979——————==

Soul of the Evil God

The next day, I went to the court and sat on the throne. As I rested my chin on my hand, I could hear Mangnyang announcing something next to me.

“His Majesty has ordered 600,000 troops to be assembled at the Liaodong border.”

Murmurs filled the room…!!

Everyone seemed taken aback, especially the generals from the military side like Hwang Yeon. They looked utterly flabbergasted. The calm ones in the room were mostly Deung Gwak and Hwang Yeon; they seemed unfazed by this sudden news, probably because they were such big shots.

Eventually, one official stepped forward and bowed, speaking up.

“May I humbly inquire what the Prime Minister wishes to convey regarding His Majesty’s order to mobilize 600,000 soldiers?”

“When did His Majesty ever allow his ministers to have command over the military? How outrageous.”

When Mangnyang coolly brushed him off, that official flinched and dropped his head to the ground.

“I… There must be another meaning! Just that the deployment of troops is a matter of national importance, and the court officials must work together closely… I would like to understand the wise intentions of the Prime Minister and His Majesty.”

Hmm, he’s got some guts, huh?

I looked at him with a mix of curiosity and recognition, realizing he was Hwan Ja-yi, a trusted aide to Deung Gwak, one of the key figures in the court. Despite the immense power of my imperial authority compared to the last emperor, he had enough guts to speak up.

Mangnyang then opened his fan and said.

“Early yesterday morning, an assassin from Goryeo attempted to kill His Majesty, and the Lord of Inner Imperial Pavilion sacrificed himself to protect the sovereign. As such, we will promptly elevate the Lord’s rank due to his great merit.”

“……!!”

Murmurs surged through the crowd.

Assassination!

Everyone seemed shocked by the weight of those words, but they also seemed to accept them. The truth was, my martial arts were hidden from view, and I looked just like a puppet of a child emperor, so it was reasonable that I could be targeted.

Then, the previously quiet Deung Gwak stepped forward, saying with a nod.

“I, Deung Gwak, would like to ask: Has the Goryeo assassin divulged their backers?”

“Yes.”

“The interrogation will be conducted by Dong Chang and the Golden Eagle Guard… I hope the ministers will hear their testimonies. We cannot afford to overlook the unprecedented incident where His Majesty almost faced assassination.”

Mangnyang looked a bit troubled by Deung Gwak’s request. If he were a typical minister, Mangnyang could just crush him like earlier, but Deung Gwak was the leader of the political opposition and had substantial stake in upholding my imperial authority. Ignoring him would certainly not bode well for my future.

At that moment, Zhuge Bu, the Lord of Inner Imperial Pavilion on my left, spoke up.

“The interrogation has nearly concluded at the Inner Imperial Pavilion, Deung Gwak. Furthermore, the authority of the inquiry has been transferred to the commander of Dong Chang and the leader of the Golden Eagle Guard, so there should be no procedural issues.”

“……”

“The assassin is certainly from Goryeo.”

“And who is the assassin?”

“That information is a state secret and cannot be disclosed hastily until the interrogation is complete.”

Zhuge Bu shot back at Deung Gwak.

“Deung Gwak… Are you, by any chance, harboring doubts?”

“Not at all. I merely wish to express my concern over whether His Majesty’s sacred intentions might involve a war with Goryeo.”

“Don’t presumptuously attribute intentions to His Majesty.”

“I can’t help but think you’re trying to manipulate His Majesty.”

“Ha ha… Are you ready to back up that claim?”

As the tension escalated between them, I unexpectedly interjected.

“Deung Gwak.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“It seems you are worried about a war with Goryeo. Then, I want you to notify me of potential disasters and misfortunes that could arise from engaging in a war with Goryeo in advance.”

Murmurs followed…

Everyone seemed shocked that I, whom they thought of as a mere puppet, could speak. But Deung Gwak was one of the few who knew I wasn’t just a puppet, so he nodded seriously.

“There are four major calamities, may I speak of them?”

“Speak.”

“First, from the previous Ming dynasty, Goryeo has been an ally for centuries, a relationship dating back to Zhu Yuanzhang. It is too rash to sever such a long-standing alliance over one assassin. Second, they pay tribute, and honestly, over 70% of the relief goods sent to the regions suffering famine come from Goryeo’s tributes. If we sever ties with Goryeo and go to war, it is likely those famished regions will descend into disaster.”

“Hmm…”

“Third, to mobilize 600,000 troops to the border, the northern garrison in the three northern provinces must be called up as well. The northern defense force is tasked with holding off not only Goryeo but also remnants of the Xiongnu, the former Mongolian royal army, and the border defense troops of the Arasa Empire. If they are all drawn to the front against Goryeo, it will be difficult to fend off incursions from other forces.”

“Each point is quite logical. What is the final calamity?”

“Finally, Goryeo boasts an undefeated army since its founding. They massacred 200,000 of the former Mongolian royal army with their elite armored cavalry and are the dominant force in Liaodong. The northern tribes have been subjugated to Goryeo for over a hundred years, and they have even ceded part of the Arasa Empire’s territory. If we turn them into enemies, the fortunes of our new dynasty may decline.”

“……”

“I speak these loyal words hoping you will not act foolishly.”

Deung Gwak was more than just a political operator. He was evidently a talented individual in many respects, which is why the previous emperor had been cautious about touching him, even while lost in his magical obsessions. Deung Gwak’s criticisms held truth. Goryeo was undoubtedly too formidable of a nation to mess with. If someone who had dominated continental politics for decades referred to it as a great nation, one could no longer see it as merely a vassal of the Central Plains.

As I pondered this over, I addressed General Hwang Yeon.

“Hwang Yeon, if we engage in full-scale war with Goryeo, what are our chances of winning and destroying them?”

All eyes turned to Hwang Yeon. He remained stoic, seemingly contemplating, before firmly replying.

“… Sixty percent!”

“……!!”

I raised an eyebrow.

“Are Goryeo’s troops that strong?”

While sixty percent sounded high at first glance, having even a 40% chance of victory against a continental military made it astonishing. Hwang Yeon continued.

“Indeed. Their elite troops are more than a match even for the North Dragon Troops, one of the finest in the Central Plains. Furthermore, Goryeo has many exceptional generals and talents…”

After a brief pause, Hwang Yeon continued.

“However… Should the national fortune that supports His Majesty be strong, if that favorable energy helps us, I believe it will exceed seventy percent.”

Hwang Yeon was aware of the support from figures like the Master of the White Lotus Sect and Zhuge Yulong, who were aiding me. So, even if a frontal attack happened by sheer chance, he implied victory was certain with their support.

‘Hwang Yeon is indeed backing me up.’

Taking advantage of Hwang Yeon’s assistance, I declared to the ministers.

“Accepting the opinions of Hwang Yeon and Deung Gwak, we will not engage in all-out war with Goryeo! However, the audacity of those who dared to assassinate the emperor cannot go unpunished. We must make them understand their place. When the time comes, we may destroy Goryeo, but that will depend entirely on their attitude.”

“……”

“Deploy 300,000 troops to the Liaodong border. Also, form a diplomatic delegation. Inquire with the King of Goryeo about our intentions regarding their violations of national sovereignty!”

“Your command is profoundly generous.”

After the court disbanded, and while everyone was busy attending to duties, I returned to the Inner Palace. Mangnyang was too occupied with work, so I began a secret meeting with other companions.

“Do you think Goryeo will send a delegation to apologize?”

In response to my question, the Master of the White Lotus Sect replied.

[ Of course, Baek Woong… They will surely come.]

“Hmm.”

[ The Master of the Twelve Joules can manipulate the King of Goryeo from behind, so he will not want to escalate this into a public war. The King will send a delegation to apologize without an understanding of the situation.]

Zhuge Yulong, who had been listening, chimed in.

[ The Master of the Twelve Joules has failed to recover Jin So-cheong. Now all he can do is focus on holding the city. However, if I were the Master of the Twelve Joules, I wouldn’t just sit idle if the White Lotus Sect and the Imperial Palace collaborated, waiting for us to build up our strength.]

“And how might he move?”

[ Now that a reason for a diplomatic delegation has emerged, I expect he will use it to devise another scheme. Our strategists will need to uncover that strategy and counter it. That’s also why I supported your proposal to deploy a large military presence at the Goryeo border.]

“Hmm.”

[ I’m confident in my mind games and can offer you some advantages.]

After Zhuge Yulong seamlessly continued his thoughts, he added.

[ But there’s one more thing you should do while you’re at it.]

I decided to follow Zhuge Yulong’s suggestion.

Boom

Upon arriving at Ganghwa Island, I first went to Seosan and Yu Jeong before grabbing the Moon Sovereign. As soon as I arrived, I spoke to them.

“Master, I’ve come to collect the Moon Sovereign.”

I could’ve just stolen the item without saying much, but this time I was determined to persuade them. Seosan and Yu Jeong, who were sitting there quietly, listened to my explanation. Once I finished, Seosan shook his head in disbelief.

“… You say the Master of the Twelve Joules tried to keep the existence of the Moon Sovereign a secret from us… And you really are the emperor of the continent?”

“Indeed.”

“Certainly… At such a young age, you possess extraordinary Qi. I cannot comprehend what kind of person you are…”

With a sigh, Seosan continued, “If it’s as you say, the guardian of the Moon Sovereign will appear once the seal is released… You could have simply taken the item, but what’s the reason behind your explanation?”

“Of course, that could have been done. But the guardian of the Moon Sovereign poses a threat more severe than a natural disaster; not only Ganghwa Island, but you all would be facing the risk of death. I would prefer if we fought the guardian together, and you joined us.”

“Are you suggesting we turn our backs on the Master of the Twelve Joules?”

“Given that he has withheld the Moon Sovereign from us, there is no longer a loyalty to uphold.”

“… I understand. Yu Jeong, what do you think?”

The young monk named Yu Jeong bowed his head.

“His words are not incorrect.”

Accepting Seosan and Yu Jeong as my companions, I pulled out eight colleagues from my cloak after a moment.

Boom!

Finally, as I released the seal of the Moon Sovereign and the guardian appeared, I turned to my companion next to me.

“It’s the guardian of the Moon Sovereign. Think we can handle it?”

[ What are you saying? If that thing can be captured by Cheon Woo-jin alone, any of the Dharma Protectors can catch it if they’re willing to fight with their lives… There’s no need to question that since I’ve brought everyone for a swift resolution, Baek Woong.]

The Master of the White Lotus Sect, who replied like that, turned to the seven others with a serious expression.

[ Our elite members, let us use the power of the Heavenly Spirit Pill to capture that demon beast!]

“Understood!”

“Understood!”

[ Understood.]

Simultaneously, the three elite Dharma Protectors bowed, and the Heavenly Spirit Pill holders from the Su Shin Sect formed up as well. Moments later, the Master of the White Lotus Sect, the Dharma Protectors, and the Heavenly Spirit Pill holders soared into the sky, launching their attack on the guardian of the Moon Sovereign.

Boom!!

Boom!

“… I think I can skip the helping hand here.”

The situation was overwhelmingly in our favor. Everyone could fly with the Heavenly Spirit Pill, and each individual’s firepower far exceeded what it would take to defeat the guardian of the Moon Sovereign. The expansive attack unleashed by infinite internal power quickly left the guardian in a pitiful state, and at the frontlines, the Master of the White Lotus Sect coordinated our efforts using the Heart of Heaven’s Abundance, maintaining our focus.

When facing such a colossal demon beast, my presence would only be a hindrance.

[ Grrrraaaah…]

Before long, the guardian of the Moon Sovereign was ruined and swiftly dissipated.

‘Having the Master of the White Lotus Sect as a companion is incredibly convenient.’

To catch the guardian of the Moon Sovereign, one would typically need to either nurture our allies to the Absolute Realm or bring a powerful sorcerer along, demanding substantial preparations. However, with the Master of the White Lotus Sect as an early ally, we avoided all that hassle.

From the spot where the guardian had vanished, I turned on the Fire Eye Golden Spirit to inspect.

“Hmm… This is it.”

A piece of obsidian glowed brightly. Until now, I hadn’t had the luxury to search for the obsidian as I hadn’t captured it, but in fact, I had seen this during the descent of Xiang Yu when he had visited me once. He had mentioned that he understood something, but I never got to know the nature of this obsidian that had dropped when the guardian of the Moon Sovereign was defeated.

‘Could it be for memory transfer spells?’

I attempted to infuse the obsidian with a memory transfer spell, but there was no reaction.

‘No, that’s not it. Usually, common obsidian vibrates and reacts to the spell, but this one didn’t… Is it a special obsidian?’

Not sensing anything else, I decided to place the obsidian that the guardian had dropped into my cloak. Then I took out the National Seal and began my search.

Wiying –

“I found it.”

[ Where is that person?]

In response to the Master of the White Lotus Sect’s inquiry, I replied.

“Krishna is currently in the capital of the Arasa Empire. Move immediately.”

Yes.

Finding Krishna’s whereabouts, who could potentially become the biggest variable, was one more crucial task that Zhuge Yulong had entrusted to me!

‘No matter how powerful he is, if we move with the total force of the White Lotus Sect, we should at least be able to have a conversation with him.’

I need to figure out what that sudden presence popping up here is thinking.

———= Author’s Note ———=

A major revision has been made. The development has changed significantly, and I apologize for the setting errors. I will focus on avoiding such mistakes in the future.