The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 674

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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 674.
“Huff. Huff.”
The Elite Division members lay sprawled across the ground, breathing heavily.
Their bodies were covered entirely in wounds, and several of them suffered from muscle spasms that left them unable to move.
Yet all of them wore satisfied smiles on their faces.
They had accomplished the impossible task after all.
More than that, they could tangibly feel that their martial prowess had increased far beyond what they had imagined.
Though the Shin Wi Dan had sent second-rate divisions, their numbers were a staggering ten times that of the Elite Division.
This was clear proof that their martial abilities had reached at least the level of first-rate divisions.
“Seon Woo Dae Ju has immediately returned to the Murim Alliance at the Deputy Alliance Leader’s summons.”
At that moment, a messenger from the Murim Alliance approached the resting Elite Division members and spoke.
“Seon Woo Dae Ju instructed you to rest here for now, then return to the Alliance. That is all.”
Having delivered his message, the messenger departed.
“Ugh.”
Tae Mu Ryong, barely managing to rise while clutching his waist, let out a groan.
“Then we should follow the Dae Ju as well.”
Jeong Jong Do and the other members then used their long swords as walking sticks to pull themselves upright.
As the members slowly made their way back with their injured bodies, numerous people were climbing the mountain carrying various items.
Noticing something odd, Tae Mu Ryong observed them carefully.
These ordinary-looking commoners climbed to Gongdeok Temple and entered the damaged Daeung Hall, where they were lighting incense.
“They’re making offerings at that abandoned temple?”
Tae Mu Ryong felt a sense of strangeness.
Gongdeok Temple was abandoned, so why would they be lighting incense there?
Swish. Swish.
In the meantime, several people were thoroughly cleaning the interior of the Daeung Hall and hanging lanterns throughout.
“Excuse me.”
Unable to contain his curiosity, Tae Mu Ryong entered the Daeung Hall and asked the people there.
“Why are you making offerings at this abandoned temple?”
“Isn’t today the Seventh Night Festival?”
The man hanging the lanterns spoke matter-of-factly.
“Though Gongdeok Temple is no longer in operation, there are rumors that it possesses spiritual power.”
According to the man’s account.
In the villages of Geun Dong, rumors spread that Gongdeok Temple still held spiritual energy.
Because of this, when the Seventh Night Festival arrived, people would climb to Gongdeok Temple to make their offerings.
“Well, on the Seventh Night Festival, people will make offerings anywhere, I suppose.”
In Buddhism, during the Seventh Night Festival, people make offerings to pray for the health and longevity of their families and the prosperity of their descendants.
With the Seventh Night Festival at hand and Gongdeok Temple renowned for its spiritual power, worshippers naturally flocked to make their wishes.
“I see. Thank you.”
Understanding the situation, Tae Mu Ryong nodded.
Without hesitation, he turned his body back toward where the members were waiting.
* * *
The Danjoo Selection Trial had concluded.
The Murim Alliance announced the results of this trial—a most peculiar and absurd announcement it was.
―All Danjoo Selection Trial candidates passed.
All Elite Division members.
Fifteen from the Cheonwi-dang.
Ten from the Cheong Myeong Unit.
None from Deng Wu Dian.
The martial artists of the Murim Alliance tilted their heads in confusion at this strange result.
If everyone passed the Danjoo Selection Trial, why announce such peculiar numbers?
Soon, the shocking truth was revealed.
―It was said that alongside the Danjoo Selection Trial, they tested the loyalty and reputation of the subordinates.
As it turned out, this examination served a dual purpose—assessing both martial prowess and gauging the devotion of one’s followers.
The seventh lunar month was one of the most significant periods for making offerings to the Buddha.
The Danjoo Selection Trial was conducted entirely within temples, places where one could make such devotions.
And now, three candidates for Wu Tian Duan Danjoo were undergoing their trials with full intensity.
The Murim Alliance observed whether the team members voluntarily made offerings for their superiors.
Becoming Danjoo of the Murim Alliance required more than mere effort.
It demanded the loyalty of those willing to sacrifice their lives for the Danjoo—a loyalty that could never be forced, but must arise voluntarily from the members themselves.
As a result, the Elite Division, without being asked, made offerings for Bu Eunseol in their entirety.
The Cheonwi-dang and Cheong Myeong Unit each had several members who made offerings.
But not a single subordinate of Deng Wu Dian made an offering for Yuk Jang Cheon.
―What utter humiliation!
Upon hearing this news, Yuk Jang Cheon blazed with fury.
He could not even accept such a result.
After all, whether or not one made offerings could hardly be considered a clear criterion for distinguishing loyalty, could it?
In the end, he sought out Buk Ri Seung to lodge a protest.
“This cannot be called a test of reputation and influence. Making offerings or not is entirely separate from loyalty, is it not?”
Buk Ri Seung, who had been attending to his duties, turned to face Yuk Jang Cheon, who had come to his office to protest, and spoke calmly.
“You’re right. Offerings have nothing to do with loyalty.”
“Then why announce such results?”
“It was a request from the senior members.”
“What do you mean?”
“This Danjoo Selection Trial lacked a commander. Naturally, it was not a test of command ability.”
Buk Ri Seung blinked his weary eyes as he spoke.
“The results could vary depending on the skill level of the attacking team members and the terrain itself.”
―….
“We simply wanted to confirm the capability of each candidate’s direct subordinate forces—how well trained they were.”
―The Wu Tian Duan candidates were to lead their direct forces to designated locations and defend against the incoming enemies.
As Yuk Jang Cheon recalled Buk Ri Seung’s orders and wore an expression of shock, Buk Ri Seung smiled faintly and shook his head.
“Don’t worry. The results of this test have nothing to do with passing or failing.”
“Nothing to do with it? What do you mean by that?”
Buk Ri Seung smiled faintly.
“If I had to put it another way, this test was a consideration for someone.”
“I cannot understand.”
“The Deputy Alliance Leader said everyone passed the Fangseong Test, so they passed. It’s simply not a second test.”
“Not a second test? What do you…”
As Yuk Jang Cheon expressed his surprise, Buk Ri Seung posed a question.
“What did the Deputy Alliance Leader say when he initiated the Fangseong Test?”
“He said the candidates for Wu Tian Duan Danjoo should conduct the Fangseong Test with their direct subordinates…”
Yuk Jang Cheon’s words faltered as he continued.
Only then did he realize that Buk Ri Seung had never mentioned a second test.
‘These damned old fools!’
The Murim Alliance was always like this.
All these aged men sat at the top, twisting the established rules once or twice.
While they themselves remained seated in those positions until their backsides rotted away.
“Are you saying this Fangseong Test isn’t a real test?”
“If I must be frank… yes.”
Buk Ri Seung sighed and shook his head.
“It would be wonderful for an outstanding and brilliant young talent to become Danjoo. However, most of the senior members wish for someone with greater experience to take the position.”
He regarded Yuk Jang Cheon with a regretful expression.
“The ability to sway the hearts of one’s subordinates is also a commander’s skill. The position of Danjoo is also a candidate to become the future Alliance Leader who will manage the organization.”
When Yuk Jang Cheon fell silent, Buk Ri Seung spoke in a low voice.
“Think about it. Can such a position be achieved with mere ability alone?”
His tone seemed to gently rebuke Yuk Jang Cheon’s somewhat autocratic attitude.
“Deputy Alliance Leader.”
“I’m not faulting your temperament, Jeon Ju Yuk. Rather, don’t you think this is a good opportunity to change how you treat your subordinates?”
When Yuk Jang Cheon could not respond, Buk Ri Seung smiled benevolently.
“Consider why the senior members went to such lengths, spending time and resources on this test.”
When Yuk Jang Cheon still wore an expression of incomprehension, Buk Ri Seung sighed.
“I told you. Many senior members have great expectations for you, Jeon Ju Yuk.”
In the end, he explained the matter directly.
“However, there was just one thing—I felt your prestige as Danjoo was somewhat lacking, so we conducted this test.”
Only then did Yuk Jang Cheon, grasping the situation, open his mouth.
Did that mean the leadership of the Murim Alliance had deliberately prepared this test for him?
“I… truly did not know.”
As Yuk Jang Cheon, finally understanding everything, lowered his head,
“If you keep such matters in mind going forward, you will truly become an excellent Danjoo.”
Buk Ri Seung smiled calmly.
“It will be difficult if you don’t correct this beforehand. Once you become Danjoo, it will be too late.”
Every word Buk Ri Seung spoke was without flaw.
If I continued down this path, even if I became Danjoo, I would fail to earn the loyalty of my subordinates…
In the end, I might find myself powerless even among the other Danjoos.
In the end, the position of Danjoo, the authority itself.
It all stemmed from the absolute loyalty of one’s subordinates.
“I was shortsighted, Vice Alliance Lord.”
Yuk Jang Cheon could not contain the surge of emotion welling up within him.
The leadership, including the Alliance Lord himself, hoped for his ascension to Danjoo?
Then if I simply passed the upcoming trials well, becoming Danjoo would not be difficult at all.
“I will not disappoint you.”
“No need for such words.”
Buk Ri Seung offered a composed smile.
“I have always held great expectations for you, Former Lord Yuk. Do your best.”
“Thank you.”
Yuk Jang Cheon bowed with utmost respect.
“Then I shall take my leave.”
As I emerged from the Jeong Ui Gak, my spirits soared, yet a chill ran down my spine.
Only now did I recall the cold stares my subordinates had cast upon me in the conference hall.
‘Have I favored Yuk Cheong Ah too much?’
Her strategic mind surpasses most, but regrettably, Yuk Cheong Ah tends toward arrogance.
Had it been Gong Son Chong Sa, she would have sensed the discontent among my subordinates and acted swiftly.
But Yuk Cheong Ah resembles me far too closely.
She trusts only in her own intellect and refuses to heed the counsel of others.
‘I must do better from this moment forward.’
Yuk Jang Cheon drew a deep breath.
Whatever trials lay ahead, I resolved to listen carefully to my subordinates’ voices.
―Now we shall commence the second trial.
Buk Ri Seung finally announced the second gate’s examination formally.
It was both remarkably simple and extraordinarily difficult.
―Obtain letters of recommendation accompanied by the seals of the leaders of the Nine Sects One Alliance or the Eight Great Families.
A Danjoo of the Murim Alliance is a candidate for the next Alliance Lord.
Cultivating broad connections with key figures of the Orthodox Sects would provide significant advantage in governing the Murim Alliance.
Of course, this is not strictly necessary for a Danjoo.
Thus it seemed there was no limit imposed on the number of recommendations.
“But I cannot settle for merely one letter.”
In the conference hall, discussing with my senior officers, I grimaced.
This incident had made it abundantly clear throughout the Murim Alliance that I lacked the respect of my subordinates.
The problem was that I had poor relations not only with my subordinates, but also with the leaders of the Nine Sects and Eight Families.
When I led the Gu Cheon Society, I had pursued aggressive expansion, constantly clashing with the Nine Sects and Eight Great Families.
Thus when the Gu Cheon Society dissolved and I received Yuk Cheong Ah’s proposal, I chose without hesitation to join the Murim Alliance.
Of course, after joining the Murim Alliance, I had cultivated connections with various leaders within the organization.
However, I still had no points of contact with the figures from the Nine Sects One Alliance and the Eight Great Families.
This trial was proving to be quite troublesome for Yuk Jang Cheon.
“Once I become Danjoo, I’ll naturally build those connections. Why impose such a trial now?”
Once he became Danjoo, he would inevitably wield considerable influence over the Righteous Path Murim, making it impossible to avoid building relationships with the leaders of the Nine Sects and Eight Great Families.
Moreover, as Danjoo, he could establish those connections from a position of superiority.
Yuk Jang Cheon saw no necessity in cultivating relationships with them beforehand.
Yet of all things, the second trial required obtaining letters of recommendation from them?
“Well, there’s nothing to be done about it.”
Yuk Jang Cheon clicked his tongue.
He had resolved to overcome this trial alongside his subordinates, no matter what obstacles arose.
Yet this particular trial offered little benefit even with their united efforts.
“I have no choice but to rely on Cheong Ah once more.”
A bitter smile crossed his lips.
When Nam Hae Shin Ni was alive, Yuk Cheong Ah had cultivated connections not only within the Murim Alliance but also with figures from the Nine Sects and Eight Great Families.
If Yuk Cheong Ah stepped forward, obtaining multiple letters of recommendation would be far from difficult.
“First, I must become Danjoo.”
Yuk Jang Cheon’s desperate desire to become Danjoo stemmed from a single reason.
Once I reach that position,
I need not regard others’ opinions.
I can forge connections freely and live my entire life without ever having to ask for anything.
“Becoming Alliance Lord comes after that.”
Yuk Jang Cheon had to,
without fail, ascend one step higher from this ambiguous position of Deng Wu Jeon Ju.
Yong Ban Jeon, Yuk Cheong Ah’s office.
She was lost in thought.
This trial had made her acutely aware of how disadvantageous Yuk Jang Cheon’s position had become.
‘Father’s vision is far too limited.’
The senior figures of the Murim Alliance—or rather, the old monsters—had expressed expectations for Yuk Jang Cheon.
Yet that was only insofar as he met their expectations.
Should Yuk Jang Cheon fall short, they would discard him without hesitation.
Such was the nature of the Murim Alliance.
‘Then could the Cheong Myeong Lord be the answer?’
Mu Gyeol, the Cheong Myeong Lord, nominated directly by the Alliance Lord himself.
At such a young age to command the Cheon Woo Rim, he possessed exceptional abilities.
Considering all circumstances, he was the person who best aligned with her objectives.
‘No. How could I repeat the same mistake?’
Yuk Cheong Ah shook her head.
Had she not already abandoned Yuk Jang Cheon and switched to Baek Mu Sung, only to taste bitter regret?
A genius who met her conditions could never be controlled or manipulated by her hand.
‘That’s why Father was invited to the Murim Alliance in the first place.’
Jang Wang Yuk Jang Cheon.
Though he was not a father blessed with warmth and paternal affection.
He was a man who could not read his subordinates’ hearts, selfish and autocratic…
From a strategist’s perspective, Yuk Jang Cheon was perfectly suited to be manipulated, controlled, and directed.
Moreover, his abilities were hardly lacking in any respect.
His martial prowess was exceptional, his eye for talent was keen, and he possessed the foresight to deploy subordinates to their optimal positions.
Furthermore, coupled with the insight befitting his years of experience and a certain affability, he was a man capable of befriending anyone if he set his mind to it.
Additionally, he was acutely aware of his own lack of strategic wisdom, which meant he readily accepted the strategist’s counsel—a considerable advantage.
‘Do not grow impatient. The situation is far from entirely disadvantageous.’
Even if Yuk Jang Cheon suffered some embarrassment from this affair, it mattered little.
What was certain was that the upper echelons of the Murim Alliance did not wish for a Danjoo to emerge from the younger generation.
Considering only this point, Yuk Jang Cheon occupied a rather advantageous position.
If he merely passed the descending trials without incident, he could become Danjoo with the backing of the senior faction.
‘I must think no further on this.’
Though the winds stirred by the younger generation—Seon Woo Jin and Baek Mu Sung—had swept me along for a moment.
Yuk Jang Cheon is no easy man. With my counsel, he will surely ascend to the position of Danjoo.
Knock, knock.
Then, a martial artist’s low voice sounded from beyond the door.
“The Cheong Myeong Unit Lord requests an audience with the Vice Lord.”
“The Cheong Myeong Unit Lord?”
Her eyes sparkled at the unexpected news.
With the Danjoo trials in full swing, why would the Cheong Myeong Unit Lord seek her out now?
‘He was suddenly elevated to candidacy, and his support base is rather thin.’
Even if he wore out his shoes running between the Nine Sects and Eight Great Families, his backing would remain insufficient—yet he sought her out?
Could it be he had come to ask for her assistance?
“Show him in.”
With a soft sliding sound, a tall man in white robes entered.
His features were as refined as a beauty’s, yet his broad frame and sharp jawline emanated an unmistakably masculine presence.
It was Mu Gyeol, the Cheong Myeong Unit Lord.
“Cheong Myeong Unit Lord Mu Gyeol pays his respects to the Vice Lord.”
He was already of middle age, with more than a decade separating him from Yuk Cheong Ah.
Yet he maintained an exceptionally respectful posture and tone toward her.
In the Murim Alliance, only rank and distribution mattered.
“….”
Yuk Cheong Ah stared intently at Mu Gyeol standing before her instead of responding.
This visit was entirely unexpected.
Just moments ago, she had been contemplating whether to seek him out and extend a sweet proposal to make him her man.
And now he came to her first?
“How strange….”
Yuk Cheong Ah’s lips, which had been sealed for some time, began to move slowly.
“…Is that so.”
Her voice was cold, and she did not even offer the customary greeting.
Mu Gyeol was in competition with Yuk Jang Cheon, after all.
And since she too had chosen Yuk Jang Cheon once again, there was no need to treat her rival with particular warmth.
“I have heard that Vice-Danjoo Yuk possesses not only exceptional wisdom but also profound expertise in the affairs of the Murim Alliance.”
Mu Gyeol continued speaking calmly.
“It is said you could immediately assume the duties of Chief upon taking office.”
“How unpleasant.”
Yuk Cheong Ah’s eyes flashed coldly as she spoke.
“Is the Danjoo in a position to evaluate the abilities of Vice-Danjoo Yuk?”
“My apologies.”
Mu Gyeol clasped his hands respectfully before him.
Yuk Cheong Ah regarded him coldly and spoke.
“A promising candidate for Wu Tian Danjoo is showing excessive courtesy.”
“Until now, I have handled only tasks that come directly from the Danjoo, so I have no foundation within the Alliance and little knowledge of its operations.”
“Your humility is excessive. For the Chief of the Cheong Myeong Unit, who receives such favor from the Danjoo that he was nominated as a candidate, to speak thus.”
“I shall speak frankly.”
Mu Gyeol glanced around before speaking carefully.
“The Danjoo nominated me as a candidate precisely to eliminate someone who absolutely must not become Danjoo.”
Yuk Cheong Ah’s eyes changed.
“Who are you referring to?”
“Seon Woo Jin.”
Mu Gyeol spoke matter-of-factly.
“He has many suspicious aspects and has risen in rank far too quickly. Should such a person become Danjoo, the prestige of this Alliance would plummet without end.”
Yuk Cheong Ah’s eyes widened.
The head of the Danjoo’s secret organization, the Chief of Cheon Woo Rim, Mu Gyeol.
He had been forced into the position of Cheong Myeong Chief and then recklessly nominated as a candidate for Wu Tian Danjoo.
And the reason was to eliminate Seon Woo Jin.
He continued speaking.
“However, he already enjoys the absolute trust of several senior figures within the Alliance, so he cannot be easily eliminated.”
Yuk Cheong Ah nodded.
Seon Woo Jin received full support from Gong Son Dan Gyeong and was on intimate terms with Beok Goong Ryung, the Danjoo’s aide.
Moreover, through several incidents,
even Vice-Danjoo Buk Ri Seung, who did not favor young prodigies, had come to regard him very favorably.
No matter how powerful the Danjoo was,
there was no way to remove him from the candidate list without just cause.
“So, what do you want?”
“Guide me forward.”
Mu Gyeol smiled faintly.
“With the Deputy Danjoo, I believe we could paint a much grander picture.”
Yuk Cheong Ah’s fist clenched without her realizing it.
Mu Gyeol, who had become the Cheong Myeong Unit leader upon receiving the Alliance Lord’s covert command, was extending his hand to her?
If she cooperated in this matter and produced favorable results?
Could she not gain a formidable backer in Jeong Cheon Je himself?

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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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