The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 525
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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 525.
A month prior.
In the Secret Chamber of Gong Son Dan Gyeong within Eun Wol Gak of the Murim Alliance.
There, Gong Son Dan Gyeong and Bu Eunseol huddled together, strategizing the subjugation operation against the Cheon In Sect.
With the forces of the Shin Wi Dan and Cheon Mu Dan, combined with Gong Son Dan Gyeong’s command, suppressing the Cheon In Sect was hardly a difficult endeavor.
But what truly mattered was Bu Eunseol establishing merit.
In this subjugation campaign, she needed to achieve the distinction of a First-Rank Lord—that is, secure the consent of a majority of the Murim Alliance’s Lords.
She had to accomplish something truly momentous.
“The Alliance ultimately provided only two divisions, and even those were merely forces under the Sub-Lord’s command.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong spoke in a hushed voice.
“Furthermore, the morale of the Sub-Lords participating in battle and their subordinate martial artists is utterly deplorable.”
In truth, this was inevitable.
She had presented to the senior officials only circumstantial evidence deliberately devoid of the clear proof Bu Eunseol had brought.
Moreover, because the Lords themselves refrained from stepping forward while the Sub-Lords were forced to do so, the martial artists’ morale had plummeted considerably.
“From our investigation, the Cheon In Sect has been preparing for large-scale warfare simultaneously with constructing the Geom Chong. They knew their misdeeds would eventually be exposed.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong continued in a low voice.
“Now that the Alliance has committed itself, victory is assured. The Cheon In Sect won’t be devising strategies for triumph—they’ll be seeking ways to end this conflict.”
She then pointed to the region near Ha Seo on the unfolded map.
“Judging by the scale of the Geom Chong constructed at Tae Pyeong Ji Bu, the Cheon In Sect must possess a master of mechanical artifice. They’ve certainly created secret passages from their main headquarters at Yangmun Mountain for external escape.”
Bu Eunseol grasped her strategy and nodded.
“If the situation turns dire, they’ll attempt a surprise assault on the Chief’s location.”
“Precisely. There’s simply no other way for them to survive.”
Even if the Cheon In Sect grew tenfold in strength, they could never achieve victory against the Murim Alliance.
But if they could capture Gong Son Dan Gyeong, who commanded the vast army?
They would obtain leverage for armistice negotiations with the Murim Alliance—a means to end the conflict immediately.
“But are you certain of this?”
Having grasped Gong Son Dan Gyeong’s entire scheme, Bu Eunseol stroked her chin thoughtfully.
“If the Cheon In Sect Master Ho Yeon Gyeong is willing to attempt a direct assault on the Chief, then contrary to what the Murim world believes, he must possess extraordinary martial prowess.”
“A precise assessment.”
“Then you must have devised a separate contingency plan…”
“I have faith.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong looked directly at Bu Eunseol and spoke.
“No matter how formidable a master Ho Yeon Gyeong is, no matter what forces they bring—Seon Woo Dae Ju will surely achieve victory.”
* * *
Bu Eunseol’s eyes narrowed as she emerged from her reverie.
‘She must have known that the Cheon In Sect Master not only possessed exceptional martial skill but also commanded the Demonic Path.’
Bu Eunseol’s gaze deepened as she perceived Gong Son Dan Gyeong’s true intentions.
‘If one lacks the strength to overcome him, one shouldn’t even entertain aspirations of becoming a First-Rank Lord.’
Until now, I had harbored a plan to gradually elevate Seon Woo Jin’s reputation step by step.
But to ensure the success of Gong Son Dan Gyeong’s scheme, I must now reveal the martial prowess of a young Grand Master all at once.
In short, I had to surpass the abilities that Shin San Ja and Bu Eunseol had set for Seon Woo Jin.
To become a First-Rank Lord, one needed not only wisdom but also martial prowess and achievements befitting that rank.
Having proven my intellect by commanding Muk In Hyeok and Seong Jo Young to breach the Cheon In Sect’s defenses,
I now had to defeat Ho Yeon Gyeong and prove I possessed the martial prowess worthy of a First-Rank Lord.
Whoosh.
Gripping the iron blade, Bu Eunseol immediately drew upon her inner force.
At Seon Woo Jin’s capacity, the maximum internal energy I could wield was approximately two hundred fifty years of cultivation.
While such power could be considered among the highest of the younger generation’s masters,
it fell somewhat short against the true masters who dominated Tianxia.
In other words, Seon Woo Jin’s victory had to come not from overwhelming power, but from superior martial principles and swordsmanship.
‘I’ll use the Iron Blade Thirteen Forms.’
The Iron Blade Thirteen Forms that Shin San Ja had refined specialized in defense and counterattacks.
I had resolved to handle Ho Yeon Gyeong without resorting to offensive techniques.
Crack! Whoosh!
As Ho Yeon Gyeong unleashed his saber strikes, I swung my blade in perfect timing, and the saber energy continuously rebounded.
“Crude swordsmanship!”
Ho Yeon Gyeong discerned that Bu Eunseol was continuously rotating and returning his saber strikes and energy.
He altered his technique, beginning to unleash rapid, abbreviated strikes.
“This way, you can’t capture the energy within the blade, so you can’t return it!”
But that was Ho Yeon Gyeong’s miscalculation.
Whoosh!
Since defeating Peng Ryun, Bu Eunseol’s swordsmanship had reached a much higher level.
So even when Ho Yeon Gyeong deployed his techniques subtly, or struck rapidly,
no matter how thread-thin the opening, I seized it with ghostly precision and returned his strikes.
―Was Seon Woo Dae Ju’s martial prowess truly at that level?
―He’d even surpass our Lord?
―His inner force is formidable, but his swordsmanship is truly magnificent!
All the members of the Hwan Woo Sword Brigade gasped in admiration.
The Hwan Woo Sword Brigade was a First-Rank brigade, and its brigade master Naeng Gyeom possessed the strength of a regional hegemon.
Yet he had been unable to withstand Ho Yeon Gyeong’s strikes and was sent flying instantly.
And now this Second-Rank Lord was effortlessly defending against the attacks?
“A dangerous one.”
After some thirty exchanges, Ho Yeon Gyeong’s eyes flashed.
“This one must never be allowed to live.”
Whoosh!
As he drew upon his inner force, a sickly yellow mist began rising from the demonic saber he held.
“The Blood Wheel Demonic Saber possesses multiple functions.”
Screech!
From the Blood Wheel Demonic Saber in Ho Yeon Gyeong’s grip came a bone-piercing ghostly wail.
The demonic saber possessed mysterious functions in itself.
The Blood Wheel Demonic Path that Cheon Hwa In wielded was a formidable demonic art rivaling the Cheon In Blood.
‘He must have slaughtered countless souls to awaken that blade.’
Bu Eunseol’s eyes narrowed as she beheld the Blood Wheel Demonic Path radiating its eerie luminescence.
To harness the power of a demonic art, one must exact a corresponding price.
Undoubtedly, Ho Yeon Gyeong had sacrificed multitudes to master the Blood Wheel Demonic Path.
Clang!
Then something extraordinary occurred.
When the Thirteen Forms of the Iron Sword unfolded, the profound mysteries of Flower-Butterfly Jade Harmony rendered collision impossible.
Yet Ho Yeon Gyeong’s demonic blade continuously drew my iron sword toward it, striking repeatedly.
Crash!
With each collision, the vital force coursing through my body seemed to drain away.
Screech.
After several exchanges, I found myself gradually forced backward.
With each clash of weapons, my inner strength waned, and my blood surged as though set ablaze.
The first function of the Blood Wheel Demonic Path.
It siphoned the opponent’s vitality with every weapon collision.
“Strike down that pyramid-faced wretch all at once!”
As I retreated, Ho Yeon Gyeong cried out in triumph and commanded the Ghost-Face Messengers to attack anew.
“Protect the Chief!”
The Hwan Woo Sword Brigade members fought valiantly against the surging Ghost-Face Messengers.
I stake my life fighting Ho Yeon Gyeong to protect Gong Son Dan Gyeong and my comrades.
Then they too must stake their lives to eliminate these foes.
Boom! Crash crash crash!
A thunderous roar shook the earth itself as fragments erupted from Ho Yeon Gyeong’s blood wheel, scattering dozens of tiny blade discs across my body.
Creating blade discs of such magnitude required expending at least three centuries’ worth of inner force.
Yet Ho Yeon Gyeong conjured hundreds of them with merely a casual motion?
This was the second function of the Blood Wheel Demonic Path.
By channeling inner force to continuously unleash blade energy, the Blood Wheel Demonic Path transformed it into the form of blade discs.
Whoosh! Slash!
“Aaaagh!”
“Kugh!”
The Hwan Woo Sword Brigade members fighting the Ghost-Face Messengers near me fell tragically.
Through my Beast Eye, I discerned the trajectories of the invisible blade discs, but the brigade members could not perceline>
‘I cannot evade.’
I can’t avoid this.
Blade discs were condensed blade energy, possessing devastating destructive force.
Should I dodge and weave, not only Gong Son Dan Gyeong but the remaining brigade members could be annihilated in an instant.
Whoosh!
I had no choice but to stand my ground, unfurling the Thirteen Forms of the Iron Sword to deflect the blade discs.
Yet merely the approach of the discs carved sharp wounds across my body.
Crash crash crash crash!
As Ho Yeon Gyeong’s sword energy poured forth like relentless waves, Bu Eunseol’s movements grew ever swifter.
Her white robes had long since turned crimson, and there was scarcely a place upon her body unmarred by wounds.
Yet she did not cease her movements, instead focusing her spirit to unfold the Iron Sword Thirteen Forms.
A single mistake would mean the death of her subordinates.
―She stands her ground without retreating, blocking his sword energy to protect us.
The sword brigade members bit their lips.
An elite Lord was defending them without evading, shielding them with her own body?
“Dispatch those enemies quickly and aid Lord Seon Woo!”
As Naeng Gyeom shouted, the sword brigade members roared in unison and began fighting with renewed courage.
The clash rang out!
Even as this unfolded, Bu Eunseol continuously deflected his sword energy.
‘How is this possible?’
Only now did Ho Yeon Gyeong sense something amiss.
No matter how thoroughly one mastered the Demonic Path’s techniques, it should be impossible to continuously deflect sword energy that unleashes destructive force upon contact.
Yet every time that young man spun his dark blade in circles, the sword energy returned without fail—did it not?
In truth, Bu Eunseol’s inner power and swordsmanship were so profound that it merely appeared to be the Demonic Path’s technique.
In reality, she had reached the realm of Ultimate Emptiness and wielded the mysteries of martial arts with casual mastery.
‘This bastard!’
Unaware of this truth, Ho Yeon Gyeong was so exasperated that steam seemed to rise from his ears.
Despite wielding his blade recklessly like a drunkard,
she not only flicked away his sword energy with ease, but sharp sword techniques suddenly erupted forth, striking vital points with precision—was she not?
“Hmph!”
Yet ignorant of this reality, Ho Yeon Gyeong let out an irritated snort when his relentless sword energy failed to inflict any damage.
Until now, he had felled countless enemies using only the second function of his Blood Wheel.
To be forced to employ the third function against a mere stripling?
A deep rumble echoed forth!
Ho Yeon Gyeong finally unleashed the third function of his Blood Wheel.
Suddenly, darkness engulfed all directions.
“Die!”
When the world brightened once more, a lightning-like sword technique pierced toward Bu Eunseol’s chest.
The third function of the Blood Wheel Demonic Path.
It confounded the enemy’s sight and senses, rendering all sword techniques and sword strikes completely invisible.
‘This is manageable.’
Bu Eunseol actually welcomed the challenge.
While breaking Ho Yeon Gyeong’s sword techniques using Seon Woo Jin’s swordsmanship would be difficult, evading them was entirely within her capability.
She glided smoothly aside.
Bu Eunseol effortlessly evaded the sword technique with a composed expression.
“What?”
Ho Yeon Gyeong’s eyes widened in shock.
The Blood Wheel Demonic Path boasted the most formidable function among all Demonic Path techniques in the Murim.
In particular, this power that confuses an enemy’s senses was something even a master of the Extreme Heaven Realm could never evade.
Yet this unremarkable young man was dodging it without the slightest difficulty?
“Who are you?”
Ho Yeon Gyeong sheathed his blade and asked Bu Eunseol.
“I’m asking who you really are.”
“We’re in the middle of a fight—why the sudden interrogation?”
Bu Eunseol muttered with a scowl of disdain.
“If you don’t wish to die, kneel immediately. Stop wasting breath on questions.”
It was a deliberate provocation, meant to prevent Ho Yeon Gyeong from speaking nonsense.
The tactic struck true.
With veins bulging across his forehead, Ho Yeon Gyeong unleashed a torrential barrage of sword strikes like lightning.
“Die!”
Each time he wielded the Blood Wheel Demonic Blade, the entire world darkened and the light of the heavens seemed to shift.
Yet despite such tremendous power and might, for Bu Eunseol it was merely a curious, amusing toy that changed the color of the sky.
Having perfected the Beast Blade, my transcendent senses had nearly reached the state of the Six Senses Communion.
Even if the Blood Wheel Demonic Blade completely severed my five senses, I could instinctively evade the attacks.
Clang! Whoosh!
‘So he was hiding his true strength!’
Only then did Ho Yeon Gyeong realize that Bu Eunseol was far from inferior to him, and had deliberately allowed wounds to his blade.
‘Excellent.’
Ho Yeon Gyeong took a deep breath.
Since obtaining the Demonic Path Blood Wheel, he too had been concealing his martial arts.
Because with this demonic blade’s power alone, he could fell any formidable opponent.
But to kill the young man before him.
He would need to unleash the Blood Wheel’s ultimate ability alongside all the strength he had hidden until now.
‘So that’s it.’
Suddenly noticing Gong Son Dan Gyeong watching the battle with calm eyes, Ho Yeon Gyeong’s gaze narrowed faintly.
‘She deliberately stationed herself in the Ha Seo region. To create this very situation.’
Only now did he realize that all of this had been orchestrated by Gong Son Dan Gyeong.
But it made no sense.
If she could predict all these circumstances, she could have simply stationed one of the Lords here in secret.
Why engage in such a fierce battle?
Yet even covered in blood, as he met Bu Eunseol’s unwavering gaze, the answer became instantly clear.
She intended to use this young man as a stepping stone to greatly elevate her reputation and martial prowess.
“You thought to use me as a stepping stone?”
Click.
Suddenly ceasing his attack, Ho Yeon Gyeong removed the mask he wore.
What was revealed was utterly indescribable in its grotesqueness.
Only the eyes remained intact. Everything else had melted and been crushed beyond recognition.
The Demonic Path Blood Wheel.
It was a terrifying Demonic Path technique that, the more one used it, the more it melted away the caster’s very flesh.
“Now it ends.”
As he raised the Cheon In Blood high, the sky darkened once more.
Suddenly, as if only Ho Yeon Gyeong and Bu Eunseol had been transported to another dimension, everything around them turned pitch black.
Crackle, crackle.
At that same moment, Ho Yeon Gyeong’s body began to split slowly, and blood started pouring forth.
Simultaneously, blood flowed from Bu Eunseol’s body as well, and her skin began to crack.
The final function of the Cheon In Blood.
It imprisoned both the demon sword wielder’s body and the enemy’s body within a barrier of demonic energy, while causing both their bodies to melt away.
“I, the Sect Master, have mastered the Ashen Soul Pale White Technique—I will absolutely not die from this.”
Ho Yeon Gyeong smiled faintly, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth.
“But your body will burst apart in less than half a moment.”
Crackle, crackle.
The blood flowing from Bu Eunseol’s body grew even more profuse.
And her skin began to crack like brittle candy.
Yet something was strange.
Bu Eunseol, who should have been trembling in terror of death beneath the pitch-black fog, wore an enigmatic smile.
“What’s so amusing?”
“I’m grateful, that’s all.”
“Grateful?”
“The Iron Sword Thirteen Forms simply had no answer to this….”
Whoosh.
Bu Eunseol gazed down at the iron sword in his hand and spoke in a low voice.
“It’s been clamoring since earlier, but I couldn’t infuse it because there were too many eyes watching.”
And immediately, he infused his Divine Technique into the iron sword.
Whirrrrr.
The blade gleamed faintly, and mysterious patterns containing golden and crimson light began to engrave themselves upon the sword’s body.
The dull iron sword he had been wielding all this time was none other than the Demon-Slaying Sword he had obtained from Geom Chong.
Whirrrrr.
The Demon-Slaying Sword was now greedily drawing in the demonic energy pouring forth from the Cheon In Blood through its patterns.
It appeared as if it were opening its mouth to ravenously devour its prey.
Screeeech!
As all the demonic energy disappeared and the light of the Demon-Slaying Sword was about to be revealed to the outside world.
Bu Eunseol, without a moment to think, immediately unleashed the Escape Meteor Pursuit Moon Technique.
The entire world slowed to a crawl, and the crimson light flowing from the Demon-Slaying Sword shot forth with blinding speed.
Crackle.
The moment the Demon-Slaying Sword made contact, countless fissures appeared across the blade of the Cheon In Blood.
Crash!
The Demon-Slaying Sword, having consumed the demonic energy of the Cheon In Blood, had already swallowed Ho Yeon Gyeong’s neck.
Ssssshhhhh.
The black mist that had severed space dissipated, revealing Ho Yeon Gyeong standing tall with his mask removed.
Across from him knelt Bu Eunseol, clutching an iron sword, blood streaming down her face.
The duel had finally reached its conclusion.
Gurgle.
Ho Yeon Gyeong, blood foam dripping from his lips, spoke in a low voice.
“Why does that sword belong to you….”
But his voice was so faint that only Bu Eunseol could hear it.
“So you were… that person.”
Ho Yeon Gyeong muttered those cryptic words and breathed his last.
‘What on earth was that man saying?’
As Bu Eunseol stared down at Ho Yeon Gyeong’s corpse, her eyes widening,
Boom! Rumble!
Two shadows descended from the sky with a thunderous roar that shook the very earth.
They were Muk In Hyeok and Seong Jo Young.
Realizing they had been deceived, they had rushed back from Yangmun Mountain.
“Him?”
Seong Jo Young and Muk In Hyeok’s eyes widened in shock.
The Cheon In Cult Master, Ho Yeon Gyeong.
That vile creature had fallen, his breath extinguished?
―Waaaaah!
Cheers erupted from all directions.
They came from Naeng Gyeom, Lord of the Hwan Woo Sword Brigade, and his warriors.
Bu Eunseol had protected not only Gong Son Dan Gyeong but all of them, risking her own life.
Had it not been for her, they would already be nothing but restless spirits beneath Ho Yeon Gyeong and the Ghost-Face Messengers.
“What exactly happened here?”
At Muk In Hyeok’s question, Naeng Gyeom approached and explained.
“Seon Woo Dae Ju slew the Cheon In Cult Master and saved us and the Chief.”
“What?”
“In other words, what I’m saying is….”
Naeng Gyeom quickly recounted the situation.
As Muk In Hyeok and Seong Jo Young listened in silence, they exchanged glances.
The Hwan Woo Sword Brigade was a first-class sword brigade.
Moreover, even Naeng Gyeom, the brigade lord who had devoted himself to perfecting the Dan Cheon Sword Technique, could not defeat the Cheon In Cult Master—how could Seon Woo Jin have slain him?
As they blinked in incomprehension,
“Seon Woo Dae Ju.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong, who had been behind them, rushed over and helped Bu Eunseol to her feet.
“Are you alright?”
“I’m fine.”
Of course I was fine.
I had merely forced myself to kneel and bitten my tongue to draw blood, all to create the appearance of barely having defeated Ho Yeon Gyeong.
Bu Eunseol rose to her feet with great effort, clasping her hands together as she regarded Seong Jo Young and Muk In Hyeok.
“You’ve arrived late.”
The two men stood in silence, their eyes meeting.
Had matters gone awry, their promising futures would have been utterly destroyed.
Without Bu Eunseol?
They would have been stripped of their positions as Lords for failing to protect the Chief.
Yet by risking her life to safeguard Gong Son Dan Gyeong and the Hwan Woo Sword Brigade, Bu Eunseol had preserved both their necks and their stations.
“You’ve endured much.”
Finally grasping the full scope of events, Muk In Hyeok regarded Bu Eunseol and nodded slowly.
“Now I understand why the Chief holds you in such high regard… A hidden dragon lying dormant, indeed.”
Seong Jo Young, too, spoke to Bu Eunseol with an expression of admiration.
“Your efforts have been extraordinary. You’ve accomplished something truly momentous.”
Bu Eunseol shook her head calmly.
“It was merely my duty.”
As the unsteady Bu Eunseol turned, the surviving members of the Hwan Woo Sword Brigade rushed forward to support her.
Observing this scene, Muk In Hyeok and Seong Jo Young exchanged glances and nodded to one another.
With such character, martial prowess, and strategic brilliance.
She rightfully deserved to become a first-rank Lord.
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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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