The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 556

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————

Chapter 556.
Dam Yoo Yeon’s acupuncture skills were renowned.
Do Cheon Rin, whose twelve primary meridians had been severely damaged, had nearly recovered his body.
However, treating the external trauma to his side required approximately a month, even with the aid of spiritual medicine.
“Well then, what exactly are you trying to say?”
Do Cheon Rin, sitting on a bed in Hoe Chun Dang, asked Bu Eunseol.
The reason Do Cheon Rin, who had no attachment to life, accepted Dam Yoo Yeon’s treatment was simple.
He had promised to decide whether to end his life after hearing Bu Eunseol’s circumstances.
“Before I explain my situation, there is something I must say first.”
Bu Eunseol regarded Do Cheon Rin with an expression of utmost seriousness.
“Given my identity, I cannot participate in the Demonic Sword Tournament….”
And she spoke directly to the point.
“Help me.”
“What do you mean?”
“Sam Gye scattered the Demonic Swords to select a successor.”
Bu Eunseol calmly relayed to Do Cheon Rin the conversation that had taken place between the wanderer Wang Cheol and the Samgye Emissary.
“Hmm.”
Do Cheon Rin was not particularly surprised that those who had scattered this mysterious Demonic Sword throughout Murim were Sam Gye.
He was the successor of the Blood-Dyed Sword School, deeply involved in the political dynamics of Murim. He possessed considerable knowledge of Sam Gye.
What he did not know precisely was why they had scattered the Demonic Swords.
He simply lacked understanding of their true purpose.
“It is certainly a plausible matter.”
Each Demonic Sword had special functions embedded within it, and only the chosen could manifest them.
This meant they were selecting individuals with particular constitutions.
And it was abundantly clear that they sought to find the most exceptional among them.
“Since you have openly opposed Sam Gye all along, that is why you cannot participate, is it not?”
Do Cheon Rin, having grasped Bu Eunseol’s circumstances, continued.
“But if you were to become Sam Gye’s successor, would not the position of Demon Palace’s successor seem trivial by comparison? Even if you changed your allegiance, no one would suspect it?”
“I would have no interest, even if I became Emperor.”
After taking a brief deep breath, Bu Eunseol recounted her circumstances concisely.
That her grandfather, who had taken her in, had been killed by masters serving Sam Gye.
And that her parents’ deaths were also connected to Sam Gye.
Though she concealed the fact that her grandfather was Chil Ji Ma Do Bu Chanyang and her father was Baek Ri Mu Ha.
“Your grandfather—you mean your grandfather who was a Yeomsa?”
“Yes.”
“Why would an ordinary Yeomsa be killed by masters of Sam Gye?”
Do Cheon Rin was a man of exceptional intellect. A vague explanation alone could never convince him.
‘After all, I spoke openly about being Grandfather’s grandson to the Orthodox Sects, did I not?’
Bu Eunseol had confidently told Geom Joon and the Shen Shui Gong Master that she was Bu Chanyang’s granddaughter during her travels through Gangho.
Moreover, she had publicly searched for Chil Ji Ma Do’s whereabouts… so it could hardly be called a great secret.
“Chilji Demonic Sect.”
Bu Eunseol had no choice but to reveal her grandfather’s identity.
“Chil Ji Ma Do Bu Chanyang is my grandfather.”
Do Cheon Rin cried out as though struck from behind.
“Your grandfather is Chil Ji Ma Do Bu Chanyang?”
“Yes.”
“This is incomprehensible.”
Do Cheon Rin spoke with an expression of utmost gravity.
“Why was such a fact never revealed to the Demonic Path?”
The whereabouts of Chil Ji Ma Do had been one of the greatest mysteries.
Not just to the Demonic Path, but to all of Murim.
Yet he had been the Yeomsa who raised Bu Eunseol?
“He quietly performed his duties as a Yeomsa while concealing his identity. There were separate individuals who helped him hide his true nature.”
The Unnamed Elder, Gwan Hae Geum.
Beyond them, there were countless righteous individuals who obscured and dispersed my grandfather’s traces.
This allowed him to live an ordinary life as a Yeomsa.
“Ah, so that’s how it was.”
Do Cheon Rin muttered with an aggrieved expression.
Only then did he understand why Bu Eunseol was so formidable.
If she were the grandson meticulously cultivated by the legendary Sword Immortal, Chil Ji Ma Do Bu Chanyang?
It was only natural that she would far surpass the successors of the Ten Demonic Gates.
“Yes.”
Bu Eunseol did not deny it.
Though her grandfather claimed his intention was merely to nurture an excellent Yeomsa.
Yet that process was closer to laying the foundation for cultivating the greatest master of the Demonic Path.
“However… I only learned later that my grandfather was a martial artist.”
Deep shadows fell across Bu Eunseol’s eyes.
Do Cheon Rin sensed there was something profound beneath the surface, but he did not press further.
“So, you wish to enter Sam Gye. To extract information?”
“Yes. But with my current identity, it is impossible to enter that place.”
“You said you would tell me everything, yet you’re keeping the most crucial details hidden.”
Do Cheon Rin spoke coldly, having noticed all along that Bu Eunseol was concealing the full truth.
“Someone of your caliber could create a new identity and establish a Shadow operative.”
Bu Eunseol realized she could not persuade Do Cheon Rin without revealing the precise circumstances.
“That’s true, but I’m already investigating the Orthodox Sects with that identity.”
“What?”
“I move between the Demon Palace and the Orthodox Murim with a newly created identity. Therefore, I no longer have the capacity to traverse Sam Gye as well.”
Do Cheon Rin’s eyes widened.
Though Bu Eunseol had not stated her exact identity.
Was this not as good as revealing she held a position within the Murim Alliance?
“I understand your desperation, but you were too hasty.”
Do Cheon Rin laughed coldly.
“Don’t you know that if I so much as open my mouth, you’ll not only be stripped of your position as successor to the Demon Palace, but become a public enemy of the Demonic Path?”
“That won’t happen.”
“Hmph, you trust me that much?”
“It’s not trust—it’s knowledge.”
Bu Eunseol spoke calmly.
“If you were the type to resort to underhanded tactics, you wouldn’t have brought this up in the first place.”
“Underhanded tactics?”
“When the Blood Flame Sword’s crimson thunder poured down, you had ample opportunity to kill me. Yet you didn’t.”
Do Cheon Rin’s cheeks flushed.
So this one had been watching everything all along while playing dumb.
“I simply didn’t want to do something so filthy.”
Do Cheon Rin spoke with irritation.
“Because if I did such a thing, I could never reach the pinnacle of the martial way.”
“It’s the same for me.”
Bu Eunseol spoke calmly.
“For the sake of revenge, I could do anything and abandon everything—my position as successor to the Demon Palace, all of it.”
I live solely for revenge.
Do Cheon Rin, too, has devoted his entire life to reaching the pinnacle of the martial way.
Those who run toward a single goal care for nothing else.
Because I understand this so well,
I can trust Do Cheon Rin.
“Very well.”
Do Cheon Rin nodded and asked.
“So what exactly do you need my help with?”
“First, keep winning in this Demonic Sword Tournament. When you do, Sam Gye will approach you in some form.”
“So you’re planning to reach Sam Gye through me.”
“Yes.”
The Emissary had spoken of the “Sword of Sam Gye.”
Through Do Cheon Rin, I intend to discover what they’re plotting.
“That’s something I want as well, but…”
Do Cheon Rin’s expression turned bitter.
“There’s no guarantee I’ll keep winning.”
It’s commonly said that eccentrics in Murim are as numerous as grains of sand.
Do Cheon Rin has traveled the Gangho and defeated countless formidable opponents, but luck played its part.
There are simply too many hidden masters lurking in Murim.
“Don’t worry. I’ll make it happen.”
“Make it happen?”
“Do Cheon Rin. You are strong enough. But the obstacles in your heart are hindering your progress.”
“An obstacle?”
“Your swordsmanship is filled with a fierce desire to reach the pinnacle of the martial way.”
Bu Eunseol regarded Do Cheon Rin and drew a deep breath.
“And because of that, you treat even life itself as trivial.”
“That’s… the same for you, isn’t it?”
“Similar, but different. I merely wagered my life—I did not treat it as trivial.”
Bu Eunseol narrowed her eyes and spoke with profound meaning.
“Because otherwise, I could not take my revenge.”
Do Cheon Rin’s expression grew distant for a moment.
“To wager one’s life, not to treat it as trivial… I see.”
A light gleamed in his eyes as if he had grasped something vital.
“There is indeed a difference. So then, what comes next?”
“I will remove the shackles that hinder your progress.”
Bu Eunseol pressed her lips together firmly before continuing.
“And I will impart certain insights to strengthen you. Finally, I will craft a sheath for your demonic blade.”
“You intend to suppress the demonic blade’s aura. That way, you won’t be vulnerable to surprise attacks from other demonic blade users.”
Do Cheon Rin was a perceptive man.
After hearing her explanation, he immediately grasped what Bu Eunseol was plotting.
“You mean to make me a shadow—a connection to Sam Gye, who scattered the demonic blades.”
“Close enough.”
Bu Eunseol admitted it frankly.
Maintaining Seon Woo Jin’s identity was already taxing enough as it was.
To directly enter the demonic blade competition was impossible… so I intended to create another perfect shadow to fight in my stead.
Through Do Cheon Rin, precisely.
“Why should I bear such risk?”
Do Cheon Rin asked coldly.
“Martial arts can be learned gradually. I have no intention of wagering my life to become Sam Gye’s blade.”
“Because you wish to grow stronger. You know that with my help, you will become far more powerful.”
Bu Eunseol spoke with conviction.
“And you surely do not wish to become Sam Gye’s puppet either.”
The ‘blade’ they spoke of was a position close to ‘successor.’
In other words, even if Do Cheon Rin emerged as the final victor of this demonic blade competition,
he would likely end up as Sam Gye’s puppet rather than true successor.
“You would make me strong and free me from their grasp… heh heh heh.”
Do Cheon Rin let out a hollow laugh.
“A sweet proposal indeed. No loss whatsoever.”
He paused briefly, then fixed Bu Eunseol with a cold stare.
“But you’ve left out the real reason for this proposal, haven’t you?”
“….”
“Because this method is the only way to stop me from taking my own life.”
“Even if you die, hear out my entire proposal first. After that, I won’t stop you.”
Do Cheon Rin understood why Bu Eunseol had made such a proposal.
He knew.
She had devised this offer while searching for a way to prevent his suicide.
It wasn’t something she had reasoned out logically—it was pure instinct.
Because she had studied him thoroughly and knew him well, having regarded him as a rival all this time.
“If that’s not the case, say so.”
Bu Eunseol did not deny it.
She knew his resolve to take his own life was unshakeable, that he would not recant.
“Either way, I needed it. Your help.”
“Why are you doing this to me?”
Do Cheon Rin spoke coldly.
“Until now, there’s been no connection between us. So why suddenly show such warmth?”
Bu Eunseol could not answer that question.
She could not say it was because of Seok Woo Haeng and Jeong Cheon, who had devoted themselves to the martial way after meeting her, only to die miserably.
“If you don’t answer, I’ll relay everything you’ve said so far to Ma Cheon Je.”
Bu Eunseol was forced to speak.
“It seemed like your sudden obsession with the martial way… was because of me.”
A deathly silence fell within Hoe Chun Dang.
‘Truly, this one is incomprehensible.’
Having seen through Bu Eunseol’s heart, Do Cheon Rin leaned against the wall at an angle, his expression hollow.
‘She wears every cold expression under the sun… yet she’s actually someone with deep feelings?’
He had always wondered why figures like Yu Woon Ryong, Myo Cheon Woo, and Seo Jin Ha remained so loyal to Bu Eunseol.
He had thought her utterly ruthless and merciless.
But wasn’t she actually like a child walking toward revenge, tears held back, unable to let them fall?
Like what he had seen aboard the ship bound for Hell Island.
Dressed in the robes of a Yeomsa, her expression shadowed, her lips pressed firmly shut.
‘Damn it!’
Do Cheon Rin felt an indescribable, subtle emotion rising within him.
Seeing Bu Eunseol’s true self hidden beneath that cold mask.
Were unfathomable feelings not welling up in his own heart as well?
“Don’t be ridiculous!”
Do Cheon Rin shouted irritably, trying to drive away the emotions surging within him.
“Do you think I devoted myself to the martial way because of you?”
“You weren’t the first.”
Bu Eunseol spoke honestly.
“Seok Woo Haeng was the same, and Jeong Cheon was too. Even though they weren’t the type to devote themselves to the martial way originally…”
“Those fools died because they were weak.”
Do Cheon Rin spoke coldly.
“The Murim has always been survival of the fittest. The weak are culled, and the defeated fall or perish.”
“….”
“If you’re planning revenge with such halfhearted resolve, abandon the idea. You won’t succeed.”
The words were sharp and cutting like a rebuke.
Yet in truth, they were meant to ease Bu Eunseol’s guilt—words from one who felt responsibility for their deaths.
“Unless you wish to drag me down into Hell with you.”
Surprise flickered in Bu Eunseol’s eyes.
Didn’t that mean he was accepting her proposal?
“Don’t make that expression.”
Do Cheon Rin scoffed.
“I’m accepting it simply because it brings me no loss.”
His tone was cold as winter, yet warmth glimmered in his gaze.
Do Cheon Rin—in the end, he too harbored a faint friendship toward Bu Eunseol.
“Very well, I understand.”
Bu Eunseol offered no words of gratitude.
She simply withdrew a booklet from her robes and extended it.
“What is this?”
“Notes I’ve written while you’ve been recovering.”
Bu Eunseol explained calmly.
“Rest here and regain your strength while reading these. In the meantime, I will procure a scabbard befitting the Hwan Ma Sword.”
“How?”
Unlike divine blades, a scabbard for a demonic sword cannot be easily crafted.
It must be forged from materials and possess a hardness perfectly identical to the blade itself.
And to seal away the demonic energy, one requires the metallurgical mastery of one who has reached the divine realm.
“To create a scabbard for this Hwan Ma Sword, one would need to be someone like Ma Geom Ja, who was called the Divine Craftsman.”
The Hwan Ma Sword was crafted with elegant curves, and its blade possessed extraordinary hardness.
Creating a separate scabbard for such a demonic sword is nearly impossible.
“Precisely. That’s why I’m going to Ma Geom Ja.”
“That Ma Geom Ja who vanished long ago? How?”
“I found him recently. He’s currently residing at Bon Gak.”
Do Cheon Rin’s mouth fell open.
Ma Geom Ja—a man whose whereabouts had been unknown for a decade, whom no intelligence organization could locate.
And yet Bu Eunseol had simply brought him to Nangya Pavilion….
“This should prove interesting.”
Do Cheon Rin smiled faintly.
Alongside Bu Eunseol, whose abilities lay far beyond his comprehension.
Stirring up the Murim world alongside her didn’t seem like such a terrible prospect.
* * *
Bu Eunseol departed for Nangya Pavilion to have the scabbard for the Hwan Ma Sword crafted.
Do Cheon Rin remained at Hoe Chun Dang, reading the texts Bu Eunseol had given him.
They were not secret martial manuals, but rather a martial treatise containing brief instructions and teachings.
The ancient text detailed what he must abandon, how to engage his enemies in combat.
And ultimately, what he should pursue… all written out in meticulous detail.
As Do Cheon Rin read through the pages, he felt both amazement and an odd, indescribable sensation.
A martial manual filled with guidance.
It contained the very spirit of a warrior, crystallized and preserved.
And to read it and gain enlightenment—wasn’t that an act of inheriting that spirit?
‘It feels as though I’ve become her disciple.’
Somehow, it felt like bowing my head to Bu Eunseol and entering her service.
But soon he shook his head vigorously.
‘What does it matter? Strength is all that counts.’
In the past, he would never have entertained such a thought.
But since he no longer felt competitive toward Bu Eunseol, he could read without reservation.
After reading for some time, Do Cheon Rin nodded slowly.
‘So that’s why she was so formidable.’
He had only crossed blades with Bu Eunseol twice.
Yet she had examined his entire life as though peering into its depths.
The habits and characteristics he displayed when executing his martial techniques.
Even his everyday habits and values—she had discerned them all completely.
‘Is this the hallmark of Nangya Sect martial arts?’
The masters of Nangya Sect observe their enemies’ techniques, absorb their subtleties, and refine their own martial arts accordingly.
Therefore, their powers of observation and insight were
at a level that no sect of the Ten Demonic Gates could ever replicate.
‘No, it’s not merely that.’
One could observe martial habits, but there was no way to know someone’s temperament or personal quirks.
Which meant Bu Eunseol’s insight transcended imagination itself…
She must have observed him far longer than he’d expected.
‘Because she considered me a worthy opponent?’
A satisfied smile crossed Do Cheon Rin’s face.
‘I thought she didn’t even look at me. Yet she observed everyone I considered a rival at the time, myself included.’
Knock, knock.
The sound of someone tapping at the door reached his ears.
“Come in.”
At Do Cheon Rin’s voice, a beautiful woman in an indigo palace robe, carrying a medicine box, entered.
It was Dam Yoo Yeon.
“How is your body feeling?”
After unfolding the Hoe Cheon Shin Chim Dae Gu Seul, she was examining Do Cheon Rin’s body every day as if she were Haeng Rim.
“Thanks to you, I’ve improved greatly. My gratitude.”
“But what are you reading?”
As Dam Yoo Yeon’s gaze fixed on the text in his hands, Do Cheon Rin waved his hand dismissively.
He felt embarrassed reading a martial manual written by his peer Bu Eunseol.
“It’s nothing much.”
He quickly tucked the manuscript into his robes.
Then he suddenly noticed ink that hadn’t yet dried.
He had only been unconscious for a single day.
During that time, Bu Eunseol must have spent the entire night painstakingly inscribing martial techniques for him, stroke by stroke.
‘There’s nothing to be ashamed of… not at all.’
Do Cheon Rin let out a soft breath and spoke with pride.
“These are martial techniques she wrote to enhance my martial prowess. You might call them a guide that teaches how to grow stronger.”
When Dam Yoo Yeon saw Do Cheon Rin’s smile, her heart ached.
A smile that seemed to transcend all worldly concerns, yet carried a languid quality.
It bore an uncanny resemblance to Jeong Cheon’s smile.
―What do you know to speak so boldly!
Suddenly, she recalled herself shouting at Do Cheon Rin.
She had believed that Bu Eunseol had ruined Jeong Cheon’s life.
―Do you know what those whose lives were completely overturned after meeting him had in common? They were all self-proclaimed geniuses who had overestimated their own abilities.
Yet when this complete stranger Do Cheon Rin refuted her words as if he knew about Jeong Cheon better than she did.
Those words had lingered in her heart as a persistent source of displeasure.
But now she understood that Do Cheon Rin was.
Just like Jeong Cheon, someone who had met Bu Eunseol and then devoted himself to the martial path with his life on the line, wandering the Gangho.
And he too had been defeated by Bu Eunseol’s hand again, and was dying.
The only difference was.
Jeong Cheon had died a lonely death in a condition so grave that Sam Gye had rendered him helpless…
While Do Cheon Rin had returned to Jeok Cheon Mak Ji with Bu Eunseol’s help and was able to recover.
‘If my brother were still alive, would we have lived together like this, facing each other day after day?’
Deep shadows fell across Dam Yoo Yeon’s eyes.
Do Cheon Rin asked with a worried expression.
“Is something troubling you?”
For a moment, Dam Yoo Yeon nearly burst into tears.
That gentle voice. Those languid yet dignified eyes.
Weren’t they all strikingly similar to Jeong Cheon?

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————