The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 864

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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 864.
Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong was a sect with an absolute prohibition against men.
No man was ever allowed inside, and they were wary of outsiders.
In particular, when Chae Hwa Eum Jeok had an affair with one of her disciples in the past, she leaked the secret method of entry into Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong.
As a result, So Jeong Ju Geuk Hye Bin was taken hostage by Eum Jeok, and a tragic accident occurred in which her vocal cords were severed.
After that, Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong invested tens of millions to further strengthen the Muryangcheonsu Gwan.
They made it so that no one could enter or leave without Jeong Ju’s permission.
But another accident occurred.
The Muryangcheonsu Gwan was shattered when they tried to stop the visit of Bu Eunseol, one of the Ten Demon Immortals.
From that day on, the sect’s greatest treasure—the ability to completely block outsiders—was lost.
Understanding this situation, Bu Eunseol,
together with Hyuk So Jin, provided the supreme martial arts of Jeol Cheon Myul Ji to strengthen Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong’s capabilities, while simultaneously
refining the martial techniques passed down through generations and teaching the Baek Hwa Nang Rang disciples.
She made it so the sect could protect itself without relying on external power.
In the meantime, Bu Eunseol healed the hearts of So Jeong Ju and Geuk Hye Bin, whose emotions had been destroyed,
and obtained honey from the Jade Phoenix to even repair her severed vocal cords.
Moreover, recently she discovered the location of the pond where the heavy water existed and restored the Muryangcheonsu Gwan once more…
Bu Eunseol was truly nothing less than the benefactor who gave Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong a new birth.
“Ryeong Ju.”
When Bu Eunseol arrived at Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong, not only the senior disciples but even Jeong Ju Geuk Hye Ryeong were waiting in advance at the gate.
Regardless of rank, Bu Eunseol was the greatest guest and benefactor of Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong.
“Jeong Ju.”
Bu Eunseol bowed respectfully.
“There is no need for such an elaborate welcome.”
“This is not the intention of this Jeong Ju alone.”
Geuk Hye Ryeong said with a smile.
“The disciples gathered of their own accord to see Ryeong Ju, the most handsome man in all of Tianxia.”
Bu Eunseol rarely appeared in official settings and moved through Gangho in secrecy.
So very few people had actually seen his true face.
However, because he had stayed at Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong for a long time during his days as one of the Ten Demon Immortals,
all the disciples knew well that Bu Eunseol possessed an appearance as noble and refined as an immortal descended from the celestial realm.
So when they heard he was coming, they rushed over in a crowd to wait.
“Elder Brother.”
Beside Geuk Hye Ryeong stood a beautiful girl who appeared to be around thirteen or fourteen years old, bowing respectfully to Bu Eunseol.
It was So Jeong Ju Geuk Hye Bin.
“Have you been well?”
Thanks to the Jade Phoenix honey, Geuk Hye Bin had been able to partially recover her vocal cords.
Now she could speak with a normal voice like ordinary people.
“Yes, I have been well.”
When Bu Eunseol asked, Geuk Hye Bin nodded shyly with a smile.
“Yes.”
It was then that Geuk Hye Ryeong asked.
“Who is he?”
She had been by Bu Eunseol’s side the entire time.
She was curious about the identity of Han Sang Ja, who wore garments that made it unclear whether he was a Taoist Priest or a scholar.
“He doesn’t seem to be of the Demonic Path.”
Surrounded by countless disciples in this public setting.
Bu Eunseol, unable to openly reveal her status as a Sage of Hyeonja Forest, deflected the question.
“He is a friend who is helping me with this matter.”
Han Sang Ja bowed respectfully to Geuk Hye Ryeong in accordance with her words.
“I am Han Sang Ja.”
Thinking Han Sang Ja was not a particularly significant figure, Geuk Hye Ryeong nodded dismissively.
“I see.”
“Jeong Ju. Actually, there is something I must discuss with you….”
“Come here first. I have prepared a banquet, and we can speak there.”
Geuk Hye Ryeong attempted to lead Bu Eunseol inside personally.
“Jeong Ju, there is an urgent matter that cannot wait. I must consult with you immediately.”
“Consult?”
“Yes.”
Bu Eunseol glanced at Geuk Hye Bin and spoke again.
“I need the assistance of So Jeong Ju.”
Noticing Bu Eunseol’s grave expression, Geuk Hye Ryeong nodded.
“I see. Let us move to another place.”
Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong, Milmil Gak.
In the secret chamber of Milmil Gak, completely sealed off from the outside world, were Bu Eunseol, Han Sang Ja, Geuk Hye Ryeong, and Geuk Hye Bin.
“Now speak. What exactly is this matter?”
At Geuk Hye Ryeong’s words, Bu Eunseol nodded and opened her mouth.
“I have come because of the Executor.”
And she began to calmly explain what she knew about the Executor.
The intelligence network of Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong was among the finest in the Demonic Path, and it had been providing Bu Eunseol with considerable assistance since the days of the Ten Demon Immortals.
And now, since it was completely sharing its intelligence network with Sa Hon Dae.
Geuk Hye Ryeong was also aware of the grave situation in Murim to some degree.
“So that strange legend was actually true.”
Geuk Hye Ryeong was nearly a hundred years old and had long been the leader of one of Murim’s most prominent intelligence organizations.
It seemed she had heard some rumors about the Executor.
“This is a grave matter indeed.”
Geuk Hye Ryeong’s expression darkened.
The laws of Murim, that is.
And that strange entity called the Executor was, in fact, something that no force within the Demonic Path could stop.
“But how did you know that so little time remains?”
No information about the Executor had ever circulated through the Murim.
Yet how could Bu Eunseol possess such knowledge and even discern the remaining time?
‘I cannot speak of Man Wol’s account.’
It was then that Han Sang Ja stepped forward.
“Ben Rim possesses information regarding the Executor. We know that if the initial attack fails, a grace period is granted before the next assault is launched.”
“Ben Rim?”
Bu Eunseol explained Han Sang Ja’s origins.
“He is a descendant of Hyeonja Forest, which vanished from the Murim.”
“Hyeonja Forest.”
Geuk Hye Ryeong’s eyes widened in astonishment.
The sages of the Murim had disappeared decades ago as if they had evaporated.
Currently, only Shin San Ja bore such a title.
Yet Hyeonja Forest still thrived, and had produced such a young sage?
“In truth, I proposed this plan to Ryeong Ju.”
Han Sang Ja stepped forward confidently and laid out his scheme.
“Jeong Ju was born with the Heavenly Fragrance Constitution, but by now, the nature of her constitution may have shifted somewhat.”
He cleared his throat and continued.
“Fortunately, So Jeong Ju was born with the same constitution as Jeong Ju. If So Jeong Ju were to assist, the plan to encounter the Executor could succeed.”
And he laid bare all the stratagems he had devised.
Even if Geuk Hye Bin consented, it could never be executed without Geuk Hye Ryeong’s permission.
“I understand what you’re saying.”
Geuk Hye Ryeong’s sharp gaze swept swiftly across Han Sang Ja’s form.
“But how did you learn that Hye Bin possesses the Heavenly Fragrance Constitution? That is something no intelligence organization could possibly know.”
As befitted the leader of Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong,
she did not overlook the doubt that could have been glossed over.
“In the past, Ben Rim conducted investigations into the leadership of the Righteous Path’s Murim.”
Han Sang Ja answered honestly.
“And it was then that we learned Jeong Ju possessed the Heavenly Fragrance Constitution.”
He did not mention directly infiltrating Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong, but—
his words amounted to an admission that he had investigated Geuk Hye Ryeong.
“I see.”
Though he had expected her to take it somewhat poorly,
Geuk Hye Ryeong nodded with remarkable composure.
“The Hyeonja Forest of old possessed formidable intelligence networks, after all.”
“Thank you for your understanding.”
As Han Sang Ja bowed his head,
“Hye Bin.”
Geuk Hye Ryeong quietly asked her beloved granddaughter.
“Will you attempt it?”
“Yes.”
Geuk Hye Bin nodded without hesitation.
“If it helps Ryeong Ju, there’s nothing more I could ask for.”
Geuk Hye Ryeong nodded.
Though Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong was called a women’s sect, their sense of loyalty ran deeper than any man’s.
How could it be otherwise, when in the past, even during the Saryeong School’s invasion—
—hadn’t Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong risked the very existence of their sect to repay Bu Eunseol’s kindness?
“Thank you.”
Bu Eunseol spoke as if taking an oath.
“Should danger arise, I will protect you with my life on the line.”
“Yes.”
Han Sang Ja nodded at Geuk Hye Bin’s radiant smile.
“Then it seems we must begin now.”
Time was running short.
Moreover, this endeavor required neither vast armies nor immense wealth.
Only faith in Han Sang Ja’s strategy.
And three souls willing to stake their lives.
* * *
The Celestial Fragrance Body.
Not only could it mimic the heart’s fragrance—what was called spiritual essence—
but it possessed the ability to fundamentally understand and perceive another’s spiritual state, and to imitate it as well.
A mystical constitution dwelling within the flesh.
Han Sang Ja had summoned Bu Eunseol and Geuk Hye Bin to the secret chamber.
There, he explained how the Celestial Fragrance Body manifested and how one could imitate another’s spiritual essence.
“Ben Rim’s Heavenly Gold Scripture contains the dharma method to perfectly master the power of the Celestial Fragrance Body.”
Han Sang Ja withdrew a book from his robes.
“I have already excerpted that section. Following this dharma method, So Jeong Ju should be able to perfectly replicate Ryeong Ju’s spiritual essence.”
Geuk Hye Bin nodded and swiftly read through the dharma method.
The text contained the secrets of analyzing all that lay hidden in the depths of the heart—emotions, temperament, experience—
and perceiving or imitating another’s spiritual essence.
“However, this dharma method alone is insufficient.”
Han Sang Ja spoke to Bu Eunseol.
“Ryeong Ju, you must share with So Jeong Ju the story of how you have lived thus far, and all the emotions you felt during those times.”
“Why is that necessary?”
“Your current emotions, Ryeong Ju, are the culmination of all your past emotions.”
Han Sang Ja spoke with the eloquence befitting one from Hyeonja Forest.
He explained at length to Bu Eunseol.
Why she must recount in detail the journey of her life to Geuk Hye Bin—the reason behind it all.
“From now on, I must research the formation techniques to be used in this endeavor, based on the Heavenly Gold Scripture. In the meantime, practice synchronizing well.”
And with that, he immediately departed.
“Mm.”
After deliberating for a long time, Bu Eunseol finally sighed.
“I’m not sure where to begin or how to explain this….”
He offered an awkward smile as he spoke.
“I’ll try to tell you calmly, recounting what comes to mind.”
In truth, this was my first time.
Speaking aloud the traces of my past life.
The fragments of emotion I felt in each moment, those shards of memory.
Conveying them to another person like this.
But so that Geuk Hye Bin could resonate with the same emotional depth as I did.
I shared everything—the process of how I had lived until now, and all the things I think about every day, the emotions I feel.
Patter, patter, patter.
After hearing the entire story, Geuk Hye Bin’s tears fell.
To the eyes of others.
I was a peerless prodigy who had mastered martial arts that ordinary people could never learn in a lifetime of effort.
A countenance more beautiful than any woman, wisdom comparable to the reincarnation of Zhuge Liang himself.
And as the Lord of the Demon Palace, I commanded countless strategists and valiant generals under my banner who would stake their lives on their loyalty to me.
A figure possessed of perfect conditions with nothing to envy in this world.
A young Grand Master unrivaled beneath heaven—yet the reality was entirely different.
I was the loneliest person in the world.
I encountered a single ray of light that allowed me to forget painful memories and see a warm world.
Yet in the end, a demon-like Hyung Su stole everything away.
As I rushed forward for revenge, loyal subordinates gradually gathered around me.
They offer absolute support without doubt to everything I do.
But that absolute trust.
For me, it became an inescapable burden.
For the sake of my subordinates who believe in me.
I could never afford to falter or waver.
Only then could I prevent the loss of my subordinates’ lives.
Whatever I set out to do had to succeed, absolutely and perfectly.
Moreover, having ascended to such lofty and profound heights at such a young age…
There was no one who could fully empathize with what I felt.
Only battles against supreme masters who threatened my very life could soothe my loneliness.
Only then could I feel that I was truly alive.
Thus I abandoned the joy of victory.
The splendor of honor as well…
For revenge alone, I set aside even friendship.
Sometimes even myself, endlessly.
That is why, no matter how extraordinary a person approached me, I could never form a genuine bond.
Because I tried to bear everything alone.
I could not burden those I loved with such a weight.
“Sob, sob.”
Geuk Hye Bin grasped my hand.
After hearing the entire story.
She had come to understand clearly where I was headed.
“Please don’t go, brother.”
With hot tears streaming down her face, she gripped both of my hands tightly.
“There are still so many beautiful things in this world.”
Though it seemed I was deeply involved in the affairs of the Murim.
Though it appeared I lived in harmony with countless people in this turbulent world.
In reality, I was.
Living in solitary desolation within an empty, gray, severed space.
My eyes gazed upon reality.
Yet in truth, I looked only toward that unreachable place where my Grandfather dwelled.
In the end, I was a being that did not belong to this world.
Merely prolonging existence day by day for a journey to depart to a distant place someday.
“I am fine.”
I smiled calmly and patted Geuk Hye Bin’s back.
“That is merely a fragmentary impression. In truth, it is not so.”
That too was the truth.
Merely because one harbors such feelings within one’s heart.
Does not mean all those emotions represent the entirety of my existence.
“And I made a promise with Tan Wang.”
I offered her a gentle smile.
“Never to take my own life.”
It was a tender word I offered to console her in my own way.
Yet Geuk Hye Bin found it all the more sorrowful, shaking her head as tears poured down her face.
“I will ensure you never have such thoughts again.”
Geuk Hye Bin pulled me into a tight embrace.
“I will absolutely do that for you.”
I quietly comforted the weeping Geuk Hye Bin.
My life has not been in vain.
If someone were to ask what karma is, I could answer thus.
A spark etched deep within the heart.
Because that flame exists, I can endure this cold and bitter world.
Knock, knock.
At that moment, with the sound of knocking on the door, Han Sang Ja’s melodious voice rang out.
“Have you memorized all the dharma teachings?”
As he entered the room.
He discovered Geuk Hye Bin weeping with tears and snot streaming down her face and opened his mouth in surprise.
* * *
“…I was mistaken.”
Han Sang Ja, having heard the entire situation from Bu Eunseol, stroked his chin with a troubled expression.
“So Jeong Ju holds Ryeong Ju in such high regard. This is truly an unforeseen circumstance.”
I had merely used the word “admiration” because Geuk Hye Bin was still young.
In truth, it was far closer to deep affection.
Realizing this, Bu Eunseol cleared her throat and changed the subject.
“Are there perhaps any other Heavenly Fragrance Vessels?”
Han Sang Ja released a heavy sigh.
“Would it matter if there were?”
Even if I found another person possessing a Heavenly Fragrance Vessel, it was inconceivable they would stake their life for Bu Eunseol.
Understanding his meaning, Bu Eunseol coughed awkwardly.
“Then let us seek a second-best solution.”
“No, it’s fine. I can do it.”
At Geuk Hye Bin’s words, Han Sang Ja shook his head.
“You cannot.”
“Why not?”
“Human emotions cannot be easily controlled by oneself. So Jeong Ju.”
“But it’s my heart—why can’t I control it?”
Han Sang Ja explained calmly.
“Then if I asked you from this moment to resent Ryeong Ju, could you do so immediately?”
People believe they can regulate their own emotions.
But such a thing was nearly impossible.
Even if one forced sadness or feigned laughter, the true emotion remained unchanged.
Much less could hatred or affection—feelings such as these—ever be manipulated at will.
“No, it is possible.”
Yet Geuk Hye Bin, gazing at Bu Eunseol, spoke words that caught him off guard.
“Brother, do you remember? When I was young, I pretended to follow people like an emotionless doll.”
Bu Eunseol nodded.
In her childhood, she had lost her parents and grown up under the protection of Jeong Ju Geuk Hye Ryeong.
But because Geuk Hye Ryeong was so occupied, she had devoted herself only to inviting renowned scholars from every field to teach her.
She had never given her genuine love.
And so Geuk Hye Bin had eventually become a doll-like person, incapable of feeling emotion itself.
If, during my visit to Mu Ha Soo Yu Jeong back then,
Bu Eunseol had failed to notice this flaw?
By now, she would have become a witch of the Murim, or else lived performing while her spirit crumbled—
A person of utter emotional emptiness.
“But now you have already developed emotions.”
Currently, Geuk Hye Bin had transformed into a person so passionate she wept and wailed.
She could never calmly understand and mimic Bu Eunseol’s inner nature.
“No. Actually, I’m still quite similar.”
“Similar?”
“I was born inherently devoid of emotion. It was only through my grandmother’s love and attention that I learned to feel at all.”
Bu Eunseol’s eyes widened.
She had not said she “felt” emotions—she said she “learned” them.
“That’s right.”
Geuk Hye Bin spoke with utter composure.
“I remain emotionally hollow.”
As if to underscore her words, the passionate gleam that had briefly flickered in her eyes faded into perfect tranquility.
“How is such a thing possible?”
Han Sang Ja asked in astonishment, and Geuk Hye Bin answered with the same measured tone.
“My grandmother and Ryeong Ju are special to me, so I can empathize with them.”
She spoke with glacial detachment.
“But beyond that, I am profoundly indifferent. The pity and compassion others speak of—I merely learned to perform them.”
Geuk Hye Bin continued with deliberate calm.
“For instance, when I save someone drowning or rescue animals caught in traps, it is not because I find them pitiful. I do it simply because I learned that such actions are right.”
Bu Eunseol and Han Sang Ja stared at each other for a long moment.
Their lips trembled as they fought to suppress their laughter.
For all her grandiose declarations…
Geuk Hye Bin possessed emotions no different from any ordinary person.
“So Jeong Ju.”
Han Sang Ja spoke with forced solemnity, barely containing his amusement.
“In truth, most people in this world live exactly as you do.”
“What do you mean?”
“When people perform good deeds, it is not from empathy with another’s feelings. They do so simply because they learned that it is… right.”
Geuk Hye Bin’s face flushed crimson.
At her tender age, after all,
everyone harbors the delusion that they alone are perpetually exceptional.
“Hmm.”
Han Sang Ja’s eyes, which had been lost in deep contemplation, suddenly began to sparkle like stars.
Then, as if struck by inspiration, he clapped his hands and spoke.
“Yet because of So Jeong Ju’s purity and warmth, another method has occurred to me.”
“Truly?”
Geuk Hye Bin’s eyes widened, and Han Sang Ja nodded.
“Your pure heart caused me to fail in mimicking Ryeong Ju’s spiritual resonance… but that purity carries a warmth that embraces even the hearts of others.”
“Warmth.”
“Precisely. Then, if I apply the dharma written here—the Warmth-Embracing Heart-Protection and Warm-Emotion Heart-Moistening methods—”
He pointed to portions of the dharma he had inscribed, explaining with measured precision.
“In other words, rather than merely imitating Ryeong Ju’s spiritual resonance, we overlay So Jeong Ju’s clear and gentle essence upon it.”
“A remarkable approach indeed.”
Geuk Hye Bin clapped her hands in admiration.
“Master Han, I see you are quite skilled in the dharma that moves the heart.”
“The disciples of Ben Rim have memorized the entire contents of the Library Pavilion. This is nothing remarkable.”
Han Sang Ja spoke with an embarrassed expression.
Bu Eunseol had called him “Han Brother” so persistently.
She too had come to mistake him for someone of the Han surname.
“Shall we attempt it once more, then?”
At Han Sang Ja’s words, Geuk Hye Bin nodded her head.
The Heavenly Fragrance Constitution could perfectly replicate another’s heart-scent.
In other words, to perceive another’s heart-scent meant one could also overlay one’s own essence upon theirs.
Rather than mimicking Bu Eunseol’s solitude and sorrow.
She intended to envelop his loneliness and grief with her own fragrance.
Yet Bu Eunseol, observing her form, felt a chill run through her.
‘This is not something one could accomplish through mere intellectual prowess.’
The dharmas passed down through the ages were profound teachings born from the research of countless sages.
To transform them in an instant was nearly impossible.
Moreover, the method Han Sang Ja had proposed was a revolutionary approach no sage had ever conceived.
An ordinary mortal could not dare attempt such a thing, even after a lifetime of study and cultivation.
“Why do you stare so?”
Feeling Bu Eunseol’s piercing gaze, Han Sang Ja scratched his cheek.
It was unmistakably the appearance of an innocent young scholar who had come to Seong Do from Byeok Village to pursue his studies.
“No, it is nothing.”
Bu Eunseol dismissed the rising thoughts.
Even if her suspicions were correct… this was not the time to dwell upon such matters.

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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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