Emperor’s Sword [EN]: Chapter 27

Conspiracy and Reversal

The Blood Demon and Red Yang Demon glared at each other, neither making the first move. They knew each other too well—their martial arts, personalities, tactics, and even their schemes. Given this, today’s match was a considerable burden. The Blood Demon’s Blood Dragon Sword Technique and the Red Yang Demon’s Red Yang Palm were among the top ten martial arts practiced by the thousands of Heavenly Demon Cult members.

The Blood Dragon Sword Technique, when mastered, could unleash a sword aura in the form of a blood dragon, capable of devastating an area of ten yards. The Blood Demon had dedicated himself solely to mastering this technique.

In contrast, the Red Yang Demon’s Red Yang Palm was no less powerful than the Blood Dragon Sword Technique.

Originally, it was created by Danmok Kyung-woon, the seventh cult leader, about 1,100 years ago, by combining the strengths of twelve powerful Yang-based martial arts. This technique was traditionally only practiced by the cult leaders or descendants of the Danmok family. However, the previous Grand Protector bestowed it directly upon the Red Yang Demon, who graduated at the top of the training camp. This was a special consideration due to the Red Yang Demon’s exceptional talent, as the technique was notoriously difficult to master.

When the Red Yang Palm reached the 8th level, a red dot the size of an egg would appear on the palm. At the 9th level, it would turn blue. Upon reaching the 10th level, the palm would turn golden. It was said that even this would disappear upon reaching the 12th level of mastery. The only palm techniques considered more powerful were the Asura Extinction Palm of the Heavenly Demon Founder, which had been lost, and the rumored Shattering Asura Palm, whose true essence no one had ever grasped.

The duel between the two began solemnly amidst the fervent attention of 20,000 Heavenly Demon Cult members.

Two hours had already passed, yet they only stared at each other without moving. For masters at their level, a moment of carelessness could mean death, and once the advantage was lost, it was difficult to recover. They appeared to be standing still, but they were already expending considerable mental energy, anticipating each other’s attacks and studying their techniques. They were mentally preparing for every possible move their opponent might make.

[Mad Demon Lord! Who do you think will win?]

[…Considering their similar inner power, the Blood Demon’s Blood Dragon Sword Technique might be slightly stronger, wouldn’t you say?]

[Is that so? In a normal duel, I’d say the Blood Demon has an eighty percent chance of winning. But the Blood Demon is already at a disadvantage…]

[What? What do you mean?]

[You’ll see if you watch.]

As soon as the Shatterer’s telepathic message ended, the Red Yang Demon made his move. He moved in a large circle to the left, as if brushing the edge of the arena. The Blood Demon maintained his distance, moving with him. They were five yards apart, gradually closing the distance as they circled. When they were three yards apart…

The Red Yang Demon’s hands suddenly shot upwards from below his waist, unleashing a surge of energy. The Blood Demon had already drawn his Blood Dragon Sword, activating its sword aura. The Red Yang Demon’s palms glowed gold. An intense light poured from his palms, and a blood dragon danced from the Blood Dragon Sword, colliding with the golden energy.

*Clang!*

“Ugh!”

“Hmm!”

Both were forced back two steps, and they simultaneously groaned. It seemed that the first clash was a draw.

It was a kind of internal energy contest.

[They’re both at a similar level.]

[Indeed! But the problem is that the Red Yang Demon hasn’t used his full power yet…]

[What?… Surely not…]

[It’s true. I don’t know why, but that guy is surpassing the level of the Red Yang Demon I heard from the Grand Protector. Moreover, I sense a very sinister aura… There’s some kind of conspiracy.]

Even as they exchanged telepathic messages, the two were engaged in a fierce battle. The blood dragon danced and breathed fire, while the Red Yang Demon’s golden energy pressed down on it. It was a close fight with no clear advantage.

“Wow…”

“Amazing…”

The Heavenly Demon Cult members watching were busy exclaiming and marveling at their near-divine movements and immeasurable power. After dozens of exchanges, their bodies were enveloped in a hazy mist as they moved around the arena, and those with weaker martial arts could barely make out their forms. As the techniques progressed, their power increased, and the fight became more intense.

The power of the Blood Dragon Sword aura and the Red Yang Demon’s energy, unleashed at close range, was enough to dazzle the eyes of the crowd. Explosions echoed continuously as attacks and defenses shifted without any concession. The Blood Demon was becoming increasingly anxious. The Red Yang Demon’s martial arts were not at the level he knew. Moreover, as the fight progressed, the Red Yang Demon’s power became more solid and intense. He could feel his sword aura being pushed back by the Red Yang Demon’s energy. Just then, a look of triumph flashed in the Red Yang Demon’s eyes, and a sinister smile formed on his lips.

“Go, Blood Demon Lord!”

*Whoosh!*

Unlike before, the Red Yang Demon’s palms showed no color, only a flash of light. The blood dragon writhed and split apart, and the Red Yang Demon’s energy pierced the Blood Demon Lord’s chest. Even in this moment of crisis, the Blood Demon Lord’s sword face protected his chest.

*Clang!*

“Cough!”

*Thud!*

He was pushed back three yards, barely managing to stay on the edge of the arena. But the Red Yang Demon was not foolish enough to let go of the advantage he had gained. From his hands, the Red Yang Palm followed the retreating Blood Demon Lord silently, striking him as he struggled to stay upright.

“Agh!”

[Mad Demon Lord! Protect the Blood Demon!]

*Swoosh!*

The Blood Demon was sent flying backward, and someone was seen catching him. It was the faceless, masked figure who had been sitting next to the Grand Protector until just moments ago.

*Murmurs* *Murmurs*

“Wow, the Red Yang Demon Lord won!”

“Red Yang Demon! Long live!”

“Long live the Heavenly Demon Cult!”

Despite the enthusiastic cheers of the crowd, the Red Yang Demon’s gaze was fixed solely on the masked figure holding the Blood Demon.

“Who are you? Put the Blood Demon down!”

It was not the Red Yang Demon’s usual voice. It was a voice that sent shivers down the spine. It was unbelievable that the Red Yang Demon, who had a pleasant, low-pitched voice, would speak in such a way.

“The match is over. Red Yang Demon, step back!”

It was the Grand Protector’s command.

“Bullshit!”

!!!!!!

The Heavenly Demon Cult members who had been cheering for the Red Yang Demon, and even the Grand Protector, who had suddenly been called a dog by the Red Yang Demon, were stunned.

[Protect the 3rd Law Enforcer of the Sword Emperor’s Top 10!]

It was the Shatterer’s telepathic message.

*Swish Swish Swish*

The Sword Emperor’s Top 10, who always operated in secrecy behind a veil, appeared around the Law Enforcers. The Shatterer’s telepathic message continued.

[12 Demonic Disciples, subdue the three black-clad figures on the left side of the arena, in front of the crowd! And the three black-clad figures at the right end of the arena. Do it now!]

The 12 Demonic Disciples, who had been stunned by the Red Yang Demon’s sudden outburst, questioned the Shatterer’s message, but that was for later. Once the order was given, they moved swiftly. As they leaped into the air, approaching the six figures, the Red Yang Demon’s shout rang out.

“Hahahaha! Begin the massacre!”

[Mad Demon Lord, watch your back!]

His telepathic message and the Shatterer’s disappearance were simultaneous. The Mad Demon Lord also leaped into the air, carrying the Blood Demon Lord.

*Swoosh!*

*Crash!*

A corner of the arena was shattered. Two old men, one in black and one in white, had approached the Mad Demon Lord and unleashed their energy, destroying the arena when the Mad Demon Lord dodged. The crowd was thrown into chaos by the sudden turn of events. They were confused, not knowing what was happening. Just then, the Mad Demon Lord leaped onto the platform, followed by the two mysterious old men. Explosions followed in quick succession!

*Bang!*

“Ugh!”

“Hmm!”

The two old men in black and white, who had been chasing the Mad Demon Lord, cried out. They were rolling on the ground, their faces showing disbelief. The Shatterer, radiating a divine aura, stood before them!

“Damn it… Kill them all!”

The Red Yang Demon issued an order to an unknown recipient, and all around the arena, unidentified figures began a merciless slaughter of the Heavenly Demon Cult members. Meanwhile, the 12 Demonic Disciples, who had been capturing the six figures, tried to subdue their pressure points, but the resistance was too strong. They immediately resorted to killing. Whoever they were, they were no match for two of the 12 Demonic Disciples at once.

The Black and White Twin Swords of the Life and Death Sword sliced off the head of a black-clad figure, while the Jade Kirin’s Small Hand Demon Technique pierced the heart of another. The Shadowless Lord’s hand and the Ghost Wolf’s blade severed the heads and waists of their opponents simultaneously. However, the situation was spiraling out of control.

Unidentified figures among the Heavenly Demon Cult members were causing a massacre. Since they did not know who the enemy was, the Heavenly Demon Cult members’ response was disorganized. Those next to them were stabbed in the side with swords, or had their heads smashed from behind.

“You bastards!”

The Shatterer was enraged. He was initially bewildered by the unexpected turn of events, but when he heard the screams of the Heavenly Demon Cult members, he became furious. His anger was directed at the Red Yang Demon. The Shatterer let out a long, resounding roar that shook the heavens.

“Wooooooooooooooo!”

*Rumble!*

The chaos in the arena momentarily stopped at the sound of his inner energy. He then shot the Heavenly Demon Sword into the sky. The Heavenly Demon Sword continued to rise, ten yards, twenty yards, thirty yards… It reached a point far beyond sight, then, enveloped in a burst of light, it plunged down at a terrifying speed towards a single point.

It was where the Red Yang Demon was standing. Everyone watched the scene in a daze.

The Red Yang Demon was momentarily startled, looking up at it. Two old men, who had been rolling on the ground, suddenly stood in front of him. The dark blades in their hands glowed.

*Whoosh!*

The Shatterer’s sword, accompanied by a strange sound, swept away the two old men who were blocking the Red Yang Demon. The Shatterer’s sword, enveloped in light, touched the massive mountain-splitting blades, cutting them without a sound. The force did not stop, and it cleaved the two old men as well.

“Kyah!”

“Agh!”

Their desperate screams marked their deaths, but their deaths were too gruesome. As the sword descended from the sky, it spun like a top, and their blades and bodies from the waist to the chest were torn apart. Then, the sword returned to the Shatterer’s hand.

……!!!!!!

No one spoke. The Red Yang Demon could only twitch his lips, trying to calm his shocked heart. It was the Shatterer who spoke first.

“Who are you?”

Who was he talking to? It wasn’t the Red Yang Demon?

“…”

“Where is the Red Yang Demon? And who are you?”

“…Hmm… I haven’t heard of a master like you in the Heavenly Demon Cult… Who are you?”

“You son of a bitch, I asked you first!”

*Thud!*

“Ugh!”

Before he knew it, the Shatterer’s fist had struck the Red Yang Demon’s (?) abdomen, and he could not resist. It was a strange and fast movement. The Shatterer’s hand snapped the opponent’s head back and grabbed his hair.

“You bastard! Die!”

The Red Yang Demon tried to attack the Shatterer with his right knee, but the Shatterer’s foot struck both of his knee joints in quick succession.

“Cough!”

His knees were shattered, and he was about to fall forward, but the Shatterer was still holding his hair. He was left standing in an awkward position, his face contorted in extreme pain. The arena was now somewhat under control, and the Heavenly Demon Cult members had formed a circle around the arena. The Heavenly Demon Cult members’ response was swift, and with the addition of the 12 Demonic Disciples, the situation was quickly resolved.

“I’ll ask again. You! Who are you?”

“Ptoo!”

He tried to spit, but the spit did not even leave his mouth before the Shatterer’s fist struck his jaw. The spit only dirtied his mouth, and his teeth were falling out, dripping through his mangled jaw.

“I’ll ask one more time, who are you, and where is the Red Yang Demon?”

[12 Demonic Disciples! Arrest them! If they resist, kill them!]

“Attack!”

Starting with the Shadowless Lord’s shout, the Heavenly Demon Cult members, enraged by the deaths of their comrades, began their merciless revenge. The Shatterer glanced at them and spoke again!

“Heh heh, you’re testing my patience.”

The Shatterer’s other hand grabbed a certain part of the Red Yang Demon’s lower body. Then, he applied pressure.

“You don’t have to talk if you don’t want to. Actually, I’m not that curious.”

“Ugh… You… Cruel…”

“I really hate that word! Actually, I’ve been on edge lately, trying to act all proper… Thank you. I hope you keep resisting. That way, I can get rid of all this pent-up frustration.”

The pressure was gradually increasing, and it would probably burst soon. No matter how strong one was, they could not move or use their strength if that part was grabbed. Moreover, if the opponent was someone as ruthless as him, the psychological fear would be even greater! In that sense, the Red Yang Demon’s eyes were half pleading, half murderous. He still held some venom. But that was only for a moment. As the pressure increased, his eyes began to lose focus, filled only with pleading.

“I… I’ll talk. So please…”

“Talk, and if it’s useful, I’ll let you go.”

It was an absurd answer. But the one in a hurry was not the Shatterer, but the Red Yang Demon.

“I… Ugh… I’m… Joo Ho-gwang, the Vice Leader of the Four Evil Blood Cult…”

“So?”

The Shatterer’s face remained unchanged, but the faces of the Grand Protector and the elders behind him were filled with surprise.

“I’ve been planting spies in the Heavenly Demon Cult for a while… and started negotiations with the Red Yang Demon… but this guy rejected our offer.”

“Since when?”

“About three years ago.”

“Three years? What were the conditions that made the Red Yang Demon collude with outsiders?”

“An alliance for the ascension of the cult leader and the conquest of the Central Plains.”

“Really? And then? …”

“For some reason, the Red Yang Demon became uncooperative and was not very receptive to our orders.”

“So?”

“We used spies to inject poison over a long period… and while he was in seclusion, we obtained all the information about the Heavenly Demon Cult from him…”

“I roughly understand the rest… Tell me quickly and concisely about your intentions, the Red Yang Demon’s condition, and your organization.”

“…We have been preparing to seize the Heavenly Demon Cult using the Red Yang Demon, and then use that power to invade the Central Plains. So, when things went wrong, I decided to take his place. If I could eliminate the three Law Enforcers and the Blood Demon Lord… I thought I could easily take control with the Red Yang Demon’s existing forces… Ugh… Please… That thing… I understand… And, the Red Yang Demon is still alive, but he cannot use his martial arts. Our Four Evil Blood Cult is… Just kill me…”

“Spit it out! There are plenty of others who will talk if you don’t…”

He looked at the 12 Demonic Disciples, but they had already killed all the black-clad figures and were looking at him with proud expressions.

“Damn it…”

“Heh heh… So, am I the only one left?… I can’t answer like this. If you want an answer from me, let go of this first…”

“You’re full of crap.”

That was the end of it. He channeled his inner energy and put strength into his hand, and the contents (!) in his hand burst. The guy who had transformed into the Red Yang Demon, the Vice Leader of the Four Evil Blood Cult, had his mouth wide open. The Shatterer grabbed his hair with his other hand and shoved it into his head, and it went in as smoothly as a knife into a pumpkin.

Then, he twisted his head and pulled it off. The gruesome method made the female cult members turn away, and even the Mad Demon Lord grimaced. What would others say? Holding the head dripping with blood and fluids in one hand, he looked at the people. And from his mouth came a voice that echoed throughout the training ground.

“I am the Heavenly Demon Sovereign, the Shatterer.”

————————

I’ll upload these two chapters, and then one or two more will be uploaded around 1 AM tomorrow. I’ll be back to uploading normally.

Once we pass chapter 31, we’ll be back in the Central Plains, right?

Until now, the Shatterer has been holding back in many ways, but now he’ll be like a wild horse, running rampant.

And one more thing, I’ve been adjusting the level of violence because I don’t know the age range of the readers, but that’s over now.

If you think you’re not old enough to read this, please refrain from doing so.

Please send me an email.

I’m very curious about your reactions.

Criticism or complaints are welcome. Or suggestions are welcome.

All of those things will be applied to this story, so please do so.

[email protected] And for those of you who read my work on personal homepages, there are people who ask where I’m serializing it. It’s on Hitel’s Creative Serial and Murimdong. Well, goodbye…

Title: [Serial] Emperor’s Sword 29. The Rebirth of the Heavenly Demon Cult Related Data: None [59663]

Sender: Im Sam Yeol (logos333) 2001-01-01 21:04 Views: 2236

-The Emperor’s Sword-