The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 507

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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 507.
Dae Gu Hwi, confined to the Face Wall Cave of the Peng Family Estate for days in place of Peng Mun Cheon, felt his breath growing shallow.
Not only did light fail to penetrate this place properly, but a pungent fragrance wafted from somewhere within.
It was the Lingering Heart Extreme Fierce Incense—a substance that clouded human consciousness and unleashed murderous intent.
Peng Ak regarded his own son, Peng Mun Cheon, as nothing more than a tool.
One reason he had imprisoned Peng Mun Cheon in the Face Wall Cave was to conduct an experiment.
And the Lingering Heart Extreme Fierce Incense was the apparatus for that trial.
Peng Mun Cheon knew this truth, and despite possessing no inner strength, he had been reciting the Heart Clarification Secret Method all along.
‘This is troublesome.’
However, as Dae Gu Hwi, who had mastered the Beast Art, caught the scent of the incense, a violent murderous intent surged within him.
Until now, he had been unable to unleash his killing intent and thus could not fully manifest his Beast Force.
But thanks to releasing his rage at Mang Hon Valley, he could once again draw upon his Beast Force.
And through the teachings of Neung Bi Hon, who had accompanied him all this while, he had entered the threshold of the Beast Way.
Now he could manifest and withdraw his Beast Force at will.
Yet the fragrance of the Lingering Heart Extreme Fierce Incense, regardless of this, aroused a vicious killing intent.
If he could not endure this, he would inadvertently unleash his Beast Force.
And if that happened, he would lose his reason and become nothing more than a savage beast thirsting only for slaughter.
‘I must endure.’
Dae Gu Hwi calmly circulated the Thunder Spirit Divine Art that Neung Bi Hon had transmitted to him.
Then the Thunder God’s Divine Essence, dormant within his body, began to flow rapidly through his meridians.
Crackle, crackle, crackle.
As he circulated the Thunder Spirit Divine Art while suppressing the murderous intent threatening to burst forth, the Lingering Heart Extreme Fierce Incense absorbed into his body gradually dissipated.
Crack, crack.
As he continued his cultivation, bone-deep sounds echoed ceaselessly from his muscles and body.
As his Beast Force and Thunder God’s Divine Essence merged, his physical form was being recalibrated anew.
To truly complete the Beast Way, the process of suppressing killing intent is more crucial than unleashing it.
The Beast Art, if not properly controlled, could become a madman’s technique driven purely by instinct.
Therefore, after entering the threshold of the Beast Way, the first thing one must accomplish is:
Learning to suppress the tremendous Beast Force and instinct that erupts from one’s body.
In other words, Dae Gu Hwi, without realizing it, had obtained a fortuitous opportunity in the Face Wall Cave of the Peng Family Estate to advance beyond the threshold of the Beast Way.
‘This must help when Bu Dae Hyeop and Neung Dae Hyeop arrive.’
His mind held only concern for Bu Eunseol and Neung Bi Hon.
According to the plan, a battle would soon erupt within the Peng Family Estate to capture the Taoist Emperor’s Successor.
If that were to happen, he too needed to grow stronger and be of use.
‘I will give my all until that moment.’
In the darkness, Dae Gu Hwi continuously circulated the Thunder Spirit Divine Art, suppressing his murderous intent.
* * *
The current situation of the Peng Family Estate was being arranged in a most unusual manner.
While the heads of each organization should cooperate under the Family Head’s leadership to guide the clan forward,
Peng Ak had granted considerable discretionary authority to the heads of each organization.
For example, the Chu Mil Won, which handles external threats to the Peng Family, could arbitrarily eliminate and eradicate all enemies threatening the Peng Family without the Family Head’s permission.
The Feng Yu Pavilion, responsible for intelligence gathering and security, could conduct and execute operations and missions related to their domain at will.
However, such a structure inherently carried the disadvantage of the leaders’ opinions clashing or the organizations constantly colliding with one another.
Yet within the Peng Family, such conflicts rarely occurred.
Peng Ak.
The absolute figure dominating the Peng Family and a tyrant who wielded discretionary authority as he saw fit.
To avoid offending him, the leaders of each organization cooperated among themselves and carried out their duties.
Of course, regardless of how smoothly the family operated, most members and leaders of the various organizations expressed their discontent with Peng Ak.
In principle, the Grand Elder was merely an honorary position with no actual power or authority to command them.
Moreover, Peng Ak immediately replaced or demoted any leaders who refused to follow his will.
―Where exactly is the Family Head?
Several organization leaders questioned the Grand Elder about Peng Mun Cheon’s condition.
Yet they received only the brief response: “He is undergoing treatment.”
As this situation persisted, those harboring doubts and grievances toward Peng Ak began to emerge one after another.
And Peng Mun Cheon exploited this very weakness within the Peng Family.
―The Grand Elder has colluded with evil forces and conducted cruel experiments. If such facts become known, the Main House is finished.
Having secretly escaped Face Wall Cave with Bu Eunseol’s assistance, Peng Mun Cheon began making covert contact with the leaders of the Peng Family’s organizations, persuading them one by one.
―However, this is an internal matter of the Main House. Should external forces intervene or such rumors spread… the Main House’s shameful name will be passed down for ten thousand generations.
The moral high ground belonged to Peng Mun Cheon.
The members of the Peng Family who already harbored discontent toward Peng Ak immediately rallied to Peng Mun Cheon upon hearing these words.
As he gradually consolidated power, most of the leaders and martial artists of the Peng Family’s organizations decided to follow Peng Mun Cheon.
―Excellent.
Peng Mun Cheon exulted in triumph.
Muk Hon Ryeong Ju was a man of his word.
Having consolidated more than half the forces, he could no longer interfere in the Peng Family’s affairs.
―I must confine the Grand Elder and swiftly restore the Peng Family to its former state.
He harbored no doubt of victory.
No matter how formidable the martial prowess of Grand Elder Peng Ak, nearly all of the Peng Family’s forces had turned against him.
―The operation is set for four days hence, before the Grand Elder Hall.
All the leaders agreed to Peng Mun Cheon’s words and made thorough preparations for the operation four days later.
Everything proceeded smoothly.
Yet when Peng Mun Cheon recalled the face of Grand Elder Peng Ak, his expression grew profoundly dark.
‘Grand Elder, I pray you will follow the tide of events.’
In truth, he had not abandoned his hopes for Peng Ak.
Since the majority of the Peng Family’s forces had changed their allegiance, Peng Ak would surely follow the tide.
He harbored the hope that Peng Ak would not choose all-out war to prevent the Peng Family, passed down through generations, from collapsing.
At month’s end, Peng Ak personally inspected the martial abilities of warriors he had selected.
And this very action was one of the reasons the leadership had grown discontent.
The Peng Family’s martial techniques possessed tyrannical power, making them extremely difficult to master.
Moreover, since a master had to properly transmit the practical methods and demonstrate the techniques themselves,
The guidance of exceptional martial artists is essential.
As an elder of the Peng Family, Peng Ak should impart martial techniques impartially to all.
Yet he concerns himself only with the martial forces under his personal command.
Creeeeak.
The doors to the Grand Elder Hall within the Peng Family Estate swung open wide, a rare occurrence.
An elderly man dressed in robes of ample cut slowly emerged into view.
Though his frame was not imposing, his gaze gleamed with piercing sharpness, and an air of noble dignity suffused his entire being.
It was none other than Peng Ak, the Tae Sang Family Head of the Peng Family.
“Tae Sang Family Head.”
Upon his appearance, Peng Seo Woon, who had been standing before the Grand Elder Hall, clasped his hands together.
“You have returned.”
Peng Ak, observing the bright smile playing at the corners of Peng Seo Woon’s mouth, asked matter-of-factly.
“What is the matter?”
“There is joyful news.”
“Joyful news?”
“The successor of the Demon Palace visited the Main House and returned the Oho Sword. He also brought several gifts.”
….
“Of course, we proceeded with discretion and secrecy.”
Peng Ak regarded Peng Seo Woon in silence, then clicked his tongue.
“So you’ve been caught by the tail after all.”
“Pardon?”
“Fool. Would a man of such caliber return the Main House’s treasures without reason?”
Peng Seo Woon hastened to explain.
“No, sir. He visited not only the Main House but also the other Seven Great Families, returning the treasures they had entrusted to his care.”
….
“And he expressed a strong desire to establish relations with the Main House. Should the Main House recognize him, he could easily align with other Righteous Path Sects….”
“At your age, you have yet to grasp such an obvious truth.”
Peng Ak cut him off coldly.
“When someone offers benefits without reason, know that he is a swindler.”
“Tae Sang Family Head.”
“There is no help for it. The Family Head cannot remain in this place at all times.”
Rumble, rumble, rumble.
Shadows poured forth from all directions.
All of them bore swords at their sides, their expressions grave. The martial artists from every organization within the Peng Family Estate had emerged en masse.
Thud, thud, thud.
The assembled warriors parted left and right, creating a passage.
At the same moment, a middle-aged man in white robes walked forward slowly. It was Peng Mun Cheon.
“Your inner energy has recovered.”
Peng Ak, discerning Peng Mun Cheon’s condition at a glance, lifted the corners of his mouth faintly.
“Do you harbor no regrets about such a decision?”
“That is correct.”
Peng Mun Cheon spoke in a clear, resonant voice.
“Though the Main House may have the shortest history among the Eight Great Families, as a pillar of the Murim, we have done much to uphold justice! Yet the Grand Elder Head….”
“Say no more.”
Peng Ak cut off Peng Mun Cheon’s words and smiled coldly.
“I will simply slaughter them all and rebuild the Peng Family anew.”
“Grand Elder Head!”
“Did you truly believe I spared your life out of familial affection?”
Peng Ak spoke with icy contempt.
“Despite lacking human modification, despite possessing neither divine power nor talent, you mastered the Main House’s Taoist teachings. I kept you alive solely as an experimental subject.”
Peng Ak gazed at Peng Mun Cheon and let out a cold snort.
“But your foolish choice has rendered you useless even for that purpose.”
Peng Mun Cheon’s lips trembled.
He realized that not only had paternal affection long since vanished—his father’s very humanity had been obliterated ages ago.
Yet he had harbored one last hope.
That even if his father did not love him, he would not destroy the family. That he would not abandon the Peng Family, which had taken root in the Murim for centuries.
But Peng Ak showed not the slightest hesitation.
He spoke of sweeping away all the Peng bloodline who dared defy him, and rebuilding the Peng Family anew from scratch.
“Hear me, all of you!”
Having steeled his resolve, Peng Mun Cheon drew upon his inner power and spoke in a voice that rang out like thunder.
“The Grand Elder Head has allied with malevolent forces and is destroying the Main House! Let us subdue him and restore the Peng Family to its former glory!”
A low rumble echoed through the hall.
Yet something extraordinary occurred.
Half of the Peng Family warriors standing behind Peng Mun Cheon began to stride deliberately toward Peng Ak’s position.
Confronted with this unexpected turn, Peng Mun Cheon could only watch with wide eyes.
“What are you doing?”
Peng Mun Cheon cried out, but they did not answer, their gazes averted.
After a moment of silence, Peng Jin Myeong, the Master of Yun Rim Pavilion, spoke in a low voice.
“The Grand Elder Head has guided the Main House in the absence of a proper head. Should we not overlook his shortcomings as family?”
At his side, Peng Ki Woon, the Master of the Gold Chamber, nodded in agreement.
“Well spoken. Would it not be foolish for the Main House to tear itself apart in conflict over such matters?”
Peng Mun Cheon swallowed his rising fury and shouted.
“The Grand Elder Head has perpetrated inhuman experiments of unspeakable cruelty! Surely you all know this!”
“If the head seals his lips, who would ever know of such things?”
At their brazen indifference, Peng Mun Cheon felt a hollow laugh escape him.
Moo Hon Ryeong Ju had been right.
Had these men possessed any righteousness from the start, they would have already deposed the Grand Elder Head, or at the very least fought to restore the Peng Family to its proper state.
But they were no different from Peng Ak.
They had grown accustomed to clinging to power and savoring the sweet fruits that fell from it.
‘I see now.’
Only then did Peng Mun Cheon understand what Bu Eunseol had meant.
‘The Main House must be thoroughly destroyed.’
If righteous individuals had remained within the Peng Family, they would never have joined forces with a power like the Infinite Realm.
They could never have conducted such cruel human experimentation.
The Peng Family had already become so intertwined with the Three Realms that they were indistinguishable.
If that was the case, then what remained was….
The only way was to reduce everything to nothingness and build a new Peng Family from scratch.
Taking a deep breath, Peng Mun Cheon gazed upon the martial artists arrayed behind him.
They were all loyal retainers of the Peng Family, men of righteousness just as he was.
Shing!
The moment Peng Mun Cheon drew the sword at his waist to issue the attack command,
“As Family Head, I command….”
Peng Ak’s voice spread forth even faster than Peng Mun Cheon’s.
“Dispose of them.”
Whoosh!
Then, before the Grand Elder Hall, martial artists clad in black robes erupted from the ground.
They were the Demonic Path disciples personally cultivated by Peng Ak.
They had remained concealed throughout, lingering constantly at Peng Ak’s side and obeying only his commands.
Clang!
Without hesitation, they rushed toward the martial artists in Peng Mun Cheon’s formation and launched their assault.
They had undergone human modification to possess massive frames and had cultivated the Five Orifices Single Gate Demonic Technique to its extreme.
Their martial prowess was formidable beyond measure.
They deployed their techniques with confidence against nearly half of the Peng Family’s military strength.
“It seems you’ve finally mastered the technique properly. This is perfect for practice.”
Peng Ak let out a scoff as he watched the battle unfold.
“As for the rest of you, either watch or fight as you see fit.”
Then, as if losing interest, he turned and entered the Grand Elder Hall.
“Family Head!”
At that moment, Peng Mun Cheon lunged toward Peng Ak.
But he was ultimately surrounded by the martial artists in black robes.
Clang clang clang!
Peng Mun Cheon continuously deployed his techniques, engaging in fierce close combat with the black-robed disciples.
‘Even self-destruction was impossible.’
His expression grew desperate.
Typically, conflicts between fellow disciples dragged on inconclusively, with neither victor nor vanquished.
No matter how superior one’s technique, when both had mastered the same martial arts and understood each other’s strengths and weaknesses intimately, victory was elusive.
Peng Mun Cheon had believed that while he might not achieve total victory, mutual destruction was possible.
But contrary to his expectations, the Five Orifices Single Gate Demonic Technique cultivated by Peng Ak was entirely different from the traditional lineage.
The Peng Family’s Five Orifices Single Gate Demonic Technique could be characterized by eight principles: combining hardness and softness, unwavering perseverance.
But the technique of the martial artists personally cultivated by Peng Ak was fierce and cunning.
In other words, it was fierce and cunning, prioritizing speed over the deliberate weight of traditional technique.
It had become a completely different martial art from the orthodox Five Tiger Severing Demon Technique.
―Aaaagh!
―Kugh!
When the two different martial arts clashed, it was no longer a stalemate or sluggish struggle.
A fierce and desperate battle erupted, as if they were fighting external enemies.
Moreover, when those who had submitted to Peng Ak joined the fray, the tide of battle shifted completely.
In the end, this was not the Peng Family crumbling, but rather Peng Mun Cheon and the forces aligned with him that were collapsing.
‘If only there were one more master capable of reversing the momentum.’
What was needed in this chaotic melee was an exceptional master who could overturn the entire situation in a single stroke.
Had Bu Eunseol and Neung Bi Hon been present, this battle would have been resolved easily.
But they sought only one target: Tae Sang Family Head Peng Ak.
Even before the fighting began, the two had already infiltrated the Grand Elder Hall in secret.
Moreover, to prevent the situation within the Peng Family from being exposed to the outside, they had activated the barrier formations installed throughout the estate.
Even if reinforcements arrived from outside, they could not immediately penetrate into the Peng Family compound.
‘It is finished.’
Just as Peng Mun Cheon closed his eyes in despair,
―Kaaaaah!
With a roar that shook heaven and earth, a single shadow shot skyward from Face Wall Cave in the northern region.
Whoosh!
The shadow that had soared into the sky with wings spread looked down upon the battlefield, then crossed the Half-Sky and rushed toward them.
His eyes burned crimson, and a blood-red aura emanated from his gaunt frame.
It was Dae Gu Hwi, having fully unleashed his Beast Realm power to its maximum.
Screech! Crack!
He bounded across the battlefield on all fours, attacking the martial artists cultivated by Peng Ak.
His entire body was enveloped in crimson qi, and with each pass of his form, the martial artists spat blood and collapsed.
‘That man.’
Only then did Peng Mun Cheon notice Dae Gu Hwi’s appearance, his eyes widening.
‘Did he predict this situation?’
That youth from Ya Soo Gung who had saved him at Face Wall Cave—was he not someone who took orders from Muk Hon Ryeong Ju?
‘Thank you, Muk Hon Ryeong Ju.’
Peng Mun Cheon, finally awakening to his own arrogance, cried out toward the distant sky.
‘As promised, the Main House will crumble completely. But someday… it shall be reborn anew.’
* * *
“I wonder if that one alone will suffice.”
Neung Bi Hon, entering the Grand Elder Hall, sensed Dae Gu Hwi’s movement erupting from Face Wall Cave and spoke to Bu Eunseol.
“No matter how good real combat experience is, there’s no need to risk one’s life for it.”
From the beginning, Bu Eunseol had anticipated that the forces Peng Mun Cheon had gathered would betray him, and that they could not withstand Peng Ak’s forces.
And she had instructed Dae Gu Hwi that once the battle erupted, he should immediately escape Face Wall Cave and attack Peng Ak’s martial artists.
―Rampage freely. Release all the killing intent you have suppressed until now.
After spending over ten days in Face Wall Cave, Dae Gu Hwi had advanced another level in his cultivation.
His beast-form power had also increased several times over compared to before.
At Bu Eunseol’s words, Dae Gu Hwi unleashed the killing intent he had long suppressed, transformed into a beast, and charged into the Pawn Shop.
“He will be fine.”
Bu Eunseol answered in a calm voice.
“While staying here, Gu Hwi has elevated his cultivation one more level. Even if he sustains injuries, he will face no true danger.”
“I saw that much myself.”
Neung Bi Hon sighed in an uncharacteristic manner.
“But that bastard Peng Ak wouldn’t have stationed ordinary men there.”
Bu Eunseol wore a silent smile.
Because Neung Bi Hon regarded Dae Gu Hwi as a son, I understood perfectly well that his heart was anxious.
“Since Gu Hwi has mastered the beast techniques of Ya Soo Gung, he must gain extensive real combat experience like the masters of Bon Gak.”
Bu Eunseol explained calmly.
“He has grown far too rapidly during this journey. Now he must internalize these teachings through life-or-death combat.”
“He’ll manage?”
“Of course.”
Bu Eunseol nodded.
“He has become a peerless master who inherited not only beast-form power but also the Thunder God’s Divine Technique. He will heal his wounds even as he fights.”
At those words, Neung Bi Hon’s face brightened with pride.
Though not his biological son, Dae Gu Hwi, who had inherited his martial arts and the Thunder God’s Divine Technique, was like his own flesh and blood.
“Then let us go capture that man.”
Neung Bi Hon stepped forward without hesitation into the Grand Elder Hall.
It had been far too long.
He had suffered madness from the tragic deaths of his son and wife, and wandered the Gangho alone searching for Hyung Su.
And now, finally, he was going to find and take revenge upon Hyung Su—the man he had yearned to grasp even in his dreams.
The door slid open smoothly.
Upon entering the Grand Elder Hall, a strange sight unfolded.
This was not a place where people lived, but rather a ghost house—no furnishings, no traces of human presence.
The interior was completely empty, with only the faint sound of mechanisms echoing through it.
“He’s crammed mechanisms throughout the interior.”
Bu Eunseol nodded at Neung Bi Hon’s observation.
This Grand Elder Hall was not where Peng Ak conducted business or slept.
It was merely a secret passage leading somewhere else.
A low hum resonated.
Bu Eunseol immediately located and manipulated the mechanism within, and one wall began rotating with a heavy grinding sound.
A metallic click.
As the mechanism stopped, a broad staircase descending underground was revealed.
“It seems the people of the Three Realms generally favor underground spaces.”
Bu Eunseol made an uncharacteristic jest.
This was because Neung Bi Hon’s expression had become far too grim.
Of course it would be.
After countless years of longing, the moment had finally arrived to face the enemy I had always sought to grasp.
Even if it meant mutual destruction, I could never allow Peng Ak to survive.
“Brother, I have a request.”
At that moment, Neung Bi Hon turned his head and spoke with utmost gravity.
“Do not interfere in this battle under any circumstances.”
Bu Eunseol nodded.
“Of course.”
Originally, I had also intended to avenge Nam Cheon Dae Hyeop.
He had saved me from Gwae Noin’s attack and was the benefactor who revealed that my grandfather was connected to Chil Ji Ma Do.
Yet his debt of gratitude paled in comparison to the resentment Neung Bi Hon harbored—a man who had lost his son and wife, stripped of everything.
It was only right that I yield this confrontation to him.
‘But.’
My expression darkened.
Though I had regained power far greater than before, whether Neung Bi Hon could achieve a complete victory against Gwae Noin remained uncertain.
The Thunder God’s Divine Technique held no efficacy against the Do Hwang’s Taoist arts.
The one hopeful prospect was that Neung Bi Hon, long afflicted by madness and unable to employ the profound mysteries of martial arts, could now unleash all the subtle techniques of the Noe Ryeong Gate.
This was a significant advantage he now possessed.
‘Moreover, Elder Brother would refuse aid even unto death.’
Even if Neung Bi Hon were to perish, he would not wish for my interference.
I could only watch that battle from afar.
‘But if my suspicions are correct….’
Peng Ak, the Tae Sang Family Head of the Peng Family, had consistently acted at odds with Gwae Noin.
This suggested a high probability that another figure stood behind him, pulling the strings.
Thud, thud.
As I descended underground, a vast Great Hall came into view.
And there, seated upon a high chair with his chin resting in his hand, was an old man.
It was Peng Ak himself.

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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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