Emperor’s Sword [EN]: Chapter 5

Emperor’s Sword 6. Heavenly Demon Scholar, Pacheon! Appears in Kaifeng (6/111)

6. Heavenly Demon Scholar, Pacheon! Appears in Kaifeng

Following the order of the Thousand Mountains Sword, the blue-clad swordsmen formed a siege. They were merely warriors from the outer hall, a lower organization of the Northern Sword Society. The Northern Sword Society prided itself on a strict command system. Rather than family background or seniority, they prioritized individual ability, and positions within the society were determined accordingly. Although all belonged to the orthodox faction, many were from influential families or minor sects rather than the traditional Nine Great Sects, and there were even those from nameless martial arts schools beyond the borders.

The current martial world was truly chaotic. First, there was the Nine Orthodox Alliance (九正連) [a coalition of the nine most prominent orthodox sects], a coalition of the nine great sects, excluding the Beggar Clan, which supported the orthodox faction. Then there was the Five-Alliance Society (五連會) [a union of influential martial families], a union of influential martial families centered around the Namgung Clan. There was also the Northern Sword Society (北劍會), which mainly adhered to swordsmanship, and the Southern Saber Alliance (南刀盟), a force of those who used sabers. Since these four forces were all composed of orthodox sects and their members, it was natural that the black path [demonic path] was in disarray.

The Demonic Path Alliance (魔道連), formed by the 32 demonic families centered around the Green Forest (綠林) [a group of bandits and outlaws], the Evil Masters’ Chamber (邪師房) [a group of evil martial artists], the Eighteen Strongholds of Dongting (洞庭十八寨) [a network of fortified camps], the Five Elements Chamber (五行房) [a group specializing in elemental martial arts], the Assassins’ Guild (殺幕), the Demonic Flower Palace (妖花宮) [a group known for their seductive and deadly techniques], the Sun City (太陽城), and the Black Tiger Gate (黑虎門), had been established over a decade ago and barely maintained its existence under the command of the Great Master. However, the current era was one where the orthodox path held sway, and the demonic path was busy watching their every move. Whenever demonic individuals not affiliated with the Demonic Path Alliance had even minor conflicts with other orthodox factions, all the orthodox alliances would join forces as if hunting rats, turning it into a hunting competition.

The current situation was similar. The Seven Demonic Kings were mid-level demonic masters, and they had many who respected and followed them. Nevertheless, because they had not joined the Demonic Path Alliance, even minor orthodox sects oppressed them, and that became the fuse for the conflict. The orthodox factions were not going to just stand by and watch. Eventually, the situation had escalated to this point. Although they were in such a critical situation, the Demonic Path Alliance had taken no action. Saving them from danger would be seen as opposing and antagonizing the four orthodox forces, so it was an unavoidable choice. At least, the four forces would not provoke them first without a cause.

“I know no mercy, but I don’t enjoy unnecessary killing either. However, anyone who opposes me will be killed, regardless of who they are. That’s all.”

His confident attitude made those who were rushing at him hesitate, and then the Thousand Mountains Sword’s voice urged them on again!

“Kill him!”

At his shouting, they tried to move their feet, but their faces were filled with an inexplicable fear of their opponent.

-Looks like you’re having fun, Pacheon! Kill them all.

“Who the hell is calling me Pacheon?”

Yunmun snapped back in an annoyed voice.

“Damn it, I have to kill all these gnats one by one.”

=That won’t do, Benefactor! Committing murder is a greater sin than any other. You must cleanse your own sins.

“Is that so? Still, I can’t help it when they come at me trying to die.”

Swish, swish, swish.

His body was constantly swaying. It was the Heavenly Demon’s Descent Step (天魔君臨步) [a unique footwork technique], a footwork that incorporated the Heavenly Demon’s Hidden Form Technique. The blue-clad swordsmen were losing sight of his figure, which appeared and disappeared, flowing in broken segments. Before they knew it, he was moving through the crowd without any resistance, and his movements looked incredibly mysterious. The sword and saber in his hands were constantly spinning. Every time the spinning sword and saber brushed past them, something shot up into the sky. Would it look like this if you lit a string of firecrackers laid out on the ground? Ridiculously, what was shooting up into the sky were the heads of the Northern Sword Society’s blue-clad swordsmen who had been rushing at him just moments before.

He was now leaning against a tree, looking at the Thousand Mountains Three Swords. Only the Thousand Mountains Three Swords and the Blue-Faced Demon King were standing there, looking dazed. If they weren’t there, it would be more appropriate to call this place hell.

-Wow, you’ve got talent. You’ve killed many people before, haven’t you? Without any change in emotion, one by one… you’ve killed 37 people! And that exquisite work was like a painting. Hahahaha.

“Be quiet. If you say one more word, I’ll make you chant the Cheonbugyeong [a sacred text] all day long…”

-…

“You three, no, four, come here.”

There was no answer. There was no movement. Only the sword and saber were still spinning in his hands, and only the Blue-Faced Demon King was following his orders.

“Kneel!”

The Blue-Faced Demon King was obediently following, like a well-behaved child. Was it because he knew he was facing an opponent he couldn’t handle? That was part of it, but it was also because he was fascinated by his fantastic skill in slaughtering the orthodox figures.

“Do you want to die?”

It was just one word, but it was the most terrifying word the Thousand Mountains Three Swords had ever heard in their lives.

“Listen carefully. I could have left without killing you, but you… you made me commit murder. So now… I’m in a very bad mood. What are you going to do? Should I kill you? Or will you kill yourselves?”

“…You’re too arrogant. No matter how strong you are, we, the branch leaders of the Northern Sword Society… will not kneel before a demonic path person like you. Even if we die at your hands now, you will never be able to escape this place. Already, this place is…”

“Ah, ah, enough. Just one sentence. I hate people who talk too much.”

-‘Kid, you’re cool, huh? You have the qualifications to be a descendant of the Heavenly Demon. Hehehe.’

“Okay, I’ll kill you… Whether you’re orthodox or demonic, it doesn’t matter to me. What matters to me is whether you’re someone to kill or someone to control. Do you understand? Unfortunately, you’ve just been decided to be killed. How should I kill you? Should I crush you like this?”

Fwoosh, fwoosh, fwoosh.

A rock five yards away crumbled into dust on its own.

“Or should I split you in half?”

Shwaaak.

Crack.

A large tree with a diameter of at least two feet was split in half.

“Or should I pulverize you without a trace?”

Kwaang!

The Thousand Mountains Three Swords hurriedly ducked to the ground. The rock formations behind them were shattered into pieces.

‘He’s… not human.’

“Decide!”

Decide what? It was unbelievable. How could such a person suddenly appear out of nowhere? How could a super master with such incredible skills be so young? Their hearts were pounding fiercely. At this moment, their pride as members of the Northern Sword Society and their faith in the swords in their hands were shattered. It was despair. All they could see was death, and standing on top of that death was the Hell King of Flames.

“S-Sir, please calm down.”

Shwaaak.

“Aaaah!”

There was no blocking or dodging. Thousand Mountains Second Sword, Ha Deokhyeong, didn’t even know when he had launched his attack, and one of his arms was already severed. His right arm, which had been a part of his body just moments ago, was now twitching on the ground along with his sword. The other two were pale with fear.

“You talk too much. If you have trouble deciding, I’ll decide for you.”

He raised his arms, and the sword and saber in his hands were trembling. Seeing that, the Thousand Mountains Three Swords started running away for their lives. They had to join their allies first. That was the only thought in their minds.

“Hehe, go.”

Paeeeeng!

The sword and saber shot straight towards their backs, like arrows, or even faster.

Thud.

Thud.

Two heads were exploding, and their owners were still running forward. Was it because there were no orders? They didn’t go far before their bodies tilted to the side! Only Thousand Mountains Second Sword seemed to have escaped safely.

“I’ll spare one of you. That was my intention from the start… Hey! You!”

“Yes! Yes, Great Hero!”

“Go now.”

With those words, the Heavenly Demon Scholar, Pacheon, walked towards the Blue-Faced Demon King! Whether he liked it or not, that name would now be his. The direction he was walking was the direction the Thousand Mountains Second Sword had escaped.

“G-Great Hero, please take me with you.”

The martial world was in an uproar. The first news was that the 2,000 swordsmen of the Northern Sword Society and 500 masters of the Nine Orthodox Alliance, who had gone hunting for the Seven Demonic Kings, had killed six of them. The second news was something that people could hardly believe…

The Heavenly Demon Scholar, Pacheon! A super master with an unfamiliar name had appeared. He had killed 528 members of the Northern Sword Society and 127 members of the Nine Orthodox Alliance. He was not human; he was a demon god. With one move, he could overturn the earth, and even the sun lost its light. He was a yaksha [a type of nature spirit] from hell wearing a human mask. Now, the martial world would become a mountain of corpses and a sea of blood because of him.

The rumors spread like wildfire and were exaggerated even more. The only one who knew his appearance was Thousand Mountains Second Sword, Ha Deokhyeong. Those who had seen him were all dead, and those who had opposed him had not even left behind a complete corpse.

He was walking slowly. He had changed into clean clothes, but he still seemed to smell of blood. It had been two full days since he had left Thousand Mountains. He wandered aimlessly and rested wherever his feet stopped. All he had heard during his journey were stories about the Heavenly Demon Scholar, Pacheon, who was roaming the martial world. Until recently, the main concerns of the martial world were when the Great Master of the Demonic Path would stop hiding and when the Northern Sword Society, which had been fiercely fighting against them, would attack the Demonic Path Alliance. But now, the hottest topic was undoubtedly the Heavenly Demon Scholar, Pacheon. People were paying attention to his identity, his intentions, and his future actions. The four orthodox forces, as well as the Demonic Path Alliance, had begun to control their subordinates, and anyone who had ever held a sword was on edge. A tension that felt like it could explode was heating up the entire martial world. It was like the fuse of a bomb about to explode, and anyone who touched it would set it off.

Kaifeng! A historic city in the northeastern part of Henan Province, located on the great plains south of the Yellow River. During the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, the Wei state, and during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, the Liang, Jin, Han, and Zhou dynasties, as well as the Northern Song and Jin dynasties, had made this place their capital. After the fall of Wei, it became a ruin and existed as a local city after the Han dynasty. It developed into a large city surrounded by triple walls during the Sui and Tang dynasties, with the development of Jiangnan and the Song dynasty making it their capital. It was now the capital of Henan Province. Kaifeng was home to many scenic and historic sites, including the Dragon Terrace, Xiangguo Temple, Yuwang Terrace, the Great Stone Bridge, and the old site of the Northern Song’s Dongjing City. There was no place that did not have the breath of history.

As befitting the capital of Henan Province, there were many magnificent buildings, and the streets were overflowing with people. A scholar appeared there. It wouldn’t be a big deal for a scholar to appear among so many people, but the current situation was completely different. To put it a bit exaggeratedly, his appearance caused a great commotion. He was wearing a neat white robe and a scholar’s hat on his forehead. The way he walked with his hands behind his back was unusual, and the dignity he exuded was enough to overwhelm the crowd. However, the reason why people couldn’t take their eyes off him was not because of that. Look at his appearance. His face seemed to lack nothing, and it was so perfectly harmonious. His eyes, which were gentle and unfathomable, his thick and defined eyebrows, his nose, which stood tall like a majestic mountain, giving off a sense of manliness, his lips, which were stubbornly closed, giving off a sense of likability, and his strong yet beautiful jawline, made him the owner of the most perfect appearance that women would dream of meeting. Even the noble ladies who were confident in their beauty and looked down on men were mesmerized by his appearance… Would even Pan An [a famous handsome man in Chinese history] and Song Yu [another famous handsome man in Chinese history] have received such admiration?

-Everyone is mesmerized by your appearance. Tsk, tsk. They don’t know that it’s just a well-made layer of skin, and they’re making such blank expressions…

=What is visible is not everything. How can the ignorant masses not know that? Amitabha [a Buddhist invocation].

This is really… even if I try not to be conscious of it, I can’t help it. Am I that handsome? Why did the old man make me so handsome? It’s like this everywhere I go… This is not an easy thing.

A sign came into his view. The Junghwa Restaurant! It was one of the more famous restaurants in Kaifeng. Pacheon entered without hesitation. As he entered, a waiter greeted him happily.

“Welcome…”

His last words were barely audible. People’s gazes were all focused on this place and wouldn’t turn away. The interior of the restaurant, which was at least 100 feet in all directions, was crowded with people. They were probably people who had come to have a simple meal and drink during the day. Since there were no seats available, he was guided to the second floor, and some of the women on the first floor followed his back with regretful eyes.

“What would you like to order?”

“Give me a bottle of bamboo leaf wine and some simple side dishes.”

“Yes, sir! Um… are you from around here?”

“Why do you ask?”

“I apologize for being rude, but in my ten years as a waiter, I’ve never seen a handsome man like you.”

“What?”

“Hehe, then please wait a moment. I’ll bring it to you quickly.”

He felt the gazes of admiration and jealousy were piercing. If they knew he was the infamous Heavenly Demon Scholar, Pacheon, how many people would still look at him?

He was silently eating the food that had come quickly, as the waiter had said. The sharp aftertaste of the bamboo leaf wine warmed his throat, and he seemed to feel better. When he was an emperor, he had never even seen such cheap liquor. He didn’t usually enjoy drinking, and even when he did, it was only rare liquors like Golden Zun Clear, Daughter Red, or White Ginseng Wine, and only a cup or two at most. But now, something had definitely changed. He had drunk several cups in a row, but far from getting drunk, it was sweet and stuck to his mouth. He quickly emptied a bottle and was ordering another from the waiter. Only then did he look around. Those who met his gaze would smile or look away. Some of the women were sending provocative glances. Was that what they called flirting?

Unbelievable. What are they trying to do by smiling like that? They’re sending almost desperate looks.

His gaze, which had been looking around, shone with a different light. There were some groups that he found a bit unusual. Judging by the various weapons they possessed, they were martial artists, and they were all handsome men and beautiful women. The group of four men and four women were chatting while enjoying the lavish food and drinks on the table, and some of them turned their heads towards Pacheon. One of them stood up from his seat and came over here. He cupped his fist in greeting and spoke to Pacheon.

“I am Tang Jeongwoo from Sichuan. If you don’t mind, would you like to join us?”

Pacheon hesitated for a moment at the sudden offer!

“Okay. I was feeling lonely drinking alone anyway. That would be good… Let’s go.”

His expression brightened at his very willing acceptance. Even as he followed him to the table, the gazes of the guests in the restaurant did not leave the two of them.

“Haha, now that we have brought this gentleman here, let’s introduce ourselves to each other.”

As soon as he finished speaking, they stood up and introduced themselves.

“I am Namgung Hyeokryeon, the White Sword Divine Dragon (白劍神龍), who has gained a small reputation in the martial world.”

Was he about twenty-five years old? The man with a tall stature and wearing a white robe seemed to have a refreshing personality. Next to him, introductions continued to flow.

“I am Namgung Ahyeon (南宮我蓮). It is an honor to meet you, sir.”

Her eyes were sparkling and shining. She seemed to be Namgung Hyeokryeon’s younger sister. She was all in red.

“I am Peng Jeonghu (彭正后), the Iron Blood Fist (鐵血拳).”

He had a rather taciturn impression, and his angular face was distinctive. His unusually large fists also seemed to explain why his title was Iron Blood Fist.

“I am…”

Every time someone spoke, he would cup his fist in greeting. It was an unusually polite gesture for him. However, his inner thoughts were completely different…

Hehe, so these guys are from the Five-Alliance Society. What are they doing in Kaifeng? Well, it doesn’t matter. They’ll be my underlings anyway… Oh my, they’re greeting so nicely. Yes, yes, you’re cute. I have to be careful with my actions now. A leader must not be caught doing anything wrong. Hehe.

As Pacheon had thought, they were the younger generation of the Five-Alliance Society. The Five-Alliance Society was an organization mainly formed by martial families, and compared to the Northern Sword Society or the Southern Saber Alliance, their activities were relatively open and aboveboard. Moreover, they did not interfere in other martial arts disputes, and therefore, they had more friends than enemies.

“Haha, it seems you are all descendants of prestigious martial families… I am overwhelmed by your hospitality towards a mere scholar like me. I am Moon Yoon, a person who wanders around here and there. It is an honor to be here with such distinguished figures of the martial world.”

He looked like a polite scholar in every way. Who would call him the Heavenly Demon Scholar, Pacheon? The name Moon Yoon he had given was his real name, Yoonmun, reversed.

The identities of the four men and four women were extraordinary. The core forces of the Five-Alliance Society were the Namgung Clan and the Tang Clan of Sichuan. In addition, the Peng Clan of Hebei, the Eon Clan of Jinju, and the Moryong Clan had joined, as well as the Hahou Clan, the Jangui Clan, the Doryong Clan, the Jeongui Clan, the Jangbaek Clan, and the Jeong Clan of Shanxi. They were mainly based in Sichuan, and their sphere of influence extended to Shanxi, Guizhou, and Guangxi. They had almost taken control of the western part of the continent. In particular, the Nine Great Sects of the Nine Orthodox Alliance, such as Emei, Diancang, and Qingcheng, were located around the capital of Sichuan Province, their base, and Mount Hua and Zhongnan were also in Shanxi Province, so the Nine Orthodox Alliance and the Five-Alliance Society generally had close ties. These eight were the descendants of the Namgung, Tang, Peng, and Moryong clans among them.

“What brings you to Kaifeng? It’s quite a distance from Sichuan Province.”

Pacheon asked, as they had been talking about themselves. He was acting as if he knew nothing about the martial world, so he was careful about asking questions.

“Haha, even if I told you, Moon Gong, you wouldn’t know. This has become a matter of the martial world.”

At the answer of Peng Jeonghu, the Iron Blood Fist, Namgung Hyemi (南宮慧美), Namgung Ahyeon’s younger sister, chimed in. She was the youngest of them, but also the most beautiful.

“As we told you, sir, we belong to a place called the Five-Alliance Society. Kaifeng is not only the location of the Beggar Clan’s headquarters, but also the base of the Northern Sword Society. The Northern Sword Society is hosting the Orthodox Grand Banquet (正道大宴) [a large gathering of orthodox martial artists] this time, so orthodox figures from all over are gathering in Kaifeng. We left a little early, so we have some time to spare. Is there anything else you’re curious about?”

“Haha, what would I know? But I didn’t know that the martial world was divided into so many forces.”

His words were meaningful enough to change the expressions on the faces of those present. If misunderstood, it could sound like he was criticizing the martial artists.

“As Moon Gong said, the martial world is a place of fierce alliances and breakups. Today’s friend can become tomorrow’s enemy, and an enemy can become a friend depending on the need. But the current martial world is always divided into two major forces: the orthodox and the demonic! Looking at the history of the martial world, there has never been a time when it was so clearly divided. Anyone in the martial world must choose one of the two, and those who are in between are considered enemies and are likely to be killed. Even though it has become such a dangerous place, the orthodox figures mistakenly believe that suppressing the demonic path is the only way to protect the righteousness of the martial world. I often think that it has become a tyrannical path rather than an orthodox one.”

No one denied the words of Namgung Hyeokryeon, the White Sword Divine Dragon, and the people present were even nodding their heads. He was in a position to subtly lead them.

Namgung Hyeokryeon, the White Sword Divine Dragon! He was the son of Namgung Hwi (南宮揮), the Azure Sky Divine Sword (昌天神劍), the head of the Five-Alliance Society, and the designated successor to the Namgung Clan. He had entered the martial world five years ago at the age of twenty and had established a remarkable reputation. He was also one of the top ten masters among the younger generation of the martial world.

———————

To be continued. Thank you to those who read my writing. I will write hard, so please read it a lot. And if you find any problems in my writing (of course, there will be many), or if you have any advice or criticism for me, please send it to my email. (I welcome criticism)

Then, goodbye. I hope you always have good things happen to you.

Then, goodbye…

Title: [Serial] Emperor’s Sword 7. Northern Sword Society’s Yulryeongdae Related Materials: None [58684]

Sender: Im Samyeol (logos333) 2000-12-20 16:04 Views: 2317

Emperor’s Sword