The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 423

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

Chapter 423.
“Damn it, you bastard! Stop making such a racket!”
Thud, thud, thud!
While Mu Mu slept deeply, lost in dreams, rough curses and kicks rained down upon him.
Opening my eyes, five or six beggars were trampling me relentlessly.
They were members of the Beggar Gang who should have been sleeping in Byeok Gye Village.
“You bastard! How am I supposed to sleep when you’re screaming like that!”
When Mu Mu cried out loudly from his shelter, the Beggar Gang members finally awoke.
I curled my body and endured the kicks.
For some reason, I had grown accustomed to beatings.
“Why do you always lose your mind when night falls?”
After venting their anger with kicks for a while, the beggars seemed satisfied and shuffled back to their spots, grumbling.
“Mu Mu. Are you alright?”
Tung Bo approached me, now covered entirely in footprints, and sighed.
“I keep telling you to try eating dog feces.”
Since I screamed every night from nightmares, Tung Bo kept recommending dog feces.
The beggars, unable to afford proper medicine, used dog feces as remedy.
White dog feces supposedly healed boils, while black dog feces loosened knotted muscles and possessed detoxifying properties.
Tung Bo likely believed I was sleep-talking because I’d been beaten so thoroughly.
But I had no intention of eating dog feces, so I simply endured the beatings in silence as always.
“Anyway, I’m going back to sleep.”
As Tung Bo waved and departed, I squatted in front of my shelter and gazed toward the distant sky.
In my eyes, now awake, lay profound anguish.
I had been having the same dream every single night without fail.
And the ending of that dream always eluded my memory. Only a sense of torment and endless loneliness gripped my heart.
‘Could this dream be my past?’
If that truly was my childhood self? Was I originally born into a Noble House?
If so, then I once had parents who embraced me warmly and gazed upon me with affection.
And paradoxically, that very thought tormented my heart even more.
Why am I living like this, having lost my memories?
Who am I truly?
In the end, I spent the night awake, my expression twisted in anguish.
Whenever I awoke from the dream, a terrible pain and loneliness would crash over me.
And that suffering persisted until dawn broke.
* * *
The atmosphere within Sayoung Battle Division was turbulent.
Bu Eunseol had not returned to Demon Palace for an extended period.
Sayoung Battle Division could be said to be one body with Bu Eunseol. Yet with her prolonged absence, a sense of emptiness and unease continued to amplify.
“When exactly is the Lord returning?”
As the Lords’ council continued without Bu Eunseol, Won Se Moon spoke with a protruding lip.
“It’s the first time since meeting that old stone-throwing man that you’ve cleared your schedule to this extent.”
The old stone-throwing man referred to Tan Wang.
Then Jo Nam Cheon spoke.
“Is something wrong? Shouldn’t we summon the Sa Hon Dae Lord quickly?”
At those words, all the other Lords nodded in agreement.
Their expressions were uniformly drained of energy and filled with worry.
Bu Eunseol’s prolonged absence had caused morale to plummet dramatically.
“The Lord is currently on a confidential mission.”
It was then that Yu Woon Ryong spoke with a tone of resignation.
“However, because the matter requires such extreme discretion, we were not informed of it.”
“A confidential mission, you say?”
Won Se Moon tilted his head in confusion.
“What sort of mission? Why did you alone receive word from Lord Yu?”
At that, everyone in the hall wore expressions of bewilderment.
Ever since the Sayoung Battle Division had stabilized, Bu Eunseol had consistently consulted with the Lords regarding all matters.
Yet now, to conceal a mission? The Lords had every reason to be perplexed.
“It’s… a matter involving a woman.”
Yu Woon Ryong cleared his throat as he spoke.
“Whenever the Lord ventures into the Gangho, much like with So Gung Ju, he often becomes entangled with various women. And this time… a rather troublesome situation arose, so he departed to resolve it.”
“Ah.”
Only then did all the Lords of the Sayoung Battle Division wear expressions of understanding.
―That would be natural for our Lord.
The Murim contained many renowned handsome men.
Yet a face like Bu Eunseol’s—beautiful while simultaneously radiating intense masculine charm—was extraordinarily rare to find.
Moreover, his presence was even more transcendent.
There existed no handsome man who emanated an aura capable of captivating one’s very soul merely through meeting his gaze.
“He must have it rough. Our Lord, that is.”
At Won Se Moon’s murmur, all the Lords nodded in unison.
From Bu Eunseol’s perspective, matters involving women were like an endless well of troubles.
Just when one thought everything was resolved, another would emerge, then another.
“I wish I had it as easy as me. No bothersome affairs whatsoever.”
At Won Se Moon’s following remark, all the Lords simultaneously shook their heads.
No matter how one considered it, that simply wasn’t the case.
“Well, if that’s the situation, it will likely take considerable time.”
It was then that Wi Cheon Gyeong shrugged and opened his mouth.
“The Lord is skilled in all other matters, yet he struggles to understand women’s hearts.”
“Indeed, it’s the one thing the Lord is worst at.”
The Lords each smiled and nodded in agreement.
As conversation bloomed around the topic of Bu Eunseol, the atmosphere of the conference hall became considerably softer and more lively.
Yu Woon Ryong, a faint smile gracing his lips, organized the documents he held as he spoke.
“Well then, let’s conclude today’s meeting here. Dismissed.”
At that, the Lords filed out of the Conference Hall, chattering noisily among themselves.
As the Conference Hall emptied, Yu Woon Ryong’s hand froze mid-motion while organizing the documents with a smile.
And his gaze grew infinitely darker.
‘I should have stopped it.’
Yu Woon Ryong, who had pacified the Lords with lies, was consumed by bitter regret.
Hyuk Ryeon Eung possessed not only the exalted position of Dharma Protector of the Demon Hall.
He had confidently wielded his status as Royal Advisor to Wei Wang Residence to lure Bu Eunseol.
This meant he possessed such tremendous power that he could abandon both identities without hesitation.
Moreover, it also signified that he possessed martial prowess so formidable that summoning Bu Eunseol alone seemed trivial to him.
‘Just because that bastard is exceptional doesn’t mean he always makes the right choices.’
Yu Woon Ryong bit his lip.
Sending him alone was a mistake. No—I should never have sent him at all.
I should have conducted a thorough investigation of Hyuk Ryeon Eung first, then proceeded methodically.
Only after Bu Eunseol disappeared did Yu Woon Ryong come to fully comprehend his error.
‘How long can I sustain this?’
For now, the lie had bought him time, but eventually his disappearance would be exposed.
‘If something has happened to you… what am I supposed to do?’
Click.
The Conference Hall door opened, and a head of tousled short hair poked through. It was Myo Cheon Woo.
In an instant, Yu Woon Ryong quickly composed his expression.
“What is it?”
“Well, you see…”
“Hmm?”
Myo Cheon Woo spoke with a disgruntled expression.
“Aren’t I the one among the Lords who knows about women’s matters best?”
“…”
“Next time something like that comes up, make sure to consult with me first.”
“Stop spouting nonsense and get out. I’m busy.”
As Yu Woon Ryong averted his gaze, Myo Cheon Woo pouted and left again.
‘Troublesome. I wonder if that bastard was the same way.’
It was becoming nearly certain that there was a spy among the Lords of Sayoung Battle Division.
And the most likely candidate was Myo Cheon Woo.
Yet Bu Eunseol had acted calmly without showing the slightest hint of suspicion all this time.
‘No, this is not the time for such thoughts.’
Yu Woon Ryong shook his head and steadied his mind.
What needed to be done now was not to worry about Bu Eunseol.
The priority was managing Sayoung Battle Division so that his absence went unnoticed.
‘At least Seo Jin Ha’s training has been completed.’
Seo Jin Ha had finished the training far faster than anticipated.
And while Bu Eunseol was away, I continued to build a solid track record as Seon Woo Jin, the Elite Division Lord of the Murim Alliance.
If Bu Eunseol returned safely and resumed her role as a Lord of the Murim Alliance,
then Seon Woo Jin would become Bu Eunseol once more, establishing the legacy of the Demon Hall’s successor.
‘I can only hope that Vice Lord So completes her training quickly.’
According to Sa Hon Dae Lord Mu Heun, So Yo possessed not only exceptional insight but also remarkable tracking skills.
However, for her—a former assassin—to become the Vice Lord of the Sa Hon Dae, which oversaw all intelligence operations in the field,
she needed to master not only the political landscape and key figures of Zhong Yuan’s Murim, but also acquire various knowledge and techniques as an information administrator.
This was why her training was taking far longer than anticipated.
Once she completed all her training and emerged into the Gangho, she would be able to locate Bu Eunseol’s whereabouts by any means necessary.
‘Please, return safely. Bu Eunseol.’
In the past, Yu Woon Ryong’s fervent wish had been to become the supreme master of the Demonic Path.
But since arriving at the Demon Hall, the only wish I harbored was singular.
Bu Eunseol’s safety and well-being.
* * *
Hell Blood Castle, Blood Peak Chamber.
A long curtain veiled the interior of the bedchamber, and within it loomed an enormous silhouette.
The skin gleamed with an otherworldly luster, and the eyes sparkled like crystal.
An ancient demon who had surpassed ninety years yet remained vibrantly active, moving Hell Blood Castle by will alone.
None other than Hell Blood Castle Lord Gong Ya Geuk.
“Well, well, it has been quite some time.”
Gong Ya Geuk, reclining at an angle while smoking a long pipe, gazed downward and spoke.
Beneath the curtain stood the Masked Assassin, adorned with a mask that shimmered with an eerie luminescence.
Garments neither black nor grey cloaked every inch from fingertip to toe, creating the illusion of a solitary shadow standing upright when viewed from afar.
“What brings the envoy of the perpetually occupied Infinite Realm to this place?”
Gong Ya Geuk, reminiscent of a towering mountain, continued to exhale smoke intermittently while reclined.
His posture evoked the image of a massive, lethargic creature surrendered to languor.
An ordinary person would have been unable to meet his gaze, yet the Masked Assassin’s eyes remained filled with an eerie stillness.
“An opportunity has arisen to remove the Muhonjung Lord from his position as the Demon Hall’s successor.”
At those words, Gong Ya Geuk let out a chuckle.
“That does not seem to be a matter for this Castle Lord to handle.”
“If the Muhonjung Lord were to disappear, it would become possible, would it not?”
“Hehehehe. Disappeared, you say. Has he gone missing?”
As Gong Ya Geuk burst into a mirthful laugh, the Masked Assassin nodded.
“Precisely so.”
“Hmph.”
Gong Ya Geuk sighed.
“A tedious jest indeed.”
“That person took direct action.”
In that instant, Gong Ya Geuk recalled a particular individual.
One who appeared fierce as a tiger at first glance, yet whose eyes gleamed with the light of wisdom.
The Dharma Protector Division Lord of Demon Hall, the Royal Preceptor of Wei Wang Residence. In other words, the man who held sway over the Infinite Realm itself.
“You’re speaking of him?”
“Indeed. Because of him, Muk Hon Ryeong Ju sustained fatal wounds and plummeted from Man Jang Cliff.”
“Hmm, fatal wounds… you mean he’s missing?”
A sharp glimmer flashed across Gong Ya Geuk’s crescent-moon-shaped eyes.
“Well, if he personally intervened, even Muk Hon Ryeong Ju’s grandfather wouldn’t stand a chance.”
Then, as if struck by a sudden thought, he smirked.
“But this ‘missing’ business troubles me. After all, we can’t know for certain whether Muk Hon Ryeong Ju is dead or alive, can we?”
The Masked Assassin answered with an unbothered expression.
“While Muk Hon Ryeong Ju is absent, if we convene a Demon Hall Council and swiftly secure a majority vote, the matter is settled, is it not?”
“Hmm. How can we trust that he’s truly missing?”
In truth, Gong Ya Geuk already knew Bu Eunseol was missing.
He had planted many eyes and ears throughout Demon Hall.
Moreover, simply observing the recent atmosphere within Sayoung Battle Division made it easy to discern that something had befallen Bu Eunseol.
Click.
The Masked Assassin opened the box resting on the table instead of answering.
Within lay a sword stained black from blade to hilt—Bu Eunseol’s cherished blade, the Ink Sword.
“You understand what such a weapon means to a man of his caliber.”
Gong Ya Geuk nodded.
Though Muk Hon Ryeong Ju was renowned for his cunning, he was not the sort to use his beloved sword as bait for deception.
That the emissary of the Infinite Realm had kept his cherished blade in safekeeping for so long without reclaiming it spoke volumes.
It meant he was either truly missing or in a state beyond recovery.
“He held out longer than expected, I’ll grant him that.”
Gong Ya Geuk smiled, baring his teeth.
“Shall we proceed?”
“Given our past dealings, it’s only right… but there are complications I cannot ignore.”
“What do you mean?”
“Muk Hon Ryeong Ju enjoyed absolute support from three of the Ten Demonic Gates.”
He continued, his smile turning sinister.
“Nangya Sect aside, both Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong and Jeol Cheon Myul Ji backed him with their lives on the line.”
“….”
“With those two sects standing firm behind him, the other sect leaders won’t consent easily.”
“You need not concern yourself with that matter.”
A low, eerie voice emanated from within the gleaming mask.
“Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong and Jeol Cheon Myul Ji will soon fall into ruin. And with them, even Nangya Sect’s fortunes will decline.”
“Oho.”
Gong Ya Geuk’s eyes sparkled.
“You’ve already made your move against Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong and Jeol Cheon Myul Ji?”
The Masked Assassin did not answer that question and changed the subject instead.
“If you harbor doubts, observe how events unfold. Once you judge the time is right, you may proceed without hesitation.”
Gong Ya Geuk’s eyes narrowed into crescents.
The Masked Assassin’s proposal was such a favorable condition that he couldn’t harbor even a grain of dissatisfaction from his position.
“Indeed.”
As the reply came, the Masked Assassin nodded and slowly turned his body.
Then, as if his entire form were dissolving into mist, he vanished like a phantom.
“Hehehehe.”
Gong Ya Geuk, who had been watching the Masked Assassin disappear, nodded his head.
“He was sincere, it seems.”
Then he opened his mouth in a low voice.
“Muk Hon Ryeong Ju. There’s still no sign of his return?”
At the quiet question, a respectful voice came from near the incense burner standing on the opposite side of the curtain.
“Confirmed. The Sayoung Battle Division has received such intelligence multiple times.”
“How amusing.”
Gong Ya Geuk drew deeply on his long pipe and spoke.
“First, let us observe the collapse of Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong and Jeol Cheon Myul Ji. And then, I shall pay a visit to the Demon Palace.”
Whoosh.
He exhaled white smoke so thick it clouded the interior, then continued speaking.
“This time, I’ll have to replace the successor.”
Since the Infinite Realm had guaranteed it, Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong and Jeol Cheon Myul Ji would plummet into ruin.
Gong Ya Geuk need only observe this and then subtly propose the agenda at the conference.
Maintaining neutrality, as always.
For the sake of Hyuk Ryeon Eung, the figure from the Three Realms who had maintained good relations with him all this time.

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