The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 485

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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 485.
Perhaps it was from childhood.
It seemed possible only because I had been a prodigy who read a wide variety of books.
‘Are my memories gradually returning?’
Until now, my memories had only returned when my martial prowess increased or when my cerebral meridians suffered a shock.
But now, it felt as though I had grasped one of millions of points of light that had emerged from a hidden treasure chest.
“Indeed, you recognize it.”
Yuk Jang Cheon wore a proud smile.
“Regardless of anything else, this single painting alone is worth gathering the Lords for. Don’t you think? Hahahaha.”
Bu Eunseol, having cleared her wandering thoughts, answered respectfully.
“That does seem to be the case.”
‘How strange.’
Yet as Bu Eunseol gazed at the painting, her expression grew subtle.
For reasons she could not explain, each time she examined the painting, she felt an inexplicable sense of discord.
Zing.
White light flowed from Bu Eunseol’s eyes as she looked at the painting.
She had activated her Void Heart Perception.
‘So that’s what it was.’
Then Bu Eunseol’s eyes began to perceive the types of pigments and the quality of the paper.
And this painting’s paper had been deliberately made to appear aged.
In reality, it had been created less than two or three years ago.
“Master.”
“Hmm?”
“I believe we should send someone back to the Manhwa Sangjeom immediately.”
“What do you mean by that?”
Bu Eunseol spoke with an expression of utmost gravity.
“It’s a forgery.”
“What?”
Yuk Jang Cheon shook his head, his eyes wide open.
“That cannot be. Everything here is an authentic item guaranteed by the Manhwa Sangjeom in Hanam.”
“If you call upon experts with knowledge in appraisal, you will quickly be able to determine its authenticity.”
“Are you truly saying it’s counterfeit?”
“Yes.”
At Bu Eunseol’s resolute answer, Yuk Jang Cheon’s expression grew troubled for a moment.
Then, as if recalling something, his eyes gleamed.
It seemed as though some other thought had occurred to him.
“Forgive me for a moment. I had forgotten I had urgent business to attend to.”
And before Bu Eunseol could say anything, he rose from his seat and left abruptly.
‘He seems to have something on his mind.’
Bu Eunseol tilted her head in puzzlement.
No matter how I looked at it, it didn’t seem like he’d stormed out in anger.
He was clearly scheming something.
‘The Lord will handle it on his own.’
With that thought, I left Deng Wu Dian.
But how could I have known?
Because of recognizing a single old book, Bu Eunseol would soon be drawn into an unpredictable vortex of conspiracy.
* * *
Murim Alliance, Myeong Mi Gak.
Scratch, scratch.
Inside the office of Myeong Mi Gak, a woman dressed in white sat rigidly, continuously writing something.
Her skin was so pale it seemed almost translucent, and her eyes fixed upon the documents gleamed with a blue-crimson hue.
Yet her expression was somewhat solemn, emphasizing elegance over mere beauty—a truly refined beauty.
She was none other than Gong Son Dan Gyeong, the Chief Strategist of the Murim Alliance.
Since Eun Wol Gak had undergone major renovations, she was conducting business here in Myeong Mi Gak.
“I apologize.”
She looked at Bu Eunseol standing awkwardly and closed her book with an apologetic expression.
“I had to write an urgent letter. I’m afraid I’ve kept the Lord waiting.”
Given her position as Chief Strategist, her attitude was remarkably humble.
Bu Eunseol clasped her hands together and spoke as if to say it was nothing at all.
“Not at all. Please, take your time with your affairs.”
“Please, sit. Let us talk while seated.”
She gestured toward the reception table across from her.
Once Bu Eunseol was seated, she exhaled deeply and spoke.
“I hear that Lord Seon Woo comes from a merchant background and can discern the authenticity and value of paintings and calligraphy. Is this true?”
“It is true.”
“You recognized Chu Myeong’s ‘Moonlit Song of Radiance’ painting, which was never publicly disclosed and was secretly traded among high officials?”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong spoke with a surprised expression.
“And you even identified it as a forgery.”
Only then did Bu Eunseol recall why Yuk Jang Cheon had rushed out so urgently yesterday.
For some reason, he had informed Gong Son Dan Gyeong of this fact.
‘Could it be that he purchased it at a premium price from the Chief Strategist herself, rather than from Man Hwa Antique Shop?’
At that thought, laughter burst forth.
“Lord Seon Woo?”
“Ah, my apologies.”
Bu Eunseol, now regaining her composure, answered respectfully.
“It was merely by chance that I discovered it.”
“How modest of you. But it’s impossible to discover such a thing by mere chance.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong smiled with dignity as she spoke.
“Even the renowned experts of Man Hwa Antique Shop could not distinguish the forgery of Chu Myeong’s ‘Moonlit Song of Radiance.'”
She suddenly rose from her seat and spoke in a low voice.
“Since you come from a merchant background, Lord Seon Woo must be quite familiar with the Manhwa Antique Shop.”
Under Gong Son Dan Gyeong’s piercing gaze, Bu Eunseol had no choice but to respond in a clear, melodious voice.
“I heard it was established to resolve the Ben Maeng’s financial difficulties while simultaneously reducing the suffering merchants endure from the Black Gang and Demonic Path forces.”
“That’s right. And it was our Chief who proposed it.”
Bu Eunseol’s eyes widened.
Gong Son Dan Gyeong had conceived the Manhwa Antique Shop and proposed its establishment?
Why had such a fact never been revealed to the world?
“The Manhwa Antique Shop was no easy undertaking. While it was ostensibly for merchant protection, numerous vested interests were at stake… and I had to placate opposition from various quarters.”
Her voice grew increasingly grave as she spoke.
“That’s why we needed someone to take responsibility and see it through.”
“And that someone was you, Chief?”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong tapped her armrest lightly and smiled.
“Exactly. And this position is the result of that.”
The sudden appointment as Chief.
It had been possible not merely because she had conceived the Manhwa Antique Shop, but because she had taken responsibility and brought it to completion, single-handedly filling the Murim Alliance’s deficit.
Of course, that wasn’t everything… but it certainly had exerted considerable influence.
“Then the current management responsibility of the Manhwa Antique Shop also rests with you, Chief?”
“That’s correct.”
Now Bu Eunseol understood why Yuk Jang Cheon had rushed out so hastily yesterday.
He had known that Gong Son Dan Gyeong bore responsibility for managing the Manhwa Antique Shop.
And when counterfeit goods were discovered at the Hanam branch, he had reported it while simultaneously
attempting to deepen his relationship with her once more.
‘That Yuk Jang Cheon truly is incorrigible.’
Seizing every opportunity to act immediately.
It was truly the kind of conduct that ambitious individuals should emulate.
“In truth, this isn’t the first time counterfeit goods have appeared.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong spoke with a serious expression.
“Someone is deliberately inserting counterfeits into the Manhwa Antique Shop.”
“Could it be the work of the Demonic Path or the Black Path?”
“It’s possible. From the perspective of the Demonic Path and Black Path forces, they’ve lost a goldmine that generates substantial revenue.”
She continued speaking calmly.
“Especially since the counterfeits have been placed in the Hanam branch—which not only wealthy merchants frequently visit but also serves as the symbol of the Manhwa Antique Shop—it suggests there’s an organized force deliberately conducting such operations.”
“Hmm.”
“Beyond that, customers visiting the Manhwa Antique Shop are currently voicing various complaints.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong fixed her gaze directly on Bu Eunseol as she spoke.
“The first priority is to filter out the counterfeits currently displayed in the Manhwa Antique Shop. To do that, we need someone who can identify counterfeits at a glance—ones that even the masters at the Manhwa Antique Shop cannot detect.”
Before Bu Eunseol could respond, Gong Son Dan Gyeong continued swiftly.
“Next, we must investigate the source of customer complaints by examining the problems on-site. After that, we need to go to Sho Ho, where the Manhwa Antique Shop’s communal warehouse is located, and search for any additional counterfeits.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong’s expression was grave. She was, after all, the highest-ranking official of the Manhwa Antique Shop.
But if counterfeit goods continued to emerge from that place and problems persisted? It would tarnish not only her name but the reputation of the Murim Alliance itself.
“I’ve already obtained Lord Yuk’s consent in advance.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong spoke again.
“Let’s go to the Manhwa Sangjeom together with me and verify whether there are any forgeries, then devise countermeasures for the shop’s issues.”
“Doesn’t the Chief Commander have numerous capable subordinates under her command?”
Bu Eunseol spoke with a troubled expression.
“Wouldn’t it become problematic if I were to step in?”
There must have been considerable effort from her subordinates to establish the Manhwa Sangjeom.
Bu Eunseol was asking whether it would be acceptable to set aside those subordinates and resolve this matter together with her instead.
“There’s no need to worry about that.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong spoke calmly.
“The Manhwa Sangjeom’s operations have been something I’ve personally overseen. All my subordinates actually opposed it from the start.”
It was surprising, yet on the other hand, it made sense.
The Manhwa Sangjeom was a groundbreaking venture that had resolved the Murim Alliance’s financial difficulties, but it was equally fraught with challenges.
Likely, her subordinates had all opposed it due to its dangers, and ultimately she had proceeded with everything independently.
“And there’s something Lord Seon Woo needs to understand precisely.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong spoke with an exceptionally solemn expression.
“The fact that I am the chief administrator managing the Manhwa Sangjeom must remain confidential externally. This matter above all requires strict operational security.”
Bu Eunseol nodded.
She had only just become Chief Commander. If word spread that such an incident had occurred at the Manhwa Sangjeom?
People would begin to question her capabilities, and those who harbored any displeasure toward her
would seize the opportunity and spread malicious gossip.
“I understand perfectly what you mean.”
When Bu Eunseol answered respectfully, she spoke again.
“I’ve submitted a leave of absence request to handle this matter discreetly. Since Lord Seon Woo leads the Information Division, I trust you understand what I mean.”
“That won’t do.”
Bu Eunseol immediately objected.
In other words, she was saying she would handle this without informing anyone and leave quietly without a single escort.
“It’s far too dangerous. At the very least, allow a covert escort….”
“If we do that, everything will eventually be exposed.”
“But.”
“Let’s not discuss that matter any further.”
A calm yet desperate light flickered across Gong Son Dan Gyeong’s eyes.
She had only recently ascended to the position of Chief Commander and was beginning to establish her foundation.
Therefore, she was demonstrating the resolve to resolve this matter quietly, regardless of what risks she had to bear.
‘Hmm.’
Bu Eunseol fell into thought for a moment.
Matching the Moonlit Pine Brush Technique was merely a chance memory from the past. She possessed no knowledge of ancient books or artwork.
However, this mission could also become a good opportunity for Bu Eunseol.
If she handled the matter well?
She could make an impression on a high-ranking figure within the top ten of the Murim Alliance’s ceremonial hierarchy.
‘There was no choice in the matter.’
Bu Eunseol nodded and pressed her palms together.
“Understood.”
* * *
The Man Hwa Antique Shop in Hanam had already become a landmark of Geun Dong.
Around the massive storefront built on thirty thousand pyeong of land, beautiful flower gardens and uniquely designed structures stood scattered throughout.
For visitors arriving from distant places, a carriage depot reminiscent of a station had been established.
Moreover, befitting its name of Man Hwa—meaning “ten thousand goods”—there was nothing one could not find, with specialty products from every region displayed together.
It was said that travelers who came to admire Hanam’s scenery would invariably visit the Man Hwa Antique Shop before departing.
Clop, clop.
Just then, a carriage came to a halt before the Man Hwa Antique Shop.
As the carriage door opened, a man in white robes slowly emerged.
He was a tall young man with a gentle countenance, bearing the appearance of a scholar.
It was Bu Eunseol, disguised as Seon Woo Jin.
Tap.
Following behind, Gong Son Dan Gyeong descended from the carriage, dressed in resplendent silk garments and wearing a veil across her face.
Because her appearance drew attention wherever she went, she wore a veil that could completely conceal her features.
“Mm.”
The Tavern Servant standing before the Man Hwa Antique Shop was greeting incoming customers.
As Gong Son Dan Gyeong passed, the Tavern Servant bowed respectfully and opened the door.
But as Bu Eunseol passed, he opened the door with a stiff expression.
The goods sold at this Man Hwa Antique Shop in Hanam were so expensive that even renowned wealthy merchants hesitated to make purchases.
However, because one could view such a diverse collection of items all in one place,
many customers came simply to browse, without necessarily intending to buy.
Upon seeing Bu Eunseol’s plain attire, the Tavern Servant apparently mistook her for a servant accompanying the master.
Upon entering, an elegantly appointed space came into view, with several shops divided into their respective sections.
Unlike typical market street establishments, this place refrained from aggressive solicitation.
And the shop attendants maintained neat appearances and proper attire.
“Let us first visit the shop that sells artwork.”
At Gong Son Dan Gyeong’s words, Bu Eunseol nodded.
At the far end of the building stood a staircase, and with each floor ascended, different shops came into view.
Moreover, the higher the floor, the more expensive the merchandise being sold.
“What do you think?”
Bu Eunseol shook her head.
“So far, I see nothing that appears to be a forgery.”
Bu Eunseol possessed a remarkable sense called the Hollow Heart Perception.
This ability could detect not merely what was visible to the eye, but also traces of aging spanning decades.
Therefore, even without expertise in artwork, she could distinguish recent forgeries.
“Your discernment and knowledge exceed imagination, Lord Seon Woo.”
Yet Gong Son Dan Gyeong remained utterly unaware of such facts…
They were under the mistaken impression that they possessed the ability to discern forgeries merely by sight.
Yet as Bu Eunseol examined the artworks displayed on this floor, her eyes gleamed with interest.
The painting appeared considerably aged, but in reality, it had been created less than three years ago.
“There’s something suspicious about that one over there.”
“Then quietly purchase it.”
“Understood.”
Bu Eunseol entered the shop where the suspicious forgery hung.
“Welcome….”
The Tavern Servant began to greet her warmly, but upon noticing her shabby appearance, he smacked his lips dismissively.
“What brings you here?”
“I wish to purchase that item.”
When Bu Eunseol pointed to the painting hanging on the scroll, the clerk let out a scornful laugh.
“I’m afraid the items here are not inexpensive.”
“Of course they wouldn’t be.”
Bu Eunseol replied calmly.
“I’d like to examine it more closely first.”
“Customer.”
The Tavern Servant wore a peculiar smile.
“Not to mention the painting itself, the scroll alone is worth over three hundred taels.”
Silk borders had been attached to both sides of the scroll using fine silk thread, and it was adorned with white jade ornaments.
“I wasn’t asking about the scroll, but the price of the painting itself.”
The Tavern Servant furrowed his brow and sighed.
“Eight thousand taels.”
“Eight thousand taels, I see.”
Bu Eunseol wore a subtle smile.
“And what about you?”
“Pardon?”
“How much do you earn working diligently like this?”
“What do you—”
As the Tavern Servant furrowed his brow, Bu Eunseol smiled and shook her head.
“Just joking. You kept saying it was so expensive, so I was merely curious.”
Before the Tavern Servant could respond, she produced a promissory note worth eight thousand taels from her sleeve.
It was a note from the Shanxi Silver Vault Bank, the most creditworthy establishment in Murim.
‘I failed to recognize a person of distinction!’
The Tavern Servant bowed deeply and scraped obsequiously.
“My lord, we shall have someone deliver this directly to your residence.”
“That won’t be necessary.”
Bu Eunseol rolled up the scroll and held it in her hand.
After all, since it was a forgery, it wouldn’t have been a loss to tear it apart immediately.
Afterward, Bu Eunseol continued to search through the Manhwa Antique Shop, uncovering forgery after forgery.
Despite the veil covering her face, Gong Son Dan Gyeong’s features and bearing remained striking.
Because of this, many people subtly attempted to approach her.
To block such advances entirely, Gong Son Dan Gyeong stayed close to Bu Eunseol’s side.
Bu Eunseol was so preoccupied distinguishing forgeries and managing her companion’s persistent closeness that he could barely think straight.
After locating two more forgeries, he nodded toward Gong Son Dan Gyeong.
It meant there were no more counterfeits to find.
“Shall we head out then?”
A murmur of voices filled the air.
Just then, a loud voice erupted from the Old Bookstore tucked away in the corner.
A fierce-looking Middle-Aged Man was shouting at the Tavern Servant there.
“Do you know who I am, speaking to me like that!”
The Tavern Servants stood helpless in the face of the Middle-Aged Man’s outburst.
Bu Eunseol immediately went to assess the situation and asked the Tavern Servant standing nearby.
“What happened here?”
“Ah, it seems that customer was trying to purchase a calligraphy collection by Wang Geo Jeong from the Old Bookstore.”
The Tavern Servant whispered softly to Bu Eunseol.
“But… the customer actually couldn’t read. The Tavern Servant who was explaining must have realized this and apparently showed disrespect in his expression.”
“I see.”
In short, an illiterate nouveau riche attempting to purchase the expensive Wang Geo Jeong collection had been mocked by the Tavern Servant and was now throwing a tantrum.
‘An endless fountain of such incidents, truly.’
What the nouveau riche desired was nothing but respect.
They purchased art not because they could appreciate beauty, but merely to flaunt their wealth.
At that moment, Gong Son Dan Gyeong took a deep breath and spoke.
“Very well. Shall we head upstairs to discuss matters?”
She climbed the stairs and entered a small room installed at the top of the Manhwa Antique Shop.
The floor was covered with carpets brought from Tianzhu, and marble tiles lay beneath them.
It appeared to be an office where she, likely the manager of the Manhwa Antique Shop, conducted her business.
“You’ve seen enough by now, but such incidents occur frequently. The other branches are no different.”
Bu Eunseol calmly explained what he had observed at the Manhwa Antique Shop and his suggestions for improvement.
“First, systematic training of the Tavern Servants is necessary. They constantly handle high-value items and deal with wealthy merchants, which tends to make them feel they’ve reached an extraordinary level themselves.”
“I’ve issued training guidelines repeatedly, but they haven’t improved easily.”
“Rather than issuing guidelines, have them receive training before being hired as Tavern Servants. It would be better to create a handbook clearly detailing customer service methods and establish a systematic training program.”
Bu Eunseol spoke matter-of-factly.
“Of course, compensation should be provided during the training period. And only those who complete this training should be hired as Tavern Servants.”
“Hmm.”
“If done this way, even if the Tavern Servants aren’t particularly perceptive or clever, at minimum such problems won’t occur.”
“That seems like a reasonable approach. I’ll give it some thought.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong spoke with a satisfied expression.
“Do you have any other suggestions for improvement?”
“The shop layout and customer flow should be restructured so that the inner shops can also be visited, and methods to draw customers should be established.”
Bu Eunseol spoke without hesitation.
“It would be wise to organize the merchandise according to the tiers. Moreover, most of the wealthy merchants who visit this place come as families. Since they can procure quality fabrics and garments here without needing to visit famous establishments elsewhere.”
Bu Eunseol explained calmly.
“If we construct structures and facilities that children would enjoy, we will attract even more customers.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong nodded repeatedly.
In truth, she had harbored little expectation regarding improvements to the Man Hwa Antique Shop.
The Man Hwa Antique Shop operated on an entirely different concept from the establishments she had managed thus far, and it did not align with conventional merchant guild operational principles.
Yet here was Bu Eunseol, speaking fluently about its strengths and weaknesses, improvements and shortcomings, as though she had managed the shop for years.
“Remarkable.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong uttered a word of admiration.
Though she was called the successor to the merchant guild, she was still young. She had thought that merely being able to distinguish forgeries from authentic pieces would be sufficient.
Yet Bu Eunseol was presenting not only insights Gong Son Dan Gyeong had never considered, but also substantial opinions that would benefit the Man Hwa Antique Shop’s operations.
‘Is it due to the merchant guild’s educational methods? No, that cannot be it.’
Gong Son Dan Gyeong found herself perplexed.
What kind of education had this young merchant guild successor received, and how?
How could she handle every matter with such proficiency and accumulate considerable experience and knowledge across all fields?
In truth, such capability stemmed from the education provided by her grandfather, Bu Chanyang.
Bu Eunseol, who had endured scorn from many during her years in the Yeomsa, had remained confined within the Pyeong-an Funeral House, maintaining minimal contact with others.
Her grandfather Bu Chanyang had shared with her countless stories of diverse human characters and conditions.
Bu Chanyang had witnessed and heard much.
Not limiting himself to Zhong Yuan alone, but traveling to Tianzhu, Seo Jang, Nam Man, and beyond.
He had encountered people from across the vast world and explained to her with meticulous detail the distinctive characteristics of each region.
Thus, even while confined within the Pyeong-an Funeral House,
Bu Eunseol had been able to indirectly gain vivid experiential knowledge as though she had encountered countless people from across the entire world.

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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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