The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 523

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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 523.
‘At this rate, we’ll be playing twenty questions all night.’
Unable to bear it any longer, Muk In Hyeok interjected with a sigh.
“So then, what exactly is this part that absolutely cannot be concealed?”
“Hair. In a situation like this, it would be the eyelashes.”
A profound gleam radiated from Bu Eunseol’s eyes.
“Even if one wears a mask, the eyes cannot be hidden. By carefully observing the eyelashes, one can certainly identify the poison user.”
“Eyelashes… I see.”
Muk In Hyeok nodded with an expression of admiration.
“If they’ve been marinated in extreme poison in such a short time, the eyelashes would dissolve and disappear.”
“Precisely. When hair is exposed to poison for extended periods, it becomes thin or falls out.”
What qualities must a strategist possess?
Outstanding wisdom and foresight are essential, of course, but so too are military strategy, command ability, and the capacity to discern talent and deploy it appropriately.
In short, a strategist must excel in every field except martial prowess.
And in Muk In Hyeok’s eyes,
Bu Eunseol was an exceptional strategist lacking nothing.
“Now we can achieve victory.”
At Seong Jo Young’s words accompanied by a nod, Bu Eunseol shook her head.
“No, we cannot achieve victory in the current situation.”
“What?”
Seong Jo Young’s eyes widened at this unexpected response.
“Even though we can distinguish the poison users who explode, our unit cannot win?”
“That is correct.”
“Why?”
Bu Eunseol spoke with a somewhat unexpected perspective.
“The Cheon In Sect has been preparing for this battle with the Murim Alliance for a long time. No matter how much the two Lords commit their full strength, they will not easily topple them.”
“Hmph, so that’s what you were saying.”
Seong Jo Young felt the admiration he had harbored until now cool considerably.
“Warriors do not fight with their heads and mouths, but by moving their bodies.”
“….”
“Your calculations may make the Cheon In Sect seem formidable, but the only reason our unit struggled was because of the poison users’ Ryongtak Tak Bi Hun.”
“Lord.
Bu Eunseol spoke calmly.
“In two days, the Chief will return. Until then, please wait a moment.”
“I cannot understand.”
Muk In Hyeok then regarded Bu Eunseol with bewilderment.
“Are you saying we can achieve victory if the Chief commands?”
“Perhaps so.”
“Why?”
“Because there is something only the Chief can do.”
“What is that?”
Bu Eunseol clasped her hands together.
“I cannot speak of it at this moment.”
Muk In Hyeok blinked his eyes as if he couldn’t comprehend.
Then Seong Jo Young let out an exclamation and laughed heartily.
“Hahaha. I acknowledge that your wisdom and strategies are exceptional. But this time, you’ve miscalculated.”
“….”
“If we can distinguish the poison users, breaking through their defensive line is merely a matter of time. We could annihilate the Cheon In Sect immediately.”
Seong Jo Young spoke with his lips curling.
“However, since the Chief has not yet descended from the Capital City, our main unit absolutely must not annihilate the Cheon In Sect. Isn’t that why you’re maintaining a stalemate rather than attacking?”
“No, that is not the case.”
“Not the case? Hehe.”
Seong Jo Young’s lips curved upward.
“Then I suppose it would be acceptable for me to lead my forces to Jangsan Gorge immediately and sweep away the Cheon In Sect.”
“Of course. However.”
Bu Eunseol spoke with unwavering resolve.
“You will have to accept casualties among your troops.”
Seong Jo Young’s eyebrows twitched.
Had Bu Eunseol made an earnest request, he would have merely breached the defensive line without attacking the main camp.
But when Bu Eunseol spoke with such confidence, a fierce resentment surged within him instead.
“Fine. I’ll show you that your calculations are wrong.”
Seong Jo Young turned away coldly as he spoke.
“Remember this well. Since the Cheon In Sect will be completely annihilated before the Chief arrives, you will bear that responsibility.”
“Of course.”
Bu Eunseol answered without hesitation, and Seong Jo Young turned away coldly.
He had consistently disregarded Bu Eunseol, a mere second-rank Lord.
Yet knowing her strategies and wisdom were exceptional, he had begun to view her differently.
But when Bu Eunseol spoke like a sage who comprehended all things, his resentment reared its head once more.
‘The impudent girl. I showed her courtesy because she’s somewhat clever.’
The Murim Alliance valued hierarchy and rank above all else.
Thus, no matter how exceptional one’s talents, advancement was impossible without gaining favor from superiors.
Seong Jo Young, who had been revered by subordinates throughout his life, found Bu Eunseol’s lack of deference and submissive demeanor—despite being merely a second-rank Lord—deeply offensive.
“Annihilate the Cheon In Sect at once.”
Seong Jo Young immediately commanded his forces to move toward Jangsan Gorge.
As Seong Jo Young departed, silence descended upon the camp.
“From Seong’s perspective as a sub-commander, it’s understandable.”
Then Muk In Hyeok, who had been standing quietly, spoke.
“When a martial artist surpasses thirty years of age, their physical body and martial prowess reach their peak. At this stage, most become overconfident in their abilities.”
He gazed at Bu Eunseol with a faint smile.
“And since the Murim Alliance gathers talented individuals from various factions, it prioritizes rank and hierarchy over ability. Do you understand what I’m saying?”
“You’re asking me to flatter you?”
“If it’s possible.”
Muk In Hyeok’s eyes, unlike before, were remarkably soft and benevolent.
It seemed he had genuinely taken a liking to Bu Eunseol.
“Ben Maeng’s retreat was also due to the same reason as Seong Jo Young—we couldn’t distinguish the independent cultivators who use the Kangryong Tak Bi Hun technique.”
“I’m aware.”
When Bu Eunseol’s demeanor remained so composed, Muk In Hyeok tilted his head in puzzlement.
“Are you suggesting that even if Ben Maeng went instead of Shin Wi Dan, we would suffer the same defeat?”
“That is correct.”
Bu Eunseol’s eyes remained unwavering.
Only then did Muk In Hyeok truly understand.
This young martial artist possessed wisdom and insight so profound that ordinary people could scarcely fathom it.
“I’d like to hear your reasoning.”
Muk In Hyeok spoke as if he couldn’t comprehend it.
“Is Cheon In Sect truly that formidable?”
“It’s not a matter of military strength.”
“Then what is it?”
“They are numerous while we are few. This is their territory, and we are conducting an expedition. Moreover, the enemy has been preparing for battle over a long time. Thus, one crucial condition for victory remains unfulfilled.”
“A condition for victory?”
Bu Eunseol spoke with measured calm.
“If Cheon In Sect cannot repel this attack, they face utter annihilation. They will fight defensively with their lives on the line. Furthermore, there will be masters they haven’t deployed on the defensive lines.”
“Hmm.”
“However, the vanguard of Murim Alliance is not in such dire straits. In the current situation, breaking through the defensive lines is all we can achieve.”
“Ah… I see.”
Muk In Hyeok nodded, finally grasping something.
“Then wouldn’t you simply need to fulfill that condition yourself? You’re the acting Chief, after all.”
“An acting position is merely that—an acting position. It can never produce the same effect.”
Bu Eunseol’s eyes gleamed as she regarded Muk In Hyeok.
“Just as with persuading Seong Jo Young.”
“I see.”
Muk In Hyeok could not conceal his admiration.
Though he could not compare to Bu Eunseol, he too was a person of exceptional wisdom and insight.
Through this brief exchange with Bu Eunseol,
he had come to understand what the missing condition for victory was, and what he himself must now do.
“But Seong Jo Young is prideful and stubborn. Without someone to stop him, he won’t retreat even if it costs him his life.”
“Will you do it, Muk Dae Ju?”
“If I issue the command,”
Muk In Hyeok spoke with grave sincerity.
“It will be an order from the acting Chief.”
For the first time, a smile brimming with trust appeared at the corners of his mouth.
Earning recognition from someone like Muk In Hyeok was no simple matter.
Vice-Lord of the Seven Great Units.
That position was the highest seat a talented young martial artist could ascend to.
“Then I humbly request your assistance.”
“Good. We depart immediately.”
“If I may, I would ask that you depart with a delay of approximately half a double hour.”
Muk In Hyeok, who had been blinking for a moment, suddenly brightened.
“Hehehehe. You’ve read Seong Jo Young’s character perfectly. Indeed, he’s the type who must taste something himself before he’s satisfied, no matter what it is.”
Muk In Hyeok drew a deep breath and nodded.
“Very well. We shall depart after half a double hour.”
“Thank you.”
As Muk In Hyeok left the camp, a faint smile graced Bu Eunseol’s lips.
‘It’s proceeding well.’
Earning the recognition of Muk In Hyeok—or rather, Seong Jo Young—for my strategy.
That was one of the most crucial objectives of this expedition.
‘Now only the final plan remains.’
Bu Eunseol took a deep breath.
If everything proceeded as planned.
I could rise to become a Lord of a first-class unit within the Murim Alliance.
* * *
Seong Jo Young, who led the Shin Wi Dan, surged through Jangsan Gorge and launched another assault on the Cheon In Sect’s defensive lines.
‘They truly are eyebrowless.’
Just as Bu Eunseol had predicted, the poison cultivators saturated with toxins who could execute the Dragon Subduing Overwhelming Fist were all completely lacking eyebrows.
Had this been an ordinary battle, even discovering such a detail would have been difficult to act upon.
Beyond cutting down the relentless tide of enemies, one would have needed to identify nearly invisible eyebrows.
But the warriors of the Shin Wi Dan were among the finest elites the Murim Alliance had to offer.
With their keen perception, they immediately distinguished those capable of explosive detonation and prioritized eliminating them first.
Once the masters capable of executing the Dragon Subduing Overwhelming Fist disappeared from the vicinity, the once-solid defensive line crumbled.
The Shin Wi Dan advanced confidently inward.
‘How’s that!’
As Seong Jo Young breached the defense and entered before the Cheon In Sect’s main fortress, a triumphant smile crossed his face.
Unless the poison cultivators detonated themselves, the martial techniques of the Cheon In Sect disciples could never withstand the elite of the Shin Wi Dan.
But something was strange.
Despite having nearly reached the fortress’s interior, entry remained blocked.
The defensive line had been breached, yet the siege continued.
‘Those people…’
Observing the battle, Seong Jo Young finally understood the reason.
At some point, warriors bearing distinctive swords had appeared before the Cheon In Sect’s palace.
They all wore black ghost-face masks, possessed superior swordsmanship, and were commanding the Cheon In Sect disciples with perfect coordination.
They were the Masked Warriors.
Though the defensive line had been breached, the Cheon In Sect’s forces outnumbered the Shin Wi Dan by more than twenty to one.
Moreover, they repeated their attacks and retreats with unexpected discipline, preventing any deeper penetration into our territory.
“Fall back!”
Seong Jo Young drew his blade and rushed forward at the vanguard.
*Crash!*
In that same instant, a rainbow-hued radiance erupted skyward, and razor-sharp sword qi sliced through the wind, cascading down upon the Masked Warriors.
“It’s the Bi-Eung Sword Technique!”
One of the Masked Warriors cried out upon witnessing the deluge of sword qi.
*Tap-tap-tap-tap.*
Simultaneously, the warriors at the front formed a circle.
Moving in dizzying patterns, they unleashed different sword techniques all at once.
And then—the cascading Bi-Eung sword qi scattered like sparks of charcoal striking stone, dissipating in all directions without penetrating their defense.
‘These bastards?’
Seong Jo Young’s eyes widened.
The Masked Warriors had deployed a variation of the Murim Alliance’s defensive sword formation—the Jongheng Muyoung Formation.
‘How do the Cheon In Sect disciples possess the Ben Maeng’s sword formation?’
To counter the assault of a supreme master, one requires a master of equal power.
But ordinary warriors could not achieve this alone, so they devised a method: each warrior would unfold different sword techniques simultaneously to create a single superior technique.
That was precisely the Jongheng Muyoung Formation.
And what the Ghost-Face Messengers had just deployed was a variation of that very formation.
“Damn them!”
Seong Jo Young unleashed the Thunder-Rain Severing Star technique from the Bi-Eung Sword Method, cutting down the Masked Warriors.
Yet as time passed, the Shin Wi Dan’s warriors began to fall back steadily.
Soon, only Seong Jo Young stood alone at the vanguard, fighting by himself.
‘So Seon Woo Jin’s prediction was correct after all!’
Seong Jo Young cried out inwardly.
Had he become the reincarnation of Zhuge Liang himself?
How could he foresee everything without ever setting foot on the battlefield?
*Whoosh! Crack.*
At that moment, a sharp sound of tearing air accompanied a sturdy shadow descending beside Seong Jo Young.
It was Muk In Hyeok.
*Clash-clash-clash-clash!*
He drew his blade immediately, unleashing a tremendous sword wind that drove back the attacking Ghost-Face Messengers more than ten zhang away.
“Brother Seong, we must withdraw our forces and retreat.”
Muk In Hyeok spoke in a tone both familiar yet solemn.
“If we continue this prolonged stalemate, our soldiers’ morale will collapse beyond recovery, and we’ll suffer catastrophic losses.”
Muk In Hyeok understood well.
Seong Jo Young’s pride was so fierce that he refused to retreat even when he should.
Without someone like this to counsel him, his stubbornness would ultimately lead to devastating defeat.
“Understood.”
Seong Jo Young couldn’t be called particularly intelligent, but he was far from a fool.
Muk In Hyeok had come personally and even given him face. If he persisted any further, he would only suffer needless casualties.
“Retreat!”
Seong Jo Young immediately ordered the withdrawal.
At that, a tremendous roar erupted from the Cheon In Sect forces.
―Waaaaah!
It was a cry of victory—they had repelled the Murim Alliance’s unit.
Grrr.
Seong Jo Young ground his teeth.
He didn’t bother with empty words like “we’ll settle this later.”
There would be no further humiliation.
Now it was Seon Woo Jin.
Even if I had to bow my head to him, I would extract a strategy to deal with them once and for all.
Gong Son Dan Gyeong had returned.
She, who had gone to the Capital City under the Emperor’s orders, had finally come back to the Ha Seo camp.
It seemed much had transpired during her absence—she appeared considerably fatigued, and her face had grown somewhat gaunt.
According to the original plan, the Cheon In Sect should have already been annihilated and she should have returned to the Murim Alliance.
But due to the Emperor’s command.
To be precise, due to the Empress Dowager’s scheme that had moved the Emperor, precious time had been wasted.
“You’ve all worked hard.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong nodded as she regarded Muk In Hyeok and Seong Jo Young standing before her.
“You’ve followed the order to break through the defensive lines without annihilating the Cheon In Sect quite faithfully.”
Both men wore embarrassed expressions.
They had done nothing themselves. Everything had been possible only thanks to Bu Eunseol’s command.
“Seon Woo Dae Ju.”
And Gong Son Dan Gyeong turned her gaze toward Bu Eunseol.
“I’ve heard the full account. You commanded brilliantly.”
She spoke with genuine admiration.
The Cheon In Sect’s forces and strategies had far exceeded expectations. And the two unit commanders were beyond her control.
In such circumstances, to break only the defensive lines, yet maintain a stalemate without victory until her return—that order.
It had been nearly an impossible mission.
Yet Bu Eunseol had turned all of the Cheon In Sect’s own strategies against them, dismantling every defensive line.
She had given the two unit commanders new stratagems with each failure, earning their trust while buying time.
“They not only laid formations in the Gorge but also mobilized civilians. And in the end, they even deployed poison masters who wielded the Heavenly Dragon Breaking Seal.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong had already thoroughly grasped all the battle developments on her journey here.
And Bu Eunseol had accomplished the task no differently than she herself would have commanded—indeed, even more brilliantly.
Bu Eunseol clasped her hands together and bowed her head.
“The schemes were transparent in their intent, so there was no particular difficulty.”
“Chief, has the matter been resolved?”
When Seong Jo Young asked, she nodded.
“Of course. The Emperor has reviewed all the evidence and recognized the Cheon In Sect as an evil organization that must be eradicated.”
From the beginning, the Emperor had summoned me to the Capital City by demanding evidence.
It was a way to confirm the irrefutable proof to all his ministers, preventing the Empress Dowager from raising further objections.
“That is indeed fortunate.”
As Seong Jo Young replied, Gong Son Dan Gyeong spoke in a low voice.
“Now that we’ve dismantled all their defensive lines, only the task of eradicating the Cheon In Sect remains.”
At that, Seong Jo Young’s expression grew uncomfortable.
He had led the Shin Wi Dan in an assault against the Cheon In Sect, but far from annihilating them, he had only dampened his soldiers’ morale before retreating.
“The Cheon In Sect’s forces are not to be underestimated.”
Knowing that Gong Son Dan Gyeong was already aware of the entire situation, Seong Jo Young bit his lip and spoke with shame in his voice.
“My unit breached their defensive lines and engaged the Cheon In Sect directly, but ultimately we could not overcome them.”
The Shin Wi Dan possessed more large-scale combat experience than any other unit.
Despite breaking through their defenses and engaging in full-scale warfare with the Cheon In Sect, the humiliation of retreating after a prolonged siege was beyond description.
“Seon Woo Dae Ju.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong questioned me as though she understood everything without being told.
“Why didn’t you use the supreme command I granted you?”
“Had I made such a decision, the soldiers would have questioned its authenticity. Instead, I would have faced accusations of overstepping my bounds and abusing authority.”
“Hmm.”
She stroked her brow briefly, then slowly blinked her large eyes and nodded.
“I suppose that could be the case.”
Unable to contain his curiosity, Seong Jo Young asked as he listened to our exchange.
“Seon Woo Dae Ju, you predicted that my unit would fail to repel them.”
He scratched the back of his head as though unable to comprehend.
“I cannot fathom why we failed to crush them despite our superior forces. It seems the Chief also understands the reason….”
“‘Those resolved to die shall live; those seeking to live shall die,’ as the saying goes.”
Only those prepared to embrace death can survive, while those clinging to life perish.
In that instant, Seong Jo Young’s eyes widened.
He had grasped why, despite possessing overwhelming military superiority, they had been defeated by the Cheon In Sect.
“We lacked desperation.”
His face was filled with shame.
The Cheon In Sect members were clinging to life with grim determination, staking everything on survival.
Yet the Shin Wi Dan, despite possessing the overwhelming power and might to pierce through enemy territory, had fought while holding back, protecting themselves.
From their perspective, it was merely a task to eliminate an evil sect confined to the Yellow River Region. They had no desire to suffer injury.
Even if they achieved a great victory.
Even if they won this battle, there was no glory to be gained from it.
This difference in resolve created a gap as vast as heaven and earth, transcending mere superiority in military force and strategy.
“Of course, that’s not the whole story.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong smiled bitterly, and Seong Jo Young blinked.
“What do you mean….”
“Perhaps Seon Woo Dae Ju would care to explain the rest?”
Bu Eunseol nodded and responded.
“The suppression of the Cheon In Sect did not achieve unanimous consent from Ben Maeng.”
She continued speaking calmly while gazing at the two Lords.
“Because of this, the warriors of the units believe this operation was forced through by the Chief. They think all the glory of victory will be claimed by the Chief as well.”
As Muk In Hyeok and Seong Jo Young nodded, she opened her mouth again.
“Therefore, from the Lords down to the ordinary soldiers, everyone must harbor doubts about this battle. After all, there is nothing to gain from it.”
From the warriors’ perspective.
Even if the Cheon In Sect were annihilated, in the Murim it would merely be the elimination of yet another common evil sect.
“So you’re saying it was flawed from the start. We should have perfectly convinced Ben Maeng to secure legitimacy and brought our full forces.”
At Muk In Hyeok’s murmur, Bu Eunseol nodded.
“That is correct. However, that was due to my failure to find perfect evidence and the unique structure of Ben Maeng. It is no one’s fault.”
The Murim Alliance possessed a deformed power structure with the Seven Great Lords at its helm.
They mostly conducted independent missions and accumulated merit through them.
But this operation was not under a Lord’s command—rather, they were taking direct orders from a mere slip of a strategist, Gong Son Dan Gyeong.
This too had become a cause of diminished morale.
“Moreover, the two Lords have been quite occupied recently.”
Jeong Cheon Je and Sin Do Mu Bi wished to select the next successor as soon as possible.
To accomplish this, the Seven Great Lords were accumulating merit with all their strength, and Muk In Hyeok and Seong Jo Young were assisting them in this endeavor.
Yet suddenly, by the Chief’s strategy, they were summoned to a campaign where they could not even accumulate merit.
So the two of them were naturally displeased.
“Then what should be done?”
At Muk In Hyeok’s question, Bu Eunseol explained calmly.
“The warriors of the units must be made into devoted followers who serve the Chief with sincere loyalty.”
The best method of commanding subordinates is to impress them so they naturally offer their allegiance.
“That is easier said than done. Is it not impossible to win the hearts and obedience of soldiers in such a short-term battle?”
“The next method is to command through authority. If the Chief issues stern orders and imposes penalties upon them for defeat, they will have no choice but to obey.”
Bu Eunseol continued quickly.
“Of course, that is also not the optimal method.”
“Then what?”
“If we cannot make subordinates follow with sincere loyalty as things stand, and commanding through authority alone is insufficient, then we must provide corresponding honor.”
And she immediately added one more point.
“One of the greatest strategies for victory is to grant the honor of that victory to the soldiers themselves.”
“Unfortunately, there is no honor to be gained from merely toppling the Cheon In Sect alone.”
Seong Jo Young sighed and shook his head.
“Moreover, the warriors of this unit are indifferent to fame and profit—they would not rejoice even if given gold and silver.”
Bu Eunseol shook her head.
“Honor comes in many forms.”
And she spoke with a meaningful expression.
“Warriors of the Murim equate that honor with martial prowess.”
“Then.”
Bu Eunseol spoke with a resolute expression.
“All the Chief need do is open the Yeongak Dojeon as Commander-in-Chief.”

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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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