The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 844
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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 844.
An invincible existence wherever darkness dwells—the Dark King.
This title referred to Yeop Hyo Cheon, the left commander of the Four Gods Seven Kings.
He could completely conceal his form within darkness, and could condense darkness into weapons or hidden tools.
Moreover, he could amplify an enemy’s fear through darkness, create illusions, and even steal an opponent’s martial techniques.
His martial prowess was evaluated as virtually equal to that of Samma.
Yet even he, who appeared flawless in every regard, harbored a fatal flaw.
It was the position of Chong Gyo Ryeong.
Though his treatment matched that of a vice-master, his actual authority had been deliberately curtailed.
But Yeop Hyo Cheon had never once voiced a complaint.
He commanded the Demon Palace in place of Ma Cheon Je, who repeatedly secluded himself, and faithfully discharged his duties.
Had this been the Murim Alliance instead?
He would surely have earned considerable respect.
But this was the Demon Palace.
Such loyal conduct might earn Ma Cheon Je’s trust, yet it stood far removed from the tyrannical way of the Demonic Path.
―From the Chong Gyo Ryeong’s position, it was unavoidable.
Still, those of the Demonic Path could understand Yeop Hyo Cheon’s circumstances to some degree.
Ma Cheon Je.
Among all the supreme Demonic Lords across generations,
he was counted as the mightiest—a transcendent great demon who reigned as master of the Demon Palace.
Ma Cheon Je would never forgive those who did not offer absolute obedience,
and would instantly behead anyone who showed even the slightest disloyalty.
Indeed, even Dan Wol Hon, known for his fiery temperament as the Reverse Heaven Wild Star, swore absolute loyalty to Ma Cheon Je, did he not?
The only exception was Bu Eunseol, the Muk Hon Ryeong Ju, yet even she outwardly submitted to Ma Cheon Je.
Thus, in the Demonic Path, there was not a single soul who dared cross Ma Cheon Je’s will.
But how could anyone know?
Contrary to what the world believed—he harbored no loyalty to Ma Cheon Je. No, he despised the Demon Palace itself.
Demon Palace, Sole Brightness Pavilion, Yeop Hyo Cheon’s office.
“Formidable.”
In the secret chamber within his office, Yeop Hyo Cheon wore a pleased expression as he read the dispatches his subordinate had provided.
“Remarkably so.”
According to the reports, Bu Eunseol grew stronger with each passing day.
He had even recently defeated Jang In, the master of the Changcheon Alliance.
Considering that he had not yet reached his thirties,
this represented an extraordinary rate of advancement that surpassed even the current generation’s supreme masters.
If this momentum continued for merely another decade?
His martial prowess would undoubtedly reach the pinnacle of Murim.
“Sa Do Moo Myung. He is merely wasting his efforts.”
Yeop Hyo Cheon knew it all.
Ma Cheon Je was convinced that Bu Eunseol was Cheon Am Sung, and was waiting for the moment that truth would be revealed.
“What is Cheon Am Sung compared to me?”
He let out a derisive snort.
“What truly terrifies me is the fact that the child has inherited Bu Chanyang’s power.”
The world knows nothing of it.
They have no idea how fearsome Bu Chanyang’s strength truly was.
And that terrible power has now passed to Bu Eunseol.
“Break through every trial, Bu Eunseol.”
Yeop Hyo Cheon gazed into the void with gleaming eyes.
“Only then will that power fully manifest.”
But at that very moment,
A wisp of shadow curled through the air.
Black mist rose before the table where he sat.
The Masked Assassin, cloaked entirely in darkness, appeared in a prostrate position.
Without a sound, without a trace, he materialized in this sealed chamber where even air could barely pass.
“Cheon Ju.”
Yeop Hyo Cheon had once been the Cheon Ju of Wu Ya Cheon, the direct organization of Ma Cheon Je.
Perhaps that is why his subordinate still addressed him by that title.
Regardless, Yeop Hyo Cheon spoke in a low voice.
“Report.”
“As you commanded, I have discreetly spread such information, and organizations seeking to track your movements have begun to stir.”
“I see.”
Yeop Hyo Cheon smiled faintly.
“Then it is time I created an appropriate opportunity for them.”
“Understood. And… the discontent of Bi Yeong Gak Ju has become unbearable.”
The subordinate spoke in hushed tones.
“Muk Hon Ryeong Ju has independently established a vast intelligence network, making his whereabouts impossible to trace. Because of this, he can no longer face Ma Cheon Je.”
“The most influential figure of Ben Jeon and the head of the intelligence organization—his pride must be wounded indeed.”
Yeop Hyo Cheon chuckled, and his subordinate continued.
“So Bi Yeong Gak Ju sent this intelligence to you. A Wind God of the current age has appeared, and the restrictions binding the Wind Immortal and Death Immortal among the Eight Immortals Heaven have been broken.”
“Hmm.”
“The Wind Immortal is gathering the forces of the Wind Immortal Heaven again, and the Death Immortal has sent vast numbers of Myeol Jeok Ja to the Yun Hae Byeok Ryeong Gung, which Ben Jeon supplies with spirit herbs for creating elixirs.”
“Myeol Jeok Ja, you say…”
“It appears they intend to mass-produce Myeol Jeok Ja once more using the spirit herbs at Yun Hae Byeok Ryeong Gung.”
“What of Muk Hon Ryeong Ju?”
“His whereabouts remain unknown. Sa Hon Dae’s intelligence network cannot yet detect the Eight Immortals Heaven, so they would be unaware of these developments.”
Yeop Hyo Cheon smiled.
“The way they convey such information without hesitation—they are asking for help. This is the perfect chance to sweep away Sa Young Jeon.”
“Indeed. Since Sa Young Jeon could never know that Myeol Jeok Ja possess the attribute of immortality, even if Ben Jeon suffers losses, they intend to use this as justification to annihilate Sa Young Jeon.”
“Hehehehe, let them do as they wish. Whatever they desire.”
Yeop Hyo Cheon grinned widely.
“However… the condition is that the decision-maker is not the Sect Leader himself, but Bi Yeong Gak Ju in person.”
“Understood.”
“Then shall I step away for a time? Since the Changcheon Alliance has made its appearance, it seems fitting to inspect the Sichuan branch.”
As Yeop Hyo Cheon rose from his seat, a peculiar smile played at the corners of his mouth.
“When I return, something quite entertaining will have unfolded.”
* * *
The Changcheon Alliance had maintained a quiet course ever since the Sect Reformation.
Particularly because the Seon Hwa Trading Company, which rivaled the ten great merchant guilds of Zhong Yuan, generously provided funding.
And because the Sichuan Dang Family, the Nam Goong Family, and the Je Gal Family—all possessing vast fortunes—also contributed resources.
In the early stages of the Reformation, what would normally have been necessary.
Instead of rushing about to gather funds and influence,
they could solidify their foundation by training martial artists and recruiting talented individuals.
If they continued building such a solid base in this manner?
Eventually, the Changcheon Alliance would take deep root in the Murim and grow into an organization capable of threatening the Demon Palace itself.
Thus, Yeop Hyo Cheon went to Sichuan and began meticulously investigating the Changcheon Alliance’s movements and trends while inspecting the Demon Palace’s branch there.
Fortunately, the Changcheon Alliance seemed to harbor no intention of conflict with the Demon Palace, conducting their activities quite amicably with the Demon Palace branch.
They never once encroached upon Demon Palace territory.
“Satisfactory.”
Having completed his inspection to his satisfaction, Yeop Hyo Cheon promptly boarded his carriage again.
“Not that it truly matters.”
I had long since known that the Changcheon Alliance was solidifying its foundation and pursuing a moderate course.
But the Demon Palace was not a place I needed to protect. The Changcheon Alliance’s movements were of no consequence to me.
I had merely conducted this inspection to create a pretext for my departure.
“The Demon Hall itself runs smoothly enough these days.”
Because the Demon Palace Master had once broken his seclusion and then returned to it,
each organization within the Demon Palace now operated well without his direct management.
Ma Cheon Je ruthlessly discards any organization he deems useless.
Therefore, if one wishes to maintain one’s position by remaining attached to the Demon Palace, one must prove one’s worth and capability.
“This is why the Demonic Path is superior.”
Yeop Hyo Cheon murmured softly from within the carriage.
“With mere strength alone, countless complicated matters are resolved with ease.”
The Orthodox Sects like the Murim Alliance must lead their organizations while considering teachers, disciples, and sects, managing countless connections.
The Dark Path Alliance must constantly curry favor with the authorities, feeding them bribes and flattery without end.
The Evil Sect’s members must indoctrinate the descendants of wealthy families with strange doctrines or brainwash common folk.
But the Demon Palace had no such need.
Possess strength, and that suffices.
Once you do, power falls into your grasp of its own accord, subordinates offer their loyalty, and authority follows in its wake.
Of course, there are drawbacks.
Lose your strength or exhaust its utility? Then you are cast aside without mercy.
But is the fate of being discarded when one loses strength exclusive to the Demon Palace?
Rather, it was closer to the universal principle of the world.
Thus, while the laws of the Demonic Path were harsh, they could be called fair and rational.
Clop, clop.
The carriage continued its relentless pace.
Yet in that moment, a peculiar sensation flickered through Yeop Hyo Cheon’s mind.
“Hehehehe.”
He chuckled softly, his expression leisurely as he murmured to himself.
“They arrive quickly indeed.”
Had barely a quarter hour passed?
The parched sky had turned black, and from somewhere, a bone-chilling ghostly wail pierced the air.
“Stop the carriage.”
At Yeop Hyo Cheon’s unhurried command, the racing carriage came to an immediate halt.
Screech.
Descending from the carriage, he gestured to the coachman.
“Return to Demon Palace at once.”
The coachman bowed without question and departed, leading the carriage away.
Yeop Hyo Cheon stood with his hands clasped behind his back, gazing toward the distant sky.
Though the sun hung high in the heavens.
The ground around where he stood had already been consumed by darkness, stained pitch-black as if light itself were being swallowed.
Had another half quarter hour passed?
Mist rose from the opposite direction, spreading like waves, and indistinct forms gradually revealed themselves.
As they drew closer, their shapes became clearer, taking on human form.
What finally emerged was.
Eighteen grotesque beings with skin dark as tarnished metal and eyes glowing crimson red.
Wherever they stepped, black mist spread outward, and the air trembled.
A chilling wind blew, and the air fell silent as if holding its breath in their presence.
“Tsk, still incomplete, I see.”
Yet a smile played across Yeop Hyo Cheon’s lips.
“The research into transforming the human body with dark divine energy.”
Boom.
The eighteen grotesque beings halted their advance.
Simultaneously, black mist rose between them, transforming into the bizarre form of an old man with hair bristling wildly.
“Dark King, Yeop Hyo Cheon.”
“Not Rim Ju, then.”
Upon spotting the old man, Yeop Hyo Cheon spoke with evident disappointment.
“I had hoped, hearing that you had broken through the Absolute Boundary. A pity indeed.”
The old man was a figure from Gokgeomrim.
The grotesque beings that had appeared were human-form dark divine entities created by Gokgeomrim.
“So you possessed the treasure that was stolen from Chil Ji Ma Do.”
The old man spoke in an enraged voice.
“Hand over the orb at once.”
When Yeop Hyo Cheon said nothing, the old man spoke with grave solemnity.
“The Cheon Am Seong is a treasure of Gokgeomrim. Had we not lost it, we would never have needed to hide ourselves away like this.”
Thirty years ago, Gokgeomrim had the Cheon Am Seong stolen by Chil Ji Ma Do.
But since no one could trace Chil Ji Ma Do’s whereabouts, they had been forced to wander Gangho all this time.
Yet at last, they had obtained a clue to the Cheon Am Seong’s location—the second-in-command of Demon Palace.
Yeop Hyo Cheon was keeping it.
Even Gokgeomrim could not openly assault Demon Palace.
So they had kept constant watch on Yeop Hyo Cheon’s movements, and the moment he stepped outside Demon Palace, they struck.
“Here it is.”
Yeop Hyo Cheon withdrew a hemispherical stone from his robes.
The old man’s eyes widened as if they might split.
“Why do you possess only half?”
“Because our leader only ever obtained this half in the first place.”
“I cannot fathom it. Why would the master of Demon Palace need the Cheon Am Seong?”
The old man asked, unable to comprehend.
“Would you truly risk the destruction of your life force and spirit merely to seize a single attribute?”
“That is for our leader to decide.”
Catching the confident expression on Yeop Hyo Cheon’s face, the old man’s eyes flashed.
“You deliberately lured Gokgeomrim out.”
“I did not lure you—you simply came running like stray dogs, your tongues hanging out first.”
Yeop Hyo Cheon’s lips curved into a pristine smile.
“Only by drawing out all those who conspired with her in fabricating the bloodshed at Sa Ha Manor will ‘that one’ emerge, will it not?”
Yeop Hyo Cheon’s eyes, gleaming with white radiance, burned with an utterly sinister light.
“Hahahaha!”
The old man burst into laughter as if finding it absurd.
“You will be dead before then.”
“With that incomplete monstrosity?”
“Even incomplete, it is a Jeon Neung In possessing the functions of the Dark God’s technique. I could reduce you to dust in an instant.”
“Jeon Neung In? Quite the grandiose name.”
“Are you deliberately feigning composure?”
The old man’s eyes flashed as he observed Yeop Hyo Cheon’s calm expression.
“Planning to breach the Absolute Boundary and flee?”
In that moment, one of the Jeon Neung In stepped forward.
Boom.
Suddenly the black sky darkened further, and a transparent barrier materialized dozens of paces in all directions.
“Remarkable. Have you embedded Dark God’s technique possessing the mysteries of formation arrays?”
“You squander your chance to escape, yet still feign leisure.”
As Yeop Hyo Cheon yawned as if bored, the old man clicked his tongue in response.
“With this many Jeon Neung In, even Samma would perish without effort. Your arrogance is astounding, Yeop Hyo Cheon.”
“Samma? You’ve got it all wrong.”
Yeop Hyo Cheon’s lips curled upward.
“If you had devoted yourselves to Murim activities as diligently as the Three Families, you would have understood the true strength of the current masters of Murim.”
He shook his head.
“You’ve been cooped up in the Absolute Boundary like rats, so you still see the world through a frog’s perspective.”
Yeop Hyo Cheon’s eyes, flushed crimson with rage, had transformed into a pair of demonic orbs.
“The fact that you still dare mock the warriors of Murim tells me everything.”
“Enough of your drivel.”
A chilling murderous intent erupted from the old man’s eyes.
“Reduce that wretch to dust immediately.”
At his command, the Jeon Neung In standing behind him instantly surrounded Yeop Hyo Cheon.
Their bodies, gleaming with a texture like liquid mercury, radiated an otherworldly luminescence.
They were unleashing a transcendent power that no mortal could withstand.
Whoosh.
Yet Yeop Hyo Cheon had already vanished.
True to his name as the Dark King, he had concealed himself within the darkness itself.
“How pathetic.”
The old man scoffed and stamped his foot.
“Drive out the darkness first.”
The Jeon Neung In’s black skin then transformed to silver.
The dark sky vanished, replaced by an intensely brilliant light that seared the eyes.
Screech.
The entire world became blindingly white, yet Yeop Hyo Cheon was nowhere to be found.
Swish, swish.
The Jeon Neung In scanned their surroundings.
Each of them was no different from a divine being wielding mysterious power.
The force they unleashed could not be blocked by even the most extraordinary martial techniques.
Yet such overwhelming strength—
was useless if the target could not be found.
“Impressive concealment technique.”
The old man merely scoffed.
“Did you think hiding like a rat would be the end of it?”
He then nodded toward one of the Jeon Neung In.
Crack!
As he clapped his hands, a tremendous shockwave erupted, sending transparent energy rippling in all directions.
But before that energy could fully extend—
Boom.
With the sound of a massive metal object falling, the head of the Jeon Neung In who had clapped rolled across the ground.
“Seize him!”
As the old man cried out, the Jeon Neung In moved at speeds invisible to the naked eye.
I attempted to locate Yeop Hyo Cheon’s position hidden within the Absolute Boundary.
But it was futile.
No trace of Yeop Hyo Cheon could be found anywhere.
“Then I have no choice but to turn this entire area into a space of death!”
the Old Innkeeper cried out,
Boom. Boom.
In that instant, the necks of the Jeon Neung In attempting to unleash their power fell one after another.
The abilities of the Jeon Neung In could be called virtually invincible.
However, there was one critical flaw—the moment they unleashed their power, an extremely brief opening appeared.
Yeop Hyo Cheon perceived this weakness at a glance and, seizing that fleeting instant, severed their necks.
“Unleash the Space Rupture!”
At the Old Innkeeper’s command, waves of brilliant light rippled forth from one of the Jeon Neung In’s bodies.
The very fabric of the severed space within the Absolute Boundary warped and twisted, and a wind that seemed ready to tear the entire world asunder began to blow.
He was determined to kill Yeop Hyo Cheon even if it meant mutual destruction.
Boom.
But it was useless.
Before the Space Rupture’s power could fully manifest, another Jeon Neung In’s neck was severed.
Yet Yeop Hyo Cheon’s form remained completely invisible.
“Where are you!”
The enraged Old Innkeeper looked around and shouted.
“Stop hiding like a rat and show yourself!”
[Hmm.]
Then a low sigh escaped from Yeop Hyo Cheon.
[An incomplete form won’t do.]
As Yeop Hyo Cheon spoke, the Jeon Neung In immediately unleashed a tremendous wave of force in that direction.
But there was nothing there.
“Dark… King.”
Only then did the Old Innkeeper comprehend what Yeop Hyo Cheon’s epithet truly meant.
Not merely because he concealed his body through darkness and deployed his martial arts.
Rather, he could manifest darkness whenever and wherever he wished, and could even cast shadow upon the very spirits of his enemies…
He was a true master of darkness itself.
Crack. Boom.
Another Jeon Neung In’s neck fell in that interval.
Of the eighteen Jeon Neung In, only ten remained.
Crack. Boom.
Each time a neck fell, the Old Innkeeper’s body trembled violently.
Without Yeop Hyo Cheon’s permission, he could not perceive his form.
He could not even take his own life.
He could only remain trapped in endless darkness, awaiting his judgment.
Boom.
With a dull thud, the last of the Jeon Neung In standing around the old man finally collapsed.
“You wretched creature!”
The old man cried out, his eyes swirling with rage and terror.
“Yeop Hyo Cheon! Are you saying you’re stronger than Samma?”
He surveyed his surroundings once more, his fists clenching tightly.
“How is this possible? At this level, I should be able to strike down even Ma Cheon Je!”
[Pathetic.]
Then Yeop Hyo Cheon’s voice reached his ears.
[Because you fail to perceive the true nature of things, you suffer as you do.]
Serrrk.
Suddenly, a bone-chilling cutting sound pierced his ears.
In that same instant, the old man’s vision flooded crimson.
It was the last landscape he would ever witness in life.
Saaah.
With the old man’s death, the transparent wall that had sealed off dozens of paces in every direction vanished.
The surrounding scenery began to reclaim its true colors.
The Absolute Boundary had shattered.
“How unfortunate.”
Yeop Hyo Cheon, now visible once more, clicked his tongue as he gazed upon the fallen old man.
“Of all things, I caught nothing but a small fry from Gokgeomrim.”
The Cheon Am Sung could only manifest its true power when unified as one.
“But now that Gokgeomrim has moved, ‘he’ will surely move as well.”
Yeop Hyo Cheon’s eyes gleamed with intensity.
Soon, the one who possessed the remaining fragment of the Cheon Am Sung would reveal themselves to him.
“It draws closer to completion with each passing moment….”
Yeop Hyo Cheon gazed toward the distant sky, his expression grave.
“Before long, I shall become your master.”
Rumble!
In that instant, lightning struck from a cloudless sky.
As the bolt descended, the world plunged into darkness.
And in the space where Yeop Hyo Cheon stood, the silhouette of a Demon King with golden eyes blazing brilliantly flickered for but a moment.
“Hmm.”
As the sky cleared once more, there stood Yeop Hyo Cheon as if nothing had transpired, his hair neatly combed back.
“Now then, shall I go witness the amusing spectacle about to unfold at Ben Jeon?”
With a low chuckle, his figure vanished into the sky in an instant.
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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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