Chapter 237
Chapter 237
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 237
Chapter Title: Heavenly Realm
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Returning to the Shadowless Sect, I went to find the Sword Demon and told him everything that had happened. After hearing the story, the Sword Demon said,
"Well, there's no helping it then... In that case, let's prepare for a direct meeting with the Twelve Laws Leader."
"Yes."
In the meantime, it seemed the Sword Demon had sold off all the land, buildings, and other assets owned by the Shadowless Sect. Even though we were an elite few, our influence was immense, and just the property we held in Henan Province alone was worth more than that of ten wealthy magnates combined. When it was all converted to gold bars, it filled no less than five chests.
"Have the disciples stay in this building for a few days."
He said this while looking at the small temple he had bought with the remaining funds. It was an ownerless place that had just been lingering on the market, so he had snapped it up easily.
"Yes."
The next day, I traveled with the Sword Demon via the Teleportation Gate to Bi-deng and headed to where Jeong Cheol-wook, the family head, was staying. Upon seeing me and the Sword Demon, Jeong Cheol-wook's face lit up with great delight.
"Oh! So you're the Sword Demon, the greatest fiend of the Central Plains!"
Standing beside him, I translated Jeong Cheol-wook's words for the Sword Demon. The Sword Demon politely bowed and greeted the family head.
"It's an honor to meet you."
"Don't just stand there—sit down and let's talk."
Soon after, we sat at a banquet table, chatting amiably. My role in this meeting was minimal; I was there mainly to translate Jeong Cheol-wook's words for the Sword Demon. After some talk about what the Shadowless Sect was like and tales of the Sword Demon's exploits, Jeong Cheol-wook got to the point.
"The Twelve Laws Leader will arrive in Gaegyeong in ten days."
What was bound to come had arrived.
The Sword Demon and I exchanged tense glances. The Sword Demon spoke up.
"That's perfect timing."
"And on that day, all the leaders of the Twelve Laws will be in attendance."
"......"
"It's a day when no mishaps can be allowed."
Jeong Cheol-wook said this impassively as he tilted his酒 bottle.
"As the one who arranged this gathering, I'd like to know the Shadowless Sect Leader's plans. I need to understand how you'll speak to the Twelve Laws Leader."
When I translated Jeong Cheol-wook's words, the Sword Demon thought for a moment before replying.
"It's an utmost secret that must not leak out under any circumstances. If you promise to keep it strictly confidential until the meeting day, I will tell you."
"I promise."
The Sword Demon glanced at me and transmitted his desired words via internal energy. I memorized them, then sent a transmission to Jeong Cheol-wook.
[We intend to trade top-secret information related to the White Lotus Cult.]
"......!!"
Jeong Cheol-wook looked quite shocked. He wiped the sweat from his brow and said,
"That's quite surprising."
"Can you believe us now?"
"Of course. Even I, as a Twelve Laws Leader, would accept such a proposal."
The banquet ended after an appropriate time. The Sword Demon and I left the Jeong family estate and returned to our base in Henan via the Bi-deng Teleportation Gate. Sitting on a rock near the valley, the Sword Demon said to me,
"I expected as much, but it seems all the Twelve Laws Leaders will be coming."
"Do you think they're planning a show of force?"
"Not quite, but it feels like they want to pressure me with their presence."
The Sword Demon gave a wry smile.
"Those kinds of gatherings are always a headache."
I could guess what the Sword Demon was thinking.
From my encounters with the Twelve Laws Leaders, they weren't particularly virtuous or villainous. They were simply heads of massive sects, faithful to the logic of power. Naturally, in a meeting with the Shadowless Sect's Sword Demon, they would flaunt their strength and influence to gain the upper hand. And that power struggle would inevitably create a tense atmosphere.
I said to the Sword Demon,
"Aside from a few, the Twelve Laws Leaders aren't that strong. It won't be difficult for you."
"Haha, to speak of the Twelve Laws Leaders so lightly—you've grown tremendously."
"Ah, that's..."
"I'm joking. Being suppressed by aura isn't the issue; I'm worried about what happens if it escalates to a clash of force."
"We must avoid that at all costs."
"I hope the Twelve Laws Leader is someone who can be reasoned with."
Muttering this, the Sword Demon continued,
"Baek Woong, once this is over, we'll have much to do. I pray it goes well."
"Of course."
The negotiations with the Twelve Laws had to succeed. With no chance of allying with the imperial court or the White Lotus Cult, the Shadowless Sect's survival depended on the protection of the Twelve Laws. If the talks failed, only one path would remain—and it was a direction I wasn't keen on at all.
For the next ten days, I sparred continuously with the Sword Demon, living as usual.
And the day of reckoning dawned.
Flash!
Arriving early at the Jeong family estate in Gaegyeong via the Teleportation Gate, I saw servants bustling about from dawn. The Sword Demon and I sat and waited in advance. Soon, the Twelve Laws Leaders began arriving one by one.
They were all people I had faced before. Of course, those were from my past lives, so only I knew them—they had no idea who I was.
'Hmm, how bittersweet.'
While lost in such thoughts, the Twelve Laws Leaders took seats around a large round table. They glanced at the Sword Demon before looking away, clearly mindful of him.
There were three exceptions.
The North Sea Ice Palace Lord, the Fighting Monk Sect Leader, and the Zhao Yi Immortal Sect Leader.
These three showed no interest in the Sword Demon at all, sitting relaxed and enjoying the appetizers. Thinking about their common trait, I reached a conclusion.
'They rank at the top even among super-peak experts!'
I could guess the reason for their indifference too.
In truth, these three weren't uninterested in the Sword Demon. They were more intensely focused than the other eight Twelve Laws Leaders. But they were hunching down to avoid carelessly meeting his gaze and revealing their own prowess. It was proof that the stronger one is, the more accurately they gauge their opponent.
Indeed, tendrils of intent swirled around them. Even the Sword Demon, sitting still, seemed to sense they were the strongest three, showing signs of wariness.
In contrast, the other eight leaders appeared unaware of the Sword Demon's true strength. Among them, the National Defense Alliance Leader eyed him with faint disdain, as did the Giant Strength Division Leader and the Haedong Secret Heaven Lord.
After about half a shichen of awkward silence, a servant's loud announcement rang out.
"The Twelve Laws Leader arrives!"
All eyes fixed on the entrance. The figure striding into the meeting hall was none other than the Twelve Laws Leader—the supreme ruler of the Eastern Martial World, whom I had encountered in a past life! The moment I heard the announcement, I snapped my gaze to the door like lightning.
'Finally!'
In the past, for some reason, the Twelve Laws Leader had worn a puppet mask, making his face impossible to discern. But at such a grand meeting, he couldn't hide his appearance. Thrilled at the thought of finally seeing his true face—
"......"
"......"
"......"
My expectations were dashed.
The faces of the Twelve Laws Leaders twisted in horror. What an embarrassment in front of Central Plains folk.
The Fighting Monk Sect Leader said with a look of utter disbelief,
"Twelve Laws Leader. What on earth is that outfit?"
And then—the [Twelve Laws Leader], clad in a fluffy puppy full-body puppet costume, burst into laughter.
"It's the latest fashion...!!"
"......"
I clutched my head in disbelief.
'Crazy...'
To think he'd wear a puppet mask even with all the Twelve Laws Leaders gathered! What consistency. This marked another lifetime where seeing the Twelve Laws Leader's real face was impossible. As I chugged water in dismay, the Twelve Laws Leader took his seat.
Suddenly, the seated Twelve Laws Leader addressed the Sword Demon fluently in Classical Chinese.
"Pleased to meet you, Shadowless Sect Leader Sword Demon. I am the Twelve Laws Leader, Ha Eun-cheon."
Hearing the introduction, the Sword Demon returned the greeting.
"Pleased to meet you. I am the Shadowless Sect Leader, Sword Demon Seomun Daeryong."
"I am Kim Jin-su of the Phantom Sword School!"
"Pleased to meet you."
"I am the National Defense Alliance Leader..."
This began a round of introductions as each Twelve Laws Leader stood and greeted the Sword Demon one by one. Each had brought their own interpreter, and I translated for the Sword Demon as well, so communication was smooth.
Once the greetings ended, Twelve Laws Leader Ha Eun-cheon spoke.
"The Shadowless Sect Leader has expressed a desire to newly join our Twelve Laws. Everyone here knows that's why we've gathered today."
A brief silence fell. Then, the Haedong Secret Heaven Lord, who had been sitting quietly, raised his hand. Haedong Secret Heaven was a left-path sect specializing in sorcery, and its lord was renowned as an exceptional sorcerer.
"I oppose!"
The Twelve Laws Leader waved his hand dismissively at the words.
"No need for long-winded arguments—just vote by show of hands. Raise your hand if in favor, keep it down if opposed."
Swish...
The vote was held shortly after.
The result: 5 in favor, 6 opposed. The factions in favor were Fighting Monk Sect, Zhao Yi Immortal, North Sea Ice Palace, Buddhist Sect, and Flying Dragon School; the rest opposed. By majority rule, this clearly meant rejection by the Twelve Laws.
But the Sword Demon's expression didn't change. He remained calm, as if sensing a different development was coming. The Twelve Laws Leader thought for a moment, then said,
"First, let's hear from those opposed."
As if waiting, National Defense Alliance Leader Yeomyeong raised his hand and spoke.
"Twelve Laws Leader! The Shadowless Sect is the foremost fiend sect among the Central Plains' Eight Demonic Sects. We can't admit such people into the Twelve Laws."
"A most orthodox opinion. Anyone else?"
Seated beside him, Haedong Secret Heaven Lord and Wind Origin School Leader spoke in turn.
"The reason they're suddenly reaching out to join the Twelve Laws is suspicious. Make them explain clearly first."
"I agree. Their intentions are dubious."
"......"
The Twelve Laws Leader glanced at the Fighting Monk Sect Leader and said,
"Then let's hear from the proponents."
Called out by the glance, the Fighting Monk Sect Leader spoke with irritation.
"The Sword Demon is an incredible master. I want to test my skills against him."
"That's all?"
"What more do you want?"
"Fair enough."
The Fighting Monk Sect Leader's attitude was utterly irreverent toward the Twelve Laws Leader, yet no one objected. His martial prowess was exceptionally high, and there were even rumors that the Twelve Laws Leader had struggled to defeat him when ascending to his position. Then, the Zhao Yi Immortal Sect's leader beside him added,
"The Central Plains martial forces are expanding aggressively. At a time like this, more strength is better."
The North Sea Ice Palace Lord chimed in.
"I agree. Once the Arahan Empire's chaos ends, a powerful northern force will descend. Strengthening our ranks won't hurt."
Proponent and opponent leaders each added their pieces.
"I favor it because..."
"No, we must oppose. This matter..."
Their thoughts varied, but there were common threads. After calmly hearing all, the Twelve Laws Leader suddenly looked at the Sword Demon and said,
"Sword Demon Seomun Daeryong. As you see, that's the Twelve Laws' stance. Something's lacking to accept you. Do you have anything to say?"
This was the critical moment.
The Sword Demon, who had sat silently with arms crossed until then, stood up.
And declared,
"I hold the greatest secrets about the imperial palace and the White Lotus Cult—three of them."
"......!!"
In that instant, Twelve Laws Leader Ha Eun-cheon's aura shifted. The other leaders looked shocked too, but he understood Classical Chinese best and reacted immediately. Before they could speak, he cut in.
"What are those secrets?"
The Sword Demon paused, then said,
"In exchange for accepting the Shadowless Sect as one of your own, I will reveal two."
"One is?"
"I'll leave that to the Twelve Laws Leader's choice."
This left room for further negotiation. As if on cue, opposing faction's Haedong Secret Heaven Lord shot to his feet and shouted.
"Insolent fool! How dare a Central Plains barbarian dictate terms!"
The Sword Demon seemed to roughly understand the insult. He smirked and said,
"Be quiet. I'm speaking to the Twelve Laws Leader."
Hearing the translation, Haedong Secret Heaven Lord's face paled.
"You bastard!"
From his fingertips, a shikigami was summoned, transforming into a massive crane that attacked the Sword Demon. That crane regenerated instantly from sword qi or flames and possessed terrifying speed and power—it had brutally defeated me in my tenth life.
Slash!
But the Sword Demon's Autonomous Sword sliced the shikigami crane to shreds like child's play.
"Ugh."
Haedong Secret Heaven Lord collapsed, vomiting blood as his sorcery shattered. As if that were the signal, the Twelve Laws Leaders leaped up. A massive bloodbath between the Sword Demon and them seemed imminent.
It was then.
"Sit."
Boom.
It happened in an instant. The Twelve Laws Leader, who had been propping his chin, merely uttered one word—yet everyone froze and reflexively sat. Even the Sword Demon seemed to unconsciously obey.
"......?!"
"Gasp!!"
Everyone in the hall was stunned. The combat atmosphere vanished before they knew what happened.
But the Sword Demon and other top-tier experts wore different expressions.
"Hmm..."
"Indeed..."
They seemed to have a rough idea of what the Twelve Laws Leader had done.
Having instantly quelled the room's mood, the Twelve Laws Leader stared at the Sword Demon and said,
"Sword Demon Seomun Daeryong. What is your relationship with that young man beside you?"
"My sect's guardian and my foremost disciple."
"Is that so."
The Twelve Laws Leader then seemed to mouth something silently, sending a transmission. The Sword Demon flinched, and the Leader addressed the assembly.
"As of today, the Shadowless Sect is one of the Twelve Laws. Henceforth, it shall be the Thirteen Laws. Get along well with the Shadowless Sect from now on."
With that, the meeting ended as if by magic. People left with somewhat awkward expressions. Even the opposing leaders couldn't utter a word against the Twelve Laws Leader's authority.
Left in the hall were only me and the Sword Demon. I transmitted to him.
[Master, what did the Twelve Laws Leader say?]
From the Sword Demon's response, I realized hardships lay ahead.
[He told you to bring the Seven Essentials and come to the Divine Altar.]