Emperor’s Sword [EN]: Chapter 94

The Strange Ferryman (2)

The hall chilled as the Blood Demon spoke. The Heavenly Demon, known as the eternal master of demons! The weight of that name was not lost even on these martial artists from beyond the borders. The Blood Demon trembled, unable to easily shake off his agitation. His bloodshot eyes blazed with murderous intent and demonic energy. He gasped for breath and spoke.

“How dare you be here? You, the sole heir of the Sub-Celestial Sect…

How can you, the sworn enemy of our sect, be in this place? And with such a grand title, no less… You wretch!

I haven’t forgotten the grudge from that day… Heh heh heh, this is perfect. I’ll kill you right here. You’ve saved me the trouble of seeking you out, so I should thank you. I will kill you and avenge my past grievances.”

The Blood Demon seemed convinced that the Hellish Demon King was the Heavenly Demon. On the other hand, the Demon Preceptor and the Inner Council Elder looked as if they couldn’t accept the Blood Demon’s words at face value, and there was no reaction from inside the palanquin where the sect leader was seated.

The people in the hall were bewildered, unsure how to react to this sudden turn of events. Their pupils trembled, not only from surprise and curiosity but also from a fear they couldn’t quite conceal.

The Heavenly Demon rose from his seat, his red hair swaying. A faint smile played on his lips, but its meaning was hard to decipher. He looked directly at the Blood Demon. His gaze was calm and unfathomable, showing no sign of bewilderment.

“Indeed… you recognize me. I recognized you instantly as well. Yes, as you said, I am the Heavenly Demon. I am the very Heavenly Demon who stopped your resurrection back then and sent you into another long slumber.”

“Oh!”

“So he really was the Heavenly Demon…”

“Hmm…”

The hall was instantly filled with a different kind of excitement. Now that he had admitted it himself, there was no doubt that the Hellish Demon King was the incarnation of the Heavenly Demon. However, it felt unnatural. The Heavenly Demon had revealed his identity so casually. The Blood Demon’s face twisted into a strange expression. However, the murderous intent that covered his entire face remained unchanged.

“Such confidence. I don’t know how you reappeared in this world, but this is not an easy place to be. Heh heh heh… I’ll make you regret crawling out again.”

“Try it if you can. You were never my match, even in the past. You’ll only waste your energy. You’ll always be chasing my shadow. It’s a shame you still haven’t realized that.”

“Not so! Things are different now than they were then. Now that I’ve achieved complete awakening, someone like you…”

“Even if you awaken a thousand or ten thousand times, nothing will change. Pathetic! Do you think I’m the Heavenly Demon for nothing? Try me if you want. But… you should forget about seeing the world any longer.”

The Blood Demon was enraged by the confident reply. Of course, in terms of their importance in the martial world, he was no match for the Heavenly Demon. However, he was confident. The rage that had been swirling around him had swelled to the point where it could no longer be contained and felt like it would burst at any moment. He slowly began to focus his power, and the Heavenly Demon, who had been carefully watching his reaction, also became cautious.

Their confrontation might have been an unavoidable fate. The Blood Demon’s feelings toward the Heavenly Demon were something that could not be extinguished even after eons.

The murderous intent that soared to the heavens seemed like it would not die even in death.

The faces of the Demon Preceptor and the Inner Council Elder also looked strange at this moment. He was a comrade who had contributed to their conquest of the martial world. Now, he was revealed to be their mortal enemy, someone they could not reconcile with. No matter how old they were, they could not hide their emotional turmoil.

What slowly began to dominate the faces of most of the people in the hall was hostility. They had no particular grudge against him, but the recent appearance of the Heavenly Demon Sect and their power alone made it clear that they were enemies. The founder of that Heavenly Demon Sect, the Heavenly Demon, was also clearly an enemy, and someone they had to kill now that they had met.

Their faces also showed an undeniable tension. Even if only one in ten of the legends about the Heavenly Demon were true, his martial arts would be enough to cover the sky. Even though this was their territory and all the core experts of the sect were present, they still couldn’t feel at ease.

It was almost simultaneous when the Heavenly Demon finished his retort and the Blood Demon moved.

*Pshhh!* Following a movement so fast that it was impossible to discern with the human eye, explosions that shook the hall began to erupt one after another.

The Heavenly Demon’s body also disappeared from everyone’s sight in an instant. It seemed that the two had begun their fight, but their forms were not easily captured. The way they exchanged attacks was beyond the common sense of conventional martial arts.

The Blood Demon was transforming his entire body into a demonic form, using the Blood Shadow Lightning Blade Technique, while the Heavenly Demon was hiding his body with a stealth technique and creating invisible swords to attack. Their battle did not seem like it would end easily. Those around them hurriedly retreated to one side, and only the Demon Preceptor and the Inner Council Elder remained, protecting the palanquin and carefully watching the fierce battle.

“Kekekeke, so you really are the Heavenly Demon. I was defeated by this invisible sword in the past… but it won’t be so easy this time.”

The Blood Demon’s voice gradually became tainted with demonic energy, as if he was losing his reason. Perhaps due to his excessive excitement, his voice was filled with glee. In contrast, the Heavenly Demon’s voice remained calm.

“The Blood Shadow Lightning Blade Technique might be a threat to others, but it’s nothing more than child’s play to me. It’s pathetic that you still haven’t realized that.”

Before the Heavenly Demon, about a dozen invisible swords had already taken shape and were aligned, and the Blood Demon’s blade was emitting an even more intense red light in the air, creating lightning. The power to destroy everything that was unleashed in an instant would come from both of them. Everyone in the hall held their breath and focused on the upcoming confrontation.

At that moment, a solemn voice that restrained the Blood Demon’s actions flowed from inside the palanquin, where they had been silently observing the situation.

“Guardian Dharma Master, stop.”

The calm voice was imbued with an inviolable dignity. No one in this place could ignore that voice. The Guardian Dharma Master, the Blood Demon, was no exception. Of course, even though he had been the Guardian Dharma Master since long ago, he could not ignore the authority of the sect leader. The Blood Demon’s body, which had been moving, faltered.

The Heavenly Demon had a slightly surprised look on his face, but at the same time, he also seemed to have expected this. As all eyes focused on the palanquin, the familiar mysterious voice flowed out like a melody.

“Heavenly Demon.”

“Speak.”

Now that everything was exposed, the Heavenly Demon had no reason to use honorifics with the sect leader.

The sect leader, the Blood Demon, and the two Preceptors didn’t seem to think much of this attitude. After all, there was no point in making an issue of it now, but it was another moment that proved that no one could match the Heavenly Demon when it came to brazenness.

“Would you be willing to move our location and have a more in-depth conversation? It seems like it would be beneficial.”

“Hmm…”

“Sect Leader, are you in your right mind? Don’t you know that any conversation with that wretch is meaningless?”

The Blood Demon was furious. The Demon Preceptor and the Inner Council Elder frowned at his childishly agitated behavior. However, they also couldn’t hide their surprise at the sect leader’s reaction. The sect leader they knew was not like this. He was always cautious, but he was not the type to be cautious about something like this. He was someone who would not hesitate at all, yet he had made a somewhat unexpected proposal.

The Heavenly Demon remained calm and accepted the sect leader’s offer.

“Very well. I have no reason to hesitate even if we were to settle things here, but if you want to talk, I am not one to refuse.”

His tone had changed slightly. Then, a hearty laugh burst out from inside the palanquin.

“Hahahaha, as expected of the greatest demon lord in the martial world, you have a lot of composure.”

“Hmm.”

*Sss sss sss* The palanquin floated into the air on its own and moved out of the main hall, followed by the Demon Preceptor, the Inner Council Elder, and the Heavenly Demon.

The two were wary of the Heavenly Demon. They didn’t know when he might make a move. Only the Blood Demon, left alone behind them, glared with his bloodshot eyes, unable to contain his anger. When his companions disappeared before his eyes, he had no choice but to follow them, quickly leaving the main hall.

As the situation took an unexpected turn, the remaining people in the hall were buzzing with discussion, trying to make sense of this shocking event. Only Jeokrua stared intently at the place where the Blood Demon had disappeared, smiling faintly.

After passing through a long passage, they arrived at the deepest part of the Martial Emperor’s Castle. This was a place that the Martial Emperor had prepared for the sect leader. It was smaller than a main hall but too large to be called a room. In the center of the huge inner chamber, the palanquin was placed, and the Heavenly Demon, the Demon Preceptor, and the Inner Council Elder sat around it. The Blood Demon, who had entered last, immediately shouted as he stepped into the inner chamber.

“I cannot sit in the same place as that wretch.”

“Ugh.”

“It might take a long time, so don’t be stubborn and sit there.”

At the sect leader’s words, the Blood Demon seemed to hesitate for a moment before plopping down across from the Heavenly Demon.

He stared intently at the Heavenly Demon. The Heavenly Demon did not even glance at him. His gaze remained fixed on the palanquin.

If it weren’t for the Blood Demon’s rough breathing, the room would have been as silent as if it were empty. Even in this silence, the Heavenly Demon’s attitude was full of composure.

Once again, a voice flowed from inside the palanquin. If that voice had been a little later, the Blood Demon would have almost had another outburst.

“How about we be a little more honest? As far as I know, you are not unrelated to us… and I don’t think there’s any reason for us to be at odds.”

No reason to be at odds? What did that mean…? The Blood Demon and the other two Preceptors were dumbfounded, not knowing what the sect leader’s words meant. The implication that they were not unrelated seemed like it would linger for quite some time.

“Hmm, so the sect leader knew.”

“Of course, I knew. I was also a little surprised when I learned that fact. The fact that you, the sole heir of the Sub-Celestial Sect, who is considered the mortal enemy of the Sun Moon Sect, are connected to us in such a way… Heavenly Demon!”

“Speak.”

“You came to us a little late. I think I knew that fact quite a while ago. What happened?”

“That… there were circumstances. And I wasn’t sure if you were the ones behind the Martial Emperor’s Faction.”

“Hmm, then I won’t ask any further. But isn’t it time for us to join forces?”

The faces of the Blood Demon and the two Preceptors showed expressions of impatience, their minds filled with unresolved questions. The situation was rapidly changing in an unexpected direction, and it was difficult for them to accept. The Blood Demon, in particular, looked like he would be satisfied only if he unleashed his killing intent right away, and he could not tolerate this strange conversation.

“Sect Leader, what are you talking about? You’re asking to join forces with that wretch? What is the reason? No, whatever the reason, I cannot accept it. One of us, him or me, must die here. Absolutely!”

His attitude was so different from how he usually treated the sect leader that it was almost aggressive. The Inner Council Elder and the Preceptor had never seen him act like this before. They also stared blankly for a moment. They were just as curious.

As the Blood Demon pushed himself up from his seat, the two, except for the Heavenly Demon, were at a loss, only looking towards the palanquin. The Inner Council Elder sensed that the Blood Demon’s attitude was not a threat and quickly spoke.

“Sect Leader, the Dharma Master is right. Please explain the valid reason. Why are you saying such things?”

However, no more words came from inside the palanquin. He seemed to be waiting for the Heavenly Demon’s next words. The Heavenly Demon was not interested in the atmosphere in the room. He seemed to be completely preoccupied with something. The words that flowed out of the palanquin again only confused the people in the room even more.

“The Heavenly Demon… is not unrelated to us, if you think about it. I can’t go into details, but just know that.”

The sect leader’s words only raised more questions and made them more impatient. He couldn’t explain… and they should just know that? It was suffocating. They had a right to know at least the minimum, and unless that was satisfied, it would be difficult for them to accept the current situation without resistance.

“Tell us quickly. What are you going to do? Isn’t it time to make your position clear? If you continue to hesitate and maintain an ambiguous stance, we will have no choice but to assume that’s your intention.”

The corner of the Heavenly Demon’s mouth curled up slightly and then went down. He looked displeased with everything.

“I… haven’t decided everything yet. But it’s clear that I’m on your side. So don’t tell me what to do and just wait. Anyway, it won’t make much of a difference to the overall situation even if I’m not here…”

“That’s true. Heavenly Demon, it’s enough for us to acknowledge that you’re not blocking our path. I don’t want to ask you to interfere in our affairs… but I don’t think you’ll be safe if you show such a lukewarm attitude. What do you think? I’m a little worried about that.”

“That’s my problem.”

The Blood Demon couldn’t interject a single word during the conversation between the two. Was it because he felt wronged and resentful? No, that wasn’t it. Anyway, judging from the sect leader’s words, it was clear that his idea of killing the Heavenly Demon would not work. The Blood Demon did not want to accept this subtle situation itself.

‘What are they talking about? That wretch, who deserves to be beaten to death, is on our side? And the sect leader’s words mean that this was already planned? What is going on that I don’t know about?’

The Blood Demon’s inner turmoil was not important to the sect leader. However, he couldn’t help but say one thing.

“Listen carefully. The three of you must acknowledge the Heavenly Demon as our ally and not commit any disrespect. If anyone violates this and acts rashly… I, as the sect leader, will never overlook it.”

‘If the damned sect leader has gone this far, it’s already over.’

The Blood Demon served the sect leader with all his heart. It was not only because he was the sect leader who oversaw the Sun Moon Sect, but also because he himself acknowledged his strength and wisdom. Frankly, the Inner Council Elder and the Demon Preceptor were not very impressive. When you think about it, they were just novices in his eyes.

“Understood.”

“I will keep that in mind.”

The Inner Council Elder and the Demon Preceptor acknowledged it as if they had no choice, but the Blood Demon still did not answer.

“Guardian Dharma Master, why are you silent? Don’t tell me you don’t acknowledge it? Are you going to ruin the great cause because of an old grudge!”

At that moment, the Blood Demon’s face slightly contorted. How could he call it just an old grudge? However, he didn’t want to directly contradict the sect leader.

“I understand. But… how can we trust that the Heavenly Demon is on our side? His descendants are siding with the Central Plains. How can we say that he is walking the same path as us when he is here with a smiling face? Unless this issue is resolved, none of us will accept it. I am the same.

Also, don’t forget that our sect’s great cause has been repeatedly hindered by that Sub-Celestial Sect. The Heavenly Demon I know is someone who can never be one with us. He may say that he will walk the same path as us for now, but that is nothing more than a deception. What will you do if he betrays us later?”

“Don’t worry about that. That will never happen, not even in a million years. He… can never do that. There is a reason for it, and all your questions will be answered later. So please trust me and step back at this point.”

The sect leader’s words were decisive. It was clear from the fact that the questions had disappeared from the faces of the Inner Council Elder and the Demon Preceptor. However, the Blood Demon still persisted.

“What is the reason?”

“Didn’t I say I couldn’t tell you! Blood Demon, are you daring to challenge my authority!”

The cold voice, followed by the energy emanating from inside the palanquin, swirled around the room and pressured the Blood Demon. The Blood Demon broke out in a cold sweat at the sect leader’s sudden change in attitude.

“I understand. This foolish and ignorant one will take his leave.”

With those words, the Blood Demon left without looking back.

The Inner Council Elder and the Demon Preceptor also nodded and disappeared outside.

Now, only two people remained in the room.

“It’s not time yet. I don’t know how they will react if they find out everything. They are still people with human emotions…”

The Heavenly Demon let out a heavy groan in response to the other’s words.

“I can’t quite understand the Sect Leader.”

“What do you mean?”

“Actually, when you think about it, there’s no real certainty that I’m completely on your side, is there?”

“That’s true.”

“And yet, you trust me? It could be a foolish thing, like accepting a dagger into your bosom.”

“Hahahaha. It’s not you I trust. Neither you nor I are in a position to decide everything for ourselves, are we? What I trust is the will of those behind you. They wouldn’t have sent you to hinder our work. Of course, that position might not be fully settled yet…”

‘Hmm. This guy knows a lot. Just what is his position that he even knows such things?’

“The main sect and your Heavenly Lord have actually met several times. This has never been made public, but it’s a clear fact. I don’t know where the intentions of the Heavenly Lord you serve lie, but we will only judge the Heavenly Lord’s intentions by your actions. Neither you nor I are beings who need personal opinions or wills, are we? It’s your freedom to choose what you want, but you must take responsibility for your actions. The same goes for me. I also know about the past uncomfortable relationship between the main sect and me. If you hope to be on the same boat as us, that past will disappear from my memory as if it never happened, but if not… I will do my best to kill you. If possible, I will not hesitate to not only kill you as a human but also to obliterate your soul. Think carefully and decide.”

Throughout the Sect Leader’s words, no change in expression could be seen on the Heavenly Demon’s face.

“May I leave now?”

That was all he said after a long pause. The Sect Leader also replied briefly.

“Do so.”

The Heavenly Demon turned and left without hesitation, his face stiff.

Even the rain that seemed to want to wash away the world eventually stops, and the scorching heat of midsummer also fades. Time naturally changes its clothes according to the seasons, and that appearance illuminates life in various ways.

The sense of urgency that made it seem as if the history of the Central Plains would end at any moment had also loosened with time.

Those who had sought refuge in the mountains to avoid the chaos were returning. However, nowhere could the martial artists of the Central Plains be found.

The birds chirping morning and evening were no different from yesterday, but the hearts of those who heard them were not the same as before.

The gazes of those living on the land of the Central Plains were all directed towards Muchang. It had been quite some time since the Martial Emperor had summoned the heads of each Martial King’s Palace. They had not been able to return to their respective palaces.

What on earth was happening? The people of the Central Plains watched the Martial Emperor’s Palace with worried and anxious eyes.

The imperial family, which seemed as if it would mobilize its army at any moment, was quietly observing the situation. There were no more reports of civilian casualties, but the anxiety remained the same.

Several months had passed since the attacks by the Central Plains Martial Alliance, the Divine Beast Palace, the Yarin [a nomadic tribe], and the Heavenly Demon Sect. A fierce, cold wind swept from the north, ravaging the Central Plains, and people confined themselves within their own dwellings, like hard shells.

The streets were deserted, and the few pedestrians who occasionally passed by curled up like caterpillars and disappeared into the alleys. Such a desolate scene was all that could be seen on any street. It was a bleak landscape that had taken root in everyone’s hearts. The premonition that it would not be easy to get through this winter gradually solidified into belief.

As if to confirm the premonition, the movements of each Martial King’s Palace became secretly busy. People’s attention was focused on the intensity of the impending bloodshed, and they wished that the Central Plains side would not retaliate. They thought that if they did not resist, the Martial Emperor’s Palace would not carry out any further oppression.

By the way, where was the Central Plains Martial Alliance hiding? The movements of the Heavenly Demon Sect, which seemed as if it would sweep away all the Martial King’s Palaces in an instant, were also nowhere to be found.

The sea is dark blue. A cluster of stars stood at intervals on the surface of the water, which was rippling under the moonlight.

The stars were embraced by the incoming seawater, then soared steeply into the air, and then shattered into the waves.

A shadow lingered on the long sandy beach, leaving footprints that could not even be seen. His gaze was towards the sea, capturing the gestures of the waves that were just breaking.

A man who did not see what was visible but kept what was invisible in his heart. He let out a long sigh and then took another step. The man’s hair, visible in the moonlight, was a shining gold. His gaze, heading towards the far side of the sea, was filled with only anguish, and an inexplicable pain that had been ingrained in him naturally seeped out.

“I can’t retreat like this… but I can’t recklessly throw myself in either. They are too strong to subdue by force.”

“You were here. I searched the entire palace without knowing.”

“Mad Demon Lord?”

The one who had been wandering alone under the moonlight confirmed his opponent, even though he knew who it was.

“Yes. Is there something troubling you?”

After saying it himself, he realized he had done something unnecessary.

“Why wouldn’t there be worries? You abandoned the Central Plains to them and left without a word…”

Pa Cheon’s voice was easily drowned out by the soft sound of the waves.

“I am just grateful that everyone is enduring well. What worries would I have?”

“We live and die by the Supreme One’s command. Everyone is determined to die and is squeezing out their full potential, so please do not worry too much.”

“Yes. Why wouldn’t I know that? I also know how unreasonable my request is.”

“No, it’s not an impossible task. It’s just that the time you requested is making them impatient.”

Pa Cheon thought that if the Mad Demon Lord was saying this much, how much more would his subordinates be feeling? Perhaps this was an unreasonable plan from the start. But since there was no other way, it was the best choice for him.

After the sudden attacks on the Heavenly Demon Sect and all the Martial King’s Palaces in the Central Plains, Pa Cheon realized the relative weakness of the Central Plains Martial Alliance. When he learned of the Central Plains’ entry behind the Martial Emperor’s Palace, Pa Cheon once again submerged the power of the entire Central Plains underground. After that, he spent several days agonizing and finally led only the elite of the Central Plains and the Heavenly Demon Sect into the Divine Beast Palace.

The goal was to nurture a small elite force. He would train the existing top experts himself to reach the desired level in a short period. Behind this plan was the strong belief that there was nothing to be gained from a full-scale war between the two huge forces.

In fact, the power of the Central Plains, with the addition of the Heavenly Demon Sect, was comparable to the power of the outer regions. But that was not all. It was obvious that the continent would be devastated by the clash of these two forces. If two unprecedented forces collided, what would be left on this land?

Pa Cheon was horrified as he looked into the other side of power. It was possible to fight others to find what was his, and even more so if it was a right that had been stolen, there was no reason to hesitate. But if the result destroyed even what had to be taken back, it was meaningless. When the war ended and the smoke cleared, who could guarantee that even a single blade of grass would remain in the Central Plains?

In the end, Pa Cheon could not find a reason to continue the meaningless fight, and he ended up devising another way. Also, Pa Cheon, who knew very well what those lurking behind the Martial Emperor’s Palace wanted, had no reason to enter the trap they wanted.

Pa Cheon’s decision could be said to have followed the natural order. However, the enemy was not a clumsy group that would just wait. If they could not come up with another alternative in a short time, the conspiracy to draw out their power would begin again.

He immediately selected only the elite from the Central Plains Martial Alliance and the Heavenly Demon Sect. It was a strategy to directly attack the enemy’s leaders by selecting only the top experts. The people who were gathered at the Divine Beast Palace now and training were only a small number, as they were the top experts. Perhaps even this effort would be in vain, but for now, there was no choice but to do their best.

Pa Cheon opened his mouth towards the Mad Demon Lord, who was staring intently at him.

“Do you think my idea is wrong?”

“No, I don’t. But I’m concerned that they won’t change just because we’re holding our breath. I don’t think our movements will make them cautious. They will move as they originally planned, and in the end, the damage will be returned to the Central Plains. It is true that there is unrest among the people of the Central Plains Martial Alliance for this reason.”

“So… are you saying that since it can’t be avoided, we should fight head-on?”

“…”

“The damage we will suffer immediately cannot be avoided in any case. In that case, it is wiser to prepare a sure plan. Unless our power is strong enough to completely subdue them, there is no other way.”

Pa Cheon had not overlooked this point either. Perhaps with the addition of the Heavenly Demon Sect’s power, it might not be so difficult to pressure the Martial Emperor’s Palace. However, it was undeniable that the Central Plains side was at a disadvantage in terms of core elites, and this was what would determine the overall trend.

Now that it had been revealed that their aim was not to dominate the Central Plains, there was no reason to delay any longer. A head-on confrontation would only benefit them and further confuse the world.

“We must stand in their way before this winter is over, but as of now, we have no chance of winning. Allowing them to continue their rampage would also be a burden for us. There are many paths in front of us, but we cannot go down them all. We can predict what those paths will be like without going down them, and it is our job to discern what is best. And… we just have to walk that path silently.

Without looking back…”

The Mad Demon Lord nodded at Pa Cheon’s words. Silently, like the waves that wash away and wash back.

At the same time that the two men were worrying about the future of the Central Plains across the sea, something else was happening under the sky of the Central Plains. It was not just yesterday or today that people had started to leave Muchang, which had been a major city.

When the Martial Emperor’s Palace first entered, there was a change in population movement. However, it was not noticeable. But since the fierce battle with the Central Plains Martial Alliance ended, people had been leaving, emptying the city.

Considering that even those who had settled for generations were abandoning their businesses and leaving, it was easy to guess what the current situation in Muchang was like. Day after day, a procession of people packing their bags and disappearing continued.

It was a scene that could not be seen unless a major disaster had occurred. However, there were still enough people to fill the night streets, and the red-light district on the north avenue was busy receiving night guests even today.

Even if it was not as bustling as a marketplace, the laughter of seductive women filled the streets, and the scent of powder tickled the nose. No one paid much attention to the fact that a few people had newly set foot here. Especially since they were women, not men who were throwing money around.

“Hmph, so this is where the men flock to.”

The woman’s voice, with a clear, ringing tone, still had a youthful freshness to it. A wide hat with a veil hanging down made it difficult to see her face properly. She was wearing white, while the seven women around her were wearing black light armor. They did not cover their faces with veils, so their beautiful faces were clearly visible. They walked, surrounding the white-clad woman as if to protect her.

Their appearances were all different, but they were all beauties with skin as white as snow. There was no trace of any human emotion on their cold faces, and this alone was enough to guess what their nature was like.

“We should stay there tonight.”

The place the white-clad woman pointed to was the largest brothel in the red-light district on the north avenue of Muchang.

The drunkards who were passing by could not close their gaping mouths at their appearance and were captivated by their gaze. It was a rare sight that could not be seen here.

It was natural for men to come here. But it was a bit unexpected for women, especially a group of them, to visit the red-light district. A voice calling out to them came from behind.

“Wait a minute, listen to me. Seeing you, you look like courtesans who have come to rely on the Cheonghak Pavilion [a famous brothel], but why would you go in today? I’m thinking of buying you for a day at a generous price today, so don’t refuse and follow me.”

He looked like a man who had quite a bit of money. He proudly stuck out his bulging belly, and his flamboyant clothes fluttered at his sleeves. The white-clad woman’s veil fluttered, and a soft voice flowed out.

“Get out of the way.”

Before he could even understand what she meant, one of the black-clad women lightly extended her hand towards the middle-aged man.

“Cough, this…”

It seemed as if he had only managed to say, ‘To die such a dog’s death.’ He clutched his chest, flew backward, smashed his head against a wall, and died a violent death. Upon witnessing the sudden murder, screams began to erupt from all over the place.

“Aah, murder!”

“Someone’s dead!”

The screams and shouts were not just from the women. Drunkards who had rushed out of the brothel at the sudden commotion were also visible.

“Kill all the males that crawl out.”

Once again, a murder order was issued from the white-clad woman’s mouth. The seven black-clad women quickly scattered around and began to use their hands. From their hands, strong killing energies were shot out, mercilessly killing the men who could not even resist.

“They’re witches!”

“Cough.”

“Hack.”

It was like watching falling leaves. They killed their targets without a single mistake. One of the courtesans who was soliciting customers on the street was so shocked by the gruesome sight that she fainted, and a passerby who was relieving his bloated stomach from drinking had his head crushed and died in that position. Meanwhile, an old man who was just passing by this street to go home also suffered the misfortune of having his face smashed and dying.

They killed all those they judged to be men without exception. As things came to this point, the people inside the brothel also became aware of the commotion outside, and even the pimps who handled miscellaneous tasks and earned a bit of money were all killed, their necks broken, as they came out with their chests puffed out.

“Kill all the humans who act as if they have some great power just because they were born as men. They are of no use alive, so they should be used as fertilizer even if they die. Ho ho ho ho.”

The chillingly evil laughter that flowed from the lips of the white-veiled woman was enough to make one’s skin crawl. The already frozen air seemed as if it would shatter and fall. Her laughter made the gruesome hellscape created by the seven witches even more desolate.

The white-clad woman, walking through the corpses, stopped in front of a woman’s corpse.

“Tsk tsk, not being careful… You got into trouble for clinging to a man. Let’s go inside.”

The witches silently followed the white-clad woman without answering. They were moving without lifting their feet. If you looked closely, you could see that they were floating about two inches above the ground. They were martial arts masters. It was unknown why these masters were slaughtering civilians who had no power to resist.

Even though they had entered the brothel, no human presence was felt. Only a sense of silence, as if they had entered a deserted graveyard, dominated the space.

The white-clad woman, entering the hallway, walked between the rows of rooms and took off her hat. The face hidden under the veil was clearly Cheonhyang Okbong. If so, the women following her must be the Hyeoncheon Witches [a group of female martial artists].

When did she leave the Hanam Martial King’s Palace? The current Martial King is inside the Martial Emperor’s Palace. Then she might have followed him. It was an unknown matter.

“There are still many rats hiding. As a commemoration of my stepping foot in Muchang, I’ll stop here for today. Prepare a place to sleep quickly.”

As soon as Cheonhyang Okbong’s order was given, they all moved at once and scattered in all directions, searching every room. It was to find a clean room where no one was staying.

She walked forward, glancing at the rooms that the Hyeoncheon Witches had opened, and then frowned. Some men and women were embracing each other and trembling, while others were naked without even putting on their clothes, and some were crouching in the corner with their heads buried after drinking. There were still a considerable number of men inside. Cheonhyang Okbong’s eyes narrowed and took on a strange light.

*Pshhh* The moment a well-mannered old man made eye contact with her, he felt his eyes light up.

“Aaaah!”

The old man screamed in terrible pain and rolled on the floor. Cheonhyang Okbong Jaun was holding up her hand and pointing towards the old man.

“I should gouge out both of those filthy eyes and crush your skull, but I’ll let you off with just one eye. Hmph.”

With those words, she no longer showed any interest and left the door.

She entered the room where the Hyeoncheon Witches were standing. Most of the courtesans and guests who had been cowering inside the brothel had already fled outside, and only the eight of them remained in the large, spacious hall. Cheonhyang Okbong threw off her clothes without paying any attention to the Hyeoncheon Witches standing next to her.

Then, one of the Hyeoncheon Witches next to her quickly took the clothes.

“I need to take a bath, so you all can go and rest.”

“No, I’ll stay here.”

They didn’t seem to be mute. Cheonhyang Okbong ignored the mechanical reply of her subordinates and entered the bathroom. The tub was already filled with hot water. She dipped a foot in and shouted outside,

“Search every nook and cranny; there might be more rats nearby.”

Was this merciless slaughter just to secure a place to stay for a single day? Most of the victims were civilians, and the brutality spared neither the old nor the young. They were hardly human, yet they seemed as calm and serene as if they hadn’t even killed an ant.

Cheonhyang Okbong sank her whole body into the hot water of the tub and lightly closed her eyes. She was immensely satisfied just by the fact that she could warm herself in hot water on a cold winter day. Two of her subordinates were watching over her, while the rest were either on guard or out investigating.

Cheonhyang Okbong tapped the water’s surface with her palm. She seemed pleased, humming a tune. To feel this relaxed amidst a hall littered with corpses was far from normal.

*Thud! Bang!* “You fools, can’t you get out of the way!”

Cheonhyang Okbong tilted her head at the dull sound from outside. It was definitely a voice she had heard many times before. It seemed the Hyeoncheon Witches were blocking and attacking someone. It was rare for anyone to remain composed amidst their attacks. Cheonhyang Okbong only realized who had arrived after hearing a clearer voice.

“You wenches! Your master’s master is here! How dare you attack me, even if you can’t see what’s in front of you!”

Hanam Martial King, the Blood Demon Lord, had come to the brothel. He was the one who had originally summoned Jaun here. Jaun, who was bored and restless, had readily accepted his summons and traveled to Wuchang. But who would have thought that the place she was called to would be in the heart of the red-light district? And that such a tragedy would unfold? Even the Hanam Martial King hadn’t anticipated this.

“Let him in.”

The Hyeoncheon Witches instantly stepped back. The Blood Demon Lord clicked his tongue as he glanced at them.

‘If things had gone well, I could have controlled them…’

It was a shame, but there was no use lamenting it now. The Blood Demon Lord passed through the Hyeoncheon Witches and entered the hallway. He went towards the sound, only to be blocked by two more Hyeoncheon Witches. Sang Muryong was dumbfounded.

“You’d fall with a single blow, yet you have such courage. Move aside. I’m not here to harm your master.”

Despite his words, they didn’t move, only glaring at Sang Muryong.

“You can step aside.”

Only after Cheonhyang Okbong’s command did they move to the side. However, they didn’t completely drop their guard against Sang Muryong. Soon, five more Hyeoncheon Witches entered the room, surrounding Sang Muryong. He became annoyed as they lingered around him, as if encircling him.

“Can’t you get these girls away from me? If I had my way, I’d teach them a lesson.”

“Master, stop talking nonsense and tell me why you called me here.”

Sang Muryong’s face twisted at Jaun’s blunt words. He should have been used to it by now, but her casual tone still bothered him. Sitting on a chair, Sang Muryong quickly spoke towards the bathroom.

“The reason I urgently called you here is because I need your help.”

“Help?”

“Yes, if you consider me your master even a little, please help me.”

“What do you want help with? I have no interest in what my master does.”

“Jaun, please…”

Sang Muryong stood up and walked towards the bathroom. Cheonhyang Okbong didn’t seem particularly flustered even as her master entered the bathroom. Her body, submerged in the water, was dazzlingly beautiful, and Sang Muryong’s face flushed.

“Leave.”

Jaun said curtly, as if spitting out the word. Her voice was full of displeasure.

“If you acknowledge even a little of the effort I’ve put into you… you won’t be able to refuse my request.”

“I said leave. Leave, I said!”

*Pshhh* Cheonhyang Okbong flicked a few drops of water from the tub with her finger. But those small droplets were no longer just water. Enclosed in a hard qi [internal energy] membrane, they became threatening weapons, shooting towards Sang Muryong’s eyes. Sang Muryong smiled faintly and covered his eyes with his palm. He easily dissipated the water droplets encased in the qi membrane and stepped forward.

“Heh heh, it seems you’re still shy. You weren’t like this before. Hahaha.”

“Don’t you dare leave!”

Sang Muryong waved his hands and stepped back at Jaun’s outburst.

“Hahaha, I understand. Your naked body was so dazzling that I made a mistake for a moment.”

He then retreated to the entrance of the bathroom. Jaun sank deeper into the tub, looking up at her master. Her eyes were filled with the ennui [a feeling of listlessness and dissatisfaction] of someone who couldn’t bear the boredom of everyday life.

“What do you want me to help with? Don’t ask anything of me. If you, as my master, demand something from me, I might even kill you.”

“Hehehe, if you become strong enough to kill me, that would be a joyful and pleasant thing for me. I’d die laughing…”

“Okay, shall I kill you then?”

Her calm words, as she stared up at him, were filled with immense murderous intent. Sang Muryong felt a chill run down his spine.

‘Her skills are already on par with mine. And considering her future growth rate, I need to maintain a good relationship with her.’

Sang Muryong quickly weighed his options.

“Oh dear, you can’t even tell when your master is joking. Hahahaha.”

“Stop talking nonsense and wait outside. I’ll be out soon.”

“Y-yes.”

Sang Muryong’s face was already crumpled as he turned his back.

Sang Muryong, who had been trying to alleviate his boredom while surrounded by the Hyeoncheon Witches, suddenly stood up. He was probably the only master who would stand up to greet his disciple.

The two sat facing each other, unable to speak for a moment, just staring at each other. His gaze, fixed on his beautiful disciple’s face, was full of affection, but it was needless to say that it was all an act.

“Jaun.”

“Speak.”

“As you know, the world has already become the property of the Murim Alliance [martial arts alliance]. Or, to be more precise, it has become the property of the Sun Moon Sect.”

“Sun Moon Sect?”

“Yes, the Sun Moon Sect!”

“Are they strong?”

Sang Muryong was momentarily speechless. Realizing where her focus was, he scolded himself for his foolishness.

“Of course! They are strong. Stronger than anyone in this world. There is no one in this world stronger than them.”

“Stronger than Master, then.”

“Well… I suppose so.”

Saying it made him feel pathetic. Once, he had been filled with the ambition to conquer the entire Central Plains. The time when he had to give up all those ambitions was less than twenty years ago.

The Inner Circle Lord of the Sun Moon Sect and a few of his subordinates had found him, and after suffering humiliation that no human should endure, he had sworn his allegiance. He had no choice but to accept it without resistance, thinking that even dogs weren’t beaten that badly on dog days.

However, it wasn’t as if someone like the Blood Demon Lord would be subdued by a beating. The Inner Circle Lord’s display of skill had completely surpassed his understanding of martial arts, and he had realized that he was as powerless as an insect before him. That was the deciding factor.

The Inner Circle Lord had made a sweet promise instead of demanding loyalty. He would be granted unlimited power in the new world that the Sun Moon Sect would rule.

Given that the choice was between death and allegiance, he had no reason to refuse. The decision to either die or swear allegiance was made in a shorter time than he had expected, and he had never regretted that decision. Sang Muryong, who was reminded of the humiliating moment in the past by Jaun’s question about their strength, could only manage a bitter smile.

“They are strong, indeed. I am nothing compared to them.”

“Is that so?”

Cheonhyang Okbong’s face was filled with curiosity.

‘If it’s this child, perhaps…’

Sang Muryong’s expectations for Jaun were immense. Her current abilities were something that could easily mock her age and training period, and it was almost supernatural.

“What do you want from me?”

“You must enter the Murim Alliance with me. The Murim Alliance is currently showing several power structures. In other words, the organization is being reorganized. It’s being divided into several factions, and depending on which line you take, you could either end up in the bright red or be driven into the dark shadows. Just stay by my side until I’ve completely established myself. It would be very reassuring to have you by my side.”

The reason he had become so desperate was because of something that had happened a few days ago. The Sun Moon Sect leader had gathered the entire leadership and made a shocking announcement. It was something that could cause a huge ripple effect within the organization, depending on how it was interpreted. As expected, signs of chaos began to appear simultaneously in various places, and everyone felt uneasy. No one knew what the Sun Moon Sect leader truly wanted, but his words were simple.

“The strong will survive, and only those who survive will be qualified to laugh in the end. I will now begin the verification of that qualification. All restrictions are now completely lifted. All choices and decisions are returned to the individuals. Whether you raise an organization and sweep away the Murim, or seize control of the entire organization, or subdue each other with force and make them your subordinates, or form alliances with each other, do as you please. However, I will only watch until a certain number remain. Those who survive will enjoy eternal glory.”

Those words rapidly changed the entire Murim Alliance. Each martial king’s faction repeatedly ‘gathered and scattered’ according to their interests, leading to a situation where it was impossible to tell who was friend or foe. The leader’s intention in creating such chaos without even cutting off the Central Plains Murim’s lifeline was questionable, but the most urgent priority for all of them was to survive.

At this point, the Blood Demon Lord was also desperate. While encouraging his own posture and subordinates, he began to quickly classify friend and foe. He had a relatively close relationship with the Inner Circle Lord. He emphasized this point and further increased that closeness.

In addition, he tried to establish some connection with the Majun faction if possible. In this time when even one helper was precious, if he could have a strong person like Cheonhyang Okbong by his side, he would not hesitate to travel a thousand miles. Although she was a bit difficult to handle, he could overlook that much. Perhaps that was why Sang Muryong’s eyes were filled with an even stronger, desperate desire.

“This is the first and last time your master will ask you. Please, help me.”

He was about to kneel.

‘There isn’t a single one who is easy to deal with. And I can’t trust anyone either. In the end, to survive, I have to trust only myself. At this point, there is no one as reliable as Jaun. If I can get her to agree, at least I know she won’t betray me!’

“So… you want me to be on your side and support you. Why should I do that?”

‘This ungrateful wench!’

He cursed her inwardly, but his outward expression was full of warmth.

“Hahaha, there’s no reason why you should… but since you’ll be swept up in the vortex anyway, wouldn’t it be better to be on the same side? After all, you and I are master and disciple, and if we were to try to kill each other, what could be more tragic than that?”

“Hmm… thinking about it, that sounds fun too. Hehehe.”

‘I really want to tear this wench apart and kill her.’

“Why? Do you want to kill me? Try it if you can.”

‘She’s like a ghost.’

The spring breeze on Sang Muryong’s face bloomed flowers all over.

“Hehehe, how could that be? There is no master in the world who would kill his disciple.”

“Okay, I don’t like Master, but it’s also annoying to kill you… and you did teach me martial arts… Okay, I’ll do it. What do I have to do?”

The sun began to brightly envelop the earth, regardless of what had happened in the darkness of the previous night. Light also found its way to the islands where the Shinsoo Palace was located. The person preparing for the busiest day this morning was Pacheon.

He was as busy as ever, preparing for a new day. He had brought only a few people to this Shinsoo Palace. Both Pacheon, who was training them, and the people who silently followed him were well aware that the future of the Central Plains rested on their shoulders.

In the training hall of the Shinsoo Palace, the trainees were sitting in meditation as usual. Without being told, they would come out at dawn and prepare for the day’s training. Among them were the Mad Demon Lord and the Lord of the Shinsoo Palace. In addition to them, the faces of the four Demon Lords, four Hues, four Flowers, and twelve Demon Princes of the Heavenly Demon Sect could be seen, and the familiar face of So-gun was also among them.

The figures representing the Central Plains Murim Alliance included the leader of the Five Lotus Association, Namgung Hwi, the Heavenly Sword, Jiwoo, the leader of the Nine Lotus Association and the abbot of the Shaolin Temple, and one of the Seven Wonders, Chae Jeong-ik, the Plum Blossom Sword of the Mount Hua Sect, Songhakja, the leader of the Wudang Sect, Jicheong Daesa of Shaolin, and the Grand Elder of the Beggars’ Sect, the Beggar King. In addition, the two deputy commanders of the Righteous Path Command had come down from Mount Tai and joined them.

From the Demonic Alliance, the Grand Commander Sangcheon-il, Handang, the Green Forest Chief Hwangbo-yeom, the Black Serpent, and Tak Tapcheonhwang Geo Yeo-pae, the chief of the Eighteen Caves of Dongting, were together. From the Yalim, they sent the super-class assassins known as the Three Killers of Heaven, Earth, and Man. They were mysterious people who were completely unknown in the Central Plains, but it was clear that they were formidable assassins. The aura they exuded was definitely not below that of the Seven Wonders of Murim.

Gu Ryung-jin, the second-in-command of the old Southern Alliance, and Pyo Haeng-soo, the best survivor of the almost annihilated Northern Sword Society, sat with determined expressions.

Pacheon carefully examined their faces. Their eyes were closed in meditation, and they seemed to be filled with a resolute will. Only Yul-geuk occasionally opened his eyes with a playful look and glanced around.

Excluding Pacheon, there were a total of forty-seven people. Among them, the strongest were the Lord of the Shinsoo Palace, the Mad Demon Lord, and Yul-geuk, while the relatively weaker ones were Hwangbo-yeom, the Black Serpent, and Tak Tapcheonhwang Geo Yeo-pae.

So-gun had already become stronger than them. Pacheon had set their training period to be a minimum of one year and a maximum of three years. This was also the minimum time. He decided that even if the Central Plains couldn’t endure during that time, there was nothing he could do. He believed that he couldn’t do anything without being ruthless.

It had already been three months since he had entered the Shinsoo Palace. First, he focused on teaching them all the martial arts he knew. They already had some foundation, so they seemed to easily absorb the martial arts that Pacheon taught them, like a sponge absorbing water.

The problem arose after that. The level that Pacheon wanted was the level of the Mind Sword of the Sword Control Technique.

The Lord of the Shinsoo Palace had already awakened the Formless Sword, the Mad Demon Lord had reached the Mind Sword, and Yul-geuk was also at that level, so there was no problem, but except for these three, even reaching the Wooden Sword level of the Sword Control Technique was not easy.

After that, Pacheon focused on training them individually. Those from the Heavenly Demon Sect learned relatively quickly, but the others were slow. Pacheon began to ponder the reason for this and eventually concluded that it was due to their rigid views on existing martial arts.

Throughout the training, he also worked tirelessly to improve their constitutions by having them use the natural energy themselves. In addition, he explained what he had learned from time to time and developed various training methods necessary for the improvement of martial arts, and began to treat them harshly. He couldn’t even guarantee how much progress they would make, but he was doing his best.

He occasionally received messages from Jegal Cho-hong in the Central Plains, and the contents of those messages always made him anxious. In particular, the news that the imperial army might intervene soon made Pacheon perplexed. In the current situation, the intervention of the imperial army would not change anything. Rather, it would only increase the chaos and the amount of blood that would soak the world.

A million imperial soldiers could not defeat fifty thousand well-trained martial artists. There were experts in the imperial army, but their proportion was relatively lower than in martial arts organizations. In the end, most of them were only slightly better than healthy ordinary people. So, the benefit of having a superior number would not be that great.

The imperial family would also know this fact. Nevertheless, why would they intervene??”