The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 412

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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 412.
After a prolonged silence, Bu Eunseol tilted her head curiously.
“Must I continue standing here?”
Only then did Wi Sa regain his composure and open the door.
“Please, do come in.”
As the firmly sealed door swung open, a vast courtyard and numerous palace halls came into view.
Within the grand manor, an atmosphere of profound tranquility and solemnity pervaded the air—as though revealing the Dang Family’s insular nature itself.
The Dang Family’s cardinal principle was absolute secrecy: their martial techniques were transmitted only to blood relatives, and any man who wished to marry a daughter of the Dang Family must become a live-in son-in-law.
That such a closed and hierarchical clan, with power concentrated entirely in the family head’s hands, could maintain such formidable influence spoke volumes.
It was precisely because the Dang Family’s orthodox and secret techniques were so extraordinarily refined.
‘If the San Dok Mun hadn’t acted recklessly… then surely they were the ones who orchestrated this.’
As Bu Eunseol walked forward, lost in such contemplations, Wi Sa had already guided them to the palace hall reserved for receiving outsiders.
“Please ascend this way.”
Upon entering the Guest Hall following Wi Sa’s guidance, the soft patter of footsteps announced the arrival of three figures.
They were Dang Gon, the young family head, his sister Dang Cheong, and Dang Sung—Dang Pae’s brother who oversaw the management of the Outer Quarters.
“Welcome.”
Dang Gon clasped his hands respectfully.
“I am Dang Gon.”
The newly appointed young family head had reportedly mastered all eight secret techniques of the Dang Family.
Moreover, having recently completed a period of secluded cultivation, his inner energy had become even more refined and elevated.
“I am Seon Woo Jin, Master of the Elite Division.”
As Bu Eunseol clasped her hands in return, Dang Cheong fixed her with an intense stare.
Since she already knew of the woman’s unique ability, Bu Eunseol had meticulously altered even her scent.
Thus, Dang Cheong remained completely unaware of her true identity.
“The Elite… Division?”
Dang Sung blinked, hearing this unfamiliar organization name for the first time.
“Which faction does the Elite Division belong to, and what rank are you?”
Bu Eunseol replied calmly.
“I am a Third-Rank Master of the Star Guard. My primary duties involve handling matters both great and small throughout the Gangho.”
“A Third-Rank Master of the Star Guard?”
Dang Sung’s expression grew bewildered as he tilted his head.
“Can a Third-Rank Master even be affiliated with the Star Guard?”
“Since it was recently established, we receive our assignments from Deng Wu Dian.”
Witnessing Bu Eunseol’s composed demeanor, Dang Sung let out an exclamation of understanding.
“Ah, I see. The Murim Alliance is sending a special envoy separately. You came ahead to assist that envoy.”
“No. Our Alliance dispatched our division specifically in response to the Dang Family’s mediation request.”
In that instant, Dang Sung’s expression became as though he had been struck from behind.
“You sent a newly created Third-Rank division… for this mediation?”
He staggered backward, visibly shaken by the revelation.
He would not have been so flustered even if Bu Eunseol had spat directly in his face.
“This is… wrong.”
Only then did he grasp how the Murim Alliance viewed this incident.
“For such a matter to unfold while the Family Head lies ill.”
Dang Sung shook his head as he regarded Dang Gon.
“I should never have harbored such expectations.”
With shoulders drooping, he spoke to Dang Gon without strength.
“There are pressing matters awaiting my attention. I shall take my leave.”
Dang Cheong bit her lip and turned away as she spoke.
“The Murim Alliance conducts itself in such a manner? I shall send word to Shaolin at once!”
As the two departed, the Guest Hall fell silent and hollow.
Yet Dang Gon maintained a serene smile, as though nothing had transpired.
“Forgive their rudeness. The Main House’s members possess rather volatile temperaments.”
“Think nothing of it.”
“I have prepared quarters for you. After such a long journey, you should rest and recover.”
If shock were measured, Dang Gon would have been the most startled.
Yet his expression remained composed, and every movement bore the confident bearing of the next Family Head.
‘Still clinging to sentiment, are you?’
Bu Eunseol found his gentle and gracious demeanor welcome, though she felt a twinge of regret.
She had advised him to become ruthless, yet he maintained such a soft and courteous manner still.
But his next words revealed to her that this was a misconception.
“And you need harbor no concerns, Lord Seon Woo.”
Dang Gon spoke calmly.
“It was not I who requested aid from the Murim Alliance, but my uncle Dang Sung. With the Family Head bedridden, my uncle merely hoped to see this matter resolved favorably.”
From Dang Gon’s entire being emanated an inviolable majesty and a tyrannical aura that seemed to cleave heaven and earth asunder.
“However, I harbor no such intentions. I shall impart a lesson to ensure they never dare provoke us again.”
A low rumble echoed.
In that instant, behind Dang Gon’s form, an illusion of eight colossal elephants seemed to manifest.
The Realm of Eight Elephants.
When inner and outer energy reach their zenith, one emanates a presence as though towering elephants stand before all.
Though Dang Gon had remained secluded and earned little renown, he was no ordinary man.
He had already transcended into the Transcendent Realm and mastered all Eight Great Secret Arts, cultivating stable inner and outer energy.
A faint smile crossed her lips.
Bu Eunseol smiled.
Dang Gon had not only cultivated exceptional martial prowess but also harbored the same convictions as she did.
He had already become a worthy successor to lead the Dang Family.
“You need not worry excessively, Young Lord.”
Bu Eunseol spoke to Dang Gon with a clear and resonant voice.
“I too shall do my utmost to resolve the matter entrusted to me.”
Her eyes gleamed with unparalleled sharpness and brilliance.
“So I ask that you place your trust in me.”
Dang Gon tilted his head for a moment, then a mysterious smile played across his lips.
“I understand.”
* * *
The next day. Within the Sichuan Dang Family, at Bong Jeong Gak.
This was the Great Conference Hall where the leadership of the Dang Family deliberated on various matters.
At the center of the table in Bong Jeong Gak sat Dang Gon, and beside him stood Bu Eunseol dressed in white robes.
And on the opposite side sat three middle-aged men in colorful garments with cold expressions.
They were precisely the three supreme lords from the San Dok Mun in Yunnan.
Though they held the rank of lord, since San Dok Mun had no deputy lord position, they wielded power second only to the sect master.
Moreover, as veteran members of the independent sects that dominated Yunnan, all three emanated considerable martial auras.
‘Curious.’
Yet Dang Gon found himself more concerned with Bu Eunseol standing beside him than with the three lords of San Dok Mun.
The way she stood calmly at his side made it appear as though she were positioning herself as his subordinate.
‘Regardless of coming as a newly appointed third-rank lord, a special envoy from the Murim Alliance shouldn’t need to do this.’
Dang Gon shook his head with a wry smile as he pondered this.
‘Is she trying to make a good impression on me?’
Having just been appointed a third-rank lord, she would naturally be filled with passion and ambition.
Perhaps she desperately desired to build connections with the young master of one of the Eight Great Families.
‘She certainly seems to possess the ability to harbor such ambitions.’
When the young lord Seon Woo Jin took her position beside him, Dang Gon felt as though he had gained ten thousand soldiers.
It was a vibration of true energy that could only be felt from exceptional martial experts.
‘They said she was Moo Ae Ja’s successor.’
The moment he arrived at the Dang Family, Dang Gon had mobilized his intelligence organization.
And he had conducted a detailed investigation into the elite division lord Seon Woo Jin.
Cheon Ae Bi Do, Seon Woo Jin.
A master from the merchant world who had built her reputation traveling between the Sae Oe Merchant Guild, known for her exceptional strategic mind.
Moreover, she had competed against Cheon Hwa In for the lord position at the martial arts tournament and won decisively, so her martial skills were certainly considerable for her generation.
‘But she chose the wrong side.’
Dang Gon clicked his tongue as he looked at Bu Eunseol standing beside him.
‘She was drawn into a task the Murim Alliance has abandoned.’
And the three lords dispatched from San Dok Mun shared the same thought.
―The Murim Alliance has indeed withdrawn.
The three lords of San Dok Mun wore satisfied smiles.
They knew that Dang Sung, the outer quarters master of the Dang Family, had requested the Murim Alliance to mediate this conflict.
And the Murim Alliance had sent a lord from the newly established third-rank division as their special envoy.
In other words, it was equivalent to the Murim Alliance declaring they would not intervene in the conflict between the Dang Family and San Dok Mun.
This battle was already as good as won for them.
“Have you given it thought?”
After a long silence, a middle-aged man with skin as pale as if covered in white powder spoke to Dang Gon.
He was Jin Cheon Gon, the lord of Dok Ma Mun.
“Isn’t it better to resolve matters peacefully rather than spill blood in brutal combat?”
Dang Gon did not answer immediately, instead taking a sip of tea.
At his leisurely demeanor, Jang Song, the patriarch of Dok Yeop Mun with his goat-like beard, finally spoke.
“With the family patriarch ill, shouldn’t we avoid creating major disturbances?”
At Jang Song’s words, Hyeong Geuk, the patriarch of Dok Bong Mun who had been glaring at Bu Eunseol all along, curled his lips into a smile.
“Shouldn’t the Dang Family’s Eight Great Secret Techniques also make another leap forward? Just as our sect’s martial arts have developed brilliantly.”
Bu Eunseol raised her eyebrows.
What the San Dok Mun of Yunnan was demanding.
Instead of waging all-out war, they were telling the Dang Family to hand over the Eight Great Secret Techniques to San Dok Mun.
‘So that’s what this is about.’
Bu Eunseol let out a silent scoff internally.
They were demanding the martial arts secrets of the Dang Family—called the foremost sect among the Eight Great Families—from no other place than here?
This was no different from declaring war.
“What do you say, Young Patriarch?”
At Jin Cheon Gon’s question, Dang Gon’s lips curved upward.
He was well aware that San Dok Mun’s recent rapid expansion of power involved the intervention of external forces.
And through that strength, they were attempting to extend their influence all the way to Sichuan.
With the family patriarch bedridden at this very moment, they must have seen it as a golden opportunity.
“If the Young Patriarch continues to drag out time, I as the current patriarch have no choice in the matter.”
As Jin Cheon Gon laughed coldly, Jang Song of Dok Yeop Mun nodded in agreement.
“Indeed. There’s no need to refuse a toast of celebration and drink one of punishment instead.”
Hyeong Geuk, the patriarch of Dok Bong Mun, took up the thread.
“With the family patriarch in poor health, why create trouble unnecessarily?”
As they exchanged words back and forth, speaking noisily,
*Clink.*
Dang Gon set down his teacup and suddenly broke the silence he had maintained, clapping his hands together.
*Clap.*
Then, smiling broadly, he opened his mouth.
“Well then, now that everyone has gathered, let us begin our discussion.”
In that instant, the expressions of the three San Dok Mun patriarchs twisted.
Dang Gon’s manner of clapping casually and beginning conversation—wasn’t that the sort of thing one did to capture the attention of small children?
Moreover, his words about “beginning our discussion now” were essentially dismissing everything they had said thus far as nonsense, were they not?
“Ahem.”
Dang Gon cleared his throat and spoke with a leisurely expression.
“Since the special envoy from the Murim Alliance has also arrived, it seems our discussion will proceed more swiftly.”
And he gazed upon the three patriarchs.
“For generations, there have been needless disputes between the Main House and San Dok Mun.”
And he chuckled.
“Of course, I understand San Dok Mun’s position. You nearly had your roots torn out by the Main House several times over.”
At those words, the eyebrows of the three patriarchs twitched.
“Perhaps it was due to this that the Main House’s family traditions have changed. The ancestors’ generosity ultimately brought about needless discord.”
“That remark now….”
As Jin Cheon Gon opened his mouth, Dang Gon swiftly cut him off.
“Share the Main House’s Eight Great Techniques? Then what will San Dok Mun offer in return?”
At that, Jang Song’s lips curved upward.
“Of course, we intend to offer techniques of corresponding value. For instance, if you offer the Ten Thousand Heavens Flower Rain, we would offer our sect’s Returning Leaf Grafting in exchange.”
“Heh heh heh. How could the Main House’s supreme techniques possibly align with San Dok Mun’s?”
“So you have no intention of agreeing.”
“That is correct.”
As Dang Gon raised his head and looked down upon the lords of San Dok Mun, a formidable aura radiated from his entire being.
They were momentarily taken aback, but soon wore sinister smiles.
―Excellent.
They had never truly expected the Dang Family to accept their threats.
They had merely cast forth justification for an all-out confrontation with the family.
After all, with Dang Pae bedridden, the Dang Family’s fighting strength was effectively halved or worse.
The fact that Dang Gon had fallen for their provocation was something to be grateful for.
―Even the Murim Alliance’s special envoy is in such a state.
San Dok Mun’s primary concern had been the Murim Alliance actively stepping forward to mediate this conflict.
The moment the Murim Alliance intervened, they would have to immediately withdraw to Yunnan.
But the Murim Alliance had sent a lord of the newly established Third-Rank Elite Division to the Dang Family.
This was tantamount to declaring they would not interfere, no matter how fiercely the Dang Family and San Dok Mun clashed.
“The negotiations have broken down.”
Jin Cheon Gon spoke with a menacing expression.
“Despite our reasonable counsel, you refuse to listen.”
“Is that so? I was unaware that demanding another’s secret techniques constituted reasonable counsel.”
As Dang Gon responded coldly, Jin Cheon Gon bared his white teeth in a grin.
“From this moment forward, San Dok Mun, including our sect, are enemies of the Dang Family. Remember this well.”
The other two lords then rose from their seats and turned to leave.
The war between the Sichuan Dang Family and Yunnan’s San Dok Mun was about to begin.
“Wait.”
At that moment, Bu Eunseol, who had been standing silently, spoke.
“I cannot permit this conflict.”
At Bu Eunseol’s words, the three lords who had been turning to leave halted their steps.
“What do you mean by that?”
At Hyeong Geuk’s question, Bu Eunseol opened her mouth calmly.
“The Sichuan Dang Family is a pillar of the Orthodox Murim. Such an unreasonable conflict cannot be permitted under any circumstances.”
“You think a Third-Rank lord of the Murim Alliance can preside over such matters?”
As Jang Song’s eyes flashed, Bu Eunseol smiled gently.
“Why not?”
“With twenty members of the Third-Rank Elite Division?”
“That statement sounds to me like you’re saying you could annihilate the Murim Alliance’s envoys.”
Bu Eunseol regarded Jang Song with an unhurried expression.
“Is that what you’re saying?”
At the unexpected response, Jang Song’s body stiffened.
‘Could the Murim Alliance truly be seeking mediation?’
Regardless of their rank as third-tier lords, they had come to the Dang Family as official envoys of the Murim Alliance.
If even a single hair on their heads were harmed, the Murim Alliance would intervene immediately.
And if such a thing were to occur?
The San Dok Mun would have no choice but to seal their gates or, in the worst case, face complete annihilation.
“That can’t possibly be true, can it?”
Hyeong Geuk, who had maintained silence until now, stepped forward.
“The Murim Alliance would intervene in this matter? Wasn’t that just your personal decision moments ago?”
“Perhaps.”
As Bu Eunseol answered with an unhurried expression, Hyeong Geuk’s brow furrowed.
‘What does this third-tier lord think she’s relying on?’
Then Jin Cheon Gon of the Dok Ma Mun stepped forward.
“If the Murim Alliance intervenes, so be it. Then our sect must also request assistance from the Demon Hall.”
The Dok Ma Mun had recently been incorporated into the Demon Hall. If the Murim Alliance became involved in this conflict, the Demon Hall could intervene as well.
“That would be fine too.”
Bu Eunseol spoke with ease, and Jin Cheon Gon’s complexion changed.
‘Could the Murim Alliance have truly agreed to intervene? That can’t be. Didn’t they provide us with definitive information?’
Jin Cheon Gon, who had worn a dazed expression for a moment, let out a derisive laugh and spoke.
“Very well. Then I shall immediately request military forces from my Demon Hall.”
Whether Bu Eunseol was bluffing or not could be determined quickly by mobilizing intelligence networks.
Just as he seemed about to rise from his seat, Dang Sung, who had been observing from afar, underwent a dramatic change in complexion.
This was something the Dang Family absolutely had to avoid.
If the Demon Hall truly became involved, even with the Murim Alliance’s aid, the Dang Family would become a victim caught between the power struggle of two great coalitions.
“Lord Seon Woo. Should we not avoid such a situation?”
Unable to bear it any longer, Dang Sung stepped forward.
“If the Demon Hall becomes involved, the Murim Alliance will also find itself in a difficult position.”
“That’s acceptable.”
“Acceptable? How could such a thing possibly be acceptable?”
Bu Eunseol then waved her hand dismissively.
“I will take full responsibility for everything.”
At that, Dang Sung’s eyes widened as if he had seen a ghost.
‘What is this third-tier lord spouting?’
To openly declare that she would ‘take responsibility’ for a conflict between sects?
Such words were not easily spoken even by the Lord of the Murim Alliance, much less by its former leaders.
Yet here was a third-tier lord with neither position nor ability speaking such words with utter confidence?
“This should be interesting.”
Jin Cheon Gon bared his sharp canines and laughed with confidence.
“I’ll send a formal letter to the Demon Hall immediately. If the Murim Alliance has decided to intervene, things are about to get interesting.”
“Very well. Will a day suffice?”
Bu Eunseol spoke with a smile.
“Then return here tomorrow. The Lord must verify that you’ve truly sent the letter to the Demon Hall.”
In that instant, Jin Cheon Gon’s eyes blazed crimson.
“You think I won’t send it?”
“Who can say?”
Bu Eunseol held a faint smile.
“Will the Demon Hall truly intervene in the affairs of a heretical sect buried in Yunnan?”
“Fine!”
Jin Cheon Gon whirled around in blazing fury, when—
“W-wait!”
Dang Sung leaped forward as if burned by fire.
“Lord Seon Woo! Lord Jin! The discussion seems to have grown heated. Let us rest for a moment and resume our talk.”
“Hmph.”
But Jin Cheon Gon paid no heed and strode out through the door.
He was truly going to send a formal letter to the Demon Hall.
“Lord Jin! Lord Jin!”
Dang Sung tried to follow, but Jin Cheon Gon had already departed the Palace Hall.
“How amusing.”
“Until tomorrow.”
Jang Song and Hyeong Geuk chuckled dryly before leaving the Palace Hall as well.
“This is… ridiculous.”
Dang Sung, watching their departure, broke into a cold sweat.
“Young Lord, I shall take my leave first.”
At that moment, Bu Eunseol clasped her hands respectfully, and Dang Gon nodded.
“Very well.”
“Then.”
Bu Eunseol departed swiftly, and Dang Sung approached Dang Gon, grasping his sleeve as if about to collapse.
“Do you know what that third-rank Lord has just done? That wretch has no authority, no ability, yet he’s made such bold claims!”
“Well, it should be fine.”
“Fine, you say?”
“We couldn’t avoid fighting them anyway, could we?”
“That’s true enough. But if the Demon Hall intervenes, everything changes.”
Dang Sung spoke with a heavy sigh.
“The moment the Demon Hall becomes involved, this conflict transforms into a power struggle between two great forces. The Main House will become their proxy battlefield.”
Once organizations like the Murim Alliance or the Demon Hall intervene, the Dang Family loses all choice in the matter.
In such circumstances, the conflict would drag on indefinitely, and even in victory, the Dang Family’s foundation and influence could crumble entirely.
Yet Dang Gon spoke calmly.
“Didn’t Lord Seon Woo say he would take responsibility?”
“No, what do you mean….”
“Yesterday he said so himself. He asked me to trust him, that he would do his best.”
“You believed those words and simply watched from the sidelines?”
Dang Gon smiled faintly.
“He doesn’t seem to be merely an ambitious young man. They say he’s a strategist capable of transforming the Elite Division into an Intelligence Division in one fell swoop… It appears he has some means to ward off the Demon Palace’s interference.”
“Hmm.”
“Uncle, wouldn’t it be wise to take a day’s rest?”
Dang Gon gazed at Dang Sung with sympathetic eyes.
“Haven’t you endured much hardship in place of the family head all this time?”
Dang Sung lowered his head.
In the Dang Family, the patriarch’s authority was absolute, and Dang Pae was counted among the most exceptional figures in the family’s history.
But when he suddenly collapsed from illness, Dang Sung could not collect himself.
The young patriarch Dang Gon was unremarkable compared to Dang Pae, and his martial prowess and wisdom were merely ordinary.
So he had rushed about tirelessly to fill Dang Pae’s void and protect the Dang Family.
Yet in the end, he could not avoid war with the San Dok Mun.
‘Was it truly unavoidable?’
Before Dang Sung’s eyes, the image of the Dang Family burning in raging flames seemed vivid and real.
Dang Sung wiped the cold sweat from his brow and rose from his seat.
“Very well. I shall rest for a while.”
He could trust neither Dang Gon nor that third-rate lord.
In the end, only he could prepare for the war that would unfold ahead.

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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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