The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 560

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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 560.
A piercing cry tore through the air!
Before Bu Eunseol’s eyes, a magnificent radiance suddenly blazed into existence.
That light completely banished the darkness surrounding him, and in an instant, it began to illuminate the entire world.
At the same moment, a small silhouette appeared before Bu Eunseol’s eyes.
It was an elderly man with a gaunt frame and deep wrinkles so pronounced that his age was impossible to discern.
The highest-ranking master of Shaolin in Murim, called the Living Buddha himself—Bul Jon, Hong Hyeon Dae Sa.
“Benefactor, are you unharmed?”
Bul Jon gazed at Bu Eunseol with a compassionate smile gracing his lips.
Only then did Bu Eunseol regain his senses and bowed deeply at the waist.
“The least worthy of Murim, Bu Eunseol, offers his respects.”
Since leaving the temple, Bul Jon had been revered by all martial artists in Murim.
Moreover, had Bu Eunseol not received a small favor from Bul Jon long ago at the Murim Alliance?
“Young one, why do you show such great courtesy to this old monk?”
“Did you not save my life?”
Bu Eunseol bowed his head with utmost reverence, expressing his gratitude.
“I am grateful for the grace of saving my life.”
“Now that I think of it, you are….”
Bul Jon tilted his head as he examined Bu Eunseol’s attire and face intently.
“A disciple of Nangya Pavilion, Bu Eunseol, at your service.”
“Hehehehe, I wondered where such a dragon-like youth came from, and you are the successor of the Pavilion Master.”
“You are too kind with your words.”
Bu Eunseol’s demeanor was extremely respectful.
What if Bul Jon had not appeared?
‘Even if I had not died by Cheon Joon’s hand, something terrible would have occurred.’
In the moment when consciousness was slipping away, Bu Eunseol had felt an ominous presence of the most dreadful kind.
It was not death itself, but a terrifying force that could not be shaken off even by death.
Had it not been for Bul Jon’s aid, I would have fallen into an abyss from which there was no return.
“But how did you come to be here?”
When Bu Eunseol asked, Bul Jon smiled broadly.
“Some dark figures were surrounding the area, so I came to investigate. But it turned out you had led an entire army here just to kill one person.”
Bu Eunseol looked around and asked.
“Did you not see the one who attacked me?”
“He blocked this old monk’s strike in a single breath and then vanished somewhere.”
“A single strike.”
Bu Eunseol murmured softly.
I could not even block a single move and was swallowed by death.
Yet Bul Jon had driven Cheon Joon away with merely one strike, as if chasing away a dog.
‘Have I been mistaken all along?’
Ever since Geom Joon’s bounty was lifted.
Deep down, he believed that no matter whom he faced, he would at least survive.
But that had been the process of unraveling the Natural Sword Technique, and he hadn’t even engaged Geom Joon in a proper confrontation.
Bu Eunseol, who walked her own path, had reached some unknown height.
Yet she was still not at a level to contend with masters of the Wuji Realm.
Moreover, the Bul Jon before her had ascended to such a distant realm that his martial prowess could not be predicted.
Bu Eunseol could not help but become humble.
“If we had actually fought, it might be different.”
Bul Jon spoke calmly, as if he had discerned Bu Eunseol’s inner thoughts.
“But that strange one didn’t seem to have any intention of fighting Bin Seung.”
Then he turned his body away with a benevolent smile.
“Well then.”
“Wait, Venerable One—why did you save me, a follower of the Demonic Path?”
“Haven’t you always done what was right?”
Bul Jon displayed the purest of smiles.
“Perhaps because of that, this old monk’s body moved of its own accord, even from a great distance.”
‘I see.’
Before the battle with the Special Divine Guard, that massive movement descending from the distant sky toward this place.
It had been Bul Jon all along.
Bul Jon added one more thing.
“And so, you have been hated and attacked by fellow followers of the Demonic Path like this.”
A peculiar thought occurred to Bu Eunseol.
Bul Jon could not possibly be ignorant of Sam Gye.
Why then did he assert that those who attacked her were ‘followers of the Demonic Path’?
‘Ah, I understand now.’
Bu Eunseol quickly grasped Bul Jon’s true meaning.
‘Bul Jon suspects that it was the Demon Palace’s forces who leaked information to Sam Gye.’
But that was not what mattered now.
“Venerable One.”
Bu Eunseol immediately clasped her hands together and asked Bul Jon.
“There is one thing I wish to ask of you. I earnestly beseech you not to refuse and to answer me.”
Bul Jon’s expression became peculiar.
He wondered what question this young follower of the Demonic Path was about to ask.
Why did she speak with such earnestness and respect?
“Speak.”
After pausing to observe her surroundings, Bu Eunseol took a deep breath and asked.
“Did you know of the Absolute Demon Blade Plan?”
This was both a question and a test.
The previous Abbot of Shaolin had participated in the plan—Bul Jon could not possibly be ignorant of it.
But if he claimed he didn’t know?
Then from this moment forward, Bul Jon would become Bu Eunseol’s enemy.
“Amitabha Buddha.”
In that instant, Bul Jon’s deep-set eyes narrowed to slits.
“Where in the world did you hear of something that no one in Murim knows?”
That response alone was as good as an admission that Bul Jon knew of the Absolute Demon Path Plan.
‘How fortunate.’
“While investigating the whereabouts of Bu Chanyang, a master of Bon Jeon and the Chilji Demonic Sect, I happened to learn of it.”
“By chance, you say.”
Deep contemplation settled across Bul Jon’s weathered face, lined like an ancient tree.
Shaking his head, Bul Jon gazed toward the distant sky and murmured.
“It is an error not only of Bon Jeon, but of the entire Orthodox Sects of Murim.”
And in a low voice, he spoke of something utterly shocking.
“Because of a false prophecy, countless people lost their lives.”
Thud.
Bu Eunseol’s expression became as though she had been struck on the back of her head.
Mo Ryun, the Dharma Seeker.
He had made a false prophecy, and because of it, countless people had died?
“A false prophecy? What do you mean by that?”
“Timing.”
Bul Jon opened his mouth with a calm yet resolute voice.
“The Dharma Seeker Mo Ryun miscalculated the timing of when the prophecy would begin.”
Bul Jon shook his head.
“Because of that, not only those who participated in the Absolute Demon Path Plan, but all who knew of it perished.”
“Yet you remain alive, Master.”
Bul Jon smiled faintly.
“Does Bin Seung appear to be alive?”
It was a painful smile whose meaning could not be fathomed.
Perhaps he had exhausted every means to atone for that error, yet ultimately failed.
And perhaps he had lived all this time lamenting the deaths of Shaolin’s disciples.
“If someone were to see you together with the Old Monk, your position would become even more precarious.”
Though he seemed to change the subject hastily, it was nonetheless a valid point.
Currently, Bu Eunseol had not won over the hearts of all the Demonic Path followers.
Merely conversing amicably with Bul Jon could arouse the suspicions of countless Demonic Path practitioners.
“I appreciate your concern, but I do not worry about such things.”
“That is good.”
Bul Jon smiled broadly and nodded.
“The storms of Gangho are treacherous, so always be cautious.”
“Thank you.”
Bu Eunseol bowed respectfully and raised her head, but he had already vanished like mist.
As though he had never been there from the beginning.
Bu Eunseol stood in a daze for a long while.
In the end, Bul Jon knew everything, and he said that the prophecy of Mo Ryun, the Seeker of the Dharma, was wrong.
This meant there was a secret to the Absolute Demon Path Plan that even Dam Jeung, the abbot of Hyul Shaolin, did not know.
“I’m going back.”
Bu Eunseol took a deep breath.
“Even after purging so thoroughly, there are still connections to the Three Realms.”
It would be good to uncover the Absolute Demon Path Plan.
But now I had to return to the Demon Palace once more and execute all those who participated in this assassination attempt.
* * *
The Demon Palace was in turmoil.
Bu Eunseol had been attacked by an unknown force while returning.
Attacking the successor of the Demon Palace was tantamount to challenging the Demon Palace itself.
Moreover, when it became known that they had completely surrounded the Joyang region to ambush him, the atmosphere of the Demon Palace turned as fragile as thin ice.
―Bon Jeon. Or rather, could there be external connections within Biryeong Sect, which could be called the Demonic Path’s highest intelligence organization?
The movements and return route of Moo Hon Ryeong Ju were thoroughly concealed by Sa Hon Dae, the Information Division he led.
But from the moment he entered Ho Nam.
Biryeong Sect received information from Sa Hon Dae for protection and managed it jointly.
In other words, unless Sa Hon Dae betrayed him, the only conclusion was that Biryeong Sect had leaked the information.
―I will conduct a thorough investigation of Biryeong Sect.
When Bu Eunseol showed her determination to investigate Biryeong Sect, the Demon Palace’s highest intelligence agency.
Everyone in the Demon Palace turned pale.
Biryeong Sect was not merely an intelligence agency.
It served only Ma Cheon Je and followed his orders.
Even Chong Gyo Ryeong Yeop Hyo Cheon could only access information but did not follow his commands.
It was effectively Ma Cheon Je’s direct agency.
So when Bu Eunseol said she would investigate Biryeong Sect.
Senior officials who had poor relations with her, and even Ji Ma Bu Ju, stepped forward to stop her.
“You mustn’t touch Biryeong Sect.”
Dan Wol Hon, Ji Ma Bu Ju, who had come to Bu Eunseol’s office, spoke with a grave expression.
“Rather, have an audience with the Lord. Your attack is an attack on Bon Jeon itself. Even if he’s in seclusion, that’s reason enough.”
The moment Bu Eunseol touched Biryeong Sect, everything would fall apart.
Because it would be the same as challenging Ma Cheon Je’s authority.
She absolutely must not be allowed to proceed with the investigation.
“That’s impossible.”
But Bu Eunseol spoke firmly.
“I already have physical evidence that information leaked from Bon Jeon. If I overlook this, the same incident will repeat itself.”
“Then perhaps this Bu Ju should arrange for you to meet the Lord during his seclusion.”
“It won’t help.”
“Why not?”
“Because he’s not here.”
Bu Eunseol knew well that Ma Cheon Je, who was in seclusion, was not in the Demon Palace.
That said, she had no intention of waiting for him to finish his seclusion and return, nor did she plan to search for him leisurely.
In the meantime, she would sever all ties with the Bi Young Gak completely.
“Still, it won’t work.”
“Why not?”
“The moment you touch the Bi Young Gak, Chong Gyo Ryeong will strip you of your position immediately.”
Dan Wol Hon’s expression grew grave.
“Do you think I’m saying this merely because I’m fond of you?”
There was only one reason he was so desperately trying to stop Bu Eunseol.
It was for his daughter, Dan Seo Ok.
If Bu Eunseol were stripped of her position, Dan Seo Ok, who would soon become Chief, would surely grieve.
“You must think of those who depend on you.”
Seeing that his words seemed to have no effect, Dan Wol Hon spoke in a gentler tone to persuade her.
“What of So Yok, who lives only looking at you… or your subordinates?”
Bu Eunseol, who had been pondering for a moment, spoke as if she had no choice.
“Then, Lord Bu Ju, would you grant me just one request?”
“A request?”
Bu Eunseol produced a thin booklet from her bosom.
“What is this?”
Dan Wol Hon opened the booklet with a puzzled expression, and there he found detailed information about the military forces and organizational structure managed by the Demon Palace.
“Is this a personnel roster of Bon Jeon?”
“Something similar.”
Bu Eunseol spoke in a resolute voice.
“Please investigate those marked in red. Among them are those colluding with external forces.”
“Are you now asking me, the Lord Bu Ju, to investigate those in Bon Jeon in your stead?”
“You already manage most of the military forces in Bon Jeon anyway, do you not?”
Bu Eunseol spoke with a composed expression.
“No one will question you for investigating your subordinates. There will be far less resistance as well.”
In that instant, Dan Wol Hon’s thick brows twitched.
He had agreed out of affection for his daughter.
Now she wanted to use him, someone who ranked in the top five of the Demon Palace’s ceremonial hierarchy, as an investigator?
If he did as Bu Eunseol suggested?
He would be ridiculed for following the orders of the Moo Hon Ryeong Ju.
No matter how much of a prospective son-in-law he was, this was too excessive a demand.
“I must refuse.”
Dan Wol Hon rose from his seat, clasped his hands behind his back, and spoke.
“Did you truly expect the Lord Bu Ju to do such a thing? You still have much to learn.”
Dan Wol Hon spoke coldly.
“Despite holding that position, you cannot even read people.”
And with that, he let out a snort and turned sharply on his heel.
“I’m leaving.”
Bu Eunseol then clasped her hands together in a gesture of gratitude.
“Thank you.”
“For what?”
“Well, because you took the time to think of me and came to find me.”
Dan Wol Hon paused for a moment as if caught by her words, but soon left the office.
Click.
Not long after Dan Wol Hon departed, Yu Woon Ryong entered in scholarly robes, his expression grave.
“Even so, this time you’ve gone too far.”
“….”
“Ji Ma Bu Ju still came to find you in person out of consideration for your reputation. And you give him a book and ask him to investigate in return? That makes no sense. He’s not even your deputy.”
Yu Woon Ryong spoke as if bewildered.
“Moreover, if you’ve already perfectly identified all the suspicious individuals, couldn’t we just investigate them ourselves? There’s no need to drag this out.”
“It’s fabricated.”
“What?”
“I couldn’t find the suspicious individuals. From the start, whoever did this had the confidence to erase all traces completely… so they would have targeted me regardless.”
Yu Woon Ryong’s mouth fell open.
“What are you saying? Then why did you show him such a book? What if Dan Bu Ju actually investigates the suspicious individuals for you?”
“He is a man of great pride. Even if I had begged him merely to read the book, he would not have spared it a glance.”
Bu Eunseol lifted her teacup with a leisurely expression.
“But he will certainly come to stop me from attacking Bi Yeong Gak. Dan Bu Ju cherishes his daughter dearly.”
“So you’re saying he’ll conduct a thorough investigation of Bi Yeong Gak?”
“Precisely. It’s merely a rumor I’ve created to make Dan Bu Ju come find me.”
Bu Eunseol’s eyes narrowed.
“Through this incident, Dan Bu Ju will become absolutely convinced that I’ve identified all the suspicious Demon Palace personnel and will investigate them.”
“….”
“And that rumor will spread downward through Dan Bu Ju to his subordinates.”
She gazed at Yu Woon Ryong with a smile.
“Once such a rumor spreads, Bi Yeong Gak will never be able to remain idle.”
“Whether it’s false or true… if they stay still, Bi Yeong Gak could actually be destroyed?”
“Exactly.”
Yu Woon Ryong’s mouth gaped wide open.
He knew Bu Eunseol possessed keen intellect, but to think she would exploit even another’s goodwill.
“This isn’t like you.”
“What do you mean?”
“Gong Son Dan Gyeong… haven’t you been too influenced by her?”
Yu Woon Ryong spoke with a serious expression.
“Using others’ goodwill and relationships to devise schemes. That’s what Gong Son Chief excels at.”
Yu Woon Ryong’s words were accurate.
Such schemes had been naturally acquired through close association with Gong Son Dan Gyeong.
“Moreover, Bi Yeong Gak Ju might see through your plan.”
“Of course, that’s possible.”
Bu Eunseol’s eyes gleamed with certainty.
“But what if, against all odds, it were true? What if the Biryeong Sect were truly stripped bare?”
“Then… Ma Cheon Je’s authority would crumble.”
“Exactly.”
Bu Eunseol wore a faint smile.
“The Biryeong Sect Lord could never accept such a thing.”
Yet despite his words, a crimson gleam flickered in his eyes.
“He won’t bring back merely a tail—he’ll bring at least a substantial body to satisfy himself.”
Yu Woon Ryong felt a chill run through him.
Bu Eunseol was renowned for his scheming intellect, but he was not one to exploit the goodwill others held for him as a tool.
Of course, one might dismiss this matter as trivial, but…
He suddenly worried whether Bu Eunseol might be corrupted by someone as cold-blooded as Gong Son Dan Gyeong.
“I understand what you’re saying.”
Yu Woon Ryong nodded and spoke in a low voice.
“From now on, don’t employ such schemes. If Dan Wol Hon were to learn of this, he would be deeply disappointed.”
No one wishes to have their sincere goodwill exploited.
Yu Woon Ryong was concerned that such schemes might cause
the goodwill Dan Wol Hon held toward Bu Eunseol to vanish.
“Besides, lately the Demon Hall—or rather, the Demonic Path—hasn’t been favorable to us, has it?”
Due to the recent Hyuk Ryeon Eung incident, Bu Eunseol had weakened the Demon Hall’s forces once more.
And now, to overturn the Biryeong Sect again… it was impossible not to worry.
“I understand.”
Bu Eunseol nodded.
“Such things won’t happen again.”
As the easy answer came, Yu Woon Ryong nodded but exhaled a sigh.
He knew all too well that for Bu Eunseol, whether the Demon Hall collapsed or the Murim Alliance fell mattered not at all.
He understood this far too clearly.
Bu Eunseol’s prediction proved accurate.
Merely a day had passed since Dan Wol Hon’s visit.
Suddenly, the Biryeong Sect Lord sent a subordinate requesting a private audience with Bu Eunseol.
In the history of the Demon Hall, there was no precedent of the Biryeong Sect Lord requesting a private audience with anyone save Ma Cheon Je.
It was truly an unprecedented occurrence.
Yet Bu Eunseol sent this reply:
―If you wish to see this Lord, set a date and come directly to the Jamma Pavilion.
The Biryeong Sect Lord’s pride was deeply wounded, and for a time, no response came.
But he had no choice but to come.
The matter at hand was far too grave to preserve his pride.
―Understood. I shall visit around midday tomorrow.
As the reply arrived, Bu Eunseol issued orders to Yu Woon Ryong.
“Command the Lords of the Sayoung Battle Division. When Bi Yeong Gak Ju arrives, have them lead their forces to meet him from Biryeong Sect.”
Yu Woon Ryong couldn’t suppress his laughter upon hearing that command.
If the Lords of the Sayoung Battle Division were to lead their forces to meet Bi Yeong Gak Ju at the exact time of his arrival?
It would create the appearance of escorting a criminal to Jamma Pavilion.
“Is there truly a need to go that far?”
“The Demonic Path is nothing but authority and power.”
Bu Eunseol spoke without concern.
“Until now, the figures of Bon Jeon have believed themselves to stand above Bi Yeong Gak Ju’s position as Moo Hon Ryeong Ju.”
“…”
“But if they witness such a sight this time, the eyes of the world will shift.”
Yu Woon Ryong opened his mouth.
Ever since entering the Murim Alliance…
Bu Eunseol had become even more refined and possessed an ability to pierce through the hearts of men.

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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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