The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 708

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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 708.
Do Cheon Rin, who had been listening quietly, blinked as he turned his gaze toward Dae Gu Hwi.
“Surely you don’t think a direct confrontation means the Great Righteous-Evil War?”
“Pardon?”
Dae Gu Hwi blinked.
“Isn’t it?”
“Of course not.”
Do Cheon Rin exhaled deeply and shook his head.
“The strategist’s mention of direct confrontation does not refer to the Great Righteous-Evil War.”
He glanced briefly at Dam Yoo Yeon before rising from his seat and continuing.
“For generations, the Demon Hall and the Murim Alliance have repeatedly clashed and tested their strength. If such incidents sparked the Great Righteous-Evil War, the Demon Hall and Murim Alliance would have collided dozens of times over by now.”
“Then…”
“Both sides merely maintain a standoff out of pride. One side’s supreme leadership suffered a covert assassination, and…”
Do Cheon Rin stroked his chin.
“The other side lost an entire elite secret unit they had cultivated in hiding. Without measures like this, neither alliance could save face.”
“I see.”
Dae Gu Hwi nodded as if he had finally grasped something.
“If such confrontations could trigger the Great Righteous-Evil War, then a third force like the Dark Path would have continuously provoked clashes between the Demon Hall and Murim Alliance.”
“Precisely.”
Dae Gu Hwi then patted his chest and broke into a broad smile.
“I was under the impression that Lord Bing Han Poong welcomed the Great Righteous-Evil War without realizing this.”
At Dae Gu Hwi’s innocent remark, laughter rippled through those gathered.
As the atmosphere in the conference hall softened, Bu Eunseol surveyed those present and spoke.
“However, since this incident touched the Cheop Mil Won director—essentially the Murim Alliance’s chief inspector—the standoff will persist for quite some time. The Murim Alliance’s prestige has suffered considerable damage.”
She narrowed her eyes behind her veil as she continued.
“This would be an opportune moment to bring all of Seomseong under our society’s sphere of influence.”
“Hwasan and Jongnam Sect won’t take kindly to that.”
At that moment, Yu Hwa Ryeong shook his head.
“They’re intent on restraining our society, indifferent to the power struggle between the Murim Alliance and Demon Hall. They regard Seomseong as their own territory, after all.”
“True.”
Bu Eunseol spoke calmly.
“But it can be managed.”
“How so?”
Bu Eunseol withdrew a letter from her bosom and handed it to Yu Hwa Ryeong.
“This is…”
As Yu Hwa Ryeong read through the letter, his eyes widened.
“Is this true?”
“It is.”
“If this is the case…… it might be possible.”
Do Cheon Rin, unable to contain his curiosity, stepped beside Yu Hwa Ryeong and read the letter alongside him.
“This won’t do.”
Do Cheon Rin shook his head after reading through all the letters.
“This approach might work in the short term. But looking at it long-term, we’ll become irreconcilable enemies with Hwasan—势不兩立. We cannot coexist.”
“Coexist?”
Bu Eunseol spoke with composed yet piercing eyes.
“Did you truly believe our organization could wedge itself between the Orthodox and Demonic paths and live together in harmony?”
“….”
“They’re all enemies regardless. We must overcome them through strength or whatever means necessary.”
Do Cheon Rin drew a deep breath.
He had assumed she would continue proclaiming neutrality between the two factions, exercising restraint and benevolence.
He thought she would exploit the power struggle between Demon Hall and the Murim Alliance to gently establish their influence between them.
Yet Bu Eunseol had from the start deemed all factions as enemies and was devising every conceivable strategy.
“Then what of Jongnam Sect?”
When Dae Gu Hwi asked, Bu Eunseol answered.
“If Hwasan doesn’t take action, Jongnam Sect will hold back for now. They always have.”
Bu Eunseol’s lips, hidden behind her veil, curved upward.
“However, they possess the pride of the Nine Sects One Alliance, so there will be some degree of conflict.”
This meant that if a clash occurred, she would resolve it through force up to a certain level.
“As I mentioned before, our organization must take the initiative this time.”
It was then that Bing Han Poong spoke.
“I’ve always wanted to test myself against the orthodox swordsmanship of Zhong Yuan.”
“Very well.”
Bu Eunseol nodded.
“I’ll entrust the conflict with Jongnam to the Bing Ha Jeon Dan. However, since they only seek to preserve their pride, once we break them down to an appropriate degree, they’ll withdraw on their own.”
“Understood.”
Bu Eunseol spoke to Dae Gu Hwi.
“Is the Ya Soo Jeon Dan prepared?”
“We’re ready to deploy at any time.”
“The Ya Soo Jeon Dan will be responsible for absorbing the sects that our organization will consolidate going forward. Some sects will never bow their heads unless they witness a overwhelming difference in power.”
The martial arts of Ya Soo Gung are fierce and practical, unlike those of Zhong Yuan.
Moreover, when the Ya Soo martial arts are unleashed, the physical form transforms into a terrifying appearance.
This makes it ideal for breaking the enemy’s morale in an instant.
“Which sects do you plan to absorb?”
Yu Hwa Ryeong, who had been listening silently, asked as the administrator.
War is essentially about money.
The outcome changes depending on who possesses the more solid financial resources.
“Here’s what I’m thinking….”
Bu Eunseol gathered with them again and held a deep consultation in the conference hall.
Seomseong, which has always been the domain of the Orthodox Martial World and the stronghold of Hwasan.
Starting from this place as a base, we will gradually advance toward becoming a great alliance of Zhong Yuan.
―The Muhon Society began expanding its influence.
New tidings spread throughout Murim.
Following the Gwi Ah incident, the forces of the Jeongsayang-do, which had long exercised restraint, finally commenced their full-scale operations.
They were broadening their reach by annexing or absorbing the great and small sects throughout Seomseong.
The Muhon Society.
Their main forces comprised two elite brigades from the great sects of Sae Oe, and they could also mobilize the Nang In Jeon Dan alongside the Sinryae Jeondan of Noe Jeong Moon.
According to rumors, they possessed vast financial resources.
It was said they could bring sects to their knees through wealth alone, without even needing to forcibly annex them.
Yet rather than absorbing through coercion or force, they instead employed benevolent methods that offered tangible benefits to the sects.
They did not discriminate against smaller sects.
Upon joining, regardless of lineage, they provided access to exceptional martial techniques and cultivation methods.
Never before in Murim’s history had an alliance absorbed forces in such a manner.
―Let us go! To the Muhon Society!
Those smaller sects that had long been squeezed between the great powers,
unable to claim any true sphere of influence, now rushed to join the Muhon Society.
―This is dangerous.
As the Muhon Society expanded its territory,
the Hwasan Sect—which had reigned as the supreme power of Seomseong for generations—grew deeply displeased.
The emergence of alliances in Murim was inevitable.
Yet an alliance of the Jeongsayang-do had never existed once in all of Murim’s history.
Both its banner and purpose remained ambiguous.
The very term “Jeongsayang-do” meant to construct an independent power structure, belonging to no established faction.
In other words, the Righteous Path, the Demonic Path, the Dark Path, the Evil Sects, and so forth…
They received support from none of these, and could be attacked simultaneously by all of them.
Yet the Muhon Society boldly established itself as an alliance of the Jeongsayang-do,
and as if that were insufficient, they absorbed smaller sects of their own accord, and at times employed force
to expand their influence across all of Seomseong.
And from the Hwasan Sect’s perspective, the Muhon Society’s activities
were destabilizing the power structure of Seomseong—something they could never tolerate.
The Muhon Society, Young Gaek Jeon.
This place was designated to receive distinguished guests who sought out the Muhon Society.
Within its elegantly appointed interior sat a large table.
Upon it rested fragrant Dragon Well tea, and across from it sat a middle-aged man whose complexion was somewhat dark.
He was none other than Yeop Goong, a senior elder of the Hwasan Sect.
Ultimately, the Hwasan Sect, concerned about the Muhon Society’s expansion across all of Seomseong,
had sent an emissary to convey their apprehensions.
“I apologize for the wait.”
A beautiful woman dressed in yellow robes entered the Young Gaek Jeon.
Her skin was as pale as snow, and her brilliant eyes gleamed with radiance.
It was Dam Yoo Yeon, the strategist of the Muhon Society.
“Dam Yoo Yeon.”
“Yeop Goong.”
Yeop Goong offered a respectful greeting before immediately cutting to the heart of the matter.
“Our sect can no longer tolerate the Muhon Society expanding its influence throughout Seomseong.”
Without waiting for Dam Yoo Yeon’s response, Yeop Goong continued.
“Seomseong has been a region of peace for generations. This reckless absorption of martial sects is tantamount to a threat against our sect.”
Pausing briefly, Yeop Goong spoke with arrogant resolve.
“If you refuse this demand, I will erase the Muhon Society from Seomseong without leaving a trace.”
Dam Yoo Yeon’s eyes narrowed.
At last, the Hwasan Sect was launching a full-scale assault against the Muhon Society.
Yeop Goong regarded Dam Yoo Yeon with a smug smile.
Because he possessed confidence.
The Hwasan Sect possessed not merely martial prowess, but also the accumulated connections of generations.
Hwasan’s people were entrenched in key positions throughout the Gwan Bu, the Merchant Realm, and even the Murim Alliance itself.
Ultimately, should anyone dare to oppose the Hwasan Sect, the Murim Alliance would have no choice but to intervene.
To stand against the Hwasan Sect, in essence,
meant confronting not only the countless connections they had cultivated over generations, but the entire Murim Alliance as well.
For the Muhon Society—a fledgling alliance—this was an impossible burden to bear.
“It seems improper for the Hwasan Sect to involve itself and make judgments regarding our organization’s affairs.”
At Dam Yoo Yeon’s response, Yeop Goong’s eyebrows rose.
“So you intend to continue expanding your influence throughout Seomseong as you have been?”
“It is not expansion, but a natural phenomenon.”
Dam Yoo Yeon spoke calmly.
“We are not a single sect, but a coalition of the Orthodox Path. We cannot prevent other sects from joining our organization, can we?”
“So you refuse our proposal.”
“I do not believe a great sect like Hwasan restraining our organization’s activities constitutes a proposal.”
“I see. Very well.”
Yeop Goong rose from his seat as though there was nothing more to discuss.
“I shall convey your organization’s position clearly to our sect leader. Do not regret this.”
And as he turned to leave,
“Wait.”
When Dam Yoo Yeon called out, Yeop Goong’s lips curved upward.
‘Hmph, as expected.’
No matter how powerful one’s influence, one could not maintain a foothold in Seomseong while opposing the Hwasan Sect.
“Do you have more to say?”
As Yeop Goong smiled mockingly, Dam Yoo Yeon spoke.
“Please deliver this to your sect leader.”
What she offered was a small letter.
“What is this?”
At Yeop Goong’s question, Dam Yoo Yeon smiled.
“Just deliver it to the Sect Leader, and he’ll understand.”
“I cannot deliver just any letter to the Sect Leader.”
“Are you worried it might be poisoned?”
As Dam Yoo Yeon offered a cryptic smile, Yeop Goong spoke with obvious displeasure.
“I came as an emissary, so I have the right to verify the letter’s contents immediately.”
“Do as you wish.”
Yeop Goong promptly withdrew the letter and began reading.
Trembling.
With each roll of his eyes, his body quivered like an aspen leaf.
The letter contained something utterly unbelievable.
And wasn’t it the Hwasan Sect’s most shameful secret—something that absolutely must never be revealed?
“How is this possible?”
Yeop Goong asked, cold sweat streaming down his face.
“Tell the Sect Leader this clearly.”
Dam Yoo Yeon spoke in a crystalline voice.
“If the Hwasan Sect shows even the slightest sign of obstructing our gathering, they must be prepared for closure.”
It was utterly insulting language.
Yet Yeop Goong could say nothing.
The contents written in the letter.
It was none other than what could be called the Hwasan Sect’s greatest shame.
Evidence of Elder Chae Ju Hong’s heinous crimes was meticulously documented.
Though Chae Ju Hong was an elder of the Hwasan Sect, he had conspired with external forces and kidnapped noble daughters, committing brutal atrocities.
The Hwasan Sect only discovered these facts after Chae Ju Hong’s death.
Fortunately, by heaven’s grace, such information had not been exposed to the outside world.
And the Hwasan Sect had immediately suppressed all evidence, ensuring that no one would learn of Chae Ju Hong’s crimes.
But the Muhon Society possessed every shred of this evidence?
If such facts were revealed?
Hwasan would inevitably face accusations of being a den that bred demons.
Moreover, they would have to pay massive compensation to the kidnapped women.
All the evidence and the victims’ identities were clearly documented here.
If the Hwasan Sect attempted to obstruct the Muhon Society’s gathering, then as Dam Yoo Yeon said, they would have to accept closure at minimum.
“I understand.”
Yeop Goong moved sluggishly like a water-logged sponge and bowed his head.
“I shall convey this exactly to the Sect Leader.”
Then, unable to lift his head, he departed from the Young Gaek Jeon.
Of all things, their weakness was seized by the Muhon Society.
Even if they dominated within Seomseong’s sphere of influence, the Hwasan Sect could do nothing.
―Was the Muhon Society becoming the hegemon of Seomseong?
It was astonishing news.
For generations, Seomseong had been the Orthodox Sects’ domain, a place where the Hwasan and Jongnam Sects had been rooted for ages.
Yet in merely two months, the Muhon Society had absorbed numerous sects throughout Seomseong and dramatically expanded its influence.
Two factors made this possible.
The Murim Alliance and Demon Hall were locked in an endless, razor-sharp confrontation.
And Hwasan, the only force capable of restraining the Muhon Society’s expansion, had suddenly turned a blind eye to their actions.
―Our branch cannot simply stand idle while the Muhon Society grows!
Unable to bear it any longer, the Murim Alliance’s branch in Seomseong rose up and attempted to suppress the Muhon Society.
But each time, didn’t the Demon Hall’s branch seize the opportunity to target the Murim Alliance’s branch?
―Move your forces. We’ll sweep them away on the spot.
―These bastards?
The Murim Alliance was driven to absolute fury.
Seomseong had been Orthodox territory for generations.
If Hwasan and Jongnam could not hold it, then the Murim Alliance absolutely had to defend it.
Yet each time, the Demon Hall was watching like a vulture, waiting for the chance to plunder an empty nest.
In the end, there was nothing the Murim Alliance could do.
―Are you saying you’ll simply watch this Orthodox alliance grow?
The Murim Alliance was greatly alarmed and attempted to persuade the Demon Hall, wary of the Muhon Society’s growth potential.
But the Demon Hall remained unhurried.
―After all, Seomseong is not within our sphere of influence, is it?
From the Demon Hall’s perspective, it was more advantageous for the newly born Muhon Society to consume Seomseong
than for the Murim Alliance—a force that could threaten them—to do so.
There was no need to join forces with the Murim Alliance
and restrain the Muhon Society, which was overturning the Seomseong region.
―What is happening? What has befallen Hwasan?
Unable to bear it, Jongnam
attempted to coordinate with Hwasan and impose sanctions on the Muhon Society once more.
But Hwasan remained unmoved and sent back an absurd reply.
―Aren’t they an Orthodox alliance anyway? They’re not invading anywhere, so our sect will pay them no mind.
Jongnam was left speechless.
But with Hwasan refusing, they could not force them into negotiations.
―Our sect will not tolerate the Muhon Society encroaching upon our territory!
Thus, a conflict erupted between the Muhon Society and Jongnam, with Seo An as the boundary.
Though they did not clash head-on,
the Bing Ha Jeon Dan, the Muhon Society’s main force, collided with Jongnam’s elite disciples.
Naturally, that battle ended in complete victory for the Bing Ha Jeon Dan, who had mastered Buk Hae Bing Gung’s supreme techniques.
Jongnam gnashed their teeth, but continuing the conflict was impossible.
The Muhon Society’s forces—comprising the ronin of Seomseong, the brigands of Sae Oe, and the absorbed sects of Seomseong—held overwhelming superiority.
A full-scale war would shake the very roots of Jongnam.
In the end, they too had no choice but to retreat and watch as the Muhon Society grew.
With pressure from the Murim Alliance’s branch, Hwasan, and Jongnam all gone,
the Muhon Society absorbed three minor branch sects and brought eight sects under its banner.
With the inclusion of Xian Prefecture—the jewel of Seomseong—along with Hanjungbu and Gongchangbu, the Muhon Society had successfully extended its influence across each region.
In essence, the Muhon Society had become.
the most influential alliance in Seomseong.
* * *
In the Office of Seon Woo Jin, the Supreme Elder of the Murim Alliance.
‘This should suffice.’
Bu Eunseol, having returned to the Murim Alliance,
was ceaselessly drafting correspondence, brush in hand.
I had weaponized the Am Hon Dae’s ambush and Dong Rim Gak Ju’s assassination attempt, placing the Demon Hall and Murim Alliance in a state of confrontation.
Exploiting that frozen stalemate, I had been able to expand the Muhon Society’s influence with remarkable stability.
‘Higher status does have its advantages.’
Bu Eunseol set down her brush momentarily and smiled.
Upon ascending to the rank of elder within the Murim Alliance,
not only had it become possible to investigate the movements of the Alliance’s branch leaders,
but between the Demon Hall and the Murim Alliance,
it had become possible to incite conflict between both coalitions.
‘The Muhon Society must grow larger still.’
Even having become the hegemon of Seomseong, it remained only a temporary state.
What if the influence grew beyond control?
The Murim Alliance might impose sanctions at the cost of losses, or the Hwasan Sect might have a change of heart.
Should that occur, the Muhon Society would face the prospect of confronting the Orthodox Martial World as an adversary.
‘Ultimately, I must drain the strength from both sides.’
Using the power of the Demon Hall and Murim Alliance to exhaust each other had inherent limitations.
Unless a Great Righteous War erupted, that standoff would eventually dissipate.
Fundamentally, the Muhon Society must seize the accumulated power of Jeongsayang-do itself.
In other words, only by absorbing the existing Orthodox Sect forces could it achieve greater growth.
“But.”
Suddenly, Bu Eunseol let out a hollow laugh.
“To think it must come to this.”
I had never cared for Murim’s hegemony or influence, nor had I any intention of becoming entangled in such matters.
I had entered Murim only to find the one who had brutally murdered my grandfather.
Yet as a result, to find my grandfather’s killer, I had overturned every faction, including Sam Gye,
and in the worst case, I would have to destroy all of them.
In the end, I would have to seize Murim’s very hegemony itself.
“Sigh.”
A deep sigh escaped.
Though Bu Eunseol possessed a character that would not yield to any hardship, looking back, there was no situation quite as absurd as this.
“In the end, the birth of the Muhon Society was an inevitability.”
Bu Eunseol took up her brush again and drew a deep breath.
At least what offered hope was that, unlike before, a path now lay visible ahead.
By investigating through Jeongsayang-do’s power and nurturing the Muhon Society in this manner,
I will surely be able to uncover the truth behind my grandfather’s and parents’ deaths.
‘Now, let me examine the Poison Scripture.’
Whenever time permitted, I studied the secret texts on toxins that Mu Jon had taught his subordinates.
I was ceaselessly devouring every forbidden manual related to poison to counteract the deadly toxin coursing through my body.
Knock, knock.
At that moment, a knock sounded at the door, followed by Tae Mu Ryong’s voice.
“Master, it is Tae Mu Ryong.”
“Enter.”
Tae Mu Ryong stepped inside cautiously, his mouth falling open.
It had been merely half a day since Bu Eunseol entered the office.
Yet the desk was piled high with documents and books that would ordinarily require a full month to review?
“Master, your body will suffer.”
No matter how formidable one’s martial prowess, there were limits to the mind’s endurance.
Tae Mu Ryong was genuinely concerned that Bu Eunseol would exhaust herself.
“It is fine.”
Bu Eunseol quietly set aside the Poison Scripture she had been reading and replied.
“What is the matter?”
“A letter has arrived at Sa Hon Dae addressed to you, Master.”
Bu Eunseol received the letter and her expression grew grave as she read its contents.
‘From the Dang Family?’
The envelope bore the seal of the Sichuan Dang Family—the imprint of a pear blossom leaf.
And the letter contained profoundly shocking news.
‘Why…?’
Bu Eunseol’s eyes lost their focus.
This letter was
none other than a blood oath from the father of the first friend I had made upon entering Gangho,
the current patriarch of the Sichuan Dang Family,
Dang Pae—challenging me to a life-or-death duel.

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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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