974——————==

Soul of the Evil God

I stood there, staring blankly, not knowing what to say. Then, Mangnyang, who was next to me, discreetly pointed to the scroll that was already on the platform. I opened the scroll, and it contained the words I needed to say.

“I shall from today onwards, defeat the wicked imperial enemies and chaos, and create a new nation for all the people of this land!”

That was the end of the text. After I finished reading, Mangnyang waved his fan again, and in sync, the hundreds of thousands of people below shouted.

Long live!

Long live!

Long long live!

Long live Your Majesty the Emperor!!!

The roar was immense. I had only spoken one line, yet it felt like the heavens were shaking. As I continued to gaze at the scene before the emperor, I even felt dizzy.

‘Wow…’

How could one line garner such a reaction? And as Mangnyang gently tugged at my robe, I stepped back and sat at the designated table, while Mangnyang took my place on the platform to begin his speech.

“People of Luoyang! Do you know of the cruelty and evil of the former Huang dynasty? You probably don’t. The previous emperor filled Luoyang with riches, but setting aside his merits, I, Zhuge Hyun, wish to inform everyone that the former emperor, Zhu Hu Chong, committed inhumane acts that one can’t even begin to describe, on behalf of Your Majesty the Emperor!”

After taking a breath, Mangnyang gestured, and from behind him, a member of the Golden Eagle Guards, the White Tiger, stepped out with a giant box. He then retrieved something from the box, which turned out to be a human pupa.

“……!!”

Wait, isn’t that the human pupa from Great Thunder Valley?

“Look at this!!”

As I was startled, Mangnyang raised the human pupa with both hands into the air. It had a human head but limbs that had transformed into those of a monster, and something that looked like tentacles waved in the air.

“AAAH!!”

“What is that!!”

“Ugh.”

The common people of Luoyang were horrified at the sight of the human pupa, with some even vomiting. When Mangnyang displayed not just one but several human pupae for the members of the Golden Eagle Guards to hold up, I could feel the confusion growing among the people.

Murmurs…

Then Mangnyang slowly scanned each human pupa and spoke.

“Behold, this individual is Jin Won-kyun, a scholar of the sixth rank from the Hanlin Academy. And this one is Bong Gaseop, a member of the Tongjeongsi! They were once high-ranking officials and talented individuals of the imperial family, but at least over forty of them were unjustly imprisoned in the royal prison known as Great Thunder Valley and ultimately became these monsters!”

Clank.

Mangnyang had the Golden Eagles place the human pupae atop a giant pillar prepared in advance. Once the pupae were positioned there, the people had no choice but to take in the sight. The otherworldly beings were unnatural and terrifying, gnawing at the sanity of anyone who looked upon them.

As the people began to focus, Mangnyang continued.

“The former emperor, Zhu Hu Chong, intended to transform these human pupae into guardian beasts to defend the imperial palace, while also raising them as weapons to eliminate his dissenters. He didn’t just stop at this monstrous transformation; he envisioned turning the citizens of Luoyang into a legion of monsters!”

Murmurs…

The crowd’s agitation intensified. It was a normal reaction to find it hard to believe, but the eerie aura emanating from the human pupae twisted the minds of the people. The stark contrast with reality drew them into the underworld.

After a moment, Mangnyang stepped back and said, “The hero of this national crisis, General Hwang Yeon, will elaborate on this ruthless plan.”

Thud.

Thud.

An elderly man clad in golden armor strode forward. This was undoubtedly General Hwang Yeon, whom I had entrusted to Zhuge Sa after rescuing him from Great Thunder Valley. It was clear he had fully recovered from the influence of the Evil God, as his eyes sparkled with light, and he looked healthy.

As General Hwang Yeon stepped forward, the crowd recognized him and erupted into cheers.

“It’s General Hwang Yeon!”

“General Hwang Yeon has emerged!!”

Oooooooh.

A much louder and sincere cheer erupted from the people compared to when I first appeared. Hearing this cheer brought a bittersweet realization: Hwang Yeon was indeed an extraordinary figure.

‘If he’s not recognized as a true hero for the nation, this kind of reaction wouldn’t happen.’

As I watched in fascination, General Hwang Yeon slowly spoke.

“By the name of Hwang Yeon, I acknowledge that everything Chancellor Zhuge Hyun stated is true. The former emperor and Zhu Hu Chong engaged in vile acts that are beyond human comprehension, leading to the slaughter of the citizens of Luoyang and, ultimately, the people of the world. We all faced the threat of being butchered like livestock!”

After a brief pause, General Hwang Yeon slammed his fist onto the platform.

“This is neither an act of disloyalty nor a rebellion. The Great Ming Empire and the imperial family are entities we must protect at all costs, but that was only while they remained human. Since the former emperor Zhu Hu Chong forsook the path of humanity and chose to butcher his citizens, I, as a soldier, and as a human being, believe that a new dynasty is the righteous path!”

Silence…

“I am confident that the new emperor will dispel the looming clouds over the continent. The great spirit of our land will dominate the world.”

While feeling the crowd’s confusion, everyone listened intently to Hwang Yeon’s every word. Hwang Yeon’s thick eyebrows twitched as he concluded.

“Long live Your Majesty the Emperor!”

As soon as he finished speaking, the people erupted in unison.

Long live Your Majesty the Emperor!

Long live!!

Long live!!!

In that moment, I understood.

‘I have been acknowledged.’

Not long ago, the various lords crowded around had reacted as if observing something extraordinary unrelated to themselves. Cheering for the emperor was merely a formality. But as Mangnyang brought forth the evil beings that shocked everyone and the hero of the nation validated the justification, the people finally grasped the situation.

Once all the speeches and ceremonies concluded, I walked back with the people towards the emperor’s palace. I was enveloped with a strange feeling as I walked.

“……”

Having no one lift their head before me was an incredibly peculiar sensation. It was as if even breathing was too difficult. I stealthily inquired of Mangnyang through our bond.

[Mangnyang, why didn’t you restore the human pupae back to their original forms?]

[Those trash were the ones who accepted bribes during their time in office. There was no need to heal the blessing of the Evil God, so as my uncle said, I decided to make the most of them.]

[……]

[Don’t worry, I’ll dispose of them comfortably.]

Even Mangnyang seems to despise corrupt management.

After a while, upon arriving and taking my seat on the throne, Mangnyang stood next to me, addressing the officials gathered around.

“His Majesty the Emperor is still quite fatigued, so he will be taking his leave today. From now on, all significant matters will be reported to him through myself, the lord of the Inner Imperial Pavilion, and the newly appointed governor, General Hwang Yeon.”

As Mangnyang subtly indicated it was time for me to leave, I slowly stood up, and my court officials followed behind. I found it curious that the officials looked cleaner and less scheming than I expected, and just as I took a few steps, the Duke of Guanzhong, Hyunmu, spoke.

“Your Majesty, shall we proceed to the Inner Palace? A feast and lovely maidens are awaiting you.”

“Um…”

I felt a peculiar sensation when Hyunmu, whom I had clashed with in my past life, bowed his head and addressed me with respect. Did I ever think this guy would be treating me like an emperor? Nevertheless, I figured I should experience the life of an emperor today, so I followed Hyunmu.

Boom.

“Huh…”

I was taken aback when I saw the magnificent banquet hall set up in the grand Inner Palace.

‘How many tables are there?!’

Having attended many feasts, I thought I had seen it all, but this was on another level. There were at least dozens, if not hundreds, of tables set up, laden with an array of fine delicacies, and chefs waited nearby to prepare more food. Nothing looked unappetizing, and I spotted many dishes I had never seen before.

‘When will I eat all of this?’

As I pondered this while sitting at the head of the table, a subtle sound of a guqin began to play, followed shortly by the stirring music of a grand orchestra. Unlike the lively tunes from a market celebration, this music held both elegance and clarity, allowing even someone like me, who had no background in music, to recognize its superior quality.

At my side sat beautiful ladies, and a host of palace women stood around adorning me, each one more beautiful than the last. As I gazed vacantly at their faces, Hyunmu said.

“Your Majesty, please enjoy your meal and take your pick for tonight’s guest of honor.”

“Guest of honor? Ah…”

I realized that he meant a night of intimacy. Knowing that the lovely maidens surrounding me would enter my chambers as I desired made me feel utterly flabbergasted.

Is this what they call a luxurious life?!

I felt my mind swirling at such an extravagant lifestyle, but I decided to just focus on enjoying the delicious food. Turning to Hyunmu, I said, “Dismiss everyone. No guards are needed. And skip the guest of honor.”

“Understood.”

A short while later, Hyunmu led the rest of the courtiers outside, leaving only the banquet hall to myself. The fact that everything was prepared solely for me was both thrilling and overwhelming.

‘Hmm… maybe I should try something I haven’t tasted yet.’

Without needing to move, the palace women would bring me whichever dish I pointed at. And soon after finishing my fortieth plate, I realized.

Everything is delicious.

The cooking skills were truly remarkable!

‘I’m starting to feel full… maybe just a little more?’

I polished off about twenty more plates before finally standing up to leave. As I did, Hyunmu, who had been waiting outside, spoke.

“Your Majesty, Chancellor Zhuge Hyun wishes to have an audience with you. What shall we do?”

“Where is he?”

“I’ll guide you to the Inner Imperial Pavilion.”

“Let’s go.”

I headed toward the Inner Imperial Pavilion where Mangnyang was waiting. Once I dismissed my attendants and entered the pavilion, I ascended to the fifth floor, where Mangnyang and my other companions were all waiting for me.

Mangnyang, with a bright smile, asked, “How was the food in the imperial palace? The chefs here are the best of the best from all over the continent.”

“Oh, it was very delicious.”

Beside me, Miho chuckled with her beautiful demeanor. “Ahaha, it seems you can have all the beautiful women you want at your disposal. How nice for you.”

“… I’ll pass on that.”

Why did Miho have to say something like that…

I scratched my head, realizing I had no intentions of getting involved with another woman, considering my feelings for Miho. After fidgeting with my head scratching, I said, “Mangnyang, I don’t think being an emperor suits me. Is it okay if someone else takes the throne?”

“……”

Mangnyang looked at me with a peculiar glint in his eyes. “I never expected you would say that. Even after enjoying such a lavish banquet, you consider the emperor position a nuisance.”

“Well, it’s not so much a nuisance as… yes, it feels tedious.”

The food was incredibly tasty, and the presence of plenty of beautiful women should have brought me joy. Yet all I felt was the burden of what to do next. Mangnyang continued his questioning.

“Is that guilt towards Dharma? Is that why you find it hard to enjoy the wealth and power of this world?”

“Guilt…”

As I pondered this, I shook my head.

“That’s not it. The being I met in the outer universe ultimately achieved his goal and died… Dharma and I don’t have much of a debt to each other.”

Mangnyang chuckled softly.

“Baek Woong, if an ordinary human were to experience such immense authority and luxurious living, they would rarely consider giving up the throne. In fact, even if they did, they wouldn’t say it so bluntly as you.”

“……?”

“The power you possess is not only that. With just a flick of your finger, you could control the lives and deaths of countless beings, and even if you use absurd reasoning, people will submit to you. Doesn’t that appeal to you?”

“Well, I don’t know…”

Isn’t it just a ton of tasty food and a lot of beautiful women?

Sure they were all stunning, but I can confidently say there wasn’t a single woman more beautiful than Seo Mun-hye, Sagong Lin, Miho, or Fire Dragon Incarnate. If they were the phoenixes, then the women of the imperial palace looked like chickens.

While the authority to rule the world had its allure, it wasn’t that enticing. When I looked confused by Mangnyang’s words, Zhuge Bu joined in, surprisingly bursting into laughter.

“Hahaha!! Truly… what a unique fellow you are! I never thought a worthy emperor would exist in history…”

Zhuge Yulong added calmly, “Hyun, is that the ruler you’ve chosen, Mangnyang?”

“I don’t understand what you guys are talking about since a while ago.”

Mangnyang replied with his usual smirk. “It’s nothing much. There’s no need to worry.”

“Worry? What worry?”

“That you might fall into the corruption of worldly wealth and lose your convictions. Everyone, including myself and the Zhuge clan, knows just how dazzling the wealth of the imperial palace is, so of course, we’d be worried about you. The only one who hasn’t doubted you from the beginning is your uncle.”

Zhuge Sa?

As I glanced at Zhuge Sa, he said, seemingly indifferent, “As Hyun said, it’s nothing much. You’re not that kind of person.”

“Heh, I must be something special then…”

At Zhuge Sa’s next words, my expression contorted.

“I knew from the start that you were a lunatic.”

“……”

“A crazy person wouldn’t care about wealth and power, right? Isn’t that so?”

I had no clue if that was a compliment or an insult…

While we were chatting, Mangnyang spoke up again.

“But Baek Woong, that doesn’t mean you should rush back to training.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“I’m telling you to experience life as an emperor a bit longer, instead of quickly returning to training. The reason you were chosen to be the emperor, despite having the chance to put another puppet in place, is precisely because you’re a reborn person. The experience of being an emperor will greatly aid you in your next life. Being the ruler of all the people is an exceedingly rare experience.”

“Uhh… the lavish life doesn’t really appeal to me.”

“That’s part of the joys of being an emperor. I let you take it easy today, but starting tomorrow, you’ll be involved in state affairs.”

Huh?!

In disbelief, I stared at Mangnyang.

“I know nothing of politics. And right now, I have little time to spare; I should be focusing on recovering Heuk Woong instead of shutting myself in for training…”

“What do you expect to gain by quickly reviving Heuk Woong right now?”

“To become stronger.”

“The situation won’t really improve just because you become a bit stronger. It’s not a time for battle; we’re in a period of nurturing our benefactor. If you anticipate two years of training time, that’s hardly pressing for a reborn person.”

Mangnyang spoke with certainty. “Experience ruling this nation as an emperor. I believe it will give you a broader perspective, more valuable than merely increasing your personal strength.”

“Uhh…”

“Training is ultimately just reciting scriptures, so you can halve your training time and spend the rest engaging in activities.”

True, without a commanding decree right now to harness the spirit power, I can’t keep blindly training. Though I estimate two years, with my weak command over the decree, the stronger my spiritual power becomes, the greater the backlash; it could make achieving enlightenment impossible.

‘Maybe, like Mangnyang says, it’d be better to gain more diverse experiences than to strain myself right now…’

I nodded.

“Alright!”

Being an emperor? Let’s give it a shot!

I began attending state affairs starting the very next day. Half of my day was spent training my Spirit Power scripture, while the remaining time I sat on the throne, dressed in ceremonial robes, listening to reports from various officials. Engaging in emperor duties, I mused.

‘Uhh… it’s more understandable than I thought.’

Having worried over incomprehensible terms, I found surprisingly that I understood everything during the first day’s state report. No official used overly complex jargon; they summarized their words to make them easy to grasp. While there were complicated details in written petitions, there was no need for an emperor to understand every single thing. So after the first day of state affairs, I realized it wasn’t as difficult, nor as impossible, as I had feared.

Moreover, I was simply sitting quietly in the throne while the Chancellor Zhuge Hyun and the Lord of the Inner Imperial Pavilion, Zhuge Bu, handled all the duties while I observed. Whenever military matters were brought up, General Hwang Yeon would naturally interject into the discussions.

About five days into my life as emperor, I could confidently say, ‘Being an emperor is doable!’

I had been handling more state matters than I expected, while officials explained that the previous emperor, Zhu Hu Chong, hadn’t even shown up for about forty days a year! He must have been too wrapped up in demon rituals, martial arts, and indulgences to bother governing at all.

Mangnyang told me, “Baek Woong, endure this for about three more months as emperor. That would make it valid to say you’ve experienced being an emperor.”

“Hmm, understood.”

“Honestly… I can’t help but wonder how different history would be if there was a ruler like you back in the day.”

Mangnyang made a jibe, chuckling heartily. I laughed too.

“Yet, they would still appoint you as Chancellor.”

About seven more days passed, and then…

“……”

I found myself stiffly frozen while seated on the throne.

That was due to an unexpected visitor who came to see me.

“I pay my respects to Your Majesty the Emperor.”

The three men before me knelt and bowed their heads upon seeing me. Yet, I had no time to consider their etiquette as the entire presence was shocking. I carefully assessed their demeanor before managing to inquire in a trembling voice.

“… Rise.”

The middle-aged man who stepped forward was strikingly handsome. He was a figure I knew in this world perhaps better than anyone else—a presence I could never forget. Now, he glanced with an arch look at his students, Jin So-cheong and Extreme Tiger, and spoke.

“The former Azure Dragon has something to convey to Your Majesty!”

Lee Kwang had arrived.

“`

 

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