The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 699

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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 699.
Jeol Jeong Gak, Great Conference Hall.
Bu Eunseol summoned all the Team Members and examined their bodies one by one.
Yet surprisingly, there were no signs of addiction, and no poison could be detected.
‘Mu Jon would never speak nonsense.’
I even drew upon the Gong Sim Tong Ryeong technique, but the result was the same.
“Lord, what is the matter?”
As Bu Eunseol examined the Team Members’ bodies with an increasingly grave expression, Tae Mu Ryong spoke.
“Please do not try to handle this alone. Tell us what troubles you.”
Bu Eunseol forced a smile.
“I merely wished to verify the condition of the Team Members’ bodies and ensure there are no ailments.”
“Thanks to the inner cultivation technique you taught us, Lord, we have become free from illness itself, have we not?”
To enhance the Team Members’ inner strength, Bu Eunseol had
willingly sacrificed her own cultivation reserves and deployed the Opening Heaven Grand Method, then transmitted a new inner cultivation technique based on the longevity secrets from the Yik Geun Gyeong texts.
As a result, all the Team Members experienced a sudden surge in inner power exceeding ten years of cultivation,
and their bodies transformed into constitutions incapable of contracting minor illnesses.
“And I wished to confirm that the circulation of true qi flows smoothly.”
Bu Eunseol, who had been deflecting with vague explanations, suddenly brightened. She had grasped a crucial thread from her own words.
‘Unless I dissect the Team Members’ bodies, the poison cannot be detected… that is what was said.’
Yet Bu Eunseol possessed a secret method to peer deeply into the Team Members’ bodies.
Through Jeong Cheon Je’s Heavenly Physician Heart Sutra.
A subtle hum resonated.
As Bu Eunseol activated the Heavenly Physician Heart Sutra, white heat shimmer flowed from her eyes.
In that instant, she could observe the flow of their true qi in meticulous detail.
‘Three Corpse Worms… so that was it.’
Bu Eunseol sensed a subtle stagnation in their qi circulation near the point where it transitioned from the Jade Pillow Acupoint to the Hundred Convergences Acupoint.
This meant the poison was embedded in the brain.
In Murim, the only poison that devours the human brain from the extinct Skeleton Poison Sect is the Three Corpse Worms.
‘There is still no known antidote for this.’
Bu Eunseol’s pupils darkened.
The Three Corpse Worms cannot be completely eliminated; only medication exists to delay their onset.
Moreover, depending on how the Three Corpse Worms are cultivated, the formula for the antidote varies.
Even if I learn the antidote formula from Mu Jon, ultimately they would need to consume the medicine for the rest of their lives.
‘He will stop at nothing.’
A sharp crack echoed.
The sound of bone resonated from Bu Eunseol’s clenched fist.
Had he administered it to me alone, I would have accepted it calmly without complaint.
But to have secretly poisoned the Team Members—this I cannot tolerate under any circumstance.
‘I will eliminate it.’
Flames ignited in Bu Eunseol’s eyes.
I must find a way to extract this Samsi Poison from their bodies.
“Lord.”
Tae Mu Ryong spoke then.
“Someone has placed a curse upon us, haven’t they?”
Tae Mu Ryong led the Information Warfare Division of the Elite Division and was Bu Eunseol’s trusted aide.
One could discern his true thoughts simply by observing his expression.
“Indeed.”
Bu Eunseol explained calmly.
“A brain-devouring poison has been implanted within your bodies.”
“Who could have done this?”
“Mu Jon.”
Bu Eunseol drew a deep breath.
Then she explained everything—from the revelation that Mu Jon had been masquerading as Jeong Cheon Je to all the encounters she had experienced with him thus far.
Despite hearing such shocking truths, the Team Members showed no signs of surprise.
Having weathered countless crises alongside Bu Eunseol and endured so many bewildering betrayals, they had grown accustomed to the extraordinary.
They would not be shocked even if Mu Jon were revealed to be the greatest villain under heaven itself.
“This is fortunate, is it not? After all, it concerns the Lord directly.”
Tae Mu Ryong spoke with a bright smile.
“Moreover, you have been appointed as the next Director of the Cheop Mil Won.”
Murmurs of approval rippled through the gathering.
The Team Members each voiced their joy in turn.
Even with a brain-devouring poison coursing through their veins, they felt no fear whatsoever.
Instead, they rejoiced only in the fact that Bu Eunseol had not been cursed and that she had been appointed to lead the Cheop Mil Won.
“Lord, do not worry. We are unharmed.”
Jeong Jong Do spoke then.
“With your abilities, you will surely be able to eliminate this Samsi Poison.”
Bu Eunseol took a deep breath.
Her Team Members possessed absolute loyalty and would not hesitate to sacrifice their lives.
‘Finding a method to cure the Samsi Poison from the Team Members should not prove difficult.’
What concerned Bu Eunseol was not the secret to extracting the Samsi Poison.
Mu Jon.
He was merely overshadowed by the might of Jeong Ma Ssang Cheon Je—the strongest among the Sammasamjon.
One could never act recklessly against him.
“Indeed.”
Bu Eunseol spoke with confidence.
“Extracting the Samsi Poison is not difficult, but we must be more cautious going forward.”
Bu Eunseol’s expression became a complex mixture of emotions.
“Soon, the forces that have coiled themselves within the Murim Alliance will reveal themselves one by one.”
Yet the eyes of the Team Members remained unwavering.
No matter what trials lay ahead.
With Bu Eunseol by my side, I’m certain we can overcome whatever lies ahead.
* * *
―We shall now commence the final trial to select the new Mu Cheon Danjoo.
At last, Jeong Cheon Je, the Lord of the Murim Alliance, emerged from seclusion to take the stage once more.
He had issued the command to begin the final trial for selecting the new Mu Cheon Danjoo.
―I shall grant the position of Danjoo to whichever candidate perfectly restores the silver medallion of Wu Tian Duan.
Yet he had proposed a rather unconventional test.
He would bestow the position of Mu Cheon Danjoo upon whoever could perfectly restore the silver medallion of Wu Tian Duan.
The silver medallion currently used by Wu Tian Duan was crafted from precious materials akin to jade.
This was because the original medallion, created in ages past,
had been forged by melting and combining multiple metals—a secret technique that had been lost to time.
The Murim Alliance had once commissioned Cheol Su Ja, hailed as a divine craftsman of his era, to recreate it, but even he had failed.
Thus they had instead fashioned a new, durable silver medallion from expensive precious materials like jade.
Yet now he proposed to select the Mu Cheon Danjoo based on recreating that medallion?
―Are you suggesting we appoint the Blacksmith as Mu Cheon Danjoo?
When the Lord proposed this absurd trial,
every senior official within the alliance rolled up their sleeves and voiced their opposition.
Already burdened with resentment from repeatedly entering seclusion while dumping all responsibilities onto Buk Ri Seung,
and now the Lord was proposing an equally bizarre method for selecting the Mu Cheon Danjoo?
―Lord, we cannot accept this decision.
Most of the senior officials had already set their hearts on elevating Yuk Jang Cheon to the position of Mu Cheon Danjoo,
and thus they had no choice but to resist this decision even more strongly.
Though Yuk Jang Cheon possessed extensive connections, none among them were renowned craftsmen.
―Would it not be better to select through martial prowess instead?
The senior officials of the Murim Alliance, including Vice Lord Buk Ri Seung, pressed their opinions upon the Lord with considerable force.
―After all, are not all the candidates already verified to possess the capabilities befitting a Danjoo? Let us simply decide through martial combat.
Faced with the officials’ relentless pressure, the Lord yielded reluctantly.
He consented to martial combat as the final trial.
―With the Lord’s approval, the final trial shall be held four days hence at the Great Training Arena of the main alliance headquarters.
When Buk Ri Seung made the official announcement, the atmosphere within the Murim Alliance grew heated.
At last, the date for the martial tournament to determine the new Mu Cheon Danjoo had been set.
In Gong Son Dan Gyeong’s office at Eun Wol Gak.
“You employed a most prudent approach, Elder.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong smiled as she regarded Bu Eunseol.
“No matter which method was chosen, the senior officials would have found fault with the Lord’s decision anyway.”
Had Mu Jon announced from the start that the winner would be determined through martial combat?
They would have deemed it unfair and pushed for a test that favored Yuk Jang Cheon by any means necessary.
But Mu Jon had moved first, issuing that absurd command to restore the silver medallion,
thereby prompting the officials to eagerly request martial combat instead.
And since the trial proceeded as they themselves had demanded, they have no grounds to object, regardless of the outcome.
“But that’s unexpected.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong’s eyes sparkled.
“I never thought Seon Woo Dae Ju would request a private audience with the Chief before the trials concluded.”
She sensed there was some sort of agreement between Bu Eunseol and Mu Jon.
But she did not press the matter.
She knew all too well that even if she asked, Bu Eunseol would not answer.
Yet if she did ask, the trust they had built would surely waver.
Bu Eunseol understood this, which was why she had sought her out to explain.
“I felt obligated to report it to you.”
“Is that so?”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong, grasping Bu Eunseol’s intention, allowed a faint smile to grace her lips.
Fortunately, the trust remained unbroken.
She had come requesting a private audience to explain herself, all to preserve the trust between them.
“You seem to have changed considerably, Chief.”
In that moment, Gong Son Dan Gyeong’s gaze shifted subtly.
Only now did she realize she had been smiling despite speaking such unnecessary words.
‘Have I truly changed?’
At first, she had merely sought to make Seon Woo Jin her own tool for revenge.
His martial prowess far exceeded what was known, and his wisdom and insight were unparalleled.
But as they worked together to handle various tasks, she had gradually begun to open her heart.
The certainty that this person would never betray her or strike from behind…
A foreign emotion she had never felt before.
“That’s not something Seon Woo Dae Ju should say.”
Fearing her feelings had been exposed, Gong Son Dan Gyeong deliberately hardened her expression.
“Speaking so to the Chief? Do you now disregard rank and station?”
“If my words were presumptuous, I apologize.”
Bu Eunseol calmly pressed her palms together.
“I merely thought the Chief should view the greater picture with even colder clarity.”
“What do you mean?”
“I have decided not to become the Lord of Wu Tian Duan.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong’s complexion changed at once.
“What are you saying?”
“Mu Jon has ordered me to lose in the final martial contest.”
It was a shocking revelation.
Seon Woo Jin had endured countless perilous missions, sustained only by the promise of becoming Lord of Wu Tian Duan.
Yet now that promise was being discarded like worn-out rags?
“Then you must have received something else in return.”
Like the shrewd woman she was, she immediately grasped the situation and spoke.
“And that is why you sought a private audience with Seon Woo Dae Ju.”
“That is correct.”
“I’ll hear you out.”
“Director of the Cheop Mil Won.”
Bu Eunseol spoke calmly.
“He promised to elevate me to that position.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong nodded faintly.
The authority of the Cheop Mil Won director—essentially the chief inspector—was a rank not inferior to that of a Danjoo.
Moreover, the ability to conduct missions independently and traverse the Gangho was an unparalleled position.
“But that alone isn’t enough.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong rose from her seat and spoke.
“While it grants tremendous influence over the Murim, it’s a position with no real power within the Murim Alliance itself.”
“That’s correct.”
Bu Eunseol spoke unhurriedly.
“So I demanded the authority to conduct internal audits.”
“Internal audit authority?”
“Yes. And he said he would grant the Cheongshim Decree for that.”
“The Cheongshim Decree.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong’s eyes gleamed.
The Cheongshim Decree was an inspection mandate within the Murim Alliance, designed to capture subversive forces colluding with external powers.
To grant the position of Cheop Mil Won director while simultaneously bestowing this? That was an absurdly overwhelming authority.
Gong Son Dan Gyeong fell silent for a moment before asking.
“Then Seon Woo Dae Ju must have paid an equally steep price.”
“According to Mu Jon’s investigation, the force rooted within the Ben Maeng is the Gwi Il Gye. And….”
Bu Eunseol revealed everything except information regarding Mu Jon’s dual identity and herself.
That Jeong Cheon Je’s death was connected to the Gwi Il Gye, and that Mu Jon was consolidating control within the Murim Alliance to prepare for striking against them.
“… From the time I rose to the rank of Elite Division commander, Mu Jon recognized my talent. So he stirred up the Ben Maeng early on to weaken the forces of Sam Gye, using me as that instrument….”
And Mu Jon had enhanced Bu Eunseol’s martial prowess through perilous missions.
Ultimately cultivating her into a figure who would bring a new wind to the Murim Alliance.
All to use her as a tool to weaken the Gwi Il Gye’s power.
“You left out one thing.”
“What do you mean?”
“A safeguard.”
A strange light flickered in Gong Son Dan Gyeong’s large eyes.
“You would never distribute power without safeguards.”
Mu Jon was someone who never revealed himself, even to Gong Son Dan Gyeong.
So if he granted such formidable authority to Seon Woo Jin? Creating safeguards would be absolutely inevitable.
‘She cannot be deceived.’
Bu Eunseol, bearing a bitter smile, spoke calmly.
“The lives of the Team Members.”
“The Elite Division members?”
“Yes.”
Bu Eunseol’s expression grew complicated, a mixture of conflicting emotions.
“I hear you’ve already planted loneliness in the Team Members.”
“Loneliness.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong exhaled sharply through her nose.
So Mu Jon had used loneliness—a technique employed only by the villains of Tianxia—and on the warriors of the Ben Maeng no less.
‘And yet.’
Still, she could understand it to some degree.
Mu Jon was leading the Murim Alliance while concealing Jeong Cheon Je’s death, all while the Dark Underworld Forces lurked beneath the surface.
In such circumstances, where death could strike at any moment and from any quarter, one had to handle everything with ruthless precision.
Harsh, perhaps, but given the immense power he had granted them, such safeguards were naturally essential.
“I can understand Mu Jon’s position to some extent.”
Had Gong Son Dan Gyeong been in his place, she would have done the same.
If you elevated a subordinate to a position where they could turn their blade against your throat at any moment?
Then naturally, you had to place a leash around their neck.
“And it’s a leash perfectly suited to Seon Woo Dae Ju’s nature.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong had already seen through it.
She had long since discerned that Bu Eunseol cherished the Elite Division members like family.
In the end, Bu Eunseol simply hadn’t realized it herself.
Seon Woo Jin, too, had inadvertently revealed a weakness—the weakness of emotion.
“I don’t fault you for it.”
Bu Eunseol suppressed her emotions and spoke calmly.
“But I intend to execute my own plan without being swayed by Mu Jon. I came here to gauge the Chief’s intentions on this matter.”
“Your own plan….”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong’s expression grew grave.
Until now, Bu Eunseol had never spoken of her true objective.
But now she would finally learn what she truly desired.
“I’m listening.”
“Once I’ve firmly established myself as the head of the Cheop Mil Won, I intend to work with the Chief to create a new power structure within the Murim Alliance.”
The unexpected words caught Gong Son Dan Gyeong completely off guard, her eyes widening.
“A new power structure?”
“Yes.”
Bu Eunseol explained methodically.
“The Ben Maeng is suffocated by connections and patronage, with power concentrated in the hands of the elders and a few senior figures. I wish to transform that structure… to create a Murim Alliance that operates purely on merit, regardless of backing.”
And she added one more thing.
“Of course, this plan is also a method to draw out the Gwi Il Gye lurking within the Ben Maeng.”
“Hmm.”
“But… Mu Jon will never consent to such a plan.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong pondered for a moment before speaking.
“In other words, Seon Woo Dae Ju intends to gain the support of the younger factions against the existing senior figures.”
“Precisely.”
Bu Eunseol nodded.
“The Ben Maeng has many talented individuals who never received their opportunity to shine, their potential wasted.”
She spoke with conviction.
“I wish for the Ben Maeng to become a place where such people can fully realize their talents.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong’s expression went blank.
Originally, Seon Woo Jin was someone who pursued a single goal relentlessly.
She harbored no ambitions to reshape the Murim Alliance’s power structure or ascend further.
Why had she suddenly developed such thoughts?
‘Is that so.’
Gong Son Dan Gyeong could sense it instinctively.
Seon Woo Jin had formed some kind of relationship with Mu Jon, and possessed another purpose unknown to her.
Under normal circumstances, she would have pressed Bu Eunseol with questions, demanding explanations until she was satisfied.
But she swallowed her doubts.
Even if she asked, she would not receive truthful answers, and she had promised not to harbor suspicion to her face.
Whatever his intentions, she would not display a suspicious attitude.
“That’s not a bad idea.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong nodded.
“I agree with creating a new force to build an alliance independent of connections and networks.”
‘She keeps her promises.’
Bu Eunseol, having seen through Gong Son Dan Gyeong’s true feelings, smiled inwardly.
She too did not fully trust Gong Son Dan Gyeong.
Yet this woman guarded her spoken words like precious gold. And a person of such character would not stab others in the back.
Trust.
At last, a tiny seed of trust had sprouted between them.
“We can discuss the details later. After all, it will take quite some time before Seon Woo Dae Ju firmly establishes himself as the head of Cheop Mil Won.”
Moreover, she showed Bu Eunseol the utmost consideration she could offer.
“The martial tournament will begin soon, won’t it? Shouldn’t you be cultivating your body and mind from now on?”
She set aside the complicated circumstances for now, hoping Bu Eunseol would focus on the tournament and achieve victory.
“Especially the martial arts of the Cheong Myeong Unit Lord are no trivial matter.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong’s eyes showed concern.
“Mu Jon likely approved the tournament because he anticipated that the Cheong Myeong Danjoo would defy the senior masters’ expectations and claim final victory.”
“I suspect I may be merely a stepping stone discarded by the Cheong Myeong Unit Lord.”
Bu Eunseol shook her head.
“To push Yuk Jang Cheon or Baek Danjoo into the position of Danjoo.”
In truth, the one she was most wary of was Yuk Jang Cheon.
From her battle with Gwon Wang Seok Chi Haeng, Bu Eunseol had gauged Yuk Jang Cheon’s martial prowess.
Seok Chi Haeng, who had long since retired from tournaments and served as the gatekeeper of Gokgeomrim, possessed strength that
far exceeded Bu Eunseol’s expectations.
Then what of Yuk Jang Cheon’s abilities, honed in secret ambition all these years?
It would be at a level incomparable to Seok Chi Haeng.
“Well, that’s certainly possible.”
Gong Son Dan Gyeong shook her head with a smile.
“As long as Seon Woo Dae Ju doesn’t claim the final championship, that’s all that matters.”
That smile was trust itself.
Bu Eunseol offered a faint smile in return and clasped her hands together.
“I will ensure we achieve the best possible outcome.”
“Do your best.”
“Understood. Then I shall take my leave.”
Bu Eunseol clasped her hands together and turned to depart.
Upon leaving Eun Wol Gak, I gazed toward the distant sky.
‘The Martial Arts Tournament will bring complete upheaval.’
If my predictions were correct.
This tournament would produce results that defied everyone’s expectations.
I too would need to recalibrate my martial techniques once more to match Seon Woo Jin’s capabilities.
‘And.’
My eyes gleamed with intensity.
‘After this tournament ends, Yuk Jang Cheon will no longer be able to set foot within the Murim Alliance.’
To cast Yuk Jang Cheon into the abyss, to create such an outcome.
Mere victory in the tournament would not suffice.
Just as I had provoked Yuk Cheong Ah, I needed to ensure he could never raise his head again.
I would exploit the deep-seated emotions and resentments that Yuk Jang Cheon had harbored in his heart for so long, unable to resolve.
Exposing the dark and murky depths of his soul for all the world to witness.
―Let the tournament begin!
Four days had passed in the blink of an eye.
At last, the final trial to select the Mu Cheon Danjoo had commenced.

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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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