The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 531

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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 531.
Bu Eunseol suddenly found herself missing the Lords of the Sayoung Battle Division.
What if this place were the Sayoung Battle Division? And what if Seo Jin Ha had spouted such nonsense there?
―Blast it!
Just as she would have swarmed Won Se Moon, who constantly swallowed his own drivel, she would have trampled Seo Jin Ha underfoot without hesitation.
‘In the end, it seems I’m the one who has to clean up this mess.’
Yet she could not blame Seo Jin Ha now.
Had she gone herself back then, it would never have been resolved.
“There’s no helping it. It was my mistake to deceive them about my identity in the first place.”
As Bu Eunseol spoke with resignation, Seo Jin Ha grinned and replied.
“True. Since it’s come to this, getting along well with that Jong Ri’s young lady wouldn’t be so bad.”
A smirk.
Watching Seo Jin Ha’s infuriating smile, Bu Eunseol felt a desperate urge to unleash the first form of the Kwon Ma Seven Techniques.
Forcibly suppressing the desire to strike his face with the Cheon Su Gong Pa Style, Bu Eunseol changed the subject.
“In any case, I’ll return to the Demon Palace first and go directly to the Chong Gyo Ryeong. Making contact with the Demon Palace’s successor under Seon Woo Jin’s identity will take considerable time.”
“Understood.”
Seo Jin Ha blinked as if remembering something.
“Come to think of it, when you meet with the Chief, Seon Woo Jin must be there too… This will be the first time we’re together outside like this.”
He spoke as if in jest, but it was actually a perilous situation.
Gong Son Dan Gyeong was a person of exceptional wisdom rivaling Bu Eunseol’s own.
Even the slightest misstep could expose the fake Seon Woo Jin.
“Don’t worry.”
Seo Jin Ha, reading Bu Eunseol’s thoughts, spoke with a firm voice.
“Nothing will go wrong.”
Seo Jin Ha had always strived for this.
Whether as Bu Eunseol or as Seon Woo Jin, in any situation, he would excel.
“I’m not worried.”
Seo Jin Ha smiled.
He had become Bu Eunseol’s shadow, walking the dangerous tightrope between the Demon Palace and the Murim Alliance.
That he could maintain humor and composure despite this was solely because of his singular determination to ease even a fraction of Bu Eunseol’s danger.
“Then I’ll go first.”
Seo Jin Ha turned with a smile.
“See you later. Oh, and.”
He turned back as if remembering something.
“I heard from Yu Woon Ryong that Myo Cheon Woo’s dantian has nearly recovered. According to the Yunhai Biyeok Palace Lord, it seems he’s become quite the expert at repairing destroyed dantians.”
“I see.”
Bu Eunseol smiled softly.
The Hwa Mi Palace Master had taught Seo Jin Ha the Eternal Dharma Wheel while treating the lower dantian through various methods, and finally achieved results.
Of course, this was only possible because of the mysterious medicinal herbs found in the Yunhai Biyeok Palace—a method the sects of Zhong Yuan could never hope to replicate.
Quite unintentionally, the Yunhai Biyeok Palace had become a sect specialized in treating destroyed dantians.
“Soon I’ll be able to see that fellow.”
With those parting words, Seo Jin Ha left with a smile.
Once he departed, I changed into fresh clothes and left the residence.
My destination was the Sole Brightness Pavilion within the Demon Palace—Yeop Hyo Cheon’s office.
Yeop Hyo Cheon.
A formidable master who held the position of Left Guardian among the Four Gods Seven Kings, and the shadow of Ma Cheon Je—handling every affair of the Demon Palace in his stead.
When I first saw him, he was an object of curiosity and reverence. The second time, he felt like a subtle benefactor aiding me from the shadows.
But from the third meeting onward, I felt hostility, and after that, I could feel nothing at all.
Only darkness.
No face, no form, and I could not discern what thoughts occupied his mind.
It was as though I were gazing upon a human composed entirely of black emptiness, utterly devoid of substance.
The Sole Brightness Pavilion, Yeop Hyo Cheon’s office.
There, Yeop Hyo Cheon and I sat facing each other, sipping tea.
Upon my return to the Demon Palace, I had sought out the Chong Gyo Ryeong at this pavilion.
“The saying that three days’ separation warrants a fresh appraisal seems to have arisen because of figures like the Ryeong Ju.”
Yeop Hyo Cheon gazed at me across the table, a faint smile gracing his lips.
“Each time you manage to astonish this Chong Gyo Ryeong in such a manner.”
It was no mere pleasantry.
My martial prowess had now transcended Yeop Hyo Cheon’s ability to gauge.
Because I walked a path entirely different from that of ordinary martial artists.
Moreover, having reached the realm of serene clarity, my breathing, inner force, and cultivation level revealed nothing outwardly.
Even to Yeop Hyo Cheon’s eyes, my martial technique appeared shrouded in mystery.
“It seems the Chong Gyo Ryeong is much the same.”
I too could sense that the Chong Gyo Ryeong’s strength advanced with each passing day.
In the past, I had once engaged in a life-or-death duel with Yeop Hyo Cheon.
At that time, I had believed catching up to him was not entirely impossible.
But at some point, his martial prowess became impossible for me to measure.
This itself was proof that his attainment far exceeded what I had imagined.
‘I wish to test myself against him once more.’
Though I could not determine his exact level, Yeop Hyo Cheon gazed down upon me from a height beyond measure.
A desire surged within me—even if it cost my life, I wished to engage in a bloody, desperate battle.
It was the very instinct of a Nangya Pavilion disciple, to advance martial prowess through combat with the strong.
“You seem to grow younger with each passing day.”
As though piercing through my innermost thoughts, Yeop Hyo Cheon expressed my demeanor indirectly.
“Your eyes still burn with such fervor.”
He raised his teacup to his lips, then continued.
“I summoned the Ryeong Ju because I thought it time to fulfill that promise from before.”
“Which promise do you speak of?”
“When the Ryeong Ju previously interfered with the Kwae Hwal Rim and Chil Seon Da Ru that the Hwawoo Sword Sect operates in secret, this Chong Gyo Ryeong made a certain statement.”
Yeop Hyo Cheon fixed his dark eyes upon mine.
“If you continue to tamper with the Ben Maeng’s financial lifelines, you must be prepared to pay the price for it.”
At that time, I had thoroughly combed through the Chil Seon Tea House Network and Kwae Hwal Rim to handle Myo Cheon Woo’s affairs.
And the reason I could touch the Hwawoo Sword Sect’s financial arteries was because I had the Chong Gyo Ryeong’s permission and understanding.
Otherwise, I would have truly relinquished my position as successor and gone to meet Wi Ji Hye Sang.
―If the Ryeong Ju can compensate for such losses, then there’s no problem.
―I shall make it good.
There was good reason for Yeop Hyo Cheon’s swift approval.
In exchange for me touching the Hwawoo Sword Sect’s financial arteries, I had promised to compensate for such losses.
“Of course.”
I spoke calmly.
“If you tell me how much damage was incurred, I shall make it good twofold or more.”
“Hehehehe. What this Sect Leader seeks is not related to financial losses. I’ve already compensated considerably for financial losses from the matter of the previous Ryeong Ju.”
Thanks to Dan So Ok’s control of the Jeok Su region, the Demon Palace was receiving substantial tribute.
Though we had proceeded with a contract nominally claiming territorial authority while setting tribute at merely five percent—a remarkably lenient arrangement.
Yet the merchants of the Jeok Su region had begun voluntarily sending large sums to the Demon Palace of their own accord.
And the Chong Gyo Ryeong was, remarkably enough…
Attributing the control of the Jeok Su region not to Dan So Ok’s merit, but to mine.
Speaking as if I had secretly aided Dan So Ok.
“Then what is it that you desire?”
“Find Ma Geom Ja for me.”
Ma Geom Ja.
He was a legendary craftsman of the Demonic Path, capable not only of forging the Divine Sword of Demonic Arts but also
Possessing the skill to restore damaged ancient weapons to their original state.
He had originally been the chief administrator of the Demon Palace’s Weapon Storage, but vanished without trace over a decade ago.
When he disappeared, not only did the ancient weapons in the Weapon Storage fall into disrepair, but restoration work on damaged arms ceased entirely.
This led to significant losses, and the Demon Palace had been searching for Ma Geom Ja’s whereabouts ever since.
Yet even with the Bi Young Gak mobilized, they had ultimately failed to uncover any trace of him.
“You’re asking me to find the whereabouts of Ma Geom Ja, who vanished ten years ago?”
At my question, Yeop Hyo Cheon smiled broadly.
“Tracking missing persons is rather your specialty, is it not?”
My eyebrows twitched slightly.
He was alluding to the several times I had publicly investigated the whereabouts of the Chilji Demonic Sect.
‘In the past, I would have reacted to those words.’
Before achieving the Unity of Spirit and Body, the Sect Leader’s every word would have shaken my spirit and gaze greatly.
And perhaps he could have discerned my true thoughts through such reactions.
But now it is different.
Now, even if Ma Cheon Je were to come, he could not peer within, and no matter what circumstances arise,
My spiritual essence does not leak outward.
“There is no specialty to speak of. They all failed, after all.”
“Hehehehe. I believe this time will be different.”
Yeop Hyo Cheon smiled.
“Let’s settle this by having you find Ma Geom Ja as the condition for concluding the Hwawoo Sword Sect’s affairs.”
Under normal circumstances, Bu Eunseol would have rejected such a proposal and insisted on repaying the debt through other means.
After all, asking her to find Ma Geom Ja—someone even Chong Gyo Ryeong, who commanded Bi Young Gak with ease, could not locate—was practically unreasonable.
Yet for some reason, Bu Eunseol nodded readily.
“Understood. I will uncover his whereabouts.”
“Excellent.”
“Then I shall take my leave.”
Bu Eunseol rose from her seat.
Then, as if remembering something, she asked.
“Is Ma Cheon Je still in closed-door cultivation?”
She had witnessed with her own eyes that he was not actually undergoing closed-door training.
Yet she asked deliberately.
She was curious to see how Yeop Hyo Cheon would react.
“Indeed.”
There was no change in Yeop Hyo Cheon’s eyes or voice.
Bu Eunseol, who had been staring intently at him, nodded.
“I understand.”
As she turned to leave, Yeop Hyo Cheon spoke.
“Do be careful not to eat too hastily. One might suffer indigestion or worse if one rushes.”
‘Is he merely casting words because he cannot see through my spirit?’
Unable to penetrate Bu Eunseol’s true thoughts, Yeop Hyo Cheon seemed intent on shaking her spirit through conversation.
“I always eat slowly.”
“….”
“Yet people often tell me I eat quickly.”
Bu Eunseol offered a faint smile and pressed her palms together.
“Then.”
She immediately turned and departed from Sole Brightness Pavilion.
Yeop Hyo Cheon, watching the space where Bu Eunseol had been, suddenly burst into delighted laughter.
“Hehehehe. How utterly delightful.”
For a time, he wore a contented smile, his eyes narrowing to crescents as he nodded.
“Continue growing stronger just as you are. And as you stumble and collide,”
In Yeop Hyo Cheon’s narrowed eyes dwelt a light darker than darkness itself.
“You must continue to stir things up for me.”
What was he thinking? What schemes did he harbor? What did he truly desire?
The Dark King, Yeop Hyo Cheon.
His heart was as deep and dark as his epithet suggested…
No one could ever glimpse what lay within.
As Bu Eunseol left Sole Brightness Pavilion, her gaze grew distant.
For some time now, meeting Yeop Hyo Cheon had become unsettling.
Every time I encounter him, it feels as though an invisible hand deliberately pushes me in a specific direction.
As if guiding me toward where he wishes me to go.
‘The troubling part is that I sense no malice whatsoever.’
If Yeop Hyo Cheon harbored ill intent?
No matter how carefully he concealed it, I would have sensed such a thing.
Yet malice does not emanate from him. Rather, his intentions shine with crystalline purity.
Then it must be one of two possibilities.
From my perspective, Yeop Hyo Cheon is either pure evil or pure good.
‘This is not the time to dwell on such matters.’
I would soon receive word from Seon Woo Jin and meet with Gong Son Dan Gyeong.
Seon Woo Jin commands the Information Division that moves the Elite Division—making contact with the Demonic Path hardly a difficult undertaking.
But the heir to the Demon Palace is another matter entirely.
The Moo Hon Ryeong Ju, Bu Eunseol, is known to possess exceptional wisdom and martial prowess, along with a formidable intelligence network.
Approaching such a person is far from simple.
If the Murim Alliance’s Information Division Chief were to gain access, a credible procedure and process would be essential.
I had instructed the Sa Hon Dae Lord to establish a connection; now only the procedure remained.
―Woon Ryong, can you construct a contact protocol that will never raise suspicion?
I entrusted this task to Yu Woon Ryong.
He had already become a consummate strategist, thoroughly versed in inter-sect affairs and procedures.
One capable of crafting protocols that any intelligence organization would find acceptable.
No one was better suited than Yu Woon Ryong to devise such an airtight plan.
Four days had passed without notice.
Having completed everything, Yu Woon Ryong summoned me to the Secret Chamber of Sayeong Hall.
“You won’t listen even if I say it’s dangerous, will you?”
Yu Woon Ryong handed me a thin booklet and sighed.
“With this, no matter how extraordinary Gong Son Dan Gyeong may be, she will never harbor suspicion.”
I opened the booklet.
Within were detailed instructions on how Seon Woo Jin could discreetly relay messages to the Moo Hon Ryeong Ju, the precise manner of contact, and all related procedures.
“You’ve worked hard.”
I closed the booklet and nodded.
Yu Woon Ryong’s plan was flawless, even under my careful scrutiny.
For me, drowning in countless tasks with scarcely a moment to think,
He had spent four full days meticulously crafting this strategy.
‘Why must my vengeance be so arduous?’
I had thought it simple—master martial arts, find Hyung Su, and be done.
Yet it felt as though I were sacrificing far too many people to achieve my revenge.
Especially Seo Jin Ha and Yu Woon Ryong—were they not surrendering everything to fulfill my goals?
‘I must end all of this swiftly.’
Suddenly, I felt a pang of remorse toward Yu Woon Ryong.
“Once this matter is resolved, we’ll all share a drink together.”
“Alcohol?”
Yu Woon Ryong’s lips creased into a deep frown.
“Drinking causes far too much disruption to my duties the following day. I have little desire to touch it.”
“I see.”
“Never mind my concerns—focus on yourself. Gong Son Dan Gyeong is like a razor-sharp blade; one careless grip and your fingers will be severed.”
“Understood.”
Bu Eunseol nodded in acknowledgment.
After all, as Seon Woo Jin, I had already shared a boat with Gong Son Dan Gyeong.
This time, I needed to verify directly whether I could share a boat with her as Moo Hon Ryeong Ju.
Atop Dan Ya Mountain in Shandong Bong Rae County stood a magnificent pavilion overlooking the sea.
To the north, a boundless expanse of ocean stretched endlessly, and roughly ten leagues from the shore, a strikingly beautiful island rose into view.
As I ascended the stone steps leading to the pavilion, sharp energy surged from all directions.
Ignoring it, I reached the top of the stairs and glimpsed a small silhouette on the opposite side.
It was Seo Jin Ha, disguised as Seon Woo Jin.
Following Yu Woon Ryong’s plan meticulously, I had woven together the threads connecting Seon Woo Jin to the Sa Hon Dae of the Demon Palace.
Through the intelligence network established by Jeong Jong Do and the Elite Division members operating in Gangho, I maintained close communication with them.
At last, I had arranged a meeting between the heir of the Demon Palace and the Chief of the Murim Alliance.
“I am Seon Woo Jin, Master of the Elite Division.”
Seo Jin Ha spoke to me in a clear, melodious voice.
“Thank you for accepting my invitation. First—”
“Spare the pleasantries. Guide me inside.”
I cut her off coldly, and Seo Jin Ha extended her hand, gesturing me forward.
“Please follow me.”
Seo Jin Ha displayed the exact same tone, movements, and gaze as Seon Woo Jin when I assumed that form—flawless in every detail.
As I stepped inside the pavilion, a woman stood prominently where the seascape was visible.
Though her face was obscured by a veil, her eyes were strikingly beautiful and luminous—so vivid they seemed visible even from ten leagues away.
She was none other than Gong Son Dan Gyeong, the Chief of the Murim Alliance, known as the Star of Wisdom.
“Then.”
Seo Jin Ha clasped her hands respectfully and descended quietly below the pavilion, while Gong Son Dan Gyeong offered me a light bow.
“Thank you for accepting my invitation.”
This meeting could have brought ruin to either of our lives.
Yet both our gazes remained as indifferent as if we were merely passing strangers.
“You are too kind.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong and I ascended the pavilion side by side.
My feelings were peculiar.
Though I had always faced her as Seon Woo Jin, meeting Gong Son Dan Gyeong in my true identity felt strangely awkward.
“I won’t speak in roundabout ways.”
Once we reached the pavilion, Gong Son Dan Gyeong immediately broached the main subject.
“I believe you share my sentiments, Ryeong Ju. That is why you accepted this invitation.”
“If we share the same sentiment—”
“The Infinite Realm.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong spoke with unwavering resolve.
“You must be in an adversarial relationship with that place, and you wish to see it destroyed. Am I not correct?”
When Bu Eunseol did not answer, she continued.
“I too wish to see that place crumble.”
She pressed forward without pause.
“I am not asking for an immediate commitment from the Ryeong Ju. We still know too little of each other.”
“Then what do you want?”
“A measure of trust. Enough that we might rely upon one another in the days to come.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong regarded Bu Eunseol as she spoke.
“The Jeok Yo Moon has been absorbed into the Infinite Realm, cultivating Inhwa and creating Shil Hoon In. But that region is the Demon Palace’s domain, so we can never touch it directly.”
“The Jeok Yo Moon?”
“Yes. The Ben Maeng will handle the destruction itself. I merely hope the Ryeong Ju would open a path for us.”
Bu Eunseol could not conceal her astonishment.
The Seo Hwa region where the Jeok Yo Moon operated was unmistakably the Demon Palace’s territory.
Yet she was asking to let the Murim Alliance’s great army pass through? It was an absurd request from the outset.
“I have wasted time here.”
Bu Eunseol shook her head with a cold response.
“Forget everything I have heard thus far.”
As she turned to leave the pavilion, Gong Son Dan Gyeong spoke again.
“The Ryeong Ju will suffer no loss whatsoever.”
“What do you mean?”
“In exchange for destroying the Jeok Yo Moon, I will cede all territorial control of the Han Zhong region to the Demon Palace.”
It was preposterous.
To surrender all territorial authority over the Han Zhong region simply to open a path for the Murim Alliance to annihilate the Jeok Yo Moon? It made no sense.
“You would surrender all territorial control of Han Zhong merely to eliminate the Jeok Yo Moon?”
“That is correct.”
“An amusing jest, surely.”
“Does it seem so?”
A wild fervor gleamed in Gong Son Dan Gyeong’s eyes.
The gaze of one willing to do anything to annihilate the Jeok Yo Moon.
“If you did so, you would struggle to maintain your position as Chief.”
Should Gong Son Dan Gyeong follow through on her promise and surrender the Han Zhong region to the Demon Palace, she would lose her position as Chief and face ruin.
“I trust that the Ryeong Ju will not allow such a thing to happen.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong spoke with absolute certainty.
“This Chief is far too valuable an ally to simply take the Han Zhong region and be done with it.”
A provocative brilliance shone forth from her eyes unlike anything before.
“Is that not so?”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong was certain of it.
That Bu Eunseol too was a person who absolutely desired the destruction of the Infinite Realm.
Then someone with the same objective.
Someone holding the position of Chief of the Murim Alliance—an excellent ally whom I can never turn away, I assure you.
“I cannot comprehend this.”
Bu Eunseol furrowed her brow.
“The Chief could live an entire lifetime without want, simply by remaining still. Why would you risk such a venture?”
“Isn’t that equally true for you, Ryeong Ju?”
A keen gleam flickered across Gong Son Dan Gyeong’s eyes.
“As the successor to Nangya Sect, as the next Master of Demon Palace, you need only walk the path laid before you. Yet you deliberately meddle with the Infinite Realm, rooted as it is in Murim.”
“I am of the Demonic Path. If something obstructs my way or proves troublesome, I simply destroy it.”
“It is the same for me. The Murim Alliance exists to uphold justice. As Chief, I merely wish to restrain the forces that dominate Murim.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong spoke in the gentlest of tones.
“If we join our strength, we will surely create an outcome that serves both our interests.”
‘She summoned me for nothing but this confidence?’
Bu Eunseol could not hide her disappointment.
Someone of Gong Son Dan Gyeong’s caliber.
I had surely thought she would dangle an irresistible sweetener to ensnare me.
Yet she had offered the absurd proposal of allowing Murim Alliance forces into the Seo Hwa region and granting me Han Zhong, and
the reason she had presented such an offer with such confidence was merely… that our wills aligned in wanting to eliminate the Infinite Realm?
“Not worth hearing.”
Bu Eunseol turned away with a snort.
“For such a reason alone, to risk the collapse of everything I have built and join hands with you.”
“There is no ruin in it, is there?”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong, watching Bu Eunseol turn, narrowed her eyes behind the veil into crescents.
“You, who have grown within the thorough and meticulous plans of the Cheonghae Gye all this while.”

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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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