The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 709

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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 709.
Bu Eunseol read through the letter for a long while before sinking into deep contemplation.
Then, in a measured voice, she spoke.
“For the time being, I will venture into Gangho under the guise of the wanderer Seol So. Instruct Seo Jin Ha to leave the Demon Palace and oversee affairs in Gangho as well. Unforeseen circumstances may arise.”
Currently, the Murim Alliance and Demon Palace remained in a standoff, and Seo Jin Ha was managing the Demon Palace’s operations as Muk Hon Ryeong Ju.
What if the standoff shifted?
They might summon her, the Muk Hon Ryeong Ju herself.
By having him roam Gangho instead, she sought to preempt any sudden developments.
“So suddenly, my lady?”
Tae Mu Ryong’s expression darkened.
Bu Eunseol always moved according to plan.
Yet a sudden venture into Gangho meant something urgent had transpired.
“It is nothing of consequence.”
Bu Eunseol forced a smile.
“Merely some personal matters I must attend to.”
A lie.
Despite her brilliant intellect and her mastery of concealing expression and emotion.
Strangely, she remained clumsy at deception for the sake of others.
“Understood, my lady.”
Yet Tae Mu Ryong showed no sign of doubt and bowed his head.
“Please take care on your journey.”
Bu Eunseol’s martial prowess was formidable; even masters of considerable skill would find it difficult to trap her.
What he could do now.
Was to swiftly analyze and relay information, ensuring Bu Eunseol would not fall into danger.
* * *
Bu Eunseol immediately slipped from the Murim Alliance and assumed Seol So’s appearance.
She had So Yo fabricate movements for Seon Woo Jin.
A cool breeze swept past.
Passing through the Seo Gang region and entering Sichuan, she headed straight for Dang Family Territory.
‘Something has befallen the Dang Family Lord.’
Dang Pae had suffered from grave illness for some time, but recently recovered completely.
Now that Dang Gon was fully prepared as the successor family head, the Dang Family Lord should have no regrets.
Then why send such a letter?
―Muk Hon Ryeong Ju. I challenge you.
Had it been an ordinary message, Bu Eunseol would have laughed it off or visited the Dang Family in good spirits.
But the letter was written in blood.
Meaning Dang Pae had written a blood oath, genuinely challenging her.
―Ten days hence, at Cheon Dok Rim on Dang Family Mountain.
The duel location was Cheon Dok Rim, situated before Dang Family Mountain.
It was the fifth secret refuge of the Dang Family, following Eun Young Goong, Man Dok Yeon, Hyeon Mu Dong, and Cheon Oe Cheo.
Moreover, it was unreasonable to issue a challenge while expecting to fight within one’s own sphere of influence—or rather, within one’s own family.
It made no sense whatsoever.
‘Could another faction have intervened?’
Bu Eunseol’s heart suddenly quickened with urgency.
Dang Pae was the father of Dang Gon, her close friend.
He was a man who had recognized her talent and treated her well since her obscure days.
If something had happened to him?
Transcending all formality, it was something she must absolutely resolve with her own hands.
A soft breeze rustled through the air.
Bu Eunseol, who had ascended Dang Family Mountain in secret, arrived at Cheon Dok Rim.
Despite its ominous name, Cheon Dok Rim was a beautiful bamboo forest, dense with verdant stalks swaying in the breeze.
The Sichuan Dang Family had first earned renown in the Murim through bamboo-crafted hidden weapons and the Five Poison Divine Sand.
Or so the legends claimed.
And Cheon Dok Rim was the venerable birthplace where those diverse bamboo weapons were first created—a secret refuge.
It harbored the scenic splendor of Dang Family Mountain itself.
A crisp sound echoed through the forest.
Upon entering Cheon Dok Rim, Bu Eunseol shed her disguise and resumed her true appearance.
As she stepped deeper into the bamboo forest, her false form discarded,
Suddenly, hundreds of hidden weapons erupted toward her body.
They shot forth in a torrential barrage.
Whistle after whistle cut through the air.
The weapons moved like living creatures, sweeping freely through all directions and sealing off every escape route.
Bu Eunseol made no effort to dodge; instead, she caught each one deftly with her bare hands.
Rapid metallic clinks rang out.
The moment they touched her palms, the weapons dispersed countless tiny needles in all directions.
Ting, ting, ting.
Yet they could not pierce her hands, and those that grazed her body fell away as if striking an invisible barrier.
Clap, clap, clap.
Suddenly, applause echoed through the bamboo forest as a robust, imposing figure emerged from the shadows.
He wore fine robes and maintained a well-groomed beard—a dignified man of commanding presence.
It was none other than Dang Pae, the patriarch of the Sichuan Dang Family.
Though he had entered his twilight years, his profound inner strength allowed him to maintain the appearance of a man in his prime.
“It has been a long time.”
In Dang Pae’s hand was a bamboo tube carved with exquisite precision.
It was the Black Bamboo Burst Tube that had just unleashed the hidden weapons upon Bu Eunseol.
“I trust you have been well, Patriarch?”
Bu Eunseol greeted him warmly.
Dang Pae, who had been reported to be bedridden, appeared completely recovered, and he radiated an aura of power far exceeding what she remembered.
“The Muhonjung’s strength far surpasses what this patriarch anticipated.”
Yet what was strange was his demeanor.
Unlike the warmth of their past encounters, Dang Pae’s expression was cold, his gaze sharp and piercing.
“You’re prepared, I assume?”
“Prepared for what, sir?”
“Did you not receive the blood letter?”
Bu Eunseol’s face registered confusion.
“Surely you don’t intend to spar with me?”
“Spar?”
Dang Pae spoke with measured calm.
“According to what’s written in the blood letter, I intend to engage you in a death match.”
A death match.
A battle that ends only when one of the two lies dead.
Why would Dang Pae, with whom I share no grievance, seek to engage me in such a contest?
“May I ask your reason?”
“Are you not a disciple of the Demonic Path?”
“….”
“Had I dealt with you immediately upon our first meeting, the Gangho would have remained far more stable. But by allowing you to live, you’ve grown far too formidable.”
Dang Pae spoke with unwavering composure.
“Now I shall correct the righteous order of the Gangho by ending your life, and restore honor to the Main House.”
Bu Eunseol’s expression turned blank.
I couldn’t discern whether Dang Pae truly intended to fight me or was merely jesting.
“Are you serious?”
“Otherwise, why would I waste precious blood to write a blood letter?”
Murderous intent blazed in Dang Pae’s eyes.
“Since we cannot coexist, forget the bonds of our past.”
Bu Eunseol drew a deep breath.
Dang Pae’s gaze and demeanor were grave, bearing no trace of jest.
He genuinely intended to engage me in a death match.
“You there!”
But then.
A resounding cheer erupted, and a figure came rushing from the distance.
A man with a robust frame and a prominent nose—Dang Gon, the young master of the Dang Family.
With a rush.
Dang Gon embraced Bu Eunseol tightly and cried out.
“How long has it been!”
After patting Bu Eunseol’s shoulders warmly for some time, Dang Gon finally released him.
“Family Head.”
Only then noticing Dang Pae, Dang Gon spoke with an awkward expression.
“You were here together, I see.”
“How did you know to come here?”
“I detected unusual activity near Cheon Dok Rim and came to investigate.”
Dang Gon broke into a wide smile, flashing his white teeth.
“I didn’t expect this friend to be here.”
The wanderer Seol So had been positioned as a disciple of Tan Wang Buk Gung-ryeong to resolve matters concerning Wudang.
In other words, he was no longer a mere wanderer, but had become someone of considerable standing.
Bu Eunseol wanted to gauge whether the Dang Family’s intelligence organization could track Seol So’s movements, and to assess their capabilities.
For this reason, I had deliberately left no traces concealed and headed toward Dang Family Territory.
‘Fortunately, there are no problems.’
Bu Eunseol held a faint smile.
In the current Murim, victory or defeat depended less on how swiftly one drew a blade and more on how quickly one obtained information.
If Dang Gon had failed to discover my movements?
I would have immediately discussed restructuring the Dang Family’s intelligence organization and methods for improvement.
But Dang Gon was operating the intelligence organization far better than expected.
“I see, so that’s how it was.”
Dang Pae, who had been watching Dang Gon, wore an expression that was either admiration or regret.
“But the Family Head…”
“I sensed the presence of a suspicious person, so I came to investigate. He had entered near the Main House, so I called him here. It’s a good opportunity to show him the Secret Refuge of the Main House.”
In truth, the Dang Family’s Secret Refuge could never be entered by anyone outside the bloodline.
But Bu Eunseol was the Dang Family’s benefactor, and shared a bond with Dang Gon deeper than that of blood brothers.
Therefore, Dang Gon nodded without finding it strange.
“I understand.”
“Now, let us return to the Main House.”
Understanding Dang Pae’s meaning, Bu Eunseol nodded in agreement.
“Very well.”
The Dang Family was wealthy, yet extremely strict in their use of money.
Because they manufactured and researched expensive hidden weapons and poisons.
One careless expenditure could quickly deplete their coffers.
Therefore, frugality and restraint were deeply ingrained in the Dang Family’s nature.
Even when distinguished guests visited, the banquet hall would typically serve only the renowned Sichuan wine Geomnamchun and
six varieties of spicy dishes that they favored.
Yet now, the Dang Family’s Banquet Hall was filled with delicacies on tables large enough to seat more than twenty people.
These were dishes prepared with all their might by every master chef of the Dang Family, numbering more than sixty varieties.
They had not prepared this much even for Dang Pae’s seventieth birthday celebration.
Even if the Emperor himself had visited, they would not have offered such lavish hospitality.
But Bu Eunseol was the person who had saved the Dang Family and Dang Gon from crisis multiple times.
The master chefs, following the Family Head’s orders, had procured all the finest ingredients from the surrounding region to prepare this luxurious banquet.
“Please forgive my rudeness.”
Dang Pae entered the Banquet Hall, shared three cups of wine with Bu Eunseol, then rose from his seat.
“My body has not fully recovered, and I am weary.”
It seemed a gesture of consideration, allowing Dang Gon and Bu Eunseol to enjoy themselves at leisure.
“Thank you.”
As Bu Eunseol brought her hands together, Dang Pae calmly left the Banquet Hall.
Though a smile graced his lips, a shadow seemed to linger in his eyes.
‘What could the Dang Family Lord be thinking?’
From the situation, it appeared that Dang Gon was unaware that Dang Pae had sent the challenge.
Yet no matter how hard one tried to conceal it, such matters would eventually come to light.
But then, what reason could there be for Dang Pae to orchestrate this behind Dang Gon’s back?
‘It was deliberate—that much is certain.’
A man like Dang Pae.
Could never believe he could deceive Dang Gon’s eyes and face me in combat at Cheon Dok Rim.
‘His declaration of a life-or-death duel was also sincere.’
Judging by the resolute fire in his gaze.
Dang Pae was undoubtedly prepared to engage me in a life-or-death struggle with genuine intent.
Then why deliberately orchestrate a confrontation with Dang Gon, forcing him to resolve old grievances?
As Bu Eunseol sank into deep contemplation,
“It’s been so long.”
A beautiful woman in azure robes approached, accompanied by an indescribable sweet fragrance.
It was Dang Cheong.
“I can’t believe how much time has passed.”
The youthful exuberance that once defined her had vanished.
She had blossomed into such a refined beauty that the title “Sichuan’s First Beauty” seemed insufficient.
“Miss Dang.”
Bu Eunseol offered a respectful bow with an awkward smile.
When they had encountered each other by chance at Shaolin, Dang Cheong had immediately seen through her disguise as Seol So.
It turned out she had mastered a secret technique of distinguishing people by scent.
Though her identity had been exposed, Dang Cheong had protected Bu Eunseol’s secret.
And thanks to her, I had discovered the entrance to the facility leading to Blood Shaolin—so I had always harbored gratitude toward her.
“You’ve become even more refined, I see.”
Dang Cheong smiled beautifully and lifted her cup with delicate hands.
“Please, accept a drink from me as well.”
The way she stood gracefully beside him and poured his drink resembled a virtuous wife attending to her husband.
“Cheong has changed. That wild child from before….”
When Dang Gon jested, Dang Cheong turned her head sharply and glared at him.
“…She’s become a lady now. It’s time she was married off.”
As Dang Gon spoke with unfocused eyes, Dang Cheong’s face flushed and she lowered her head.
“That’s not something I can control.”
Even as she said this, she glanced sideways at Bu Eunseol.
Unable to bear that burning gaze, Bu Eunseol quickly changed the subject.
“I’m relieved to hear the Lord has recovered.”
“Indeed. There was a time when I worried he might not pull through.”
“How exactly did it happen?”
“I’m not entirely sure myself. It happened suddenly three months ago….”
Dang Gon explained calmly.
Dang Pae had suffered from an inexplicable illness that left him unable to move his body.
But three months ago, he suddenly rose from his sickbed, and his body recovered completely.
Dang Gon had been overjoyed at his father’s recovery.
However, from that day onward, Dang Pae began acting as though he had become a different person.
He abandoned all duties of the Dang Family and entered Hyeon Mu Dong to cultivate his martial arts.
Dang Gon could not understand such behavior, but he didn’t concern himself with it much.
He was simply grateful to the heavens that his father had risen from his sickbed.
“Cultivating martial arts in Hyeon Mu Dong…?”
Bu Eunseol’s expression grew distant.
It wasn’t particularly strange for someone recovering from illness to refine their martial arts to restore their body.
But Hyeon Mu Dong was different.
It was a cultivation chamber where the Dang Family’s Eight Great Secret Techniques were refined to their absolute limits—hardly a place for Dang Pae, who had barely recovered his strength.
‘Hmm.’
I sensed a faint glimmer of Dang Pae’s true intention.
Yet I could not be certain.
All I knew was that this was no mere jest or challenge.
“I see.”
“But what brings you here so suddenly? In times as turbulent as these?”
Dang Gon asked with a mixture of joy and concern.
“Is it truly safe for you to visit the Main House like this?”
Currently, the Murim was in chaos as the Demon Palace and the Murim Alliance faced off in an extreme standoff.
For Bu Eunseol, the successor of the Demon Palace, to visit the Dang Family posed considerable danger to them.
Yet Dang Gon asked, “Is it truly safe for you?” In other words, he was concerned only for my well-being.
“It is.”
Feeling the warmth of Dang Gon’s friendship that transcended life and death, I spoke calmly.
“I simply wished to see you after so long.”
I lied.
It was a lie for Dang Gon as much as for Dang Pae.
A father would wish his child to remain ignorant of his suffering.
Unless Dang Pae spoke of it himself, nothing must be revealed.
“You wished to see me?”
Dang Gon’s mouth opened wide as a basin.
Always with eyes wide open.
My old friend, who had always carried himself stiffly like a wooden log, saying such words brought him immeasurable joy.
“I plan to stay at the Dang Family for a while. Would that be acceptable?”
I spoke carefully.
“Of course, I have thoroughly concealed my tracks. No intelligence organization in the Murim will know of my presence here.”
“Now that’s what I call an answer.”
At those words, Dang Gon burst into laughter and spread both arms wide.
“It doesn’t matter if the entire Murim learns you’re here. Stay as comfortably as you wish!”
After the banquet ended, I drank with Dang Gon throughout the night.
Once we emptied six large jars of Geomnamchun, Dang Gon swayed, unable to contain his drunken state.
“Oops.”
“You should retire and rest now.”
“What are you saying? The Main House’s wine storage still has over a hundred jars of Geomnamchun.”
“There will be other nights.”
I spoke calmly.
“I seem to be tired from the long journey.”
“Ah yes! I didn’t think of that. My apologies.”
Dang Gon scratched his head and waved his hand.
“Then rest well today. And tomorrow, we can start drinking from broad daylight—that would be perfect.”
With his nose reddened like a drunkard’s, he rose from his seat and waved his hand.
It was not the Second Young Master of the Sichuan Dang Family who commanded the realm, but rather a young boy playing merrily with childhood friends before heading home.
I found myself smiling and waving back without realizing it.
‘If I had spent my childhood with him like this… it truly would have been joyful.’
After Dang Gon left, I sat on the bed and drew up my inner energy.
Whoosh!
I burned away the alcohol toxins in an instant, my eyes gleaming.
Dang Pae was not someone to waste time.
He would surely come find me again tonight. I needed to prepare myself mentally.
Fwip.
The moment that thought finished, a subtle piercing sound echoed from outside.
I instinctively sensed it was Dang Pae calling me.
The piercing sound from afar continued in a long, sustained note.
As if beckoning me to follow.
Whoosh!
I immediately rushed outside and unleashed my movement technique.
I was staying in the Inner Quarters of the Dang Family, adjacent to where Dang Gon was lodged.
Because of this, numerous masters stood guard solemnly.
Yet having perfected the Extreme Speed Shadowless technique to its peak, I had no difficulty deceiving their attention and slipping away.
Swish.
Once I escaped the Dang Family, I could see a shadow shooting across the distant sky like a meteor.
Rather than chase directly, I maintained distance and moved slowly.
The shadow ahead finally arrived at a small clearing in the midst of a dense forest.
“Escaping the Inner Quarters so easily. You’re not someone to underestimate.”
Dang Pae, turning around, appeared somehow different.
The hair that had been neatly combed up was now loose and disheveled, and even his skin and eyes seemed altered.
Only then did I understand why Dang Pae had sent such a message.
Now I understood why he had summoned me to a location where Dang Gon could easily discover us.
‘His desire for a life-or-death confrontation and his wish for Dang Gon and me to settle our past grievances one final time—these conflicting emotions have collided.’
Anger and sorrow welled up in his eyes.
Sam Gye, the Cheonghae Realm.
It was a place that absolutely had to be destroyed.
Otherwise, once again.
They would extend their claws toward the people I cherished.
“Family Head.”
Bu Eunseol’s expression grew somber.
The Dang Pae of the past had no reason whatsoever to accept the seduction of the Cheonghae Realm.
But when he had contracted that strange plague and his body became paralyzed, unable to rise from his sickbed…
He would have had no choice but to accept their proposal.
“You need not explain—it seems you already understand.”
Dang Pae, whose eye color and skin tone had changed, appeared to have seen through my thoughts as the corners of his mouth lifted.
“I am well aware of how formidable your martial prowess is.”
He continued speaking with a cold smile.
“But the Eight Great Secret Techniques of the Main House cannot be stopped by martial arts alone.”
A murderous aura flowed from Dang Pae’s pupils.
“Let us see how powerful the Demonic Path’s martial arts truly are.”
Crack.
I clenched my fists tightly.
If I could avoid this fight, I would. No—I could simply flee right now and be done with it.
But it was clear that Dang Pae had already received the great technique of the Cheonghae Realm.
If I irresponsibly abandoned this place, the Dang Family could become puppets of the Cheonghae Realm.
And above all, Dang Gon could be placed in danger.
“Very well.”
Having accepted my fate, I extended my hand.
“Make the first move.”
“Arrogant wretch.”
Rumble.
A chilling radiance emanated from Dang Pae’s body.
The energy flowing from him was not the martial arts of the Dang Family.
Rather, it possessed a strange undulation, as if it were the power of dark divine techniques or sorcery.
Whoosh!
In that instant, something sharp pierced toward the space between my brows.
The speed was blinding, and the technique was sudden.
Had I not mastered the Night Beast Blade, I would not have even sensed that attack.
Clang!
As I twisted my body, a sharp metallic edge grazed past my forehead.
Though the hidden projectile had not struck directly, my skin split open and blood began to flow.
That small iron wire contained truly terrifying mastery.
“Indeed.”
As Bu Eunseol effortlessly evaded the iron wire, Dang Pae nodded and extended both hands.
“Try receiving this as well.”
As he spread all ten fingers, sharp piercing sounds cut through the air, and keen black lines extended outward.
Ten Fingers Eternal Return Lines.
A secret technique that could only be unleashed upon reaching the pinnacle of assassination arts—now manifested from his hands.

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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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