The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign – Chapter 205

The air inside the annex seemed to freeze, as if time itself had halted, with a heavy atmosphere pressing down from above.

“You’re out of your mind,” Yong Jeokbi said, breaking the long silence, his gaze fixed on Bu Eunseol. “Assassinate one of the Seven Kings of Death? Don’t tell me you plan to take ten years to do it, just because there’s no deadline?”

As the heir of Extreme Slaughter Sect, a sect renowned for assassination, even Yong Jeokbi deemed it an impossible task without a decade of preparation.

But Bu Eunseol remained silent.

Killing the Beggar King.

It was something he had to do. Had it not been for the sacrifices of the Peongan Corps, he would have met his death long ago.

‘Besides, I’m sick of being handed passive missions.’ If another passive task had been assigned, Bu Eunseol would have shuddered with disgust.

But Yeop Hyocheon had laid out a pile of scrolls, and by chance, one contained exactly what he wanted. For someone who always insisted on an active life, this was a stroke of immense fortune.

“Hm,” Do Cheonlin let out a low hum.

His eyes gleamed as if he’d realized something, and he spoke. “Bu Eunseol, you’re planning to change the scroll’s contents later, aren’t you?”

The lack of a deadline.

It could be interpreted to mean the scroll’s task could be altered.

But Yeop Hyocheon shook his head firmly. “Once a scroll is chosen, it cannot be changed.”

Do Cheonlin suddenly stepped forward, clasping his hands. “No matter how talented a martial artist, some tasks are impossible.” With a deeply serious expression, he continued, “Of course, far in the future, he might rise to the level of the Seven Kings. But isn’t the purpose of these scrolls to test the heirs’ capabilities?”

It was incomprehensible.

Do Cheonlin, who had consistently opposed Bu Eunseol’s candidacy, was now pleading his case to Yeop Hyocheon?

“If I fall, wouldn’t that be better for you, Do Cheonlin?” Bu Eunseol said.

Do Cheonlin smirked. “That wouldn’t be bad. But I’d hate to see a rival I planned to compete with until the end ruin himself with a foolish mistake.”

A strange remark.

Strictly speaking, Do Cheonlin’s true rival wasn’t Bu Eunseol but Weiji Hyesang. The Blood Flame Blade Sect and the Hwa Wu Sword Sect had long been compared and competed against each other.

Yet, he was openly declaring Bu Eunseol his rival.

“He’s right, Brother Bu,” Weiji Hyesang said, maintaining his bright smile despite Do Cheonlin’s provocative attitude. “Why not take his advice and reconsider?”

Despite his innocent, naive demeanor, he was essentially saying:

‘I, too, see you as my rival, not Do Cheonlin.’

The two were using Bu Eunseol to engage in a battle of wits. Fully aware of this, Bu Eunseol shook his head nonchalantly. “I’ve already made my decision.”

As his response echoed, Yeop Hyocheon asked in a low voice, “It seems you’ve already chosen which of the Seven Kings to target.”

“Yes,” Bu Eunseol replied.

“Who?”

“Gu Hongcheong.”

“The Beggar King,” Yeop Hyocheon said, a faint smile forming as if he’d expected it.

Indeed, among the Seven Kings of Death, the Beggar King was the least skilled in martial arts, the lowest in rank.

Yet, he had reached the threshold of the Supreme Heavenly Realm and, more importantly, was the Grand Elder of the Beggars’ Sect, the righteous faction’s premier intelligence organization.

Considering these factors, he was by no means an easy target.

“I see,” Yeop Hyocheon nodded impassively, then turned to Weiji Hyesang. “You’re not choosing a scroll today?”

“No,” Weiji Hyesang confirmed.

“Then we’re done here,” Yeop Hyocheon said with a dry smile, looking at the heirs. “You’ve all chosen your tasks. You may leave.”

The heirs, as if waiting for the cue, bowed respectfully to Yeop Hyocheon and left the annex.

Do Cheonlin and Weiji Hyesang kept their eyes on Bu Eunseol until the moment they exited. But Bu Eunseol stood still, showing no intention of leaving.

“You have something to say to me,” Yeop Hyocheon said, smiling faintly.

“Yes,” Bu Eunseol nodded.

“Speak.”

Bu Eunseol clasped his hands and, with utmost seriousness and caution, said, “Is Majeon’s heir predetermined?”

A long silence followed.

Instead of answering, Yeop Hyocheon stared into Bu Eunseol’s eyes, as if prompting him to say more.

“Let me rephrase,” Bu Eunseol said, taking a deep breath. “Is Do Cheonlin designated as Majeon’s heir?”

Yeop Hyocheon’s lips parted slightly at the revised question. “Why do you think that?”

“Even as the young master of the Blood Flame Blade Sect, he couldn’t easily command Majeon’s masters.”

It was a simple deduction, hardly requiring deep thought.

Do Cheonlin had manipulated Majeon’s leaders to drive Bu Eunseol from Nangyang and lure him to the Abandoned Manor. After their parting, masters from the Wudang Sect and Hell’s Blood Fortress attacked as if waiting.

Even for the Blood Flame Blade Sect’s heir, such influence was excessive.

“Heh,” Yeop Hyocheon let out a satisfied chuckle, as if that were answer enough. “Despite entering the martial world late, you’re not a step behind the heirs of the Ten Demonic Sects, who inherited supreme talent and training,” he murmured, whether in awe or admiration. “Is that answer enough?”

“Yes,” Bu Eunseol said, bowing respectfully before turning to leave.

But Yeop Hyocheon’s low voice followed. “The future of this order will need a blade.”

As Bu Eunseol turned, Yeop Hyocheon wore an enigmatic smile. “Be that blade. A sharp one.”

A blade has two purposes.

It can intimidate by its presence or cut through anything when wielded.

‘Be the blade that carves out rot.’

Bu Eunseol didn’t ask the meaning.

Yeop Hyocheon’s eyes conveyed it clearly.

“I have one request,” Bu Eunseol said.

“Speak.”

He then held a quiet, secretive conversation with Yeop Hyocheon.

“Thank you,” Bu Eunseol said, bowing once more before leaving without delay.

***

Clatter, clatter.

Majeon’s gates opened, and a black-armored eight-horse carriage thundered down the road.

A flag bearing Majeon’s emblem fluttered atop the carriage, surrounded by Death Shadow Corps captains on swift horses, while the warriors followed stealthily with movement techniques.

“What are you thinking, Brother Bu?” Hyeok Sojin said, arms crossed, looking at Bu Eunseol, who gazed out the window. “Assassinate the Beggar King? Why choose such a task?”

As they left Majeon, rumors had secretly spread that Bu Eunseol had chosen to kill one of the Seven Kings of Death. A matter meant to be confidential had leaked, likely spread deliberately by one of the four heirs.

Do Cheonlin hid his choice, and Weiji Hyesang hadn’t chosen yet, but both were masters of superhuman martial arts and insight.

‘No, it might not be them.’ Hyeok Sojin shook his head.

Perhaps Yong Jeokbi or Shin Do-unhwi, or even all four, had spread the rumor about Bu Eunseol’s task. 

As Hyeok Sojin pondered, Bu Eunseol replied, “It’s just something I must do.”

Hyeok Sojin sighed.

When Bu Eunseol said it was “something he must do,” it became an obligation he’d fulfill no matter what.

“Shouldn’t we stop the rumor from spreading? If it reaches the Beggars’ Sect, killing the Beggar King will be…” Hyeok Sojin trailed off.

Bu Eunseol smiled coldly. “No, if they didn’t spread it, I would have.”

“What?”

“The Beggar King is a proud man. If he knows I’m targeting him, he’ll show himself boldly.” Arms crossed, Bu Eunseol narrowed his eyes, deep in thought. “Even if not, there are many reasons to spread the rumor.”

“…” Hyeok Sojin fell silent.

Bu Eunseol never acted impulsively. He always assessed situations meticulously and devised multiple strategies. If he spoke this way, he surely had a profound, far-reaching plan.

“Why target the Beggar King?” Hyeok Sojin asked.

Bu Eunseol’s eyes flashed with intensity. “Because he targeted Nangyang’s disciples.”

Those who harmed Nangyang’s disciples faced death, and their sects faced annihilation. By killing the Beggar King, Bu Eunseol aimed to proclaim Nangyang’s iron rule and authority to the martial world once more.

“Where are we going now?” Hyeok Sojin asked.

Bu Eunseol, eyes closed, replied calmly, “Extinction Palace.”

“Extinction Palace…” Hyeok Sojin murmured, narrowing his eyes after a moment of thought. “Are you planning to gather forces to take down the Beggar King?”

No matter how skilled Bu Eunseol was, the Beggars’ Sect was filled with countless masters. The Beggar King, a Supreme Heavenly Realm master, was beyond Bu Eunseol’s ability to face alone.

“No way. I’ll face him alone,” Bu Eunseol said calmly, looking out the window. “But to duel him one-on-one, I need the help of a master on my level.”

“On your level…” Hyeok Sojin nodded, realizing something. “I see.”

A master of similar age and skill to Bu Eunseol. Only one group fit that description.

The Ten Demon Warriors.

Bu Eunseol aimed to gather the remaining Ten Demon Warriors for support.

***

Extinction Palace was located at the foot of Cheonbong Mountain, southeast of Suzhou.

Following the river, one could see a beautiful forest of cypress and pine trees. Further along, a grand gate resembling the Iljumun of a temple came into view.

As Bu Eunseol and Hyeok Sojin looked up at the gate, a sign reading “Extinction Palace” hung above. This was the sect of the strongest demonic palm technique, said to dominate the world with a pair of six-foot palms.

Bu Eunseol dismounted the carriage and ascended the gate with the Death Shadow Corps warriors. At the entrance stood two warriors with piercing gazes, standing like divine generals. Their aura and demeanor suggested they were no ordinary guards.

“Death Shadow Corps Leader Bu Eunseol,” he announced.

The guards flinched.

While a Majeon leader’s rank wasn’t exceptionally high, representing Majeon in the martial world carried immense weight.

“What brings you to our palace?” one asked.

“I’m here to see Extinction Palace’s Ten Demon Warrior,” Bu Eunseol replied.

The guards exchanged subtle glances, then clasped their hands. “Please wait a moment.”

One guard hurried inside, likely to report.

‘They knew my purpose.’ Bu Eunseol grasped the situation instantly.

Extinction Palace had anticipated his visit to find their Ten Demon Warrior. Far from being surprised, the guards exchanged looks and rushed inside, likely instructed to report his arrival.

‘The Ten Demonic Sects are truly formidable.’

As a core faction of the Ten Demonic Sects, Extinction Palace’s influence and intelligence network were vast and intricate. They had tracked Bu Eunseol’s movements and even predicted his intentions.

‘This won’t be easy.’ Bu Eunseol sensed this matter wouldn’t resolve smoothly.

Creak.

The inner gate opened, and the guard returned, clasping his hands before Bu Eunseol. “Follow me.”

The guard led him to a small pavilion away from Extinction Palace’s center. A small pond adorned the area, and inside the pavilion sat an elderly man in blue robes with white whiskers.

Though small and frail, his posture was upright, and his eyes gleamed with vitality. He appeared to be a high-ranking elder.

Bu Eunseol clasped his hands, facing the old man sipping tea leisurely like an immortal. “Death Shadow Corps Leader Bu Eunseol.”

The old man, glancing at his salute, nodded lightly as if just noticing him. “Mok Incheong, Master of the Disciplinary Hall.”

Falling Sun Overturns Heaven, Mok Incheong.

A fearsome master said to make the sun fall and the heavens turn with a single move. But it was strange. Why was the Master of the Disciplinary Hall, who enforced Majeon’s laws, meeting Bu Eunseol instead of a guest hall official?

“You came to see our Ten Demon Warrior?” Mok Incheong asked.

“Yes,” Bu Eunseol confirmed.

“That’s not possible.”

“Why not?”

“He’s in the Wall-Facing Cave.”

Bu Eunseol couldn’t understand. What crime had Myo Cheonwoo committed to be confined in the Wall-Facing Cave?

“Did he commit a crime?” Bu Eunseol asked.

“Well,” Mok Incheong said evasively, then abruptly changed the subject. “I heard you declared you’d kill the Beggar King.”

From his words and expression, Bu Eunseol realized two things.

It was Shin Do-unhwi who spread the rumor about the scroll.

And Extinction Palace had no intention of letting Myo Cheonwoo go easily.

“I can guess what you’re thinking, but if you’re truly aiming for the heir’s position, I wouldn’t recommend this approach,” Mok Incheong said.

He seemed certain Bu Eunseol sought Myo Cheonwoo’s help to kill the Beggar King.

“That’s not for you to concern yourself with,” Bu Eunseol replied firmly.

Mok Incheong smiled faintly. “I can’t help but be concerned. You’re competing with our palace’s heir, aren’t you?” He continued, “Yet we let you enter because Nangyang has no particular enmity with us. Understand?”

Bu Eunseol stared at Mok Incheong coldly.

Myo Cheonwoo’s sudden confinement in the Wall-Facing Cave was suspicious, and Mok Incheong’s attitude bordered on a threat.

“It seems you have something else to say,” Bu Eunseol said.

Mok Incheong replied coldly, “I’ll say it again: leave quietly.” At that moment, hidden warriors around the pavilion emitted sharp killing intent.

Moreover, Mok Incheong’s ring finger, holding the teacup, pointed at Bu Eunseol. If Bu Eunseol showed any sign of using martial arts, he’d unleash a palm technique without hesitation.

When Bu Eunseol remained silent, Mok Incheong nodded with satisfaction. “I’ll take my leave then.”

“I’m here as the Death Shadow Corps Leader,” Bu Eunseol said solemnly.

“And?”

“As a Majeon leader, I command you: bring Myo Cheonwoo here.”