The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 543
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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 543.
Won Se Moon’s mouth hung open as his eyes blinked rapidly.
“Who on earth could have committed such an act?”
“It’s likely that old man from the Hyuk clan fabricated these charges with meticulous care.”
“Hyuk Ryeon Eung. You mean that bastard?”
“Otherwise, why would the Hyung Dang Ju have thrown him into the Underground Prison?”
Yu Woon Ryong’s eyes darkened considerably.
In truth, I had already anticipated that Hyuk Ryeon Eung would launch a counterattack.
But since Bu Eunseol remained unresponsive, I simply waited with patience.
Yet the arrest warrant had been issued, and I had remained completely ignorant of it—this was the problem.
It was clear that through Hyuk Ryeon Eung’s schemes, a considerable number of the Demon Palace’s senior members were now aligned with his cause.
If the majority of these senior members demanded punishment, then even with insufficient evidence, I could not escape the consequences.
‘Even with preparations in place, this will be difficult.’
Hyuk Ryeon Eung had served as a senior member of the Demon Palace for many years and knew this organization’s structure and weaknesses intimately.
Considering that, this trap would not be easily overcome.
‘Since I cannot confront him directly, I will break his wings first.’
Especially since he, who once led the Dharma Protector Division, had orchestrated this, and the Hyung Dang Ju had come publicly to cast him into the Underground Prison.
This was certainly not something that could be easily resolved.
“This will not be simple.”
Wi Cheon Gyeong, as if grasping Yu Woon Ryong’s inner thoughts, shook his head.
“If he, who was once the Dharma Protector Division leader, orchestrated this with such confidence, then he must be certain there are no loopholes to escape through.”
Yet he muttered as if unable to comprehend something.
“But the Hyung Dang Ju said Murim Alliance Leader, not just Murim Alliance member. That means… it’s not a title that can be spoken without at least substantial evidence, is it?”
“Then our Ryeong Ju truly met the Murim Alliance Leader?”
To Won Se Moon’s question, Wi Cheon Gyeong shook his head.
“It’s impossible to know. But they certainly possess evidence sufficient for such a claim.”
The Lords all fell silent.
No matter what anyone said, they were all genuine practitioners of the Demonic Path.
If Bu Eunseol had met the Murim Alliance Leader and engaged in treachery?
Then they could no longer devote their lives in loyalty.
“How amusing. Is that the extent of your faith?”
It was then that Jo Nam Cheon spoke.
“You suggest that our Ryeong Ju would betray us and meet the Murim Alliance Leader to commit treason?”
The members fell silent once more.
Upon hearing those words, Yu Woon Ryong felt an unexpected pang of conscience.
Bu Eunseol had long since abandoned any concept of righteousness.
Had I not recently met directly with the Chief of the Murim Alliance?
If it would aid my revenge, I could unhesitatingly meet the Murim Alliance Leader without hesitation.
‘What has become of you, Bu Eunseol?’
Yu Woon Ryong bit my lip.
In truth, from his perspective, it mattered little whether Bu Eunseol met with the Murim Alliance Lord or an Immortal.
He was a member of the Demonic Path, yet Bu Eunseol’s trusted friend and deputy.
He had resolved long ago to follow willingly, whatever choice she made.
But the members of Sayoung Battle Division were different.
If such a thing truly occurred?
They might fail to comprehend Bu Eunseol’s actions and cease their allegiance.
‘If it’s revealed that she’s a traitor, I must spirit her away at once and abandon the Demon Palace without hesitation.’
Yu Woon Ryong had made his resolve.
Should all of Bu Eunseol’s accusations be proven true? Should she face punishment?
He would extract her without delay and flee the Demon Palace.
* * *
Creak.
The massive iron gate, coated in crimson lacquer, groaned open with a thunderous sound.
The door itself was extraordinarily thick—well over a foot—and impossibly heavy.
Mu Jeo Roe, the Underground Prison beneath the Demon Palace.
This was where the most heinous criminals, those beyond all forgiveness, were confined.
As the gate swung wide, a tall silhouette emerged from within. It was Bu Eunseol.
“Ryeong Ju. Come outside.”
Yang Gu Eung led Bu Eunseol from the cell into the Interrogation Chamber.
The room was a Secret Chamber roughly nine feet on each side, with a table and chair positioned at its center.
Torture instruments lined both walls in deliberate display.
“Sit, Ryeong Ju.”
Yang Gu Eung gestured for Bu Eunseol to take a seat.
Bu Eunseol’s inner energy remained unrestrained, and she wore no prisoner’s garb.
Yet her hands were bound.
The restraints were deliberately applied to symbolize her status as a criminal.
“I confess my regret that the newly appointed Moo Hon Ryeong Ju has fallen into such circumstances.”
As Bu Eunseol sat, Yang Gu Eung’s expression twisted with barely concealed mockery.
“However, you currently stand as a criminal. I trust you understand this.”
He had interrogated countless figures over the years, including senior officials rivaling Bu Eunseol in rank.
Yet not a single person had ever left this chamber with their position intact.
Because without irrefutable evidence,
high-ranking officials were never confined to Mu Jeo Roe.
In short, Yang Gu Eung was fully prepared to bring Bu Eunseol down.
“You met with the Murim Alliance Lord. Admit it.”
“I have never met the Alliance Lord.”
“Hmph.”
Yang Gu Eung clicked his tongue.
“Ryeong Ju.”
He spoke in a measured tone.
“Do you truly not understand what it means that I brought you here?”
Yang Gu Eung, leaning back in his chair, spoke with an unhurried expression.
“Summoning Ryeong Ju here is not an interrogation demanding confession, but merely the final procedure to obtain a handwritten confession statement.”
In other words, all the evidence needed to prove the case was already prepared.
He had brought me here simply to extract a confession.
When Bu Eunseol remained silent, Yang Gu Eung spoke again.
“If you willingly admit your crimes, I will not touch Sayoung Hall.”
He extended the document with a subtle tone.
“But if you continue to resist, I will have no choice but to implicate them as well—charging them with conspiracy to rebel in collusion with Ryeong Ju.”
As the silence persisted, Yang Gu Eung’s lips curved upward.
“You think it impossible?”
He continued, gazing down at the confession statement.
“Of course, since Ryeong Ju is the heir to the Demon Palace, a disciplinary council must be convened before punishment can be administered until guilt is confirmed.”
“….”
“But Ryeong Ju’s subordinates can be thrown into the Underground Prison immediately with only the evidence I currently possess.”
At last, Bu Eunseol’s tightly sealed lips slowly opened.
“Let me see this evidence you speak of first.”
Yang Gu Eung then smiled and extended several documents.
“Do not think of tearing them. These are all copies.”
Bu Eunseol silently examined the documents he offered.
‘I see.’
Upon seeing them, I could be certain of one thing.
There were still many factions within the Demon Palace that responded to Hyuk Ryeon Eung.
And Hyuk Ryeon Eung had completely seen through both my character and the nature of the Secret Intelligence Organization I commanded.
According to what was written in the documents, I had been caught with inescapable evidence.
No matter how I thought about it, there was no loophole to slip through.
“Do you admit to everything written here?”
At Yang Gu Eung’s words, Bu Eunseol nodded.
“I admit to some of it.”
Yang Gu Eung’s expression brightened.
“Even some is fine. Then will you sign the confession statement?”
Bu Eunseol carefully read through the words written on the confession statement.
It stated that I admitted to everything written in the documents that had been presented.
“Just sign here. Then the people of Sayoung Hall can live.”
“I admit that I moved according to all these actions.”
With my bound hands, I pointed to a specific section of the confession statement.
“But I cannot admit to having met the Murim Alliance Lord at this location.”
Yang Gu Eung’s expression went blank for a moment before he let out a soft laugh.
‘So if he insists only on not having met the Murim Alliance Lord, he can evade guilt.’
He harbored an inward sneer.
Rather, the most crucial fact was that Bu Eunseol had been at Gu Goong San during this period.
After all, there was separate evidence to prove that he had met the Murim Alliance Lord.
‘That can be revealed during the disciplinary hearing.’
“Hehehehe. Excellent.”
Yang Gu Eung concealed his true thoughts beneath a satisfied smile.
“Very well. I shall alter the official statement for you. I will change it to acknowledge only your movements through these channels and your presence at this location, omitting the part about meeting the Murim Alliance Lord.”
He immediately ordered his subordinate to revise the official statement.
Then he presented the newly altered document to Bu Eunseol.
“Now, can you sign it?”
“Of course.”
Bu Eunseol immediately picked up the brush and signed the official statement.
‘Done.’
Yang Gu Eung inwardly cheered.
Now that the official statement bore his signature.
Even if Ma Cheon Je arrived, he could not change these facts.
In other words, Bu Eunseol’s loss of position had become an unavoidable certainty.
“Lord Yang.”
Bu Eunseol spoke calmly.
“I harbor no particular ill will toward you. After all, you are merely someone who does as instructed.”
“What do you mean?”
“Simply that you must keep your promise not to touch the Sayoung Battle Division.”
A crimson blood-light gleamed in Bu Eunseol’s eyes.
“If that promise is broken… then I will have no choice but to harbor ill will toward you.”
“Hehehehe. Hahaha!”
Yang Gu Eung laughed coldly as he spoke.
“Still dreaming, are you? Do you still think you are the Moo Hon Ryeong Ju?”
“…”
“Originally, I intended to keep my promise. But hearing such arrogant words, I find I no longer wish to.”
Rising from his seat, Yang Gu Eung looked down at Bu Eunseol as he spoke.
“Are you perhaps harboring delusions that you can maintain your position?”
Now he spoke in crude, informal speech.
“Lord Yang.”
Bu Eunseol met Yang Gu Eung’s gaze directly as he spoke.
“I urge you once more—do not do something you will regret.”
“Hehehehe!”
Yang Gu Eung merely laughed heartily and shook his head.
“Truly, you are dreaming. For all your arrogance, you still fail to recognize your own predicament.”
Then, walking toward the door, he muttered under his breath.
“Treason itself. Ptui!”
He spat directly onto Bu Eunseol’s chest.
And with confidence, I walked out of the Interrogation Chamber and spoke in a loud voice.
“Return Bu Eunseol to the Underground Prison. And summon all the rabble from the Sayoung Battle Division to the Interrogation Chamber! I shall interrogate those bastards myself!”
“….”
Bu Eunseol watched silently as Yang Gu Eung departed through the door.
Her expression was so composed that one could not discern what she was thinking.
* * *
The disciplinary council proceeded with swift efficiency.
The matter concerned none other than the successor of the Demon Palace conducting a clandestine meeting with the Murim Alliance—specifically with the Alliance Master himself.
Before this unprecedented incident could spread beyond their walls, the Demon Palace immediately convened a disciplinary council to confirm these facts.
And to swiftly administer punishment and eliminate all whispers of scandal.
A murmur of voices filled the air.
The Sole Brightness Pavilion, where the Chong Gyo Ryeong presided, was now crowded with countless figures.
All the Lords of the Demon Palace had gathered to deliberate on the punishment of the Muk Hon Ryeong Ju.
However, those like Ji Ma Bu Ju and Baek Jeon Cheon, who had journeyed to Gwan Oe, did not attend.
The Conference Hall had filled with Lords, and remarkably, seated in one corner were figures who had remained absent until now—
The Master of Hell Blood Castle and the Master of White Horse Sect themselves.
The very fact that they had appeared at the Grand Leader Council
Was because they had obtained information confirming Bu Eunseol’s certain downfall.
Otherwise, knowing full well her nature of repaying debts tenfold, they would not have deliberately provoked her by attending.
A murmur of voices filled the air.
As the Lords whispered among themselves, the door opened and Yeop Hyo Cheon, the Chong Gyo Ryeong, entered the Conference Hall and took his seat.
A council had convened for the successor of the Demon Palace to face judgment for grave transgressions.
Despite this extraordinary circumstance, his expression remained serene.
As though he had merely entered the Conference Hall to take tea after finishing a meal.
“Chong Gyo Ryeong.”
All the Lords rose from their seats and clasped their hands together as he entered.
As the Chong Gyo Ryeong calmly raised his hand and took his seat, Hyung Dang Ju Yang Gu Eung spoke in a clear voice.
“I am Hyung Dang Ju Yang Gu Eung.”
He clasped his hands before the Chong Gyo Ryeong and the Lords and spoke loudly.
“As you all know, today’s Grand Leader Council has been convened to deliberate on the appropriate level of punishment for Bu Eunseol, the Vice-Master of the Bon Jeon.”
Then, turning and nodding, the standing warriors of the Hyung Dang brought forth stacks of documents to the Chong Gyo Ryeong and the Lords.
These were materials containing evidence that Bu Eunseol had met with the Murim Alliance Master at Gu Goong San.
“Please read the documents distributed by our division. You will find irrefutable evidence of how the Muk Hon Ryeong Ju, successor of the Bon Jeon, conducted a clandestine meeting with the Murim Alliance Master.”
A murmur of voices filled the air.
As the Lords read through the documents, they began to speak in hushed, astonished tones.
Though many had attended the council, they had harbored doubts.
Yet the documents clearly contained records of Bu Eunseol’s journey to Gu Goong San and
Testimony of her meeting with the Murim Alliance Master, unmistakably documented.
“Bring forth the criminals from the Sayoung Battle Division.”
At Yang Gu Eung’s command, the Conference Hall door opened and the Lords of the Sayoung Battle Division walked out in chains, like criminals on trial.
They bore the marks of severe punishment across their bodies, evidence of relentless torture.
“Even with such overwhelming evidence before us, the warriors of Sayoung Hall continue to defend Ryeong Ju. It seems they too conspired with him to commit treason against the Main Force.”
“You dog. Spare us your nonsense!”
Won Se Moon, bound and restrained, shouted, and Yang Gu Eung responded with a cold laugh.
“Don’t be hasty. We haven’t even reached the main matter yet.”
He then swept his gaze across the assembled officials and spoke.
“Where is Muk Hon Ryeong Ju?”
At that moment, the sound of heavy footsteps echoed as a warrior in ornate martial robes entered through the open doors.
The lustrous dark gray robes were embroidered with brilliant golden dragons in a twin-dragon motif from shoulder to sleeve.
It was Bu Eunseol.
“Heh.”
Hyung Dang Ju Yang Gu Eung let out a hollow laugh upon seeing Bu Eunseol’s attire.
To wear such formal regalia in a place where punishment was being deliberated—garments reserved only for official ceremonies.
The ceremonial robes of Muhonjung itself?
“I permitted the change of clothes as requested… It seems you wished to display your authority one last time before facing punishment.”
Yang Gu Eung addressed Bu Eunseol with barely concealed mockery.
“But no matter what robes you wear, you have lost your position as Muk Hon Ryeong Ju. Such attire will only cast a worse light upon your situation.”
Laughter erupted from one corner of the Conference Hall.
It came from the lips of Gong Ya Geuk and Kang Yang Cheon, who had been observing from a distance.
But that laughter vanished in an instant.
Because Bu Eunseol too was smiling, teeth bared.
That smile was so composed and cold that it froze the expressions of all those who had been mocking her.
“Muk Hon Ryeong Ju.”
Yeop Hyo Cheon then looked toward Bu Eunseol and spoke in a low voice.
“Do you acknowledge all the contents written here?”
The hall fell silent for a moment.
Perfect evidence already lay piled before their eyes.
Whether Bu Eunseol admitted to it or not, the outcome would not change.
And the Chong Gyo was asking this question once more to confirm it.
It was no exaggeration to say that Bu Eunseol’s fate would be decided by the answer that came next.
“I do.”
A murmur swept through the hall.
An enormous commotion erupted.
They had expected her to deny everything and drag out the proceedings, seeking some way to escape.
Yet she admitted it so simply?
Yang Gu Eung spoke to Bu Eunseol in a loud voice.
“Then you also acknowledge committing treason?”
But an unexpected answer came back.
“I do not.”
“What?”
Yang Gu Eung furrowed his brow and spoke with grave solemnity.
“Are you suggesting we engage in jest with the Main Ryeong Ju at this moment?”
“Not at all.”
Bu Eunseol replied with composure.
“The Main Ryeong Ju acknowledged the contents written in the letter, but he has committed no acts of treason.”
Bu Eunseol spoke to Yang Gu Eung in casual speech, as though dismissing his words as absurd.
“No acts of treason?”
Yang Gu Eung’s expression turned bewildered.
“You claim he committed no treason when he traveled to Gu Goong San and met privately with the Murim Alliance Master?”
“Well spoken.”
Bu Eunseol nodded and continued.
“The Main Ryeong Ju had business at Gu Goong San. He never met the Murim Alliance Master.”
“Did he not sign the confession document?”
“It states plainly—everything is true except meeting the Murim Alliance Master.”
Murmurs rippled through the chamber.
Bu Eunseol’s words set the assembly buzzing once more.
‘So that is how he intends to escape.’
Yet Yang Gu Eung let out a scoff.
He had anticipated such an evasion from the beginning.
“Hehehehe!”
Yang Gu Eung laughed softly, as though finding the matter contemptible.
“If that is your approach, so be it.”
He turned his body and clasped his hands toward Yeop Hyo Cheon, speaking loudly.
“I propose we summon a witness who can prove that the Moo Hon Ryeong Ju met with the Murim Alliance Master.”
Yeop Hyo Cheon nodded in assent.
Thereupon, Yang Gu Eung’s aide, Jeong Guk, opened the conference hall doors.
A gaunt middle-aged man limped through the entrance, leaning upon the support of warriors on either side.
It was Geum Jang Cheon, Master of the Bi Sal Dang.
Yang Gu Eung pointed toward Geum Jang Cheon and proclaimed.
“Geum Jang Cheon, Master of the Bi Sal Dang—the one who discovered the Moo Hon Ryeong Ju’s suspicious activities at that time and conducted the investigation.”
He then addressed Geum Jang Cheon directly.
“Master Geum, please explain the circumstances of that situation in detail.”
Geum Jang Cheon nodded, then spoke in a trembling voice.
“Our Master obtained intelligence that the Moo Hon Ryeong Ju would make contact with the leadership of the Orthodox Sects at Gu Goong San. Thus, our Master made perfect preparations and led his subordinates toward Gu Goong San.”
Geum Jang Cheon’s physical condition appeared poor.
His complexion had darkened considerably after speaking only a few words, and he gasped for breath.
“And finally, in the Stalactite Cave of Gu Goong San, we discovered a Masked Assassin emerging alongside the Ryeong Ju. Our organization’s masters had all concealed their presence using the Black Ghost Concealment Phantom Technique while observing them.”
Geum Jang Cheon’s expression grew fearful as he continued.
“However, the Masked Assassin immediately saw through our concealment technique and launched an attack.”
“Who was he?”
At Yang Gu Eung’s words, Geum Jang Cheon shuddered as if recalling those distant memories.
“Jeong Cheon Je. That Masked Assassin was none other than the Murim Alliance Master, Sin Do Mu Bi.”
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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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