The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 92

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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 92.
Dang Ryeong, avoiding Bu Eunseol’s piercing gaze, stammered his words.
“Gon, Gon. Why don’t you return to Cheong Yang So Chuk with them and rest for now.”
“Understood.”
The Sichuan Dang Family.
For generations, the illustrious Dang Family of Sichuan had earned its renown, originally a settlement of master craftsmen who specialized in creating throwing blades.
Yet through crafting countless varieties of projectile weapons, they naturally became versed in the techniques of Tianxia’s finest blades, and began researching the poisons applied to them and their antidotes.
Passing down their knowledge through the ages, the Dang Family became the orthodox masters of Tianxia’s throwing blade arts and poison techniques, and those who inherited their methods gained renown throughout the Murim.
‘Vast indeed.’
Bu Eunseol’s eyes gleamed as I surveyed the expansive grounds of the Dang Family compound.
In truth, the direct bloodline and collateral relatives of the Sichuan Dang Family numbered fewer than a hundred combined.
Yet when one counted the outsiders dwelling within the family and the masters of the Outer Quarters, the scale rivaled that of the Nine Great Sects.
“This is where I reside.”
Dang Gon, who had been guiding me through the Palace Hall, wore an embarrassed smile.
This was because his residence, Cheong Yang So Chuk, belonged to the Outer Quarters rather than the Inner Quarters where the direct line gathered.
“Please harbor no misunderstanding. I chose this place because it has a spacious garden and lies close to the Training Grounds.”
Dang Gon spoke with an unpretentious laugh.
“Perhaps it was fate. Had I known then that I would abandon the position of successor, I needn’t have devoted myself to refining my swordsmanship.”
A bitter smile lingered at the corners of his mouth.
Dang Gon possessed not only exceptional martial prowess but also talent and temperament without flaw.
Yet as a bastard son, opposed by those around him, he could not master the eight secret techniques of the Dang Family that direct descendants could learn—the Eight Dang Family Secret Transmissions.
Because of this, the family had no faction supporting him, and Dang Gon had no choice but to devote himself to refining his swordsmanship.
Knock, knock.
Then Si Bi’s low voice came from outside.
“The First Young Master has arrived.”
“Elder Brother is here? Show him in at once.”
Shortly after, the sound of sliding doors accompanied the pallid Dang Ryeong as he entered the room, his face beaming with smiles.
“Elder Brother.”
Dang Gon, his expression brightening, bowed respectfully, and Dang Ryeong chuckled.
“Why such stiff formality between brothers?”
“Then I shall take my leave.”
As Dang Ryeong arrived, Bu Eunseol’s expression hardened, and I turned away abruptly.
“Y-yes, of course.”
As Bu Eunseol departed with Heuk Pyo, Dang Ryeong stared blankly after them.
“It seems he dislikes me.”
“Ah, no. It’s just that his expression and tone are naturally rather cold.”
“Is that so.”
“Yes. In truth, he is quite manly and… a very good person.”
As Dang Gon scratched his head, Dang Ryeong broke into a broad smile.
“Hehe. You’ve found yourself a good friend.”
“Pardon?”
“I’ve heard you risked your life countless times to break through encirclements for him. Such a friend is exceedingly rare in the Gangho.”
“That’s not so, sir.”
Dang Gon shook his head, his expression tinged with embarrassment.
“He is not my friend.”
“What do you mean? Just moments ago, he himself said——”
“We merely made a transaction.”
Dang Gon lowered his head, looking uncomfortable.
Sensing there was more to the story, Dang Ryeong quickly changed the subject and extended his arm.
“Come now, sit down. Let us talk for a while. Bring some tea here.”
At Dang Ryeong’s words, Si Bi, who had been waiting outside, brought warm tea.
*Patter, patter.*
As Dang Ryeong poured the tea for Dang Gon with his own hands, he sighed and smacked his lips.
“Your face has grown even more gaunt in the meantime.”
After taking a sip of tea, Dang Ryeong spoke in a gentle voice.
“Rest well at Cheong Yang So Chuk for now. I shall soon persuade Father to put an end to Dang Bi’s tyranny.”
“There’s no need to concern yourself further, sir.”
“No need?”
Dang Gon shook his head.
“I have returned to the main house to tell the Family Lord that I wish to renounce my claim to the succession.”
“What? Why would you do such a thing?”
Dang Gon spoke with a pained expression.
“After all, am I not alone? No matter how hard I struggle, the outcome will be the same. I would only burden those around me.”
“But that wretch Dang Bi knows nothing of surrender.”
Dang Ryeong spoke with determination, his eyes hardening with resolve.
“Do not speak thus. Think on it a while longer. I shall aid you.”
“Sir?”
“I shall give you the masters under my command from the Poison Arrow Party and the Eight Arm Party.”
At this unexpected proposal, Dang Gon’s eyes widened.
“With such strength, you should at least be able to withstand Dang Bi’s grasp while you remain at the main house.”
“That cannot be. How could I possibly take your subordinates——”
“It is fine.”
Dang Ryeong smiled and patted Dang Gon’s shoulder.
“I shall explain matters well to Father. For now, rest yourself.”
“Thank you, brother.”
As Dang Ryeong departed, Dang Gon could not hide his moved expression.
*Click.*
Shortly after Dang Ryeong left, Bu Eunseol and Heuk Pyo entered the room once more, as if they had been waiting.
Upon seeing them, Dang Gon spoke with excitement.
“My elder brother has agreed to help me!”
“Help me? How exactly would you help?”
As Bu Eunseol’s brow furrowed, Dang Gon relayed everything he had discussed with Dang Ryeong.
Yet something felt amiss.
“Why… are you looking at me with those eyes?”
Dang Gon realized that not only Bu Eunseol but even Heuk Pyo was regarding him with pity.
“What have I done wrong?”
Bu Eunseol sighed as she studied Dang Gon.
“What manner of person is Dang Ryeong?”
“My eldest brother… though his health is frail, he has always treated those around him with generosity. The reason I can so easily relinquish my claim to the succession is precisely because he exists…”
Dang Gon’s words trailed off.
Bu Eunseol had released a sigh so heavy it seemed the earth itself might collapse beneath it.
“No wonder you’ve failed to build a faction.”
“What do you mean by that?”
Heuk Pyo then scratched his head with an embarrassed expression.
“The Third Young Master is far too straightforward and trusts others far too easily.”
When even Heuk Pyo spoke in such a peculiar manner, Dang Gon blinked.
“What are you saying? Surely you’re not both suggesting that my eldest brother is untrustworthy?”
Bu Eunseol crossed her arms, her brow deepening with displeasure.
“He grants you his forces for one reason alone—because you serve as a buffer and shield against Dang Bi.”
“What are you talking about? Why would my eldest brother, who commands the greatest forces, need to guard against my second brother?”
“The Young Master speaks correctly.”
Heuk Pyo, who had been listening quietly, opened his mouth with care.
“If the Third Young Master relinquishes his claim to succession, Dang Bi need only concern himself with the eldest brother. But should the Third Young Master remain strong, Dang Bi must contend with both, dividing his forces and power.”
“Ha, that’s mere speculation.”
“Though I am young, I have wandered as a ronin of Donghyo Seorang long enough to understand schemes and treachery better than most.”
Heuk Pyo spoke again.
“If the eldest brother truly concerned himself with the Third Young Master’s welfare, would he not grant at least one Personal Guard Brigade, composed of masters from the collateral branches, rather than merely two parties?”
Heuk Pyo, an information broker ronin who dealt in intelligence, understood the structure and forces of the Sichuan Dang Family well.
There was but one way to obtain genuine power within the Dang Family.
To receive the support of blood relatives holding high positions within the family.
Acquiring masters from the Eight Parties Five Caves, who possessed neither voice nor authority, would be utterly useless.
“I understand what you’re saying.”
Dang Gon turned away with a pained expression.
“But my eldest brother would never do such a thing.”
His words belied the truth—his expression revealed he had already grasped everything.
A direct-line member of the Sichuan Dang Family could hardly possess less perceptiveness than a young boy like Heuk Pyo.
He had known the truth all along, yet chosen to avert his gaze from reality.
“I’m weary.”
Dang Gon forced a bright smile as he spoke to Bu Eunseol.
“I shall rest for a while.”
He was smiling, but his eyes were filled with anguish.
Born as the third son of the Dang Family, yet in this world, no one stood by his side. He had to shoulder and resolve everything alone.
“Take this.”
Then Bu Eunseol calmly extended her hand.
He blinked for a moment, then let out a sound of realization.
“Ah, I see. Now that everything is finished.”
Dang Gon nodded with a bitter smile.
“I had forgotten. I’ll have someone fill the debt soon.”
And he spoke again toward Heuk Pyo.
“You’ve worked hard too, so I’ll give you a fine gift. Just wait for one hour.”
But Bu Eunseol still did not withdraw her extended hand.
“Is there… something else you need?”
“Yes.”
Dang Gon was momentarily flustered, but soon he patted his chest and nodded.
“Just speak. If it’s something I can give… I’ll give you anything!”
“The Pear Blossom Water Leaf.”
Bu Eunseol stared directly at Dang Gon and spoke.
“Give that to me.”
In that instant, Dang Gon’s pupils trembled faintly, and the smile on his lips slowly faded.
“Why do you suddenly demand the Pear Blossom Water Leaf?”
“If I remain here without receiving the Pear Blossom Water Leaf, wouldn’t that be strange?”
Bu Eunseol gestured toward the guest quarters and spoke.
“I’m staying at a friend’s residence for a while—no one would dare drive me away.”
“You are…”
Dang Gon could not hide his moved expression.
Those with great wealth or high status often find it difficult to gain true friends.
Because a true friend is one who stands beside you when you have nothing, when no one else is around.
Just like now.
With a soft motion, Dang Gon produced a Pear Blossom Water Leaf from his robes and extended it to Bu Eunseol.
Since he had begun practicing martial arts, his hands had never trembled like this.
“Hmm.”
Bu Eunseol, having secured the Pear Blossom Water Leaf in her robes, spoke in a low voice.
“Now that I’ve received this, treat me with ease from now on. I will do the same for you.”
Having received the Pear Blossom Water Leaf, Bu Eunseol and Dang Gon had become true friends, transcending status and formality.
“I understand.”
As Dang Gon nodded with a smile, Bu Eunseol spoke.
“And I have a request.”
“Gladly, speak freely.”
“Become cold-hearted. Cold enough to sever even the bonds of blood.”
“Be cold-blooded. Cold enough to sever even the bonds of blood.”
Bu Eunseol regarded Dang Gon with a cool gaze.
“At least while I remain here.”
“That is….”
“If you do so, you will become a worthy successor to the Dang Family.”
Dang Gon found himself at a loss for words.
Bu Eunseol’s words carried a clear meaning—she was entering the succession struggle herself.
“I won’t offer thanks.”
After drawing a deep breath, Dang Gon spoke with quiet conviction, meeting her eyes.
“I will become a friend you need not be ashamed of.”
Rather than respond, Bu Eunseol simply turned away with composure.
Yet the faint smile lingering at the corner of her lips mirrored the one she had worn when first meeting Dang Gon.
* * *
Soo Woon Gak.
Located in the southwestern section of the Inner Quarters of the Sichuan Dang Family, this was where Dang Bi, the second son of the family head, resided.
Crash!
Dang Bi brought his fist down hard upon the sandalwood table, his voice thundering toward Dang Sa Woon, commander of the Jeol Dok Dae.
“Didn’t you say you could stop him?”
“I have failed you.”
Dang Sa Woon kept his head bowed, his voice low and measured.
“I anticipated that the First Young Master would seek an audience with the family head, but I did not foresee that the family head would grant it.”
“And you call yourself commander of the Jeol Dok Dae? If you anticipated it, you should have prepared countermeasures!”
He wrung Dang Sa Woon like a rag, twisting and squeezing.
Dang Bi laid all blame for failing to kill Dang Gon at this opportunity squarely upon Dang Sa Woon’s shoulders.
‘Why did Father choose the Second Young Master as successor?’
Dang Sa Woon let Dang Bi’s complaints flow past one ear while his mind churned with questions.
Dang Bi possessed exceptional talent in martial arts, yet his temperament was hasty and fierce.
Those under his command lived in constant anxiety, forever watching his mood.
“In any case, that bastard Dang Gon has entered the main residence. What now?”
After venting his rage for some time, Dang Bi’s anger finally subsided, and he asked coldly.
Only then did Dang Sa Woon collect himself and respond immediately.
“Though he has entered the main residence, it was hardly a clean escape, was it?”
“And?”
“The Third Young Master will surely meet with the family head and declare his withdrawal from the succession.”
“Hmm….”
Lost in thought, Dang Bi furrowed his brow and stroked his chin.
“The eldest won’t let this slide. And that woman beside him—what was her name again?”
“No matter how formidable that person may be, this is the Dang Family. External forces hold little sway in matters of succession.”
To become successor, one required the support of blood relatives within the Dang Family, not external powers.
Even if Dang Gon brought the Murim Alliance leader himself, it would grant no advantage in the selection of a successor.
“Still….”
Dang Bi fixed Dang Sa Woon with a cold stare, his voice cutting like ice.
“What if that bastard refuses to relinquish his claim to the successor’s position?”

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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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