The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 567

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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 567.
Yuk Jang Cheon’s face darkened to an ashen hue.
‘So Yong Ban Jeon is making a move after all?’
He bit his lip.
Information regarding Sal Gwi had eluded every intelligence network within the Murim Alliance.
Only Seon Woo Jin, who had ventured into Gangho by chance, had uncovered it.
Yet how could Yong Ban Jeon Ju have obtained such intelligence simultaneously?
“Are you saying Yong Ban Jeon Ju has located Sal Gwi’s position?”
“I cannot say for certain. However.”
Buk Ri Seung stroked his chin thoughtfully.
“He mentioned suspicions about the Sichuan region and said he would conduct investigations there.”
In that instant, Yuk Jang Cheon felt all strength drain from his body.
‘The information has leaked.’
After learning of Jisalseong from Seon Woo Jin,
Yuk Jang Cheon had continuously employed his intelligence organization to investigate further.
And he had uncovered credible information about Jisalseong and confirmed Sal Gwi’s emergence.
Subsequently, he had conducted thorough investigations into Sal Gwi’s movements and activities.
Finally, he had discovered that this creature was committing slaughter covertly near Sichuan’s borders.
Yet mere days after obtaining this intelligence,
Yong Ban Jeon Ju also possessed knowledge of Sal Gwi—information unknown to Murim?
Moreover, by dispatching Baek Mu Sung to handle this matter…
Was this not a calculated move to counter his own direct intervention?
‘Could it be Yuk Cheong Ah’s doing?’
Since Yuk Cheong Ah oversaw all intelligence and household affairs of Deung Mu Jeon,
she possessed vague awareness of Yuk Jang Cheon’s covert organization and his trusted subordinates.
‘Or has the Vice Lord betrayed me?’
The Vice Lord managed the operations of Yuk Jang Cheon’s intelligence network.
If the leak originated internally, these two were the most likely culprits.
‘And if I eliminate him now… would I not merely be slaying one insignificant Sal Gwi?’
Yuk Jang Cheon’s original plan had been to inform Buk Ri Seung of Sal Gwi and convene a grand assembly.
While preparations for the assembly proceeded, the slaughter would continue unabated.
By the time the assembly commenced a month hence,
Sal Gwi would have perpetrated a calamity worthy of the title Great Killing Catastrophe.
Then, Yuk Jang Cheon would reveal all gathered intelligence to demonstrate the gravity of the situation,
descend personally into Gangho to resolve it, and thereby impress the leadership with his prowess.
Yet now they sought to eliminate Sal Gwi at this premature stage?
‘They will not grant me this achievement.’
As Yuk Jang Cheon ground his teeth,
“Yet something troubles me greatly.”
Buk Ri Seung narrowed his eyes and spoke.
“Since both Lords speak thus, I must say—the term ‘Great Killing Fiend’ has not been used since three hundred years past, when Hyeol Mu Geuk, once called the Killing Fiend, met his end.”
The term “Great Killing Fiend” typically refers to
a terrifying demon of unimaginable depravity, one who has committed blood massacres beyond comprehension.
Yet such a word has not been employed
since three hundred years ago, when Hyeol Mu Geuk—who slaughtered both martial artists and common folk alike without mercy—drew his final breath.
And now, suddenly, two senior figures of the Murim Alliance
declare that Sal Gwi, who has only just begun his activities in Cheong Hae, could become a Great Killing Fiend… Buk Ri Seung finds himself troubled by doubt.
Yuk Jang Cheon immediately offered an explanation.
“When word came that Sal Gwi had appeared, I conducted thorough investigations, and this is what emerged. Though I cannot claim absolute certainty.”
“I see. Then what do you intend to do?”
Buk Ri Seung stroked his chin with a weary expression.
“It hardly seems a matter warranting a full council assembly… yet it would not look fitting for Lord Yuk to step forward personally either.”
Though Baek Mu Sung is called a new-generation master transcending age and generation, his station remains that of a first-rank Lord of the Murim Alliance.
But if Yuk Jang Cheon, called the Jang Wang among the Four Gods Seven Kings, were to take on the same task?
It would be nothing but a loss of prestige and dignity.
“There is no help for it.”
Collecting himself, he forced a smile and spoke.
“Then I shall have the Lords and Danjoos of Bon Jeon handle this matter first.”
“Very well.”
Buk Ri Seung smiled broadly.
“The Lord of Deng Wu Jeon has always devoted himself solely to the affairs of Ben Maeng. I did not know you paid such attention to the state of Gangho.”
Yuk Jang Cheon forced a smile.
It was praise of sorts,
yet to Yuk Jang Cheon, whose position demanded he focus only on tasks assigned within the alliance to rise to Danjoo, it sounded rather like mockery.
“Then.”
Leaving Jeong Ui Gak, Yuk Jang Cheon bit down on his teeth, swallowing the fury that threatened to burst forth.
To lose this golden opportunity to make his mark before the leadership as a Wu Tian Danjoo?
Clutching at his aching heart, Yuk Jang Cheon returned once more to Deng Wu Jeon.
And immediately, he summoned Bu Eunseol again.
“What do you mean, my Lord?”
Upon hearing the full situation from Yuk Jang Cheon, Bu Eunseol’s expression shifted to one of shock.
“Then what becomes of all the plans we have prepared thus far?”
“Forget them. As things stand, there is no choice.”
As Yuk Jang Cheon spoke, suppressing his anger, Bu Eunseol shook her head.
“Yet even if my Lord does not step forward, you must still summon the elite divisions and Danjoos of Deng Wu Jeon. We cannot allow the credit for eliminating Sal Gwi to pass to Yong Ban Jeon, can we?”
“For now, he is merely a killer who has committed several massacres in the Cheong Hae region before crossing into Sichuan. We cannot commit all our forces to such a matter.”
Yuk Jang Cheon spoke through gritted teeth.
“Besides, the Lord of Yong Ban Jeon sent only Baek Mu Sung and his subordinate division members. If I were to commit all my strength, I would invite ridicule instead.”
“….”
“They would say I exhausted my full power merely to steal another’s achievement.”
After taking a moment to steady his breath, flames blazed fiercely in Yuk Jang Cheon’s eyes.
“There is only one path forward now. You must take action.”
“You mean me, sir?”
“Lead the Elite Division and hunt down this Jisalseong. And dispose of him before Baek Mu Sung does.”
Yuk Jang Cheon drew in a deep breath.
“Baek Mu Sung—there is talk of elevating him to the position of Dang Ju. We cannot afford to let him accumulate further merit.”
He spoke with absolute certainty, his gaze fixed upon Bu Eunseol.
“With the martial prowess you displayed in slaying the Cheon In Cult Master, surely you can handle an incompletely formed Sal Gwi?”
And his brow furrowed.
“I say this merely as a precaution, but should a dire situation arise—under no circumstances are you to join forces with Baek Mu Sung. Do you understand what I am saying?”
In other words, even if Bu Eunseol found herself in mortal peril,
she was to ensure that Baek Mu Sung did not seize the opportunity to earn merit through her salvation.
‘As expected. This is the limit of his capacity.’
Bu Eunseol suppressed an inward smile of contempt.
She had come to understand why Yuk Jang Cheon, despite founding the illustrious Gu Cheon Society and serving as its Hoe Ju, had met such a tragic end.
At minimum, any leader of an organization ought
to possess the wisdom to consider the welfare of their subordinates.
After all, those subordinates are people with hearts and minds of their own.
Yet Yuk Jang Cheon regarded his followers merely as tools for accumulating merit.
It was precisely this mindset that
caused him to be abandoned—both by the organization he created and by his own daughter.
“I understand, sir.”
Bu Eunseol concealed her true thoughts and clasped her hands respectfully.
Upon leaving Deung Mu Jeon, she and her operatives meticulously retraced the movements of the Sal Gwi who bore Jisalseong’s aura.
‘Jisalseong is surely more than merely a vessel of raw power.’
Without a cunning intellect, he could never have escaped the Yang Seol Family’s grasp.
He must be aware of the pursuers on his trail and is constantly obscuring his tracks.
‘Perhaps Yang Seol Rin is also searching the Sichuan region?’
Bu Eunseol had provided Yang Seol Rin with all her intelligence networks and military resources to aid in locating Jisalseong.
Moreover, the Yang Seol Family possessed their own formidable information network, so Yang Seol Rin might well find him before Bu Eunseol herself.
‘It would be wise to let her claim the credit for this endeavor.’
From the outset, Bu Eunseol had never intended to capture Jisalseong herself.
She had already assured that Yang Seol Rin would be the one to apprehend him.
This entire plan served only
to establish the necessity for Seon Woo Jin to venture into the Gangho.
“Dae Ju.”
Tae Mu Ryong, observing Bu Eunseol lost in contemplation, spoke up.
“Is there perhaps another approach we should consider?”
Bu Eunseol, returning to the present moment, nodded slowly.
“Rather than having our division move first, it would be better if I assessed the situation personally.”
“You’re saying the Lord intends to venture into Gangho alone again? That won’t do.”
Tae Mu Ryong spoke with a grave expression.
“Though it hasn’t been widely known in Murim until now, this Sal Gwi’s martial prowess is truly formidable. The Lord could find himself in genuine peril.”
“I won’t engage him.”
Bu Eunseol smiled faintly.
“This is a matter I cannot resolve. I’m merely going through the motions to appear as though I’m doing my utmost for the Lord’s sake.”
The Elite Division members were all taken aback.
Until now, Bu Eunseol had been someone who made the impossible possible.
For him to say he would merely pretend to carry out this mission?
“There are many types of commanders. Among them are those who regard their subordinates as mere tools.”
Bu Eunseol, having discerned their thoughts, spoke in a measured tone.
“That isn’t necessarily wrong. By commanding subordinates coldly, one can achieve mission success. However… when subordinates encounter such a commander, they must make their own judgment.”
Bu Eunseol looked toward the members and continued.
“Whether a mission is one that cannot be completed even at the cost of one’s life.”
Then Jeong Jong Do asked.
“How can one distinguish such missions?”
“Missions where the commander doesn’t accompany you are generally those.”
At Bu Eunseol’s words, the members burst into laughter.
They recalled the image of Deung Mu Jeon’s Lord, always holed up in Deung Mu Hall like a turtle, issuing orders only to his subordinates.
Then Tae Mu Ryong’s eyes gleamed as he asked.
“Does that include us as well?”
It was a somewhat reckless question.
But Tae Mu Ryong stared intently at Bu Eunseol and asked once more.
“If you speak that way, we could also pretend to follow the Lord’s orders.”
“Of course.”
Bu Eunseol laughed as he spoke.
“What could be more important than life? If I give such an order, simply go through the motions as you see fit.”
―Hahahaha!
Then low laughter erupted throughout the Conference Hall.
Bu Eunseol always stepped forward first when there was something worth risking one’s life for.
Even when opportunities arose to elevate his position, he chose those who shared both fortune and hardship with him.
Whether Bu Eunseol’s words were sincere or false, the Elite Division members were prepared to carry out his orders at the cost of their lives.
“Understood.”
While the members laughed, only Tae Mu Ryong nodded with an utterly serious expression.
And he finally made a decision about the choice he had long harbored in his heart and kept postponing.
* * *
Bu Eunseol was delaying his preparations to venture into Gangho for a moment.
He had no intention of earning merit from this mission.
This task was also a plan to gain justification for continuing his journeys into Gangho as Seon Woo Jin.
On the other hand, it was also a plan to make Yuk Jang Cheon distrust those around him.
For this reason, he had sent her advance notice of the situation through correspondence.
And she, in accordance with Bu Eunseol’s intentions, had discreetly leaked information about Sal Gwi to Yong Ban Jeon.
But beyond that, Gong Son Dan Gyeong had devised a plan far more ruthless than Bu Eunseol’s own.
―Since matters have come to this point, should we not also drive a wedge between Yuk Dang Ju and not just Yuk Jang Cheon?
Gong Son Dan Gyeong was certain that Yuk Cheong Ah harbored affection for Bu Eunseol.
Otherwise, there would have been no rift between her and Yuk Jang Cheon.
―Let us use this opportunity to catch two rabbits with one stone.
As I recalled the scheme she had woven, a sigh escaped my lips unbidden.
Gong Son Dan Gyeong possessed the beauty of an angel, yet no one understood better than she how to shatter the trust between human hearts.
―I understand.
I did not oppose her scheme.
After all, I had to become Danjoo, surpassing both Yuk Jang Cheon and Baek Mu Sung.
The Murim Alliance was a place where intrigue and deception flourished even more than in the Demon Palace.
I had to abandon such naive mercy and righteousness.
‘Only, I do hope that Lady Yang Seol will handle the matter of Jisalseong.’
In truth, I believed it was wrong to imprison someone merely because they were born as Jisalseong from the Yang Seol Family.
And if Yang Seol Rin were to imprison him, I thought it better that I kill him instead.
But seeing that the Killing Ghost, presumed to be Jisalseong, was committing blood massacres as she had asserted…
My conviction could not help but waver.
Of course, it was not because I believed in fate.
Simply because confinement within the Yang Seol Family would be a far more agonizing punishment for Sal Gwi.
I merely approved of that method of retribution.
As I emerged from Jeol Jeong Gak and walked toward the North Gate, a young man approached and clasped his hands respectfully.
“Forgive the intrusion, Lord. I am Jeung Gak, a martial artist of Jang Young Dang.”
Jang Young Dang was a position Yuk Cheong Ah had gained when she transferred to Yong Ban Jeon as its master.
‘So it begins.’
My eyes narrowed.
Now the plan Gong Son Dan Gyeong had orchestrated was unfolding.
“What brings you here?”
“The Danjoo requests your presence at So Ho Jeong.”
So Ho Jeong was a place accessible only to those of Danjoo rank and above within the Murim Alliance.
Many of its chambers were soundproofed, making it primarily used for confidential conversations.
“Tell her I decline.”
“Pardon?”
“Convey to the Danjoo that we now belong to different organizations, and therefore we should avoid meetings that would prove awkward for us both.”
Before Jeung Gak could respond, I clasped my hands in farewell.
“Then.”
As I turned away, Jeung Gak stood rooted in place, his expression blank.
Within the secret chamber of So Ho Jeong, a woman in azure robes sat at a table.
She was a beauty with a proud nose and deep-set eyes, yet her gaze was shadowed by profound melancholy.
‘Why on earth did you do this?’
The information about Sal Gwi that could be obtained from Yong Ban Jeon.
Though it came from an anonymous source, Yuk Cheong Ah could sense the truth.
It was Seon Woo Jin who had leaked such information.
Yuk Cheong Ah could access the highest-grade intelligence available through Man Gyeong Jeon, the Murim Alliance’s intelligence organization.
Moreover, there existed personal intelligence networks operated by the leadership of the Murim Alliance itself.
Yet there were organizations whose internal affairs remained beyond detection, and one of them was the Elite Division.
That was how she could be certain.
The information about Sal Gwi that had surfaced this time—it was undoubtedly leaked by Seon Woo Jin.
“It is Jeung Gak, my lord.”
A low voice came from outside, accompanied by footsteps.
“Tell him to enter.”
“That is not it… Seon Woo Dae Ju has refused the summons.”
“What did you say?”
As Yuk Cheong Ah exclaimed, Jeung Gak stammered his response.
“He asks that you convey his message: since we now belong to different organizations, meeting would only create mutual discomfort.”
Yuk Cheong Ah could not hide her astonishment.
Moreover, no matter how much they had become rivals, how could he ignore a summons from his superior?
“Seon Woo Dae Ju. That man is greatly mistaken!”
She rose from her seat and immediately departed So Ho Jeong, heading toward the North Gate where the Elite Division was stationed.
As she walked with hurried steps, she finally spotted a figure in white robes wandering through the Bamboo Forest.
It was Bu Eunseol.
“Seon Woo Dae Ju.”
Yuk Cheong Ah spoke coldly.
“The discipline of Ben Maeng has become deplorable!”
“My lord.”
“No matter how much our affiliations have changed, I am still the lord of Ben Maeng. Yet you refuse a summons on a whim?”
“As you well know, my lord, the Jeon Ju is currently in a state of great anger.”
Bu Eunseol sighed deeply before speaking.
“Should word reach his ears that you and I have met in such circumstances… it would be impossible to bear the consequences.”
Yuk Cheong Ah understood that point well.
Yet there was something she absolutely had to ask.
For she had already deduced the source of the information about Jisalseong that Yong Ban Jeon Ju had obtained.
“Why did you do it?”
Upon seeing Bu Eunseol, Yuk Cheong Ah spoke directly in a low voice.
“This was a golden opportunity.”
“I do not understand what you mean.”
“The information about Sal Gwi.”
Yuk Cheong Ah’s expression showed incomprehension.
“It was a fine opportunity. To earn Father’s trust and achieve merit.”
A woman’s intuition can be terrifying.
Without a shred of evidence, she had already concluded that I had leaked the information.
“What exactly do you want? To isolate my father? Or to join hands with Gong Son Dan Gyeong and climb even higher?”
“….”
“Why won’t you answer?”
“If I answer, will you believe me as is?”
People like Yuk Cheong Ah do not accept words at face value.
Those with keen intellect analyze and re-analyze until they can convince themselves.
Yet Yuk Cheong Ah gave an unexpected response.
“I’ll believe you. So tell me.”
I fell silent for a moment.
Then, as if I had no choice, I opened my mouth.
“I did not leak it.”
“What?”
“I said I did not leak it.”
My conscience pricked me somewhat, but strictly speaking, it was the truth.
It was Gong Son Dan Gyeong, not I, who directly leaked the information to Yong Ban Jeon.
“Then it must be the Chief.”
“….”
“Does Seon Woo Dae Ju trust her?”
Yuk Cheong Ah spoke coldly.
“She wears the face of a celestial maiden, but in truth, she drags many young people into hell. Like Baek Mu Sung, like Lord Baek.”
When I said nothing, she continued.
“It would be wise to distance yourself now. Otherwise, you too will fall into the abyss.”
“I will pretend I never heard what you just said.”
I clasped my hands together and spoke with utmost respect.
“Then.”
And I turned and left.
Yuk Cheong Ah felt a strange emotion.
I did not know how long it had been since I last encountered Seon Woo Jin after leaving Deung Mu Jeon.
In the past, she had always followed me obediently.
She was so loyal and trustworthy that she would unhesitatingly enter boiling water if I commanded it.
But in the meantime, she had changed.
Her slender, delicate frame remained the same, but her gaze had grown more solemn, and the aura emanating from her body had become sharper.
And she had become a cold person capable of coldly rejecting and turning away from my words.
“Seon Woo Dae Ju!”
Biting my lip, I cried out with an emotion I had never felt before.
And I rushed after Bu Eunseol.
Thud, thud.
But then.
As if they had been waiting, a man and woman walked toward them from the distance.
It was Gong Son Dan Gyeong and Baek Mu Sung.

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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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