Emperor’s Sword [EN]: Chapter 53

As he rose and lightly bowed, Qing Woonhak, the Wind and Cloud Flying Dragon, one of the two dragons in the hall, also rose, prostrated himself on the floor, and bowed.

“Greetings, Martial Uncle-Grandfather.”

This held a new meaning for Pa Cheon. Shaolin was still the great mountain of the martial world. Regardless of their strength, their connections were scattered throughout the martial world, and it was rare to find a martial artist who wasn’t connected to Shaolin through a few degrees of separation. Their influence in the righteous path was immense. Like a hometown that always held a place in one’s heart, Shaolin was an eternal spiritual pillar for martial artists. Now that he was recognized as the official highest-ranking member of Shaolin, who would dare to stand tall before him?

“My lord, congratulations.”

It was the Beggar King, Pung Cheon-ho. As he joined in, the atmosphere in the hall shifted strangely. A Shaolin abbot and the former head of the Beggar Clan bowing to one person! It was a fresh shock, newly imprinted on them all.

“Enough. Cease your bows!”

Only after Pa Cheon’s words did the Beggar King and Jiwoo straighten their backs, and Qing Woonhak also rose. Jiwoo, as the abbot of Shaolin, wouldn’t bow even to his martial uncle-grandfather. However, Qing Woonhak was different. As long as he was a secular disciple of Shaolin, he had to treat Pa Cheon with the utmost respect. The gazes of the people in the hall were filled with an unidentifiable admiration for Pa Cheon. This was also a result of the growing distrust towards the alliance leader that had been subtly building.

“Hahahaha, congratulations, Great Hero. It seems the Martial Alliance is too small for you, so I worry that my proposal might be presumptuous.”

It was Dokgo Han-cheon, naturally gifted at scheming. He couldn’t possibly be unaware of what the atmosphere in the hall meant, and he was trying to make up for it by getting a definite answer from Pa Cheon. Of course, Pa Cheon, who was also clever, wouldn’t miss this and subtly changed the subject.

“By the way, what happened to the alliance leader’s daughter?”

He was asking about Dokgo Seol-ran’s whereabouts. In an instant, Dokgo Han-cheon’s face twisted horribly. If there was one thing among his plans and pursuits that hadn’t gone his way, it was Dokgo Seol-ran’s marriage. When Pa Cheon asked about her well-being, Dokgo Han-cheon tried to appear calm, but his face stiffened and even twitched without him realizing it. In the end, he revealed his inner feelings in front of many people. After all, wasn’t it as good as losing the connection that could have drawn the Southern Alliance to his side?

“That… child… her whereabouts are still unknown. No matter how much I’ve tried to find her, it’s been useless.

It’s all my fault, so who can I blame?”

“I hope I haven’t touched a sore spot.”

“No, I’ve forgotten it all. Now, let’s all have a drink. For the new history of the martial world!”

“For the new history!”

“Clink!”

“Clink!”

Although the people in the hall responded to his sudden action, they couldn’t overcome the awkwardness.

“It seems I am not qualified to take on the role of the Great Commander of the Four Divisions. Please give me some more time to think about it.”

When those words came from Pa Cheon, Dokgo Han-cheon’s expression was filled with despair.

‘That bastard, once he says something, he should stick to it. If I had that guy under me, it would be a great help in many ways… No, I can’t let you go here. If I’m not careful, others might even say that I should give him the alliance leader position…’

“Great Hero, why are you doing this? If it’s because of the Deputy Commander’s words, don’t worry. I will do everything I can to make sure you…”

“Alliance Leader! What exactly do you mean by that? What do you mean by ‘do everything I can’? I clearly stated our intentions…”

“Deputy Commander Kwak Woon-sung.”

“Yes…”

“Do you know that your current actions are insubordination? Although it’s a coalition of large and small sects, there is a clear chain of command. Your actions are not only detrimental to yourself but also to the organization you belong to. Can you not return to your seat immediately?”

“Of course, I know that. However, we would rather leave the alliance than accept the alliance leader’s unilateral appointment. If possible, we would like to serve under a leader that we can all agree on. Is that wrong?”

“What?… So, are you saying that Great Hero Moon is not qualified?”

“That’s not it. Rather than my personal opinion, we want to be vetted by the entire 500 divisions. Is it so wrong to choose someone who we might have to give our lives for, with the consensus of all of us?”

“Ha… Unbelievable.”

He could only let out a dumbfounded laugh as he looked at him, who didn’t back down at all. It was his first time experiencing something like this, and his mind was momentarily confused. He wanted to beat him up, but there were too many eyes watching, and his reputation was already not good. He couldn’t side with them. In the end, Dokgo Han-cheon had to show a low profile to him, despite his position as the alliance leader.

“I understand your intentions well enough, so stop it. If you talk back any more, I will severely punish you for insubordination.”

Kwak Woon-sung turned away and went back to his seat. Some of the people in the hall even had sneers on their faces.

‘What a ridiculous organization. Is this the weakness of the righteous path? When it’s a single sect, they are relatively strict about their elders, but when multiple sects unite, there are surprisingly large gaps. He’s only the alliance leader in name, and he can’t do anything according to his own will… Haha, I wouldn’t want this Martial Alliance even if they gave it to me. Since I’m just going to use them anyway, it might be better not to get too involved…’

“Alliance Leader, please calm your anger. It seems that my trying to think carefully has backfired. I will follow the alliance leader’s wishes.”

As Pa Cheon reluctantly agreed, Dokgo Han-cheon was delighted, as if that was enough.

‘That bastard, just you wait. I will repay today’s humiliation.’

It was unclear who he was thinking about.

★ This was the residence of the Elder Council Chief of the Martial Alliance. Several people were gathered there, and Pa Cheon was among them.

“Great Hero, you can’t just keep refusing. This is directly related to the future safety of the martial world. The current alliance leader… is someone who thinks that the fate of the righteous path is expendable for his own ambitions. So…”

“I understand what you mean, but it’s not very pleasant. I came to help the Martial Alliance, not to become the alliance leader. I have never even thought about it, and it’s not something I’m suited for. I don’t know why you’re all saying these things to me, but for me, it’s not even something I can consider.”

“Martial Uncle-Grandfather. This is not just limited to an individual or a single sect. You may or may not know, but the alliance leader’s authority is so powerful that it can, in name at least, determine the fate of the entire righteous martial world. The Gujeong Alliance, the Ohryun Alliance, and a significant number of sects have already turned their backs on the alliance leader.

He is setting up everything with his Northern Sword Society at the center and is only focused on monopolizing the upper world. I don’t understand why. He has raised the banner of conquering the demonic path, but all he has done is either chase after their tails or focus on seizing control of the Martial Alliance’s power structure. How long can we trust and follow someone like that as our alliance leader?”

“That’s a separate issue. I don’t know if I have the qualifications for such a position, but I don’t have the justification. And more importantly, I have no interest in the position of alliance leader.”

“Martial Uncle-Grandfather!”

“Great Hero, haven’t you already seen it? Deputy Commander Kwak Woon-sung confronting the alliance leader. It was just an expression of the already widespread dissatisfaction. I know that this is already being discussed quite concretely among the younger generation. They have even formed a secret society… Do you know who they are recommending? It’s you, Great Hero.”

“Ha… This is something else.”

“You probably won’t even be able to become the Great Commander. They will oppose your appointment to the end.

Because it’s to recommend you as the alliance leader. More than half of the people are already actively participating in this, and if you just agree…”

“Well, I’m saying it’s not going to happen, but you’re still doing it. As the abbot knows, if I become the alliance leader, the existing alliance leader’s forces will leave the alliance. Can we really check the Demonic Alliance and prevent the provocations of overseas forces with just that force? Now is the time to unite rather than who becomes the alliance leader.”

“My lord, I understand your point, but wouldn’t it be wiser to cut off a festering wound now?”

“Even Pung Gae?… Listen well. I have no interest in the position of alliance leader, and now is not a good time. If we watch a little longer and there really is no other alternative, then I will follow your wishes.”

At Pa Cheon’s words, a sense of relief appeared on the faces of the heads of the Ohryun Alliance, the Gujeong Alliance, and the Beggar King. At least they had secured a half-agreement. This was the Beggar King’s residence. They had brought Pa Cheon here without warning and had been badgering him for an hour.

[Pung Gae. Did all of this happen on its own? Or did you orchestrate it?]

[Their dissatisfaction has already gone too far. If the Supreme One wishes, the alliance leader can be changed at any time.]

-Pa Cheon! It seems like everything is going your way. If you push out Dokgo Han-cheon at the right time, everything will be over, right?

[Absolutely not! It’s better to minimize the damage as much as possible. The overseas forces are not to be underestimated. Their strength must be used to stop them as much as possible. To do that, the damage caused by internal division should not be so great that it affects our overall strength.]

“By the way, is there a place like a prison here?”

“A prison, you say? Well, there is one, but why do you ask?”

“I need to investigate this place thoroughly. Beggar King, tell me what you know.”

“Yes, my lord! In fact, according to our Beggar Clan’s investigation so far, the Great Emperor of Hidden Dragon and his grandson have never left this Northern Sword Society.”

“What are you saying?”

“It means there’s something we don’t know. Moreover… even the child who came here to investigate it has gone missing…”

“Is that true?”

“Yes.”

“It’s truly baffling. There’s no reason to imprison a father and son…”

Surprise washed over the faces of Abbot Jiwoo and Namgung Hwi, and especially Namgung Hwi’s face showed anticipation, as if he had finally found an opportunity.

“Perhaps this is what will drive Dokgo Han-cheon into a corner?”

Pa Cheon continued his words.

“There might be a secret space somewhere. A place that outsiders can never know about.”

“Then it won’t be easy to find any clues?”

“If they want to hide it, it won’t be easy to find… Oh dear, this is quite a situation.”

The Beggar King and Jiwoo reacted sensitively to Pa Cheon’s words, and Namgung Hwi was also engrossed in his own thoughts. Silence fell over the group for a moment.

“Since it won’t be easy to find anyway… for now, investigate the suspicious places discreetly. But don’t be too obvious that they get provoked…”

“Understood.”

“Yes, my lord.”

“Understood, Martial Uncle-Grandfather.”

★ Pa Cheon’s residence was coincidentally set in Subin Pavilion, which had been Dokgo Seol-ran’s residence. It was the most scenic and beautifully decorated water pavilion in the alliance, and it had been vacant since Dokgo Seol-ran’s departure, so it wasn’t strange that it was assigned to Pa Cheon. Since his affiliation was not yet clear, the guards of the pavilion were the Thousand Swords Unit, the alliance leader’s personal guards.

Pa Cheon was enjoying a rare moment of leisure. Without his cumbersome subordinates, he was free from any disturbance. Pa Cheon lay down on the bed. As he stared blankly at the ceiling, Dokgo Seol-ran’s beautiful figure flickered before his eyes. Pa Cheon closed his eyes. Her image became even clearer! She was beckoning him. Wasn’t she seducing him with all sorts of alluring gestures?

Pa Cheon shook his head. The one night he had spent with her was already showing serious aftereffects. Pa Cheon deliberately spoke to Chunma.

[Chunma, we need to find the illusionist, but is there any way?]

-The most certain way is to follow that alliance leader guy.

[But he’s the alliance leader, wouldn’t he notice my approach?]

-You won’t know until you try.

[There’s no need to take such a risk. Under no circumstances should my true identity be revealed yet.]

=Aita Bull! If it’s such a place, it would be located in the closest place.

-Huh? Hey, what’s the matter? You’re actually making sense for once.

[The closest place? The Divine Sword Pavilion? Where could there be such a place there?]

-A place that’s not visible, what else could it be but underground? Those with a guilty conscience always dig underground.

[If there’s such a place underground… it hasn’t been discovered by anyone yet… it would connect to the underground from the inside, and from his own residence…]

-Then there’s a secret passage that leads from the 9th floor to the underground.

[This is crazy. Does that mean I have to approach that guy after all?]

-In the end, that’s the only way. If you can lure him out and infiltrate, that’s all you need to do…

[Alright, that’s the best way. But what excuse can I use to lure him out? Oh, I don’t know. I’ll worry about tomorrow tomorrow and just go to sleep.]

★ In the morning, Pa Cheon visited the Beggar King’s residence and then visited Abbot Jiwoo and Namgung Hwi. Pa Cheon conveyed secret words to them, and then he returned to his residence.

Suddenly, the leaders and chiefs of the Martial Alliance above the rank of division leaders were gathered at the Beggar Clan. It was because Pung Cheon-ho, the head of the Elder Council and the former head of the Beggar Clan, had invited the alliance leader and the other leaders to his birthday celebration. Originally, it was customary to send out invitations for such events a few days in advance, but the Beggar King suddenly announced that it was his birthday on the same day and requested that everyone attend without exception.

Pung Cheon-ho, who had suddenly had a birthday, was wearing an awkward smile. The Beggar Clan had already made all the preparations under the instructions of the former head and were waiting. It was just dog meat and bamboo leaf wine, but it showed that even that could be a great feast. All kinds of dishes that could be made with dog meat were being served. Grilled dog meat, steamed dog meat, dog meat soup, seasoned dog meat, dog meat jerky, boiled dog meat, fried dog meat, and various other bizarre dog meat dishes were served, and they were generally delicious.

Since the people who came didn’t have high expectations, their reactions were relatively good. They were especially careful about Dokgo Seol-ran being here, and it was when the feast was in full swing that Pa Cheon quietly disappeared from among them. Around Dokgo Han-cheon, the Beggar King, Jiwoo, and Namgung Hwi were vying with each other to offer him drinks and show off their closeness (!). Most people showed bewilderment at the sight. Did eating dog meat make people change so much? Dokgo Han-cheon also seemed to be in a good mood, drinking continuously, and although he asked a few times where Pa Cheon had gone, he didn’t seem to think much of it.

Pa Cheon, who had fully activated the Heavenly Demon Concealment Technique, infiltrated the 9th floor of the Divine Sword Pavilion. The surroundings and interior of the Divine Sword Pavilion were relatively unguarded, perhaps because Dokgo Han-cheon was out. Well, even if they were watching with their eyes wide open, they were just scarecrows…

The interior was luxurious. The furniture was made of rosewood, the pillars and floor were made of Yunnan marble, and the walls were adorned with calligraphy and paintings that seemed to be the work of a master artist, of which there might only be one in an era. Moreover, there were countless items of unclear purpose decorated with various jewels, and several exquisite ornamental porcelains were visible. The carpet on the floor seemed to be from Persia, and the ceiling was studded with multicolored luminous pearls. Just selling the items in this room would be enough to build ten of these Divine Sword Pavilions.

‘What a lavish guy. No wonder he’s so eager to seize the upper world. If he were also a womanizer, he would be living a life no less than an emperor.’

Pa Cheon began to examine the interior closely. There must be a mechanism somewhere here. There was no guarantee that this opportunity would come again, so he had to finish it today no matter what. Since it would be evening before it ended anyway, there was plenty of time.

An hour had already passed, but Pa Cheon had not found any clues. Pa Cheon lay down on the floor. He had searched everywhere he could, but there was no mechanism to be found, no matter how hard he looked.

‘Did I get it wrong? This can’t be…’

-Pa Cheon, don’t rush and look again. If it were you, where would you install a secret mechanism?

[If it were me?…]

Honestly, I wouldn’t even do such a thing. Hiding things is not my style.

‘Hmm… There’s no place I haven’t looked. I’ve looked at the walls, the ceiling, and the floor. There was nothing special about the floor either.’

He turned to lie on his side. In front of him was a luxurious bed.

‘Could it be?’

Pa Cheon approached the bed. He looked at the top, bottom, and sides, but there was nothing. There was nothing special about the floor either. He was exhausted, so he flopped down on the bed. It was very soft. He thought it might be better to just sleep.

‘No, I don’t have time for this.’

As Pa Cheon jumped up, something caught his eye. On the head of the bed, there was something that looked like a cane. It was carved in the shape of a dragon, and its two eyes were set with amethysts. Pa Cheon stroked it. He didn’t feel anything special.

‘Ugh… that guy doesn’t live properly. Anyway, he’s a genius at scheming. If I had searched this much, I would have found even a hidden hair. That damn bastard!’

Pa Cheon grumbled and got up. His eyes were fixed on someone’s gaze. It was the eyes of the dragon-headed cane.

‘Those are creepy eyes.’

-Pa Cheon, that’s it.

[What?]

-Those eyes!

[What? Oh, right…]

Pa Cheon carefully pressed the eyes of the dragon-headed cane, which was about a foot long, on the bed. Surprisingly, it went in and out again.

[This was nothing.]

-You fool!

[What?]

-Press both at the same time.

[Both at the same time?]

Pa Cheon carefully pressed both eyes at the same time. It was then.

Whirr

The bed seemed to turn half a circle, and a small space appeared, with stairs leading down. It was a truly ingenious device. The bed and the floor were connected as one, and only when they turned together did the space appear.

Without hesitation, Pa Cheon stepped inside, and as his figure disappeared, the bed returned to its original position.

————————-

I’m a little late.

It’s past 1 AM now.

I need to post this and go to sleep too.