Chapter 167
Chapter 167
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 167
Chapter Title: Jeol-cheon-myeol-ji
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Bu Eun-seol’s gaze was naturally fixed on Dan So-ok.
It was the only way he could naturally avoid the persistent, blazing stare of Dan Wol-hon.
“Then, I shall take my leave.”
As Bu Eun-seol turned and cupped his hands, Dan Wol-hon quickly replied as if he had been waiting.
“Yes. Hurry back.”
He waved his hand as if shooing away a bothersome fly.
“This Lord has a mountain of work to do.”
“You’re leaving already?”
Dan So-ok, completely oblivious to her father’s burning frustration.
She approached Bu Eun-seol affectionately and said.
“Since you’ve come all this way, why not stay a little longer?”
At that, Dan Wol-hon’s eyes, which had just returned to their gentle state, began to blaze once more.
Noticing that fiery gaze, Bu Eun-seol firmly shook his head.
“It’s quite all right. I also have many things to attend to…”
“You don’t even have time for one meal together?”
“I apologize. Let’s do it next time.”
Regardless of her father’s glaring, Dan So-ok spoke to Bu Eun-seol in a friendly manner, causing the corners of Dan Wol-hon’s narrow eyes to shoot up toward the heavens.
‘Raising her like a precious gem was all for naught. Utterly for naught!’
And yet, he felt a strange emotion.
Dan So-ok’s flower-like beauty.
And Bu Eun-seol’s handsome features, illuminated by the sunlight. The two of them looked like a perfectly matched pair of lovers.
‘Nonsense. He’s still just the successor of the wretched Nang-ya-gak.’
From the perspective of the Lord of the Jip-ma-bu, who commanded the forces of the Demonic Sanctum, Bu Eun-seol was merely strong in martial arts.
He was nothing more than a disciple from a wretched sect that barely held onto its last-place position among the Ten Demonic Sects, with no power or wealth to his name.
“Well then.”
At that moment, Bu Eun-seol cupped his hands in a gesture of respect, then turned and departed.
Dan Wol-hon, who had been watching him silently, spoke to Dan So-ok.
“So-ok.”
“Yes?”
“Do you like that man?”
At the direct question, Dan So-ok’s cheeks flushed red.
“What are you suddenly talking about…”
“Hm? No, no. Your father is just curious. Since you were being so friendly with him.”
“His martial arts and internal energy are profound… and more than anything, he risked his life to protect me.”
“He seemed a bit insolent.”
“That’s just his manly spirit.”
“Weren’t his actions and words arrogant?”
“That’s because he always carries an air of might and dignity.”
“His appearance is a bit… like a courtesan. From a distance, he even looks like a tall woman.”
“That’s what they call a man of peerless beauty, you know.”
‘Just come out and say you like him!’
As the conversation continued, wrinkles formed around Dan Wol-hon’s lips.
He had never found his cherished daughter so irritating before.
“I also have something to attend to… I’ll take my leave now.”
She hastily bowed and, without delay, ran after Bu Eun-seol.
“Hmph.”
Watching her, Dan Wol-hon shook his head.
Then, he suddenly recalled the sight of Bu Eun-seol unleashing his powerful internal energy.
“Well, I suppose his internal energy is the best among the successors.”
As he turned and walked back to the Jip-ma-bu, his steps were slow and heavy.
“I suppose I’ll have to watch this fight for succession a little longer.”
Gazing at the distant sky with a profound look in his eyes, he soon turned away.
Just as Bu Eun-seol was leaving the inner court of the Jip-ma-bu and crossing the flower garden to exit,
“Are you leaving right away?”
A clear voice called out from behind him.
When he turned his head, he saw Dan So-ok approaching, breathing heavily.
“Young Master Bu, you walk so fast. It looked like you were walking slowly, but you kept getting farther away.”
“Is there something else you wish to say?”
“Yes.”
Smiling brightly, she pointed to the sprawling flower garden and said.
“Could we talk for a moment while we walk?”
Dan So-ok had moved the Lord of the Jip-ma-bu to grant him a great favor.
He was in no position to refuse any request from her, so sharing a few words was an exceedingly simple one.
“Of course.”
He walked alongside Dan So-ok, strolling through the flower garden.
After about half an hour, Dan So-ok, who seemed to be deep in thought, slowly opened her mouth.
“I heard you had an audience with the Demonic Heavenly Emperor.”
“I did.”
“Did the Demonic Heavenly Emperor recommend you go to Jeol-cheon-myeol-ji or Mu-ha-su-yu-jeong?”
Even Bu Eun-seol, who always exercised extreme control over his emotions, could not hide his surprise this time.
“How did you know?”
“The fact that Young Master Bu lacks a foundation compared to the other successor candidates isn't exactly a secret.”
Smiling brightly, she said in a low voice.
“Moreover, before you even came to the main hall, the Demonic Heavenly Emperor summoned all the other successor candidates to the Seong-ma-gak at once.”
“So that’s what happened.”
“I thought about why the Demonic Heavenly Emperor would summon you alone to the Seong-ma-gak.”
As Bu Eun-seol nodded, Dan So-ok’s eyes sparkled as she spoke.
”I figured that perhaps, in addition to endorsing you as a successor candidate, he might also be telling you how to obtain the position of successor.”
‘Indeed. She is said to be a candidate for the next leader of the Chong-sa.’
Dan So-ok had deduced a great deal from very little information.
This was likely possible not only because she was intelligent but also because she had a deep understanding of people's personalities and behaviors.
“You are correct. The Demonic Heavenly Emperor told me to visit those two places to gain their support.”
“I knew it. So, will you be going to Jeol-cheon-myeol-ji first?”
“Yes.”
“I see.”
Nodding, Dan So-ok took off the necklace she was wearing and said.
“I don’t know about the other places, but Mu-ha-su-yu-jeong is wary of men. They demand a terrible trial for entry.”
She then held the necklace out to Bu Eun-seol.
“The Mistress of Mu-ha-su-yu-jeong and I have a slight connection. If you show her this, she will not treat you poorly.”
The necklace Dan So-ok offered had a small, bluish jade bead strung on it.
At a glance, it looked like an extraordinary treasure.
“This is…”
Bu Eun-seol initially intended to refuse.
But the look in Dan So-ok’s eyes as she gazed at him was so clear and resolute that he couldn’t possibly refuse her to her face.
“I understand.”
Bu Eun-seol had no choice but to accept the necklace and put it around his own neck.
At that, Dan So-ok’s face turned red.
She hadn’t expected him to put it on so casually.
“Return safely.”
Return safely.
Those words were an expression of her earnest heart.
But Bu Eun-seol simply thought she said it because they were in the Demonic Sanctum and nodded stoically.
“I will.”
***
Growing old is a very natural thing.
But from the perspective of the Demonic Sects, which pursue power and profit, growing old means losing strength.
Furthermore, unlike the Orthodox Faction, which maintains tight, family-like bonds, the Demonic Sects repeatedly gather and scatter according to their interests.
As proof of this, unless a faction is of a considerable size, Demonic Sects do not establish a separate council of elders.
Recognizing this problem, the Demonic Sanctum prepared a sanctuary for the demonic practitioners who had once shaken the martial world.
That was the secret story behind the birth of Jeol-cheon-myeol-ji, one of the Ten Demonic Sects.
The sanctuary of the great demons, Jeol-cheon-myeol-ji.
To enter this place, one had to meet two conditions.
First, one must leave all of their ultimate secret arts in Jeol-cheon-myeol-ji.
Their arts would be put to good use in nurturing future demonic talents.
Second, only those who had reached the state of Geuk-ma, the pinnacle of demonic mastery where they could suppress their killing intent, were allowed to stay.
What if demonic practitioners who couldn't control their killing intent were gathered in one place?
It would undoubtedly lead to a large-scale bloodbath.
*Clatter, clatter.*
Bu Eun-seol, who had departed from the Demonic Sanctum by carriage, had finally arrived at Jeol-cheon-myeol-ji.
A remote mountain village.
After passing a flowing river and winding through a mountain path thick with autumn leaves, a shabby but large palace came into view.
That was the den of demons where the retired great demons rested, Jeol-cheon-myeol-ji.
‘It looks peaceful.’
Getting out of the carriage, Bu Eun-seol looked up at Jeol-cheon-myeol-ji.
Whatever was inside, the exterior was so peaceful that it looked like a tranquil mountain temple.
*Creeak.*
Even after he walked up to the front of the palace, there were no guards in sight.
Left with no choice, Bu Eun-seol opened the gate himself and entered.
“...!”
Looking at the scene inside, Bu Eun-seol couldn't hide his surprise.
The exterior was clearly a dilapidated, crumbling estate…
But the buildings inside were as clean as if they had just been built, and grand sculptures were erected here and there.
“Hmm.”
Bu Eun-seol frowned as he looked around.
He could hear the murmuring of conversations here and there, but not a single person was coming or going outside.
“This is worse than our own sect headquarters.”
Bu Eun-seol, euphemistically expressing his thought that the place was a mess, walked deeper inside.
Then, in the distance, he spotted a single-story house with its door wide open.
Inside the open door, young men in guard uniforms were gathered, and a pile of dominoes and money was stacked on the table.
It seemed they were in the middle of a gambling session.
‘Guards gambling during their duty hours?’
As Bu Eun-seol stood there blankly, a young man in blue robes walked out from the building.
Had he just come of age?
His features were quite handsome, but his eyes lacked vigor and his expression was gloomy.
‘He doesn’t seem to be a guard.’
“May I ask you something?”
As Bu Eun-seol approached and spoke, the man frowned with an annoyed expression.
“Who are you?”
“I’m looking for someone to guide me.”
The young man then scrunched up his face as if he had eaten a spicy pepper and muttered to himself.
“Annoying… another one’s here.”
‘Another one?’
“Where are you from?”
Bu Eun-seol, who had been deep in thought, said with a flash in his eyes.
“Nang-ya-gak.”
“Ah. Nang-ya-gak.”
Even though a disciple from one of the Ten Demonic Sects had arrived, the man didn't seem surprised at all, merely wearing an expression of utter boredom.
“Hmm. Let’s see. Right now, there’s no one to guide you…”
The man looked at the guards gambling inside the single-story house and let his shoulders slump.
“Looks like it’s just me.”
The man gestured to Bu Eun-seol as if he had no other choice.
“Follow me.”
The young man, who was striding ahead, eventually pointed to a large gate at the far eastern end.
“If you go out through there, you’ll find a bunch of old folks who can’t even die, all clustered together.”
“Is the Lord there as well?”
“Who knows.”
As if even speaking was a bother, the man yawned and waved his hand dismissively like a servant.
“Go see for yourself.”
And before Bu Eun-seol could say anything, he quickly turned and walked back into the palace.
‘He’s no ordinary person.’
Although the man wore an expression of utter boredom, his gait was very stable, and a divine light occasionally flowed from his eyes.
Moreover, he referred to the demonic practitioners living in Jeol-cheon-myeol-ji as ‘old folks,’ which meant his status was likely quite high.
“Hmm.”
Letting out a low hum, Bu Eun-seol walked out through the open gate.
A wide path lined with trees came into view. As he continued along the path, he saw a small village.
At the entrance of the village stood a pavilion, where two old men were leisurely playing a game of Go.
“Excuse me.”
At Bu Eun-seol’s words,
“Who might you be?”
One of the old men playing Go, who had a refined appearance, blinked at Bu Eun-seol.
Then, the ill-tempered-looking old man sitting across from him glanced at Bu Eun-seol and said.
“Who do you think? Looks like another sect has sent their successor.”
At that moment, Bu Eun-seol’s eyes gleamed.
From the looks of it, a successor from another of the Ten Demonic Sects had clearly come and gone.
“I am…”
Just as Bu Eun-seol was about to cup his hands and introduce himself, the ill-tempered old man threw down his Go stone and grumbled.
“Damn it, looks like we can’t have a leisurely game of Go. I’ll come back later.”
“Indeed.”
After the ill-tempered old man left, the refined-looking old man came out of the pavilion and stood before Bu Eun-seol.
‘A giant.’
The old man before him had a simple and leisurely demeanor.
But behind his back, the form of a violet demonic god seemed to shimmer.
If the Demonic Heavenly Emperor was nature itself, encompassing all of creation, the old man before him felt like the ruler of a subterranean world, concealing all evil.
“Hehehe.”
The old man, watching Bu Eun-seol’s surprised expression, smiled gently.
“Impressive. To think you can discern this old man’s aura at your age.”
“Are you Elder Hwan-ma?”
At Bu Eun-seol’s question, the old man nodded.
“That’s right. I am the Lord of Jeol-cheon-myeol-ji, Hyeok Gong-baek.”
Hwan-ma, the Phantom Demon, Hyeok Gong-baek.
He was a great demon of the Demonic Path who was active some sixty years ago, and one of the Ten Demonic Masters.
In today’s terms, he was on par with the Four Gods and Seven Kings, a truly formidable figure.
“Bu Eun-seol, successor of Nang-ya-gak, greets the Lord.”
“So you’re from Nang-ya-gak.”
Hyeok Gong-baek smiled faintly as he looked at the bowing Bu Eun-seol.
“Well, among the Ten Demonic Sects, only Nang-ya-gak exudes such an air of freedom.”
Smiling calmly, Hyeok Gong-baek said to Bu Eun-seol.
“Shall we talk while we stroll through this land’s Peach Blossom Spring?”
Peach Blossom Spring.
The name referred to the paradise where immortals lived.
When Bu Eun-seol showed a quizzical expression, Hyeok Gong-baek explained.
“This place was originally called Man-ma-jip-gung, the Palace of Ten Thousand Assembled Demons, a rather harsh name. But I felt it didn't suit a place where old folks are resting, so I changed it.”
“I see.”
As Bu Eun-seol looked around the village while following Hyeok Gong-baek, he couldn’t help but be amazed.
Everyone staying in the Peach Blossom Spring was a white-haired old man.
Some were fishing, while others were leisurely reading books.
He had heard that everyone here was a great demon who had once shaken the martial world…
But not only were they all spending their days in leisure, they all looked like ordinary old men you could see anywhere.
“What do you think of our Peach Blossom Spring?”
At Hyeok Gong-baek’s question, Bu Eun-seol thought for a moment before speaking.
“It’s completely different from what I expected.”
“How so?”
Hyeok Gong-baek approached him with a friendly expression.
His aura, as he stared intently at Bu Eun-seol, remained consistently peaceful and leisurely.
But that appearance was, in fact, more heart-stopping than that of a great demon who could tear apart mountains.
—He could make all men submit without even unleashing his aura, and take his enemy's life with a peaceful face.
This was the saying that described the Phantom Demon, Hyeok Gong-baek, a former member of the Ten Demonic Masters.
“Answer me.”
Hyeok Gong-baek took another step closer and asked with a friendly expression.
“How is it different?”
*Woooong.*
At that moment, Bu Eun-seol’s extrasensory perception sounded an alarm.
Not only had he reached Gong-sim-tong-ryeong, but he had also mastered the Pung-un-jo-hwa-gyeol of the Neung-hyeong-eo-geom, making him extremely sensitive to killing intent.
The air in all directions seemed to grow heavy, and a faint killing intent felt as if it were constricting his throat.
In that instant, Bu Eun-seol recalled his past encounter with the Elder Council Head, Jeok Bung.
‘Just like the Elder Council Head, he is a demon whose emotions are impossible to read.’
Bu Eun-seol could feel it instinctively.
What if his answer was unsatisfactory? Hyeok Gong-baek would strike his neck without hesitation.
Jeol-cheon-myeol-ji.
This was not a leisurely retirement home for old men.
It was a sanctuary for the demonic practitioners who had shaken the world, and its ruler, Hyeok Gong-baek, was a peerless demonic lord who surpassed even those great demons.
‘To think he would kill a successor candidate of the Demonic Sanctum over a single answer… ha.’
Bu Eun-seol’s eyes, as he stared at Hyeok Gong-baek, grew colder.
“Answer me.”
And after taking a deep breath, he spoke carefully, his voice firm and powerful.
“A chaotic shambles… a complete disaster.”