The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign – Chapter 157

“The Ten Demon Warrior of Nangyang Pavilion, Bu Eunseol, overwhelmed the righteous masters!”

The incident where three righteous masters were defeated by a single Ten Demon Warrior. Following what became known as the Janggeom Manor Incident, a massive uproar swept through the martial world.

Until now, the martial world had viewed the Ten Demon Warriors as inferior to the righteous masters. Yet, a Ten Demon Warrior from the Nangyang Pavilion defeated Gwan Seokcheon, a righteous master from the Jeomchang Sect, at Janggeom Manor. Furthermore, he vanquished the combined assault of Han Seong and Qing Choxian, righteous masters from Janggeom Manor and the Ami Sect.

“No way that’s true! It must be a false rumor,” many martial artists scoffed upon hearing the news.

Most refused to believe it. No matter how formidable a Ten Demon Warrior’s martial arts might be, righteous masters were consistently late-stage experts who had reached the pinnacle of mastery. One person defeating two such masters alone was deemed impossible.

“To find the Ten Demon Warrior of Nangyang Pavilion, the Eighteen Arhats of Shaolin and the Seven Swords of Wudang have mobilized.”

The top masters of Shaolin and Wudang had descended into the martial world to hunt down the Ten Demon Warrior of Nangyang Pavilion. Their actions confirmed that the events at Janggeom Manor were undeniably true.

“They’re trying to restore the lost prestige of the Nine Great Sects!”

The Ten Demon Warrior of Nangyang Pavilion had triumphed over many of the Nine Great Sects’ masters. Unable to tolerate this, Shaolin and Wudang had mobilized to seek retribution.

However, since the Janggeom Manor Incident, the Ten Demon Warrior of Nangyang Pavilion had vanished from the martial world.

***

At Nangyang Pavilion, atop Iron Staff Peak.

At the edge of a sheer cliff sat a man, poised and composed. Glossy black hair framed a sharp nose and smooth jawline. Were it not for his thick eyebrows, his striking appearance could have been mistaken for that of an unparalleled beauty. This was Bu Eunseol.

“Like a celestial immortal,” a voice remarked.

A middle-aged man in flowing blue robes approached from behind. With an ethereal air and languid eyes, he seemed like a carefree wanderer untouched by worldly concerns. Yet, in truth, he was a fearsome figure capable of shaking the martial world. It was Dan Cheong, the Vice-Sect Leader of Nangyang Pavilion.

“Vice-Sect Leader,” Bu Eunseol said, rising and bowing.

Dan Cheong smiled warmly. “Were you channeling your energy?”

“No,” Bu Eunseol replied.

A faint haze of distraction lingered in his eyes. Dan Cheong, gazing into them, spoke calmly. “You were reminiscing about him, weren’t you?”

“No,” Bu Eunseol said again.

But despite his words, a faint mist still clouded his gaze.

“Has your body fully recovered?” Dan Cheong asked.

“Yes,” Bu Eunseol answered.

After defeating the righteous masters, Bu Eunseol had returned to Nangyang Pavilion immediately. His intention was partly to recover safely from his severe internal injuries. But more importantly, he wanted answers from Blood Vajra about the strange phenomenon he experienced—his inner power growing stronger with each injury.

Yet, when Bu Eunseol returned, Blood Vajra had already left Nangyang Pavilion. When he inquired about his whereabouts, even the Peongan Corps Leader claimed to know nothing.

“I haven’t yet repaid his kindness, and I never expected him to leave so soon,” Bu Eunseol said.

Throughout his life, Bu Eunseol had learned martial arts from many masters. But in his heart, he considered Sa Woo and Blood Vajra his true masters. Thus, he never failed to visit Iron Staff Peak upon returning to Nangyang Pavilion.

Inner power cultivation was the foundation of a martial artist, a beacon guiding them through the vast sea of the martial world. In the martial world, even if one had multiple masters, the one who taught inner power cultivation was revered above all. This was because mastering the basics required relentless guidance, day after day, with exhaustive explanations of techniques, often taking years to establish a foundation.

Teaching inner power cultivation was akin to painstakingly raising a stranger’s newborn child. And Blood Vajra had raised that child into a young man with inner power among the best in the martial world.

“He promised to pass the Ban-geuk Method to a disciple of our sect,” Dan Cheong said. “It was merely an exchange, so you owe him nothing.”

“No,” Bu Eunseol said firmly, shaking his head.

“What do you mean?”

“He didn’t just teach me inner power cultivation,” Bu Eunseol replied.

Dan Cheong raised an eyebrow. Bu Eunseol pointed to the base of the cliff where he had been sitting. Words were carved there with sharp, precise energy:

‘By the time you seek me out again, you’ll notice something unusual in your body. Fear not. It’s merely the Original True Energy I instilled in you merging with your innate energy.’

“Original True Energy?” Dan Cheong muttered, blinking as he read the inscription.

The words detailed why Bu Eunseol’s power had surged so rapidly and why it grew stronger with each injury.

“Blood Vajra infused you with Original True Energy?” Dan Cheong asked.

“Yes,” Bu Eunseol said. “When my energy went berserk while practicing the Ban-geuk Method, he generously infused me with it to heal me.”

“Hmm…” Dan Cheong’s expression grew grave. “May I check your pulse?”

“Of course,” Bu Eunseol said, extending his arm.

Dan Cheong reached out with two fingers to feel his pulse.

Twang!

But before he could touch it, a spring-like recoil repelled his fingers with force.

‘What’s this?’ Dan Cheong thought, staring at Bu Eunseol in surprise.

“There’s no need to be so guarded. I’m only checking your pulse,” he said.

“What do you mean?” Bu Eunseol asked, blinking innocently.

Something was off. Bu Eunseol seemed unaware of the recoil.

‘He didn’t cause that recoil intentionally?’ Dan Cheong thought, startled. Determined, he gripped Bu Eunseol’s wrist with force, channeling energy through his fingers.

‘This…!’ As he assessed Bu Eunseol’s energy flow and power level, Dan Cheong’s eyes lost focus. His clenched teeth parted involuntarily.

‘This boy’s inner power is at this level…?’

Bu Eunseol’s inner power exceeded three jiazi—180 years’ worth of cultivation. While martial prowess wasn’t solely determined by inner power, this level meant he could hold his own against the greatest masters of the era.

‘Blood Vajra created a monster!’ Dan Cheong thought.

“Is something wrong?” Bu Eunseol asked.

Dan Cheong, who had been staring wide-eyed, cleared his throat and composed himself. “Nothing. Your inner power is impressive.”

“Thank you,” Bu Eunseol said.

Releasing his wrist, Dan Cheong muttered under his breath, “Indeed, the Ban-geuk Method is the only technique in the martial world that allows one to infuse energy into another.”

Glancing around Iron Staff Peak, he added, “Blood Vajra left you as his legacy.”

Dan Cheong was mistaken, believing Bu Eunseol’s immense power stemmed entirely from Blood Vajra’s Original True Energy. If he knew that most of it still lay dormant deep within Bu Eunseol’s Eight Extraordinary Meridians, he would have leaped off the cliff in shock.

“But this isn’t entirely a good thing,” Dan Cheong said, his expression turning worried. “Rapidly increasing your power through elixirs or external aid can cause problems.”

“What kind of problems?” Bu Eunseol asked.

“What happens if you give a sharp, peerless sword to someone just learning swordsmanship?” Dan Cheong explained calmly. “Inner power cultivation is the same. If you can’t control a sudden surge in power, it could harm your body.”

Thanks to the breathing techniques taught by Bu Zhanyang, Bu Eunseol had built an exceptionally strong foundation and amassed immense inner power in his dantian. He could delicately control his three jiazi of power, but Dan Cheong was concerned, like a bank clerk advising a newly rich man on managing wealth.

“Don’t worry. I’ll work harder,” Bu Eunseol said.

Even Blood Vajra, who had taught him the Ban-geuk Method, had only reached the fifth stage, yet he stood unyielding against the greatest masters. The stages beyond were uncharted territory, but Bu Eunseol felt his current level was insufficient and resolved to surpass it.

“Good,” Dan Cheong said, smiling warmly. “If anyone can do it, it’s you.”

“But why did you come all the way here?” Bu Eunseol asked cautiously, noticing the faint worry in Dan Cheong’s brow.

“News from Majeon?” he ventured.

“Yes,” Dan Cheong said, sighing deeply. “The Demon Emperor has finally emerged from seclusion.” Bu Eunseol wasn’t overly surprised. He had already heard hints from the Peongan Corps Leader, and it was irrelevant to him.

“It doesn’t matter,” he said. “I have no intention of becoming a candidate for Majeon’s successor.”

“What?” Dan Cheong said, his expression curious. “You’ve already killed three righteous masters,” he pointed out.

“That wasn’t to become Majeon’s successor,” Bu Eunseol replied.

“Hah,” Dan Cheong let out a bemused chuckle.

He found Bu Eunseol’s lack of ambition and loyalty to Nangyang Pavilion admirable, yet absurd.

“The position of Majeon’s successor is something every demonic martial artist dreams of. Don’t you have any ambition?”

“I’m a disciple of Nangyang Pavilion. Isn’t that enough?” Bu Eunseol said.

“Hahaha!” Dan Cheong burst into hearty laughter, his face beaming like a grandfather watching a playful grandchild. “If the Sect Leader heard that, he’d be overjoyed,” he said.

His smile faded into a serious expression. “But to answer your question, it’s not possible.”

“Why not?” Bu Eunseol asked.

“Because you must become Majeon’s successor,” Dan Cheong said.

It was an unexpected response.

“Me?” Bu Eunseol asked, bewildered.

“Yes,” Dan Cheong said solemnly. “For three reasons.”

Gazing at the distant sky, he spoke heavily. “First, though young, you’ve mastered the sect’s practical martial arts to their fullest. Further training in techniques here would be meaningless.” Pausing briefly, he continued in a low voice. “Learning other martial arts from our sect’s masters would be pointless.”

It was an accurate judgment. Bu Eunseol’s mastery of the Supreme Heavenly Flow encompassed all sword techniques in the martial world. Dan Cheong had once taught him a single sword form that contained every variation of swordsmanship, and within a year, Bu Eunseol had mastered them all. Moreover, he had refined his swordsmanship through battles with top masters, rendering further training from Nangyang Pavilion’s masters unnecessary.

“What’s the second reason?” Bu Eunseol asked.

“Isn’t your goal to become stronger?” Dan Cheong said. “To achieve that, learning the Demon Emperor’s martial arts would make you far stronger than training here.”

“I haven’t even fully mastered the martial arts I’ve learned,” Bu Eunseol said, shaking his head. “And I believe I can become strong enough with the sect’s martial arts alone.”

Dan Cheong nodded inwardly. Nangyang Pavilion had produced several unparalleled masters in the past, though few could fully master its profound techniques. Perfecting them could make one the greatest in the martial world.

“True, but that’s an incredibly difficult path,” Dan Cheong said.

“I’ll achieve it,” Bu Eunseol declared.

“Perhaps,” Dan Cheong said. “But the third reason makes it essential for you to go to Majeon.”

He paused, his expression grave. “Majeon’s Sect Leader summoned you personally.” This time, Bu Eunseol couldn’t hide his shock.

“The Demon Emperor?” he asked.

“Yes,” Dan Cheong said. “The Chief Instructor, Yeop Hyocheon, told Majeon’s Sect Leader about you.”

Yeop Hyocheon, a master of the Seven Kings of Death and the Chief Instructor of Majeon, had only briefly spoken with Bu Eunseol. Why would he mention him to the Demon Emperor?

“The Ten Demon Warriors have already endured enough schemes from the successors of the Ten Demon Sects,” Dan Cheong said, as if addressing Bu Eunseol’s curiosity. “But now, a prodigy who boldly overcame those schemes has appeared, likely to prevent further vile plots.”

Bu Eunseol recalled Yeop Hyocheon’s sly smile in the shadows. It seemed he had been orchestrating the broader situation in favor of the Ten Demon Warriors.

“With Majeon’s Sect Leader emerging from seclusion, the Sect Leader will likely do the same soon,” Dan Cheong said. “So it’s best to go to Majeon before that.”

“Why?” Bu Eunseol asked.

“Because once the Sect Leader emerges, he’ll never let you go to Majeon’s Sect Leader,” Dan Cheong said, grinning. “I want you to face trials under Majeon’s Sect Leader and grow stronger, faster. But the Sect Leader… he feels a rivalry with Majeon’s Sect Leader.”

“Rivalry…” Bu Eunseol murmured, puzzled.

“Then the reason the Sect Leader and the Demon Emperor entered seclusion…” he began.

“Yes, it’s time you knew,” Dan Cheong said, gazing at the distant sky. “The Sect Leader and Majeon’s Sect Leader entered seclusion together because… they fought a battle that could have torn the heavens and earth apart.”

Boom.

Bu Eunseol’s eyes widened as if struck in the back of the head.

The Nangyang Sect Leader and the Demon Emperor had fought? The authority of the Twin Heavenly Emperors of Righteous and Demonic Paths was absolute. Even though the Nangyang Sect Leader was a world-shaking transcendent master among the Three Demons and Three Saints, the Demon Emperor, the absolute ruler of the demonic path, was considered leagues above him.

“Most in the martial world don’t know, but the Sect Leader and Majeon’s Sect Leader have long competed in martial arts,” Dan Cheong said. “The Demon Emperor ascended to his position because he continually sparred with the Sect Leader.”

Bu Eunseol’s heart raced. Did this mean the Nangyang Sect Leader was a master on par with the Demon Emperor?

“Then… has the Sect Leader also reached the pinnacle of the Limitless Realm?” Bu Eunseol asked.

“No one has witnessed their duel,” Dan Cheong said. “How could I, a mere mortal, fathom the martial prowess of the Sect Leader or Majeon’s Sect Leader?”

Dan Cheong himself had reached the end of the Heavenly Realm, on the cusp of the Limitless Realm, yet he couldn’t begin to gauge the heights of the Limitless Realm achieved by the Nangyang Sect Leader or the Demon Emperor.

“Even within the Limitless Realm, there are differences in enlightenment,” Dan Cheong added. “And beyond that lies the mysterious Celestial Realm.”

Seeing Bu Eunseol’s eyes sparkle like a child’s, Dan Cheong smiled faintly. “That’s all I have to say. With Peongan Corps Leader Baek Yeon out in the martial world handling various matters…”

Baek Yeon, the Peongan Corps Leader, was traveling the martial world, commanding intelligence networks in response to the Demon Emperor’s return. With a figure capable of reshaping the balance of the righteous and demonic paths reemerging, he was closely monitoring the martial world’s movements.

“Majeon will soon send an envoy,” Dan Cheong said, patting Bu Eunseol’s shoulder.

“Now, face your new destiny.”