The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 529

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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 529.
Yuk Cheong Ah’s face flushed crimson, as though it might burst from the heat rising within her.
Seon Woo Jin, who had always treated her with such indifference, was actually fond of her?
And he had boldly confessed his intentions directly to Yuk Jang Cheon, no less.
“So it was true after all.”
Yuk Jang Cheon released a deep sigh.
Yuk Cheong Ah possessed not only exceptional wisdom but also a complete lack of interest in romantic matters.
Moreover, with her strategist’s nature that allowed her to perceive every situation with crystalline clarity,
she should have immediately recognized how absurd and false Seon Woo Jin’s supposed courtship truly was.
Yet here she stood, her face flushed and bewildered?
Yuk Jang Cheon could not hide his disappointment.
“…It was a lie.”
Only after seeing her father’s disappointed expression did Yuk Cheong Ah realize she had been deceived.
“Why would you tell such a lie?”
“You know better than anyone that Seon Woo Dae Ju is not the sort of man to say such things.”
Yuk Jang Cheon spoke with solemn gravity.
“Seon Woo Dae Ju said that if there were even the slightest personal interest between you and him, matters concerning the Chief would be subject to endless suspicion going forward.”
In that instant, Yuk Cheong Ah’s expression turned cold.
So they would exploit her affection to evade reasonable scrutiny?
‘Gong Son Dan Gyeong.’
Yuk Cheong Ah bit her lip.
Though Seon Woo Jin was indeed clever, he was not the sort to manipulate emotions and place others in jeopardy.
Which meant this entire scheme was undoubtedly orchestrated by Gong Son Dan Gyeong and imposed upon Seon Woo Jin.
“Hmm.”
Yuk Jang Cheon, observing his daughter’s flustered state, released another profound sigh.
“For now, abandon your interest in Seon Woo Dae Ju and devote yourself entirely to the affairs of Yeon Seong Dang.”
“Father.”
“Do as I say.”
Yuk Jang Cheon spoke with the finality of a nail being driven home.
“Otherwise, bring me another man of Seon Woo Dae Ju’s caliber before my eyes.”
After gnawing at her lip for a long moment, Yuk Cheong Ah turned sharply and departed the Secret Chamber without even offering a bow.
“Hmm.”
Yuk Jang Cheon shook his head as he watched her leave.
He had long known that Yuk Cheong Ah harbored great ambitions.
He was even aware that his elevation to the position of Deng Wu Jeon Ju was not merely a father’s act, but rather to secure an ally to replace Nam Hae Shin Ni.
“Yet in the end, a woman remains a woman.”
His daughter, who had seemed destined to pursue power alone throughout her life,
was slowly awakening to romantic feelings upon meeting an exceptional and capable man.
Of course, this was entirely natural.
Yet one possessed of great ambition must not allow romantic entanglements to cloud their vision.
Affection is an emotion that clouds the eyes and ears. It can become a great obstacle in the path ahead.
“If this old man becomes a Lord and the Master of the Murim Alliance, would that not suffice?”
Yuk Jang Cheon, muttering softly to himself, shook his head with a bitter expression.
Then, as if nothing had happened, he picked up his brush and ink, and resumed writing his correspondence.
* * *
“Your ambitions have grown far too grand, Father.”
Meanwhile, as Yuk Cheong Ah stepped outside Deung Mu Jeon, her eyes turned cold and sharp.
“You’ve forgotten who gave you that position in the first place.”
From her perspective, Yuk Jang Cheon was far from a warm and caring father.
He had never been a family man to begin with, and when her mother died of illness early, he only threw himself deeper into the affairs of Gangho.
Especially once he discovered that Yuk Cheong Ah possessed extraordinary talent in martial arts, he made countless contacts with renowned figures of Murim to find her a master.
It was not for Yuk Cheong Ah’s future—it was merely a strategy to expand the power of Gu Tian Hui at that time.
In the end, Yuk Jang Cheon entrusted Yuk Cheong Ah to Nam Hae Shin Ni, the Master of the Elder Council of the Murim Alliance.
Not because Nam Hae Shin Ni appealed to him, but because she offered the greatest benefits and support.
It was as if he had sold a precious commodity to the highest bidder.
“By rights, he should have been driven out by his friends and subordinates, wandering the Murim in miserable circumstances.”
Had Nam Hae Shin Ni not suddenly passed away,
she would never have brought Yuk Jang Cheon into the Murim Alliance.
But when her own backing and forces proved insufficient to elevate her to the position of Empress…
she invited Yuk Jang Cheon out of necessity and made him her stepping stone.
However, when Mu Cheon Danjoo suddenly departed from the Murim Alliance, Yuk Jang Cheon’s ambitions swelled accordingly.
Finally, he obtained a man of exceptional wisdom and ability—Seon Woo Jin.
And once he gained the conviction that he could become a Lord, he no longer gave her a second thought.
“Did you truly believe I summoned you to the Murim Alliance out of blood kinship?”
Yuk Cheong Ah’s gaze, fixed upon Deung Mu Jeon, grew glacial.
“I believed you would become an excellent stepping stone for me. But…”
She turned her body and shook her head.
“No matter how I consider it, you seem destined to become an obstacle rather than a stepping stone.”
Yuk Cheong Ah drew a deep breath.
Her father, Yuk Jang Cheon, was a capable schemer. Yet he harbored an excessive hunger for power and lacked the ability to truly understand the hearts of his subordinates.
If her instincts were correct,
Seon Woo Jin had already become one with Gong Son Dan Gyeong.
In the end, those two would become obstacles in her path.
“There is no choice.”
Yuk Cheong Ah had spent her entire childhood within the Murim Alliance.
In this place where schemes and treachery flourished, she had survived and accumulated endless merit.
The betrayal of a trusted subordinate meant nothing to her.
“I had hoped not to resort to this method.”
Yuk Cheong Ah, shaking her head, smiled faintly.
“Gong Son Chong Sa. You will come to greatly regret choosing Seon Woo Dae Ju.”
She smiled faintly and walked forward with confidence.
Seon Woo Jin was certainly good bait.
But she had prepared even better bait than that.
Namely, the formidable bait of Geum Jeong Shin Ryong and Baek Mu Sung.
* * *
Two days later, Bu Eunseol headed to the Man Hwa Antique Shop in Hanam with Gong Son Dan Gyeong.
Originally, they had planned to visit on the same day Bu Eunseol met with her, but several urgent matters remained to be handled.
So the schedule had been pushed back slightly.
The murmur of countless voices filled the air.
The Man Hwa Antique Shop in Hanam was unusually crowded.
This was because all the various complaints about the Tavern Servant that had erupted in the past had completely disappeared.
To become an official servant of the Man Hwa Antique Shop.
One had to receive necessary training in customer service methods and knowledge of the merchandise being sold.
In return, a certain level of salary was paid even during the training period, and once becoming an official servant, the compensation was incomparable to that of Jeomsoi at the Inn.
Generous wages and various benefits were provided.
Because of this, not only young people from the surrounding area with neat appearances and sharp minds, but even successful Jeomsoi from the Inns.
All were applying to become servants of the Man Hwa Antique Shop—an unprecedented phenomenon was unfolding.
And it was all thanks to Bu Eunseol’s advice.
“The number of customers has certainly increased compared to before.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong exclaimed as she looked around inside the shop.
It had been quite crowded in the past as well.
But now there was literally no room to stand, with so many people filling the interior.
“Just as Seon Woo Dae Ju said, once we expanded the facilities for children, we definitely saw more family customers.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong, wearing a veil, narrowed her eyes slightly.
Thanks to Bu Eunseol’s advice, the Man Hwa Antique Shop’s sales had grown more than threefold compared to the past.
And that also meant that as Gong Son Dan Gyeong solidified her position as Chief, her voice in matters grew louder.
After all, wealth was power.
“Shall we start by purchasing a sword?”
Despite wearing the veil, her joyful expression seemed to shine through.
Being buried under work every day, she seemed delighted to have come out on an outing for once.
‘Hmm.’
By contrast, I found this utterly unbearable.
With every step I took, the gazes of the masters from the Sungwi Unit and the Chief Inspector Division, who were discreetly guarding the Chief, never ceased.
They constantly followed and swept across my body.
‘At least they trust me.’
A place like the Man Hwa Antique Shop, where so many people came and went, was extremely difficult to guard.
Because of this, the Sungwi Unit would not permit such outings unless there was an absolutely necessary reason.
After all, they would have to bear full responsibility if something went wrong.
But after the subjugation of the Cheon In Sect, Bu Eunseol, recognized as the next generation successor, was sticking close by.
So the Sungwi Unit Lord had exercised a certain degree of flexibility.
“There’s a weapons counter over there.”
The Manhwa Sangjeom’s weapons section was arranged like an antiquated tea house, quite unlike an ordinary blacksmith shop.
The items displayed on the counter were all weapons forged from white lotus steel, while precious swords were exhibited on the inner shelves.
“I came to look at swords. Could you recommend one?”
At Gong Son Dan Gyeong’s words, the Tavern Servant gestured toward the counter with a respectful expression.
“How about this one?”
What the Tavern Servant recommended was a remarkably sleek azure steel sword.
“If you purchase this now, we’re offering a black dragon scabbard made by the Noga Iron Works for just ten taels.”
Bu Eunseol held back a wry smile.
So they really did train their staff in customer service and sales strategies.
The Tavern Servant was subtly recommending the purchase of both the azure steel sword and the Noga scabbard together.
“What do you think? Does it appeal to you?”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong examined the azure steel sword with wide eyes.
As both a representative of the Jeon Method and an outstanding strategist, she possessed considerable knowledge of weapons.
“The density and balance are excellent. It seems to be crafted by a skilled artisan.”
“Hmm.”
“What is it? Don’t you like it?”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong blinked as she spoke.
“The hardness, rigidity, resilience, uniformity… all quite respectable, aren’t they?”
“The sword itself is good.”
Bu Eunseol spoke calmly.
“However, a weapon cannot be judged as superior merely for being hard and sharp.”
“Merely hard and sharp?”
“To make the sword’s appearance more elaborate, they’ve drawn the blade far too long. Consequently, the hilt has become equally elongated.”
Bu Eunseol tilted the blade slightly and examined its profile.
“My swordsmanship relies primarily on the nimble counterattack forms of the Sae Oe technique, so I require a light, long sword. However, this azure steel sword is too heavy for its sturdiness and its proportions are too large.”
“Ah, I forgot that Seon Woo Dae Ju doesn’t practice orthodox Zhong Yuan swordplay.”
Seon Woo Jin was someone who had cultivated the Sae Oe technique. Gong Son Dan Gyeong had simply overlooked this fact.
“Then there’s no sword here that suits your preference?”
“It appears this establishment only stocks swords suited to Zhong Yuan swordplay. I’ll need to return another time to find a suitable weapon.”
“How particular. Choosing a weapon is quite demanding.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong spoke with sparkling eyes.
“But what if I ordered you directly to use this sword? To wield this one?”
An unexpected question.
Perhaps she was curious about the values and thinking of this person called Seon Woo Jin, who had risen to become a first-rank Dae Ju of the Murim Alliance despite coming from the Merchant Realm rather than a traditional martial family.
Or perhaps she was still harboring suspicions that he might be an agent sent by another faction.
A weapon is like a trusted companion to whom one entrusts one’s life, and thus cannot be compromised with anyone. However, if the Chief were to issue such an order…”
Bu Eunseol, who had paused in thought, spoke with resolve.
“If it were an order, I would have used this sword.”
“It must have been an order, so he used this sword.”
“Is that so?”
“Do I need to use this sword?”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong wore a sweet smile.
“Not at all. I was merely asking.”
After that, I spent considerable time exploring the Manhwa Sangjeom with Gong Son Dan Gyeong.
Now that I thought about it, the pretense of buying me weapons had been just that—a pretense. She had simply wanted to get some fresh air.
‘No, that’s not it.’
Though she appeared to be browsing the shop’s interior, Gong Son Dan Gyeong was repeatedly asking me various questions,
or soliciting my opinions and observations.
And she was observing my reactions with meticulous attention.
Like Gong Son Dan Gyeong, I had risen to a position of considerable authority at a young age and was quite accustomed to commanding subordinates.
‘She wants to understand me.’
Only then did I realize the truth.
The reason Gong Son Dan Gyeong had brought me to the Manhwa Sangjeom under the guise of selecting a sword was to rapidly assess my character.
She had promised to elevate me to the position of Mu Cheon Danjoo.
And that process would be far more intense than I could imagine.
I would need to accomplish in a short span what others required over a decade or more.
To do so, I would face formidable adversaries and handle countless matters.
For that reason, Gong Son Dan Gyeong needed to understand not merely my martial prowess and strategic acumen, but also my temperament, character, habits, and peculiarities—everything.
Only then could she deploy me, Bu Eunseol, to maximum effect.
Yet truly knowing a person requires considerable time.
Because of this, Gong Son Dan Gyeong was not content to spend years gradually coming to know me.
Instead, she was rapidly deepening her understanding of who I was through the process of creating situations and observing how I responded to them.
Perhaps for this reason, Gong Son Dan Gyeong sometimes treated me with the warmth of a friend of decades,
and at other times with the stern demeanor of a commanding officer.
‘Which means she’s about to assign me another critical task.’
As I sank deeper into contemplation, Gong Son Dan Gyeong, having finished her tour of all the shops,
“I’m parched. Shall we have some tea?”
headed toward the tea house within the Manhwa Sangjeom.
The Chil Seon Da Ru.
The Chil Seon Da Ru, which Wi Ji Hye Sang, the successor of the Hwawoo Sword Sect, had secretly managed, had opened a branch within the Manhwa Sangjeom.
‘Though the proprietor has changed now.’
When Wi Ji Hye Sang’s Chil Seon Da Ru was exposed through my actions, he abandoned its operation and sold it at a pittance.
The proprietor of the Bu Yong Sang Dan immediately acquired it.
“Being in a tea house like this reminds me of when I made an inspection tour to the Hang Ju branch. Back then….”
Once settled, Gong Son Dan Gyeong launched into an endless stream of chatter.
Since this was a private chamber sealed on all sides, I had no choice but to sit and listen to her stories.
Delighted that I appeared to be paying close attention, she freely gossiped about the senior figures of the Murim Alliance.
‘It feels comfortable.’
Even as Gong Son Dan Gyeong chattered away, a peculiar thought crossed her mind.
Bu Eunseol’s gaze appeared courteous, yet simultaneously possessed a desolate indifference that was almost unsettling.
Of course, indifference was merely a rational way to describe it.
Gong Son Dan Gyeong, too, had been the object of countless men’s interest and admiration since childhood, her beauty drawing their attention like moths to flame.
Whether they were children or aged elders.
Not a single soul had ever failed to cast upon her a gaze tinged with curiosity or affection.
Yet this man gazed upon her with perfect indifference—like a venerable Buddhist master regarding all worldly things.
‘Could he have cultivated the Childless Technique?’
That seemed unlikely.
Even if one mastered the Childless Technique, one would merely abstain from intimate contact with women.
It did not render one indifferent to all matters, as the Cold Heart Technique would.
‘What am I thinking right now?’
Gong Son Dan Gyeong shook her head inwardly.
She was someone who had no leisure to concern herself with matters between men and women.
Having received such perfect indifference for the first time in ages, it seemed unnecessary thoughts had simply bloomed unbidden.
“Seon Woo Dae Ju.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong, having swept away the idle musings from her mind, whispered to Bu Eunseol.
“With Seon Woo Dae Ju’s abilities, it would be possible to block sound with internal force, would it not?”
‘Now comes the true purpose.’
Bu Eunseol, finally understanding that Gong Son Dan Gyeong was about to assign him a task, drew upon his inner reserves of power.
A deep hum resonated.
As a transparent aura emanated from his body in all directions, external sounds were completely severed from their sanctuary.
“It is sealed.”
“Excellent.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong, having removed her veil, spoke with sparkling eyes.
“I have provided generous advance payment, so now it is time to begin the work in earnest, would you not agree?”
She had proposed that he share her boat, promising him the rank of First-Class Dae Ju in return.
And true to her word, she had not only granted him the rank of First-Class Dae Ju but had also rewarded him with access to the Yeongak Dojeon.
In other words, her investment had proven successful, and now she intended to reap its abundant fruits.
“Of course.”
As Bu Eunseol replied, Gong Son Dan Gyeong spoke with gravity.
“I say this once more: having joined hands with me, betrayal will avail you nothing. Whether Seon Woo Dae Ju seeks aid from external forces or anything else. Should I fall into the abyss, you too shall plummet into darkness.”
“I understand.”
“This task will not be easy either. But I believe Seon Woo Dae Ju will accomplish it well.”
“I await your command.”
As Bu Eunseol answered with composure, Gong Son Dan Gyeong drew a deep breath.
Then she exhaled the air that had filled her swelling chest.
“Make contact with the successor of the Demon Palace, Muk Hon Ryeong Ju.”
Her eyes blazed with an intensity that was unmistakable.
“I must meet him.”
Bu Eunseol could not conceal his expression of shock.
Gong Son Dan Gyeong wanted to meet with me? Could she have discovered my true identity?
“You wish to meet the successor of the Demon Palace?”
“Yes.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong’s clear eyes held no suspicion, only grave resolve.
She was not doubting the identity of Seon Woo Jin, but rather genuinely seeking to meet with me, the true successor of the Demon Palace.
‘So that’s why betrayal would be pointless.’
Bu Eunseol nearly let out a hollow laugh at the absurdity of it all.
Gong Son Dan Gyeong had placed not only herself but Bu Eunseol as well
upon a single log bridge where one misstep would plunge them both into the abyss.
“It cannot be done.”
Bu Eunseol spoke with firm resolve.
“If such a meeting were to occur, consequences would unfold that neither I nor the Chief could bear.”
What if a promising Lord of the Murim Alliance were to make secret contact with the successor of the Demon Palace?
And what if it were revealed that the reason for this contact was that Chief Gong Son Dan Gyeong herself had initiated it?
Both Seon Woo Jin and Gong Son Dan Gyeong could be branded as traitors in an instant.
“I already told you.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong smiled faintly.
“It won’t be easy.”
Her smile was beautiful, yet to Bu Eunseol’s eyes, it appeared like a water ghost dragging her into the depths of an abyss.
“Must you truly meet with him?”
“Yes.”
Bu Eunseol fell silent for a moment before speaking.
“Why do you wish to meet with him?”
The question came not from Seon Woo Jin’s perspective, but from Bu Eunseol’s own curiosity.
“He has done many righteous things, unlike the demonic cultivators of the past. He has destroyed the sects that kidnapped children and the forces that created Muhonjung.”
A flash of light crossed Gong Son Dan Gyeong’s eyes.
“Moo Hon Ryeong Ju Bu Eunseol. He likely knows of the Infinite Realm’s existence, and he is surely hostile toward them.”
Bu Eunseol was greatly startled but revealed nothing as she asked.
“You intend to cooperate with someone from the Demonic Path to strike at the Infinite Realm?”
“Perhaps.”
“For such a reason, you must not meet him.”
“And why is that?”
“The risk is far too great. Merely the revelation of contact would cause the Chief to lose everything she has built thus far.”
Bu Eunseol strongly opposed the idea.
Since she and Gong Son Dan Gyeong were now in the same boat, if she sank, Bu Eunseol would sink with her.
“Worse still, the mere attempt to meet him could result in the Chief bearing false accusations, placed in a situation where she cannot defend herself.”
“Seon Woo Dae Ju.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong’s expression became calm yet resolute.
“Did you truly believe there could be an easy, safe, and comfortable path to destroying the secret organization that controls the Murim?”
Her voice seemed to carry an icy chill.
“There is no such thing. You must fight with your life on the line.”
The moment their eyes met, Bu Eunseol felt as though her hair stood on end.
It was a sharp and harrowing gleam that had never before appeared in her expression.
Resentment. Vengeance.
Gong Son Dan Gyeong harbored a deep hatred toward the Infinite Realm.
‘Why on earth?’
Gong Son Dan Gyeong was not opposing them for the sake of justice in the Murim.
She carried a bitter, consuming hatred toward the Infinite Realm, and for the sake of revenge…
She was willing to stake her life to bring them down.

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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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