Chapter 233: Dragon Blood (1)

Ming Dynasty, Admiral Grand Eunuch Hu Gyeong.

He, the leader of the Eastern Depot, belonged to the top ladder of the Ming Dynasty’s power hierarchy.

This was because he was one of the few who was highly favored by the Gye-yeongmun Emperor.

He could have a private audience whenever he wished, and as a representative, he directly spread the emperor’s will to the world.

He could command even the fearsome guards of the Eastern Depot with just a gesture, so what was there to fear?

Hu Gyeong, himself a Supreme Peak master, rarely dirtied his hands with blood.

Moreover, it was rare for him to personally conduct interrogations.

In other words, today was a special occasion.

Hu Gyeong shook the blood from his hands.

“Tsk, incompetent fool.”

Behind him lay an unconscious young eunuch.

The eunuch had been captured under the charge of attempting to harm Crown Prince’s teacher Baek Yi-gang.

The eunuch, who was dragged away by the Embroidered Uniform Guard, was transferred to the Eastern Depot under the tacit approval of Commander-in-Chief Bu Yeong-hu.

“You couldn’t even complete such a trivial task and got caught?”

Poisoning was the most commonly used method of assassination within the Forbidden City.

There were countless ways to poison someone so discreetly that no one noticed, or in a way that no responsibility could be traced back to the perpetrator.

However, the attempt to kill the Crown Prince’s Master and stab at the heart of the Senior Grand Secretary Seong Yeok-ju was thwarted in an instant.

Though they succeeded in cutting the tail by killing the eunuch, the burden remained.

One of the spies of the Eastern Depot bowed deeply at the waist.

“I will take care of it.”

Behind him, the guards dealt with the eunuch’s corpse.

Hu Gyeong extended his hand.

White, smooth fingers were stained with dark red blood.

Pretty eunuchs wiped Hu Gyeong’s hands with water-soaked cloths.

They cleaned the blood spattered on his face and combed his hair. Hu Gyeong accepted it all as if it were second nature.

It was a display of grandeur befitting royalty.

After donning a new long robe and crown, the perfect dignity of the Admiral Grand Eunuch returned.

To mask the scent of blood, the eunuchs sprinkled fragrant water onto the Admiral Grand Eunuch.

“We are heading to Huangtian Palace.”

Huangtian Palace was a palace where the emperor resided, newly built near Xihua Gate.

The Admiral Grand Eunuch headed there.

The eunuchs followed him in a line, escorting him.

It was even more splendid than the original palace where the emperor should have stayed, and the sparkling dragon sculpture on the eaves of Huangtian Palace was carved from pure gold.

The walls were built high to conceal the decadent pleasures inside.

Though no one would dare attempt it, anyone who tried to scale those walls would be sliced to death by the hidden Embroidered Uniform Guards.

At the main gate of such a place, a Chief Colonel of the Embroidered Uniform Guard stood with a fierce glare.

These guards were the most powerful and loyal among the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

They were loyal only to the emperor, making them direct subordinates whom even Commander-in-Chief Bu Yeong-hu could not control.

“Admiral Grand Eunuch.”

They only slightly nodded their heads in greeting, even to the Admiral Grand Eunuch.

Hu Gyeong, without revealing any displeasure, simply smiled calmly.

“You’re working hard. Hoho.”

“I’m sorry, but we need to search you.”

“Of course, you must.”

Though murderous intent rose within him, with a desire to tear them apart into a thousand pieces, he showed no sign of it.

Only after confirming that Hu Gyeong carried no weapons was he granted entry.

‘…How ridiculous.’

It was a pointless act.

Hu Gyeong was the type of man who could tear off the emperor’s head with his bare hands.

But he refrained because of the existence of the Guardian.

If he had entered with a weapon or attempted treason, he would have been killed by the hidden Guardian instead.

The Guardian was the most skilled in the imperial palace. Hu Gyeong was certain of that.

This impenetrable protection was the emperor’s strength and the power of the Ming Empire.

“The attendants must wait here.”

The eunuchs who had accompanied him could not enter any further.

Hu Gyeong walked in alone.

As he passed through the triple-layered gates, he stepped onto white gravel. These were expensive stones brought from distant Western regions.

Soft grass and flowers grew between the stones, making it pleasant to walk even barefoot.

A gentle breeze carried the scent of alcohol. There was even a small pond filled with liquor, prepared for indulgence.

Fortunately, it didn’t seem that a banquet was in progress.

Otherwise, unpleasant sounds of merrymaking or laughter would have been heard.

The Gye-yeongmun Emperor was in his bedchamber despite it being midday.

“Your Imperial Majesty, it is Hu Gyeong.”

“Oh, Hu Gyeong! Come in quickly.”

The emperor’s delighted voice was heard.

Hu Gyeong entered the bedchamber.

“I wish to have an audience with Your Imperial Majesty…”

Hu Gyeong stiffened as he lifted his head.

The expected sight of the Gye-yeongmun Emperor, who should have been leaning back and clutching his pudgy belly, was nowhere to be seen.

A red curtain hung between him and the emperor.

The only way to discern the Gye-yeongmun Emperor’s presence was through the shadow cast on the curtain.

“I’ve come to see you, but it’s unfortunate that I cannot gaze upon your majestic visage.”

“Indeed. I wanted to see you too, Hu Gyeong.”

“What is… this curtain for?”

“Ah, this was set up by Heuk Seok-gye to protect my vitality. He says it’s not good for many people to see my face.”

Hu Gyeong’s lips twisted slightly.

Heuk Seok-gye was one of the Seven Great Immortals.

He was the Taoist in black, watching Hu Gyeong from the right corner.

“So the Seven Great Immortals advised this?”

“Yes! Thanks to the Seven Great Immortals that you introduced me to, every day feels wonderful. I feel healthier than ever.”

Healthy? What health?

The last time Hu Gyeong saw him, the Gye-yeongmun Emperor’s face was sallow, and dark circles hung under his eyes.

Even if he drank miraculous elixirs like water, indulging in wine and women every day could never lead to good health.

It was only natural, as the Seven Great Immortals had him completely under their control.

“Since it’s been a while, would you like me to clean your ears, as I used to?”

“Hmm…”

“Or perhaps comb your hair… or how about playing a game of ball?”

Admiral Grand Eunuch Hu Gyeong spoke with honeyed words.

Hu Gyeong had practically raised the Gye-yeongmun Emperor since he was the Imperial Crown Prince.

The affection and care that royalty could not receive from their parents were provided by the eunuchs, which was why their power was so strong.

However, the Gye-yeongmun Emperor responded with a chuckle.

“It’s fine.”

“Your Imperial Majesty…”

“There’s no need. Hehe.”

Then, the sound of a woman giggling could be heard from beyond the curtain, as if someone were teasing her.

Hu Gyeong maintained a controlled expression as he asked, “In that case… I have a few matters to discuss here. The Grand Secretariat has recently…”

“Enough.”

His greatest political power lay in making the emperor happy before discussing state affairs and securing approval.

“Leave now, Hu Gyeong.”

However, the emperor did not even allow that.

Hu Gyeong, in a panic, tried to plead again.

But standing before him was the Taoist in black robes.

“His Majesty the Emperor has commanded you to leave.”

“….”

It was Heuk Seok-gye.

One of the seven Taoists whom Hu Gyeong himself had introduced to the emperor was now daring to issue a dismissal to him.

A surge of rage welled up, making him want to tear open the man’s chest and crush his heart.

Veins bulged on his neck, and his forehead swelled with protruding veins, but…

Hu Gyeong restrained himself.

“Then… I will visit again, Your Imperial Majesty.”

“Yes, yes, come again.”

If he didn’t restrain himself, it would be the end of his life.

Suppressing his emotions, he stepped back.

The emperor’s favor was waning.

If this fact became known outside, the wolves of the Forbidden City would tear Hu Gyeong apart.

‘This can’t go on… Not like this.’

The seven Taoists he had brought were now toying with the emperor in their hands.

Hu Gyeong began to contemplate survival.

By any means necessary… grasping at any straw… he had to survive.

And then there was Yi-gang.

Having firmly established himself as the Crown Prince’s teacher, he had become somewhat of a celebrity centered around Yongzhao Palace.

The catalyst was undoubtedly the attempted poisoning incident.

A eunuch had tried to poison the Crown Prince’s teacher, but Yi-gang had remarkably detected and thwarted the attempt.

Considering that assassination attempts within the Forbidden City were not uncommon, it was surprising how quickly the rumor spread.

Usually, even if there were an assassination attempt, it would be buried.

This time, however, the influence of the Senior Grand Secretary Seong Yeok-ju and King Gye-yeong played a role.

The Senior Grand Secretary publicly brought up the attempted assassination, pressuring the Office of Rituals. It was akin to directly protesting to the organization overseeing the royal eunuch system, so even attempts to cover it up only escalated the situation.

Thanks to this, Yi-gang gained attention.

The grandson of the Senior Grand Secretary had entered the imperial court and had become the Crown Prince’s teacher, teaching the Crown Prince under the protection of King Gye-yeong.

It might have been the Senior Grand Secretary’s intention, but for the time being, no one could openly harm Yi-gang.

「Though, I was surprised by how calm you were.」

‘What do you mean?’

「The poisoning incident. Even for an expert, an assassination attempt is a terrifying thing.」

Zhang Sanfeng’s words were unexpected. Wasn’t living on the edge of a blade the way of life for martial artists?

「On the contrary, it is precisely because you are a martial artist that you must be cautious. To die unknowingly from a poisoned needle in the sole of your foot is a terrible fate.」

‘This wasn’t the first time I’ve nearly fallen to an assassin.’

「…I see. I spoke thoughtlessly.」

Yi-gang had already experienced death once and had been ambushed by assassins at a young age.

Yet, Zhang Sanfeng’s expression remained peculiar.

Had he also been the target of an assassination attempt before?

「By the way, that Crown Prince is surprisingly tenacious.」

Yi-gang turned his head to look at the Crown Prince.

The Crown Prince, who had been glaring at Yi-gang with wide eyes, flinched when their gazes met.

He stubbornly continued to stare, but soon, perhaps thinking it was pointless, he awkwardly turned his eyes away first.

“I didn’t expect you to follow me all the way here.”

It was time to train in martial arts.

King Gye-yeong wanted not only the Crown Prince but also the Honorable County Princess to learn martial arts.

“It is not something I can refuse, as it is His Majesty’s command.”

“…Such arrogance.”

The Crown Prince made a disgruntled face.

Previously, when Yi-gang had disciplined the eunuch and provided moral education, it seemed that he had managed to curb the Crown Prince’s attitude, but it wasn’t easy.

‘If only I could treat him with physical therapy, he wouldn’t be able to act so arrogantly.’

It was truly regrettable.

「Haha. Teaching a child is no easy task.」

‘You speak as if you’ve raised children yourself.’

「Ch-children? What a thing to say to a Taoist!」

The Crown Prince, who had been sneaking glances at Yi-gang, subtly smiled.

‘I don’t know what you’re thinking, but you’re underestimating me too much.’

As Yi-gang had predicted, the Crown Prince’s spirit was not easily broken.

Although he didn’t like the idea of Yi-gang joining the martial arts training sessions, after thinking about it, he realized it wasn’t the worst situation.

In fact, it was an opportunity to crush the arrogant teacher’s pride.

‘I don’t know how skilled you are, but you can’t be better than Master Azure Sky.’

Among all the teachers that the Crown Prince and the Honorable County Princess had, there was only one whom the Crown Prince truly respected.

He was the instructor for martial arts.

A great sword master personally invited by King Gye-yeong.

If he wanted, he could easily defeat someone like Yi-gang in an instant.

The Crown Prince, not knowing how extraordinary it was to be a Supreme Peak master, was confident in his belief.

“Your Highness the Crown Prince, Your Highness the County Princess, it is I, Azure Sky,” echoed an old, weathered voice.

The Crown Prince, delighted, sprang to his feet and responded, “Please come in!”

Soon, a martial artist with a white beard like that of an immortal entered.

He appeared to be at least in his sixties, with white hair and beard, but his posture was perfectly upright.

His eyes gleamed with intensity, and the sword at his waist was straight and beautiful.

Master Azure Sky, Song Cheong, was indeed a great master.

“I’m a little late. I apologize, Your Highness.”

“Not at all. Don’t mention it, haha!”

The Crown Prince attached himself to Master Azure Sky with the expression of a child reuniting with his father.

Then, like a tattling child, he pointed at Yi-gang.

“That is the arrogant… the new Crown Prince’s teacher.”

“Ah…”

Yi-gang politely introduced himself. “I am Baek Yi-gang.”

The Crown Prince subtly suggested with a pleading tone.

“With Master Azure Sky here, do we really need another teacher? Perhaps it would be better to ask him to leave…”

“Huh.”

Yi-gang briefly considered whether it would be amusing to kick a pebble at the Crown Prince’s head.

Master Azure Sky’s background was nothing short of illustrious.

He was an exceptional sword master and came from a renowned martial arts clan.

However, Yi-gang possessed something even more highly regarded in the martial world.

“It would be an honor to learn from the Immortal Divine Dragon.”

“Right. Just leave and… What?”

“Your distinguished name has even reached as far as Beijing.”

Master Azure Sky chuckled softly.

The Crown Prince, who had expected Master Azure Sky to put Yi-gang in his place, looked utterly baffled.

Without even glancing at the Crown Prince, Master Azure Sky bashfully raised his sword.

“I learned the sword at this very place…”

Yi-gang squinted for a moment, then his mouth opened slightly in realization.

“Ah. Ah! So you learned the sword at Wudang…”

“I’m a secular disciple. I’ve met the Sword Emperor a few times.”

In Master Azure Sky’s hand was the pine pattern sword engraved with the symbol of Wudang.

He took pride in having spent his entire life learning the sword at Wudang.

He carefully asked, “Did the Sword Emperor… truly ascend to immortality?”

He had also heard the news from Wudang and knew that Yi-gang had trained under the Sword Emperor.

With a wistful look in his eyes, he asked the question, and Yi-gang responded with a smile.

“I didn’t see it with my own eyes, but I am certain he transcended humanity.”

“Ah…”

Though not a Taoist, Master Azure Sky softly chanted a Taoist mantra.

“For a young Taoist destined to become a Sage to be in charge of educating the Crown Prince is nothing short of a blessing for the imperial court.”

“Haha, you flatter me.”

Yi-gang returned the gesture, chanting a Taoist mantra in response.

In an instant, a warm and harmonious atmosphere was formed.

“Ugh…”

Only the Crown Prince frowned in displeasure.

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