◈Episode 729.
Invisible Eyes (4)
‘As expected.’
It was exactly the reaction I expected.
As the Empress said, even if one borrows the power of the Murim Alliance, it is impossible to bring troops and annihilate the eunuch forces.
No, even if it were possible, it shouldn’t be done. This is because it not only undermines the authority of the imperial palace, but also could spark a rebellion.
Even if they borrow their power, they are made to operate completely in the shadows. The Empress, and even the Crown Prince Woo Heon, had no choice but to attack the other person in that way.
This is what a power struggle is all about. It’s gorgeous on the outside, but dirty and sticky on the inside.
“How is it? “Can you fulfill my request?”
Zhuge Zhen Yan said quietly.
“May I say a word to Your Majesty?”
“You are a descendant of the Zhuge clan. “Say as much as you want.”
“Do you know, Your Majesty, what kind of power, other than the power of the eunuchs, the Crown Prince Wooheon has behind him?”
The Empress’s eyes sparkled.
“Do you even know about the xie jiao group?”
A bunch of cultists. It probably means Shinhwaism.
If this happens, the story will be different again. The Empress was aware of the existence of a religious force called Shinhwaism, which was attached to Taegam Wooheon.
“It hasn’t been long since Jim learned of their identity. “After finding out secretly, it was said that a ancestral rite is also held once in a while near the West Palace.”
There was clear anger on the Empress’s face.
“Aren’t they truly ungodly people? A rite to worship various gods is held in the palace of the Son of Heaven. “There have been countless traitors in the imperial family, but there has never been one as ruthless as him.”
“They are a fierce group, each of which is a faction of the Three Religions operating in secret outside the world, each with powerful military power.”
“Three schools…? “So, there were two more such cult groups?”
A somewhat stiff voice.
The majesty remains the same, but it contains an honest sense of wonder. The Empress didn’t even know about it.
‘then.’
In Zhuge Zhen’s eyes, firearms were young.
‘Your Majesty… doesn’t even know how dangerous Taegam Wooheon can become.’
Zhuge Yan opened his mouth.
“It is a hasty guess, but we believe that the power of each of them is great enough to threaten the mighty warriors of the time, Wulin.”
“…?!”
“We have had several close encounters with the cult group hiding behind Tae-gam Woo-heon. The head of the Yeon family here also participated in the battle, and fortunately, defeated the enemy generals and inflicted considerable damage.”
“You said that?”
The Empress looked at Yan Wei with interested eyes.
Zhuge Zhen thought.
‘You don’t know?’
I know about the xie jiao group, or the Xinhua religion.
If so, it can be interpreted that some of the high-ranking officials who were threatened by the Three Religions informed the Empress of this fact. For example, the Hanam provincial commander who died for the crime of rebellion.
However, the Empress had no idea that a battle had taken place between the Murim Alliance and the Shinhwa Church.
What does this mean?
‘Is information being filtered out?’
I can not know. All the high-ranking officials related to the Three Religions may not have any intention of giving power to the Empress.
But the possibility of that happening was extremely slim. Behind the Crown Prince Wooheon, who immediately took over the real power of the imperial palace, was the Shinhwa Church, and they were doing things they did not want because they could not overcome the Shinhwa Church’s threats.
It would be a good thing to unconditionally give power to the empress.
Zhuge Yan bowed his head and said.
“your majesty. Shinhwaism….”
At that time, Yan Wei raised his hand to stop Zhuge Yan.
Zhuge Yan looked at Yan Wei with puzzled eyes.
Yeonwi said in a calm tone.
“It is definitely important to know who is behind Tae-gam Woo-heon, but if we talk about it too much, it will only prolong the time. “I don’t think it’s too late to talk about the three religions later.”
“….”
“What’s important is whether we can handle Taegam Wooheon.”
The Empress looked at Yan Wei with strange eyes.
“That’s right. “That’s what matters.”
Zhuge Yan lowered his head.
‘Okay, that’s the priority.’
I was told to speak comfortably, but anyway, the hostess of a country was here. Even if you are having an honest conversation, it would be unethical to say something that deviates from the main point.
‘I was anxious.’
At that time, Peng Mu-gang opened his mouth.
“We, the scribes, do not need to think about where the power of the imperial palace goes. However, as a warrior belonging to the empire, it is impossible for me to watch the atrocities committed by Taegam, who had a cult on his back.”
“is it?”
“That’s right. Moreover, they are targeting both the Imperial Palace and Wulin. “Before the power struggle, they could be said to be incompatible with us.”
Although it is said that there is a clause of non-aggression against government affairs, the martial arts group belongs to the empire, at least in form. Peng Wu-gang’s remarks, referring to both the imperial palace and the martial arts world, can be seen as somewhat disrespectful.
Peng Wugang also knew that. Still, he said those words on purpose.
Just to make it clear.
After this situation is resolved, I will not interfere with the affairs of the imperial palace. From the imperial palace’s perspective, Murim is safe. It was to convey that meaning.
The Empress was also a person who lived in a political world as intense as war. There was no way he didn’t know the meaning of Peng Wugang’s words.
The Empress said with a smile.
“So, can we say that we are all in the same boat after all?”
“Regardless of any other issues, it would be a joy for the subjects to do their best for the mother of the empire.”
“Hoho, now those sweet words sound like you’re teasing the other person.”
Peng Wugang lowered his head in embarrassment.
“I apologize, Your Majesty.”
“It’s just a joke, so don’t think too much about it. “Anyway, I feel relieved to know that Taegam is a target that must be defeated for you as well.”
To be exact, it would be the entire group of Shinhwa religions, including Taegam.
Yeonwi opened her mouth.
“I believe we will need to have in-depth discussions about the timing and method. “Now that the conversation has progressed to this point, we would be grateful if you could answer our questions.”
“Out of curiosity? “I don’t know what the question is, but I’ll answer anything I can.”
“I’ll tell you straight.”
Yeonwi’s eyes sparkled.
“The first is Your Majesty’s situation.”
“…Hmm.”
“And the second is the existence of a master who has suddenly appeared in Gyunhyeon, Hubei Province.”
The Empress’s eyes deepened.
“It’s not something that can be easily said about His Majesty’s situation. “It’s especially difficult right now, so I’ll set aside some time.”
“Here comes the Emperor.”
“And it’s Go Soo-ra who appeared in Gyunhyeon, Hubei Province…”
The Empress tilted her head.
“I have no idea who you’re talking about.”
Zhuge Yan opened his mouth.
“Is it possible that His Majesty is waging an information war with Taegam Woo-heon’s side?”
“Information is an essential element in political warfare. “Of course.”
“I wonder if you also leaked the information that summoned us.”
The Empress frowned.
“Is that possible? “The plan of illusory reality is quite attractive, but I don’t do anything that could harm people who might be of help to me.”
Zhuge Yan looked at Yan Wei.
Yeonwi’s eyes deepened.
They thought that King Bi was related to the Empress. If not, I thought it could be someone from Wooheon Taegam’s side.
However, looking at the empress’s reaction, it seemed that it was neither the empress’s side nor the Crown Prince Wooheon’s side.
So where on earth does King Bi belong?
Did he really appear out of nowhere? Otherwise…
‘Could it be that he became a person of light blood or evil spirit and not a Shinhwa religion?!’
* * *
The ship Yeonhojeong and his party rode showed truly astonishing speed.
The ship passed through Honam and entered Hubuk at once, passed Uichang and reached Heungsan.
Although life on a ship was unfamiliar, the group was able to get along without any problems. This was thanks to the fact that they were all masters of martial arts.
To reach Heungsan, we changed boats several times and even stepped on land. Despite this, it achieved three times the speed of most transport ships. It was a speed that would be hard to believe if you hadn’t ridden it yourself.
“Whoa.”
After landing on land, the group rode horses and reached the top of a mountain overlooking Banghyeon.
It took three more days to get there, but this was truly incredible speed. The surrounding area was all forest and it was so rugged that it was difficult to clear a path.
“Let’s rest here today.”
Banghyeon was located in a place with a clear view of the Wudang Mountains.
Since it is a place where you can overlook Banghyeon, you can also see Mt. Wudang clearly. Although it was far away, the unique majestic and mysterious clouds were also noticeable.
“Ugh.”
Although he has honed his internal skills, he is not an expert specialized in combat. Ki Woo-hee got off the horse and was almost exhausted.
Yeon Ho-jeong smiled and walked to her side.
“Are you okay?”
“no.”
Even the good-natured Ki Woo-hee can’t say that it’s okay even with empty words. It was such a difficult forced march.
“Sit down. “I will control your internal energy.”
“Oh, it’s okay. If you just rest…”
“If you’re not fine, won’t it be difficult for the Mukryongdae that has to protect you?”
Ki Woo-hee sat cross-legged with an embarrassed face.
Yeon Ho-jeong, who placed his right hand on her Myeongmunhyeol, operated the Four Gods.
Wooooow!
The Shinigami energy that went down through her bloodstream all at once wrapped around her five organs and six parts and blew away the accumulated fatigue.
Ki Woo-hee’s complexion brightened in an instant.
‘It’s okay.’
Yeon Ho-jeong looked down at his left hand.
‘This guy is definitely a hottie.’
During this time, Ki Woo-hee stabilized Yeon Ho-jeong’s condition.
Sometimes I put acupuncture needles on it, and sometimes I powdered the herbs I brought with me and fed it to her. And I forced myself to sleep four hours a day.
After going through that process, Yeon Ho-jeong’s physical condition can be said to be the best it has been since she ascended to the martial arts stage. It had been a long time since I felt this vivid in my body.
“how is it?”
“It’s really amazing.”
Ki Woo-hee looked at Yeon Ho-jeong with an expression of astonishment.
“I knew Master Yeon’s new skills were amazing, but… he’s improved much more than before?”
“Well, I guess.”
Yeon Ho-jeong shrugged and placed his hand on her shoulder.
“I have improved my physical condition, but my strength is not perfect. “Get some rest.”
“yes.”
Ki Woo-hee, who lay down on the bed, fell asleep in an instant.
Yeon Ho-jeong approached Muk-bi and Jinyang Kang-ryang.
“how is it?”
“hmm.”
Jinyang and Kangryang shook their heads.
“I don’t feel anything in particular.”
“Me too, brother.”
Yeon Ho-jeong nodded.
“I guess so.”
Yeon Ho-jeong also did not feel the energy of a fight or a super expert. It was even more difficult to feel anything because the mountains were very rugged and the area was very windy.
“I will go to the prefecture first. “I’m going to stop by an open branch, so make sure you get some rest before then…”
That was then.
“I see something.”
“huh?”
Yeon Ho-jeong looked at Muk-bi.
Mukbi’s eyes were shining brightly.
“That’s Banghyeon, right?”
“yes.”
“I see something out in the northeast. It looks like the group is moving in a hurry… “I’m not sure.”
Jinyang looked at Mukbi with an angry face.
How far is it from here to there? Did you see something?
Kang-ryang chuckled.
“An archer’s eyes are several times better than those of an ordinary martial artist. “If you’re at your level, you’ll be better than your brother.”
“Huh!”
Yeon Ho-jeong stood next to Muk-bi and looked where she was looking.
As Mukbi said, it seemed as if something could be seen or not. But I couldn’t tell what was what.
“Mukbi and Jinyang, protect the group here. “Let’s go down together.”
“Good.”
The two men immediately unfolded the Divine Law and ran towards Banghyeon. In this forest area, the two men were more mobile than horses.
How long did it run like that?
“older brother!”
“I took charge of it too.”
Yeon Ho-jeong’s eyes shone bright blue.
“…the smell of blood.”
