The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign – Chapter 400

Bu Eunseol took a deep breath and calmed his mind.

‘I mustn’t get worked up.’

A clash between a Ten Demon Warrior and a righteous master was inevitable.

Moreover, hadn’t Yeong Munho deliberately taken Cheon Hwain’s sword strike to escape the shackles of the Ten Demon Warriors?

In the end, losing his inner power was Yeong Munho’s choice, not something to resent Cheon Hwain for.

‘Is it beyond my control?’ No matter how coldly he tried to think, recalling Yeong Munho’s face as he died screaming made it impossible not to feel animosity toward Cheon Hwain.

“Hahaha, if it hadn’t been for the leader back then…”

Regardless of Bu Eunseol’s inner turmoil, Cheon Hwain’s boisterous voice grew louder.

Around his table sat figures who appeared to be from the Nine Great Sects. Cheon Hwain was loudly flaunting his connections, drawing the attention and envy of those around him.

“They’ve already chosen a suitable candidate, so it’s a farce, but you could easily disrupt their plans, couldn’t you?”

Recalling the Divine Sage’s words, Bu Eunseol nodded.

‘Then he must be the chosen one.’

Originally, Cheon Hwain was considered a candidate for the next leader of the Mount Hua Sect. Such a prominent figure among the younger generation had no need to participate in the Heroes’ Conference to vie for a mere third-rank leader position in the Martial Alliance.

‘That means the rumors about him falling out of the succession line are true.’

Recently, unfavorable rumors about Cheon Hwain had spread through the martial world. It was said that as he rose to a high position, his true character—hidden until then—revealed itself.

He was arrogant toward superiors, harsh toward subordinates, and acted as if he were already confirmed as the next leader, commanding his peers. Unable to tolerate this, the Mount Hua Sect’s supporters had turned their backs on him, or so the rumors went.

‘With no chance of becoming the Mount Hua Sect leader, he’s aiming to rise in the Martial Alliance.’

“You seem envious,” a voice said.

As Bu Eunseol stared at Cheon Hwain, a young man with long eyes and a clear gaze approached him.

“After all, he’s a righteous master and was a candidate for the Mount Hua Sect’s leadership… more a young grandmaster than a mere young talent.”

The man seemed to think Bu Eunseol’s intense gaze at Cheon Hwain stemmed from envy. When Bu Eunseol looked up, the man flashed a bright smile, showing his white teeth.

“I’m Tae Muryong.”

Tae Muryong, the Red Star Rake.

He was a disciple of the righteous Azure Death Sect, a fairly well-known figure.

Though part of the righteous faction, the Azure Death Sect’s primary weapon was the rake-shaped pado (Iron Rake), used for digging graves or earth.

Their fighting techniques were also considered bizarre, often called unorthodox side studies. However, unlike their martial arts, the Azure Death Sect was firmly orthodox, consistently upholding the path of chivalry.

Tae Muryong, having done many good deeds, was invited to this Heroes’ Conference.

“I’m Seon Woojin,” Bu Eunseol replied.

“Seon Woojin…?” Tae Muryong tilted his head, then blinked. “The Horizon Flying Blade from the outer regions! The heir of the Sunflower Merchant Guild!”

He let out an exclamation, but a flicker of disappointment passed through his eyes.

The grandiose title of Horizon Flying Blade came merely from defeating numerous bandit groups. From a martial artist’s perspective, Seon Woojin wasn’t from a traditional martial clan and was just the heir of a merchant guild operating in the outer regions—an unremarkable background.

“That’s right,” Bu Eunseol said, smiling and clasping his hands.

Tae Muryong’s eyes sparkled.

Despite noticing Tae Muryong’s disappointed expression, Bu Eunseol maintained a smile and a nonchalant demeanor.

‘He’s no ordinary person.’

Tae Muryong was not only intelligent but also highly observant. Realizing the man before him was exceptional, he felt a strong sense of goodwill.

“Come on, let’s get up,” Tae Muryong said, standing and pulling Bu Eunseol’s sleeve. “I’m just a nobody, but I’ve been lucky to make a few friends. I’d like to introduce you to them, Young Hero Seon.”

Leading Bu Eunseol, Tae Muryong began introducing him to his martial artist acquaintances.

‘He’s caught two rabbits.’

A subtle glint flashed in Bu Eunseol’s eyes as he was led by Tae Muryong. By introducing Bu Eunseol to others, Tae Muryong drew attention and earned Bu Eunseol’s favor.

‘With this level of skill, his martial arts must be considerable.’

To master advanced martial arts, one needed not only a strong physique but also sharp intelligence and wit. From Tae Muryong’s gaze, his intellect and insight were significant. He had likely mastered martial arts far beyond what was known.

‘He must be desperately aiming for the leader position.’

From Tae Muryong’s demeanor, Bu Eunseol could discern his intentions.

The founder of the Azure Death Sect was a cemetery caretaker.

Gaining profound insight while tending graves and digging earth, the founder, Son Sammuk, established the sect, with the iron rake as his primary weapon. However, those using unorthodox weapons like the iron rake were rarely respected in the martial world.

Azure Death Sect disciples, due to their founder’s background, carried an inferiority complex as a “cemetery caretaker sect.”

Tae Muryong was likely no exception.

He aimed to become a Martial Alliance leader to make a name for himself.

“Hahaha, I didn’t know Brother Tae was such an entertaining person,” someone said.

Laughter bloomed at Tae Muryong’s table.

Not only was he handsome, but his eloquence was impressive. However, his Azure Death Sect background had limited his social interactions.

But by bringing Bu Eunseol around and letting his wit shine, he quickly became the center of attention at the banquet.

“The Azure Death Sect’s top disciple is here. Pleased to meet you,” a voice called out.

Suddenly, Cheon Hwain approached Tae Muryong from the opposite side. Curious that the attention focused on him had shifted, and learning it was the Azure Death Sect’s top disciple, he approached with a peculiar smile.

“I’m Cheon Hwain.”

“Tae Muryong.”

“The Heroes’ Conference is quite something,” Cheon Hwain said in a smooth voice. “To meet such rare figures in one place at the same time.”

Tae Muryong’s face stiffened.

The phrase “rare figures” implied Tae Muryong was an obscure nobody. Moreover, Cheon Hwain’s condescending expression wounded Tae Muryong’s pride.

“Indeed. I’ve long admired the Mount Hua Sword, Great Brother Cheon, renowned across the martial world. It’s an honor to meet you,” Tae Muryong replied, using an excessively respectful title for a peer and clasping his hands politely.

As a top disciple of the Mount Hua Sect, Cheon Hwain was closer to a next-generation grandmaster than a mere young talent.

“Indeed, Brother Tae. Since we’ve met like this, have a drink,” Cheon Hwain said, smiling like an elder and extending his right hand.

A wine cup from the opposite table floated up and slowly drifted toward Tae Muryong.

Sending a cup through the air with telekinesis was no big deal. But doing so at such a slow speed required immense inner power.

With this move, Cheon Hwain was flaunting his inner power to those around him.

‘Tch.’ Tae Muryong’s expression changed drastically. ‘He’s trying to humiliate me.’

Cold sweat beaded on his forehead as he watched the slowly approaching cup.

The Azure Death Sect’s weapon techniques with the iron rake were unparalleled, but their inner power methods were lacking. Tae Muryong had always won with versatile techniques, never relying on superior inner power.

If he failed to catch the cup in front of all these people? It would be an unprecedented humiliation, branding him as defeated by Cheon Hwain.

He wouldn’t even need to participate in the tournament; he’d have to leave the Martial Alliance in tears.

‘I’ll give it a shot.’

With a resolute expression, Tae Muryong gathered his inner power and reached for the cup. But no matter how much power he summoned, he couldn’t slow the cup’s approach.

‘No, this can’t be.’

As the cup, undeterred, was about to hit his chest—

Zing.

A low vibration resonated, and a strange inner power enveloped Tae Muryong, gradually slowing the cup’s speed.

Tap.

The cup landed naturally in his outstretched hand.

It looked as if he had effortlessly caught it with powerful inner force.

“…!” Cheon Hwain’s eyes flickered.

Though he had sent the cup casually, it carried over a hundred years of inner power.

Yet Tae Muryong caught it effortlessly?

‘How did this happen?’

Meanwhile, Tae Muryong was dumbfounded.

As he failed to push the cup back and felt his body being pushed, someone had infused him with inner power through remote energy transfer.

‘Who?’ He glanced around, but no one gave any indication. ‘Could it be?’

He looked at Seon Woojin, the Sunflower Merchant Guild’s heir, sitting calmly beside him.

Could he have used remote energy transfer to help?

‘No way.’

No matter how he looked, there was no trace of inner power usage from Seon Woojin.

He hadn’t even moved a finger, sitting there idly.

If he had used such advanced remote energy transfer, powerful vibrations would have emanated around him.

Tae Muryong couldn’t identify his helper.

‘Whoever it is, they’re helping me.’ Though not the strongest, Tae Muryong was sharp and quick-witted.

Realizing someone was secretly aiding him, he acted confidently.

“Well drunk,” he said, downing the cup and sending it back to Cheon Hwain.

But his inner power was modest, and the cup he sent was weak compared to Cheon Hwain’s.

Zing.

Yet, with a low vibration, the cup began crawling back like a slug.

Its speed was a tenth of Cheon Hwain’s.

Surprised but true to his reputation as a righteous master, Cheon Hwain deployed the Plum Blossom Scattering Hand to dissipate the cup’s force.

Even with strong inner power, the Plum Blossom Scattering Hand could easily neutralize it.

But how could he know?

The one who sent the cup was a next-generation martial grandmaster among the Seven Kings of Death.

Swish.

The cup trembled faintly, effortlessly disrupting the Plum Blossom Scattering Hand’s force.

‘Ugh.’

But that wasn’t all.

Astonishingly, the cup alternated between pulling and pushing forces.

Crash.

Caught by the cup’s alternating forces, Cheon Hwain was pulled forward, then pushed back, falling on his rear.

“…”

A deathly silence fell over the hall.

Cheon Hwain was considered the most skilled martial artist at the conference.

Yet he failed to catch a single cup and fell?

Brush, brush.

Quickly standing and dusting off his clothes, Cheon Hwain’s face hardened.

No matter how strong the cup’s force, he could have dodged if he couldn’t block it.

But who could have predicted Tae Muryong would infuse multiple streams of inner power, alternating between attraction and repulsion?

“Impressive. You’ve been hiding your skills,” Cheon Hwain said solemnly, his eyes blazing. “I’ve always been curious about the Azure Death Sect’s Rake Technique, said to unleash ten streams of cold light in a single move.”

The hall’s atmosphere vanished, replaced by suffocating pressure.

Gulp.

Tae Muryong swallowed hard.

The tournament was tomorrow.

But the hot-tempered Cheon Hwain seemed ready to settle things now.

‘If I meant to avoid this fight, I wouldn’t have come to the Heroes’ Conference.’ Though his inner power was lacking, his Azure Death Rake Technique had never accepted defeat.

As Tae Muryong resolved to speak—

Step, step.

With light footsteps, a woman in white, accompanied by two maids, entered the banquet hall.

Her eyes were clear as meteors, but her presence was unapproachable.

She was Yuk Cheongah, the only daughter of Jang Wang, leader of the Ascending Martial Hall, and the youngest hall leader of the Martial Alliance, the Lotus Hall Leader.

Surveying the crowd, Yuk Cheongah clasped her hands. “Greetings. I’m Yuk Cheongah, leader of the Lotus Hall.” Ascending the platform, she spoke in a clear voice. “As you’ve heard, the Martial Alliance will select the leader of the newly formed third-rank corps from among you at this Heroes’ Conference.”

She scanned the seated figures again. “All of you invited here possess exceptional talent and fame, indistinguishable in merit. Thus, the Alliance has decided to hold a simple tournament to separate the jade from the stone.”

Since this was pre-announced, the crowd nodded.

However, some, particularly those from smaller sects, were dissatisfied.

The position of a Martial Alliance leader required not only martial prowess but also character, strategy, and leadership.

Selecting a leader through a tournament?

Moreover, including a righteous master like Cheon Hwain, who was practically a next-generation grandmaster, made it seem like the Alliance was set on choosing him.

“Of course, participating in the tournament is voluntary,” Yuk Cheongah said, noticing the discontent with an awkward expression. “Those challenging for the leader position, please come to the tournament stage at the western gate tomorrow at the hour of the Snake (9-11 am).”

With that, she clasped her hands and left.

“…”

A strange silence lingered.

The crowd’s gazes turned to Cheon Hwain and Tae Muryong, seated in the center, curious if they’d resume their conflict now that Yuk Cheongah was gone.

“Hmm.” Cheon Hwain let out a low hum.

Fighting Tae Muryong after hearing about the tournament could harm his reputation with the Alliance’s leaders.

“I look forward to tomorrow’s tournament,” he muttered coldly, standing and leaving the pavilion.

Those around his table followed, bowing as if he were already the chosen leader.

“So that’s how it is,” a man with a triple-bladed sword grumbled as Cheon Hwain’s group left. “Why would a righteous master attend this Heroes’ Conference?”

“Exactly. If they wanted to appoint him quietly, why hold a tournament and do this?” another chimed in.

A man with a strange blade at his waist stood. “Didn’t the Alliance suffer greatly for arbitrarily appointing Heavenly Sword as a leader?”

He was Jeong Jongdo, a disciple of the Iron Blade Sect, skilled but less renowned due to his sect, like Tae Muryong.

“I heard the Alliance Leader strictly forbade appointing leaders based on connections,” Jeong Jongdo said, sighing at the open door. “So, even if they want to appoint someone, it must be done openly and fairly, like through a tournament.”

Despite his rough appearance, Jeong Jongdo was well-informed and analytical.

Tae Muryong added, “Indeed. Cheon Hwain, ousted from the Mount Hua succession, likely has many connections with the higher-ups. They might have arranged for strong contenders to make it seem fair.”

The banquet hall’s mood sank.

They had come with grand ambitions, only to feel like mere props to justify Cheon Hwain’s selection.

“So, are you all giving up?” the triple-bladed sword man asked.

Jeong Jongdo smiled faintly and shook his head. “No way. Win or lose, I’ll try to avoid regrets.”

Tae Muryong agreed, “Haha, exactly. I’ll challenge it, if only out of spite.” Smiling broadly, he added firmly, “Even if I lose, there’s something to gain.”

Several martial artists clapped in agreement. “Right! We have to try!”

The heavy atmosphere lifted instantly.

‘Outstanding among the crowd.’

Bu Eunseol nodded, observing Tae Muryong and Jeong Jongdo.

Since his time in the Hell Hall, he analyzed people’s traits and prowess when gathered, gathering valuable information for his plans.

“Let’s toast to tomorrow’s fight!” someone shouted.

The crowd raised their cups, and Bu Eunseol quietly joined in.

***

The next day, around the hour of the Snake, near the Martial Alliance’s western gate.

A small tournament stage was set up, with about forty martial artists gathered—those waiting to participate.

Originally around fifty, about ten had withdrawn.

Opposite the stage, a platform held a small table and chairs, occupied by two figures: a stout middle-aged man and an elderly man with a goatee.

They were Jang Wang, leader of the Ascending Martial Hall, and Gu Injeong, an elder of the Longevity Hall, equivalent to Majeon’s Elder Sect.

‘That’s the culprit.’

The martial artists shook their heads upon seeing Gu Injeong, a Mount Hua Sect elder and Cheon Hwain’s master.

“Let’s begin the tournament,” Yuk Cheongah announced from the stage’s center. “As you know, this tournament is to select the leader of the new third-rank corps. Thus, no lethal techniques are allowed, and you must stop immediately once a winner is decided.”

She continued in a clear voice, “The preliminary round requires defeating three challengers to advance. Those who pass will compete according to the bracket to determine the winner.”

The martial artists’ eyes burned with determination.

Though a small tournament, it was for a third-rank leader position—a rare opportunity worth fighting for with their lives.

“Now, the first challenger, please step forward,” Yuk Cheongah called.

With her words, a man in blue, wearing a Mount Hua sword, leaped onto the stage.

It was Cheon Hwain.

Scanning the martial artists below, he smirked arrogantly. “I’ll go first.”