The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 520

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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 520.
Bu Eunseol clasped her hands respectfully toward Gong Son Dan Gyeong.
“I understand.”
Then she spoke in a calm voice.
“I will do my very best.”
“Very well.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong smiled faintly, then immediately turned and left the camp.
As she departed, a chilling silence settled over the interior of the camp.
Bu Eunseol, who had been gazing at Gong Son Dan Gyeong’s spirit tablet placed on the table, let out a sigh.
‘This time it’s the opposite.’
In the past, when I participated in a large-scale battle to become the successor of the Demon Palace.
I was left idle without being given any proper duties due to the Hyeol Mu Dan Lord who had been bribed by Do Cheon Rin.
But in this Murim Alliance.
Conversely, I have been entrusted with a great responsibility that my position cannot handle.
“Seon Woo Dae Ju.”
At that moment, Seong Jo Young looked at Bu Eunseol.
“Now that you’ve become the strategist commanding two contingents, issue your orders. We cannot simply remain idle here.”
Then he spoke with a faint smile.
“By the way, I won’t accept any order to garrison here for ten days. As the Chief said, we must break through the defensive line within ten days.”
The corners of Seong Jo Young’s mouth curved coldly upward as he finished speaking.
‘As if she could manage this.’
When had he, a mere second-rank Lord, ever commanded and directed such forces?
Seong Jo Young was certain that Bu Eunseol would be at a loss and flustered.
But Bu Eunseol had previously led battles in the Demon Palace, commanding far greater forces as easily as her own limbs.
She had even simultaneously commanded the forces of the Ten Demonic Gates—Nangya Sect, Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong, and Jeol Cheon Myul Ji.
Therefore, far from being flustered, she spoke with a composure that was almost leisurely.
“First, Vice Lord Seong, attack the Cheon In Sect’s main base through Jangsan Gorge.”
When Bu Eunseol showed no sign of tension whatsoever, Seong Jo Young’s eyebrows twitched.
‘She has nerve, at least.’
“Hmm, you mean to attack immediately?”
“Yes. However, there will almost certainly be an ambush waiting near this gorge.”
As Bu Eunseol pointed to the map and explained, Seong Jo Young made a sound of acknowledgment.
“In any case, all they can rain down from above the gorge are arrows and rocks.”
And he spoke with confidence.
“I will deploy the Geum Pae Dae under my contingent to first defend against their attacks, then immediately eliminate those lying in ambush in the gorge.”
Bu Eunseol paused, thinking deeply for a moment, then nodded.
“Excellent. Then Vice Lord Muk, lead your forces through Yangmun Mountain and attack the Cheon In Sect.”
“I shall.”
Despite having received orders, the expressions of both Vice Lords remained indifferent.
They were Vice Lords who had already been promised the position of future Lord.
Among the younger generation of martial masters, I had reached the highest position and obtained all the glory that could be achieved.
Moreover, this expedition was Chief Gong Son Dan Gyeong’s independent decision, unrelated to our wishes.
Dealing with the Cheon In Sect would bring us nothing in return.
“Let me say one thing in advance.”
Seong Jo Young turned as he was leaving the camp and spoke.
“If our contingent breaches the defensive line in one fell swoop, we’ll have no choice but to immediately enter the Cheon In Sect’s main headquarters. Keep this in mind.”
He spoke with a sinister smile.
“No matter what position the Chief holds, we can’t foolishly retreat after seizing victory.”
“Of course.”
‘He’s trying hard not to show his panic.’
At the unexpected response, Seong Jo Young’s expression hardened.
“Let me be clear—I, as the Sub-Commander, have no grievance with the Chief. But in war, victory comes first, and the welfare of my subordinates comes first.”
“Since you speak so plainly, Sub-Commander, I shall be equally frank.”
Bu Eunseol spoke with equal resolve.
“Even if both contingents advance simultaneously, penetrating the Cheon In Sect’s headquarters is absolutely impossible.”
“What did you say?”
Seong Jo Young tilted his head.
“If it’s impossible, why send the contingents at all?”
“This advance should be considered merely reconnaissance to assess the enemy’s situation.”
It was a rather absurd answer.
Then Muk In Hyeok’s thick brows twitched as he asked.
“I’d like to know your reasoning for thinking it’s impossible.”
“Generally, victory in battle depends on who defends better.”
I continued calmly.
“Moreover, this is the Cheon In Sect’s territory. They will fortify their defenses not only through terrain advantage but through various other means.”
“Hmm.”
“They will absolutely never allow two contingents to enter their main headquarters.”
“That’s far too obvious a statement. Of course there will be resistance and defense.”
Muk In Hyeok’s lips curved upward.
“Such reasoning seems insufficient to serve as strategist in place of the Chief.”
“There is another reason.”
Bu Eunseol continued the explanation.
“Through our main force’s intelligence network, we’ve confirmed that the Cheon In Sect has been preparing for battle for a long time.”
“….”
“As proof, even before our Alliance entered the Yellow River region, they had already constructed perfect defensive lines with no signs of panic whatsoever.”
“Therefore.”
“The Jangsan Gorge where you will enter, Sub-Commander, likely has traps that even a large army cannot easily defend against.”
Bu Eunseol wore a faint smile.
“To increase any chance of success, we must send reconnaissance teams and approach with caution.”
“So it was just such a commonplace argument after all.”
Muk In Hyeok let out a scornful laugh.
“Seon Woo Dae Ju. You haven’t been with the Ben Maeng for long, so you likely don’t understand.”
He spoke with the corners of his mouth raised.
“The Ben Dan is composed of exceptional martial artists capable of annihilating enemies under any adverse conditions. Do you understand what I’m saying?”
The Shin Wi Dan and the Cheon Mu Dan.
True to their names, they were elite contingents of martial artists who could display divine prowess and martial mastery on the battlefield, annihilating their foes.
Moreover, their opponent was an evil sect’s temple mixed with ordinary civilians.
For him, approaching cautiously out of fear of traps they had set, then waiting for scouts to return before attacking was nothing short of an insult.
Muk In Hyeok furrowed his brow as he spoke.
“Then you’re saying not only Vice Commander Seong will fail, but the Ben Dan as well?”
“That is correct.”
“So you’re predicting what the trap will be?”
“That is correct.”
“I’d like to hear it.”
“The Cheon In Sect has been established in this Yellow River Region for a long time, making them familiar to the common people. Especially the civilians in the areas near Yangmun Mountain have received considerable help from the Cheon In Sect during famines, so they trust them quite deeply.”
Bu Eunseol explained without hesitation, as if she had already grasped all the circumstances of this region.
“Civilians must not be sacrificed in the conflicts of martial artists. However, the Cheon In Sect can certainly manipulate the common people and use them sufficiently in this battle.”
“Indeed, you’ve analyzed it that far.”
Muk In Hyeok showed little surprise.
He had already heard all the information Bu Eunseol mentioned through his subordinates.
“But regardless of what schemes they devise, nothing changes.”
Muk In Hyeok spoke with unwavering resolve.
“No matter what methods they use, even if the Cheon In Sect mobilizes all their military forces, they cannot defeat the Ben Dan.”
The Cheon In Sect possessed considerable military strength, but that consisted only of a few martial artists hired through massive expenditure of wealth.
Most were unremarkable drifters or practitioners of bizarre sorcery.
They could never withstand the properly trained martial artists of the Murim Alliance.
And even if they set traps using civilians, one could simply ignore them and avoid contact.
“Seon Woo Dae Ju. Let me offer you one piece of advice.”
“I shall listen with utmost attention.”
“Considering too many factors can sometimes make the battlefield more complicated.”
Muk In Hyeok smiled broadly as he spoke.
“Sometimes, resolving matters as quickly and simply as possible is the greatest strategy.”
In the end, he was no different from Seong Jo Young.
Whether Gong Son Dan Gyeong was punished or not.
There was no need to wait ten days—if the opportunity arose, they would immediately annihilate the Cheon In Sect.
“I shall take your words to heart.”
As Muk In Hyeok and Seong Jo Young turned to leave, Bu Eunseol clasped her hands together once more.
“I wish you victory in battle.”
As the two Lords departed, all the subordinate commanders and Lords under their command turned coldly and exited.
“This is troubling.”
Bu Eunseol exhaled deeply.
It was not about commanding the vanguard, nor was it concern over failing her mission.
As the Moo Hon Ryeong Ju, she had orchestrated countless strategies to annihilate enemies and led vast armies with practiced command.
What truly weighed on her mind was Gong Son Dan Gyeong’s hidden agenda.
‘What is her true purpose?’
Bu Eunseol had spent considerable time in the secret chamber prepared at Eun Wol Gak with Gong Son Dan Gyeong, deliberating strategies to strike at the Cheon In Sect.
From their discussions, she could infer that Gong Son Dan Gyeong had been monitoring the Cheon In Sect’s movements for a long time and had been working to bring them down.
Did that mean the Cheon In Sect was somehow connected to the Infinite Realm as well?
Or was she seeking to obtain something else entirely through the collapse of the Cheon In Sect?
―Why exactly are you trying to destroy the Cheon In Sect?
An ordinary person would have asked this question while in the secret chamber.
Especially when Gong Son Dan Gyeong had proposed they be allies—she would not have evaded an answer then.
But Bu Eunseol had not asked.
She was not a friend.
They were merely allies whose interests aligned, bound by a transaction.
In such a relationship, prying into each other’s circumstances was unwise. One must maintain appropriate distance, and what is left unsaid should remain unasked.
Only then could trust be built in a transactional relationship.
“Had this been the past, I would have thought all of this was another test of me.”
But she had openly declared her intention to annihilate the Infinite Realm and stated that it mattered not whether Bu Eunseol was a spy of the Three Realms.
That meant she genuinely sought to utilize Bu Eunseol’s abilities.
She would never construct such troublesome tests.
Moreover, had she not already anticipated that the Cheon In Sect would manipulate the court to buy time?
Bu Eunseol recalled a conversation she had shared with Gong Son Dan Gyeong days ago.
* * *
“But ultimately, if we move against the Cheon In Sect, the imperial court will oppose us.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong, who had helped establish all the plans alongside Bu Eunseol, suddenly uttered a shocking statement.
“The Cheon In Sect enjoys the powerful patronage of the Empress Dowager.”
Bu Eunseol’s eyes widened.
None were ignorant that the Empress Dowager’s power currently exceeded the Emperor’s within the imperial court.
It was common knowledge that the Empress Dowager had consolidated power by collecting secrets and exploiting weaknesses of imperial relatives and officials.
Thus, no one in the court dared defy the Empress Dowager’s will.
Yet the Cheon In Sect enjoyed her protection?
“The Cheon In Sect is one of the major sources of funding for the Empress Dowager. If the Murim Alliance moves against them, she cannot simply stand idle.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong wore a faint smile.
“Especially since the Murim Alliance is known to lack concrete evidence.”
“Even with evidence, as long as the Empress Dowager opposes it, striking at the Cheon In Sect would be impossible, would it not?”
“That is not necessarily true.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong’s smile deepened.
“The Emperor cannot possibly be unaware that the Cheon In Sect is one of the Empress Dowager’s financial sources.”
She narrowed her eyes with deliberate intent.
“The Empress Dowager will certainly demand that the Emperor stop the Main Force’s attack. Unable to resist her pressure, the Emperor will issue an edict demanding clear evidence.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong’s lips curved into a playful smile.
“But what if, contrary to expectations, the Chief presents proper evidence before all the court officials? Then the Emperor could issue an order to sweep away the Cheon In Sect without even glancing at the Empress Dowager.”
“Indeed… I see.”
Bu Eunseol couldn’t help but admire Gong Son Dan Gyeong’s brilliant stratagem.
She had anticipated her opponent’s methods in advance and turned them against them, weaving an inescapable snare.
‘So matters of the Murim can never be separated from the imperial court.’
My information network had always been fixed on the Murim.
The ultimate goal was finding Hyung Su, who killed my grandfather, and those who harmed my parents.
I paid little attention to the imperial palace’s movements and knew little of what transpired there.
But Gong Son Dan Gyeong, befitting the Chief of the Murim Alliance, understood the imperial situation as clearly as reading one’s own palm.
This wasn’t because she took interest in court affairs.
Rather, it was because matters of the Murim were ultimately inseparable from the imperial court.
“So the evidence regarding the Cheon In Sect couldn’t be fully disclosed.”
By not revealing all the evidence, Gong Son Dan Gyeong was
giving me an opportunity to earn merit while simultaneously blocking the Cheon In Sect’s interference.
“Exactly. Soon the Empress Dowager will have the Emperor summon the Chief to the Capital City. And she’ll time it for maximum difficulty—just as the battle is about to begin.”
“Then you must have countermeasures prepared for that as well.”
At my question, Gong Son Dan Gyeong flashed a brilliant smile, her white teeth gleaming.
“Of course.”
* * *
Bu Eunseol’s eyes narrowed as she emerged from the memory.
All of these circumstances had fallen within Gong Son Dan Gyeong’s predictions from the start.
But what hadn’t been discussed—
was that I would become acting Chief and command the forces.
‘So her “countermeasures” were to entrust everything to me.’
A bitter smile crossed my lips.
I hadn’t asked for details when she said she had prepared countermeasures, but
in the end, that brilliant method amounted to placing all command authority in my hands.
‘If I can’t resolve a situation of this magnitude, I shouldn’t even dream of becoming a Danju.’
Perhaps this was—
Gong Son Dan Gyeong’s way of testing whether I had the makings to become a Danju.
‘Becoming a Danju…’
The Seven Danju rarely showed their faces within the Alliance or the Murim.
At first glance, it seemed they were in closed cultivation, but in reality, they were handling endless affairs.
They were candidates for the next Alliance Master to lead the Murim Alliance. Not a single day would be wasted.
But the identity Seon Woo Jin held was given by Shin San Ja. Could I truly ascend to Danju with this identity? That question lingered.
‘No, rather, he must be hoping for it.’
Shin San Ja must be hoping to shake the Murim Alliance to its core.
Otherwise, he would never have mentioned that one of the Seven Danju was my grandfather’s killer.
‘I’ll see this through to the end.’
Seon Woo Jin’s current position left him powerless to act.
He needed to ascend quickly to find Hyung Su, understand the situation in the Three Realms, and dismantle it.
Bu Eunseol took a deep breath, turned her body, and gazed at the map spread across the camp.
To accomplish that, she had to execute this mission flawlessly.
* * *
Seong Jo Young arrived at Jangsan Gorge leading the forces of the Shin Wi Dan.
Cliffs stretched across both sides, creating a steep incline, and a narrow passage wide enough for only a single carriage came into view.
Jangsan Gorge alone stretched for roughly forty li. Moreover, with cliffs on both sides, it was obvious that an ambush force would be waiting to strike.
Furthermore, even throwing light stones could inflict devastating damage…
It was the perfect terrain for a small force to defend against a massive army’s advance.
“Impossible.”
Yet Seong Jo Young merely smiled.
Combat between ordinary soldiers and martial artists differed drastically.
Martial artists could leap over a wall effortlessly and shatter stones and boulders with their bare fists.
No matter how one exploited terrain and geography, no matter how brilliant the strategy…
In the end, martial combat was decided by the difference in martial power.
Gazing at the gorge, Seong Jo Young spoke in a loud voice.
“Have the Geum Pae Dae scout ahead for any traps.”
At his command, martial artists clad in sturdy armor and bearing shields of an iridescent hue stepped forward.
Thud-thud-thud.
Without hesitation, they unfolded their divine movement technique and rushed into the gorge.
The sight of them charging forward in formation, shields gleaming, resembled golden statues coming to life.
But then something strange occurred.
The speed of the Geum Pae Dae, who had been relentlessly pounding the earth as they rushed forward, was noticeably decreasing.
Splash!
At that very moment, something unexpected poured down from above the gorge.
They had naturally expected heavy boulders or hidden weapons, but what fell was something entirely different—a murky liquid.
Splatter.
The Geum Pae Dae held their shields firmly, yet the thin liquid seeped through the gaps.
“Ugh.”
The Geum Pae Dae members rushing forward all began to retch.
The cascading liquid emitted an indescribably foul stench.
Moreover, the liquid caused intense itching, and their skin flushed red.
“This is…”
Mo Ak, the commander of the Geum Pae Dae, clenched his teeth as he caught the scent.
“Diluted Nine Miasma Poison!”
Nine Miasma Poison was created by mixing feces with various toxic herbs into a miasmic toxin.
Because it was extremely cheap and easy to produce, it was commonly traded in the black market.
The Cheon In Sect had anticipated that forces passing through this gorge would prepare for attacks from various hidden weapons and boulders.
They had prepared copious amounts of diluted Nine-Torment Poison—a cheap variety, but effective nonetheless.
There was no better poison for simultaneously throwing enemies into disarray and breaking their morale.
“Retreat!”
The Geum Pae Dae ultimately failed to traverse even half the Gorge before withdrawing once more.
The Gorge stretched for some forty li. Passing through it in a single push was impossible.
Moreover, the Nine-Torment Poison seeping through the gaps in their armor left their entire bodies itching, their skin erupting in welts.
Had they forced their way through, the poison would have rendered them combat-ineffective.
“With manpower in abundance, they resort to unconventional tactics.”
Seong Jo Young’s voice boomed across the field as he observed the retreat.
“Cheon Shin Dae—sweep away the remnants lurking in that Gorge.”
Ordinary soldiers could not possibly eliminate enemies positioned in ambush atop the Gorge.
But these were all elite martial artists of the Murim Alliance. The Cheon Shin Dae in particular consisted of the finest practitioners of lightness technique under the Shin Wi Dan.
Whoosh! Tap!
They began bounding upward in unison, using the protruding rocks of the Gorge as springboards to launch themselves toward the cliff’s edge.
Each of them carried a shield borrowed from the Geum Pae Dae in one hand.
It was obvious that stones and arrows would rain down as they ascended the cliff face.
Yet nothing fell from above.
Thanks to this, the Cheon Shin Dae nearly reached the cliff’s summit in moments.
“…?”
Then something strange occurred.
Despite having nearly reached the cliff’s edge, the cliff face continued to rise before them.

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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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