NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 152
Chapter 152: The Sword Emperor (도황)
The Martial Alliance (무림맹)
An alliance formed by the White Path sects of the world, led by the Six Great Families of the Gu Pai.
Although many Martial Alliances existed in the martial world, most were temporary organizations created to streamline command and facilitate communication and conflict resolution during the Martial War against the Sado Family, thus lacking significant authority.
However, the current Martial Alliance was a permanent organization.
During the chaotic period of the late Yuan Dynasty, the Martial Alliance was formed under its first leader, the Primordial Sword Master, by allying with General Zhu Yuanzhang to defeat the Blood Sect and eliminate the Blood Celestial Demon, establishing the Ming Empire.
The founder of the Ming Empire, Zhu Yuanzhang, acknowledged the contributions of the martial world in establishing the nation and bestowed the symbol of Inviolability of Official Affairs, the Danseocheolkwon (丹書鐵券), to the Martial Alliance. This Danseocheolkwon became a sacred artifact representing the Martial Alliance, passed down through successive leaders.
From that time, the Martial Alliance transitioned from a temporary to a permanent organization, taking on the role of an alliance of White Path sects throughout the history of the Ming Empire.
The Martial Alliance was a government-recognized legal organization, and sects registered with the Alliance naturally became government-sanctioned legal sects.
Those who refused government registration became the unsavory Sado Family, which was an illegal secret organization formed by such riffraff.
If the Martial Alliance before the establishment of the Ming Empire was akin to the UN, the current one resembled more of the EU.
Being an organization that received national recognition, it served as a bridge between the government and the martial world, making its influence undeniable even for the Six Great Families of the Gu Pai.
In particular, the then leader of the Martial Alliance, Sword Emperor Im Dong-rip, was a self-made man who rose from the bottom. His keen political sensibility allowed him to mediate relationships between the factions of the White Path martial world, acting as the actual head of the Orthodox Faction.
Such a man was calling for me.
‘Sword Emperor.’
I had met him in my previous life. Recalling that memory, I followed Dang Cheon-gi and the Gongdong faction members towards the Martial Alliance’s Deungbong County branch.
Of course, it was just a branch in name; in reality, it was merely a remote office, so the size of the royal chamber was not very large.
The Martial Alliance’s Hanam Division, which oversaw the branches in Deungbong County throughout Hanam, was based in Kaifeng, one of the major cities, rather than Deungbong. This made sense.
“The Leader wishes to meet only with this junior, so the rest of the party should wait in the Reception Hall!”
A martial artist dressed in the Alliance’s uniform, emblazoned with the character for “Alliance,” said this.
Well, it was right in the middle of the Orthodox Faction, so nothing weird was expected.
I parted ways with my group and stepped inside the royal chamber. I saw martial artists from the Martial Alliance standing in front of the largest chamber. As they greeted me, they bowed and opened the door.
I entered the royal chamber. There he was, within my view.
A large man wearing medieval-style sunglasses, like something out of a textbook from a different era.
It was Sword Emperor Im Byeong-rip.
Clack.
The door closed.
“Hehehe. So you are the victor of this year’s Yongbong Society, the Sword Dragon Lee Cheol-soo. Have a seat.”
Just like when I met him in my previous life, the Sword Emperor invited me to sit with an easygoing demeanor.
I sat across from him.
Shhh.
The Sword Emperor poured tea for me himself. It was the cheap leaf tea he enjoyed.
I drank the tea silently. The astringent taste lingered in my mouth.
“I never imagined you would win against the Sword Dragon and take the championship of the Yongbong Society. Anyone other than me would not have known. Hehehe! To think a declining faction’s Post-Stimulation Indicator would win the Yongbong Society! It’s truly a scene from a Peking opera! Isn’t that right, Sword Dragon?”
The Sword Emperor’s gaze turned towards me. His eyes, hidden behind black sunglasses, gleamed.
I recalled that officials of the old Song Dynasty wore sunglasses in court to avoid revealing their expressions and to project intimidation.
As I pondered this, I spoke.
“It is an honor to meet the renowned leader of the Orthodox Faction Martial World, the giant Sword Emperor Im-senpai, who has brought peace to the world with a single sword. Who bestowed the title of Sword Dragon upon me?”
“Hehehe, hahaha! The first question is about who gave you your title?”
Upon hearing my words, the Sword Emperor laughed.
He looked at me and replied.
“I bestowed it! Sword Dragon, which title could suit you better than this?”
So, that damned title was given directly by the Sword Emperor himself?
“Isn’t Sword Dragon a more fitting title than Sword Dragon?”
I decided to get a bit cheeky. A title is usually a nickname given by others rather than self-designated.
However, in the case of the Yongbong Society, it was somewhat special. The Martial Alliance officially granted titles to the champions and noteworthy performers in the competition, making it possible to change an official title as long as the Alliance leader approved.
“Why would you want the title of Sword Dragon?”
A spark!
The sunglasses worn by the Sword Emperor glinted.
Why did I want it? To attract beautiful young ladies and become a popular man in the martial world, the title of Sword Dragon was essential.
Sword Dragon.
How intoxicating it is just to hear that title; it makes the heart of young ladies flutter! On the other hand, Sword Dragon? People would say, “Look, that guy is Sword Dragon. Isn’t he insane? He did naked martial arts in the Yongbong Society finals.” Such trash talk would come with that name.
But I couldn’t say such things to the Martial Alliance leader. I put forth a premeditated reasoning instead.
“I am a swordsman. As a swordsman, I believe a title associated with the sword best suits me. For the reconstruction of our school, it would benefit our reputation more to have a Sword Dragon rather than a Sword Dragon born in the Gongdong Sect, wouldn’t it?”
Upon hearing my words, the Sword Emperor laughed heartily.
His well-defined chest muscles visible through his loose-fitting robe shook.
“Hehehehehe! You’re right! It’s undoubtedly better to present Sword Dragon rather than Sword Dragon as a title to others! If the winner desires it, it shall be done. However…”
The Sword Emperor’s gaze shifted to me.
“I will grant it only if you can withstand this one strike of mine. Sword Dragon.”
The Sword Emperor’s face turned serious in an instant. After all, the prize for winning the Yongbong Society included a lesson from the Martial Alliance leader.
So, it was unavoidable that we would have a match, and if it would also grant me the chance to change my title to Sword Dragon, I had no reason to refuse.
“I understand, Leader. Then I shall receive your lesson.”
“Hmm, hehehe! I’m glad you’re a man we can talk to! First, take this.”
Whoosh!
The Sword Emperor took a pouch from his robe and tossed it to me. A pouch containing some remarkable items. I extended my hand and smoothly caught the pouch, which was flying towards me with a pinpoint aim.
Was this a test, or what? I never understood why martial artists loved showing off with their powers.
When I opened the pouch, a refreshing scent wafted out. Inside was the Grand Rejuvenation Pill (대환단).
“It is a prize bestowed upon the victor of this year’s Yongbong Society.”
Typically, the competition prize was provided by the sect that held the Yongbong Society.
Since the Yongbong Society was held at the Shaolin Temple, they offered the Grand Rejuvenation Pill. However, if it had been hosted by the Wudang Sect, they might have given out the Joso Pill instead.
Well, it wasn’t of particular use to me right now for improving my powers or as an energy booster. But in this chaotic martial world, one could never be too careful. Having a Grand Rejuvenation Pill as a contingency would not be a bad idea for any serious injuries.
“Thank you.”
I shoved the Grand Rejuvenation Pill into my robes. Perhaps I’d cleaned out Shaolin’s stock of Grand Rejuvenation Pills by now? Seeing this, the Sword Emperor chuckled and stood up.
“Now that I’ve given you the first reward, it’s time for the second.”
A one-lesson.
A teaching from the Sword Emperor—no ordinary master but the Supreme Master of Hwakyung.
In the martial world, dispensing such high-level guidance for free was indeed worthy of praise.
Though it was less of a reward for me with the spirit of Purification, it was crucial nonetheless.
It was the opportunity to change my title from Sword Dragon to Sword Dragon.
“Follow me.”
I stood up, following the Sword Emperor and leaving the royal chamber. Behind it was a training ground. True to the wealthy nature of the Martial Alliance, the training ground was covered in Bluestone, on which the Sword Emperor drew his sword.
“According to our agreement, if you withstand my one strike, I will change your title from Sword Dragon to Sword Dragon. Hehehe, hohohoh!!”
An insane laughter emanated from the Sword Emperor, building an overwhelming presence.
The technique he established through countless life-and-death confrontations in the martial world, the Heavenly Breakthrough Energy (혼천파황기), erupted.
Contrary to his jovial voice, the powerful aura of a Supreme Master filled the empty training ground, creating an oppressive atmosphere.
Gooooooo!!
The Sword Emperor’s robe flapped. The gray sword energy shimmered like mirage, extending upward into the air.
It was swordsmanship.
I operated the Primordial Unity Energy Technique (혼원일기공). My stiff body gradually relaxed. Swish. I drew my sword. The black sword energy coiled around the blade, transforming it into a sword.
“Don’t worry; I will match my power with your level; just don’t speak back. Hahaha!”
The Sword Emperor’s voice echoed through the training ground.
Zap!
A dazzling silver flash electrified the air. Instantly, dozens of blurry sword figures filled my sight, making it unclear where the real strike was. In a split second, I accelerated my thinking and maximized my awareness.
Dozens of tangible lines shot towards me in slow motion. With the sword I drew, I unleashed the Demon Sword Technique (복마검법) and parried just one line that felt real.
Clang! The rebound nearly tore my palm apart. Blood trickled from my bitten lips. As my accelerated thinking faded, my vision returned to normal.
Boom!
An explosive sound shattered the remaining lines, wreaking havoc within the training arena. The expensive Bluestone floor broke to pieces. My freshly donned robe was torn here and there. Luckily, it didn’t reach full-on nudity.
Phew.
I let out a sigh as I sheathed my sword. I had blocked the strike. The Sword Emperor’s expression momentarily turned blank. Then he laughed.
“I honestly didn’t expect you to block it. That was a strike that even the now former Sword Dragon could not withstand…”
He drew in his energy. As he adjusted his sunglasses, he said, “As a man, one must keep his word. From now on, you will be known as Sword Dragon, not Sword Dragon! And as for your appearance, since you look rather decent, let’s call you Jade Dragon instead! Hahaha!”
He approached me, playfully slapping my shoulder. Can you casually assign titles like this?
I lowered my head in respect while sheathing my sword.
“Thank you! Leader!”
Finally.
Having overcome countless challenges, I finally acquired the title of Sword Dragon. Before me lay a rosy future, where young ladies’ fan letters would pile up at the Gongdong Sect Mountain Gate, waiting for me in a dreamy happy ending.
I was already looking forward to it. The many beauties of the Orthodox Faction Martial World who would adore me, the Sword Dragon!
Hohoho.
I unconsciously let out a joyful laugh.
At that moment.
“Oh, of course. The official title bestowed via the Yongbong Society can be said so. As for whether the people will call you Sword Dragon, I cannot guarantee that! After all, I cannot police everyone’s mouth! Hahaha!”
Wait.
Why must he spoil a good day with that?!
As I was contemplating this, he pulled out a crumpled piece of paper from his robe.
“Oh, and I have some intelligence to relay to you.”
Intelligence?
I unfolded the paper he handed me.
It contained information that made me doubt my own eyes.
[The Celestial Demon (천마) has sent a written letter to the Gongdong Sect Main Base. The content is…]
What?
Someone sent a handwritten letter?