Emperor’s Sword [EN]: Chapter 12

Following the Night Walker!

The various heroes were scattering one by one. Now, their only concern was the results of the Righteous Alliance’s vote in the evening. On the platform, the leaders of the Righteous Four and representatives of other righteous sects were seen in small groups, sharing their opinions. Namgung Hyeokryeon poked Pa Cheon in the side.

“Young Master, let’s go now. The show is over, so shouldn’t we look forward to the next one?”

“Tch, how boring… What’s with this? I thought it was a grand martial arts gathering, so I was expecting something special…”

“Something special?”

“Yes. Like, a martial arts duel with someone who opposes your opinion, or something like that, you know?”

“Haha, martial artists aren’t always that barbaric. If you really thought that, you must be very disappointed.”

Even on the way back to the lodgings, Pa Cheon kept spouting nonsense.

“They should just have the sect representatives fight to decide. If they’re going to fight the Demonic Alliance anyway, shouldn’t they also elect the leaders of the Righteous Alliance? So, the strongest guy becomes the head, and the rest become his underlings… Shouldn’t it be like this to be worthy of martial artists? Am I wrong?”

Of course, what he was saying was half a joke, but it was also an honest expression of his feelings.

What symbolizes a martial artist is, above all, power. Righteous or Demonic, it’s all the same. There’s not much difference. Humans are inherently imperfect beings, so who is to say what is right or wrong? That’s why history has always been swayed by the powerful. They weren’t always righteous people; in fact, it’s more accurate to say that there were more vile and unjust people. Once they seize power and become the leading force in history, they can easily flip the standards of value. Whether it’s right or wrong is a matter for later. There is only reality. If the Demonic Path conquers the martial world, they will become the righteous path. The difference in how they are viewed by later generations depends only on how effectively they rule and eliminate dissent. But that’s a matter for the distant future, meaningless and worthless to those living in the present. Pa Cheon’s mind was filled with such thoughts. In that context, he doesn’t hate or resent his uncle. He believes that he was pushed aside by his uncle because he lacked ability and power, and that was the natural outcome.

Even after returning to the Subin Pavilion, he was constantly contemplating what he had to do. First, he had to build his power. He currently held several identities. The first was his original identity, Geonmunje Yoon Moon. But that was no longer a meaningful identity and had to be hidden. The second was Cheonma Scholar Pa Cheon. As Cheonma Scholar, he intended to unify the Demonic Path. Of course, the first thing he had to do was find the descendants of the Cheonma Sect founded by Cheonma [Heavenly Demon]. He planned to do that as soon as he left this place. The third was Jade Face Divine Dragon Moon Yoon. As Jade Face Divine Dragon, he had to bring the Beggars’ Sect, the Five Alliances, the Nine Great Sects, and even the secret forces prepared by the Twin Old Men under his control.

When he transformed into Cheonma Scholar, he planned to take control of the Cheonma Sect and eventually the Demonic Alliance. In addition, if he could bring two of the three overseas powers, the Northern Sea Ice Palace and the Qinghai Four Emperors Castle, under his command, it would be even better. With that power, he would dominate the martial world. An invisible rule, a reign. And thus, he would build a martial empire that no one in the history of the martial world had ever achieved.

Pa Cheon was filled with dreams.

Whizz.

‘Huh?’

A faint sound was heard.

‘A high level of lightness skill [Qinggong]. But judging by the sound, it seems to be an extremely cautious movement?’

He was curious. This was a place deep within the inner sanctum of the Northern Sword Association. If someone was moving around in such a place, avoiding people’s eyes? His body immediately dissolved like smoke while still lying on the bed.

About half a shichen [approximately one hour] after he disappeared from the room, Namgung Hyeokryeon and Namgung Ahyeon were entering his room. They tilted their heads, confirming that Pa Cheon was not there.

“Where did he go? We came to have a drink, but? Ahyeon, let’s go. We’ll have to see him at the banquet later.”

‘Tch, where did he go? I can’t leave him like this, it makes me uneasy. I need to make him my man quickly to feel at ease.’

It was Namgung Ahyeon’s determined plan.

‘Ho, that’s not ordinary? He’s cleverly moving through the shadows of the connected buildings. At that level, he’s stronger than the Small Face Assassin.’

The view was gradually darkening. As the end of autumn approached, the days were getting shorter. The figure was dressed in black martial attire with a mask of the same color. He was gradually entering the inner sanctum of the Northern Sword Association, and at this rate, he would reach the Divine Sword Pavilion. The majesty of the Divine Sword Pavilion was visible. There were two people in the martial world who used the title of Divine Sword. One was the current head of the Five Alliances, Azure Sky Divine Sword Namgung Hwi, and the other was the owner of this Divine Sword Pavilion and the head of the Northern Sword Association, Peerless Divine Sword Dokgo Hancheon. Some martial artists even called him the Sword Emperor. He was now 52 years old! He was the youngest among the leaders of the Righteous Four. He had succeeded his father, the previous head, Hidden Dragon Emperor Dokgo Jeong, as the third head 20 years ago.

At that time, he was the rising star of the martial world, sweeping through the Jianghu [Martial World] and creating all sorts of myths. His record of winning a thousand duels was unprecedented in the history of the martial world. Rumor had it that the Supreme Head, Hidden Dragon Emperor Dokgo Jeong, was still alive somewhere and was guiding Dokgo Hancheon’s son and his only grandson, Heavenly Dragon Flying Sword Dokgo Mu.

Swish, swish.

Near the Divine Sword Pavilion, there was a small artificial lake, and in the center was a water pavilion built like a painting. This was one of the most beautiful places in the Northern Sword Association, the Water Flower Hall. It was the residence of the Northern Sword Association head’s precious jewel, Hye Mi-in Dokgo Seolran. She was now 19 years old, a genius who was said to have discussed classics with a scholar of the imperial court at the age of seven. Her appearance was also outstanding, and she was admired by many young men in the Jianghu. She had everything.

Background, talent, and beauty. There were many women in the world, but it would be difficult to find a woman as perfect as Hye Mi-in Dokgo Seolran in every aspect. The gossips of the martial world praised her and Bu Woonsangmi Zhuge Cho Hong, a lay disciple of the Wudang Sect of the Nine Great Sects and a descendant of the Zhuge family, as the beauties of the martial world.

Pa Cheon, who had no idea of these facts, was diligently following the night walker. But a strange scene caught his eye. Around the lake, there were dozens of ambushing people that he could sense, and they were lurking in the bushes, on the trees, underground, and even in the lake. However, the night walker was openly using the lightness skills of Water Treading Without Strength and Crossing Water on a Reed, quickly running across the lake, but no one was stopping him.

‘This, then… an insider? If I’m not careful, I’ll be mistaken for an intruder? Should I just go back?… No, I can’t just leave without seeing who it is after coming all this way. Let’s just see who it is and go.’

He began to fully unleash the Cheonma Hidden Form Technique. This was the first time he had fully unleashed the Cheonma Hidden Form Technique since entering the Jianghu. The Cheonma Hidden Form Technique, with his internal energy approaching four gi [a unit of internal energy], possessed tremendous power. It could move anywhere through the slightest gap, and there was no trace of it. Even if someone was looking directly at it, they wouldn’t be able to see it even if it passed right in front of their eyes. Even a super expert with stronger internal energy wouldn’t be able to see it, but they might feel the energy. He immediately floated into the air and crossed straight over. He was being sucked into the place where the night walker had disappeared.

Splash.

Splash.

…

The sound of splashing water suddenly stopped.

“Phantom Death?”

“Yes, Young Lady!”

A moment later, the bathroom door opened silently, and a woman with a towel wrapped around her head and body walked out, still dripping with water. She sat down on a chair without even fixing her clothes. She sat with her legs crossed, revealing her private parts to the other person.

“What happened with the task?”

“Young Lady! That… that is… I am sorry to say, but…”

“Why are you hesitating so much, unlike Phantom Death? Tell me everything without hiding anything.”

Ah! Why is her voice so beautiful? Could the sound of jade beads rolling on a silver plate be like this? Could the sound of diamond beads rolling on a gold plate be like this… No way. (It would only make a rolling sound…) Anyway, the owner of the voice, which was so clear and even refreshing, was as beautiful as her voice, and especially her eyes! Her eyes, which seemed to absorb all light, were beautifully shining, moist as if she was about to shed tears, and looking at those eyes, one felt a magical beauty that made one want to grant her anything.

“Why are you hesitating so much? Is it as the rumors say…?”

“Yes… Young Lady!”

The other person was not kneeling. She was just standing. Her somewhat frail appearance, with only her eyes peeking out, looked gloomy. Unusually, her eyes were blue. Her face was unknown, but her voice was controlled, without any emotion, and her posture was flawless. She was a strong expert, rare for a woman. Her name was Phantom Death! Strictly speaking, her existence was not known within the Northern Sword Association, and only the Dokgo family knew about her. Strictly speaking, she was not a subordinate. The previous head, Hidden Dragon Emperor, had raised her specifically for the safety of his only granddaughter. No one knew her martial arts level. Even Hidden Dragon Emperor, who was like her master, did not know her current martial arts level. Once, he had said about her, “If you had been born a man, you would have become a great expert who would shake the martial world. And I would have given you my granddaughter without hesitation.” That was the kind of praise Phantom Death had received.

At Phantom Death’s answer, Hye Mi-in Dokgo Seolran leaned back and sighed. Her expression was filled with sorrow.

“Young Lady! What are you going to do?”

She rarely asked Dokgo Seolran questions. It was extremely rare for her to speak first.

“What can I do? Everything is already decided…”

Dokgo Seolran’s words flowed softly in the room and painfully struck Phantom Death.

…

Phantom Death couldn’t say anything. She didn’t want to offer any rash comfort.

“Can you… explain in more detail?”

The explanation came without hesitation!

“That man… was a scoundrel, in a word. He was skilled in debauchery and committed all sorts of vile acts, and even committed rape and murder… He was a man who did not hesitate to do anything. He would touch his friend’s woman, and even in bed… he enjoyed abusing women he bought with money… There were countless women who had committed suicide, been killed, or ruined their lives because of him. Not only in Muchang but also in nearby small towns, there were many complaints about him… Despite this, they were afraid of the power of the Southern Alliance and could not even file a petition… And…”

“Okay… that’s enough… I understand.”

…

“Go and rest, Phantom Death.”

She bowed and turned to leave.

“Phantom Death.”

At her call, Phantom Death’s steps stopped, but she did not turn around.

“If… if you were me… what would you do?”

…

“If I were Young Lady… I… would refuse. But Young Lady, you are not me, are you?”

That was the problem. She didn’t have the courage to do that.

“If I leave home… can you help me?”

…

It was a truly difficult question. But Phantom Death answered too easily.

“There’s no need to think about it. My mission is to protect Young Lady… Of course, I will be by your side!”

“Thank you, Phantom Death.”

Phantom Death knew. In the end, the soft-hearted girl would not do anything to defy her parents’ wishes, even if it meant sacrificing her own life. That was why Phantom Death’s heart ached even more.

As Phantom Death disappeared from the room, she began to sink into deep sorrow. She sat still without even thinking of wiping the water from her wet hair. Then, she covered her head with both hands. And the sound that came out.

“Hic… hic… Mother…”

She was crying. Her sobbing, trying to keep the sound from leaking out, was even more pitiful. Phantom Death did not leave the front of the door and listened to the sound. Her eyes, visible through her mask, were filled with pity. And then, as if she could no longer stay there, she moved her steps to the other side of the hallway.

As Phantom Death completely disappeared, someone appeared. It was Pa Cheon. He had seen and heard everything that had happened inside. He was surprised that Phantom Death was a woman, and he was also surprised that this was the place where the precious jewel of the Northern Sword Association’s head resided. And while listening to their conversation, he had to be surprised several more times…

‘So that’s how it was. That’s why the Southern Alliance started supporting the Northern Sword Association. What a terrifying place, the martial world! Is it possible to trample on one’s daughter’s happiness so ruthlessly for one’s own ambition? Heh, if that’s the level… there’s no need to feel any pangs of conscience. Good, my first journey begins here. I won’t hesitate any longer. A shred of conscience was bothering me, but I won’t delay any longer. I will face it head-on and seize it.’

Swish, swish, swish.

He was disappearing somewhere. Would people know? That Cheonma Scholar Pa Cheon had finally made up his mind?

Dokgo Seolran was getting up from her seat. The way she bit her lip seemed like she was steeling her mind. She stood in front of the mirror. Her slender figure, her hair reaching her waist, her ice-like skin, and her clear features, she thought she was beautiful even when she looked at herself.

‘Ah~! If only I had an older brother… he would definitely take my side…’

But it was no use. She didn’t know where her older brother and grandfather were. They still had six more months before they returned. It had already been two and a half years since they left home, to dedicate themselves to martial arts training in a deep secluded place for three years. The two people who understood and loved me the most! Is this all my fate? Why did such a decision have to be made when those two were not here!

Her hand was reaching for the knot of the towel. With a slight twist, the towel fell limply. She was naked. She looked at her body reflected in the mirror as if trying to capture it. Tears welled up in her eyes again! They gathered and then flowed down. Helplessly… If only she could leave somewhere? If only…

“Hic.”

“?”

Whack!

Dokgo Seolran’s head turned! She tilted her head. Did I hear wrong? Well, no one except Phantom Death could enter here. She sat on a small chair without a backrest in front of the mirror. And then, she began to dry her hair with a towel.

The owner of the sound was Pa Cheon. As soon as he confirmed that Phantom Death had disappeared, he entered Dokgo Seolran’s room, and she happened to be standing there naked. He had unintentionally let out a surprised exclamation. His heart was still pounding and he couldn’t calm down.

‘Why is she taking off all her clothes and making a fuss? But… she’s really… amazing. Gulp… Oh my, is she going to show me all sorts of shows now?’

As she shook the towel to dry her hair, Pa Cheon, who was already flustered and didn’t know where to look, could see all of Dokgo Seolran’s exposed parts, and the rhythmic swaying of her body as she moved her hands! He was subtly averting his gaze.

-Hey Pa Cheon, aren’t you going to turn your head?… Hey, you bastard, what right do you have to deprive me of my only fun? Huh?… Ah. No, stay like that… Heh, good stuff!

=Amitabha! Benefactor! Please leave this room. It is an act that goes against the demeanor of a gentleman.

‘Th, this, of all times…’

There was a reason why Hyeneung was making a fuss and Cheonma was enjoying it. Of all things, when he turned his head, there was another small mirror at the head of the bed, and through it, Dokgo Seolran’s front view was clearly visible. He was looking at it without thinking… He didn’t turn his head or look away anymore. If this was the will of heaven, shouldn’t he follow it?

———————————————

It seems like the basic foundation has been laid out.

I can’t reveal Pa Cheon’s exact steps in advance because even I can’t grasp them. Such unreasonable demands are a bit…

But won’t a breathtaking battle with the Demonic Path begin soon? However, there are many variables lurking here as well. The important thing is that Pa Cheon is neither Demonic nor Righteous. And as you may have already guessed, in addition to the forces that have appeared so far, there is an unknown force called the Outer Heavens lurking. It will probably take at least 50 episodes to get a grasp of the situation.

Well then, have a happy end of the year. Have a good Christmas.

Ah, and I lost to Kim Jeong-ho’s persistence.

The result is as you see.

Thank you.

Title: [Serial] Emperor’s Sword 14. Unexpected Proposal. Related Materials: None [58921]

Sender: Im Samyeol (logos333) 2000-12-23 00:22 Views: 1813

-Emperor’s Sword-