The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 431

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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 431.
Seo Jin Ha was rapidly deploying his concealment technique.
Until now, he had been masquerading as Seon Woo Jin, leaving an endless trail of his presence throughout Murim as the leader of the Elite Division.
It was during this time that he suddenly heard the news of Bu Eunseol’s disappearance.
However, unlike Yu Woon Ryong, who had been tormented with guilt and self-reproach, he harbored no particular concern.
Bu Eunseol was a Shinjin.
And such a person would never perish in vain—because the burdens upon her shoulders were far too heavy.
For that reason.
When Bu Eunseol returned safely, obliterated Dae Woon Rim and Hell Blood Castle, and summoned him to a secret manor in Hanam, he was scarcely surprised.
Creak.
As he finally entered the manor, a man with deep, soul-piercing eyes came into view.
Yet because he perpetually wore drab gray robes, he exuded an air of desolation and profound distance.
It was Bu Eunseol.
“You’ve returned.”
Seo Jin Ha smiled and spread both arms wide.
He had believed his heart harbored little worry, yet his body seemed to disagree.
For he suddenly pulled his old friend into a tight embrace.
“You’ve endured much.”
“Endured? You’re the one who’s endured more.”
Seo Jin Ha, savoring the joy of their reunion, asked with a grave expression.
“You said he was the Hyuk Ryeon clan lord? That he’s a key figure in the Three Realms?”
Seo Jin Ha had learned through intelligence that it was Hyuk Ryeon Eung who had orchestrated the attack on Bu Eunseol via the Sa Hon Dae.
He had heard everything—how it caused her to lose her memories and live as a beggar.
“That’s how it turned out.”
“I don’t understand how Gangho has become such a mess. The leaders of the Orthodox and Demonic paths are all agents of the Three Realms?”
Seo Jin Ha sighed and shook his head.
“Why not simply expose everything and hunt them down together with Ma Cheon Je to sweep them all away?”
The forces of the Three Realms had yet to be properly revealed.
He thought it better to borrow the power of the Demon Hall rather than have Bu Eunseol face them alone.
“I’ve considered that too, but aside from Hyuk Ryeon Eung, the core forces and figures of the Three Realms remain completely unknown.”
Bu Eunseol shook her head, recalling the deep, dark gaze of Chong Gyo Ryeong and Yeop Hyo Cheon.
“If we spread word without accurate intelligence that the leaders of both the Orthodox and Demonic paths are embedded as agents, it will only compound the chaos.”
“Hmm.”
Seo Jin Ha nodded, swallowing hard.
The Three Realms manipulated numerous figures and factions, yet had never stepped into the open. Even what they desired remained undiscovered.
Moving the Demon Hall in such circumstances would yield nothing.
‘Perhaps what they desire is chaos itself.’
As Seo Jin Ha was shaking his head, Bu Eunseol asked.
“The Murim Alliance issued an order?”
“Yes.”
Only then did Seo Jin Ha nod, as if remembering something.
“Ah, right. That’s why I sent a messenger pigeon to Yu Woon Ryong.”
Only Yu Woon Ryong knew of Seo Jin Ha’s existence as Shadow.
“The Murim Alliance issued a recall order.”
The reason Seo Jin Ha had summoned Bu Eunseol.
Suddenly, the Murim Alliance had commanded Seon Woo Jin—who had been wandering Gangho gathering intelligence on the San Dok Mun—to return to the organization.
“According to the information the Elite Division sent, it concerns a matter involving Yeol Ha Sung Gung.”
“Yeol Ha Sung Gung?”
Bu Eunseol stroked her chin thoughtfully.
While investigating the theft of Hwa Jeong Stone—her first mission as Elite Division Lord—she had uncovered the misdeeds of Gwang Yang Ja, an elder of Yeol Ha Sung Gung.
When Gwang Yang Ja died, she had returned the Hwa Ryun Gyeol Jeong he left behind to Yeol Ha Sung Gung.
Yeol Ha Sung Gung had expressed gratitude to both the Murim Alliance and Bu Eunseol, offering substantial compensation in return.
So why was Yeol Ha Sung Gung being mentioned again?
“I’m not sure what the matter is, but in situations like this, it seemed better to send you rather than me.”
“Well done.”
Bu Eunseol nodded in agreement.
Unless the situation was urgent, it was better for her to handle Seon Woo Jin’s responsibilities herself.
The Murim Alliance was a den of vipers so treacherous that even Bu Eunseol could not let her guard down.
“This.”
Seo Jin Ha produced an envelope from her robes.
“It contains the background I’ve created for you over time and the information the Elite Division provided. It would be wise to read it before entering the Murim Alliance.”
Bu Eunseol read through the letter carefully, then ignited it with Sammaejinhwa, reducing it to ash.
“You’ve worked hard all this time.”
“It was nothing.”
“Now, let’s change your appearance.”
A soft cracking sound.
Seo Jin Ha unfolded the Hwan Myeon Yeok Gol technique, reshaping her face to match Bu Eunseol’s features.
Because she possessed such striking beauty that she too was called a peerless beauty, impersonating Bu Eunseol posed no difficulty.
Moreover, she had perfectly mimicked that distinctive melancholic gaze, so that even the Lords of Sa Yeong Dae would be unable to distinguish them if she merely changed her clothes.
“Unless something urgent arises, avoid returning to Demon Palace if possible. Instead, lead Sa Yeong Dae or travel through Gangho. I’ve written the details here.”
Bu Eunseol likewise produced an envelope.
It contained detailed instructions for what Seo Jin Ha, as Muk Hon Ryeong Ju, should accomplish in Gangho.
“You need not necessarily handle the matters here. What’s important is leaving a trail of activities befitting Muk Hon Ryeong Ju.”
“But what is that?”
Seo Jin Ha pointed to the large trunk that had been sitting on the table.
“Ah.”
Bu Eunseol opened the trunk as if just remembering it.
A soft click.
Inside lay an ordinary iron sword.
“What sword is this?”
“It’s the Bing Hun Sword.”
Bu Eunseol handed the iron blade to Seo Jin Ha.
“It was a sword bestowed upon me by Ma Cheon Je in the past, but it developed a crack and I sent it for repairs.”
Bu Eunseol entrusted the Bing Hun Sword’s repairs to Wang Gyeol, the master blacksmith, with these instructions.
―Make its appearance ordinary and remove its distinctive white radiance as well.
Wang Gyeol responded in bewilderment.
―If that’s the case, find a new sword instead.
Yet Bu Eunseol insisted on the repairs anyway. Not because it was a gift from Ma Cheon Je, but because the Bing Hun Sword fit my hand remarkably well.
In Murim, though swords abound, finding one that truly suits your grip is rare.
“Cheol Sa Bu mixed copper and jade to eliminate the radiance. However…”
A faint hum resonated.
As Seo Jin Ha infused his inner force into the Bing Hun Sword, a pristine white brilliance bloomed from the darkened blade.
“There was nothing he could do about this, he said.”
Seo Jin Ha nodded in understanding.
“So the Muk Hon Ryeong Ju’s beloved sword will be the Bing Hun Sword from now on.”
“What of the Bing Baek Shin Gong?”
“I’ve mastered it to the third star level.”
Bu Eunseol had transmitted the ice techniques to Seo Jin Ha to make him a perfect alter ego.
However, since the Bing Ha Cheon Ryu Gyeol was the true secret art of Buk Hae Bing Gung and Seo Jin Ha could not master it, I had transmitted the Bing Baek Shin Gong instead.
Though he could not employ the yin-yang dual cultivation method as I do, he could simultaneously utilize the lower and upper dantians.
Learning one additional extreme yin technique was no difficult task.
“Then you can wield it.”
Bu Eunseol gazed at the Bing Hun Sword and spoke.
“Because extreme yin energy constantly flows from the Bing Hun Sword, anyone who wields it for extended periods without mastering ice techniques will suffer bodily harm.”
Bu Eunseol had mastered the Bing Ha Cheon Ryu Gyeol, the pinnacle of extreme yin techniques.
Therefore, I could wield the Bing Hun Sword for prolonged periods without suffering harm, and could unleash even more formidable sword techniques through the extreme yin energy that flowed from it.
“Ah, you should use this sword instead.”
Seo Jin Ha drew the iron blade from his waist and offered it to Bu Eunseol.
“It’s an iron sword I purchased from the Blacksmith Shop. I thought Seon Woo Jin would likely need a sword as well.”
“Well done.”
Seon Woo Jin was the lord of the Elite Division, who discreetly handled various matters throughout Gangho.
Since his identity had to remain concealed as much as possible, Seo Jin Ha had likewise procured an unremarkable iron sword.
“Another parting, then.”
Sorrow and apology lingered at the corners of Bu Eunseol’s lips.
Until everything was resolved and my dual identity settled, there would be almost no time for the two of us to be together.
“Parting? Hardly.”
Seo Jin Ha spoke with deliberately bright expression.
“You are me, and I am you.”
He extended one hand.
“So we are always together.”
Bu Eunseol offered a parched smile and gripped Seo Jin Ha’s hand firmly.
An enemy with no end in sight—the Three Realms.
And as I endlessly pursued the still-unrevealed Hyung Su, what allowed me to continue fighting was…
the presence of a trusted friend like Seo Jin Ha, who devoted their entire life to helping me.
* * *
Murim Alliance, Deungmu Hall. Yuk Jang Cheon’s office.
A letter lay upon the table, and there Bu Eunseol—disguised as Seon Woo Jin—sat face to face with Yuk Jang Cheon.
“The Murim has been quite turbulent lately. All because of that Demon Palace successor.”
Yuk Jang Cheon sipped his tea and shook his head with a frown.
“Thanks to that, the atmosphere within the Alliance has become unbearable.”
“Is the Ben Maeng unable to control the madness of that lunatic?”
Then that mad Demon Palace successor herself continued speaking without shame.
“If she continues to stir up the Murim so recklessly, eventually the various factions under Ben Maeng’s command will lose their momentum and shrink back.”
Yuk Jang Cheon appeared pleased by Bu Eunseol’s indignant attitude, yet his expression grew troubled.
“When Ben Maeng conducted a thorough investigation, we discovered that Jang Baek Sangdan not only provided funds to Dae Woon Rim, which manufactures Shil Hoon In, but also took the lead in cutting off Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong’s financial lifeline.”
“Hmm.”
“And Geom Rin Gok’s master, who converted from the Demonic Path to the Orthodox Sects and earned everyone’s respect—whether she suffered senility in her final years or not—directly led Shil Hoon In forces to attack Jeol Cheon Myul Ji.”
Yuk Jang Cheon shook his head as he spoke.
“And they were none other than the Ten Demonic Gates. Without any declaration of war, they launched a brutal preemptive strike…so even if a counterattack was made, Ben Maeng cannot find fault with it.”
“Still, it seems there must be someone behind this.”
“Indeed. But no matter how much we investigate, we cannot uncover the backer….”
Bu Eunseol narrowed her eyes.
From his response, it was certain that Yuk Jang Cheon had absolutely no connection to the Three Realms.
And while that was disappointing, it was also fortunate in another sense.
Had he been an agent of the Three Realms infiltrated into the Murim Alliance, I would have caught his tail quickly—and I would have needed to revise all my plans up to this point.
“The word has gotten out.”
Yuk Jang Cheon shook his head, then placed a letter upon the table.
“You’ve likely heard the details already, but read this.”
“The Palace Lord of Yeol Ha Sung Palace truly invited me?”
Bu Eunseol’s expression showed incomprehension.
The letter placed upon the table.
It contained an invitation from Hwa Jeong, the Palace Lord of Yeol Ha Sung Palace, inviting Seon Woo Jin—the benefactor who had found the Hwa Ryun Gyeol Jeong—to Yeol Ha Sung Palace.
“We have already offered sufficient gratitude to Ben Maeng, so I do not understand why she would specifically invite me.”
From the perspective of exclusivity, Yeol Ha Sung Palace was far more severe than Buk Hae Bing Gung could ever be.
Situated on a remote island in Nam Man, Yeol Ha Sung Palace absolutely forbade the entry of outsiders, and even if one had personal connections with the Palace Lord.
If the elders and lords within did not consent, they would never allow anyone inside the palace—such was the bizarre law they adhered to.
Yet suddenly they were inviting a third-rank Lord of the Murim Alliance to Yeol Ha Sung Palace?
That meant not only the Palace Lord but all the elders and lords desired Bu Eunseol’s arrival.
“According to the letter’s contents, it is because they wish to establish peaceful relations with Ben Maeng….”
Yuk Jang Cheon, who had been gazing at the letter on the table, stroked his chin thoughtfully.
“There does seem to be another intention at play. Had Yeol Ha Sung Palace truly desired peace, they wouldn’t have invited a third-tier Lord of the Murim Alliance,” Yuk Jang Cheon said with clarity.
His words were straightforward.
If Yeol Ha Sung Palace genuinely wanted reconciliation, they would have sought someone who could represent the Murim Alliance and possessed the authority to negotiate with the Palace Lord.
They would never have summoned a mere third-tier Lord.
“Had the letter not contained a request to hear directly how the Hwa Ryun Gyeol Jeong was obtained, I would have suspected the invitation itself,” he continued.
The Hwa Ryun Gyeol Jeong.
A treasure of Yeol Ha Sung Palace said to contain the primordial heat of ancient times.
Bu Eunseol had simply returned the Hwa Ryun Gyeol Jeong that Gwang Yang Ja possessed.
What problem could have arisen?
“I merely recovered the Hwa Ryun Gyeol Jeong that Gwang Yang Ja held and delivered it as is.”
“It seems Yeol Ha Sung Palace isn’t particularly taking issue with that. They simply wish to inquire about the details of the process. The Alliance has already issued orders to accept the invitation.”
Bu Eunseol’s expression grew puzzled.
If the Alliance had already issued such orders, there would be no need to discuss these trivial matters.
Why go through the trouble of a private audience to elaborate on such things?
“This could be a considerable opportunity for you.”
Yuk Jang Cheon, having discerned her confusion, smiled and broached the main topic.
“Among the major sects of Sae Oe that had consistently maintained the Orthodox-Demonic divide, Buk Hae Bing Gung ultimately joined the Demon Hall. Because of this, the Alliance secretly desires peace with Yeol Ha Sung Palace.”
Buk Hae Bing Gung and Yeol Ha Sung Palace were the two largest sects among Sae Oe’s independent factions, sharing the common identity of Orthodox Path schools.
Now that Buk Hae Bing Gung had made peace with the Demon Hall, the Alliance naturally hoped to achieve the same with Yeol Ha Sung Palace.
“If you make a favorable impression there this time, you could open the door to peace between Yeol Ha Sung Palace and the Alliance.”
Regardless of their true intentions, Yeol Ha Sung Palace—which had never admitted outsiders—
was now opening its doors and inviting Seon Woo Jin.
The Alliance could not afford to miss this opportunity.
“Do you understand what I’m saying?”
Yuk Jang Cheon’s subdued voice carried a peculiar fervor.
“If you handle this matter well and achieve favorable results with Yeol Ha Sung Palace, you could seize the chance to become a second-tier Lord immediately.”
Yuk Jang Cheon’s eyes burned with intensity.
“Then the Elite Division would formally become part of my domain.”
‘He’s trying to bring me under his wing.’
Bu Eunseol’s eyes narrowed as she saw through Yuk Jang Cheon’s true intentions.
If this matter opened the path to peace between the Murim Alliance and Yeol Ha Sung Palace?
Bu Eunseol could immediately ascend to second-tier Lord status.
With that, she could become the commander of either Deungmu Hall or the formal Star Guard.
In essence, Yuk Jang Cheon was simultaneously assigning her a task while laying groundwork to bring her—soon to be promoted to second-tier Lord—under his command.
‘This is certainly a situation that could set my blood ablaze.’
Jang Wang Yuk Jang Cheon.
Having risen to the position of aide to the Four Gods Seven Kings, he was a latecomer to the Murim Alliance.
And there was only one reason he had joined the Alliance.
He desired to become the next Alliance Lord and govern Tianxia.
Fortunately for him, unlike the Demon Hall, the Murim Alliance did not select young successors.
To lead the entire Orthodox Sects, which concern themselves with distribution and honor, while simultaneously upholding justice.
The purpose was to select a person of proven integrity who neither coveted fame nor profit.
Because of this, even the Seven Lords with outstanding martial prowess only ascended to their positions as Lords after reaching middle age, earning their names as candidates for the next Murim Alliance Master.
And at precisely that moment, Jo Cheon Wang voluntarily relinquished his position, creating a vacancy among the candidates.
Yuk Jang Cheon could absolutely not miss this opportunity.
―I must accumulate even greater achievements!
The Murim Alliance values accomplishments achieved within the organization far more than martial prowess or reputation built in Gangho.
And those accomplishments come from having talented individuals under one’s command and handling various matters through them.
Because the achievements of one’s direct subordinates become one’s own achievements.
Yuk Jang Cheon desired to obtain the position of Lord of the vacant Wu Tian Duan, then compete with the Seven Lords to rise as an aide to the foremost leader of the Orthodox Sects.
“It may be immodest to say so myself, but was it not I who shared life and death with the Elite Division suspended in the void?”
“Of course.”
Bu Eunseol clasped her hands together and bowed her head.
“How could I ever forget that?”
“Haha. Hearing you say so assures me that all my hardships have not been in vain.”
Yuk Jang Cheon chuckled and nodded.
“I shall await good news.”
“Understood. Then.”
Bu Eunseol clasped her hands together and departed from Deungmu Hall.
‘This should prove interesting.’
Bu Eunseol gazed toward the distant sky, a faint smile crossing her lips.
‘If I elevate him to the vacant Wu Tian Duan and have him compete with the Seven Lords… well.’
The Seven Lords were each accumulating achievements to become the Alliance Master.
What if Yuk Jang Cheon were elevated to Lord of Wu Tian Duan? What if he became a strong candidate for Alliance Master?
Bu Eunseol would draw closer to the heart of the Murim Alliance more quickly, and she would be able to unmask the Seven Lords.
“Then I shall depart at once.”
“Do so.”
“Then.”
Bu Eunseol clasped her hands together and departed from Deungmu Hall.
Then, gazing toward the distant sky, she took a deep breath. She was about to set out for Nam Man to accept the invitation from Yeol Ha Sung Palace.
* * *
Countless stars embroidering the distant night sky flow as the Yangtze River.
The fierce wind that blows becomes sharp fangs, scratching at the earth.
The bird calls heard from somewhere are as eerie and sinister as the voice of a guide leading the dead to the afterlife.
On the slope of a certain deep mountain.
There, beautiful flowers bloomed suffused with light, and before them stood a shrine of a most peculiar form.
Upon the altar constructed within the shrine sat a hemispherical metal dish, within which a dark liquid moved ceaselessly.
The pillars within the chamber gleamed with golden light, their surfaces carved haphazardly with oracle bone script and the Four Symbols.
And beneath the altar lay the Masked Assassin, prostrate on the ground with his head bowed.
He remained motionless, his face pressed deep into the floor as though raising his head would mean death.
[Muk Hon Ryeong Ju has finally returned safely, and even destroyed Dae Woon Rim in the process.]
A low voice that belonged to neither man nor woman echoed throughout the shrine.
[From Ben Gye’s perspective, they can no longer afford to remain idle.]
Then another voice emerged.
[But Cheonghae Gye is resisting, isn’t it? Perhaps they’ve designated him as a backup plan…]
The same voice continued to reverberate through the shrine.
[It seems Mu Goong Gye has attempted to eliminate him multiple times—the one who has been obstructing them. But Cheonghae Gye has repeatedly sabotaged those efforts.]
Silence hung within the shrine for a moment.
[What of Yeol Ha Sung Gung?]
Then the Masked Assassin, who had been prostrate, spoke respectfully with his head bowed.
“The work is nearly complete. Soon we will be able to create a perfect artificial core with absolutely no side effects.”
[Proceed without delay. Once that is finished, we can dispose of everything else—including Bu Eunseol…]
Endless conversation continued to flow within the shrine thereafter.
These were the hidden architects of Murim, the ones who orchestrated the Tianxia itself.
Yet there was one thing even they did not know—that Bu Eunseol was none other than Seon Woo Jin, the Elite Division Lord.

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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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