The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 66

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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 66
Deep within the mountains of Geommi Mountain.
A man in tattered clothes emerged from the dim cave.
A strange figure.
There was no other way to describe his appearance.
His hair stood wild and unkempt, while his garments bore the deep stains of grime accumulated over countless years of neglect.
“Hmm.”
The man’s eyes, fixed upon the distant sky, gleamed with an otherworldly brilliance.
Though morning had arrived, there was no trace of fatigue in his gaze—the ruddy flush of his complexion suggested he had cultivated his inner strength through the entire night.
Thud, thud.
The strange figure stepped out from the cave and stood resolute in the forest clearing before it.
“Mm.”
With a sharp exhale, the long sword at his waist suddenly appeared in his grasp.
Whoosh!
As he thrust the blade forward, a radiance like the sunset poured forth, and dizzying sword shadows spread outward like the ribs of a fan.
Swish, swish, swish.
In that instant, the trees standing all around toppled one after another.
Moreover, the direction and position of each felled tree varied completely—a swordsmanship technique bordering on the miraculous.
“Mm.”
Despite displaying such miraculous swordsmanship, the strange figure’s expression remained dissatisfied.
“This form again.”
Crack. Clatter, clatter.
Cracks suddenly spiderwebbed across the blade in his grip before it shattered into hundreds of fragments that fell to the ground.
Muttering in frustration, the strange figure made his way toward a small waterfall near the forest.
Whoooosh.
The mist from the cascading water brushed against his cheek as it fell.
Gazing at his reflection in the water below, the strange figure began to wash his face.
Splash!
After washing, he began to gather his wild hair into a neat knot atop his head.
Simultaneously, a pale and luminous face slowly emerged. Long, cold eyes fixed in an unwavering gaze; a sharp, prominent nose; tightly sealed lips…
The face of a beautiful young man emanating an intensely cold and mysterious aura was revealed.
It was Bu Eunseol.
“A year.”
Nearly a year had passed since I took residence in this cave.
My quarters within the Nangya Sect were adequate for rest, but far too bustling for refining my swordsmanship.
While wandering through Geommi Mountain, I discovered a cave near a waterfall where I could witness the sun at dawn and dusk.
And for the past year, I had devoted myself to perfecting my sword technique in this place.
“Perhaps it is due to the incorporation of heavy sword techniques and rotational force.”
Bu Eunseol clicked my tongue softly.
Building upon Dan Cheong’s swordsmanship, I had synthesized all the martial arts I had learned thus far—Sa Woo’s practical combat swordsmanship, Hwa Woo Geom, the Thunderbolt Unparalleled Technique—and combined them with the insights and refined techniques I had gained in the Gangho to create a new swordsmanship.
The Unparalleled Celestial Stream.
Bu Eunseol had named it the Unparalleled Celestial Stream.
It encompassed every sword technique scattered throughout the realm while simultaneously establishing an entirely unprecedented new sword cultivation method.
The problem was that each move of the Unparalleled Celestial Stream contained such formidable reverse force that it could not be executed with an ordinary blade.
Snap.
At that moment, the sound of a branch breaking reached her ears, along with a presence.
Turning her head, she saw a middle-aged man in white robes standing tall.
It was Baek Yeon, the Lord of the Fengyun Corps.
“Your body has grown stronger.”
After a year of cultivating martial arts, Bu Eunseol appeared slightly leaner than before.
Yet in Baek Yeon’s eyes, her very form had been honed as sharply as a single sword blade, refined to a keen edge.
“Lord.”
As Bu Eunseol clasped her hands together, Baek Yeon nodded.
“You’ve been working diligently.”
Baek Yeon’s eyes gradually widened as he examined the destroyed trees surrounding the forest.
‘This is….’
All sword techniques possess their own characteristics, and the moment they are executed, the practitioner’s individuality and unique traces are left behind.
Yet the trees Bu Eunseol had destroyed bore no traces whatsoever. They were simple and crude, as if a woodcutter had split them.
Because she had blended every technique scattered throughout the realm, no distinctive characteristics emerged at all.
“You’ve made remarkable progress.”
As Baek Yeon expressed his admiration, Bu Eunseol shook her head.
“I have not yet reached a satisfactory level.”
“What sword technique could ever satisfy you?”
Baek Yeon continued with a slight smile.
“Let us go to Cheong Pung Jae. The Patriarch seeks you.”
Sensing something significant in Baek Yeon’s gaze, Bu Eunseol asked.
“Has something happened?”
Baek Yeon paused briefly before nodding.
“A message has arrived from the Demon Palace.”
“For me?”
“You could say so.”
Baek Yeon drew a deep breath and spoke.
“A decision has been made regarding the treatment of the Ten Demon Experts.”
* * *
Three teacups with wisps of steam rising from them were placed upon the table.
Seated at a table in the guest hall of Cheong Pung Jae, Bu Eunseol listened intently to the words of Dan Cheong and Baek Yeon.
“…To put it briefly, the Demon Palace has determined that the Ten Demon Experts are not yet at a level to face masters of the great way. Thus, they have decided to grant you time to refine your martial arts once more.”
“I see.”
“The deadline is one year. Neither long nor short.”
At Baek Yeon’s words, Dan Cheong furrowed his brow with a displeased expression.
“Refine my martial arts, you say? And what’s another year? Merely a year?”
Then, with irritation lacing my voice, I muttered under my breath.
“The Demon Palace Master should either conclude his seclusion or establish a successor and retreat to his cave. Leaving the position vacant like this only strengthens the influence of the Ten Demonic Gates and the Elder Council, doesn’t it?”
Upon hearing Dan Cheong’s words, Bu Eunseol’s expression grew puzzled.
“Are you saying the Demon Palace is being manipulated by the Ten Demonic Gates and the Elder Council?”
“The current Demon Palace Master has yet to officially designate a successor. So both the Ten Demonic Gates and the Elder Council are attempting to steer the great game toward their own advantage.”
“I don’t quite understand.”
“Hmm. It seems an explanation of the power structure within the Demon Palace would be necessary to grasp this situation.”
Then Dan Cheong gestured toward Baek Yeon.
It was a silent command—since his own throat was tired, Baek Yeon should do the explaining.
“Ahem.”
Unable to withstand Dan Cheong’s burning gaze, Baek Yeon reluctantly opened his mouth.
“Have you ever heard that power within the Demon Palace is divided into three factions?”
―The Demon Palace divides its authority among three powers: the Demon Palace Master’s faction, the Elder Council’s faction, and the Ten Demonic Gates’ faction. The Elder Council, in particular—composed of masters from the previous generation—wields considerable influence.
Bu Eunseol nodded, recalling words Dan Cheong had once spoken to her.
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“Since power is divided three ways, naturally all three factions are each pushing their own preferred successor.”
As Baek Yeon continued, his brow furrowed deeper.
“The Demon Palace Master’s faction desires a rising prodigy of the Demonic Path untainted by the influence of the Ten Demonic Gates or Elder Council. The Ten Demonic Gates, of course, wish for a successor to emerge from within their own ranks.”
Only then did Bu Eunseol grasp the full picture.
With the Demon Palace Master’s successor undecided, the three divided factions were exerting their influence with all their might, each striving to tip the scales in their favor.
“And what of the Elder Council?”
“The Elder Council simply desires someone who will solidify their own power. Whether from the Ten Demonic Gates or an outsider matters not. That is why they remain fundamentally neutral.”
Dan Cheong smacked his lips and spoke again.
“The Ten Demon Experts plan is believed to be the Demon Palace Master’s unilateral decision, but in truth it was only possible because the Elder Council consented. From the Elder Council’s perspective, there is nothing to lose.”
Baek Yeon spoke with a bitter expression.
“And the one-year timeframe was pushed through by the Ten Demonic Gates. You and the other Ten Demon Experts are simply too exceptional.”
One mountain cannot harbor two tigers.
Such is the law of nature.
The Ten Demon Experts were formidable enough to displace the established successors of the Ten Demonic Gates.
Therefore, those designated heirs desperately hoped you would clash with the great masters and destroy yourselves in the process.
“I see.”
Unlike the worried Dan Cheong and Baek Yeon, Bu Eunseol’s eyes grew brighter than before.
“So I have been granted another year—another span of empty time.”
A year, three hundred and sixty-five days, is a span that can lead to an entirely new destiny, depending on how one uses it.
“Indeed. The reason I summoned you today was to discuss how you should spend this year.”
“Then I shall journey through Gangho.”
At Bu Eunseol’s immediate response, Baek Yeon’s brow creased.
“Journey through Gangho again?”
“Yes.”
“A year spent in the Guusal Unit wasn’t enough for you?”
“Guusal Unit missions are executed with all information and tactics essentially predetermined.”
“Hmm?”
“It was a time to learn everything about Gangho, but from another perspective, it wasn’t entirely unfiltered experience.”
Baek Yeon exhaled deeply and shook his head.
Guusal Unit missions are tasks that must be executed with one’s life on the line. Thorough intelligence gathering is naturally essential for that.
Yet Bu Eunseol was describing it as ‘everything was prepared.’
‘I can’t fathom what this one is thinking.’
Baek Yeon glanced sideways at Dan Cheong before speaking slowly.
“Reaching the realm of ascension cannot be accomplished in a short period. Refining practical martial arts alone is not the answer.”
Baek Yeon continued without hesitation, as though he had already considered this.
“I wish for you to spend a year traveling through the Ten Demonic Gates, building connections with their successors.”
“The successors of the Ten Demonic Gates, you say.”
“Yes. During this time, the Root Sect’s master will make it clear to the Demon Palace once more that you are a disciple of Nangya Sect, not one of the Ten Demon Experts.”
When Bu Eunseol’s expression showed incomprehension, he spoke again.
“While you visit the Ten Demonic Gates in succession and build connections with their successors, I will announce to the Demon Palace that you are the legitimate heir to the Root Sect’s lineage—thus freeing you from the shackles of being called a Ten Demon Expert.”
Dan Cheong, who had been listening quietly, furrowed his brow.
“So what you’re saying is… you want this one to build connections with the successors of the Ten Demonic Gates over a year?”
“That is correct.”
“To firmly establish recognition of their position as the Root Sect’s successor, thereby exempting them from confronting the Great Masters?”
“That is correct.”
Baek Yeon spoke with utmost seriousness.
“Except for one disciple of Jeom Chang Sect who arrived late… the martial achievements of all the Great Masters have uniformly reached the Transcendent Realm, and they are recognized as leaders of the next generation.”
“I understand what you mean, but isn’t that disregarding not only this child, but the martial philosophy that the Root Sect pursues?”
Dan Cheong spoke with a wry smile.
“The Root Sect is a place where martial arts are learned through actual combat, and simultaneously where the Way of Martial Arts is pursued through extreme battles. Yet you speak of building connections to avoid fighting?”
Yet Baek Yeon’s gaze remained resolute.
“This child’s potential and talent are extraordinary. However, the time spent learning martial arts is far too short.”
And he turned his gaze toward Bu Eunseol.
“There is no need to risk one’s life in battle before that transcendent talent has even begun to bloom. The Ten Demonic Gates understand this as well, which is why they granted the Ten Demon Experts only a year—a brief span of time.”
Dan Cheong’s expression grew troubled.
This was a plan unthinkable for a disciple of Nangya Sect.
‘Yet… he must have deliberated in his own way to protect this child.’
Understanding the care Baek Yeon must have taken to protect Bu Eunseol, Dan Cheong could not simply oppose this plan outright.
“Mm.”
Dan Cheong sighed and asked Bu Eunseol.
“Well then. What are your thoughts?”
Bu Eunseol fell silent for a moment.
Had ascending to a higher position been my goal, I would have followed Baek Yeon’s words without hesitation.
But what I desired was not high status of any kind.
“I…”
Bu Eunseol’s tightly sealed lips finally parted.
“I wish to test myself further through a journey across the Gangho.”
“So you intend to be swayed by the schemes of the Ten Demonic Gates?”
Baek Yeon spoke with a regretful expression.
“To become a truly exceptional martial artist, one must know how to lower oneself when necessary. If there is an opportunity to evade the blade, there is no need to stubbornly strike it away with your bare hands.”
Yet Bu Eunseol’s expression remained unchanged. Her unwavering gaze served as her answer.
“Listen here, Baek Yeon…”
Dan Cheong, who had been observing her, sighed and spoke.
“Do you truly believe this child would cower when blades come flying?”
“That is precisely what must be persuaded. One who knows not how to lower oneself can never become a truly exceptional martial artist.”
“But consider this.”
“Consider what?”
“Both the Sect Leader of the Root Sect and the Demon Palace Master—neither ever bowed to another, walking their own path with unwavering conviction.”
To walk one’s own path with unwavering conviction—to act according to one’s principles without yielding to others.
The Nangya Sect Leader and Demon Palace Master of this era were masters who looked down upon the martial world, heeding no one and relying on none.
There was but one reason they could do so.
They themselves were far stronger than any force in existence.
‘Surely the Sect Leader does not believe this child will reach such heights?’
Baek Yeon bit his lip as he met Dan Cheong’s gaze.
‘No. They were born as supreme masters from the start. This child is different.’
Bu Eunseol possessed remarkably exceptional talent, but ultimately she was merely an outstanding martial prodigy.
Yet the Demon Palace Master and Nangya Sect Leader were born as transcendent beings from birth.
No matter how exceptional Bu Eunseol became, he could not imagine her reaching a realm comparable to those formidable titans.
“This child is the greatest talent of the Nangya Sect. Why must she walk such a difficult path?”
At Baek Yeon’s words, Dan Cheong smiled broadly.
“Precisely because she is exceptional, she wishes to walk the difficult path.”
And he spoke toward Bu Eunseol.
“Bu Eunseol. The Ten Demonic Gates find the Ten Demon Experts far more formidable than they anticipated. They have no desire to see another competitor emerge in the already chaotic succession struggle of the Ten Demonic Gates.”
Dan Cheong wore a faint smile.
“But you are a disciple of the Root Sect, no matter what anyone says. Baek Yeon wished to convey this to you… do you understand what I mean?”
“I understand perfectly.”
Bu Eunseol also wore a faint smile.
Though the Ten Demon Experts were created as weapons to counter masters of the great way, the Nangya Sect had recognized Bu Eunseol as a true disciple.
And Baek Yeon had devised various methods to protect her from danger.
‘I am receiving excessive kindness from the Root Sect.’
Then Dan Cheong asked.
“So I ask again. What will you do for this year?”
“I will journey across the Gangho.”
At Bu Eunseol’s unhesitating answer, Dan Cheong nodded.
“Very well. Then proceed to the Eastern Drift and Western Wandering.”

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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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