“Your Majesty, forgive my impudence, but even if we enter the main palace now, I cannot guarantee your safety.”
Cloud Emblem General In Seon Hwang, the fourth-ranked general of Cheongdo Palace, bowed his head as he spoke with an apologetic tone.
As soon as Seol Tae Pyeong instigated the rebellion at Taehwa Pavilion, he had immediately escorted the Emperor and Crown Prince to safety, prioritizing their escape.
With Grand General Seong Sa Wook and Blue Pillar General Hwang Soo at the front lines holding off Seol Tae Pyeong, he was confident the situation would not escalate any further. At least not for the time being.
His top priority had been securing the Emperor and Crown Prince’s safety, and so he had moved faster than anyone else.
“…It seems you’re right.”
Emperor Woon Sung and Crown Prince Hyeon Won were both on horseback.
Most of the horses had either been slain or had fled into the wilderness, so it was a relief that at least two had remained to carry them.
The Cloud Emblem General and a handful of elite soldiers held the reins as they rode through the mountains, doing everything they could to protect the two.
They had believed that as long as they escaped Taehwa Pavilion, immediate safety would be assured.
“…….”
But the moment they reached the mid-slopes of the White Immortal Mountain and looked down at the palace and the capital, that belief shattered.
Even from afar, the sight was unmistakable. Fires raged across Cheongdo Palace.
The capital was no different. Thick black smoke was rising into the sky like dark stains marring the heavens.
A disaster unlike anything in history was devouring the country.
What in the world….
Emperor Woon Sung swallowed dryly with a stiff face.
He had known beforehand that Seol Tae Pyeong was planning an uprising, but he had never imagined that demonic spirits would run rampant or that the entire country would be thrown into chaos.
This disaster. This was something entirely different from Seol Tae Pyeong’s plan.
A once-in-a-lifetime disaster that threatened to overturn the present and the future of the Empire.
Now, more than ever, a leader had to remain composed.
“The soldiers stationed at the Truth Insight Terrace should be cutting down the demonic spirits as we speak. Until we are absolutely certain the main palace is safe, it would be wise to take refuge elsewhere for now.”
“That is precisely what I will not do.”
“…Huh?”
“We must head to the main palace immediately. Entering through the Truth Insight Terrace should allow us to secure our safety. That area is still under the control of Cheongdo’s forces.”
Determination gleamed in the Emperor’s eyes.
He planned to directly enter the Cheongdo Palace, which was filled with demonic spirits.
“Cheongdo Palace is the heart of the country’s infrastructure, and the main palace is where our most vital figures are gathered. Restoring it must be our top priority, and I will take command in person.”
“Your Majesty, but—”
“Do not make me repeat myself. Clear a path to the Truth Insight Terrace.”
The demonic spirits at Taehwa Pavilion had been personally created by the Plague Demonic Spirit, making them exceptionally powerful, but the ones prowling around the mid-slopes of the White Immortal Mountain were merely lower demonic spirits.
Although the number of soldiers escorting the Emperor was small, their level of skill was more than enough to clear a path without much difficulty.
There was no point in wasting any more time here.
“Cloud Emblem General, among the many distinguished military officers of the Red Palace, you are the one I trust most as a loyal subject devoted to the country. So do not mistake this for a lack of faith in your judgment. However, I must do what I must.”
Emperor Woon Sung looked down at Cloud Emblem General with resolute eyes as he issued his firm command.
“In times of national turmoil, a leader must stand as the anchor that holds everything together. If I abandon the main palace now, the chaos will only worsen.”
“Your Majesty…”
“Do not make me explain myself further. Clear a path to Truth Insight Terrace. That is an imperial command.”
“…Understood.”
After giving his order, Emperor Woon Sung turned to check on his most cherished heir, the Crown Prince.
The prince seemed deeply shaken by the sudden slaughter unfolding before him, yet his mind remained sharp and steady.
It was regrettable that he had to witness such horrors at an age when he had only just come of age, but there was no time to dwell on his youth.
“Assess your condition. You will see even more dreadful sights from here on.”
“…Do not worry too much about me. I am fine.”
His voice trembled, but Crown Prince Hyeon Won was doing his best to remain composed.
Even though his hands gripping the reins were visibly shaking, his body appeared unharmed.
The more such dire situations he endured, the more competent he would become as a ruler.
Closing his eyes for a brief moment, Emperor Woon Sung silently hoped that his son would maintain his composure to the very end.
“Once we reach the main palace, you must head to Truth Insight Terrace and—”
—Waaaaaaah!
It happened then.
From the mid-slopes of the White Immortal Mountain, the view of Imperial Capital spread out before them.
The city was swarming with demonic spirits. It was a nightmarish scene that looked as if hell itself had descended. Yet amidst the chaos, soldiers were advancing.
The troops that had been stationed across the White Immortal Mountain for Taehwa Pavilion’s grand ceremony were now systematically regrouping and charging toward the main palace to reclaim it.
“The palace guards are moving…! Taehwa Pavilion, where the other generals and officials should be, must still be in disarray… Could it be the Warrior Commander’s doing…?”
Watching the soldiers push forward, Emperor Woon Sung felt a glimmer of hope.
Day and night had reversed, demonic spirits ran rampant, and the country seemed to be on the verge of collapse, yet even in this hellish landscape, the military officers of Cheongdo continued to uphold their order and continued fighting with unwavering loyalty.
At the very heart of it all stood the generals, the pillars supporting the country.
Even in the midst of this nightmare, they were the ones who ceaselessly fought, searching for a way to win.
Yes… If we reclaim the main palace, we might be able to turn this situation around. Cheongdo still has many capable people… So…!
Thunk.
It was at that very moment, just as Emperor Woon Sung was holding on to these hopeful thoughts.
The surrounding demonic spirits had already been dealt with, and they were about to discuss how to infiltrate the palace’s Truth Insight Terrace when—
A single blade pierced through the shoulder of his most beloved son, Crown Prince Hyeon Won.
Slash.
Drip, drip.
It had happened so quickly that he couldn’t even comprehend what had just unfolded before his eyes.
Even Crown Prince Hyeon Won who was impaled by the sword could only widen his eyes in shock.
The moment he realized that the sharp blade had run clean through his shoulder, a spray of crimson blood burst from his lips.
The one gripping the hilt of that sword… was none other than General In Seon Hwang, who had faithfully escorted the two of them all the way here.
That great warrior who had always served Cheongdo Palace with unshakable loyalty and a stern unreadable expression now lowered his cold eyes and yanked the blade free.
Shlck!
Another spray of blood followed.
Drops of red splattered onto the frozen earth of the White Immortal Mountain and quickly seeped into the ground.
“Y-You… what…?”
Before Emperor Woon Sung could even finish his sentence, In Seon Hwang kicked the horse that Crown Prince Hyeon Won was riding.
– Neigh!
With a pained cry, the horse reared back and collapsed, throwing the wounded prince to the ground. Hyeon Won tumbled onto the dirt and his body kept rolling as blood continued to spill blood.
Groaning from the waves of searing pain crashing over him, he struggled to catch his breath. Judging by his condition, he had not yet drawn his last.
“My son…!”
Emperor Woon Sung felt as if his own breath had stopped. Without a moment’s hesitation, he leaped down from his horse.
He pressed down tightly on the bleeding wounds of the crown prince, who lay sprawled on the ground with his blood staining the dirt.
The emperor’s heavenly dragon robe which was worth more than an entire building became soaked in red, but he paid it no mind. All that mattered was stopping the bleeding as he looked up.
General In Seon Hwang who was still gripping his sword now looked down at him.
His eyes were cold and lifeless as ever and showed no emotion. And yet… something felt disturbingly off.
Rebellion.
It would not be strange if this were an act of rebellion.
In times of turmoil, there were always corrupt officials who coveted the throne. That was why an emperor had to remain unwavering.
He had never been ignorant of that truth. But of all people… he had never once imagined that Cloud Emblem General himself would bare his fangs in such a moment.
The man had been a paragon of loyalty. Even Emperor Woon Sung, who trusted no one, had never doubted him.
“…You…”
Clutching the bleeding Crown Prince Hyeon Won in his arms, Emperor Woon Sung looked up at the general with trembling eyes.
A chill ran through him. A sense of unease took hold.
Was this truly the same Cloud Emblem General? The man before him struck down imperial blood without hesitation. The emperor could not be certain.
“…Who are you?”
By all appearances, he was undoubtedly General In Seon Hwang, the unwavering shield of the imperial family.
And yet… his instincts screamed otherwise.
The man standing before him was someone entirely different from the famed general who had once protected Cheongdo.
Then, the stranger raised his sword once more. There was no need for words.
He had only one purpose. To kill.
Driven by that thought alone, he moved to strike down Emperor Woon Sung.
At that very moment—
Clang!
A flash of movement swift as the wind.
The Black Moon Leader Cheong Jin Myeong, with his face tightly wrapped in black cotton cloth, landed swiftly in front of Emperor Woon Sung and deflected his sword.
Caught off guard by the sudden ambush, Emperor Woon Sung was pushed back several steps. He gave his sword a quick flick to shake off the impact, then studied the unexpected intruder.
“Another… interruption. Damn Sword Master’s subordinates…”
Cheong Jin Myeong, the most loyal subordinate of Seol Tae Pyeong.
As he stood tall, gripping his sword in a reverse grip, a young girl emerged from behind him.
“Your Majesty!”
“Y-You are…”
Her noble garments were stained with mud and blood, making her difficult to recognize at first glance, but there was no mistaking her identity.
She was Seol Ran, the mistress of the Vermilion Bird Palace and the girl Crown Prince Hyeon Won cherished above all others.
“You must leave this place immediately! All of the generals in the main palace have been devoured by the demonic spirits!”
Without hesitation, Vermilion Princess Seol Ran rushed forward and bowed her head to the dirt as she reached for the Crown Prince. Ignoring the blood that covered her own body, she carefully lifted him into her arms.
“H-How is the situation in Taehwa Pavilion?”
“It has been secured for now! Vice General Seol Tae Pyeong and Warrior Commander Jang Rae have reorganized the soldiers and are moving to reclaim the main palace! The subordinates under their command have also scattered!”
Emperor Woon Sung swallowed dryly at the sight of Seol Ran’s resolute expression.
Even famous warriors had been paralyzed with fear in this living hell, and yet….how could a mere girl stand so firm?
Seol Ran didn’t seem to care about the emperor’s reaction. She tore the collar of her palace robes and began wrapping Crown Prince Hyeon Won’s wounds.
For now, stopping the bleeding was all that mattered. Once they reached the main palace, she would tend to his injuries properly.
Vice General Seol Tae Pyeong…?
He was a traitor.
Emperor Woon Sung was well aware of the circumstances behind his rebellion, yet at this moment, the man was an enemy to countless soldiers.
In such a situation, rumors spread that he had taken control of the warriors and soldiers once again, wielding military authority as if nothing had happened.
Unless he had performed some kind of sorcery, how could that possibly be?
But this was no time to question such things.
“Your Highness…! Please hold on…! We’re heading to the main palace…!”
Gritting her teeth, Seol Ran glanced toward Cloud Emblem General.
A chill ran down her spine at the eerie aura clinging to him, but she was not the type to be paralyzed by fear.
Cheong Jin Myeong, the leader of the Black Moon Unit assigned to her by Seol Tae Pyeong, was indeed powerful, but he was no match for general-level officers.
Rather than attempting to subdue Cloud Emblem General here, she had to focus on finding a way to escape.
***
By the time we fought our way through the battlefield infested with demonic spirits and reached the main palace, the Great Star Gate was engulfed in flames.
Atop the gate, which served as the entrance to Cheongdo Palace, soldiers stood their ground. Seeing that their formation remained intact, I felt a small sense of relief.
“If we pass through the Great Star Gate, we’ll reach Truth Insight Terrace immediately. First, we need to identify who’s leading the soldiers there, transfer command, and reclaim the main palace at once!”
Just as I signaled the soldiers and stepped forward into the open space before the gate, I saw it.
The Great Star Gate. The grand and imposing structure that stood as a symbol of Cheongdo’s power.
And at its very peak, atop the tiled roof, sat a girl.
…That’s…
The moment I recognized the figure from a distance, my expression hardened.
“Stop! Everyone, stop! No one is to approach the Great Star Gate!”
Atop the burning Great Star Gate sat a girl. Her clothes were fluttering playfully in the wind.
But upon closer look, that figure—
A demonic spirit that bewitched human minds, bending them to its will.
It was Moon Demonic Spirit Yoran.
I had wondered why the main gate of the palace remained so unnervingly calm despite the chaos caused by the demonic spirits, but now the reason was clear.
The soldiers who had been standing guard at Truth Insight Terrace had all fallen under the Moon Demonic Spirit’s control.
When the Moon Demonic Spirit looked down at the soldiers with its small body, a sly smile slowly crept onto its lips.
Whoosh!
Then, all at once, the soldiers stationed atop the walls of the Great Star Gate loosed their arrows straight at us.
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