The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 505
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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 505.
「….」
The contents of the transmission were as follows.
The sender claimed to be a member of the Peng Family and wished to speak with Bu Eunseol in secret.
「Very well.」
Upon Bu Eunseol’s ready acceptance, the mysterious figure who had sent the transmission invited her to an ornate pleasure house.
Following the Tavern Servant’s guidance into a special chamber, I found a man whose appearance bore striking resemblance to my own attire seated within.
Several courtesans waited in attendance around him.
Yet the Tavern Servant paid them no mind, instead adjusting a scroll on the inner wall.
Whereupon a most secretive door materialized along one section of the wall.
‘Indeed.’
I nodded in acknowledgment of their meticulous planning.
Should anyone have been trailing me, they would observe me and the courtesans drinking in the hidden banquet hall—a perfect deception.
“This way.”
Following the Tavern Servant’s guidance deeper inside, I beheld a dark secret chamber at the corridor’s end.
Within stood a large built man whose eyes gleamed with the fierce intensity of a tiger.
“I am grateful for your acceptance of this invitation.”
The man clasped his hands respectfully toward me.
“I am Peng Jong Gang, Inspector General of the Peng Family.”
Remarkably, the one who had summoned Bu Eunseol was none other than Peng Jong Gang—the Inspector General who wielded considerable authority within the Peng Family itself.
“I am Bu Eunseol.”
“I have heard that the Ryeong Ju wishes for secret communication with the Main House. Thus, I intend to return Oho Do to you.”
“However.”
“Then I shall speak plainly. In truth, the Main House faces grave circumstances.”
“Grave circumstances? What do you mean?”
When Bu Eunseol feigned ignorance, Peng Jong Gang spoke in hushed tones.
“The Family Head is not afflicted by illness—he has been imprisoned in Face Wall Cave by the Former Family Head.”
“Imprisoned by the Former Family Head… The Family Head is confined in Face Wall Cave?”
I furrowed my brow.
Then the one confronting Former Family Head Peng Ak must be Family Head Peng Mun Cheon?
“Indeed. Should the Ryeong Ju liberate the Family Head from the Main House and rescue him, you would become the eternal benefactor of our family.”
He withdrew an envelope from his robes and extended it toward me.
Upon opening it, I discovered detailed drawings of the secret mechanisms installed throughout the Peng Family Estate and the precise location of Face Wall Cave where the Family Head was imprisoned.
“Should you have no intention of involving yourself in the Main House’s affairs, I ask that you forget what you have heard today.”
Peng Jong Gang added one final remark.
“Within days, I shall relinquish my position as Inspector General. In truth, I can offer no further assistance.”
Bu Eunseol’s expression grew somewhat bewildered.
So there was no one within the family who could aid in this matter?
“I have heard that the Ryeong Ju possesses not only exceptional martial prowess but also remarkable strategic acumen. Should you assist in this endeavor, the Main House would forever remain indebted to you.”
Though his words carried such promise, uncertainty flickered across Peng Jong Gang’s visage.
Upon hearing such words, there would be no way to help the Peng Family.
However, an unexpected answer came forth.
“All that is required is to secretly extract the Peng Family Lord from Face Wall Cave, is it not?”
When Bu Eunseol spoke readily, Peng Jong Gang’s eyes widened considerably.
“You would do this?”
“I would.”
“I am grateful!”
Peng Jong Gang bowed his head and clasped his hands together.
The successor of the Demon Hall would assume such risk for the lord of an unrelated Eight Great Family?
“However, I require assistance.”
“As I mentioned, I shall soon become the Inspector General…”
“No, I need no grand assistance. Merely the aid of a few servants from the Peng Family Estate.”
Bu Eunseol whispered in a low voice.
Peng Jong Gang’s eyes grew wide as saucers as he listened to her words.
After conversing with Peng Jong Gang at length in the Secret Chamber, Bu Eunseol departed the Pleasure House and boarded a carriage toward the Demon Palace.
Clatter-clatter.
The carriage raced along Gwan Do.
Bu Eunseol gazed out the window, lost in profound contemplation.
Through her conversation with Peng Jong Gang, I had grasped the general circumstances within the Peng Family Estate.
“From what Peng Jong Gang said, it appears the Peng Family Estate was never originally a den of the Three Realms.”
According to Peng Jong Gang’s account, the Peng Family Estate appeared to have been corrupted by the Former Family Lord Peng Ak.
And when Peng Mun Cheon happened to discover his father’s misdeeds, he fell into discord with the Former Family Lord Peng Ak.
“Yet that cannot be right.”
If the Peng Family Estate had been corrupted by Peng Ak, no matter how formidable his martial prowess might be,
he could never seize control of the Peng Family Estate.
The Eight Great Families.
The eight houses representing the Orthodox Sects are not merely those with great influence or those who produced a few exceptional talents.
They possess a thick layer of masters comparable to the Nine Sects One Alliance, and wield considerable influence not only in the Murim but also in the Merchant Realm, financial circles, and the Gwan Bu.
Could a mere Former Family Lord like Peng Ak defect and then confine the Family Lord to Face Wall Cave for an extended period while seizing control of the entire house?
Such a thing was impossible.
“Which means there are many who blindly serve Peng Ak. Conversely, there are also those like Peng Jong Gang who harbor doubts, understand the internal circumstances, and oppose Peng Ak.”
Bu Eunseol smiled faintly.
This was an opportunity I could not afford to miss, from my perspective.
“First, I collapse it from within.”
Bu Eunseol gazed toward the distant sky beyond the window.
If I were to rescue Peng Mun Cheon confined in Face Wall Cave?
I could rapidly bring down the Peng Family Estate from the inside.
Several days later.
Three carriages entered the interior of the Peng Family Estate.
The carriage at the front was a passenger carriage for official travel, while the remaining two were cargo carriages laden with goods.
Screech.
As the carriage entered, the great gates of the Peng Family Estate closed firmly once more.
Click.
The door of the carriage that had come inside opened, and a tall, striking figure in black martial robes emerged from within.
It was Bu Eunseol.
I had come to return the Five Tiger Saber to Peng Seo Woon without any conditions, as promised.
“Welcome.”
Chong Gwan Peng Seo Woon approached Bu Eunseol and clasped his hands respectfully.
“Indeed, Ryeong Ju, you are a person of honor.”
“You are too kind.”
“But what are all those?”
As Peng Seo Woon pointed to the cargo carriages, I waved my hand dismissively.
“Though I came discreetly, I was formally invited to the Peng Family Estate—how could I arrive empty-handed?”
Peng Seo Woon’s eyes widened.
I had brought not only the Five Tiger Saber, the treasure of the Peng Family Estate, but also various gifts.
Peng Seo Woon wore a faint smile inwardly.
‘It seems my body has truly grown heated with desire.’
He waved his hand while concealing his true thoughts.
“How could I dare accept such things?”
“You must accept them. Otherwise, I will have wasted considerable funds meaninglessly.”
“What do you mean—”
I had the servants unload the trunks from the cargo carriages.
When the boxes were opened, they were filled with silver coins.
And in certain boxes were expensive medicinal herbs such as ginseng, poria, and lingzhi.
In yet others were rare ingredients difficult to obtain in Hebei.
“Hmm.”
Peng Seo Woon swallowed.
Apart from the silver, most of what lay in the boxes were expensive ingredients and medicinal herbs.
If he were to take these back in such sweltering weather, they would all spoil.
“Very well. I shall accept them gratefully.”
Peng Seo Woon reluctantly had the servants send them to the warehouse.
“I offer my thanks on behalf of the Family Lord.”
And he guided Bu Eunseol to the Guest Hall where visitors were received.
Since I had brought such a treasure as the Five Tiger Saber, this time he intended to offer proper hospitality.
“Here it is.”
I wasted no time and placed the wooden box I had brought directly upon the table without hesitation.
“Please verify it yourself, Chong Gwan.”
Click.
Peng Seo Woon opened the antique wooden case with a tense expression.
Inside lay a crude blade whose width appeared to be over a foot—the Five Tiger Saber, the treasure of the Peng Family Estate.
As the Oho Blade revealed itself, all the masters of the Peng Family, including Peng Seo Woon, bowed respectfully in salute.
The Oho Blade was the iconic sword that symbolized the Peng Family.
To recover it in this generation was nothing short of moving.
“Please excuse me for a moment.”
Peng Seo Woon carefully took the Oho Blade and disappeared into another room.
It seemed he intended to store it in the Peng Family’s most secretive treasure vault.
After a brief interval, Peng Seo Woon returned to the Guest Hall and bowed once more.
“Thanks to Ryeong Ju’s assistance, we have resolved one of the Main House’s long-standing wishes. I am truly grateful.”
“Think nothing of it.”
Bu Eunseol rose from her seat and spoke calmly.
“Then I shall take my leave.”
“So soon?”
Peng Seo Woon’s expression grew awkward.
Of course, since this was not an official visit to the Peng Family, a public banquet could not be held.
If word spread that the heir to the Demon Hall had entered the Peng Family Estate, it would cause considerable complications.
Yet despite returning a precious treasure the Peng Family had lost, none of the high-ranking officials save Peng Seo Woon had even shown their faces.
Even the shameless Peng Seo Woon could not hide his embarrassment at this point.
“My apologies, Ryeong Ju.”
Even for the Peng Family, which so vehemently rejected the Demonic Path, such poor treatment damaged not only Bu Eunseol’s dignity but the Peng Family’s honor as well.
Moreover, Bu Eunseol was destined to become the next Master of the Demon Hall.
For such a person to make such efforts to establish goodwill, sending her away empty-handed felt shameful.
“I promise that I, as the Chong Gwan of this house, shall exert myself to formally invite Ryeong Ju to the Main House in the future.”
Though such a promise would be difficult to fulfill, his sincerity in his apology was genuine.
“It is quite alright.”
Bu Eunseol waved her hand readily.
“Then I shall take my leave.”
As Bu Eunseol moved to depart, Peng Seo Woon spoke apologetically.
“Why not stay for tea before you go?”
It was merely a polite gesture.
But Bu Eunseol paused, then made a small sound of realization.
“In that case, never mind the tea—might I be permitted to tour the interior of the Peng Family Estate?”
“The Main House, you mean?”
“Well, there’s no knowing when I might return. Since I’ve come this far, I would like to see the grandeur of the Peng Family with my own eyes.”
Bu Eunseol winked playfully.
“Of course, while wearing a mask.”
It was forbidden to show the internal layout of a family estate to anyone from the Demonic Path.
Ordinarily, such a request would be impossible, but Bu Eunseol had given the Oho Blade without condition and sent numerous gifts besides.
It would be difficult to refuse such a modest request after all that.
Peng Seo Woon hesitated briefly.
‘A simple tour shouldn’t cause any harm.’
The strength of the Peng Family Estate stems from its people.
Moreover, no matter how thoroughly one examines its internal structure, there is nothing to be gained merely by observing with one’s eyes.
‘Well, even the Grand Patriarch would have no objection to this.’
“Very well. Then I shall personally guide you around.”
At Peng Seo Woon’s words, Bu Eunseol smiled and nodded.
“Thank you.”
At that very moment.
Creak.
As the cargo cart came to a halt, another door opened within the hollow interior of the empty chest.
It turned out there was a small space beneath the chest, and hidden there in secrecy was a person.
It was none other than Dae Gu Hwi.
‘Time is running short.’
Having mastered Beast Arts, Dae Gu Hwi could not only mimic various animals but also completely conceal his presence.
He possessed the ideal conditions for concealment and infiltration.
Sniff sniff.
Dae Gu Hwi, who had been carefully scenting the surroundings while surveying the interior, drew upon his Beast Force.
Crack.
In an instant, his withered frame transformed into rippling muscle, and he leaped lightly onto the rooftop.
Whoosh. Whoosh.
Moving between the palace halls, he traversed in complete silence.
Recalling the diagram Bu Eunseol had shown him, Dae Gu Hwi moved without hesitation toward the North Gate of the Peng Family Estate.
After running for some time, he came upon a small structure whose roof and walls were entirely constructed of iron.
Upon entering, he found a sturdy iron gate within, though there was a narrow gap through which one could barely peer inside.
As Dae Gu Hwi peered through the gap, he could make out a bed affixed to the wall and what appeared to be a well for disposing of waste.
And in one corner sat a middle-aged man gazing blankly at the wall.
Though his appearance was shabby, his eyes gleamed with clarity and vitality.
It was Peng Mun Cheon, the current Patriarch of the Peng Family Estate.
Murmur murmur.
He was ceaselessly reciting something, like a monk drenched in rain.
Listening carefully, it was the Clear Heart Secret Method—a technique that sharpened the mind under any circumstance.
‘That’s right.’
Dae Gu Hwi looked down at the locked iron gate and inserted his elongated fingernails into the mechanism.
With a metallic click, the lock gave way.
“Patriarch.”
Dae Gu Hwi entered and clasped his hands respectfully.
“I have come at the behest of the Inspection Bureau Chief to escort you.”
“I have heard that you wish to aid this patriarch in order to gain favor with the Main House.”
Peng Mun Cheon shook his head as if recalling something.
“It is futile.”
“Sir?”
“Even if we escape the Main House safely, we cannot evade their grasp.”
Peng Mun Cheon’s eyes narrowed as a bitter expression crossed his face.
“Tell Jong Gang there is no need to struggle further.”
His gaze and voice seemed to carry an inexpressible depth of regret and the accumulated sorrow of countless years.
“Have no fear, sir.”
Dae Gu Hwi spoke with a bright countenance.
“Even if the entire Murim descended upon us, he possesses the strength to keep the Family Head safe.”
“Even if the entire Murim descended upon you, he could keep me safe?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Who exactly is this man?”
“You will understand once you meet him.”
Dae Gu Hwi’s eyes were pure and clear, yet they contained an immense latent power.
“For one so young to speak with such conviction, I confess my curiosity is piqued.”
Peng Mun Cheon drew a deep breath and sighed.
“Perhaps I shall be deceived once more.”
“Please climb upon my back, sir.”
As Dae Gu Hwi offered his back, Peng Mun Cheon let out a quiet laugh.
“You move like a beast.”
“Is that so?”
“Are you from Ya Soo Gung?”
When Dae Gu Hwi’s expression shifted in surprise, Peng Mun Cheon continued.
“Without even drawing upon your inner energy, to channel such formidable power through your body—only the Beast Force of Ya Soo Gung possesses such capability.”
As befitted the Family Head of the Peng Family, his knowledge was vast and his insight remarkably keen.
“You are correct. I am a disciple of Ya Soo Gung.”
“Ya Soo Gung—you have traveled far indeed.”
Peng Mun Cheon climbed onto Dae Gu Hwi’s back as limply as one untrained in martial arts, unable to channel his inner energy due to the suppression of a powerful sealing technique.
His meridians had been sealed, rendering his martial power useless.
Whoosh!
Dae Gu Hwi began to dash forward like a wild beast.
Though bearing Peng Mun Cheon’s weight, his speed did not diminish in the slightest, and his movements remained agile and fluid.
Leaping stealthily between the palace halls multiple times, Dae Gu Hwi finally brought him to the warehouse where the chest had been stored.
He then removed the wooden boards from the chest where he had been lying and spoke.
“Remove the clothes you are wearing and give them to me, then lie down in this chest. Soon we shall be able to exit the Peng Family Estate.”
Peng Mun Cheon, staring at the chest, blinked.
“In this chest?”
“Yes, sir.”
“How do you intend to transport this chest back outside?”
Instead of answering, Dae Gu Hwi pointed to another chest.
At this, Peng Mun Cheon let out an exclamation of admiration.
“Ah, I see. There is indeed someone of remarkable cunning at work here.”
And with that settled, he lay his body down inside the chest.
Dae Gu Hwi carefully closed the wooden lid once Peng Mun Cheon was inside.
Then he donned the clothes that Peng Mun Cheon had been wearing.
Crack.
Having manipulated his physique with Reverse Bone Technique, Dae Gu Hwi exited the warehouse and made his way toward the North Gate.
Peng Seo Woon, though brief, devoted himself to guiding Bu Eunseol through the interior of the Peng Family Estate.
He graciously showed her even the Training Grounds and the depths of the Inner Quarters—places outsiders could not normally enter.
Though the time was short, Bu Eunseol was able to thoroughly examine every corner of the Peng Family Estate.
“I have seen much.”
As Bu Eunseol, having walked back to the main gate, pressed her palms together, Peng Seo Woon spoke with a smile.
“I am relieved that the Ryeong Ju is satisfied.”
“Indeed.”
“Please take care on your journey.”
Just as Bu Eunseol was about to board the carriage, a servant of the Peng Family came rushing toward Peng Seo Woon in haste.
And he whispered something softly into his ear.
“Wait a moment! Please hold on, Ryeong Ju!”
Peng Seo Woon called out to Bu Eunseol in alarm as she boarded the carriage.
“What is the matter?”
“We are grateful for the gifts presented to the Main House, but… we would appreciate it if you would take the chest back with you.”
“The chest?”
“Yes, that is correct.”
Peng Seo Woon spoke with an embarrassed expression.
“It appears the chest you brought bears a large engraving of the Twin Dragons Contending for the Pearl—a symbol of the Demon Hall.”
Even if we reluctantly accepted the gifts, we cannot possibly keep a chest bearing the Demon Hall’s emblem in the Peng Family Estate.
What if the servants below were to see such a thing?
Rumors might spread questioning the relationship between the Demon Hall and the Peng Family.
“I understand what you mean.”
Bu Eunseol, as if resigned to the situation, spoke to her servants.
“Load the chest back onto the carriage.”
The servants retrieved the chest from the Peng Family’s warehouse once more and loaded it onto the cargo carriage.
“Is this satisfactory now?”
At Bu Eunseol’s words, Peng Seo Woon nodded with a smile.
“Thank you.”
“Of course.”
Click-clack.
As the gate of the Peng Family Estate opened, the carriage carrying Bu Eunseol and the cargo carriages departed.
Peng Seo Woon, watching their departure intently, smiled faintly.
“This is truly a windfall.”
There was no other word to describe it.
He had obtained the Five Tiger Saber—a blade symbolizing the Peng Family and one that could further develop the Five Tiger Single Blade Technique.
Moreover, in the process, I had also uncovered the weakness of the Demon Hall’s successor.
‘The fact that he reaches out so desperately to the Orthodox Sects suggests his position within the Demon Hall is far from secure.’
Peng Seo Woon smiled with satisfaction.
What if he were to spread word through the Demon Hall’s intelligence network that Bu Eunseol had made secret contact with the Main House?
His position could become even more precarious.
“Wait.”
Peng Seo Woon, who had been grinning wickedly, suddenly recalled the image of someone carrying away a wooden chest, and his eyes widened.
“Surely not.”
Seized by an ominous premonition, he quickly spun around.
‘If such a thing has occurred, I must absolutely prevent that Demon Hall successor from leaving Hebei!’
Thump, thump, thump.
Entering the Inner Quarters, he immediately made his way toward the Face Wall Cave erected at the far end of the North Gate.
Upon stepping inside, he peered through a small opening installed above the door.
There, a figure in tattered clothes stood gazing at the wall.
It was none other than Peng Mun Cheon, the family patriarch.
‘Phew.’
Confirming that Peng Mun Cheon was safe, he released a breath of relief.
“So it was merely the greed of the Demon Hall’s successor after all.”
Had he already known the Peng Family’s secrets, there would have been no need for such convoluted methods.
He would have simply orchestrated his schemes through his numerous subordinates.
Realizing his suspicions had been excessive, Peng Seo Woon shook his head.
“The Former Patriarch will be pleased upon his return.”
Peng Seo Woon, a faint smile gracing his lips, slowly turned away.
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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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