The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 676

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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 676.
“My apologies for the delay.”
Namgung Jeong clasped his hands respectfully.
“Various matters kept me occupied, I’m afraid.”
And he spoke with disarming candor.
“I never imagined you would wait this long.”
“Why is that, sir?”
“Word has surely reached someone of your caliber that the decision has been made to support Baek Danjoo.”
Only then did Namgung Jeong regard Nam Goong Gwang, who stood in stunned silence, and nodded.
“You may go. I merely wish to have a brief conversation.”
“Yes, yes.”
Nam Goong Gwang hastily vacated his seat.
‘Had the Family Head not arrived at that precise moment…’
A chill ran down Nam Goong Gwang’s spine.
What if he had resorted to force in his anger?
This Murim Alliance Lord with those crystalline eyes would have struck without hesitation, regardless of the Namgung Family’s dignity or reputation.
‘Never engage with a madman.’
As Nam Goong Gwang and his attendant hurried away, a heavy silence settled within the Guest Hall.
Namgung Jeong sighed and spoke with apparent regret.
“The Family Head has long heard of the martial exploits you have accomplished. Yet his resolve will not waver.”
“I am grateful for your candor, sir.”
“I’m relieved you understand.”
As Namgung Jeong turned to leave, Bu Eunseol spoke.
“However, I am confident I can persuade the Family Head.”
“Persuade?”
Only then did Namgung Jeong catch sight of the profound luminescence within Bu Eunseol’s eyes, his expression betraying slight surprise.
It was not the glitter of madness, but rather a subtle radiance dwelling in her gaze—like that of a great sage who comprehends all under heaven, suffused with noble brilliance.
He had heard her name spoken many times before.
Yet seeing her in person, she possessed far more exquisite cultivation and a gaze far deeper and more profound than her reputation suggested.
“Hmm.”
Namgung Jeong exhaled thoughtfully and nodded.
“Seon Woo Dae Ju has waited long enough. Let us share a cup of tea.”
And he spoke with firm resolve.
“I can only hope you succeed in changing the Family Head’s mind within that time.”
“That will be sufficient.”
At Namgung Jeong’s command, Si Bi brought forth steaming tea.
It was the renowned Seo Ho Dragon Well.
“Exquisite.”
Upon tasting the tea, Bu Eunseol offered a word of praise.
In the past, she could never fathom why the supreme masters of Murim held tea in such high regard.
Of course, I doubt I would enjoy tea even now. But I think I can understand why they do.
“From the way you’re describing it as delicious, it seems you don’t actually enjoy tea.”
“That’s correct. To be honest, I couldn’t understand it back then.”
Bu Eunseol set down her teacup as she spoke.
“From my perspective at the time, it was merely expensive and tasteless.”
“And now?”
“Now it is different.”
Bu Eunseol spoke calmly.
“As my standing has changed and my perspective has elevated, I begin to understand the taste of tea.”
“As one’s standing changes, one becomes capable of appreciating tea… I see.”
Namgung Jeong nodded in understanding.
He could grasp what Bu Eunseol was truly saying.
“Regrettably, this Lord of the Main House tends to drink tea rather quickly. I’ve already finished half of it.”
Namgung Jeong spoke matter-of-factly.
“Surely you didn’t come here to critique the tea. Speak your purpose.”
“You must support me, Lord Namgung.”
“And why is that?”
“For generations, the Namgung Family has regarded people as their greatest asset and built their foundation in Murim upon this principle.”
―Talent Above All.
The family’s supreme wealth is its people, and cultivating talent must be the highest priority.
This was the Namgung Family’s creed, and it was the driving force that allowed them to stand tall in Murim.
When Bu Eunseol emphasized this point, Namgung Jeong responded with a puzzled expression.
“Then shouldn’t you support Baek Mu Sung all the more? Even if he doesn’t become Danjoo, he would bring tremendous benefits to the Main House.”
Bul Jon, whose lifespan exceeds two hundred years, is a symbol of the Orthodox Martial World itself.
And Bul Jon has groomed Baek Mu Sung as the next generation leader to guide Murim.
Currently, there is no one in Murim so young who has built such extensive connections with the Orthodox leadership and wielded such influence.
“If you, Lord Namgung, could continue living eternally, supporting Lord Baek would be the right choice.”
Bu Eunseol fixed her gaze upon Namgung Jeong.
“But when you grow old, you must eventually pass your position to the next Lord. And the next Lord must bring even greater prosperity to the Namgung Family.”
And she spoke with an even more forceful tone.
“Then you must choose differently.”
“I don’t understand what you mean.”
“Nam Goong Woon.”
Bu Eunseol spoke with measured composure.
“He possesses abilities that surpass even your own. But Baek Mu Sung is not the one who can aid him.”
Namgung Jeong’s eyes widened.
Though Nam Goong Woon had shed the stigma of being a reckless fool, his true potential was not yet widely known in Murim.
Yet the Lord of the Murim Alliance understood Nam Goong Woon’s abilities so precisely?
“Lord Baek is certainly a remarkable figure, but he and the Young Lord are fundamentally incompatible in temperament.”
“How can you be certain of that?”
Bu Eunseol spoke calmly.
“You can see it in Baek Mu Sung’s demeanor. The Family Head must have sensed it long ago.”
Namgung Jeong found himself nodding without realizing it.
Baek Mu Sung always treated everyone with courtesy.
But Namgung Jeong knew the truth.
It was not humility—it was arrogance born from a sense of superiority.
Such a temperament could never align with Nam Goong Woon, who possessed freedom and magnanimous vision.
“Truly, your analytical prowess is worthy of one who leads the Information Division.”
Namgung Jeong spoke with composure, though surprise flickered across his face.
“Yet even knowing such things, I cannot say it would be right to choose you over Baek Mu Sung, can I?”
“The Family Head surely understands how I became a Danjoo candidate.”
Bu Eunseol spoke with quiet confidence.
“I have risen to candidacy by completing my duties alone, without relying on anyone’s aid. And I did so as someone from the Merchant Realm—the very class most despised by martial artists.”
“….”
“The youngest prince is no different. Though rumored to be a wastrel, he possesses profound sensibility, heroic nature, and innate talent that ordinary men could never match.”
Namgung Jeong drew a deep breath.
It astounded him that Seon Woo Jin understood Nam Goong Woon more deeply than his own father, who had observed him for twenty years.
‘A true prodigy.’
Only now could I perceive it.
From every fiber of Seon Woo Jin’s being.
A terrifying aura emanated from him—one that looked upon the world from above.
‘One worthy of comparison.’
Namgung Jeong finally understood.
Just how extraordinary the man before him truly was.
“Heh heh heh.”
In the end, Namgung Jeong let out a hollow laugh.
Both were exceptional talents capable of astonishing the world. Between such prodigies, lengthy discourse was unnecessary.
A few words sufficed to grasp the measure of one’s opponent in an instant.
“Excellent.”
Namgung Jeong nodded readily.
“I shall write a letter of recommendation in my own hand.”
And he spoke plainly.
“I will apologize to Baek Mu Sung for being unable to write him a letter of recommendation.”
It was a remarkable decision.
The Namgung Family was the head of the Eight Great Families.
His support for Seon Woo Jin instead of Baek Mu Sung carried immense significance.
“May I ask the reason for your change of heart?”
“Though I have never spoken of it, there is one person I have respected for many years.”
Namgung Jeong smiled faintly.
“And Seon Woo Dae Ju resembles that person. That is all.”
Bu Eunseol found it strange, but she nodded in acknowledgment.
If Namgung Jeong had discovered that the person he respected was one and the same as her?
Bu Eunseol would have been mortified beyond endurance.
“Thank you.”
As Bu Eunseol pressed her palms together respectfully, Namgung Jeong returned the gesture.
“In return, please look after Woon well.”
Namgung Jeong’s concern was not for his own glory.
It was solely for Nam Goong Woon’s welfare.
Instead of answering, Bu Eunseol bowed her head.
Namgung Jeong smiled at the sight.
A steadfast silence held far more credibility than solemn vows proclaimed with grave expression.
‘Woon will be able to manage well.’
Namgung Jeong too sensed that great turmoil had befallen the Murim, and darkness loomed overhead.
But in the Demon Palace, there was that trustworthy Yi Hyung.
And if the Murim Alliance also had someone who recognized his worth?
The Namgung Family would be able to weather any danger that came their way.
* * *
“What do you mean by that?”
The gentle light in Baek Mu Sung’s eyes, as he sat in private audience with Namgung Jeong, had twisted slightly.
He had clearly promised to write him a letter of recommendation—how could he flip his hand like this?
“Did you not promise to write me a letter of recommendation?”
“I apologize for the inconvenience.”
“Lord of the Family.”
“Can you not receive many letters of recommendation from the Eight Great Families, including Shaolin?”
Namgung Jeong spoke with an apologetic expression.
“But Seon Woo Dae Ju has stated that he will accept no letters of recommendation beyond that of the Main House. So I hope you understand.”
Baek Mu Sung’s complexion changed.
Namgung Jeong was speaking on behalf of Seon Woo Jin’s position.
Which meant he understood that no matter what was said, his mind would not change.
“Are you certain about this?”
Baek Mu Sung spoke with a smile.
“If this happens, the Namgung Family will be the same as rejecting the goodwill of all Eight Great Families.”
“Lord Baek.”
Namgung Jeong’s lips curved upward as he let out a snort through his nose.
“Do you think the Main House needs to beg for the goodwill of the Eight Great Families?”
His eyes contained no light of joy or sorrow, anger or pleasure.
No emotion whatsoever was revealed.
Not because he was emotionless, but because he had achieved perfect mastery over his spirit.
‘So the Namgung Family is the Namgung Family.’
Baek Mu Sung swallowed his rage.
There was no need to make an enemy of Namgung Jeong over a mere letter of recommendation when I hadn’t even become Danjoo yet.
“Very well.”
Baek Mu Sung forced a smile, as if resigned to the situation.
“If the Family Head has made such a judgment, then surely it reflects considerable wisdom on your part.”
He then clasped his hands respectfully before him.
“Then.”
“Take care on your way.”
The light in Baek Mu Sung’s eyes as he departed was cold and merciless.
No matter how I looked at it, that Seon Woo Jin could not be allowed to live. Ultimately, to become Danjoo, I would have to kill him.
―I shall now announce the results of the second examination.
At last the examination concluded, and Buk Ri Seung announced the results.
Cheonwi-dang Lord Baek Mu Sung: seven letters.
Cheong Myeong Unit Lord Mu Gyeol: three letters.
Elite Division Lord Seon Woo Jin: one letter.
Deng Wu Dian Ju: one letter.
The reason these numbers emerged was simple.
They had verified whether each candidate could directly approach the leaders of the Gu Pa and Eight Great Families—those with whom they had no prior connections—and secure their endorsements.
Consequently, the letter of recommendation from the Wudang Sect that Beok Goong Ryung had accepted from Bu Eunseol was rendered invalid.
―All have passed.
Bu Eunseol had gone directly to the Namgung Family to obtain her letter of recommendation.
Baek Mu Sung, who had also been rejected by the Namgung Family, had likewise bypassed intermediaries and personally visited the Gu Pa and Eight Great Families to secure his letters of recommendation.
Yet there was an unexpected twist in the results.
Deng Wu Dian Ju, whom everyone had expected to receive numerous letters thanks to Yuk Cheong Ah, had obtained only a single one.
Moreover, even that one letter had been obtained by Deng Wu Dian Ju himself.
Remarkably, Yuk Cheong Ah had instead toured the Gu Pa and Eight Great Families alongside Mu Gyeol, securing letters of recommendation for him.
―What in the world is this situation?
The members of the Murim Alliance fell silent in astonishment.
Deng Wu Dian Ju, whom they had believed possessed the deepest experience and most extensive connections, unexpectedly had no prior relationships with the leaders of the Gu Pa and Eight Great Families?
And her daughter, Yuk Cheong Ah, had directed all her recommendation letters to Mu Gyeol?
What in the heavens was happening here?
“This again!”
Yuk Jang Cheon brought his fist down upon the table in fury.
Crash!
With a thunderous sound, the table crafted from precious hardwood shattered into splinters.
It was only because he had taken the precaution of personally visiting the Seo Mun Family to secure a letter that he had been spared.
Had he not done so, he would have been absurdly eliminated from the Danjoo candidacy.
Moreover, due to the public announcement of the results, he had suffered humiliation as profound as actual elimination.
Through the series of examinations, it had been revealed twice over that his influence and reputation among those around him were in ruins.
Even if he were to become Danjoo in the future,
the stigma of being a man without influence would surely cling to him for a long time to come.
Of course, once I become a Danjoo, I can maintain extensive connections and resolve such matters cleanly.
But in the beginning, such talk will inevitably circulate.
“Bring Cheong Ah here at once—no, I’ll go myself!”
Yuk Jang Cheon huffed with indignation and headed toward the Office of Yong Ban Jeon where Yuk Cheong Ah was stationed.
The doors burst open.
Despite the martial artists’ attempts to stop him, Yuk Jang Cheon pushed directly into Yong Ban Jeon and barged into Yuk Cheong Ah’s Office.
“What brings you here?”
Yuk Cheong Ah regarded her furious father with composure and spoke calmly.
“Without even a word of notice.”
“What do you mean, what brings me? Is that what you call an explanation?”
Yuk Jang Cheon bit his lip as he spoke.
“Why did you aid the Cheong Myeong Unit Master? Are you betraying your own father?”
“Isn’t it only natural?”
Yuk Cheong Ah spoke matter-of-factly.
“I’ve told you before.”
“Told me what?”
“That I will never tolerate anyone stabbing me in the back.”
“What are you talking about?”
“If you cannot trust your subordinates, cast them out. That’s all.”
Yuk Cheong Ah spoke with measured calm.
“But I was never your subordinate—I was your collaborator. From the moment I entered the Murim Alliance until now, I have continually guided you forward.”
“That’s true. But why does that matter?”
“If you hadn’t been so infatuated with Seon Woo Jin and cast me aside, none of this would have happened.”
Yuk Cheong Ah spoke with measured composure.
“Did you think of me as a pawn you could discard at any moment?”
“Surely you don’t still fear that I would cast you out?”
“You still don’t understand, Father.”
Yuk Cheong Ah’s voice turned cold.
“Do you want to know how to avoid betrayal from others? Betray them first, before they betray you.”
Then she called out loudly.
“The Deng Wu Jeon Ju is departing. See him out.”
“There must be a reason for this sudden turn.”
Yuk Jang Cheon swallowed his rage and asked.
“You won’t even tell me the reason?”
“You never trusted me anyway, did you? You’ve always been ready to cast me aside.”
Yuk Jang Cheon said nothing.
Even between father and daughter, there was no warmth of affection between them.
Having suffered countless betrayals until now, it was true that Yuk Cheong Ah could not trust him either.
From Yuk Jang Cheon’s eyes, crimson flames seemed to spark and flare.
Yet he swallowed his rage once more and opened his mouth to speak.
“Cheong Ah, it seems there are things even you don’t understand.”
“What do you mean?”
“Building trust is extraordinarily difficult. But destroying it is remarkably easy.”
Yuk Jang Cheon spoke.
“That’s why those who climb to higher positions abandon such notions as trust. Anyone can betray anyone.”
“Exactly. So instead of trust, we negotiate.”
“Now we’re speaking the same language.”
Yuk Jang Cheon sighed as he continued.
“There must be room for negotiation between us, at least.”
“Of course.”
Yuk Cheong Ah nodded.
“If you wish to maintain our relationship, then completely open the warehouse you’ve hidden in the Secret Chamber of your office.”
Yuk Jang Cheon’s eyebrows twitched.
“You’ve been searching through your father’s warehouse?”
“There was nothing to search. I simply found the warehouse sealed with the Supreme Six-Path Lock installed in the Secret Chamber.”
The Supreme Six-Path Lock was created four hundred years ago by Sin Tu, the legendary master who first made that name known to the Murim.
It was a mysterious lock that sealed the treasury where he had accumulated all the treasures he’d stolen over the years.
No one could touch it carelessly.
Only through a special method could the one recognized as its master unlock it.
“Why would you want to see that? Do you know what’s inside?”
“If we’re in the same boat, shouldn’t I at least know what you’re truly thinking?”
“What I’m thinking?”
Yuk Jang Cheon burst into laughter.
“Hahahaha!”
Then he shook his head.
“You’re wrong.”
Yuk Jang Cheon spoke with a disappointed expression.
“I thought your wisdom was exceptional, but you’re merely a foolish child after all.”
He continued with a cold smile.
“Now I understand why you couldn’t even match Gong Son Chong Sa.”
“What do you mean?”
“Gong Son Chong Sa excels at understanding the hearts of others. That’s why she’s never betrayed.”
“Is that all you have to say?”
Yuk Cheong Ah spoke coldly.
“You’re right. I’m not skilled at understanding others’ hearts.”
She spoke with contempt in her expression.
“But I can certainly read my father’s true intentions.”
“What are you saying?”
“You decided to arrange my betrothal to the only son of the Geum Seon Sect Master arbitrarily because once I become a Lord, you can sell me for a high price, can’t you?”
Yuk Jang Cheon’s eyebrows twitched.
He had no intention of settling for the position of Danjoo.
He had to become the Alliance Master.
For that, he needed formidable martial prowess capable of breaking through the Extreme Heavenly Realm, along with substantial financial resources.
Thus, he attempted to make covert contact with the Lord of Geum Seon Sect. If he could form a marriage alliance with Geum Seon, it would become an invaluable backing for him.
Once he became Danjoo, he planned to marry off Yuk Cheong Ah to the only son of the Geum Seon Lord. He had merely discussed marriage arrangements with Nu Nam Gwang, the Lord of Geum Seon.
“How did you learn of Geum Seon’s affairs?”
At Yuk Jang Cheon’s words, Yuk Cheong Ah’s expression turned glacial.
In truth, she had grown suspicious of Yuk Jang Cheon’s intentions because of what Mu Gyeol had revealed, and she had been conducting relentless investigations through her intelligence organization.
And through those investigations, she had uncovered an unexpected truth.
That Yuk Jang Cheon had discussed marriage arrangements with the Lord of Geum Seon without her knowledge.
“Father has always been this way.”
Yuk Cheong Ah spoke as if releasing the resentment that had accumulated in her heart.
“In childhood, you sold me to the Murim Alliance, and now you intend to sell me again to Geum Seon for a handsome price?”
Yuk Cheong Ah possessed a naturally cold temperament.
Yet even she harbored a deep-seated resentment that she had never voiced to others—
That her father was a heartless man.
That in her childhood, he had sold her talent and future to others for profit.
“Do you think this father does everything for his own benefit?”
Yuk Jang Cheon shouted as if his anger had reached its breaking point.
“Was it not thanks to this father sending you to Nam Hae Shin Ni that you have achieved such success?”
Yuk Cheong Ah could not hide her bewilderment.
“Was that truly for my sake?”
“The results turned out well, did they not? Why do you always view grand schemes with such a twisted perspective?”
“Grand schemes? For whose benefit are these grand schemes?”
Yuk Cheong Ah spoke as if spitting out something bitter from her mouth.
“I was merely foolish to think I could undertake great endeavors alongside someone like you.”
“What did you say?”
“I should have realized it when you constantly treated your subordinates as expendable. That you are incapable of achieving anything truly great.”
At words so utterly insulting, Yuk Jang Cheon’s eyes began to burn with fury.
“Leave.”
Yuk Cheong Ah spoke firmly, her gaze fixed upon him.
“I will never walk the same path as you again.”
“Well said.”
Yuk Jang Cheon responded coldly and turned away.
“Do not seek out this father again.”
He had already crossed an irreversible river with Yuk Cheong Ah.
Now, whatever words were spoken would be utterly meaningless.
Stepping outside Yong Ban Jeon, he gazed toward the distant sky with a bitter expression.
Though he had endured countless setbacks thus far, he had ultimately overcome every trial.
Looking back at the past, the present situation was nothing at all.
What troubled me was that Yuk Cheong Ah, whom I believed possessed exceptional talent, proved far more foolish than I had anticipated.
“There’s nothing to be done about it.”
I shook my head.
Yuk Cheong Ah possessed considerable aptitude in martial arts and strategic wisdom, yet her youth made her susceptible to being swept away by various circumstances.
In time, as experience accumulated layer upon layer, such shortcomings would be overcome.
But for now, no amount of words would reach her ears.
“Time will teach you what I know. Those fools are no match for this father, no matter what.”
I turned my body slowly away from Yong Ban Jeon.
At that very moment, in a quiet tavern on the outskirts, far removed from the Murim Alliance.
Bu Eunseol sat drinking with Baek Mu Sung and Beok Goong Ryung—men toward whom she harbored genuine affection.
And for the first time this evening.
She found herself drinking with someone for whom she held no particular regard.
That person was Mu Gyeol.
“Tell me.”
Bu Eunseol asked Mu Gyeol, who drank quietly.
“What must I do for you?”
“Hehehehe. You truly are a person of integrity.”
Mu Gyeol laughed, exhaling through his nose.
“To actually honor such an absurd condition—that you would grant any request whatsoever….”
That Mu Gyeol had approached Yuk Cheong Ah and revealed Yuk Jang Cheon’s true intentions.
It had all been Bu Eunseol’s stratagem.
Though to call it a mere scheme would understate how audacious the terms she had offered Mu Gyeol truly were.
She had promised him this: whatever request he made of her, she would fulfill it without fail.

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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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