The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 405

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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 405.
Gwak Gu did not dare to look at her directly, stammering as he lowered his head.
“Lord Muk Hon Ryeong Ju… what brings you to this place?”
His incessant bowing revealed that any pride he held as a sect leader of Il Mun had been cast aside in an instant.
Muk Hon Ryeong Ju Bu Eunseol.
This new generation Grand Sect Master possessed not only formidable martial prowess but also exceptional strategic acumen.
Was it not said that even the sect leaders of the Ten Demonic Gates—the ten pillars that upheld the Demon Palace—did not dare to provoke her?
If she so desired, she could annihilate the Dokseom Sect with merely a single finger.
“I shall enter the Demon Palace!”
Gwak Gu knelt and spoke reverently to Bu Eunseol.
“I had refused because I thought a second-rate sect like ours would be of little help in the Demon Palace! But since you have graced us with your personal visit…”
“Unnecessary.”
“Pardon?”
Bu Eunseol regarded Gwak Gu, who blinked in confusion, and spoke in a low voice.
“Put on some clothes.”
“Yes, yes.”
Though bewildered, Gwak Gu hastily gathered his scattered garments and dressed himself.
“Bring me brush, ink, and paper.”
Bu Eunseol approached the table and addressed Gwak Gu.
“From this day forward, the Dokseom Sect shall purge all forces extending into the Gongchangbu region and swear a covenant never to encroach upon that territory again.”
“What do you mean so suddenly? Purge the forces in the Gongchangbu region?”
As Gwak Gu asked with a bewildered expression, Bu Eunseol spoke in a frigid tone.
“If you refuse, I shall have your sect withdraw entirely beyond Seomseong.”
Gwak Gu’s mouth fell open as he shook his head vigorously.
“No! That is not acceptable!”
A sect was not something that could be established merely by constructing buildings.
It required deep roots in a region cultivated over years, with various subordinate forces generating steady revenue.
The Dokseom Sect had spent decades establishing its own independent sphere of influence, beginning from Winam Mountain and extending through the Hanjungbu region to Gongchangbu.
To be ordered beyond Seomseong was tantamount to abandoning their foundation and sealing the sect’s fate.
“Is it truly sufficient if I merely write such a covenant?”
Gwak Gu could not comprehend this.
If Bu Eunseol had taken displeasure, it would have been far simpler for her to annihilate the Dokseom Sect entirely.
Yet she required only a covenant swearing not to encroach upon that territory?
“Within days, the Hua Shan Sect shall visit. Should you refuse to write such a covenant, they will immediately use force to expel the Dokseom Sect.”
“The… Hua Shan Sect?”
Gwak Gu’s eyes widened.
Bu Eunseol’s gaze was solemn, and she did not appear to be jesting.
“Even if the Hua Shan Sect does not come, the Gojeokmun and Nakyoungmun may also arrive.”
At Bu Eunseol’s words, Gwak Gu’s expression turned to shock.
“You were aware of even that?”
He had heard rumors that the successors of Gojeokmun and Nakyoungmun had developed into lovers, and that the two sects would merge as a result.
If that happened, he would never be able to expand his forces near Gongchangbu for the rest of his life.
He devised a scheme to sow discord between the two lovers, turning them into mortal enemies.
But that plan had failed.
The two sects, which had been fighting as if to kill each other, discovered the truth and simply ceased their conflict.
And if it were revealed that he had sown discord between the two successors, Gojeokmun and Nakyoungmun would surely seek retaliation.
“But if you write a blood oath, there will be no retaliation from them.”
Gwak Gu’s expression brightened.
Now he realized—Bu Eunseol had not come to save Dokseom Sect from crisis?
Swish, swish.
Without hesitation, Gwak Gu sat at the table and began wielding his brush.
“It is done.”
As he presented the blood oath, Bu Eunseol tucked it into her robe.
“I am deeply sorry. For the Lord to come in person for such a matter—and to aid our humble sect, which is not even incorporated into the Demon Palace.”
Gwak Gu’s expression was one of deep gratitude.
He believed Bu Eunseol had come here to prevent the annihilation of Dokseom Sect, a fellow Demonic Path sect.
“However, I must create a reason worthy of writing such an oath.”
“Pardon?”
But at Bu Eunseol’s next words, Gwak Gu’s eyes widened as if they might split.
“Take up brush and ink again, and write down in detail every evil deed and crime you have committed.”
“M-me? Write down the evil deeds I have committed?”
“Yes. Every single one. Without omission.”
From Bu Eunseol’s eyes streamed a blood-red light so intense it could melt steel.
“If even one deed is omitted, I will immediately sever your head and annihilate Dokseom Sect.”
* * *
Cheon Hwa In led his temporary unit forward with excellent spirits, displaying his lightness kung fu.
He had sent word to Hwasan Sect explaining the situation.
And he had already secured a promise from the Lord of Dokseom Sect that Hwasan Sect would spare no effort in supporting him so that the blood oath could be obtained.
‘No matter how bold the Lord of Dokseom Sect may be, once my sect becomes involved, he cannot refuse to write the oath.’
In the past, Hwasan Sect had already annihilated Hyeolddo Sect, a major Demonic Path faction, together with Jongnam Sect.
There was no way a second-rate sect like Dokseom Sect, merely established in the Winam Mountain region, could refuse the oath while defying the prestige of Hwasan Sect.
Whoosh.
Leading his unit with perfect discipline through lightness kung fu, Cheon Hwa In soon arrived near Winam Mountain, where Dokseom Sect was located.
But suddenly, with a sound of air-splitting, a man in the robes of the Murim Alliance appeared before him.
“Cheon So Hyeop.”
The man approached Cheon Hwa In and respectfully clasped his hands.
“I am Na Do Ryang, a martial artist of the Jinwi Party, belonging to the Gongchangbu branch of the Murim Alliance.”
“What brings you here?”
When Cheon Hwa In asked, Na Do Ryang clasped his hands and spoke.
“The mission to select the Lords is already complete, so the order is for you to return your unit to the Alliance.”
And he continued speaking.
“Elder Gu has sent word that you need not come to the Alliance headquarters—return to Hua Shan Sect instead.”
Cheon Hwa In’s ears betrayed him for a moment.
“What are you saying? The mission is complete?”
“Seon Woo Jin of the Seon Hwa Trading Company has already secured the oath from Dokseom Sect and returned to the Murim Alliance. Therefore….”
“What do you mean!”
Cheon Hwa In erupted.
“What nonsense is this? It’s only been four days since I accepted the mission!”
“That’s why….”
“Are you telling me that merchant guild bastard annihilated Dokseom Sect?”
“Cheon Hwa In. I am merely relaying what I have heard.”
At Na Do Ryang’s bewildered gaze, Cheon Hwa In shook his head in disbelief.
“That cannot be. It simply cannot be.”
He immediately spun around and thundered at his men.
“Return to the Murim Alliance at once!”
With eyes blazing, he unfurled his movement technique without a backward glance, racing toward Hanam.
Throughout the journey, he did not drink a single drop of water, continuously deploying his movement technique.
Even as his men grew exhausted and fell behind. Even when he chanced upon an old friend along the way.
He kept his eyes forward, rushing headlong toward the Murim Alliance.
‘How could this happen.’
He had originally been designated as the next sect leader of Hua Shan.
For he had been the first among the great masters to eliminate one of the Ten Demon Immortals, earning illustrious renown throughout Gangho and solidifying his position.
But perhaps because he had continued to advance without a single failure?
The arrogance and selfish nature he had long concealed began to gradually surface, and through them, he caused numerous incidents and troubles.
He had thought he had managed to keep them hidden well enough. But once the truth came to light, all the affairs he had concealed until now.
Were inevitably exposed.
In the end, the elders and disciples who had supported him turned their backs, and he could no longer aspire to become the next sect leader of Hua Shan.
But heaven had not abandoned him.
At just the right moment, under the leadership of Gu In Jeong, an elder of the Murim Alliance who cherished Cheon Hwa In and had been his sword master during his days as a great master…
He heard that a new division was being established to handle the various minor and major affairs of Gangho that the Murim Alliance’s sword division could not manage.
―Elder. If you grant me this opportunity, I shall dedicate myself entirely to the task.
Cheon Hwa In sought out Gu In Jeong and pleaded with him.
Though it was called a division to handle the various affairs of Gangho, it was a position with abundant opportunities to earn merit.
He could not possibly let this opportunity slip away.
At first Gu In Jeong refused, but he nodded at Cheon Hwa In’s earnest plea.
―This elder’s proposal to select a lord from among the promising talents attending the Renowned Masters’ Conference has been approved. If it is you, you will surely become a lord.
Gu In Jeong believed that if Cheon Hwa In reformed his heart and became an excellent lord, nothing could be better.
The more positions of influence in the Murim Alliance that Hua Shan’s people occupied, the greater his own influence would become.
But the plans of both men came to naught.
Undone by an entirely unexpected figure—Seon Woo Jin, the heir of the Seon Hwa Trading Company.
“Hah, hah.”
Cheon Hwa In’s body was drenched as if he had been pulled from water, having finally arrived at the entrance of the Murim Alliance.
His lips were cracked and parched, white spots dancing before his eyes, yet he bit down on his lip and walked forward slowly.
Upon reaching Jangsaeng Hall in the south of the Murim Alliance, he immediately headed toward the palace hall where Gu In Jeong was staying.
“How may I help you?”
A martial artist standing before the hall clasped his hands and asked, but Cheon Hwa In ignored him and passed through.
“You must state your identity and purpose.”
“Move aside.”
Despite the martial artist’s obstruction, Cheon Hwa In replied irritably and pushed past.
He was half-delirious at this point, lacking even the energy to waste words on a mere hall guardian.
“So Hyeop!”
As Cheon Hwa In attempted to force his way inside, Wi Sa finally drew his sword.
“If you enter without permission….”
“Never mind. Let him through.”
At that moment, Gu In Jeong had already emerged from Jangsaeng Hall.
“Elder!”
Cheon Hwa In spoke toward Gu In Jeong, his voice trembling.
“What on earth has happened? The Lords’ mission is already complete?”
“Several days ago, Seon Woo Jin brought the oath of Gwak Gu, the Lord of Dokseom Sect.”
“That must be a lie. How could such a thing….”
“It is true. Even before he brought that oath, all the forces of the Dokseom Sect disciples who had infiltrated Gongchangbu had already retreated.”
“That cannot be.”
Cheon Hwa In shook his head.
“I cannot believe it!”
He cried out sharply and rushed toward Deng Wu Dian where Yuk Jang Cheon was located.
He was, along with Gu In Jeong, the one responsible for the practical administration of establishing this Elite Division.
“Listen to my explanation first!”
Despite Gu In Jeong’s cry, Cheon Hwa In hastily rushed toward Deng Wu Dian.
Worried that Cheon Hwa In might cause trouble, Gu In Jeong drew upon his inner strength and prepared to unleash a gale wind.
Then, struck by some thought, he shook his head.
“No, that fellow needs to come to his senses now….”
Gu In Jeong shook his head.
Cheon Hwa In possessed exceptional martial talent, but his arrogant nature led him to look down upon others.
Moreover, having walked the path of success all his life, he was entirely unprepared to face setback or failure.
“If he learns from this failure and becomes a greater person, that is what matters.”
Gu In Jeong murmured softly.
However, it was not he who would teach this lesson this time.
In the end, he turned away with a bitter expression.
“Huff, huff.”
Meanwhile, as Cheon Hwa In rushed forward frantically, he could see Yuk Jang Cheon conversing with Yuk Cheong Ah at the pavilion before Deng Wu Dian.
“My Lord!”
Cheon Hwa In stood before him with an expression as though he were spitting blood.
“What in the world has happened?”
And he cried out loudly in disbelief.
“How could someone from that merchant guild possibly obtain a sworn oath from Dokseom Sect?”
“Hmph.”
At Cheon Hwa In’s disrespectful demeanor, anger flashed in Yuk Jang Cheon’s eyes.
But upon seeing his appearance, he let out a sigh.
Without drinking even a single drop of water, he had traveled here by performing lightness kung fu without rest day and night, so his entire body was covered in dust and his lips were cracked.
Seeing such a state, he could not bring himself to rebuke him.
“You look like a wounded beast.”
“My Lord.”
“Yes. What is it you wish to say?”
Cheon Hwa In shook his head in disbelief.
“After receiving my orders, I arrived at Dokseom Sect in merely four days. Yet….”
“How could someone from a merchant guild obtain a sworn oath from Dokseom Sect to withdraw their forces faster than you? Is that what you mean to say?”
Yuk Jang Cheon cut off Cheon Hwa In’s words and looked down at him with sharp eyes.
“Not only you, but the leadership, including myself as Lord, harbored the same question.”
Yuk Jang Cheon’s eyes narrowed as he recalled those moments.
“So I summoned him and questioned him about the facts. Before not only myself but also Gu Elder and several other Lords.”
* * *
The conference hall within Deng Wu Dian.
At the great table sat Deng Wu Dian Lord Yuk Jang Cheon and Elder Gu In Jeong, along with five Lords involved in the establishment of the Elite Division.
And standing respectfully across from them was a youth with refined features and sparkling eyes.
It was none other than Bu Eunseol, who was posing as the successor of Seon Hwa Trading Company.
‘Unexpectedly, there is substance here.’
Seeing how Bu Eunseol calmly met the gazes of himself and Gu In Jeong, Yuk Jang Cheon nodded inwardly.
“It has been confirmed that the sworn oath you brought was written in the personal hand of Dokseom Sect Lord Gwak Gu, and that he is faithfully carrying out those orders.”
At that moment, Gu In Jeong rose from his seat and scrutinized Bu Eunseol with piercing eyes.
“However, to accomplish such a thing in merely a few days is utterly difficult to comprehend. This is the unanimous thought of all the leadership, not just this elder.”
Gu In Jeong spoke with a solemn expression.
“Explain to me—by what method did you obtain a sworn oath from Dokseom Sect Lord?”
His voice grew increasingly sharp.
“If you cannot explain precisely, this alliance’s investigation unit may detain you and uncover the circumstances. Do you understand what I am saying?”
“I understand.”
“Then explain. How did you accomplish this?”
Bu Eunseol nodded without hesitation and produced a scroll from within his robe.
“It is this.”
Gu In Jeong furrowed his brow and accepted the scroll.
And as he unrolled it, his eyes widened greatly.
Wasn’t that place filled with detailed accounts of his shameful misdeeds and secrets?
“What is this?”
“It is a record of all the evil acts and crimes committed by Gwak Gu, the Lord of Dokseom Sect.”
Bu Eunseol spoke calmly.
“He spared no dirty deed in order to elevate Dokseom Sect. He could not even enter the Demon Palace for fear that such things would be exposed.”
“Hmm.”
Gu In Jeong, who had released a long sigh, spoke.
“Where on earth did you obtain such information?”
“Our merchant guild possesses sufficient capital. And ‘information’ is something that can be purchased with gold.”
“Nonsense. Are you claiming that you obtained such information within mere days of accepting our Alliance’s commission?”
“Of course not.”
Bu Eunseol’s response flowed like a spring.
“When Daeun Merchant Group passed through Winam Mountain in the past, there was a major conflict with Dokseom Sect. At that time, Daeun Merchant Group had already completed its investigation of Gwak Gu in order to eliminate the sect lord.”
Bu Eunseol paused briefly before continuing calmly.
“However, not long after, Daeun Merchant Group collapsed in an instant due to being discovered in dealings with forces plotting treason, and so this information became useless.”
Gu In Jeong was left speechless.
How could such a remarkable coincidence have occurred?
As Gu In Jeong stared at Bu Eunseol’s face for a long moment, his complexion flushed red and then pale.
“So? Did you blackmail Gwak Gu with this information? Acting alone?”
Instead of answering, Bu Eunseol smiled faintly.
That subtle smile appeared to be a laugh that reproached Gu In Jeong’s suspicion.
Displeased in that instant, Gu In Jeong turned to Yuk Jang Cheon and opened his mouth.
“I cannot trust this elder. If someone from a merchant guild possessed such exceptional talent, why has their reputation not been known until now?”
“Gu Elder.”
Yuk Jang Cheon shook his head.
“Seon Woo So Hyeop’s true nature was merely concealed by their position in the merchant world. They are an exceptionally talented successor. That is why they received an invitation to the Renowned Masters Tournament.”
“I cannot believe it. Begin an investigation of them at once. The selection of Elite Division Lords is a matter for later.”
“It has already been done.”
Yuk Jang Cheon handed a thin document to Gu In Jeong.
It contained the career and character of Seon Woo Jin, the successor of Seon Hwa Trading Company.
And his martial prowess ranking and everything else related to him was recorded in meticulous detail.
“As it turns out, Seon Woo So Hyeop inherited the lineage of Moo Ae Ja. However, their martial achievements remained unknown because they had been occupied with merchant guild affairs and only dealt with bandit gangs.”
“An inheritor of Moo Ae Ja?”
Gu Jeong In’s eyes widened.
Moo Ae Ja was a legendary master from three hundred years ago who dominated Dae Mak with nothing but a single curved blade.
And Seon Woo Jin was his inheritor?
“Furthermore, Seon Hwa Trading Company was not a small merchant guild either. Contrary to what was known, it possessed financial resources comparable to the Ten Great Merchant Guilds.”
At Yuk Jang Cheon’s words, Bu Eunseol smiled faintly.
The identity of Seon Hwa Trading Company’s successor, created by Shin San Ja, was flawless—no matter who investigated, they could find no flaw.
Because Bu Eunseol had already investigated this matter through Sa Hon Dae beforehand, I could dare to apply for a position as a Lord of the Murim Alliance.
“With Seon Woo So Hyeop’s capabilities, he could have even silently assassinated the Dokseom Sect Leader.”
“Hmm.”
Gu In Jeong, who had nothing to say, let out a heavy sigh.
Who would have imagined that Seon Woo Jin, known merely as the successor to a merchant guild, possessed such a background?
“Seon Woo So Hyeop has completed every mission without complaint, even under disadvantageous circumstances. Does this alone not demonstrate sufficient qualifications to become a Lord of the Elite Division?”
Yuk Jang Cheon spoke with candid sincerity.
“Elder Gu. Let us entrust this Elite Division to Seon Woo So Hyeop.”
Gu In Jeong’s body trembled slightly.
It was because his own stubborn insistence until now flashed before him like a lantern show of past deeds.
The Lords who had supported Gu In Jeong’s position until now also remained silent.
“Very well.”
Gu In Jeong, having set aside all personal sentiment, lowered his head and spoke.
“I too shall consent to him becoming Lord of the Elite Division.”
* * *
After hearing the full explanation from Yuk Jang Cheon, Cheon Hwa In’s eyes had lost all focus.
“He was… a successor of Moo Ae Ja.”
The Seon Hwa Trading Company, which he had thought was merely a small merchant guild buried in Gwan Oe, possessed far greater wealth than was known…
And Seon Woo Jin, the trading company’s successor who had merely dealt with bandit gangs, was actually a successor of Moo Ae Ja, the legendary figure of Dae Mak?
“But was this success not achieved through his wealth and information he happened to obtain?”
To Cheon Hwa In’s protest, Yuk Jang Cheon actually agreed with him.
“Of course. Under normal circumstances, you could have competed with him for the Lord’s position a while longer.”
Then he spoke with a solemn expression.
“But the moment you heard that he had succeeded in his mission first, you abandoned your subordinates and rushed back to the Alliance, or so I’m told.”
“That was…”
“A commander’s position is not merely one that wields great power. It carries equally great responsibility.”
Yuk Jang Cheon’s expression grew bitter.
“From the moment you abandoned your subordinates and returned to the Alliance, you had already forfeited your qualification to hold the position of Lord. Do you understand what I’m saying?”
Cheon Hwa In lowered his head.
Even with ten mouths, he would have had nothing to say.
He had viewed this Lord’s position solely as a stepping stone for his own advancement.
He had never once considered the welfare of his subordinates.
“The Alliance, unlike in the past, now strictly forbids selecting Lords based solely on martial prowess or connections.”
Yuk Jang Cheon’s expression grew increasingly stern.
“As you well know, the Alliance has already experienced such mistakes.”
Cheon Geom, who had become a first-rank Lord of the Murim Alliance in an instant due to his exceptional martial skill and his status as a disciple of Geom Joon.
Yet he had neglected his subordinates and abused his power alone, ultimately leaving behind a disgrace that death itself could not wash away.
Since then, the Murim Alliance had not only strictly forbidden granting the Lord’s position based on connections and martial prowess alone.
Lords who neglected their subordinates and pursued only their own gain were summarily expelled.
Cheon Hwa In’s actions of abandoning his subordinates and returning were particularly unforgivable, as they closely resembled Cheon Geom’s past conduct.
“I understand.”
Realizing that everything had finally come to an end, Cheon Hwa In closed his eyes and turned away.
His arrogance had caused him to squander every good opportunity he had pursued until now.
He had been sidelined in the succession struggle within Hua Shan Sect, and had revealed both his arrogance and his weaknesses to the leadership of the Murim Alliance.
Now, there was no place for him to stand—neither in Hua Shan Sect nor in the Murim Alliance.
Thud, thud.
Cheon Hwa In walked forward with his head bowed, his steps devoid of strength.
His slow, heavy movements resembled the gait of an ordinary commoner who had never learned martial arts.
The one thing young masters who had entered the Transcendent Realm must guard against most carefully: negative emotions such as despair and frustration.
Young prodigies who had enjoyed unbroken success, once consumed by despair they could not overcome, would suffer an irreversible spiritual collapse—and such collapse would inevitably lead to a rapid decline in martial power.
‘There is no need to even cripple his cultivation.’
A shadow watched from afar.
It was Bu Eunseol.
‘He has already become a cripple.’
Cheon Hwa In would never rise again after this.
He, who had spent his life dismissing those around him and living as he pleased, would find no one to guide him forward, no faction willing to lend him aid.
Thus, there was no need to lift a hand to cripple his cultivation.
―Well done.
From the distant sky, Young Moon Ho seemed to smile calmly.
Bu Eunseol sent a somewhat melancholy yet radiant smile toward the heavens.
In honor of him who would escape the Gangho, marked by sorrow and misfortune, and live in happiness.

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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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