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“The Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors?”

The next day, Miho summoned two men to the Heavenly Emperor’s Palace. Of course, they were called by the Emperor’s order, who was nothing but a puppet. They assumed it was an order without question. The Emperor spoke to the two warriors kneeling before him.

“You two… from now on, follow the Noble Consort to the Central Plains…”

“Yes!”

They responded immediately, duty-bound by the Emperor’s command, yet their faces were full of doubt. To prevent them from harboring unnecessary suspicions, the Emperor added an explanation.

“You are to escort the Noble Consort… and search for the Seven Luminaries… to acquire the legendary treasure and strengthen our national fortune.”

“Understood!”

Having vaguely convinced the two warriors, Miho stood with me before them.

Miyamoto Musashi.

He was known as the strongest warrior in Dongyoung and carried the lofty title of Unmatched Under Heaven. His specialty was the Twin Sword Technique, especially skilled in the art of warfare, regarded as the best among warriors.

Hattori Hanzo.

He was the head of the prestigious Hattori clan, protecting the ruling Tokugawa family at the time. In terms of ninja arts, he could be considered a master in Dongyoung.

‘So, I get to travel with the best samurai and ninja from Dongyoung,’

I muttered to myself. Indeed, with this lineup, Miho was correct that it would be a significant help. Miho, appearing as the beautiful Noble Consort, spoke.

“I look forward to your support. And this is Baek Woong, a warrior from the Central Plains on the trail of the Seven Luminaries, so please work together.”

Then, Hattori Hanzo, clad in his ninja attire, spoke up.

“Noble Consort, the Shogun has yet to respond regarding this matter. Could you wait a few days?”

“You know the Hattori clan is loyal to the Tokugawa family. What will you do if the Shogun opposes this?”

Hattori Hanzo hesitated for a moment, then said.

“Thank you for appointing me, but I must withdraw from this matter. There will surely be deep considerations regarding the Noble Consort’s journey to the Central Plains.”

I knew why Hattori Hanzo was saying this.

The nominal Emperor might rule Dongyoung, but in reality, he was nothing more than a paper tiger with no real power. The actual authority resided with the Tokugawa Shogunate, which had taken power after Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Miho had only managed to maintain some semblance of power for the imperial family, preventing its downfall, but the Shogunate was the true absolute power.

Miho scoffed.

“Hah! Do you think I need the Shogun’s permission for what is best for me?”

“Please make a wise decision.”

“Hattori Hanzo, what do you think of me? Do you think I’m being nice to you because I can’t deal with your kind?”

At that moment, Miho unleashed a tremendous amount of demonic power, and Hattori Hanzo flinched back. He seemed nervous, gulping as he spoke.

“Everyone, including ninjas… and Yin-Yang Masters, knows that the Noble Consort is an extraordinary being. Up until now, we have recognized your concern for the balance of the human world. However, if you act recklessly, we will not sit idly by.”

It seemed Hattori Hanzo was already aware of Miho’s true identity as a Great Demon. If he was that cautious, it would be difficult to enchant him. As Miho glared at him, Miyamoto Musashi, who had been standing beside us, spoke up.

“I don’t think we need to strain our eyes against each other. The important thing is whether this helps or hinders the Shogun. If you explain the importance of this matter properly, I, the samurai, will also persuade my lord.”

Miyamoto Musashi’s words accurately grasped the situation. Miho gradually relaxed as she replied.

“Alright then. I apologize for acting rashly, Hattori Hanzo.”

“No, I apologize for my disrespect.”

Miho then explained the Seven Luminaries and their powers and roles to Hattori Hanzo. It appeared that he, along with the current Shogunate, knew nothing about them, as he could not hide his astonishment. Regaining his composure, Hattori Hanzo responded.

“Indeed, this is astounding. Then I will give you a response within three days.”

“I will await it.”

With a swoosh, Hattori Hanzo vanished using his unique ninja stealth. Remaining behind, Miyamoto Musashi asked.

“What should I do?”

“You are to head to the Central Plains with Baek Woong first.”

“Is it really alright?”

“You are still not affiliated with any particular daimyo, right? Leaving before them won’t give the Shogun a reason to pick at you.”

“Understood.”

And so, Miyamoto Musashi and I set off for the Central Plains. I figured I could come back later to fetch Miho.

With a whoosh!

I arrived at Jinrang Valley using the Golden Lamp with Miyamoto Musashi. Immediately after moving, he spoke up.

“Baek Woong, what was that illusion just now? It was terrifying!”

When moving via the golden lamp, if I didn’t cut the flow quickly, illusions of Dark Heaven Village or the otherworldly race would appear. It seemed Miyamoto Musashi had seen that scene because I hadn’t fully severed that process yet. I explained to him.

“It’s a treasure of the otherworldly race.”

“Otherworldly race?”

When I explained about them, Miyamoto Musashi was astonished.

“Indeed… the demons seem to form villages.”

“Something like that.”

As I responded, I observed Miyamoto Musashi.

‘Is this guy really the best warrior in Dongyoung…?’

He certainly seemed to be an exceptional expert. I felt a rigorous sword aura as if I had encountered the Sword Saint Kamizumi Nobutsuna, and when he drew his sword, I had an instinct that tremendous swordplay would pour forth.

But inwardly, I felt slightly puzzled. Surely he should be on par with or better than the Sword Saint Kamizumi Nobutsuna, so why was there this discomfort? His words and actions were undoubtedly those of a peak expert—something was off.

‘Oh well. That’s not important right now.’

I took Miyamoto Musashi with me to Mangnyang. Upon seeing Miyamoto Musashi, Mangnyang greeted him. After I explained about Miyamoto Musashi and Hattori Hanzo, Mangnyang nodded before saying to me.

“Then Baek Woong, please escort this person to the Shadowless Gate.”

“Huh?”

“It’s not a bad thing.”

I sensed the underlying meaning in Mangnyang’s words. He hadn’t yet finished organizing the various unique artifacts, including the Black and White Lotus I had given. So, he suggested I complete my tasks before establishing any plans. And also, maybe make good use of Miyamoto Musashi.

“Understood.”

With a whoosh!

I arrived at the Shadowless Gate in Henan with Miyamoto Musashi. I freed the pirate prisoners, including Seo Mun-hye, who had been in the wooden armor. Miyamoto Musashi seemed startled as people suddenly burst out of the wooden armor.

“Whoa…!!”

Seo Mun-hye recognized she was near the Shadowless Gate and teared up, grabbing my hand.

“Thank you so much!”

“It’s nothing. Now, let’s get organized.”

Seo Mun-hye gathered the women among the pirate prisoners who wanted to live a second life at the Shadowless Gate. Those who did not would return to their hometowns with the Shadowless Gate’s assistance.

Upon reaching the Shadowless Gate, we met the Sword Demon Seo Mun-dae-ryong. Seo Mun-dae-ryong fixed his gaze on Miyamoto Musashi as we introduced ourselves.

“Hmm. A warrior from Dongyoung?”

Miyamoto Musashi responded with a proper warrior’s greeting.

“I am Miyamoto Musashi.”

Of course, Seo Mun-dae-ryong, being a Central Plains person, wouldn’t understand Dongyoung’s language. Since I could interpret, I roughly explained Miyamoto Musashi’s introduction and identity to Seo Mun-dae-ryong. Seo Mun-dae-ryong squinted and mumbled.

“…This guy is the best warrior in Dongyoung? I’m disappointed.”

“……”

I felt no need to translate this remark. Seo Mun-dae-ryong was likely speaking his honest opinion, but it was undoubtedly insulting to a warrior. Instead, I sent a secret transmission to Seo Mun-dae-ryong.

[My comrade is a person I took great care to recruit. Please don’t belittle him so readily.]

[Ah, my apologies. However, I was merely speaking my mind.]

Then, trouble arose.

Miyamoto Musashi seemed to have caught on to what Seo Mun-dae-ryong had said. He had probably felt the underlying contempt in the remark. His hands were trembling, and his temples bulged as he spoke vehemently.

“I cannot accept this insult! Seo Mun-dae-ryong, I challenge you to a duel!”

Seo Mun-dae-ryong, who understood some meaning despite the language barrier, replied.

“Of course, I will accept.”

Oh no.

I felt frustrated, thinking I shouldn’t have brought Miyamoto Musashi along. Mangnyang would have considered this situation thoroughly, so why would he have insisted I take him? The pride of a warrior can sometimes be heavier than a mountain, and if this escalated, blood would surely be shed. I couldn’t skip translating, so I tried to persuade Miyamoto Musashi.

“Calm down. The Sword Demon has a very strong pride and often acts rudely to strangers. He just wanted to apologize for his earlier mistake. I don’t want to see bloodshed on a fortunate day, so please endure for once.”

But Miyamoto Musashi seemed even angrier, his face turning red as he shouted.

“A warrior doesn’t tolerate insults! I must see what that so-called Central Plains swordplay is all about!”

“Ugh…”

I held my head. At this point, I couldn’t stop it.

Seo Mun-dae-ryong, observing from the side, chuckled and spoke to me.

“Did you say Baek Woong? Do not intervene any further. It seems the two of us will have to settle this with swords.”

“Please consider the circumstances. Isn’t today a fortuitous day as the Young Master returns home?”

“The fact that that child returned to his clan has nothing to do with a warrior’s duel.”

“……”

A moment later, I was dragged toward the sparring arena at the Shadowless Gate. This time, I wasn’t stepping into the arena; I was there to watch the duel between the Lord of Shadowless Gate and Miyamoto Musashi prepare for battle. I stood beside a few other members of the Shadowless Gate, lighting torches to watch.

As I lit the torches, I asked one of the Shadowless Gate members beside me.

“Is the Lord someone who never refuses a challenge?”

The member, likely respectful because I was the benefactor to the Young Master, answered politely.

“Of course. Many from the Heretical Sects have challenged the Lord, but he has never lost.”

“What happened to the challengers?”

“They are buried somewhere over there.”

The member pointed to a hillside visible beyond the wall. Although it was getting dark, there was clearly what looked like burial ground there. So it meant challengers to the Sword Demon of the Shadowless Gate ended up dead.

‘No way… no way, right?’

From my perspective, Miyamoto Musashi undoubtedly was an exceptional peak expert. If it was merely a matter of swordplay, he likely matched or exceeded my level. In the Central Plains, he would be a remarkable swordsman on par with the sect leader of the Nine Great Sects. Even the Sword Demon should not be able to easily take his life.

Cu-rumble…

The Sword Demon Seo Mun-dae-ryong and Miyamoto Musashi faced each other from a three-step distance. Miyamoto Musashi was brimming with killing intent, while, in stark contrast, Seo Mun-dae-ryong was calm as could be. As the referee, I had no choice but to signal the start of the duel.

“Begin!”

Flash!

In an instant, six dazzling lights burst forth like a whirlwind. Unlike the mediocre Dongyoung warriors I had seen, Miyamoto Musashi was indeed capable of wielding Sword Flame, and it matched that of distinguished swordplay from the Central Plains. The tip of his sword flickered like a snake’s tongue, aiming to shatter the human form with obvious signs of being a peak expert.

Seo Mun-dae-ryong calmly met Miyamoto Musashi’s attacks.

Bam!

About a dozen seconds passed, seemingly each gauging the other’s abilities. In other words, they were at the stage of assessing their skills. After finishing a series of minor attacks and regaining his stance, Seo Mun-dae-ryong, looking satisfied, turned to me and said.

“Hey, Baek Woong. Can you interpret this for me?”

“What is it?”

“If you put down your sword now, tell that friend I would take him as my direct disciple.”

“……”

Are you out of your mind?! What kind of expert would accept an offer like that from someone of that caliber?! I would be lucky if Miyamoto Musashi didn’t strike me down for even suggesting it! However, Seo Mun-dae-ryong’s face was serious, so I sighed.

‘Anyway, he’s part of the Eight Demons of Martial Daos.’

Seo Mun-dae-ryong had better personality traits compared to others from the Heretical Sects, but he still walked the path of tyranny, prioritizing his strength over others. I intentionally lied to Miyamoto Musashi.

“You must have made a mistake. The time has come for you to put your sword down.”

In response, Miyamoto Musashi curtly replied.

“Don’t kid around. I must definitely sever that guy’s arm.”

“Ugh… why are you being so stubborn? Just stop it!”

“Do not interfere. I will definitely redeem this insult.”

It was useless to reason. Ultimately, I had no choice but to watch their duel anxiously.

Seo Mun-dae-ryong seemed to realize the negotiation had failed. He looked coldly at Miyamoto Musashi and mumbled,

“What a fool who doesn’t know his place. I’ll teach you what it means to be out in the world.”

Swish…

In that moment, Seo Mun-dae-ryong lightly waved his hand, and an invisible sword aura erupted from all sides, thousands of strands shooting out. Recognizing that something was wrong, Miyamoto Musashi hurriedly extended his swift sword, but it was already too late.

‘No, don’t!!!’

Having experienced that before, I knew how terrifying it could be. It was an attack so overwhelming that even I would struggle to evade it despite using Thunderclap. I ground my teeth in frustration.

‘I should have intervened earlier!’

Seo Mun-dae-ryong shouted,

“Kill!”

Slash!

Miyamoto Musashi seemed to have tried to deploy his guards, but it was in vain. The next moment, Seo Mun-dae-ryong’s Invincible Sword flew in, demolishing one of Miyamoto Musashi’s arms. As blood splattered and Miyamoto Musashi swayed in disbelief, five strands of sword energy pierced through his acupoints.

Stagger!

Miyamoto Musashi coughed blood in shock, gazing at the Sword Demon in disbelief before collapsing forward.

Thud…

“……”

Seo Mun-dae-ryong instructed the nearby members.

“He was a splendid warrior. Bury him along with his sword.”

“Yes.”

The members began to take away the body of Miyamoto Musashi. Watching this unfold, I felt despondent.

‘What the hell…’

It all went wrong from the start.

Miyamoto Musashi was killed by the Sword Demon Seo Mun-dae-ryong.

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