confidence.
“You are indeed a master of great skill. What is it you seek?”
Whoosh.
Instead of answering, the shadow took a step forward from the darkness.
Then, reflected in the moonlight streaming through the window, a young man’s face became visible.
His beauty was so striking that even Wol Gung Hang Ah would lower her gaze in shame.
Yet his dignified eyes burned with a crimson gleam, and an aura of such overwhelming presence radiated from his entire being that it seemed capable of supporting the heavens themselves.
“Muk Hon Ryeong Ju…?”
Gwak Gu’s eyes widened to the point of bursting from their sockets.
As a Sect Leader of Il Mun, he was necessarily well-versed in the appearances and information of all major figures within the Demonic Path.
Especially this young prodigy of the new generation—Muk Hon Ryeong Ju—who had completely overturned the existing system and atmosphere of the Demon Hall and forged his own unprecedented path.
Why had this terrifying figure, now a name no one in the Demonic Path could afford to ignore, suddenly invaded his private quarters?

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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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