Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors
The next day, Miho summoned two men to the Imperial Palace. Of course, they were called by the emperor’s decree, who was merely a puppet, and they believed without a doubt it was in response to the emperor’s command. The emperor said to the two warriors who knelt before him,
“You shall follow the Noble Consort to the Central Plains from now on…”
“Yes, my lord!”
They answered without hesitation at first since it was an imperial order, but suspicion filled their faces. To avoid raising unnecessary doubts, the emperor added an explanation.
“Escort the Noble Consort… and seek out the Seven Luminaries… To obtain the legendary treasure and ensure the prosperity of the nation.”
“Understood!”
With that, Miho and I stood before them.
Miyamoto Musashi.
He was known as the strongest warrior of the Dongyoung and bore the flamboyant title of Unmatched Under Heaven. His specialty in dual-wielding swords was remarkable, especially in the art of war, and he was renowned as the best among sword masters.
Hattori Hanzo.
The ninja guarding the ruling Tokugawa Clan of the current Shogunate, and the head of the prestigious Hattori clan. In terms of ninjutsu, he had reached the pinnacle on Dongyoung’s soil.
‘So, I’m really going with the best samurai and ninja in Dongyoung?’
I muttered to myself. This kind of company would indeed be a significant help, as Miho claimed. With her beautiful guise as the Noble Consort, she spoke,
“Thank you for your cooperation. This is Baek Woong, a warrior from the Central Plains, who is pursuing the whereabouts of the Seven Luminaries. I hope you will work together.”
Then, standing beside her, Hattori Hanzo, dressed in his characteristic dark ninja attire, spoke up.
“Noble Consort, the Shogun has yet to respond to this matter. Could you wait for a few days?”
“You know that the Hattori clan is a loyal servant of the Tokugawa clan. So, what will happen if the Shogun opposes this?”
Hattori Hanzo hesitated for a moment and then replied,
“Thank you for naming me, but I cannot involve myself in this matter. Moreover, I believe the Noble Consort‘s journey to the Central Plains will require deep consideration.”
I understood why Hattori Hanzo was speaking this way. The nominal Emperor was the ruler of Dongyoung, but in reality, he was no more than a figurehead without any real power. The true authority lay with Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and now the Tokugawa Ieyasu’s Shogunate. Thankfully, thanks to Miho’s efforts, the imperial family hadn’t fallen completely, allowing them to maintain some power, but the Shogunate was undoubtedly the seat of absolute power.
Miho scoffed.
“Ha! Do you mean to say that this is my matter, and I must ask for the Shogun’s permission?”
“I hope you make a wise decision.”
“Hattori Hanzo, how do you perceive me? Do you believe I am treating you gently because I cannot handle you?”
Whoosh!
At that moment, Miho unleashed her formidable Demonic Power, causing Hattori Hanzo to flinch and step back. He seemed tense, swallowing dryly as he spoke,
“Everyone, including myself, knows that the Noble Consort is an extraordinary being beyond human comprehension… Until now, we recognized your efforts to maintain balance in the human realm, yet if you act on your whims, I cannot simply stand by.”
It seemed Hattori Hanzo was already aware that Miho was a Great Demon. If he was this cautious, then enchanting him might prove tricky. As Miho glared at him, Miyamoto Musashi interjected,
“There’s no need for us to face off like this. The key point is whether what we do is beneficial for the Shogun or harmful, isn’t it? If the Noble Consort adequately explains the importance of this matter, this ninja will advise the lord.”
Musashi had a clear grasp of the situation. Miho relaxed a bit at Miyamoto Musashi’s words and said,
“Right. I apologize for being hasty, Hattori Hanzo.”
“Not at all. I also apologize for being rude to the Noble Consort.”
Miho then explained to Hattori Hanzo about the Seven Luminaries and their powers and roles. It seemed that Hattori Hanzo and the current Shogunate knew nothing about the Seven Luminaries, as he displayed evident surprise. He calmed his excitement and replied,
“Indeed, this is quite astonishing. I will respond within three days.”
“I shall wait.”
Swish!
Hattori Hanzo vanished using his characteristic ninja stealth. Left behind, Miyamoto Musashi inquired,
“What should I do?”
“You should go ahead to the Central Plains with Baek Woong.”
“Is that alright?”
“You aren’t affiliated with any specific daimyo, right? Even if you leave first, the Shogunate won’t find fault with it.”
“Understood.”
With that, Miyamoto Musashi and I departed for the Central Plains first, intending to return for Miho later.
Whoosh!
I arrived at Jinrang Valley using the boiling technique alongside Miyamoto Musashi. Immediately after moving, he asked,
“What was that illusion just now? It was incredibly terrifying.”
When using the golden bubbling technique, if one doesn’t break free quickly, they could witness the Amcheonhyang or the Undersea Two-Legged. It seemed Miyamoto Musashi caught a glimpse of that scene since I hadn’t fully severed the connection yet. I explained,
“Those are treasures of the Other Races.”
“Other Races?”
As I explained about the Other Races, Miyamoto Musashi expressed his admiration.
“Indeed… it seems that the Magic tribe forms communities as well.”
“Well, something like that.”
I responded while observing Miyamoto Musashi.
‘Is this guy really the best warrior in Dongyoung?’
He certainly had to be an extraordinary master. I could sense his sword aura just like when I faced Kamiizumi Nobutsuna, a sign of a true top-tier swordsman ready to let loose incredible sword techniques.
Yet, inwardly, I felt a slight doubt. While he had to be on par with Kamiizumi Nobutsuna or even better, why does he give off this awkward vibe? His speech and demeanor implied he was a supreme expert; it was strange.
‘Well, that’s not the main issue right now.’
I brought Miyamoto Musashi to meet Mangnyang. Upon seeing him, Mangnyang exchanged greetings with Miyamoto Musashi. After I explained the details about both Miyamoto Musashi and Hattori Hanzo, he nodded and said to me,
“Then, Baek Woong, please accompany this man to the Shadowless Gate.”
“Hmm?”
“That doesn’t sound bad.”
I sensed the hidden meaning behind Mangnyang‘s words. Up until now, he had yet to finish organizing everything using the black-and-white lotus and other resources I had provided. So, he was essentially telling me to handle my tasks before the plan could be established. And he also seemed to be suggesting that I utilize Miyamoto Musashi efficiently.
“Got it.”
Whoosh!
I arrived at the Shadowless Gate in Hanan with Miyamoto Musashi. We then freed Seomun Hae and other pirate prisoners who had been inside Mok Gap. Miyamoto Musashi looked utterly astonished as the people suddenly sprang out from the Mok Gap.
“Whoa…!!”
Seomun Hae, realizing he was near the Shadowless Gate, grabbed my hand with teary eyes.
“Thank you so much!”
“It’s nothing, really. Now, let’s get organized.”
Seomun Hae gathered the women among the pirate captives who wished to continue life at the Shadowless Gate and set them aside. They would likely receive care at the Shadowless Gate, while those not interested would return to their hometowns with the help of the Shadowless Gate.
Once we reached the Shadowless Gate, we encountered the Sword Demon Seomun Daeryong. Upon seeing Miyamoto Musashi, he stared at him intently.
“Hmm. A warrior from Dongyoung?”
Miyamoto Musashi responded, bowing elegantly in a manner befitting a warrior.
“I am Miyamoto Musashi.”
Naturally, the Sword Demon Seomun Daeryong spoke the language of the Central Plains and wouldn’t understand Dongyoung‘s language. Since I could translate, I provided a brief introduction of Miyamoto Musashi to Seomun Daeryong. He narrowed his eyes and muttered,
“… So, this person is the finest warrior in Dongyoung? Disappointing.”
“……”
I felt there was no need to translate that statement. While Seomun Daeryong might have expressed a sincere opinion, it was undoubtedly offensive to a warrior. Instead, I sent a message to Seomun Daeryong.
[My comrade was meticulously recruited. Please do not belittle him carelessly.]
[Hmm, I apologize. Yet, I simply spoke what I thought.]
At that moment, a problem arose.
Miyamoto Musashi seemed to have gathered a general idea of what Seomun Daeryong had said. Despite not knowing the details, he could sense the underlying contempt. Perhaps that was why his hands began to tremble, and the muscles around his brow tensed as he firmly declared,
“I cannot tolerate this insult! I challenge you to a duel, Seomun Daeryong!”
Seomun Daeryong didn’t understand Dongyoung‘s language but seemed to catch on to the general context.
“Of course, I will accept.”
Oh no!
I felt exasperated, thinking I shouldn’t have brought Miyamoto Musashi here. Mangnyang would have anticipated this situation; why did he insist I take him? The pride of a warrior can sometimes weigh heavier than a mountain, and if they were this adversarial, bloodshed was inevitable. I couldn’t skip translating this, but I tried to persuade Miyamoto Musashi instead.
“Calm down. The Sword Demon is very proud and somewhat arrogant; he often shows rudeness to strangers. He even acknowledged his mistake and wanted to apologize just now. I’d rather not see bloodshed on such a fortunate day.”
But Miyamoto Musashi, now even angrier, shouted with a red face,
“A warrior does not tolerate insults! I must see what your Central Plains techniques are made of!”
“Ugh…”
I held my head in frustration. There was no way to stop this now.
Sighing with a hint of amusement, Seomun Daeryong looked at me and added,
“Baek Woong, was it? Do not meddle further. It seems he and I must settle this with swords.”
“Please be mindful. Today is a fortuitous day with Seomun Joo‘s return.”
“Returning to the sect has nothing to do with this duel.”
“……”
A moment later, I found myself being dragged towards the Shadowless Gate‘s training grounds. This time, I wouldn’t be stepping up to fight; I would merely observe as Seomun Daeryong, the Sword Demon, and Miyamoto Musashi prepared to duel against each other. I gathered with a few other members of the Shadowless Gate to watch, and we started lighting torches.
As I lit the flames, I asked one of the onlookers,
“Is it true that you don’t turn down a challenge?”
The member respectfully answered, likely due to my status as a benefactor of Seomun Joo,
“Of course. The leaders of the Sapa have challenged our lord many times, but he has never been defeated.”
“What usually happens to those challengers?”
“Many are buried somewhere over there.”
The member pointed toward a hillside visible over the wall. Although it was getting dark, there clearly seemed to be a burial ground. In other words, those who challenged the Sword Demon Seomun Daeryong usually ended up dead.
‘No way… no way…’
From my perspective, Miyamoto Musashi was undoubtedly an extraordinary expert. If it came down to mere swordsmanship, he would surely be at least my equal or far superior. In Central Plains, he would be known as the best swordsman of the Nine Families. No way could the Sword Demon take him out effortlessly.
Crack!
Seomun Daeryong and Miyamoto Musashi faced each other, standing three steps apart. Miyamoto Musashi exuded an aura of killing intent, while in stark contrast, Seomun Daeryong remained as calm as ever. Given the fact that I would be officiating the duel, I had no choice but to call for the start.
“Begin!”
Whoosh!
In an instant, a dazzling light exploded like storm winds in six directions. Unlike any of the mediocre Dongyoung warriors I had seen before, Miyamoto Musashi could command Sword Fire, rivaling even the sword techniques of well-established lineages from the Central Plains. The way the tip of his sword slithered as if it were a snake, ready to crush human flesh, was undeniably the form of a peak master.
Seomun Daeryong calmly countered Miyamoto Musashi’s strikes.
Clang!
After about ten seconds of fierce exchanges, they seemed to have established their rhythm. In other words, they were measuring each other’s abilities. After finishing a few attacks, Miyamoto Musashi steadied his stance, and Seomun Daeryong, seemingly pleased, turned to me and asked,
“Hey, Baek Woong, can you translate this?”
“What is it?”
“If you sheathe your sword now, I will take this friend as my apprentice.”
“……”
Are you insane?! That thought bubbled to the surface inside me. There’s no way a master of swordsmanship would accept such an offer! It would be a stroke of luck if Musashi didn’t take a blow for this! However, Seomun Daeryong‘s face appeared sincere; I sighed in exasperation.
‘Well, he is a member of the Demonic Eight Peaks after all.’
Seomun Daeryong seemed decent for someone from a Sapa background, but he was still a member of that group! He walked the path of dominance while disregarding others’ well-being. I decided to lie to Miyamoto Musashi.
“Take it. You’ve made a mistake; you should sheathe your sword.”
Musashi replied bluntly,
“Don’t joke with me. I must sever that guy’s arm.”
“Ugh… why are you being so stubborn? Just stop!”
“Don’t interfere. I will surely avenge this insult.”
There was no communicating with him. Ultimately, I could only watch helplessly as they prepared for battle.
It seemed Seomun Daeryong recognized that the negotiations had failed. He stared at Miyamoto Musashi with a cold gaze and muttered,
“What an unself-aware man. I will now teach you what it means to be in a vast world.”
Fwooosh!
At that moment, Seomun Daeryong lightly waved his hand, and intangible sword qi erupted in thousands of directions. Miyamoto Musashi, sensing that something was wrong, desperately drew his sword, but it was already too late.
‘No, no!’
Having experienced that attack myself, I knew how devastating it could be. It was a horrendous strike that might very well bypass the usage of Brain Burst even when I attempted to react. I grit my teeth in frustration.
‘It’s too late to intervene!’
Seomun Daeryong shouted,
Kill!
Whoosh!
Miyamoto Musashi seemed to have unleashed his sword barrier, but it was of no use. In the very next moment, Seomun Daeryong’s sword qi flew in and shattered one of Miyamoto Musashi’s arms. As Miyamoto Musashi staggered amidst the shower of blood, five streams of sword qi pierced through his vital points.
Thud.
Miyamoto Musashi spewed blood from his mouth, glaring at the Sword Demon in disbelief, and shortly thereafter collapsed forward.
Thud…
“……”
Seomun Daeryong ordered the nearby members,
“He was a remarkable warrior. Bury him with his sword.”
“Yes, sir.”
Members of the Shadowless Gate began to remove Miyamoto Musashi‘s body. I stared at the scene before me, feeling utterly despondent.
‘What the hell…’
This is just how it begins.
Miyamoto Musashi had been slain by the Sword Demon Seomun Daeryong.
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