The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 769

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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 769.
A sickly yellow light emanated from Ak Moo Ryung’s eyes.
To boldly propose a joint attack with Bu Eunseol, who possessed such terrifying potential?
Indeed, Ma Cheon Je was Ma Cheon Je.
He had transformed crisis into opportunity once more.
―Did he regard even his own life as a plaything for amusement?
―Or had he completed meticulous calculations that he could still strike him down even if he accepted the joint attack?
―Was it merely his intention to plant seeds of frustration in the young fool’s spirit, knowing she would certainly refuse the joint attack?
Multiple thoughts swirled through Ak Moo Ryung’s mind.
Ultimately, Ma Cheon Je’s actions had caused a division of focus.
‘I cannot guarantee victory.’
From the moment Ma Cheon Je proposed the joint attack.
Ak Moo Ryung had suffered a blow equivalent to a spiritual assault from Ma Cheon Je.
In other words, he had begun the fight in a disadvantageous position.
A figure stepped forward.
It was Bu Eunseol who moved ahead.
At that, Ak Moo Ryung’s gaze turned terrifyingly cold.
“Do you truly believe you have the right to strike first?”
Yet Bu Eunseol shook her head with perfect naturalness and spoke.
“I cannot fight.”
“What?”
“Did Gak Ju not tell me that Ma Cheon Je has suffered grave injuries?”
“And so?”
“It is impossible.”
Bu Eunseol opened her mouth with utmost courtesy in both tone and bearing.
“If he exerts his martial power in such a state, the wounds Ma Cheon Je has sustained may worsen… How could I possibly do such a thing?”
In that instant, both Ma Cheon Je and Ak Moo Ryung wore expressions of bewilderment.
A silence as profound as death itself descended.
“Hehehehe.”
Ak Moo Ryung pointed at Bu Eunseol with his finger, then
“Hahahaha!”
He clutched his belly and burst into uproarious laughter as if the heavens themselves were collapsing.
Though he had pointed at Bu Eunseol.
The angle of his finger also encompassed Ma Cheon Je.
In truth, Ak Moo Ryung was mocking Ma Cheon Je.
“If I have spoken out of turn, I beg your pardon.”
Bu Eunseol bowed with utmost formality toward Ma Cheon Je.
Ma Cheon Je offered no response and simply stared intently at Bu Eunseol.
Whether she had treated him as an invalid or presumed to step forward brazenly… on the surface.
She maintained the demeanor of a devoted successor, concerned lest the body of the foremost master of the Demonic Path suffer harm.
If I were to grow angry or punish him here?
It would only diminish my own authority.
“Let us reschedule this encounter.”
Ma Cheon Je turned his body away.
Without waiting for a response, he immediately unfurled his divine technique and vanished into the Distant Sky.
“Phew.”
As Ma Cheon Je disappeared, Bu Eunseol wiped away the cold sweat beading on her brow.
In truth, both Ma Cheon Je and Ak Moo Ryung had been genuinely prepared for combat.
Bu Eunseol, standing between them, had forced herself to maintain an expression of composure.
Yet in reality, she had been enduring the agonizing pain of her bones crumbling and her skin tearing asunder.
“Fortunately, he reconsidered.”
Bu Eunseol offered a smile toward Ak Moo Ryung.
“He must have perceived that if the battle truly began, I would genuinely join forces against him.”
Ma Cheon Je had truly intended to strike down Ak Moo Ryung.
And if the battle had commenced?
Regardless of any insults Ak Moo Ryung might have hurled at me.
I would have united my strength with his to face Ma Cheon Je.
Whether he discerned this resolve, or whether his psychological tactics simply failed to take hold.
Ma Cheon Je altered his plans and departed.
“Hmph, did you truly believe that a mere alliance with you would change anything?”
Ak Moo Ryung let out a scornful laugh.
“He was startled for the first time. Because he believed you had cultivated the Great Primal Qi.”
To be precise, Ma Cheon Je’s alarm stemmed not from Bu Eunseol’s appearance itself.
Rather, he had misread the level of her martial prowess.
In the process of comprehending Geom Joon’s martial arts, Bu Eunseol had temporarily mimicked the Way of Non-Action inherent in the Natural Sword.
In doing so, she had, for the briefest moment, achieved perfect unity with nature itself, as though manifesting the Great Primal Qi.
Yet Ma Cheon Je, unaware of this truth, had mistakenly believed that Bu Eunseol had reached the realm where one’s physical form merges with nature.
“Ah, so that was it.”
As Bu Eunseol scratched her head, Ak Moo Ryung inquired.
“What did you comprehend?”
“This disciple, lacking in talent, grasped only a portion of the Natural Sword’s mysteries, and was able to add a single sword technique to Bon Gak’s swordsmanship.”
“A sword technique?”
“Yes.”
Ak Moo Ryung’s eyes narrowed.
Adding even a single sword technique to Bu Eunseol’s martial repertoire was an extraordinarily difficult feat.
*Snap.*
As Ak Moo Ryung snapped his fingers, Bu Eunseol, understanding his intent, drew the Muk Hon Sword.
“I borrowed the mysteries of the Natural Sword’s principle of ‘The Way follows Nature.’ Since this technique resembles the landscape of the great natural world itself, I have named it the Misty River Waves.”
Just as Ak Moo Ryung had anticipated.
Bu Eunseol had not only created an entirely new sword technique during her meditation, but had done so with genuine martial substance.
Without moving a single hand, I had acquired the sword technique.
Shing.
Drawing the Muk Hon Sword, Bu Eunseol immediately unleashed her swordplay toward Ak Moo Ryung.
Twitch.
In that instant, Ak Moo Ryung’s thick brows shot skyward.
Ak Moo Ryung had created a counter-technique using the mysteries of the Natural Sword, one that transformed based on the opponent’s martial arts.
Yet Bu Eunseol had pierced entirely through the mysteries of the Natural Sword itself, attempting to collapse the very essence that her opponent possessed.
Was she not attempting a sword technique at a realm one step higher than Geom Joon’s Natural Sword?
‘This mad woman.’
Moreover, without even considering her rapidly growing martial power, she had assumed she could easily defend against it.
She had infused her energy and truly unfolded her sword technique.
Shiver.
As the blade’s tip trembled lightly, the surrounding air seemed to evaporate, and the entire world fell silent.
As if responding to Bu Eunseol’s will as she unfolded her swordplay.
The clouds hovering in the sky split of their own accord, and suddenly a gentle wind blew forth, enveloping Ak Moo Ryung’s body.
Then came a pain as if his skin were burning fiercely, accompanied by a sound like wailing from deep within the earth.
A transparent hand stretched forth, and he felt the agony of all his energy being drained from within his body.
Whoosh, whoooosh!
Bu Eunseol danced her sword dance with her eyes closed, as if lost in a state of transcendence.
The problem was that the black energy gathered upon that dark blade had not yet been released.
‘I cannot allow her to complete it.’
Boom!
Suddenly, a deafening explosion that shook heaven and earth erupted.
It was because Ak Moo Ryung had used his energy to block Bu Eunseol’s sword technique.
“You dare display such leisurely dancing before your enemy!”
With a thunderous shout, he concentrated the energy of heaven and earth into a single fist strike, smashing it against Bu Eunseol’s Muk Hon Sword.
Hissss.
Then from Ak Moo Ryung’s grip rose a mist of such extreme heat it seemed capable of melting steel.
Though his shoulder blade felt shattered with pain, his expressionless face let out a scoff.
“Hmph.”
“My apologies.”
Bu Eunseol then came to her senses and ceased her sword technique.
“Since I was unfolding these techniques stored in my mind for the first time… I was far too leisurely.”
Bu Eunseol’s complexion had turned pale.
Without cultivating the Great Celestial Energy.
Upon unfolding sword techniques with mysteries similar to the Natural Sword, both her energy and mental power had been greatly consumed.
“Is this your maximum power?”
Bu Eunseol lowered her head in embarrassment.
“Upon actually unfolding it, it seems I have only mastered about thirty percent.”
“What did you say?”
“But I will certainly master the Twelve Star Realm and prove it to you.”
Splurt.
At that same moment, Bu Eunseol spat out a blood clot the size of a pebble.
The energy emanating from the Gangho Yeon Pa technique.
Had reduced not only Ak Moo Ryung but even my own body to the state of a newborn infant in an instant.
Only then did Ak Moo Ryung.
Grasp just how lofty and distant the realm Bu Eunseol aspired to reach truly was.
And how absurd her destination truly was.
“So you would become an ordinary person and perish together with him?”
He had discerned that Bu Eunseol’s martial goal was.
To reduce not only her enemy but even her own martial cultivation to a state of emptiness and nothingness.
An unprecedented, mad undertaking that had never been attempted before.
“If we both became ordinary people, wouldn’t the younger one have the advantage?”
Bu Eunseol smiled faintly.
“If Ma Cheon Je became an ordinary old man and wrestled with me, I cannot imagine anything more entertaining.”
In that instant, a flicker of light danced in Ak Moo Ryung’s yellowed eyes.
“Hahahaha!”
He burst into hearty laughter once more.
The invincible Ma Cheon Je becoming an ordinary old man.
It was something not only Ak Moo Ryung but all the warriors of Murim had never once conceived in their lifetimes.
“Well, if he had been sound of mind to begin with, he wouldn’t have crawled into Bon Gak of his own accord.”
Ak Moo Ryung ceased his laughter, turned his body, and spoke coldly.
“I understand well that you are more mad than the Gak Ju of Bon Gak. But do not act recklessly again.”
Ak Moo Ryung’s eyes blazed with an aura that could tear mountains asunder.
“If you dare to act presumptuously once more, I will shatter both your legs.”
In Ma Ak Moo Ryeong was not one to speak idle words.
Having warned that he would break her legs, if such an occasion arose again, he would truly shatter Bu Eunseol’s legs.
Boom!
With a deafening roar that seemed to split the eardrums, Ak Moo Ryung’s colossal form vanished into the distant sky in an instant.
“Gak Ju.”
Bu Eunseol murmured softly, watching his departing figure.
“…It seems Bon Gak truly does not suit the Demonic Path.”
My gaze remained fixed on the spot where I had been meditating.
There lay the rocks that Ak Moo Ryung had piled up.
“The title ‘In Ma’ does not suit the Gak Ju either.”
Those rocks had been placed so that meditation could proceed without external disturbance, and because enemies might appear unexpectedly.
Ak Moo Ryung had covered them with his own power.
“When the Gak Ju warned me to act presumptuously no more…”
Bu Eunseol, gazing at the distant sky with sorrowful eyes, murmured.
“It was a warning not to provoke masters like Ma Cheon Je again.”
He shook his head.
“Of course, it’s not because I’m beautiful, but for the future of Nangya Sect.”
Bu Gak Ju Dan Cheong was a master of supreme martial arts, but his temperament was far too leisurely, and he indulged in the luxury of tea drinking.
Thus, reaching the pinnacle of Nangya Sect’s martial arts proved somewhat difficult for him.
Changsin Squad Leader So Jeon had grasped the essence of practical martial arts, yet he utterly despised contemplating martial arts through intellect.
Baek Yeon possessed a genius-level intellect, but conversely, unlike So Jeon, his application of practical martial arts was somewhat lacking.
There were countless other talented martial artists besides them…
There was only one person capable of mastering and advancing the complete martial knowledge of Nangya Sect.
And that person was none other than Bu Eunseol.
Ever since realizing this truth,
Ak Moo Ryung had been concerned for his well-being for the sake of Nangya Sect’s future generations.
“Let us return.”
Through the insights gained this time,
Bu Eunseol had found once more the path he must walk.
Though it seemed distant now,
if he walked steadily, he would eventually reach his destination. Having experienced much, he now intended to return to Demon Palace.
* * *
The Murim Alliance was in emergency.
Though they had reelected the Mu Cheon Danjoo and restored the Mu Cheon Dan to establish the might of the Seven Great Units,
Ma Cheon Je had made the Divine Position Sect Leader and the Divine Position Unit vanish entirely.
Moreover, the Tong Cheon Dan was also in a state where the Deputy Leader was managing it due to Yang Dae Ryang becoming a fool,
so in reality, only five units remained intact, and there were only five candidates for the next Alliance Leader.
In particular, Divine Position Sect Leader Baek In Cheong had accumulated many merits and was considered a strong candidate for the next Alliance Leader.
For such a figure to vanish entirely along with the Divine Position Unit left the Murim Alliance utterly speechless and on the verge of collapse.
―We must rebuild the complete Seven Great Units by any means necessary.
The senior officials of the Murim Alliance proposed once more to reorganize and establish the Seven Great Units of the Murim Alliance.
However, Jeong Cheon Je—or rather, Mu Jon—
announced that they would leave the vanished Divine Position Unit as is and maintain six units instead.
―If we forcibly maintain seven units, the situation of this Alliance will only worsen.
Units are not created merely by replenishing troops.
Especially the Seven Great Units of the Murim Alliance each possessed unique training methods, and their true power could only be demonstrated through long and dedicated effort.
―Then you mean to reduce the Seven Great Units, the symbol of this Alliance, to the Six Great Units?
Some senior officials objected, but even they could ultimately do nothing but acquiesce.
A symbol is merely a symbol.
If they forcibly created units in such circumstances, the organization would ultimately become useless.
* * *
The secret chamber admitted not a single ray of light.
Time and space seemed frozen.
The walls on all sides were made of rough stone, and they were densely carved with patterns of indecipherable meaning.
In the center of the chamber sat a reddish-brown chair, its surface also inscribed with intricate designs.
Upon it lay tattered garments, standing rigidly upright as though worn by an invisible man.
Across from this figure stood a masked shadow, regarding the scene with utter composure.
[Baek Ri Mu Jo. He has now become a formidable candidate for Alliance Leader.]
From within the ragged clothes emerged a voice—gloomy and low, resonating through the darkness.
[Based on the evidence thus far, the probability that he is Inbiyin is extraordinarily high. We cannot afford to leave him as he is.]
The voice flowing from the garments grew colder still.
[Kill him.]
At this, the masked figure across the way shook his head slowly.
“To eliminate him would require the power of an exceptional intelligence organization. He cannot be touched within the Alliance.”
He continued, his tone measured.
“We lack the strength to kill him now. Even the Way remains incomplete—not the true original form.”
[Do not worry.]
A low voice emanated from the garments.
Thump.
A thin sheet of paper fell before the masked figure.
[It is a counter-technique devised from the traces of sword mastery he has employed thus far.]
“A counter-technique, then.”
Deep regret was woven through that murmur.
Sensing this, the voice from the garments softened slightly.
[Worry not. There are stages to all things, after all.]
“But when will I finally be released from this confinement?”
[Do not worry. You shall soon become Alliance Leader… and your deepest wish shall be fulfilled.]
From the tattered clothes came a voice brimming with certainty.
[Until then, simply obey what you are commanded and exercise restraint.]
The masked figure clasped his hands together.
There was no choice but to follow their will.
When the time came, he would cut down all those who had wagered their threads upon his body.
But for now—until that long-cherished wish was realized—he could not afford even the slightest recklessness.
[He remains untainted. Still merely pretending to be stained.]
As the masked figure vanished, the sound of a tongue clicking came from the tattered garments.
[But when facing such… an overwhelming master, his complete personality shall inevitably be perfected.]
The voice from the garments carried a sinister scheme.
[Does he not realize that he clings to his original personality?]
With those words, the tattered garments standing in the darkness collapsed limply to the ground once more.
* * *
Yeonhwa Orphanage.
This place accepted only children whose bodies were afflicted or infirm.
Though the facilities were modest, a generous patron provided ample support each year.
Thus the children, despite their frail bodies, could live with bright smiles upon their faces.
Click-clack, click-clack.
Around the Hour of the Monkey, a small cart rolled through the gates of Yeonhwa Orphanage, laden with rice and various household necessities.
Walking ahead of it came a middle-aged man whose bearing resembled that of an immortal sage.
“Master.”
The Old Innkeeper, who had been caring for the children at the orphanage, rushed forward with delight upon seeing the middle-aged man.
He was the benevolent patron who had personally established Yeonhwa Orphanage and donated vast sums each year to ensure the children were properly cared for.
He was the Yeonhwa Orphanage Master.
“The Master has arrived!”
The children, upon spotting the cart and the middle-aged man, came running with unbridled excitement.
“Hahaha.”
The Yeonhwa Orphanage Master spread his arms wide and embraced the rushing children warmly.
Most of the children were missing a limb, and some lacked an eye or an ear.
Yet the Yeonhwa Orphanage Master paid no mind, meeting each child’s gaze and holding them close.
“Take these with you.”
He distributed the precious toys and trinkets from the cart, placing one in each child’s hands.
“Wow!”
The children’s faces split into radiant smiles as they gazed upon their gifts.
Whenever the Yeonhwa Orphanage Master visited, the children brimmed with vitality, following him about and chattering endlessly.
“Master, why have you brought so much again?”
The Old Innkeeper’s eyes widened at the abundance of goods piled upon the cart.
“The provisions you sent before are still more than sufficient.”
“We cannot allow the children to go hungry. I brought a bit more to ensure they eat well.”
The Yeonhwa Orphanage Master, smiling faintly, noticed a child standing alone in the distance, wearing a prosthetic leg.
Having only recently arrived at the orphanage, the child still appeared uncomfortable with everything around them.
“Where does this bright-eyed child hail from? What is their name?”
The Yeonhwa Orphanage Master approached the child, knelt down, and gently stroked their head.
“My name is So Bo.”
As the child bowed with a slight limp, the Yeonhwa Orphanage Master clicked his tongue.
“Ah, that prosthetic leg doesn’t fit properly.”
He then fetched wood and tools, and began crafting a new prosthetic leg.
He worked with the skill of a master carpenter, fashioning the limb with remarkable speed and precision.
“Here, try this one on.”
When the child put on the prosthetic leg the Yeonhwa Orphanage Master had made, their eyes widened.
With the new prosthetic fitted, the body that had been crooked and unbalanced could now stand perfectly upright.
“Th-thank you so much. Standing feels so much easier now.”
“I’m glad.”
The Yeonhwa Orphanage Master spoke while gently stroking the child’s head.
“Now go play with the other children. You mustn’t stand alone like that.”
“Yes!”
The child walked toward the gathered children with a delighted expression, moving the prosthetic leg with newfound ease.
The Yeonhwa Orphanage Master and the Old Innkeeper stood side by side, watching the scene with warm contentment.
The two of them entered the Yeonhwa Orphanage and began conversing over tea.
By then, the day was gradually fading, and the cheerful cheers of children could be heard from outside the window.
It was already around the third watch of the night.
A desolate autumn breeze swept past with a whistling sound.
The Yeonhwa Orphanage Master and the Old Innkeeper, who had been staying in the separate annex, carefully entered where the children slept.
The Yeonhwa Orphanage Master examined the sleeping children intently, then pointed to several of them.
The old man nodded and wrote something on the paper he was holding.
A flash.
But suddenly, in the darkness, the Yeonhwa Orphanage Master’s eyes gleamed.
“It seems I need to step out for a moment.”
The old man, sensing something as well, nodded.
“Please go carefully.”
A soft rustling sound.
The Yeonhwa Orphanage Master glanced once more at the sleeping children and stepped outside.
He then walked slowly toward the entrance of the Yeonhwa Orphanage.
His eyes gleamed like torches as he walked through the darkness, and his expression hardened like a beast brimming with killing intent.
A soft rustling sound.
His slow pace soon began to glide forward with supernatural speed.
He had unleashed a movement technique as ethereal as a phantom.
“Hmm.”
Finally reaching the small forest near the Yeonhwa Orphanage, he halted his movement and surveyed his surroundings.
[Your perception is remarkable.]
A piercing sound erupted!
A grotesque voice echoed forth, and a streak of pale blue radiance shot up to the end of the sky.
Suddenly, the Black Shadow revealed itself before the Yeonhwa Orphanage Master.
Its form was ethereal and indistinct, like wisps of smoke drifting slowly forward.
The murky center gradually became clearer, and soon began to take the shape of a figure clad in black robes and wearing a mask—the Masked Assassin.
[So a scoundrel who commits all manner of wickedness is operating an orphanage.]
The Masked Assassin scanned the Yeonhwa Orphanage Master’s face from top to bottom and let out a soft chuckle.
[Did you wish to atone for the sins you’ve committed?]
The Yeonhwa Orphanage Master offered no reply. He merely scrutinized the Masked Assassin’s body with eyes that gleamed in the darkness.
[Your gaze alone could kill a man.]
The Masked Assassin’s eyes narrowed to crescents.
[Sung Wi Dan Ju, Baek Ri Mu Jo.]

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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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