Emperor’s Sword [EN]: Chapter 66

It was as if the entire forest was writhing as one. Torches lit up here and there, piercing through the trees along a single path. Seeing the countless lights moving busily, Dokgo Hancheon finally broke into a smile, his face relaxing from its previous stiffness.

“Hahaha, you’ve finally fallen into my trap. Struggle a bit more for now. I’ve prepared many things for you. And then, when you’re exhausted and can’t move anymore, I’ll inflict a humiliation you’ll never forget. Hahahaha!”

Dokgo Hancheon’s laughter, infused with his inner energy, echoed across the night sky, shaking the entire forest. Cheonhyang Okbong heard the laughter as she ran. She knew whose laughter it was!

“Damn it! Fine. You can laugh now, but if I get out of here…”

Could she really escape? The already slim chance of escape had plummeted, and realistically, there was virtually no possibility. She wasn’t one to rely on luck. In the end, she might have to prepare one last move for Dokgo Hancheon.

“Heh, heh, I can’t let you have your way. I’d rather…”

She couldn’t continue her monologue. The first obstacle had appeared. The ones blocking her path weren’t like the other underlings she could easily overcome. The three figures standing with their black robes fluttering in the wind were people she knew well.

“You too… were you mobilized for this?”

The figures remained silent. Their closely shaved heads seemed to gleam under the moonlight. With their eyes slightly lowered, they gave off an almost imperceptible presence. One of them finally spoke.

“Young Mistress… it seems it’s time for you to stop.”

“Ho ho, good. I was curious about your skills anyway. Shall we begin?”

She knew how strong the three in front of her were… It was her misfortune to encounter the Three Blood Wolves of the Blood Demon Heaven, the three crimson wolves, right from the start.

The three stood at even intervals, their hands hanging down without any preparatory movements.

Cheonhyang Okbong’s gaze involuntarily went to the hands of the Three Blood Wolves. Their specialty was claw techniques. The claw technique known as the Blood Wolf Claw was what made them members of the Great Commander’s direct line, the Demon Soul Squad…

Ah! Come to think of it, if they’ve appeared, does that mean…? Cheonhyang Okbong’s voice trembled.

“The… the Great Commander is here too?”

The Great Blood Wolf grinned. Seeing that, Cheonhyang Okbong felt all the strength drain from her body. Things had gone wrong. Unless she became a bird in the sky, there was no way she could escape this place.

“Alright. Let’s make this quick.”

With those words, she charged forward. She recklessly plunged into the front line controlled by the Three Blood Wolves. Since people from the Blood Demon Heaven were already gathering from all directions, she judged that hesitating any longer would be inviting danger.

Maintaining the momentum of her forward charge, Cheonhyang Okbong brought her two palms together at her chest and then spread them wide. From her hands, a milky white energy extended, dispelling the darkness. The Three Blood Wolves each swayed their bodies, meeting her head-on, crossing their hands and spreading them out like bird wings. Then, their bodies soared into the air, their feet naturally following, and they curled up.

And then, moving forward, they struck with the technique of the One Claw Blood Moon. The tips of their fingers were dyed a dark blue, making one’s hair stand on end just by looking at them. The speed at which they tore through the air in three directions was astonishing, and the viciousness of their claw technique was unparalleled. However, Cheonhyang Okbong was not one to be defeated by their level. Her body spun around, rebounding, and their attacks merely slashed through the empty air. Before she knew it, she was positioned above the Three Blood Wolves. With her head down, she extended her hand towards the Great Blood Wolf’s bald head.

“Ho ho, farewell.”

*Puh*

Her unique technique, the Hidden Throwing Bright Palm, was unleashed. There was no sign of it, but it contained the power to tear flesh and break bones. The Great Blood Wolf knew this and tried to avoid it without recklessly confronting it. At that moment, the Second and Third Blood Wolves each swung their claw techniques at Cheonhyang Okbong. From their fingertips, a foot-long aura flowed out, dyeing the air a deep blue.

*Whoosh*

They expected Cheonhyang Okbong to stop her attack and switch to a defensive stance or evade. However, their expectations were completely off. Cheonhyang Okbong merely spun like a top, accelerating further, and her palm strike hit the Great Blood Wolf’s shoulder, which he had twisted to avoid her head. At that moment, the two Blood Claws struck her left side and back.

“Cough!”

“Ugh!”

Two different groans escaped, and they each stood up, occupying different directions. The Great Blood Wolf’s upper body was shattered. His shoulder was crushed, and bone fragments had pierced his heart, killing him instantly. Blood flowed continuously from his body, which was slumped forward. The two Blood Wolves turned to look at Cheonhyang Okbong. She wasn’t unscathed either. Blood was seeping from her side and back, soaking her clothes.

Nevertheless, she didn’t seem to be seriously injured, and she soared up again, attacking the two of them. The two quickly exchanged glances and split apart, kicking off the ground and attacking Cheonhyang Okbong. One swept at her upper body, and the other at her lower body. Cheonhyang Okbong twisted her body in mid-air, swinging her legs, and her feet skillfully deflected their Blood Claws to the side. And then, Cheonhyang Okbong’s palm strike deeply embedded itself into their exposed weak points.

*Thud! Thud!*

“Ugh!”

“Cough!”

The sound was like dry firewood exploding, and the way the two were thrown back indicated that they had suffered serious injuries. Cheonhyang Okbong didn’t attack them any further. Her goal was to escape this place, not to kill them. She had recklessly taken their attacks with her body to save time.

*Thwack*

Her body soared up again.

“Catch her. She’s over there.”

“Hoo-roo-rook.”

Having quickly defeated the Three Blood Wolves, Cheonhyang Okbong rapidly escaped the area.

★ Pacheon was dumbfounded. After releasing the guy’s pressure points, he had another fit. The guy didn’t even recognize his own sister and even attacked Sara, who was trying to restrain him. Pacheon had no choice but to knock him out. He was amazed at how the guy’s body could withstand several kicks and punches. So, despite his sister Sara watching, he beat the guy until he cried out. As they say, there’s no match for a beating, and eventually, the guy writhed like someone drowning in water. After beating him for a while longer, he checked his condition.

Only then did a hint of fear flicker in the guy’s eyes. No matter how much his body was like iron and copper, he still felt the pain from the blows, and as it accumulated, he broke down. And that gave even a madman who had lost his reason an instinctive fear. The look in his eyes as he stared at Pacheon was like a wolf cowering before a lion. However, it was also true that he still showed murderous intent when he looked at Sara or Cheonma.

“That’s one amazing guy. The martial arts of the Nine Yin Manual [a powerful martial arts manual] must be something else. If anyone else had been hit that much, they’d be a mess… Hey, but is it even possible to keep a guy like this around?”

He still didn’t take his eyes off the guy as he spoke to someone, not knowing who. It was because he didn’t know when the guy would have another fit.

“What else can we do? He’s not a normal person. The risk is considerable. We don’t know when he might attack us…”

[Pacheon, just suppress his mind.]

[Suppress his mind?]

[Yes, with the Heavenly Demon Soul Control Technique, you can easily suppress even that madman.]

[That’s true, but… if there’s a doctor, he might be able to be cured…]

[Wouldn’t it be much better to use him as your loyal subordinate than to try to cure him? It would be better when facing the Northern Sea Sword Palace…]

[That’s true. Shall we do that then?]

Pacheon’s eyes lit up.

“Sara. Leave this guy to us and go get some rest.”

“Huh?… Okay, I understand.”

She looked at the madman one more time. Her eyes were full of affection, but the madman didn’t seem to notice at all. As she disappeared outside, Pacheon and Cheonma looked at each other and exchanged meaningful smiles.

“Do you want to do it? Or should I?”

Pacheon asked Cheonma. Cheonma shook his head.

“As I said before, I have no interest in such things. Having subordinates is also inconvenient, and besides, this era is yours anyway, right? I’m not interested in other people’s meals.”

At those words, Pacheon approached the madman. The madman flinched and let out a low growl.

“Grrr.”

Seeing that, Pacheon let out a dumbfounded laugh.

“This guy, is he mistaking himself for a wolf pup?”

At those words, Cheonma laughed loudly.

“Hahaha, that could be it. Come to think of it, he hasn’t said a word since earlier, just growling.”

At Cheonma’s laughter, the madman’s gaze turned to Cheonma, glaring as if he wanted to devour him.

“Geez, there’s all sorts of strange things in this world. Look at that guy’s eyes. It’s like he wants to eat you… Oh my, he’s even drooling.”

Because he was growling with his mouth open, saliva was flowing down his chin.

“Come to think of it, I didn’t ask this guy’s name. Hey, you, come here.”

Pacheon snapped his fingers, and the madman paused for a moment, looking puzzled, then hesitantly turned his head slightly to the side. He was like a very docile sheep.

As Pacheon approached, the guy backed away. Eventually, his back hit the wall, and he had nowhere else to retreat. He trembled all over, and when the distance between Pacheon and him was within arm’s reach, the guy’s expression began to turn ferocious.

“Kyaa!”

He was probably trying to threaten him in his own way.

“Even when you’re crazy, you’re a messy crazy guy. Alright, I’ll make you obedient. You’re not a wolf, you’re a human.”

*Thwack*

The madman’s hand lashed out at Pacheon. But it was just a futile gesture. His hand was already blocked by Pacheon’s hand, and before he knew it, Pacheon’s fist was deeply embedded in the madman’s abdomen.

“Cough!”

He grabbed the guy’s hair as he lowered his head. And then, he lifted his head and brought his face close.

In that instant, Pacheon’s eyes changed. They were a terrifying red, and his face was distorted, making him look incredibly frightening. And then, a voice that seemed to echo from the depths of the earth began to flow out.

“Who are you?”

“Kuh… kuh…”

Pacheon drew up his inner energy.

“Who are you?”

“I… I am… Yulgeuk… Yulgeuk.”

“Who am I?”

The unpleasant sound invaded even the deepest unconsciousness of Yulgeuk’s mind.

“You… you are?”

“I am your master. The only master who controls your life.”

“You are my master.”

“Your name is Yulgeuk, and I am your master. You must only follow my orders. Do you understand?”

“You are my master… I am Yulgeuk… I must only follow my master’s orders…”

“Good, you did well. Now, sleep peacefully.”

Yulgeuk’s eyelids lowered. And he collapsed. Pacheon, who was holding his body, regained his original appearance.

“Heh heh, did it work?… Cheonma!”

“What?”

“Anyway, the martial arts you created have many useful things.”

“Tch, you’re probably the only one who would describe my martial arts as just ‘useful’.”

The Heavenly Demon Soul Control Technique was different from the Heavenly Demon Eye. The Heavenly Demon Eye could only be used on the opposite sex and was paired with the Maiden Heavenly Joyful Ecstasy Scripture. Its effect was to change the person’s nature and make them obedient, like Cheonhyang Okbong, while the Heavenly Demon Soul Control Technique completely destroyed the person’s mind and demanded unconditional obedience. If used on a normal person, they would become like an idiot. Pacheon laid Yulgeuk on the bed. He was fast asleep.

“Great Commander.”

At the sound from outside, Pacheon turned his head.

“Who is it?”

“It’s your subordinate, Gwak Unseong.”

“Come in.”

Gwak Unseong was holding a letter in his hand.

“What is that?”

“It’s a message from the Alliance.”

“Is that so? Give it to me.”

Gwak Unseong carefully handed over the letters. Pacheon unfolded them and began to read.

(To the Great Commander.

According to the report from the Heavenly Martial Hall dispatched to Sichuan Province, the strange incidents in Sichuan Province are still ongoing, and we plan to send an additional unit to address this.

…Omitted…

The movements of the Southern Alliance are unusual. According to a report from the Beggar Clan’s Anryuk branch, the masters of the Southern Alliance are deploying a net of heaven and earth around the Hwaryong Forest. It seems that something unusual has happened in the Southern Alliance. One peculiar point is that, according to the Beggar Clan’s Anryuk branch leader, there seems to be a group of people mixed in with the Southern Alliance masters.

…Omitted…

The movements of the Upper Realm are unusual. Small and medium-sized merchants are uniting to establish branches throughout the Central Plains and are supporting local merchants. In addition, there are reports of former Demonic Path practitioners appearing in various places, which are currently under investigation. It is believed that the Demonic Alliance has begun to move and has recruited former Demonic Path practitioners.

…Omitted…

The Four Emperors’ Castle and the Northern Sea Ice Palace are showing movements. They have not yet appeared in the Central Plains, but it is believed that they will enter the Central Plains soon. In addition, information has been obtained that some merchants are connected to the masters of the Heavenly Emperor’s Palace, but this is still being confirmed.

…Omitted…

Respectfully, So Cheonak, the Three-Eyed Heavenly Thunder of the Martial Alliance’s New Security Division)

It was a letter from the New Security Division, which was like the military of the Martial Alliance. The eyes and ears of the Martial Alliance, which monitored the movements of the Central Plains, were spread widely across the entire continent, and the news coming from there was all collected and analyzed by the New Security Division. And that was then reported to the Alliance Leader and the Great Commander.

“I understand. Vice Commander, you may leave now…”

“Understood. Please rest well.”

Gwak Unseong was even more respectful to Pacheon, perhaps due to his self-reproach for his mistake. As he disappeared outside,

“Heh heh, they’re only finding out about these things now? Their information is really slow.”

Pacheon handed the letter to Cheonma. Cheonma stared at it for a long time.

“By the way, a net of heaven and earth has been deployed in the Southern Alliance? This is a completely unexpected report. Has something happened?”

Cheonma looked at Pacheon after reading the letter.

“The strange incidents in Sichuan? Is that the story about the women dying?”

“Yes. It probably means that the forces of the borderlands have begun to move… If it’s Sichuan, then the Four Emperors’ Castle is the most likely culprit. Or maybe the Four Evil Blood Sect has entered, or maybe it’s the work of some crazy people?”

“The Southern Alliance’s matter is a bit unexpected.”

Cheonma tilted his head.

“That’s what’s bothering me. On the surface, Cheonhyang Okbong manages everything, but she also follows the instructions of the Commanders. Moreover, Dokgo Hancheon is also there… But a net of heaven and earth has been deployed? This must mean one of two things. Either everything has been exposed, and Saja Dowang and Cheonhyang Okbong have escaped, or there was a conflict between the Commanders, and one of them fled?”

“That doesn’t seem likely…”

“Right? Then that means Cheonhyang Okbong and Saja Dowang escaped and are within the net of heaven and earth? The people who aren’t from the Southern Alliance are obviously the Central Plains forces of the Blood Demon Heaven… Should we go help them?”

“It’s not that far from here, but is there really a need to? Moreover, we might clash with their main forces, and we don’t have enough troops right now.”

“If it’s just about rescuing them, the two of us could do it.”

“Do as you see fit.”

Pacheon pondered for a long time. Should he go rescue them? Or should he pretend not to know? In fact, considering that the Southern Alliance had completely fallen to the Blood Demon Heaven, they were no longer of any use. Moreover, it wasn’t the time to clash with them yet. There was no reason to make a reckless move that would gain them nothing.

“I’m sorry for them, but it’s better to leave them alone.”

No one knew what kind of variable this one sentence would become in the future.

★ The Five Lotus Society was a fortress in itself. With their current military strength, they could easily compete with the 200,000 troops of the Ming Empire. As the hour of midnight approached, the guards’ security posture became increasingly strengthened, and even a sense of tension began to flow. Warriors at the level of branch leaders and above encouraged them and inspected the security network. The sudden sound that swept over the Five Lotus Society froze everyone’s hearts.

*Pee-lee-lee, pee-lee-lee-lee*

It was the sound of a flute. The low-pitched sound of the flute, which seemed to be on the verge of breaking, resonated with people’s hearts, and soon, a dark fog began to engulf the entire Five Lotus Society. The sound of the flute was so faint and immersive, but they had no time to appreciate it. It had finally begun.

“Everyone, be on high alert!”

Shouts were heard from here and there, and the warriors all drew their weapons and prepared for battle.

“What is this?”

Everyone jumped up and ran outside.

Namgung Hwi and Namgung Hwan, along with the masters of the Five Lotus Society, rushed to the Hwahwa Hall, where the women resided. A tight security net was set up in front of it, and it seemed that nothing had happened yet, as there were no particular changes. The masters rushed into the Hwahwa Hall. There were also guards stationed inside, and their security posture seemed strict. Still not feeling at ease, Namgung Hwi shouted.

“Gather all the women from the Hwahwa Hall in the main hall!”

At Namgung Hwi’s words, Namgung Hwan ran off, and the Azure Dragon Branch Leader and others followed him. The women, who were uneasy being kept separately in the Hwahwa Hall, were all moved to the Five Lotus Society’s main hall, the Biyong Hall, and the masters, including Namgung Hwi, stood guard by their side. At this point, it seemed that no matter how powerful a ghost was, they wouldn’t be able to commit murder without their permission.

————————————————-

It’s been a few days since the last update.

Please don’t scold me for slacking off…

Today is January 30th.

It seems like there won’t be any special events for a while, so I’ll focus on the updates.

About 50-60 more chapters, and the first part might end, but it might be longer…

Anyway, I plan to finish it in February, so I need to write hard. There’s one more setting that I need to do a little later, and I’ll take two days off then, but other than that…