The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 490

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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 490.
The Elite Division was a newly formed contingent, yet during this time it had accomplished several great feats and proven its excellence through the Phoenix Tournament and the battles in Guizhou.
Because of this, despite being established not long ago, it had become a first-class division, and its leadership was receiving considerable attention.
However, the nail that sticks out gets hammered down.
Due to receiving recognition far too quickly, the Elite Division became the target of envy and jealousy from other divisions.
Furthermore, while officially part of the Murim Alliance, there were no divisions or members with whom they maintained close relationships.
Since Seon Woo Jin, their lord, spent most of his time out in the Gangho, the other division lords had no connections with him whatsoever.
Ultimately, the Elite Division was being treated with cold indifference within the Murim Alliance, and its members were silently enduring this situation.
But several days ago, something strange began to happen.
“Vice Commander Tae. Do you have time today? I happen to have some fine wine sent from the Taiping House in Shandong.”
“I am Jang Woon, a member of the Young Shin Geom Dae. We’ve arranged a gathering of several members at the Poong Wol Gaek Jsan today….”
Suddenly, numerous members throughout the Murim Alliance began approaching all the Elite Division members, including Tae Mu Ryong and Jeong Jong Do, with friendly words.
Or they began inviting them to their own gatherings.
Whether they were eating or even coming all the way to the North Gate Bamboo Forest where the Elite Division was stationed, they were acting as if they knew them.
It was all because of a single rumor.
―They say Chief Gong Son is on very intimate terms with the Elite Division Lord.
―Even though she keeps men at an extreme distance, she went to the Man Hwa Antique Shop alone with the Elite Division Lord!
The Chief, Gong Son Dan Gyeong.
What manner of person was she?
A genius in mechanical engineering comparable to Gyo Su Cheon Ja, who had reached the highest pinnacle of mechanical device mastery.
Was she not the heir who would inherit the vast fortune accumulated by the Gong Son family over generations?
Though she had not made it into the Three Beauties of Tianxia due to the brilliant appearance of Gong Son Dan Ah, known as the Sea Flower.
She was a talented prodigy with beauty comparable to hers, and a legendary figure who had become the Chief of the Murim Alliance at the age of thirty.
Known to possess every condition as a woman, and she who had consistently regarded men as stones…
Was she truly on such intimate terms with none other than the Elite Division Lord that they would visit the Man Hwa Antique Shop together while concealing their movements?
At first, it was a story dismissed as nonsense.
But the fact that the two of them had been attacked by unknown enemies near the Soho Warehouse was revealed by the martial artists of the Sungwi Unit who had responded at the time.
Eventually, the rumor developed into talk of a subtle current flowing between the two of them.
What was curious was the reaction of Gong Son Dan Gyeong herself.
There was no way she could not have heard this rumor that was subtly shaking the Murim Alliance.
Yet she took no particular action in response.
Rumors grow like snowballs if left alone.
As a result, within the Alliance, rumors had already spread that she and Seon Woo Jin had promised a betrothal, and had even exchanged betrothal gifts.
And as such rumors spread, the martial artists of the Murim Alliance, in order to verify the truth,
Or to become close with Seon Woo Jin, who had become the luckiest man in history as the Chief’s lover… were desperately approaching the Elite Division.
Yeonseong Hall, Yuk Cheong Ah’s office.
The space was furnished quite luxuriously for what was supposedly a hall master’s office, filled with high-quality furnishings.
Swish, swish.
Yuk Cheong Ah sat at her desk, constantly moving her brush.
She managed not only the martial artists under Deng Wu Dian but also the household affairs, so even ten bodies would not be enough.
Knock, knock.
At that moment, a knock sounded at the door, followed by a subordinate’s low voice.
“The Elite Division Lord has arrived.”
“Let them in.”
The door creaked open.
A lean-framed man stepped inside—none other than Bu Eunseol, disguised as Seon Woo Jin.
It was Bu Eunseol masquerading as Seon Woo Jin.
“I am Seon Woo Jin, Lord of the Elite Division, and I have come at your summons.”
Though our ages were comparable, there remained a vast gulf in station between a secondary Lord and the sect master.
Despite Bu Eunseol’s respectful greeting, she continued wielding her brush without pause.
…
Bu Eunseol remained silent, her gaze sweeping across the chamber.
‘Could she be assigning me a mission here?’
Yeonseong Hall frequently drafted classified documents, and only affiliated martial artists were permitted entry.
Yet she had suddenly summoned me to this place?
“My apologies.”
With a soft tap, Yuk Cheong Ah set down her brush and rose from her seat.
“I had several urgent letters to compose.”
“Please, think nothing of it.”
As Bu Eunseol clasped her hands respectfully, Yuk Cheong Ah gestured toward the reception table across from her.
“Please, sit.”
Once Bu Eunseol took her seat, an awkward silence descended.
Yuk Cheong Ah stared at her intently without speaking.
“May I ask why you summoned me?”
Unable to bear the silence any longer, Bu Eunseol finally spoke, and Yuk Cheong Ah opened her mouth in a low voice.
“I’ve heard the rumors, but I wanted to confirm them myself.”
“Confirm what, exactly?”
“Are you truly involved with Chief Gong Son Dan Gyeong in that manner?”
Bu Eunseol’s expression turned bewildered.
With the Sungwi Unit’s involvement, there was no stopping the spread of strange rumors.
What truly startled me, however, was Yuk Cheong Ah’s demeanor.
Her expression, which had shown little emotion until now, had frozen into something terribly cold.
“My father cooperates with the Chief, but that is merely a temporary arrangement.”
Yuk Cheong Ah continued calmly, as if explaining the reason for her icy expression.
“However, if Seon Woo Dae Ju intends to remain at the Chief’s side, then the roles have been reversed.”
In other words, she was saying it would be problematic if I intended to become Gong Son Dan Gyeong’s direct subordinate.
Understanding her meaning, Bu Eunseol shook her head calmly.
“As you know, this mission was merely one assigned by the Chief, undertaken with the sect master’s prior consent.”
“I understand that. But… why hasn’t the Chief taken any countermeasures?”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong had sought not only to uncover the Man Hwa Antique Shop’s forgeries through this affair, but also to trace the forces distributing them.
I intended to gauge the enemy’s intentions and intelligence capabilities, and to identify the traitor lurking within the Chief Inspector Division.
That’s why I’ve already accepted that the Sungwi Unit would become involved and these scandals would spread. I simply don’t see the value in responding to them.
“Sometimes, certain rumors evolve far more rapidly when left unaddressed than when acknowledged.”
Still, I couldn’t reveal all of Gong Son Dan Gyeong’s circumstances.
Bu Eunseol explained as best she could from Gong Son Dan Gyeong’s perspective, ensuring Yuk Cheong Ah would understand.
“Of course, since these are rumors unworthy of response, that makes it all the more so.”
“Hmm.”
Yuk Cheong Ah’s expression grew suspicious.
“So you’re saying that Seon Woo Dae Ju and Chief Gong Son have no relationship whatsoever?”
“That is correct.”
“I understand.”
Yuk Cheong Ah exhaled softly through her nose and nodded.
“You may return now.”
Bu Eunseol felt somewhat bewildered.
Had she been summoned merely to answer this single question?
“Very well.”
Swallowing her astonishment, Bu Eunseol bowed respectfully and departed the office.
As she left, Yuk Cheong Ah pressed her fingers to her brow and released a deep sigh.
‘What is wrong with me?’
In truth, there had been no real need to summon Bu Eunseol privately for such a matter.
She had already confirmed through investigation that the rumors spreading through the Murim Alliance were false.
Yet for some inexplicable reason, she had wanted to hear Bu Eunseol’s explanation directly.
This summons was, by her own admission, forced and utterly incomprehensible.
‘I must become the Empress. I have no time to concern myself with matters of the heart.’
She had abandoned the pursuit of happiness as a woman long ago.
Since entering the Murim Alliance, she had devoted herself entirely to reaching the pinnacle, working tirelessly toward that singular goal.
Even inviting her father, Yuk Jang Cheon—a wanderer of Gangho—to the Murim Alliance and elevating him to Deng Wu Jeon Ju was done solely to realize her ambitions.
Yet lately, unbidden thoughts had begun to intrude. A man she had never considered before kept appearing in her mind.
‘Is this merely jealousy?’
Gong Son Dan Gyeong appeared far too young and beautiful to be in her thirties.
Moreover, her family background, learning, and martial skills—there was nothing in which she did not excel.
She possessed, in essence, everything a woman could hope to have.
Yet Yuk Cheong Ah felt no envy toward such things.
Gong Son Dan Gyeong would ultimately live a woman’s life, while she herself would become the Empress.
But recently, strange feelings had begun to stir within her.
She had received advances from men far more handsome and well-born, yet had not batted an eye.
Inexplicably, she found herself developing romantic feelings for Seon Woo Jin.
‘From now on, I must maintain distance from Seon Woo Dae Ju.’
Yuk Cheong Ah steeled her resolve.
Envisioning her dream, imagining herself as the first Empress ever to be called such.
* * *
Bu Eunseol spent some time at the Elite Division, working alongside her members and training with them.
In truth, the Elite Division was merely a stepping stone for Bu Eunseol to ascend to a high position within the Murim Alliance.
If Bu Eunseol achieved her objective?
Or if a man like Shin San Ja had a change of heart midway?
Or if her identity as a spy were detected by the Murim Alliance’s intelligence network?
Regardless of which conclusion was reached, ultimately there remained only one ending—her identity as a spy would be exposed.
Of course, I had made preparations for that, but the problem lay with the Elite Division members—their lives.
If the truth of Bu Eunseol being a spy were revealed, they would either face harsh treatment or be forced to leave the Murim Alliance.
For this reason, Bu Eunseol taught all Elite Division members martial arts without reservation and subjected them to rigorous training.
Even if they left the Murim Alliance, they would be capable of holding their own anywhere in the Murim.
Should anything go wrong… they would be able to live without hardship.
“Lord, the Seon Hwa Trading Company has sent a letter addressed to you.”
A letter was delivered to Bu Eunseol as she sat in her office attending to duties.
Bu Eunseol calmly opened the envelope.
It contained inquiries about Bu Eunseol’s well-being and a brief account of the Seon Hwa Trading Company’s circumstances.
However, the Seon Hwa Trading Company would never send a letter to Bu Eunseol.
This letter had been sent by So Yo through the Sa Hon Dae’s intelligence network.
Whoosh.
The moment I drew out the true qi, completely different contents began to reveal themselves.
‘That man again…’
Bu Eunseol bit her lip.
The letter contained news that large numbers of Shil Hoon In had appeared again at Cheon San.
Which meant that the strange old man, the Taoist Emperor’s Successor, had appeared once more.
Bu Eunseol bit her lip.
‘Is he still pursuing Nam Cheon Dae Hyeop and Gwan Hae Geum?’
The Gwae Noin who was the Taoist Emperor’s Successor possessed tremendous martial prowess, and in a pure confrontation of Taoist techniques, even Bu Eunseol could not match him.
Moreover, he displayed a strange obsession with the Chil Ji Ma Do, and it seemed he was still pursuing Gwan Hae Geum because of it.
‘I must lead the Sayoung Battle Division and sweep them all away.’
Nam Cheon Dae Hyeop Gwan Hae Geum was a disciple of the Unnamed Elder who had been the shadow of the Chil Ji Ma Do.
He was a benefactor who had shown me kindness by revealing his whereabouts.
So that Gwan Hae Geum would no longer be harassed by the Taoist Emperor’s Successor and could live in peaceful seclusion.
I intended to eliminate all the Shil Hoon In as well as the Taoist Emperor’s Successor… and convey news of the Unnamed Elder.
Bu Eunseol summoned all her members to the Conference Hall.
“I shall venture forth into the Gangho once more.”
Bu Eunseol spoke calmly, regarding her members.
“I must investigate those who attacked Chief Gong Son previously.”
The Murim Alliance launched a massive investigation into the forces that had raided the Soho Warehouse.
The fact that they had targeted and attacked the Chief—none other than the very brain of the Murim Alliance—was
an act that could not be tolerated.
However, that matter was concluded by the substantial bounties from Muk Hyeol Mun and Hoon Ma Ryeong.
The two sects received enormous funds from an unidentified contractor and carried out the assassination of the Chief, but when it failed, they immediately disbanded their sects and all committed suicide.
At least, that was the official account.
‘Absurd.’
Yet Bu Eunseol knew the truth.
Muk Hyeol Mun and Hoon Ma Ryeong were merely the severed tail that Sam Gye had discarded.
Dan So Ok, who had once been a candidate for Chief, had suffered the same fate, and the investigation had reached similar conclusions.
“But hasn’t the Ben Maeng’s investigation team already concluded their work on this matter?”
“Of course, but there are far too many suspicious elements. Worthless rabble like Hoon Ma Ryeong and Muk Hyeol Mun wouldn’t commit suicide out of fear of Ben Maeng.”
Bu Eunseol spoke with conviction.
“I believe the Main Force will need to conduct another investigation.”
At times like this, I was grateful for Sam Gye’s existence.
They always committed major crimes, yet left no traces—so perfectly that investigations yielded nothing.
And because of this incident, I would be able to venture into Gangho for an extended period.
“Will the Lord be going alone then? Should I assign several members to accompany and serve the Lord?”
At Tae Mu Ryong’s words, Bu Eunseol shook her head.
“It’s fine. Since I’ll need to contact various intelligence organizations, it’s better to go alone.”
The members exchanged glances and nodded in understanding.
―Our Lord truly never rests, always striving forward.
From their perspective, Bu Eunseol—whether she had official duties or not—constantly sought out work to be done.
If that was the case, then they, as her subordinates, must also work tirelessly, even without explicit orders.
“What if I accompanied you? This matter will likely take considerable time.”
When Tae Mu Ryong stepped forward, Bu Eunseol smiled calmly and replied.
“If the Vice-Lord also leaves her post, who will lead the members and oversee their training?”
“My Lord.”
“I’ll return before long.”
As Bu Eunseol turned to leave, Jeong Jong Do spoke.
“Then how about we all see the Lord off together this time?”
He smiled and looked around at the members.
“It troubles me that the Lord always departs so suddenly.”
Bu Eunseol smiled.
In truth, the time I spent with the Elite Division members was not extensive.
Yet all the members felt that I constantly worked to cultivate and develop their abilities.
Because of this, even though we didn’t see each other often, they maintained an unwavering and fierce loyalty.
“Very well, let’s do that.”
Bu Eunseol walked with her members toward the main gate of the Murim Alliance, smiling.
Rumble.
At that moment, a figure appeared, leading numerous martial artists and walking in haste.
It was Seok Ryung An, the Inner Chief Inspector of the Murim Alliance.
“It seems a most distinguished guest has arrived.”
Tae Mu Ryong, standing beside me, muttered in astonishment.
“For the Chief Inspector to personally escort a guest to the main gate… that means someone of extraordinarily high status has arrived.”
Before long, Bu Eunseol and the Elite Division reached the vicinity of the main gate.
At that moment, a tall man in white robes walked through the entrance.
His features were remarkably refined, and a dignified smile graced his lips.
At first glance, he carried an air of composure and integrity so palpable that it seemed as though a clear wind swept around him.
‘That man.’
Bu Eunseol was greatly startled upon seeing the white-robed man.
Was he not the same man who had shared wine with me at Sa Ha Manor in Mi Su Village before?
“Welcome, Baek Sohyeop.”
At that moment, Seok Ryung An, the Chief Inspector, greeted the white-robed man respectfully.
“You must have had a long journey. Please follow me.”
And with a remarkably warm demeanor, he personally led the white-robed man forward.
The Chief Inspector, who oversaw all affairs of the Murim Alliance, held an exceptionally high position. For him to lead the way like Jeomsoi?
What on earth was this man’s true identity?
“I am unworthy of such hospitality.”
“Haha. Please, speak more freely. By lineage, am I not your uncle? Besides, you are known as Geum Jeong Shin Ryong throughout the Gangho…”
Upon hearing Seok Ryung An’s words as he led the white-robed man, my eyes narrowed.
‘So he was the Buddha’s lay disciple.’
From the mere gesture of throwing the gourd bottle, I could have guessed he was a young grandmaster.
But I never could have predicted that he was Baek Mu Sung, the Buddha’s disciple.
Why would he, who never revealed himself in the Gangho, openly visit the Murim Alliance now?
I exhaled deeply.
I would need to meet the Buddha someday and inquire about the Absolute Demon Blade Plan.
‘What a pity. He was someone I favored.’
But if he was the Buddha’s disciple, it was best not to cultivate any deeper connection if possible.
Because depending on the Buddha’s answer, we might become adversaries.
“Sharing wine will be difficult.”
“Pardon?”
When Tae Mu Ryong asked, I shook my head.
“No, it is nothing.”
I turned away calmly and smiled toward my officers.
“Then we shall take our leave.”
“Safe travels, Lord.”
As I departed, Tae Mu Ryong and all the officers bowed their heads.
* * *
Eun Wol Gak, Gong Son Dan Gyeong’s office.
There sat Baek Mu Sung, who had just returned from conversing with the Alliance Leader, at the reception table.
And across from him sat Gong Son Dan Gyeong.
“It has been a long time, Elder.”
Baek Mu Sung’s words drew a nod from Gong Son Dan Gyeong.
“It’s been a while.”
While Gong Son Dan Gyeong maintained a composed expression, Baek Mu Sung’s face showed subtle signs of excitement.
“I heard there was a dangerous situation. If the Sungwi Unit Lord hadn’t stepped in, it could have ended badly.”
“It was nothing serious. It was merely a joint operation by dark forces targeting the Manhwa Antique Shop and the Salsu Sect.”
Baek Mu Sung’s eyes grew grave.
If only the Salsu Sect had attacked, a major figure like Baek Ri Mu Jo would not have needed to personally intervene.
Yet Baek Mu Sung did not press further and simply nodded.
“I heard you carried out a mission alongside the young Murim Alliance Lord. Thanks to him, the Chief was able to remain safe.”
“That’s right.”
An awkward silence stretched between them for a moment.
Baek Mu Sung hesitated briefly, then bit his lip and spoke in a low voice.
“Do you still resent me?”
It was an oddly abrupt question.
Baek Mu Sung posed it and stared intently into Gong Son Dan Gyeong’s eyes, hoping her pupils would waver.
Like an ember smoldering beneath ash, he yearned for even a trace of emotion to remain within her.
“How could I?”
Yet contrary to his wish, Gong Son Dan Gyeong’s gaze remained utterly serene.
“It’s ancient history now.”
“I see.”
Baek Mu Sung’s eyes darkened.
His expression resembled that of a foolish man still clinging to a former lover, lost in helpless longing.
“My lady, perhaps….”
As he began to speak, Gong Son Dan Gyeong gestured toward the pile of documents on her desk.
“Baek Mu Sung, I’m sorry, but I have quite a backlog of work right now… Would it be possible to meet again another time?”
It was a curt dismissal, yet Baek Mu Sung wore a faint smile.
Had Gong Son Dan Gyeong treated him with complete indifference throughout, he would have been devastated.
But she was deliberately avoiding him.
That very avoidance was proof that some emotion still lingered within her.
“Congratulations on becoming Chief, though it comes late. My lady.”
“Thank you.”
“I apologize for taking up your time. Then… until next time.”
Baek Mu Sung rose from his seat and immediately turned to leave.
As he gazed back at Eun Wol Gak for a moment, something seemed to occur to him, and he murmured while looking toward the distant sky.
“Who is this man who carried out a mission with her?”
A low voice reached his ears in response.
「It is Seon Woo Jin, the Lord of the newly established Elite Division.」
It was remarkable.
Baek Mu Sung, known to wander Gangho alone, actually had a subordinate within the Murim Alliance?
Moreover, the fact that this subordinate remained hidden suggested he was no ordinary figure.
“Ah. The one who played a decisive role in forging peace with Yeol Ha Sung Palace.”
Baek Mu Sung appeared to be well-versed in all the major and minor affairs that had transpired within the Murim Alliance thus far.
“Conduct a thorough investigation into that matter and report back to me with every detail.”
“Understood.”
Baek Mu Sung turned his gaze back toward Eun Wol Gak, his expression etched with pain as he spoke.
“Master. I have now acquired the strength to undo the mistakes of the past. So… let us proceed with patience and time.”
Without hesitation, he turned and departed.

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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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