Chapter 39 |
The place I went to following Captain Ryu, the leader of 6th Unit, was an isolated palace among the 99 buildings of the imperial court. Although I roughly understood the layout using the imperial palace map that Mang-ryang gave me, I realized that following Captain Ryu made it impossible to rely entirely on that map.
I had a general sense of the overall structure, but the details differed. There were many alleys and labyrinthine passages, almost like a maze. Furthermore, if these complicated buildings moved according to geomantic principles like living creatures, intruders would be utterly lost.
‘Even if you have the imperial palace map, it would be impossible without fully memorizing it…’
I also thought how fortunate it was that I had learned about geomantic defenses. Right now, Captain Ryu was only walking on the main paths, but only a few steps away the terrain changed to a more closed-off layout. Although I pretended not to know and kept walking, I realized that even if you memorized the paths, you’d get trapped in a double trap without geomantic knowledge. This was a natural fortress.
Probably, the warriors and court ladies working in the palace must all walk along predetermined paths.
Strangely enough, there were no guards in this palace. Captain Ryu led me down some stairs to the underground area, where ten elite guards were waiting. They all wore black attire, just like Captain Ryu.
Captain Ryu introduced me to them.
“This is Baek-woong, a new member of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. He will be the youngest in 6th Unit, so guide him well.”
“Understood, Captain.”
“Seniors, I’m in your care.”
“Alright.”
I greeted each member of 6th Unit with a bow. The Embroidered Uniform Guards of 6th Unit seemed neither friendly nor hostile towards me. While greeting them, I realized something odd.
“…?”
Something feels off. Earlier, Captain Kwak was the same; usually, the Embroidered Uniform Guard wear a unique martial uniform with white as the base and gold threads splendidly sewn in. However, Captain Ryu and the other Embroidered Uniform Guard from the 6th Unit are all wearing black uniforms.
[The martial uniform will be something like this: https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR8Pu__12TiVmRKtKAsOHnHXUbTRuY9__J9o5qtRoo6bMnAoyG8lLBCwb7LI_6q1RK1zOI&usqp=CAU ]
I initially thought the captains had the freedom to choose their attire, but that wasn’t it. The entire 6th Unit is required to wear black.
Moreover, this black attire somehow looks familiar. I had a terrible suspicion but chose not to show it. Making any suspicious actions here could turn this place into my grave. After a brief introduction, Captain Ryu explained the mission.
“Our mission this time is the same as before. We will escort the ritual and prepare in advance. Is everyone mentally prepared?”
Then, the Embroidered Uniform Guard from the 6th Unit responded in somewhat weary yet resolute voices.
“Yes!”
“Of course.”
Escort the ritual? Advanced preparations?
I had no idea what they were talking about and blankly stared at them. Captain Ryu then spoke to me.
“Our 6th Unit’s mission is somewhat special. Each unit takes turns taking on special missions, and for this half-term, it’s the 6th Unit’s turn. This is an extremely special mission, so strong mental fortitude is necessary.”
“I can handle any mission.”
“Heh… Everyone here initially thought the same. However, this is really not an ordinary task. I’ll give you some pre-mission training.”
Captain Ryu bitterly smiled and ordered the rest of the 6th Unit.
“Everyone, go to the Im-dong area. Our target this time is Cheol-jeon village. Prepare for infiltration as an advance preparation.”
“Understood!”
Woosh
Once the orders were complete, the Embroidered Uniform Guard from the 6th Unit left the palace without looking back. There’s no need to hesitate now that the target area is confirmed. As I was watching them leave, Captain Ryu spoke.
“Sit down there.”
“Yes.”
It seemed he had something serious to discuss. Facing each other across a table, Captain Ryu spoke earnestly.
“Baek-woong. What do you think is the most valuable and important thing for you?”
This was something I learned earlier. Embroidered Uniform Guard are allowed only one answer to this question in any situation.
“The well-being and eternal glory of His Majesty the Emperor and the imperial family.”
“Good. You’ve learned well.”
Captain Ryu, who was reciting with satisfaction, continued his words.
“Then what do you think is the biggest threat to the safety of the imperial family?”
“Wouldn’t it be external enemies like the Northern Foes or the Eastern Barbarians?”
Phew… That might indeed be the case. The barbarians of the North have been a significant threat ever since the history of the Central Plains began. However, they have never truly ruled Zhonghua (China). Essentially, it’s the generals who lead hundreds of thousands of troops that protect the imperial family from them. Although we are the Imperial Guard, we don’t directly fight the barbarians.”
“So it would be the court’s power-brokers (ministers), wouldn’t it?”
“Controlling and managing them is something that His Majesty the Emperor does. Of course, keeping them in check is also our main duty, but there’s something even more critical.”
I found this fascinating. What could be more threatening to the imperial family than barbarian invasions or the treason of courtiers? So I asked,
“Then what is it?”
The following words were shocking.
“It’s the martial world.”
“…!!”
What does this mean? Is it permissible for the Embroidered Uniform Guard, a member of the Imperial Guard, to think this way? Yet, the Embroidered Uniform Guard spoke without any hesitation.
“Do you know about the ancient tales of Founder Emperor Hongwu and Chen Youliang?”
I nodded. I am well-studied, so I know history well.
“I know that Chen Youliang was the most formidable enemy when the Founder Emperor was establishing the country, and that he ultimately lost to Emperor Hongwu.”
“That’s right. There’s a bit of a backstory to that.”
Embroidered Uniform Guard poured tea into his cup from the teapot. He also poured some for me, and I politely accepted it with both hands. He took a sip of the warm tea and continued speaking.
“The Founder Emperor almost died several times because of Chen Youliang. Especially, the warriors who followed Chen Youliang from Huguang (modern Hubei) were always a thorn in his side. The Founder Emperor initially planned to put all the people of Huguang who followed Chen Youliang onto red ships and forbid them from ever setting foot on land again. If that had been the case, the people of Huguang would have spent their lives as wandering beggars, the men becoming beggars, and the women becoming prostitutes. By setting such a strong example, the secure and expansive Ming Empire would have been established. By showing that no one should challenge imperial authority, countless rebellions would have been prevented, and we could have lived in peace.”
“…”
There’s much to say, but I don’t speak, because my life is precious to me. Even if I have enough knowledge to argue through sleepless nights, I have to protect my life right now.
“However, the Founder Emperor didn’t fully carry out the red ships plan. The rebels who should have been put on those ships were released and returned to land, becoming commoners. Most of them went south. Why do you think that is?”
“I don’t know.”
“It was the White Lotus Sect. A mere martial sect and religion that restrained Emperor Hongwu’s actions, and even attracted displaced people to become their disciples. The reason this was possible was that the sect leader of the White Lotus possessed a transcendental level of martial arts. Even a million-strong army meant nothing to him. The leader of the White Lotus came to Hongwu and asked him to end the war. Hongwu had no choice but to accept his proposal.”
A martial art that renders a million-strong army meaningless is beyond imagination.
Is he really human?
The power of the White Lotus Sect seemed far greater than I had thought.
‘I can see why the Thunder God School would give up on taking revenge against the White Lotus.’
I thought each word Captain Ryu said could be grounds for treason. The fact that an Emperor yielded to a mere martial sect was confidential in itself. However, when it comes to a high-ranking official like Captain Ryu, it’s perhaps natural to reveal such things for educational purposes. One must know such things to work for the darkness of the imperial family.
Captain Ryu continued speaking.
“About 150 years have passed since then. During this time, the imperial family has consistently expanded its military power, starting with the Embroidered Uniform Guard and including the Eastern and Western battalions, and the five army corps. Especially, the initially meager Embroidered Uniform Guard has grown enormously. I can confidently say that the power of the Embroidered Uniform Guard now matches that of the Nine Great Sects.”
I thought that was plausible. Even the lowest-ranking members of the Embroidered Uniform Guard are elite martial artists. With the top-level skills of the higher-ranking officers, their numbers alone justify such a claim. Moreover, the leader’s skill level is expected to be first-rate. There are no martial arts organizations in the world that are bound together with such a high average level of martial skill.
If the Embroidered Uniform Guard were to attack the Nine Sects, they could quickly annihilate two or three of them. It’s impossible for the Nine Sects to withstand such a massive military organization alone.
“Is it to protect His Imperial Majesty the Emperor from the White Lotus Sect?”
“Exactly. We don’t know what level of martial arts the current leader of the White Lotus holds, but the mere existence of a figure with transcendental-level martial skills is terrifying.”
I somehow understood.
Even if one tried to suppress the White Lotus Sect with a million-strong army, it would be useless. If a transcendent being exists who could single-handedly assassinate the Emperor after breaking through an army of a million at its peak, what would be the point? It would form an overwhelming deterrent.
I recalled hearing about the ‘Sacred Lotus’ from Samjeol Lee Gwang. The Sacred Lotus is a special elixir exclusively produced by the White Lotus Sect. Consuming it grants enormous internal energy. If there are peak-level martial artists in the White Lotus Sect who have consumed the Sacred Lotus, they are a formidable force even without their leader.
Captain Ryu said,
“But finally, we, the Embroidered Uniform Guard… no, the imperial palace has found a way to counter the White Lotus Sect. This plan is a grand scheme, and we must pursue it for the rest of our lives. It will be our special mission.”
“What is the mission?”
I gasped at the words that followed.
“To summon monsters from another world, and ultimately gain the power of the demon gods.”
“Gasp.”
“It’s a feasible plan, thanks to the Grand Sorcerer who is helping us.”
I had no choice but to be astonished.
It was now certain.
‘So… So these guys were the ones who led the human sacrifices! The Embroidered Uniform Guard committed mass murder?’
As my worst suspicions were confirmed, I felt my vision blacked out momentarily.
I had hoped it wasn’t true. Although I had guessed as much when talking to Mang-ryang, I had come to Luoyang hoping that it wouldn’t be the case for a brighter future.
But the truth was the truth. The imperial family and the Embroidered Uniform Guard were the very demons who had led the human sacrifices.
At the same time, I felt relieved that I hadn’t directly intervened this lifetime. If the Embroidered Uniform Guard were truly the perpetrators, I would have been in grave danger.
“It’s not surprising at all,” Captain Ryu said, as if it were only natural for me to be shocked. “Some commoners might be sacrificed in the process, but it’s a necessary sacrifice. We must be prepared to go to hell for the sake of the imperial family. Our actions will bring happiness and peace to millions in the Empire.”
“But that’s…”
“Brace yourself! I’ll explain more when we reach our destination, but you are already an Embroidered Uniform Guard willing to risk your life for the imperial family. Discard all petty ethics and morality if it’s for His Imperial Majesty.”
I feel nauseous…
Captain Ryu’s words were nonsense, and any sane person would never agree with such talk. But there was a strange power in Captain Ryu’s words that made my head spin and clouded my judgment. I knew in my head that it was nonsense, but it strangely sounded convincing.
Had I not personally witnessed the human sacrifices and monsters, I might have been half-convinced by Captain Ryu’s words by now. But having seen them myself, I couldn’t possibly agree. How can one justify human sacrifices, which are undoubtedly abominable?
‘Something’s wrong. I can feel a strong force emanating from his words.’
Feigning dizziness, I stood up.
“I’m sorry. I feel dizzy…”
“Sit down! I haven’t finished speaking. Aren’t you doing this for His Imperial Majesty? Are you saying it’s okay for the enemies to threaten His Imperial Majesty? Is that what an Embroidered Uniform Guard should say?”
His tone had changed from its previous friendliness to stern admonishment, as if he was about to implement a carrot-and-stick strategy.
“Listen carefully. Everything is permitted in the name of His Imperial Majesty. We are but swords, and swords do not need to think further. All you need to do is to eliminate harmful elements and execute your mission.”
It was then that I understood the source of my dizziness.
Mind control through incantations and brainwashing.
Having studied ancient texts for a long time, I could tell. Captain Ryu’s words flowed with a peculiar cadence, and strange glyphs were engraved here and there throughout the palace.
‘He can use incantations, huh. Well, it’s possible since you don’t need any special mystical power for incantations.’
Incantations held power in their very utterance. By articulating them like a formula, they conferred force upon the words. Captain Ryu was using incantations to weaken his opponent’s mental fortitude, persistently coercing them in an enclosed space. It was like a more intense form of suggestion.
If you’re subjected to this for a long time, even a resolute martial artist would find themselves persuaded. Captain Ryu seemed to be in charge of continuous indoctrination training whenever new recruits arrived.
I deliberately clouded my eyes to make it look like I was obeying him.
“Yes… I understand…”
“Let me repeat myself. Listen carefully…”
Afterwards, I endured Captain Ryu’s incantations for a full hour in the confined space. Fortunately, since I was feigning indoctrination, it didn’t continue. Captain Ryu grinned when he confirmed that his “education” had ended.
“I’m not entirely satisfied yet, but you, Baek-woong, will soon understand our cause. Now follow me to our mission location, Im-dong’s Cheoljeon Village.”
As I followed him, I pondered.
‘Damn it… What should I do?’
Given the tragedies I’ve witnessed, I’m immune to such brainwashing. Anyone else would have succumbed due to the incantation, but I had secretly recited a mind-shielding mantra from the Qi Men Dun Jia, rendering the incantation useless.
My headache now was how to act going forward. If I follow him, I’d be participating in periodic slaughters and human sacrifices.
Is that really the right thing to do?
If I don’t obey Captain Ryu, I’d be considered a traitor and summarily executed. Since the plans I’ve heard regarding the monsters were top-secret, they wouldn’t leave me be.
Perhaps there are others like me, who haven’t fallen for the brainwashing but are still following him because they value their lives and can’t give up their current positions.
Clip-clop, clip-clop.
“……”
I rode my horse, following Captain Ryu, lost in thought. Then, a word from Mang-ryang suddenly crossed my mind.
—”Baek-woong. The tragedy you witnessed will eventually befall an unspecified number of people on a scale incomparable to that village’s tragedy. Do you plan to rely on luck and run away then? Or will you become the dog of those in power and take on their dirty work?”
A dog of power.
It’s a dirty job.
“……”
Clip-clop, clip-clop.
While riding a horse, the moonlight brushed past the lake. In the midst of that, Captain Ryu spoke to me.
“You’re a lucky friend.”
“Me?”
“As soon as you joined, you received a special mission… Once the special mission is completed, the corresponding unit receives a massive reward. 20 guan of gold (~75kg of gold) and, furthermore, you’re bestowed a land grant near Luoyang. There are many among the other ‘Embroidered Uniform Guard’ who quietly hope to undertake special missions again.”
I was momentarily speechless and asked,
“They hope to do it again…?”
“After all, we’re not the ones carrying it out; it’s that sorcerer. Mostly, we’re just observing and guarding.”
There was not an ounce of guilt or hesitation in Captain Ryu’s words. If you didn’t know the details of the task, you might just pass it off as just another job, but I knew what it entailed: human sacrifices, fanatical extraction of hearts, cannibalism, and mass murder. The fact that the Embroidered Uniform Guard wanted to partake in such demonic actions again was chilling.
If it had been the act of just that sorcerer, Taoist Hyuncheon and I could have stopped it. However, because the Embroidered Uniform Guard are secretly involved and observing, no one could prevent the village massacre. After a moment of thought, I asked,
“Don’t the sacrifices of the commoners come into play? Don’t you feel guilty?”
Captain Ryu actually laughed.
“Hahaha! Guilty? Everyone among the Embroidered Uniform Guard is doing it. Moreover, this is for the greater good. All those people are making sacrifices that are absolutely necessary for His Imperial Majesty.”
“……”
At that moment, Mang-ryang’s words passed through my mind again.
—”In this world, there’s no one who knows the nature of the imperial family better than I do. I’ve come to know this while working as an astronomer. They see this world as if it were a mere playground. If they are the ones in charge, it’s inevitable that unimaginable, terrifying chaos will eventually ensue. Isn’t it obvious that we should prevent it while we still can?”
He was right.
The dreadful chaos had already been unfolding.
Judging from the term ‘half-term’, it’s clear that one village was sacrificed every six months. Considering that I’ve been reincarnated for about five years, that means at least ten villages have been eradicated during this time. Despite this blatant abnormality, the fact that nobody in the world knows about it indicates that the powers that be are actively suppressing this information.
What was I even thinking?
What does a happy life even mean?
“… Ha-ha.”
I chuckled softly. Captain Ryu laughed heartily.
“Great! If we’re going to do it, let’s be positive.”
“Well, we have to be positive.”
I nodded firmly.
“We have to try and be positive, even if it’s a matter of life or death.”
Since Captain Ryu couldn’t see my face clearly as he was sitting behind me, it was truly a blessing. I couldn’t show him my face, twisted as if ready for some vicious slaughter.