The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 588

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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 588.
Whoooosh!
Bu Eunseol, who had been rushing forward at breakneck speed, came to a halt near a nameless cliff deep within the mountains.
‘I was not the only one walking a new path.’
This battle with Baek Ri Mu Jo had delivered a profound shock.
He, like me, was not bound by the Extreme Heaven Realm or the Limitless Realm, but was instead pioneering an entirely new martial philosophy.
His swordsmanship too had formed a unique school that could not be found anywhere in Murim.
Even more striking—unlike me, who still could not define my martial power by any conventional stage, Baek Ri Mu Jo had clearly already discovered his precise path.
‘So that’s why he was so obsessed with harmony.’
I had observed Baek Ri Mu Jo’s office in Seongwi-gak.
I had discerned that he was cultivating martial arts even in his daily life, and that he applied those principles to the arrangement of his furnishings.
Through that very arrangement, he had grasped the concept of harmony.
At that time, my body harbored multiple conflicting forces, and they were destroying me from within.
According to martial theory, it was impossible to layer two or more forces simultaneously.
Yet, thanks to comprehending the concept of harmony, I was able to align those forces I had thought impossible to reconcile.
Which meant that Baek Ri Mu Jo as well.
He too must have multiple conflicting forces within his body, and he had clearly researched this very concept to resolve them.
‘His appearance is so deceptive. His, and the Murim Alliance’s.’
If the Demon Hall was a place where demons snarled and clawed at one another for supremacy,
then the Murim Alliance was a place where immortal-like figures smiled while driving daggers into each other’s backs.
To survive here, one must never reveal one’s true nature.
And one must conceal at least three-tenths of one’s true power.
‘Especially that final move was truly shocking.’
The supreme sword technique Baek Ri Mu Jo had unleashed at the end.
It was an absolute sword art that could not be evaded—pure despair itself.
Had I not escaped the range of his power using Sword Strength, had I not escaped the range of his supreme technique using Thunder Divine Qi,
I would surely have suffered a fatal wound and been forced to retreat in defeat.
‘Could the other Lords be the same?’
When I had seen the Seven Lords gathered on the platform in the past, the aura they emanated was not so different from Baek Ri Dan Ju’s,
and each possessed a distinctly individual presence.
‘No, that cannot be.’
I shook my head immediately.
If they had all reached the same martial power as Baek Ri Mu Jo,
the Murim Alliance would have already destroyed the Demon Hall and established righteous dominion over all Tianxia.
Even Mu Cheon Danjoo, Jo Cheon Wang, had gained the upper hand only through his unique technique of Perfect Timing and his vast combat experience.
Was the difference in martial power not extremely marginal?
Judging by that alone, Baek Ri Mu Jo’s martial power alone was undoubtedly the crane among chickens. The other Lords could not come close to him.
Which meant, in the end, the probability that he was the assassin who had ambushed my grandfather was extremely high.
‘I will know soon enough.’
Once I become a Lord, I will gain immense authority, and I will be able to investigate the hidden deeds of the Seven Lords in meticulous detail.
I’ll be able to identify who Hyung Su was when he came looking for grandfather back then.
‘I must be most wary of Baek Ri Dan Ju from now on.’
I had only regarded him as a likable figure.
But now that I’ve learned his true nature, he has become the person I must guard against most carefully.
‘I should return to the Murim Alliance.’
It was time for all the team members of the Elite Division to return after completing their leave.
We had experienced so much during this period.
For a while, I intended to stay at the Murim Alliance with the Elite Division members rather than at the Demon Palace.
Bu Eunseol, who had been gazing at the distant sky, headed toward Hanam.
After immediately exchanging identities with Seo Jin Ha and returning to the Murim Alliance, Bu Eunseol
did not proceed with other duties, but instead obtained and read dossiers containing information about the team members.
Like the martial artists of the Sayeong Hall, I began to understand their personal circumstances.
‘I see.’
All the team members, starting with Tae Mu Ryong, were orphans.
They, who had lived in this desolate world with nowhere to rely on, were fortunate enough to learn martial arts and become warriors.
But the sect they belonged to was far too insufficient to embrace them.
In the end, the place they chose last was the Murim Alliance.
And the place they decided would be their lifelong home was none other than the Elite Division.
‘They needed a family too.’
After losing grandfather, the place Bu Eunseol chose as family was the Nangya Sect.
The Nangya Sect did not embrace me. Rather, it taught me how to stand alone.
That is why Bu Eunseol acknowledged the Nangya Sect as home.
For that is what family truly is.
And the team members as well.
They regarded Bu Eunseol, who sought to give them the ability to be self-reliant, as family.
‘They must have felt disappointed all this time.’
Because I was someone who had to leave.
I had kept my distance, consistently ignoring their loyalty.
But now that I understand everything, from this point forward I can open my heart and live with them.
Like the martial artists of the Sayeong Hall.
Knock, knock.
At that moment, the sound of knocking on the door came, followed by Jeong Jong Do’s low voice.
“Lord, a martial artist from the Sungwi Unit requests an audience with you.”
‘The Sungwi Unit?’
A sudden ominous premonition arose.
Why would someone from Seongwi-gak suddenly come looking for me?
‘Could it be… they’ve recognized me?’
That was impossible.
My disguise was flawless, and my mental barrier was perfect.
Even if Baek Ri Mu Jo were a master far superior to expectations, he could not see through my true form.
“Show them in.”
At Bu Eunseol’s command, a man who appeared to be in his thirties with sharp, piercing eyes entered and clasped his hands respectfully.
“I am Sang Geon Myeong, Lord of the Guncheon-dae unit under the Sungwi Unit.”
Since the Guncheon-dae was a second-tier division, he spoke to Bu Eunseol with formal deference.
“What is the matter?”
“The Danjoo has summoned you, Lord.”
“The Danjoo?”
An ominous premonition washed over Bu Eunseol.
It was unusual for someone of Baek Ri Dan Ju’s stature to summon anyone in secret.
Moreover, wasn’t I affiliated with Deungmu Hall?
“Is it now?”
“Yes, Lord.”
Bu Eunseol set down the brush I had been holding and rose from my seat with reluctance.
“Very well. Lead the way.”
Leaving Jeol Jeong Gak, I followed Sang Geon Myeong’s guidance through the corridors.
After walking for some time, I sensed something amiss and glanced around.
“This doesn’t appear to be the path to Seongwi-gak.”
“The Danjoo has summoned you to Cheonbyeong-gak.”
“Cheonbyeong-gak?”
My expression shifted with confusion.
Cheonbyeong-gak was where the Murim Alliance stored weapons and developed new armaments.
Why would I be summoned to such a heavily secured location, surrounded on all sides and lined with countless weapons?
Upon entering deeper into Cheonbyeong-gak, I beheld a grand warehouse alongside various weapons displayed in orderly rows.
However, what lay at the entrance were not the truly valuable arms.
The precious weapons were kept in secret chambers deeper within.
Passing through another door, I found myself in a vast space resembling a martial arts arena.
It was a place where stored weapons could be tested and demonstrated.
A narrow corridor branched off beside the arena, and at its end stood a small door that appeared to be an office.
“I have brought Lord Seon Woo Dae Ju.”
“Mm.”
A low voice sounded from within, and Sang Geon Myeong clasped his hands together.
“Then.”
I nodded and took a deep breath before stepping inside.
In that instant, my eyes widened in shock.
The interior was nearly identical to what I had seen in Seongwi-gak—
Baek Ri Mu Jo’s office, which displayed an artificial yet perfectly harmonious arrangement.
Yet something was different.
It was a vase.
In the center of the office sat an unexpectedly large porcelain vase.
Despite this, the interior’s harmony remained unbroken, maintained in perfect balance.
‘He suspects me.’
That strange vase he placed there.
Baek Ri Mu Jo was testing whether Bu Eunseol could read the harmony within it and discover the subtleties of martial arts contained inside.
‘I must avoid looking at it as much as possible.’
Bu Eunseol tried her best not to direct her gaze toward the vase.
But the crimson flowers contained within the vase exerted a pull so intense it seemed to draw in one’s very soul.
“Seon Woo Jin greets the Danjoo.”
Barely tearing her eyes from the vase, Bu Eunseol sat in a chair and clasped her hands respectfully toward Baek Ri Mu Jo.
“It has been quite some time.”
Baek Ri Mu Jo nodded with a faint smile playing at his lips.
“You have made considerable progress during that period.”
“Thank you. However….”
Bu Eunseol pointed toward the vase with a puzzled expression.
“What is that vase?”
“A vase?”
“Everything within this office is perfectly arranged, yet that vase seems to subtly obstruct that order.”
In that instant, Baek Ri Mu Jo blinked.
He had expected Bu Eunseol to feign ignorance, yet instead she showed considerable interest in the vase…
She had used the word “arranged,”
subtly revealing an ability to appreciate harmony itself, had she not?
‘Rather than pretending not to know, it would be better to reveal superior ability and break through directly.’
Before facing Baek Ri Mu Jo, I would have feigned complete ignorance.
But now I understand how remarkable a figure he truly is.
Therefore, rather than clumsily deceiving him, I decided to elevate Seon Woo Jin’s abilities and naturally overcome this crisis.
“Ah.”
Baek Ri Mu Jo spoke with an admiring expression.
“So you possess the ability to appreciate the subtle arrangement created by the Danjoo.”
Bu Eunseol replied with an embarrassed expression.
“My martial arts have recently advanced significantly, and unlike before, I can now perceive things within that were previously invisible.”
Baek Ri Mu Jo raised his eyebrows.
Much time had passed, and through various missions, Seon Woo Jin had accumulated considerable merit.
Now he was regarded as a promising successor to the next generation.
Certainly, there had been multiple opportunities for advancement, so his martial arts would naturally have strengthened.
Unlike the past, it was only natural that he might now possess the ability to appreciate internal harmony.
“The reason the Danjoo summoned you is to make another proposal.”
Baek Ri Mu Jo spoke in a measured tone.
“Join the Ben Jeon.”
And he uttered words of shocking impact.
“The moment you join, I will grant you the position of Danjoo of the Ben Jeon unit, and within three years, I will certainly appoint you as Sub Danjoo.”
It was truly an astonishing proposal.
Even Bu Eunseol couldn’t hide her astonishment, her expression as though she’d been slapped across the face.
“You intend to dismiss Seo Muk Sub Danjoo?”
“In any case, I will ascend to the position of Alliance Leader within three years.”
Baek Ri Mu Jo spoke.
“I plan to elevate Seo Muk Sub Danjoo to Danjoo and appoint you as Sub Danjoo.”
At this, Bu Eunseol bowed her head immediately, without a moment’s hesitation.
“I must respectfully decline.”
A flash of light gleamed in Baek Ri Mu Jo’s eyes.
“You decline?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“How could I presume to gauge a Danjoo’s abilities?”
Baek Ri Mu Jo’s expression grew subtle.
Her words partially negated his certainty of becoming Alliance Leader.
Yet it was an impeccably courteous refusal that left no room for complaint—even if Seon Woo Jin were an extraordinary figure.
It was an acknowledgment that assessing the martial prowess and abilities of the Seven Lords, including Baek Ri Mu Jo himself, was impossible.
“If the Danjoo is confident of ascending to the Alliance Leader’s position, then this proposal should be rejected all the more.”
“What do you mean?”
“Regardless of where I belong, am I not your loyal subordinate?”
If Baek Ri Mu Jo were to ascend to the Alliance Leader’s seat?
Whether Bu Eunseol served in the Sungwi Unit or Deng Wu Dian, she would be equally under his command, and he could issue any order he wished.
In other words, there was no need to transfer her position to the Sungwi Unit.
“I see.”
Baek Ri Mu Jo wore the faintest hint of a smile.
His plan to test Seon Woo Jin had crumbled entirely due to her flawless response.
Yet he spoke again with something entirely unexpected.
“Since you’re here, let us spar with me.”
“Spar, you say?”
“Indeed.”
“How could I presume?”
“Is this not an excellent opportunity to gauge my martial skill?”
Baek Ri Mu Jo spoke with a faint smile.
“You said you cannot gauge my abilities, after all.”
“But….”
“Do not refuse. Among first-rank Lords, you will be the first to spar with me.”
Bu Eunseol’s eyes gleamed.
To receive martial instruction from one of the Seven Lords themselves.
No fool would pass up such an opportunity. This was a proposal that absolutely could not be refused.
“Thank you.”
In the end, Bu Eunseol, her expression filled with gratitude, had no choice but to move to the Training Grounds outside.
Baek Ri Mu Jo stood imposingly in the Cheonbyeong-gak Training Grounds, a chamber forged entirely of steel from floor to ceiling.
The blade he had wielded before had been replaced once again with a fresh treasure sword.
Yet judging by the unchanged hilt, it was clear he had simply inserted a new blade into the hidden sword beneath.
“There’s no need to be tense.”
Baek Ri Mu Jo extended his hand toward Bu Eunseol with casual composure.
“Display your swordsmanship freely.”
‘So this is a test after all.’
I had anticipated this to some degree.
In our final clash, I had wielded the power of harmony.
While it wasn’t a martial principle newly emerged in Murim, there was no way a figure like Baek Ri Mu Jo could fail to sense such a thing.
Because my harmony was.
Ultimately derived from insights gained in the arrangement he had created in his office.
When the power of harmony collided.
Baek Ri Mu Jo’s mind must have conjured the faces of all those who had entered his office until now.
Everyone, including Seon Woo Jin.
‘If someone of Baek Ri Mu Jo’s caliber summoned me, he must possess considerable certainty.’
A figure of Baek Ri Mu Jo’s stature would never summon someone without a degree of confidence.
In other words, if I fail to completely resolve his doubts this time?
Baek Ri Mu Jo would unhesitatingly issue a death sentence against me.
With his authority…
He could easily fabricate sufficient justification to sever the neck of even a first-rank Lord in an instant.
‘There’s no choice.’
The Elite Division has only just been reborn.
I too must begin a new ascent within the Murim Alliance.
‘I must escape this crisis without revealing my identity.’
For the sake of the Elite Division, I must remain as a Lord of the Murim Alliance.
‘Then.’
In that instant, a brilliant gleam flashed across my eyes.
I had finally found a way to escape this predicament.
“Then I shall take the liberty.”
Shring.
The moment I drew my blade, Baek Ri Mu Jo’s gaze fixed upon the iron sword in my hand.
Brilliant!
At that instant, radiant brilliance bloomed from the tip of my sword.
It was the swift sword technique recorded in the Mu Gyeol Sword Manual, which I had mastered on this level of Yeongak Dojeon.
“A fine sword technique.”
Baek Ri Mu Jo waved his hand lightly.
My sword momentum could not advance and melted away like snow.
“There’s no need to observe such formalities.”
Baek Ri Mu Jo shook his head, recognizing that the initial sword form I had displayed was merely a courtesy.
“Give it your all.”
Bu Eunseol held her sword tip backward in a gesture of respect.
“Understood.”
Then, slowly raising her blade, she aimed it at Baek Ri Mu Jo’s neck.
It was not a Zhong Yuan sword stance, but rather an extremely aggressive and fierce posture like the swordplay of Dong Yeong.
Whoosh!
Yet the attack was a deceptively light movement.
In that instant, Baek Ri Mu Jo’s eyes widened dramatically.
Hundreds of geometric patterns swirled chaotically before his vision,
and immediately, one hundred and eight sword qi erupted forth at their respective speeds.
Flash!
With brilliant radiance, Baek Ri Mu Jo’s treasured blade gleamed white as it shattered the sword traces.
Clang clang clang!
Even as he poured out his sword force, the sword traces continued to shift endlessly, deflecting each of Bu Eunseol’s sword qi.
Before long, the tip of his treasured blade had turned crimson with heat, and fine cracks began to form.
Sword Technique of Heavenly Transformation.
A secret technique from ancient times created by Gwang Seong Ja—a variation she had modified using the Thirteen Forms of Iron Sword, which she now unleashed upon Baek Ri Mu Jo.
Thud!
Then, as Baek Ri Mu Jo blocked the final sword qi, a terrifying murderous intent surged from his eyes.
‘This one cannot be left alive.’
As if resolved to sever Bu Eunseol’s neck, white radiance flashed from Baek Ri Mu Jo’s blade.
‘If this doesn’t work… I will die here!’
Baek Ri Mu Jo’s treasured blade already bore the mark of killing intent.
If Bu Eunseol did not reveal her true strength and counterattack immediately,
his neck would surely be severed.
Yet to remain in the Murim Alliance a while longer, and for the Elite Division who were not yet prepared to depart,
Bu Eunseol immediately unleashed another decisive move.
While pouring forth her sword technique, she unfolded a secret hidden within the Muk Hon Sword.
Zing.
At the same moment, a mysterious energy flowed through the sword tip, shaking the end of Baek Ri Mu Jo’s blade.
Thump.
As if sensing that energy, the murderous intent pouring from Baek Ri Mu Jo’s entire body rapidly diminished.
For a moment, a silence like cold water being poured filled the interior.
Simultaneously, an infinitely deep and low voice flowed from Baek Ri Mu Jo’s lips.
“A remarkable sword technique.”
There was no killing intent in that voice, and his gaze had returned to its usual gentle warmth.
‘It worked.’
Bu Eunseol’s back was drenched with perspiration.
Fortunately, Baek Ri Mu Jo had sensed the secret she had discreetly unveiled. Her desperate gambit had succeeded.

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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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