The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 853

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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 853.
Yu Woon Ryong sighed deeply and spoke.
“You just watched and did nothing?”
“What else was I supposed to do, dance while watching?”
“A woman was kidnapped.”
“It wasn’t a woman being kidnapped—it was a reckless martial artist who charged alone into the Ingui Party and got herself captured.”
“So she is….”
Yu Woon Ryong, about to reveal Dan Ri Yu Hwa’s true identity, shook his head.
The Changwol Sect Master and the Hyuk Ryeon Dang Master merely maintained close relations.
The Changwol Sect had never been of interest to the senior figures of the Demon Hall from the start.
Moreover, since Dan Ri Yu Hwa had never operated in the Zhong Yuan martial world, there was no way they could know her true nature.
Knock, knock.
At that moment, the sound of knocking came from the door, and Mu Gwang, his adjutant, entered.
“Lord.”
After offering his respects to Yu Woon Ryong, Mu Gwang gave a light greeting to Won Se Moon and Jo Nam Cheon as well.
“Lord Won, Lord Jo.”
Then he spoke carefully.
“This is urgent news relayed from the Sa Hon Dae. I thought you should hear it immediately.”
“Speak.”
“The Changwol Sect Master’s deputy, Dan Ri Yu Hwa, who has been repeatedly clashing with the Ingui Party due to Bun Ta’s establishment, was discovered attempting to infiltrate the Ingui Party in secret, and was ultimately captured in Seong Do.”
The Sa Hon Dae’s intelligence network was formidable.
They were immediately relaying what Won Se Moon and Jo Nam Cheon had just witnessed in Seong Do.
“It seems she intended to confirm the unsavory rumors about the Ingui Party, obtain evidence, and use it advantageously in factional disputes.”
The Changwol Sect’s Bun Ta was positioned in a territory very close to where the Ingui Party had established itself.
The Ingui Party, which had joined the Heuk Do Alliance, was subtly pressuring the Changwol Sect’s Bun Ta establishment.
However, recently, unsavory rumors about the Ingui Party had been circulating among intelligence circles.
There were whispers that they were kidnapping women and using it as their capital.
It appeared that Dan Ri Yu Hwa had obtained this information and infiltrated the Ingui Party.
She seemed to have devised a simple yet reckless plan to verify the truth and neutralize the subtle pressure coming from the Heuk Do Alliance.
“This has become rather troublesome.”
Mu Gwang scratched his head.
“Now we’ll have to deal with the Ingui Party much later than planned.”
By coincidence, Yu Woon Ryong had also obtained information about the Ingui Party’s kidnapping of women and was planning their elimination.
He had wanted to confirm the rumors about women being kidnapped with certainty.
However, intelligence had been obtained indicating that some force was backing them.
Therefore, he had been preparing to proceed with a plan to eliminate the Ingui Party through meetings with the other Lords.
But then, unexpectedly, Dan Ri Yu Hwa had gotten herself captured.
“What do you mean? So the woman who was captured earlier is the Changwol Sect’s deputy?”
As Won Se Moon and Jo Nam Cheon opened their mouths in shock, Yu Woon Ryong nodded.
“That’s right.”
“That’s quite a remarkable twist of fate.”
Won Se Moon and Jo Nam Cheon exchanged glances of astonishment.
The woman who had been so brutally dragged away by the Ingui Party was once the sect master of Changwol Sect—a prospective match for Yu Woon Ryong himself?
“Had things worked out with Yu Dae Ju, her life would have been smooth sailing.”
“Indeed. The Changwol Sect Master certainly tried hard enough to win the heart of the Hyuk Ryeon Dang Master.”
Yet despite knowing this truth,
they spoke of it as though watching a fire across a distant river—with detached indifference.
No matter how much they had been influenced by Bu Eunseol, their roots remained in the Demonic Path.
They cared little for the affairs of others,
and had no reason to concern themselves with Dan Ri Yu Hwa, whom Yu Woon Ryong had merely met once for a prospective match.
“It seems the Ingui Party will be untouchable for the time being.”
Mu Gwang spoke calmly.
“After all, the sect master of Changwol Sect, who has connections with the lord of Ben Jeon, has been captured by the Ingui Party, which belongs to the Heuk Do Alliance. If Ben Jeon mobilizes its forces, it could create unnecessary friction with the Heuk Do.”
“Hmm.”
“They won’t suffer greatly. We cannot wage war against Changwol Sect in the current situation, so it will likely end with them demanding a ransom.”
The Ingui Party is a Black Path faction, and in the Black Path, money is law.
Not only did they infiltrate the sect covertly, but they also slew martial artists and fled.
Even if Ma Cheon Je intervenes, the justification lies with the Ingui Party.
It was as clear as day that they would demand an enormous sum in exchange for releasing Dan Ri Yu Hwa.
“Yu Dae Ju, why such a grave expression?”
Won Se Moon spoke as though finding it odd.
“Surely you’re not thinking of storming the Ingui Party over a single prospective match?”
“Of course not.”
Jo Nam Cheon shrugged as he spoke.
“Yu Dae Ju is the mind of Ben Jeon. Would such a person ruin a grand strategy over a fleeting connection?”
The two men jested, but their words were not entirely without merit.
To abandon a carefully laid plan spanning years for a chance encounter or two?
That would be a disqualifying judgment for a strategist of Sayoung Hall.
‘But the Changwol Sect Master is an exceptionally rigid man. Negotiations will likely face prolonged difficulties.’
The Changwol Sect Master was rigid when viewed charitably, but obstinate when viewed critically.
Moreover, as one who valued propriety greatly, he would not easily accept the Ingui Party’s demand for a substantial ransom.
“The Changwol Sect Master and the Hyuk Ryeon Dang Master of Ben Jeon share quite a close bond.”
Mu Gwang spoke in a measured tone, noticing Yu Woon Ryong’s hardened expression.
“For that reason alone, the Ingui Party will not dare mistreat her.”
The Ingui Party is, after all, a Black Path faction.
If they mistreat her, they cannot extract a ransom,
and they risk collision with the Demon Palace. They would never act recklessly.
‘That’s right. This is not my concern.’
Yu Woon Ryong nodded and spoke to Mu Gwang.
“Understood. Then regarding the Ingui Party matter….”
But then, suddenly.
The radiant smile of Dan Ri Yu Hwa as she gazed upon a weeping child in the Market Street came flooding back to me.
‘Hmm.’
Though her temperament was somewhat volatile, she remained fundamentally pure and virtuous.
Her infiltration of the Ingui Party was likely motivated not only
by negotiations with the senior figures of the Demon Palace to establish Bun Ta,
and by a desire to assist the Chang Wol Mun Master, who was expending considerable effort and resources.
But also by righteous indignation upon learning that women had been abducted.
And if I were to leave her as she was?
There was no way of knowing when she would be released or what suffering she would endure.
“Summon the Chuhon Dae Master to the Conference Hall.”
“Yes?”
“I have matters to discuss with him.”
Yu Woon Ryong rose from his seat with a sigh.
In the end, he had resolved to rescue Dan Ri Yu Hwa himself.
* * *
The Ingui Party was concealed deep within a misty mountain valley, nestled beneath treacherous cliffs.
Its outward appearance resembled less a martial sect
than a long-abandoned, desolate compound.
Yet Yu Woon Ryong could discern at a glance that these illusions were concealed by mystical formations.
“Who approaches?”
Upon entering the Ingui Party’s entrance,
a figure bearing countless blade scars and a most sinister gaze suddenly materialized.
Even if mechanical devices or formation arrays were installed at the entrance,
such fluid movement would be invisible without exceptional lightness technique.
‘A mere gatekeeper possesses such martial prowess…’
His eyes gleamed.
‘So they are not merely flourishing by fortune.’
Yu Woon Ryong, dismissing his rising thoughts, spoke calmly.
“Yu Woon Ryong, Second-Rank Lord of the Sanghak Dae, of the Demon Palace.”
“The Demon Palace.”
“Indeed. I sent word beforehand under the name of the Ben Jeon.”
“Ah.”
The warrior nodded, recollection dawning.
“Follow me.”
Upon entering the Ingui Party, dense mist enveloped all directions.
Like the Green Forest strongholds,
they had laid mystical formations within to prevent outsiders from discerning the structure and internal layout when visiting.
“Walk precisely in the order I walk.”
The warrior’s manner of speech resembled less a Dark Path adherent than a ruthless Green Forest brigand.
Yu Woon Ryong nodded without betraying any emotion.
“Very well.”
The gatekeeper walked slowly through the mist, one deliberate step after another.
Yu Woon Ryong followed earnestly in his footsteps.
After walking for roughly a quarter hour, the mist finally parted, revealing a dilapidated Palace Hall.
“This way.”
Upon entering the hall, the interior was adorned with imperial splendor, utterly unlike its shabby exterior.
At the far end stood an ornate chair upon a raised Platform, positioned as if for an emperor’s throne.
A man sat there, chin resting languidly upon his palm.
His frame was bear-like, his gaze sharp as a hawk’s.
With eyes of profound depth and an aquiline nose, he appeared more a man of the western regions than of Zhong Yuan.
He was none other than Jeon Baek Seung, the Master of Ingui Party, known as the Ghost-Sealing Sword.
“I am Yu Woon Ryong, Lord of Sanghak Dae.”
Though Ingui Party was but a minor faction with fewer than three hundred fighters, Jeon Baek Seung stood as the supreme leader of Il Mun.
Yu Woon Ryong clasped his hands respectfully in salute.
“Hmm.”
Jeon Baek Seung reclined in his chair and spoke with indifference.
“What brings the Lord of Demon Hall to our humble party?”
“I heard that my friend was being held here, and I had no choice but to come.”
“Your friend, you say?”
“Dan Ri Yu Hwa, the only daughter of the Master of Changwol Sect.”
Jeon Baek Seung uttered a sound of acknowledgment.
“I’ve heard the Master of Changwol Sect shares deep ties with the Master of Hyuk Ryeon Dang, but I never knew you of Sayoung Battle Division were acquainted as well.”
“Is she unharmed?”
“Of course.”
Jeon Baek Seung smiled faintly.
“She is valuable merchandise—why would I damage her and diminish her worth?”
“She is not merchandise. She is my friend.”
The edge in Yu Woon Ryong’s voice drew a snort from Jeon Baek Seung.
“Ah, so the Lord of Sayoung Battle Division speaks plainly. I respect that.”
Jeon Baek Seung continued without hesitation.
“She infiltrated our party in secret. During her escape, she wounded more than a dozen of our fighters.”
Jeon Baek Seung drew a deep breath and shook his head.
“I do not understand why the Lord of Sayoung Battle Division involves himself in this matter, but this is something Changwol Sect and our party must resolve.”
His eyes flashed with keen intensity.
“No matter how formidable Demon Hall’s power may be, if you act so directly… would this not escalate into a conflict between the Demonic Path and the Black Path?”
“Please do not misunderstand.”
Yu Woon Ryong spoke with measured calm.
“I revealed my affiliation only to meet with you, the Master. I harbor no intention of leveraging Demon Hall’s influence.”
He continued with utmost sincerity.
“As I mentioned before, she and I share a good rapport. That’s why I’ve taken on this matter as a friend.”
“A friend, you say.”
Jeon Baek Seung curved his lips into an enigmatic smile.
He understood what those words truly meant.
“Somehow, I have a premonition that good fortune is about to befall our organization.”
“Since the Lord’s temperament seems refreshingly straightforward, I shall speak with equal directness.”
Yu Woon Ryong spoke without hesitation.
“What sum would satisfy you?”
The Dark Path’s reason for existence is wealth, and its ultimate objective is likewise wealth.
Jeon Baek Seung’s negotiation with the Changwol Sect Master was ultimately about receiving a ransom.
Yu Woon Ryong was now offering to pay that ransom himself.
“Hahahaha.”
Jeon Baek Seung laughed heartily as he spoke.
“Truly, you live up to the reputation of a hero from the Demonic Path.”
Once his laughter subsided, his tone became ice-cold.
“The value of a treasure is determined by the one who wishes to purchase it, is it not?”
Such a proposal was akin to a scheme to endlessly drive up the price.
Jeon Baek Seung spoke with unhurried composure.
“The Changwol Sect Master will likely arrive soon with the Hyuk Ryeon Dang Master, so there’s no need for Lord Yu to spend such a vast sum all at once.”
In other words, he was saying: ‘Give me the sum of what you’ll pay plus what the Changwol Sect will pay.’
In that instant, Yu Woon Ryong’s gaze turned glacial.
“Out of respect for the Muk Hon Ryeong Ju who leads the Sayeong Hall, I trust you won’t treat us with such stinginess.”
He then withdrew a promissory note from his garment.
The subordinate waiting below immediately rushed forward and handed the note to Jeon Baek Seung.
“Ho.”
Jeon Baek Seung gazed at the promissory note and smiled.
“Indeed, you possess the magnanimity befitting the Lord of the Sayeong Hall, which shakes the realm.”
A smile played across Jeon Baek Seung’s lips.
The sum written there was three times greater than the amount he had originally intended to demand from the Changwol Sect.
“Excellent.”
Jeon Baek Seung nodded with a satisfied expression.
“Out of consideration for the Lord’s honor, let us conclude matters here.”
He then addressed his subordinate.
“Bring her here.”
“I shall retrieve her myself.”
“That is not permissible.”
Jeon Baek Seung shook his head.
“The place where she is confined is a forbidden zone that outsiders cannot access.”
He spoke with firm resolve.
“I wish to avoid creating problems with the Demon Palace if possible. You understand what I mean, do you not?”
Yu Woon Ryong nodded reluctantly.
“Of course.”
Jeon Baek Seung nodded and spoke to his subordinate.
“Escort Yu Dae Ju to the Guest Hall.”
Then, gazing at Yu Woon Ryong, he wore a sinister smile.
“Wait there. I’ll bring her shortly.”
Yu Woon Ryong nodded and followed the warrior outside.
But then, suddenly glancing toward something, a faint smile crossed his lips.
‘Success.’
Hyeonhyeon Muyeong.
He had discovered traces of Wi Cheon Gyeong’s divine movement technique—one that allowed the body to pass through gaps no larger than a palm in a single breath.
* * *
A masked warrior of the Ingui Party
headed toward the Underground Prison hidden deep within the mountains.
The Underground Prison was constructed to remain inconspicuous even upon close inspection, utilizing the natural terrain to its fullest advantage.
Beyond a cliff where a small waterfall cascaded, following a path thick with fallen leaves, a massive boulder came into view.
Thud, thud.
The moment the masked Ingui Party warrior arrived, he traced something on the ground with his foot.
Rumble.
With a resonant sound, the entrance to the small Underground Prison revealed itself.
This false boulder was fashioned to appear as part of the mountain itself, making it nearly impossible to detect
even for masters well-versed in the secrets of such facilities.
Thud, thud.
As the warrior entered the narrow, dark cavern, a musty stench assailed his nostrils.
The deeper he ventured, the wider the corridor became, with torches mounted on the walls illuminating the passage.
Finally reaching the end of the corridor, a thick iron gate stood before him.
In essence, they had carved out an entire mountain to construct this Underground Prison.
The Ingui Party was, after all, a Black Path Faction that accepted contracts and executed them.
Yet why had they secretly constructed such a massive Underground Prison at their main base?
Clang.
At that moment, with a dull metallic sound, the iron gate opposite swung open.
The landscape of the stone Underground Prison was revealed.
The stone floor was saturated with moisture, and with each step, murky water oozed forth.
Multiple cells divided by rusted iron bars, with chains and shackles prepared in each chamber.
Before the entrance of the Underground Prison stood stern-faced guards, vigilant on all sides.
“Deputy Master Bu.”
The guards bowed respectfully upon seeing the masked warrior.
The masked assassin was none other than Sang Gon, the Deputy Master of the Ingui Party.
“Open the gate.”
At Sang Gon’s command, the guards opened the firmly sealed iron gate.
Clang.
Then I saw a haggard woman sitting confined in that cell.
It was Dan Ri Yu Hwa.
“You’re taking her away already?”
At Wi Sa’s question, Sang Gon replied matter-of-factly.
“The Lord of Demon Palace paid a generous ransom, I hear. So he ordered her release.”
“What? The Lord of Demon Palace?”
“Indeed. Before the Master of Changwol Sect could arrive, the Lord of Demon Palace had already concluded negotiations with the Party Leader.”
“Ah, what a shame.”
Wi Sa, who guarded the Underground Prison, smacked his lips as he spoke.
“She was a beauty in a completely different league from all the pleasure slaves we’ve held before.”
“Nonsense. It was just a matter of taking the money and being done with it.”
Sang Gon waved his hand dismissively and released Dan Ri Yu Hwa’s Blood Sealing Point, which had been suppressed by the Demonic Seal.
Shiver.
Though her Demonic Seal was released, her inner power remained suppressed.
Because of this, her movements were extremely sluggish and her complexion deathly pale.
“You’re quite fortunate. Among all those imprisoned in this party’s Underground Prison, you’re the first to leave so quickly.”
To Sang Gon’s words, Dan Ri Yu Hwa offered no response.
“Follow me, the Deputy Party Leader.”
He paid no mind and led her back outside.
But as Sang Gon walked for some distance, he discovered something in the Underground Prison’s corridor and his eyes gleamed.
‘So that’s how it was.’
After examining something for a while, he soon continued walking with an utterly unconcerned demeanor.
Following Deputy Party Leader Sang Gon out of the Underground Prison, she was guided by a young martial artist into the Guest Hall of Ingui Party.
There sat a young man with a weary face in a chair.
It was Yu Woon Ryong.
“Were you the Lord of Demon Palace who paid my ransom?”
After hearing Sang Gon mention that the Lord of Demon Palace had concluded negotiations,
she had assumed her father had conducted the negotiation through the Hyuk Ryeon Dang Master’s subordinates.
But to think that Lord was none other than Yu Woon Ryong?
“Are you unharmed?”
At Yu Woon Ryong’s question, Dan Ri Yu Hwa asked with an expression of incomprehension.
“Why did you negotiate with the Ingui Party Leader?”
“We can discuss the details later. Let’s leave quickly.”
From Yu Woon Ryong’s words, Dan Ri Yu Hwa could immediately grasp the situation.
She was the one who had arbitrarily infiltrated another sect and slain its martial artists, while the justification lay with Ingui Party.
But given her father’s uncompromising nature, negotiations would inevitably drag on interminably.
Yu Woon Ryong, understanding this well, had stepped forward for her sake.
‘So I would endure hardship for a long time.’
“Ah, right.”
Yu Woon Ryong extended his index and middle fingers, pouring Finger Wind into her Qi Hai acupoint.
As the Blood Sealing Point opened, the internal energy that had been blocked gradually began to return.
“The Ingui Party isn’t a mercenary organization.”
As her internal energy returned, Dan Ri Yu Hwa transmitted her voice with an apologetic expression.
“They’re a human trafficking organization that abducts women and sells them into sexual slavery. I was captured while trying to uncover this and find evidence.”
But Yu Woon Ryong led her forward as if he hadn’t heard anything at all.
The two of them left the Guest Hall and headed toward the Main Gate.
Just as they were about to exit through the wide-open great doors,
Boom.
Suddenly the great doors slammed shut, and
Whoosh whoosh whoosh whoosh.
Two hundred martial artists began to surround Yu Woon Ryong and Dan Ri Yu Hwa.
And before the assembled warriors, Jeon Baek Seung slowly walked forward.
“What is the meaning of this, Lord?”
“How unfortunate.”
He looked down at Yu Woon Ryong and Dan Ri Yu Hwa and spoke coldly.
“I thought it was a good deal made in good faith, but it turns out you’ve been making a fool of this Lord.”
“I’m not sure what you mean.”
“Do you think I carved out that mountain and created this vast Underground Prison out of mere boredom?”
He spoke coldly.
“Inside the Cheon Go Geum Ok, there are mechanical devices that detect anyone entering beyond the designated personnel.”
Jeon Baek Seung regarded Yu Woon Ryong with piercing eyes.
“Moreover, I heard that the Sayoung Battle Division once pulled a similar trick on the Seo Mun Family. First, they send someone ahead….”
“….”
“Drawing all attention and draining everyone’s focus… then a latecomer infiltrates to find evidence. That’s the method, isn’t it?”
“Sigh.”
Yu Woon Ryong exhaled deeply and nodded.
“So the Blood Cult is behind this. Your intelligence network is impressive.”
In that moment, Dan Ri Yu Hwa’s mouth fell open.
The Ingui Party was a new faction of the Black Path.
But the Blood Cult is behind it? What did this mean?
“What are you talking about? The Blood Cult?”
“If the Blood Cult installs Bun Ta, who has the coloring of a Murim faction, wouldn’t our Sayoung Battle Division keep discovering and destroying them?”
He stared intently at Jeon Baek Seung as he spoke.
“After much deliberation, the Blood Cult supports Black Path factions and has grown its influence by providing enslaved women to the heads of various circles.”
Yu Woon Ryong sighed.
“The Black Path factions aren’t something the Demonic Path can easily touch. Even if we seized and destroyed the evidence, it would become a collision between the Demonic Path and the Black Path.”
Dan Ri Yu Hwa’s eyes widened.
She had simply heard rumors that the Ingui Party, which was in conflict with Bun Ta’s forces, was engaged in human trafficking.
She had only tried to seize the evidence, dismantle the Ingui Party, and establish Bun Ta’s stable rule.
But it turned out the Blood Cult was behind them all along, and this entire scheme was designed to pit the Demonic Path against the Black Path Factions against each other?
“Then why did you come here knowing that?”
Jeon Baek Seung tilted his head as he regarded Yu Woon Ryong.
“You already know there are no reinforcements. You couldn’t bring any forces from hundreds of li around.”
….
“Even if you secretly brought troops from the Sayoung Battle Division, the collision between the Demonic Path and Black Path Factions would be unavoidable anyway.”
Yu Woon Ryong shook his head.
“Killing you won’t prevent the clash between the Demon Palace and the Black Path Factions.”
Clang.
At that very moment, a segmented staff with ten joints shot forth from Yu Woon Ryong’s sleeve.
A ten-section staff—the Dok Moon weapon that had been bound to his wrist now revealed itself.
“Because I will hold you accountable for kidnapping the Lord’s dear friend….”
A pristine killing intent erupted from Yu Woon Ryong’s eyes, visible between his disheveled hair.
“I’ll make it so that I alone slaughtered every last one of you!”

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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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