The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 463

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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 463.
Seo Jin Ha, who had been wandering through Gangho as Bu Eunseol’s shadow, was greatly startled.
He had always anticipated that such a moment might come.
Whether Bu Eunseol’s identity was exposed or she found herself in dire peril—there would come a time when she urgently summoned him, her shadow.
‘I have always kept my mind prepared for this.’
Seo Jin Ha received Bu Eunseol’s emergency summons through the Sa Hon Dae’s intelligence network.
At her request, he made a brief stop at the Demon Palace to retrieve something, then hastily departed and unleashed his divine movement technique.
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!
It was a divine movement technique Bu Eunseol had taught him, remarkably similar to the Extreme Speed Shadowless Movement.
Though only at the fifth realm, Seo Jin Ha’s form tore through the half-sky, shooting forward with tremendous velocity.
‘And with the spirit herbs…’
What Bu Eunseol had requested were the mysterious spirit herbs stored in the Demon Palace’s warehouse—tributes sent from the Yunhai Biyeok Palace.
He had brought thirty jin of them.
Converted to currency, it easily exceeded three hundred thousand taels.
‘Why on earth did she ask me to bring thirty jin of spirit herbs?’
Seo Jin Ha could not comprehend her reasoning, but he dutifully gathered a substantial quantity of the herbs and unleashed his divine movement technique.
After traveling day and night without rest, he finally arrived near Chim Province.
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!
He unfolded his divine movement in one breath, heading toward the vicinity of Geum Wang Mountain, when he spotted the silhouette of a man in white robes.
It was Bu Eunseol.
‘There she is.’
Upon spotting Bu Eunseol, Seo Jin Ha deployed the Yun Ryong Returning Body divine movement technique and landed discreetly near the thicket where she stood.
“Bu Eunseol!”
As Seo Jin Ha sent a discrete sound transmission, Bu Eunseol turned toward the thicket and spoke.
“You can speak normally. There is no one nearby.”
“Is that so?”
Seo Jin Ha scanned the surroundings once more with keen perception, his expression grave as he asked.
“What is this about? An emergency summons out of nowhere.”
Seo Jin Ha trailed off, unable to hide his shock.
Bu Eunseol’s complexion was extremely poor, and her brow was deeply furrowed.
‘There is something unresolved troubling her.’
Since Seo Jin Ha had completely mastered Bu Eunseol’s expressions and manner of speech, he could discern her state merely by observing her face.
“The situation is grave.”
Bu Eunseol glanced briefly toward the distant manor as she spoke.
“I need your help.”
“Hmm.”
Observing that Bu Eunseol’s gaze was fixed upon the Jong Ri Family Estate, Seo Jin Ha seemed to grasp something, a subtle smile playing at his lips.
“It is a matter concerning a woman, is it not?”
“It is.”
“Haha. You may be skilled at many things, but matters of the heart have always been your weakness.”
Seo Jin Ha exhaled deeply, a weight lifting from his chest.
I had thought this was an extraordinarily grave matter, yet it turned out to be something so trivial.
‘Though I suppose from his perspective, it’s quite the serious predicament.’
With a faint smile playing at his lips, Seo Jin Ha patted his chest reassuringly as he spoke.
“Don’t worry. This is precisely my specialty.”
“That’s a relief.”
Reassured by Seo Jin Ha’s confident demeanor, Bu Eunseol nodded and withdrew an envelope from her bosom, handing it over.
“What is this?”
“The detailed information is written inside.”
Seo Jin Ha extracted the envelope and read its contents. In that instant, his eyes wavered like ripples across water.
It was no trivial matter at all.
Just as Bu Eunseol had said, this was indeed a gravely serious problem.
“You’re asking me to handle this?”
“I’m entering an emergency meeting with the Yeonseong Hall Master today.”
“Then you could just do it the next day.”
“It continues until the old man from the Northern Palace changes his mind. If we miss this window, irreversible consequences will unfold.”
Bu Eunseol fixed Seo Jin Ha with a desperate gaze.
Her eyes narrowed as she nodded firmly.
Unable to withstand that relentless stare, Seo Jin Ha reluctantly nodded in agreement.
* * *
The Jong Ri Family Estate was thrown into upheaval.
The very architect of deception—the one who had duped Jong Ri Sa Hyeon, known as Chim Wang, and his granddaughter Jong Ri Sa Yu, thereby turning the entire estate upside down—had now arrived of her own accord.
“I am Muk Hon Ryeong Ju, Bu Eunseol.”
Bu Eunseol.
Or rather, Seo Jin Ha, masquerading as Bu Eunseol, gazed toward Wi Sa and clasped his hands respectfully before him.
“I have come to pay my respects to Chim Wang and offer my apologies.”
In stark contrast to his composed demeanor, the eyes and expressions of the Wi Sa disciples had frozen with the bitter chill of a blizzard.
Rumble, rumble, rumble.
The moment Wi Sa announced the arrival, the great gates swung open and countless disciples came rushing out in panic, encircling Bu Eunseol.
Their expressions were all fierce, and their hands gripped golden needles by the handful.
‘Quite the lavish welcome.’
Bu Eunseol. Or rather, Seo Jin Ha, masquerading as Bu Eunseol, felt his pupils flicker,
Creak.
The ranks of disciples parted left and right, and through the gap came an elderly man of advanced years, walking with measured steps.
Though his bearing possessed the ethereal clarity of an immortal sage, his eyes were opened so wide they seemed ready to split, and with each stride, murderous intent radiated forth.
It was none other than Chim Wang Jong Ri Sa Hyeon.
“Well, well, who might this be? Could it be the illustrious Geum Jeong Shin Ryong, the venerable Baek Mu Sung?”
Jong Ri Sa Hyeon’s eyes bulged wide, his red gums fully exposed.
He looked as though he would devour Seo Jin Ha in a single bite.
‘Completely entangled indeed.’
Seo Jin Ha let out an inward sigh.
The envelope Bu Eunseol had handed over contained a simple message.
While traveling through Gangho searching for the whereabouts of Chil Ji Ma Do Bu Chanyang, she had discovered that Chim Wang Jong Ri Sa Hyeon knew of his past deeds.
And to gain Chim Wang’s favor, she had sold the name Baek Mu Sung to obtain information.
The problem was that Jong Ri Sa Yu had fallen for Bu Eunseol of her own accord.
She had gone to the Murim Alliance searching for Bu Eunseol, who had not sought her out for so long, and ultimately, the deception had been exposed.
‘This won’t be resolved easily.’
Seo Jin Ha exhaled a deep sigh from within.
I had thought it was merely a woman’s problem.
I had to appease the wrath of Chim Wang, known throughout Murim for wielding the sharpest and thinnest blade with mastery.
And I had to resolve even the resentment of Jong Ri Sa Yu, whose affection had been so perfectly cultivated?
Had I known it would be such an absurd situation, I would never have come here, ignoring the emergency summons.
But what could I do? I had already beaten my chest and promised to resolve it, so I had no choice but to see it through.
“My sincere apologies, Elder.”
Seo Jin Ha bowed respectfully once more.
“I have come to offer my deepest apologies.”
“Apologies?”
Boom!
As Jong Ri Sa Hyeon stamped his foot, the manor trembled and a powerful shockwave of inner force rippled outward.
“Thanks to you concealing your identity so perfectly, Sa Yu, that girl, was utterly humiliated at the Murim Alliance. Moreover, rumors of her meeting a swindler have spread throughout Tianxia, making her a laughingstock.”
Jong Ri Sa Hyeon’s face grew increasingly fierce.
“Sa Yu has been spending her nights in tears all this time. And you speak of apologies?”
In that moment, Jong Ri Sa Hyeon’s hand fluttered like a butterfly through the air, heading straight for Seo Jin Ha’s cheek.
Normally, Seo Jin Ha would have dodged that strike in an instant.
But I could not.
―A firm face, composure, and extra patience.
The envelope Bu Eunseol had given me contained a clear method.
The people of the Jongli Clan, when greatly angered, cannot control their fury and have a habit of slapping others across the face…
And if one does not dodge and accepts the blow, the matter can be resolved far more quickly than expected.
‘I have enough patience to endure a single slap!’
Seo Jin Ha squeezed my eyes shut.
If I dodged this blow, there would be no way to appease Jong Ri Sa Hyeon’s anger.
Crack!
In an instant, silver stars began pouring from Seo Jin Ha’s eyes, glittering brilliantly.
Was it because of the anger and resentment packed into that strike? No inner force was used, no clever technique employed.
Yet it burned intensely.
‘Why is his hand so stinging?’
Though Seo Jin Ha’s eyes rolled back from the pain, I maintained a calm smile.
“Please calm yourself, Elder.”
Jong Ri Sa Hyeon was slightly taken aback by this response.
He was destined to become the future master of the Demon Hall and the legitimate successor of the Nangya Sect—a position of considerable prestige.
Naturally, I had expected him to dodge.
Yet he simply stood there and offered his cheek?
“You….”
As Jong Ri Sa Hyeon stammered in bewilderment at this unexpected turn, Seo Jin Ha spoke with a faint smile.
“My action was not undertaken to gain personal advancement, but rather… as a means to swiftly locate the whereabouts of the former master of this hall, Chil Ji Ma Do Bu Chanyang.”
“….”
“Though a single word cannot atone for my transgression… I beseech you to understand that my actions were not born of petty emotion, and to grant me your forgiveness.”
It was an apology of impeccable courtesy and propriety.
And Seo Jin Ha extended the thick bundle he had been carrying all along.
From it wafted an indescribably crystalline and refreshing fragrance.
‘This scent…?’
Jong Ri Sa Hyeon’s eyes widened.
From the fragrance alone, he could discern its nature.
The spiritual herb he had been desperately seeking.
Yet was this not the scent of the Yunhai Biyeok Palace’s Profound Celestial Spirit Grass—a treasure now impossible to obtain since his incorporation into the Demon Hall?
“Hmm.”
Jong Ri Sa Hyeon released a long, measured breath.
The successor of the Demon Hall, whose influence shook the entire Murim, had bowed in apology and accepted a slap to the face.
Moreover, he had brought a gift most pleasing to receive… his anger could not help but dissolve.
‘True, giving a false name was an error, but he merely inquired about Chil Ji Ma Do’s whereabouts. As for Sa Yu… well, she simply acted too hastily on her own.’
“Ahem.”
Jong Ri Sa Hyeon cleared his throat and gestured subtly to the disciple standing beside him.
Understanding his meaning, the disciple swiftly retrieved the bundle.
After clearing his throat several more times, Jong Ri Sa Hyeon spoke in a considerably more relaxed tone.
“As for this old man, that may be settled, but Sa Yu’s anger will not dissipate so easily. Do you understand what I am saying?”
“Of course. If you grant me the opportunity, I shall meet her in person and offer my apologies.”
Seo Jin Ha clasped his hands together with utmost deference.
Since she was already playing the role of Bu Eunseol.
She intended to resolve this matter thoroughly.
“Hmm.”
Jong Ri Sa Hyeon gestured helplessly to his disciple.
“Guide her to where Sa Yu resides.”
Jong Ri Sa Yu trembled upon seeing the figure standing before her quarters.
She had sworn that should they meet again, she would draw her blade and strike him down without hesitation.
Yet now that he truly appeared before her eyes, all the resentment she had harbored melted away like snow.
From the moment she first beheld his face, she had sensed it was fate. She believed she had encountered someone worth dying for.
The only torment was the fact that such a person had deceived and toyed with her.
Hah, hah.
Jong Ri Sa Yu approached with ragged breaths, her resentment of all these days now concentrated within her.
All the sorrowful days I spent weeping through the nights.
All the feelings I could never bring myself to voice.
I struck Seo Jin Ha’s cheek with all my strength.
‘Yes, a woman’s touch alone…’
The moment Seo Jin Ha’s eyes squeezed shut,
Crack!
With an impact that defied description, the heavens and earth began to spin wildly.
‘Ughhhh!’
Seo Jin Ha’s eyes rolled back white as he twisted his body and let out a silent scream.
Was it because the blow carried the resentment of a woman with a cutting edge?
Or was it because she had honed her golden needle technique by touching bedding every single day?
Or could it be that the Jongri Clan possessed a secret family martial art specifically designed for slapping others’ cheeks?
Jong Ri Sa Yu’s delicate, fair hands—hands so gentle they couldn’t even wring a chicken’s neck—
Struck with several times more force than the hands of Jong Ri Sa Hyeon, called Chim Wang.
‘Ughhhh…’
Seo Jin Ha had to clench his teeth to suppress the urge to writhe like a squid.
Then, turning his body once more, he bowed his head with genuine sincerity.
“I am sorry.”
Without any particular emotion, his eyes grew moist on their own.
“You.”
Jong Ri Sa Yu spoke in great surprise, clearly not having expected him to avoid the blow.
“Why didn’t you dodge?”
Seo Jin Ha gazed at Jong Ri Sa Yu with eyes glistening with tears.
“You suffered great humiliation because of me. How could I hesitate to accept a single slap?”
“Do you think that will make me forgive you?”
I had anticipated such a response.
Seo Jin Ha began to unfold words he had prepared in advance, his expression full of pathos.
“Though our paths differ, I—this one—have been pursuing those who create Inhwa and Ingong Naedan, striving for the peace of Gangho. Even the matter of Chilji Demonic Sect was an extension of such efforts.”
“Was deceiving me as Baek Mu Sung an effort for Murim?”
“How could it be? I was merely pursuing the whereabouts of Chilji Demonic Sect for the sake of Murim’s peace.”
His eloquence flowed like a clear stream.
Seo Jin Ha spoke with a sorrowful and forlorn expression.
“I dare say, I swear it. I did not deceive you with any malicious intent. Could you not forgive me for that reason alone?”
“You had no malicious intent?”
Jong Ri Sa Yu turned her head away with a pained expression.
“Because of you, I suffered great humiliation at the Murim Alliance, and rumors spread that I’m a foolish woman who was played by a con artist. How will you take responsibility for that?”
Clear tears streamed from Jong Ri Sa Yu’s eyes.
With white flower ornaments pinned above her ears and her hair twisted into three braids, Jong Ri Sa Yu wept pitifully.
She looked as forlorn as a celestial maiden who had lost her feathered robe to ascend to heaven, and yet she was beautiful.
‘Hmm.’
Seo Jin Ha’s eyes narrowed slightly.
Though he rarely engaged in Murim activities, his reputation and appearance were not widely known…
Yet Jong Ri Sa Yu was herself one of the most beautiful flowers representing the contemporary Murim.
‘As the granddaughter of Chim Wang, her scholarly accomplishments go without saying, and she must possess exceptional martial prowess and acupuncture skills.’
Why did everyone who cherished Bu Eunseol invariably do the same thing?
Before long, Seo Jin Ha had become a fastidious father-in-law, meticulously scrutinizing whether Jong Ri Sa Yu was worthy of being Bu Eunseol’s spouse.
‘The Jongli Clan has produced many officials across generations, so their accumulated wealth must be abundant.’
“Why are you staring at me like that?”
When Jong Ri Sa Yu glared with a sullen expression, Seo Jin Ha nodded.
“Ah, no. It’s simply… that you are far too beautiful.”
“What, what did you say?”
Jong Ri Sa Yu turned her head away with a visibly angry expression.
“Is that what you call conversation?”
Despite her evident fury, her tone and eloquence carried an unmistakable dignity.
Though she had the habit of raising her hand when angered…
Considering the great humiliation she had suffered at the Murim Alliance, it was hardly incomprehensible behavior.
Above all, if it were Bu Eunseol, she could evade even the Thousand-Armed Avalokiteshvara Palm of Shaolin…
So Jong Ri Sa Yu’s sharp hand strikes would pose no real problem.
‘Ah, that one. She’s already betrothed.’
The true obstacle lay with Bu Eunseol herself.
He had already become engaged to two peerless beauties.
‘But what difference does it make—two or three?’
Flowers bloom more brilliantly when gathered together, and beautiful maidens naturally gravitate toward heroes of the realm.
A bold resolution that Bu Eunseol would never make—Seo Jin Ha cleared his throat and spoke.
“I shall do as you command.”
“What?”
“If you bid me die, I shall die. If you bid me kneel, I shall kneel.”
Seo Jin Ha spoke with burning intensity in his eyes.
“I shall do whatever it takes to dispel your anger.”
“….”
“I speak in earnest.”
From Seo Jin Ha’s wide-open eyes blazed a heat like an active volcano.
“I have always been sincere. So much so that I have not hesitated even to conceal my true identity.”
It was utter nonsense.
Yet when he spoke with such burning sincerity, Jong Ri Sa Yu stepped back with a frightened expression.
“S-so what?”
“So what? I am saying I shall do whatever you command.”
“Are you trying to jest with me now?”
“Why would you think it jest?”
“Well….”
Jong Ri Sa Yu bit her lip.
“You’re already betrothed to two women, aren’t you? So how can you take responsibility for me?”
“A betrothal is merely a betrothal. One cannot know how worldly matters will unfold until the very end, can one?”
“What did you just say?”
Seo Jin Ha, ignoring Jong Ri Sa Yu’s flabbergasted expression, spoke with shameless audacity.
“It is simply that I have far too many matters requiring my attention at present.”
“Matters, you say.”
“How can I establish a household before the Gangho achieves stability?”
Such talk of being unable to establish a family before the Gangho stabilized was common drivel spouted by the profligates of the Orthodox Sects.
Yet when Seo Jin Ha spoke with such solemn countenance, it sounded remarkably plausible.
“But what matters most is appeasing your anger.”
Seo Jin Ha’s tongue moved ceaselessly, smoothly, without pause.
“Speak of anything you wish. I shall do whatever you command.”
Was that not an indirect expression of his true feelings?
Jong Ri Sa Yu gazed at Seo Jin Ha with an expression of great surprise.
‘How strange.’
Yet something felt amiss.
Though both she and Jong Ri Sa Hyeon had been struck across the face, their cheeks swollen and puffy, his visage remained as beautiful and refined as a river flowing freely.
And yet, somehow.
That breathtaking solitude and melancholy that had once suffused him—had it not vanished?
It was as though she gazed upon a beautiful yet unremarkable sculpture.
His allure had diminished, and all magnetism had dissipated.
‘Have I merely harbored a moment of foolish sentiment?’
Had all that she had cherished until now been nothing but a fleeting fever dream of first love?
Despite their faces being so near, the fervent affection that had burned within her now seemed to cool.
“Very well.”
Jong Ri Sa Yu drew a deep breath and spoke.
“Though you are of the Demonic Path, you resolved the matters of Inhwa and the Artificial Core Formation, and saved countless lives.”
“Then.”
She averted her gaze from Seo Jin Ha’s burning stare and spoke with resolve.
“Continue to exert yourself for the Gangho as you do now. That is my reason for forgiving you.”
Seo Jin Ha’s mouth fell open in genuine astonishment.
Unexpectedly, matters had resolved with ease.
He had successfully prevented Chim Wang and her from launching an assault upon the Demon Palace.
‘Behold! Bu Eunseol, I have done it!’
Suppressing the urge to cry out toward the heavens, Seo Jin Ha spoke with profound eyes.
“Then what comes next….”
“The next part… I shall think upon it.”
Merely because his allure had diminished somewhat did not mean she could easily find another suitor of his caliber.
Though the great obstacle of his Demonic Path origins remained, had not the Young Palace Master of Shin Nyeo Gung herself not overcome that very barrier?
If I set my mind to it, I could easily vault over such an obstacle.
‘He backed down. But wisely.’
What if Jong Ri Sa Yu had fallen for this ploy entirely?
Seo Jin Ha would have thought her a woman without sense.
But knowing how to push and pull at just the right moment… he judged this temperament suited to winning over Bu Eunseol’s wooden heart.
‘This outcome isn’t so bad either.’
“I understand your meaning. My gratitude.”
Seo Jin Ha bowed respectfully, pressing his palms together.
“Then I shall take my leave.”
Jong Ri Sa Yu felt something unsettled and vaguely uncomfortable, but she could only nod in acceptance.
“Very well.”
Having resolved everything, Seo Jin Ha departed from the Jongli Estate with bold confidence.
Perhaps because he had settled all matters?
The pain he had been suppressing suddenly surfaced, and his cheeks began to swell like steamed buns.
“Ah, dear.”
He didn’t need to look in a bronze mirror to know.
His face had swollen into something unrecognizable, puffy as dough.
But it was for a cherished friend, so he harbored no resentment.
“There’s no helping it. That fellow needs me, after all.”
With a satisfied expression, Seo Jin Ha gazed at the distant sky and strode forward with assurance.
But then.
Dozens of martial artists were approaching the Jongli Estate from afar.
It was Yeonseong Hall Master Yuk Cheong Ah, her subordinate warriors, and Bu Eunseol, disguised as Seon Woo Jin.
‘Hmm?’
Yuk Cheong Ah’s expression grew puzzled as she saw a man with cheeks swollen like steamed buns walking toward her.
But when he showed an indifferent expression despite seeing her Murim Alliance insignia, she simply passed by without concern.
‘He doesn’t seem to be a martial artist.’
His cheeks were so puffed out and his eyes so vacant.
Yuk Cheong Ah dismissed him as an unremarkable person and continued on.
「Don’t worry. Everything is settled. There will be no trouble from the Jongli Estate to the Demon Hall.」
At that moment, Seo Jin Ha, passing by Bu Eunseol’s side, sent a transmission.
Bu Eunseol watched as Seo Jin Ha, his cheeks equally swollen, brushed past her and sent a transmission.
「You’ve worked hard. Later, we’ll share a proper drink….」
But then, Seo Jin Ha suddenly turned back and smiled.
Hisss.
Seeing his grin with teeth bared.
Bu Eunseol felt a chill run down her spine and goosebumps rise, as if a sinister curse doll had smiled at her.
Hisssss.
Seo Jin Ha flashed an even brighter smile.
Like a request for her to smile in return.
Bu Eunseol had no choice but to comply.
A sharp exhale escaped her lips.
She let out a hearty laugh before turning away.
Yet the unease that gnawed at her only deepened—a feeling whose true cause she would not come to understand until much later.

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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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