Emperor’s Sword [EN]: Chapter 68

Escape – 4

“Hoh Hoh Hoh Hoh.”

“Kalkal Kalkal.”

Laughter echoed from within the fog. The fog rippled in response to the vibrations of the sound.

Namgung Hwi and the other martial artists of the Martial Alliance watched the undulating fog, their hearts sinking. It was definitely laughter, and it sounded like it came from someone in their teens, still not fully mature. However, the laughter alone made it difficult to gauge their opponents. At times, it sounded like a woman’s laughter, and at other times, it seemed like a man’s.

“Impressive. I didn’t expect anyone to recognize the Black Blood Demonic Art.”

Finally, clear sounds, seemingly human speech, emerged from the fog. Namgung Hwi swallowed hard.

“Who are you?”

It was a natural question.

“Do you want to know who we are? Defeat us. Then you will naturally find out.”

Namgung Hwi was regaining some composure. He felt relieved that the opponents were now speaking clearly.

However, none of them noticed that the flute music had stopped. This alone showed that they were still tense.

“We have no grudges against you, so why are you causing such a bloodbath?”

This time, it was the head of the Jeomchang Sect who shouted, his tone like that of a parent scolding children.

“Kalkal Kalkal. You guys are hilarious. If we deem you enemies, we just kill you. Why ask such trivial things? Are you scared of us?”

It was blatant mockery. The hot-tempered Namgung Hwan yelled.

“You immature brats, where do you think you are?”

“Immature brats? Hoh Hoh Hoh. I’ve decided.”

“Decided what?”

Were they talking amongst themselves?

“We were just going to kill the women and leave quietly… but I’ll kill that one first. But where should I cut him?”

“Kikikik. Where else? Cut off the most protruding part of a man’s body.”

“Hoh Hoh Hoh. It might be a bit gruesome, but it might be good to broaden our horizons on this occasion.”

Unable to endure their banter any longer, Namgung Hwan charged forward in fury. He raised his sword and swung it left and right. The fog rippled as he swung, but he didn’t hear the screams he expected, nor did he feel the sensation of flesh being torn. In the end, his actions looked ridiculous, like a madman performing a sword dance. It was clear how much force he had used when the floor, made of bluestone, was split by an inch after he cut through the fog.

“Uaaah! You bastards!”

He continued to rampage like a wild boar, but the only response he received was more mockery from his opponents.

“Kalkal Kalkal.”

“Hoh Hoh Hoh. He was a madman.”

“Hwan-ah.”

Namgung Hwi used his inner energy to project his voice, and only then did Namgung Hwan regain his senses and try to retreat. However, it was not easy.

“Ugh… wh-what is this?”

The fog gradually writhed, wrapping around Namgung Hwan’s legs, tightening and immobilizing him. He couldn’t move at all. He tried to use his inner energy to lift his feet, but it was no use.

“Get back.”

Namgung Hwi drew his dagger and threw it forward. The dagger cut through the air with a sharp sound, slicing through the fog, and the density of the fog around Namgung Hwan seemed to lessen. Seizing the opportunity, Namgung Hwan exerted all his strength and kicked off the ground.

*Swoosh.*

As he landed next to his older brother, Namgung Hwi, a soft exclamation of admiration came from within the fog.

“Ho… I thought you only knew a lot, but your martial arts are quite good too.”

“Kikikik. But what difference does it make?”

Namgung Hwi stared intently ahead.

“Huhu. Of course, it’s true that the Black Blood Demonic Art is a peerless demonic art. But it’s not absolute. The Black Blood Demonic Art you’re using doesn’t seem very powerful. If you had mastered the 12th level, how could my brother have escaped from you? It’s the mastered Black Blood Demonic Art that’s frightening, but what you little brats are using… is frankly laughable.”

It was a plausible provocation. Anyone with a lot of experience in the martial world wouldn’t fall for such a tactic, but the opponents were still young! This was enough.

“What? You want to die so badly. I’ll kill that one first.”

“Yeah, let’s tear that guy’s blabbering mouth apart.”

The two of them shouted in unison. Just then, Namgung Hwi’s telepathic message reached everyone.

[The Black Blood Demonic Art can only be countered with strong Yang energy or sword energy. So, gather the strongest Yang energy you know and prepare. The point where the undulating fog first starts to move is where they are located.]

He was indeed worthy of being the leader of the Five Lotus Association. He hadn’t become one of the Seven Martial Peaks just because of his position. Although he was considered the weakest among the Seven Martial Peaks, his knowledge of swordsmanship and martial arts was unmatched.

The women, huddled to one side, were all holding their breath, watching the scene unfold. If the martial artists in front of them couldn’t stop the mysterious fog, they would be helpless victims. Some of the women had drawn daggers and were clutching them tightly.

The fog gradually crept forward, and it was almost eerie, like a snake slithering. The boundary of the fog’s domain rapidly closed in, and soon it had infiltrated the group.

“Now!”

As Namgung Hwi’s voice rang out, the martial artists, who had been preparing with their bodies tensed, unleashed their energy all at once. It was a spectacular sight, like the firing of cannons to breach a fortress wall.

In particular, Namgung Hwi’s hands emitted blindingly intense bursts of light, striking two points like lightning.

“Soso, be careful!”

*Kwaang!*

Sorang’s urgent cry followed, and the fog seemed to vanish from sight in an instant.

No one moved, and no one spoke. As if their only belief was that this would protect them, their consciousness was focused on one point, carefully observing the results.

“Hoh Hoh Hoh Hoh.”

“Kalkal Kalkal.”

The laughter shattered their expectations. Each of their faces showed deep despair and the frantic effort to devise a way out of the danger.

“That was quite an attack. Is it our turn now?”

Namgung Hwan, who was absentmindedly looking at the source of the voice, had a triumphant smile on his face. He had seen a faint trace of blood on the floor. It was clearly the mark of someone coughing up blood. It seemed someone had tried to wipe it away with their hand, but they couldn’t fool Namgung Hwi’s eyes.

‘Huhu, they were indeed significantly injured by that attack. Then, victory is ours.’

He wanted to inform everyone of this fact before the opponents attacked. However, it was already too late, as their attack had begun. In an instant, the fog dispersed, and instead, it expanded to cover a wider area, trapping them all in a swirling vortex. They were at the center of it. The problem was the distance to the women huddled on one side. The fog had already infiltrated the space between them.

*Pshoo*

“Uaaak!”

*Pshoo*

“Keok.”

Some of the martial artists were seen clutching their arms, sides, or legs, and some of the women nearby screamed and died helplessly. Surprisingly, they were attacking the rear, not Namgung Hwi’s side. Those who were groaning in pain were none other than the Heavenly Sword Chief, the Azure Dragon Chief, and Deputy Chief Chu Gyeong. They were relatively weaker in martial arts and had never experienced such strange attacks before, so they were panicking, unsure of how to defend themselves. Apart from them, the others were defending themselves relatively well. As they gradually became accustomed to the movement of the fog, they began to see the overall flow, and this became their weakness.

*Clang!*

In a situation where they were only checking each other with changes in posture, the first sound of impact, as Namgung Hwi’s sword collided with something, was heard. He didn’t miss it. Immediately, he followed the rippling fog, raised his sword vertically, and slashed downwards. It was a simple movement, but it was imbued with the force of ten thousand pounds, and its speed was truly astonishing.

*Kwaang!*

Surprisingly, the sound of the impact was so loud that it shook the great hall, and everyone’s eyes widened with surprise and delight. Namgung Hwi didn’t stop there. He used the recoil to push himself back, spun around, and thrust his sword straight forward. His upper body was still, but his feet moved nimbly, and his eyes darted around, trying to catch the opponent’s movements.

“Soso, get out of the way!”

As those words were spoken, the sound of something being pierced was heard, and Namgung Hwi felt the heavy sensation of flesh being torn through his sword. It felt like he had pierced someone’s thigh.

“Aaaak!”

As the scream erupted, Namgung Hwi twisted the hilt of his sword, tearing through the flesh.

“Kyaaak!”

“You bastard!”

*Shuu*

Namgung Hwi instinctively sensed the surge of energy and dodged to the side as he pulled out his sword. He immediately thrust his sword towards the source of the energy.

*Kwakang!*

Because it was a clash while Namgung Hwi had not yet regained his posture, his body was thrown off balance.

“Die!”

At the shout that came from right in front of him, Namgung Hwi instead smiled triumphantly. Didn’t his sword extend by a foot as it resonated? It was sword energy. Instinctively sensing the opponent’s flinch, Namgung Hwi swept his sword energy sideways, in the direction where the opponent was likely to be.

*Kwaang!*

“Keok.”

It was blood. What was scattered on the floor was definitely blood. They were injured, and not lightly… Namgung Hwi slowly took a step forward, holding his sword. The fog still filled the space, but it didn’t seem as dense, and the sound of human breathing, which had not been heard until now, began to be heard intermittently. It was only a brief, intermittent sound, but it was enough for Namgung Hwi to get his bearings.

Soso and Sorang had sustained serious injuries. They looked at each other.

[Soso. We’ve made a mistake. Let’s plan for later.]

It was Sorang’s telepathic message as he held his side and tried to stop the bleeding. Soso, who was crouching to one side, felt the same despair. Could there really be someone among them who could pinpoint their location?

[I can’t. I won’t leave without killing at least one of them.]

Sorang knew that once Soso started to be stubborn, there was no way to stop her, so he reluctantly agreed.

[Okay. This one is too strong, so you take out one of the ones in the back. I’ll lure this one away, and you take out that one and then run straight out.]

[Understood.]

The two of them began to move together. Namgung Hwi was momentarily flustered. He had clearly sensed that the presence was split into two and moving. However, he no longer had the luxury to think about it. He sensed that one of the opponents was charging towards him.

Namgung Hwi raised his sword vertically to the sky and shouted with a resounding voice.

“Heaven-Shaking Momentum! Heavenly Sword Net!”

As the name suggested, his sword energy formed a dense net, surrounding and trapping the enemy. It was a formidable technique that simultaneously provided both defense and offense. In an instant, his sword vibrated, and dozens of fine sword lines dispersed, blocking all of the enemy’s movements. It seemed even more powerful because it was so strong that one could not recklessly confront it.

*Kwaang!*

“Ugh!”

“Aaaak!”

Screams erupted from two places at the same time.

“Oh no!”

By the time Namgung Hwi turned his head towards the source of the sound, the situation had already unfolded. The Heavenly Sword Chief, Do Geukchu, was clutching his neck and slowly collapsing. The fog was seen coiling around his body and then dissipating.

“You bastard!”

Namgung Hwi roared and unleashed his sword energy with a force that seemed to collapse the heavens and earth.

*Kwaang!*

*Kwaang!*

The impact caused the floor to cave in, and the great hall shook as if it were about to collapse. He turned his head sharply and looked at the entrance of the great hall.

“They’re escaping.”

Namgung Hwan said this and tried to run outside, but Namgung Hwi stopped him.

“Stop. It’s no use chasing them. We won’t be able to catch them.”

He looked at the corpse in front of him. The Heavenly Sword Chief’s eyes were bulging out, and his tongue was hanging out, making his death look gruesome. Namgung Hwi quickly covered his eyes and tongue when he saw his family approaching, but he still looked terrible.

“Honey.”

“Father.”

The Heavenly Sword Chief’s wife and daughter. They embraced the fallen Do Geukchu and burst into tears. He had given his life to protect his wife and daughter. Do Geukchu’s back had a three-inch-wide wound, and blood was constantly flowing out, staining the floor of the great hall.

“Hic… hic… hic…”

“Waaah… Father…”

The sight of the two was so pitiful that it evoked sympathy in anyone who saw them, and it immediately ignited a burning hatred for the assailant.

★ No matter how many times he tried to persuade or even threaten her, it was no use. Her will was unyielding, and it was clear that she would never give up the secret manual except in death. The subordinates of the Blood Demon Heaven [a powerful, evil sect] were inwardly cursing at the sight of Lee Chong-sa hesitating and unable to make a decision. As the leader of the group, he showed no sign of the decisiveness he should have displayed, and it was pathetic to see him being dragged around by a mere woman. Moreover, knowing that all of this was because of a single secret manual, their curiosity only grew.

Now, even he couldn’t help but let anger seep into his gaze. And there was also a desire to finish things quickly, one way or another.

‘Do I really have to give up? It won’t be easy to snatch the secret manual from that woman. No, it’s almost impossible. In the end…’

“Listen carefully. I’ll say it one more time. The secret manual or your life? I promise you, I won’t lay a finger on you. You can leave whenever you want. Just leave the secret manual behind…”

Chunhyang Okbong felt that the time had come for her to make a decision. Any further refusal would make even the greedy Lee Chong-sa give up. Since she couldn’t give it to him anyway, she would just destroy the secret manual first and then meet her death. After all, she had to die once anyway.

She tried to comfort herself that she was just going a little earlier.

It was then that an idea flashed through her mind like lightning.

‘That’s it. The Great Leader must be somewhere around here. Although they are sworn brothers, they don’t get along very well. Their conflict is deeper than expected. That’s why that bastard is so desperate for this… Good. Let’s do that.’

She held her head high, scanned her surroundings with an aloof gaze, and then focused on Lee Chong-sa. In that state, she spoke as if spitting out each word.

“Okay.”

In an instant, Lee Chong-sa’s face was filled with joy, and he let out an uncontrollable laugh of delight.

“Hahaha, you made a wise choice.”

Even if his deceased parents came back to life, he wouldn’t show such joy.

“But.”

“Huh?”

As she tried to add something, Lee Chong-sa showed signs of unease.

“Even if I give this secret manual to Lee Chong-sa, how can I be sure my life will be spared?”

Lee Chong-sa, who had been waiting anxiously for her words, smiled faintly when he realized that what she had said was not something he couldn’t agree to.

“Don’t worry. I swear on my honor as a martial artist that I will keep that promise. However, I will only spare your life here. If we meet again, I will take your life then.”

“That’s fine. But how will it work?”

“What do you mean?”

“Even if I try to leave, if someone stops me, Lee Chong-sa’s promise will not be kept…”

“What are you talking about? Who would dare break my promise and harm you? If there is such a person, I will cut them down in one stroke.”

“You promised, right?”

“Yes. If I break that promise, I’m your son. No, you can think of me as a dog from now on.”

His boastful and exaggerated manner was even repulsive.

“Did you hear that, Great Leader? Lee Chong-sa said he would let me live…”

“What nonsense is this?”

Lee Chong-sa quickly turned his head, looking around in all directions, showing how flustered he was.

“Hahahaha, as expected, Ja-un, you are no ordinary person.”

“Huh?”

Lee Chong-sa’s face contorted as if he had bitten into a bitter melon at the sound of that laughter.

“As you said, I have no intention of letting you live.”

A figure was appearing in the hall. It was a strange man wearing a golden robe and a golden mask. Upon seeing him, everyone in the hall knelt down.

“We greet the Great Leader.”

“Heh heh, it’s been a while, my brother.”

The cold voice was devoid of any emotion, completely dry. Lee Chong-sa, Sang Yeo-rak, wore a sullen expression.

“When did you arrive?”

“A long time ago.”

‘That unlucky bastard. He must have been hiding like a rat, watching everything I was doing. Does this mean everything is ruined? No. That woman already said she would give me the secret manual, so if I can persuade him to let her live, then I will naturally have the first right to that secret manual.’

“So, what brings you here?”

“Why? Is there any place in the Central Plains [the heartland of China] where I am not allowed to go?”

“Of course not. I just thought that my brother was in charge of such important duties that he wouldn’t be someone who would come to a place like this.”

“Heh heh… Ja-un.”

“What is it?”

“You’re not still dreaming of surviving, are you?”

“I successfully negotiated with Lee Chong-sa.”

“Hahahaha, what a clever mind. I admit it. If you had used that good mind for the benefit of the main sect, you wouldn’t have had to meet me like this. It’s truly a pity.”

“Hoh ho ho, I think so too.”

The masked man stared intently at Chunhyang Okbong and said,

“Just die. There is no hope for you to survive here…”

“What are you saying, brother? Why are you interfering?”

“Interfering, you say? Heh heh, you fool! Do you think there is anyone in this world who can master the Blood Shadow Lightning Technique? It would be better if it disappeared. And you are not worthy to see it.”

Flames flickered in Lee Chong-sa’s eyes.

“What do you mean?”

“You haven’t fulfilled any of the tasks assigned to you. And yet, you shamelessly covet treasures? And if you were to obtain such a thing, you should naturally show it to our master, Cheonju [Heavenly Lord], first, but you only tried to satisfy your own greed. Do you think Cheonju will forgive you even if he knows about this? If you want to live, do as I say without making a sound.”

“You damned bastard. You’ve always been like that. What’s so great about you except that you became our master’s disciple before me? Isn’t it because you’re afraid that I’ll master that technique and surpass you?”

“You speak carelessly. No, let’s say that’s the case. So?”

“You hypocrite. Just looking at you makes me want to throw up everything I ate ten years ago. I can’t give up that secret manual. And I’ll let Ja-un live here. If you try to stop me, one of us will end up as a cold corpse today.”

“Hmm… You’re speaking carelessly because you’re favored by our brother. You’ve always done foolish things. Did you think I would always overlook your antics? You’ve made a big mistake. Do you think our brother will still favor you when he comes out of seclusion? You’re crazy. What? One of us will become a corpse? Do you really want that? Then so be it.”

*Kwaaaaah!*

Even though he was standing still, the aura emanating from the Great Leader was so intense that it suppressed the energy of everyone present.

‘Damn it. That guy has become even stronger than before. How far is he planning to go? Does this mean I’ll be stuck as the third-in-command forever?’

The Great Leader, wearing the golden mask, turned his head away when he saw no reaction from Lee Chong-sa. It was an act of complete disregard.

“Ja-un. Whether you give it to me or destroy it, you will die here today. Prepare yourself. If you’re going to destroy it, it’s better to do it now, right? You won’t have time later…”

Chunhyang Okbong thought that now was the time. She looked at Lee Chong-sa and sneered.

‘You pathetic fool! I should have known. It was foolish of me to have any expectations of you, even for a moment. Well, you can’t even fight the Great Leader in the first place. You always talk big, but you always run away when it matters! And you dare to talk about conquering the world?’

Lee Chong-sa turned his head away, avoiding Chunhyang Okbong’s gaze. His face, which was turned away, was not clearly visible because it was night, but it was flushed red. It was at that moment.

[Miss, if you give us that secret manual, we will save you. How about it? Shall we make a contract?]

What was this sound? Chunhyang Okbong was surprised by the sudden telepathic message, but it was only for a fleeting moment.

[Heh heh, I’m nearby. Even though they are the main force of the Blood Demon Heaven, there’s no need to be afraid. I have enough power to rescue you from danger. How about it? Will you make a contract? If you agree, I will immediately save you from their threats.]

It was the voice of a young man, probably not even 30 years old. Who could it be? Well, it didn’t matter who it was. If they would fight for her, she would welcome them with open arms. Even if they couldn’t defeat them, it was fine. She had nothing to lose.

“Okay.”

At her words, the Great Leader and Lee Chong-sa showed bewilderment.

“What do you mean? What’s okay? Are you saying you’ll give it to me? Or…”

“It’s none of your business. It was a promise made to me…”

At her cold, mocking words, the hall once again underwent a sudden change. The intervention of a third party! This was something they had not expected. About ten figures had appeared in the hall. The atmosphere they exuded seemed formidable at first glance.

Lee Chong-sa’s expression was one of, ‘What is this now?’ and the Great Leader’s was… unbelievable.

Chunhyang Okbong had never been so surprised. She could feel the Great Leader trembling slightly. In her opinion, the Great Leader only trembled like that when he was not afraid, but when he met a true rival. The Great Leader’s greatest interest, which could be called martial madness, was to meet a strong opponent, and when that happened, he couldn’t help but tremble. Knowing this, Chunhyang Okbong looked at the newly appeared figures with curiosity.

The first person to catch her eye was the one at the head of the group. He wore a golden robe, a golden hero’s headband on his forehead, and held a fan of the same color in his hand. It was quite impressive how he habitually ran his fingers along the ribs of the fan. Among the men Chunhyang Okbong had seen so far, her husband, the Supreme Demon Lord, was the most handsome. The man before her! He was a handsome man who was by no means inferior to him.

He looked to be around thirty years old, with eyes that were both gentle and intense, and a deep gaze that revealed the depth of his heart, filled with immeasurable wisdom. His nose was high, showing the spirit of a man, and his features were delicate and refined, giving the impression of a gentle personality. The outline of his tightly closed mouth seemed to indicate a firm will, but it was somehow as red and sensual as a woman’s lips. He was the epitome of a perfect man, with every feature in perfect harmony.

Around him were seven men and three women, most of whom were young people in their thirties. Their common characteristic was that they all had something gold on them. The three women were also beauties who were by no means inferior to Chunhyang Okbong, and when they appeared in the hall, the people’s expressions suddenly became dreamy and hazy.

Lee Chong-sa shouted,

“Who are you bastards to interfere in other people’s affairs?”

The man at the head looked at Lee Chong-sa.

“Heh heh, aren’t you the leader of the Martial Alliance? What brings you here? Moreover, in a place where you are oppressing a woman.”

Lee Chong-sa was dumbfounded.

“Who are you?”

It was the Great Leader’s question. It was a solemn voice, as if he were speaking to himself.

“Who we are is not so important. But our purpose might catch your interest. Don’t you want to hear it?”

The Great Leader looked at the man with curiosity.

“I don’t think I’ve heard of anyone like you in the martial world? Who are you and what is your purpose in coming here?”

“Hahaha, the world is vast, and there are countless extraordinary people, like grains of sand, right? You can think of us as one of them… Our purpose is to fulfill a contract.”

“Contract?”

“That’s right. I have decided to protect that beautiful lady you are oppressing. This is a contract between the parties involved, so it would be appreciated if third parties would step aside.”

Listening to his words, one would naturally think that it was true, regardless of the truth of the matter.

“Ja-un made a contract with you? Stop talking nonsense and get lost.”

Of course, this was Lee Chong-sa’s shout, his anger reaching the top of his head. The man gave him a faint smile and didn’t even turn his head towards Lee Chong-sa. Lee Chong-sa, Sang Yeo-rak, who felt ignored, was about to step forward when,

“Are you confident that you can fulfill that contract?”

“Of course.”

“Good. Then, how do you plan to fulfill that contract? As you can see, there are so many of us here? Can you ten or so people face all of us?”

“Hahaha, that’s not how it works. Even an army of a million has a leader, and when dealing with an opponent, it’s better to get the leader’s consent rather than the whole group. Therefore, the number of us is irrelevant.”

The Great Leader, who understood his meaning, laughed as if he was amused.

“Heh heh heh, I understand what you mean, but what if I refuse your offer until the end?”

“That’s unlikely, isn’t it? Unless you’re a petty person… Moreover, someone who claims to be a hero wouldn’t do such a thing. If that happens, I’ll think I’ve misjudged you and take appropriate action.”

“Appropriate action?”

“We also have a considerable number of people. This Hwaryong Forest [a fictional forest] is completely surrounded by forces that are helping us. You can confirm it at any time with a signal.”

He smiled that brilliant smile again, and even he, a man, couldn’t help but admire it.

“Shut up. Where did you learn to make such empty threats? Brother, why are you wasting time with such a young punk? Let’s kill him right now…”

“That’s why you’re still far behind. Do you see that man as a young punk? Heh heh, how about it, young man? Would you like to exchange a move with me?”

“Of course. But I’ve never done anything without a reward…”

“Let’s do that. If I lose, I will hand over Chunhyang to you.”

Lee Chong-sa was truly dumbfounded. What kind of nonsense was this? Of course, his brother wouldn’t lose to such a young punk, but why would he bother to fight those who could be swept away with a single word? Moreover, even if they agreed to the young punk’s proposal and won, they would gain nothing… Lee Chong-sa thought that this was his brother’s mistake and vowed to make an issue of it regardless of the outcome.