The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 833
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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 833.
As Beok Goong Ryung’s expression twisted with anguish, Bu Eunseol’s eyes widened in surprise instead.
“What are you saying all of a sudden?”
“You knowingly walk into a trap without hesitation, treating it as inevitable?”
Beok Goong Ryung offered a desolate smile.
“Even a worn-down river like the Nu River clings to life. Even an old man who has weathered every joy and sorrow in this turbulent world fears drawing his final breath.”
“….”
Yet you, not even thirty winters old, show no fear of marching toward certain death. Do you truly believe this is normal?”
“Elder.”
“You are in the prime of your youth, a time meant to shine. Yet instead of savoring that youth, you have never once allowed yourself to live in peace.”
Beok Goong Ryung’s voice was heavy with sorrow.
Regardless of how they had transcended age to become friends, Bu Eunseol was still young enough to be his grandson.
At an age when one should radiate vitality.
Yet he endured endless trials and tribulations, clinging to vengeance.
And because of this, his spirit had become utterly shattered.
“Normal? No, it is not.”
Beok Goong Ryung shook his head, and the words he had held back finally burst forth.
“There is something twisted within you!”
“I know.”
“What?”
“I resolved myself to this from the moment I entered the Gangho.”
“You know, yet why?”
Bu Eunseol’s voice was calm.
“My world ended long ago.”
His voice carried no emotion, no regret whatsoever.
Like ashes that had burned away completely, leaving only white dust behind.
“What do you mean, your world has ended?”
Beok Goong Ryung spread his arms wide and forced a laugh.
“No matter how filthy the Murim becomes, there is still beauty to be found. And….”
“You were everything to me. You were the world I saw, the emotions I could feel.”
“Bu Eunseol.”
“Heaven cast me into a sea of flames and twisted my fate, denying me any chance at peace. Yet you alone never abandoned me.”
Bu Eunseol spoke in a parched voice.
“Even knowing that raising me would destroy your own life.”
For the first time, he spoke to Beok Goong Ryung of his true feelings.
It was also a consideration for the future of the Changcheon Alliance that Beok Goong Ryung would lead.
To make clear that his sole purpose was vengeance.
To ensure he understood he could never remain here indefinitely.
The Changcheon Alliance must become a place where righteous figures lead the Orthodox Path forward.
It must remain a space where the Orthodox can dream whole and unbroken.
A vengeful spirit like myself cannot remain in this place.
“Bu Eunseol.”
Beok Goong Ryung lowered his head with a sorrowful expression.
Only then did he grasp what kind of heart Bu Eunseol had possessed when planning the Changcheon Alliance.
She had simply sought to protect him, the righteous martial artists.
And to provide a safe haven where her subordinates belonging to the Orthodox Path could live.
Only then could she depart without lingering attachment.
The completion of vengeance was not killing Hyung Su… but following Grandfather, that was how it would be completed.
“…You were prepared to abandon life itself.”
Now Beok Goong Ryung understood why Bu Eunseol had appeared so twisted.
From the beginning, she.
Had intended to accomplish everything and depart without hesitation.
“You were going to abandon everything!”
Even at Beok Goong Ryung’s anguished cry,
Bu Eunseol displayed an utterly serene smile.
“There is nothing to abandon. There was never any guarantee I would survive until then anyway.”
“Enough!”
For the first time, and with genuine sincerity, Beok Goong Ryung became angry with Bu Eunseol.
“Do not assume this dual identity any longer. This is an order.”
“What do you mean.”
“I will find him. I will surely find the one who struck down Chil Ji Ma Do, Hyung Su!”
He spoke with tremendous force.
“Stop tormenting your own life. See beautiful things befitting your age and truly feel the presence of others.”
And he grasped her shoulders.
“There is much in this world you do not yet know. Your grandfather’s world is not all there is.”
Beok Goong Ryung gripped her shoulders tightly, swallowing tears that threatened to overflow, pleading with her.
“And do not go to the Demon Palace. I and the Chief will handle the Alliance’s affairs.”
His expression grew somber.
In his twilight years, he had finally met a kindred spirit.
Though there was a vast age difference between them, he considered her a friend whose hearts beat in perfect accord, transcending years.
Yet that friend… intended to depart before him, whose beard had turned white with age.
“Thank you.”
Bu Eunseol displayed the brightest of smiles.
“For saying such things.”
And she shook her head.
“But please do not speak of this to others.”
“You will not?”
“Elder.”
“Then swear it now.”
Beok Goong Ryung spoke with the utmost solemnity.
“Even if I finish everything, I won’t engage in meaningless pursuits.”
“Elder.”
“Hurry!”
Beok Goong Ryung shouted as if he might grab Bu Eunseol by the collar.
“If you don’t, either you die or I die.”
Bu Eunseol sighed and let her shoulders droop.
Strictly speaking, it was merely a wish.
The probability of my death was far greater than achieving my revenge.
“I understand. I will swear to it.”
“Good. Then you accept not going to the Murim Alliance?”
“No, I must go there.”
“The Murim Alliance is a den of evil spirits. The fact that they’re sending you to the Demon Hall means they’ve certainly laid a trap of that magnitude.”
“I know. But I have no choice.”
Bu Eunseol sighed deeply.
“At some point, I came to understand that Hyung Su, who killed my grandfather, can only be found by dealing with all those who dwell in the Abyss, including Sam Gye.”
“….”
“My original plan was to end with the Muhon Society. If I created a force equal to the Demon Hall and Murim Alliance through a three-legged arrangement… my subordinates would have a safe place to live.”
Bu Eunseol, who had been gazing at empty space with a bitter expression, shook her head.
“But it wasn’t so. Both the Murim Alliance and the Demon Hall… ultimately, I must deal with them all.”
The Murim Alliance is a den where not only Sam Gye but also forces passed down through generations in Murim lurk.
Then what of the Demon Hall?
The Demon Hall cannot possibly be clean either.
Ma Cheon Je must have surely glimpsed all the abyssal forces in Murim.
There is no way that backing forces would not take root in a den with such a person as its leader.
“In any case, everything is merely a sequence of events.”
Bu Eunseol, who released a silent sigh, continued speaking.
“And as you might have expected, unless something extraordinary occurs, I will no longer involve myself in the affairs of the Changcheon Alliance.”
And she smiled.
“So don’t blame me for defying the Alliance Lord’s solemn command. I am but a wanderer who will soon depart anyway.”
From now on, Beok Goong Ryung must transform into a true leader guiding the Orthodox Martial World.
For that to happen, no matter what trials lie ahead.
Beok Goong Ryung himself must firmly protect and lead the Changcheon Alliance with his own strength.
“You’re truly going?”
“I’m sorry.”
“No, you have nothing to apologize to me for.”
Beok Goong Ryung, realizing he could no longer persuade Bu Eunseol, nodded his head.
“But this is the last time.”
And he spoke as if in earnest counsel.
“According to your words, both the Demon Hall and the Murim Alliance must ultimately collapse.”
Beok Goong Ryung spoke with resolve.
“If anything happens to you, I’ll have no choice but to march the entire forces of the Changcheon Alliance to the Demon Palace.”
“Why would you do that?”
“The Changcheon Alliance is something No Bu can manage. But….”
Beok Goong Ryung regarded Bu Eunseol with an expression of utmost gravity.
“Only you can govern the Murim.”
For a long time now, he had regarded Bu Eunseol as the only one destined to become the greatest martial artist under heaven, and the sole savior capable of rescuing Murim from the grasp of the Abyss Forces.
That was what he believed.
“I am not a martial artist.”
Bu Eunseol offered a self-deprecating smile.
“How could someone like me ever govern Murim?”
“No, only you can.”
Beok Goong Ryung smiled with absolute confidence.
“As you say, you are not a martial artist—and that is precisely why only you can govern Murim.”
Bu Eunseol’s expression shifted to one of bewilderment.
But seeing Beok Goong Ryung’s resolute and solemn face, laughter suddenly burst forth.
Then Beok Goong Ryung laughed as well.
His laughter bloomed like a beautiful flower in a barren desert, like a weeping child breaking into a radiant smile at the sight of candy.
It was simply beautiful to behold.
Though their reasons differed, the smiles of these two giants bore a striking resemblance.
And that smile…
seemed to presage that the dark clouds hanging over Murim would gradually disperse.
Even in the darkness of the secret chamber, it shone with brilliant light.
* * *
Bu Eunseol, as the Elite Division Lord of the Changcheon Alliance, sent a letter to the Demon Palace.
The current clashes between the Changcheon Alliance and the subordinate organizations of the Demon Palace were machinations of the Murim Alliance.
Both coalitions should publicly clarify this fact and prevent unnecessary conflict between the two forces.
A reply came swiftly from the Demon Palace.
Along with an expression of agreement.
Rather than inviting Alliance Lord Beok Goong Ryung, they proposed inviting Seon Woo Jin, who had direct involvement in this matter, and resolving the dispute through a formal accord.
The Demon Palace, Dokryeong Pavilion.
There, the Elite Division Lord of the Changcheon Alliance, Seon Woo Jin, after ten days of careful deliberation.
had accepted the proposal and was now visiting the office of Chong Gyo Ryeong.
Yeop Hyo Cheon was somewhat surprised.
By Seon Woo Jin, who had entered his office.
His spiritual cultivation and martial prowess had risen to an incomparable degree compared to his previous visit to the Demon Palace.
‘This one actually has potential.’
Yeop Hyo Cheon, concealing his true thoughts.
was once again discussing with Seon Woo Jin measures to ease the conflict between both forces.
“…In conclusion, it seems we need only draft and publicly announce a formal accord stating that neither side will encroach upon the other’s territory.”
As Seon Woo Jin reached his conclusion, Yeop Hyo Cheon’s lips curved into a subtle smile.
“From Ben Jeon’s perspective, whether it’s the Changcheon Alliance or the Murim Alliance, both are obstacles that must be removed.”
“….”
“Moreover, the Changcheon Alliance hasn’t yet established itself firmly. From Ben Jeon’s standpoint, destroying them now wouldn’t be a bad move either.”
Yeop Hyo Cheon was a negotiator seasoned with more experience than anyone else.
Strictly speaking, it was the Changcheon Alliance that faced the immediate crisis.
He seized upon this point, and even if he were to align their interests…
he intended to steer the negotiations in a more favorable direction for the Demon Palace.
“The Murim Alliance initiated this conflict precisely because they view Ben Jeon as an enemy. Moving forward, the two forces will inevitably clash in some form.”
“Hmm.”
“From the Demon Palace’s perspective, an excellent opportunity will soon arrive to watch these two powers fight each other—so why engage in unnecessary conflict by playing into the Murim Alliance’s schemes?”
Seon Woo Jin emphasized once more.
“If the Demon Palace chooses to fight now, that is also acceptable.”
“Are you sincere?”
“Of course.”
He spoke with unwavering conviction.
“Regardless of the circumstances, both Ben Jeon and the Murim Alliance represent the Orthodox Path. If a full-scale collision between Orthodox factions occurs, it could instead become an opportunity to unite our forces.”
“Hmm.”
Yeop Hyo Cheon nodded in acknowledgment.
Indeed, no wonder he had built such tremendous renown at such a young age.
Not only was his martial prowess exceptional, but in negotiations too, he was no inferior to one who had long managed the Demon Palace.
“Excellent.”
Yeop Hyo Cheon spoke with satisfaction.
“Since you’ve thought through even such considerations, there is nothing more to discuss.”
“Then…”
“I accept the Lord’s opinion.”
Seon Woo Jin pressed his palms together respectfully.
“I am grateful for your decisive judgment.”
“With conditions, however.”
“Conditions? Please speak.”
Yeop Hyo Cheon’s scheme was something I had anticipated from the start.
In truth, this matter could have been resolved through correspondence without summoning me here—it was a foregone conclusion.
Yeop Hyo Cheon had summoned me for one reason alone.
The Murim Alliance must have conveyed confidential information to him.
And Yeop Hyo Cheon could never let such an opportunity slip away.
What if Seon Woo Jin were actually Bu Eunseol?
Then he would have seized an unexpected trump card in his grasp.
It was clear he intended to test the identity of Seon Woo Jin once more.
But Yeop Hyo Cheon…
As if he had perfectly anticipated everything Bu Eunseol had prepared.
He presented a shocking proposal that could shatter any deception in an instant.
“I hear that Seon Woo Dae Ju’s martial prowess once matched that of Geom Ma, who shook the entire Gangho.”
“….”
“Ben Jeon also has a young martial master comparable to Seon Woo Dae Ju.”
Yeop Hyo Cheon’s eyes narrowed into crescents.
“I would dearly love to witness a sparring match between Seon Woo Dae Ju and Muk Hon Ryeong Ju.”
And with a cunning expression, he continued.
“Both have reached the Realm of Heaven-Shaking at such a young age—surely they would have much to learn from one another.”
In essence, he was devising an unexpected method to test whether Bu Eunseol and Seon Woo Jin were the same person.
If so, this scheme belonged not to Ma Cheon Je, but to Chong Gyo Ryeong Yeop Hyo Cheon.
In the past, Ma Cheon Je had administered a test, and Seon Woo Jin had passed it.
But if he were to administer the same test again? He would be admitting that his original test had been inadequate.
Ma Cheon Je would never commit an act that would damage his own dignity.
‘With a method like this, no matter what countermeasures are prepared, not even deception could conceal the truth.’
Yeop Hyo Cheon smiled broadly.
He had recently received confidential information from the Murim Alliance and had proceeded with this matter independently.
There was no young master on the Demonic Path with martial prowess comparable to Bu Eunseol.
Similarly, those with martial ability to rival Seon Woo Jin were exceedingly rare even among the Orthodox Sects.
And only Seon Woo Jin had inherited the secret techniques of Mu Hwang.
No matter how many extraordinary talents existed in the world, there was no one who could substitute for either of their martial abilities.
In other words, he had devised a brilliant stratagem to perfectly verify Seon Woo Jin’s true identity.
“If it troubles you, I shall not press the matter.”
Yeop Hyo Cheon smiled broadly.
“Should you decline, we shall consider this proposal never to have been made.”
That smile carried many implicit meanings.
It meant his intent was not merely to expose the connection or identity between Bu Eunseol and Seon Woo Jin.
And should this proposal be rejected,
he would endlessly harbor suspicions about the relationship between Bu Eunseol and Seon Woo Jin.
And using his authority as Chong Gyo Ryeong, he would create endless difficulties and annoyances.
“Very well.”
Seon Woo Jin nodded readily.
“I too have long wished to see Muk Hon Ryeong Ju in person and test my skills against him. It seems the opportunity has arrived.”
At his swift acceptance, Yeop Hyo Cheon’s expression showed surprise.
But he soon nodded in acknowledgment.
“Excellent. Then I shall summon Muk Hon Ryeong Ju, who is currently abroad in Gangho. Wait here at Ben Jeon until then.”
Yeop Hyo Cheon laughed.
“Since you have granted the request of the sect leader, I thought to offer you various benefits.”
Yeop Hyo Cheon.
He kept Bu Eunseol confined at Dokryeong Pavilion while summoning Muk Hon Ryeong Ju,
ensuring that no stratagem could be employed.
* * *
Muk Hon Ryeong Ju, who had been traveling throughout Gangho handling various tasks, finally returned to the Demon Palace.
And upon his return, he was summoned by Chong Gyo Ryeong and headed toward the Dokryeong Pavilion.
After conversing privately with Yeop Hyo Cheon for some time, his expression grew peculiar.
This was because Yeop Hyo Cheon had made a rather absurd proposal—or rather, an order.
“Why must I necessarily cross blades with this man called Seon Woo Jin?”
“It is the authority of the Chief Sect Leader.”
“Authority, you say.”
Yeop Hyo Cheon spoke with unwavering resolve.
“The laws of the Demon Hall state that if the purpose is to demonstrate the strength of the Demon Hall and make its power known to all, then no one may refuse a challenge… is that not so?”
And he continued.
“Should one refuse the duel or show cowardice, they cannot escape punishment for the crime of tarnishing the name of the Demonic Path.”
Chong Gyo Ryeong displayed a confident smile.
Just as Baek Jeon Cheon had once wielded the law against Ma Cheon Je for Bu Eunseol’s sake.
Yeop Hyo Cheon too had invoked the very laws of the Demon Palace to ensure Bu Eunseol could not refuse.
“Since you speak with such conviction, I have no choice.”
Bu Eunseol took a deep breath.
“When shall I face him?”
“Right now.”
Yeop Hyo Cheon’s eyes, curved like crescents, narrowed with his smile.
At last, a confrontation between the young prodigies representing the Orthodox and Demonic paths had come to pass.
However, since it was being conducted at the request of Chong Gyo Ryeong, it proceeded in private.
It was a friendly exhibition match to compare their martial prowess, not a life-or-death duel.
At the Training Grounds at the edge of the Seo Moon section of the Demon Palace.
Bu Eunseol, dressed in black robes, stood opposite Seon Woo Jin, clad in white.
Both had achieved martial renown that shook the heavens at such a young age.
And it was said that both had reached the pinnacle of what the younger generation could attain—in wisdom, insight, strategy, and command ability alike.
‘How intriguing.’
Yeop Hyo Cheon’s eyes gleamed as he observed them.
The moment these two clashed.
He would be able to confirm whether they were truly the same person or not.
‘The Chief Sect Leader’s eyes cannot be deceived.’
Bu Eunseol had mastered Ma Cheon Je’s secret technique of deletion, while Seon Woo Jin was the successor of Mu Hwang, one of the Eight Emperors and Three Stars.
There was no need to display their true martial techniques.
Yeop Hyo Cheon possessed the ability to discern their martial prowess at a glance merely from observing their technique and power.
A deep hum resonated.
As Yeop Hyo Cheon unleashed his power, a transparent aura spread across the entire Combat Stage.
He had enveloped the entire Great Training Arena with a barrier of true energy to prevent the shockwaves and sounds from their collision from spreading outward.
Yeop Hyo Cheon, who had stepped back from the Training Grounds, spoke calmly.
“Begin.”
Despite having created such a massive barrier of true energy, Yeop Hyo Cheon’s voice remained as composed as ever.
From that single move alone, one could discern that his martial prowess ran far deeper than imagination could fathom.
A soft whisper of movement.
At Yeop Hyo Cheon’s words, the two figures slowly walked toward the center of the Combat Stage.
“Please, strike first.”
As Bu Eunseol extended her hand with calm composure, Seon Woo Jin nodded in acknowledgment.
“Then I shall not decline.”
And as he extended a single fist,
Whish! Whish!
Sharp sword energy erupted from his entire body, pressing down upon Bu Eunseol’s frame.
It was the Thirteen Night Technique, the supreme ultimate art of Mu Hwang.
Crash!
Then from Bu Eunseol’s body, black energy spread outward, beginning to cleave through the sword energy of the Thirteen Night Technique.
She had unleashed the Yeui True Formation.
Boom!
As the two supreme ultimate arts of the Orthodox Path collided, a peculiar explosive sound erupted, and shockwaves rippled outward in concentric circles from the point of impact.
‘This cannot be.’
The moment the two figures clashed, Yeop Hyo Cheon’s pupils dilated sharply as he observed the Combat Stage.
From that single exchange alone, he could tell.
Bu Eunseol was truly Bu Eunseol.
And Seon Woo Jin was truly Seon Woo Jin.
If these two were not genuine,
they could not wield the True Qi Technique of Ma Cheon Je and the supreme ultimate art of Mu Hwang with such mastery.
A faint smile.
Bu Eunseol harbored an inner smile.
‘Your plan has gone awry, Chong Gyo Ryeong.’
I was the true Bu Eunseol, having just returned from Gangho.
‘With such a scheme, you must have been confident you could discern the genuine from the false.’
The moment I entered Demon Palace under the guise of Seon Woo Jin,
I had anticipated that Chong Gyo Ryeong would verify whether Seon Woo Jin and Bu Eunseol were the same person.
The problem lay in his method.
The intelligence provided by the Murim Alliance surely included the fact that Bu Eunseol had secured the true body of the one called Seon Woo Jin.
He would know well that confirming substitution or transformation could never reveal the truth.
Thus, only one method remained.
Sect-exclusive martial arts and martial prowess.
He could only verify these two most direct and unambiguous factors.
‘If Chong Gyo Ryeong attacked or tested directly, there would be room for pressure and doubt.’
In the end, Chong Gyo Ryeong Yeop Hyo Cheon’s choice was
‘to strike the enemy’s shield with the enemy’s own blade’—there was no other option.
‘Fortune favored me.’
Yet even knowing Yeop Hyo Cheon’s true intentions,
Unless the real Bu Eunseol somehow split into two people, there was no way to shatter this illusion.
Yeop Hyo Cheon understood this truth well, which is precisely why he had so brazenly summoned Seon Woo Jin to the Demon Palace.
And Bu Eunseol had truly been fortunate.
He recalled the face of the one who had sought him out at the Jam Ma Gak not long ago.
A frame towering a full hand’s breadth taller than the Team Members, shoulders broad and imposing as a sprawling mountain range.
Muscles like twisted steel that seemed to ripple and pulse with every movement.
A presence that radiated such overwhelming majesty as to dominate the very heavens themselves—that very figure.
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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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