The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 653

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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 653.
At that moment, the tip of Myeong Woon’s blade, locked against the Muk Hon Sword, flared crimson,
*screech*.
He was driven back four paces.
Even Myeong Woon, who had perfectly inherited Neung Ryeong’s abilities through the Gwi Il Gye’s supreme technique, could not withstand Bu Eunseol’s inner force.
“Heh heh. So you were confident relying solely on inner power.”
Though pushed back by Bu Eunseol’s overwhelming inner force, Myeong Woon wore a satisfied smile.
He had perfectly perceived and defended against the decisive sword technique Bu Eunseol had unleashed, a name that resounded across Tianxia.
“So the true strike of the Moo Hon Ryeong Ju amounts to merely this.”
Pride gleamed in Myeong Woon’s eyes.
He had discerned that this move was Bu Eunseol’s true striking swordsmanship.
In other words, setting aside the disparity in inner force cultivation—he was a master who matched Bu Eunseol, whose name echoed across Tianxia, in swordsmanship itself.
“Do you truly believe that?”
*click*.
Bu Eunseol sheathed the Muk Hon Sword and reset her stance.
Yet Myeong Woon merely smiled faintly.
“No sword technique will avail you. It cannot touch me.”
“How unfortunate.”
Bu Eunseol’s eyes narrowed.
“You did not attain it through bitter cultivation and self-refinement, but rather inherited your martial arts effortlessly through the supreme technique.”
*zing*!
In that instant, the Tal Yeo Seong Chul Wol Sik unfolded once more.
The entire world froze, and only the crimson-stained Muk Hon Sword moved slowly toward Myeong Woon’s throat.
*zing*!
Yet Myeong Woon once again met the tip of Bu Eunseol’s blade with perfect precision.
He had blocked the sword technique once more.
*tap tap tap*.
Blood trickled from the corner of Myeong Woon’s mouth.
Had he sustained internal injuries from the overwhelming counter-force contained within the Tal Yeo Seong Chul Wol Sik?
‘This is…’
But regrettably, this phenomenon was not due to a disparity in inner force.
‘She did it… on purpose.’
Only then could Myeong Woon perceive it.
The reason he could discern the trajectory of this terrifying extreme-speed killing technique.
It was because Bu Eunseol had never intended to pierce his throat at all, but had aimed for his blade from the start, and
had she truly resolved to kill him, his neck would have been severed by this single move.
“You survived only because the Hyungsan Sect’s swordsmanship is specialized in countering those who wield demonic blades.”
*whoosh*!
Dozens of blades formed from true energy erupted from Bu Eunseol’s body.
The blades of true energy, towering six lengths high, moved as though alive,
It remained curved, as if glaring at Myeong Woon.
“Had I fought against the mighty masters who govern the Murim, I would have already become a wandering spirit, drifting through Gu Cheon.”
If I had truly intended to kill Myeong Woon?
I would have severed his neck instantly with the Tal Yeo Seong Chul Wol Sik.
Even if by some miracle he had evaded that, I could have pierced through his body with the Yeo Ui Jin Gyeol, just as I am doing now.
In other words, the reason I was able to defend against the Tal Yeo Seong Chul Wol Sik twice.
Was entirely due to Bu Eunseol’s consideration—waiting until I could feel the gap in our strength for myself.
“In the end, it was merely a dream.”
Myeong Woon’s eyes grew dim.
Two hundred years ago, Neung Ryeong had been the finest swordmaster among the Nine Sects One Alliance.
And with the subtlety of his swordsmanship unmatched, he had prided himself on being worthy of contending with the great masters of that era.
But there was something he had overlooked.
To reach such a realm as Neung Ryeong’s, one had to endure countless hours of rigorous training.
And through innumerable battles against formidable opponents, one gained profound enlightenment in that process.
Whereas I had merely inherited that martial perfection effortlessly through the great method of Gwi Il Gae…
In the end, victory in a contest cannot be achieved simply by cultivating superior martial arts.
“To ascend to an infinitely higher realm… I had forgotten that such effort and hardship were necessary.”
Blood dripped.
Blood flowed from Myeong Woon’s lips.
Only now did he realize that even if he had inherited martial arts through the great method of Gwi Il Gae, he could not rebuild the Hyungsan Sect.
“Why, exactly.”
Bu Eunseol’s eyes grew dim.
She had deliberately restrained her killing intent and given him a chance to save his life.
Yet in the end, Myeong Woon had severed his own meridians.
“Defeat is death. Better than dying miserably to the poison curse.”
Myeong Woon spoke calmly.
“This was the secret by which Gwi Il Gae protected its secrets.”
The poison curse.
Gwi Il Gae had planted the poison curse in all its members to guard its secrets.
“Forgive me.”
Myeong Woon gazed at Bu Eunseol with sorrowful eyes.
“I promised to repay the debt of kindness, yet I cannot.”
There was no regret upon his face.
Only then did Bu Eunseol understand.
That Myeong Woon had sensed he could not defeat her, yet had boldly engaged in battle nonetheless.
“Why not simply have fled.”
At Bu Eunseol’s sigh, Myeong Woon smiled faintly.
“The one thing that sickened me throughout my life was fleeing alongside my martial brothers whenever we encountered formidable foes.”
“….”
“Heaven has blessed me with the martial arts of this sect… How could I choose to flee once more.”
“Have all your martial brothers devoted themselves to Gwi Il Gye?”
At Bu Eunseol’s question, Myeong Woon lowered his head and spoke.
“Several years ago, while traveling incognito, we encountered masters of the Green Forest and all perished. Well… it was inevitable, in a sense.”
At that time, the martial prowess of my Hyungsan Sect brothers was merely second-rate—nothing more, nothing less.
We wandered through Zhong Yuan performing covert operations to survive, but we were destined to die the moment we encountered truly exceptional first-rate masters.
In truth, I lasted far longer than I had anticipated.
“I alone survived by mere chance… but I lacked the strength to rebuild the Hyungsan Sect.”
Gah.
Myeong Woon spat out a handful of crimson blood and his body convulsed.
“Because I received the Great Dharma, my meridians are severed yet I do not die easily.”
“Where is the main headquarters of Gwi Il Gye?”
Bu Eunseol immediately infused her vital energy into his life gate acupoint.
“Even a subordinate branch will suffice. I must find my grandfather’s corpse that they stole.”
Myeong Woon shook his head.
“They are thorough. They would never reveal their main headquarters to an outsider like me.”
He spoke between ragged breaths.
“I merely agreed to obtain the martial techniques of the Hyungsan Sect in exchange for following the commands of the Special Divine Guard like a puppet. However…”
Myeong Woon spoke with dimming eyes.
“About a decade ago, I heard that the banner of Gwi Il Gye changed completely.”
“Banner?”
“Yes. The sect leader became an entirely different person…”
Myeong Woon attempted to speak further, but his eyes widened as he sensed his life drawing to an end.
“I have one final request.”
He squeezed out his remaining life force and withdrew from his bosom a secret manual and a small glass vial.
“Though I obtained this through the Great Dharma and cannot claim perfect accuracy in the teachings, I have done my utmost to restore it. Please… pass this secret manual to one worthy of rebuilding the Hyungsan Sect.”
The outer cover of the secret manual that Myeong Woon had kept in his chest was now stained crimson with his blood.
“If you do this, I shall not forget your kindness even in Hell.”
Bu Eunseol accepted the manual with a solemn expression and nodded.
Through her grave and resolute countenance alone, Myeong Woon could sense that she would absolutely honor her promise.
“And please… handle the aftermath here on Hwa Gol San.”
Bu Eunseol’s eyes wavered like ripples upon receiving the glass vial.
Sam Gye is always like this.
It manipulates people through their desperate desires, and to guard its secrets, it takes their lives as though discarding worthless objects.
For this very reason, I can never forgive Sam Gye.
Whoosh.
Bu Eunseol continuously infused her pure vital energy into Myeong Woon.
Once the meridians are severed, even a Great Immortal cannot save a life. But so that Myeong Woon would feel no pain whatsoever.
She ceaselessly poured forth her pure vital energy.
Filled with sorrow and compassion.
Myeong Woon, gazing into Bu Eunseol’s eyes, wore a gentle smile.
The successor to the Demon Hall that shakes all of Tianxia, the young Grand Master who commands the Demonic Path’s martial world.
Though known to be utterly merciless,
in truth, he possessed a tender heart and felt the pain of others as his own… a warm-hearted soul.
“I am forever indebted to you.”
Myeong Woon mustered every ounce of strength to bow respectfully to Bu Eunseol.
“Even as a ghost, I swear I shall repay this debt….”
The moment his palms came together,
the light that had glimmered in his eyes slowly faded away.
He had finally breathed his last.
“Do not grieve.”
Bu Eunseol gently closed the eyes of Myeong Woon, who had passed while offering his final bow.
“The Hyungsan Sect shall surely be restored ere long.”
A faint smile then graced the lips of the departed Myeong Woon.
As though he had heard those words.
Bu Eunseol, her expression etched with anguish, reached for the Hwa Gol San poison he clutched in his hand.
If Myeong Woon left behind a corpse, the Gwi Il Gye might exploit his body once more.
He had already become Neung Ryeong from two centuries past; his remains must never be interred.
Sizzzzz.
As the Hwa Gol San poison was poured, Myeong Woon’s flesh began to dissolve slowly.
Unable to bear the sight of his body being consumed, Bu Eunseol pressed her palms together in reverence and slowly turned away.

* * *
Upon returning to the Muhon Society, Do Cheon Rin swiftly healed the injuries Myeong Woon had sustained.
Because wanderers bearing wounds frequented the Wanderer Market, they kept a supply of effective medicines in stock.
Moreover, the Muhon Society was originally Seomseong’s greatest Wanderer Market, the Jeok Cheon Mak Ji… thus it possessed every manner of trauma remedy scattered throughout the Murim.
After completing the treatment, Do Cheon Rin, without pause, assessed the martial prowess of the Nang In Jeon Dan’s warriors and conducted training suited to their level.
The Nang In Jeon Dan had become a massive unit more than twice the size of other divisions.
After the transition from the Jeok Cheon Mak Ji to the Muhon Society,
Dam Yoo Yeon and Do Cheon Rin had both wagered that most wanderers would depart.
Wanderers, after all, possessed a restless nature and preferred to roam without fixed abode.
Yet contrary to expectation,
most of the wanderers chose to become formal members of the Muhon Society.
They were all those who had fought alongside Dam Yoo Yeon with their lives on the line when the Heuk Gi Hoe invaded.
―Should we not cease our wandering and undertake something grand?
The wanderers sensed it instinctively.
Though the beginning might appear humble,
the Muhon Society would become a pivotal force capable of reshaping the very landscape of the Murim.
When the Muhon Society announced the organization of the Nang In Jeon Dan and the provision of generous stipends commensurate with ability for formal members,
the wanderers chose not to depart and instead all aspired to become formal warriors.
While Do Cheon Rin trained the wanderers,
Dam Yoo Yeon continuously tracked the location of the Gwi Ah through the intelligence network Bu Eunseol had provided.
The information networks of the Sa Hon Dae and the Elite Division had already been integrated to a considerable degree.
She could detect and identify the positions of Gwi Ah scattered across Zhong Yuan faster than any other intelligence organization.
She provided their location information to the Murim Alliance and the Black Path Factions so they could eliminate the Gwi Ah, while simultaneously
spreading rumors so that ordinary citizens would become aware of the Gwi Ah’s existence.
―The warriors of the Murim Alliance and the Black Path are protecting us.
As the common people’s attention turned toward them, the Black Path Factions, who had been quietly trying to withdraw, began earnestly eliminating the Gwi Ah once more.
If they withdrew without a care in such a situation where all eyes were upon them?
Not only would the faction’s prestige plummet to the ground.
The face of the Black Gang organizations—the very backbone of the Black Path Factions—would also be dragged through the mud.
If the Black Gang organizations, which lived alongside ordinary citizens, lost their influence?
Then the Black Path sects themselves would inevitably see their power diminish.
―Now… there was no way to withdraw even if they wanted to.
The Black Path Factions gritted their teeth.
They had no choice but to grit their teeth and eliminate the Gwi Ah.
“I’m sorry.”
When Bu Eunseol returned to the Muhon Society, Do Cheon Rin quickly found her and spoke earnestly.
“Don’t tell her about this.”
Do Cheon Rin, who had returned to Jeok Cheon Mak Ji, lied to Dam Yoo Yeon.
If he had recounted exactly what happened—nearly dying in an attack from the Gwi Il Gye—his failure to activate the emergency system would have been exposed.
Not only would he have to endure her scolding.
Dam Yoo Yeon would spend day and night fretting over whether he might be attacked again.
“I told her that things got heated during a sparring match with you and that’s how I ended up like this.”
Do Cheon Rin spoke in a low voice.
“If she knew I’d been attacked by the Gwi Il Gye… given her nature, she wouldn’t sit still. She might even reorganize the Muhon Society’s intelligence organization again.”
One of the most painful things in this world was watching someone you love lose sleep and worry because of you.
“And yet you didn’t activate the emergency system even knowing that.”
“I understand. I’ll be more careful from now on.”
Do Cheon Rin took this opportunity to unburden himself of the thoughts he had been holding back all this time.
“But from now on, you must steel your resolve as well.”
“What do you mean?”
“Every time a formidable opponent appears, will you order them to flee like rats instead of fighting?”
He continued with a solemn expression.
“I know you care for your subordinates more than your own life. But you cannot forever bear responsibility for all of their lives.”
He himself was the vice-leader of the Blood-Dyed Sword School, a massive faction, commanding countless martial artists like extensions of his own body while managing the Ma Do Cheon Ha.
As Do Cheon Rin went through various experiences with Bu Eunseol,
he came to understand that despite his taciturn demeanor, this man possessed deeper affection than anyone.
And he sensed that this would become a grave weakness in the future.
So he was determined to point it out harshly now.
“If the Muhon Society is to grow into a united force of the Murim in the future, the blood of countless subordinates will be required. Will you despair and suffer each time that happens?”
“I….”
Bu Eunseol averted Do Cheon Rin’s gaze, murmuring softly.
“I simply do what I can to ensure those around me are not harmed.”
“I understand. That you undertake such matters is not some lofty mission to save the Murim—rather, it is to protect those dear to you.”
Do Cheon Rin understood this well.
The greatest reason Bu Eunseol had founded the Muhon Society was to safely protect the people she cherished.
To create a sanctuary that no one could ever touch.
The Demon Hall and the Murim Alliance
were no longer safe havens.
Rather, they had become like hellish abysses themselves.
“But listen well, Bu Eunseol.”
Do Cheon Rin spoke with utmost solemnity.
“I, your comrades, your subordinates—we are all warriors who live with our lives hanging by the blade’s edge.”
“….”
“We have all chosen the path of the martial master, using our swords as pillows for our rest!”
―We are all warriors who live with our lives hanging by the blade’s edge, martial masters who use our swords as pillows for our rest.
Bu Eunseol’s eyes widened.
Heedless of life itself.
Just as they had once wandered the Gangho with a single blade in hand, driven by vengeance.
They too had lived in the Murim, where gratitude and resentment intertwined, endlessly wiping blood from their blades.
“You are right. I apologize.”
Bu Eunseol offered Do Cheon Rin a faint smile.
“I will ensure such words never escape my lips again.”
‘That smile.’
Witnessing her smile—as clear as an autumn sky—Do Cheon Rin exhaled deeply.
The closer he drew to Bu Eunseol, the more clearly he perceived her true self hidden beneath that cold visage.
Beneath the facade of the supreme sect master who moves the Murim of all under heaven
dwelt a tender child who sat quietly in the serene Taepyeong Morgue, gently cleaning corpses with her grandfather,
finding happiness in an uneventful day, eating noodles with a simple pickled radish broth.
‘What fault could you possibly bear?’
Do Cheon Rin bit his lip.
‘It is the Gangho that erred, transforming an innocent child into a vengeful specter.’
And he resolved once more.
‘I will protect you. I will ensure that tender child survives to the end in the Gangho.’
Such was the sentiment of all who truly cherished Bu Eunseol.
They would never wish to see that child weep, and they would ensure such suffering never came to pass.
Do Cheon Rin made this vow to himself countless times.
* * *
Bu Eunseol boarded a carriage and headed once more toward the Demon Hall.
Originally, she had intended to oversee various matters within the Muhon Society, and once the situation stabilized, to return to the Demon Hall.
However, Do Cheon Rin and Dam Yoo Yeon were managing the Muhon Society even more effectively than I could.
Moreover, Dae Gu Hwi and Bing Han Poong were training alongside their subordinates to confront the Gwi Ah, dedicating themselves entirely to martial cultivation.
For now, there was nothing for me to do.
[A letter has arrived.]
It was then that So Yo’s distant voice transmission reached me.
Bu Eunseol descended from the carriage immediately and met So Yo in a secluded forest.
Visible between the rocky crevices, she appeared somewhat gaunt.
Following me day and night, or shuttling between the Demon Hall and the Murim Alliance to relay information swiftly—she could not help but be exhausted.
“You’ve endured much hardship.”
Bu Eunseol spoke to So Yo aloud.
The integration of Jeongsayang-do’s intelligence network had been possible precisely because of her—a secret operative whose equal was rarely found in the world.
[Hardship? Don’t mention it.]
“Within a hundred paces, we are safe. You may speak freely.”
[I can’t. Even so, I must be cautious against any possibility.]
Bu Eunseol felt a pang of guilt.
“What if you took a leave of absence for a time? Now that we have Tak Il Hon and the Bi Ma Dae.”
Tak Il Hon possessed spiritual perception rivaling So Yo’s own, and the Bi Ma Dae had become spies exceeding the elite of the Sa Hon Dae.
They were more than capable of filling the void she would leave.
[I agree with that.]
“Then I shall speak to Tak Il Hon at once.”
Yet So Yo said something entirely unexpected.
[Not that. I mean—stop worrying so much about those around you.]
At her sudden words, Bu Eunseol blinked repeatedly for a long moment.
Only after considerable time did I realize she was referring to the conversation I had shared with Do Cheon Rin at the Muhon Society.
In truth, So Yo had known for far longer that I possessed a tender heart.
That was precisely why she had not left my side for even a single day.
[I am a martial artist. So Yo is. The Bi Ma Dae are. We all are.]
“I understand.”
Bu Eunseol offered an embarrassed smile toward So Yo, hidden within the rocky crevices.
“I’ve caused you unnecessary concern.”
[Here.]
As she extended her hand through the gap between the rocks, an envelope flew in a straight line toward me.
Whoosh.
As Bu Eunseol opened the envelope and began reading the letter within, her expression grew peculiar.
‘Yu hyung?’
An unexpected figure she had not anticipated.
It was a letter sent by Yu Hwa Ryeong of the Cheon Geom Hoe.
―I apologize. I promised never to seek you out again, yet here I am sending this letter.
In the past, to honor my promise with the Cheon Geom Hoe, I had clashed with the Dong Chang in Sichuan.
I pursued Hyung Su with my life on the line.
Yet in the end, they had only destroyed the Underground Fortress of the Infinite Realm—that demon remained unfound.
But Yu Hwa Ryeong was satisfied with that.
To spare Bu Eunseol, who had become the successor to the Demon Hall, from further harm.
With that matter concluded, he declared their debt to the Heavenly Sword Society settled, and swore never to seek him out again.
So it was shocking when he suddenly sent a letter.
Sensing ill fortune, Bu Eunseol hurriedly read through the missive.
―This concerns our society’s affairs, but I felt you must know of it as well.
As Yu Hwa Ryeong’s handwriting filled her vision, Bu Eunseol’s gaze deepened with each passing moment.
―No matter how hard our society has tried, we cannot locate Hyung Su. We have attempted countless methods over the years.
One of them was to seek out the Debt Ledger.
‘The Debt Ledger.’
It was not a poor choice.
I too had no way to find Hyung Su, the man who killed my grandfather, so I chose such a method.
And through Shin San Ja, I eventually discovered that Hyung Su was one of the Seven Lords.
―But obtaining the Debt Ledger to find the greatest master under heaven was never an easy task.
Yet heaven favored us.
Thanks to pouring vast wealth and manpower into the search, we finally succeeded in acquiring the Debt Ledger.
Bu Eunseol’s eyes darkened as she continued reading.
After the society leader and most of the ten seats perished, the Heavenly Sword Society had become a faction unable to conduct proper Murim activities.
Yet the accumulated wealth passed down through generations rivaled that of any other sect, allowing them to conduct various covert operations.
But the Debt Ledger was not something that could be obtained through wealth or manpower alone.
Because Shin San Ja did not distribute the Debt Ledgers indiscriminately.
Rather, he calculated meticulously whose hands they would fall into before distributing them.
‘They are trying to control the Heavenly Sword Society.’
A flash of lightning crossed Bu Eunseol’s eyes.
The Heavenly Sword Society’s acquisition of the Debt Ledger was neither through the power of money nor by chance—
It was ultimately the result of Shin San Ja’s design.

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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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