The place Liu Tianhao, the head of the Six Ministries, led me to was a secluded palace among the 99 imperial buildings, its exact location unknown. Although I had roughly figured out the structure through the imperial map given to me by Wang Liang, I realized it was impossible to fully trust the map as I followed Liu Tianhao.
I could grasp the overall structure, but the detailed layout was different. There were many side paths and uneven corridors, making it like a maze. If this complex building moved like a living organism according to the Qimen Formation, it would be impossible for any intruder to handle it.
'Even if I receive the imperial map, itâs no use unless I can memorize it completely...'
I also felt that learning Qimen Formation was a good decision. Although Liu Tianhao was only walking on the main roads, just a few steps away, the terrain became enclosed. Even if I pretended not to know and walked, I realized that without knowledge of the Qimen Formation, I would be trapped in a double trap, a natural fortress.
Perhaps the warriors and palace maids who work in the palace are only allowed to walk on designated paths.
This palace was peculiar in that there was not a single guard. Liu Tianhao led me down a staircase in the palaceâs basement, where ten experts were waiting. They were all dressed in black, just like Liu Tianhao.
Liu Tianhao introduced me to them.
"This is Bai Xiong, a new Jinyiwei. He will be the youngest member of the Six Ministries, so guide him well."
"Understood, Head."
They were the Six Ministries, and Liu Tianhao was their head. The organizational structure was simple and straightforward, with one Tianhao leading one team.
"Please take care of me, seniors."
"Sure."
I bowed to each member of the Six Ministries. They didnât seem particularly friendly or hostile towards me. During the introduction, I realized something strange.
"......?"
Something was off. Earlier, Guo Tianhao and the typical Jinyiwei wore unique martial uniforms with a white base and golden embroidery. However, Liu Tianhao and the Six Ministries Jinyiwei were all dressed in black.
I initially thought it was just a matter of personal choice for Tianhao-level members, but it wasnât. The entire Six Ministries were dressed in black.
Moreover, this black attire seemed strangely familiar. I had a terrible thought but tried not to show it. If I acted suspiciously, this place could become my grave. After the introduction, Liu Tianhao explained our mission.
"Our mission this time is the same as before. We will guard the ceremony and prepare in advance. Are you all ready?"
The members of the Six Ministries answered in unison, their voices somewhat weak but resolute.
"Yes!"
"Of course."
Guard the ceremony? Prepare in advance?
I couldnât understand what they were talking about and stared at them blankly. Liu Tianhao then spoke to me.
"Our mission in the Six Ministries is somewhat special. Each team takes turns handling special missions, and this half-year, itâs our turn. This mission is extremely special, so strong mental preparation is necessary."
"I can handle any mission."
"Huh... Everyone here thought the same at first. However, itâs not an ordinary task. Before we start, I will give you some preliminary training."
Liu Tianhao smiled bitterly and then gave orders to the rest of the Six Ministries.
"Everyone, head to the Rending area. The Tie Tian village is our target this time, so prepare for infiltration."
"Understood!"
With that, the members of the Six Ministries left the palace without looking back. Since the target area was clear, there was no need to hesitate. As I watched them leave, Liu Tianhao said,
"Sit down."
"Yes."
It seemed he was about to have a serious talk. Facing a table, Liu Tianhao spoke solemnly.
"Bai Xiong, what is the most precious and important thing to you?"
This was part of the training I had received. For the Jinyiwei, there is only one acceptable answer to this question.
"The safety and eternal glory of His Majesty and the imperial family."
"Good. Youâve learned well."
Liu Tianhao, satisfied, continued.
"Then, what do you think is the greatest threat to the imperial family?"
"Wouldnât it be the northern enemies or the eastern barbarians?"
"Hmm... Thatâs certainly possible. The northern barbarians have been a constant threat since the beginning of Chinese history. However, they have never truly ruled China, and protecting the imperial family from them is fundamentally the job of generals leading hundreds of thousands of troops. Although we are the Jinyiwei, we donât directly fight the barbarians."
"Then, wouldnât it be the powerful ministers in the court?"
"Controlling and restraining them is the Emperorâs job. Of course, monitoring them is one of our main tasks, but thereâs something more important."
I was curious. What could be a greater threat to the imperial family than the invasion of barbarians or the rebellion of powerful ministers? So I asked,
"Then what is it?"
The answer was shocking.
"The martial world."
"......!!"
What does that mean? Is it allowed for a Jinyiwei Tianhao to think this way? However, Liu Tianhao spoke without any hesitation.
"Do you know the story of Emperor Taizu and Zhen Wuliang?"
I nodded. I had studied enough to know the history well.
"Zhen Wuliang was the strongest rival when Emperor Taizu founded the Ming Dynasty, and I know that he ultimately lost to Emperor Hongwu."
"Thatâs right. Thereâs a bit more to the story."
Liu Tianhao poured tea from a teapot into his cup. He then poured some for me, which I received with both hands. After taking a sip of the warm tea, he continued.
"Emperor Taizu nearly died several times because of Zhen Wuliang. In particular, the warriors from Huguang who followed Zhen Wuliang were always a thorn in his side. Emperor Taizu originally intended to load all the people from Huguang who followed Zhen Wuliang onto red boats and prevent them from ever setting foot on land. If that had happened, the people of Huguang would have wandered as the lowest class, with men becoming beggars and women selling their bodies as prostitutes.
By setting such a strong example, a safe and vast Ming Empire would have been completed. By showing that no one should challenge the imperial authority, countless rebellions would have been prevented, and a peaceful era would have been established."
"......"
I had many things to say but didnât. Because my life is precious. Even if I had the knowledge to argue all night, I needed to protect my life right now.
"However, Emperor Taizu couldnât fully implement the red boats. The rebels who were supposed to be on the red boats were eventually released and came ashore to become commoners, with most of them moving south. Do you know why?"
"I donât know."
"It was the White Lotus Sect. A martial sect and a religion that restrained Emperor Taizuâs actions and even converted refugees into their followers. The reason this was possible is that the leader of the White Lotus Sect possessed almost transcendent martial arts, making even a million troops meaningless. The leader of the White Lotus Sect personally came to Emperor Taizu and demanded the release of the red boats, and Emperor Taizu had no choice but to accept the demand."
I couldnât imagine martial arts that could render a million troops meaningless.
Is that even human?
The power of the White Lotus Sect seemed much greater than I thought.
'Perhaps the Leishen School gave up their revenge on the White Lotus Sect.'
I thought each word Liu Tianhao said could be considered a crime of insulting the imperial family. The fact that the Emperorâs will was broken by a martial sect was a secret in itself. However, at the level of a Jinyiwei Tianhao, it might be normal to reveal such details to Jinyiwei members for educational purposes. To work for the darkness of the imperial family, one must know these things.
Liu Tianhao continued.
"About 150 years have passed since then. During this time, the imperial family, including the Jinyiwei, Dongchang, Xichang, and the Five Armies Camp, has continuously expanded its military power, especially the Jinyiwei, which was initially weak but has grown significantly. I believe the current power of the Jinyiwei can match the Nine Great Sects and the Four Great Clans."
I thought he had a point. Basically, even the lowest-ranking Jinyiwei is a first-rate martial artist. Moreover, if the skills of the deputy commander and Tianhao-level members are at the peak expert level, the sheer number is enough to justify his claim. The commanderâs skills are likely at the super peak level. A group with such high average martial power and strong cohesion is unprecedented in the martial world.
If the Jinyiwei decided to attack the Nine Great Sects and the Four Great Clans, they might be able to destroy two or three of them in an instant. Even the Nine Great Sects and the Four Great Clans couldnât handle such a massive martial organization alone.
"Is it to protect His Majesty from the White Lotus Sect?"
"Yes. We donât know the level of martial arts the current leader of the White Lotus Sect possesses, but the mere existence of someone with national-level martial power is terrifying."
I somehow understood.
Even if you tried to suppress the White Lotus Sect with a million troops, it would be useless. If there were a transcendent being who could break through a million troops and assassinate the Emperor alone, would that even make sense? Moreover, if such a being could kill the Emperor, the imperial family, nobles, and powerful ministers at will, it would create a bizarre deterrent.
I had heard about the White Lotus Sectâs Holy Lotus from Sanjie Li Guang. Holy Lotus is a unique elixir produced only by the White Lotus Sect, and those who consume it gain tremendous power. If the White Lotus Sect had many peak experts who had consumed Holy Lotus, excluding the leader, it would be a terrifying martial sect.
Liu Tianhao said,
"However, finally, we, the Jinyiwei... or rather, the palace, have found a way to counter the White Lotus Sect. This plan is a grand strategy, and we must pursue it until the end of our lives. This is the special mission we will undertake."
"What kind of mission?"
I gasped at his next words.
"To summon demons from another world and use them to eventually obtain the power of a demon god."
"Wh-what?"
"Thanks to the great sorcerer who helps us, this plan is possible."
I couldnât help but be shocked.
This confirmed it.
'These... these bastards are the black-clothed people who led the human sacrifices! The Jinyiwei, who are supposed to protect the imperial family, committed mass slaughter?'
The realization made me feel dizzy.
I hoped it wasnât true. When talking with Wang Liang, I had almost guessed it, but I came to Luoyang hoping it wasnât. However, the truth is the truth. The imperial family and the Jinyiwei are the demons who led the human sacrifices.
At the same time, I felt fortunate that I hadnât acted rashly. If the Jinyiwei were the ones behind the massacres, I would be in grave danger.
"Surprised, arenât you? Everyone is."
Fortunately, Liu Tianhao seemed to think my surprise was natural. He said bitterly,
"Some civilians will be sacrificed, but thatâs a necessary sacrifice. We must be prepared to go to hell for the imperial family. Our actions will contribute to the happiness and safety of the millions of people in the Great Ming Empire."
"Th-thatâs..."
"Come on, steel your resolve. Iâll explain more when we arrive at the mission site, but you are already a Jinyiwei who is willing to sacrifice your life for the imperial family. Put aside the trivial ethics and morals of the world for the sake of His Majesty."
I felt a strange sensation.
Liu Tianhaoâs words were clearly nonsense, and a normal person wouldnât be convinced by such talk. However, I felt a strange power from his words, making my head spin and my thoughts hazy. Although I knew his words were nonsense, they somehow sounded plausible.
If I hadnât seen the massacres and the demons myself, I might have half-believed Liu Tianhao by now. But as someone who had witnessed the human sacrifices and the demons, I couldnât agree with his words. How could I accept something as inhuman and heretical as human sacrifices?
'What is this? Something is off. I can feel a strong power from his words.'
I pretended to feel dizzy and stood up.
"Excuse me, I feel dizzy..."
"Sit still! Iâm not done talking. Are you not loyal to His Majesty? Is it okay for the enemies to threaten His Majesty? Is that what a Jinyiwei should say?"
"......"
His tone was different from the earlier kindness, mixed with sternness. It seemed he was about to start a carrot-and-stick approach.
"Listen carefully. Everything is allowed in the name of His Majesty. We are the sword, and the sword doesnât need to think beyond that. Your job is to eliminate harmful elements and carry out the mission."
I finally understood the source of the dizziness.
Brainwashing through the power of words.
Having studied Qimen Formation for a long time, I recognized it. Liu Tianhaoâs words flowed with a strange intonation, and strange patterns were engraved throughout the palace.
'This guy can use the power of words. Well, itâs possible without special supernatural abilities.'
The power of words can be activated like a formula, granting strength when spoken. Liu Tianhao was using this power to weaken my mental strength and repeatedly enforce his will in a closed space. Itâs a reinforced form of suggestion.
If you endure this for a long time, even a determined martial artist might eventually be convinced. It seemed the Tianhao-level members were responsible for continuously brainwashing new members.
I pretended to follow his words, making my eyes hazy.
"Yes... I understand..."
"Iâll say it again. Listen carefully..."
I endured as Liu Tianhao repeated his words for about an hour in the closed space. Fortunately, he stopped when he thought the [training] was complete and smiled.
"Iâm not entirely satisfied, but you will soon understand our grand cause. Now, weâre heading to the Rending Tie Tian village. Follow me closely."
As I followed him, I thought,
'Damn... What should I do?'
I had seen and heard the truth of the massacres, so I wouldnât fall for such brainwashing. If I hadnât secretly recited the Brain Calming Classic from Qimen Formation, I might have been brainwashed by the power of words.
Now, the question was how to act. Liu Tianhaoâs words were obviously nonsense, but if I followed him, I would participate in the periodic massacres and human sacrifices.
Is that the right thing to do?
But if I didnât follow Liu Tianhao, I would be considered a traitor or executed on the spot. The secrets I had heard about the massacres and the demons were extremely confidential, so they wouldnât let me go.
Perhaps there were Jinyiwei members who, despite not being brainwashed, just pretended to follow to save their lives and couldnât give up their current positions.
Clippety-clop, clippety-clop
"......"
I rode my horse, following Liu Tianhao, and continued to ponder. Suddenly, Wang Liangâs words came to mind.
"Xiong. The tragedy you witnessed will eventually hit the masses. On a scale far greater than the villageâs tragedy. Do you plan to run away and leave it to fate? Or do you plan to become a dog of power and take on dirty jobs?"
A dog of power.
Dirty jobs.
"......"
Clippety-clop, clippety-clop
The moonlight glided over the lake as we rode. Liu Tianhao spoke to me.
"Youâre a lucky one."
"Yes?"
"Receiving a special mission right after joining... After the special mission, the team will receive a huge reward. 20 gold taels and a fief near Luoyang. Many other Jinyiwei secretly hope to undertake the special mission again."
I was momentarily speechless.
"Hope to do it again...?"
"Since the sorcerer performs the actual task, we mostly just supervise and observe."
Liu Tianhaoâs words lacked any guilt or hesitation. If someone didnât know the details, they might just accept it. But I knew the content involved human sacrifices, fanatics, heart extraction, cannibalism, and mass slaughter. The idea that the Jinyiwei wanted to participate in such demonic acts was chilling.
If it were just the sorcererâs solo act, Xiantian Daoist and I could have stopped it. But with the Jinyiwei secretly monitoring, no one could prevent the villageâs massacre. I thought for a moment and asked,
"Isnât there a sense of guilt with civilian sacrifices?"
Liu Tianhao laughed.
"Hahaha! Guilt? Everyone in the Jinyiwei does this. Besides, itâs for the greater good. They are all making necessary sacrifices for His Majesty."
"......"
At that moment, Wang Liangâs words echoed in my mind.
"Xiong. No one knows the imperial familyâs nature better than me. Working in the Astronomical Bureau, I learned this. They view the world as a mere lid. If they are in charge, a terrifying catastrophe will surely come. Isnât it obvious that we should stop it when we can?"
He was right.
The terrifying catastrophe was already here.
From his use of the term 'half-year,' it was clear that they sacrificed one village every six months. Since I had been reborn about five years ago, at least ten villages had been destroyed. This was a clear abnormal state, yet the world was completely unaware, meaning the Jinyiwei had been thoroughly concealing all the facts.
What was I thinking?
What is a happy life?
"... Haha."
I laughed softly. Liu Tianhao smiled.
"Good! If youâre going to do it, do it positively."
"Of course. Iâll be positive."
I said firmly.
"Iâll do my best to be positive, even if it means risking my life."
Riding my horse and bowing my head, Liu Tianhao probably couldnât see my face. That was fortunate. I couldnât show him my face, twisted like a demon, with my resolve set.