Emperor’s Sword [EN]: Chapter 80

81. Disciples of the Four Imperial Stars!

Pa Cheon’s face was severely contorted. Before him, the Heavenly Demon, the Mad Demon Lord, and the Shadowless Lord sat facing him, looking uneasy, while only Yul Geuk was cheerfully oblivious to the tense atmosphere.

The Heavenly Demon cautiously opened his mouth, watching Pa Cheon’s reaction.

“Pa Cheon, it seems there’s no other way… Since it has come to this, how about revealing everything?”

Pa Cheon’s eyes turned towards the Heavenly Demon.

“It’s still too early. If it becomes known that the Heavenly Demon Scholar and the Jade-Faced Divine Dragon are the same person, it will cause extreme chaos. It’s obvious that it will disrupt our future plans.”

“Your Excellency, but there’s no other way, is there?”

The Mad Demon Lord’s words were an apt expression of the current reality.

“Heavenly Demon, is there really no other way?”

“If there is, there’s only one.”

“Huh? There’s a way?”

Pa Cheon showed his delight at the Heavenly Demon’s words.

“We can shave all our heads. Become bald monks. Hehe, that would be a sight to see.”

“What?”

Unlike Pa Cheon’s absurd chuckle, Yul Geuk showed curiosity at the words.

“Bald monks? Hehe, I want to be a bald monk too.”

“Heavenly Demon, this isn’t just about me. If I have to shave my head, you have to do it too. You know that, right?”

“Ugh, is that so?”

The reason for their concern was their hair color. Pa Cheon had blonde hair, and the Heavenly Demon had red hair. There was no way to change their hair color. The fact that Pa Cheon’s two identities, the Heavenly Demon Scholar and the Jade-Faced Divine Dragon, both had blonde hair would be enough to draw people’s attention, and it would only be a matter of time before his true identity was revealed. Shaving their heads wouldn’t change that. It was not an easy problem to solve.

“There’s no choice. We’ll just have to wear wigs.”

In the end, this was the decision. The Mad Demon Lord received an important secret mission and began to carry it out. It was called ‘Making Wigs’! He secretly summoned Ma An, the head of the intelligence organization within the Demonic Alliance, and ordered wigs from him. Since using disguises and wigs was common when going on assassination missions or intelligence activities, it wasn’t difficult to obtain them. However, the Mad Demon Lord had to visit Ma An several times to meet the two men’s picky tastes. It was not a situation to laugh about.

The leaders of the Demonic Alliance, gathered in the Venerable Demon Hall, turned their gaze to the figure seated on the grand chair. The appearance of Pa Cheon, the Demonic Overlord and Heavenly Demon Scholar who had risen to become the new ruler of the Central Plains Demonic Path, was filled with an unapproachable majesty. His gaze was full of mystery, and the aura that occasionally poured out, as if piercing their lungs, was almost unbearable for them. They waited. They waited for the new Demonic Grand Master to open his mouth…

“You have all endured well until now. Now is the time to show the true power of the Central Plains Demonic Path.

A breathtaking battle of eat or be eaten will begin. If we are careless for even a moment, we will be led to an irreversible situation. We must give our all to ensure there are no regrets. Our enemies are not just the Righteous Martial Alliance. The Four Imperial Stars, who have already revealed themselves, as well as the Three Outer World Clans, and perhaps even more formidable opponents, the mysterious forces, will reveal their ambitions everywhere. Therefore…”

Pa Cheon paused for a moment, his gaze sweeping over the hall once more.

“I will drastically reorganize the Demonic Alliance. This is to effectively deal with the upcoming bloody battles. The current organizational structure has many flaws. Military Advisor.”

Zegal Cho Hong rose from her seat.

“Yes, my lord.”

“How should we reorganize the organization?”

It was a very sudden question, but she seemed to have anticipated it, and she answered without hesitation, as if she had prepared her words.

“It would be better to abolish the existing Secret Branch and incorporate some of it into the Ma An Unit. There is no longer any reason to maintain the Secret Branch now that it has been exposed. It would be better to use only some of the personnel for intelligence work and reorganize the rest into the main force. Also, there is a need to merge and strengthen the Ma An Unit and the Thousand-Man Unit. The forces of the Seven Demonic Sects should be integrated to increase mobility and establish a firm command system.

In addition, newly recruited demonic individuals should be deployed appropriately, and the organization of sects should be avoided.”

“Hmm. And?”

“I suggest dividing it into three organizations. First, combine the Ma An Unit and the Thousand-Man Unit into one to be deployed for intelligence and specific operations, and integrate the Seven Demonic Sects to prepare for all-out war. Of course, we must also conduct mobility training in preparation for all-out war from now on. In addition, some forces, including the existing Inner and Outer Halls, should be organized as reserve forces to be ready to reinforce the elite forces whenever a battle breaks out.”

“Hmm. Good. Does anyone have any objections to the Military Advisor’s opinion?”

No one raised any objections. After confirming this, Pa Cheon spoke again in a clear tone.

“Good. Then, I will assume there are no objections and issue orders. All the forces of the Seven Demonic Sects will be merged into one. The Mad Demon Lord will be the leader and will follow his orders. And the leaders of the Ma An Unit and the Thousand-Man Unit will be… Han Dang.”

Han Dang’s eyes lit up at the unexpected order. He never thought he would be given such an important position. It was the same for everyone else.

“The reserve forces will be managed by the Military Advisor. And the detailed matters regarding the reorganization will follow the Military Advisor’s instructions. As soon as the reorganization is complete, we will immediately begin operations. The first thing to do is to undermine the Martial Alliance’s commercial power. In addition, there will be a major battle with the external forces that have infiltrated the Central Plains commercial world, so be prepared.

There will be no all-out war with the Martial Alliance for the time being.”

“My Lord.”

It was Zegal Cho Hong. She looked at Pa Cheon with a question in her eyes.

“The Martial Alliance is currently in extreme chaos due to the Four Imperial Stars’ invasion of Sichuan. It seems like a good opportunity, so it would be better to attack their forces now… Of course, even if it’s not an all-out war, we could advance into the north of the river by taking advantage of their inability to respond actively.”

“The Military Advisor’s words are reasonable, but it is still too early. If we clash with the Martial Alliance, the Three Outer World Clans and the Blood Demon Heaven will be pleased. From now on, it is not a battle between the righteous and the demonic. The enemies we have to fight are everywhere. Unless we have the power to face them all at once, we must walk a dangerous tightrope between the forces. They will probably think the same way. The one who survives to the end will take everything. Do you understand what I mean?

It means that the balance of any one side should not be broken yet. If we attack the Martial Alliance, the external forces will rush into the Central Plains all at once. By then, all the initiative will have already passed to them. Under no circumstances should we forget this fact.”

“Understood.”

An undisguised admiration for Pa Cheon appeared on Zegal Cho Hong’s face. It was the same for everyone else. It is not easy to meet a leader who inspires trust. In that regard, Pa Cheon was a rare leader who had earned absolute trust. Their inner feelings were expressed without concealment.

“Today, let all our subordinates eat and drink to their hearts’ content. From tomorrow, it will be a continuous series of breathtaking tensions, so let them enjoy themselves today.”

“Understood.”

“Understood.”

“Han Dang, stay behind. Everyone else, leave.”

Now, only Han Dang and Pa Cheon remained in the Venerable Demon Hall. Han Dang looked bewildered, not knowing why.

“Han Dang.”

“Yes, my lord.”

“You are an ambitious man. Aren’t you?”

“…”

Han Dang did not raise his head.

“I know your potential. You are not someone who will remain a subordinate of anyone. It’s just that the time is not right yet, so you are waiting. Ah, I’m not saying this to criticize your ambition. Are you not curious why I appointed you as the leader of the Thousand-Man Unit and the Ma An Unit?”

“I don’t know.”

It was a low reply. Because there was no emotion in it, it was impossible to know what he was thinking.

“Perhaps you are hiding your true strength. And, though I don’t know for sure, you are probably related to the Blood Demon Heaven… You might even be in a contract with the one who killed your master, the Demonic Grand Master.”

Han Dang’s body trembled.

“There’s no need to be nervous. I’ll just say one thing. Everything depends on your choice. Whichever side you choose, it is entirely your freedom. But… keep this one thing in mind. I am not so merciful. It doesn’t matter what you have been thinking until now. But I will hold you strictly accountable for your future actions. That’s all. You may go.”

With those words, Pa Cheon buried himself in the grand chair and even closed his eyes. Han Dang raised his head and looked at him. His eyes trembled severely for a moment.

“I will take my leave.”

He rose from his seat and left the Venerable Demon Hall. After he disappeared, Pa Cheon rose from his seat.

“Heavenly Demon!”

Swish.

The Heavenly Demon appeared in the hall. His hair was still a striking red, as if he had washed his hair with blood.

“What is it?”

“That guy. I like him, what about you?”

“He’s a remarkable guy. He’s probably the strongest one here. He’s also cunning enough to hide his true strength and lose to Mu Young. But he’s not the type to be a tool of the Blood Demon Heaven. There must be some reason. If he had been born at the right time, he would have been more than capable of ruling the world.”

“Is that so? I wonder what decision he will make. It’s a shame, but if he turns into an enemy, we’ll have to discard him.”

“Hehe, but you seem very regretful.”

“It’s not easy to raise someone like him. Where else can you find someone with the skills to be in the top ten even in the Heavenly Demon Sect?”

“It’s just child’s play. I’m very curious. I wonder how strong the Blood Demon Heaven, the Four Evil Blood Sect, and the Heavenly Emperor’s Palace are… I wish they would hurry up and show themselves. These days, I’m so restless…”

“Hahaha, just wait a little longer. They will appear even if you don’t urge them.”

★ The Martial Alliance was in extreme chaos due to recent events. The Four Imperial Stars’ occupation of western Sichuan, the Demonic Alliance’s seizure of the Jiangnan region, and the disappearance of the Righteous Commander, all combined to make them resemble a small boat drifting aimlessly on a vast sea after a storm. The Martial Alliance Lord, the Hidden Dragon Emperor, was merely a symbolic figure, and the Jade-Faced Divine Dragon had long since taken his place as the leader in the hearts of the Martial Alliance’s experts. He had disappeared without a word, and the commanders of the Righteous Command who had left with him were returning one after another, which only increased their anxiety.

The losses of the Righteous Command during their recent trip to the Central Plains had dampened the mood of the entire Martial Alliance. Meetings were held every day, and countermeasures were discussed, but the only conclusion was that it was impossible to send more troops to the Five Lotus Society in Sichuan. This was because they were worried about possible provocations from other forces.

★

“You guys, I warned you so much, but you acted as you pleased? You didn’t do the investigation I told you to do, and you did that kind of thing? If the creation of the Blood Zombies had been delayed, you would have been dead.”

“Senior Brother. But we had our reasons…”

“What? You think you did well enough to still be talking back?”

The boy flinched at the shout. Several figures were gathered in a luxurious hall. This was the forward base for the Four Imperial Stars’ invasion of the Central Plains, located in Songbeon. The Three Outer World Clans were all sects with more than a thousand years of tradition. Their activities were so secretive that the location of their main headquarters was completely unknown. They had never appeared in the martial world all at once in the history of the martial world. Nevertheless, their appearance boasted a powerful force that was enough to make the Central Plains martial world tense. The Four Imperial Stars were the sacred ground and spiritual pillar of the Qinghai martial world. Their martial arts were strangely powerful and domineering. And they had set foot in the Central Plains. And at a time of extreme chaos like now…

The two kneeling in the hall were none other than So Rang and So So, who had infiltrated the Five Lotus Society, been injured, and fled. The people in front of them were their senior brothers and the leaders in charge of this invasion of the Central Plains. Since the two of them were usually very afraid of their senior brothers, they could only bow their heads. So So, in particular, seemed very afraid of one of them. There were three other people in the hall besides the two of them. One was sitting on the grand chair in a haughty posture, a man with neat features and a clear impression. The red wart on his brow was very distinctive. The one standing to his right was the one who had been scolding So Rang and So So until just now. He was seven feet tall, and his tiger eyes shone particularly brightly. To the left of the grand chair was a man in his mid-twenties with a slender build, holding a sword to his chest. One unique thing was that he was holding the sword without a scabbard in his arms. The three were the remaining disciples of the Four Imperial Star Lord, excluding So Rang and So So.

“So. What are the results of your investigation of the Central Plains martial world?”

The voice of the one sitting on the grand chair was low and soft. But So So knew. How cruel the owner of that voice was.

“The conclusion we reached after investigating… and experiencing it ourselves… is that we should avoid an all-out war.”

So Rang barely managed to finish his words. Why was it so hard to utter a single word?

“What is the reason for that conclusion? So So, you tell me.”

So So was startled when her name was mentioned.

“Eldest Senior Brother… Th-that is because the Central Plains martial world… is stronger than we thought.”

“Stronger?”

So Rang supported So So’s words.

“It’s true. We couldn’t defeat the head of the Five Lotus Society alone. And that man is only ranked at the bottom of the Seven Martial Talents. If he is that strong, then those called the Five Greats of the Martial World must be unimaginably powerful.”

“Hehe, is that all the reason? Aren’t you misunderstanding something? Of course, there may be strong people in the Central Plains. The important thing is that I can’t believe that a few of them are strong enough to influence the overall situation. If it comes to an all-out war, it will be a battle of power. Our Four Imperial Stars are not weak. No, we are as strong as we have ever been. And we have completed the Blood Zombies, so there is no need to fear them. The reason I told you to investigate the Central Plains was to give you confidence. You have disappointed me… At least, if you are disciples of the Four Imperial Star Lord, you are the most honorable people in Qinghai. And yet, you are trembling with fear… Go and wait without moving until I give you a special order. It seems you need more intense training.”

At those words mixed with laughter, So Rang and So So trembled with fear. Without saying a word of excuse, they were banished from the room.

The figure on the grand chair gave orders to the two remaining disciples in the hall.

“You two, prepare the Blood Zombies. We will attack the Five Lotus Society first. We will show the Central Plains martial world the greatness of the Four Imperial Stars. The Central Plains is not our match. Go.”

“Yes, Senior Brother.”

“Understood.”

The two bowed with precise movements and left the room. A low monologue flowed from the figure on the grand chair as he watched them.

“So Rang and So So were not wrong. But… they cannot stop us.

The Central Plains will soon know. The power of the Four Imperial Stars is not inferior to the Central Plains… Hehehe, soon the Central Plains will fall into our hands. No one can stop us. Hahahaha.”