Emperor’s Sword [EN]: Chapter 43

Not long after Elder Gu Ryeongjin arrived, Cheonhyang Okbong appeared. She was followed by several maids and guards, and her face was still covered by a veil.

She bowed her head in apology to the waiting dignitaries.

‘I sincerely apologize for the delay in keeping you esteemed guests waiting.’

Cheonhyang Okbong, as she spoke, appeared to be a beautiful and virtuous woman to anyone who saw her, but Pa Cheon, knowing her true nature, had to suppress his disgust.

‘Isn’t this going too far?’

At Pa Cheon’s words, Cheonhyang Okbong slightly turned her head, and even in that movement, there was an air of elegance.

‘That man is the Jade-Faced Divine Dragon! True to his name, his appearance alone is the best in the world. Is he the one who actually controls the righteous path?’

‘Does the young master have something to ask me?’

‘What is with that attitude? This isn’t something we volunteered for, and it’s a fact that your alliance announced and decided upon in the martial world. I must ask if this delay has another intention. Furthermore, what is the meaning of the person who is to be married wearing a veil?’

His words were not wrong. At his words, the martial arts experts in the hall nodded in agreement.

‘And it is also unacceptable that the Alliance Chief has not shown his face. If the succession is decided without the Alliance Chief’s presence and approval, it can be overturned at any time later, can’t it? If the Alliance Chief does not appear right now, we cannot accept the decisions of your alliance.’

At Pa Cheon’s firm words, Elder Gu Ryeongjin looked flustered, but on the other hand, he also had a subtly pleased expression. Even at Pa Cheon’s words, Cheonhyang Okbong did not seem to waver at all. Of course, since her face was covered with a veil, it was impossible to know what her expression was.

‘I would like to follow the young master’s words, but that is also beyond my authority… There is nothing I can do. As for the veil, I can take it off right now.’

And then, without hesitation, she removed the veil. Her appearance was revealed clearly to the public.

‘Oh.’

‘Hmm.’

The exclamations of admiration flowed naturally from those who were seeing her true face for the first time.

There are certain conditions for a beauty. The first is ‘Obal Seonbin,’ which refers to hair as black as a crow and sideburns as thin as cicada wings. The second is ‘Ami Cheongdae,’ which refers to eyebrows as thin and long as the antennae of a moth.

Next is ‘Myeongmo Yuban,’ which refers to clear eyes and a captivating gaze. In addition, there are ‘Jusun Hochi,’ ‘Okji Sowan,’ ‘Seyeo Seolbu,’ and ‘Gihyang Paehun,’ which mean that the lips should be red, the teeth should be even and white, the fingers should be like jade, the arms should be white, the waist should be slender, the skin should be as white as snow, and the skin should have a subtle fragrance.

There were many other criteria, but they were not relevant to the martial artists. For example, ‘Yeonbo Somal’ refers to feet made small by foot binding, and there were no women among the martial artists who practiced foot binding. These general standards of beauty were, in fact, repetitive or unreasonable in themselves. For example, the word ‘Yuban’ in ‘Myeongmo Yuban’ means a sidelong glance.

So, while some might find it beautiful, others might think it was unlucky! Also, the idea of having a fragrance emanating from the skin could be solved by carrying a sachet. And in fact, since people did not expose much of their skin, it was impossible to tell whether their skin was white, dark, or yellowish just by looking at their appearance, yet this was repeatedly mentioned.

In any case, Cheonhyang Okbong was quite close to these standards, and especially ‘Myeongmo Yuban’ was perfect.

With slightly upturned eyes, a gaze that seemed to be tinged with allure, and a smile that captivated those who looked at her, she was, in a word, a born femme fatale. Even though the men were losing their minds and wandering around, Pa Cheon did not feel any emotion at all.

Well, he had already seen all the beauties of the Central Plains, and he had touched and embraced one of them several times, so how could Cheonhyang Okbong catch his eye? But Pa Cheon’s personality was not one to be swayed just because something looked good. It’s not that he was a man who had transcended women. He had been suppressing himself with superhuman patience. When that would explode, even he didn’t know.

‘If you can’t bring the Alliance Chief, can’t you at least let me meet him? Until I get a direct confirmation from him, I cannot accept the intentions of your alliance.’

Because Pa Cheon’s stance was so firm, the atmosphere in the hall was rapidly turning cold. In fact, most of the people here were members of the Southern Alliance, and there were only a little over 30 outsiders. In this atmosphere, just being able to express one’s opinion as confidently as Pa Cheon was remarkable.

‘That guy is not just picky. Really… he’s a desirable fellow. If a guy like that were by my side, I wouldn’t envy the world…’

Cheonhyang Okbong was wandering in her own dreamland.

‘Hey, Miss.’

Only at Pa Cheon’s words did she seem to snap back to reality. After briefly realizing her situation, she regained her composure as if nothing had happened.

‘I understand the young master’s words, but…’

‘I’ve stated all my conditions, so make a decision. Will you let me meet the Alliance Chief? Or will you admit that the Southern Alliance has committed fraud against the entire martial world?’

It was truly an absurd statement. But it was too much to ignore the other party. Moreover, there were military officers and the head of the Peng family who came as representatives of the Martial Alliance…

While she was hesitating, Pa Cheon’s words solidified her decision.

‘Could it be… that something has happened to the Alliance Chief?’

‘What did you say?’

When she shouted in anger, suspicion grew in everyone’s eyes. Sensing this, Cheonhyang Okbong sensed that things were not going well. Moreover, even Elder Gu was looking at her with suspicion…

‘If I’m not careful, everything could be ruined. That bastard. Where did such a thing come from to make people’s hearts burn?’

She sighed deeply as if she had no choice.

‘Okay. But… only Master Moon and… Master Damdae can see him. I’m sorry, but the others will have to wait.’

‘Very well. Let’s go.’

‘He’s so impatient. I wonder if it’ll be okay. Well, you can’t tell by looking at him, so if that old man doesn’t talk nonsense, there won’t be any problems.’

‘Yes. If we want to clear up the misunderstanding, that’s the only way.’

In this way, the situation was becoming increasingly strange.

★ The Lion Sabre King, Jin Yeohae, warmly welcomed Pa Cheon. He looked perfectly fine on the outside, and if Pa Cheon hadn’t known his situation in advance, he would have been completely fooled.

‘Hahaha, I am pleased to meet one of the Five Greats of the Martial World. Moreover, since the opponent is such a talented young man, I feel like I’ve become a few years younger.’

As the Lion Sabre King spoke, deep shadows were cast around his eyes. Cheonhyang Okbong was watching the two of them as if she was monitoring them, so his frustration was even greater.

‘Ah, will such an opportunity ever come again? Even though I’ve met a noble person who can clear the dark clouds of the alliance, I can’t show any sign… It’s truly regrettable.’

He knew. The moment he revealed the current situation, the Southern Alliance would be shattered.

Moreover, even if he was one of the Five Greats, he knew that he alone could not stop their forces, so he did not show any sign. However, he was desperate to let them know the current situation, and his heart was rotting away.

‘You’re too kind. The Alliance Chief has lived his entire life with only righteousness, so he is a role model for his juniors.’

‘That’s not true. Moreover, a junior? Even if the great hero is young, in terms of seniority, you are higher than me, so I cannot accept those words.’

‘Haha, it seems that it was just a needless worry. Since the Alliance Chief is so healthy, it seems that there will be no dark clouds over the future of the Southern Alliance.’

At Pa Cheon’s words, a smile of relief spread across Cheonhyang Okbong’s face.

‘By the way, my subordinate has become the winner of this competition, are you really going to make him the successor of your alliance?’

[Alliance Chief, don’t show any reaction and just listen]

Pa Cheon spoke while simultaneously using telepathy to the Southern Alliance Chief.

‘Even though he looks like this, he’s a very impressive guy.’

[I already know all about the Alliance Chief’s condition. If you intend to ask for my help, just cough twice.]

The Lion Sabre King’s face did not change at all, and he continued to smile as usual.

‘Ahem, haha, even I can see that the great hero’s subordinate is very impressive.’

‘You’re too kind. I’m worried about whether I, who am lacking and humble, will be able to lead the Southern Alliance well.’

While Gwangmajon was speaking, he sent another telepathic message.

[Okay. I will finish everything within today or tomorrow. But… can you promise that you will fulfill any condition I ask for, no matter what it is?]

‘Ahem, don’t worry about that, is there anything I can’t do? Just say the word. If you are the young alliance chief who will lead our Southern Alliance in the future, I can give not only my position but also my life… so don’t worry about that and just push forward with your convictions.’

The Lion Sabre King’s words seemed to be a response to Gwangmajon’s answer, but in reality, they were a response to Pa Cheon’s question. His heart was as light as if he was flying. All his worries seemed to disappear at once, and whether he succeeded or failed, he had grasped a thread of hope. That was enough.

The reason he had been clinging to life while enduring such humiliation was because of his regret for the past and his fear that the power he had built up over his entire life would be reduced to a mere consumable for a strange group after his death. Now, he had abandoned all his desires. His only wish was to protect the honor he had built up so far and to choose a successor and pass it on well. For him, Pa Cheon’s offer was like a welcome shower during a long rainy season.

‘Well, then, Alliance Chief, please rest. After meeting you in person and hearing your words, it seems that all the doubts and worries I had have been completely cleared up.’

Pa Cheon got up from his seat and sent another telepathic message.

[I will come tonight. I will hear the details later. Then, take care]

When Pa Cheon and Gwangmajon got up from their seats, the Lion Sabre King also got up. And they shook hands and saw each other off. Cheonhyang Okbong did not notice anything strange in their actions.

Even after Pa Cheon and Cheonhyang Okbong left, the Lion Sabre King could not stop his body from trembling with excitement.

‘It seems that heaven has truly watched over me. How can this be so coincidental? When I had given up even the last hope, a helping hand came… From what I can see, not only the Jade-Faced Divine Dragon but also his subordinates are unimaginably powerful experts. As they say, justice will prevail in the end.’

Humans are such simple beings. They judge and weigh things only within the scope of what they see and experience. It seems that the ability to see the truth lurking behind it is not something that anyone can easily have. Does the Lion Sabre King know? That his choice may allow him to escape from the wolf, but he has put his neck out to the tiger…

Gwangmajon, glancing at Cheonhyang Okbong, seemed to have forgotten what kind of woman she was at this moment. His previous thoughts had run away with their tails between their legs, and his lust for her was wriggling and raising its head. And that was soon revealed in his expression…

In this way, the wedding, which concealed each other’s true intentions, was held in a simple manner. In any case, the two had become husband and wife in front of everyone. No matter what kind of relationship they actually had, the fact that they were husband and wife was an unchanging truth.

★ The two performed the ceremony of sharing a room (!) to celebrate their wedding night. Gwangmajon’s face was full of smiles, and Cheonhyang Okbong was bowing her head slightly, no matter what her inner thoughts were. Gwangmajon recalled Pa Cheon’s last telepathic message.

[Gwangmajon, if you can, make Cheonhyang Okbong into your person. You know what I mean. If that happens, we will not only know everything about the unknown enemy, but we will also be able to take control of the Southern Alliance without any effort. If that is not possible, you must kill her. It’s an unavoidable choice. I’ll be watching.]

The last words were stabbing Gwangmajon’s heart. It was the Supreme One’s way of testing his ability as a subordinate, so his current feelings were half joy and half a sense of duty, as if he had a heavy iron weight on his shoulders, and a little bit of interest and anticipation.

‘Well, it’s embarrassing, but I have no choice but to use the secret bedroom techniques of our sect…’

There were many strange things among the martial arts of the Heavenly Demon Sect. For example, torture techniques, mind control techniques, bewitching techniques, assassination techniques, deception techniques, hidden weapon manufacturing techniques, poison techniques, corpse poison techniques, zombie manufacturing techniques, mechanical engineering, formation studies, and bedroom techniques! Of course, all of these were fields that were generally learned and known in the martial world, but those of the Heavenly Demon Sect were a bit unique and ingenious.

Some people might say that these cannot be called martial arts, but while the righteous gentlemen of the righteous path (?) may be able to live their lives without these things, the Heavenly Demon Sect members were people who were anxious even if they had mastered all of these brutal and despised things, and they devoted themselves to learning and mastering all kinds of skills if they could.

What stood out among the things they systematically learned was survival skills. How to survive in any environment! For this reason, there were no martial arts that were despised by them. They believed that if they learned everything, they would eventually be able to protect their lives with it. This idea was the driving force that made the Heavenly Demon Sect extremely powerful.

‘Hehe, no matter how many foxes you have inside, you’re no match for me. Even though I can’t satisfy you with my own power, with the bedroom techniques of our sect, any woman can be… hehehehe, you can look forward to it.’

Gwangmajon approached Cheonhyang Okbong with a sinister smile. On the other hand, if we were to take a peek at Cheonhyang Okbong’s inner thoughts,

‘Hmph, now that things have turned out this way, I need to put that guy under my control and use him. I’ll make him unable to live without me. Then, hoho, you’ll never be able to leave my side. I’ll make you stab the Jade-Faced Divine Dragon in the heart in the future.’

The thoughts of the two were so far apart, yet their room was no different from that of any other newlywed couple. Even Gwangmajon’s expression, as he swallowed his saliva in a daze, was as if it had been copied from a template.

‘Well, Miss, even though we don’t know each other, we have met as husband and wife, so let’s live happily together for a hundred years.’

‘Oh my, how embarrassing…’

A hundred years? Gwangmajon is 137 years old now, so 100 years would be… hey, you thief…

‘Hmph, what he’s saying… that’s why the righteous path guys are annoying, isn’t it? They talk so smoothly, but where are the useful ones?’

There was a table full of various dishes and alcohol in front of them, but they didn’t even glance at it.

‘Miss, come here.’

Gwangmajon slowly reached out his hand, and his fingertips were trembling slightly. It seemed that his heart was about to burst out of his chest, and it was questionable whether he would be able to do it properly.

Why is it so far away? Even though it was right in front of him, reaching out felt like it was a million miles away.

‘What are you doing now? If you’re going to do it, do it quickly?’

His hand grabbed something on Cheonhyang Okbong. It was her hand.

‘Miss’s hand is as smooth as silk.’

‘I can’t even do this. It’s the Lord’s order, so I’ll do it, but I’m not in a good mood…’

Gwangmajon was truly shameless. He was making excuses for the Lord, but if Muyeongjon had been given this role, Pa Cheon would have been cursed for a long time.

Gwangmajon’s hands were taking off Cheonhyang Okbong’s clothes. She even showed courtesy (!) by slightly twisting her body to make it easier to take off her clothes. Well, is she a bit polite? She was a notorious femme fatale who had eaten her stepfather and even her brother, and after feeding, she was like a praying mantis that devoured even the male.

Now, all that was left on her body was her undergarments and a cloth that tied her chest. She was sitting with one knee raised, but she was already lying on the bed, and she had turned her head to one side and closed her eyes tightly. Just by looking at that appearance, wouldn’t she look like a truly, genuinely virtuous woman?

Gwangmajon’s hands, still trembling slightly, touched the cloth on her chest, and it broke, and something swelled up. The two breasts seemed too big, but it was only because of their shape, and in fact, they were small and modest, and in the center, soft purple nipples were trembling. Gwangmajon’s hands danced on them.

Each time, Cheonhyang Okbong was making strange moans, but Gwangmajon knew that it was just an intentional performance. From then on, it was a smooth process. When the last bastion that was covering her body was also breached, her white skin revealed itself to Gwangmajon, and his Adam’s apple was moving up and down incessantly.

It was from this point that he began to recite the incantation of the ‘Thousand Mysteries of Joy for a Burning Maiden.’ A faint pink light emanated from his hands, but it was so subtle that it was difficult to see even if you looked closely. He placed his hands on various parts of her body and gently caressed them. Starting from her toes to her knees, from her fingertips to her chest, his hands danced, and the dance was so slow and strange.

‘Why, why is my body like this?’

She felt a strange excitement rising hotly from the bottom of her chest, and the places where his hands touched became hot as if they were on fire.

‘Ah, ah.’

This time, the sound was not a fake sound that she was producing, but a genuine exclamation (?) that she was letting out. Her mind was already blank. The thoughts of calculating and measuring this and that had run away a thousand miles, and all her nerves were focused on the movement of his hands. It was from this point that her body began to writhe to a strange melody.

Gwangmajon’s hands did not know how to stop. He could have started the real work (?) now, but he was still stalling. He was doing exactly as described in the secret manual. He focused his mind and observed Cheonhyang Okbong’s reaction, and as he did so, his gaze towards her naturally began to become numb. The part of his body that had swelled up was shaking incessantly, urging him to cool it down, but this was only a task to carry out the Supreme One’s sacred order.

‘Ah, ah. Please.’

It was long after he had started caressing her, about two hours, that this sound of surrender came out of her mouth. Starting with that sound from Cheonhyang Okbong, he moved into a new action. He used the ‘Seol Gong’ [tongue technique] of the ‘Thousand Mysteries of Joy for a Burning Maiden’ to lick all over her body. This also took two hours. Gwangmajon’s tongue was also tinged with pink, and a strange energy was seeping out from its tip and seeping into Cheonhyang Okbong’s pores.

Now her writhing was almost a frenzy, and her hands were holding onto Gwangmajon’s neck as if they would break it. The sounds she was making were like the cries of labor pains, so those who heard it could have strange imaginations.