The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 630

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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 630.
—The Muk Hon Ryeong Ju of the Demon Palace, Bu Eunseol, has raised an army!
—Her target is the Cheon Hae Medicine Forest, known as the sacred sanctuary of Murim!
Suddenly, a shocking rumor struck the Murim like thunder.
The successor to the Demon Palace, Muk Hon Ryeong Ju Bu Eunseol.
That radiant sun-like figure illuminating the sky of the Demonic Path had suddenly declared she would raise a great army and sweep away the Cheon Hae Medicine Forest.
—It must be nothing but a baseless rumor.
Most of the Murim dismissed the story as mere gossip.
Though she belonged to the Demonic Path, the Muk Hon Ryeong Ju had always done what was right, and had never once oppressed common folk or the weak.
Yet to attack none other than the Medical Guild, which the Murim revered, and to do so leading a massive force from the Demon Palace?
How could such a thing possibly make sense?
But rumors began spreading that under Bu Eunseol’s command, the Sayoung Battle Division and the Hyeol Mu Dan were preparing to mobilize.
The successors of the Jeol Cheon Myul Ji and Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong, Hyuk So Jin and Geuk Hye Bin, were said to be leading forces toward the Demon Palace.
Furthermore, each branch of the Demon Palace was placed on combat alert to ensure the main force could move smoothly through Ho Nam and directly into Hubei.
At this, the Murim, especially the Murim Alliance, erupted into chaos.
—We must stop them!
The Demon Palace in Ho Nam and the Murim Alliance in Hanam had long maintained Hubei as a boundary, never encroaching upon each other’s territory.
But if the great demonic army led by Bu Eunseol entered Hubei?
That would be a clear provocation against the Murim Alliance.
Moreover, if that great army did not merely pass through but instead entrenched itself throughout the Hubei region?
Then the situation would become irreversible.
The Murim Alliance immediately dispatched the Special Divine Guard to the Hubei border to intercept Bu Eunseol’s army.
At this, all the factions throughout Murim grew tense, beginning to watch the movements of both sides closely.
The vanguards of the Demon Palace and the Murim Alliance clashing—this could very well become the spark that ignited a full-scale war.

Deep within the Cheon Hae Medicine Forest.
A magnificent flower garden sprawled across the landscape, and at its center stood a hall of distinctive architecture.
Upon entering the hall, a vast great chamber came into view, with lanterns burning brightly along the pillars.
The pillar surfaces bore carvings of the Four Celestial Beasts—the qilin and vermillion bird among them—emanating a subtle luminescence.
Mysterious murals adorned the ceiling of the great chamber, and beneath them lay an expansive altar.
At the center of that altar sat a hemispherical vessel brimming with black liquid.
Below the altar, figures clad entirely in black lay prostrate with their heads bowed.
[So he finally discovered the location of Ben Gye.]
As the voice resonated, the black liquid stirred as though alive, writhing and undulating.
Splash.
It erupted skyward in a sudden torrent, coalescing into human form.
Cheon Joon.
Just as Bi Yeon had said, the Cheon Hae Medicine Forest was the true headquarters of the Infinite Realm.
That shadowy form was being created and sustained through the liquid resting upon the altar.
“The Murim Alliance is reportedly dispatching the Shin Wi Dan as well.”
Among the prostrate members of the Special Divine Guard, Gam Ryung Sang In spoke.
“If the Demon Palace does not halt its advance, the two forces will meet upon the Ak Ju Plain.”
Gam Ryung Sang In continued.
“This is not merely Ben Gye’s concern. Shall we dispatch messengers to the Cheonghae Gye and Gwi Il Gye?”
[Hehehehe.]
The shadow of Cheon Joon, laughing softly, shook its head.
[The two forces will not collide.]
Cheon Joon continued.
[Should the two allied powers clash, the suffering would fall upon the common people.]
Cheon Joon’s voice brimmed with certainty.
[Without need for intervention, the Imperial Palace will act first.]
Yet Gam Ryung Sang In bowed and spoke.
“The Imperial Palace has taken a stance of observing the situation.”
[Observing?]
“Indeed. The Emperor has stated he will observe how the Demon Palace and Murim Alliance clash for ten days before deciding.”
[Ten days….]
The shadow of Cheon Joon wavered.
He understood the imperial situation as clearly as reading a palm, and he knew the Emperor’s nature intimately.
The Emperor was one who would never tolerate the Demon Palace striking a medical guild like the Cheon Hae Medicine Forest.
Yet to observe the battle between the Demon Palace and Murim Alliance for ten whole days?
[It makes no sense.]
Sharp eyes formed within Cheon Joon’s shadow.
[Investigate immediately what has transpired.]
Demon Palace, Jamma Pavilion. Sayoung Battle Division Great Conference Hall.
Bu Eunseol and the Lords gathered with their heads together, continuing their discussion with grave expressions.
“From the start, they won’t even be able to raise an army, let alone march through Hubei.”
Wi Cheon Gyeong spoke with firm conviction after hearing Bu Eunseol’s plan.
“The Emperor will never tolerate such a conflict.”
The current Emperor cared little for the disputes of martial artists, yet he cherished the common people above all else.
If an army were raised to attack the Cheon Hae Medicine Forest?
Without hesitation, he would immediately dispatch the Imperial forces.
“Do not worry.”
Bu Eunseol spoke with calm assurance.
“Such a thing will not come to pass.”
“It won’t come to pass, you say?”
Bu Eunseol glanced subtly toward Yu Woon Ryong, who sat in composed silence.
Then Yu Woon Ryong drew a deep breath and spoke in a low voice.
“We have been given ten days.”
He turned his gaze toward the window, fixing his eyes upon the distant sky visible in the distance.
* * *
As the sun descended toward the horizon.
A shadow moved cautiously through the corridors of a palace hall deep within the Imperial Palace.
Upon entering, a long corridor came into view, with small chambers scattered throughout.
The shadow navigated the labyrinthine interior of the palace hall with practiced ease, moving deeper within.
And then entered a chamber at the far end.
Within stood towering bookshelves laden with countless volumes, and in the center sat a large desk with a chair.
The shadow approached the desk and prostrated himself, head bowed.
How much time had passed?
The door creaked open, and the sound of measured footsteps echoed through the chamber.
A figure emerged, eyes gleaming like a dragon’s, his entire being radiating the majesty of heaven itself, clad in imperial robes.
“Your humble servant, Yu Jung Poong, pays respects to His Imperial Majesty.”
The shadow who had just entered was the Emperor, while the one who had been prostrating was none other than the Grand Academician Yu Jung Poong.
“I find this utterly perplexing.”
The Emperor spoke with measured calm.
“A figure who stands as the leader of the Demonic Path’s martial world… has for generations provided medical aid to the impoverished, and yet you ask me to simply watch as the Medical Guild is destroyed?”
“Not to simply watch, Your Majesty, but to grant a fortnight’s time to allow this matter to unfold.”
Yu Jung Poong spoke with earnest conviction.
“The successor of the Demon Hall has never once tormented the innocent or the common people. Rather, he has consistently sought out and eliminated the vile forces of the martial world.”
“Hmm.”
The Emperor nodded in acknowledgment.
He too had heard the tales of the Muk Hon Ryeong Ju, whose name shook the martial world.
“This attack upon the Cheon Hae Medicine Forest is precisely because it is the stronghold of those villains who abduct commoners and slaughter innocents.”
“Do you have evidence?”
“We seek to secure that evidence while simultaneously eliminating them.”
“Heh.”
A solemn aura emanated from the Emperor’s eyes.
“Is that what you call an explanation?”
“I stake my life on this.”
Yu Jung Poong spoke while prostrating himself.
“Grant me merely a fortnight. Then everything shall be revealed.”
The Emperor fell silent for a moment.
For a mere martial artist to destroy the Medical Guild, which had been passed down through generations, was absolutely unforgivable.
Yet Yu Jung Poong was his most trusted minister, a man who never spoke carelessly.
How could he turn away when such a man staked his own neck and pleaded so earnestly?
“What of the harm that will befall the common people during those two weeks?”
“During the fortnight, the common people will suffer no harm. However, clashes between the Demon Palace, the Murim Alliance, and the righteous martial artists will continue.”
“Now that I think of it….”
The Emperor spoke while sighing.
“Does your son not serve in the martial arts world?”
“Indeed. He currently serves as a strategist in the Sayoung Battle Division within the Demon Palace.”
“Ah.”
The Emperor let out a sigh.
He knew better than anyone how incorruptible and loyal Yu Jung Poong was.
So why would such a man make this request?
‘Ah, I see.’
Suddenly recalling Yu Jung Poong’s family circumstances, the Emperor swallowed his breath.
‘Hmm.’
Having gathered his thoughts, the Emperor slowly opened his mouth.
“Since it is your request and no one else’s… I have no choice.”
“I am eternally grateful, Your Majesty.”
“However, a fortnight is too long. I grant you ten days instead.”
And he spoke with utmost solemnity.
“If after ten days you have found no conclusive evidence, or if the fighting continues….”
A glacial aura poured forth from the Emperor’s eyes.
“Your life alone will not be sufficient to end this matter.”
“I am deeply humbled, Your Majesty.”
Stepping outside the palace, Yu Jung Poong gazed toward the distant sky.
“Hmm.”
After sighing, he shook his head.
His son had left, vowing to resent him for the rest of his life.
After departing to become a swordmaster, that boy had never shown his face even once.
Yet throughout all these years, I could never bring myself to scold my son harshly.
For all of it was my own mistake.
Everything that had come to pass was my fault alone.
But one day, that very son came to me and knelt before me.
Cheon Hae Yak Rim is a den of murderers who slaughter both Murim practitioners and innocent civilians.
And to capture them, we need time to temporarily quell the Emperor’s wrath, or so the argument goes.
―I understand.
Though it bordered on the impossible, Yu Jung Poong granted his consent.
It was not because his son—who had never once bowed his head—had knelt before him in supplication.
The savage and impetuous figure of years past had vanished, replaced by a dragon among men who now shouldered the very heavens.
‘This father has done terrible things.’
I knew that Yu Woon Ryong was scorned for being born of a concubine.
Yet I had loved his mother with all my heart.
But she met a lonely and tragic death in the end, and young Yu Woon Ryong witnessed it with his own eyes.
When I learned of this too late, I wished to do something for him, but the boy fled with tears of blood streaming down his face, vowing vengeance.
Time passed, and he became a warrior of the Demon Palace, his martial name spreading quietly at first, until he transformed into a strategist whose name echoed across Tianxia.
Following the Muk Hon Ryeong Ju of the Demon Palace, he punished wicked men who committed heinous acts.
He aided innocent civilians in distress and, through brilliant tactics and strategy, led countless battles to victory.
My son, grown into manhood, harbored no resentment toward me.
He knelt before me to save innocent lives.
How could I possibly refuse such a request?
“Through this matter, I shall cast aside the debt of conscience that has burdened my heart.”
Yu Jung Poong gazed toward the distant sky.
Though I knew not when he would appear again, when next we met, I felt we could greet each other with smiles.
* * *
Yu Woon Ryong withdrew his gaze from the window as he emerged from his reverie.
In childhood, I had thought it unforgivable.
But now I understood my father’s heart—why he had no choice but to act as he did.
“How is ten days even possible?”
At Won Se Moon’s question, Yu Woon Ryong spoke calmly.
“Because I received such a promise.”
The Lords, seeing the certainty in Yu Woon Ryong’s eyes, let out sounds of realization.
They recalled the rumors that Yu Woon Ryong came from a family of considerable standing.
“Even so, it is impossible.”
It was then that Wi Cheon Gyeong stepped forward.
“Even if the Imperial forces do not mobilize, Chong Gyo Ryeong will oppose it.”
He continued with a grave expression.
“Chong Gyo Ryeong has consistently avoided direct confrontation with the Murim Alliance. Without any evidence, he will never approve an attack on Cheon Hae Yak Rim.”
“That is true.”
Bu Eunseol nodded.
“Regardless of others, Chong Gyo Ryeong will never permit a clash with the Murim Alliance.”
“Then what do we do?”
“I will handle it.”
“How do you mean?”
Bu Eunseol spoke matter-of-factly.
“Ma Cheon Je.”
“Isn’t Ma Cheon Je in seclusion?”
“Even if Ma Cheon Je is not present, there is someone who understands his intentions well.”
Bu Eunseol turned her head to gaze out the window.
That direction led to the Holy Demon Pavilion, where Ma Cheon Je resided.
The Holy Demon Pavilion.
It was the palace hall where Ma Cheon Je, the sky of the Demonic Path and master of the Demon Palace, dwelt.
Yet Ma Cheon Je had not remained in this hall for a long time.
He had been engaged in endless seclusion, one after another.
Footsteps echoed softly.
As Bu Eunseol, who had sent word ahead, stepped into the Holy Demon Pavilion, a figure stood quietly on the opposite side.
Though somewhat gaunt, her eyes were remarkably clear, and her visage possessed an elegance and beauty like a flower blooming in the eye.
It was Sang Hwa—Jin Seol.
‘When I think about it, Ma Cheon Je must be like a grandfather to her.’
Just as I had been raised by my grandfather’s hand, she had spent her time at Ma Cheon Je’s side until she turned fourteen.
And from the year she turned fifteen, she began to learn the ways of the Demon Palace.
By the time she reached eighteen, she had become Sang Hwa, overseeing all ceremonial affairs of the Demon Palace.
Moreover, she was the only person, aside from Chong Gyo Ryeong, who could meet with Ma Cheon Je at any time in private audience.
It was said that Ma Cheon Je had never once refused a request from her.
How could it be otherwise—had he not secretly conveyed that he would pass on all his martial cultivation to whoever married Jin Seol?
Her position was merely that of Sang Hwa.
In terms of actual power, Jin Seol was among the five most influential figures in the Demon Palace.
“You have returned.”
She greeted him gently, as one would welcome a returning husband.
“Have you been well?”
At Bu Eunseol’s greeting, Jin Seol offered a wan smile.
“Thanks to your kindness.”
She had been blaming herself, believing that all the massacres Sim Wol had committed had occurred because of her.
Since that day, she had completely withdrawn from Demon Palace affairs and entered the Holy Demon Pavilion.
Like the female nuns of Hyun Moon, she abstained from meat and reportedly performed Buddhist prayers every day.
‘For a woman of the Demonic Path, her heart is far too tender.’
Bu Eunseol felt a pang of sympathy.
Though Jin Seol was known as a cold and arrogant woman, her true nature was gentle and compassionate.
Why else would she have become engaged to Sim Wol?
It was simply because he had treated her so well that she could not bring herself to reject his affection.
“But what brings you here?”
“I have identified one of the hidden forces that has long been disrupting the Murim.”
Bu Eunseol spoke with measured calm.
“To deal with them, there are numerous obstacles, and one of them is Chong Gyo Ryeong.”
“The Chong Gyo Ryeong?”
“Indeed.”
He drew a deep breath, his eyes gleaming as he spoke.
“We must strike at the Cheon Hae Medicine Forest.”
Silence stretched between them for a long moment.
Jin Seol, who had been staring blankly into empty space, nodded slowly.
“I see. If we move against the Medical Guild, we’ll inevitably clash with the Murim Alliance, so the Chong Gyo Ryeong would never stand idle.”
“Moreover, without justification or evidence at present, if the Chong Gyo Ryeong opposes us, there is no way to proceed.”
Jin Seol, who had been listening in silence, finally spoke.
“Then how should I assist you?”
“I’ve heard that Jin Sang Hwa shares an exceptionally close bond with Ma Cheon Je as his adopted daughter.”
Jin Seol’s expression became somewhat bewildered.
Bu Eunseol was someone who would never rely on others in any crisis, nor was she one to lean upon another’s authority.
“Are you suggesting I visit Ma Cheon Je directly and make a request?”
“Of course not.”
Bu Eunseol spoke calmly.
“I’ve simply come to ask Sang Hwa about something I’ve been curious about for a long time, in order to resolve this matter.”
“Please, tell me.”
“Why did Ma Cheon Je specifically elevate Ye Cheon Ju, who was once the Lord of Eternal Night, to the position of Chong Gyo Ryeong?”
Heat radiated from Bu Eunseol’s eyes as though it could melt iron itself.
“Can you reveal the truth behind this?”
Jin Seol’s eyes flickered faintly, but soon returned to an expression as cold as ice.
“Why do you ask me this?”
“Because Ma Cheon Je surely must have told you, someone he treasures so dearly.”
Understanding Bu Eunseol’s meaning, Jin Seol gave an evasive answer.
“Ma Cheon Je was never one to immerse himself in the affairs of the Demon Palace. His seclusion is not a recent occurrence.”
“….”
“Since the Chong Gyo Ryeong has served Ma Cheon Je for so long, he naturally came to oversee all the Demon Palace’s operations through his role as Cheon Ju.”
“Miss Jin Seol.”
Bu Eunseol exhaled heavily as she spoke.
“You know well that I was not asking the question in that manner.”
At those words, Jin Seol’s eyes narrowed slightly.
Bu Eunseol had referred to herself as “I” and called Jin Seol “Miss”—formal terms.
In other words, setting aside rank and status.
She was appealing to their mutual affection and bond.
“That’s unlike the Ryeong Ju.”
“What do you mean?”
“The Ryeong Ju was never someone who would exploit another’s goodwill.”
It was the third time she had heard this.
Gong Son Dan Gyeong.
Since meeting her, Bu Eunseol had been changing, bit by bit.
“If that’s how it appeared, I apologize.”
Bu Eunseol brought her hands together and bowed respectfully.
“It’s simply that when I stand before Miss Jin Seol, I still feel like that provincial boy who came from Nangya Pavilion.”
It was Bu Eunseol’s genuine inner truth.
“I remain absorbed in the duties of Sayoung Hall, after all, and know little of the affairs of the main sect.”
Somewhat embarrassed, Bu Eunseol laughed with a soft snort.
It was hardly the bearing of a Grand Master of the Demonic Path commanding countless martial artists.
Jin Seol’s eyes rippled like water.
If this was not a calculated performance…
The mindset of the young scholar who had been one of the Ten Demon Immortals of Nangya Pavilion remained unchanged even now that he had become the heir to Demon Hall.
Utterly unchanged.
‘He speaks from the heart.’
Bu Eunseol’s eyes were clear.
They were the eyes of a pure martial artist, not a cunning strategist employing schemes.
“People tend to change according to their station.”
Jin Seol released a deep sigh.
“The Ryeong Ju is truly unfathomable.”
In the end, this extraordinary divine being
paid no heed to what others said, nor did he concern himself with the image of himself that was displayed to the world.
And so, regardless of what position he ascended to or what power he wielded, he could maintain his unwavering demeanor.
‘Only two kinds of people can do such a thing.’
To remain unmoved by changes in power and status meant either withdrawing completely from worldly concerns and living in natural simplicity,
or being someone who looked back at nothing and rushed forward toward a single goal alone.
And Bu Eunseol was surely the latter.
‘Then what is his purpose?’
“May I hear your answer?”
Jin Seol, awakened from her reverie by Bu Eunseol’s question, replied.
“Please answer my question first. Then I will answer yours, Ryeong Ju.”
“Very well.”
“Do you wish to become the master of Demon Hall, or do you not?”
This question would allow her to grasp Bu Eunseol’s true intentions at once,
and swiftly discern what his ultimate objective truly was.
Bu Eunseol took a deep breath.
Depending on his answer, whether he could gain her assistance would be decided.
It would be better to give her the answer she desired rather than speak honestly.
‘If I do that, then I truly would be using her.’
Bu Eunseol shook his head.
And with an expression of profound gravity, he shook his head.
“I do not wish to.”

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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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