0103 : Dark Heaven Village
I decided to leave Mangnyang and the village and stay at an inn for a while. Rather than hurrying to take action, I thought it best to assess the current situation first.
Inside the small room of the inn, Mangnyang ordered a chicken dish and began to indulge in it.
“Hmm… the Heaven’s Escape Sword Technique, huh… So, you’re saying you don’t feel like you’ve gained anything?”
“That’s right.”
“I’ve managed to unlock a connection, but it’s truly an amazing thing.”
Mangnyang said as he ripped into a chicken leg.
“Listen closely. Unlike before, you have to make a ‘choice’ now.”
“A choice?”
“In my view, you now have three options.”
Mangnyang spread his fingers one by one.
“Firstly, to join me and take action to establish the Half Heaven Alliance from this moment. Your martial prowess and intellect already seem adequate to lead such a group, so if we combine forces, we could create a significant organization within three years.”
“Hmm.”
His index finger was extended.
“Secondly, infiltrate the Golden Eagle Guards. By working alongside them as a Golden Eagle Guards officer, all that you observe and learn will serve as valuable information for us. Additionally, if necessary, you could undermine them at a critical moment.”
As Mangnyang set down the now-bare chicken leg, he spoke of the final option.
“And thirdly, you could go to the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School to learn martial arts.”
“… Are you joking?”
I responded incredulously. Mangnyang replied firmly,
“This is not a joke. You need to seriously consider that third option.”
“That is…”
“Your heart carries a great bitterness, so you feel unable to choose that path right now. But according to what you told me, the fastest way for you to enter the peak realm would be to receive teachings from Lee Kwang. If your martial arts reach their peak and you become a master-level figure of the Thunder God Sect, the future will become considerably easier for you.”
I gritted my teeth.
“It’s easy for you to say, but I just can’t bring myself to do it. I also don’t think Lee Kwang would be willing to teach me without hesitation.”
“Think it over carefully.”
“What do you mean?”
“You believe Lee Kwang would kill you, but in truth, he has never directly taken your life. Isn’t that right?”
“……”
“What this means is that even if Lee Kwang were enraged, he is a man of principle who does not lose sight of morality. Would someone like him, so furious about the sect’s secrets being leaked, easily kill another practitioner of the Thunder God Sect? Of course, he might, but I believe otherwise.”
“Why do you think so?”
“Consider this carefully…”
Mangnyang intertwined his fingers and rested his chin on the backs of his hands, then calmly continued,
“Think back to the two occasions when Lee Kwang was angry with you.”
“When I brought the recommendation letter from the War God Sect and when my talents fell short of his expectations.”
“In the first case, he wasn’t angry with you personally. He was annoyed at the backing of the War God Sect from the perspective of the Thunder God Sect. But in the latter case, it was different. He was furious because he had ‘expectations’ of you.”
“That’s true.”
“Thus, it follows—yes. I believe Lee Kwang was sharpening his blade for revenge and intended to cultivate you with that blade.”
I widened my eyes. I had never considered such a thought before. I had only assumed that he had crushed my expectations without reason. The motivation of ‘vengeance’ had never crossed my mind.
“Revenge? Aren’t you jumping to conclusions?”
“Not at all. Given the circumstances, there would have to be a reason for Lee Kwang to passionately cultivate you despite the War God Sect being a nuisance to him. He aimed to cultivate someone seemingly endowed with the greatest martial skills and talents like you to seek vengeance against a formidable foe whom he could not reach.”
“……”
I trembled. Hearing Mangnyang’s words, I could guess who the targets of that ‘revenge’ were.
“The White Lotus Sect. He passed down secret techniques to me for the sake of revenge against the White Lotus Sect.”
That would explain why, even among the Thunder God Sect, he wouldn’t freely bestow such techniques to just anyone who was not of his direct lineage. There existed a fearsome adversary so strong that it would be insufficient to pour everything he had into teaching; only considering Lee Kwang’s abilities would point to the White Lotus Sect as the likely enemy, likely someone above the rank of a Guardian Lion.
Mangnyang smirked faintly.
“I hate to think about it, but if his target for revenge was the leader of the White Lotus Sect, then Lee Kwang’s anger would naturally follow. He must have felt he gambled the best odds of his life only to lose both opportunity and time.”
“Damn it…”
I was utterly dumbfounded. How could I be facing the leader of the White Lotus Sect? Such absurdity was beyond comprehension! Even to combine the Great Destruction and Thunderclap at once, there was no guarantee I could kill a single Guardian Lion. I had never imagined that he viewed me as such a formidable foundation. Though Mangnyang’s words lacked strong evidence, they were rather persuasive and lodged themselves into my ears.
Mangnyang stated,
“Regardless, even if you seek to reveal your origins and re-enter the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School, I don’t think Lee Kwang would kill you. Wasn’t he said to be indifferent and emotionless? He would merely treat you as if you were a disciple from another branch of the Thunder God Sect. There wouldn’t be any of those dismissive attitudes you experienced in the past. He would likely not even have expectations of you.”
“Would that truly be the case?”
“If you hide your Thunderclap, then it should be entirely feasible. Do not think about learning anything greater from Lee Kwang; merely refining your skills alongside peak experts will suffice. Given the abundant experience you’ve accumulated, you should be able to rapidly improve under either Lee Kwang or Jin So Cheong.”
I pondered carefully.
While I was deep in thought, Mangnyang asked,
“So, which of the three life paths will you choose? Whether it’s the first, second, or third, there’s no bad choice.”
Clatter
I placed my chopsticks down on the table. Crossing my arms, I declared,
“I’ll return to the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School. Somehow, I’ll ascend to a higher realm.”
“You’ve made a wise choice,” Mangnyang said approvingly. I had suffered too many losses by ignoring Mangnyang’s words before. Even now, he was subtly urging me to strongly consider that third option. I felt that choosing anything else would somehow lead to a disadvantage. Perhaps Mangnyang thought that my strength was still insufficient to tackle the challenges of the Soaring Demon.
Furthermore, I had learned from life experiences that the more difficult the choices, the sweeter the rewards in the end. Bearing down and considering, I said,
“However, before that, I’d like to gather my thoughts. Is there any good way to do that?”
Logically, I thought that would be the path I’d choose, but emotionally, I was completely averse to it. I wanted to clear my mood a little before settling my mind. Perhaps sensing my state, Mangnyang smiled gently.
“What’s there to worry about? Just head straight to Shandong and board the Great Dragon Merchant Association’s fleet as you did before. With your current abilities, capturing the Blood Saber Group will be much easier than it was back then.”
“Ah…”
It was a suggestion to relieve my frustration by taking down the Blood Saber Group. It wasn’t a thought typical of righteous heroes, but Mangnyang had no compassion when it came to taking down enemies.
“Since you don’t plan to infiltrate the Golden Eagle Guards anyway, you need to thwart the causes that lead to the Seven Luminaries. It’s unfortunate that you can’t grasp the processes or reasons, but it’s something you must do. Just think of it as a boating journey. Then you can return and act according to your plans.”
“Understood.”
As I set my future plans in motion, I felt a bit lighter in spirit. The suffocation that had been plaguing me since this life began seemed to lift.
Suddenly, a thought crossed my mind, and I asked,
“Is it not possible for me to refine my sorcery further and reach the level of a sorcerer?”
“It’s not impossible. You’re already a beginner sorcerer, so with a good teacher and about ten years of hard work, you might hold your own.”
Mangnyang responded as he slurped up some noodles.
“However, you should understand this: You may have only seen extraordinary sorcerers in your reincarnations, but unless you reach an exceptional level, sorcery is generally just a collection of miscellaneous techniques. In terms of raw combat ability, it can’t compare to martial arts. Frankly speaking, no matter how hard you practice sorcery for ten or twenty years, it would be difficult to apply it in combat. Sorcery was not created for the purpose of fighting.”
“I see…”
So, practicing sorcery would be inefficient if I couldn’t reach a higher level.
“And regarding the Masked Demon, that’s interesting.”
Mangnyang said as he stroked the wrapped sword contained within the observing cloth.
“It’s sealed, huh… Did I really say that?”
I nodded.
“Absolutely.”
During my tenth reincarnation, Mangnyang had come to Goryeo to teach me sorcery, and in the half a year he spent sharing knowledge and information gained while operating as the leader of the Half Heaven Alliance, he had provided me with much assistance. Yet, what surprised me the most was that the divine sword, responsible for the Su (Water) in the Seven Luminaries, was currently sealed. Mangnyang had researched the Masked Demon and occasionally consulted with his master, Master Mangnyang, until he eventually learned that the Masked Demon could not unleash its original power due to being sealed by someone.
Mangnyang said,
“To think I was satisfied with forming the Half Heaven Alliance, even with the Masked Demon in my possession, capable of eradicating even the Great Destruction Immortal.”
“If the seal isn’t lifted, it seems you won’t be able to use the Masked Demon at full power.”
“If that’s the case, then this seal must be connected to the content of the monument. Please share with me the details inscribed on the monument about the Water aspect.”
“It goes as follows…”
I recited the inscriptions on the monument to Mangnyang. After writing it down in a book, he observed it for a long while before speaking, his tone reminiscent of someone who had grasped something significant.
“… This could be troublesome. Are you saying that it’s possible to lift the seal of the Masked Demon in a place like this? What a ludicrous notion… there should be limits to madness.”
What could possibly be troubling him?
Yet, Mangnyang’s expression was genuinely one of confusion. He sighed deeply and said,
“Haah… I’ll look into it. However, I’m afraid the outcome may not be favorable.”
“I trust you.”
“If my assumptions are correct, gathering the Seven Luminaries is going to be truly monumental in terms of adventure…”
Muttering to himself, Mangnyang was one to take care of things that needed doing, so I wasn’t overly worried. I intended to consolidate all our discussions here, glancing around for undue attention before sending Mangnyang a mental note.
[You should consume the Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng.]
What I had discussed earlier could be dismissed as gossip among idle talkers, but the Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng should be approached with caution, requiring me to send the mental note. It was a precaution against any unexpected situation.
“Cough! Cough! Cough…”
Mangnyang, who had been eating chicken merrily, suddenly choked in surprise. He hurriedly wiped his mouth and exclaimed in confusion,
“What do you mean?! Have you gone mad?! You didn’t seriously bring that from Huangshan, did you?”
“I did.”
“What! Ha, ha… ha…”
Mangnyang let out a hollow laugh. And he had good reason; the thought of bringing the finest elixir in the world, the Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng, without consuming it was something only the insane would do. Until just moments ago, Mangnyang must have thought I had already eaten it in Huangshan.
“It wouldn’t have any effect on me now.”
I slid the Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng toward Mangnyang.
“If you take this with the Black and White Lotus, you’ll achieve your martial arts goal much faster.”
“Well, that’s true. But…”
Mangnyang was taken aback, his eyes wide. Then he quickly regained composure, looked at me with a steady gaze, and said,
“No, that’s not it. Hmm… it could be amusing.”
Mangnyang, who had been lightly tapping his head as if contemplating, extended his hand and pushed the Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng back toward me. I was astonished at his rejection, never having expected that he would pass it up.
“Take it. I’m fine with what you promised to give me.”
“But why…”
“I believe it should be used by you rather than me. No, it must be used by you.”
“What do you mean?”
“You’re relying too much on me right now. Of course, if you’re investing for the future, I have nothing to say. But that won’t help you grow. It’s best to think for yourself and find a place to utilize it.”
He spoke with conviction.
“If you invest this wisely, I have a feeling it could yield very substantial returns, this is my intuition.”
“……”
“If throughout this lifetime you find no worthy places to use it, then you can give it to me then. But I believe there will definitely be worthwhile opportunities for investment.”
“Understood.”
Mangnyang had effectively assigned me a task. It seemed he had just brainstormed about where a “worthwhile investment opportunity” might lie and felt it was more appropriate for me to handle it than himself. The question had a solution, and now it was simply a matter of me figuring it out.
The silence in not providing the answer was an encouragement for independent thought.
“I need to think this through properly. The answer is already there.”
Determined to tackle the task Mangnyang had laid out for me, I saw him grab one last piece of fried chicken and devour it as he said,
“And I’ll take it upon myself to look into the relationship between the Serpent Lotus and the Black and White Lotus. I suspect it’s a very significant secret.”
“Thank you.”
“Don’t mention it. Anyway, let’s do our best.”
I exchanged farewells with Mangnyang and we parted ways that evening. What I left him was the complete flower and root of the Black and White Lotus, as well as half of the gold bars I had obtained from the golden box. My task now was simply to cultivate my martial arts until Mangnyang could yield enough results.
“Let’s go!”
I tucked the Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng deep into my bundle and headed straight for Shandong. Unlike before, I was using the Heavenly Blood Sealing Technique to conceal my qi, so it was unlikely that the open road bandit, the Celestial Dragon Demon, would doubt me or chase me down. I managed to reach Shandong without any issues, but that was where the problem began.
“A child wants to enter without any identification? Get lost, you little beggar!”
“……”
The guards at the entrance of the castle angrily chased me away. This place was Daeang, known for its beggars and dark alleys, and they were particularly distrustful of suspicious individuals. I had previously received a token from the leader of the Justice Alliance that allowed me easy access, so I felt a pang of regret.
‘Damn it. Should I offer a bribe?’
A bribe was out of the question with the basic funds I had. Using gold bars would be a direct solution.
However, spending gold bars in a place like this felt wasteful, and I had already experienced the chaos that could ensue from carelessly showing valuables during my time in Luoyang.
I sat down in a nearby slum and pondered for quite a while, when someone approached me.
“Oh dear… young brother. Are you struggling to make ends meet?”
It was a beggar. I confirmed he was an open road bandit by the size of his aura and replied,
“Not exactly.”
“Heh heh… you look that way. Wearing new clothes and yet something feels off. I think I know what you’re troubled about.”
“What is it?”
“I know how to sneak into the castle. Are you interested in a trade?”
This open road bandit had probably witnessed me being chased away from the castle gate. I gazed at him blankly and said,
“I’m not really interested…”
“Heh heh… is that really so? You’ll regret it.”
“Just leave me be and don’t bother me.”
I planned to use my lightness skill to leap over the walls when night fell. I was aware that getting involved in other matters could lead to unnecessary trouble. The open road bandit frowned and said,
“Damn it, why is this kid so chatty?”
Buzz
Suddenly, he swung a stick at me. It was a slow attack, just barely transitioning from the first-tier level. I was baffled that he chose to attack me since everyone I had encountered until now, even peak masters, were usually tense. But thanks to the Heavenly Blood Sealing Technique, my external energy was tightly sealed now, making it seem like anyone could come at me without fear.
I casually dodged the attack. Exuding a killing intent, I said,
“If you attack me again, you won’t leave here unscathed.”
Shh—
“What, what?”
The open road thug suddenly stiffened due to my aura, his panic evident. Once he realized I was hiding my abilities, his lips and hands trembled. He understood that if I wanted to, I could kill him right there.
“Y-you! Do you dare touch a bandit?”
“I fear the bandit, but I do not fear you. Will you really need to die before you come to your senses?”
“Gah!”
Mentioning my capability to kill sent him backing away. He grasped from my warning that I could disregard him if I wanted to.
“Ahhh!”
In no time, he turned and fled in a panic, and I sighed.
‘Hiding my cultivation can sometimes be a nuisance. It feels like low-level folks are more likely to pick fights.’
But it was unavoidable.
As night fell, I activated my remote sensing technique and leaped over the castle gate in just a few jumps. The guards seemed so quick that they didn’t even notice I had passed. Once inside the castle, I went to an inn and booked a room.
The next day, instead of going to the Great Dragon Merchant Association, I sought out the Seogung Escort Agency. I applied to be accepted as an escort. As expected, the escorts and guards reacted as if I were saying something nonsensical.
“Look closely.”
“What is it?”
With a bright flash,
“Ugh!”
“Eeeek!!”
People murmured in disbelief. I was lifting a large wooden platform meant to serve as the keel for a massive ship that was outside the Seogung Escort Agency. With one hand, I was raising a load that even thirty adult men might struggle to lift, leaving everyone at the agency in awe, staring at me.
I smiled and said,
“Even if I’m young, I have some strength.”
A short while later, the Lord of the Seogung Escort Agency rushed out. He was dumbfounded as he watched me holding the keel platform with one hand and shouted,
“W-what’s your name?”
“I’m Baek Ung.”
“You appear to be an extraordinary martial artist, so why do you want to become an escort?”
“Do you not wish to accept me, Lord of the Seogung Escort Agency?”
The Lord of the Seogung Escort Agency quickly shook his head.
“N-no, of course not! Welcome, Baek Ung!”
Just like that, I became an escort for the Seogung Escort Agency overnight and was set to join the merchant convoy heading to Goryeo. I calculated that displaying my martial prowess like this would be enough for them to accept me into their ranks without needing any petty schemes or convoluted plots.
I said to the Lord of the Seogung Escort Agency,
“Lord, I’ve heard that the Blood Saber Group thieves are rampant nearby. Shouldn’t we request naval support?”
The Lord of the Seogung Escort Agency, busy supervising the transportation of goods, replied,
“No, no! What money do we have for that? Unless we bribe the authorities, we won’t get anything.”
“Hmm.”
I frowned. Certainly, I could hold my own against the Blood Saber Group to some extent, but my previous crossing on their ship had involved a great deal of luck.
‘This is not good. I can’t go on depending on luck.’
Since I couldn’t employ naval strategies, the risk of a long-distance battle between ships was something I couldn’t afford. If a ship sank, there would be nothing I could do. Worst-case scenario, I might end up fighting pirates alone while the entire merchant group perished.
‘To prepare for this, it would be best to receive at least one warship.’
I contemplated this. Since I believed this situation was significantly tied to the location of the Seven Luminaries, I couldn’t treat it lightly, and even a small chance of failure was unacceptable. Receiving naval support was essential for this operation.
‘It cannot be helped. If not now, then when will I use it?’
I sought out Jeong Gi-tae, a sixth-rank administrator overseeing the expedition to Goryeo. Of course, he wasn’t the type to come out immediately just because an escort wanted to see him, so I waited all day in front of the official residence.
Only around sunset was I finally allowed to meet Jeong Gi-tae. He looked at me with a bored expression and said,
“What do you want, young escort?”
“I have a very good gift to show you.”
His eyes sparkled with curiosity at the mention of a gift.
“A gift? What is it?”
“I’m hoping you can help me with something…”
“Hmm… Come this way.”
I entered the room with Jeong Gi-tae. I subtly pulled out a gold bar and held it out before him.
“Ah~ a wonderful gift.”
“Hiss!! Pure gold!!”
Jeong Gi-tae was so surprised that he sat down abruptly. He quickly reached for the gold bar, but I easily evaded his grasp. Realizing he had been caught off guard, he quickly addressed me,
“Is there something you want to ask of me? I will help you as much as I can.”
“It’s about the merchant convoy heading to Goryeo… I’d like to have a warship assigned for escort.”
Jeong Gi-tae’s expression turned awkward.
“A warship? … It’s not impossible, but it will be difficult. We need permission from General Zhang Jingyi to move those.”
“Who is General Zhang Jingyi?”
Jeong Gi-tae answered my question.
“He has authority equal to that of the governing lord of Shandong and commands an army of fifty thousand. Without his approval, it’s impossible.”
“Then there’s nothing that can be done. Let’s forget about this discussion…”
As I began to tuck the gold bar away, Jeong Gi-tae quickly spoke up,
“Okay, okay! I will do my best. If you give me that gold bar, I can use it to negotiate a deal. Would that be acceptable?”
“There’s no guarantee that you’ll fulfill my request…”
“What do you want it to be?”
“I want to have a one-on-one meeting with the general.”
“You intend to persuade General Zhang Jingyi yourself?”
Jeong Gi-tae looked at me incredulously. After all, General Zhang was a powerful figure, holding substantial military and political influence in Shandong. It would indeed be absurd for a mere child to attempt to persuade him.
However, he ultimately could not refuse my request, driven by his greed for the gold bar. The next day, I accompanied Jeong Gi-tae to the General’s Office in Shandong and was able to pass through the interior without incident.
“You’ve come, Jeong Tongpan.”
“Yes, General.”
General Zhang Jingyi was a large man with a fierce appearance, missing an eye. Dressed in elaborate military attire and sitting comfortably while crossing his arms, he embodied the image of a typical general. Jeong Gi-tae bowed his head and introduced me.
“This is Baek Ung, the escort from the Seogung Escort Agency who requested to meet you.”
General Zhang Jingyi seemed disappointed as he spoke.
“A mere child?”
“But… there are widespread rumors that this person possesses extraordinary strength… He is not just an ordinary person despite his appearance.”
“Oh?”
General Zhang Jingyi looked at me with interest and then asked,
“You are Baek Ung, correct? Why do you wish to receive a warship’s support?”
I answered without hesitation,
“I must go to Goryeo. I do not wish to face any life-threatening dangers during the journey. I’m merely trying to do my best.”
General Zhang Jingyi laughed heartily.
“Hahaha… Then why not just take the overland route? You’re using gold to create chaos for the newly established Seogung Escort Agency over a potential pirate threat? You’re quite the remarkable individual!”
I responded resolutely,
“It is because I can be of help to you, and you can offer assistance to me. One gold bar is of no concern.”
“Oh… heh. So you think that just connecting with me would be beneficial?”
I slid two gold bars I had brought aside.
General Zhang Jingyi’s eyes widened slightly.
“I hope you do.”
“……”
It was a conspicuous act, but I believed it would all be beneficial.
Ultimately, even if I tried to conceal my actions, there was a high possibility that my activities would later be investigated by the Golden Eagle Guards. Rather than that, it was better to increase the success rate of the pirate suppression and make an impressive show of it.
I needed to stand out. By using gold bars to connect with ‘higher-ups,’ I could ensure that he might later serve as my protective shield.
Indeed.
I aimed to make General Zhang Jingyi my connection. Having experienced rebirth, I grasped the significance of human connections and relationships. There was nothing better than turning a powerful figure into an ally through gold bars. General Zhang Jingyi gazed at me with curiosity and said,
“Interesting. Quite interesting… I’ve never met anyone as unique as you while I’m still alive.”
“……”
“I suspect you are a young martial artist, but you have indeed practiced martial arts?”
“That’s correct.”
“And your sect?”
“The Azure Dragon Martial Arts School.”
In that instant, General Zhang Jingyi appeared taken aback, his eyes widening. He then asked in a trembling voice,
“W-wait, could it be that you are a disciple of Lord Azure Dragon?”
Feigning ignorance, I replied,
“Who is Lord Azure Dragon?”
“… Hmm. Well, that would be… Samjeol Lee Kwang.”
“I have heard of him from my direct master. My sect practices multiple lineages, so he could be considered one of my extended masters.”
“I see. Hmm.”
Clearing his throat, General Zhang Jingyi spoke.
“Understood! I authorize the deployment of three warships. They will accompany you on this journey to Goryeo.”
“Thank you.”
“Is there anything else you wish to ask?”
“Not particularly.”
I stood up, ready to leave with Jeong Gi-tae, as I had achieved my objective. However, General Zhang Jingyi hastily stopped me.
“Then let’s have a chat.”
“A chat? I have no objections, but…”
General Zhang Jingyi gestured for Jeong Gi-tae to leave.
“Jeong Tongpan may go.”
“Yes.”
Once Jeong Gi-tae departed, there was a moment of silence in the General’s Office. Since it was a one-on-one meeting, there were no bodyguards in sight. After a prolonged silence, General Zhang Jingyi sighed and said,
“Are you planning to go to Goryeo and never return?”
“Not at all. I will take a quick look at Goryeo and return shortly after.”
General Zhang Jingyi spoke with a hint of sincerity in his voice.
“I see. Well then, would you mind doing me a favor?”
“I will help with any request to the best of my ability.”
General Zhang Jingyi nodded vigorously.
“… Alright. When you return from Goryeo, seek me out immediately. I will tell you what you need to do.”
“What sort of task is it?”
“It’s a light errand, so don’t worry. I will certainly repay your efforts.”
An errand?
I cocked my head but affirmed,
“I understand.”
Having made the agreement for an errand with General Zhang Jingyi, I set forth for Goryeo, riding on the merchant vessel escorted by warships three days later.
—————————= Author’s Notes ——————————
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