Emperor’s Sword [EN]: Chapter 82

The black-clad figures descended like wolves upon a peaceful flock of sheep. Each thrust and swing of their swords was followed by the dying screams of the heroes. Their swordsmanship was unnervingly swift and brutal. The Iron Blood Sect Leader targeted the back of a black-clad figure who had just withdrawn his sword from a victim’s heart. As his sword energy reached the target, the figure sensed it and swiftly blocked with his own blade.

Clang!

“Huu!”

The Iron Blood Sect Leader nearly dropped his sword from the shock. His grip was already torn, and as he retreated, the black-clad figure pursued him relentlessly, unleashing a series of vicious attacks.

‘Who are these people? Even their underlings are this strong?’

His surprise was understandable. While they might not match the masters of the Martial Alliance, the elite of the Central Plains martial world, the fact that he, a respected figure in the Shanxi martial world, was struggling so much was baffling. The Iron Blood Sect Leader retreated, fear gripping him. When the black-clad figure’s sword thrust towards his center again, he blocked with all his might.

Clang!

Clang!

“Ugh…”

Again, the opponent’s sword energy was almost unbearable. The impact felt like striking a massive iron wall. Unease washed over him. It was as if he had disturbed beings that should have been left alone.

“You!”

He roared, pulling back and focusing all his inner energy into his sword. A three-foot-long sword aura bloomed, and the Tiger Fang Sword struck out three times, aiming for the opponent’s heart. He was certain he would inflict damage this time. However, his hopes were dashed when four black-clad figures surrounded him, their swords thrusting from all directions.

“Kuh!”

It was unbelievable. Four swords pierced his heart, neck, back, and abdomen, and blood gushed out like a torrent. His consciousness faded, and his body felt like it was collapsing. That was the end. The black-clad figures continued their relentless assault on the heroes, but none were strong enough to stop them.

The heroes, who had staked their lives on their swords, put up a fierce resistance, but it was all in vain. Gradually, those farther from the main battle began to flee. Even though it was a battle of three thousand against thirty, they valued their own lives above all else and had no interest in a victory that would come after their deaths. If they had held on, their victory would have been certain, but their fear was too overwhelming.

“Hahahaha, kill them all! Don’t leave a single Central Plains mongrel alive!”

The three leaders of the Hidden Retirement Grounds exchanged glances and flew towards the black-clad figure who was still laughing on horseback. Their attacks were as fierce as their anger, but the black-clad figure merely glanced at them. His gaze remained cold and contemptuous, as if looking at insects. The Mantong Leader pulled out his judge’s brush [a short, rod-like weapon], the Mangong Leader held a short spear, and the Shinjang Leader, the fastest of the three, reached the opponent, sword in hand. He leaped into the air and swung his sword down with all his might. The Shinjang Leader could clearly see the sneer on the opponent’s face. The arrogant youth on horseback didn’t even flinch, raising one hand. A red aura filled his palm, and then a sound like tearing air exploded.

Bang!

“Guh!”

The Shinjang Leader was sent flying. However, he was experienced. He flipped in the air, regained his balance, and landed on the ground, immediately charging back at his opponent. He could clearly see the Mantong Leader’s judge’s brush and the Mangong Leader’s short spear being repelled by the opponent’s force. In that instant, the opponent’s body blurred and disappeared from his sight… He turned his head, searching for him. The Mantong and Shinjang Leaders were also on the ground, barely able to stand, looking for the black-clad man.

‘Where did this guy disappear to?’

The Shinjang Leader quickly scanned his surroundings. The corpses around him were all guests who had come to celebrate their retirement. The thirty black-clad figures were chasing after the fleeing heroes, slaughtering them.

“Central Plains vermin. I will show you what true heaven is like. When you go to hell and Yama [the King of Hell in East Asian mythology] asks who sent you, tell him that the Blood Hand Heavenly Sovereign himself took action.”

The three men quickly looked up at the source of the voice and, without a word, leaped towards the black-clad man floating in the air. He was stepping on the air, his hands stretched towards the sky, and in his hands, a wheel that resembled the sun was spinning fiercely, drawing in light. He lightly flicked his hand downwards. Then, two wheels that had been spinning in his hand flew towards the Mantong and Mangong Leaders with a strange sound. The Mangong Leader thought he had split the light with his spear, and the Mantong Leader thought he had deflected it with his judge’s brush. But reality betrayed their expectations. The spear shattered, their heads split open, and their hearts were pierced, their backs exploding.

The two men died without even screaming. The Shinjang Leader mustered all his strength and thrust his sword at the black-clad man. His will to kill was immense, but the opponent still mocked him, tearing his heart to shreds.

“Ugh!”

The two wheels that had pierced the Mantong and Mangong Leaders grazed the Shinjang Leader’s shoulder, and his arms were severed from his body, still holding his sword. He rolled on the ground, struggling, but the more he struggled, the faster the blood drained from his body.

He tried to hold onto the last thread of consciousness, but it was useless. In his sideways vision, he saw the gruesome corpses of his two friends, and in front of them, his own two arms, which had been with him for even longer, were covered in dirt, still tightly gripping their swords. Pain washed over him. But stronger than the pain was the injustice, and what blurred his vision was tears.

‘To go like this… If I had known life was so futile… I would not have taken up the sword. What have I done? Why did I wield the sword, and why did I fight so desperately? If it was to meet such a miserable death… Hahaha…’

“Hahahahahahaha!”

He spent the last of his life force on a handful of laughter. The Blood Hand Heavenly Sovereign approached him, looking down at him. The contemptuous smile still lingered on his lips.

“You madman. To think I had to personally step in to get rid of trash like you… Now the Central Plains will realize. The sky is not always blue, and when the sky is angry, what kind of curse it brings… I am the sky.”

He raised his foot and placed it over the Shinjang Leader’s head. Then, he pressed down with force and opened his mouth.

“You will feel the greatness of the sky to your bones.”

Crack!

It was the sound of another noble life disappearing. When his head burst and brain matter flowed out, the Blood Hand Heavenly Sovereign wiped the bottom of his shoe on the Mangong Leader’s clothes. He looked around. Blood flowed between the corpses, soaking the ground, and the acrid smell of blood mixed with the wind. At the end of his gaze, he saw his subordinates, who were approaching quickly with blood-stained swords. The Blood Hand Heavenly Sovereign mounted his horse.

It was then.

Dududududu!

The black-clad figures around them looked towards the horizon, on guard. A cavalry of at least three hundred was approaching at high speed. The sound of their hooves had a pleasant rhythm, like a single breath. As they drew closer, the black-clad warriors’ guard seemed to relax. They mounted their horses and lined up behind the Blood Hand Heavenly Sovereign.

“They are my elder brother’s men.”

The calm words explained that the approaching cavalry was not an outsider. One of them stepped forward in front of the Blood Hand Heavenly Sovereign, dismounted, and knelt on one knee.

“I congratulate you on your entry into the Central Plains, Second Lord.”

“Did my elder brother send you?”

“Yes, that is correct.”

“You have gone to unnecessary trouble. I will be traveling the Central Plains alone for a while, so you don’t need to worry about me and go back.”

The middle-aged warrior, clad in stylish black armor, looked up at the Blood Hand Heavenly Sovereign, his face clearly showing his reluctance.

“That is not possible. The Grand Duke ordered that you be brought back, Second Lord.”

The Blood Hand Heavenly Sovereign’s eyes twitched, and an overwhelming killing intent emanated from his entire body, pressuring the other man.

“Since when have you… dared to contradict me? How dare you say such things to me… Do you want to die?”

The middle-aged warrior lowered his head even further and cautiously opened his mouth.

“It is not that… According to the Grand Duke’s orders, you must be brought back for the alliance with the Blood Demon Heaven. This is also the Emperor’s order.”

The Blood Hand Heavenly Sovereign’s killing intent subsided, and he showed a look of doubt.

“My master? Hmm… An alliance with the Blood Demon Heaven? That’s absurd. An alliance with such trash? Fine. Let’s go. Where is my elder brother now?”

“The Grand Duke is staying in Luoyang.”

“Luoyang? Hmph… He made such a big deal about conquering the Central Plains, but I don’t know what he’s been doing all this time. Even if he is my elder brother, if I find any dereliction of duty, that too is unforgivable. Elder brother, I will make sure that a humble smile appears on your arrogant face someday.”

He spoke these words without paying any attention to the man in front of him, and the middle-aged warrior, who had seen this many times, showed no particular reaction. The Blood Hand Heavenly Sovereign, escorted by the 300 cavalry, rode south.

★ The Four Imperial Stars, who had been lurking in Songpan, Sichuan, began their operations. They led a cavalry of five thousand and advanced into Chengdu, Sichuan. At the forefront of their forces were 500 Soul-Controlled Blood Zombies, the culmination of the Four Imperial Stars’ ambition to dominate the Central Plains martial world. The blood zombies, dyed red as if they had just been pulled from a pit of blood, exuded a sinister aura that made one lose the will to fight just by looking at them. It had been a long time since zombies had disappeared from the martial world. This was because the method of making them was so difficult, and they were not very effective compared to the effort required.

Zombies were usually created using special techniques or drugs, and their skin and bones were stronger than those of ordinary humans. Moreover, because they were not living humans, they did not feel pain. For this reason, they were often used in the past, but now they had mostly disappeared. The biggest reason was the general increase in the inner energy of martial artists. The limit that zombies could withstand was sword energy, so they were nothing more than flapping scarecrows to masters who could use sword qi [internal energy manifested as a blade of energy]. They would rush towards their target, but they could not change their attacks or defend themselves, making them expensive and ineffective.

However, there were two types of zombies that were still feared. One was the Ink Blood Zombie, which was once used by the Demonic Cult, and the other was the Soul-Controlled Blood Zombie, created by the Betrayer Sect. Unlike other zombies, these two types were created by suppressing the consciousness of living humans, making them excellent in their use. Furthermore, they could use their original martial arts and make their own judgments, and their skin was extremely durable compared to ordinary zombies, making it difficult for even masters who could use sword qi to deal with them at once. The fact that there were 500 such Soul-Controlled Blood Zombies was the same as having 500 peak masters who did not fear death at the forefront.

The impact was immediate. The Jeseon Branch of the Ohryeon Union was the first point of entry to Chengdu from Songpan. Consequently, the Ohryeon Union, which had been closely monitoring the Four Fiends Castle’s movements, had stationed a tenth of its total forces there. The combined strength of the Martial Alliance, primarily the Ohryeon Union, gathered in Chengdu, numbered close to 20,000. Including the small and medium-sized sects that had flocked from all over Sichuan Province, the total exceeded 30,000. The fact that the 3,000 masters of the Jeseon Branch were annihilated by the 5,500 of the Four Fiends Castle in just half an hour was truly shocking. The Blood Zombies, who could deflect swords and blades, were enough to instill fear even in seasoned martial artists who had spent their lives on bloody battlefields. The Nine Palace Soul-Extinguishing Formation [a complex formation designed to trap and kill enemies] deployed by the 3,000 masters was easily shattered by the 500 Blood Zombies. The only evidence that they had not given up their resistance until the very end was the river of blood flowing across the land.

“What are you saying? The Jeseon Branch was annihilated in just half an hour?”

Nangong Hui, the leader of the Ohryeon Union, known as the Azure Sky Divine Sword, shouted, his voice echoing rapidly across the vast main hall. Everyone’s minds were filled with the same anxiety, and a sense of unease quickly began to dominate their consciousness. Nangong Hui’s cry further amplified their apprehension, making them realize how serious the current situation was. Peng Hou, the head of the Peng family and an elder of the Ohryeon Union, known as the Mountain-Crushing Divine Fist, stepped forward, unable to contain his fiery temper.

“Union Leader, if we delay any longer, we might have to surrender Sichuan Province without even putting up a proper fight. It would be better to withdraw the branch’s forces and engage in battle. We must fight them to the death, until the last man.”

As if waiting for his words to end, Mo Yong Jung-il, the head of the Mo Yong family, known as the Divine Calculation Ghost Sword, stepped forward, twisting his beard as he spoke with difficulty.

“The reason the Jeseon Branch fell so easily is because of the Soul-Controlled Blood Zombies. Unless we have a proper countermeasure, we have no chance of winning even if we engage in an all-out war. It would be better to give up Sichuan Province and fight only after establishing a solid plan. We must be cautious.”

Elder Peng was well aware of the cautious nature of the Mo Yong family head, but his words were so displeasing that he felt his anger rising.

“Mo Yong Family Head, how can you so easily suggest giving up Sichuan Province? If we give up this place and retreat, where will we go? If we have to face the enemy anyway, we should decide the outcome here.”

Elder Peng’s gaze shifted from Mo Yong Jung-il to Nangong Hui.

“Union Leader, there is no time to hesitate. If the Jeseon Branch has fallen, then Joyang is next. After that, it will be Gongji and Cheonmyeon, and then they will come here. Therefore, we must withdraw the branch’s forces to the Cheonmyeon Branch and stop them at Jangwoopyeong or Hamryang Mountain. We have received word that the Martial Alliance cannot provide any further support, and there are no other allies to help us. Union Leader! Make a decision.”

The leaders of the sects belonging to the Ohryeon Union, gathered in the main hall, focused on what decision Union Leader Nangong Hui would make. Their feelings were no different from the opinions of the two elders, and they were divided in similar proportions. Looking at their eyes, Nangong Hui opened his mouth. His even teeth were revealed as he began to speak.

“With our current forces, we can stop them. However… we will also suffer severe damage. As the Mo Yong Family Head said, we must make a wise choice. Giving up Sichuan Province is not a big deal. We must look at the bigger picture. Considering the current state of the martial world, this is just the beginning, and the enemies we have to face are everywhere. The 5,500 troops of the Four Fiends Castle are just their vanguard. If we expend the entire strength of the Ohryeon Union to stop them, future martial historians will surely laugh at us. It is frustrating and unfair, but let’s retreat for now and find a way. Tang Clan Head!”

Nangong Hui’s eyes quickly found Tang Cheon-ik, the head of the Sichuan Tang Clan, known as the Poisonous Hand of Ten Thousand Miles. He stepped forward and answered the Union Leader’s call.

“Yes.”

“What is the weakness of the Soul-Controlled Blood Zombies?”

The Sichuan Tang Clan was the best in the Central Plains when it came to poison and hidden weapons. In addition, they had extensive knowledge of zombie creation, which was why the Union Leader asked. He hesitated. After meeting the gazes of the people around him several times with a burdened look, he sighed, his expression showing that he felt guilty for shattering their expectations.

“Union Leader, unfortunately, the Soul-Controlled Blood Zombies have no weaknesses. At least, only a master with internal energy of over three cycles [a measure of martial arts mastery] can inflict damage by exerting their full power. In the end, the only way is to cut off their limbs to prevent them from fighting.”

He lowered his gaze at the last moment. Nangong Hui leaned back and looked at the ceiling.

“A master with over three cycles? Huhu, they are ridiculously strong. If that is the only way… then listen well, everyone. If we cannot control our anger and fight back, we may ruin the overall situation. From this moment on, the main force of the Ohryeon Union will abandon Chengdu and retreat to Chongqing. Immediately contact the branches and minimize unnecessary losses.”

Elder Peng looked disapproving, but he seemed to accept it as inevitable. He looked directly at the Union Leader and said,

“What will you do if they do not stop their advance even after we retreat to Chongqing? Moreover, Chongqing has a river behind it. We could be massacred if we are not careful.”

“If they follow us relentlessly, we will stop them with our lives. That place will be the limit of our retreat, so I hope everyone is prepared for that. The meeting is over, and please start preparing immediately. Time is of the essence.”

“Understood, Union Leader.”

“Yes, sir.”

They quickly dispersed. Watching the busy movements of the people leaving the main hall, Nangong Hui let out a small sigh that only he could hear.

“Hoo… this is not good. Everything is moving faster than we expected. Moreover, this is just the beginning. After this storm of blood, will the righteous martial world even be able to survive?”

At this moment, his heart was shuddering with an indescribable sense of foreboding. The dark clouds that had suddenly gathered in the distant horizon made it impossible to see ahead, and it was as if the past years were mocking their own arrogance in suppressing the demonic path. A sense of regret washed over him.

★ The news of the annihilation of the Ohryeon Union’s Jeseon Branch and the retreat of the Martial Alliance’s western forces spread rapidly throughout the martial world. Anyone who had ever held a sword felt a sense of tension that made their hearts pound, and they began to take precautions both internally and externally. Humans who sense death always look around. In this regard, the martial artists of this era were unfortunate. Those with families were anxious that harm might come to them, and even wandering vagrants showed a different demeanor than usual. One common atmosphere was that a sense of urgency to protect the Central Plains was rapidly spreading in everyone’s hearts, and even the sects that had been at odds with each other for minor gains began to feel a sense of unity. One fortunate thing was that the advance of the Four Fiends Castle had stalled in Chengdu and had entered a lull.

★ The Mad Demon Lord was depressed all day. After going to the Demon Lord’s Hall by the order of the Supreme One, his heart had only grown heavier. Stopping his steps towards his residence, the Mad Demon Lord turned and approached the strategist’s residence.

“What brings you here?”

Strategist Zhuge Cho-hong expressed her surprise at the sudden visit of the Mad Demon Lord. Even after offering him a seat and pouring tea, her clear eyes stared intently, curious about the Mad Demon Lord’s intentions. The Mad Demon Lord took the teacup and drank a few sips, but he still hesitated, reluctant to speak.

“Please speak. Is there something you wish to ask me?”

The Mad Demon Lord mustered his courage and looked directly at Zhuge Cho-hong.

“Strategist.”

“Yes.”

“It’s nothing much, but there is something I want to know.”

She urged the Mad Demon Lord to continue with her silence.

“You oversee all the information, don’t you?”

“That’s right.”

“Perhaps…”

The Mad Demon Lord’s hand, reaching for the teacup again, clearly showed how difficult it was for him to say what he was about to say.

“Do you know anything about… the whereabouts of Cheonhyang Okbong, who left the Southern Alliance?”

An unexpected question came from the Mad Demon Lord’s mouth, and for a moment, Zhuge Cho-hong’s face showed an unclear emotion. Cheonhyang Okbong was always accustomed to discerning the true intentions of others from their words and actions, and now, this habit of hers was being activated.

‘Did he have this side to him? I thought he was an extremely cruel and cold person…’

She felt a warmth in her heart, not from curiosity about discovering a new fact, but from the pleasant feeling she had as a woman.

‘Could it be… love? This terrifying monster is in love with Cheonhyang Okbong?’

“I know.”

She readily admitted it. Although she knew that the Great Lord had deliberately ignored Cheonhyang Okbong’s crisis, she could not hide it from the man who was staring intently at her. As she was originally a member of the Blood Demon Heaven, she knew a lot about Cheonhyang Okbong. Moreover, the information she obtained as a strategist of the Demonic Alliance included information about her.

“Can you tell me?”

Zhuge Cho-hong hesitated. But only for a moment, her mouth opened willingly. She knew that she might be reprimanded by the Great Lord later, but a strong persuasion pulled her in, making her accept it.

“She is currently… kidnapped by the Central Plains forces of the Heavenly Emperor’s Palace. To be more precise, she is at the headquarters of the Great Punishment Hall. However, we have no idea what her current condition is.”

“Kidnapped… you said?”

“It is not clear, but it is certain that she disappeared with them.”

“Hmm… then, where is the headquarters of the Great Punishment Hall?”

“It is in Luoyang. In fact, the Great Punishment Hall is also a force of the Heavenly Emperor’s Palace…”

Her words continued, but the Mad Demon Lord’s ears did not allow him to hear them. He was lost in thought and soon got up.

“Thank you. I must go now.”

“Yes? Yes, please do. Be careful.”

Zhuge Cho-hong saw a deep loneliness and sadness in the Mad Demon Lord’s back as he turned away, though she was not sure if it was just her imagination. Even after he had completely disappeared from the room, she smiled with a gentle emotion that she could not describe. It was even more so because the person was none other than the Mad Demon Lord.