Emperor’s Sword [EN]: Chapter 81

Where darkness flickers and blooms, a cluster of minute lights gathers, devouring the shadows. Like the movements of souls adrift in the void, it evoked a mystical feeling, presenting an alien sensation that one could not bear without being assimilated. The sticky humidity, from an unknown source, even drew out a sense of unease, making it seem impossible for a person to exist in such a place. The acrid smell, of uncertain origin, further contributed to the eerie atmosphere.

The masked figure in the golden mask endured in that place. The roughly hewn wooden chair, with its ill-fitting joints, creaked and groaned, and the only sounds that could be heard were the droplets of water falling from the ceiling into puddles. He stared ahead. The light was clearly visible before him, but its true nature was not clear. Surprisingly, the light was powerful enough to mock his martial arts, which he prided himself on having reached the Divine Realm. His patience was exceptional, so he did not show any inner turmoil, but even he, as a human, had his limits. It was just as he was about to speak.

“Are you an envoy of the Blood Demon Heaven?”

Could that be called a human voice? It was a chilling voice, with no clear inflection, and did not seem to belong to a living person. Nevertheless, its meaning was clear, and the masked figure in the golden mask replied in a firm tone.

“That is correct. I am indeed an envoy of the Blood Demon Heaven.”

“What business does the Blood Demon Heaven have here? You have great audacity. Even if you came with the mission of an envoy, to think of coming here alone… So, what is your purpose?”

“First, reveal your identity. I will not speak to anyone who is not a Vice Chief.”

“It seems you came here seeking death. The Vice Chief is not someone who would meet with a whelp like you. If you have something to say, say it to me.”

“A whelp? If I had known the Heavenly Emperor’s Palace was such a rude place, I would not have come.”

“Hahahaha, you are an absurdly bold one. Very well. I am the Dark Demon Emperor, one of the Five Emperors of this Heavenly Emperor’s Palace. What is your business here?”

“Hmm… Very well. I am the Grand Commander of the Blood Demon Heaven. I propose an alliance between your esteemed palace and our heaven.”

“An alliance?”

“That is correct.”

“Hahahahahahaha.”

The laughter seemed endless.

“What is so funny?”

“What’s so funny, you ask? Alliances in the martial world are formed between similar powers. Are you saying that your Blood Demon Heaven is on par with our Heavenly Emperor’s Palace? In the martial world, only the law of the strong prevails. If your Blood Demon Heaven were to come under us, I wouldn’t stop you, but an alliance… that’s a worthless proposition.”

Even at those words of utter disregard, the Grand Commander showed no particular reaction.

“You must be well aware of the current situation in the martial world. Can the Heavenly Emperor’s Palace truly dominate the martial world alone? The strength of the Central Plains martial world is formidable. Moreover, the Sasa Blood Cult, the Four Saintly Clans, and even the Northern Sea Ice Palace are all vying for supremacy. I do not know how strong your Heavenly Emperor’s Palace is, but you will never be able to handle even two of those forces alone. In the end, any force that fails to form an alliance will be utterly destroyed.”

“There is some truth in your words. However, we fear no one. The only force that can make us wary is the legendary Demonic Cult. Unless they reappear in the martial world, the martial world will be ours.”

“Is that so? The Heavenly Emperor’s Palace is truly a frustrating place. You must know that the Four Saintly Clans have already entered the Central Plains. Moreover, the Northern Sea Ice Palace will soon follow, and the Divine Beast Palace and the Sasa Blood Cult will not remain idle. Do you really think that the Heavenly Emperor’s Palace alone can face all of them? There is no such thing as a lone hero. If the Heavenly Emperor’s Palace is as strong as you think, you will probably be the first to be eliminated. If you are still confident, then this proposal is as good as gone… There are plenty of places that want to ally with us…”

The Grand Commander rose to his feet. Without any hesitation, he turned and began to walk away.

“Wait a moment. You are a very impatient one. What are the conditions for the alliance?”

The Grand Commander replied without turning around.

“Are you willing to form an alliance?”

“I will decide after hearing the conditions.”

Based on the words of the one who called himself the Dark Demon Emperor, it was clear that his position and authority within the Heavenly Emperor’s Palace were not insignificant. Enough to decide on such a crucial matter…

The Grand Commander turned around.

“It is very simple. The first is a non-aggression pact. We need a promise that we will not invade each other until the other forces in the martial world are destroyed.”

“Hmm… That is only natural.”

“The second is the formation of a joint front. Ah, of course, it would be problematic if other forces knew that we are allied. However, we will coordinate our opinions, and all operations during the long journey to dominate the Central Plains will be done jointly. For this, close communication between us is required.”

“Hmm, and?”

“Information sharing. We must know not only about the enemy but also about the power structure of your forces and our Blood Demon Heaven.”

“What? That is a bit unreasonable, isn’t it?”

“This is the minimum measure to maintain trust between us. If we know each other’s power structure, we can know each other’s movements to some extent, and that is the only way to maintain our faith in each other until the end.”

“Is that so? Very well. What’s next?”

“Finally, until all enemies are eliminated, each side must place a portion of their forces in the other’s camp.”

“What did you say? Hmm… That is difficult.”

“Why is it difficult?”

“Why is it difficult, you ask? Do you not know why? If you eliminate our forces first and then try to cause internal chaos through the forces you have planted on our side, we would not be happy about that. How can an alliance be maintained with such anxiety?”

“Isn’t that the same for both sides? Either way, our alliance must be maintained until the other forces are destroyed, whether we like it or not. It will also contribute to information sharing, and if we contact each other regularly, we can guard against sudden betrayals.”

“Hmm… Very well. But.”

“What is it?”

“We also have one request. According to our investigation, there are three people in the Central Plains that we must be most wary of.”

“Three people?”

“That’s right. If only those three are eliminated, a bloodless victory is not just a dream. After all, except for our two forces, the Sasa Blood Cult is the only opponent worth being wary of. If we eliminate Zhang Sanfeng of the Wudang, the Jade Faced Divine Dragon, and the Heavenly Demon Scholar, the conquest of the Central Plains will be much faster. So, if the Blood Demon Heaven eliminates those three, we will accept the alliance and accept all of your requests.”

The Grand Commander was dumbfounded. What kind of trick was this?

“Are you serious? According to my information, the Heavenly Demon Scholar has already seized control of the Central Plains Demonic Path. The Jade Faced Divine Dragon is also the de facto leader of the Righteous Martial Alliance. Moreover, the Wudang’s Zhang Sanfeng is like a divine dragon, and even finding his traces is not easy. Those three are the very power of the Central Plains. Are you telling us to eliminate them? Do you think that makes any sense? If we had the power to deal with them so easily, would we have proposed an alliance with your palace?”

The Dark Demon Emperor, perhaps realizing that his request was a bit unreasonable, made a concession.

“Then… show us the sincerity of eliminating even one of the three. Then we will form an alliance.”

‘A cunning bastard. Very well. For now, I will follow your lead. But after everything is done according to our will, I will kill you first.’

“Very well. I will kill the Heavenly Demon Scholar.”

“Then our alliance is established. I look forward to hearing news of the Heavenly Demon Scholar’s death soon. Hahaha, with the alliance of our two forces, swallowing the martial world will be a matter of time.”

‘What an absurd person. I understand having some confidence, but this is not good. It seems that he does not yet know the true power of the Central Plains martial world… Is this really the right thing to do? Why did Senior Brother tell me to form an alliance with this Heavenly Emperor’s Palace…’

★ In Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, there are three famous figures. One was called the Great Master of All Knowledge (萬通大老) because he was said to know all the principles of the world, another was called the Great Master of Divine Craftsmanship (神匠大老) because there was nothing he could not make with his hands, and the last was called the Great Master of Myriad Skills (萬功大老), the Unrivaled Martial Scholar (無不武學者), because there was no martial art he did not know. These three were the pride of the Shanxi martial world and also renowned figures of the righteous martial world. Wherever they went, the best seats were always reserved for them, such was their fame. They were friends of similar age, and they had once decided to retire on the same day, and today they were finally putting it into practice.

It was the first time that so many martial artists had gathered in Taiyuan. Even though the current situation in the martial world was not peaceful, martial artists and sects who were close to them, as well as martial artists based in Shanxi, had gathered in large numbers. The Hidden Retirement Grounds, where they would spend the rest of their lives after retirement, was so crowded that there was no room to step. It was said that retiring in the martial world was only possible for those who were born with the blessings of three lifetimes, so it was not awkward for them to receive the blessings of everyone.

Kang Hochung, the chief manager of the Hidden Retirement Grounds, shook his head at the influx of people. He had expected it to some extent, as a golden retirement was not common in the martial world, but he was flustered because he had not anticipated it would be this successful. The Hidden Retirement Grounds had only about 100 subordinates, and when more than 3,000 martial artists gathered, their hard work was immense. They were busy setting up awnings and seats inside and outside the grounds, and it was difficult to even procure food.

“Chief Manager, the food is running out.”

The chief manager held his head. Suwoon, the head of the maids, was a clever and intelligent girl who was usually meticulous in her work, and the chief manager had great faith in her. She was staring at the chief manager, demanding that he quickly come up with a solution.

“You take the children and order food from the restaurants in the city. We can procure as much alcohol as we need… Money is no object, so invite chefs and buy all the food ingredients from the restaurants. Hurry up.”

“Yes, I understand.”

Watching Suwoon run off, the chief manager felt dizzy.

‘The retirement ceremony is still two hours away, and the feast will probably last all night. And the Martial Alliance has not even arrived yet…’

He stepped outside. Awnings were set up everywhere, and martial artists were sitting on mats, drinking and chatting loudly. The situation outside was not much different. On one side, there were subordinates recording names in the guest book, but they had already given up on recording them, as if they had given up.

On the one hand, he was relieved that so many martial artists had gathered. Usually, at such retirement ceremonies, people who were not on good terms or had grudges would come and cause trouble, and it was necessary to handle them well in order to retire.

‘Of course, the three sect leaders have never made enemies in the martial world, so such a thing would not happen, but even if something unfortunate were to happen, there are so many guests that it would be easily resolved.’

The chief manager had to run around busily again.

In the Gyeongcheon Hall [Hall of Reverence for Heaven], the only grand hall in the Hidden Retirement Grounds, the sect leaders of the small and medium-sized sects of Shanxi were seated. There were barely 10 of them, so it was a bit cramped for a grand hall, but it did not look too desolate.

“We are overwhelmed that you have come to celebrate our retirement. We hope you will enjoy yourselves to the fullest.”

The bald head of the Great Master of All Knowledge, Ki Munseon, shone particularly brightly today. His kind eyes showed satisfaction, but also a hint of unease. The two sect leaders sitting next to him seemed to feel the same way.

Thud.

The door shook violently and opened, and the chief manager rushed in with a flustered expression. The Great Master of All Knowledge jumped to his feet.

“What is it?”

The chief manager tried to say something while catching his breath, but all that came out was a rough gasp.

Only after the Great Master of All Knowledge scolded him did he finally speak.

“Now… outside… there are strange people causing trouble. They said that if you don’t bring the sect leaders, they will turn this place into a wasteland…”

“What did you say?”

The Great Master of All Knowledge had the look of someone who knew this was coming, and the one who questioned the chief manager’s words was the Great Master of Myriad Skills, Chu Jaseung. The three sect leaders quickly exchanged glances. The faces of the guests in the hall were filled with bewilderment as they watched them.

Jin Pyoyul, the sect leader of the Iron Blood Sect, one of the pillars of the Shanxi martial world, stepped forward. He tapped the hilt of his sword once and spoke in a polite voice.

“What is going on?”

“It’s nothing. You all stay here. We will go and find out what is going on.”

The three sect leaders followed the chief manager outside, and Ho Ageom, unable to suppress his curiosity, followed them. When they came outside, a tense atmosphere was flowing outside the Hidden Retirement Grounds. At least thirty people were riding on glossy black horses, looking at the crowd with arrogance, and despite their large number, their aura was so ominous that no one was stopping them. In front of them, the guards of the Hidden Retirement Grounds were standing guard at the gate, but they looked pathetic.

[Your divination was accurate again today. I was hoping it would be wrong, even just for today…]

The one who sent the telepathic message to the Great Master of All Knowledge was Ho Manduk, the Great Master of Divine Craftsmanship, one of the three sect leaders of the Hidden Retirement Grounds. The Great Master of All Knowledge, with a worried look on his face, looked ahead at his telepathic message. As they appeared in the hall, the crowd made way for them.

The Great Master of All Knowledge looked ahead. There were only thirty people, but the aura they emitted felt like more than three hundred. His gaze naturally stopped at the young man standing at the very front of the group. Judging by the atmosphere and their positions, he was considered the leader of the group. He was wearing black martial attire darker than the black horse, and his eyes were sharp. Overall, he exuded a sharp aura, like a drawn sword.

He swept his arrogant gaze over the three sect leaders.

“Are you the sect leaders of this place? The ones who are having a retirement ceremony today…”

His voice was devoid of any emotion. It was as if he was showing what it meant to be devoid of human sentiment.

“How rude. How dare a junior in the martial world speak so rudely to a senior…”

It was the roar of the Iron Blood Sect leader. The crowd echoed his words.

“Why don’t you get off your horse?”

“Where did you come from? Reveal your identity.”

The black-clad man on the horse simply turned his head and looked at the crowd’s reaction.

Yet, the hall suddenly became quiet.

The Great Master of All Knowledge stepped forward and said,

“That is correct. We are the three sect leaders of this Hidden Retirement Grounds. And who are you? And what is your business here?”

“It is not necessary for you to know. We have come a long way. We just happened to find out that there was a retirement ceremony here. Prepare a place for our group to rest and provide us with hospitality.”

Everyone in the hall wondered if they had heard wrong.

‘That man has always been one to give orders. And seeing that he came from afar, he is likely from outside the borders. Today, there will be more misfortune than good. If I do not act carefully today, I will face great difficulties.’

The Great Master of All Knowledge carefully looked up at the man and began to speak.

“Come in. Is that something we cannot do? It is always good to have more guests at a feast… Chief Manager, please guide them.”

“Yes, Sect Leader.”

“Wait a moment.”

What was it this time? Unease flashed across the faces of the three sect leaders.

“I hate crowds. Send everyone in the hall out.”

That was clearly unreasonable. No one would treat someone who said such things with a good face. However, the Great Master of All Knowledge’s face did not change, and he responded calmly.

“Today is the retirement ceremony of us three old men. And the people here have come to celebrate our retirement. We cannot ask these people to leave. So, I hope you will concede.”

People could not understand why he was being so humble.

“Very well. I will concede. Postpone the retirement ceremony until tomorrow. We will stay here for just one day.”

“You insolent bastard. I don’t know who you are, but you are truly arrogant beyond measure.”

The Iron Blood Sect leader could no longer hold back and shouted in anger. The black-clad man’s gaze rested on him.

“It seems you wish to die.”

That was all he said. In an instant, a cold killing intent arose in the hall, and the eyes of the thirty or so warriors began to shine coldly.

“Sect Leader. Are you just going to let these bastards be?”

It was the Iron Blood Sect leader’s words. He had turned the conversation around because the other side’s aura was not to be trifled with. However, he still did not forget to glare back at them without losing his own momentum.

The three sect leaders were truly in a dilemma.

‘What should we do? If we do not accept their demands, they will unleash their killing intent… They are definitely not to be trifled with. Just by seeing that they are not wavering even in front of this large crowd, we can tell what kind of people they are. What should we do?’

They could have ended their ties with the martial world and lived comfortably for the rest of their lives in just one day, but why did this have to happen at the very end? Depending on how they answered, the atmosphere in the hall would change. If they accepted the black-clad men’s demands, they would be branded as cowards by the crowd that had gathered here to celebrate their retirement, and if they stood up for their pride and acted tough, this place would surely become a bloodbath. Neither option was what they wanted.

[What are you going to do?]

It was the telepathic message that the Great Master of Myriad Skills sent to the Great Master of All Knowledge.

[Let’s uphold our pride as martial artists.]

This was the final decision of the Great Master of All Knowledge.

“No matter how much I think about it, that is unreasonable. It is not possible. Please just go back.”

The faces of the crowd in the hall showed that they thought it was only natural at the Great Master of All Knowledge’s words. Now, the focus was on what kind of attitude they would show.

“You are a foolish one. To invite death because of that petty pride… Boys, clear the hall.”

“Understood.”

“Understood.”

The thirty black-clad warriors answered at the same time, then drew the swords they were wearing at their waists and scattered in all directions. They quickly blended into the crowd, and their swords spat fire.

“Aaaagh!”

After the first scream, screams continued to echo from all over the place.

“You bastards!”

The Iron Blood Sect leader drew his sword and charged at one of the black-clad men. The three sect leaders and the subordinates of the Hidden Retirement Grounds also drew their weapons and rushed in. In an instant, the hall became a scene of chaos.