Chapter 124

Chapter 124
Chapter: 124

Chapter Title: Azure Sword Command (1)

—

“You have all performed exceptionally well.”

Gwan Ung gave several nods, a look of profound contentment crossing his face as he leafed through the substantial manuscript.

The text provided a comprehensive analysis of the Jiangnan martial landscape, identifying the specific locations, personnel counts, combat capabilities, and vulnerabilities of the various clans across the territory. It further mapped out the overarching hierarchy governing the Jiangnan region. This data represented the final result of extensive espionage conducted under the very nose of the Martial Alliance while maintaining a facade of submission.

“We have a few days of travel ahead, but it appears the Black Dragon Mok Clan, currently advancing toward the Eunsan sector, will be the opening act of this conflict.”

Hyung Mu-gang indicated a specific quadrant on a map that offered a highly detailed view of the Jiangnan martial world.

“Eunsan…”

Gwan Ung paused his hand, rapidly searching through the pages of the book.

“The Golden Sword Sect.”

“Indeed. Specifically, their leader is Seomun Sang, a master counted among the five greatest warriors in Jiangnan. He is flanked by several dangerous experts. Furthermore, the neighboring sects allied with the Golden Sword Sect possess significant strength that cannot be ignored.”

“They should serve as a suitable challenge for the Black Dragon Mok Clan.”

Gwan Ung voiced his complete confidence in the Black Dragon Mok Clan, a group he had personally brought back to the Heavenly Demon Cult from the Southern Barbaric Lands. His belief extended beyond just that clan; considering the total power of the divisions they commanded, he was certain that a group like the Golden Sword Sect—and even the Nangong Clan—was fundamentally outmatched.

“Next, we have the Phoenix Sect. This is a faction with deep foundations, having once challenged the Nangong Clan for leadership of the Jiangnan Alliance. Purely in terms of combat potential, they are a tier above the Golden Sword Sect.”

“Is the Supreme Elder handling that objective?”

“No. The Supreme Elder is stationed in the heart of the region. The commander leading our units against the Phoenix Sect is the North Heaven Sword Demon.”

“Ah, that’s right. My memory slipped.”

Gwan Ung then remembered that just before the mobilization began, the Blood Light Martial Emperor and the North Heaven Sword Demon had traded their assigned roles.

“There shouldn’t be any trouble there either.”

Gwan Ung remarked, his eyes remaining fixed on the map provided by Hyung Mu-gang.

“With the Supreme Elder at the head of the Black Heaven Clan, that entire area is destined for total ruin.”

Having fought against the Black Heaven Clan during the internal wars to unify the Heavenly Demon Cult, Gwan Ung was intimately acquainted with their lethality. Even though they had been forced into submission by the superior might of the Divine Demon Division in the past, the Black Heaven Clan remained one of the three most powerful forces currently serving the Heavenly Demon Cult.

“Thinking back, those individuals are truly extraordinary.”

A faint smirk touched Gwan Ung’s lips as he thought of the brief period he had spent working alongside the Divine Demon Division.

“Sir? To whom are you referring?”

Gwan Ung simply brushed off Hyung Mu-gang’s inquiry with a gesture. Just then, a voice came from outside.

“Sima Ryu.”

“Enter.”

The door swung open, and the leader of the Dark Fragrance Unit, Sima Ryu, entered the room with a look of caution.

“What has happened?”

Gwan Ung asked, looking slightly perplexed.

Sima Ryu had only just finished his previous briefing and departed; his immediate return suggested something significant.

“Two high-priority reports have just come in.”

“High-priority? And two of them at once?”

Gwan Ung’s eyes lit up with curiosity.

“Yes, sir.”

“Proceed. What is the status?”

“The Nangong Clan has issued the Azure Sword Command.”

“The Azure Sword Command? What does that entail?”

As Gwan Ung tilted his head in confusion, Hyung Mu-gang offered an immediate explanation.

“I have briefed you on this previously. The Nangong Clan, as the sovereigns of Jiangnan, possess the legal right to call the entire regional martial world to arms. That mobilization order is known as the Azure Sword Command.”

“Ah, yes. I recall now. But I was under the impression it wasn’t a mandatory order.”

“That is true. However, the Azure Sword Command is a privilege and power that the Jiangnan sects themselves have historically granted to the Nangong Clan. No group will risk the dishonor of ignoring it once it is called. Aware of its weight, the Nangong Clan has used it with extreme caution. To date, it has only been used once…”

“During the rebellion of the Blood Cult.”

“Exactly. Only that one time.”

“And yet, they have chosen to activate that very command now? It suggests they have a very clear picture of our intent and positioning.”

Gwan Ung seemed more entertained than concerned by this development.

“Just as we have studied them, they have likely spent years studying us. Jiangnan is their home turf, after all.”

“I suppose so. Their eyes and ears are everywhere in this region.”

Gwan Ung looked appreciatively at Sima Ryu, who had managed to assemble such an exhaustive intelligence report despite working in hostile territory.

“Tell me, what is the practical result of the Azure Sword Command being in effect?”

“The various factions of the Jiangnan martial world will consolidate into a single, unified army.”

“With the Nangong Clan acting as the supreme commanders, I assume?”

“Precisely.”

“So, they are forming another Martial Alliance, essentially.”

“But this one will have far greater coordination and loyalty than the current one.”

“A worthy adversary makes for a better war.”

While Hyung Mu-gang appeared somewhat tense, Gwan Ung seemed to be relishing the brewing conflict.

“Very well, the Azure Sword Command is the first piece of news. What is the second?”

“The Martial Alliance is tearing itself apart from within.”

“I heard reports of that yesterday. The brat from the Tang Clan was causing quite a stir.”

Gwan Ung sounded slightly underwhelmed, as if he had expected something as grand as the Azure Sword Command.

“It has moved beyond mere shouting—it has turned into a bloodbath.”

“Oh? That is far more interesting. Give me the details.”

“With the two internal factions already at each other’s throats, a young warrior from the Jongnam Sect, who lost his master and brothers in the previous chaos, decided to take matters into his own hands. Late last night, he launched a suicide mission against Tang Hong. He failed to take Tang Hong’s life, but he managed to kill two other members of the Tang Clan before he was struck down himself.”

“He traded his life to avenge his kin. That is the mark of a true warrior. A commendable spirit!”

Gwan Ung lifted his cup in a silent salute to the fallen Jongnam disciple.

“That event triggered a massive brawl between the factions. Numerous people were killed throughout the night. There are even whispers that the Alliance Leader, in a fit of rage and despair over failing to stop the fighting, has abandoned his post—though we haven’t verified that yet.”

“Is it possible that providence is smiling upon us?”

Sima Ryu remained silent, but Hyung Mu-gang answered immediately.

“It certainly feels that way. This isn’t a minor disagreement anymore; blood has been shed. Once things reach this level of violence, there is no easy path back to peace. Even if they stop fighting, the trust is gone. We must seize this moment.”

“My thoughts exactly, Hyung Mu-gang.”

“I am at your command, Cult Leader.”

“We have gathered all the information we need. There is no longer a reason to hide. We have the excuse provided by the Ha Hu Clan, flimsy as it may be.”

Gwan Ung stood up from his chair with a slow, deliberate movement.

“Inform the ranks: the heavens have cleared our path. We will sweep them all away in a single tide.”

“The Heavenly Demon descends!”

“Ten Thousand Demons rise!”

Sima Ryu and Hyung Mu-gang gave a thunderous response as they accepted the command.

◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
“Shaoxing!”

Sima Ho shouted with joy as the city’s familiar profile glowed in the light of the setting sun. Walking next to him, Sima Hyeon was carrying a heavy load of supplies; though he tried to remain composed, his face was bright with anticipation.

“Good grief, you’d think we’d been gone for decades the way you’re carrying on.”

Cheol Woo made a clicking sound with his tongue, though he looked just as pleased as the younger men.

“And I suppose the first thing you’ll do is reopen that meat shop. You’re actually looking forward to all that hard work again?”

Cheol Woo looked over at Sima Geon as he spoke.

“The butcher shop is for my brothers. I’ll be busy with the ranch, so I won’t have to worry about it.”

Sima Ho laughed.

“Not so fast. You’re going to learn the trade right alongside them.”

“In my condition?”

Sima Ho gestured toward his missing sleeve.

“What does that matter? If I tell you to do it, you’ll manage.”

“Well, if you say so, big brother…”

Sima Ho gave Sima Geon a look that made it clear he didn’t think it would actually happen.

“Where there is a will, there is a way.”

“Brother!”

Sima Ho let out a sudden shout. His dramatic reaction prompted a burst of laughter from Cheol Woo and the others.

‘Yes. This is how it should be.’

Sima Geon wore a quiet smile as he observed his companions.

Following his encounter with the Sword Empress, Sima Geon had realized that the situation in the martial world was far more precarious and convoluted than he had first suspected. He chose to take his younger siblings back to the safety of Shaoxing.

Although Cheol Woo had grumbled about needing to settle the score with the Forest Bandit Eighteen Strongholds, Sima Geon was unwilling to leave his brothers with the Ha Hu Clan, who were already under pressure from the movements of the Heavenly Demon Cult. Furthermore, as the martial world descended into chaos, he wondered if it was wise to be away for so long just to pursue a personal grudge.

The Forest Bandit Eighteen Strongholds would eventually pay for what they had done. As Cheol Woo had noted, a man of character can wait a decade for his vengeance. For now, the priority was his family’s safety.

The decision had taken time, but the execution was fast. The group had packed their belongings and headed for Shaoxing, leaving a disappointed Ha Hu Yeon behind.

One unexpected development was that Man Chu had come with them.

While everyone was curious why Man Chu wasn’t returning to the Beggars’ Clan during such a crisis, they were moved to learn that the clan elders believed his future—and the clan’s—was best served by him staying close to Sima Geon.

Talking and joking as they walked, the group eventually reached Wu Family Village.

Smoke drifted up from the village kitchens, and their own home soon came into view.

“There it is. Home.”

Sima Ho pointed toward the distant structure.

“Yes. We’ve finally made it back.”

Sima Hyeon put his arm around Sima Ho’s shoulder, a wide grin on his face.

Just as a sense of peace settled over them, the expressions of Sima Geon and Cheol Woo suddenly turned sharp.

“Boss.”

“I know.”

Sima Geon gave a short nod, and Cheol Woo blurred into motion, darting ahead like a streak of lightning. The brothers and Man Chu watched him go, their excitement replaced by sudden dread.

“Stay calm. There’s a fight happening nearby, he’s just going to investigate.”

The concern, however, was that Cheol Woo had run straight toward the house, making it impossible for the others to relax.

In seconds, Cheol Woo had left the group behind, following the unmistakable scent of blood and the aura of killing intent toward the woods located behind their home.

When he reached the clearing, Cheol Woo stopped dead, staring at a scene he never could have predicted.

“What in the world is going on here? Why are you in this place? And what are you wearing? Damn it! Have you completely lost your mind?”

While shouting his questions, Cheol Woo casually swiped his hand through the air, sending a thug who had tried to ambush him flying into the brush.

The forest went silent as the thug collapsed without a sound. Cheol Woo was the only one moving, stepping forward with slow, heavy strides.

“B… brother.”

Gwa Yu, leaning against a tree and drenched in his own blood, managed to offer a weak, pained smile to Cheol Woo.