The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign – Chapter 678

Gongsun Dankyung’s pupils suddenly widened as if they would tear apart.

“Dana?”

As far as she knew, Gongsun Dana was training in martial arts at the Divine Water Palace and was currently in closed-door cultivation.

To suddenly come to the Martial Alliance like this?

‘So her seclusion has ended.’

But Gongsun Dana was famous for never showing her face in front of others.

Why was she here, suddenly and publicly visiting the Martial Alliance and seeking her out?

“Bring her in immediately.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Gongsun Dankyung took a deep breath.

There was one person in the world she could never refuse a request from.

Actually, three: Gongsun Hwa-uk and his wife, and Gongsun Dana.

Because everything—her happiness, her position—had been made possible by that couple.

And because she was not the real Gongsun Dankyung.

To those three, she could never do enough for them, and there was nothing she wouldn’t grant when they asked.

Screeech.

At that moment, the door opened, and a woman of indescribable beauty stepped inside.

She wore a sea-blue palace robe, her rich, glossy long hair reaching down to her waist.

Her skin was transparent, her lips a vivid soft pink.

Her eyes seemed to contain all the goodness of the world—beautiful and pure—so much so that merely looking at them felt as though every impurity in one’s body was being cleansed away.

This was none other than Gongsun Dana, one of the renowned Three Beauties of the World.

“Unnie.”

She ran to Gongsun Dankyung and clasped both her hands.

“It’s been so long.”

“Dana.” 

Even as Gongsun Dankyung warmly held her hands, she couldn’t hide her surprise.

“What brings you here? And what about your disguise…?”

Because of her stunning appearance, Gongsun Dana had always suffered from endless envy and jealousy. That was why, whenever she went out into the martial world, she always wore an ugly disguise.

Yet here she was, showing her true face openly in the Martial Alliance?

“Ah, I’ve decided not to disguise myself anymore.”

“Hm?”

Gongsun Dana gently touched her own face and smiled sweetly.

“While traveling the martial world, I realized not everyone judges by appearance.”

Then, playfully, she added, “If I carry myself with dignity, looks ultimately don’t matter. Though… enduring the burning stares is still quite a trial.”

“Well, it’s good that you’ve realized it, even now.”

Gongsun Dankyung had nagged her countless times to break the habit of wearing a hideous disguise.

But Gongsun Dana had always stubbornly refused.

Now, after traveling the martial world, she seemed to have finally understood how strange that habit really was.

“But what brings you here so suddenly? Coming all the way to the Alliance?”

“I was on my way back from delivering the Snow Abyss Jade Pill to the new lord of Flower Moon Mountain Villa at the Palace Lord’s command, so I stopped by.”

Gongsun Dana added one more thing.

“And also to pass on Father and Mother’s message that they miss you and want to see you.”

Since entering the Martial Alliance, Gongsun Dankyung had deliberately avoided Gongsun Hwa-uk and his wife.

They had treated her better than real parents ever could… but she felt guilty for using their kindness.

And she was afraid that if she stayed close to them, her thirst for revenge might weaken.

In truth, whenever she was with them, her heart softened endlessly.

“Mother and Father never came to visit all this time, afraid they might interfere with your work.”

The same went for the couple.

They were extremely upright and incorruptible. After sending Gongsun Dankyung to the Martial Alliance, they had never once come to see her.

They feared people would say her success was due to their connections or influence.

“I see…” Gongsun Dankyung nodded, feeling a pang of guilt. “I was actually planning to visit soon, now that my busiest period is finally over.”

“I’m glad.” 

Gongsun Dana smiled brightly.

“Since I’m already here… would it be alright if I stayed with you for a few days?”

Gongsun Dankyung let out a soft sigh.

Gongsun Dana still had the pure, untainted personality she’d had since childhood.

She always worried someone might see through that innocence and take advantage of her.

‘I owe her too.’

She wasn’t her real older sister.

In the end, Gongsun Dankyung couldn’t refuse her little sister’s request and nodded.

“Alright. Since you’re here, stay as long as you like.”

“Thank you! Oh—and who is this…?”

Only then did Gongsun Dana notice Bu Eunseol standing quietly off to the side.

“I am Seon Woojin, Captain of the Supreme Branch.” Bu Eunseol clasped his hands toward Gongsun Dana in greeting.

At that moment, Gongsun Dankyung’s gaze turned strange.

She didn’t like how dry and emotionless Bu Eunseol’s greeting had been.

‘He’s completely indifferent even to my sister.’

Gongsun Dankyung had always been showered with admiration and courtship from countless men, yet she had secretly felt hurt by Bu Eunseol’s consistently indifferent eyes.

Now, even when faced with her proud and beautiful younger sister, he remained utterly unmoved.

“Ahem.”

After clearing his throat awkwardly, Bu Eunseol clasped his hands again.

“To be able to personally behold the peerless beauty of the Second Young Lady, whose fame echoes throughout the world, is truly an honor of three lifetimes.”

Gongsun Dana giggled at the way Bu Eunseol delivered such an elaborate greeting with a completely deadpan face.

“What’s with that?”

When she laughed brightly, the entire office seemed to light up.

Though Gongsun Dankyung herself was considered a world-class beauty, her appearance had a calm and composed elegance.

Compared to Gongsun Dana’s dazzling yet fresh vibrancy, it sometimes came across as rather plain.

“Captain Seon.”

Gongsun Dankyung waved her hand toward Bu Eunseol.

“I’m sorry, but you’ll have to go to the Myriad Goods Store alone.”

“Understood.”

As Bu Eunseol turned to leave, Gongsun Dana’s eyes sparkled.

“Wait—did you say Myriad Goods Store?”

The Divine Water Palace was a profound orthodox sect that maintained an extremely frugal and austere lifestyle.

Even though Gongsun Dana had the richest parents in the world, after entering the Divine Water Palace, she had never once visited the Myriad Goods Store, which dealt in luxury goods and high-end items.

“I want to go too!”

“What?”

“Weren’t you supposed to go there with him anyway?”

With an excited expression, Gongsun Dana continued, “Our Palace forbids extravagance. But if I’m just tagging along while Unnie goes for official business, no one can say anything.”

“Dana…”

“I won’t cause any trouble. Please?”

When Gongsun Dana clasped her hands together and blinked her big eyes cutely, Gongsun Dankyung pressed her forehead.

Ever since they were little, she had always tried to treat her coldly, but Gongsun Dana never minded.

Whenever she wanted something, she would open those huge eyes and look at her so adorably.

“Mmm…”

As Gongsun Dankyung’s resolve melted, Gongsun Dana quickly added, “I won’t ask you to buy me anything. I just want to look around.”

Rolling up her sleeves energetically, she declared proudly, “If needed, I can even help out. You’d be surprised—I’ve done every kind of chore back at the Palace.”

Unable to resist her sister’s charm any longer, Gongsun Dankyung shook her head.

“Fine. Let’s all go together.”

“Really? Thank you!”

Gongsun Dana threw her arms around Gongsun Dankyung.

While helplessly patting her back, Gongsun Dankyung finally noticed Bu Eunseol staring blankly at them and shot him a glare.

“What are you doing just standing there?”

Irritated for no particular reason, she snapped at him.

“If you heard everything, then stop gawking and get ready to head to the Myriad Goods Store.”

***

Contrary to Gongsun Dankyung’s worries, the Myriad Goods Store was still booming.

Countless families were browsing every corner of the shelves, and the clerks greeted customers warmly.

“I can’t seem to find any particular problem.”

Bu Eunseol’s words made Gongsun Dankyung nod.

In truth, the sales hadn’t actually dropped; it had just been an excuse to temporarily clear away the scandal.

“I’ll have tea with my sister, so keep an appropriate distance.”

“Understood.”

Gongsun Dankyung led Gongsun Dana toward the Eight Immortals Teahouse located inside the merchant group.

Around the Myriad Goods Store, warriors from the Sacred Guard Corps stood in strict protective formation.

However, since Bu Eunseol was staying close, they weren’t carrying out direct close protection.

“Unnie, that’s him, right?”

While sipping tea, Gongsun Dana asked with sparkling eyes.

“The very Seon Woojin who started as a third-grade corps leader and rose to Commander candidate.”

The man who had single-handedly defeated the Fist King and, at a young age, became an equal to the Four Gods, Seven Kings.

Recently, he had become the most talked-about figure in the orthodox martial world and when word spread that he and Baek Museong had both become Commander candidates at such a young age, his fame shook the entire martial world.

“Yes, that’s him.”

“As expected. He really does seem outstanding enough for you to push him as a Commander candidate.”

Despite saying so, Seon Woojin’s aura and appearance were utterly ordinary.

Sensing there was more behind her sister’s lengthy comments, Gongsun Dankyung asked,

“Are you interested in him?”

“Yes. Very much.”

Gongsun Dankyung was greatly shocked.

“Why? What for?”

“He’s strange.”

“How so?”

“Ever since we met, he hasn’t once let his gaze waver while looking at me.”

Gongsun Dana gazed at Bu Eunseol’s tall, upright silhouette as he stood guard in the distance.

“Most men either stare curiously or avoid eye contact altogether… but he looks straight at me without showing any particular emotion.”

“High-level masters who have reached the pinnacle of martial arts also possess rock-solid composure. It’s nothing unusual.”

That was a lie.

Men—whether young or old—tended to go wild over a woman’s beauty.

Yet Seon Woojin, regardless of his martial level, had always been extremely indifferent toward women.

Almost as if he couldn’t even distinguish between beauty and ugliness.

Because he had shown the same perfect indifference toward her.

In all her life, Gongsun Dankyung had never met a man like him.

“Is that so?”

Gongsun Dana smiled casually.

“But somehow… he doesn’t feel unfamiliar. He feels strangely familiar.”

“Familiar?”

“Yes. It doesn’t feel like I’m meeting him for the first time.”

In truth, it was merely an illusion because she had actually seen Bu Eunseol before.

But she began to overinterpret the feeling.

“And more than that… I feel a sense of closeness and comfort. Like he’s a fellow disciple I’ve trained with for a long time.”

It was actually because Bu Eunseol carried the Crystal Divine Energy within his body just like she did…

But Gongsun Dankyung, unaware of that fact, received yet another huge shock.

‘Could she… really have taken a liking to Captain Seon?’

Despite her stunning appearance, Gongsun Dana had never cared about people’s looks.

So was she feeling drawn to him because of their similar temperaments?

“You’re not… interested in him, are you?”

“I don’t know.” Gongsun Dana shook her head. “But my eyes keep drifting toward him.”

Darkness clouded Gongsun Dankyung’s vision.

Gongsun Dana had never once spoken of romantic interest in front of her yet now she was sending such bold glances toward Seon Woojin?

‘Seon Woojin is absolutely impossible.’

Despite his gentle appearance, he was a storm-bringer who could shake the world. He could never be a man devoted to family life.

Gongsun Dana still carried the pure innocence of a young girl.

She deserved someone who would love her with utmost sincerity and devotion.

She must never be allowed to develop feelings for such a heartless man.

“He’s a terrible person.”

“Huh?”

“He’s extremely fond of women. Marriage proposals come from everywhere, so he’s completely lost his head and spends every day chasing after women from various sects.”

“He doesn’t seem like that at all.”

“That’s just how he appears. The reality is different.”

Gongsun Dankyung spoke seriously.

“Everything I’m saying is true.”

“If he gets so many proposals, doesn’t that just mean he’s very popular?” Gongsun Dankyung gave a pure smile. “It’s proof that he’s also highly regarded in public.”

‘Tch.’

Hiding her frustration, Gongsun Dankyung continued. “Also, he speaks very little. There are many times when I can’t even guess what he’s thinking.”

“That just means he’s deep.”

“I’ve heard that when he’s out in the martial world, he knows so many people. He’s definitely not the type to be faithful to one home.”

“Isn’t that just proof of good interpersonal skills? Or that he knows how to respect others?”

Gongsun Dankyung’s eyes were practically rolling back in her head.

“He has an extremely indifferent personality. Even when others criticize him, he barely listens.”

“Doesn’t that mean he has positive thinking? The type who stays strong even under pressure and adversity.”

“I’ve also heard he trains his subordinates very harshly. Poor things.”

“That just shows outstanding leadership. Without trust, subordinates wouldn’t endure such training.”

‘Arghhh!’

Gongsun Dankyung mobilized every possible criticism she could think of to badmouth Seon Woojin nonstop but Gongsun Dana interpreted every single one as a positive trait.

‘No, no, no!’

At this rate, Gongsun Dana might genuinely start liking Seon Woojin!

Just as Gongsun Dankyung opened her mouth again, Gongsun Dana gave a mysterious smile.

“Come to think of it… this is the first time I’ve ever heard you analyze someone so deeply, Unnie.”

“Hm?”

“I’ve heard a lot. That you’ve been spreading romantic rumors with him throughout the Martial Alliance.”

“Ah, that’s actually…”

Gongsun Dankyung, who had been about to deny it, suddenly had a flash of inspiration and her eyes lit up.

‘Yes! That’s the way!’

It might be faster than trying to make up random excuses.

Gongsun Dana was pure-hearted and never gave up once she set her mind to something.

Forcing her to lose interest might backfire and make her like Seon Woojin even more.

“Yes.”

With a grave resolve, Gongsun Dankyung whispered as if she had no choice.

“The truth is… I’m interested in him.”

For a moment, Gongsun Dana’s eyes widened in shock.

“Really?”

Her voice trembled as if she were shaken.

Seeing that, Gongsun Dankyung inwardly sighed in relief and nodded.

“Yes. But he’s very indifferent toward women. So honestly… it’s been quite difficult.”

“I see…”

When Gongsun Dana lowered her head, Gongsun Dankyung also bowed hers apologetically.

“I’m sorry for not telling you honestly sooner.”

In Gongsun Dankyung’s lowered eyes burned a solemn light.

This was a sacrifice.

If her sacrifice allowed her sister to meet a good man, there could be nothing better.

Even if she were misunderstood a hundred times as having stolen the man her sister liked…

She could still hold her head high and smile proudly.

“That’s wonderful!”

But suddenly, Gongsun Dana clapped her hands and laughed brightly.

“I actually wanted to ask clearly! Thank you for being honest, Unnie.”

“About what?”

“About Captain Seon.”

Gongsun Dankyung was dumbfounded.

What nonsense was this cheeky little sister spouting now?

“What are you talking about?”

“Mother and Father have been curious for a long time. Just what kind of person Seon Woojin is… for you to keep him by your side for so long, and even risk your position as Chief Inspector to push him as a Commander candidate.”

Smiling sweetly, Gongsun Dana continued, “That’s why they sent me. To find out exactly what kind of relationship the two of you have.”

“What?”

Gongsun Dankyung’s face instantly turned as pale as a skull.

“You came all the way to the Alliance… to figure out what’s between Captain Seon and me?”

“Yes.”

Gongsun Dana smiled prettily.

But in contrast, Gongsun Dankyung’s eyes were turning completely white.

She had no idea how to unravel this misunderstanding.

“Dana, listen to me. It’s all a misunderstanding. The truth is—”

“It’s okay. Even from what I saw, he seems like a good person.”

“What?”

“Don’t worry. I’ll never say anything bad.”

“No.”

Gongsun Dankyung spoke firmly.

“You must never tell Mother and Father anything like that. He is—”

She eventually closed her lips.

Because I thought you might like him.

Because it seemed you were developing feelings for Captain Seon.

That’s why I lied…

She couldn’t bring herself to say it.

‘Even if I said it, she wouldn’t believe me.’

By now, Gongsun Dana was already wearing an ecstatic expression, as if she had just tasted the sweetest honey.

She had fully believed Gongsun Dankyung’s claim that she was interested in him.

The peerless Gongsun Dankyung.

In all her life, she had never once spoken nonsense.

“It’s alright,” Gongsun Dana spoke calmly, as if to reassure her. “These kinds of things will absolutely never reach the ears of people in the Martial Alliance.”

Then, with a lovely smile, she winked.

The sight was breathtakingly beautiful…

But to Gongsun Dankyung’s eyes, it looked exactly like a water ghost grinning as it dragged someone down to hell.

A few days later.

Sitting at her office desk, Gongsun Dankyung slowly opened the letter with trembling hands.

―I heard everything from Dana. This father would also like to meet him in person.

The inevitable had finally arrived.

Her father, Gongsun Hwa-uk, had sent a personal letter to Gongsun Dankyung.

―It’s been far too long since we last saw each other’s faces. Come down together with him.

And at the very end of the letter, these words were written:

―If you are truly too busy and cannot make time, then your mother and I will come to the Alliance ourselves.

Thud.

The letter slipped from Gongsun Dankyung’s fingers.

Her unfocused eyes had lost all light.

This was practically an ultimatum.

No—an order she could never ignore, one that could even shake her very position.