The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 716

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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 716.
―The Sword Demon and the Sword King. Two master swordsmen clash to determine supremacy!
Startling news struck the Murim like a thunderbolt.
In his youth, he had earned the title of Sword Demon early on, a name signifying the foremost swordsman of the Demonic Path.
By his thirties, Sword Demon Wi Hyuk Gyun had ascended to the position of Chief of the Hwawoo Sword Sect, and…
Sword King Seon Woo Jin, who at a tender age had reached the pinnacle in each martial discipline and taken a position as advisor to the Four Gods Seven Kings.
These two masters had promised to engage in a duel.
―In a fortnight, at the hour when the sun reaches its zenith. On Po Seok Island.
Moreover, remarkably, the two peerless swordsmen would conduct their match in full public view.
Typically, the more formidable a master’s martial prowess, the more they avoid open duels.
This is because it amounts to revealing all their secret techniques and the strengths and weaknesses of their martial arts to the entire Murim.
However, Wi Hyuk Gyun had not sent a secret challenge to Seon Woo Jin.
Instead, he had transmitted a formal letter through the Murim Alliance itself, proposing a public duel.
His intention was to crush his opponent decisively before all under heaven, thereby restoring the glory of the Hwawoo Sword Sect once more.
―Surely a coward wouldn’t even accept such a challenge?
In truth, Wi Hyuk Gyun had known well that the probability of Seon Woo Jin accepting was nearly zero.
He believed that Seon Woo Jin’s spreading of such rumors was merely a means to gain fame without substance.
―I accept.
Yet contrary to expectations, Seon Woo Jin accepted the duel without hesitation.
At this point, the prospect of new and old generation peerless swordsmen clashing publicly, combined with
the matter of pride for Jeongsayang-do, transformed the encounter into something far greater.
―This duel cannot be missed!
Upon hearing this news, the martial artists of Murim abandoned their meals and rushed toward Po Seok Island in haste.
For by witnessing the clash of masters, martial artists could gain immense enlightenment and insight.
Every warrior of note in the Gangho was now flocking to Po Seok Island.

* * *
Murim Alliance, Elite Division. Seon Woo Jin’s office.
Bu Eunseol, now inhabiting Seon Woo Jin’s form, worked diligently through the accumulated documents.
Soon I would need to venture into Gangho to handle several matters.
Thus I was rapidly processing the backlog of pending affairs.
“Sigh.”
With a deep exhale, I set down the brush I had been holding.
I had reviewed and processed all the accumulated work.
‘The private meeting with Ma Cheon Je was not entirely without merit.’
Though this encounter contained Ma Cheon Je’s stratagem to place the figure of Seon Woo Jin upon a board of his own making.
Regardless, through this private audience.
I had extracted an apology from the Demon Hall, and thereby gained the trust of the Murim Alliance’s senior members.
‘Now I must venture into Gangho.’
I would soon travel to Po Seok Island to face the Sword Demon in combat.
Of course, part of this was to demonstrate the Sword King Seon Woo Jin’s prowess and honor the promise made to Ma Cheon Je.
But I harbored another reason.
‘The Sword Demon….’
My eyes blazed like molten metal, burning with crimson intensity.
‘I will not let him walk away with all his limbs intact.’
Knock, knock.
“Chief, it is Tae Mu Ryong.”
At that moment, a knock sounded at the door, followed by Tae Mu Ryong’s voice.
“Enter.”
Tae Mu Ryong’s expression as he stepped into the office was dark.
“As expected, we found no trace of the Yang Seol Family.”
After offering a respectful bow, he continued.
“Despite mobilizing every intelligence network alongside the Sa Hon Dae, we could find neither individuals nor forces bearing the mark of the Yang Seol Family.”
“I see.”
Perhaps it was inevitable.
The Yang Seol Family had never revealed themselves in Murim until now—they were closer to the Abyss Forces.
No matter how thoroughly I activated the intelligence apparatus of Jeongsayang-do, finding them in such a short span of time was impossible.
‘I must find a new Gyeong Seong Jade without fail.’
I fingered the Gyeong Seong Jade concealed within my robes.
Since meeting Ma Cheon Je, its light had vanished completely, and the functions that altered my temperament and aura had disappeared as well.
If I were to face the Sword Demon in this state?
Not only to Ma Cheon Je, but to the keen-eyed masters of Tianxia, my identity could be exposed.
“Chief.”
At that moment, Tae Mu Ryong spoke.
“Are you truly certain about this?”
“What do you mean?”
“The Sword Demon is no ordinary master. Even within the Hwawoo Sword Sect, it’s said that aside from the Sect Leader and the elders, there’s no one capable of matching him.”
“That’s right. He is extraordinarily formidable.”
Bu Eunseol’s eyes narrowed subtly.
“I felt the weight of his power acutely.”
In the past on Hell Island, Bu Eunseol had refused to become one of the Ten Demon Immortals of the Hwawoo Sword Sect.
Enraged, Wi Hyuk Gyun had immediately unleashed his Formless Technique.
Had Dan Cheong not intervened at that moment, Bu Eunseol would have suffered irreversible, fatal internal injuries.
“But why deliberately provoke him into accepting this duel?”
Bu Eunseol had predicted Wi Hyuk Gyun’s movements through the Sa Hon Dae’s intelligence network.
Then she had hired members of the Black Gang to continuously spread provocative rumors about Wi Hyuk Gyun.
Ma Cheon Je had demanded she prove that ascending to the position of assistant to one of the Four Gods Seven Kings within a month was no accident.
In essence, it was tantamount to being ordered to defeat one of the Four Gods Seven Kings.
However, among the currently active Four Gods Seven Kings, only Beok Goong Ryung remained, and she could not face him.
Even if she sought out masters comparable to the Four Gods Seven Kings, they had no reason to accept Seon Woo Jin’s challenge.
If they had desired fame, they would have ascended to the position of assistant to the Four Gods Seven Kings long ago.
But Wi Hyuk Gyun was different.
His pride was immense, and he revered the Hwawoo Sword Sect as if it were his very life.
Merely because Bu Eunseol had chosen to join the Nangya Sect,
he had deemed it an insult to the Hwawoo Sword Sect and unleashed his Formless Technique without hesitation.
By exploiting that arrogant and reckless nature, she believed he would readily accept Seon Woo Jin’s challenge.
“Among those who could rival the Four Gods Seven Kings, he alone was someone who would unhesitatingly accept a duel. That was all.”
“Master. I am disappointed.”
Tae Mu Ryong smiled bitterly.
“Do you still believe we are of the Orthodox Sects?”
“….”
“Not long ago, I learned through the Sa Hon Dae that Wi Hyuk Gyun, the Chief of the Hwawoo Sword Sect, had crippled the arm of Jin Gak, the former instructor of the Basic Hall on Hell Island…”
Tae Mu Ryong’s eyes deepened.
“He did so under the charge that Jin Gak had taught the fundamentals of the Hwawoo Sword to a Ten Demon Immortal of the Nangya Sect—one who had intimidated the Sect Master and brought ruin to the Hwawoo Sword Sect’s finances.”
Bu Eunseol had deliberately provoked the Sword Demon Wi Hyuk Gyun into accepting this duel.
It was because she had learned through the Sa Hon Dae’s intelligence network that Wi Hyuk Gyun had crippled Jin Gak’s right arm—the very man who had recognized her talent in the past on Hell Island and painstakingly taught her the fundamentals of swordsmanship.
That was the sole reason.
“As the Muk Hon Ryeong Ju, I could not strike him down myself. So I acted thus.”
A brilliant light blazed from Bu Eunseol’s eyes.
“It was an excellent opportunity to strike down this sword fiend who obsesses over the Hwawoo Sword Sect like a madman.”
“I see.”
Tae Mu Ryong drew a deep breath.
Bu Eunseol was one who repaid kindness tenfold.
Yet upon hearing that Wi Hyuk Gyun had crippled Jin Gak’s arm merely because he had taught her…
Her fury had soared to the heavens.
In the end, using her arrangement with Ma Cheon Je as a pretext, she had mobilized every intelligence organization to provoke the Sword Demon.
It was absolutely necessary to fight him.
“But it’s an extraordinarily difficult battle.”
Tae Mu Ryong’s expression grew troubled.
“Because I can neither kill him nor achieve a perfect victory.”
Bu Eunseol, who had suppressed the fury in her heart all this time, had now let her rage reach the heavens.
The Sword Demon could not afford to leave Po Seok Island unscathed.
The problem was that Seon Woo Jin’s martial prowess could not surpass the Sword Demon’s.
If that happened, the carefully constructed persona of Seon Woo Jin would crumble entirely.
Yet she could not simply let him leave unharmed either—making this an impossibly difficult battle from Bu Eunseol’s perspective.
“I’ve prepared countermeasures of my own.”
“Then I’m relieved.”
Bu Eunseol spoke with an apologetic expression.
“Forgive me for not mentioning this sooner. It felt like a personal matter.”
“Not at all.”
Tae Mu Ryong pressed his palms together.
“I merely wished to convey that everything the Palace Lord undertakes is an endeavor for which we of the Elite Division stake our very lives.”
“I shall not forget that point henceforth.”
“Thank you.”
Tae Mu Ryong smiled.
“Then we shall investigate the Yang Seol Family’s movements once more.”
“There’s no need to burden yourself.”
Bu Eunseol smiled.
“I simply have something I wish to understand.”
“Understood.”
Tae Mu Ryong bowed respectfully and turned to leave.
Bu Eunseol’s gaze, which had been fixed on the doorway with a faint smile, darkened.
Before going to Po Seok Island, I must find Yang Seol Rin without fail.
Without obtaining the Gyeongseong Jade, I cannot even face the Sword Demon.
But if I reveal all these facts, the members of the Elite Division will push themselves beyond their limits.
I am determined that even if I must die, I will never allow my team members to be harmed.
“Ah.”
A sudden thought occurred to me.
“She said she could read the Heavenly Mandate and thus perceive Cheon Am Seong’s emergence.”
Yang Seol Rin had said that she entered the Murim because she read the Heavenly Mandate manifesting through Cheon Am Seong.
“Could it be… that this is somehow connected to me?”
Cheon Joon had called me Cheon Am Seong.
And Yang Seol Rin had said that the condition for Cheon Am Seong to shine was—
when Cheon Am Seong awakened to her own destiny, or when she wielded that power.
If I am truly Cheon Am Seong and Yang Seol Rin’s words are correct… then the reason the Heavenly Mandate changed could only point to one thing.
“Memory.”
During her travels through the Gangho, Bu Eunseol had noticed that whenever her mind suffered a significant shock, fragments of her memory would resurface.
Could it be that Cheon Am Sung had been glowing each time her memories returned?
“Perhaps I’m being too presumptuous.”
Bu Eunseol shook her head with a bitter smile.
Only Cheon Joon had ever called her Cheon Am Sung. No one else had recognized it.
Even Yang Seol Rin, who could read the heavenly secrets, had failed to perceive it.
Deep down, Bu Eunseol believed the probability of her being Cheon Am Sung was low, and that Cheon Joon had simply been mistaken about something.
“But recovering my lost memories is something I must do.”
When she thought about it, whether she was Cheon Am Sung or not, the memories buried in her mind needed to be retrieved.
And this was also a small wish of hers.
If only she could see her mother’s face once more, if only she could remember her…
It seemed as though all the suffering and loneliness she had endured during her vagrant years could be washed away in an instant.
“Palace Lord, it is Jeong Jong Do.”
At that moment, the team leader Jeong Jong Do visited the office.
“I have finally found that sacred dharma treasure you have long sought.”
His voice was filled with excitement.
“The divine relic of the Shin Nyeo Gung.”
“Truly?”
“Yes. A member of the Sa Hon Dae, formerly of the Gu Sal Dae, discovered it in the Flame Mountain Gorge in Turpan.”
“Excellent.”
Bu Eunseol smiled faintly.
When Yeon So Ha had visited the Demon Palace in the past, she had stayed at the Jamma Pavilion for quite some time.
Whenever she had free time, she would often come visit and speak with Bu Eunseol.
Among those conversations were also secret histories concerning the Shin Nyeo Gung.
It was said that the Shin Nyeo Gung possessed a mysterious secret cave called the Immortal Crane Sanctuary, left behind by its founder.
However, because the Shin Nyeo Gung’s divine relic—the Demon Summoning Banner—had disappeared, the sanctuary could not be entered.
This had remained true ever since.
“Is the Demon Summoning Banner the legendary one from the tales?”
The Demon Summoning Banner was a dharma treasure of the legendary goddess Nuwa.
Ordinarily, it rested within a gourd.
When removed, it was said to wield mysterious power.
“Yes. Though I cannot say for certain whether it truly is a goddess’s treasure.”
The Demon Summoning Banner is said to take the form of a small flag that radiates five-colored light, and it is believed to lie dormant somewhere in the Xinjiang region.
“Then why does the Shin Nyeo Gung not send people to search for it?”
To Bu Eunseol’s question at the time, Yeon So Ha had answered thus:
“We searched for a long time. But ultimately, we gave up. Even if we were to find the Demon Summoning Banner, there is no one in our palace capable of opening the Immortal Crane Sanctuary.”
“What do you mean?”
“The Demon Summoning Banner requires five hundred years of cultivation to use its power. Moreover, opening the Immortal Crane Sanctuary with it consumes about thirty percent of one’s inner strength.”
Yeon So Ha smiled wryly.
“How could any human possess more than five hundred years of inner cultivation? And why would such a divine being sacrifice their power to open our palace’s secret sanctuary?”
After hearing that story.
Bu Eunseol offered a substantial reward and tasked members of the Sa Hon Dae and Gu Sal Dae with finding So Yo.
Because a deep sense of debt toward the Shin Nyeo Gung remained in her heart.
Of course, even if that wasn’t Bu Eunseol’s intention.
Yeon So Ha had fled the Shin Nyeo Gung because of me, and to prevent my feminine troubles, she announced an engagement without the Palace Lord’s permission.
Despite being of similar age, I am undeniably the Grand Patriarch of the Demonic Path.
I bear some responsibility for failing to stop Yeon So Ha’s reckless actions.
‘From the Divine Maiden Palace Master’s perspective, she has endured much.’
The Divine Maiden Palace Master must have been furious and enraged beyond words.
Yet she did not blame Bu Eunseol, nor did she take any sectarian action.
For that alone, I felt I owed the Divine Maiden Palace Master a debt.
After much deliberation, I decided to repay that debt by recovering So Yo.
And finally, that plan bore fruit.
The Jeongsayang-do intelligence organizations unified, and one member of the Sa Hon Dae who had endlessly pursued legends of So Yo.
Finally discovered that divine artifact.
“I shall depart for the Shin Nyeo Gung immediately. Deliver it to me upon my arrival.”
If the legend passed down from the Shin Nyeo Gung were true.
The moment I opened the Xianxue Biefu, my martial power could be severely depleted.
Yet Bu Eunseol was prepared to do so without hesitation to settle the debt in her heart.
Even with the confrontation against the Sword Demon looming.
“Understood. I shall ensure it is delivered the moment the Sect Leader departs for the Alliance.”
“Very well.”
As Jeong Jong Do left, Bu Eunseol smiled faintly.
The Shin Nyeo Gung had earned renown through the mystical formations and sorceries passed down through generations, but their martial techniques were somewhat lacking.
If I were to open this Xianxue Biefu for them.
Surely the Shin Nyeo Gung would ascend to become an even stronger sect.
I could wash away my apologies to the Divine Maiden Palace Master and Yeon So Ha in one stroke.
“I should depart soon.”
As I rose from my seat, a single word suddenly flashed through my mind.
‘Sorcery.’
Yang Seol Rin could read the heavenly secrets.
She said she came to Gangho after seeing Cheon Am Seong glimmering in the sky.
Then, upon sensing the Sect Leader of the Cheong Hae Seven Sword Sects using the Dongsin White Bone technique, she came to stop it and met me.
‘Could it be that the Shin Nyeo Gung…’
In the current Murim, mystical sorceries and great techniques are said to have disappeared.
Yet the leaders of Sam Gye who have appeared thus far have continuously employed such methods.
Of course, it was unlikely that anyone from Sam Gye would help me.
But aside from Sam Gye, there exists a sect that has not only researched the mystical formations passed down through Murim’s generations.
But can employ the most profound formations and sorceries among the Seven Secret Palaces.
That is the Shin Nyeo Gung on Wushan where Yeon So Ha resides.
‘Perhaps they possess some secret technique or hidden method capable of altering the celestial fortune.’
If the celestial fortune changes, the Yang Seol Family would sense it and could come searching.
Bu Eunseol had found one glimmer of hope.
‘Of course, the Yang Seol Family cannot be trusted.’
Though the Yang Seol Family appeared to have vanished.
In reality, they carefully observed the state of the Murim and were deeply involved in numerous affairs.
The Murim had already descended into chaos, making it impossible to distinguish good from evil.
The Yang Seol Family was merely one of the untrustworthy powers among them.
‘But Yang Seol Rin…’
The Yang Seol Rin that Bu Eunseol had encountered certainly possessed the will to protect the Murim and remained untainted by evil.
Of course, whether she could be trusted was another matter entirely.
“It was inevitable, after all.”
Bu Eunseol took a deep breath.
Through the Cho Yo Bun, I would open the Seon Hak Byeol Bu while simultaneously—
seeking a method within the Shin Nyeo Gung to alter the celestial fortune.
* * *
Wushan.
Located in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River.
A place shrouded in mysterious and auspicious energy, where the most enigmatic sect of women in all Tianxia had established itself.
Having departed from the Murim Alliance, Bu Eunseol unleashed his lightness technique and ascended Wushan in a single bound.
Yet standing before the mist-shrouded gates of the Shin Nyeo Gung, I found myself unable to move forward.
The Divine Maiden Palace Master Yeon Ja Mi regarded me with displeasure.
In contrast, Yeon So Ha harbored deep affection for me and had defied the Palace Master’s wishes to become my betrothed.
Even if that betrothal was a desperate measure to prevent a flood of suitors—
Yeon So Ha’s feelings were genuine.
Knowing this all too well, Bu Eunseol lacked the courage to enter the Shin Nyeo Gung so carelessly.
‘Yet I cannot send another in my stead.’
Using the Cho Yo Bun requires an astronomical amount of inner power—five hundred years’ worth.
Moreover, the moment the Cho Yo Bun is activated, thirty percent of one’s cultivation dissipates. I absolutely cannot send someone else.
‘What if I put someone else forward and became their servant instead?’
If I gave the Cho Yo Bun to someone, then secretly used the Gyeok Che Jeon Gong while disguised as their attendant?
I could repay the debt in my heart.
And I wouldn’t have to turn away from the Divine Maiden Palace Master’s anger or Yeon So Ha’s earnest affection.
‘Then perhaps I should use Seo Jin Ha.’
In that moment, Bu Eunseol’s mind conjured the image of Seo Jin Ha’s grinning face.
―Flowers are all the more beautiful when gathered together. For a hero, three wives and four concubines are no flaw, Bu Eunseol.
‘No, that won’t do.’
Bu Eunseol hastily covered my eyes.
That man who always wore a serious expression while patting my shoulder and spouting such nonsense—
If I entrusted him with this, given how deeply he was steeped in such dangerously corrupt ideals…
It was crystal clear that the situation would only deteriorate further.
‘Yet it was a problem that couldn’t be solved through force either,’
In the end, I had no choice but to reveal my true identity.
The problem was that one careless mistake could lead to my nose being pierced—a grave loss of face.
‘How difficult it is to repay a debt.’
Receiving help from others is easy.
But repaying a debt is never simple.
For this reason, wise people
fear receiving favors from others immensely.
But Bu Eunseol was the type to dig a well and repay even a single cup of water—she never hesitated to repay kindness.
Of course, perhaps because of this very trait…
I had encountered good people in this cold Murim world, drenched in grudges and enmities.
And perhaps this was the driving force that allowed me to endure until now.
[Is it difficult to go?]
As Bu Eunseol stood motionless before the Shin Nyeo Gung, So Yo sent a low telepathic message.
[Shall I accompany you?]
Her thousand-li telepathy was filled with concern and worry.
Upon hearing So Yo’s voice, Bu Eunseol found courage.
[No, it’s fine. I’ll be back shortly.]
Taking a deep breath, Bu Eunseol immediately approached the main gate of the Shin Nyeo Gung and knocked.
“Who goes there?”
The Wi Sa of the Shin Nyeo Gung’s eyes gleamed upon seeing Bu Eunseol.
“This palace is a forbidden-male sect, so you cannot enter.”
“I apologize, but please convey a message to the Palace Lord.”
Bu Eunseol spoke in a low voice.
“A disciple of the Nangya Sect, Bu Eunseol, requests an audience with the Palace Lord.”
“Bu Eunseol.”
Wi Sa’s eyes widened in surprise, and he asked in a respectful tone.
“Are you the successor of the Demon Palace, the Muk Hon Ryeong Ju himself?”
“I am.”
“Please wait a moment.”
Wi Sa entered, and hurried footsteps echoed from within.
The gate opened again, and a beautiful woman in white rushed out urgently.
It was Yeon So Ha.
“My lord.”
As she ran toward me, she suddenly covered her own mouth in shock.
Not the title of Ryeong Ju,
but the word “my lord”—a term for one’s husband—had slipped from her lips unbidden.
Strangely, whenever standing before Bu Eunseol,
her true feelings kept leaking out, no matter how hard she tried to conceal them.
“So Gung Ju.”
I gazed not at her face, but at her feet.
In her haste to come out, Yeon So Ha had put her shoes on backwards.
From this alone, I could gauge just how urgently she had rushed here—so unlike her quiet nature.
“Oh my.”
Only then did she notice the reversed shoes and quickly corrected them.
‘She still cares for me.’
A pang of guilt stirred within me.
Though we had met face-to-face only once, she remained steadfast in her affection for me.
Yet I could not reciprocate her feelings.
I was bound to a perilous path of vengeance, uncertain where or when death might claim me.
And the enemies already visible to the world were none other than the Sam Gye, who dominated the entire Murim.
I had no leisure to meet someone quietly or nurture a bond with them.
To become lovers with anyone would be to drag them into danger.
“The ancients say that when people wish to express great joy, they put on their shoes backwards. How warmly you welcome this humble Ryeong Ju, So Gung Ju.”
At my jest, Yeon So Ha’s cheeks flushed crimson.
“Please don’t tease me.”
She lowered her head in embarrassment, then
“What brings you here so suddenly?”
asked with an excited expression.
She seemed to believe I had come to see her.
“I came to pay respects to the Palace Lord for a moment.”
“Mother? Surely you don’t mean—”
Yeon So Ha’s face turned even redder, spreading to her forehead.
She had concluded that I had come to make a formal proposal of marriage.

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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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