The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 430

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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 430.
Dokryeong Pavilion, Yeop Hyo Cheon’s Office.
There, Chong Gyo Ryeong Yeop Hyo Cheon and Bu Eunseol sat facing each other, sipping tea.
This private audience had been requested by Yeop Hyo Cheon himself.
Because of this, Bu Eunseol said nothing and quietly drank her tea.
As the teacup nearly emptied, Yeop Hyo Cheon’s lips finally began to move slowly.
“Here we are again, a second time. The Ten Demonic Sect Lords who support this Pavilion have declared a closure.”
There was weight behind those words.
Bu Eunseol set down her teacup without concern and spoke.
“The closure was merely something Hell Blood Sect brought up on their own. The Ma Jeong Council hasn’t even begun yet, has it?”
Yeop Hyo Cheon stared intently at Bu Eunseol.
Bu Eunseol had nothing to lose in this exchange.
It was only proper that the initiative today be yielded to the guest.
“Muk Hon Ryeong Ju, are you not the successor who must take responsibility for this Pavilion going forward?”
Yeop Hyo Cheon spoke with his eyes narrowed to slits.
“Regardless of other matters, if Hell Blood Sect declares closure, the operations of this Pavilion will suffer greatly.”
“….”
“If Hell Blood Sect closes, a significant gap will open in this Pavilion’s finances. Moreover, we would lose all the footholds we’ve cultivated in Guizhou.”
Yeop Hyo Cheon continued in a low voice.
“Hell Blood Sect has already lost about a third of their elite forces due to the Dae Woon Rim incident. If such punishments continue, the balance of power in the Demonic Path and Murim will shift dramatically.”
Bu Eunseol asked directly.
“Then you intend to simply overlook the crimes Hell Blood Sect has committed?”
Bu Eunseol spoke with a stern expression.
“I have completely eliminated the Orthodox Sect forces that constantly targeted me and contributed to creating Shil Hoon In throughout Murim, as well as the merchant guilds that funded them. How could I possibly leave Hell Blood Sect untouched?”
“Creating Shil Hoon In cannot be called the crime of all Hell Blood Sect. After all, they merely provided the troops and poison for manufacturing Shil Hoon In—and that was Gong Ya Geuk’s unilateral decision.”
Yeop Hyo Cheon spoke with a faint smile.
“Well, since the Ryeong Ju already knows this point, you couldn’t eliminate Hell Blood Sect outright and instead requested the Ma Jeong Council.”
“I’m not sure what you’re trying to say.”
I understood, but pretended not to.
It was to impress upon him that whoever made the first proposal would be at a disadvantage.
Finally, Yeop Hyo Cheon broached the main topic.
“Hell Blood Sect’s crimes are already known throughout Murim. About a third of their elite forces have vanished, and their sphere of influence has shrunk rapidly. They have been sufficiently punished. Furthermore, all of this can be attributed to Gong Ya Geuk’s unilateral actions.”
“….”
“Given this situation, what if we settle the matter without even holding the Ma Jeong Council, simply by having Gong Ya Geuk step down from his position as Lord?”
Yeop Hyo Cheon moistened his throat slightly with tea.
“To be honest, if this happens, this Pavilion cannot support the Ryeong Ju. Your position may become quite difficult.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“Isn’t Jeongsayang-do suffering from constant schemes because of the Infinite Realm faction?”
Bu Eunseol’s eyebrows rose sharply.
She had not anticipated that Yeop Hyo Cheon would preempt discussion of the Three Realms.
Moreover, he specifically emphasized the Infinite Realm, not the Three Realms. That meant one of two things.
Either he truly had no connection to the Three Realms, or he was affiliated with the Cheonghae Gye or some other faction tied to the Three Realms.
Yeop Hyo Cheon seemed to read the complexity of Bu Eunseol’s thoughts, and the corners of his mouth lifted into a smile.
“Even the Lord of the Gae Bang was a spy, after all.”
He continued at a leisurely pace.
“But if you keep uprooting the pillars supporting this hall, wouldn’t the Sect Lord’s intentions also come under suspicion from those within this hall?”
In that instant, Bu Eunseol’s brow twitched.
Only those who had handled the Gae Bang’s affairs alongside No Bong knew that he was a spy of the Three Realms—Nam Goong Woon.
And only the Lords of the Sayeong Hall.
No one else knew, yet Yeop Hyo Cheon had discerned that No Bong was a spy?
Reading the shock in Bu Eunseol’s expression, Yeop Hyo Cheon smiled softly.
“In such circumstances, wouldn’t your successor also come under suspicion—might they not be a spy as well?”
Nonsense.
Even if No Bong’s status as a spy were revealed to the world, there was no one in the Demon Hall who would regard Bu Eunseol with such eyes.

―If you do not follow this Sect Lord’s words, I could also reveal that you, under the identity of Seol So, struck down No Bong.
This was how Yeop Hyo Cheon was threatening Bu Eunseol.
“That could indeed happen.”
Yet Bu Eunseol nodded with an unbothered expression.
Already possessing the dual identity of Seon Woo Jin and having created a perfect Shadow, the identity of Seol So now held no meaning or value for Bu Eunseol.
“Then something amusing would unfold.”
―Such threats do not work on me.
This was what Bu Eunseol was conveying.
“Do not misunderstand.”
Yeop Hyo Cheon spoke with a laugh.
“That you are someone who does not yield to threats or external pressure is something all of Tianxia knows. What this Sect Lord says is merely a request, after all….”
His gleaming eyes emitted a strange light.
“Soon, Ma Cheon Je will also emerge from his closed cultivation. But if this hall is in disarray, it would not look good, would it?”
Bu Eunseol offered no response.
In truth, Ma Cheon Je’s emergence from closed cultivation was hardly a remarkable fact.
Whether he underwent closed cultivation or not.
Ma Cheon Je, unless something extraordinary occurred, remained secluded within the Holy Demon Pavilion, delegating most affairs to Yeop Hyo Cheon.
What puzzled Bu Eunseol was why Ma Cheon Je was being invoked in this situation.
‘Is that so.’
Ma Cheon Je was an entity symbolizing chaos.
Even if circumstances like the present arose, he would not unilaterally side with Bu Eunseol, the Hell Blood Sect, or anyone else.
In essence, Yeop Hyo Cheon was revealing that his proposal represented a perspective of greater strategic importance.
‘If the Hell Blood Sect seals itself off, does that truly mean the Demon Hall faces difficulties in its operations.’
The true intention remained unclear.
Yeop Hyo Cheon was never one to reveal his inner thoughts.
However, there was one fact I could discern.
Jeong Ma Ssang Cheon Je must have known of the Three Realms’ existence for a long time, and his seclusion was surely connected to that knowledge.
Otherwise, two absolute masters who had reached the pinnacle of the Infinite Realm would not repeatedly enter seclusion without end.
‘At first, I simply thought he was challenging the Heavenly Intent Realm.’
The realm beyond the Infinite Realm, where one could comprehend the will of heaven and achieve boundless unity with nature like primordial beings.
Yet throughout all of Murim’s history, no martial artist had ever reached such heights.
That was why I had always believed Jeong Ma Ssang Cheon Je, who kept the entire Murim beneath his feet, continued his seclusion for that very reason.
It was then that Yeop Hyo Cheon, who had been observing me, spoke again.
“It’s hardly a fair price, but if you wish, you may take the Guusal Unit back with you.”
The Guusal Unit I had given to Yeop Hyo Cheon was essentially just an empty shell, with the Sa Hon Dae having assumed its duties.
Yet reclaiming So Ja Myeong, such a capable individual, was something I had always desired.
“Very well.”
I, lost in deep thought, nodded my head.
“Let it be so.”
“A wise decision.”
Yeop Hyo Cheon smiled as he spoke.
“Since we’re dissolving the Guusal Unit anyway, simply tell Lord So to return.”
Yeop Hyo Cheon clearly understood that the Guusal Unit I had given him was merely a shell.
From his perspective, the Guusal Unit was nothing but a cumbersome burden.
After all, he could command the Bi Young Gak, the Demonic Path’s supreme intelligence organization.
“Thank you.”
I rose calmly from my seat and clasped my hands together.
“Quite shocking news, isn’t it?”
It was then that Yeop Hyo Cheon spoke with meaningful weight in his voice.
“That Hyuk Ryeon’s patriarch orchestrated giving Sim Wol an artificial core.”
I maintained an impassive expression.
Most of the leadership in the Demon Palace either knew of the Three Realms or maintained close ties through their own methods, much like Gong Ya Geuk.
And I had already deduced that the Chong Gyo Ryeong and Yeop Hyo Cheon fell within that same category.
“Conspirators exist everywhere.”
“Indeed.”
“Soon enough, I will root out not only the conspirators within this sect, but also those colluding with external forces.”
“That would be most welcome.”
Yeop Hyo Cheon smiled faintly at my words.
“This sect leader is also working toward that end, so if you need anything, speak freely.”
“Thank you. Then.”
I turned away coldly.
The Demon Palace is the Demon Palace, the Demonic Path is the Demonic Path.
It no longer mattered what the Chong Gyo Ryeong or Ma Cheon Je were thinking.
Without possessing power and ability that surpassed the Three Realms, even finding their roots would be meaningless.
And if I could not immediately create a force to surpass them, then I would simply dismantle them piece by piece, methodically and deliberately.
Peace had returned to Gangho, which had been swept by a storm of blood from the turmoil involving Dae Woon Rim, Hell Blood Castle, Jang Baek Sang Dan, and Geom Rin Gok.
Furthermore, for the first time in Demon Hall’s history,
the Ma Jeong Council, which was to be held for Demon Hall’s successor to discuss the punishment of the Ten Demonic Sect Lords, never took place.
This was because, at Chong Gyo Ryeong’s suggestion, it was concluded when Gong Ya Geuk, who bore all responsibility, stepped down from his position as Lord.
Before long, spring arrived with fresh sprouts and cool breezes.
The beggars of Byeok Gye Village also began to show signs of life as the weather grew warmer.
Spring is the season most welcomed by beggars.
Throughout the winter they endure the cold and cannot eat proper food, but when warm spring arrives, the cold recedes and…
even the stingy hearts of people begin to return to some degree.
“Hey!”
But unfortunately, what returned to Byeok Gye Village was not merely kindness.
Crack!
A massive fist that split the air struck the faces of the elderly beggars.
“Hey, you bastards! If beggars stop begging because they’re hurt, who’s going to give you food? You should be out working, shouldn’t you?”
When spring arrived, the elderly beggars of Byeok Gye Village were invariably beaten by Heuk Woong.
This was because while everyone else went out begging, the elderly beggars still huddled their bodies as if it were winter.
Boss Heuk Woong.
He was originally a thug from the Black Gang.
But after fighting with a rival organization and injuring his knee, he had to quit the Black Gang.
Heuk Woong, who knew nothing but extortion, blackmail, and the brutal art of beating people, quickly found his way to survive.
He dominated the beggar village of Byeok Gye Village and lived by stealing what they begged for.
At first, some beggars resisted, but he possessed innate martial talent and the cruelty he learned from the Black Gang.
Eventually, having subdued the beggars, he became the king of Byeok Gye Village and lived a life that satisfied him in his own way.
“Boss, isn’t this going too far?”
At that moment, a young beggar with a somewhat stocky build stepped forward to block Heuk Woong and spoke.
“Surely you know well that elderly people cannot move quickly even when spring arrives, don’t you?”
In an instant, Heuk Woong’s eyebrows twitched.
It must have been more than five or six times already.
The number of times that Tung Bo, who used to grovel before anyone, had defied him.
“Moreover, they’re in a condition where they can’t even walk because of pain. Why not give them time until the weather improves further?”
In the past, that stocky bastard wouldn’t even dare to look him in the eye.
But now he stood with his head held high and was arguing back.
“You punk, are you the boss?”
Crack!
Heuk Woong threw another punch at Tung Bo.
In the past, a single punch to the face could have knocked him out for half a day.
But now he merely turned his head slightly and stood firm, didn’t he?
‘Did this bastard get some ginseng from the Sung Family Estate?’
Not long ago, a bandit gang had attacked the Sung Family Estate, and Tung Bo had reported them to the authorities and driven them away.
Because of this, the Sung Family Estate had tried several times to bring Tung Bo in as a servant, but he had refused, saying he would maintain his duty as a beggar.
The problem was that ever since the incident at Sung Ga Jang, Tung Bo had been steadily losing weight, and his complexion had improved dramatically.
Moreover, his fists—which could shatter even thick wooden beams—were now being withstood without apparent strain?
“Damn it, this bastard really won’t do.”
Heuk Woong finally drew the short blade from his waist.
“Tung Bo. Let’s see if a blade can actually penetrate that belly of yours.”
At the sight of the gleaming, razor-sharp blade, Tung Bo trembled with fear and retreated.
No matter how hardened one’s body became, there was no stopping a blade.
“B-boss.”
“You really are hopeless. Men! Seize his limbs!”
At Heuk Woong’s command, his subordinates rushed forward and grabbed Tung Bo’s body.
“Let go of me!”
But then something extraordinary happened.
The moment Tung Bo exerted his strength, the burly subordinates were sent flying in an instant.
‘That bastard?’
Originally, I had only meant to intimidate him.
But as Tung Bo’s strength proved formidable, Heuk Woong changed his mind.
‘If I don’t sever that bastard’s limbs, it won’t be long before he takes my position as boss.’
Just as the wild-eyed Heuk Woong drew his blade and moved toward Tung Bo,
A tremendous rumbling sound.
Suddenly, accompanied by the sound of a herd of oxen passing, an enormous number of laborers began entering Byeok Gye Village.
Along with wagons laden with materials.
“What, what is this?”
The bewildered Heuk Woong cried out, staring at the laborers.
“Who are you people?”
Footsteps approached.
Then, from among the laborers, a tall man dressed in scholar official robes walked forward.
With sharp yet profound eyes, he possessed an air that unmistakably suggested a man of exceptional talent and wisdom.
“Might I inquire where Tung Bo is located?”
‘Tung Bo… sir?’
Heuk Woong’s eyes widened in utter disbelief.
In all the world, who addressed a beggar with such an honorific?
“I am… Tung Bo.”
At that moment, Tung Bo—his cheeks flushed red from the beating Heuk Woong had given him—approached the man.
“Ah, I see. You’re not quite as rotund as I had imagined.”
The Scholar Official smiled without malice, revealing white teeth.
“While the manor is being constructed, please take the people of Byeok Gye Village to the Special Chamber at Woon Hyang Guest Inn. I have made advance reservations.”
As the Scholar Official pointed to the wagon positioned before the entrance, Tung Bo tilted his head in confusion.
“A manor is being constructed?”
“Here in Byeok Gye Village… a grand manor will be built where the Lord and his subordinates can dwell in comfort.”
“Lord? Subordinates?”
Tung Bo opened his mouth and spoke.
“Could it be you’ve come here under a misunderstanding?”
“No, I’ve come with the correct understanding. And this…”
The Scholar Official opened a small wooden case from his robes.
When Tung Bo opened the envelope, inside lay an elegant ivory tablet alongside a name written as Bu Bok Woon.
“What is this…what is this?”
“This is an identity tablet proving the status of Manor Lord Bu.”
“This is…my identity tablet?”
Tung Bo’s eyes widened enormously.
For orphans who never even received a name, the deepest wish would be to obtain an identity tablet that could prove their existence in this world.
Yet a vagrant could never obtain an identity tablet, and for an adult to acquire one required connections within the Gwan Bu and considerable wealth.
So why would someone suddenly create an identity tablet for him?
“Why would you…”
Tung Bo shook his head, his expression bewildered.
“Why would you give me something like this?”
“Because you saved the Murim.”
“Pardon?”
“You have saved the Murim.”
Tung Bo blinked his large eyes and opened his mouth.
“…Me?”
“Yes.”
The Scholar Official nodded with a grave expression.
“Without Manor Lord Bu’s benevolence, by now our entire sect…no, the Murim itself would have been torn asunder and shattered into pieces.”
Tung Bo could not comprehend this at all.
What had he possibly done to save the Murim?
“Once the manor is fully completed, attendants and servants will be assigned to serve the Manor Lord. They will handle the management well, so please do not worry too much.”
The Scholar Official turned to leave, then made a sound of remembrance.
He then looked around at the beggars of Byeok Gye Village who were watching him.
“Is there someone named Heuk Woong here?”
At that, the eyes of Heuk Woong, who had been staring blankly, suddenly gleamed.
‘What is he going to give me?’
If he’s giving Tung Bo a manor for no reason, wouldn’t he build him a grand pavilion like a palace?
“It’s me!”
Heuk Woong, drooling, approached the Scholar Official with a bright smile.
“I’m! I’m Heuk Woong!”
“Heuk Woong?”
“Yes!”
Then a fist appeared before Heuk Woong’s eyes.
It flew very lightly and pressed firmly against his right cheek.
Crack! Crash!
Heuk Woong flew in a straight line and crashed directly into Mo Wok, which lay more than ten zhang away.
“Ughhhh.”
The fallen Heuk Woong began rolling about with an expression twisted in agony.
The area around his cheeks burned with searing pain, and his entire body felt as though every tooth was being torn from its roots.
“Drag that wretch back out front again.”
At the Scholar Official’s command,
Drag, drag, drag.
The martial artists standing behind him seized Heuk Woong by the head and dragged him forward once more.
“Spare, spare me, I beg you!”
“Considering all the atrocities you’ve committed, I should strike you down on the spot.”
The Scholar Official gazed down at Heuk Woong with a solemn expression.
“However, doing so would tarnish the Manor Lord’s virtuous deeds, or so I’ve been told.”
The Scholar Official pointed toward Tung Bo and spoke with cold precision.
“Serve the Manor Lord here with unwavering loyalty for the rest of your life. That is the only way you will preserve your miserable existence.”
“Y-yes, I understand!”
The Scholar Official nodded with satisfaction and spoke once more.
“And the Black Gang, which took root in Byeok Gye Village and became acquainted with you—they have all relocated elsewhere. Take note of this.”
Tremble, tremble, tremble.
Heuk Woong could scarcely believe what was happening.
The man in black before him was a master of the Murim whom he had never once encountered in his entire life.
Moreover, he possessed the wealth to mobilize hundreds of laborers at once, and…
He had even completely dismantled the Black Gang, lest Heuk Woong harbor any foolish notions of resistance.
“And…”
The Scholar Official gazed down at Heuk Woong and smiled coldly.
“Learn to keep your eyes wide open.”
He then turned and faced Tung Bo, clasping his hands respectfully.
“Manor Lord, then, I shall take my leave now.”
Tung Bo, who had been standing in a daze, suddenly grasped something from the Scholar Official’s words.
―Teach him to keep his eyes wide open.
Was that not the very phrase Heuk Woong had habitually spoken whenever he beat Mu Mu?
“You are…”
Bu Bok Woon, who had rushed forward to the Scholar Official, asked in a trembling voice.
“Is he well?”
At Bu Bok Woon’s question—now that he understood everything—the Scholar Official, Yu Woon Ryong, revealed his white teeth in a radiant smile.
“Of course.”

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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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