0048 : Demon Subduing Hall
I began my journey to Luoyang with Mangnyang. If I were alone, I could easily traverse the mountains and rivers using light movement techniques, but since I had to accommodate Mangnyang, I decided to travel on horseback. Along the way to Luoyang, I also planned to stop by Mangnyang’s hut for a moment.
After arriving at his hut, Mangnyang seemed to be tidying up something. It wasn’t just the books he possessed or personal items; he was also reorganizing the informants he had hidden throughout Jinrang Valley. Mangnyang had been constructing a clever network of informants and subordinates using the money he earned from fortune-telling and consultations. The map he had stolen from the Government Office near the village also came from his subordinates.
I asked Mangnyang, “With such a network, you could easily establish a small faction. Why have you been living so humbly, fortune-telling in Jinrang Valley?”
Mangnyang waved his hand dismissively. “Of course, if I had formed an information organization and actively operated it, I would be ten times richer than I am now. However, information has value only when there is sufficient martial power to protect it. If I were to live with the fear of losing my life to a mere mid-sized faction, there would be no reason to engage in information dealings.”
“Hmm…”
“And I quite like the life in Jinrang Valley. I earn just enough money, read as many books as I want, and enjoy my leisure when I feel like having fun.”
I wanted to make a sarcastic remark about spending time with women, but I held back. Instead, I picked up one of Mangnyang’s books and said, “Then why were you relying on your master’s reputation?”
“I received his permission. All I need to do is to ensure that I do not bring shame to his name.”
“Even so, impersonation is…”
Mangnyang forced a smile. “My master is generous. Even if I were to tarnish his reputation, he wouldn’t mind at all. He has little interest in the affairs of the world. He never cared for honor, yet somehow became famous.”
“A person of skill tends to stand out anywhere.”
“Anyway, the only one who can help us now is my master, Master Mangnyang. If we can gain his assistance, everything will go smoothly.”
Curious, I asked, “By the way, why haven’t you cultivated any martial arts skills? If you were the astronomer in the Imperial Palace, you would have had the chance to read martial arts texts.”
“Of course, there were opportunities. But martial arts are ultimately physical practices, and for a desk-bound person like me, there are limits to how much I can train in my spare time. I could build internal energy for health, but it would be meaningless. Instead of pursuing a clumsy balance of literature and martial arts, I focused all my energy on my specialty.”
Mangnyang’s mindset was refreshing from a martial artist’s perspective. He had the chance to learn martial arts, yet chose to dedicate his time to his studies! However, having witnessed Mangnyang’s ingenious strategies and wisdom firsthand, I understood his reasoning. His relentless pursuit of knowledge and wisdom had surely allowed him to surpass those who were merely mediocre.
While organizing the room, Mangnyang suddenly recalled something. “Ah, don’t throw away that poison-filled gourd; keep it safe. You will definitely need it someday.”
“I understand.”
“Looks like I’ve tidied up enough. If you have any books you want to read, just let me know, and I’ll lend them to you.”
I considered his offer and glanced through his library. Memories of the past three years, spent studying tirelessly, came flooding back. I didn’t particularly enjoy studying at that time, but looking back, the knowledge had certainly become an integral part of me. Any books collected by Mangnyang would undoubtedly be worthy of study. I pulled out a book from the shelf.
“I’d like to look at this one.”
“The Book of Embracing Simplicity? Are you interested in alchemy?”
“Well, they say there are secret arts of eternal life.”
The Book of Embracing Simplicity contained writings on alchemy, magical adventures, dietary methods, and breathing meditations. It wasn’t exactly a secret book, as many scholars in the world also obtained a copy or two. Mangnyang chuckled and said, “Ninety-nine percent of what is called alchemy in the world is a scam. Even the royal family no longer believes in alchemy.”
“Huh? Isn’t alchemy originally a study for creating elixirs of immortality?”
“The goal of alchemy is to create the ultimate golden elixir, but it’s common practice to mix large amounts of mercury to achieve this. However, mercury has considerable toxicity, so consuming elixirs made through alchemy often results in poisoning.”
Poisoning! That was a term that seemed out of place in the context of alchemy, and I was somewhat taken aback. Mangnyang continued, “True alchemy is a secret passed down only among a few masters in the left and right paths. It isn’t something that can be learned from books like this. Still, the techniques for magical adventures in this book are quite useful.”
“True alchemy? Then, does the golden elixir really exist?”
“Yes. But getting it is nearly impossible, so just let it go.” Mangnyang said this and handed me another book. “Instead, read this. It’s the Classic of Mountains and Seas.”
“It looks like a picture book.”
“Indeed. The strange creatures featured in this book are interesting enough to be worth a casual read.”
“I’ll take a look.”
As he said, the Classic of Mountains and Seas contained unusual geographical names and various supernatural beings. It may not seem practical, but following Mangnyang’s suggestion, I decided to read the Classic. As someone who had seen magical creatures with my own eyes, I couldn’t help but be drawn to this book.
After finishing tidying up in Jinrang Valley, we set off for Luoyang, arriving at the city wall of Luoyang in about three or four days. Luoyang was still impressive as before, with its luxurious and massive walls and bustling crowds vividly standing out from afar.
As the horse trotted along, Mangnyang tightened the reins and said, “There’s no need to enter the city. My master is staying elsewhere.”
“You mean he doesn’t live inside Luoyang?”
“He dislikes the hustle and bustle, so he lives outside the city. It’s fortunate since entering Luoyang’s walls now would be extremely dangerous for us.”
We headed southwest from Luoyang. After walking about five li, we reached a small village with a shrine dedicated to Lu Dongbin.
Lu Dongbin was one of the Eight Immortals of Taoism, a legendary immortal often referred to as the Sword Immortal in the world. Revered as Chunyangzi, he was honored not just in the local shamanistic beliefs but also across the Nine Great Sects and various Taoist sects. Additionally, he had a legendary tale of defeating a dragon with his sword, further boosting his popularity among the people.
Mangnyang dismounted at Lu Dongbin’s shrine. He respectfully placed his offerings on the altar and said, “The disciple has arrived.”
Shortly after, the shrine of the Sword Immortal Lu Dongbin began to tremble. The vibrations continued for about half a breath before finally ceasing.
Then a unfamiliar voice called out from behind, “Brother, the timing is not good. Master is out on some business.”
I turned around to see a young man in his early twenties with a youthful appearance. Interestingly, he wasn’t dressed in a Taoist robe but wore ordinary farmer’s clothing, yet there was a noble appearance that emanated from him. Upon seeing him, Mangnyang wore a slightly awkward expression and said, “Disciple, I have urgent matters to discuss with the master.”
“Who said otherwise? He’s simply not here at the moment.”
“…”
The young man, referred to as the disciple, spoke flatly. “However, you must leave the precious Five Fire Seven Bird Fan there. Master has instructed that it is no longer to be used.”
“…!!”
Mangnyang looked surprised but soon nodded in understanding. “I see. Then I will take my leave.”
“Do as you wish. I shall return to my farming.”
The young man known as the disciple picked up a hoe hanging from his waist and walked away, seeming genuinely like a farmer. As his figure disappeared, I turned to Mangnyang, bewildered. “Farming? Your disciple is an extraordinary sorcerer, yet he’s farming?”
Farming was something ordinary people did regularly. While there’s nothing wrong with farming, it seemed somewhat absurd that someone considered the continent’s top sorcerer’s disciple wouldn’t use his abilities.
“My disciple is self-sufficient through farming. The locals all see him as just an ordinary peasant.”
“Oh, so he’s farming while getting impressive harvests through mystical means.”
“That’s not the case. He farms without resorting to any sorcery.”
“Is that because he’s in training under your guidance?”
“Not really. My disciple acquired his license long ago and is recognized as a sorcerer.”
Seeing Mangnyang’s expression, I gave him a puzzled look. He smiled wryly. “He’s just that kind of person. The values of the secular world hold no meaning for my master and disciple.”
“Hmm.”
“Anyway, we’ll have to wait for my master in this village for the time being.”
“When is Master Mangnyang likely to return?”
“I don’t know. He can be quite unpredictable, so it could take several years…”
It struck me that staying in this small village felt like a waste of time. In a few days, I would likely be dispatched from the Imperial Palace to investigate the disappearance of the Golden Eagle Guards, and there was no time to waste. However, since there was nothing else to be done, I took out some silver and decided to stay at the inn for a while.
Mangnyang commented, “This works out well. You need to reflect on your martial skills, don’t you? Consider it a time for training.”
The Golden Eagle Guards wouldn’t come after me right away. I had done enough to cover my tracks, and with no witnesses around, the chances of them uncovering the truth years down the line were slim. For now, I was simply preparing for any unforeseen circumstances.
“Well, all is good, but… I have a question. What should I call you from now on?”
This was an important issue. Until now, I had been casually referring to him as Mangnyang, but the real Mangnyang was someone else entirely. When I raised the question, Mangnyang confidently replied, as if to say it was a pointless inquiry.
“Just continue to call me Mangnyang.”
“Wouldn’t your master or disciple feel awkward about that?”
“They’re the kind of people who don’t care about such things. Besides, I was already recognized to use the title Mangnyang, so there’s no problem in calling myself that. You don’t need to worry about it.”
A relationship that allows for impersonation! This was something incomprehensible, and even unbelievable, in a typical sect.
“Sigh, be that as it may, what is your disciple’s name?”
“Cheon U-jin.”
“What an unusual name.”
“Don’t let his appearance fool you; my disciple is formidable. Turning him into an enemy would be as foolish as facing an army of a hundred thousand.”
It seemed that Mangnyang’s disciple, Cheon U-jin, was indeed an exceptional individual, despite his appearance as an ordinary farmer. Feeling there was no need to stir up trouble, I heeded Mangnyang’s advice.
From that day forward, I spent my time idly eating and sleeping at the inn while occasionally practicing martial arts. Having paid for nearly a year’s stay, the innkeeper was trying to cater to my every whim.
“Take care of your own matters as well.”
With that, Mangnyang entered to read his book.
I practiced martial arts for three hours a day and spent my remaining time managing my inner energy and breaking through my channels. Mangnyang seemed to be studying something as he read his books. Not wanting to fall behind in knowledge, I also took the opportunity to read the Classic of Mountains and Seas that I had borrowed from him.
Still, the days blurred into one another as I gazed blankly at the blue sky from my room at the inn. I felt my mind become dull as I repeated the same routine day after day. Time passed considerably, and ten days had gone by without any sign of Master Mangnyang appearing.
“……”
A strange emotion enveloped me, something I hadn’t felt since my reincarnation.
I felt sluggish and bored.
And restless.
Time continued to elapse. A month passed, then two months, and I was now entering the third month. Up until now, the Golden Eagle Guards had not only failed to pursue me but the world was eerily quiet. Slowly, I became somewhat lazy in my training, practicing martial arts only for one hour a day, while spending the rest of my time wandering the inn or exploring the beautiful scenery around.
‘This doesn’t seem quite right.’
Initially, I had planned to train rigorously during my waiting period to improve my martial skills. However, as time stretched out and no one bothered me, I found it difficult to concentrate on my training. It stood in stark contrast to my time spent diligently sparring and honing my skills while serving in the martial arts academy.
It took me half a year to realize the reason.
My willpower was not exceptional. Without someone to support me, what I had vowed strongly became half-hearted as time passed. In fact, I had inadvertently lived abnormally hard. Before I knew it, I was spending my days idly, training only vaguely while lounging around the inn and eating dumplings.
One day, Mangnyang said to me, “Baek Woong, have you gained weight?”
“……”
He was right. Having hardly moved and only occasionally practicing my inner energy, I had been feasting daily on the inn’s chicken, wine, and dumplings. My belly had protruded slightly, showcasing my indulgence. I panicked and replied, “Uh… This can be lost by moving around a bit.”
“Don’t become complacent. If you are so bored, go talk to my disciple.”
“With Cheon U-jin?”
Cheon U-jin, Mangnyang’s disciple, was tending to a small vegetable patch by the village stream. Naturally, I hadn’t dared to strike up a conversation with him, maintaining a distant relationship for the past six months.
“Don’t you have anything better to do?”
That much was true. Although I was surprised at Mangnyang’s sudden suggestion, I had nothing better to do, so I decided to visit him.
‘I might as well take the Classic with me.’
Cheon U-jin was digging up potato roots. Squatting down and working diligently with his hoe, he appeared to be nothing more than an ordinary farmer. I approached him and greeted, “Hello.”
Cheon U-jin looked at me intently and replied, “… Baek Woong, your belly has protruded.”
Why did these disciples keep commenting on a man’s protruding belly? I felt slightly annoyed but brushed it off and said, “Have I ever told you my name? How did you know it?”
“Because you told me.”
“What?”
Cheon U-jin smiled brightly.
“You are still dreaming. I’ve seen enough of your true nature, so it’s time for you to wake up.”
“Wham!”
In the next moment, I felt the scenery before my eyes shift.
Suddenly, I found myself in the same situation as when I first arrived in the village, standing before the swordsman Lu Dongbin. Mangnyang was just placing the Five Fire Seven Bird Fan on the altar, and I was watching him from behind. It was exactly as it happened that day, leaving me startled.
‘What’s going on?! Has time turned back?’
But that wasn’t the case.
A voice came again from behind.
“Did you have a nice dream?”
Cheon U-jin was walking towards me. Mangnyang looked puzzled, but at that moment, I felt a chill run down my spine. In Cheon U-jin’s hand was the very book of the Classic of Mountains and Seas that I had been reading. I had accidentally spilled chicken soup on its cover while looking at it over the past six months, and the stain was clearly visible on the book.
It became clear to me then.
Illusion!
Cheon U-jin had shown me, through illusion, the life I had lived for six months in that brief moment! I couldn’t even believe the fact that I was standing there and breathing. Or perhaps this moment itself was also an illusion?
When exactly had I fallen under an illusion?
Was it when I entered the shrine? When I was talking with Mangnyang? Or perhaps it was when I took residence in the village?
I couldn’t even discern when I had been trapped in the illusion.
‘Gulp…’
What was even more astonishing was that my belly was indeed plump with fat. It was the result of six months of idleness. The illusion seemed capable of having real-world effects.
‘How terrifying…!!’
While I was in shock at the power of the illusion, Cheon U-jin spoke.
“Senior Brother, I just tested the visitor. You originally lacked mastery of magical arts, so I didn’t place any spells on you, but I allowed your companion to experience a six-month life.”
“Gasp!”
Mangnyang was taken aback. He must have been completely unaware of what had just occurred.
“To avoid putting my master in unnecessary danger, it was unavoidable. Well, that Baek Woong isn’t that evil a person, though.”
As I looked at Cheon U-jin in disbelief, he gazed back at me thoughtfully and pointed his hoe in my direction.
“You are unworthy to meet Master. A strange evil energy is revolving around your body. Until you dispel the source of that evil, you are not eligible to enter the village.”
Wham!
In the next moment, I and Mangnyang found ourselves standing outside the village. Both of us blinked in confusion, not knowing what had just happened. Mangnyang took a while to grasp the situation and then spoke to me.
“My disciple has issued an eviction order.”
The talisman, the Five Fire Seven Bird Fan, had disappeared from Mangnyang’s hand.
“……”
It was my first true experience of a real master’s magical ability.
To think I couldn’t trust my senses and perception!
I explained in detail to Mangnyang what I had experienced. He shook his head as if resigned.
“My disciple specializes in illusions. The time you spent for six months was all an illusion, a delusion created by deceiving your senses in a flash.”
“But my belly truly has grown!”
“That’s the terrifying part of Cheon U-jin’s illusion. He has the power to blur the line between reality and illusion.”
It truly was a fearsome ability. It would be impossible to brag about mastering martial arts in front of him. With a mere thought, he could consume an army of a hundred thousand with his peculiar illusions.
“At this rate, it will be impossible to enter that village for a lifetime.”
“What does he mean by the source of the evil suddenly?”
“I don’t know. But there must be some reason my disciple is rejecting us so vehemently.”
At that moment, a hypothesis flitted through my mind.
‘Could it be…?’
The Dark Secret of Heaven!
When it came to evil energy, that was the only thing that came to mind. No, it was almost certain. Cheon U-jin must have sensed the unstable energy of the Dark Secret of Heaven. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have been so resolute in driving me away.
But where had I put the Dark Secret of Heaven? It was an important object directly tied to my previous life, making it impossible to part with.
‘What should I do?’
Mangnyang sighed deeply.
“Sigh, this is a serious problem.”
He had no ability to resist an exceptional master of magical arts. Magic belonged to the realm of divine power, a domain beyond human wisdom. How could one possibly penetrate the illusions cast by a talented disciple of the greatest magician in the Central Plains?
“If we don’t enter that village, we will achieve nothing. If we waste our time here, the opportunity to strike back at the Golden Eagle Guards will slip away.”
The moment of choice was upon me.
