Emperor’s Sword [EN]: Chapter 61

The atmosphere within the Demonic Martial Alliance was electric. The news of the Martial Alliance’s eight branches being wiped out brought a wave of relief, like a dam bursting and releasing years of pent-up resentment and bitterness. However, this victory also signaled the start of a full-scale war with the Martial Alliance, and a palpable unease about the future was also present, despite attempts to conceal it.

Meanwhile, Military Advisor Je Gal-cho Hong and the Great Lord’s inner circle – Gwangma, Muyeong, and Danjang (as they were known within the Demonic Martial Alliance) – were diligently trying to uncover the mastermind behind the internal treachery. However, their efforts had yielded no significant results. Gwangma had mobilized three thousand subordinates from the Heavenly Guard and the Elder Council to conduct a thorough investigation into every member of the Demonic Martial Alliance, but they found nothing suspicious.

Instead, complaints from high-ranking officials began to surface. Gwangma was summoning them to the Supreme Demon Hall at all hours, regardless of their rank, and grilling them about their whereabouts on the day Jang Woong was murdered. They were required to provide proof, which was difficult since most of them had been asleep at the time, except for the guards.

Military Advisor Je Gal-cho Hong frequently asked Gwangma about the Great Lord’s whereabouts after Pa-cheon left the Demonic Martial Alliance, which made him uncomfortable. On the other hand, she often visited the Supreme Demon Hall under the guise of sharing information about the investigation, which exhausted them. It seemed her suspicion was only growing.

Then, a decisive incident occurred that solidified the suspicion about her…

“What? Is that true?”

“Yes. Furthermore, she went out after midnight and only returned at dawn.”

“Who confirmed this?”

“I confirmed it with a maid and Cheonggwang, a guard from the Military Advisor’s office.”

“Did you check with the Military Advisor?”

“Not yet…”

“Hmm… good. Muyeong, you should look for an opportunity to search the Military Advisor’s residence. And Danjang.”

“Yes.”

“Are the Great Master’s disciples back now?”

“Yes, they are.”

“Summon Han Dang secretly.”

“May I ask why?”

“The Supreme One said that now that all the elders have been eliminated, Han Dang might hold the key. We should hope that he knows something. If even he doesn’t know anything, it will be difficult to find the mastermind.”

“Understood.”

Danjang disappeared outside. Gwangma was lost in deep thought. He felt a sense of urgency, knowing he needed to have some kind of plan before the Supreme One arrived.

Heavenly Guard Captain Lee Si-myung began interrogating the lower-ranking warriors. The current Demonic Martial Alliance was led by the Demonic Great Lord Pa-cheon and his trusted subordinates: Gwangma, Muyeong, Danjang, Heavenly Guard Captain Lee Si-myung, and Vice-Captain Shin Gwan-cheol. Not cooperating with their work was seen as opposing the Great Lord, so even high-ranking officials had no choice but to be mindful of them. In addition, Gwak-ju and Shim Yeo-rang, who had been appointed as inspectors, were scrutinizing every corner of the Demonic Martial Alliance, adding to the overall chaotic atmosphere.

“Hey, you!”

“Yes, Inspector!”

“Go and call the person in charge of security here.”

The guard was taken aback by Gwak-ju’s words. His face clearly showed his displeasure. How could he look favorably upon a guy who, until recently, was just a low-ranking warrior in the outer hall, but had now been promoted to a high position by the Great Lord and was throwing his weight around?

However, Gwak-ju’s current position was one that could get him killed on the spot, so the guard had no choice but to go inside without complaining. Several warriors were watching Gwak-ju.

Ga Woon-sung, the patrol supervisor of the Black Tiger Gate, came out, looking bewildered.

“Oh my, what brings the busy Inspector here?”

“You.”

Ga Woon-sung’s face twitched and trembled.

“Why are you doing this?”

“Are guards allowed to drink alcohol while on duty?”

“I have no idea what you are talking about, you ignorant fool.”

“If you don’t know, listen carefully. Last night, while patrolling the security within the alliance, I discovered Black Tiger Gate guards secretly drinking alcohol. Of course, the head of the gate should be held responsible for this, but I have determined that the security chief is at fault first. Therefore, I will arrest you for dereliction of duty for failing to supervise your subordinates.”

“Hehehe, this is crazy and frustrating. So, what are you going to do after arresting me?”

Ga Woon-sung looked at Gwak-ju and sneered. It was as if he was saying, ‘Go ahead and arrest me if you can.’

“I will arrest you and interrogate you. If your fault is revealed, you will be demoted or dismissed. Prepare yourself…”

“Gwak-ju, this is too much. No matter how blinded you are by your sudden rise to power, there are things you should and shouldn’t do. You don’t think you’ll be in that position forever, do you?”

“I’m adding another charge. I’m arresting you for insubordination for disrespecting your superior.”

“Hahahaha.”

“Hahahaha.”

The warriors of the Black Tiger Gate, who were lined up behind Ga Woon-sung, also laughed at him. No matter how much authority he had as an inspector over the entire Demonic Martial Alliance, they still saw him as a low-ranking warrior from the outer hall. The fact that he was going to arrest the patrol supervisor of the Black Tiger Gate was laughable.

Shim Yeo-rang stood behind Gwak-ju with her arms crossed. She wrinkled her nose and observed them.

“Let’s go. It doesn’t seem like they’ll listen to you, and we don’t have the power to subdue them by force, so we have no choice but to go back…”

At Shim Yeo-rang’s words, Gwak-ju let out an angry cry.

“Shut up. How dare you mock me, an inspector… Did you think you would be safe after doing that? I’m arresting all of you.”

His voice grew louder and louder, and in sync with him, the laughter of the Black Tiger Gate people grew louder. In the end, Gwak-ju’s face turned red, and he had to retreat from the place. The place he went to was the Supreme Demon Hall.

Gwangma, Heavenly Guard Captain Lee Si-myung, and Vice-Captain Shin Gwan-cheol were there.

“Oh, you’re working hard.”

“It’s nothing, Captain Lee.”

“What’s wrong?”

“Lend me some Heavenly Guard members.”

“The Heavenly Guard? Why?”

“There are some guys I need to arrest.”

Then, he explained what had happened to them. Gwangma and Lee Si-myung laughed for a long time, holding their stomachs.

“You’re really something. I told you to bring your subordinates with you from the start, didn’t I?”

“Tch, since the Great Lord isn’t here, these guys are looking down on us. If the Great Lord were here, would a patrol supervisor from the Black Tiger Gate dare to say such things to me?”

Lee Si-myung felt a pang of sympathy as he watched Gwak-ju’s outburst. Of course, he knew that Gwak-ju was a pure and passionate person, but he was a little too excited since his position had suddenly risen, and he was too sensitive to other people’s reactions. Gwak-ju’s current position was similar to that of Shin Gwan-cheol, the vice-captain of the Heavenly Guard. However, his role and authority were more important than those of the heads of the gates. For this reason, he might not have seen anything in his eyes. Gwangma looked at Gwak-ju and said,

“Take twenty Heavenly Guard members. Is that enough?”

“Yes, thank you.”

Lee Si-myung chuckled and instructed the vice-captain, who was standing on one side. Then, Shin Gwan-cheol gestured for Gwak-ju to follow him. Gwangma, who was watching them leave, said to the Heavenly Guard Captain,

“The Black Tiger Gate will be in an uproar.”

“Is that all? Gwak-ju will probably shake things up in various places for a while. We need to have some results before the Great Lord comes.”

His words seemed sincere, but Gwangma could not be relieved.

‘I shouldn’t trust anyone. Moreover, if the Military Advisor is suspicious, wouldn’t the Heavenly Guard Captain she recommended be the same?’

Gwangma did not tell him everything. Lee Si-myung still did not know what he had instructed Muyeong and Danjang to do.

★ Gwak-ju led twenty Heavenly Guard members and approached the Black Tiger Gate with a determined look.

“Patrol Supervisor Ga Woon-sung, come out now.”

At his shout, the Black Tiger Gate warriors looked like they were saying, ‘That guy is here again.’ However, this time, their attitude was not as mocking as before, and there was a subtle sense of unease. That was because Gwak-ju, who had come with the Heavenly Guard members, was no longer a laughable figure.

“Hey, you bastard, go and call the patrol supervisor.”

Gwak-ju was full of vigor and shouted loudly.

“Yes, just a moment…”

“Who is making such a commotion?”

The figure of Patrol Supervisor Ga Woon-sung appeared. However, this time he was not alone. There were several other people. The person leading the way was Gong Heon-tak, the Vice-Head of the Black Tiger Gate, the Iron Palm Demon. He was a middle-aged man of about five feet tall, with a bald head shining and a greasy face, wearing a blue robe.

“Oh, who is this? Haha, isn’t it Inspector? So, what brings a busy person like you here?”

At his sarcasm, Gwak-ju straightened his back and retorted confidently.

“I need to arrest Patrol Supervisor Ga Woon-sung. Of course, I believe you will cooperate.”

“Huhu, of course, we should, but the charges are so vague… I heard that the Inspector is unnecessarily oppressing our Black Tiger Gate.”

“Heavenly Guard, arrest Ga Woon-sung immediately.”

“Yes.”

As three Heavenly Guard members approached, the Black Tiger Gate warriors blocked their way. The Heavenly Guard members looked at Gwak-ju. They didn’t know what to do.

“What are you doing? There’s no need to be lenient with those who are obstructing official duties.”

The rest of the Heavenly Guard members joined in, and twenty of them pushed through the Black Tiger Gate warriors who were blocking them. Then, they went straight to Ga Woon-sung. Of course, to get there, they had to go through the Vice-Head of the Black Tiger Gate and the heads of the gates. It was when one of the Heavenly Guard members was passing by the Vice-Head.

Swish

Thud

“Ugh.”

The Vice-Head’s fist struck the Heavenly Guard member’s side. The man had to stop in his tracks and bent his waist in half. Then, his knees hit the ground, and he fell to the side. Gwak-ju, who witnessed the scene, went wild.

“Vice-Head, are you planning to interfere with official duties?”

“Interfere with official duties? Huhu, that only applies when you have the qualifications.”

“This… arrest Patrol Supervisor Ga Woon-sung and the Vice-Head.”

The situation continued to escalate, and it seemed that it would not be resolved without a clash between the two sides.

“Everyone, fight back.”

As the Vice-Head’s order was given, the remaining Heavenly Guard members were immediately surrounded by the Black Tiger Gate members.

They surrounded them in layers and pressed in. As things had turned out this way, Gwak-ju and Shim Yeo-rang also seemed to be flustered.

The Eight Demonic Gates, like the Black Tiger Gate, were affiliated with the Demonic Martial Alliance, but their independence was recognized. Therefore, it was impossible to transfer their members to other places or branches. In principle, only the heads of the gates received orders from the Great Master, and their members only had to follow the orders of the heads of the gates. Therefore, it was common for them not to bow their heads even when they clashed with other outer and inner halls.

In an instant, hundreds of Black Tiger Gate members had come out into the plaza in front of the Black Tiger Gate, and their encirclement seemed solid. However, Gwak-ju was not one to back down here. The Heavenly Guard members were the ones who were in trouble. Judging by their attitude, they were willing to fight back, and it seemed difficult to achieve their goal easily unless the entire Heavenly Guard came. Nevertheless, Gwak-ju, that reckless fool, was still shouting loudly…

“Blocking me, who has become an inspector by the Great Lord’s order, is the same as rebelling against the Great Lord. Surely, the head of the Black Tiger Gate, Dan Ya-jeok-pung, would not have ordered this. Will the Vice-Head take responsibility for the aftermath?”

His words seemed to have an effect. As soon as he mentioned the Great Lord, the Black Tiger Gate members looked at the Vice-Head, and a spasm appeared on the face of Vice-Head Gong Heon-tak.

“I will look into everything and take action later. So, Inspector, please step back at this point. It is also disrespectful to the Great Lord to mention him unnecessarily. Surely, the Great Lord would not have ordered you to handle things like this without any reason.”

“What are the Heavenly Guard members doing? Why aren’t you arresting the patrol supervisor?”

Gwak-ju shouted nervously. Then, the Heavenly Guard members jumped up as if they were giving up. They released their inner force at the Black Tiger Gate warriors who were blocking their way.

Bang

Bang bang

“Block them.”

“Whoa.”

In an instant, the scene became chaotic, and the Black Tiger Gate members were seen being thrown back. The average level of the warriors seemed to be far superior in the Heavenly Guard. However, the numbers were incomparable…

“How dare you oppress our Black Tiger Gate in this way… everyone, step aside.”

As the Vice-Head stepped forward, the Black Tiger Gate members cleared a path for him. Gong Heon-tak rushed into the path. Red energy currents swirled from his palm as he struck the Heavenly Guard members. In an instant, he unleashed thirteen strikes, and the Heavenly Guard members screamed and retreated or lay on the ground. In less than a moment, they were all incapacitated.

“You, let’s see your skills.”

Gong Heon-tak’s right hand grabbed Gwak-ju’s wrist. Gwak-ju hurriedly tried to retreat, but Gong Heon-tak’s body followed him and blocked his retreat, and he grabbed Gwak-ju’s wrist without fail.

The situation was ending too easily.

“Haha, did you dare to come here so recklessly with such little skill? Unless being an inspector is something anyone can do? It’s absurd that a weakling like you is the inspector of this alliance. The Great Lord must have been blind for a moment. Hahahaha.”

“Woo ha ha ha.”

“He he he he.”

“Hehehehe.”

The Black Tiger Gate members burst into mocking laughter, their jeers filled with contempt. Gwak-ju, his eyes wide with fury, could only shout in response.

“You! How dare you speak of the Great Lord with your filthy mouth? Did you think you would get away with this?”

“This brat? You’ve still got a long way to go.”

*Swoosh*

*Thud*

“Ugh!”

With Gwak-ju’s wrist still in his grasp, another fist slammed into his abdomen. The punch was so fierce that Gwak-ju’s back bent sharply. Foul contents spilled from his mouth, staining the ground. His face turned pale, and his eyes began to lose focus. It was foolish to rely solely on the power of the Great Lord, Pa Cheon, without any real skill. He never imagined that anyone would dare to treat him this way.

“Hehe, are you finally coming to your senses? You madman! Did you think the world would bend to your will just because you wear the hat of an inspector? If you had just behaved yourself, you wouldn’t have suffered such a humiliating fate… Hey, you guys!”

“Yes!”

“Throw the Heavenly Guard and this Gwak-ju in front of us.”

“Yes!”

Several dozen men rushed forward, hoisting them up or dragging them away, and took them out of the plaza.

The patrol inspector’s face darkened as he watched them.

“Vice-Head! What if you face difficulties later because of this?”

“It’s fine. Surely… there won’t be any trouble because of a nobody like him? Even if they bring it up after the Great Lord returns… then the Eight Demonic Sects will have to act together…”

Only then did the patrol inspector seem relieved.

★ “What? Is that true?”

“It is true. Moreover, some of them are severely injured. The Black Tiger Gate’s Vice-Head was directly involved.”

Lee Shi-myung was shocked by the report from Shin Kwan-chul, the deputy commander of the Heavenly Guard. However, Gwangmajon seemed rather calm, as if he had expected it.

“How dare they…”

Lee Shi-myung trembled as if in anger, but it seemed somewhat exaggerated. Gwangmajon looked at him and said,

“Heavenly Guard Commander.”

“Yes!”

“You are to take the entire Heavenly Guard and arrest the Vice-Head and the patrol inspector who instigated this. If they resist, you may kill them.”

“Yes?… But… wouldn’t that cause a huge backlash from the Eight Demonic Sects? Is it really alright?”

“I will take responsibility for everything.”

“Understood. Deputy Commander, let’s go.”

“Yes!”

Gwangmajon watched Lee Shi-myung and Shin Kwan-chul disappear outside, a sly smile playing on his lips.

[Lord Gwangmajon! I have brought Han Dang.]

[Is that so? Bring him to my inner chamber.]

Gwangmajon immediately rose and headed to the inner chamber located inside the Lord’s Hall.

★ Han Dang was sitting in the chamber. He quietly lowered his gaze, but when Gwangmajon entered, he raised his head and tried to stand up.

“Ah, it’s alright. Please, sit down. Congratulations on the Great Lord’s safe return.”

“Thank you. But why did you want to see me?”

“Hehe, why are you in such a hurry? I called you here because I wanted to confirm something.”

“Confirm? What is it?”

“If you are honest with me about everything, Great Lord, we might become good allies.”

“…”

“It’s about the fact that you received the support of the Elder Council, isn’t it? They even tried to push out the Great Master for this. I want to know the circumstances that led them to do something so unreasonable.”

“Hehehe, listen here. Do you think I would know such things? I simply went along with their plan to make me the Great Master after my teacher. If you thought I knew something because I was close to the Elder Council, you are mistaken. Why don’t you ask the strategist instead?”

It was clear that he knew something.

“The strategist said he knows nothing.”

“The strategist? That can’t be. There’s nothing the strategist doesn’t know about the affairs of the Demonic Alliance…”

“Great Lord, do you love the Demonic Path?”

At his sudden question, Han Dang’s expression changed drastically.

“What do you expect from me? I am neither Ma Woong nor Hyo Woong. I don’t care who leads the Demonic Alliance, and I don’t care who becomes the master of the Central Plains. I am only… interested in my own training.”

“There’s one thing I’ve been wondering. Among the four disciples, you are the only one classified as being on the Elder Council’s side, yet you have no conflicts with the other disciples. In fact, there have been reports that you are even closer to them. And there was also a report that you once drunkenly challenged the Great Master, asking if that was all he was capable of. All of this was revealed during the investigation.”

“Impressive. Hehe, but if you hear something from me, I cannot guarantee your lives. Do you still want to hear it?”

A murky aura pulsed in Han Dang’s eyes.

[This place has already fallen into their hands. If you want to survive, leave this place quickly. If you hesitate, you will die…]

It was Han Dang’s telepathic message.

[Who are ‘they’ you are talking about?]

[I cannot say. The moment I speak, not only my life but also the lives of my fellow disciples will be in danger… I have no choice. If you can… try to figure it out yourself.]

“If you have nothing else to say, I should be going now.”

Han Dang abruptly stood up and disappeared. His last telepathic message reached Gwangmajon.

[I wish you luck. Do not act rashly unless the Great Lord is present. They are watching you everywhere.]

Gwangmajon watched Han Dang’s broad back disappear, letting out a heavy sigh.

‘The enemies have taken control of the entire Demonic Alliance, to the point that even the Great Master’s disciples are afraid. Perhaps it is better to lie low for now… I need to call Muyoung.’

★ The Jeongdo Commandos [Righteous Path Commandos], having departed from Gaebong, were traveling smoothly south along the main road.

They arrived at Namyeong around the time of Mishi [around 1-3 PM]. Although it was a branch of the Martial Alliance, it was not a large town. Nevertheless, it was a crucial strategic point for the Martial Alliance, as it was the last branch before entering Hogwang Province.

The next destination, Hamyang Branch, one of the branches in Hogwang Province, was a staggering 800 li [approximately 315 miles] away. Therefore, they decided to stay here for the day and leave at dawn the next day. If you go south out of the town, you will see a low mountain range, and at the entrance, there is a small forest. You must pass through it to see the branch.

*Clatter clatter clatter*

The sound of 500 horses’ hooves was deafening, shaking the earth. Pa Cheon and Dokgo-Moo were in the carriage, while the vice-commanders rode on horseback. They were marching in ten divisions, with the carriage in the middle.

“Why didn’t you stop me, Great Commander?”

Dokgo-Moo finally voiced the question he had been holding back.

“What are you talking about?”

“I’m talking about last night. How could you just watch such a thing happen? How are we supposed to face them in the future?”

“I understand what you mean. Let me just say one thing. In truth, Cheonma [Pa Cheon’s alias] is like a friend to me, and as long as he doesn’t hinder my path or become an obstacle, I won’t stop him from doing anything. Of course, it must be very difficult for you. But I also don’t have the ability to stop Cheonma. I’m not so… free that I can follow him around and stop everything he does behind my back.”

“Hoo…”

Dokgo-Moo sighed. He looked somewhat forlorn. When did his fate start to go so wrong? The situations that unfolded regardless of his will made him feel awkward and caused him deep anguish.

What kind of events would occur in the future to make things difficult for him? So far, they had not shown any particular reaction to him. Since it was already irreversible, he didn’t want to make excuses, but he also thought it was unfair that he had to bear all the responsibility.

“Honestly, I feel like it would have been better if I had just died back then.”

“Hehe, is that so? If you think it was a mistake for me to save your family, I would be disappointed. Things will get better. Cheonma has improved a lot. If it were the old him, there would have been a massive bloodbath. If you provoked his temper, he would have killed indiscriminately. You should take comfort in that. Isn’t being called a lecher better than being called a butcher?”

Pa Cheon felt awkward even as he said those words. It was not something he should say to Dokgo-Moo, who had pride as a righteous person.

“How am I supposed to face those two young ladies in the future… Great Commander, may I ask you one question?”

“Ask me anything.”

“What are you planning to do with the righteous path?”

“What do you think I will do?”

“You will surely abandon the righteous path. The Martial Alliance will only be used, and you will have your direct forces seize control of the martial world. The Martial Alliance will only be used to check foreign forces and deplete their strength… Am I wrong?”

“You know quite accurately. That’s right. Do you have any more questions?”

Dokgo-Moo felt a chill run down his spine.

‘This man might be a true devil. He doesn’t just commit emotional or unconditional evil acts, but absolute evil. That’s why he sometimes appears more righteous than anyone else…’

“Hehe, let me add one more thing. I will use all the power I have to seize control of not only the outside world but also the entire martial world. Then, based on that power, I will build a martial empire that no one has ever achieved… And if you become an obstacle to that, I will kill you without exception. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

“Hmm… What will happen to Cheonma if you kill me?”

“I don’t know. I can only hope that such a thing doesn’t happen…”

“You are a truly terrifying person, Great Commander.”

“I know. I only regret that I can’t be more cruel. If I were, I wouldn’t have even bothered to save you.”

*Heeheeheehee*

“Whoa, whoa!”

The carriage suddenly stopped with a jolt. The sound of the cavalry’s hooves was also gone, indicating that the entire cavalry had stopped.

*Swish*

“What’s going on?”

Pa Cheon opened the carriage window and leaned out. Vice-Commander Gwak Woon-sung approached on horseback.

“The atmosphere feels strange. The Namyeong Branch is right after the small forest ahead. But it’s strange that no one has come out to greet us, and there’s a strange energy emanating from the forest.”

“Is that so? Is that why you stopped?”

“Yes.”

“Hehe, there are a few people hiding. But they are not very threatening, so just pass through. But it’s strange. You said the branch is right after that forest?”

“That’s right.”

“There’s no sign of anyone… There are less than ten people…”

‘As expected, the Great Commander’s martial arts are beyond measure. It’s amazing that he can sense all the presences in the forest, but he even knows the situation at the branch ten li [approximately 3.9 miles] away?’

“Then what should we do?”

“What do you mean, what should we do? Just pass through. They won’t attack us. Perhaps the ones waiting ahead will welcome us.”

“Yes, I understand.”

*Clop clop clop*

Gwak Woon-sung shouted loudly.

“Everyone, move out!”

*Clatter clatter clatter*

The cavalry, wary of their surroundings, urged their horses forward through the path leading into the forest.

“Hehe, who are these guys? The ones occupying the Martial Alliance branch? And with so few people…”

Dokgo-Moo responded to Pa Cheon’s words.

“There’s one thing I don’t understand. How come no news has reached the Alliance? Especially since this branch is so close to Gaebong…”

“Hehe, they either didn’t have the time or the messenger was intercepted… Well, it must be one of those reasons. I’m really curious. What kind of bold people would cause trouble here? And they’re not even running away, they’re waiting? Hahahaha.”

Pa Cheon laughed, leaning back as if he was satisfied. Dokgo-Moo, watching him, could only feel fear.