Chapter 124
Chapter 124
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 124
Chapter Title: Azure Sword Command (1)
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"You've all worked hard."
Gwan Ung nodded repeatedly with a deeply satisfied expression as he calmly flipped through the thick book.
The volume detailed the terrain of the Jiangnan martial world, along with the names, numbers, strengths, and weaknesses of the sects distributed across each region. It even explained the overall power structure of the entire Jiangnan martial world. This was the culmination of all the information secretly gathered while bowing their heads to the Martial Alliance.
"We'll need to advance a few more days, but it looks like the Black Dragon Mok Clan, heading toward the Eunsan region, will be the first to engage in battle."
Hyung Mu-gang pointed to a spot on the map that appeared to greatly magnify the Jiangnan martial world.
"Eunsan..."
Gwan Ung's hand paused as he hurriedly turned the pages.
"Golden Sword Sect."
"Yes. In particular, there's Sect Leader Seomun Sang, one of the top five in Jiangnan martial world, along with several other formidable experts. The forces of the sects around them that will aid Golden Sword Sect are no pushovers either."
"They'll make a fine opponent for the Black Dragon Mok Clan."
Gwan Ung displayed absolute faith in the Black Dragon Mok Clan, whom he had personally escorted back to the Heavenly Demon Cult from the Southern Barbaric Lands. Not just the Black Dragon Mok Clan, but considering the full might of the forces they led, he was convinced that a mere Golden Sword Sect—let alone the Nangong Clan—stood no chance from the start.
"Next is Phoenix Sect. It's a faction with such deep reserves that they once vied with the Nangong Clan for the position of Jiangnan Alliance Leader. In terms of raw power, they're a cut above Golden Sword Sect."
"Is the Supreme Elder moving out?"
"No. The Supreme Elder is in the central region. Leading the forces toward Phoenix Sect is the North Heaven Sword Demon."
"Ah, right. My mistake."
Gwan Ung recalled that, just before the full-scale advance, the Blood Light Martial Emperor and the North Heaven Sword Demon had ultimately swapped positions.
"No issues there either."
Gwan Ung continued, staring at the map Hyung Mu-gang was presenting.
"With the Supreme Elder leading the Black Heaven Clan, that side will be utterly devastated."
Gwan Ung, who had clashed with the Black Heaven Clan during the Heavenly Demon Cult's unification wars in the past, knew their power better than anyone. Though they had been forced to kneel due to the Divine Demon Division's prowess at the time, the Black Heaven Clan still possessed strength that ranked among the top three of all forces under the Heavenly Demon Cult even now.
"Come to think of it, those guys are truly remarkable."
Recalling the time when he had coordinated with the Divine Demon Division for the first and last time, Gwan Ung let out a smirk.
"Pardon? Who do you mean, sir?"
To Hyung Mu-gang's question, Gwan Ung waved it off as if it were nothing. It was then.
"Sima Ryu."
"Come in."
The door opened, and Dark Fragrance Unit Leader Sima Ryu cautiously stepped inside.
"What is it?"
Gwan Ung asked with a puzzled expression.
It had been less than a moment since Sima Ryu had finished his report and left, yet here he was again.
"Two urgent dispatches have arrived."
"Urgent dispatches? Two of them?"
Gwan Ung's eyes sparkled with interest.
"Yes."
"Tell me. What's the news?"
"The Nangong Clan has activated the Azure Sword Command."
"Azure Sword Command? What's that?"
As Gwan Ung tilted his head, Hyung Mu-gang immediately explained.
"I mentioned it before. The Nangong Clan, leaders of Jiangnan, hold the authority to mobilize the entire Jiangnan martial world. That is the Azure Sword Command."
"Ah, right. I remember. But I thought it wasn't compulsory."
"Correct. However, the Azure Sword Command is an authority and right voluntarily granted to the Nangong Clan by the Jiangnan martial world itself. No sect will defy it once activated. Knowing this, the Nangong Clan has refrained from using it as much as possible. Until now, it has been invoked only once..."
"During the Blood Cult uprising."
"Yes. Just that one time."
"And now, that very Azure Sword Command has been activated? It means they've accurately grasped our movements."
Rather than troubled, Gwan Ung seemed amused.
"Just as we've analyzed them, they must have analyzed us as well. After all, Jiangnan is their territory, no matter what anyone says."
"True. Even if everyone's their eyes and ears, it wouldn't be wrong."
Gwan Ung turned a warm gaze once more toward Sima Ryu, who had compiled such a detailed book despite those adversities.
"So, what exactly happens when the Azure Sword Command is activated?"
"The Jiangnan martial world will unite as one."
"With the Nangong Clan at the helm, naturally?"
"Yes."
"Another Martial Alliance, in other words."
"But their organization and solidarity will be incomparable."
"Having a proper opponent to fight is a good thing."
Unlike Hyung Mu-gang, who appeared somewhat anxious, Gwan Ung seemed to be enjoying the tension.
"Alright, the first news is the Azure Sword Command. What's the other one?"
"The Martial Alliance has fallen into internal strife."
"I heard that yesterday too. That the Tang Clan brat caused a mess."
Having expected something as special as the Azure Sword Command, Gwan Ung looked slightly disappointed.
"It's not just a mess—it's escalated to bloodshed."
"Ho. Now that's intriguing. Tell me more."
"In the midst of the two factions evenly matched within the Alliance, a Jongnam Sect disciple who lost his master and fellow struck out over this incident. Late at night, he ambushed Tang Hong. He failed to kill Tang Hong but managed to slay two Tang Clan disciples, though he himself perished as well."
"He staked his life for vengeance for his master and brothers. That's how a true man should act. What a fine fellow!"
Impressed, Gwan Ung raised his cup in toast to the nameless Jongnam Sect disciple.
"That sparked a full clash between both sides. Quite a few lost their lives overnight. There's even a report that the Alliance Leader, who tried to mediate, flew into a rage and abandoned his position—but that seems unconfirmed."
"Is heaven aiding us?"
Sima Ryu hesitated at Gwan Ung's question, but Hyung Mu-gang was quick to respond.
"It seems to be helping us properly. This isn't mere emotional squabbling—blood has been spilled. Once it's deteriorated to this point, reconciliation won't be easy. Even if it happens, things will never be the same. We can't miss this opportunity."
"I think the same. Hyung Mu-gang."
"Yes, Cult Leader."
"We've gathered enough intelligence. It's time to drop the facade. It's a bit shabby, but we have the pretext of the Ha Hu Clan."
Gwan Ung slowly rose from his seat.
"Relay to everyone: Heaven's mandate has come to us. Sweep them away in one fell swoop."
"Heavenly Demon descends!"
"Ten Thousand Demons rise!"
Sima Ryu and Hyung Mu-gang shouted in unison, receiving the order.
"Shaoxing!"
Sima Ho cheered at the sight of the city flaunting its elegant silhouette against the sunset. Beside him, Sima Hyeon, laden with heavy luggage, didn't show it outwardly but was visibly flushed with excitement.
"Tsk tsk, how long were we gone to make such a fuss?"
Cheol Woo clicked his tongue in reprimand, though his own expression was no different from the two brothers'.
"And the first thing you'll do upon arrival is open the butcher shop again. You want to go through that hassle once more?"
Cheol Woo glanced sideways at Sima Geon as he spoke.
"The butcher shop is your brothers' job. I'm with the ranch, so it doesn't concern me."
Sima Ho giggled.
"Quiet. You'll relearn the butcher shop too."
"In this state?"
Sima Ho flapped his empty sleeve.
"What's that to you? If I say do it, you can."
"Well, if big brother says so..."
Sima Ho shot Sima Geon a look that said there was no way it would happen.
"Where there's a will, there's a way."
"Brother!"
Sima Ho yelled suddenly. At his antics, laughter erupted from Cheol Woo and the rest of the group.
'Yes. This is it.'
Sima Geon quietly smiled as he looked around.
After meeting the Sword Empress, Sima Geon had confirmed that the martial world's situation was far more serious and complex than he had imagined. He decided to return to Shaoxing with his two younger brothers.
Though Cheol Woo grumbled about revenge against the Forest Bandit Eighteen Strongholds, Sima Geon was reluctant to leave his brothers with the already beleaguered Ha Hu Clan amid the Heavenly Demon Cult's stirrings. Moreover, with the martial world growing increasingly chaotic, he questioned whether it was right to be away for so long pursuing vengeance.
Even if not right now, retribution against the Forest Bandit Eighteen Strongholds would come eventually. As Cheol Woo said, a gentleman's revenge is never too late, even after ten years. For now, his brothers' safety came first.
The deliberations had been lengthy, but action was swift. The group packed quickly and set off for Shaoxing, leaving the reluctant Ha Hu Yeon behind.
The amusing part was that Man Chu had tagged along.
Everyone questioned why Man Chu wasn't returning to the Beggars' Clan despite the emergency, but they were all impressed upon hearing that the clan's leadership had decided it was better for the clan's future to have him stick by Sima Geon's side.
As they bantered noisily while walking, they soon arrived at Wu Family Village.
Amid the rising smoke from cooking fires everywhere, their home came into view.
"Home."
Sima Ho pointed to the house in the distance.
"Yeah. We're here."
Sima Hyeon slung an arm around Sima Ho's shoulder and grinned.
As everyone's hearts warmed, Sima Geon and Cheol Woo's expressions abruptly changed.
"Boss."
"Yeah."
Sima Geon nodded, and Cheol Woo shot forward like lightning. Startled by the sudden turn, the group watched his receding figure with alarm.
"Don't worry. Someone's fighting nearby, so he's just checking it out."
The problem was that Cheol Woo had headed straight toward the house, so no one could hide their tension.
In the blink of an eye, Cheol Woo distanced himself from the group, sensing the intensifying murderous intent as he pressed on toward the forest behind the house.
Upon reaching the woods, Cheol Woo's eyes widened at the utterly unexpected scene.
"What the hell is this? Why are you here? And what's with that getup? Holy shit! Have you lost your mind?"
Mid-question, Cheol Woo effortlessly swatted away a thug charging at him without warning.
The forest fell deathly still at the sight of the thug crumpling without a scream. Only Cheol Woo moved, advancing slowly.
"B... brother."
Gwa Yu, staggering and covered in blood, managed a feeble smile toward Cheol Woo.