The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 618

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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 618.
“Haaah.”
From her lips escaped a sound—whether a moan or laughter, it was impossible to discern.
“Ahahahaha!”
Remarkably.
Despite confirming Bu Eunseol’s death, Ah Yeon’s consciousness had not emerged.
“How fortunate. How very fortunate.”
Eun Ra nodded with a relieved expression.
The sole source of her lingering concern was singular.
The man to whom Ah Yeon had been obsessed—Bu Eunseol.
The great technique had succeeded, yet the duration had been far too brief, and thus the two personalities remained intertwined.
It was only because Eun Ra had taken the lead in all matters, bearing the anguish of heartbreak in Ah Yeon’s stead.
But now that he was dead, and Ah Yeon’s consciousness still slumbered, there was nothing left to restrain her.
Her martial prowess rivaled none among the female masters, and her status was assured.
Now she need only forget this man and roam the Murim freely.
“Now that he is dead, the Murim will find peace once more.”
Eun Ra spoke with a smile.
Yet something felt wrong.
Her eyes burned. Her chest ached as though being torn asunder.
An inexplicable dread and anguish overwhelmed her.
「He no longer exists in this world.」
A low voice resonated from within her heart.
「Then this life—the shorter, the better.」
In that moment, an unbearable despair spread from her head to her very fingertips.
‘Stop this nonsense!’
Eun Ra screamed inwardly.
‘You were never someone I loved in the first place!’
「I did not seek his love.」
Ah Yeon’s sorrowful voice echoed through her mind.
「I simply loved him.」
Ah Yeon’s voice grew infinitely softer.
「The man I loved as dearly as my own life, the man I desired so desperately… he died before my very eyes.」
Ah Yeon murmured as though in anguished weeping.
「I can never see him again.」
Beok Goong Ryung and Song Ak stared at Eun Ra with expressions of bewilderment.
She felt their piercing gazes upon her.
Ignoring the voice of Ah Yeon that ceaselessly echoed within her mind, she smiled.
“Thank you. For saving me.”
And she clasped her hands together, bowing toward Beok Goong Ryung and Song Ak.
“Then I shall take my leave now.”
She nodded casually and began to walk forward, her steps measured and deliberate.
Yet with each step, her eyes grew scorching hot.
The entire world was consumed by darkness, and whenever she tried to move, she felt the illusion of plummeting into a bottomless pit.
Whoooosh.
With each step forward, her face grew deathly pale, and her hair began to turn white as if frost had settled upon it.
“Ahhhhh!”
Two strange voices erupted simultaneously from Eun Ra’s lips.
She could no longer endure this agonizing emotion.
In that same instant, she drew her blade and rushed toward Song Ak.
Whoosh!
The sword techniques she unleashed were among the most brutal killing forms of the Elegant Dream Sword Style.
Even as she attacked, Eun Ra could not comprehend her own actions.
I am not Ah Yeon.
Then why do I despair at his death? Why am I raging and crying out in anguish?
Why am I seeking vengeance for that person?
“Ahhhhh!”
Now white-haired, Eun Ra unleashed her blade not only against Song Ak but also against Beok Goong Ryung.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
Beok Goong Ryung and Song Ak, as if they had anticipated Ah Yeon’s assault, used the Nae Tan Qi and Tai Chi Wisdom Sword to deflect her blade energy.
The more power she poured forth, the more her hair shimmered silver, and the more her eyes burned crimson.
「Though in this lifetime I could not obtain his love,」
Ah Yeon’s voice echoed ceaselessly through her mind.
「I wish to sleep beside him on the same day and hour.」
Eun Ra swung her blade like one possessed.
She must take vengeance upon them.
Then, she would be buried in the earth and sleep beside him on the same day and hour.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
The metallic ring of clashing blades echoed forth, and sharp sword energy scattered in all directions.
The more martial power she unleashed.
The more sorrow she poured forth.
The boundary between life and death felt impossibly thin and hollow.
“Parted from my beloved lord in this life,
Eun Ra recited the verse, tears streaming endlessly from her eyes.
We stand at opposite ends of heaven, infinitely distant.
Her vision had already begun to blur.
Having parted thus, how could we ever meet again in another lifetime?
Where could she possibly find the one who has departed?
“Lady Ah Yeon.”
Then something unbelievable occurred.
From behind her came a voice impossibly low and achingly familiar.
In that instant, her eyes flew wide open.
Had I misheard?
Eun Ra turned her head with deliberate slowness.
Then the face of a man clad in black garments came into view.
His complexion was deathly pale, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth, yet his gaze burned with unwavering clarity and precision.
It was Bu Eunseol—the one who had been dead.
With a metallic clang, the blade fell.
Eun Ra cast the sword from her hand.
It was the precious blade that had never once left Ah Yeon’s body throughout her entire life.
At that same moment, her consciousness plummeted endlessly downward.
And finally, a clear and luminous awareness settled into her physical form.
“You.”
Ah Yeon spoke with a trembling voice, carefully measuring each word.
“How did you come to be in this place…?”
Ah Yeon gazed at Bu Eunseol with the dazed expression of one awakening from a dream.
“Are you regaining your senses?”
At Bu Eunseol’s tender voice, Ah Yeon’s pupils wavered like ripples on water.
Only then did she realize she was in an unfamiliar forest.
Moreover, who were this elderly man and this young cultivator?
“Patron.”
It was then that Song Ak, the young cultivator standing behind Bu Eunseol, approached.
“It has been long. Do you remember me, the wandering monk?”
Song Ak smiled broadly.
Only then did Ah Yeon recall the appearance of Song Ak from when she had seen him during Bu Eunseol’s days among the Ten Demon Immortals, and she nodded.
“What brings you to this place?”
“When Lord Bu learned that your soul had been stolen by an evil sorceress, he devised a stratagem to save you.”
Song Ak gestured toward Beok Goong Ryung.
“Lord Beok Goong possessed knowledge of such a solution.”
“A solution, you say?”
“To break your brainwashing, the goal you had dreamed of your entire life had to vanish, or so we were told.”
“Brainwashing?”
“You have no memory of it at all?”
In that moment, all the memories Ah Yeon had lost came flooding back at once.
Her own form, drowning in despair at failing to win Bu Eunseol’s love.
And the temptations whispered by a figure from the Sam Gye who had approached her.
Thereafter, the personality that clung to her body even as she endured torturous cultivation—Eun Ra.
And even the image of Bu Eunseol standing in opposition to her.
“Lord Bu feigned death to save me…”
“Precisely so.”
Clear tears streamed from Ah Yeon’s eyes.
All he ever desired was Bu Eunseol’s affection.
And when he learned that Bu Eunseol had died, the entire world she had known vanished with her.
Through this, Eun Ra’s very personality was erased.
“Ryeong Ju insisted that even if his body were damaged, he must surely die, so I unfolded our sect’s supreme technique, the Floating Cloud Veil Sword.”
The Floating Cloud Veil Sword was one of the Wudang Sect’s highest swordsmanship techniques.
Just as drifting clouds obscure the sun,
it appears to deliver certain death to the enemy, yet in reality causes no harm to life itself.
It was a supreme secret art that pierced vital organs and Blood Sealing Points with precision.
Song Ak executed the Floating Cloud Veil Sword flawlessly, and since Bu Eunseol also protected her body with the Water Correction Divine Technique,
she avoided fatal wounds—only her skin bore the marks of the blade.
“I see.”
Ah Yeon’s face brightened with profound understanding.
“Yet the Bu Ryeong Ju who dwelled in my heart has ceased to breathe.”
Bu Eunseol’s death was false,
but she had accepted it as genuine death.
Through this, the Bu Eunseol within her heart also perished.
And the woman who had hung her life upon love also drew her final breath.
Now she had become Ah Yeon, a nun of Hyun Moon.
“Thank you.”
Ah Yeon bowed deeply to Beok Goong Ryung and Song Ak in gratitude.
Then she turned her body to face Bu Eunseol.
“I know that you have been contending against the Three Realms all this while. This matter too must have arisen as you were dealing with such affairs and discovered me.”
“Indeed.”
“The Cheonghae Realm joined hands with the Inbiyin to orchestrate this brainwashing, I was told.”
Inbiyin.
It was a term from the Buddhist Order,
referring to beings that were neither human, nor beast, nor divine.
“And those like me who have undergone brainwashing can also become Inbiyin, they said.”
It was a cryptic statement.
‘Something feels amiss.’
Bu Eunseol had harbored subtle doubts all along.
Hyuk Ryeon Eung had said that one of the Three Realms harbored a terrifying scheme, and the Infinite Realm acted righteously to thwart it.
And until now, Bu Eunseol had been certain that place was the Gwil Sect.
When Cheon Joon learned that Bu Eunseol held thoughts similar to the Gwil Sect’s ideals, he declared them absolutely incompatible and attacked her.
Yet now, she sensed something was wrong.
What the Cheonghae Realm was doing was far more grotesque than what the Infinite Realm and Gwil Sect were doing.
‘Could it be that what the Three Realms sought to prevent were the forces of the Abyss?’
“Is Inbiyin the name of a faction?”
Ah Yeon spoke in a low voice.
“I cannot say for certain. However, when the Cheonghae Realm mentioned Inbiyin, there was a place name they frequently brought up.”
“Where is that place?”
“Jijoong Mountain.”
“Jijoong Mountain.”
Bu Eunseol furrowed her brow.
Jijoong Mountain. There was no mountain or geographical location by that name in Zhong Yuan.
It was likely that Jijoong Mountain was not a place name at all, but rather one of the forces from the Abyss that had never revealed itself until now.
“I’m certain it’s accurate. It’s not my memory… it’s hers.”
Her voice carried a note of melancholy.
Though Eun Ra could be called a witch who had consumed her body, she was also… another version of herself.
‘The Cheonghae Realm has certainly allied with an external force.’
Bu Eunseol took a deep breath.
She had thought the Three Realms were simply the Three Realms.
But the Cheonghae Realm had joined forces with another power. That meant a tectonic shift was occurring even within the Three Realms.
“Then where are these Inbiyin?”
“They said they’re hidden throughout Zhong Yuan. Perhaps soon… they’ll reveal themselves.”
Unfortunately, since Ah Yeon had never properly operated as an Ok Cheong merchant, she seemed unaware of the Cheonghae Realm’s higher-level intelligence.
“I’m sorry. I haven’t been of much help.”
Ah Yeon offered a self-deprecating smile.
She had been brainwashed and caused Bu Eunseol tremendous harm. And despite having infiltrated the Cheonghae Realm, she could provide no significant information.
“Not at all. You’ve been most helpful.”
“Then I shall return to Bon Gak.”
She who had gazed at Bu Eunseol with an infinitely deep and earnest expression now wore a radiant smile.
It was not a smile brimming with affection, but rather the serene smile of a female nun who had devoted herself deeply to Hyun Moon.
“And I shall never forget the grace you have bestowed upon me.”
She had finally transcended the profound and distant gateway of love.
“Then.”
Ah Yeon unfolded her divine technique and vanished like mist before Bu Eunseol could say another word.
“Bu Patron.”
At that moment, Song Ak approached Bu Eunseol and spoke.
“It was a lie.”
“A lie?”
“Lady Ah Yeon did not fully transcend the gateway of love. She merely spoke a falsehood for your sake.”
Song Ak had seen tears flowing from Ah Yeon’s eyes as she turned away.
Those were not the tears of a woman devoted to Hyun Moon, but rather the tears of a woman resigned to an impossible love.
“She was weeping.”
Song Ak sighed, speaking as if to himself.
“Only by renouncing herself could the one she loves depart in peace.”
Bu Eunseol took a deep breath.
They had not spent a long time together, nor had there been any occasion to exchange hearts.
Yet she harbored such profound affection for me.
“That’s right.”
Beok Goong Ryung chimed in at that moment.
“If that child truly intended to take refuge in Hyun Moon, she would never have spoken of never forgetting such kindness.”
The Buddhist Order teaches that one must forget both great favors and deep grudges alike, for attachment to such things only accumulates more afflictions.
Yet Ah Yeon had said she would not forget.
She had spoken her true heart without even realizing it.
“Indeed, affection is a mysterious thing.”
Beok Goong Ryung spoke while observing the complex expression on Bu Eunseol’s face.
“From even the briefest of encounters, from but a fleeting moment, one can come to understand a person completely… and yet yearn for them throughout an entire lifetime.”
He paused for a moment, then spoke again with a solemn expression.
“Take that child under your care. If you do not, she will spend her entire life longing for you until the day she dies.”
“Elder.”
“You already have two wives, do you not?”
“Betrothals only. Merely formal arrangements.”
“Then make it formal—count it as saving one more life.”
Beok Goong Ryung spoke with utmost sincerity.
“Two or three makes little difference in the end.”
“I shall handle this as I see fit.”
“You? After No Bu went to such lengths, you would ignore his wishes?”
As Beok Goong Ryung grew exasperated, Bu Eunseol replied calmly.
“I have much to accomplish. When I know not the hour of my own death, I have no wish to forge unnecessary bonds.”
I must move only forward, unraveling every mystery that surrounds me.
I must take vengeance for my grandfather and my parents.
Until that is done, building a family is impossible.
“And if you were to complete all your tasks?”
At Beok Goong Ryung’s persistence, Bu Eunseol shook her head with a bitter smile.
“If I could accomplish such a thing, it would be because Heaven took pity on me and aided me… For now, I can only hope that she resolves everything well.”
Beok Goong Ryung nodded, perceiving the absolute seriousness in Bu Eunseol’s eyes.
“Indeed, one cannot escape the threads of fate.”
He too had walked the Murim alone, unmatched by any, and encountered many bonds along the way, yet ultimately failed to achieve his aims.
In those days, until his final breath, there was the work he wished to accomplish.
He had harbored the goal of establishing righteousness in the Murim and continuing to uphold what was just.
And Beok Goong Ryung sensed that Bu Eunseol too possessed a goal she must inevitably achieve.
“Still, this old man hopes that you might build a family if at all possible.”
It was both Beok Goong Ryung’s sincere wish and a benediction for the long journey that lay ahead in Bu Eunseol’s life.
Bu Eunseol nodded with a wan smile.
“I shall endeavor to do so.”
Beok Goong Ryung too offered a faint smile.
If he could one day see that arrogant one build a family and hold a child bearing his very likeness…
There would be nothing more he could ask for.
“So now only one matter remains,”
Song Ak said, his gaze alternating between Bu Eunseol and Beok Goong Ryung.
“It seems the time has come to resolve the troubles afflicting the Wudang Sect.”
Previously, when Beok Goong Ryung had heard the entire account from Song Ak at the Murim Alliance,
he had come to realize that he alone could not resolve the Wudang Sect’s crisis.
He possessed only observation and hearsay; he could never unravel the mysteries that even the Wudang Sect’s finest minds had failed to solve.
Yet fortunately, he knew of someone capable of handling such matters.
A brilliant young prodigy whose observational acuity, wisdom, and insight surpassed all others—one who could surely resolve any problem.
However, he could not guarantee that this person would aid the Wudang Sect.
Their paths diverged far too greatly.
But Beok Goong Ryung had discovered a glimmer of hope.
Bu Eunseol had first inquired about the matter of brainwashing and spoken of Ah Yeon’s circumstances.
―I know of someone who can certainly ensure your false death succeeds.
After hearing all the details, Beok Goong Ryung had spoken thus, recalling Song Ak.
―In fact, it will be more certain than if I acted alone. There are two individuals who stand in irreconcilable opposition to the Demonic Path.
And he had continued with utmost gravity.
―In exchange, once this matter is resolved, you must assist him as well. He finds himself in dire straits. Can you do this?
Bu Eunseol had naturally agreed.
No matter how she considered it, this was not a task she could accomplish alone.
Having obtained Bu Eunseol’s consent, Beok Goong Ryung had then approached Song Ak and posed his question.
―I know of someone who can resolve this matter. However, he walks the Demonic Path.
Beok Goong Ryung had spoken with an expression of utmost seriousness.
―If you truly need his aid, I can bring him to you. But you must first render him assistance. He is not one to live indebted to others.
And he had added with confidence,
―I assure you, he will absolutely resolve the Wudang Sect’s troubles.
Having thus persuaded both parties, Beok Goong Ryung had arranged a clandestine meeting.
Fortunately, Bu Eunseol and Song Ak were acquainted and held each other in high regard.
―Should I succeed in rescuing the Donor Ah Yeon through your aid, I shall assist you with your own matter.
Bu Eunseol had fortunately not even inquired what manner of help Song Ak required or what the matter entailed.
Song Ak was a person of integrity.
If such a man sought desperate aid, it must surely be a matter of considerable worth.
Moreover, since she had volunteered to help first, there was no reason to refuse.
Thereafter, this plan had proceeded with remarkable swiftness and efficiency.
‘Hmm.’
Beok Goong Ryung nodded as his recollection concluded.
“It would be best to explain the situation to him first.”
Song Ak nodded and drew a deep breath before speaking to Bu Eunseol.
“The elders of the Wudang Sect have fallen afflicted with somnambulism.”
For a moment, heavy silence descended upon the forest.
“Somnambulism, you say?”
“Indeed.”
After a long silence, Bu Eunseol spoke with measured precision.
“For treating sleepwalking, Banhasasim Decoction, Yeokgan Powder, and Yeonggye Chulgam Decoction work well.”
“….”
Bu Eunseol nodded firmly toward Beok Goong Ryung.
“The matter is resolved.”
Then Song Ak waved his hands and explained.
“That is not the issue. While we call it sleepwalking, it is in fact a plague of the same nature.”
He spoke with a troubled expression.
“When night falls, he wanders Wudang Mountain and tears living birds apart to consume them. When there are no more birds to eat… he has even dug up the burial grounds behind Jo Sa Jeon.”
Bu Eunseol’s eyes widened.
It was already strange that Wudang Sect Daoists with deep cultivation had contracted sleepwalking and were consuming wild beasts alive.
But to desecrate the corpses of past masters by excavating their graves when birds were unavailable?
Was this not a tale that belonged only in legends and ghost stories?
“We have no time to waste. We shall discuss this on the way.”
At that moment, Beok Goong Ryung spoke.
“A carriage awaits at the foot of the mountain.”
“Will you accompany us as well, Elder?”
“If I do not go, what standing would you have to visit Wudang Mountain?”
Beok Goong Ryung spoke in a measured tone.
“Use your shapeshifting appropriately and follow me. At Wudang, I shall introduce you as a disciple of No Bu.”
If I went as Seon Woo Jin, my dual identity would be exposed to Song Ak.
Beok Goong Ryung was, in his own way, looking out for Bu Eunseol.
“Understood.”
Crack.
Bu Eunseol, now transformed into Seol So, immediately nodded.
“Let us depart at once.”
Until this very moment, I did not know.
That by resolving the matter of Wudang Sect,
I would uncover memories of my mother that had eluded me until now, and gain clues regarding the Muk Hon Sword.

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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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