Chapter 35
The gatekeeper, holding a long spear, blocked Eunho with a dry expression.
“Where are you from?”
Without a word, Eunho showed the gatekeeper his alliance badge.
“Oh, you’re from the Murim Alliance.”
The massive gate of the Imperial Palace opened.
It was so well-maintained that not even a small sound was heard from the large gate.
Eunho and Hwayeon were immediately guided to the accommodations assigned to the Murim Alliance members.
“What? They sent another dispatch?”
As expected, the expressions of the existing members were not good.
It seemed as if they were not trusted enough, so more were sent.
Even a young kid, at that.
“That’s right.”
“Huh, didn’t you learn to show respect? If you’re from the Murim Alliance, you should know who I am.”
The speaker was about thirty years old.
He was recognized for his exceptional martial skills and had taken on the role of deputy leader of the Blue Sky Brigade at a fairly young age.
“I don’t know.”
He wasn’t teasing; he really didn’t know.
How was he supposed to know?
Seeing Eunho’s genuinely clueless expression, the man spoke reluctantly.
“Are you new? If so, that makes sense. I am Incheol, the deputy leader of the Blue Sky Brigade.”
Eunho nodded calmly.
Remembering names wasn’t a difficult task.
“I am Eunho, the head of the Mengak Brigade.”
The eyes of the Murim Alliance warriors widened like lanterns.
“The head of the Mengak Brigade? No, the leader?”
There was no one present with a higher rank than Eunho.
And what was even more surprising.
“Eunho, as in the Blood Heaven Divine Sword?”
Eunho’s expression frowned.
What was that supposed to mean?
Seeing his frown, they lowered their eyes slightly.
Just as Eunho was about to say something.
Creak, clack.
With a soft sound, the door opened, and a slender man entered.
His eyes were quite sharp, and it was clear at a glance that he had mastered martial arts.
What stood out even more was the small golden badge hanging from his waist.
It symbolized the Emperor’s personal guard, the Jinyiwei.
Everyone’s attention focused on him.
“Are you from the Murim Alliance?”
Incheol stepped forward to represent them, but hesitated when he saw Eunho’s expression.
He felt a sense of frustration.
If only the leader of the Blue Sky Brigade hadn’t stepped out for a moment, this situation wouldn’t have occurred.
The Jinyiwei warrior didn’t miss this and observed closely.
He seemed to instantly understand the hierarchy and spoke to Eunho.
“Let’s go. His Majesty wishes to see you.”
Eunho nodded, and the Jinyiwei led the way.
One of the Murim Alliance warriors whispered softly.
“Deputy Leader, I’m feeling a bit nervous about meeting His Majesty.”
“So am I. But remember, we are representing the Murim Alliance. Be careful not to make any mistakes.”
In fact, ordinary citizens never get to see the Emperor in their lifetime.
This wasn’t much different for martial artists.
The Emperor was a figure who could be said to have the world under his feet.
Anyone in the central plains would tremble before the Emperor.
The Imperial Palace had dozens of gates, each guarded by a gatekeeper.
Seeing the Jinyiwei, they let the group pass without any questions.
Such was the Jinyiwei.
They received orders directly from the Emperor, moved directly, and existed solely to protect the Emperor.
Blocking their path was tantamount to opposing the Emperor’s will.
However, there was one exception.
As they entered the very depths of the Imperial Palace, they saw a grand hall of a different scale than anything they had seen before.
A person guarding the entrance stopped the Jinyiwei.
“What is your business?”
Judging by his attire, he seemed to be a eunuch.
His sharp eyes slowly scanned the group.
“These are the ones His Majesty personally ordered to be brought.”
“From the Murim Alliance?”
“Yes.”
The gaze that had been scanning the group paused when it met Eunho’s.
“May I verify?”
Eunho took out the badge he received from the Murim Alliance.
The eunuch examined it closely and then spoke.
“A leader at such a young age. You must be quite capable.”
Eunho shrugged as usual.
It would be a bit embarrassing to say, “Yes, I am,” himself.
The eunuch’s eyebrows twitched slightly.
“Inside this door are His Majesty and the Admiral of the Eastern Depot. It would be best to refrain from such behavior in their presence.”
With that, he gently pushed open the massive door.
The Jinyiwei warrior gave a small nod to the eunuch and led the way.
“Your Majesty, these are the ones from the Murim Alliance.”
As Eunho followed in, he took in the interior of the hall.
There were only two people inside.
Given the vastness of the hall, it should have felt empty, but instead, it felt full.
Was it because of the Emperor’s overwhelming presence? No.
In fact, the Emperor seemed no different from an ordinary human.
The surprising thing was how young he looked.
He appeared only slightly older than Somi.
What truly filled the vast space with presence was the eunuch standing next to the Emperor.
He was a middle-aged man with sharp features, similar to the one they met at the door, but on a different level.
He exuded an aura that seemed capable of cutting down anyone at any moment.
Could he be the Admiral of the Eastern Depot?
The Eastern Depot, along with the Jinyiwei, were the Emperor’s closest guards.
Being composed of eunuchs, the Eastern Depot always stayed close to the Emperor, and their martial prowess was second to none, boasting unparalleled power within the Imperial Palace.
And the leader of the Eastern Depot was the Admiral.
Eunho observed him closely.
“Peak level? You’re stuck at a wall.”
He was at the peak level, close to the Supreme peak Realm, like Gu Hui, the leader of the Shadow Guard.
Considering he wasn’t a martial artist, it was an astonishing level.
While Eunho was finishing his thoughts about the Emperor and the Admiral.
Tap.
Hwayeon nudged Eunho’s side.
Looking around, he saw everyone was bowing.
Only then did he realize and quickly bowed his head to the ground, paying respect to the Emperor.
“Raise your heads.”
The Emperor’s voice fell over their heads.
“I appreciate the cooperation from the Murim Alliance.”
“Your Majesty, it is only natural for them to help. After all, they are your subjects.”
“Ah, I see.”
It seemed like the young Emperor was being assisted and taught about worldly matters by the Admiral.
This was likely because the previous Emperor had passed away before he was fully prepared.
“Listen. Recently, the Blood Sect has harbored rebellious intentions and not only trespassed into the Imperial Palace but also caused innocent and pitiful citizens to suffer. Therefore, I command you to eradicate the Blood Sect, not just for me but for the people as well.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Everyone bowed respectfully, and Eunho awkwardly followed suit.
The world is indeed unpredictable.
He suddenly remembered causing a ruckus in his previous life, demanding wine from one of the Emperors of the central plains.
Ah, he might have even slapped him a few times.
Unaware of Eunho’s thoughts, the Emperor looked at the group with a satisfied expression.
“Are you the leader of these people?”
“Yes.”
He almost nodded casually as usual.
“The leader of the Blood Sect once came to see me.”
Everyone was shocked by the Emperor’s words.
They couldn’t believe the Blood Sect leader would come directly to the Emperor.
Eunho tilted his head in confusion.
After all, the Blood Sect was just one of the martial factions.
There was no reason for them to seek out the Emperor.
“What did he say?”
“He claimed that he, too, was chosen by the heavens and called himself my brother.”
Eunho showed a disgusted expression.
He wasn’t just a regular madman; he was extremely insane.
But that was nothing compared to what he said next.
“Soon, the Great Law will be completed. For the new world that Heaven desires, you should yield the throne to me.”
Eunho simply nodded.
After all, what other reason would he have for seeking out the king?
Seeing Eunho’s rather indifferent reaction, the Emperor gave a curious smile.
“The Blood Sect members are cruel and cunning. How do you plan to resolve this matter?”
All eyes focused on Eunho. There was a strange sense of anticipation.
The rumors about the Blood Heaven Divine Sword spread like wildfire.
It was because his achievements were unbelievable.
Moreover, if he had come all the way to join the Murim Alliance, it meant he had some plan.
However, only Hwayeon, who knew Eunho’s personality, was trembling with anxiety.
‘Please, let there be no beheadings before we even see the Blood Sect members.’
Whether Eunho knew Hwayeon’s thoughts or not, he answered confidently.
“I have a sure way to resolve this.”
“What is it?”
“I heard that if you don’t yield the throne, they will cut off Your Majesty’s head. Is that correct?”
At the somewhat blunt expression, the Admiral of the Eastern Depot widened his eyes, and Hwayeon felt like she was walking on thin ice.
“That’s right. They dared to say so.”
“Then the matter will be easily resolved.”
Seeing Eunho’s confident expression, the Emperor asked with rising anticipation.
“Go ahead, tell me.”
“We’ll use Your Majesty as bait to lure them in and then kill them all.”
“……”
A long silence followed.
The Emperor couldn’t grasp the situation, and the Admiral of the Eastern Depot was looking around for his sword.
Hwayeon was mentally preparing for the worst, and the Murim Alliance warriors closed their eyes tightly.
The first to react was the Admiral of the Eastern Depot.
It was only natural. He prioritized the Emperor’s safety above all else.
“How dare you! Your Majesty, I will immediately cut off this man’s head.”
The admiral reached out to one side as he spoke.
Swoosh-!
With the sound of wind slicing through the air, his sword flew in from the corner.
Using internal energy to move objects, known as “Hogongseobmul” (虛空攝物).
TL/N: “Hogongseobmul” means taking objects from thin air
Although it couldn’t compare to the “Igieogeom” of the Supreme Peak Realm, Hogongseobmul was also considered an advanced technique exclusive to top masters.
Eunho watched the scene closely.
No intent to kill?
He spoke and acted as if he would behead him immediately, but there was no intent to kill at all.
It was still unclear whether it was an act of loyalty or if he had some hidden agenda.
“Stop.”
When the emperor raised his hand to stop him, he bowed his head and stepped back.
Eunho inwardly chuckled at the sight.
He never intended to step forward in the first place.
“Bait… interesting. Can you take responsibility for those words?”
“Of course. If you wish, I will stake my neck, which he so desires.”
The admiral narrowed his eyes and glared at Eunho.
However, with the emperor’s command given, there was nothing he could do.
“Haha, if I die, what use would your neck be?”
“Then what do you want?”
The emperor’s gaze on Eunho grew heavy.
It felt strangely out of place for his age.
“I heard you are the son of the head of the Cheonhajang?”
“Yes.”
“Can you stake the Cheonhajang?”
Eunho tilted his head.
“No. I am here as a warrior of the Murim Alliance, not as the young master of the Cheonhajang. You must have requested the Murim Alliance because you couldn’t handle it with just the palace’s masters. Would you be okay without me?”
The emperor widened his eyes in disbelief.
He had never seen such arrogance, except from his father, the former king.
“Admiral.”
“Yes.”
“What kind of person is the Blood Demon?”
“According to the Eastern Depot’s information, he is a master who has reached the Supreme Peak Realm. Hmm, he would be on par with the arrogant ones currently called the Twenty-Four Masters of the Martial World.”
The vice-leader of the Blue Sky Brigade swallowed hard.
Two top masters who were not present, four top masters including himself, and four first-class masters.
This was the current strength of the Murim Alliance dispatched to the imperial palace.
‘One master of the Supreme Peak Realm and the Blood Sect warriors below him. Can we handle them?’
No matter how many soldiers the imperial palace had, it would be over if they lacked enough masters.
Honestly, even with two top masters, it seemed unlikely they could compete with a master of the Supreme Peak Realm.
“Did you hear? They say he is on par with the Twenty-Four Masters you all praise more than me. Are you still confident?”
“Yes.”
Eunho’s gaze did not waver in the slightest.
“Kuhaha! Good. But I also need at least some safety measures. Prove yourself to me.”
As soon as he finished speaking, the admiral stepped forward with his sword.
As if he had been waiting for this moment.
All eyes turned to Eunho and the admiral.
Especially the warriors of the Murim Alliance, who swallowed nervously.
Judging by his ability to freely manipulate objects in the air, the admiral’s level was at least at the pinnacle.
Although nothing was known about Eunho’s level, called the Blood Heaven Divine Sword, it was certain that it was not low.
Watching a duel between two masters up close was an opportunity no warrior would refuse.
They would engrave every detail of the duel in their minds!
Of course, Eunho had no intention of doing so.
Overwhelming force is the quickest way to gain trust.
Eunho clenched his fist tightly.
