The Introverted Heavenly Demon - Chapter 32

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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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The Introverted Heavenly Demon Episode 032
The Demonic Path’s Tianxia
“It appears that word of yesterday’s events has already been reported to the Sect through the Disciples in the village.”
Ah… so that’s how it is?
I had never heard that the Sun and Moon Divine Sect had Disciples in Maehwa Village.
Yet upon reflection, it would have been far stranger if they didn’t.
Though the Sun and Moon Divine Sect was treated as a heretical or demonic organization within Kangho Murim, it had already spread far and wide among the common folk, operating in the shadows.
To a degree that the Martial Alliance could not ignore its influence.
The reason I was unaware of our Disciples’ presence in Maehwa Village was simply that they concealed their identities.
The members of the Sect were divided into two distinct categories.
One consisted of those who operated openly in the light—the Sect Leader, Minor Sect Leaders, executives, members of the Sect Headquarters, and the Five Palaces’ constituents scattered throughout Kangho.
The other comprised those with different identities presented to the outside world, who conducted their activities solely in the shadows.
These shadow-dwelling members met secretly among themselves, conducting their faith and missionary work.
They made contact with the leaders of Omun, received instructions, and reported information.
“Yesterday, I did suspect that several village figures might be shadow Disciples of the Divine Sect.”
“Indeed, that’s true.”
Like that young woman with the surname Yoo who led the women and dominated the atmosphere.
In any case, this secretive organizational structure was a desperate measure born from operating under the Martial Alliance’s suppression, yet it was also the secret that allowed the Divine Sect’s organization to spread and persist throughout Kangho.
In short, the shadow Disciples in the village yesterday had already transmitted yesterday’s events to the Sect Headquarters through their own separate reporting channels, independent of me.
‘So I don’t need to report separately… perhaps that’s for the best?’
As I waited briefly upon arriving at the Council Chamber, Woo Sa and the Baek Ho Palace Master entered.
This time, one additional person had been added—none other than Yeom Ryeo Woon, the Palace Master of Wol In Gung.
The expressions of these three men displayed distinct differences from one another, all stemming from their connection to me.
Yet each accepted the situation differently according to their respective positions and responsibilities.
“I heard you returned to the Sect Headquarters last night. Minor Sect Leader, you must have endured considerable hardship.”
Woo Sa appeared relieved that I had safely completed a difficult mission and returned, while internally experiencing joy and astonishment that he struggled to conceal outwardly.
He had undoubtedly already learned of yesterday’s events through the shadow network’s channels.
“Hardship? How could I claim to be worthy of the Minor Sect Leader position if I couldn’t handle a single task like that? But why does the Baek Ho Palace Master have such an expression? Has something unpleasant occurred?”
I dismissed Woo Sa’s polite words with indifference and turned my gaze toward the Baek Ho Palace Master.
“Not at all. I am simply delighted that you have returned safely, Minor Sect Leader.”
Though the Baek Ho Palace Master spoke thus, his true sentiments betrayed an underlying bitterness.
As the Baek Ho Palace Master oversaw internal surveillance, he had likely believed he would earn merit by exposing Namgung Eon’s betrayal.
Yet instead, I had worked alongside Namgung Eon to uncover and thwart the Cheon San Sect’s schemes in the village, producing results that elevated the Divine Sect’s external standing—which could only displease him.
But what could he do if he was displeased?
“If you’re happy that I’ve returned, then brighten your expression. Show some awareness of the atmosphere, would you? Understood?”
“Y-yes, of course, Minor Sect Leader… hehe.”
“There we go. Much better. See how much more pleasant you look when you smile like that?”
Finally, I observed the demeanor of Yeom Ryeo Woon, the Wol In Palace Master.
This man oversaw internal affairs and financial administration.
From the moment he entered the Council Chamber and greeted me, a pleased smile had never left his face.
Just as I was wondering what had brought about this sudden appearance, my question was answered before I could even ask the reason.
“The Sect Leader has arrived.”
At the sound from outside the Council Chamber, Woo Sa, Baek Ho Palace Master, and Wol In Palace Master rose from their seats and assumed respectful postures toward the Sect Leader.
I hadn’t heard that the Sect Leader was coming—what could this be about?
Curious as I was, I rose to my feet like the others.
The Sect Leader entered the Council Chamber with his customary stern expression and measured gait, then took the seat of honor.
“Be seated.”
Rather than offering a greeting, the Sect Leader spoke only those words, though his voice carried a higher pitch than usual, suggesting his mood was not entirely unfavorable.
Yet his eyes and expression as they glanced toward me revealed absolutely no hint of his thoughts.
“Woo Sa. Report on what transpired yesterday.”
“Yes, Sect Leader.”
Woo Sa rose from his seat and began his explanation.
“As all of you here are aware, the Cheon San Faction corrupted ten disciples of our Main Sect and engaged in criminal activities against the villagers of Maehwa Village, only to be discovered by the Minor Sect Leader and the disciple Namgung Eon.”
As he spoke, Woo Sa cast a sidelong glance at Baek Ho Palace Master Woo Gang Hou.
The Baek Ho Palace Master kept his eyes lowered as though bearing some guilt.
“Though Maehwa Village is merely a small settlement of negligible population and economic scale, it is the village closest to our Sect Headquarters, and thus one where our Main Sect has long made earnest efforts toward proselytization.”
Woo Sa’s report continued.
“Had the Cheon San Faction’s scheme succeeded in placing Maehwa Village under the influence of the Martial Alliance, it would have dealt a significant blow to our sect. However, thanks to the Minor Sect Leader’s exploits yesterday, the Cheon San Faction suffered such a devastating loss—with their faction leader and elders among the core forces fleeing in the dead of night—that they have essentially dissolved. This is undoubtedly a tremendous achievement.”
At this point, everyone, including the Sect Leader, turned their gaze toward me.
The Cheon San Faction had fled in the dead of night and essentially disbanded.
Though I was inwardly startled, I merely nodded my head as though it were an obvious outcome.
Given what they had done, it was only natural, and besides, after a year as Minor Sect Leader, I had grown accustomed to maintaining my composure in any situation.
It was the result of adaptation accumulated over time.
“That is not all. From here on, the Wol In Palace Master shall provide the explanation.”
Woo Sa resumed his seat, and the Wol In Palace Master rose in turn.
Seeing the Wol In Palace Master open his mouth with a broad grin, the reason for his presence here was finally becoming clear.
“Indeed, Sect Leader. Approximately fifty villagers from Maehwa Village have expressed their desire to convert to the Divine Sect. A task that our Sect Headquarters has failed at for decades has borne great fruit in a single night through the Minor Sect Leader’s efforts—how could we not rejoice?”
As the Wol In Palace Master finished speaking, he broke into a beaming smile and even offered applause.
At his display, even the Sect Leader let out a chuckle.
Hearing this report, I too felt a sense of satisfaction.
‘My earnest proselytization efforts have borne fruit.’
Yet the Wol In Palace Master’s report did not end there.
“What is even more remarkable is that the Jongsan Escort Agency, a massive escort service operated by a Merchant Guild Master from Maehwa Village, has agreed to make a substantial donation to the Divine Sect!”
The Wol In Palace Master could not hide his joy as he spoke the word donation.
The Sect Leader felt the same.
“To elaborate, the Jongsan Escort Agency is an escort service with influence extending to the very heart of Kangho, reaching across Sichuan, Shaanxi, and Henan. The donation amount under negotiation with our palace approaches a sum nearly equivalent to one-tenth of the annual operating expenses of our Sect Headquarters. Considering the sect’s increasingly strained finances due to the Martial Alliance’s interference, this is an achievement beyond measure!”
Indeed, the Sect Leader was expressing his joy so openly that I found myself thinking he could actually make such an expression.
Far more so than when hearing news of the Cheon San Faction’s collapse or the success of large-scale proselytization.
To such a degree that he smiled directly toward me while nodding his head.
It seems that throughout all times and places, there are few who dislike money.
As I was contemplating this, the Sect Leader opened his mouth.
“Minor Sect Leader.”
“Yes, Father.”
Now that I thought about it, the way the Sect Leader looked at me had changed considerably compared to a year ago.
When I first awakened in this body, every time I met his gaze, I could feel the Sect Leader’s suspicion and distrust toward me without reservation.
“I believe you have gained enlightenment from this matter without me needing to speak of it.”
“Yes, Father.”
“Furthermore, your actions yesterday were surely because you had something you wished to convey to the disciples.”
“That is correct.”
Yet now, in the way the Sect Leader looked at me and the tone of his voice as he spoke to me, I could sense trust and faith.
It was not quite affection for a son, but at least I could feel something akin to how one regards a trustworthy successor.
“Speak. What did you wish to tell the disciples?”
It was an abrupt question, but recalling recent events, I found the answer readily available.
The so-called righteous sects of Kangho Murim who killed people for profit.
How the noble Minor Sect Leader of the Demonic Cult risked his own life to condemn them and save the lives of women.
How a disciple of the Divine Sect, born from the righteous sects, bore witness to this.
Those who witnessed this process began to reconsider the true nature of the righteous sects and the Demonic Cult.
Therefore, the unexpected success of the proselytization was neither due to the Minor Sect Leader’s charisma nor the strength of his martial prowess.
“Propaganda and coercion hold no meaning in spreading our faith.”
“Then? What must be done?”
“Through action, through heart, through the principles we have established—we must allow the common people to resonate with our teachings and willingly join us, lending their strength.”
Woo Sa was moved to admiration and exclaimed, while the Wol In Palace Master closed his eyes as if savoring my words.
However, the Sect Leader showed no particular reaction for a time.
Perhaps he was waiting for the most important words that would follow this statement.
“And regarding the path I must walk—I have come to understand the duties I must fulfill as the Minor Sect Leader of the Divine Sect, different from those of the sect’s other disciples.”
“…Continue.”
The Sect Leader’s lips finally curved upward slightly.
As if our intentions had already aligned before I even needed to speak.
To protect the Sun and Moon Divine Sect, to safeguard our believers and uphold our teachings, the role I must play is…
It is precisely what the Sect Leader has always expected of me as his eldest son and Minor Sect Leader.
“I have resolved to become, as the Minor Sect Leader of the Divine Sect, an incomparably ruthless demon.”
When the Martial Alliance and countless other sects that parade righteousness point their fingers at us as the Demonic Cult.
To face them without fear and with unwavering resolve, I must become a tyrant without equal in this world.
To such a degree that no one would dare even conceive of obstructing our great cause.
“Minor Sect Leader… you have gained enlightenment regarding the Demonic Path.”
“Yes, Father.”
The Sect Leader was right.
The teachings of the Sun and Moon Divine Sect may not be perfectly righteous.
Yet the doubts I harbored about myself and my fate when I first reincarnated in Baek Yeon’s body have completely vanished through this ordeal.
Why the Sect Leader of the Sun and Moon Divine Sect, who advocates the doctrine of universal equality and salvation of the common people, calls himself the Heavenly Demon.
Only now was I beginning to understand.
“I shall become a Demonic Cult master worthy of the name Cheon Ma, forcing our enemies to kneel before us and establishing Demonic dominion across Tianxia.”
I recited those words once more—words I had spoken countless times before as mere performance, clinging to my introverted nature simply to survive.
But this time, it was no act born of desperation.
“Hmm….”
The Sect Leader listened to my words in full, then turned to regard Woo Sa and the Palace Masters as he spoke.
His voice carried more satisfaction than ever before.
“The Minor Sect Leader has not only recovered the three sacred treasures of the Main Sect but has also achieved remarkable results in our external missionary endeavors. Throughout the entire history of the Sun and Moon Divine Sect, this is an accomplishment worthy of being counted among the finest.”
“Indeed, Sect Leader.”
“Therefore, I intend to bestow upon you a reward befitting such merit….”
At the same time, my ears perked up at words so tantalizing to hear.

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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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