The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 761
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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 761.
“Stop, don’t be ridiculous.”
Gwae Ui spoke with an aggrieved expression.
“Do you think No Bu is at an age to be placed in a coffin?”
He vented his grievances indignantly.
“Though I claim to be seventy years old, judging by my martial prowess and physical condition, I could live to be a hundred, even a hundred and fifty!”
He thumped his chest repeatedly.
“Don’t martial artists with deep cultivation live long like immortals? I too have consumed many elixirs, so I barely have any white hair.”
After venting his frustrations for a while, he cried out indignantly.
“My body is no different from when I was in my prime! Yet you tell me to give up because I’m old? Why should I give up?”
“Who told you to give up?”
Bu Eunseol shook her head.
“That’s why I groomed your appearance, didn’t I?”
She pointed to the mirror reflecting Gwae Ui’s face.
“From now on, trim your beard and nose hair daily as I’ve taught you. And wash your body every day and change your clothes so you don’t smell stale.”
“Why the bother?”
“Then give up. If you can’t even manage your own body, why do you want to meet others?”
Bu Eunseol spoke firmly.
“You worked as a physician your whole life, so you should know better than anyone—how can you treat a lung disease patient who keeps drinking heavily?”
Gwae Ui had nothing to say and closed his mouth.
In truth, age wasn’t the problem.
But he wanted to manage nothing while desiring a fairy-like woman as his companion.
This was, as Bu Eunseol said, like hoping a lung disease would heal while drinking heavily.
“Then… do I only need to manage my face?”
“Not at all. Appearance is merely the starting line. To reach your goal, you must also refine your character. You must learn to be considerate of others and develop a likeable manner of speech.”
“Why must I do that?”
“Who would want to eat a fruit that looks fine on the outside but is rotten within?”
Bu Eunseol spoke firmly.
“You must also lower your standards. As you said, there are many people in Murim with deep cultivation who maintain their youth despite their age.”
And she added once more.
“From now on, refine your character just as you groom your appearance.”
“Well, you make it sound easy.”
Gwae Ui sighed and spoke.
“Do you think I haven’t tried?”
“….”
“I’ve made efforts to correct my foul nature. But one’s innate temperament cannot be changed.”
Bu Eunseol nodded.
“That’s true. But if you’ve become aware of it, there’s always a possibility.”
Creak.
At that moment, a refined middle-aged man in elegant robes entered through the main gate.
It was none other than Bing Han Poong, the former Palace Lord of Buk Hae Bing Gung and current leader of the Bing Ha Jeon Dan faction within the Muhon Society.
“Welcome, leader of the Muhon Society’s ice faction.”
Gwae Ui, a figure from the Zhong Yuan martial world, harbored no fondness for those hailing from Sae Oe.
However, he had heard that Bing Han Poong had joined the Muhon Society, a coalition force, and had recently accomplished many virtuous deeds throughout the Gangho.
Thus, he reluctantly offered a perfunctory bow.
“Welcome, sir.”
Despite Gwae Ui’s utterly discourteous demeanor, Bing Han Poong paid it no mind, clasping his hands together with both confidence and propriety.
“It is an honor to meet you for the first time. I am Bing Han Poong, leader of the Muhon Society’s Bing Ha Jeon Dan.”
As the two exchanged greetings, Bu Eunseol spoke with measured calm.
“Though Leader Bing maintains the appearance of middle age, his years rival those of an elder.”
Gwae Ui regarded Bing Han Poong with a bewildered expression.
Mastery of ice cultivation halts the aging process.
Profound inner strength likewise arrests decay.
Yet Bing Han Poong, setting aside youth and age entirely, emanated an extraordinarily refined and noble bearing from his entire being.
“What are you suggesting?”
“Proximity to ink darkens; the white heron ill suits the raven’s company.”
Bu Eunseol spoke with composure.
“Since Leader Bing happens to be on leave, spend these coming days in his company. In doing so, you shall naturally absorb the Palace Lord’s noble grace.”
“You summoned the Ice Palace Lord for such a purpose?”
“Indeed.”
Gwae Ui’s mouth fell open.
“Have you lost your mind? Summoning the Ice Palace Lord for such a trivial matter?”
“That is my concern. Now, begin at once. I shall finish tidying the manor.”
“You…”
At that moment, Bing Han Poong, wearing an affable smile, gently led Gwae Ui outside.
“Shall we depart?”
“No, I—”
Gwae Ui waved his hands in protest, yet found himself inevitably drawn along by Bing Han Poong’s grasp as they stepped outdoors.
There stood a resplendent eight-horse carriage.
Clatter-clop.
Seated across from him in the carriage, Bing Han Poong engaged Gwae Ui in pleasant conversation.
Then, glancing through the carriage window, he observed Bu Eunseol still tidying the manor grounds.
‘Truly extraordinary.’
Bing Han Poong found himself struck by a sense of the inexplicable.
In this brief span of time, Bu Eunseol had discerned both Gwae Ui’s nature and his deepest aspirations, and immediately dispatched a letter to Bing Han Poong through Sa Hon Dae.
She had then naturally refined his appearance, capturing Gwae Ui’s interest, and more than that—
she had drawn him close to herself, even devising a plan to recruit him into the Muhon Society.
All within a single afternoon.
‘Is such a thing even possible?’
Bing Han Poong had long led the vast Buk Hae Bing Gung sect and witnessed countless varieties of human nature.
However, Bu Eunseol’s abilities were far beyond the level of a merely brilliant strategist.
Like a diviner possessed by the divine.
Was she not seeing through an entire person’s lifetime and even the lifelong regrets they harbored in their hearts?
‘Could it be… Ryeong Ju?’
Throughout Murim’s history.
Prophets are said to be born sporadically, seeing through all human affairs as if by divine will.
In the past, Gu Beop Ja Mo Ryun as well.
When he reached his thirties, did his divine powers not manifest, allowing him to read the heavenly secrets?
‘That cannot be.’
Bing Han Poong swallowed hard and clenched his fists tightly.
Others might not know, but he did.
Prophets ultimately destroy the world and ruin countless people’s lives.
Did Mo Ryun not create countless victims in Murim through his false prophecies?
Such a figure must never appear in this world again.
‘Or could it be Baek Pal Sung?’
Among the Baek Pal Sung.
There exists one that can predict all possibilities that will unfold in the future, branching infinitely in countless directions.
It is said that Cheon Ki Sung possesses insight transcending time and space, even capable of manipulating the flow of fate itself.
‘No, that cannot be.’
Prophets and Cheon Ki Sung are all beings that destroy the world.
Bu Eunseol is simply exceptionally brilliant in strategy.
She absolutely cannot be a prophet or one of the Baek Pal Sung.
* * *
Gwae Ui naturally joined the Muhon Society.
Bing Han Poong had risen to the position of Palace Lord in the Buk Hae Bing Gung, which comprised five families.
He possessed decisiveness, wisdom, and a magnanimity that harmonized with any person.
Gwae Ui, just as Bu Eunseol had predicted, was captivated by these qualities in Bing Han Poong.
Whether eating, interacting with people, or doing anything else.
He admired Bing Han Poong’s generosity and noble bearing, naturally beginning to emulate them.
And this proved to be superior education in every way.
In the end, joining the Muhon Society.
Was not out of agreement with the organization’s principles, but rather a natural consequence of being captivated by Bing Han Poong’s character.
Mi Hon Platform.
This place, where such breathtaking scenery unfolded—so beautiful it enchanted all who beheld it—now emanated a murderous atmosphere.
This was because negotiations had been arranged to resolve the conflict between the Muhon Society and the Jongnam Sect.
Though it was called negotiations.
In reality, it was a declaration of war for an all-out confrontation.
To prove this, the Jongnam Sect had summoned all the Orthodox Sect masters active in Seomseong and brought them along.
Yet in contrast.
The Muhon Society had a young woman holding the position of military commander, and.
And only a stocky-looking wanderer escorting him stood alone outside.
“I’ll speak plainly without unnecessary preamble.”
Seop Woon Saeng, an elder of the Jongnam Sect, fixed Dam Yoo Yeon with a cold gaze and spoke.
“The Muhon Society proclaims itself a coalition force between the Orthodox and Demonic Paths while continuing to operate the Wanderer Market.”
He curled his lips as he spoke.
“How can you expand your power as a coalition of martial sects while simultaneously operating the Wanderer Market? It makes no sense, does it?”
“What exactly doesn’t make sense?”
Dam Yoo Yeon replied calmly.
“Our society is a force between the Orthodox and Demonic Paths and clashes with no Orthodox faction whatsoever. Naturally, we can operate the Wanderer Market, can we not?”
“But a coalition between Orthodox and Demonic Paths is still a martial force, is it not?”
Seop Woon Saeng spoke firmly.
“Operating the Wanderer Market while acting as a martial force? Our sect absolutely cannot tolerate such conduct.”
The Jongnam Sect had clearly given this considerable thought.
They were not merely picking a quarrel at random, but rather raising objections with their own clear justification.
“And if you will not tolerate it?”
Seop Woon Saeng spoke as if he had already decided, delivering an ultimatum.
“Either abandon the Wanderer Market and operate as a coalition, or operate only the Wanderer Market. Choose one of the two.”
Dam Yoo Yeon furrowed her brow.
The Jongnam Sect had indeed presented a plausible argument.
They had challenged the very legitimacy of the sect itself—something the legitimacy-obsessed Orthodox factions could never overlook.
“Let me say this once more. As a martial coalition, we absolutely cannot tolerate your influence over an independent Wanderer Market….”
Thud, thud.
Then, from somewhere, the sound of footsteps echoed.
And soon, an elderly man with neatly combed hair strode up toward the Mi Hon Platform Pavilion with confident steps.
His frame was slight and his features rather ordinary.
Yet with his hair meticulously groomed and his full, lustrous beard impeccably maintained,
he emanated an air of dignified elegance.
It was none other than Gwae Ui, whose appearance and demeanor had been completely transformed with Bu Eunseol’s assistance, as if he had been reborn.
And Jeung Pyeong.
“Elder.”
The moment Seop Woon Saeng saw Gwae Ui, he brightened and rushed forward.
Gwae Ui had saved many Orthodox masters with his exceptional medical skills and was on excellent terms with the sect leaders of the Gu Pa Sect.
That such a person would suddenly appear here was no different than Seop Woon Saeng receiving unexpected divine reinforcement.
“It has been quite some time.”
“Elder Seop, it has indeed been long.”
“What brings you here?”
Gwae Ui nodded and spoke.
“The Muhon Society said they needed to speak with the Jongnam Sect, so I came at once.”
“Thank you.”
Seop Woon Saeng, believing Gwae Ui had come to lend his support, smiled broadly.
“It would be most gratifying to receive such stern guidance from you, Elder.”
“Well then.”
Gwae Ui nodded and spoke with resolve.
“In that case, cease your provocations against the Muhon Society.”
Seop Woon Saeng, who had been smiling broadly, turned ashen as this shocking response reached his ears.
“What do you mean—”
“No Bu has taken a position with the Muhon Society. As Elder Hall Master, no less.”
Thud.
Seop Woon Saeng’s eyes widened as though struck from behind.
“You mean to say you’ve joined the Muhon Society’s Elder Council, Elder?”
“Indeed.”
“But… why?”
“Upon investigation, I discovered the Muhon Society truly performs considerable good.”
Gwae Ui spoke as though it were obvious.
“The Muhon Society employs force solely to protect the common people from those who would destabilize the Murim.”
“Elder…”
Seop Woon Saeng felt his head spinning with bewilderment.
“The Muhon Society may claim to be a righteous alliance, but it is a strange place where forces from Sae Oe have conspired together.”
“Hah, do you truly believe I would have joined without understanding such matters?”
Gwae Ui spoke with an unwavering expression.
“All the leadership, including the three Wanderer Leaders, have abandoned their former factions and come to the Murim of Zhong Yuan. The Wanderer Leader is even a figure from the Demonic Path, and the leader of the Sinryae Jeondan is Thunder God, a renowned hero of the Orthodox Sects.”
He added one more remark.
“The Muhon Society is truly an alliance that transcends the divide between righteous and demonic.”
Seop Woon Saeng swallowed dryly.
He realized that no argument would sway this man.
“Ah, Master Jang.”
At last, Seop Woon Saeng turned his gaze toward Jang Man Jung, the renowned hero of the Orthodox Sects who stood waiting behind him.
But Gwae Ui acknowledged Jang Man Jung first.
“It has been long. How does your father fare?”
He had once treated Jang Man Jung’s father, Jang Won Sang, of a grave illness.
Because of this, Jang Man Jung treated Gwae Ui with the respect due to an elder of his household.
“Of… of course, Elder.”
Jang Man Jung lowered his head, not daring to meet Gwae Ui’s gaze.
‘This will not do.’
Seop Woon Saeng looked again toward the renowned heroes waiting behind him.
But they all either avoided his gaze or hung their heads.
They were all indebted to Gwae Ui, or else Gwae Ui maintained deep bonds with the elders of their sects.
‘Blast it.’
Beads of sweat formed on Seop Woon Saeng’s brow.
Gwae Ui had taken a position with the Muhon Society.
I had lost all justification to pressure them further.
‘I should have simply challenged them openly.’
Seeking some pretext, I had brought along the renowned martial experts who wielded influence in Seomseong, and picked a quarrel with the Wanderer Market.
But with Gwae Ui’s appearance.
The martial experts sat silent as stones, unable to utter a word… and receiving outside assistance had become impossible.
“Elder, the Muhon Society is, in any case, a Murim force. Yet operating the Wanderer Market is surely unreasonable, is it not?”
“The Wanderer Market cannot be considered a purely commercial realm. There have been frequent conflicts with Murim sects.”
Gwae Ui spoke calmly.
“The Righteous Path sects concern themselves with legitimacy. But in the Muhon Society, which proclaims the distinction between orthodox and heterodox while gathering members from diverse backgrounds… what legitimacy or justification could one possibly seek?”
Gwae Ui spoke with piercing eyes.
“Rather, if Jongnam intends to press the matter, would it not be better to do so only when the Muhon Society has committed a clear wrong?”
Seop Woon Saeng fell silent.
Now that an elder of Murim like Gwae Ui had deliberately taken sides, receiving outside support had become difficult.
Yet neither could the Jongnam Sect’s forces recklessly assault them… making it impossible to pick a quarrel with the Muhon Society.
“I understand. Since Elder Gwae Ui speaks thus… we shall set aside the matter of legitimacy for now.”
Seop Woon Saeng descended below the Mi Hon Platform with his head bowed, like a condemned prisoner being led to the executioner’s block.
The martial experts, having nothing more to say, offered perfunctory greetings to Gwae Ui and hurried down after him.
Heh.
Gwae Ui gazed at Bu Eunseol and smiled.
“What say you? Does this elder cut an impressive figure?”
Even during my time with Bing Han Poong, I had often been rebuked by Bu Eunseol.
So this time, I wished to straighten my shoulders a bit and show off.
“I spoke no vulgar words, and did I not persuade these fellows with courtesy?
Nod.
Bu Eunseol nodded and extended her thumb upward.
It was like a mother bird gazing upon her chick.
* * *
Muhon Pavilion, Great Conference Hall.
“Thanks to the Elder Hall Master, negotiations with the Jongnam Sect concluded smoothly.”
Dam Yoo Yeon spoke in a bright voice.
Gwae Ui had been recruited into the Elder Council, and the negotiations at the Mi Hon Platform had ended successfully.
Of course, the Jongnam Sect had not been entirely convinced.
Gwae Ui was an elder of Murim to whom countless Orthodox Path members owed debts.
He had saved countless martial artists suffering from grave illnesses or injuries, among them elders and disciples of Hwasan and Jongnam.
Thus they had no choice but to accept his mediation.
But today’s meeting concerned something else.
“And peculiar intelligence has been obtained.”
Dam Yoo Yeon spoke with a grave expression.
“According to information merchants, a mysterious archive has been discovered, and it is said to be a Secret Library created by one of the legendary Three Families.”
“The Three Families?”
“That appears to be the case. Someone deliberately created and spread false maps of the Three Families to sow chaos.”
Bu Eunseol’s eyes gleamed with insight.
“If that’s true, then either a formidable force like Sam Gye or Inbiyin fabricated these false maps… or the real Three Families created them themselves.”
The Three Families, spoken of only in legend.
Contrary to rumor, they had never vanished—they continued their activities within Murim in absolute secrecy.
Yet their maps were being openly distributed by intelligence organizations?
Only those with tremendous power in Murim could orchestrate such a thing—either Sam Gye or Inbiyin.
Or the real Three Families themselves.
“Precisely. If the real Three Families existed, they would never tolerate such rumors.”
If someone had exploited the Three Families’ name to perpetrate this scheme?
The Three Families, concealed in the shadows of Murim, would never permit it.
In other words, either someone with intelligence networks and power equal to the Three Families was moving, or it was the real Three Families themselves.
“Not only our capable operatives but also the three leaders—of Sinryae, Bing Ha, and Nang In—visited the location, yet found nothing of significance. Many martial artists had already passed through before us.”
Dam Yoo Yeon’s eyes brightened.
“They likely spread the rumors intentionally, waiting for a specific person to arrive at that location.”
By invoking the legend of the Three Families.
By spreading word of the maps.
The fact that nothing was discovered there suggests the person they sought never came.
“The Three Families.”
Bu Eunseol felt an uncanny intuition.
A premonition that perhaps they were calling for her.
“I will investigate this myself.”
Dam Yoo Yeon spoke calmly, as if she had anticipated this.
“I prepared our society’s elite for precisely this contingency.”
“I will go alone.”
“That is dangerous. The safety of Ryeong Ju is the safety of our society.”
Bu Eunseol shook her head.
“That is not so.”
And she spoke with unwavering resolve.
“The Muhon Society must grow stronger even without me. Like the Murim Alliance and the Demon Hall.”
The two great allied forces remained formidable even if Jeong Ma Ssang Cheon Je disappeared.
No other power dared challenge them.
But currently, the Muhon Society depended heavily on Bu Eunseol’s wisdom and strength.
To complete the Murim Tripod Strategy and reshape the power structure into a balanced formation.
Bu Eunseol must not be the pillar—the organization itself must be the center.
“I understand. However.”
Dam Yoo Yeon’s eyes narrowed.
She knew Bu Eunseol had reached the Choguk Dowon, beyond the reach of ordinary forces.
Yet her refusal to bring guards or lead her forces stemmed from prioritizing her subordinates’ lives over her own safety.
And Dam Yoo Yeon had always found that troubling.
“The enemies are formidable and stand ready to ambush Ryeong Ju at any moment.”
Dam Yoo Yeon began to persuade Bu Eunseol.
“If Ryeong Ju faces danger, it matters not whether your subordinates survive.”
“I understand. From now on, I shall certainly bring an escort force with me.”
Despite her earnest plea, Bu Eunseol smiled dismissively.
“However, this matter is most peculiar. I believe it best to investigate discreetly, which is why I intend to go alone.”
At Bu Eunseol’s resolute words, Dam Yoo Yeon had no choice but to nod reluctantly.
“Understood. Then please be careful on your way.”
“I will.”
At that moment, I did not know.
That through this matter, I would come to understand in full detail the very origins of Sam Gye that I had so desperately sought to comprehend.
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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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