The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 580
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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 580.
‘Quite distinctive. And talented too.’
Bu Eunseol nodded as she observed the iridescent blade energy pouring down like mist.
The Blood Flame Sect techniques that Do Yong Rin wielded differed markedly from those of the Blood-Dyed Sword School’s disciples, including Do Cheon Rin.
‘Already modifying it to suit his own preferences.’
Remarkably, he had already refined the Blood Flame Sect techniques considerably to match his personal style.
Crash!
The blade energy pouring down like mist had already reduced the stone and trees where Bu Eunseol stood to dust.
But her form had already retreated three paces to the side.
Whoosh!
Yet as if he had already predicted her evasion.
The blade energy that had scattered like mist reformed into sharp blades that cut toward Bu Eunseol’s throat.
‘Indeed.’
Bu Eunseol nodded as she observed the relentless cascade of blade energy.
She had wondered why someone like Do Mu Jeok had granted Do Yong Rin the position of Vice Lord.
Even if not now, with effort he possessed talent sufficient to eventually inherit the position of Lord.
Truly exceptional potential.
‘But talent alone.’
Do Yong Rin possessed an impatient temperament and a strong individuality. Rather than mastering the Blood Flame Sect techniques to the perfection of the Team Members.
He chose instead to modify them to suit his own nature, thereby increasing the subtlety and power of the techniques through that approach.
While this allowed for rapid advancement, from a long-term perspective it was merely a shortcut that could lead to stagnation.
Shhhhh.
The unleashed blade strikes engulfed Bu Eunseol like a massive wave.
When the Blood Flame Sect techniques reach their peak, a crimson rainbow unfolds, and it is said that one’s head falls without understanding why.
Do Yong Rin had indeed grasped the essence of the Blood Flame Sect to a considerable degree, but unfortunately his opponent was Bu Eunseol.
“Hah!”
At that moment, having spotted a flaw in Bu Eunseol’s stance, Do Yong Rin unleashed the opening move of White Rainbow Pierces the Sun with a shout.
Sharp blade energy then poured forth like arrows, precisely piercing toward Bu Eunseol’s throat.
Or rather, it should have pierced through.
Thunk.
Suddenly the opening move of White Rainbow Pierces the Sun halted in mid-air.
Do Yong Rin’s sharp blade had stopped, caught between Bu Eunseol’s index and middle fingers.
“How… how is this possible.”
Do Yong Rin’s expression became as if he had seen a ghost.
His Blood Flame Blade was forged from Earthly Profound Iron, its sharpness surpassing even divine weapons.
Moreover, the opening move of White Rainbow Pierces the Sun was an ultimate technique containing blade energy sharp enough to split even Mount Tai in an instant.
Yet to catch that technique between her index and middle fingers while it was being unleashed, halting it entirely?
‘Am I truly seeing a ghost?’
As Do Yong Rin broke into a cold sweat,
“Scribbling rainbows haphazardly does not make it the Blood Flame Sect technique.”
Ting!
As Bu Eunseol flicked the Blood Flame Sword away with her middle finger, Do Yong Rin stumbled backward, his palm screaming with pain as if it might tear apart.
“I urge you once more—undertake three years of closed-door cultivation first. Only then venture into Gangho and test yourself against the strong to hone your practical instincts.”
Bu Eunseol spoke with an expression of utmost gravity.
“If you remain satisfied at this level… the Blood-Dyed Sword School will inevitably slip to the lowest ranks of the Ten Demonic Gates.”
Crack! Crash!
Rather than answer, Do Yong Rin shattered the blade of the Blood Flame Sword he held in his grip.
Without this act, he felt his shattered pride could never be restored.
“I have learned well.”
And without looking back, he turned to leave.
The disciples of the Demonic Path who had been standing nearby then slowly vanished alongside him.
Sigh.
Bu Eunseol gazed toward the distant sky and exhaled deeply.
“How was it?”
She spoke in a low voice.
“Will this satisfy you?”
Whoosh.
A figure clad in black martial robes descended slowly before Bu Eunseol from the shadows.
Between strands of flowing long hair appeared a sharp nose and elongated eyes—a peerless beauty.
Yet a certain melancholy clung to him, lending his presence an air of coldness and sardonic detachment.
It was Do Cheon Rin.
“How shameful.”
He had been hidden in the trees all along, watching Bu Eunseol and Do Yong Rin continuously.
Bu Eunseol had sensed his presence, which was why she had deigned to face Do Yong Rin.
“All those arrogant frogs from the Main House come flocking before the Muk Hon Ryeong Ju.”
As Do Cheon Rin sighed with a look of despair, Bu Eunseol shook her head.
“The talents of the Blood-Dyed Sword School possess genuine ability, yet they seem to bloom rather late overall.”
It was sincere praise.
Both Do Cheon Rin and Do Yong Rin.
In my eyes, they possessed exceptional qualifications.
Only that possessing so much talent requires considerable time to fully cultivate.
“That is merely another way of saying they fall short.”
Do Cheon Rin wore a bitter smile.
“Compared to talent like yours.”
In truth, Bu Eunseol’s case could not be judged by martial talent alone.
Through Bu Chanyang’s instruction.
She had become intimately versed not only in the human body, but possessed insight transcending age itself.
And she carried diverse knowledge as though she had wandered Murim for centuries.
When combined with her terrifying resolve and relentless effort, such a monster was born.
Yet Do Cheon Rin, ignorant of these facts, simply believed Bu Eunseol possessed formidable natural talent.
“But what brings you all the way here?”
The moment Bu Eunseol redirected the conversation, Do Cheon Rin shrugged his shoulders.
“First, I was worried that foolish bastard might lose his head for being insolent to you….”
Do Cheon Rin spoke with an awkward expression.
“Second, the situation at Jeok Cheon Mak Ji seems extremely dire.”
“Jeok Cheon Mak Ji?”
“Yes. Haven’t you heard?”
“I haven’t.”
“Come to think of it… I don’t see them around. Did you send all the intelligence operatives on leave?”
In fact, the members of Sa Hon Dae, including So Yo, seemed to have discerned Bu Eunseol’s turbulent state of mind.
Rather than hovering around his aimlessly wandering figure, they kept their distance at all times.
“Unless it’s information significant enough to overturn the balance of Gangho, I cut it off at the level of Yu Woon Ryong and Wi Cheon Gyeong.”
Bu Eunseol spoke matter-of-factly.
“There’s no way news from the Wanderer Market, like Jeok Cheon Mak Ji, would reach me.”
“I see.”
Do Cheon Rin, clearing his throat, spoke with a bitter expression.
“Ever since Jeong Cheon, who was the lord of Hoengkongbu, disappeared, Jeok Cheon Mak Ji has been constantly harassed by external forces. Those seeking to swallow Jeok Cheon Mak Ji whole.”
Jeok Cheon Mak Ji had long been rooted as the premier Wanderer Market of Seomseong.
Especially in this era, Jeok Cheon Mak Ji, managed by Dam Yoo Yeon, had become beloved by many wanderers thanks to its affordable brokerage fees and remarkably reduced information rates.
A market cherished by countless wanderers.
But after Jeong Cheon, the vice lord of Hoengkongbu who managed and tested elite wanderers, disappeared, Jeok Cheon Mak Ji fell into dire straits.
When Jeong Cheon vanished, the Pal Geum Ki—the pillar and greatest strength of Jeok Cheon Mak Ji—departed entirely.
The leaders of Pal Geum Ki had all been defeated by Jeong Cheon and served him with unwavering loyalty in return.
But when Jeong Cheon disappeared, they left Jeok Cheon Mak Ji without hesitation.
As the world’s logic dictates, where profit lies, power is needed.
Otherwise, one is devoured by forces seeking gain.
The reason even a modest establishment like Jeok Cheon Mak Ji employs Black Gang forces to back them is precisely this.
Jeok Cheon Mak Ji, too, was protected from external invasion precisely because Jeong Cheon was there to defend it with his exceptional martial prowess.
But now that he has vanished, multiple factions are deliberately targeting Jeok Cheon Mak Ji.
“It’s nothing new. Such things have been happening all along.”
“But this time is different, or so I hear.”
Do Cheon Rin spoke in a low voice.
“The lord of Hwa Geum Party, under the Huk Ki Hoe, is targeting her.”
Huk Ki Hoe.
A coalition of the Huk Do Sect formed to establish a black heaven under heaven.
However, the Huk Do faction itself was closely connected to the Merchant Realm, and was being suppressed by the momentum of the Murim Alliance and Demon Hall, unable to undertake significant activities.
But an unexpected situation emerged.
Bu Eunseol, the successor of Demon Hall, not only weakened the forces of Hell Blood Sect, White Horse Sect, and Saryeong School.
She even shattered the financial lifeline of Hwawoo Sword Sect, which had controlled commercial interests across Zhong Yuan.
It even destroyed the financial lifeline of the Hwawoo Sword Sect, which had been controlling commerce throughout various regions of Zhong Yuan.
The Huk Ki Hoe seized that opportunity and expanded its power relentlessly.
In mere moments, it absorbed not only countless Huk Do Sect branches but also orthodox sects scattered throughout the region.
As their influence grew, what they needed was a steady financial foundation. The Huk Ki Hoe pursued anything that could generate wealth.
It was then that Dam Woong, the leader of the Hwa Geum Party under the Huk Ki Hoe, suddenly established a small Wanderer Market in the Seomseong region.
But it was merely called a Wanderer Market—unable to secure proper land, he constructed something like a mountain fortress at the base of a hill.
That was all there was to it, which he named Poong Woo Ji.
Regardless, having become the master of Poong Woo Ji, rather than expanding the Wanderer Market itself,
he began visiting Jeok Cheon Mak Ji, Seomseong’s largest Wanderer Market, and shamelessly pestering Dam Yoo Yeon at every opportunity.
“So?”
“So what do you mean? I heard you also owe a considerable debt to them.”
“I’ve repaid it all.”
Bu Eunseol spoke with firm resolve.
“There is no debt between them and me anymore.”
“How can anyone live calculating only profit and loss?”
“That’s how it is. In Gangho.”
“Because Gangho is that way, you’ll live that way too?”
“I will.”
As Bu Eunseol spoke with conviction, Do Cheon Rin nodded as if he had nothing more to say.
“I understand what you mean.”
Without hesitation, he turned his body away.
“Then I’ll take my leave.”
Whoosh.
In an instant, he deployed his lightness technique and vanished into the distant sky.
Bu Eunseol watched Do Cheon Rin’s departing figure and sighed.
‘He’s going to her.’
I had known it all along.
That Do Cheon Rin and Dam Yoo Yeon held affection for each other.
And now that Dam Yoo Yeon had fallen into difficulty, Do Cheon Rin unhesitatingly rushed to aid her.
“They say that when one falls in love, their eyes and ears go blind.”
Recalling words once spoken by Baek Mu Sung, Bu Eunseol muttered bitterly.
“But this matter… I absolutely cannot involve myself. Do Cheon Rin.”
Seomseong was a region where Orthodox Sect influence dominated, and they greatly feared the encroachment of Demonic Path forces.
Moreover, Jeok Cheon Mak Ji was a Wanderer Market unaffiliated with any orthodox sect.
No matter what others might do, Bu Eunseol could never involve herself in such a conflict.
Yet Do Cheon Rin departed without even considering such circumstances, leaving a disappointed expression with Bu Eunseol.
“Even if heaven and earth were to crumble in a situation like this,”
Though I speak thus, a smile played across my lips.
After gazing for some time at where Do Cheon Rin had vanished, I slowly turned my body.
Jeok Cheon Mak Ji, Su Gyeong Jeon.
Dam Yoo Yeon, who had been writing letters for quite some time, paused her brush momentarily.
Then, suddenly, her gaze fell upon the stack of betrothal letters piled on one corner of the table, and her brow furrowed.
They were all marriage proposals.
“Sigh.”
Dam Yoo Yeon exhaled deeply.
Ever since Jeong Cheon’s departure, she had received countless marriage proposals from various suitors.
Their intentions were transparently singular.
They sought only to swallow Jeok Cheon Mak Ji through matrimonial bonds.
Thanks to its reasonable finder’s fees and information rates, coupled with swift service, Jeok Cheon Mak Ji had become a haven for capable wanderers.
Wealthy merchants and trading guilds traversing Sae Oe equally favored Jeok Cheon Mak Ji for its concentration of exceptional talent.
But with Jeong Cheon gone, should they acquire Dam Yoo Yeon…
They could seize Jeok Cheon Mak Ji in one fell swoop—an organization whose annual revenues were said to be astronomical.
Knock, knock, knock.
At that moment, Si Bi’s voice came from beyond the door.
“Lord. The Master of Poong Woo Ji requests your presence.”
‘Him again?’
Dam Yoo Yeon felt a dull throb in her temples.
Most suitors merely left their betrothal letters and departed, yet Dam Woong returned with nauseating persistence.
‘I cannot simply turn him away—Huk Ki Hoe’s reputation is at stake.’
Dam Woong had merely created the sham Wanderer Market called Poong Woo Ji; he remained a key figure in Huk Ki Hoe, the Black Alliance’s Hwa Geum Party Leader.
He was a person of considerable importance, managing and controlling Huk Ki Hoe’s vast financial resources.
In truth, his objective was not marriage but to devour Jeok Cheon Mak Ji’s immense wealth.
‘And he even suggested becoming my third concubine.’
Swallowing her irritation, Dam Yoo Yeon spoke.
“I am occupied at present. Please schedule another appointment for later.”
“Haha. You are too much.”
But then the door burst open, and a man in ornate silk robes entered with a smile.
His features were reasonably handsome.
Yet his eyes were slitted long and narrow, his lips stained crimson—the very visage of a scheming villain.
It was Dam Woong, Hwa Geum Party Leader of Huk Ki Hoe and Master of Poong Woo Ji.
“Surely there is no harm in a brief visit? Why must you be so cold?”
At Dam Woong’s audacity, Dam Yoo Yeon’s expression grew even colder.
“I made my refusal clear.”
“But who can predict the threads of human fate?”
Dam Woong approached with a smile.
“I merely hope you will open your heart and treat me with less coldness.”
She wanted nothing more than to sever that treacherous face from his shoulders.
Yet even if she mobilized every wanderer under Jeok Cheon Mak Ji’s command, her opponent was the Black Alliance—having already absorbed thirteen sects.
He was an adversary she could not afford to provoke.
“I will say this once more.”
Dam Yoo Yeon spoke with unwavering resolve.
“I must decline your proposal to become a concubine. And I would prefer it if you did not visit again.”
“Hahahaha.”
Despite her glacial response—as if a blade-sharp wind had swept through the room—Dam Woong laughed heartily.
“You keep spouting such childish nonsense, Miss Dam.”
Dam Woong’s expression hardened, his eyes widening as he spoke in an icy tone.
“Will you truly reject the wine of honor and drink the wine of punishment instead?”
“….”
“Or have you forgotten which organization I lead?”
Dam Woong exhaled sharply through his nose.
“Even if the Pal Geum Ki that the Hoengkongbu Lord once commanded still stood strong, this organization would remain beyond your reach. Surely you don’t intend to gather a rabble of wanderers and wage war?”
He added one more thing.
“And you know full well that Gwan Bu will not intervene.”
The Huk Do members would throw themselves at anything for profit without hesitation.
Because of this, they maintained close ties with Gwan Bu and regularly fed them bribes.
Moreover, Dam Woong’s current position was that of Lord of the Wanderer Market.
Though it was merely a pretext, if conflict erupted, it would be framed as an internal power struggle within the Wanderer Market, preventing outside forces from intervening.
And Gwan Bu would likely prefer that the Huk Ki Hoe—which lavished them with bribes—swallow Jeok Cheon Mak Ji.
“If you refuse the marriage proposal, there are other methods.”
Dam Woong spoke in a subtle tone.
“I hear that you personally manage all the funds of Jeok Cheon Mak Ji, and that there exists a secret ledger containing those hidden reserves.”
“You would plunder it without laying a finger on me?”
“If I did, I would slaughter every member of Jeok Cheon Mak Ji. Surely this is the better option?”
Dam Woong spoke in an almost affectionate voice.
“What good would it do if innocent wanderers died and Jeok Cheon Mak Ji fell? If you simply hand over the secret ledger, I will manage Jeok Cheon Mak Ji well myself. And I will set aside a certain portion of the profits for you.”
When Dam Yoo Yeon said nothing, Dam Woong spoke again.
“By the way, our Lord is not particularly patient.”
Dam Woong, who had been staring intently at her face, moistened his lips with his tongue.
“All those who have rejected this organization’s proposals now lead miserable lives, and the women have all become mere playthings of the streets.”
“Is this a threat?”
“Your anger makes you all the more beautiful.”
Dam Woong wore a sly smile.
“It is precisely because Miss Dam possesses a fair countenance that I have extended this proposal. Our Lord does not offer concubinage to just anyone.”
“I refuse.”
“How unfortunate.”
Dam Woong’s lips curved upward.
“Since I cannot delay any longer, I have no choice but to dispatch my forces.”
Dam Woong had created Poong Woo Ji to disguise the conflict with Jeok Cheon Mak Ji as an internal power struggle within the Wanderer Market.
Though they appeared to be wanderers of Poong Woo Ji on the surface, it was obvious that he would send the full might of the Huk Ki Hoe.
Dam Woong spoke coldly.
“Soon, Jeok Cheon Mak Ji will need to change its signboard.”
“I hear the leader of the Black Qi Society is someone who does not tolerate failure.”
Dam Yoo Yeon countered without backing down.
“If you overreach in pursuit of merit and suffer massive casualties, wouldn’t your head be the next to roll?”
“Hahaha.”
Dam Woong burst into bright laughter, then nodded and spoke.
“Lady Dam. I advise you once more—it would be wise to pack your belongings and leave now.”
Click.
He departed with a contemptuous smile playing at his lips.
War.
From this moment forward, I would have to wage war against the Black Qi Society of the Black Demonic Alliance.
“Lord. It is Gu O.”
A low voice called from beyond the door—Gu O, her trusted subordinate.
“Enter.”
Gu O stepped carefully into the office and spoke with measured gravity.
“Lord. War with the Black Qi Society cannot happen.”
Having overheard everything outside, Gu O spoke with earnest conviction.
“You may be called the Lord of Poong Woo Ji, but he is the leader of the Hwa Geum Party of the Black Qi Society. Moreover, since Jeong Cheon departed as Vice Lord… the forces under this branch consist of little more than the Man Cheon Bu and Shin Haeng Dae, do they not?”
The Man Cheon Bu, which maintains order within Jeok Cheon Mak Ji, numbers eighty martial artists. The Shin Haeng Dae, which handles various operations, consists of merely a hundred or so.
In short, fewer than two hundred soldiers are stationed under Jeok Cheon Mak Ji. There is no way to stand against the Black Qi Society.
“I will hire ronin to fill the gaps.”
“It will be useless. Even if we fight the Black Qi Society, defeat is certain. How many ronin would risk their lives in a battle already lost?”
“Raise the payment.”
Dam Yoo Yeon spoke calmly.
“For this battle, elite ronin will receive twenty times their normal fee, high-tier ronin ten times, and even common ronin more than five times the standard rate.”
“Lord.”
“Execute it as I have said.”
“…Understood.”
Though Gu O answered, her expression remained dark.
No matter how generous the compensation, ronin remained ronin.
There were none who would risk their lives in a battle whose defeat was already predetermined.
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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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