The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 424

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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 424.
The primary revenue streams of Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong were the high-end pleasure houses and establishments scattered throughout Zhong Yuan.
The daily earnings alone amounted to roughly hundreds of thousands of silver taels.
Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong operated these establishments.
Through the intelligence gathered there and the vast wealth accumulated, they forged alliances with the leadership of Jeongsayang-do and displayed their influence across the realm.
Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong, Jeong Geum Gak.
This was the residence of Geuk Hye Ryeong, the Lord.
Under normal circumstances, she would have continuously analyzed the endless stream of reports and intelligence arriving from all corners, grasping the currents of Murim, while meeting with the leaders of various sects to conduct negotiations and such.
She would have been ceaselessly occupied with the great and small affairs of Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong.
Yet because of this, she had been unable to devote attention and affection to Geuk Hye Bin, her only blood relative, and consequently a grave affliction had taken root in her heart.
Had she not encountered Bu Eunseol, that exceptional talent of the Demonic Path?
Geuk Hye Bin’s illness would have progressed beyond redemption.
“Yes. You are doing well.”
Geuk Hye Ryeong was assisting Geuk Hye Bin in her studies, using wooden chopsticks to help her master the formation techniques of Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong.
Where once Jeong Geum Gak had been a fierce arena of business operations, it had now transformed into a warm sanctuary where she could spend time with her granddaughter and oversee her education.
Geuk Hye Ryeong’s only blood relative was her granddaughter, Geuk Hye Bin.
And Geuk Hye Bin was a child who required abundant care and affection.
All the time spent together like this would become cherished memories, and it would aid in cultivating her proper character and disposition.
And all of this was a truth taught to her by Bu Eunseol, the young Grand Sect Master of the Demonic Path.
“Lord Geuk Hye Ryeong.”
At that moment, a low voice came from beyond the door.
It was the voice of Du Yak Rang, the Master of Sa Mi Dong, who managed and oversaw all the mechanisms and formations installed throughout Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong.
“Come in.”
Du Yak Rang then opened the door and entered with a respectful expression.
“What is the matter?”
At Geuk Hye Ryeong’s question, Du Yak Rang glanced at Geuk Hye Bin and wore a troubled expression.
Geuk Hye Ryeong then nodded and moved toward the study deeper within Jeong Geum Gak.
“What is it?”
“I believe you should examine this, Lord.”
Du Yak Rang hesitated briefly before presenting a ledger.
Within it were detailed records of the monthly revenues earned by Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong.
“Is this not an account book?”
“Lord Geuk Hye Ryeong. Have you perhaps not noticed something amiss?”
Seeing Du Yak Rang’s troubled expression, Geuk Hye Ryeong began to examine the ledger more carefully.
Then she too realized that something had gone wrong.
“I see.”
Geuk Hye Ryeong nodded slowly.
Only then did she perceive that the amounts recorded in the ledger were progressively declining.
Now that she thought about it, she had indeed received continuous reports that revenues were diminishing significantly, but she had not regarded it as particularly serious.
Yet upon examining it now, the earnings had somehow decreased by more than half.
“What is the meaning of this?”
At Geuk Hye Ryeong’s question, Du Yak Rang lowered her head.
“It appears that Yu Su Ryeon, the director of Hwaryuwon and overseer of Okryeonhyang, has been carrying a different purse.”
“Yu Su Ryeon?”
Geuk Hye Ryeong tilted her head in confusion.
Yu Su Ryeon—under Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong, she managed all the pleasure houses and establishments.
She was a loyal servant of Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong and someone Geuk Hye Ryeong trusted implicitly.
For her to suddenly be carrying a different purse?
“That cannot be.”
“But has the Sect Master not been preoccupied with observing the Suzhou branch, leaving almost no hand in daily affairs?”
Du Yak Rang spoke with a pained expression.
“As a result, Yu Su Ryeon has naturally begun to manage the financial flows of the main sect bit by bit. And that is not all….”
She glanced at Geuk Hye Ryeong’s expression before continuing, her head bowed.
“She has been recruiting disciples who harbor discontent toward the main sect and keeping them under her command.”
Geuk Hye Ryeong was shocked.
That Yu Su Ryeon had developed greed for money and carried a separate purse was somewhat understandable.
But recruiting disciples dissatisfied with Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong?
What kind of absurd claim was this all of a sudden?
“The Sect Master has been investing considerable funds to support Muk Hon Ryeong Ju, the successor of Nangya Sect, has she not?”
Du Yak Rang spoke as she observed Geuk Hye Ryeong’s bewildered expression.
“It seems she has recruited disciples who harbor grievances about that.”
Geuk Hye Ryeong fell silent.
The predecessor of Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong was Hwan Hui Gung.
In other words, it was the sect among the Yeoin Mun Pa that had suffered the most invasions from external forces.
Moreover, Hwan Hui Gung was a place where courtesans who had been exploited and abandoned by men gathered.
They not only comforted each other through the hardships of their lives as courtesans, but the organization was bound together on the foundation of hatred toward men…
Thus, those dissatisfied with Geuk Hye Ryeong’s support of Bu Eunseol had emerged in abundance.
“Of course, there is that aspect as well.”
Geuk Hye Ryeong spoke with a sharp gaze.
“But Yu Su Ryeon alone could not have undertaken such matters on her own authority. Surely, external forces must be involved.”
The current Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong was not a coalition of courtesans, but a proper Murim sect with a clear master-disciple hierarchy.
Yet for her, the director of Hwaryuwon, to have recruited existing disciples.
That was absolutely impossible through her power alone.
Certainly, some powerful external force must have been supporting her.
“The main sect is never swayed by external forces. There is no need to concern ourselves.”
At Geuk Hye Ryeong’s words, Du Yak Rang furrowed her brow.
“I share that sentiment, but the problem is there are rumors that Yu Su Ryeon has stolen the Black Book that the Sect Master keeps.”
This time, Geuk Hye Ryeong was truly startled.
The Black Book was the secret slush fund that had flowed into Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong until now.
A ledger recording the transactions of what was called “black money.”
For generations, Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong had wielded dominion over the Murim without amassing overwhelming military might.
One of the primary reasons was the Black Book.
Yet Yu Su Ryeon had seized even the Black Book?
As Geuk Hye Ryeong’s expression grew grave, Du Yak Rang spoke as though she had been waiting for this moment.
“If she has seized the Black Book, it is possible she has already taken control of Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong’s intelligence organization as well.”
Du Yak Rang spoke with utmost seriousness.
“We must act immediately and deploy Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong’s Baek Hwa Nang Rang to strike down Yu Su Ryeon.”
Baek Hwa Nang Rang were Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong’s greatest force—masters who had refined their martial prowess to extraordinary heights.
If they were sent forth?
No matter how many external forces Yu Su Ryeon had allied with, her head could be severed immediately.
“Hmm.”
At Du Yak Rang’s words, Geuk Hye Ryeong gazed toward the distant sky beyond the window.
She pondered deeply for a moment, then shook her head.
“Leave it be.”
“Pardon?”
“Must our own disciples shed blood against one another?”
“But….”
Geuk Hye Ryeong spoke with unwavering resolve.
“Perhaps what the external forces truly desire is the fracturing of Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong.”
“Yet could Yu Su Ryeon not conspire with external forces and strike Jeongju first?”
“Absolutely not. Such a thing will never come to pass.”
Geuk Hye Ryeong shook her head with firm conviction.
“Had Yu Su Ryeon intended to rebel in concert with external forces, she would have begun long ago.”
She continued, her expression tinged with melancholy.
“And should Yu Su Ryeon and the external forces strike first, not only Demon Hall but also Nangya Sect and Jeol Cheon Myul Ji, who maintain relations with Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong, would naturally intervene.”
“I see.”
Du Yak Rang nodded in understanding, and Geuk Hye Ryeong continued.
“But if Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong strikes first, she will naturally gain justification to draw in external forces. She will cry foul and claim grievance.”
Deep lines etched the corners of her eyes.
“Even if that were not the case, how could I command my own disciples to slaughter one another? Considering the history of Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong, founded by courtesans bound by sorrow who sheltered one another… such a thing is absolutely unthinkable.”
Du Yak Rang exhaled a deep sigh.
Geuk Hye Ryeong loved Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong more than anyone, and she loved her disciples.
Even if a blade were pressed to her own throat, she would never command her disciples to turn against one another.
“What of the Lord of Muhonjung?”
Then Geuk Hye Ryeong’s lips parted once more.
“Is there still no word?”
“There is not.”
“I see. So that is why.”
Geuk Hye Ryeong spoke with a sorrowful expression.
“Having accepted the disappearance of the Lord of Muhonjung as an established fact… she has made her move against Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong.”
“That’s correct. Muk Hon Ryeong Ju has never disappeared for such an extended period before.”
“Hehehehe.”
Geuk Hye Ryeong chuckled softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
“After all, we made a pact to share both fortune and hardship together, did we not?”
Her words seemed to suggest a kind of resignation, as though she were surrendering everything.
Yet in Geuk Hye Ryeong’s eyes burned a light as fierce as an active volcano.
She possessed unwavering faith.
Faith that Bu Eunseol would return and set everything right.
It was precisely this conviction that allowed Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong—an organization that had never exchanged even a word with other sects throughout its existence—to willingly place itself under her command.
* * *
Jeol Cheon Myul Ji.
This was where the greatest masters who once dominated the Demonic Path came to prepare for their final days.
The bodies of the demonic cultivators dwelling in Jeol Cheon Myul Ji bore no unmarred flesh.
What if their cultivation and bodies had remained intact?
They would have already become elders of Demon Hall, or perhaps still roamed the Gangho, or at the very least, founded their own small sect and ruled over a region.
Yet as they traversed the Gangho, they had incurred crippling injuries or suffered catastrophic decline in their cultivation.
Because of this, they had no choice but to enter Jeol Cheon Myul Ji.
Upon entering Jeol Cheon Myul Ji, one must surrender their unique martial techniques. In exchange, one is guaranteed to leave behind the bloodstained Gangho and live a peaceful life.
Thus they became elders, carrying memories of distant glory etched in their hearts, forced to reminisce about a past they could never reclaim.
Jeol Cheon Myul Ji, Youngsae Gak.
This was the office of Hyuk So Jin, who had been designated as the next master.
After concluding his long journey through the Gangho with Bu Eunseol, he had gained profound enlightenment and advanced martial prowess. Using that experience as his foundation, he now managed Jeol Cheon Myul Ji with stability.
Thanks to Hyuk So Jin’s awakening, Hyuk Gong Baek—who had long labored under the burden—gradually relinquished his duties and now stood on the threshold of retirement.
“This is precisely why I didn’t want to take it on.”
Hyuk So Jin, seated in his office lost in thought, lowered his head.
Despite everything flowing smoothly, his expression was far from serene.
In Do Won Hyang, the sanctuary within Jeol Cheon Myul Ji where aged demonic cultivators dwelt in quiet seclusion.
The masters residing there were gradually succumbing to the infirmities of old age, falling ill one by one.
“Mmm.”
Hyuk So Jin exhaled a pained sigh.
His daily routine began with visiting Do Won Hyang. And each time he returned, he was forced to endure this anguish.
Most of the demonic cultivators were figures of his grandfather’s generation.
As time passed, they could not withstand the ravages of years—gradually withering, falling ill, collapsing one after another.
Once-proud spines curved with age, their faces marked by age spots.
Though some cultivation remained within them, their bodies had lost all elasticity and could no longer properly contain it.
“In the end, there is nothing I can do.”
Hyuk So Jin cradled his head in both hands.
No matter how well he managed Do Won Hyang, how much comfort he provided the demonic cultivators, or how much companionship he offered…
They continued to lose their vitality with each passing day.
From Hyuk So Jin’s perspective, ultimately.
It was no different from tending to death row inmates who walked toward their demise with each passing day.
“Brother Bu….”
Suddenly, the resolute image of Bu Eunseol surfaced in his mind.
Only now could he understand why she had captured the hearts of Do Won Hyang’s martial artists by personally crafting their coffins.
Most of Do Won Hyang’s martial artists were elderly and infirm. Their minds were fading, along with the vigor and memories of their past.
That was why… they needed one person who would remember their lives and send them off at the end.
“So Jin.”
Then a low voice called from outside.
Hyuk So Jin straightened his expression and rushed to open the door.
There stood an elderly man with neatly combed white hair, his bearing serene and refined.
It was Hyuk Gong Baek, the master of the estate.
“Grandfather.”
“Why didn’t you come to eat?”
“Ah.”
Hyuk So Jin’s eyes grew moist.
His martial power had now reached the Ogicho realm, allowing him to subsist almost entirely without food, yet hunger rarely troubled him.
Hyuk Gong Baek knew this well, and yet he still worried for his grandson.
Because he knew better than anyone that even without hunger, Hyuk So Jin enjoyed the pleasures of fine cuisine.
“Are you suffering greatly?”
Hyuk Gong Baek, noticing the darkness in his grandson’s expression, asked gently.
“Your face seems rather clouded.”
Hyuk So Jin smiled brightly and shook his head.
“It’s just… that old madman Myeol Jeong Gwang Ja keeps mocking the elderly and infirm, and I’ve been wondering how to stop him.”
“Hehe.”
Hyuk Gong Baek, seeing the shadow in his grandson’s eyes, spoke with tender affection.
“When people grow old, they naturally become like children. There’s no need to concern yourself with every little thing.”
“I understand.”
Though he said this, Hyuk So Jin’s expression did not brighten.
His grandfather Hyuk Gong Baek, with martial power beyond imagination and his ailments completely healed, would surely enjoy a long and healthy life.
But the martial artists of Do Won Hyang of similar age were not so fortunate.
Witnessing their suffering through birth, aging, sickness, and death each day was a painful burden.
Watching once-formidable warriors grow old and infirm was like witnessing the very impermanence of human existence.
“This old man once felt the same way.”
Hyuk Gong Baek smiled gently.
“While managing the estate, I witnessed the birth, aging, sickness, and death of the previous generation of martial artists… and it was truly difficult.”
And he gazed at his grandson with tender eyes.
“There were times when I wondered—is our life nothing but a fleeting struggle?”
“Is that not the case, sir?”
“Of course not.”
Hyuk Gong Baek drew a long breath and spoke.
“I remember all of their lives. Every technique they left behind has become the sacred teachings of Jeol Cheon Myul Ji, passed down through generations.”
He continued speaking with eyes burning with profound intensity.
“To the eyes of the young, elderly and infirm masters may appear pitiful. Yet their lives were anything but. They endured to the very end and left their mark upon the Murim.”
Hyuk So Jin stared at his grandfather with a dazed expression.
In truth, I did not fully comprehend all of his words. Yet I grasped their meaning, however dimly.
‘To survive to the end, to leave one’s mark—that is all.’
Growing old and infirm appears pitiful.
But such a state is only possible because they survived. And that was never an easy feat.
“From birth, humans grow by overcoming hardship and conquering illness. Had they failed here, they could never have matured into adults.”
Seeing that Hyuk So Jin remained confused, Hyuk Gong Baek explained with tender care.
“And the demons of Do Won Hyang likewise survived in the Murim, again and again, until at last they grew old.”
He paused briefly before speaking each word with deliberate force.
“In other words, becoming an elder is proof of having overcome countless hardships and adversities, having survived—proof of being a victor.”
—Becoming an elder is proof of having endured to the end, proof of being a victor.
At last, Hyuk So Jin grasped the meaning his grandfather sought to convey, and his eyes widened.
Their lives were not pitiful.
It was I myself who should have felt shame.
These elders had overcome the adversities and hardships that the young had faced, and would face.
They were my own future.
“My thinking was shallow, Grandfather.”
Hyuk So Jin felt genuine shame.
To pity the lives of the demons of Do Won Hyang while intoxicated by the advantage of youth, which I had done nothing to earn?
It was merely arrogance born from possessing youth.
Seeing that Hyuk So Jin had grasped much in so brief a time, Hyuk Gong Baek smiled with affection.
“Yes. That is how one learns, slowly and steadily.”
“But where are you going? Why are you dressed for travel?”
At Hyuk So Jin’s question, Hyuk Gong Baek furrowed his brow slightly.
“According to reports from the Hyeolgu Dae, something troubling seems to be occurring at Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong.”
“I heard as much. The volume of intelligence reaching the Hyeolgu Dae has decreased, they say.”
Jeol Cheon Myul Ji received not only vast financial resources from Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong, but also an excellent intelligence network.
Through that intelligence, they could read the state of affairs in the Murim like lines upon a palm.
Thus they had established and operated the Hyeolgu Dae as an independent intelligence corps.
“Well, with masters from the Nangya Sect stationed there, nothing serious should occur. Yet they have always supported us in every way, so it is only right that I pay them a visit.”
Hyuk Gong Baek spoke in a low voice.
“From now on, we must develop the Hyeolgu Dae into an independent intelligence corps, no longer reliant upon Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong’s network.”
Hyuk So Jin nodded at his grandfather’s words.
Originally, Jeol Cheon Myul Ji was a place that neither involved itself nor could involve itself in the affairs of the Murim.
Yet he was now lending his strength to Bu Eunseol, a remarkable figure.
Thus he had begun to expand his influence and involve himself in the politics of the Murim in earnest.
“Understood. Please return safely.”
“Yes, and.”
Hyuk Gong Baek spoke with a thin smile.
“Just to be safe, it would be wise to recall the Lords and their subordinate corps that we’ve sent to Gangho.”
Through Bu Eunseol’s teachings, Hyuk So Jin had come to understand the importance of experience in Gangho.
And he wished to give the young martial artists of Jeol Cheon Myul Ji opportunities for growth.
For this reason, he had dispatched the main forces of Jeol Cheon Myul Ji and their commanders to Gangho to accumulate experience.
Particularly, given the close exchanges with Nangya Sect, Sam Gae Jeon Dan had been sent there to train alongside Fengyun Corps, Changsin Squad, and Geum Sung Dae.
Yet Hyuk Gong Baek was concerned about the security gap left in Jeol Cheon Myul Ji with thousands of troops absent.
“I shall have them recalled once their training concludes.”
Hyuk So Jin answered casually.
Jeol Cheon Myul Ji held the position of First Seat among the Ten Demonic Gates, and was a place where aged demons spent their twilight years.
In reality, there was no force in Murim capable of attacking this place. There was no reason to fear external assault.
“Very well, then I shall take my leave.”
Hyuk Gong Baek departed with a smile, boarding his carriage.
However, because the main forces of Jeol Cheon Myul Ji were completely absent, he left behind the Sa Hon Dae—the secret intelligence corps and personal guard unit directly under the Lord.
And he departed accompanied by his close friends Poong Sa and Poong Yeo Ryang.
Four days later.
“Young Master!”
Won Hong, the Commander of Jeol Mu Dae who oversaw outer defenses, rushed urgently into Hyuk So Jin’s office.
“Two thousand troops are pouring toward our headquarters like a tidal wave.”
“Two thousand troops?”
Hyuk So Jin’s brow furrowed.
Jeol Cheon Myul Ji was no longer what it had been in the past—merely a place where the elderly secluded themselves until death.
Having received substantial financial support from Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong, it had become a place where young disciples flocked.
Moreover, sharing in their superior intelligence network, he could read Murim’s information like lines on his palm.
Yet he had been unaware of two thousand troops approaching?
“What have the Hyeolgu Dae been doing?”
“That is… there has been a rebellion within Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong itself, and the intelligence organization is paralyzed.”
Hyuk So Jin’s eyes widened.
He had heard rumors that something seemed amiss for some time, but an actual rebellion had occurred?
‘Grandfather’s instincts were correct.’
Then Won Hong spoke again.
“Their eyes are all abnormal. They appear to be Shil Hon In.”
“Shil Hon In?”
Deep creases formed between Hyuk So Jin’s brows.
‘Is it the Shil Hon In that Brother Bu has been fighting all along? Or that artificial core technique?’
Bu Eunseol had consistently shared most of the information she obtained with Jeol Cheon Myul Ji.
Therefore, Hyuk So Jin was well-versed in Ma Tae and the artificial core technique.
“Have Ma Yeom Dan Ju take unified command of Sam Gae Jeon Dan’s forces and eliminate them in one swift—”
Hyuk So Jin, issuing the command casually, fell silent.
Isn’t it true that Sam Gae Jeon Dan—the main force of Jeol Cheon Myul Ji—has entirely departed to the outside?
‘There’s a traitor among us.’
Hyuk So Jin bit his lip until blood drew.
Not only had the primary forces been depleted, but the moment Hyuk Gong Baek departed as well, a massive contingent was dispatched in response.
If that were the case, then there existed a traitor within Jeol Cheon Myul Ji who was coordinating with external forces.

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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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