The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 827

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————

Chapter 827.
Je Gal Yu Baek could not believe what he was witnessing, even with his own eyes wide open.
A legendary righteous hero whose name was inscribed on the Monument of Heroes during his lifetime, continuously disparaging a young disciple?
This spectacle was truly.
A sight so unbelievable that a martial artist might witness it only once in a lifetime, if at all.
“Senior Buk Goong Ryeong. It seems the time has come for you to make a decisive choice.”
At Namgung Jeong’s words, Buk Goong Ryeong took a deep breath.
The people gathered here had assembled only because of Bu Eunseol, and they were strangers to him.
Yet despite this, they willingly believed in his lifelong pursuit of righteousness and genuinely sought to elevate him as the new leader of the Orthodox Martial World.
“You created this, so you should deal with the consequences, shouldn’t you?”
Buk Goong Ryeong, suppressing the overwhelming emotion in his chest, deliberately needled Bu Eunseol.
“Isn’t it an ancient truth that whoever creates a sect or organization controls it?”
“I already told you. That’s why I chose you as the leader.”
Bu Eunseol smacked her lips.
“How could an old man like you listen to me? Even when I explained the state of the Murim Alliance and told him to come out, he refused.”
Then she brushed her hands clean and said.
“If you don’t like it, go out there yourself and drive them away. Then it’s settled.”
“I….”
Finally, Buk Goong Ryeong spoke the words that had been in his heart.
“I have no intention of becoming a leader until the day I die.”
He took a deep breath as if suppressing his emotions.
“Because I have long observed that when people gather, they rot, and when one stands above, they fail to look after those below.”
With his head bowed, he continued.
“So I tried to help the young. I thought this was all I could do anymore.”
“Why do you view the Murim so bleakly?”
Then Dang Gon spoke with regret.
“There are still many upright heroes in the Murim. Is there a need to despair like this?”
“It cannot be helped.”
Buk Goong Ryeong gazed into empty space with a hollow expression.
“No Bu is actually a disciple of Ki Hyeop, you see.”
The crowd’s eyes widened.
Ki Hyeop, of Cheon Mun.
He was a legendary hero of the previous generation who helped countless people.
Eventually, with the support of numerous martial artists, he rose to the position of Vice-Leader of the Murim Alliance—a self-made figure.
But less than a year after assuming the position of Vice-Leader, he betrayed his principles.
When numerous corruptions were exposed, he left the Murim Alliance amid criticism from martial artists and lived in lonely seclusion.
Yet Tan Wang was a disciple of that Ki Hyeop?
“At that time, all the leaders of the Orthodox Sects were colluding with external forces, moving only for their own survival.”
Buk Goong Ryeong spoke while looking at Dang Gon.
“My master sought to create a clean Orthodox Sect. But in the end, he fell into the trap of villains and left the Murim in disgrace.”
“You possess not only superior talent compared to this master, but also the charisma to captivate others.
Furthermore, your character is far more resolute than mine. The Murim has always been a place where greedy individuals cluster together generation after generation…”
“Never seek to rule over people. Instead, humble yourself and help them directly.”
As Buk Goong Ryeong relayed his master’s past admonitions to the assembled martial artists, his eyes glistened with profound regret.
“And my master always gave this same counsel to No Bu.”
“If you ever come to stand above others…”
“You will inevitably either fall into corruption yourself, or be driven out by the corrupted and meet a tragic end.”
As Buk Goong Ryeong spoke of those distant days, his eyes reddened.
“My master transmitted all his martial power to No Bu and departed, declaring he would leave the Murim and become an ordinary commoner.”
As he continued, a crimson gleam flickered across his pupils.
“Yet my master’s end was tragic. He was beaten to death at an inn while trying to stop a Demonic Path practitioner from harassing a woman.”
The assembled martial artists involuntarily gasped.
Ki Hyeop, who had shaken the heavens—could he truly have met such a wretched fate?
“He had become an elderly man without martial power, his body withered, barely able to move.”
The crowd fell silent.
A master who had once dominated an era, stripped of both honor and power, beaten to death by a worthless Demonic Path lackey.
“So that is why you could never tolerate the Demonic Path.”
At Nam Goong Woon’s words, Buk Goong Ryeong nodded.
“Indeed. From that day forward, whenever I saw Demonic Path practitioners committing atrocities, I crushed their skulls without exception. After all, they are irredeemable dregs beyond salvation.”
Only then did the assembled martial artists understand why Buk Goong Ryeong,
despite possessing such formidable martial arts and commanding countless followers,
had never cultivated connections with renowned figures, never built a faction, and performed good deeds alone.
And why he would convulse with fury at the mere sight of Demonic Path practitioners…they finally grasped the reason.
At that moment, Bu Eunseol broke the silence.
“Then you must become the Alliance Leader all the more.”
“Did you not hear my words?”
“I heard them. The master told the elder to humble himself and not become a leader, yes? Then simply create such an alliance.”
“Such an alliance?”
“The Murim Alliance rotted not because it stagnated, but because corrupt individuals created it from the very beginning.”
Bu Eunseol spoke with conviction.
“Elder, even as Alliance Leader, do not rule. Instead, humble yourself and draw close to the people.”
She gazed at Buk Goong Ryeong and spoke with unwavering resolve.
“And while upholding justice, absolutely abandon any desire to manage the Murim.”
Uphold justice, yet abandon the desire to manage the Murim.
Buk Goong Ryeong’s eyes widened.
The position of Alliance Leader of the Orthodox Sect coalition
was a position that controlled the fate of the Murim.
In other words, it could be expressed in four characters: Murim Management.
Yet Bu Eunseol was telling him to disregard such concerns entirely
and instead become an Alliance Leader who humbly attended to each member personally.
“Heh heh.”
Buk Goong Ryeong burst into a hollow laugh.
When I thought about it, I had been bound by the word “Alliance Leader.”
Just because one is an Alliance Leader doesn’t mean one must manage the entire Murim.
Rather, it would be better to entrust the difficult management to talented administrators and lower myself further to help people.
“How shameful.”
Having gained this insight, Buk Goong Ryeong sighed.
“I’ve lived with such futile thoughts even at this age.”
For eighty years, I had been bound by my master’s final words.
Bu Eunseol paid no heed whatsoever to the worldly notions and principles that martial artists clung to.
She simply walked the path she believed was right, quietly and steadfastly.
And to me as well… she was offering counsel to walk such a path.
“Yes.”
Only now did I truly understand what kind of person Bu Eunseol was.
What thoughts occupied her mind—Buk Goong Ryeong sighed with this realization.
“You were never truly a martial artist from the beginning.”
Then Dang Gon, who had been listening silently, smiled and replied.
“Is that not precisely why we have gathered in this place?”
He could speak such words because he knew Bu Eunseol’s true identity.
“Yes, indeed.”
Buk Goong Ryeong rose from his seat.
And he nodded his head with determination.
“Then I must formally announce it to Gae Bang.”
Bu Eunseol’s prophecy had come true.
Tan Wang Buk Goong-ryeong.
At last, he was about to personally announce to all under heaven the establishment of the Changcheon Alliance, a new Orthodox Sect coalition.
* * *
―The Tan Wang has organized a new Orthodox Sect coalition force!
Startling news struck the Murim in succession.
Tan Wang, the renowned hero of the Orthodox Sects who served as Protector of the Murim Alliance and had striven to purify it in every way.
Had finally declared that he would leave the Murim Alliance and establish a new Orthodox Sect coalition force.
―Tan Wang? He created not a faction but a coalition?
Not only the Demonic Path but even the Murim Alliance doubted their ears upon hearing this news.
Why had Tan Wang’s name been inscribed on the Murim Alliance’s Monument of Heroes?
For eighty years, he had roamed the Murim alone, never forming associations with the leaders of various sects or any forces.
He had lived in solitary purity.
Yet now he was creating a faction?
Moreover, to establish a coalition, one would require cooperation from multiple sects and tremendous financial resources.
He who had stood alone and unmatched his entire life.
Was suddenly establishing an Orthodox Sect coalition? Was this not utterly absurd?
However, whether Tan Wang was sincere remained uncertain.
He sent a respectful letter to the Murim Alliance, requesting their understanding regarding the matter.
―Let him be. It seems like he’ll abandon the idea anyway.
The senior members of the Murim Alliance scoffed.
If he were to establish a new Orthodox Sect alliance, that would be tantamount to a direct challenge to the Murim Alliance itself.
Normally, the Murim Alliance would never have permitted such a thing.
But now they lacked the capacity to concern themselves with Tan Wang’s idle talk.
They had to continuously replenish the young martial artists who had withdrawn from the Murim Alliance due to this incident.
And they needed to quickly restore the credibility that had plummeted in the eyes of the outside world.
Therefore, the Murim Alliance sent back a reply tinged with mockery.
―The emergence of another Orthodox Sect faction is something we welcome.
An alliance ultimately requires dividing up existing forces to sustain itself.
Moreover, since it exerts considerable influence on the martial world’s political landscape,
without the consent of the Righteous Path leadership, establishing one is virtually impossible.
Furthermore, astronomical amounts of capital are required, so even if founded, such alliances collapse easily.
Why, even the Murim Alliance itself suffered from chronic deficits,
and wasn’t it said that Gong Son Dan Gyeong resolved this through the Man Hwa Antique Shop, becoming Chief in the process?
With no opposition from the Murim Alliance,
and given that the foremost master of the Orthodox Sects wishes to establish a faction, there is no one to openly oppose it…
The founding of the Changcheon Alliance proceeded smoothly.
―Then shall we formally hold the Grand Sect Founding Ceremony?
Having obtained the Murim Alliance’s consent, Tan Wang announced to the martial world once more.
―Our alliance shall be named the Changcheon Alliance.
Like the name suggests—a clear and azure sky—we await the enrollment of martial artists and forces of boundless integrity and purity.
Upon hearing this news, the young senior members and martial artists of the Murim Alliance who had not yet followed Beok Goong Ryung
immediately left the alliance and headed toward Sichuan.
However, the Murim Alliance had foreseen this from the moment Beok Goong Ryung departed,
so they showed no particular reaction to the young martial artists slipping away.
Rather, when rumors spread that the Changcheon Alliance was preparing its Grand Sect Founding Ceremony, both the Murim Alliance and Demon Hall sent small delegations.
They anticipated a shabby affair and essentially went to mock it.
But the envoys could not help but fall into shock.
At the Changcheon Alliance in Dong Cheon Bu, where a cold wind seemed ready to sweep through, countless martial artists had gathered,
and not only were the leaders of Wudang and Gae Bang present,
but the family heads of Nam Goong Family and Dang Family among the Eight Great Families, as well as those of Je Gal Family and Hwang Bo Family, had assembled.
Moreover, Shin Nyeo Gung and Geom Gak, which had paid no attention to Gangho affairs,
and even Jongri Clan and Gong Sun Estate, which were not even Murim great families, had come to assist in conducting the Grand Sect Founding Ceremony.
Even the Sword King Seon Woo Jin, who had withdrawn from the Murim Alliance,
and the senior members and young martial artists who had left the Murim Alliance following him were already seated in their designated places.
It was clear they had been preparing the Changcheon Alliance for a long time.
―This is absurd!
Beok Goong Ryung was a senior member of the Murim Alliance, and his every action had been meticulously reported to them.
Yet when had he amassed such a tremendous force?
When exactly had he constructed facilities of this scale in the barren Dong Cheon Bu of Sichuan?
―It is said that long ago, the Dang Family, Geom Gak, and Shin Nyeo Gung joined forces to establish the Sichuan Alliance.
However, the secrets of the Changcheon Alliance’s facilities were soon revealed.
From three sects in Sichuan with no apparent connection, massive funds were invested
to construct buildings where the Sichuan coalition forces could be stationed long ago.
―The three sects united to create a Sichuan coalition force, and that was the Changcheon Alliance?
The various intelligence organizations of Murim
had detected long ago that the three sects were joining forces to construct buildings in Dong Cheon Bu.
Knowing they were creating a new coalition force in Sichuan, they paid it little attention.
Yet it was the Changcheon Alliance?
As proof, all martial artists who joined the Changcheon Alliance were rapidly provided with newly issued martial robes and weapons,
as well as proper accommodations and palace halls.
―Let us go to the Changcheon Alliance!
Once this situation became known,
not only young martial artists who had hesitated to leave the Murim Alliance,
but also small factions unable to enter the Murim Alliance desired to join the Changcheon Alliance.
* * *
The Changcheon Alliance, preparing for the Opening Ceremony Tournament, was in chaos.
A coalition was a place where multiple factions gathered for a specific purpose or mutual benefit.
As such, they were sensitive to interests, and the earlier one joined, the stronger one’s voice became.
The Changcheon Alliance, contrary to expectations, had absorbed considerable Orthodox Sect forces and possessed the dignity of an Orthodox alliance from the start.
Therefore, countless Righteous Path factions unable to enter the Murim Alliance were rushing to join.
―Our faction is not a coalition for profit, so please reconsider carefully before coming.
As factions seeking admission and applicants wanting to become official members of the Changcheon Alliance came without end,
senior members preparing for the Opening Ceremony Tournament and existing members were screening and processing those seeking to join.
Moreover, the duties of a coalition were on an entirely different level from those of a faction.
It was not merely teaching disciples and managing a sect.
One had to recruit and educate martial artists, assign work according to their abilities, and evaluate salaries.
As a coalition of massive scale, all supplies and facilities had to be managed.
Furthermore, specialized personnel were needed to manage the substantial funds.
Additionally, talented strategists were needed to explore how the alliance should be operated going forward.
And well-connected intermediaries were needed to constantly identify and coordinate disputes between factions and external matters with outside forces.
Such individuals with broad networks were essential.
From the initial planning stages, Bu Eunseol had organized the structure and recruited talented individuals to ensure the Changcheon Alliance ran smoothly.
Yet that alone was insufficient.
Only if Bu Eunseol did not return to the Demon Palace or Murim Alliance and continued to assist from her position
could operations be maintained smoothly.
But she could not help in this manner every single day.
Still, the exceptional talents under the Sayoung Battle Division could not be dispatched here.
Yu Woon Ryong, Myo Cheon Woo, or even Dam Yoo Yeon and Yu Hwa Ryeong from the Muhon Society—none of them could be sent.
If that were to happen, the connection between the Changcheon Alliance and myself would be exposed.
“How troublesome.”
As I processed the mounting duties of the Changcheon Alliance, I stroked my chin thoughtfully.
With the aid of the Dang Family and the Namgung Family, I had built the organization to be reasonably perfect.
Yet there was one critical thing missing.
Specifically, I lacked a capable staff officer—someone to advise Beok Goong Ryung on all matters and manage the subordinate organizations.
‘There’s no helping it.’
Exceptional strategists were not easily found.
Was it not for this very reason that the saying “three visits to the thatched cottage” came to exist?
Talented individuals with outstanding wisdom and cunning were difficult to find, and recruiting them was even harder.
Without the right timing and fortune, they could not be obtained.
Knock, knock.
At that moment, someone knocked on the door of my office where I sat alone.
“It is Seon Woo Jin.”
He was the one who had been raised by Mu Jon.
The true Seon Woo Jin, the young master of the Seon Hwa Trading Company who had lived in darkness.
“My lord.”
He clasped his hands together.
“I am truly grateful that you have kept your promise.”
Through my agreement with Mu Gyeol, I had promised that he would no longer live in darkness.
That he would escape from Mu Jon’s grasp.
And I had ensured that he could live freely as the true Seon Woo Jin.
I had created the position of Chief for the Changcheon Alliance for him.
“I am also grateful that you have established a base for our Trading Company here.”
Mu Jon was not the type to leave the Seon Hwa Trading Company, which included Seon Woo Jin who had betrayed him, alone.
From the very beginning when I planned the Changcheon Alliance, I had established a base in Sichuan.
And from the moment I finished negotiations with Mu Gyeol, I had relocated the Seon Hwa Trading Company’s base here.
Now, with the Gaebang Tournament approaching, the Seon Hwa Trading Company had already completed its relocation perfectly.
“But will it truly be alright?”
Seon Woo Jin’s expression grew somewhat worried.
“I hear the Changcheon Alliance’s power is considerable, but the Murim Alliance’s secret forces are said to be enormous in scale. Moreover, the fact that Mu Jon can still move the Alliance…”
“It will be fine.”
I explained calmly.
“Even if he plays the role of Murim Alliance Leader, he does not truly control the Murim Alliance. If he did, he would not have recruited me in the first place or harbored thoughts of stirring up the Murim Alliance under the identity of Seon Woo Jin.”
And I continued slowly.
“The ones who truly move the Murim Alliance are those called Sam Gye and others. It is a term you will grow tired of hearing while you remain in this Alliance.”
“Sam Gye…”
As Seon Woo Jin’s expression turned blank, I opened my mouth again.
“And the Murim Alliance has numerous masters, including Alliance Leader Buk Goong Ryeong, with the Sichuan Dang Family, Geom Gak, and Shin Nyeo Gung surrounding the Changcheon Alliance. Furthermore, through the Alliance Leader’s consent, the intelligence networks of the Demon Hall and Muhon Society are unified.”
And with a reassuring smile, I conveyed a sense of calm.
“Because of this, no force will rashly mobilize troops to eliminate the Seon Hwa Trading Company. If they did, their true intentions would be exposed.”
“But couldn’t he act alone or execute a small-scale assassination?”
“Of course, if a master like Mu Jon sets his mind to infiltrating, he could kill Seon Woo and his entire family.”
Bu Eunseol spoke firmly.
“But if he does that, he would have to abandon not only his position as Murim Alliance Leader but also the name Mu Jon itself. We know his true identity, and the moment he commits evil deeds, we have the power to prove it.”
In truth, the reason I hadn’t deliberately exposed Mu Jon’s identity was
partly because his position as Murim Alliance Leader was actually advantageous for the Changcheon Alliance’s operations.
But above all, it was a safeguard to prevent anyone from touching the Seon Hwa Trading Company.
“I see.”
Only then did Seon Woo Jin realize my consideration and nodded his head.
“I was only worried, unaware that you would show such consideration.”
“There’s no consideration to speak of. Isn’t it rather the Chief who provides assistance?”
I drew a deep breath and spoke.
“Now enjoy your freedom to the fullest. Retire from the martial world and live as a figure of the Merchant Realm.”
“That’s precisely why I sought out Ryeong Ju after much deliberation.”
Seon Woo Jin spoke with a serious expression.
“I never had any desire to remain in the martial arts world. I only learned Moo Ae Ja’s martial techniques by force under Mu Jon’s hand since childhood.”
He shook his head.
“The martial reputation I built from childhood wasn’t something I created—it was fabricated by people sent by Mu Jon. It was merely to establish a foundation so that the person named Seon Woo Jin could operate in the Zhong Yuan martial world.”
Seon Woo Jin spoke with measured precision.
“To speak truthfully, I have no attachment to the name Seon Woo Jin. I intend to become Dok Go Jin, Chief of the Changcheon Alliance, and a figure of the Merchant Realm who operates the Seon Hwa Trading Company.”
“Dok Go…”
“It’s my mother’s surname.”
I drew a deep breath.
Only then did I realize what Seon Woo Jin was trying to say.
“You’re offering me that identity?”
“Yes.”
Seon Woo Jin, now Dok Go Jin, spoke calmly.
“To be honest, as long as Mu Jon lives, I can’t truly say I’m completely free.”
Mu Jon is Mu Jon.
No matter how much protection the Changcheon Alliance provides, if he decides to strike decisively, it’s hard to escape.
So instead, if I give the identity of Seon Woo Jin to you, and I use him as an unknown figure to live as a martial artist of the Changcheon Alliance?
Then I could remain safe for a long time.
“But I ask for one promise in return.”
“Say whatever you wish.”
“You must kill Mu Jon.”
An unexpected request emerged.
Mu Jon is the foremost master of the Orthodox Sects today, an ultimate powerhouse unmatched in the martial world.
And yet, such a man—
To ask me to kill him so casually, as if requesting I slaughter a chicken?

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————