The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 49

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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 49.
It was not loyalty.
Bu Eunseol had entered the Ten Demon Experts tournament alone, with nothing but herself.
Cutting through the blood-soaked battlefield of carnage, she had finally chosen the Nangya Sect as her destination.
Not as a martial school where she would learn techniques, but as a nest she could return to.
“Haha.”
Dan Cheong burst into laughter as if to say there was nothing he could do about it.
While it was a place where other disciples pursued the ultimate in martial arts, for Bu Eunseol it was simply a home to return to.
‘Truly, as a disciple of the Root Sect, she is beyond reproach.’
To pursue the greatest strength regardless of danger—was this not the foremost virtue that disciples of the Nangya Sect should possess?
Bu Eunseol was a disciple who embodied the Nangya Sect more than anyone else.
“Very well. However, your time in the Guusal Unit shall be limited to one year.”
Dan Cheong spoke matter-of-factly.
“If you reach a level of satisfaction before that year is up, you may leave the Guusal Unit and return.”
“Understood.”
“Then I shall make a formal request to the Demon Hall to enlist you as a member of the Guusal Unit.”
Bu Eunseol bowed deeply at Dan Cheong’s approval.
“I am grateful for your permission.”
“However, there is a problem.”
“What might that be?”
“Your appearance is far too striking.”
“You speak of me?”
Though Bu Eunseol herself remained unaware, her visage was so transcendently beautiful that “lovely” would be an understatement.
Eyes like flowers of fire crystallized within ice, a sharp nose ridge, pale skin. A frame that appeared delicate yet possessed an undeniable strength….
Above all, there emanated an air of melancholy and solitude so profound that once seen, it could never be forgotten.
“Hmm.”
Dan Cheong, who had been staring intently at Bu Eunseol, spoke with a low hum.
“You are currently the most noted rising talent among the Ten Demon Experts. Should you carry out Guusal Unit missions with such a memorable appearance, your identity will be exposed in no time.”
He withdrew a secret manual from his robes and placed it upon the table.
Upon the worn tome were written the characters: Face-Changing Bone-Shifting Technique.
“Even with human skin masks, a master with keen perception cannot be deceived. However, if you master this secret manual, you will be able to alter your appearance without any awkwardness.”
Dan Cheong exhaled deeply as he spoke.
“Though it will consume a tenth of your inner energy each time you deploy it.”
“Thank you.”
As Bu Eunseol accepted the tome, Dan Cheong gathered the stack of documents before him once more.
“Go now. I shall make arrangements so you may depart whenever you wish.”
* * *
Dongjeong Lake.
Though the word “lake” was attached to its name, it was in truth a river. It merely appeared like a lake because the waters of the Yangtze flowed in and out, creating a lake-like form.
Regions where such distinctions between river and lake blurred were called Gangho, and this was the very origin of the term “Gangho” that referred to the martial world.
“Whoa, whoa.”
As the carriage traveling down the official road came to a slow halt, the clear sound of a horse’s neigh echoed through the air.
“We have arrived in Ayang.”
With the coachman’s voice, the carriage door opened, and a tall silhouette gradually came into view.
Had I only just reached adulthood? A handsome young man, towering well over six feet with long hair cascading down, emerged from the carriage.
It was Bu Eunseol, now officially a member of the Guusal Unit.
Having left Nangya Sect, I had been assigned to the secret branch of Demon Hall’s Guusal Unit located in Ayang.
The area around Dongjeong Lake in Hunan Province was like a boundary between Orthodox and Unorthodox sects—a place where members of both factions constantly clashed in struggles over interests and influence.
Conversely, it could be said to be a buffer zone where neither Demon Hall nor the Murim Alliance wielded influence.
I intended to hone my martial arts while carrying out missions in this place, where the power struggle between Orthodox and Unorthodox sects was fierce.
Crack.
As I rolled my neck, the sound of bones popping echoed out.
‘I should have just used lightness skill for the journey.’
When martial artists traveled long distances, they typically deployed lightness techniques.
I, having surpassed the first-rate level of inner energy, could easily cover a thousand li in a single day.
However, I had taken the carriage leisurely to read the secret manuals I received from Dan Cheong and Wang Gyeol.
‘Indeed… there are many martial artists in this place.’
Upon entering the city of Ayang, my eyes sparkled as I gazed at Market Street lined with taverns.
Half of the passing pedestrians wore weapons, and their eyes gleamed with intensity.
In particular, the windows of the taverns overlooking Dongjeong Lake were mostly packed with what appeared to be martial artists.
“Young master, would you not care to visit our tavern? The view is absolutely magnificent!”
At that moment, a boy who appeared to be a servant began his pitch in front of me.
“Our Gyeongha Tavern is famous for having the most delicious cuisine among the nearby establishments.”
Though he seemed young to be called Jeomsoi, his manner of speech and actions were quite skillful.
Looking at the bright, eager eyes of the young Jeomsoi, I shook my head.
“Not interested.”
“Please do reconsider. Our tavern has a thirty-year-old premium yellow wine, a local specialty. And our Jeomsoi do not demand tips!”
At those words, I frowned.
A place serving decades-old wine where one tips the servants—was that not a premium establishment used only by wealthy merchants and high-ranking officials, not a common tavern?
“Not interested.”
As I waved my hand in refusal, the Jeomsoi bowed apologetically.
“Then, young master, please do visit Gyeongha Tavern next time!”
Watching the boy bow and turn away, I felt a sudden sense of wonder.
‘Come to think of it, Jeomsoi are actually soliciting me.’
This was unimaginable when I worked as a dyer in Hwangju.
I had been dressed in shabby clothes with the stench of dye thoroughly soaked into them…
‘So it really is because of the clothes.’
Now I wore genuine garments and a long robe crafted by the prestigious Gyeongseong Gongsun Family.
To conceal my identity, I had dressed like a leisured nobleman visiting the area around Dongjeong Lake.
‘Back then, fine clothes were unnecessary. The dye stench would seep in after just a day.’
Bu Eunseol stopped before a street vendor’s stall displaying various mirrors, a bitter smile playing at his lips.
‘It wasn’t the clothes after all.’
The reflection staring back at him was no longer that of a gaunt, fragile boy.
His frame, now in the prime of youth, had transformed into that of a refined and elegant young man, radiating quiet confidence and noble grace.
―Is he the son of a prominent family?
―His appearance is quite striking. He could even become a Peking Opera performer.
Every time I passed through Market Street, I heard whispers of admiration from passersby.
Bu Eunseol slipped away from Market Street and shook his head softly to himself.
‘I really need to change my appearance.’
During the carriage ride, I had already mastered all of the Face-Changing Bone-Shifting Technique that Dan Cheong had given me.
‘It would be best not to reveal my true appearance to the branch members.’
After all, they were all people of the Demon Palace. There was no need to expose my true affiliation and face.
Having organized my thoughts, I drew upon my inner energy and deployed the Face-Changing Bone-Shifting Technique.
Crack!
Bone sounds echoed from my jaw and temples as my skin began to ripple like water.
Despite its name, the Face-Changing Bone-Shifting Technique couldn’t freely reshape one’s face or skeletal structure entirely.
Appearance is a delicate thing—even slight changes to the eyes or facial contours can transform one’s impression dramatically.
The Face-Changing Bone-Shifting Technique simply involved subtly shifting the muscles and bones of my original face to create an entirely different appearance.
Pop, pop, pop.
I lifted my head after repositioning my facial muscles and bones.
The dazzlingly beautiful young man had vanished, replaced by an ordinary youth you could find anywhere.
By merely adjusting my nose, eyes, and jawline, I could alter my appearance so naturally that even masters with keen perception wouldn’t detect anything amiss.
“Time to move on.”
I left Market Street and entered a winding alley, coming to a stop before a dilapidated building at its end.
Huixuan Ancient Book Store.
A weathered wooden plaque, roughly six characters in size, hung precariously above the entrance.
The faded inscriptions suggested this was an ancient book store with considerable history.
Creak.
As I pushed open the door with a sound like the Ghost Valley Cry, the interior of the bookstore came into view.
‘An excellent place.’
I nodded approvingly, taking in the grand and spacious interior that reminded me of Shaolin’s Scripture Pavilion.
Proper preservation of books requires careful management of light and humidity.
The interior contained only oil lamps hung just brightly enough to read by, and quality charcoal and salt were placed throughout to maintain proper conditions.
“Welcome.”
As I made my way through the densely packed bookshelves, a middle-aged man rose from where he sat at a table.
The man in a dark blue long robe smiled warmly and spoke.
“Is there something particular you’re looking for?”
He was the owner of Huixuan Ancient Book Store and the branch leader overseeing the Ayang branch of the Guusal Unit—Sang Ryang.
“I’ve come to sell books.”
Bu Eunseol replied in a natural, unaffected tone.
Before coming here, I had already heard from Wang Gyeol everything about how the Guusal Unit’s branch operated and how to make contact.
“Which book are you referring to?”
At Sang Ryang’s question, Bu Eunseol withdrew a book inscribed with “Spring and Autumn” from her robes.
“Hmm.”
Sang Ryang’s eyes narrowed as he accepted the book.
‘Far too young.’
Though Bu Eunseol’s true face was concealed beneath the Illusory Face Bone Technique, Sang Ryang discerned that she was merely a youth who had recently crossed into adulthood.
‘And her martial prowess seems lacking as well.’
As he gazed upon Bu Eunseol’s ordinary transformed visage, he clicked his tongue inwardly.
Guusal Unit members are typically selected from those without fear and possessing extensive experience in the Gangho.
Because of this, most Guusal Unit members sent from various sects are in their thirties—at the youngest, they’re in their late twenties.
‘Well, it’s none of my concern.’
After all, Sang Ryang belonged to the Demon Hall.
These were people whose origins he didn’t know. There was no need for mutual introductions or formalities between us.
Since we were ghosts who officially didn’t exist, camaraderie was irrelevant—we wouldn’t blink an eye even if one of us died.
“Can you sell it?”
At Bu Eunseol’s words, Sang Ryang came to his senses.
The book’s condition was excellent, but within the characters of “Spring and Autumn” was drawn a red spider—the mark signifying the Guusal Unit.
“Ah, the book is damaged.”
Sang Ryang’s eyes gleamed briefly before he clicked his tongue.
“At this rate, I can’t get full price for it. How much were you hoping to receive?”
“Rather than money, I was thinking of exchanging it for another book. Would that be acceptable?”
“Hehehehe. You truly do love books, don’t you? Ma Woon.”
At the middle-aged man’s call, a young man who had been organizing something in the back emerged.
“You called for me?”
“Show our guest the rare books we have in the back.”
“Understood.”
Following Ma Woon’s guidance, I walked between the shelves for quite some time before finally arriving at a storage room where ancient books were stacked.
Nine palaces.
As I entered the storage, the entrance sealed shut behind me with a heavy iron door.
Ma Woon gestured toward the shelves and spoke in a low voice.
“I am Ma Woon, the contact officer for the Ayang branch.”
He withdrew a letter from his robes and examined it before nodding.
“Guusal Unit members are called by their work numbers for convenience. You will be… number eighteen. Though we likely won’t have occasion to call each other by name anyway.”
Ma Woon’s expression and voice revealed no emotion whatsoever.
“When you open the book, there will be missions listed. Choose one, and I’ll explain the details.”
The obsequious demeanor had vanished, replaced by the bearing of a true martial master.
Even as a contact officer, he was a man of the Demon Hall—not someone to be approached carelessly.
There were only six books resting on the shelves, their condition quite pristine as if recently made.
Whoosh.
When I opened the book labeled Records of the Grand Peace, strange characters sprawled across the first page.
―Bing Ho, Third Iteration. Five hundred silver taels.
Steal the bronze incense burner from the residence of Gao Chishan, the Three-Legged Wild Wolf.
“A mission to infiltrate the Golden Gate on Geummun Mountain and steal the bronze incense burner that Gao Chishan possesses.”
Ma Woon began his explanation.
“However, I would advise against selecting it unless you are well-versed in the geography of the Geummun Mountain region. There have already been several failed theft attempts….”
He delivered his explanation with mechanical precision, his pace unwavering.
“What does ‘iteration’ mean?”
Ma Woon answered Bu Eunseol’s question immediately.
“It refers to how many times a mission has been issued. Either someone failed three times, or no one has taken on this mission for so long that it’s been issued three times over.”
‘I see.’
Bu Eunseol swallowed and examined the other books.
The remaining four volumes listed similar tasks—assassinations, treasure thefts, or intelligence-based sabotage missions.
And each time I opened a book, Ma Woon explained it with mechanical precision.
‘This is meaningless.’
Furrowing my brow, I reached for the books once more.
‘Is this the last one?’
I examined the book labeled Book of Poetry.
―Bing Ho, Ninth Iteration. Three thousand silver taels.
Discreetly eliminate Seok Jeong, the deputy master of the Soul-Seizing Hall of the Blood Yin Evil Sect.
“That’s not worth even looking at.”
Ma Woon exhaled heavily and shook his head.
“That is a Bing Ho mission.”
“So it’s forbidden?”
“Can’t you tell just by looking?”
Ma Woon’s lips curved upward.
“From Bing Ho and above in the ranking system—those are typically chosen by seasoned operatives with at least three years of mission experience.”
He gestured toward the Book of Poetry and continued.
“Seok Jeong is a master who has made a name for himself in Gangho for over a decade. He’s faced countless assassins, so a surprise attack alone would never work. There’s a reason three thousand taels is written there….”
Ma Woon trailed off mid-sentence.
A gossamer-thin smile had appeared at the corners of Bu Eunseol’s lips.

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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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