"I have always trusted you, Yeonsaeng."
I couldn't help but smirk inwardly at the King of Gyeong's sudden change in attitude.
Just moments ago, he had been unable to hide his anxiety, but once he realized I was capable of martial arts, his expression completely shifted.
'Is this… a good thing?'
For some reason, whatever had caused my internal energy to scatter as if I had been poisoned by a mountain toxin didn't seem capable of dispersing my life force.
Well, the innate energy in the lower danjeon is almost indistinguishable from one's vital essence. If that were dispersed, it would be no different than death.
'Even half should be enough.'
I can't achieve true unification of energy, but my innate energy alone had already pushed me beyond the limits of a mere mortal.
"Keuk..."
With just a flick of my finger, all of the imperial guards fell unconscious, leaving Namjin Martial Officer Donghyeon bewildered and unsure how to respond.
As the King of Gyeong tried to approach him, I held out a hand to stop him.
"Why do you stop me?"
"That man is also capable of using martial arts."
"Martial arts?"
Among all the surrounding guards, he was the only one capable of wielding martial power.
I had sensed it from the beginning.
Unlike me who used innate energy, I didn't know how he was still able to access internal energy, but this Namjin martial officer was quite skilled—clearly someone who had reached an advanced level of mastery.
"Namjin Martial Officer, was it? How is it that you can still use martial arts?"
At my question, the man responded in disbelief.
"You… how can you wield martial arts without the imperial seal's permission?"
"The imperial seal's permission?"
"Tch!"
As I asked again, seemingly without understanding, his expression stiffened. Realizing he had said too much, he closed his mouth and attempted to flee.
-Swish!
"Yeonsaeng, he's escaping!"
The King of Gyeong cried out urgently.
It was a wise decision.
Realizing he couldn't sense my movement meant he knew he stood no chance against me.
But could he really escape?
-Slide!
"Huh?!"
I instantly moved to block him and kicked at Donghyeon's shin.
He tried to lift his leg to block it, but my foot struck with enough force to snap his shin cleanly.
-Crack!
"Argh!"
Then I slammed my elbow into his face.
-Thwack!
"Kuh!"
His jaw twisted to the side as he screamed and rolled across the ground.
Despite being an elite guard, he didn't seem very good at withstanding pain.
"Ghhhk!"
-Tap tap tap tap!
As he writhed with a broken leg, I approached and struck his pressure points.
Then I looked at the King of Gyeong and gave a slight nod to signal that it was over.
Donghyeon, realizing escape was impossible, looked up at the king with a resigned expression.
The King picked up a sword that had fallen to the ground and pointed it at Donghyeon's neck.
"What happened to the Northern Martial Officer?"
"…He's imprisoned in the Golden Prison."
"The Golden Prison? So you didn't kill him."
"Once His Majesty passes, the Northern Martial Officer will have no choice but to follow the orders of the new emperor."
Donghyeon answered obediently.
Perhaps irritated by his calm acceptance of death, the King pressed the sword's tip against Donghyeon's throat.
"It wasn't Crown Prince Jin, was it the Prince Yeong? Or was it the Empress herself? Who ordered you to do this?"
"..."
Donghyeon made an unreadable expression in response.
What did that expression mean?
The King pressed further in a heavier voice.
"If you want to live, then speak."
To that, Donghyeon replied with a cryptic answer.
"I did choose to follow Prince Yeong… but do you really believe everything happening in the palace is solely his will?"
"What?"
The King's expression hardened at his words.
I too found something strange in what Donghyeon had just said.
We had heard that the emperor had appeared healthy in the throne room, witnessed by all the officials.
If the emperor were truly in good health, it would be unthinkable for the Empress and Prince Yeong to go around killing the other princes so openly within the inner palace.
'Normally, one would assume the emperor is not well, but if we take Donghyeon's words seriously…'
That's when the King spoke again, his voice trembling.
"Don't tell me… everything happening right now is with His Majesty's permission?"
He desperately hoped it wasn't true.
But Donghyeon did not deny it—he nodded.
'!!!'
---
Meanwhile, in Okhyeon Palace, located at the heart of the inner palace…
Inside the main throne room, there were no officials—likely due to the late hour.
But despite the vast, empty hall, one presence seemed to fill the space entirely.
An elderly man, wearing the royal robe, sat upon the throne. His hair was entirely white, his face deeply wrinkled, but his eyes burned with vitality and authority.
He was none other than Emperor Manseong, Zhu Geumbok.
Beside him was a dignified-looking middle-aged man performing acupuncture—he was the palace's divine physician, Mansasin.
Emperor Zhu Geumbok spoke as he received the treatment.
"You truly are the best physician, even recognized by the royal medical corps. Every time you place a needle, I feel strength returning to me."
Mansasin replied calmly.
"It is only a temporary effect, Your Majesty."
"Even if it is merely the glow before death, it's better than lying in bed all day deaf and blind."
"..."
Mansasin said nothing.
His haggard face told of much suffering over the years.
Emperor Zhu Geumbok then said to him:
"Just endure until I have named my successor. Before I close my eyes for the last time, I'll allow you and your adopted daughter to leave the palace."
"...Understood."
Mansasin replied with a sigh.
The only reason he had remained captive so long was because of his adopted daughter.
Had she not been captured, he would never have agreed to treat the emperor against his will.
As he focused on his task, a voice whispered into Emperor Zhu Geumbok's ear.
"Your Majesty, Prince Gyeong has entered the inner palace."
At this, the emperor smiled.
An old bald man, leaning on a cane, entered from one side of the hall.
His appearance was strange—he looked as old as a centenarian but also had a childlike aura.
"Then all of my children have now entered the inner palace?"
Emperor Zhu Geumbok's tone, once filled with authority, now held a hint of respect.
Just who was this old man whom even the emperor honored?
The old man approached the throne and spoke.
"Your Majesty… must it truly be this way?"
"Now you're growing soft? Didn't you agree to my plan, Elder Biseon?"
"Hah…"
The elder sighed and shook his head.
"How can a father create a situation where his own children must harm one another?"
"It would happen anyway once I'm gone."
This had always been the way of the royal family.
Once the emperor died, war broke out to determine the next successor.
It was exceedingly rare for the chosen crown prince to ascend peacefully.
"Even so…"
"They'd kill each other for the throne regardless. I did too."
Zhu Geumbok had also ascended to the throne after shedding blood.
"Better they choose among themselves than dragging others into their bloodshed."
"..."
The emperor's conviction was unwavering.
And the old man had neither the power nor authority to stop him.
This was the tragic fate of the royal family.
Just then, a palace eunuch entered the hall and bowed.
"Your Majesty, Crown Prince Jin and Prince Yeong have arrived at the palace gates. They both request an audience. What shall we tell them?"
At this, Emperor Zhu Geumbok muttered.
"Just as I expected."
He had more or less anticipated this.
After all, Crown Prince Jin and Prince Yeong were already holding much of the power.
Their royal titles had not been given without cause.
'So the Prince of Gyeong has fallen after all…'
He had hoped Prince Gyeong would also arrive.
He knew the prince had been playing the fool while secretly gathering power.
He had believed Gyeong might just be able to overcome Jin and Yeong.
But it seemed his hope was misplaced.
"Your Majesty?"
The eunuch prompted him again, and the emperor finally responded.
"Go and deliver my message."
***
In front of Okhyeon Palace, hundreds of people stood in a tense standoff.
On the left side stood Prince Jin, along with the leader of the Dongchang (Eastern Depot), the Admiral of Dongchang, as well as spies, enforcers, and about 300 eunuchs armed with weapons.
On the right side were Prince Yeong, several mysterious individuals wearing bamboo hats, Gonggong—the leader of the Seochang (Western Depot)—his subordinates, martial-arts-capable eunuchs, and around 100 imperial guards from the Geumuiwi (Embroidered Uniform Guard).
The tension was so thick, a battle could erupt at any moment.
However, they remained at a standstill. Since Okhyeon Palace was the emperor's domain, no one could move recklessly.
'You've prepared well.'
Prince Jin clicked his tongue as he observed Prince Yeong, who had gathered more forces than him.
Although Jin had gradually strengthened his influence in the Inner Palace, from the current situation, it was clear that Yeong held the upper hand.
Prince Yeong turned to a Geumuiwi officer next to him.
"Yang Dongji."
"Yes, Your Highness."
"When will the remaining Geumuiwi arrive?"
"Those led by Bukjin Warrior Bo Wonchan are substantial in number—it will take at least half a shichen (an hour)."
"Can't be helped, then."
"My apologies, Your Highness."
"No matter. Our advantage in numbers still stands."
They still had a numerical superiority of about 100.
If a fight broke out, victory would be his.
And if that happened, the throne would be within reach...
Creeeak!
Just then, a eunuch from the Naehaengchang (Internal Administrative Bureau) walked out of Okhyeon Palace.
These eunuchs served only the Emperor and moved solely by his command.
The eunuch shouted in a loud voice:
"I bring the Emperor's command!"
At the word "imperial command," everyone, including Princes Yeong and Jin, dropped to one knee and paid respect.
Once they had done so, the eunuch delivered the decree:
"Only one person may enter Okhyeon Palace. That person shall be named the Crown Prince."
'!!!'
The eyes of all those kneeling sharpened.
The meaning was clear.
Whichever prince entered Okhyeon Palace alive would become the heir to the throne.
Prince Yeong's lips curled into a sly smile.
'Just as I hoped.'
He already had overwhelming force.
Not only that, but including himself, there were three martial experts—Yang Dongji of the Geumuiwi, Gonggong of the Seochang—who could surely guarantee victory.
As the eunuch announced the end of the decree, both sides rose and drew their weapons.
Clang! Clang!
The front of Okhyeon Palace was on the verge of turning into a battlefield.
Just then—
Gallop! Gallop!
Everyone's eyes turned toward the road leading to Okhyeon Palace.
A single carriage was approaching.
The unexpected arrival puzzled everyone.
The carriage came to a halt in front of the two opposing sides.
Clack!
The door opened, and someone stepped out.
At the sight of the figure, both Prince Jin and Prince Yeong frowned and spoke in unison:
"Prince Gyeong?"
"Prince Gyeong!"
Unlike Prince Jin, Prince Yeong had already ordered Namjin Warrior Donghyeon and the Geumuiwi to kill Prince Gyeong—so seeing him alive left Yeong visibly shaken.
"How is this possible?"
At Yeong's question, Yang Dongji of the Geumuiwi replied, equally baffled:
"This shouldn't be possible. We cut off all of his limbs..."
They had imprisoned Bo Wonchan and his commanders under Bukjin.
All of Prince Gyeong's loyal Geumuiwi had supposedly been neutralized.
To the furious Prince Yeong, Gonggong of Seochang cautiously spoke:
"Your Highness, what is there to worry about? The Emperor has given his decree. Even if he made it here, nothing changes."
"Right. You're correct."
Indeed, Gonggong was right.
Even if Prince Gyeong arrived unscathed, only the one who entered the palace alive could become Crown Prince.
Yeong pointed at Prince Gyeong and shouted:
"Elder Brother! Why did you even come here? If you managed to stay alive, you should've fled the palace altogether!"
At the taunt, Prince Gyeong scoffed and replied:
"You've certainly prepared well, Younger Brother."
"One must at least do that to face two elder brothers, no?"
"Indeed, at least that much."
"But with His Majesty stating that only one may enter to become Crown Prince... what gave you the gall to come alone? Hahahahaha!"
Prince Yeong laughed loudly at him.
Yet, Prince Gyeong only smiled gently and said:
"Because I have Yeonsaeng."
'!?'
Prince Yeong was dumbfounded.
In the Inner Palace, no one but the selected few could even use martial arts.
Was he really putting his hopes on one person?
"Yeonsaeng? Ah yes, that courtesan-turned-guard who embarrassed Prince Jin?"
"Prince Yeong, you scoundrel!"
Prince Jin, who had been silent, couldn't suppress his rage as he was dragged into the mockery.
He still hadn't forgotten the humiliation from that incident.
Yeong sneered at him.
"To suffer such shame from a mere woman—clearly, you're too weak to inherit the throne."
Enraged, Prince Jin shouted:
"Whoever brings me that bastard's head, I shall not forget your merit. Attack!"
"Waaaaah!!!"
At his command, the eunuchs of Dongchang charged forward.
"Protect Prince Yeong!"
"Cut down Prince Jin!"
"Waaaaah!!!"
As though waiting for it, Seochang's eunuchs and the 100 imperial guards of Yeong surged forward as well.
Prince Yeong, still focused on Prince Gyeong, pointed and ordered Gonggong:
"Bring me his head."
"Yes, Your Highness."
Gonggong drew his blade and launched a swift attack.
But just then—
Boom!
A thunderous impact echoed as a sonic shockwave swept through the air.
Thud! Thud!
Just before the clash, both forces collapsed to the ground, their eyes rolled back.
Thump! Thump! Thump!
Even Gonggong, who had lunged at Prince Gyeong, had been thrown back and now lay crumpled, unmoving.
'!!!'
Startled by the sudden turn of events, Princes Jin and Yeong widened their eyes.
They turned their gaze to a woman standing calmly with her hands behind her back, wearing the uniform of a court martial guard.
The ground beneath her feet had sunk nearly a jang (3 meters).
"Y-Yeonsaeng..."
Recognizing her face instantly, Prince Jin stumbled backward in fear.
Prince Yeong couldn't comprehend the situation.
"How is she using martial arts in the Inner Palace...?"
Before he could finish, Yeonsaeng stretched out both arms and pulled.
Suddenly, Prince Jin and Prince Yeong's bodies floated into the air.
"N-No!"
"What is this?!"
They were yanked through the air and flung unceremoniously to the ground at Prince Gyeong's feet.
Looking down at the two princes groveling before him, Prince Gyeong grinned from ear to ear and said:
"Didn't I tell you? I have Yeonsaeng."