Emperor’s Sword [EN]: Chapter 26

The Way of the Sword

‘Heavenly Demon,’

-What is it?

‘Are you sure it’s okay if I recite the Cheonbugyeong [a sacred text in some Korean traditions]?’

-What? Are you trying to torment me again? Why? I haven’t done anything wrong to you…

‘It’s not that… I want to study it properly once more.’

=Heavenly Demon Lord! Do not worry, unless Lord Pa Cheon intentionally focuses his consciousness, there will be no pain…

-Really? I hope I’m not trusting your words in vain… and suffering the pain of hell again…

‘But there’s one thing I don’t understand. Heavenly Demon, you’ve already transcended the demonic… why do you suffer when the Cheonbugyeong is recited?’

-Now that you mention it, that’s true!

‘The conclusion must be one of two things. Either your claim of transcending the demonic realm is a lie… or the category of ‘demon’ isn’t just about one’s nature.’

-Don’t talk nonsense. Besides, you won’t get anything out of it. If it were easy, do you think I or that Darma kid would have given up halfway?

‘Well, I have nothing else to do right now, so why not give it a try? I have some free time for a few days anyway.’

Then, he takes out the Heavenly Demon’s diary from the Heavenly Demon’s Secret Archives. He had already memorized it, but he wanted to examine it carefully once more.

一始無始一 (Il Shi Mu Shi Il)
析三極, 無盡本 (Seok Sam Geuk, Mu Jin Bon)
天一一, 地一二, 人一三 (Cheon Il Il, Ji Il I, In Il Sam)
一積十鉅, 無櫃化三 (Il Jeok Sip Geo, Mu Gwi Hwa Sam)
天二三, 地二三, 人二三 (Cheon I Sam, Ji I Sam, In I Sam)
大三合六, 生七八九 (Dae Sam Hap Yuk, Saeng Chil Pal Gu)
運三四, 成環五七 (Un Sam Sa, Seong Hwan O Chil)
一妙衍, 萬往萬來, 用變不動本 (Il Myo Yeon, Man Wang Man Rae, Yong Byeon Bul Dong Bon)
本心本太陽昻明 (Bon Sim Bon Tae Yang Ang Myeong)
人中天地一 (In Jung Cheon Ji Il)
一終無終一 (Il Jong Mu Jong Il)

‘What on earth does this mean?’

-How would I know? It’s just a bunch of nonsense.

As Hyeneung had said, the Heavenly Demon didn’t complain of pain, but he grumbled as if he was resentful of the years he had spent agonizing over it.

-With that ridiculous thing, I think… those guys are probably perverts who enjoy finding people and cracking their skulls with it.

‘Il Shi Mu Shi Il, it begins with one, but it is one without beginning. Seok Sam Geuk Mu Jin Bon, it divides into three extremes, but the root is endless? No, let’s not translate it literally, but interpret it. The root is inexhaustible. That makes more sense. Cheon Il Il, Ji Il I, In Il Sam, is heaven one? No, heaven is one from one, earth is two from one, and man is three from one.’

-Stop talking like you’re possessed by a ghost. Why are you bothering with such things when you have nothing else to do?

What’s one from one, one from two, and three? What are you going to do about it? It’s clearly someone’s prank.

Pa Cheon ignores his words and continues to concentrate.

‘One accumulates to become ten great things, and without deficiency, it transforms into three. Heaven becomes three from two, earth becomes three from two, and man becomes three from two. The great three combine to become six, giving birth to seven, eight, and nine.

In the movement of three and four, five and seven form a ring. One mysteriously expands, going ten thousand times and coming ten thousand times, its function changes, but its root does not change. The original mind is based on the sun, looking up to brightness. Man is neutral in heaven and earth, becoming one. It ends with one, but it is one without end.’

……..

‘I don’t know what it means yet… but it doesn’t seem as useless as you say, Heavenly Demon. It’s just a feeling, but it seems to contain a profound truth.’

He lay back. He kept repeating it in his mind. It was only natural that the Heavenly Demon’s nagging bothered Pa Cheon.

★ Several days passed quietly. However, during that time, Pa Cheon was busy treating the twelve demon disciples he had newly taken under his wing and teaching them martial arts. In between, he would look at the Cheonbugyeong or meditate. He had already entered the realm of transcending the demonic and was freely wielding the Formless Sword. Although it was called the realm of transcending the demonic, he was actually more versed in sword principles than anyone else, and in some ways, he even surpassed the Heavenly Demon.

It was the inner chamber of the Guardian Hall. There, the three Guardians, the Mad Demon Lord, the twelve demon disciples, and Yeom Hu, who already knew of Pa Cheon’s existence, were gathered. In particular, the twelve demon disciples and Yeom Hu were greatly surprised and fearful upon learning the true nature of the Mad Demon Lord. To them, as well as to the relatively young Heavenly Demon Cult members, he was nothing short of a legend. Seeing the Mad Demon Lord and the elders of the Heavenly Demon Cult treating Pa Cheon with extreme caution, the hearts of the twelve demon disciples and Yeom Hu were filled with pride and a sense of honor. How could they not feel that way, having come to serve such a lord?

‘Your Excellency! Shouldn’t we make everything public now?’

Taesang’s words urged Pa Cheon to formally ascend as the Heavenly Demon Sovereign. Taesang Guardian’s way of addressing Pa Cheon had changed from ‘Lord’ to ‘Your Excellency.’ The leader of the Heavenly Demon Cult had been called ‘Lord’ or ‘Great Master’ until now. Only the Mad Demon Lord had called Pa Cheon ‘Your Excellency’ until now, but the Guardians had simply called him ‘Lord.’ But the fact that it had changed to ‘Your Excellency’ meant that they acknowledged him as the second Heavenly Demon Sovereign.

‘No. Let’s observe a little longer. Of course, I could become the leader by asserting the authority of the Heavenly Demon, but that is not desirable. I want everyone to genuinely acknowledge me as the Heavenly Demon Sovereign. Let’s wait a little longer. I would like to see the results of the upcoming martial arts competition between Red Yang Demon and Blood Demon tomorrow. So, everyone, please keep that in mind.’

The Mad Demon Lord cautiously opened his mouth as he looked at Pa Cheon.

‘Your Excellency, what are your plans for the Central Plains [the heartland of Chinese martial arts culture]? Of course, you will probably choose to conquer it, but…’

‘Conquer? That sounds a bit harsh. Of course, there will be mention of this later, but I intend to avoid a full-scale war with the existing Central Plains. Too many sacrifices are needed, and it would only encourage the unity of the opposing forces. I plan to seize it silently. Before that… I will carry out a reorganization of our cult’s forces. It may be very different from what you all think, but even if you have complaints, I hope you will trust me and follow me silently.’

……

‘How are the twelve demon disciples doing? You’re not being lazy with your training, are you?’

‘Yes, Your Excellency!’

Mu Young Jon answered on behalf of the group.

‘My expectations for you are extraordinary, so don’t be lazy and train even harder, so that you will not be lacking when facing the masters of the Central Plains in the future. Do you understand?’

‘Understood!’

‘Well, if there’s nothing else to say, you may all leave.’

Everyone got up from their seats. Looking at them, he added one more thing.

‘Mad Demon Lord, please stay behind.’

‘Why do you want me to stay behind?’

‘Mad Demon Lord.’

‘Yes.’

‘From now on, secretly investigate and select masters under the age of 40 within the cult who have strong martial arts and outstanding loyalty. Talk to Taesang and get his help…’

‘…Under 40?’

‘Yes.’

‘Understood. Does gender matter?’

‘It doesn’t matter. Oh, and also, please find out about the situation at the training camp.’

‘Yes? Yes, I understand.’

When Pa Cheon said nothing more, the Mad Demon Lord carefully disappeared outside. Pa Cheon, left alone, was immersed in deep thought.

‘I came here with a deadline of one month, but at this rate, it might take several months. I’ll have to go to the Central Plains as soon as things here are settled… Soon, a life-or-death battle will begin between the Righteous Alliance of Murim [the martial arts world], centered around the Northern Sword Society, and the Demonic Alliance. I must take advantage of that opportunity.’

‘Sword Emperor 10th.’

Sss sss sss

‘Yes, Your Excellency!’

‘Recommend someone from within the cult who is excellent in movement techniques and skilled in stealth!’

‘…If it’s someone like that, Mu Young Jon, who left a little while ago, is outstanding, but…’

‘Besides him, it would be better if it was someone who is also familiar with the situation in the Central Plains and has traveled there several times.’

‘Yes, if it’s someone like that… there is a suitable person.’

‘You must immediately tell Taesang and order that person to prepare to send the letter I am sending to the Central Plains.’

‘Understood!’

Sss sss sss

He appeared like a ghost. He disappeared like a ghost.

★ The day dawned. It was an ordinary morning, but for the Heavenly Demon Cult members, this morning had a special meaning. After today, the conquest of the Central Plains would be decided. For them, the meaning of the Central Plains was somewhat different. It was the name of an enemy to be conquered, but it also evoked a strange nostalgia, like a hometown. The young people would imagine themselves traveling through the Central Plains and experiencing all sorts of adventures. The day was dawning when those dreams might not remain just in their imaginations.

The Heavenly Demon Cult was located in a vast fortress in a jungle-like forest. There were gates in four directions, east, west, south, and north, but they were not very meaningful. Also, this place was a place where one could not feel the change of seasons throughout the year, so the scenes they encountered were always the same.

Between the north and south gates, and the east and west gates, there was a four-jang [a traditional Korean unit of length, roughly 12 feet] wide road that met in a cross shape, and the area was divided based on that. Most of the cult members had residences inside the fortress, but some cult members lived outside with the approval of the Elder Council. And the training camp was also located outside the fortress.

In the northeast direction were the Guardian Hall and the Elder Council, as well as the training grounds, training halls, Cheukcheon Mugo [a place where weapons are stored], and the Demon Emperor Pavilion (the leader’s residence, which was vacant). The remaining four demon lords, four guardians, and four flowers were in the northwest area, the male cult members lived in the southwest area, and the female cult members lived in the southeast area. Most of them lived in groups in four-story buildings, so it was difficult to see men and women meeting and whispering sweet nothings to each other. Of course, they would meet outside, avoiding people’s eyes, but they were not allowed to live together arbitrarily.

Only when they were over 20 years old could a woman or a man designate a partner, and if the partner accepted, they would obtain the approval of the Elder Council and a kind of cohabitation would begin. Cohabitation would last until a child was born, and if a woman became pregnant, cohabitation would be suspended. After giving birth to a child, they could repeat this again, but it was impossible for the same partner. For this reason, it was very rare for people to cohabit twice. Instead, they would choose to meet whenever they could, avoiding people’s eyes.

In front of the Elder Council in the northeast area was the Demon Administration Pavilion (魔政閣), which was used as the Heavenly Demon Cult’s main conference hall, and in front of it was a huge training ground that was 70 jang wide and 120 jang long. As it passed Sishi (巳時: 9 to 11 AM), people began to gather one after another. Already, under the direction of the Elder Council, a martial arts competition stage, 100 ja [a traditional Korean unit of length, roughly 1 foot] square and two ja high, had been set up in the middle of the training ground in front of the pavilion, and the area around it was roped off to prevent anyone from entering within two jang of the stage.

Already, a platform had been set up in front of the Elder Council, and the seven elders, along with the two demon lords, Honcheon Demon Lord and Dokma Demon Lord, the four guardians, the four flowers, and the twelve demon disciples, were seated in the prepared seats. In addition to them, mid-level masters of the Heavenly Demon Cult were seated in the rows behind them. At the very front, in the center, five slightly larger seats had been prepared, and those seats were still empty.

The rest of the general masters sat or stood on the training ground, paying keen attention to the martial arts competition that was about to take place. They predicted the outcome of the competition or expressed their own beliefs about who should win. The overall atmosphere was chaotic and excited.

Dong dong dong dong dong

As the sound of the drums echoed, everyone, starting with the elders sitting on the platform and even the warriors who had been sitting on the training ground, stood up and straightened their clothes. A group of people was coming up from the left side of the platform.

At the very front was the Taesang Guardian, Gu Cheonmaje, who was still hale and hearty despite being 208 years old, and behind them followed the Left Guardian and the Right Guardian. And? Two completely unfamiliar figures appeared. They were a handsome young man and a grotesque figure wearing a mask.

People began to murmur. The young girls covered their mouths and pointed at the handsome young man, gossiping among themselves, and most of the Heavenly Demon Cult members showed great curiosity at the appearance of the unfamiliar figures.

When the three guardians and the two mysterious figures were seated, people finally sat down. Their faces were filled with questions and curiosity. The crowd, who had thought that the remaining two seats were for the two demon lords, Blood Demon and Red Yang Demon, were murmuring. Who were they that they were sitting alongside the guardians? Taesang Guardian raised his hand slightly. Then, the sound of the drums began to ring again.

Dong dong dong dong dong

This time, two groups of people appeared from the left and right sides of the martial arts competition stage.

‘Wow’

‘Wa wa wa’

‘Red Yang Demon Lord, please win!’

‘Blood Demon Lord! In the name of the Damdae family, please…’

‘Win!’

Those who ascended with their own cheers of support were none other than the most powerful figures of the Heavenly Demon Cult, Blood Demon Lord and Red Yang Demon Lord. Both of them were dressed in red, as if they were competing to see who could wear more red, but only Red Yang Demon Lord’s belt was blue.

Blood Demon (血魔) Damdae Uri (澹臺宇理)! He was an old warrior of 112 years old. As a person who had trained in swordsmanship his entire life, he was like a sword himself. Outwardly, he looked no older than his mid-40s, and his cold gaze and the atmosphere he exuded were like a well-sharpened sword standing upright. His stride was steady, and his appearance was dignified without the slightest wavering. He carried a sword, and on the scabbard was engraved a blood dragon, as if it would wriggle and ascend to the sky at any moment. As soon as he ascended the martial arts competition stage, he bowed to Taesang. Then, without even looking at his opponent for today’s match, Red Yang Demon, he fixed his indifferent gaze on a point in the air.

Red Yang Demon (赤陽魔) Bukgung Hanseong (北宮寒星), 107 years old this year, was the strongest master in the cult when it came to Yanggang Demonic Arts. If Blood Demon had mastered the Blood Dragon Sword Technique (血龍劍法), one of the three great sword techniques of the Heavenly Demon Cult, then he had mastered the Red Yang Demon Palm (赤陽魔掌), which could be called the best palm technique after the Asura Destruction Palm and the Shattering Asura Palm. In addition, he had achieved a certain level of mastery in swordsmanship, and his beloved sword, the Jinchun Demon Sword (振天魔劍), always shone with a brilliant golden light at his waist. He was particularly good at handling his subordinates, and he had a considerable number of people from the Bukgung family as well as other families under his command. If Blood Demon was a demonic hero (魔雄), then Red Yang Demon was a cunning hero (梟雄). His face was always adorned with a benevolent smile, giving him the appearance of a scholar. He first bowed to Taesang Guardian along with Blood Demon, and then he did not forget to bow politely to Blood Demon, who was turned away.

The two were, in reality, the two pillars that supported the Heavenly Demon Cult, and they were also rivals. Their rivalry went back to their training camp days. Red Yang Demon was five years younger than Blood Demon, but at the age of 10, he had already won martial arts competitions against those who were in their teens. It was Blood Demon who had broken his arrogance.

After that, Red Yang Demon did not neglect his training, and at the age of 40, he had another chance to compete. But he was defeated again. He had lost by a narrow margin.

The wound he had suffered at that time was still throbbing in his heart.

The two always met as rivals, and even 50 years ago, when the Mad Demon Lord’s bloodbath occurred, Blood Demon was a subordinate of the Mad Demon Lord, and Red Yang Demon was a subordinate of another demon lord. In the end, when his lord was easily defeated by the Mad Demon Lord, he attacked the Mad Demon Lord, and it was Blood Demon who stopped him. Blood Demon sincerely liked and followed the Mad Demon Lord. That was why he sided with him even when he went mad and rampaged, killing people. In the end, the Mad Demon Lord was subdued and imprisoned, but he was the one who defended him to the end.

Taesang Guardian was rising from his seat.

‘Today’s match… is not just a matter between the two of you, but an important martial arts competition that will determine the future of the entire Heavenly Demon Cult. I believe that both of you will accept the outcome, no matter what it is, and I acknowledge this match. Also, all the consequences that occur after this are entirely your responsibility… I ask you to refrain from rash actions. Do you have anything to say?’

‘No.’

It was Blood Demon’s answer.

‘I have one thing to say.’

‘Go ahead.’

Red Yang Demon turned to the crowd behind him, not to Taesang.

‘Everyone, I, Red Yang Demon, stand here to fulfill the long-cherished wish of our Heavenly Demon Cult. As a martial artist, I respect Blood Demon Lord… but our long-cherished wish should not be ignored because of one person. So, although I am lacking… I dare to stand here.

I dare to say a word because I believe in your support. Our Heavenly Demon Cult is strong.

And… we must show that to the Murim of the Central Plains. We must avenge our ancestors’ blood debt. If we cannot do it, our descendants will. This is the natural order and the trend of the times… Even if I fall here, I will definitely achieve it. Long live the Heavenly Demon Cult!’

‘Long live the Heavenly Demon Cult!’

‘Let’s conquer Murim!’

‘Wa, long live Red Yang Demon!’

‘Please win!’

Blood Demon Lord was silently listening to the shouts of the people, who were all excited. He did not even blink an eye. It seemed that no words could move him. Red Yang Demon glanced at him.

When Taesang’s hand went up, the surrounding noise stopped as if it had never happened.

‘Now… begin. Today’s martial arts competition will continue until one person admits defeat.’

Dong dong dong dong dong

It had finally begun. Taesang’s condition that it would continue until one person admitted defeat was perhaps a statement that could only be replaced by one person’s life. Knowing that, the two would be extremely cautious!

———————–

Thank you.

It’s the last day of 2000.

I won’t be uploading tomorrow morning. If I’m lucky, it’ll be around the afternoon, or maybe in the evening.

If you have any questions or things to point out, please email me.

[email protected] [email protected]

Happy New Year.

Happy new year!!!!!!!!!!

Title: [Serial] Emperor’s Sword 28. Conspiracy and Reversal Related Data: None [59662]

Sender: Im Sam Yeol (logos333) 2001-01-01 21:02 Views: 2161

-The Emperor’s Sword-