The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 632
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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 632.
Seo Jin Ha was a man who understood a woman’s heart better than anyone else.
He had anticipated this entire situation and brought the betrothal gift for Jong Ri Sa Yu from the Sayoung Battle Division in advance.
“Of course, that goes without saying.”
Seo Jin Ha gazed into Jong Ri Sa Yu’s eyes with a profound look.
“In fact, I have brought a token of affection to present to you.”
“A token of affection…?”
Jong Ri Sa Yu, who had been smiling brightly, grew somewhat cold as a thought crossed her mind.
“Surely it’s not something common like jewelry or a trinket, is it?”
She spoke with conviction.
“Since our paths diverge, I want something certain. A clear token that Ryeong Ju has given me…”
She had fallen in love, but she was far from a foolish woman.
Without a public betrothal, any token exchanged in secret would be worthless.
Therefore, she did not want jewelry or ornaments that could be purchased with money.
She sought instead a sacred object or cherished possession that could prove the giver’s identity.
Common items available anywhere could never serve as proof.
“Of course. Before coming here, I visited the treasury of the Sayoung Battle Division and retrieved an item.”
“An item from the Sayoung Battle Division’s treasury?”
“Indeed.”
Seo Jin Ha, who had been gazing at Jong Ri Sa Yu with those profound eyes, turned and spoke in a loud voice.
“Bring the betrothal gift to the young lady’s quarters.”
At that, servants who had been waiting in the distance began laboriously moving a large object wrapped in crimson cloth.
Judging by its weight and size, it appeared to be something of considerable value.
“You mean something that large?”
“Why would I begrudge anything given to you?”
Seo Jin Ha added a final remark.
“That object is unique in all the world. Guard it well, I implore you.”
“Unique in all the world.”
Indeed, judging by its size, it seemed a precious thing that could not even be replicated.
“Thank you.”
Jong Ri Sa Yu smiled radiantly as she spoke.
“Since your resolve is so steadfast, I shall immediately persuade my grandfather.”
“I am grateful. However…”
Seo Jin Ha clasped his hands together.
“This matter is urgent, so if possible, I would appreciate it being handled as swiftly as you can manage.”
“Is it truly so pressing?”
“Indeed. If we miss this opportunity, annihilating them and bringing stability to the Gangho will become nothing but a distant dream.”
Jong Ri Sa Yu pondered for a moment, then nodded.
“Follow me.”
She led Seo Jin Ha into a secret warehouse within the inner sanctum of the Jongri Estate.
After disabling several mechanisms, an exceedingly concealed Stone Chamber revealed itself.
A cool chill permeated the space, and within it rested a small iron box.
“This is it.”
As she opened the metal container, an indescribably refreshing fragrance wafted forth.
It was none other than Chim Wang’s magnum opus—the Chim Wang Elixir, capable of neutralizing Inhua’s poison in a single dose.
“Is this truly the Chim Wang Elixir?”
“Yes. Take it with you.”
Seo Jin Ha hesitated momentarily.
“If the elder learns of this, how will you bear his wrath?”
“What else could happen but expulsion?”
Jong Ri Sa Yu spoke with remarkable composure.
“Besides, this is all for the sake of eliminating the Shil Hon In faction.”
“But—”
“Well, if I have nowhere else to go, I’ll simply head to the Demon Palace.”
A chill ran down Seo Jin Ha’s spine.
He could not discern whether her words were earnest or merely jest.
“I’m joking.”
Jong Ri Sa Yu smiled and extended the metal box toward him.
“Please, take it quickly.”
Her radiant smile was truly captivating.
Moreover, her willingness to part with such a treasure as the Chim Wang Elixir without hesitation spoke volumes of her character.
‘She truly is a remarkable woman.’
“I am deeply grateful.”
With utmost courtesy, Seo Jin Ha accepted the metal box, wrapped it carefully in cloth, and secured it firmly to his person.
“Great upheaval shall soon befall the Murim.”
Seo Jin Ha gazed upon Jong Ri Sa Yu.
“And criticism will inevitably descend upon Ben Jeon. Yet I earnestly hope you will trust in me.”
Bu Eunseol would soon strike at the Cheon Hye Medicine Forest to target the Infinite Realm.
And for the Jongli Clan, the revelation that they had cultivated the Shil Hon In faction would be a truth difficult to accept.
“I trust you.”
“You say so with such ease?”
Jong Ri Sa Yu covered her mouth as she laughed.
“Has there been anything ordinary about what you’ve accomplished thus far?”
‘She is indeed a remarkable woman.’
Seo Jin Ha smiled inwardly.
‘To act without hesitation, trusting only in Bu Eunseol.’
He made an inner vow.
He would ensure that Jong Ri Sa Yu and Bu Eunseol could be united.
“Then, I shall take my leave.”
“Safe travels.”
“And you as well.”
Seo Jin Ha offered a smile and promptly departed from the Jongri Estate.
Jong Ri Sa Yu walked him to the door, waving her hand with a wistful expression as she murmured to herself.
“Since you’ve already given me a token… couldn’t you have added a touch of affection to it?”
As she gazed at Bu Eunseol’s retreating silhouette, she let out a sudden exclamation.
“The token—there’s something about it!”
Recalling the massive object draped in crimson cloth, she hurried into her quarters.
It was a treasure housed in the Sayoung Battle Division’s vault—a divine artifact of which only one existed in the world.
To have brought such a thing meant it was invaluable, and surely it carried her affection abundantly within it.
Jong Ri Sa Yu sought to soothe her long yearning with this gift.
“It really is enormous.”
Jong Ri Sa Yu’s mouth fell open as she gazed at the crimson cloth standing in her quarters.
What on earth had been brought that towered above her own height?
A soft rustle.
As she removed the crimson cloth, her jaw dropped in astonishment.
“This is…”
Jong Ri Sa Yu rubbed her eyes.
Once the cloth was removed, a magnificent statue gilded in gold leaf was revealed.
It was an enormous sculpture crafted in the exact likeness of Bu Eunseol.
“What is this?”
Jong Ri Sa Yu’s expression turned bewildered.
The gold-leafed Bu Eunseol bore an exaggerated smile.
One arm pointed toward the Distant Sky.
And beneath the statue…
―In eternal commemoration of the Great Patriarch of the Demonic Path’s Martial Arts, who shall live forever in the hearts of all humanity, and the immortal achievements of the illustrious Bu Eunseol, Lord of the Infinite Realm, who shall guide the future of Murim, transmitted through ten thousand generations…
Laudatory inscriptions so effusive they made one’s mind reel were densely carved into the base.
“Ugh.”
As Jong Ri Sa Yu read through the text, she felt nauseous.
Something about it made her deeply uncomfortable.
Moreover, merely gazing at the smile etched upon the gleaming, gold-leafed statue’s lips…
caused her mouth to twitch involuntarily.
And for some reason…
the posture pointing toward the Distant Sky was absurdly exaggerated, and the abdomen appeared inexplicably protruding.
Jong Ri Sa Yu finally could bear it no longer and recovered the statue with the crimson cloth.
“To the warehouse…”
Stumbling, she pressed her forehead and shouted to her servants.
“Take this object to the warehouse at once!”
* * *
At that very moment, in the Jamma Pavilion. In Yu Woon Ryong’s office.
“My Lord!”
His adjutant, Mu Gwang, came rushing into the office in a flurry.
“We have a crisis!”
“What is it?”
“The treasures of Bon Gak have been stolen!”
“Stolen treasures?”
“The most precious treasure kept in Bon Gak has disappeared.”
Just then, Won Se Moon and Jo Nam Cheon came rushing in with thunderous footsteps.
“Lord Yu!”
Won Se Moon bounded forward and spoke urgently.
“The treasures of Bon Jeon have been stolen!”
Yu Woon Ryong furrowed his brow and spoke.
“So what exactly has been stolen?”
Then Jo Nam Cheon also shouted from the side.
“The statue of Ryeong Ju that our Sayoung Battle Division warriors pooled their salaries to create has been stolen!”
Yu Woon Ryong blinked in confusion, then sighed and shook his head.
‘Sigh.’
These men had gone beyond merely respecting or revering Bu Eunseol—they had made her an object of worship.
Somehow, the Sayoung Battle Division had become a tightly-knit organization that resembled a cult.
And the fervent fanaticism of these zealots grew more intense with each passing day…
―Now that I think about it, why isn’t there a statue of Ryeong Ju in Bon Jeon?
―Shouldn’t we preserve her magnificent appearance while she’s still young?
―The Chong Gyo Ryeong won’t do it, so let’s do it ourselves!
With Won Se Moon as the driving force, all the warriors pooled their money and brought in Cheol Dae Seongsaeng, the most renowned sculptor in Gangnam.
They had Bu Eunseol’s likeness carved into a life-sized statue.
―And please inscribe this inscription on it.
Once the statue was completed, the lords demanded that inscriptions expressing their admiration be carved into the stone.
―I simply… cannot do this.
I was already uncomfortable creating a statue with an exaggerated smile and an awkward pose.
But now they wanted me to inscribe these absurd words of praise?
―No Bu is an artist, not someone who carves such inscriptions…
Just as Cheol Dae Seongsaeng was stubbornly refusing.
Wi Cheon Gyeong placed a box before him containing gold coins that gleamed with a yellowish light.
―…I have long dreamed of this. I will do my utmost to complete the inscription.
Cheol Dae Seongsaeng poured all his life’s effort into completing the inscription.
And finally, once the stone statue was completed.
The Sayoung Battle Division warriors displayed it prominently in front of the Sayoung Battle Division.
―What on earth is this?
Heaven’s blessing upon us.
By sheer fortune… before anyone from the Demon Palace or Bu Eunseol could see it.
Yu Woon Ryong discovered the statue first.
―You crazy bastards!
He cursed loudly and immediately shoved the statue into the warehouse entrance.
The warriors of the Sayoung Battle Division were filled with discontent, but they couldn’t defy the orders of Yu Woon Ryong, the true power who handled virtually all of the division’s affairs.
―Well, what’s wrong with it being in the warehouse? We can just visit it from time to time.
In the end, the warriors of the Sayoung Battle Division.
Morning and evening, they would go to the warehouse entrance and stand before Bu Eunseol’s statue.
And weren’t they even burning incense and bowing before it?
―Is this the Guan Di Temple?
Seeing this, Yu Woon Ryong cursed loudly in exasperation.
―Stop this at once!
Then the lords and team members of the Sayoung Battle Division spoke in unison.
―Ha, the Guan Di Temple? You’re comparing the wrong things.
―What?
―Think about it. No matter how mighty Guan Yu was, if he fought against Ryeong Ju, he wouldn’t last even forty exchanges before his head was severed, would he?
Yu Woon Ryong was left speechless and exasperated, yet somehow found himself nodding in agreement.
―True enough… No matter how valiant Lord Guan was, he couldn’t withstand that creature’s technique born from centuries of cultivation.
―Precisely so.
Yu Woon Ryong wiped his nose in resignation.
―If you must do this, do it only here. This must never be known to the outside world.
―Ah, don’t worry! There’s no way such a thing would happen.
In the end, Yu Woon Ryong chose to turn a blind eye.
He couldn’t stop them from doing this in a corner of the warehouse.
But an unexpected situation unfolded.
Seo Jin Ha began rummaging through the Sayoung Battle Division’s warehouse to bring a gift to the Jongri Clan.
―Wait, this is…!
And unfortunately, he too…
Was an ardent fanatic of Bu Eunseol, no different from the warriors of the Sayoung Battle Division.
―Such a magnificent object existed!
Seo Jin Ha, who gasped in admiration upon seeing the gleaming statue of Bu Eunseol,
Unhesitatingly chose the statue as a token of sincerity to give to Jong Ri Sa Yu.
―Why are you trying to remove this?
At Seo Jin Ha’s words upon visiting his office, Yu Woon Ryong furrowed his brow.
―What do you intend to do with it?
Seo Jin Ha spoke confidently.
―Anyone would love such a gift. Wouldn’t they?
Watching Seo Jin Ha’s eyes sparkle, Yu Woon Ryong pressed his forehead.
He had thought one of them was normal, but it seemed he was mistaken…
―Do as you wish.
Having finished his recollection, Yu Woon Ryong sighed and spoke.
“It was removed for a certain mission.”
“A certain task, you say?”
“It was a gift given to someone. Just understand it that way.”
Won Se Moon, who heard this explanation, opened his mouth in astonishment.
“You mean our sincere devotion?”
Then Jo Nam Cheon, standing beside him, murmured in a trembling voice.
“You mean the treasure imbued with the aspirations and sincerity of Ben Jeon’s warriors—something they wouldn’t exchange even for ten million gold coins?”
“Ah, yes, yes.”
Yu Woon Ryong waved his hand dismissively, his face etched with fatigue.
“Your aspirations and sincerity will surely have been conveyed well. Now, leave.”
Without even glancing at them, he returned to writing his correspondence.
Won Se Moon and the others exchanged glances, then reluctantly turned to depart.
“There’s no help for it.”
They whispered in hushed tones.
“We’ll have to make another one.”
“This time, even grander.”
“Perhaps right in front of Ben Jeon’s entrance.”
* * *
The Hyeol Mu Dan of Demon Hall completed their preparations for deployment.
Under Bu Eunseol’s leadership, a military force capable of annihilating Cheon Hye Medicine Forest in one fell swoop had been assembled.
The most astonished were not the warriors of Demon Hall, but the Lords of Sayoung Battle Division.
Yeop Hyo Cheon, the Chong Gyo Ryeong, whom they had been certain would never approve such an action, had actually sanctioned it.
―How on earth did you manage to convince the Chong Gyo Ryeong?
To the Lords’ inquiry, Bu Eunseol answered thus.
―I merely reminded the Chong Gyo Ryeong that he is not the Deputy Lord.
The Lords wore puzzled expressions at Bu Eunseol’s words.
Because Ma Cheon Je’s seclusion had become routine.
Wasn’t it Yeop Hyo Cheon, the Chong Gyo Ryeong, who effectively oversaw and commanded all operations of Demon Hall?
He possessed virtually the authority of a Deputy Lord—nay, even greater power than that.
How could she have persuaded him merely by reminding him that the Chong Gyo Ryeong was not the Deputy Lord? What manner of logic was this?
“Yu Dae Ju.”
A rumbling of footsteps.
Eventually, the Lords of Sayoung Battle Division flocked to Yu Woon Ryong and subtly pressed him for answers.
“We simply cannot fathom what the Ryeong Ju meant.”
Yu Woon Ryong, occupied with various preparations for the deployment, furrowed his brow.
“Why are you curious about that?”
“How could we not be curious? The not knowing has kept us awake at night.”
At Won Se Moon’s words, Jo Nam Cheon nodded in agreement.
“Indeed. Not only us, but our subordinates too have been losing sleep. If this curiosity persists, it will surely affect the morale of our Team Members.”
“Ah, what a convenient excuse.”
Though it was an absurd argument, Yu Woon Ryong found it oddly persuasive and opened his mouth to speak.
“Do you know why Chong Gyo Ryeong became Chong Gyo Ryeong?”
“Well….”
Won Se Moon nodded and blinked his eyes.
Now that he thought about it, the title of Chong Gyo Ryeong didn’t originally exist in the Demon Hall.
It was a position found in religiously-oriented sects of the Demonic Path, such as Baijiao or the Blood Cult.
So why had Ma Cheon Je elevated Yeop Hyo Cheon, who had been the Infinite Realm Lord, to the status of Chong Gyo Ryeong instead of filling the vacant position of Deputy Hall Master?
Won Se Moon answered hesitantly.
“Well, since the Deputy Hall Master didn’t die but disappeared, you had no choice but to grant him the title of Chong Gyo Ryeong, correct?”
“Then what is the difference between the position of Deputy Hall Master and Chong Gyo Ryeong?”
“That is…”
Won Se Moon’s mouth fumbled for words.
Even Jo Nam Cheon, who was naturally astute and possessed excellent wisdom and deep insight, and Wi Cheon Gyeong as well.
Could not answer and remained silent.
“What exactly is the difference?”
When Won Se Moon asked, Yu Woon Ryong spoke calmly.
“Chong Gyo Ryeong has managed all the affairs of the Demon Hall on behalf of Ma Cheon Je until now. But he has never proactively issued orders or commands.”
In that instant, the Lords’ eyes gleamed.
―Now that you mention it?
It was the truth.
When you thought about it, Chong Gyo Ryeong had never once.
Proactively issued orders or assignments.
He only approved tasks that his subordinates requested or meted out rewards and punishments—nothing more.
“Now that you say it, that’s right?”
Jo Nam Cheon blinked.
“Have any of you ever heard Chong Gyo Ryeong issue a direct command?”
The members all shook their heads.
All the missions thus far had been directed by the leaders of each organization.
And Chong Gyo Ryeong, who ultimately commanded those leaders, only decided whether to approve the missions or not.
He had never proactively issued a single mission.
“Now that I think about it, it is strange.”
At that moment, Wi Cheon Gyeong spoke while stroking his chin.
“Isn’t Chong Gyo Ryeong a position in a sect meant to educate all the followers?”
“Correct. To be more precise, it is a position that checks whether the followers deviate from the sect’s doctrine, and imposes sanctions if there are any violations.”
“Was Ma Cheon Je from a sect background?”
When Won Se Moon gave an unexpected answer, a flash of light gleamed in Wi Cheon Gyeong’s eyes.
“So that’s… how it was.”
Won Se Moon and Jo Nam Cheon looked at Wi Cheon Gyeong and asked.
“What? What exactly are you talking about?”
“Simply put, Ma Cheon Je restricted Chong Gyo Ryeong’s duties as if he were a member of a sect, strictly limiting his scope of work. That is why the position of Chong Gyo Ryeong was created.”
“But that is merely a written regulation, is it not? The authority of Chong Gyo Ryeong, who has continuously managed the Demon Hall on behalf of Ma Cheon Je, should exceed that?”
Jo Nam Cheon pressed the question sharply, and Wi Cheon Gyeong responded.
“Of course, it wouldn’t be unreasonable to say that Chong Gyo Ryeong is effectively the deputy lord. However.”
Wi Cheon Gyeong continued with measured deliberation.
“What if Ma Cheon Je were absent? How far would Chong Gyo Ryeong’s authority truly extend?”
“Hmm?”
“Looking at Ryeong Ju’s attitude, it’s clear that Cheon Hye Medicine Forest is far more than a mere subordinate faction. This expedition must be a critical matter—one capable of destabilizing the balance between Ben Jeon and the Demonic Path itself.”
Wi Cheon Gyeong spoke with conviction.
“But Chong Gyo Ryeong possesses no authority whatsoever over such matters. After all, he is merely Chong Gyo Ryeong.”
At Wi Cheon Gyeong’s words, Yu Woon Ryong’s expression shifted to one of admiration.
In truth, the Lords had never fully understood Sam Gye until now.
Yet Wi Cheon Gyeong, who had long handled intelligence, had already grasped the situation with remarkable clarity.
More than that—he had keenly discerned the true position of Chong Gyo Ryeong that even Bu Eunseol had uncovered.
I had reached the moment to address the Infinite Realm, and now all truths must be revealed.
Yu Woon Ryong drew a deep breath.
At last, to the Lords of Sayoung Battle Division as well.
I would disclose everything—the current state of Murim, the Samgye Organization, and all that Bu Eunseol had discovered.
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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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