The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 614

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

Chapter 614.
Suddenly, shocking news spread throughout the Murim.
Chae Ju Hong, the Supreme Elder of the Huashan Sect, had mysteriously stopped breathing and passed away the previous night.
To attend his funeral, numerous figures from the Nine Great Sects, including Shaolin, attempted to visit the Huashan Sect.
However, the Huashan Sect, as if they had sealed their gates, politely turned away mourners from each sect and held a quiet funeral ceremony.
Behind this lay a shocking truth.
The Huashan Sect Elder Chae Ju Hong had been the mastermind behind the kidnappings that had sporadically occurred throughout the Seomseong and Sichuan regions.
He had been cultivating a bizarre demonic technique by absorbing the yin energy of women.
However, since all the kidnapped women came from ordinary families, the truth had never been properly revealed.
If such facts were to become known throughout the Murim?
The disciples of the Huashan Sect would never be able to hold their heads high in the Murim again.
Gong Son Dan Gyeong, who knew the truth, also kept silent about these facts.
First, if it were revealed that the Huashan Sect’s elder was a fake, the Orthodox Martial World would fall into great chaos.
Second, if it were revealed that under Gong Son Dan Gyeong’s leadership, a person named Seon Woo Jin had dealt with the fake Chae Ju Hong?
All factions would immediately begin watching the movements and actions of these two people.
Until the roots of all the factions that change identities were completely eradicated, this matter had to remain buried.
The Murim Alliance, Eun Wol Gak. Gong Son Dan Gyeong’s secret office.
“You’ve worked hard.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong praised Bu Eunseol’s accomplishments as she returned safely from her mission.
Not only had she perfectly resolved the kidnapping cases that had failed repeatedly until now, but she had also brought back evidence of the evil deeds committed by Chae Ju Hong, the Huashan Sect Elder.
“These pieces of evidence will prove useful in the future.”
“Are you speaking of Master Mu Jon?”
If one possessed such evidence of the weaknesses and misdeeds of each sect?
One could obtain the support and assistance of each sect without even needing to reveal the identity of Jeong Cheon Je.
“That cannot be. Master Mu Jon would never use the weaknesses of each sect as leverage.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong wore a subtle smile.
“Rather, this will be helpful to my duties as Chief.”
She had a formidable enemy in the Infinite Realm.
If necessary, she intended to obtain their assistance even by wielding the weaknesses of each sect as leverage.
‘Frightening.’
Gong Son Dan Gyeong. She would not hesitate to do anything to achieve her objectives.
It was remarkably similar to Bu Eunseol’s appearance, rushing forward for revenge without even considering righteousness.
“With this matter, Master has acknowledged that Seon Woo Dae Ju and I are in the same boat. Naturally, he also agreed to promoting me to Lord.”
Bu Eunseol’s eyes gleamed.
And with an unwavering expression, she spoke.
“Then grant me a private audience.”
“With Master?”
“Yes.”
Bu Eunseol nodded.
“If I’ve been acknowledged as being in the same boat, surely that much is possible.”
‘If Mu Jon is the Murim Alliance Lord and Shin San Ja are the same person… when they speak alone, there would be no reason to hide their identity.’
From his perspective, he needed to uncover that Mu Jon and Shin San Ja were one and the same.
He intended to meet privately with the Murim Alliance Lord and confirm their true nature.
“That’s impossible.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong shook her head.
“Earning his trust in just one meeting won’t happen.”
And she spoke with conviction.
“I’ll say it again—he doesn’t trust anyone in the Alliance. Not even the Chief himself.”
The identity of whoever had ambushed Jeong Cheon Je within the Alliance remained unknown. Which faction they belonged to was equally unclear.
From Mu Jon’s perspective, naturally everyone in the Alliance would be suspect.
Not just the senior figures of the Murim Alliance, but no one could be trusted.
“But didn’t the Chief begin planning with him from the start?”
“Ah, I didn’t mention that.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong revealed something astonishing.
“The Chief was in a similar situation to Seon Woo Dae Ju. I happened to stumble upon a secret passage in the Gunkon Pavilion and learned of this secret.”
“Then…”
“Mu Jon recognized my exceptional talent and promoted me as Chief. He was confident I could adequately assist him as Chief.”
In the end, Gong Son Dan Gyeong hadn’t joined Mu Jon’s plan from the beginning either.
She had discovered midway that Mu Jon was playing the role of Murim Alliance Lord.
Recognizing her outstanding wisdom and talent, Mu Jon had elevated her to Chief to aid him.
‘Then Mu Jon might have other allies as well.’
No matter that he was the Left Seat of the Sam Ma Sam Jon and intimate with Jeong Cheon Je.
I didn’t believe he had orchestrated something this enormous alone.
“During my time as Branch Lord, I saw him frequently, but since becoming Chief… we’ve been communicating through letters via messengers. But don’t worry too much.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong spoke with gentle reassurance.
“Although circumstances prevent us from publicly announcing Seon Woo Dae Ju’s contributions right now… all of this will be proven when he rises to become Lord. Think of it as steadily accumulating merit.”
Bu Eunseol simply wanted to confirm whether Mu Jon and Shin San Ja were the same person.
But she was misunderstanding, thinking Bu Eunseol desired direct recognition of her achievements from Mu Jon.
“Of course, I’ll try to create an opportunity for you to meet him.”
She continued with an apologetic expression.
“Can’t you be satisfied with this for now?”
From her perspective, Bu Eunseol had become an invaluable ally and asset she couldn’t afford to lose.
She couldn’t demand the absolute obedience she once had.
“Mm.”
Bu Eunseol nodded reluctantly.
“I understand.”
In truth, besides the evidence he’d given Gong Son Dan Gyeong, he had destroyed the subordinate organizations of those he’d kidnapped.
He had separately preserved evidence of the crimes related to the Huashan Sect Elder kidnapping incident.
‘If I gave her all the evidence, I might get stabbed in the back.’
Those were precious achievements that would allow the person known as Seon Woo Jin to be recognized as Lord in the future.
I could never entrust this solely to her.
“By the way, you ultimately failed to identify the mastermind?”
“That is correct. However, Chae Ju Hong did not appear to be affiliated with the Sam Gye.”
Bu Eunseol provided a detailed account of Chae Ju Hong’s reaction at the time.
After hearing the entire story, Gong Son Dan Gyeong’s eyes deepened with intensity.
“So you’re saying there exists another faction within the Murim, beyond the Sam Gye, capable of orchestrating such schemes.”
“Indeed.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong pondered silently for a moment before nodding.
“In any case, from their perspective, having a subordinate organization suddenly annihilated would make them considerably wary.”
She smiled as she spoke.
“You’ve worked hard, so take some time to rest for now. Or if you prefer, you’re welcome to continue your usual activities in the Gangho.”
“Should I not report this to Lord Yuk Jang Cheon?”
“Hehe. It seems they’ve already caught on.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong shrugged her shoulders.
“Since the Byeok Yu Dang incident, the father and daughter have been in close contact again. Judging by how intently they’re putting their heads together, they’ve likely already discerned that Seon Woo Dae Ju is connected to the Chief.”
“Do I need not take action myself?”
“Hehe. Seon Woo Dae Ju has already secured backing from me, Buk Goong Ryeong, and the Alliance Lord, hasn’t he?”
She displayed a playful smile.
“For now, the Chief will handle matters concerning that father and daughter, so Seon Woo Dae Ju should focus solely on his assignments going forward.”
This was precisely what Bu Eunseol desired.
With so many complicated matters piling up at present.
I had no wish to spare attention for Yuk Jang Cheon and Yuk Cheong Ah, that father and daughter pair.
* * *
Bu Eunseol’s expression was dark as she emerged from the Eun Wol Gak.
I had grasped the highest connection running from Mu Jon, who played the role of Alliance Lord, to the Chief.
But this thread was far too perilous.
What if Mu Jon were not Shin San Ja?
Someday, Mu Jon might discern my true identity. Should that happen, everything could crumble to dust.
‘I must search for Mu Jon.’
If I could locate Mu Jon, who played the role of Alliance Lord, I would be able to determine whether he truly was Shin San Ja.
But Mu Jon never revealed himself, and he maintained only the most secretive correspondence with Gong Son Dan Gyeong through messengers.
Perhaps he would never reveal himself until I was elevated to the position of Lord.
‘I must handle the most urgent matters first.’
The most pressing task now was to break Ah Yeon’s brainwashing.
Ah Yeon’s personality had merged with that of an evil-doer, and her pure affection had transformed into obsession and possessiveness.
And if she could fulfill her desires, she would execute any deed without hesitation.
“The methods of the Cheonghae Realm are utterly grotesque.”
After destroying the minds of evil-doers.
They brainwash them to merge with righteous personalities… simultaneously eliminating great villains who harm the world while birthing supreme masters?
It was every bit as grotesque as the Gwil Sect’s method of defiling the corpses of ancient masters.
Moreover, they were presumed to be allied with or even unified as a single entity with some mysterious force that had not yet appeared in Murim.
They were a more troublesome opponent than even the Gwil Sect, said to be the most fearsome among the Three Realms.
“Could she perhaps know something about this?”
Bu Eunseol turned her head and looked up at the Eun Wol Gak.
Gong Son Dan Gyeong’s wisdom was no less than her own, and she was well-versed in the affairs of Gangho.
Perhaps she even knew a way to break the brainwashing of the Cheonghae Realm?
“No, that won’t do.”
Bu Eunseol immediately shook her head.
The person the Murim Alliance should most be wary of was neither Mu Jon nor Yuk Jang Cheon, but Gong Son Dan Gyeong herself.
If she were to ask about the Cheonghae Realm, there was no guarantee what consequences might follow.
If she were to ask her, it would be a last resort.
A low murmur of voices echoed through the air.
In the distance, a group of people could be seen walking toward her, their voices hushed.
‘The elder.’
They were none other than Tan Wang Buk Gung-ryeong and the followers who trailed behind him.
‘What fortunate circumstances.’
Buk Gung-ryeong, whose name was inscribed on the Hero Monument during his lifetime and who had risen to the first position of merit in the Murim Alliance.
The Murim Alliance had granted him power equivalent to the Chief Inspector in recognition of his accomplishments.
As a result, those who wished to rely on that power approached him endlessly, flattering him and seeking his favor.
Distribution and connections.
These were the greatest forces that sustained the Murim Alliance.
Footsteps echoed along the path.
At that moment, a stalwart man appeared from the opposite direction, his robe billowing as he walked.
His appearance was remarkably clean and refined, as if untouched by the dust of the mundane world.
It was Song Ak, a master of great renown from the Wudang Sect.
“Honored Lord.”
Song Ak clasped his hands respectfully toward Buk Gung-ryeong.
Buk Gung-ryeong then extended his hand warmly.
“What brings you here?”
The Wudang Sect, which stood as an equal to Shaolin, had consistently maintained a pristine reputation and performed many righteous deeds.
Because of this, even Buk Gung-ryeong, who paid little heed to the figures of the various Murim sects, maintained a deep friendship with the Wudang Sect.
In particular, Song Ak, who was regarded as the next sect leader, had been cherished since childhood, and Song Ak himself often followed Buk Gung-ryeong’s lead.
“I happened to be in the area attending to some matters, and I came to offer my congratulations to the Honored Lord.”
Song Ak presented the wrapped bundle he had been carrying.
Inside were simple provisions—pastries and rice cakes.
Those watching let out a derisive laugh.
―How amusing. He brought such things as a congratulatory gift?
To the Honored Lord of the Murim Alliance and the Tan Wang who commands all under heaven, he brought cheap food as a congratulatory gift?
“Why did you bring such things?”
Yet an unexpected turn of events unfolded.
Buk Goong Ryeong’s face bloomed with a radiant smile as he accepted the gift with genuine delight.
“Come here. Let’s share some tea.”
As Buk Goong Ryeong warmly drew Song Ak along, the remaining onlookers’ expressions twisted with envy.
Despite their own lavish offerings, he wouldn’t spare them a glance.
Yet he beamed with such joy over cheap provisions from a Wudang Sect member?
―Perhaps we should bring food next time?
The observers watched the scene unfold, their mouths watering as they dispersed in different directions.
However, the direction Buk Goong Ryeong and Song Ak turned happened to be precisely where Bu Eunseol stood.
As they approached, Bu Eunseol quickly composed her expression and respectfully clasped her hands together.
“My lord.”
“Ah, it’s you.”
Buk Goong Ryeong gazed at the Eun Wol Gak visible behind Bu Eunseol and smiled.
“Have you just come from seeing the Chief?”
“Yes, I have.”
Bu Eunseol forced a smile, though her eyes betrayed a hint of darkness born from her worries.
“I see. You’ve worked hard.”
Buk Goong Ryeong nodded and proceeded toward his quarters with Song Ak.
“How is the Sect Leader’s health?”
Buk Goong Ryeong brought Song Ak to his residence and served him tea.
“There’s nothing troubling, I hope?”
His expression grew slightly worried as he regarded Song Ak.
Wudang had always remained indifferent to power and profit, sending only a congratulatory envoy to the hero monument dedication ceremony.
They had sent no separate gifts or tributes.
Yet the fact that they had deliberately sent Song Ak so late with a gift suggested something significant had occurred.
“Of course. The Sect Leader is in good health.”
“That’s a relief.”
Buk Goong Ryeong exhaled with relief.
Young Cheong Ja, the Sect Leader of Wudang, had suffered severe internal injuries in his youth and endured great hardship from their lingering effects.
Though he persevered thanks to his profound cultivation and robust physique, his health remained a constant concern.
“Our sect failed to offer proper respects to you earlier. Since I had business in Hanam, I was sent to pay my regards.”
Song Ak spoke with a bright smile, yet his eyes darkened slightly.
Something had definitely happened in Wudang.
‘Is that so.’
Had Wudang simply sent gifts and sought to deepen their bonds, they would have dispatched Young Heo or someone with closer ties to him.
But the fact that they sent the swift-footed Song Ak meant they had something urgent and highly confidential to convey.
“It’s fine.”
Buk Goong Ryeong wore an unusually gentle smile.
“Say whatever you wish. Though No Bu holds the title of Lord of the Alliance, I’m merely a wanderer without roots, after all.”
Song Ak smiled.
This was precisely what he had hoped to hear.
What I need to say now isn’t to the Murim Alliance’s Chief Enforcer, but to Tan Wang, who roams the Gangho alone.
“The truth is, you see. Our sect’s….”
Song Ak continued carefully.
Buk Goong Ryeong’s expression grew grave as he listened silently for a long while.
The story Song Ak poured out
felt terrifying and bizarre to attribute to something occurring within the Wudang Sect.
“Such a thing happened?”
“Yes, it did.”
Song Ak spoke as if ashamed.
“We cannot reveal such circumstances to the outside world, yet our sect cannot resolve it either… so after much deliberation, I sought you out.”
He gazed at Buk Goong Ryeong with bright, eager eyes.
“You possess such broad knowledge, sir.”
True to Song Ak’s words, Buk Goong Ryeong had traveled the Gangho his entire life, making him more knowledgeable and erudite than most.
Yet he could only smack his lips in frustration.
No matter how much he pondered, he couldn’t even fathom why such an occurrence would happen, let alone solve it.
‘This isn’t a matter of knowledge—it’s a problem that requires direct investigation to uncover answers.’
In the past, he would have rushed to Wudang Mountain without hesitation, declaring his willingness to help.
But now he understood.
His insight and wisdom were not as exceptional as he once believed.
And the sole reason he came to know this was that slippery wretch from the Demonic Path—Bu Eunseol.
‘Wait.’
Buk Goong Ryeong’s eyes gleamed.
Regardless of anything else, wasn’t that woman’s insight and wisdom the finest in the Gangho?
Even if he didn’t know why such an occurrence happened, if an investigation were conducted at the scene?
Clues would surely be found.
“Our sect truly needs your assistance.”
As Song Ak bowed his head with an earnest expression, Buk Goong Ryeong sighed.
“This is not something to be judged hastily.”
Buk Goong Ryeong spoke with a sigh.
“First, rest and recover for now.”
And with an utterly grave expression, he said:
“We shall discuss this matter again tomorrow.”
* * *
Bu Eunseol sat in her office, deep in thought.
She had stationed the Sa Hon Dae and Bi Ma Dae at various locations including the Shin Nyeo Gung, establishing both an emergency communication system and a covert protection network.
Should any crisis arise, they would suffer no harm.
‘But.’
Even after investigating all the records within the Murim Alliance, she found no clue to unravel the Cheonghae Realm’s brainwashing.
She even had Yu Woon Ryong search through the scriptures in the Demon Palace meticulously.
And she sought counsel from trustworthy senior members, including Gyo Jung Hak, the Medicine King Hall’s Lord.
Yet the very existence of such brainwashing was something Bu Eunseol could scarcely believe. The Cheonghae Realm’s forbidden techniques were so unfamiliar and grotesque that they had no precedent in Murim’s history.
‘There is still time.’
Since Ah Yeon’s personality had been divided into two, her martial prowess would have been enhanced, but so too would her wisdom.
She would never act rashly.
‘Should I ask the Chief, or seek out Shin San Ja?’
Bu Eunseol, gazing down at the letter resting on her desk, furrowed her brow in incomprehension.
‘Why is Geom Gak’s response so peculiar?’
Ah Yeon was, after all, Geom Gak’s disciple.
In truth, responsibility for all her actions should fall upon Geom Gak.
Before arriving at the Murim Alliance, Bu Eunseol had immediately contacted Geom Gak through Sa Hon Dae to inform them of Ah Yeon’s situation.
Yet Geom Gak’s response came back with merely a polite expression of gratitude for the information, along with word that they too were continuing to search for Ah Yeon…
It was a rather formal reply.
‘Is it because she has become merely a disciple?’
In truth, after Ah Yeon had confessed her honest feelings to Bu Eunseol, she had voluntarily stepped down from her position as successor.
Was that why they showed such indifference? Or was Geom Gak’s situation still too chaotic?
Geom Gak had, through the grave misjudgment of In Jeong Sa Tae, their highest elder, rendered Ok Yu Ha, who was to be the next Lord of Geom Gak, into a cripple.
Bu Eunseol had barely restored her clarity of mind through her aid, yet Geom Gak still had not produced a new Lord.
They were operating in considerable disarray.
‘Or perhaps they are cultivating a new successor.’
Geom Gak’s circumstances were far from favorable, and Ah Yeon had voluntarily relinquished her position as successor.
It was possible that rather than reinstating Ah Yeon as successor, Geom Gak was instead selecting a new outstanding disciple.
Yet even if that were the case, it did not sit right with her.
Unlike the Demonic Path, the Orthodox Sects are meticulous about master-disciple relationships.
To learn that a disciple had been corrupted by an evil force and turned to wickedness—they could not simply turn a blind eye to such a thing.
‘Then could it be that Geom Gak too has suffered some calamity?’
Bu Eunseol drew a deep breath.
In such circumstances, she could not possibly grasp Geom Gak’s internal affairs and offer assistance.
‘No, I must do what I can.’
Geom Gak was a place with deep ties to grandfather. If calamity had befallen them, I could not turn away and pretend ignorance.
In the end, Bu Eunseol began writing letters once more to send to Geom Gak.
Then, quite suddenly, she gazed out the window. As she looked upon the sun burning fiercely in the sky, a figure came to mind.
‘The Lord would know the solution.’
Ak Moo Ryung—the greatest elder of Nangya Pavilion and the mightiest of the Three Supremes.
He was the most learned in martial arts throughout Murim.
Moreover, since his youth he had traveled ceaselessly between Zhong Yuan and Sae Oe, engaging in martial contests, so his knowledge and experience were surely vast.
Perhaps he might even possess information about the brainwashing techniques employed by the Cheonghae Realm.
‘No, that won’t do.’
―If you wish to break it, then break it. If you wish to align with it, then align with it.
When she had asked about the Three Realms, Ak Moo Ryung had firmly shut the door on Bu Eunseol.
―Do not borrow the hand of anyone.
Whether I crush them or work with them, I must handle everything myself.
‘Ah, there’s another one nearby.’
Bu Eunseol’s eyes sparkled as she pondered the matter.
Not as erudite as Shin San Ja, yet with far more years spent in the Gangho.
Not as skilled in martial arts as Ak Moo Ryung, yet with broader knowledge and experience.
A faint smile crossed her lips.
Yet a subtle sound drifted through the window from outside.
It was the deliberate sound-breaking technique of an extraordinary master.
At the same moment, a faint transmission of intent reached her.
‘Our hearts are aligned?’
Bu Eunseol smiled mysteriously and immediately stepped outside the Murim Alliance West Gate.
After deploying her lightness technique and traveling for some time, she arrived at a small valley where a waterfall cascaded down.
There sat an old man on a large rock, gazing at the moonlight while drinking wine.
It was Tan Wang Buk Gung-ryeong.

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