The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 663
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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 663.
Thud.
The shock was so overwhelming that I felt my head spin and my eyes seemed ready to burst from their sockets.
“What are you saying?”
I spoke in a low voice.
“You were with the Gwi Il Gae?”
“No. I am….”
A long shadow fell across Man Wol’s deep eyes.
“Just a tool, that’s all.”
“A tool.”
From that single word, I could understand Man Wol’s circumstances to some degree.
“The Gwi Il Gae requires you as an essential element in their grand technique to obtain the corpse’s power?”
“Yes.”
Man Wol gazed toward the distant sky and spoke as if reciting.
“One who was once a Baek Pal Seong in the past. And one born with the exact same Baek Pal Seong. I can connect those two.”
“A kind of… shaman or divine maiden, then.”
“That’s right.”
Man Wol wore a thin, sorrowful smile.
“I am a shaman.”
“Then.”
I finally understood why the Masked Assassins had bound her with crimson threads and arranged those mysterious talismans.
“Wait, then.”
My mind raced rapidly.
Man Wol was not from the Jung Sun Ga.
The Masked Assassins from the Gwi Il Gae who abducted her bore traces of a desperate battle.
And a servant of the Jung Sun Ga who could absorb the power of Baek Pal Seong.
Had erected a strange barrier preventing anyone from entering this forest.
‘Someone from a third force.’
Now I could grasp the situation.
In short, the Jung Sun Ga and the Gwi Il Gae must have joined forces to abduct Man Wol from some other power.
And to execute their grand technique without interference.
The Jung Sun Ga had deployed a formation here to block outsiders.
The Gwi Il Gae would have immediately used Man Wol to awaken the one who received Hyeol Hwang’s grand technique.
‘The Inbiyin.’
Only now did I understand how the Gwi Il Gae’s impossible grand technique could be possible.
A technique impossible for any human in Murim to execute.
The cradle that birthed the demonic arts, a mysterious sect bearing religious colors, the very synonym of terror and awe—the Ma Gyo.
If she were a shaman from that place… she could connect the power of Baek Pal Seong transcending past and present.
“I’m sorry.”
Man Wol spoke again, as if reading my thoughts.
“I’d prefer if you didn’t ask about my past.”
Why did the priestess of the Inbiyin—presumed descendants of Ma Gyo—wander alone?
Why had she been kidnapped by the Gwi Il Gae and the Jung Sun Ga?
If I learned the answers to these questions?
I could prepare for far more contingencies ahead and gain informational superiority over any faction.
“I understand.”
Yet I nodded with an unconcerned smile.
I wasn’t callous or cruel enough to torment a woman fleeing as prey to countless powers, extracting information through her suffering.
Time would reveal these answers as I dealt with the Sam Gye anyway.
“It seems the Gwi Il Gae has gone too far—connecting the deaths of those who kidnapped the lady to their own actions.”
It was a light jest meant to lift Man Wol’s spirits as she hung her head like a criminal.
But an unexpected answer came from her lips.
“The Cheon Ju of the Gwi Il Gae changed about a decade ago. And he is… truly a frightening person.”
‘The sect leader.’
Myeong Woon, who had once served in the Gwi Il Gae,
had informed me that the sect leader of the Gwi Il Gae had become someone different.
Yet Man Wol was saying the Gwi Il Gae’s sect leader changed a full decade ago?
“Can the sect leader of the Gwi Il Gae even be replaced?”
I couldn’t hide my surprise as I asked.
“Or could it be that the Sam Gye holds a succession war to determine their sect leader?”
“I simply felt that he had changed.”
Man Wol’s gaze became transparent.
“Because I’ve watched him since childhood.”
“Then…”
“Yes. That fact is… something only I know in this world.”
I took a deep breath.
I couldn’t comprehend it at all.
As if mocking the Infinite Realm that dominates Tianxia,
the Inbiyin gradually sent out Gwi Ah—and this priestess of that terrifying force inheriting Ma Gyo’s true lineage
wandered Murim alone, hunted by the Sam Gye and Jung Sun Ga, and claimed to have sensed the change in the Gwi Il Gae’s sect leader by herself.
“I don’t know where to even begin understanding this.”
I asked, bewildered.
“You know the Gwi Il Gae’s sect leader, so why were you captured by the Gwi Il Gae’s people?”
“…”
“Is that also something I cannot ask?”
As Man Wol maintained a pained silence,
“Forgive me. I shouldn’t have pressed you like that.”
I wore a bitter expression, and Man Wol spoke apologetically.
“Don’t worry.”
“…”
“Because you will uncover everything.”
“Are you speaking from the perspective of a shaman?”
Bu Eunseol threw out a joke, deliberately brushing aside her frustration.
I couldn’t simply stand by and watch that beautiful girl bear the weight of the world’s every sorrow upon her shoulders.
“I’m not sure.”
Man Wol smiled softly.
As she, who had worn such a dark expression all this while, offered that smile, it seemed as though the entire world brightened.
“My lady, if you don’t mind, would you not come to me?”
“What did you say?”
As her face flushed red, Bu Eunseol hastily waved her hand.
“That’s not what I meant—I was thinking that the Gwi Il Gae or the Jung Sun Ga might harm you again.”
Bu Eunseol spoke calmly.
“I am confident that I can protect you safely, no matter which force in Tianxia might target you.”
And I added an honest remark.
“If you do so, I believe I could receive some of your assistance.”
Man Wol, as the shaman of the Inbiyin, surely possessed mysterious power.
Had she not even briefly halted the one wearing Hyeol Hwang’s shell?
If I could obtain her help, I could navigate through many difficulties with ease.
“I cannot stay anywhere.”
“Why is that?”
“Because I….”
Man Wol’s eyes sparkled like jewels, as though brimming with clear tears.
“My very existence brings misfortune and calamity.”
She was smiling, yet her eyes were filled with sorrow as if weeping silently.
Bu Eunseol wanted to say something, anything, but no words came to mind.
“It’s alright. This is my fate.”
“Fate can be shattered.”
Man Wol looked at the bewildered Bu Eunseol and smiled faintly.
“If you wish to help me, become stronger. Strong enough that no one could stand against you.”
“….”
“Then you will be able to help me.”
The forlorn smile she left behind made her appear as though she were trapped in a cage, captive to someone.
‘Could the Leader be toying with her?’
It was almost like an intuition.
The Leader of the Inbiyin was an extremely cruel and perverse being, and
could it be that for some reason, he had abandoned Man Wol alone in the Gangho, subjecting her to suffering?
While gazing with pleasure upon Man Wol’s form writhing in pain and anguish.
“Then.”
Man Wol slowly turned her body away.
Bu Eunseol could not bring herself to stop her.
Though I was constrained in my movements to protect Man Wol and couldn’t fully unleash my martial arts,
I struggled against someone merely wearing the shell of Pal Hwang Sam Seong.
Since I’m not yet strong enough for anyone to rely on… I lack the qualification to help her.
“Hyeol Hwang.”
Bu Eunseol gazed toward the Distant Sky, her fists clenching tightly.
She resolved to pursue that phantom from four hundred years ago and avenge her defeat.
“First, let’s return to the Murim Alliance.”
Bu Eunseol’s eyes, fixed upon the heavens, grew infinitely sharp.
This mission had been issued directly by Mu Jon.
And a person of his caliber would never assign a task without knowing the identity of the forces being pursued.
‘And if even the Chief is complicit…’
Bu Eunseol’s pupils turned utterly cold.
If Gong Son Dan Gyeong herself shared intentions with Mu Jon… there would be no reason to remain within the Murim Alliance.
* * *
Murim Alliance, Eun Wol Gak. Gong Son Dan Gyeong’s Office.
Upon returning to the Murim Alliance, Bu Eunseol immediately requested a private audience with her.
The Seo Ryeong San mission.
It was a perilous task that could cost the life of any master belonging to the Murim Alliance.
Because not only had forces from Jung Sun Ga, one of the Three Families, appeared, but a phantom possessing the body of Hyeol Hwang, one of Pal Hwang Sam Seong, had also emerged.
And she intended to observe the Chief’s reaction—to determine whether she was aware of these facts.
“…That is what transpired.”
Bu Eunseol calmly explained the events that had occurred at Seo Ryeong San.
How a member of Jung Sun Ga had appeared in Murim, and how they too were conducting bizarre experiments on Baek Ri.
“Jung Sun Ga, you say?”
But an unexpected reaction came in return.
Gong Son Dan Gyeong, who always maintained an unshakeable composure, was subtly agitated.
Her voice trembled faintly, and her eyes wavered like ripples on water.
Bu Eunseol sensed something amiss but answered calmly.
“Yes. He claimed to be a member of Jung Sun Ga and said he could absorb Baek Ri’s power.”
“And then… what happened?”
“After a fierce battle, I barely achieved victory, but ultimately I too had to flee.”
However, Bu Eunseol omitted the fact that she had encountered Man Wol, and the possibility that she might be a shaman belonging to the Inbi Organization.
Because a decision had to be made.
If she shared the same thoughts as Mu Jon?
Then she could no longer remain with them and would need to prepare to leave the Murim Alliance immediately.
“I see.”
After hearing everything, Gong Son Dan Gyeong’s pupils lost their focus.
It was a struggle to suppress the indignation and fury that could not be hidden.
‘So they had already made their move in Murim after all.’
The fact that they were still interfering in Murim’s affairs despite the Infinite Realm being destroyed…
Perhaps the Jung Sun Ga had simply used the Infinite Realm as subordinates to kidnap the child bearing the Heavenly Destiny Star.
“Then Mu Jon may have intended this mission as a test… or perhaps he harbors some other objective.”
Having barely regained her composure, she arrived at the same conclusion as Bu Eunseol, and more than that.
She was coldly discerning his true intentions as well.
“Through this incident, Seon Woo Dae Ju may have resolved that he can no longer stand beside Mu Jon.”
Bu Eunseol signaled her agreement through silence.
Gong Son Dan Gyeong drew a deep breath.
“Then it seems I too must choose my path.”
What made Gong Son Dan Gyeong truly formidable was not her brilliant strategems, but her terrifying ability to sense others’ emotions with uncanny speed.
Having instantly grasped Bu Eunseol’s feelings and hidden thoughts, she fell into deep contemplation.
How much time had passed?
At last, her crimson lips moved slowly.
“I…”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong spoke with utmost gravity.
“will stand with Seon Woo Dae Ju, not with Mu Jon.”
It was an unexpected answer.
Mu Jon was, in any case, the Murim Alliance Leader, and Mu Goong was incomparable to her.
If one were to weigh Seon Woo Jin against them, he possessed no exceptional qualities whatsoever.
The thread she should grasp was naturally not Seon Woo Jin, but obviously Mu Jon.
A genius like her could not possibly be ignorant of such matters. Why then would she claim to choose him?
“Because there is something I must accomplish.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong, having discerned Bu Eunseol’s thoughts, spoke.
“My cooperation with Mu Jon was solely because I needed the position of Chief.”
“You’ve achieved your objective… and now you need a blade you can wield directly.”
“I won’t deny it.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong nodded.
“The reason I obtained the position of Chief was solely to acquire a sharp blade.”
And she added one more thing.
“Mu Jon could be called a precious sword, but… unfortunately, he is far too heavy for me to wield.”
“Why are you so certain I will become the Chief’s blade?”
“I’m not certain. I’ve simply made a choice.”
She spoke in a voice that was profoundly low.
“Because I have an objective I must accomplish.”
What Gong Son Dan Gyeong’s purpose was remained unknown. What was certain was that she did not appear to be lying.
“Then shouldn’t you choose anyone but me?”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong sighed.
To persuade this clever Seon Woo Jin,
she realized that ultimately only she knew
certain secrets that she would have to reveal.
“I mentioned it before. Mu Jon devotes himself solely to the Orthodox Sects.”
“That’s correct.”
“You’re lying.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong’s eyes grew infinitely deeper.
“I don’t believe Mu Jon works for the sake of Murim.”
Then she uttered something shocking.
“Second, there’s a high probability that Mu Jon is either a member of the Three Families or has close ties to them.”
Bu Eunseol’s eyes widened.
Mu Jon, who had long dominated Murim alone, was suspected to be a member of the Three Families?
“Isn’t Mu Jon surnamed Tan?”
“A surname is merely a surname.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong let out a scoff.
“Just as there could be people with the surnames Yang Seol or Baek Ri who aren’t members of the Three Families.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong spoke with conviction.
“But only members of the Three Families can read the Heavenly Secrets.”
“You’re saying Mu Jon can read the Heavenly Secrets?”
“That’s right.”
“How can you be certain of that?”
“I cannot reveal that. However….”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong paused for a moment, then spoke in a low voice.
“I can tell you that there exists a precious object in this world capable of altering the Heavenly Secrets.”
In other words, Gong Son Dan Gyeong was saying that there existed a treasure or sacred artifact capable of changing the Heavenly Secrets.
And through it, she had confirmed that Mu Jon was someone who could read the Heavenly Secrets.
In truth, Mu Jon was discerning the Heavenly Secrets through Mok Bul, but Gong Son Dan Gyeong, unaware of these details…
…remained convinced that Mu Jon was a member of the Three Families.
“From the beginning, we never cooperated based on trust. To be honest, I’m not even certain about the truth regarding Jeong Cheon Je’s death.”
Now it was clear that Gong Son Dan Gyeong, like Bu Eunseol, had always harbored doubts about the veracity of Mu Jon’s words.
“But none of this is the reason I chose Seon Woo Dae Ju.”
Bu Eunseol couldn’t help but ask a question.
“Then what was the reason?”
“I, as Chief, have never once failed to gauge someone’s abilities.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong, who had been silent for some time, spoke with firm conviction.
“Except for exactly two occasions.”
Born with the gift of reading fate, Gong Son Dan Gyeong possessed the power to see through the abilities others possessed with perfect clarity.
But that power had never manifested against Chu So, the Heavenly Star who had saved her in childhood.
And the second was Seon Woo Jin standing before her eyes.
“I believe.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong’s voice rose slightly.
“Seon Woo Dae Ju. Your abilities are not limited to what is visible, and you possess boundless potential that cannot be measured.”
In short, Gong Son Dan Gyeong was saying…
In a word, Gong Son Dan Gyeong is.
She believes that Seon Woo Jin’s potential surpasses even Mu Jon’s.
“Now do you understand why I chose Seon Woo Dae Ju over Mu Jon?”
I drew a deep breath.
“So in the end, you selected me based on intuition—a gamble, if you will.”
“A gamble is even better.”
The usual coldness vanished from her expression.
Her eyes tilted upward like a cat’s, and her violet irises blazed with unwavering confidence.
“I have never lost a gamble in my life.”
At Gong Son Dan Gyeong’s provocative bearing, I found myself taken aback.
‘She is a woman of many colors.’
I had thought I understood her reasonably well by now.
Yet hidden facets of her remained unknown to me still.
“If Seon Woo Dae Ju continues to carry out missions under my command as he does now…”
She spoke with her eyes lifted wide.
“Then I, as Chief, will do everything in my power to ensure that Seon Woo Dae Ju becomes Wu Tian Danjoo.”
Her voice carried the warmth of a spring breeze, tickling and tender.
“As you know, I am not one to reveal my true thoughts to others.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong spoke with sparkling eyes and a honeyed voice.
“But to hold onto Seon Woo Dae Ju, I have laid bare every secret I harbored in my heart. I hope you will remember this.”
I could not regain my composure.
From Gong Son Dan Gyeong’s lips seemed to bloom the fragrance of deep flowers, and her eyes seemed to pull at one’s very soul.
“Will you accept the Chief’s proposal?”
It was a gaze so languid and fragrant that no man could endure it.
Yet I remained utterly composed, lost in thought.
‘She is not one to break her promises.’
Gong Son Dan Gyeong was not only brilliant but possessed considerable integrity.
She had always kept her promises to me and to Seon Woo Jin alike.
‘If I put myself in her position…’
If I were forced to choose between remaining in the Murim Alliance or selecting one person—either Mu Jon or Gong Son Dan Gyeong—whom would I choose?
‘I would choose her as well.’
With that clear answer, I nodded without hesitation.
“Very well.”
And I spoke with firm resolve.
“From now on, I will trust and follow the Chief.”
“You have chosen wisely.”
The moment I made my choice.
The seductive aura that had seemed ready to captivate my very soul vanished, and Gong Son Dan Gyeong’s demeanor became cold and composed once more.
“Then continue to appear compliant with Mu Jon’s orders as you have been. That is the only way you can become Wu Tian Danjoo.”
In short, she was telling me to continue following Mu Jon’s commands as before.
It was a path fraught with considerable danger.
Mu Jon possessed detailed knowledge of the shadowy forces within Murim that neither Gong Son Dan Gyeong nor Bu Eunseol were aware of.
Through these assignments, he could utilize them whenever he wished.
“I understand.”
Yet Bu Eunseol nodded without hesitation.
The risk was worth taking. If I became Wu Tian Danjoo, I could swiftly investigate the movements of the other Lords.
With an exceptional talent like Gong Son Dan Gyeong’s assistance, I would surely become a Lord and locate Hyung Su.
“I won’t speak of gratitude. This is simply necessity—a matter of trusting each other’s abilities.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong smiled.
“Please continue to rely on me as you have. Seon Woo Dae Ju. I will report this matter properly to Mu Jon.”
Bu Eunseol nodded.
She understood Mu Jon better than anyone, so she would report the findings appropriately at her own discretion.
“Understood.”
And she pressed her palms together respectfully.
Gong Son Dan Gyeong had revealed her true intentions for the first time, and Bu Eunseol had forged a genuine alliance with her.
Even if this partnership proved temporary, it held immense value now.
‘Wait for me.’
As Bu Eunseol emerged from Eun Wol Gak, her eyes blazed with the intensity of the sun itself.
Now I would pursue the phantom that fed on human blood—Hyeol Hwang—and sever his lifeline.
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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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