The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 598

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

Chapter 598.
An unprecedented grand ceremony was unfolding within the Murim Alliance.
Tan Wang Buk Gung-ryeong.
A legendary swordsman representing the Orthodox Martial World who had wandered alone through Murim for decades, upholding his convictions and continuing his righteous deeds.
He had been invited as the Murim Alliance’s first official patron and was being elevated to have his name inscribed upon the eighth Hero Monument.
The Hero Monument.
Only renowned masters who had achieved legendary accomplishments that would endure throughout Murim could have their names carved upon it.
Thus far, only seven names had been inscribed, or so the tales were told.
And now the eighth Hero Monument had been created, and Buk Gung-ryeong would have his name engraved upon it while still living.
The ceremony to inscribe Buk Gung-ryeong’s name upon the Hero Monument would see every single martial artist of the Murim Alliance in attendance without exception.
Even Jeong Cheon Je Sin Do Mu Bi, who had remained hidden from view until now, would break his seclusion to attend, or so it was said.
‘At last I shall witness the appearances of Jeong Cheon Je and the Seven Lords.’
Every martial artist of the Murim Alliance, including Bu Eunseol, stood arrayed without gaps near the Cheon Ru Gak on the Back Mountain where the Hero Monument had been erected.
Bu Eunseol, being a first-rank Lord, was able to stand at a middling position.
Even so, the distance to the platform was roughly seventy zhang. Yet with her keen vision, it was no different from viewing their faces from arm’s length away.
Thud thud.
Then six figures began ascending onto the platform.
At last, the seven Lords of the Murim Alliance were revealing themselves.
Thump thump.
Bu Eunseol’s heart thundered wildly as she watched them appear.
If Shin San Ja’s words were true.
Then among those six figures stood Hyung Su, the one who had slain her grandfather.
Whoosh.
Finally, the six Lords revealed their majestic presence upon the platform.
In that instant, Bu Eunseol felt as though a tremendous tempest were pouring down upon the entire world.
Five Lords standing centered around Baek Ri Mu Jo.
Their inner energy was remarkably…
Not inferior in the slightest when compared to Baek Ri Mu Jo, whom she had anticipated to be the strongest among the Lords?
‘So the Lords possessed this level of power.’
The Seven Lords, who had refrained from activities in Gangho and remained solely within the Murim Alliance, accumulating merit.
Their martial prowess had reached a level far more astonishing than what was known.
‘Then why does the Murim Alliance not sweep away the Demon Palace?’
If all seven Lords possessed martial strength comparable to Baek Ri Mu Jo?
Even if they did not desire a great confrontation between Orthodox and Demonic paths, at minimum they could have defeated the supreme masters of the Demonic Path, including the Ten Demonic Sect Lords.
They could have completely broken the momentum of the Demonic Path.
Why then had they continued to exercise restraint and refrain from invading the Demonic Path?
‘The Three Realms?’
Bu Eunseol formed a chilling hypothesis.
The Seven Lords were not Orthodox martial artists at all, but rather were all prominent figures of the Three Realms.
And they were manipulating the Murim Alliance through this arrangement, were they not?
A truly terrifying imagination.
And what if the Seven Lords belonged to Sam Gye? If they united their forces?
Even Jeong Cheon Je could not ignore their will.
Yet they were not enemies either, so he could not simply sweep them away. It would be an exceedingly troublesome situation.
‘No, perhaps it was merely speculation.’
Reconsidering, had not Mu Cheon Danjoo Jo Cheon Wang demonstrated only a marginal advantage over me?
Even if Jo Cheon Wang were the weakest among the Seven Lords.
The gap between him and the other Lords could not possibly be that vast.
As for the martial prowess of the Lords excluding Baek Ri Mu Jo, I would need to face them directly in combat to truly comprehend it.
‘What is certain is that Hyung Su, my grandfather’s killer, could be among them.’
Blood-red light flickered in Bu Eunseol’s eyes.
If Shin San Ja’s words were true.
Then Hyung Su—the one who had threatened my grandfather with my own life, severing his eyes and arms, and brutally scattering hidden weapons—was standing right there.
Crunch.
Bu Eunseol’s fists clenched tightly.
I wanted nothing more than to rush forward and sever all their necks on the spot.
But such an act was impossible.
Moreover, if I showed even the slightest hint of irregularity, all my efforts thus far would come to naught.
I had to exert tremendous effort to suppress the killing intent that threatened to burst forth.
‘I have wandered such a long and winding path.’
Ever since learning that my grandfather was a peerless swordmaster whose name shook the heavens.
I had anticipated that revenge would not come easily.
Yet during all this time, I had endured so much, traveled so far down this circuitous road.
Not knowing who Hyung Su was, I could not help but feel the urge to ascend the Platform immediately, draw my blade, and sever their necks.
Tap, tap, tap.
Then, the sound of footsteps reached Bu Eunseol’s ears.
Though the steps were light and brisk as an immortal’s, to Bu Eunseol’s ears they resonated like thunder.
As she turned her head, a middle-aged man dressed in a pale blue robe—ethereal as an immortal—was ascending the Platform.
Jeong Cheon Je, Sin Do Mu Bi.
The great patriarch who governed the heavens, the foremost figure of the Orthodox Path, had finally revealed himself before all the martial artists of the Murim Alliance.
Boom, boom, boom.
With each step Jeong Cheon Je took toward the Platform, Bu Eunseol’s heart pounded as though it would burst.
‘Jeong Cheon Je.’
The majesty of the foremost figure of the Orthodox Path was like that of a celestial being gazing down upon the mortal realm from the heavens.
An aura of transcendence so profound that the dust of the mundane world could not touch even a hair of him.
Yet unlike Ak Moo Ryung, who possessed absolute strength, there lingered an ethereal, hollow quality about him.
‘Have my assumptions been wrong?’
Sin Do Mu Bi’s majesty as the foremost of the Orthodox Path was undeniable, and even if the Seven Lords attacked him all at once.
He possessed the power to repel them all.
‘Or perhaps the Seven Lords are all concealing their true strength.’
Even looking at just Baek Ri Mu Jo alone, he hadn’t yet revealed his true strength… so the chances weren’t entirely without merit.
The frustrating part was the information I had considered most crucial until now.
That Jeong Cheon Je and Shin San Ja were the same person—I simply couldn’t distinguish between them.
‘No matter how hard I look, I can’t tell.’
Jeong Cheon Je, Sin Do Mu Bi’s eyes held a mysterious light that, once glimpsed, seemed unforgettable for a lifetime.
Because of this, even if he had employed a reversal technique, he couldn’t have concealed that brilliant gaze.
Perhaps for that very reason… Shin San Ja had deliberately avoided revealing his appearance.
One glance at those eyes alone would immediately expose him as Jeong Cheon Je.
‘It’s suffocating.’
Ma Cheon Je concealed the extraordinary within the ordinary. His actual appearance was identical to that of any common elderly man.
But Jeong Cheon Je was different.
Despite being over seventy years old, he maintained the appearance of a middle-aged man.
And his extraordinary nature had reached its zenith.
To all the martial artists of the Murim Alliance who gazed upon him, he naturally emanated such overwhelming pressure—gentle yet dominating—that it left them breathless.
Thud thud.
At that moment, an elderly man of advanced years ascended the platform. It was Beok Goong Ryung.
Whoosh.
As he reached the platform, Sin Do Mu Bi personally guided him to the monument that had been prepared beforehand.
“Here.”
When Sin Do Mu Bi extended his hand, Beok Goong Ryung nodded and personally engraved his name upon the monument.
Crack!
At that, not only the martial artists but also the Lords and Sin Do Mu Bi himself bowed their heads and clasped their hands in respect.
They were paying homage to the first person ever to have his name inscribed upon a hero’s monument while still living.
The ceremony concluded grandly.
For Beok Goong Ryung, who had been appointed as Bong Gong, a palace hall was provided complete with direct subordinates and a personal attendant.
The position of Bong Gong typically belonged to the Elder Council.
But for Beok Goong Ryung, he was granted the freedom to traverse the Gangho and carry out his duties.
He could perform any mission independently and had the authority to mobilize and command martial artists from any branch of the Murim Alliance at any time.
Having inscribed his name upon the hero’s monument while still living, he had truly been given extraordinary treatment.
Once the ceremony concluded, Yuk Jang Cheon led Bu Eunseol toward Beok Goong Ryung.
The two of them had long made their names throughout the Gangho and had risen together as advisors to the Four Gods Seven Kings.
They had met only once by chance in the Gangho, yet Yuk Jang Cheon approached Beok Goong Ryung with easy familiarity and clasped his hands.
“Senior Beok Goong. It’s been a long time.”
Yuk Jang Cheon greeted Beok Goong Ryung warmly.
“Ah, now I should be called Bong Gong, shouldn’t I? My thanks.”
“Thank you.”
Congratulations, Bong Gong.”
At that moment, Bu Eunseol beside him clasped her hands respectfully, and Beok Goong Ryung let out an exclamation.
“Ah, that young one from back then.”
Recognizing Bu Eunseol, Yuk Jang Cheon quickly spoke.
“This young man rose to the rank of First-Class Lord in the shortest time in the history of the Ben Maeng. He might even become the Clan Lord faster than Yuk Cheong Ah.”
“Indeed, he possesses the spirit of a crane standing among chickens.”
Beok Goong Ryung nodded in acknowledgment.
It was not mere courtesy—the young man called Seon Woo Jin possessed eyes of exceptional brilliance.
Beok Goong Ryung, who had been observing the stillness in Bu Eunseol’s gaze, gently patted her shoulder.
“The era of young people like you will soon arrive. Work diligently.”
“Thank you.”
“Congratulations, Honored One.”
At that moment, a woman dressed in an ornate robe dyed in azure approached Beok Goong Ryung.
It was Yuk Cheong Ah, who had become the Deputy Lord of Yong Ban Jeon.
“When I pleaded so earnestly, you would not come, yet now you have changed your mind.”
As Yuk Cheong Ah smiled, revealing teeth white as pearls, Beok Goong Ryung spoke apologetically.
“So it has come to pass.”
“We are currently refurbishing the quarters where you will reside. Shall we visit now?”
Though she held the title of Deputy Lord of Yong Ban Jeon, Yuk Cheong Ah’s quarters were situated near the Won Ro Jeon.
The leadership, aware of her connection to Beok Goong Ryung, had issued orders for her to assist him in swiftly adapting to the environment and regulations of the Murim Alliance.
“Then we shall meet again later.”
At Beok Goong Ryung’s words, Yuk Jang Cheon and Bu Eunseol bowed lightly.
“That fox is formidable.”
Watching Beok Goong Ryung depart under Yuk Cheong Ah’s guidance, Yuk Jang Cheon shook his head.
“Even if Baek Mu Sung returns, there is no hope whatsoever. Why does she still cling so desperately….”
Bu Eunseol said nothing.
A woman like Yuk Cheong Ah would never remain idle.
She was certainly orchestrating various schemes for a higher ascent.
‘None of it matters.’
My attention was entirely focused on Gui Il Gae.
Rather than concern myself with Yuk Cheong Ah or Yuk Jang Cheon now, I needed to stop Gui Il Gae’s operations as soon as possible and find my grandfather’s remains.
Once the Murim Alliance’s gathering concluded, I emerged back into Gangho and summoned Do Cheon Rin.
The matter of Lengyue Island was resolved, and now it was time to target the Sam Gye facilities listed in Do Cheon Rin’s blade.
The plan was to destroy their operations at Gang Ok Ji.
Xian Prefecture, the hidden branch of the Demon Hall.
“Have you found the Demonic Blade?”
At my question, Do Cheon Rin nodded and drew forth a sharp demonic blade.
“Of course. I managed to acquire one more.”
Before entering the Murim Alliance, I had made one request of Do Cheon Rin.
To obtain another new demonic blade circulating in Murim.
I needed a demonic blade to use when infiltrating Gang Ok Ji, which was inscribed on Do Cheon Rin’s Hwan Ma Blade.
Fortunately, through the intelligence networks of Sa Hon Dae and Jeol Jeong Dae, Do Cheon Rin had located a new demonic blade owner and acquired another one.
“I hope Lengyue Island does not emerge as a problem.”
Do Cheon Rin, his expression tense, saturated the blade with his own blood.
After Bu Eunseol drenched the blade with her blood once more, a faint light emerged on the sword’s body, and characters appeared.
Gang Ok Ji.
Fortunately, it was Gang Ok Ji that appeared, not Lengyue Island.
“We’re fortunate.”
Do Cheon Rin exhaled in relief.
If Lengyue Island had appeared on both demonic blades, he would have had to wander Gangho once more searching for the demonic blade’s user.
“Fortune, you say.”
Bu Eunseol, muttering softly, voiced an unexpected thought.
“What if they possess a secret method to alter the characters inscribed on the demonic blades?”
“What do you mean.”
“Since Lengyue Island was destroyed, there might be a way to change the characters written on the blade’s body differently.”
The demonic blades were crafted by Gwi Il Gye to select those capable of awakening the supreme masters of old.
But since Lengyue Island was destroyed.
If they couldn’t locate Baek Pal Sung because of it? There would be no greater loss.
From Gwi Il Gye’s perspective, wouldn’t they have immediately altered the characters inscribed on the demonic blade to Gang Ok Ji? That’s what occurred to me.
“It’s impossible. How could they change the characters carved into the blade’s body.”
Bu Eunseol shook her head.
“I know it sounds rather far-fetched. But after witnessing the grand techniques they employ… I couldn’t help but wonder if such a thing might be possible.”
Do Cheon Rin nodded and gazed down at the blade.
Obtaining demonic blades with such functions in large quantities was difficult to begin with.
Yet Gwi Il Gye scattered demonic blades throughout Murim, and when they absorbed the blood of masters who had reached specific martial heights, the characters would manifest.
In truth, such a feat itself bordered on the impossible.
Moreover, if they could use the demonic blades to locate those with the same essence as ancient masters, and possessed a secret method to transform them into bodies similar to those predecessors…
Then altering mere characters would seem like nothing if they set their minds to it.
“Then we must be extremely cautious about this matter.”
Do Cheon Rin spoke while gazing at the characters inscribed on the demonic blade.
“One of their painstakingly constructed facilities was destroyed by someone of unknown identity. They surely would have prepared countermeasures.”
“That’s likely true.”
Bu Eunseol nodded.
“That’s why I don’t intend to go alone this time.”
“Are you planning to bring masters from the Demon Palace.”
“Not at all. I have no intention of sacrificing my subordinates. If I brought them along, they might suspect that I was the one who destroyed the Lengyue Island facility.”
“Then.”
“This time, I’ll utilize the Murim Alliance’s forces.”
“The Murim Alliance?”
“Yes.”
Bu Eunseol spoke calmly.
“I’ve cultivated connections within the Murim Alliance as well.”
After experiencing various matters, Bu Eunseol had come to recognize that Do Cheon Rin was a trustworthy person.
Yet she had not fully revealed her identity regarding Seon Woo Jin. The fewer people who knew of a dual identity, the safer it remained.
“Well, that would be fine too.”
Do Cheon Rin smiled faintly and handed over the Demonic Blade.
“However, if the Murim Alliance sends its masters, there is a high probability that Gwi Il Gye will abandon their search for the One Hundred Eight Stars while possessing the Demonic Blade.”
“I know.”
Bu Eunseol nodded.
“After Lengyue Island, they will certainly be revising their plans comprehensively. They have discovered that there are those among the Demonic Blade wielders who oppose them.”
“Then Gang Ok Ji must already have traps prepared for the enemies that will come attacking.”
“Indeed.”
Bu Eunseol nodded calmly.
“This time at Gang Ok Ji, I will be able to confirm what kind of traps Gwi Il Gye has created and what level of power they possess.”
After parting with Do Cheon Rin, Bu Eunseol returned to the Murim Alliance and sought out Gong Son Dan Gyeong.
The Demonic Blade that Do Cheon Rin had brought was hanging at her waist.
In truth, to claim credit for this deed, it might have been better to inform Yuk Jang Cheon of the Deng Wu Dian and receive military support.
But I had a plan to catch three rabbits with one stone.
While discovering what kind of trap Gwi Il Gye had deliberately constructed and its extent,
I intended to verify what level of personal military power Gong Son Dan Gyeong, who had declared she would deal with the Infinite Realm, was secretly harboring.
Moreover, if I were to lead the Murim Alliance forces to Gang Ok Ji?
The faction that had destroyed Lengyue Island might also believe them to be affiliated with the Murim Alliance.
It was truly a plan to achieve three objectives with one action.
Eun Wol Gak of the Murim Alliance, Gong Son Dan Gyeong’s office.
“I simply cannot believe it.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong tilted her head while gazing at the Demonic Blade placed on the table.
Even after hearing my explanation thus far, she shook her head as if she could not fully comprehend.
“You say the Demonic Blades were crafted and distributed?”
“Yes.”
I explained calmly.
“While traveling through Gangho, I happened to witness masters wielding mysterious blades fighting each other. And after seeing the battle conclude, I was about to leave, but….”
I paused for a moment and shook my head.
“He sensed my presence and suddenly launched an attack. I had no choice but to counterattack, and….”
I had used the first move of the Iron Sword Thirteen Forms’ Command Light as Goose Feather.
The reflected move caused him to perish instead.
But when his blood touched the blade he possessed, it suddenly emitted light and revealed characters like this.
“When blood touched it, characters appeared on the blade….”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong furrowed her brow.
The Infinite Realm was a place that primarily employed alchemy, pharmaceuticals, and body modification.
I had never heard of them using such mysterious techniques before.
That meant it was certainly a scheme orchestrated by a different realm.
“The Infinite Realm is merely my speculation. It is possible that the craftsman who made the blade inscribed it for some reason.”
“It certainly seems worth investigating thoroughly.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong nodded.
“However, merely because a specific location’s name is engraved upon the sword spirit of the Demonic Sword doesn’t mean we can deploy the Murim Alliance’s full forces.”
It was a reasonable assertion.
Even if this place were the headquarters of the Three Realms.
Without concrete evidence brought to light, the Murim Alliance could not commit its vast military strength.
“If this information were to reach Lord Yuk, he would undoubtedly order Seon Woo Dae Ju to conduct a solo investigation.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong fell silent in contemplation.
If this place were indeed a facility connected to the Three Realms, Seon Woo Jin could hardly investigate alone.
Should the investigation begin clumsily and end in failure, even the plan to elevate him to Mu Cheon Danjoo would crumble to dust.
‘Seon Woo Dae Ju must become Mu Cheon Danjoo.’
To annihilate the Infinite Realm in the future.
And to achieve vengeance.
Seon Woo Jin had to become her instrument.
Moreover, should he ascend to the position of Lord,
it would be no different than acquiring an entire branch of the Murim Alliance that moved according to her will.
“Hmm.”
After a moment’s silence, Gong Son Dan Gyeong nodded, her resolve crystallizing.
“For now, I shall have the operatives of the Chief Inspector Division conduct a discreet investigation, and we shall discuss this further afterward.”
“Understood.”
As Bu Eunseol turned to leave, a faint smile played at her lips.
‘She’s taken the bait.’
Gang Ok Ji had likely set her teeth on edge and laid a trap with high probability.
The investigation would certainly fail.
Since she could not mobilize the Murim Alliance’s forces, Gong Son Dan Gyeong would have no choice but to deploy the hidden personal organization she kept concealed.

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