The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 456

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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 456.
Dokryeong Pavilion, Yeop Hyo Cheon’s office.
Two teacups sat upon the reception table, their steam rising gently into the air.
And there sat a woman of extraordinary beauty—her skin as pale as fresh snow, her nose delicately upturned, her eyes striking with their clarity of black and white.
A truly magnificent woman.
She was Dan So Ok, the Mil Mil Territory Lord, spoken of as the next successor to lead the Demon Hall.
“Me, sir?”
Upon hearing Yeop Hyo Cheon’s words, Dan So Ok could not hide her astonishment.
She had already heard the recent news that the Murim Alliance had dispatched forces to Guizhou and initiated a power struggle.
‘I never imagined they would entrust negotiations to me.’
In truth, this matter favored the Murim Alliance.
Therefore, no matter how skillfully the negotiations were conducted, the Demon Hall would inevitably suffer losses.
“If you could resolve this matter without loss… then Lord Dan would ascend to a most advantageous position, one worthy of guaranteeing your succession as the next leader.”
—Resolve this without loss.
Yeop Hyo Cheon was making an utterly unreasonable demand.
Of course, should Dan So Ok succeed in resolving this matter, she would indeed secure a perfect endorsement as the next successor.
But from the outset, it was an impossible task.
“I’m afraid…”
Just as Dan So Ok was about to refuse with a shake of her head, Yeop Hyo Cheon uttered something unexpected.
“And is Lord Dan not in close relations with Muk Hon Ryeong Ju, being betrothed to him?”
“Pardon?”
“There are whispers that the Murim Alliance was able to deploy forces all the way to Guizhou because of Muk Hon Ryeong Ju, who weakened the Hell Blood Sect’s power.”
He lifted his teacup with a leisurely expression.
“If Lord Dan were to handle this matter, could there be anything more fitting?”
Yeop Hyo Cheon’s intent was crystal clear.
—Since the fault lies with the man who shall become your husband, why should not you, his betrothed, bear the responsibility?
This was what he was saying.
Dan So Ok felt both pleased and troubled.
If it were for Bu Eunseol’s sake, she could walk into hell itself with a smile.
But this matter could not be resolved through affection and sacrifice alone.
Failure to produce concrete results could instead bring harm to Bu Eunseol.
‘If someone must resolve this anyway, and if it is the path to his benefit…’
After a moment’s deliberation, Dan So Ok nodded.
“I shall attempt it.”
“A wise decision.”
Yeop Hyo Cheon nodded with a smile.
“Then the Mil Mil Territory Lord shall undertake these negotiations and bear the burden.”
Yet the voice that followed was utterly devoid of the warmth of that smile, cold and merciless.
“However, this negotiation carries the pride of our sect and the Murim Alliance. Should you suffer losses, you must bear full responsibility for them.”
In an instant, Yeop Hyo Cheon had transformed from a benevolent grandfather into the ruthless, unfeeling leader of a great power.
Yet Dan So Ok seemed accustomed to this, clasping her hands together.
“Understood.”
After her private audience with Chong Gyo Ryeong, Dan So Ok departed the Demon Palace immediately.
She led the masters of Manmadang, where the finest warriors under the Jipma Clan were stationed.
Heading toward Yeoggyeong, where the Murim Alliance’s Wei Long Party was garrisoned.
‘I hope this resolves well.’
She harbored no desire for personal glory.
She merely hoped to conclude this matter cleanly, so that Bu Eunseol would not face accusations of weakening Hell Blood Sect’s influence.
Meanwhile, Bu Eunseol, leading the members of the Elite Division away from the Murim Alliance, also headed toward Yeoggyeong, where the Wei Long Party was stationed.
At last arriving at Guweol Mountain near Seong Do, dozens of camps were erected at the mountain’s base.
This was where the Wei Long Party remained for negotiations with the Demon Palace.
‘Indeed, they say he is skilled at negotiation.’
Bu Eunseol’s gaze deepened as she surveyed the camps.
Typically, negotiations would involve renting an elegant inn or banquet hall in Seong Do, a neutral ground between sects,
where discussions would be conducted in secrecy.
Yet Yeon Ja Gang, the Wei Long Party Lord, had deliberately established the negotiation site at the foot of Guweol Mountain—
directly on the main trade route of the Sae Oe Merchant Guild and at the threshold of Hell Blood Sect’s territory.
This meant that should negotiations with the Demon Palace prove unsatisfactory,
he would maintain a prolonged garrison here and even risk armed conflict.
“Wait here for now.”
After having her contingent stand by briefly before the camps, Bu Eunseol walked toward the tent where Yeon Ja Gang was and spoke clearly.
“Elite Division Lord Seon Woo Jin presents herself.”
Yet no response came from within the tent.
“I have come under the General’s orders to assist the Wei Long Party’s mission….”
As Bu Eunseol began to continue,
A figure emerged from the tent with a shuffling gait.
It was a middle-aged man with a face marred by deep pockmarks and narrow, piercing eyes—decidedly unpleasant in appearance.
This was Yeon Ja Gang, the Wei Long Party Lord.
Bu Eunseol clasped her hands. “Elite Division Lord Seon Woo Jin bows in greeting.”
Yeon Ja Gang gave a slight nod.
“I am Yeon Ja Gang.”
In his youth, Yeon Ja Gang had earned considerable renown in Seomseong as a swift swordmaster.
But as he ventured through Gangho, he came to realize his abilities and talents would never reach the level needed to command the Murim.
So he changed course early, becoming a warrior of the Murim Alliance.
Though his martial prowess was unremarkable, his strategic acumen was exceptional.
Through arduous effort and dangerous missions undertaken with his life on the line, he had earned merit multiple times, and finally, reaching the end of his fifties, he became a Party Lord—a man of true grit.
“What do you think is the reason I have come to this place?”
A rather abrupt question.
Bu Eunseol gazed at Yeon Ja Gang’s narrow eyes and opened her mouth.
Bu Eunseol looked at Yeon Ja Gang’s narrow eyes and opened her mouth.
“I believe it is to reclaim the trade routes near Guweol Mountain for the Ben Maeng’s sphere of influence.”
“Yes, that’s right. To do so, there will be fierce negotiations, and there may even be armed conflict.”
Yeon Ja Gang narrowed his already-slitted eyes even further.
“However, the negotiations will be conducted by the Lord himself, and if armed conflict occurs, the Shin Wi Dan will be deployed.”
And he spoke in a cold voice.
“Do you understand what I’m saying?”
Yeon Ja Gang had devoted himself entirely to becoming Yuk Jang Cheon’s trusted aide, serving with unwavering loyalty.
And after all these years, he had finally obtained the position of Lord.
Yet suddenly, a young upstart from a merchant background had surpassed him and was constantly having private audiences with Yuk Jang Cheon—there was no way Bu Eunseol could appear favorable in his eyes.
‘He’s telling me not to make any contributions.’
Bu Eunseol wore a bitter smile.
Yeon Ja Gang was wary of Bu Eunseol’s rapid ascent.
He was deliberately withholding opportunities to prevent her from achieving any merit in these negotiations.
‘This is hardly my first time facing such treatment.’
When she had set out to become the successor of the Demon Palace, she had endured countless slights and contempt.
No matter how hard Yeon Ja Gang struggled, it would be futile. Bu Eunseol was already seated above his head.
“Understood.”
Bu Eunseol answered with a respectful bow, and Yeon Ja Gang’s brow furrowed.
But then,
“Lord, it is Gu Jong Myeong.”
Yeon Ja Gang’s trusted aide and Vice Lord, Gu Jong Myeong, approached and clasped his hands.
“An emissary from the Demon Palace is requesting an audience with you.”
“Who has come?”
“The Ryeong Ju of the Mil Mil Territory has arrived.”
In that instant, Bu Eunseol’s eyebrows twitched.
The Demon Palace had many outstanding negotiators capable of outmaneuvering Yeon Ja Gang.
Yet among all those skilled individuals, why would they send Dan So Ok specifically?
‘This is the Chong Gyo Ryeong’s doing.’
Bu Eunseol immediately deduced that Yeop Hyo Cheon was the one who had issued this order.
Likely, the Hell Blood Sect had protested, claiming that these circumstances had arisen due to Muk Hon Ryeong Ju.
Yeop Hyo Cheon had surely acknowledged this, and then urged Dan So Ok to undertake these negotiations, claiming it was to assist Muk Hon Ryeong Ju.
After all, they were formally betrothed to one another.
‘If she succeeds, I simply reward her accordingly. If she fails, I bind us together as a pair and invite criticism.’
In essence, this negotiation was structured so that the Demon Palace would inevitably suffer losses.
Yeop Hyo Cheon intended to highlight this failure, thereby obscuring not only Dan So Ok but also his own mistakes in weakening the Hell Blood Sect’s influence.
‘But such a thing will not come to pass, Chong Gyo Ryeong.’
Bu Eunseol bit her lip.
If matters proceeded as they were, a clash with not only the Hell Blood Sect but ultimately the Demon Palace’s forces would be inevitable.
“The Mil Mil Territory’s Ryeong Ju, I see. The Demon Palace has found quite an amusing sacrificial pawn.”
At that moment, Yeon Ja Gang spoke with a smile.
“I deliberately sent the fiancée of Muk Hon Ryeong Ju.”
Gu Jong Myeong nodded and spoke.
“She said she would wait at Sang Ae Jeong, the midpoint.”
“Understood. I’ll head there shortly.”
Then Yeon Ja Gang spoke coldly, gazing at Bu Eunseol.
“Since it is the Commander’s order, have her stay at a location somewhat removed from this camp. If there is anything needed, she may be summoned.”
By separating the camp itself from the Wei Long Party, it was clear he intended to pay her no mind whatsoever.
Yet Bu Eunseol clasped her hands respectfully.
“Understood.”
As Bu Eunseol turned away calmly, Yeon Ja Gang observed the faces of the Elite Division members arrayed behind her.
‘Hmph, as expected.’
They were as composed as Bu Eunseol, their expressions showing complete acceptance of the current situation.
As the information division of the Murim Alliance, the Elite Division understood the organization’s circumstances and interpersonal dynamics better than anyone.
Thus they seemed to regard his dismissive attitude toward Bu Eunseol as natural, showing no eagerness whatsoever to distinguish themselves through merit.
“Set up the camp at a location somewhat removed from the Wei Long Party.”
Bu Eunseol spoke to her members with an indifferent expression.
“I will go to Seong Do and gather intelligence on the surrounding situation once more.”
“Understood!”
As the members began setting up the camp, Bu Eunseol deployed her lightness technique toward Seong Do.
Whoosh!
But as she twisted her body in mid-air, her clothing transformed in an instant and a mask covered her face.
[So Yo.]
Bu Eunseol sent a long-distance transmission to So Yo, who must be hiding somewhere.
[Contact the Sa Hon Dae and have them create a trail of Seon Woo Jin gathering information while traveling through Seong Do. I will conduct reconnaissance myself.]
[Understood.]
Upon hearing So Yo’s response, Bu Eunseol immediately headed toward Sang Ae Jeong, where the Wei Long Party Lord and the Demon Palace were conducting negotiations.
In Yeoggyeong, there existed a place called Sang Ae Jeong where one could view a beautiful sunset.
There, Manmadang warriors clad in black martial robes were positioned with precision, and in the pavilion at the center sat a woman dressed in a deep blue gown.
Her skin was as white as snow, and her eyes gleamed like sunlight reflected upon a river. She was none other than Dan So Ok, the Mil Mil Territory Lord of the Demon Palace.
‘She’s going through all this trouble because of me.’
Just as Bu Eunseol, concealed near the pavilion, was completely suppressing her presence,
Footsteps echoed.
From the opposite direction, dozens of figures in white robes began approaching.
At the forefront was a middle-aged man in white robes on the left, wearing embroidered silk depicting a phoenix.
They were the warriors of the Wei Long Party and Yeon Ja Gang.
“….”
With the pavilion between them and forces arrayed on both sides, tension reached its peak.
Footsteps echoed.
Yeon Ja Gang ascended before the pavilion without hesitation.
Then Dan So Ok rose from her seat and clasped her hands together.
“It’s an honor to meet you. I’m Dan So Ok, leading the Mil Mil Territory.”
She held the position of Ryeong Ju of the Demon Palace, a rank superior to the Lord of the Murim Alliance.
However, since the Murim Alliance held the initiative in this negotiation and she was young, she had greeted him first without hesitation.
“Wei Long Party Lord, Yeon Ja Gang.”
Yeon Ja Gang likewise clasped his hands respectfully.
In negotiations of this nature, everything from the order of greetings to one’s demeanor
was a continuous, subtle yet fierce battle of wills.
Yet both their attitudes remained consistently courteous and gentle.
Since both possessed confidence in the negotiation, neither wished to waste energy on trivial matters.
“Thank you for accepting our invitation despite your busy schedule.”
Her voice was low yet clear, and with each word that left her lips, a sweet fruity fragrance seemed to drift forth.
An ordinary man would have lost his composure before such beautiful eyes and graceful bearing.
But Yeon Ja Gang remained entirely unaffected by her beauty.
This was because he had long cultivated the Childless Technique to compensate for his insufficient martial power.
The Childless Technique granted pure and majestic inner force so long as one maintained celibacy.
Thus he had no choice but to regard women as stones throughout his life.
For Yeon Ja Gang, even if Dan So Ok were the Goddess of Mercy descended from heaven, it would stir no emotion within him.
“You’re too kind.”
Yeon Ja Gang offered a composed smile.
“Surely there aren’t many points to dispute between the Demon Palace and ourselves?”
Dan So Ok held a faint smile.
“Rather than dispute, I’d call it consensus. There are naturally differences in position between our hall and the Murim Alliance.”
She attempted to ease the stiffness of the atmosphere as much as possible.
Yet Yeon Ja Gang’s voice grew colder instead.
“The word ‘consensus’ seems ill-suited to matters of life and death.”
“The perpetrator who murdered the Iron Tyrant Lord remains unidentified. Our hall responded to the Murim Alliance’s negotiation out of moral obligation.”
“Moral obligation.”
Yeon Ja Gang spoke matter-of-factly.
“Lord No’s cause of death was the toxic technique of Hell Blood Sect.”
“Hell Blood Sect’s toxic techniques could have leaked externally. Just as many martial artists use the techniques of the Nine Sects One Alliance without being disciples of those sects.”
“That sounds like an attempt to evade responsibility.”
“If there is responsibility to bear, we shall bear it. But if you condemn our hall based on uncertain matters, that is something we cannot accept.”
“So that’s what you’re saying.”
As sharp words exchanged back and forth, Yeon Ja Gang, who had fallen into deep silence, hardened his gaze and spoke.
“Unless the Demon Palace presents conditions we can accept.”
Yeon Ja Gang paused briefly before speaking in a low voice.
“If you continue spouting unnecessary words… there will be no further dialogue.”
It was a shocking statement.
It was a unilateral ultimatum that should never have emerged from a negotiation table, let alone been uttered there.
‘These are not words a mere lord should speak.’
Dan So Ok’s eyes narrowed to slits.
A mere clan lord could not utter words that would ignite conflict between the Demon Hall and the Murim Alliance.
This meant Yeon Ja Gang had surely met with the highest echelons beforehand—specifically, the Supreme Commander—to discuss the terms of negotiation.
‘Which means the Murim Alliance is determined to claim the overland routes near Guweol Mountain as their territory.’
Realizing there was no room for negotiation, Dan So Ok’s gaze turned glacial.
Negotiation, after all, is the process by which those with conflicting interests seek common ground.
Once unilateral demands are laid bare, it ceases to be negotiation altogether.
“Such terms are difficult for me to accept.”
Her voice emerged frigid and cutting.
“I believed we could find a mutually satisfactory agreement. But it seems that was merely my delusion.”
Force demands force in return.
With an opponent who refuses reason, pleading only surrenders one’s advantage.
“Then the negotiations are at an end.”
Yeon Ja Gang rose to his feet with measured composure.
“It appears the Demon Hall intends to use you as a sacrificial pawn. A pity.”
A faint smile played across his lips.
“There are whispers that you undertook this task because of your betrothal to the Muhonjung Lord.”
“Is that so.”
Dan So Ok stood, her tone perfectly measured.
“I understand the newly appointed Supreme Commander has been directing this matter with considerable enthusiasm.”
She regarded Yeon Ja Gang with icy precision.
“Failing to conclude even such negotiations will only narrow his position further.”
“You seem quite resolved.”
“Resolved? What is there to be resolved about?”
Dan So Ok turned, her words cutting like winter frost.
“Tell the Supreme Commander that I am prepared at any moment.”
Yeon Ja Gang responded with equal boldness.
“Since no satisfactory agreement has been reached, my forces will remain stationed near Guweol Mountain. If you wish to drive us out, attempt it.”
Dan So Ok offered no reply. She turned and departed Sang Ae Jeong.
Watching her retreating figure, Yeon Ja Gang’s smile deepened.
“Everything proceeds as intended.”
Negotiation had never been the true objective.
Now that forces were deployed throughout the Guweol Mountain region, the Demon Hall’s use of violence would not compel withdrawal.
“We depart.”
He offered his subordinates a terse command before turning slowly.
And in the distance, Bu Eunseol’s eyes flashed with sudden clarity as she absorbed every word of the exchange.
‘So that was their intention from the start.’
The Murim Alliance had never intended to negotiate.
Once forces were committed to this region, they would never be withdrawn.
The Demon Hall would hardly risk open war merely to reclaim trade route dominance around Guweol Mountain.
Even if Dan So Ok pushed forward with Manmadang’s warriors, they could never overcome the forces of Shin Wi Dan standing behind Wei Long Party.
‘I never intended to involve myself from the start, anyway.’
What I truly desired from this expedition was singular and absolute.
To dispel Gong Son Dan Gyeong’s suspicions—that alone.
Yet one additional matter had emerged.
To aid Dan So Ok, who had shouldered an unreasonable burden to help me despite knowing it was impossible…
I had to ensure she did not suffer losses in this negotiation.
* * *
Upon returning to the Camp, I began assessing the situation and devising a strategy.
‘Commander Gong intends to seize the Guweol Mountain region through military conflict if necessary. She possesses both justification and sufficient forces to achieve victory.’
Judging by Yeon Ja Gang’s demeanor, Gong Son Dan Gyeong harbored no intention of withdrawing from this place, even if Dan So Ok issued a full-scale assault order to Manmadang.
Rather, she actively desired confrontation.
In other words, unless the Demon Palace and Murim Alliance prepared for a full-scale orthodox-versus-demonic war, there existed no means to reclaim the forces near Guweol Mountain.
Yet I did not relent, drawing upon my wisdom relentlessly.
‘She desires battle…’
At last, an excellent stratagem crystallized in my mind, and I smiled.
‘Then I shall grant her one.’
Summoning all the Elite Division members to the Camp, I issued a terse command.
“We must create a map of the Guizhou region, effective immediately.”
“A map, my lord?”
“Indeed. Not a conventional map, but one marking every faction—both Orthodox Sects and Demonic Path—throughout Guizhou.”
The members blinked in bewilderment.
They had witnessed with their own eyes how Wei Long Party’s lord, Yeon Ja Gang, had treated me dismissively upon our arrival.
Moreover, there seemed little reason for us to take action in this negotiation. Why, then, did she request such a map?
“The Main Force is known as the Intelligence Division. Regardless of the Party Lord’s intentions, should we not fulfill our designated role?”
I spoke calmly, as though reading their hearts.
“There exists a probability that armed conflict may erupt between the Murim Alliance and the Demon Palace.”
The members exchanged glances, their eyes communicating silently.
—Our lord is far too kind-hearted.
Despite receiving insulting treatment before her subordinates, she still sought to gather intelligence for Yeon Ja Gang’s sake.
Even as they nodded, the members harbored concern for my generous nature.
“In truth, this is also for the Main Force’s benefit.”
I smiled and whispered to the members.
“A narrow-minded figure like Commander Yeon would seize upon any excuse if matters went awry. This is also a precaution against such an eventuality.”
At my words, Tae Mu Ryong and the others burst into laughter.
They believed I had made an amusing jest.
Yeon Ja Gang was a master negotiator, and the Murim Alliance possessed righteous justification.
Moreover, even if armed conflict occurred, the Murim Alliance could not possibly suffer defeat—rendering it impossible to fail the negotiation, no matter how one tried.
“Understood. I shall create it with the members.”
Tae Mu Ryong smiled and departed with the others.
But how could anyone have known?
That Yeon Ja Gang would bungle everything just as Bu Eunseol had predicted.
That he would find himself in such dire straits, barely able to maintain his position as 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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