Chapter 5

The Conclusion of the Rising

Throughout the thousands of years of martial arts history, the cycle of bloodshed and revenge continued. However, this was a war confined to the world of martial artists, and the government did not intervene. Or rather, it was correct to say that they could not. To eliminate all martial artists, even a million troops would be insufficient.

The second reason the government did not interfere with the martial world was that, although it only applied to the righteous factions, martial artists would also help in times of foreign invasion. Even the evil factions would offer assistance if a certain price was paid. Moreover, in the areas where various sects were established, bandits and the like did not dare to approach. This was because the martial sects took responsibility for the local security as a matter of honor.

Most importantly, what the government was interested in was the individual abilities that were hard to find in the military. While it was rare to encounter top-notch experts from prestigious families or the demonic sects, even third-rate martial artists were considered formidable.

Thus, the government planned to gather martial artists under the direct command of the general to form a powerful military group. They promised wealth and glory to attract people, but surprisingly, few martial artists joined. Most of those who did were not even second-rate.

Perplexed, the government conducted more extensive investigations into the martial world. The final conclusion was that martial artists preferred practicing martial arts over eating and were willing to risk their lives for a single secret manual rather than for wealth and glory. Therefore, for a long time, the government collected various martial arts manuals circulating in the martial world to attract martial artists. These manuals accumulated, and some unique martial arts were developed by those who practiced them within the palace, forming the Imperial Martial Arsenal.

Using the Imperial Martial Arsenal as bait, they managed to gather a group of about 5,000 fairly satisfactory experts. This cavalry, known as the Azure Dragon Black Wind Corps, was initially composed mostly of third-rate experts, but even when armed, they displayed formidable power.

The Azure Dragon Black Wind Corps was equipped with excellent horses and perfect weapons, including swords, shields, spears, bows and arrows, various hidden weapons, thick armor, helmets, and even armor for the horses. Originally, martial artists did not wear armor, and if they did, it was only light armor to protect vital areas, as heavy armor would hinder their agility. However, as the Azure Dragon Black Wind Corps was a cavalry, the weight of the armor was not a significant issue in mounted combat. Thus, they showed power beyond expectations.

The palace used the Azure Dragon Black Wind Corps to subdue the barbarian tribes. To the barbarians who knew nothing of martial arts, even a slightly skilled martial artist was a formidable presence. The Azure Dragon Black Wind Corps achieved a great victory in their first battle, demonstrating their immense power and surprising the imperial court. In situations that would normally require 100,000 troops, the presence of the Azure Dragon Black Wind Corps was sufficient.

There is a significant difference between mobilizing 100,000 troops and 5,000. A force of 100,000 would require substantial logistical support from the rear, but 5,000 could be sustained by looting, requisitioning from local households, and support from local forces.

Finding it cost-effective to subdue the barbarians, the palace decided to expand the Azure Dragon Black Wind Corps. Initially, they were satisfied with third-rate experts, but gradually raised the standards, eventually forming an invincible cavalry corps with both quantity and quality.

The Azure Dragon Black Wind Corps continued to grow, and by the present, it had 10,000 experts, divided into the Left and Right Black Wind Corps for management. The leaders of these corps were appointed from among the warriors the emperor specially trusted, making it a direct subordinate of the emperor, similar to the Imperial Guard.

In a secret chamber within the palace, the emperor, the leader of the Azure Dragon Black Wind Corps, and the head of the Imperial Guard were holding a secret meeting. This meeting was specially requested by the head of the Imperial Guard, but he had not yet arrived. Currently, only the emperor and the leader of the Black Wind Corps were in conversation.

The emperor, after some casual talk, suddenly asked the leader of the Azure Dragon Black Wind Corps, General Yu Yingzhen:

"Why are most of the Black Wind Corps members from the righteous factions? There are a few from the evil factions, but their numbers are very few. As I understand, the demonic sect, known for its powerful experts, has many top-notch martial artists. Why are there none from the demonic sect?"

General Yu Yingzhen, a master in his fifties and a royal relative, was the son of Emperor Zhengping, who loved martial arts, and a lay disciple of the Qingcheng Sect. He was once a renowned swordsman known as the "Heartless Sword." Appointed by the emperor's special order, he strengthened the Azure Dragon Black Wind Corps with his outstanding martial arts and skills.

"Your Majesty, when we send out notices to recruit for the Black Wind Corps, the various sects recommend their outstanding talents. However, it is customary that no direct disciples of prestigious righteous sects come. As for the demonic sect, they have not sent a single person so far."

"What a shame! Is this not disloyalty to me? I want to see and command the strongest martial artists."

"There is a problem, Your Majesty."

"What problem?"

General Yu Yingzhen carefully explained:

"Your Majesty, in the case of the righteous and evil factions, it is not an issue, but the demonic sect operates on a strict survival of the fittest. Rank is not determined by seniority but by martial prowess. Even the leader of the sect can be replaced by someone with stronger martial arts."

"And so?"

"In the case of accepting members from the demonic sect, we need to have stronger members from the righteous factions to control them. If an extremely powerful individual joins and is not managed properly, there is a risk of rebellion."

"Hmm... That could be true. If they have been trained in such a way since childhood, it is possible."

"Thus, it would be wise to reconsider accepting members from the demonic sect."

"But if it is a group where strength rules, wouldn't your martial arts be sufficient to manage them?"

"That is true, Your Majesty."

"Then why is it a problem?"

"Your Majesty! The demonic sect is a formidable group with a long tradition. If they send a super expert, I cannot guarantee that I can defeat them."

"Are they that strong?"

"Your Majesty! The demonic sect has the Four Great Kings of the evil factions, each with abilities said to be capable of toppling Mount Tai."

"Hmm... Then perhaps we should recruit stronger members from the righteous factions?"

"To do that, we need even more enticing bait. Although we have been collecting manuals for about 300 years, the palace's martial arts are still inferior to those of prestigious righteous sects. This is the problem."

"Even with the imperial edicts to collect martial arts manuals, the quantity is still insufficient?"

"Your Majesty, it is not a matter of quantity but of quality."

"Quality... So the quality of the palace's martial arts is so poor? What should we do?"

"Currently, the quality of the palace's martial arts is not so poor. However, the three major martial arts of the palace are only known to a few commandants, including myself. If these martial arts were to be made public, it would be problematic. We need to acquire even more advanced martial arts before making them public. However, such powerful martial arts are extremely difficult to obtain."

"Do not make excuses. You mentioned a few martial arts before. Have you obtained them? You said they were extremely powerful and had no owners, so they could be obtained easily. What were they called again?"

"Your Majesty, the Northern Mystic Art and the Lightning Art and Flame Art derived from it."

"Yes, those. But the Northern Mystic Art, isn't it from the east of the Liao River, the land of the former Goguryeo and Bohai kingdoms?"

"Indeed, Your Majesty. The Northern Mystic Art refers to the Bohai region."

"So the Northern Mystic Art is a martial art created by the Eastern barbarians?"

"Indeed, Your Majesty."

"But isn't the martial art of the Central Plains the best? Why are you trying to obtain a barbarian martial art?"

"Your Majesty, the Northern Mystic Art is a compilation of the highest martial arts of Bohai. A martial artist named Juhui, who was renowned as the strongest in martial arts history, became interested in the martial arts of the barbarians in his later years and discovered extraordinary martial arts in the Bohai region. He compiled these into the Northern Mystic Art."

"Is it that powerful?"

"The Northern Mystic Art is a complex and difficult martial art, compiled from various fragments of many martial arts. It is a reference manual that teaches how to absorb the breath of nature to enhance one's power and reach the realm of supreme martial arts. It records the mindset and precautions needed to practice martial arts, as well as the best methods to learn them. Many martial artists have tried to learn the Northern Mystic Art, but it is extremely difficult, with almost no techniques and highly unconventional content. Moreover, much of it is lost, making it even harder to master. Therefore, those who have learned it have not benefited much. However, some have extracted useful elements and developed various martial arts, including the Flame Art and Lightning Art. Juhui, when asked by his subordinates why he did not further enhance the Northern Mystic Art to make it perfect, replied: 'If I were to add to this, I might inadvertently destroy the original intent of the martial art. Each fragment is so perfect that there is nothing to add or remove. Even I cannot fully understand it, so perhaps someone who can perfectly cultivate it will be a master of life and death.'"

"If it is so difficult to master, wouldn't it be useless even if obtained?"

"Not necessarily, Your Majesty. Even if it is not that powerful itself, many martial artists would still be drawn to see it. The Northern Mystic Art remains a highly attractive bait."

"Hmm... But from the long introduction, it seems you have not obtained it."

"I am sorry, Your Majesty. With my abilities, I could not determine its whereabouts."

"Then what about the Flame Art? From the name, it seems to be a yang martial art?"

"Indeed, Your Majesty. It is an extremely yang martial art that absorbs the power of nature, similar to the Northern Mystic Art, but instead of absorbing natural energy, it absorbs the power of opponents and uses the Flame Palm, which can melt steel, as its main weapon. It had many advantages, but being extremely yang, it was difficult to learn, and there were many issues with integrating the captured energy. It was an incomplete martial art. It was a technique of the Hellfire Group, but when they suddenly perished, the manual disappeared. Based on current investigations, it is believed to have been absorbed by the demonic sect, as they use a martial art called the Absorption Technique, which seems to be a developed form of the Flame Art."

"So the Flame Art has an owner. What about the Lightning Art?"

"The Lightning Art is a further development of the martial arts elements of the Northern Mystic Art. It uses the destructive power of the Northern Mystic Art to create numerous techniques, resulting in a more refined martial art. It was the martial art of the Evil Sky, a group in the evil factions, but when they suddenly perished, it disappeared. We do not know who destroyed the Evil Sky, so further investigation is needed to determine its fate."

At this moment, the head of the Imperial Guard rushed in. After greeting the emperor, he spoke urgently:

"Your Majesty, I, Zhang Wujie, report. I requested this meeting because I have received intelligence that the current state of the martial world is serious."

"Serious?"

"Yes, a sect in the evil martial world is preparing to commit treason against the imperial authority."

"Tell me more!"

"According to the information I have, there is a sect called the Asura Blood Sect, which is creating about 5,000 zombies. These zombies cannot be harmed by ordinary weapons, and the lower-level martial artists of the palace cannot withstand them. Intelligence suggests they are preparing to attack the palace. About 30% are already complete, so it would be wise to eliminate this threat before they are all made."

"General, you were once in the martial world! Are these zombies really that formidable? Can 5,000 of them challenge the imperial authority?"

"Your Majesty, I have heard that zombies are created by using various drugs and special techniques to turn dead bodies into mindless puppets. While their overall strength is unknown, they cannot be harmed by weapons and, being dead, cannot be killed by ordinary means. If there are 5,000 of them, they could pose a serious threat to the palace."

"Then this is a serious matter. General, lead the Black Wind Corps to show the authority of the imperial court. When can you punish these rebels?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. The Right Black Wind Corps is currently fighting the barbarians at the border, but as soon as they return, I will mobilize both the Left and Right Black Wind Corps."

The emperor then drew his precious sword and handed it to the general:

"Use the Demon Subduing Heavenly Sword to punish the rebels and return."

The Demon Subduing Heavenly Sword is one of the ten great weapons. It is said to be a precious sword made by the master craftsman Lu Zhen, with the power to suppress evil forces. It is the perfect weapon against zombies and other evil creations, always carried by the emperor. The general received the sword with both hands:

"Your Majesty, I will follow your command."

"Time is of the essence. Go now."

"Yes, Your Majesty. Long live the emperor!"

Twenty days later, the Azure Dragon Black Wind Corps, including the Right Black Wind Corps, totaling 13,250 cavalry, set out. The main force gathered 20 li from Mount Daming. In the tent, General Yu Yingzhen was discussing with a few subordinate commanders. At this moment, a young commander entered and said:

"Commander Zhi Chianshu has arrived."

"Ah! Please have him come in quickly."

Zhi Chianshu entered with four subordinate commanders. He bowed to General Yu Yingzhen:

"General, I am late. I apologize."

"No, you are just in time. Please come in."

"Yes."

"Commander, how many troops have you brought?"

"About 50,000. I apologize for not bringing more."

"That is sufficient. Divide your 50,000 troops into three groups and station them here, here, and here to block the rebels' escape routes."

"Understood."

"General Chanyang, divide your 20,000 troops into two groups and take charge of these areas. The rebels must not escape."

General Yu Yingzhen pointed to various locations on the map, and General Chanyang asked:

"What if they have already escaped?"

"Escaped rebels are not a concern. The rebels are unlikely to completely abandon this area. Small-scale escapes or communication troops may have escaped, but we have already dealt with them. Based on current intelligence, the main force of the rebels is still here. The local forces in the Tianling and Qingnan regions and 120,000 troops from the border have been put on high alert and instructed to strictly inspect all travelers and cargo. We have also prepared for the possibility of communication birds or hawks. Commanders, there is no need to worry."

"Will the Azure Dragon Black Wind Corps alone attack the rebels' base?"

"Yes. Ordinary troops cannot handle the zombies, so we will use the Black Wind Corps. However, I am still concerned, so if there are any subordinates with divine weapons, please gather them. The Black Wind Corps has many with divine weapons, but the zombies are a concern."

"Understood. When will the attack begin?"

"We will start at dawn tomorrow. It would be helpful if you could provide the weapons by then. Please prepare a detailed list so we can return them after the battle. If any divine weapons are destroyed, we will provide adequate compensation."

"Understood. I will leave now."

At dawn, the attack of the Azure Dragon Black Wind Corps began. Despite the presence of numerous experts and zombies, the Black Wind Corps suffered significant losses. About 2,000 experts were killed, and many were injured. However, the losses were minimized thanks to the divine weapons. Without these weapons, the losses would have been even greater. The blue-clad zombies, in particular, were extremely powerful. While ordinary zombies moved slowly, these were incredibly fast, causing about 30% of the Black Wind Corps' casualties. Fortunately, their numbers were limited.

Thanks to the 70,000 troops surrounding the area, not a single rebel escaped, and they were all eliminated. All books and documents in the rebels' possession were seized. Although some were burned, the books did not burn easily, and most were recovered. All the books were sent to the Imperial Martial Arsenal and analyzed by the palace's martial artists for their martial arts and techniques.