The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 484

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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 484.
‘That can’t be right.’
Bu Eunseol’s eyes widened in disbelief.
The Absolute Demon Blade Plan couldn’t possibly align with Ma Cheon Je’s age or generation.
After all, he had already ascended to the position of advisor to the foremost master of the Demonic Path long before the Chilji Demonic Sect even emerged.
Then why in the world was such a tome sitting on Ma Cheon Je’s bookshelf?
Bu Eunseol hastily withdrew the book to examine it.
‘This is…’
It was written in Tibetan script, the language used by lamas.
Though she couldn’t decipher the meaning, Bu Eunseol recognized instantly that this was a Buddhist scripture.
‘Ma Cheon Je, who dominates the Demonic Path, reads Buddhist sutras?’
Grand masters of Ma Cheon Je’s caliber had long transcended the mundane realm, entering the Celestial Domain itself.
It wasn’t particularly strange for them to study Buddhist scriptures imbued with profound mysteries to cultivate their spiritual essence.
‘Blood.’
The edges of the book’s final pages had turned a dark crimson—ancient bloodstains, unmistakably.
Why? For what reason?
Why would Ma Cheon Je specifically read Buddhist scriptures used by lamas?
Why were bloodstains so deeply embedded in the scripture?
Could this not be a scripture at all, but rather a secret martial manual?
Bu Eunseol’s spirit grew profoundly turbulent, her thoughts spinning into disarray.
Remaining here any longer would make her physically ill.
Click.
Bu Eunseol hurried from the office, her breathing ragged and labored.
‘Ma Cheon Je.’
By merely showing her the office,
he had plunged her spirit—which had achieved spiritual unity—back into chaos once more…
His power and strategic depth were truly beyond measure.
“Are you alright?”
As she lifted her head, a pair of beautiful eyes fixed upon her intently.
It was Jin Seol.
“I’m fine.”
Bu Eunseol steadied her breathing and composed her expression.
Yet the lingering echoes of confusion still reverberated through her mind.
“Please, have some. It’s refreshing chilled herbal tea.”
“Thank you.”
Bu Eunseol accepted without hesitation and drank deeply from the cup.
As the cool liquid slid down her throat, her mind seemed to clear once more.
‘I had assured myself I would never suffer such spiritual turmoil again…’
Goosebumps rose across Bu Eunseol’s skin.
Ma Cheon Je had found a new way to sow chaos within her spirit.
And that chaos…
He clearly possessed some truth that Bu Eunseol did not know, which was why he could offer it.
‘Ma Cheon Je. In the end, you are another mountain I must overcome.’
Whoosh.
A crimson gleam ignited within Bu Eunseol’s eyes.
‘No one can manipulate my body with strings of their design.’
“Ryeong Ju.”
At that moment, Jin Seol’s gentle voice reached her ears.
“Ma Cheon Je holds Ryeong Ju in great affection.”
It was a rather unexpected remark.
Bu Eunseol suppressed her anger and asked in a composed tone.
“You speak of Ma Cheon Je?”
“Yes. He often spoke to me about Ryeong Ju.”
An ordinary person would have asked what he had said.
But Bu Eunseol did not wish to hear it.
Even the words flowing from Jin Seol’s lips were surely
orchestrated by Ma Cheon Je’s design.
“Then I shall take my leave.”
As Bu Eunseol clasped her hands together, Jin Seol called out to her gently.
“Wait a moment.”
When Bu Eunseol turned her head, Jin Seol lowered hers and spoke.
“Are you perhaps… blaming me for my narrow-minded actions?”
“I do not understand your meaning.”
“You gave me a chance, trusting in my wisdom. Yet I was stubborn, and in the end, I brought great suffering upon innocent people.”
She was speaking of the matter concerning Sim Wol.
“It is the same for me.”
Bu Eunseol spoke in a measured voice.
“Had I been somewhat wiser, I would have understood Jin Sang Hwa’s heart and would not have made such a proposal.”
It was an honest confession.
Bu Eunseol could discern many things, yet she understood little of a woman’s heart.
She simply held the memory of how well Jin Seol had treated her, and wished to repay that kindness.
So she had naturally orchestrated a broken engagement with the demon-like Sim Wol to preserve her dignity.
Yet in the end, such actions had wounded Jin Seol’s pride, resulting instead in the worst possible outcome.
“I worried that you might blame yourself, thinking everything was your fault, as you do now.”
Jin Seol spoke calmly.
“But that is a mistaken thought. It was all my fault.”
And she apologized with genuine sincerity.
“Though far too late, I am truly sorry.”
The light in Jin Seol’s eyes and the timbre of her voice bore the deep marks of all the hardship she had endured.
She had always been arrogant, overconfident in her own judgment.
In truth, such a disposition was something any talented youth possessed.
Only… the price of that misjudgment had been far too steep.
“There is no need to apologize to me.”
Bu Eunseol could only offer a withered smile.
It was the only comfort I could provide in this moment.
“Then I shall take my leave.”
As Bu Eunseol turned to go, Jin Seol bowed deeply.
It felt as though she were bidding farewell to someone departing to a distant place, never to be seen again.
“Ryeong Ju.”
Jin Seol spoke of something unexpected then.
“Do you know what the original name of this Holy Demon Pavilion was?”
It was a rather peculiar question.
“I do not.”
“It was Jonsin Gak. This place was where the venerable deity-like ruler who commands the Demonic Path once dwelled.”
“….”
“But when Ma Cheon Je arrived, he changed its name to Holy Demon Pavilion.”
Jin Seol spoke calmly, her gaze fixed upon Bu Eunseol.
“The character for ‘holy’ can mean a sage with transcendent power, but it can also mean a wise person of sound judgment and discernment.”
She gazed directly into Bu Eunseol’s eyes.
“The Demonic Path is a place where schemes and stratagems run rampant, where strength oppresses and power governs. Yet Ma Cheon Je said that the force moving this vast Demon Hall was nothing more than rotten desire.”
And she spoke in a whisper, her voice low.
“Perhaps Ma Cheon Je wished to change such things.”
A tremor.
Bu Eunseol felt a strong resistance to those words.
“Ma Cheon Je as well.”
He spoke coldly, a bitter smile playing at his lips.
“Seems unable to escape that principle.”
“Is that not precisely why he believes?”
Jin Seol gazed at Bu Eunseol with eyes as clear and unblemished as still water.
“That you… will be different.”
In the end, she had conveyed
the conversations she had shared with Ma Cheon Je indirectly to Bu Eunseol, without being asked.
“I have spoken out of turn, saying far too much.”
“I shall go.”
As Bu Eunseol turned coldly to leave, Jin Seol bowed respectfully.
And she quietly closed the door.
Would she spend her entire life attending to Ma Cheon Je’s side? Or was there another reason?
The reason remained unknown, yet Bu Eunseol could sense it instinctively.
That it would be quite some time before I saw Jin Seol again.
Upon returning to Jam Ma Gak, Bu Eunseol held a meeting with the Lords of the Sayoung Battle Division.
And she handled various administrative matters.
While at the Demon Palace, I had to fulfill my duties as Muk Hon Ryeong Ju.
So that no void would be felt whenever I departed.
After handling affairs for about two days, Bu Eunseol left the Demon Palace once more.
And she immediately headed toward a secret safe house in Xian Prefecture.
There, not only Seo Jin Ha was present, but Yu Woon Ryong as well.
It was to discuss Shaolin matters in utmost secrecy.
“Blood Shaolin is even more reckless than the rumors suggest.”
Yu Woon Ryong and Seo Jin Ha, having heard Bu Eunseol’s entire account, gaped in astonishment.
“What? They capture villains and convert them into modified monks in the name of protecting Shaolin? Is that something monks should do?”
As Seo Jin Ha shook his head, Yu Woon Ryong let out a hollow laugh as well.
“Indeed. I’ve heard that Blood Shaolin, unlike Shaolin’s orthodox monks, disregards the precepts… but I never knew it was to this extent.”
Bu Eunseol shook her head.
“From the start, it’s an organization that even Shaolin refuses to acknowledge. They would never concern themselves with the Buddhist Order’s regulations.”
However, she did not mention the Absolute Demon Path Plan to either of them.
She had sworn to Dam Jeung that she would not divulge it, and if these two were to learn of it…
They too could be assassinated by Sam Gye or the Dark Underworld Forces.
This was her revenge alone.
Having witnessed the Unnamed Elder’s final moments, Bu Eunseol refused to let anyone else become a casualty of her vendetta.
Moreover, even Dam Jeung, who had pursued this for decades, had failed to uncover the true nature of that force.
Slowly.
If she could not find them immediately, then through her travels across Gangho, moving between the Demon Palace and the Murim Alliance… she would seize their trail.
Bu Eunseol spoke to Yu Woon Ryong.
“Tak Il Hon. How is his condition?”
“According to the Medicine King Hall Master, recovery will take considerable time. His injuries have been festering for quite a while, you see.”
“Well, he spent fifteen years in Chamhoe Cave.”
It seemed assigning Tak Il Hon as Seo Jin Ha’s deputy would require much time.
“Once he recovers completely, assign him as Seo Jin Ha’s deputy.”
“Understood.”
Seo Jin Ha, listening to those words, chuckled softly.
“Still, this journey across Gangho proved worthwhile. To take that fearsome Bi Ma as a subordinate, of all people.”
He spoke with a beaming smile.
“Moreover, that old man. His lightness skill is said to be considerable, so once his body fully recovers, So Yo will have an easier time.”
So Yo had been rushing back and forth between Bu Eunseol and Seo Jin Ha, performing her duties frantically until now.
But if Tak Il Hon became Seo Jin Ha’s deputy, her workload could be significantly reduced.
“But can he be trusted? He was called a great swordmaster and a slaughter demon by the Murim records.”
As Yu Woon Ryong wore a worried expression, Bu Eunseol nodded.
“That proud old man even volunteered to serve. While not a complete transformation into righteousness, he possesses a firm desire… so it should be fine.”
And then she recounted the story of the Ten Demon Immortals plan discovered in Ma Cheon Je’s office.
Seo Jin Ha, who had been listening silently, exhaled a long sigh.
“So in the end, you’re doing it again.”
Yu Woon Ryong spoke up.
“From the Demon Palace’s perspective, it would be strange not to. It was quite a successful plan, after all.”
The Ten Demon Immortals plan had allowed them to evaluate the capabilities of their talented disciples from multiple angles, something they could only assess through bone structure and aptitude before.
And through it, they had produced an exceptional figure like Bu Eunseol…
Considering the Demon Palace’s position, not repeating it would be the strange choice.
“But it could be something Ma Cheon Je is conducting directly under his authority. Besides, if you consider the Demon Palace’s interests, you can’t simply oppose it outright.”
Yu Woon Ryong’s opinion aligned with Bu Eunseol’s.
But Seo Jin Ha bristled and stepped forward.
“If I didn’t know, that would be one thing—but knowing they’re repeating this, you’d just let it slide?”
“Our Lord is the heir to the Demon Palace, not an apostle of justice. Constantly interfering in the Demon Palace’s affairs will only diminish his standing.”
“But—”
As the two continued their exchange, Bu Eunseol spoke.
“First, let’s locate Man Bak Dang Master Baek Jeon Cheon. We need to know what he’s doing and where before we can properly oppose anything.”
“Understood.”
As Yu Woon Ryong acknowledged, Seo Jin Ha turned to Bu Eunseol.
“Either way, it seems we need to head to the Murim Alliance soon. The morale of their forces must be dropping by now.”
Bu Eunseol nodded.
The Elite Division was a multipurpose unit that had only recently been established.
Unlike the commanders and members of the Sayoung Battle Division who had been with Bu Eunseol for a long time, they still required considerable guidance and direction.
“Understood. I’ll head to the Murim Alliance.”
“Get along well with Deng Wu Jeon Ju. According to the Elite Division members, he spends every day researching how to claim credit.”
“I will.”
Bu Eunseol looked at Yu Woon Ryong and Seo Jin Ha as she spoke.
“Then the two of you return to the Sayoung Battle Division. I’ll go to the Murim Alliance.”
At that moment, Yu Woon Ryong spoke.
“But are you really sure about this?”
“Sure about what?”
“The identity of Seon Woo Jin. It was ultimately given to you by Shin San Ja. I’m just uneasy about it.”
Bu Eunseol replied calmly.
“He won’t make a move with his blade for now. If that were his intention, he wouldn’t have invested so much time and effort into giving me the identity of Seon Woo Jin in the first place.”
Shin San Ja’s intentions were clear.
The elimination of Sam Gye’s influence within the Murim Alliance.
That aligned perfectly with my own objectives, and while pursuing that goal, there would be no reason for him to expose my identity.
Without that level of trust, I would never have accepted the identity of Seon Woo Jin so readily.
“Then go and return safely.”
At that, Seo Jin Ha transformed her appearance to match Bu Eunseol’s.
Since Bu Eunseol hadn’t yet assumed the guise of Seon Woo Jin, the two looked as though they were gazing into a mirror.
Crack.
Then, Bu Eunseol transformed into Seon Woo Jin and swiftly exchanged her sword and clothes.
“I’ll take my leave first.”
And as Bu Eunseol departed in a flash, only Seo Jin Ha—her shadow—remained behind.
Bu Eunseol, who had faced her like a mirror image, vanished, leaving Seo Jin Ha standing alone in the empty space.
Yu Woon Ryong, watching silently, felt something stir uncomfortably within him.
‘Though I suppose it won’t come to that.’
According to Bu Eunseol’s account, even Chilji Demonic Sect—who had once confined himself within Blood Shaolin—had possessed a shadow.
To live as another’s shadow meant surrendering one’s own life entirely.
Seo Jin Ha walked that path willingly, yet… like Chilji Demonic Sect’s shadow before him, Yu Woon Ryong couldn’t help but worry it would lead to a sorrowful existence.
“Why the long face?”
When Seo Jin Ha smiled brightly, Yu Woon Ryong felt an unexpected tightness at the bridge of his nose.
Most people in this world lived solely for themselves. Yet here were those who willingly lived for others.
“Doesn’t it exhaust you?”
“Pointless drivel.”
Seo Jin Ha chuckled and spoke.
“And when I’m Muk Hon Ryeong Ju, don’t look at me with eyes like that. People will misunderstand.”
Yu Woon Ryong’s face flushed crimson, and he bristled.
“What expression was I making? I was merely concerned whether maintaining your reversed state was too taxing.”
Then, clearly offended, he turned sharply and strode outside.
Seo Jin Ha watched him go with a bitter smile, murmuring softly to himself.
“From where I stand, you’re no different, Yu Woon Ryong.”
He understood it well.
Yu Woon Ryong’s concern for him. And that he too had become someone living for others.
“But the most pitiful of all is that one.”
Seo Jin Ha gazed toward the place where Bu Eunseol had departed.
He had entered Gangho seeking only vengeance, yet fate toyed with him relentlessly, drawing him toward an unknowable destination.
‘For now, I must attend to my duties.’
Seo Jin Ha shook his head and stepped outside, calling out to Yu Woon Ryong, who was already walking ahead.
“Sang Hak. Have a carriage prepared for the Ryeong Ju.”
“Yes, at once.”
Yu Woon Ryong answered respectfully, though he did not turn around.
* * *
Murim Alliance, Deng Wu Dian. Yuk Jang Cheon’s office.
The space was now filled with ornate paintings and scrolls—furnishings of considerable elegance—that had not been there before.
“You’ve arrived.”
As Bu Eunseol, having returned to the Murim Alliance, entered with a respectful bow, Yuk Jang Cheon nodded with a broad smile.
“You’ve labored greatly, handling countless matters throughout Gangho without rest.”
“Not at all.”
Bu Eunseol answered clearly, surveying the surroundings as she spoke.
“But what exactly is all this?”
“I purchased it from the Hanam branch of Man Hwa Antique Shop.”
Man Hwa Antique Shop.
It was a revolutionary large-scale establishment created by the Murim Alliance, offering everything from rare books and paintings to high-value art pieces.
A place where one could purchase clothing, fabrics, and daily necessities all under one roof.
Its purpose was to protect merchants from extortion by the Black Gang, while the Alliance received periodic, affordable rent in return.
This allowed merchants to conduct their business with peace of mind.
For the Murim Alliance, the periodic rent payments from merchants resolved chronic deficits and
provided a crucial opportunity to alleviate their financial difficulties considerably.
“The General Assembly meeting will be held in the conference hall of this pavilion very soon.”
Bu Eunseol smiled faintly.
The Murim Alliance’s General Assembly was originally held at Eun Wol Gak.
However, Eun Wol Gak was currently undergoing renovations under Gong Son Dan Gyeong’s orders. Consequently, this General Assembly was to be held in the Deungmu Hall conference room instead.
Of course, this arrangement was made possible by Yuk Jang Cheon’s efforts to curry favor with the Lord, Gong Son Dan Gyeong.
‘He’ll rub shoulders with anyone who might be useful.’
In one sense, it was an attitude worthy of admiration.
Yuk Jang Cheon never ceased thinking about gaining the favor of the leadership, constantly watching for opportunities to advance.
Moreover, when it was time to bow, he bowed completely, and when it was time to step forward, he did so boldly.
Most young people harbor ambitions, yet many fail to put in the corresponding effort.
But he, despite being over fifty years old, never rested for a moment and worked tirelessly without pause.
Regardless of age or gender, toward anyone he deemed beneficial to himself, he treated them with such warmth that he seemed willing to give them his very liver.
Considering his position and age, this was no easy feat.
“What do you think? Isn’t this a conference room befitting the dignity of a General Assembly meeting?”
Yuk Jang Cheon spoke with ambitious fervor, his lips curling upward.
“It would be equally suitable as a venue for future Lords’ Council meetings.”
“Of course.”
Bu Eunseol, surveying the surroundings, let out an exclamation of admiration.
“The Pavilion Master’s bearing and discernment are more than sufficient to become a Lord.”
“Haha. So you can flatter as well?”
Despite his words, Yuk Jang Cheon chuckled heartily, clearly pleased.
“I have lived frugally until now, but this time I took some care. In the future, the leadership will often gather here.”
“You did well. If one were to decorate later, it would only waste time. Just like the current state of Eun Wol Gak.”
“Hehehehe. You always align with this Pavilion Master’s thoughts.”
Yuk Jang Cheon, eager to show off, pointed to a hanging scroll beside him.
“What do you think? Do you know anything about paintings? This was something one couldn’t obtain even for a thousand gold pieces, but I was fortunate enough to acquire it from the Old Bookstore at Man Hwa Antique Shop.”
“Is that so.”
Bu Eunseol gazed at the painting Yuk Jang Cheon indicated.
It depicted a magnificent pine tree beneath moonlight, and at first glance, it possessed an elegant, flowing quality.
“What do you think? Can you discern what work this is?”
Yuk Jang Cheon spoke with a smile.
“Ah, of course you would be able to recognize it.”
Heirs of merchant guilds receive knowledge and education about rare books and art pieces from childhood.
Naturally, as the successor to the Seon Hwa Trading Company, they assumed his sensibilities would be exceptional.
‘Truth be told, I know little about paintings.’
Bu Eunseol had learned many things from her grandfather Bu Chanyang.
However, she had never been taught how to appraise calligraphy and paintings or assess the value of artwork.
‘Hmm.’
Bu Eunseol exhaled silently in her mind.
When she thought about it, it made no sense for the successor of a trading company to lack refinement in the arts.
If her ignorance about paintings became apparent, she could fall under suspicion.
“Let me examine it more carefully.”
Feeling Yuk Jang Cheon’s piercing gaze, Bu Eunseol pretended to appreciate the painting.
Then something extraordinary happened.
“This is Moonlit Pine Radiance by Chu Myeong, the master painter of the previous generation.”
Despite never having studied calligraphy and paintings before.
The moment she saw the painting, a wealth of knowledge flooded her mind in an instant.
It felt as though she were retrieving memories she had known long ago.

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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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