The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 574

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

Chapter 574.
Yeon Ja Gang visited Tae Mu Ryong’s office at the exact same time the following day.
“To get straight to the point, he refused.”
Yeon Ja Gang spoke while moistening his parched lips with his tongue.
“Putting such a promise into writing could become a problem for the Lord later on, you see.”
If it were revealed that Seon Woo Jin had traded with Tae Mu Ryong using evidence of treason?
Even if it weren’t a grave crime, it would deal a fatal blow to Yong Myeong’s moral standing.
“Then there’s nothing to be done about it.”
Tae Mu Ryong spoke coldly.
“Let us consider this matter closed. You should focus on searching diligently for evidence.”
“Instead, we’ve decided to do this.”
Yeon Ja Gang quickly continued.
“While we cannot put it in writing, we agreed that you would meet with me privately and make the promise directly.”
“A private meeting?”
“It means that the Lord of Yong Ban Jeon will personally confirm that what No Bu said was not a lie.”
Tae Mu Ryong pondered for a moment, then nodded.
“There’s no helping it. Very well.”
“Then can you show me the evidence?”
As if resigned, Tae Mu Ryong withdrew a small wooden box from his robes.
It was the secret letter that had once come to Bu Eunseol from the Seon Hwa Trading Company.
“Do not touch it under any circumstances. Only examine it with your eyes.”
Tae Mu Ryong spoke with a grave expression.
“If I detect even the slightest hint of an attempt to steal it, I will destroy it immediately.”
This object was, from Tae Mu Ryong’s perspective, a lifeline that could save the team members.
If Yeon Ja Gang were to steal it?
The Lord of Yong Ban Jeon would have no reason to honor his promise with Tae Mu Ryong, and everything would come to nothing.
“Don’t worry. I’ll only examine it with my eyes.”
Yeon Ja Gang withdrew a transparent orb from his robes.
Holding it before his eyes, he carefully observed the letter within the box.
‘That’s it.’
Through the glass orb, the surface of the letter bore the secret mark that Yeon Ja Gang had once placed there.
“Confirmed.”
“What exactly is that?”
When Tae Mu Ryong asked, Yeon Ja Gang placed the orb back in his robes and spoke.
“It’s called a Seal Intent Pearl. When you hold it against a letter in sunlight, the paper burns in a very subtle way and leaves a mark.”
“….”
“And that mark can only be seen again through the Seal Intent Pearl.”
“Such a thing exists?”
Tae Mu Ryong’s mouth fell open.
Until now, he had never even heard of such a mysterious orb called a Seal Intent Pearl.
According to Yeon Ja Gang, even a master with exceptional senses would be unable to detect such a mark.
Wasn’t it possible to create a mark that absolutely no one could sense as strange?
“While Murim possesses many rare artifacts, I’ve never heard of such a bead before.”
“There are many precious treasures in Murim that the world knows nothing of.”
Yeon Ja Gang, as if remembering something, pointed to the letter and asked.
“But why did you keep this letter separately? When you examined it, there shouldn’t have been anything unusual about it?”
“When I received it from the Lord, the letter bore traces of the oil that Demonic Path spies use for their secret writing.”
Tae Mu Ryong spoke with a melancholic expression.
“It seems the Lord was either greatly shocked at the time or too anxious to wipe it away.”
“I see. We’ll need to examine it to know for certain.”
“You must not touch the letter under any circumstances.”
Yeon Ja Gang spoke as if to reassure him.
“Don’t worry. No Bu’s life hangs in the balance—I won’t act recklessly.”
“Very well.”
Yeon Ja Gang examined the letter in the wooden box once more with careful attention.
It was indeed the letter sent by the Seon Hwa Trading Company at that time…
And wasn’t there the distinct smell of the oil used by Demonic Path spies, just as Tae Mu Ryong had said?
“Hehehehe. Hahahaha.”
Having confirmed everything, Yeon Ja Gang burst into laughter.
“So it was true. Seon Woo Jin truly was a Demonic Path spy.”
His laughter abruptly ceased, and he gritted his teeth.
“Then No Bu’s failure back then was also that bastard’s scheming.”
“What will you do now?”
“I’ll immediately petition the Vice Alliance Leader to convene the Grand Leader Council.”
Tae Mu Ryong furrowed his brow.
“Why petition the Vice Alliance Leader for a Grand Leader Council meeting?”
“Seon Woo Jin is recognized not only by the six Lords but also by the Chief.”
Yeon Ja Gang narrowed his eyes.
“Since he’s close to the upper echelon, if I carelessly hand the evidence to Hyung Dang, they might quietly suppress it instead.”
And he spoke in an ominous tone.
“Before all the Lords gathered together. And someone of higher rank than the six Lords or the Chief must personally verify the evidence.”
The Murim Alliance flows through hierarchy and distribution.
Even if Yeon Ja Gang brought proper evidence, revealing it carelessly could result in it being suppressed.
Therefore, Yeon Ja Gang would convene the Grand Leader Council under the auspices of Vice Alliance Leader Buk Ri Seung, with all Lords in attendance.
The plan was to publicly expose Seon Woo Jin’s crimes in detail and submit the evidence there.
“Then the Yong Ban Jeon Lord will also attend?”
“How could he? The Lord will only request the meeting.”
In the end, Yong Ban Jeon Lord would not come forward.
Only if Yeon Ja Gang removed Deng Wu Dian Ju and Seon Woo Jin from power would he fulfill his promise.
“How convenient. When one holds high position, one need only command subordinates.”
When Tae Mu Ryong spoke with a sneer, Yeon Ja Gang let out a snort through his nose.
“Of course. That’s precisely why we all resort to cunning schemes to climb to positions of power.”
Yeon Ja Gang’s gaze grew distant.
“The view from above and the view from below are… vastly different, you see.”
He was a man who had risen from a lowly martial artist to the position of Lord.
Because he knew all too well the intoxicating sweetness of power that came with such elevation.
This was why he was so desperate to climb back to those heights.
“To accomplish that… it seems I must take this with me.”
Yeon Ja Gang swept his piercing gaze across Tae Mu Ryong.
“The Grand Leader Council has been convened. What if you have a change of heart? Wouldn’t Yong Jeon Ju find himself in a difficult position?”
He was no fool.
Fearing that Tae Mu Ryong might betray him at the critical moment, he intended to put a failsafe in place.
“Are you saying you’ll break your promise now?”
“Not at all. It’s merely my resolve to keep my promise.”
Yeon Ja Gang spoke.
“Honestly, there’s no trust between us, is there? If you suddenly change your mind and fail to bring this evidence to the Grand Leader Council, then not only No Bu but Yong Jeon Ju himself would be ruined.”
“….”
“Don’t worry. The evidence will be kept by No Bu instead. And I’ll have it publicly revealed when the Grand Leader Council convenes.”
Yeon Ja Gang tapped his chest as he spoke.
“This evidence is like my lifeline as much as yours. I won’t act recklessly, so trust me.”
Tae Mu Ryong pondered for a moment before speaking in a low voice.
“Then I’ll forgo a private audience with Yong Jeon Ju. Instead, won’t you write me a document certifying that you’ll honor your agreement?”
“A document?”
“Yes. After all, Yong Jeon Ju will also break his promise, just as you are now.”
Tae Mu Ryong fixed Yeon Ja Gang with a confident gaze.
“Isn’t that so?”
“You’ve finally come to understand the true nature of power.”
Yeon Ja Gang conceded readily.
“True. Even if I bring the evidence, the Lord will never keep his promise.”
He stared intently at Tae Mu Ryong before nodding.
“Very well. I’ll give you the document.”
Yeon Ja Gang produced an envelope stamped with Yong Ban Jeon Ju’s seal from his breast.
“It’s the document the Lord promised me.”
‘This cunning old fox. He’s been deceiving me all along.’
Tae Mu Ryong’s brow furrowed.
Now he realized that Yeon Ja Gang had already obtained the document from Yong Myeong.
“The envelope and the letter each bear the Lord’s seal. You take the envelope.”
“That alone won’t suffice. Instead, won’t you write a line of agreement on the envelope itself?”
“You’re quite suspicious.”
“Isn’t that what you taught me?”
“There’s no helping it.”
Yeon Ja Gang offered a wry smile.
“No Bu is no longer a figure of consequence, so I must earn trust through such means.”
He then used the brush and ink on the table to write out a certificate on an envelope.
Yet even there, no mention of Yong Ban Jeon appeared.
He was determined to leave no evidence whatsoever regarding Yong Ban Jeon.
“Is this sufficient?”
“It is excellent.”
Tae Mu Ryong, drawing a deep breath, extended the wooden box he had been holding.
“Please take it.”
“A wise decision.”
As Yeon Ja Gang accepted the wooden box, Tae Mu Ryong spoke.
“That object is as vital as our very lifeline, so you must safeguard it with utmost care.”
“Rest assured. Until the day the council convenes, I shall reveal it to no one—not even Yong Jeon Ju himself. I will not let it leave my person for a single moment.”
“I trust you.”
As Tae Mu Ryong nodded, Yeon Ja Gang smiled and shrugged his shoulders.
“Then let us begin our work.”
Yeon Ja Gang was a sinister man, yet one who honored his promises without fail.
He met with Yong Myeong, the Lord of Yong Ban Jeon, and informed him that evidence had been secured, allowing him to verify it with his own eyes.
Truly, only with his eyes.
―Certain indeed.
Yong Myeong was quite satisfied, and requested that the evidence be given to him, but Yeon Ja Gang refused.
He too did not trust Yong Myeong completely.
As Tae Mu Ryong had said, this evidence alone was their lifeline.
―To ensure our agreement is honored, this is an object I cannot possibly surrender. I humbly beseech your lordship’s understanding and magnanimity.
Yong Myeong was inwardly displeased, yet unwilling to squander this opportunity, he suppressed his anger and nodded reluctantly.
―I shall immediately petition the Deputy Alliance Leader to convene the Grand Leader Council.
Once Yeon Ja Gang had secured the evidence, Yong Myeong promptly met privately with the Deputy Alliance Leader, Buk Ri Seung.
And he relayed the matter that Yeon Ja Gang had entrusted to him.
“Through an acquaintance, I met with him privately, and he brought forth such evidence. I could scarcely believe it at first… yet the evidence was irrefutable.”
Yong Myeong emphasized that he was proceeding with this matter at Yeon Ja Gang’s request.
Should anything go awry, it was to distance himself from any involvement.
“If that is true, would not even the Ten Elders Council be insufficient to deliberate on punishment?”
Buk Ri Seung opened his mouth with a somewhat bewildered expression.
“It hardly seems a matter requiring the Grand Leader Council.”
When Buk Ri Seung showed skepticism, Yong Myeong sought to persuade him.
“Does not Seon Woo Dae Ju command considerable trust not only from the Six Lords, but also from Gong Son Chong Sa, who could be called the leadership of the Murim Alliance itself?”
And he continued with a troubled expression.
“A disciplinary council for his punishment would be difficult to conduct through the Ten Elders Council presided over by Hyung Dang Ju.”
“Hmm.”
“If the Alliance Leader doesn’t take charge, there’s a chance Chief Gong Son Chong Sa might preside over the Grand Leader Council.”
Buk Ri Seung furrowed his brow.
“But do you truly have solid evidence? Do you actually possess physical proof to punish Seon Woo Dae Ju?”
“Yes, I confirmed it clearly with my own eyes.”
When Yong Myeong answered firmly, Buk Ri Seung sighed heavily and nodded.
“There’s no helping it then. I understand.”
Five days later, the Grand Leader Council convened under Buk Ri Seung’s direction.
The matter concerned rooting out spies within the Murim Alliance.
Murmur, murmur.
The Jeong Ui Gak Grand Conference Hall was filled with all the Lords of the Murim Alliance.
This Grand Leader Council had been called together with unusual haste.
Since they’d only heard it concerned rooting out spies, the atmosphere in the conference hall was somewhat grim.
The Lords spoke continuously in hushed tones with those around them.
“Let us begin the council.”
Buk Ri Seung, surveying the Lords, spoke coldly.
“Evidence has been discovered that a figure considered a pillar of our Alliance is a spy for the Demonic Path.”
Murmur, murmur.
At Buk Ri Seung’s unexpected words, the conference hall erupted in commotion.
“This Grand Leader Council is a disciplinary meeting to examine that evidence and discuss punishment.”
At Buk Ri Seung’s words, silence fell over the conference hall like cold water had been poured over it.
The existence of spies for the Demonic Path or agents connected to outside forces within the Alliance was hardly a secret.
Though unknown to the outside world, even Hwa Mil Won Ju, who oversaw the establishment of the Alliance’s rules,
had been revealed to be a spy by Jong Jeong Yak, the Jip Beop So Ryeong.
“If there’s certain evidence of a Demonic Path spy, wouldn’t it suffice for Hyung Dang to handle the punishment?”
Nak Seung Cheon, a Lord sitting near Buk Ri Seung, tilted his head in confusion.
“Why hold a Grand Leader Council when evidence already exists?”
“I shall explain that.”
At that moment, a figure who had been standing respectfully in the corner of the conference hall stepped forward.
It was Yeon Ja Gang.
“You are…”
Nak Seung Cheon’s expression turned uncomfortable.
“Yeon… what brings you here?”
Though he had now stepped down from his position and become a servant of Cheong Ryeong Gak, he had originally been the Lord of the Wei Long Party under Deungmu Hall.
Meeting face to face in this place again, it was ambiguous whether to call him Lord or servant.
“The person suspected of being a spy enjoys the trust of high-ranking figures.”
Yeon Ja Gang spoke respectfully, unbothered by Nak Seung Cheon’s uncomfortable gaze.
“If evidence were sent directly to Hyung Dang, there is a high possibility the matter would be covered up.”
“Trust of high-ranking figures?”
“Yes. That is why we have requested this Grand Leader Council.”
“Who exactly is this spy?”
At Nak Seung Cheon’s question, Yeon Ja Gang replied flatly.
“The Lord of the Elite Division, Seon Woo Jin.”
In that instant, the conference hall erupted into murmurs.
Seon Woo Jin was the most outstanding rising talent currently active within the Murim Alliance.
Such a figure was a spy for the Demonic Path?
Moreover, wasn’t he someone who had undergone rigorous verification from numerous senior members when he ascended to First-Rank Lord?
“If it is indeed Lord Seon Woo, then… that would certainly warrant convening the Grand Leader Council.”
The lords nodded at Nak Seung Cheon’s words.
Not only did he receive the favor of the Deng Wu Jeon Ju, but rumors had circulated multiple times that he shared a close bond with Chief Gong Son Chong Sa.
If he were truly a spy?
There existed a possibility that she, holding the position of Chief, could suppress it.
Only by convening such a Grand Leader Council could they discuss fair punishment.
“Yeon Seo In.”
At that moment, Buk Ri Seung questioned Yeon Ja Gang.
“Have you brought evidence that Lord Seon Woo is a spy?”
“Of course.”
Yeon Ja Gang withdrew a wooden box from his robes.
It was the wooden box containing the secret documents that Tae Mu Ryong had delivered to him.
To successfully conclude this Grand Leader Council, he had not separated it from his body for even a single day.
In fact, he had shown it to Yong Myeong only once.
“Within this box lies evidence of Lord Seon Woo’s communications with members of the Demonic Path.”
Yeon Ja Gang respectfully presented the wooden box to Buk Ri Seung.
“Please examine it directly.”
Buk Ri Seung opened the wooden box with a composed expression.
After examining its contents for some time, his brow furrowed deeply.
“What exactly am I supposed to verify?”
“The documents bear traces of premium ivy oil, which Demonic Path spies use when writing in cipher.”
“Oil?”
“Indeed.”
Buk Ri Seung, scrutinizing the wooden box intently, furrowed his brow once more.
“Yeon Seo In. Can you detect the oily residue on these documents?”
“What do you mean by that?”
“See for yourself.”
Buk Ri Seung extended the wooden box again and spoke.
“What exactly am I supposed to verify here?”
Upon receiving the wooden box, Yeon Ja Gang’s eyes widened.
The documents that had been perfectly intact just yesterday had nearly decomposed into nothing.
“No, this should certainly…”
As Yeon Ja Gang fumbled to examine the documents, he finally realized something was amiss with the wooden box’s material.
Ordinary wooden boxes were simply made of wood.
Yet the interior of this wooden chest was not made of metal, was it?
‘Surely not.’
A disturbing thought flashed through his mind.
That Tae Mu Ryong had deliberately chosen such a wooden chest.
Could it be that he had constructed some mechanism to destroy the documents at a predetermined time? The realization struck him like lightning.
‘To create a trap from which there was absolutely no escape?’
At that moment, Buk Ri Seung spoke in a solemn voice.
“Yeon Ja Gang. How do you explain this?”
“That is… this is a conspiracy.”
Yeon Ja Gang explained desperately.
“Look at the residue remaining in the chest. The documents were clearly dissolved by a special chemical. Why would I lie in such a council?”
“Yeon Ja Gang. This is not a place to debate whether you are lying or telling the truth.”
Buk Ri Seung’s expression grew even more grave.
“Have you forgotten what kind of gathering this is?”
Only then did Yeon Ja Gang’s mind snap into focus.
This was a disciplinary council where all the Lords of the Alliance had gathered to examine evidence and determine its authenticity.
If there was no evidence at all?
Even if the Alliance Leader had issued the command, there would be no grounds for punishment.
“Pardon the intrusion.”
A woman dressed in deep indigo martial robes slowly entered the conference hall.
Her appearance was exquisitely beautiful, yet her eyes held a cool and piercing sharpness.
Once the Jip Beop So Ryeong, she had recently become the Vice Lord of Hyung Dang—Jong Jeong Yak.
“What is the matter?”
“This is a confession document from the Vice Commander of the Elite Division, admitting to his crimes.”
“A confession document?”
“Yes. He requested that this be delivered before the disciplinary council began.”
Buk Ri Seung’s expression turned strange.
A confession from the Vice Commander of the Elite Division? What in the world was happening?
“This is…”
As Buk Ri Seung read the document, his eyes grew wider and wider.
“Yeon Ja Gang.”
Buk Ri Seung set down the document and spoke with utmost gravity.
“Did you deliberately fabricate such evidence to bring down Seon Woo Dae Ju? By coercing and threatening the Vice Commander of the Elite Division?”
“What do you mean by that?”
“Look here.”
Buk Ri Seung handed the document that Jong Jeong Yak had brought to Yeon Ja Gang.
As Yeon Ja Gang read through it, cold sweat began pouring down his face like rain.
―…Unable to refuse the words of the former Lord Yeon Ja Gang, I fabricated such evidence to align with his account.
However, I could not bring myself to falsely accuse the Lord who has genuinely cared for me and the Team Members, so I am making this confession to set the record straight, however belatedly…
Yeon Ja Gang rubbed his eyes.
Moreover, at the end of the official report, there’s even a note suggesting that Yeon Ja Gang must have received orders from someone above him.
Doesn’t it explicitly request that this matter be investigated?
‘Tae Mu Ryong!’
Only then did Yeon Ja Gang realize he had been deceived, his eyes widening in shock.
‘Is he truly willing to shoulder all the blame alone?’
Despite knowing that Seon Woo Jin was a spy for the Demon Palace, Tae Mu Ryong was taking all the blame upon himself?
Why would he offer such loyalty to a spy of the Demonic Path?
“Based on this official report, I propose we immediately arrest Seo In, a member of Qing Ling Pavilion, and conduct a thorough investigation.”
At Jong Jeong Yak’s request, Buk Ri Seung nodded in agreement.
“Indeed, conduct a rigorous investigation.”
“Understood.”
He then ordered his subordinates to apprehend Yeon Ja Gang.
“This is unjust! This is Tae Mu Ryong’s scheme!”
“If you have grievances, they will all be revealed during the trial at Hyung Dang.”
Meeting Buk Ri Seung’s stern gaze, Yeon Ja Gang lowered his head.
There was nothing he could do now.
The more he protested, the worse an impression he would leave.
“…I understand.”
Yeon Ja Gang was ultimately dragged away by the warriors of Hyung Dang, his head bowed in defeat.

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