Emperor's Sword [EN]: Chapter 29

30. To the Central Plains

For the past month, the Heavenly Demon Sect had been incredibly busy. Each faction focused on establishing discipline and training, while also accelerating their martial arts advancement. In particular, the training led by Gwangmajon for those at the level of Demonic Adept and above was brutal. Everyone was gritting their teeth, and some Demonic Adepts even protested, questioning why masters of their caliber needed such harsh training, only to suffer the humiliation of having all their limbs broken.

Later, not only the Heavenly Demon masters but also the Earth Demon and Human Demon masters were included in this training, and none were exempt. Even Hyulmajon, the highest-ranking among the Earth Demon masters, was treated like a child, so what need was there to speak of the hardships of others? Gwangmajon treated them all harshly, and as a result, their skills improved beyond recognition.

He began to delve into a wide range of areas, not only basic combat training but also virtual battles, advanced theories of swordsmanship, the strengths and weaknesses of various demonic arts, and even methods of demonic cultivation tailored to each individual. He personally sparred with each one of them. This included the Four Demon Lords, including Hyulmajon. All of them were given various elixirs from the Heavenly Demon Secret Vault, and their inner energy increased day by day, their martial prowess deepening and becoming more refined without them even realizing it.

In the main hall of the Demon Emperor’s Pavilion, the top 50 leaders of the Heavenly Demon Sect were gathered. Heavenly Demon Pa Cheon was about to make an important announcement to them.

“Listen well, everyone. Tomorrow, I will… depart for the Central Plains.”

……

“It has already been three months since I came to this Heavenly Demon Sect. Now, the sect has changed beyond recognition. Perhaps… we would not be pushed back even if we directly confronted the Central Plains. However… as I have said before, I intend to avoid an all-out war. To seize control without anyone noticing, without them even feeling it, that is my method. I will go to the Central Plains first and begin the preliminary work.

After that, the main force will gradually be reinforced. Until then, all sect members must focus on improving their martial arts without any negligence… For this trip to the Central Plains, I will only take three people with me. Gwangmajon Dam Dae-chu Gwang, Mu-yeongjon Buk-gung Hwan-ju, and Dan Jang-hwa Dam Dae-mu-rin. The rest of you will focus on training under the command of the Supreme Elder… That is all. Any questions?”

It was a phrase Pa Cheon always added at the end, but no one ever asked any questions. It was partly because they were accustomed to obeying orders, but also because they were hesitant to speak their minds, intimidated by Pa Cheon’s authority.

“Everyone, dismiss!”

It was as if he were addressing soldiers, but it didn’t feel out of place at all. It was then that the Supreme Elder stood up and spoke, as if he had just remembered something.

“Your Excellency!”

“What is it?”

“Before you depart for the Central Plains, there is one thing you must do.”

“What is that?”

“Traditionally, the sect leaders have always gifted martial arts and bestowed weapons to the top-performing student among those graduating from the training center. This time as well, one child has graduated with the highest score! It would be an honor if Your Excellency would perform this duty…”

“Is that so? If that is the case, then I must do it. If they are to be the future pillars of the Heavenly Demon Sect, then encouraging them is something the Heavenly Demon Sovereign must do! Bring the child here.”

Those who had been about to stand up sat back down. Their eyes were filled with curiosity and interest.

The honor of being the top graduate was not only the greatest glory in one’s life but also a stepping stone to becoming a core master in the future. Among them, Gwangmajon, Hyulmajon, Jeokyangma, and Mu-yeongjon, among others, had all experienced the honor of being the top graduate. They were given special attention and benefits. That was why they could grow under more favorable conditions than their peers.

About an hour later, a child entered. They looked very mature for a 16-year-old, and unexpectedly, it was a girl, not a boy. She walked in, wearing a blue robe and her long, straight hair swaying. Despite being in a place where the sect’s top leaders were gathered, she showed no signs of nervousness and walked with her head held high. Although she was a girl, she wore a headband on her forehead and a slightly loose blue robe, so her figure was not visible. Her eyes were very clear and large. The way she firmly closed her mouth was more cute than beautiful, and she looked like a handsome boy.

“Pay your respects. This is the Sovereign.”

“I, a humble girl, greet the Heavenly Demon Sovereign.”

She knelt and bowed her head. Even in that posture, there was grace and poise. Although she was still young, she was no ordinary child.

“In the history of the Heavenly Demon Sect, there have been very few cases of a girl graduating at the top. She has a deep understanding of swordsmanship and is a promising talent for the future.”

“Hmm… is that so? What is your name?”

At Pa Cheon’s question, she raised her head, met his eyes, and spoke clearly. Dimples appeared slightly each time she moved her lips.

“My name is Buk-gung So-gun.”

“Buk-gung So-gun! Even your name is beautiful. So, is there anything you desire from me?”

“No, there is not.”

It was a firm and confident answer.

“What kind of person do you wish to become in the future?”

“I want to become the greatest swordsman.”

It was an unbelievable statement coming from a girl.

“The greatest swordsman? Hahahaha, you are a very bold child. In your opinion, what kind of person is the greatest swordsman?”

“A person who can overcome even nature with their sword.”

“What?”

Pa Cheon was surprised. Of course, it was unlikely that So-gun understood the full meaning of her words, but the symbolism was too significant. Pa Cheon was pleased with the unexpected answer.

“I will give you three gifts.”

Murmurs arose.

The people in the hall were agitated by Pa Cheon’s words. They had expected him to simply give her a martial arts manual or tell her to choose one of the swords from the Heavenly Demon Secret Vault, but he was going to give her gifts directly, and three at that? How could the gifts from the Heavenly Demon Sovereign Pa Cheon be ordinary? The gazes of the people in the hall were filled with undisguised envy. Whether she knew it or not, So-gun still had her head bowed.

“Raise your head!… Come here.”

So-gun stood up and approached Pa Cheon.

“The first gift is this.”

He then handed her the Gan-jang sword that was tied to his waist. Immediately, there was an uproar in the hall.

“Your… Your Excellency… that is too much for a child…”

“Enough. This one is qualified enough to possess this sword. How is it? Do you like it? Draw it once.”

At those words, the people murmured again! To draw a sword in front of the Heavenly Demon Sovereign was a grave offense equivalent to insubordination, deserving of being torn to pieces. Without hesitation, So-gun drew the sword and stared at its dazzling light, momentarily lost in thought. It was as if she were dreaming.

“Ah…”

A sigh of admiration escaped the child’s lips.

“Haha, do you like it?”

“Yes.”

The way she looked directly at the Sovereign and answered made the faces of others frown. Perhaps the instructor who trained her would be severely reprimanded later. Pa Cheon chuckled with amusement at her bold demeanor.

“The second gift… I will take you as my disciple.”

Thud.

……

!!!!!!

Everyone was speechless at Pa Cheon’s unexpected and unconventional words. Hadn’t they heard from Gwangmajon that Pa Cheon’s current level of swordsmanship was beyond even Gwangmajon’s imagination? If they could learn even a single stance from Pa Cheon, even the Supreme Elder would throw away all pretense and rush forward. But a disciple? Becoming a disciple of the Heavenly Demon Sovereign meant an endless rise in status.

Could there be a greater shock than this?

“Why? Do you not like it?”

“No, it is not that. Does that mean Your Excellency will become my master?”

“That is correct.”

She stared at Pa Cheon for a moment, then took a few steps back.

“Disciple Buk-gung So-gun greets Master.”

She was performing the formal disciple’s bow.

“Hahahaha, yes, yes. This one knows what to do.”

He looked genuinely pleased. He was in a very good mood. Now, everyone’s attention was focused on what the third gift would be.

“The third… I will take you with me on this trip to the Central Plains.”

“Yes?… Really?”

“You like that so much?”

Buk-gung So-gun, who had shown little reaction to being taken as a disciple, smiled brightly. It was a very refreshing smile. Her dimples deepened even more.

‘Ah! The Central Plains, I get to go there…’

Buk-gung So-gun’s heart swelled with excitement. She had only heard about it, never been there, a place she had only been able to visit in her dreams. With Pa Cheon’s words, an ordinary 16-year-old girl had instantly become the luckiest person in the Heavenly Demon Sect. Perhaps today would be remembered as the luckiest day of her life.

“Now, since everything is done, let’s dismiss! And Gwangmajon, make sure all preparations are made for our departure tomorrow. Now, everyone, dismiss.”

★ As morning dawned, all 20,000 members of the Heavenly Demon Sect had gathered at the grand training ground in front of the Demon Spirit Pavilion, and Pa Cheon’s group was ready to depart.

“What are we waiting for?”

“Hehe, Your Excellency! In our Heavenly Demon Sect, there is a sacred creature that only the sect leaders have used throughout the generations. It is an eagle.”

“An eagle?”

“Yes. It is over a thousand years old, and although it is shaped like an eagle, it is closer to a roc [a mythical bird of enormous size and strength]. It is called the Golden-Headed Divine Eagle, and its wingspan is over 10 jangs [approximately 30 meters]. Only the Heavenly Demon Ring can summon and control this sacred creature.”

“Is that so? Heavenly Demon, is that true?”

-It is true. But I don’t know if that fellow is still alive. I raised him from a chick…

He must be quite old now…

“When was the last time it appeared?”

“According to the records… it was before the Seventh Demonic War, so it must have been about 270 years ago.”

“What?… Hmm, then it might be dead or gone somewhere else… Heavenly Demon, how do you summon it?”

-Inject inner energy into the ring, and the Asura [a powerful demonic deity] image on the ring’s surface will rise into the sky. If you maintain it for about an hour, that fellow will sense it and come on its own. If it is still alive, it will surely come.

“It might be dead.”

Pa Cheon began to inject inner energy into the ring as the Heavenly Demon had said. As he did, the Asura image, about 3 jangs wide, extended up to 10 jangs into the air. It was a truly amazing sight.

……

An hour was passing.

……

There was no sign of it.

“Tch, let’s just go! It seems that fellow is not here…”

Pa Cheon withdrew his inner energy. It was then.

“Caw!”

Whoosh!

A huge shadow was seen approaching rapidly from the far side of the sky. It spread its wings wide and slowly circled over the Heavenly Demon Sect. It was undoubtedly an eagle, and it was truly enormous. As its name suggested, its head was gleaming gold. When Pa Cheon saw it, he injected inner energy into the Heavenly Demon Ring once more.

As the Asura image was etched in the air, the eagle(?) plummeted to the ground, and a sudden gust of wind seemed to sweep down from the sky. The members of the Heavenly Demon Sect quickly retreated. When the Golden-Headed Divine Eagle landed on the ground, it was truly massive. Its feet alone seemed to be about three feet long, and its height up to its head seemed to be over 3 jangs. As soon as it landed, it rubbed its beak against Pa Cheon.

-Haha, you fellow! You were alive. Golden Eagle, it’s me, it’s me.

There was no way it could hear the Heavenly Demon’s voice. Yet, it rubbed against Pa Cheon as if it were hearing the Heavenly Demon’s soul, and even tears were flowing from its eyes? It seemed that it was also spiritually connected to the Heavenly Demon. Just seeing this, it was clear that it was truly a sacred creature. The creature immediately lowered its head, gesturing for them to get on its back.

“Its back is wide enough to carry at least ten people. Well then, Supreme Elder, please take care of the sect. Let’s get on quickly.”

“Yes.”

They answered, but they were still hesitant. Riding that huge eagle into the sky was something that even masters like them hesitated to do.

As all five of them got on, cheers erupted from the members of the Heavenly Demon Sect.

“Long live the Heavenly Demon Sect Leader!”

“Your Excellency, take care!”

“Gwangmajon, please take good care of the Sovereign!”

“Congratulations, Mu-yeongjon! Enjoy seeing the Central Plains…”

All sorts of greetings were exchanged, and Pa Cheon raised his hand.

Flap!

With one flap of its wings, the Golden Eagle sent dust soaring up to 10 jangs. Carrying the five of them, the Golden Eagle soared into the sky like an arrow. It was truly an incredible speed. As they quickly left the Heavenly Demon Sect, the majestic scenery of the Tian Shan mountain range could be seen below, but it soon faded away. The Heavenly Demon Sect was located in a very secluded place. The Golden Eagle soared higher and higher, soon piercing through the clouds. Now, nothing could be seen. Only an endless sea of clouds stretched out, and the dazzling sunlight shone brightly.

“Golden Eagle, it’s the Central Plains. Let’s go to the Central Plains!”

Title: [Serial] Emperor’s Sword 31. First Stop, Hangzhou! Related Data: None [59673]

Sender: Im Sam Yeol (logos333) 2001-01-02 00:36 Views: 2334

-The Emperor’s Sword-