The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 519

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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 519.
News that the Cheon In Sect Tae Pyeong Branch had collapsed along with the Geom Chong they had created spread rapidly through the Murim.
However, the Murim practitioners paid little attention to it.
Given the nature of a sect mixed with ordinary civilians, branches like that disappeared easily enough, only to be rebuilt again.
Only third-rate martial artists who hadn’t yet resolved to visit the Geom Chong lamented the news.
Most of them simply lacked the courage to risk their lives due to the Eight Rules of Geom Chong, and thus never visited.
There were quite a few third-rate martial artists who harbored ambitions of one day going to the Geom Chong to obtain divine blades and secret manuals.
For third-rate martial artists who had gained neither fortune nor opportunity, the Geom Chong was like hope itself. But now it had vanished.
Yet not long after such rumors spread, another shocking rumor about the Cheon In Sect struck the Murim like thunder.
―The Cheon In Sect committed these acts to awaken numerous demonic blades, including the demonic blade Cheon In Blood.
―The countless martial artists who entered became sacrifices to awaken the demonic blades.
―However, since most were unnamed second-rate martial artists, this fact remained unknown.
It was a rumor difficult to believe.
The Cheon In Sect Tae Pyeong Branch obtained numerous demonic blades including the demonic blade Cheon In Blood, and lured Murim practitioners to sacrifice them to awaken these blades?
Not even at the Cheon In Sect’s main temple, but merely at a branch—how could such an enormous deed be committed?
Yet it could not be disbelieved.
The source of the rumor was none other than the Murim Alliance itself.
―The Cheon In Sect lured and massacred hundreds of Murim practitioners. The Murim Alliance will dispatch an envoy to severely punish those responsible and discuss measures to prevent recurrence!
She dispatched an investigation team to the Cheon In Sect to question their crimes and investigate the details.
With the Chief of the Murim Alliance personally stepping forward, Murim practitioners naturally expected the Cheon In Sect to receive their due punishment.
But something entirely unexpected occurred.
―The Geom Chong incident was a deviation by the Tae Pyeong Branch. We shall punish those involved within our sect, so the Murim Alliance need not concern itself.
The Cheon In Sect drew a line, calling the Geom Chong incident a deviation of the Tae Pyeong Branch, sent back the Murim Alliance’s envoy, and refused to accept the investigation team.
―Has the Cheon In Sect gone mad?
No matter how much they had grown into a major sect, the Murim Alliance was a coalition of the Righteous Path that divided the Murim world in two.
Moreover, though they were unnamed Murim practitioners, they had been killed without a sound.
The Murim Alliance, as a coalition to uphold justice in the Murim, had every right to demand punishment related to this matter.
When they should be prostrating themselves in apology, the Cheon In Sect dared ignore the Murim Alliance’s proposal?
―This is utterly unacceptable.
Gong Son Dan Gyeong had been searching for justification to destroy the Cheon In Sect.
That was why she had sent Bu Eunseol to the Tae Pyeong Branch, and through her efforts, discovered the truth of the Geom Chong incident.
And from that place, though only partial, she obtained evidence of the massacre of Murim practitioners.
Yet to respond with denial was utterly unacceptable.
In the end, Gong Son Dan Gyeong issued a final warning.
―If you do not immediately reveal the truth and accept the investigation team, the Murim Alliance will regard the Cheon In Sect as an evil sect disturbing the Murim.
But the Cheon In Sect sent no further response.
Rather, were they not concentrating troops from each branch at Yangmun Mountain in preparation for the Murim Alliance’s attack, and constructing solid defensive lines near their main temple?
It was an outright provocation.
Gong Son Dan Gyeong could endure no longer.
―I shall annihilate the Cheon In Sect that disturbs the Murim!
Gong Son Dan Gyeong, the Chief Inspector of the Murim Alliance, immediately announced the annihilation of the Cheon In Sect.
However, there was a problem with this as well.
The Murim Alliance leadership had not unanimously approved the annihilation of the Cheon In Sect.
The evidence Gong Son Dan Gyeong had brought was merely fragments of the demonic blade Cheon In Blood and some corpses of Murim practitioners found in the collapsed Tae Pyeong Mountain.
So far, she had not found perfect evidence of the massacre of third-rate martial artists who had entered the Geom Chong.
The Cheon In Sect was a major religious organization that included ordinary civilians among its members.
Simply attacking them immediately because they refused to accept an investigation request did not look good.
“We cannot mobilize all Seven Great Units at once until we have perfect evidence.”
Moreover, the Lords of the Seven Great Units also showed skeptical reactions to this annihilation operation.
They were all candidates to become the next Alliance Master.
And the process of selecting the next Alliance Master was based solely on evaluating the merits and demerits of each Lord.
In other words, one could become the Alliance Master depending on what achievements one had made as a Lord.
What if, as the Cheon In Sect claimed, they had not massacred Murim practitioners?
This annihilation operation against the Cheon In Sect would not be an achievement as a Lord, but rather could leave a stain on one’s record.
For this reason, the Lords were reluctant to take command of the annihilation of the Cheon In Sect.
“Mobilizing all Seven Great Units to deal with a sect like the Cheon In Sect is far too inefficient.”
In the end, because the Murim Alliance leadership could not achieve unanimous consent.
The Lords withdrew from this annihilation operation, and the units Gong Son Dan Gyeong could mobilize were limited to two.
“Understood.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong complied with that decision without concern.
This was because she had deliberately not disclosed all of the evidence that Bu Eunseol had brought.
If the Lords became involved, Bu Eunseol would have no opportunity to gain credit.
By intentionally revealing only some of the evidence of wrongdoing, she had created this very situation.
“Then I shall personally strike the Cheon In Sect together with the deputy commanders of the Shin Wi Dan and Cheon Mu Dan, the two units.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong appointed Seong Jo Young, deputy commander of the Shin Wi Dan, and Muk In Hyeok, deputy commander of the Cheon Mu Dan, as her vice commanders.
She herself became the supreme commander and led the two units toward the Yellow River Region.
“Gong Son Dan Gyeong. You shall surely pay the price for this forced invasion.”
The Cheon In Sect was angered by news of the Murim Alliance’s invasion, yet
when they learned that only partial forces from two units were coming, they secretly rejoiced.
Though a rising sect, they dominated the Yellow River region and commanded nearly sixty thousand followers.
Furthermore, backed by formidable financial power, they had recruited renowned masters from the Murim, and many skilled practitioners of various mystical arts were among their ranks.
The Shin Wi Dan and Cheon Mu Dan—two units, and forces led by deputy commanders at that—made the outcome of battle unpredictable.
Regardless of the Cheon In Sect’s reaction, the units led by Gong Son Dan Gyeong entered the Yellow River region.
And they stationed their forces on the plains near Ha Seo, through which one could enter the Cheon In Sect.
As soon as the camp was erected, she summoned the deputy commanders and the commanders of each unit to begin a council.
It was to consult on strategy for striking the Cheon In Sect together with the deputy commanders and commanders of each unit.
However, those who entered the camp all wore strange expressions.
A bare-faced young man stood beside Gong Son Dan Gyeong.
Though tall, his frame was slender and his face possessed an unparalleled gentleness—the sort of appearance perfectly suited to flicking abacus beads in a pawn shop.
It was Bu Eunseol, currently serving as the Lord of the Elite Division, Seon Woo Jin.
“He is Seon Woo Dae Ju, who leads the Elite Division of Deng Wu Dian.”
As the officers’ gazes turned toward Bu Eunseol, Gong Son Dan Gyeong introduced him.
“I have appointed him as the strategist to consult with me on tactics and strategy during this battle.”
In that instant, the commanders’ expressions froze cold.
The Elite Division Lord, Seon Woo Jin.
Moreover, was he not the very man who had once clashed bitterly with the Chief Inspector?
And yet the Chief Inspector Division possessed countless brilliant strategists. Why insist on bringing him as an adjutant?
In such a pressing wartime situation, was the Chief Inspector unable to distinguish between public duty and personal grievance?
“Though not widely known, Seon Woo Dae Ju possesses exceptional mastery of military strategy and troop deployment. I have great expectations for his contributions in this battle.”
Despite Gong Son Dan Gyeong’s bright demeanor, the officers gathered in the camp fell silent, their lips sealed.
Seeing the warriors’ displeasure, she added one more remark.
“He is absolutely essential to our victory.”
The warriors exchanged uncomfortable glances.
When she declared him essential to victory, there was little they could say in protest.
Yet to lose the confidence of one’s subordinates before battle had even begun was hardly an auspicious sign.
“Chief Inspector.”
Just then, Wi Sa’s urgent voice called out from beyond the camp.
“An official from the court seeks an audience with you.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong’s brow furrowed.
Why would a court official appear at the camp on the eve of battle?
“Bring him here.”
All the commanders were present in this tent.
If this was a matter they needed to know, there was no reason to summon her separately—it was better to discuss it here before them all.
“Ahem.”
A throat-clearing sounded, and Wi Sa entered with an official dressed in court robes.
His stride was confident, yet his eyes seemed somehow clouded, and his face bore the unmistakable marks of greed.
He appeared to be an ordinary bureaucrat with no knowledge of martial arts.
“Hmm.”
The official cleared his throat once more and surveyed the warriors in the camp, shaking his head.
“Quite the impressive show of force you’re preparing.”
Then the official nodded to the attendant who had followed him.
The attendant knelt on one knee, raised both hands high, and lifted a silk proclamation.
The official then unfurled the proclamation and spoke in a solemn voice.
“A decree from His Imperial Majesty.”
All the warriors in the camp paid their respects with measured courtesy.
“Ahem.”
The official, displeased that the warriors showed only perfunctory respect, cleared his throat uncomfortably, but then held up the proclamation and read in a clear voice.
“According to reports from the Provincial Governor of Seomseong, the Chief Inspector of the Murim Alliance, Gong Son Dan Gyeong, has led martial artists to destroy a virtuous sect in the Yellow River Region.”
‘A virtuous sect?’
As the officers in the camp widened their eyes, the official continued reading from the scroll.
“I care not for the quarrels of Murim practitioners. However, I will not tolerate innocent civilians suffering harm from the blades of martial artists.”
Thud.
The officials who heard the administrator’s words widened their eyes.
Typically in such cases, interference comes only at the branch level.
Yet they had moved the Inspector to lodge a petition directly with the Emperor?
However, Gong Son Dan Gyeong’s expression remained serene.
As if she had anticipated such a development.
“Nevertheless, the Murim Alliance has consistently cooperated with the court and upheld its duties, so I believe there must be circumstances to consider. Before striking at the Cheon In Sect, bring forth all evidence regarding this matter and provide a full explanation.”
As the administrator finished speaking, silence fell over the camp.
Unable to bear the silence, the administrator cleared his throat and spoke.
“His Majesty wishes to hear a direct explanation regarding the subjugation of the Cheon In Sect.”
In the end, the Emperor was demanding that Gong Son Dan Gyeong come before him personally to explain her reasons for subjugating the Cheon In Sect.
This clearly meant the Cheon In Sect had colluded with the government officials to buy themselves time.
“His Majesty appears to be under a misunderstanding. The Cheon In Sect is not a religious order composed of innocent civilians, but rather an evil sect that has slaughtered Murim practitioners.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong spoke.
“I will provide evidence and documents to prove this.”
Fortunately, Gong Son Dan Gyeong possessed evidence that could definitively expose the Cheon In Sect’s crimes.
Had she possessed only flimsy evidence as the rumors circulating through Murim suggested, she would never have authorized such an extermination campaign.
“Unnecessary.”
However, the administrator shook his head.
“Did you not hear what the Inspector just said?”
The administrator spoke to Gong Son Dan Gyeong with an arrogant expression.
“As written in the imperial decree, His Majesty the Emperor wishes to see and hear this evidence himself.”
All the martial artists in the camp turned pale.
They were asking the commander who should be directing all forces to suddenly journey to the Capital City, meet with the Emperor, and personally explain the evidence?
“Ahem.”
As the atmosphere in the camp grew hostile, the administrator cleared his throat and spoke.
“The Cheon In Sect is not a Murim faction but a religious order, is it not? Since it contains ordinary civilians, striking it without the Emperor’s permission makes no sense.”
The administrator’s words held some merit.
From the start, the Emperor viewed Murim unfavorably.
The clashes between Murim practitioners were of no concern, but the Cheon In Sect, after all, was a religious order that included ordinary civilians.
For the Murim Alliance, a coalition of martial artists, to strike at it meant the court naturally had no choice but to impose restrictions.
“So in the end, I must go before His Majesty with the evidence and convince him directly.”
“Precisely so.”
“But both sides have already entered a state of war. Without the commander present in this situation, an unavoidable conflict could break out.”
“Well, unless one side is completely destroyed, His Majesty will understand a certain degree of conflict.”
At those words, Gong Son Dan Gyeong and the other martial artists let out scoffs.
The Cheon In Sect likely had considerable connections within the government, which they had used to move the court.
Combat was inevitable at this point.
It was clear they intended to use such schemes to break the Murim Alliance’s morale while buying themselves additional time.
“I understand.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong nodded.
“I’ll go directly to the Capital City myself, present the evidence to His Majesty, and convince him.”
“Very well.”
The official nodded with a satisfied expression, then departed with his subordinates.
Once the official left, the expressions of the martial artists in the camp grew extremely dark.
Even if she traveled as quickly as possible, a round trip to the Capital City would take roughly ten days.
The greater problem was that they could only sustain combat here for approximately half a month.
Therefore, they would need to engage in battle to some degree….
Until Gong Son Dan Gyeong returned, they had to maintain a state of neither victory nor defeat.
“Given how things have unfolded, there’s no other choice.”
She surveyed the commanders, and with a solemn voice, as if she had made a decision, she spoke.
“While I’m away in the Capital City, Seon Woo Dae Ju will command the battle.”
All the martial artists in the camp wore expressions as if they’d each been struck in the stomach.
During the ten days Gong Son Dan Gyeong would be absent, she was appointing an unknown second-rank Lord as commander of two units?
“Wait.”
Unable to accept this, Shin Wi Dan’s Vice-Commander, Seong Jo Young, widened his eyes.
“Chief, what did you just say?”
“I’m entrusting all command authority to Seon Woo Dae Ju.”
When Gong Son Dan Gyeong’s gaze remained unwavering, Seong Jo Young blinked his wide eyes several times.
“The Cheon In Sect manipulated the authorities to create this situation, considering the Murim Alliance’s military strength, their defensive capabilities, and the time required for battle.”
“….”
“We absolutely cannot waste these ten days. I hope the Vice-Commander will understand.”
“Wait, this Vice-Commander doesn’t desire command of troops for personal reasons.”
Seong Jo Young gestured toward Muk In Hyeok, the Vice-Commander of Cheon Mu Dan beside him.
“However, Vice-Commander Muk possesses excellent strategy, composure, and has fought in several major battles. While I cannot claim he surpasses the Chief, he could certainly command the troops admirably.”
“Of course, I have no objection if Vice-Commander Muk assumes command.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong looked at Muk In Hyeok and spoke.
“But Vice-Commander Muk will absolutely not assume command.”
“What do you mean….”
“What I want is to breach most of their defensive lines within ten days, but without advancing further—to create a stalemate.”
To breach the defensive lines yet create a stalemate. It was nearly impossible.
This was not a battle against one or two enemies, but a clash between armies of six thousand and sixty thousand.
To breach the defensive lines and penetrate to the enemy’s main camp, yet withdraw….
It was tactically and strategically nearly impossible.
“This matter must not fail under any circumstances. Yet would Vice-Commander Muk take full responsibility?”
At Gong Son Dan Gyeong’s question, Seong Jo Young fell silent.
Truthfully, this expedition was almost entirely Gong Son Dan Gyeong’s unilateral decision.
Since the leadership of the Murim Alliance had not reached consensus, she had brought the troops using her authority as Chief.
Moreover, both Seong Jo Young and Muk In Hyeok were filled with discontent.
Their direct superiors, the Lords, were absent, so they were hastily conscripted into this battlefield.
These two were Sub-Lords who had reached the pinnacle of positions they could attain at such a young age. Even if they earned merit here, there was nothing to gain.
But to shoulder responsibility for this battle? That was absolutely impossible.
“The Chief Inspector speaks correctly. I absolutely have no desire to assume command as a Sub-Lord.”
It was then that Muk In Hyeok spoke.
“However, I equally wish to avoid entrusting the fate of my unit to a mere junior Lord.”
His eyes gleamed as he alternated his gaze between Gong Son Dan Gyeong and Bu Eunseol.
“If something goes wrong, surely it cannot be the responsibility of that junior Lord.”
“I will take responsibility as Chief Inspector.”
She set down her command token on the table and spoke with confidence.
“I will take full responsibility for everything that occurs under Seon Woo Dae Ju’s command.”
Muk In Hyeok fell silent, having nothing more to say.
He had not anticipated the Chief Inspector would stake her own position and declare responsibility so decisively.
“Chief Inspector, then I have but one question.”
It was Seong Jo Young who spoke then.
“If we engage in a standoff on the battlefield under that junior Lord’s orders, and the Cheon In Sect launches a preemptive strike, and my unit responds by annihilating them—”
He fixed Gong Son Dan Gyeong with a piercing gaze.
“Whose responsibility becomes that?”
If the Murim Alliance destroyed the Cheon In Sect before Gong Son Dan Gyeong could meet with the Emperor?
Then she would have defied the Emperor’s command upon reaching the Capital City.
Yet once battle commenced and victory loomed within reach, to order a retreat was nearly impossible.
“Once combat begins, thousands of martial artists enter a frenzy beyond reason. Once we’ve breached their main camp, we could eliminate them entirely.”
“That too will be my responsibility as Chief Inspector.”
At Gong Son Dan Gyeong’s words, Seong Jo Young’s eyes widened.
“You speak in earnest?”
If such a thing occurred, it could not end with mere words of “taking responsibility.”
Having defied the Emperor’s command and annihilated the Cheon In Sect, not only would her position as Chief Inspector of the Murim Alliance be forfeit—her very life could be in jeopardy.
“But such a thing will not occur.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong’s eyes brimmed with confidence.
“With Seon Woo Dae Ju commanding, by the time I return, we will have progressed only to the point of breaching their defensive lines.”
Seong Jo Young raised his eyebrows.
Having ascended to the Chief Inspector position at such a young age, she must be a brilliant strategist capable of extraordinary tactics.
Yet Seon Woo Jin did not appear to possess such capability.
In the end, Gong Son Dan Gyeong had wagered her entire future on odds so slim they were nearly impossible.
‘Perhaps everything seems easy when one is so young and inexperienced.’
Seong Jo Young shook his head inwardly.
Unless he himself stepped forward to assume command, he had no choice but to follow Gong Son Dan Gyeong’s orders.
She had staked everything on this.
“Very well. Since the Chief Inspector speaks with such conviction, I shall comply.”
“And you, Sub-Lord Seong?”
Seong Jo Young nodded at Gong Son Dan Gyeong’s question.
“It shall be done.”
“Excellent. Then I’ll head to the Capital City immediately to handle this matter and return.”
She turned her gaze toward Bu Eunseol and nodded.
“Seon Woo Dae Ju. I’m counting on you.”
Her eyes sparkled as she spoke with a commanding voice.
“Until I return, break through all the enemy’s defensive lines, but do not destroy their main encampment.”
In truth, this was nearly an impossible task.
Bu Eunseol could not answer immediately.
This situation was neither something Gong Son Dan Gyeong had hinted at beforehand, nor something they had discussed in advance.
“You can do it, can’t you?”
Yet Gong Son Dan Gyeong smiled brightly.
If she had instructed Bu Eunseol to command the troops for ten days and create such a stalemate?
Though difficult, Bu Eunseol would have ultimately accomplished it.
Gong Son Dan Gyeong believed in this.
If she herself could do it….
Then Bu Eunseol could surely do it as well.

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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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