Dark Sky Village
The thirteenth life has begun.
“Damn it! Let’s go.”
I roughly gathered my thoughts and set off to obtain the Heavenly Secret Manual. There wasn’t much information I had gleaned, and I hadn’t accomplished anything significant. The only thing that was clear was that if I overlapped my luck, I could wield an unmatched fortune for a short time, with a certain death waiting for me as the price. Of course, even if I achieved incredible results during that time, it would mean nothing if I ended up dead, so I couldn’t use that method again.
After obtaining the Heavenly Secret Manual, I made my way to Mount Huang to gather the Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng, Black and White Lotus, Gold Bar, and Dark Night before heading to Jinrang Valley. It seemed that no matter how fast I tried, I arrived there when night fell. I woke Mangnyang up once more.
After persuading him again for a whole Jikyeong, he was flabbergasted after hearing me out.
“I can believe you’re a reincarnator, but why did you make such choices in your twelfth life?”
“I was curious about what happens when celestial beings bestow blessings multiple times.”
“That’s a no-brainer. It leads to destruction.”
“……”
“I should explain this to you.”
Mangnyang pointed at me with a fan.
“First, you must know that celestial beings are incorporeal entities without physical bodies. They exist in what we call the Celestial Realm and occasionally descend to the mortal world. I’m sure you know that.”
“I do.”
“They’ve gained the power to influence the laws that govern the world by shedding their physical forms. However, as long as they remain in that realm, they cannot exercise that power freely in the mortal realm. Unless beings of this world yearn and offer tributes, they remain highly passive.”
After explaining up to this point, Mangnyang sighed.
“However, because of that passivity, when a celestial being receives a tribute and begins to act, their power can be tremendous. To say nothing of Taixu Tianzun, who ranks among the top five deities worshiped in Taoism and is said to be the avatar of Lingbao Tianzun. Receiving two significant fragments of luck from him is beyond any mortal’s capacity.”
“Hmm…”
“Other celestial beings are the same. If you were to receive blessings from Queen Mother of the West twice, you could live as long as Dongfang Shuo. But even in that case, you wouldn’t be able to withstand the excessive power of that blessing and would ultimately self-destruct. It’s something you should absolutely never attempt.”
I could understand Mangnyang‘s words.
From now on, it’d be better just to receive blessings quietly. In short, while I did manage to wipe out the power of the Imperial Palace, I had died, making it a meaningless attempt. I reminded myself that I had to be alive for things to have meaning.
“Then let’s go now.”
I traveled with Mangnyang back to the village where Cheon Woo-jin was located to repeat the same process again, offering the Dark Night’s Ritual. Even though I’d done it twelve times, I never got tired of watching. According to Mangnyang, it was a monumental Taoist rite that occurred only once a century.
Whooosh
Taixu Tianzun said,
[ I can feel your energy… ]
“Would you like to pass it to another?”
[ Yes. ]
Without hesitation, Taixu Tianzun called Queen Mother of the West. I offered her the plea for the Nine-Tailed Fox‘s leniency, and she accepted my proposal. Just as she was about to summon other celestial beings, I hurriedly interjected.
“Queen Mother!”
[ What is it? ]
“Please don’t summon Southern Flower Immortal.”
Queen Mother of the West displayed a curious expression. At that moment, Mangnyang realized my intention and supported me from the side.
“Southern Flower Immortal does not have a good relationship with Mangnyang. It would be unproductive for both parties; please spare us that.”
After a brief moment of contemplation, Queen Mother replied,
[ That is a valid point. Southern Flower Immortal was obliterated by Mangnyang but was barely resurrected with the help of Jade Emperor. ]
Was that so?
I stared at Mangnyang with a look of surprise, but he showed no reaction. Queen Mother spoke as if she understood.
[ Then I shall do my best to select accordingly. ]
Whooosh…
Moments later, Cheon Woo-jin’s body shuddered as a new spirit descended upon him. Mangnyang and I watched him with a mix of anxiety and anticipation.
[ Are you a warrior? ]
Sword Immortal Lu Dongbin stood before me. It seemed that Queen Mother had simplified her selection to Lu Dongbin, a sword master and reincarnator. Despite my annoyance at recalling my past death due to him, I nodded and replied.
“Yes.”
[ Then I shall teach you the Heavenly Escape Sword Technique… Huh?! ]
Lu Dongbin suddenly sounded startled, as if he had choked on a duck’s voice. He approached me and began feeling over my body.
[ I can sense the essence of the Heavenly Escape Sword Technique!! Have you already grasped it before?! ]
“……”
[ This is astonishing. Could it be that a descendant from the mortal realm has reached the realm of the Heavenly Escape Sword Technique… ]
“Can you not give me the Heavenly Escape Sword Technique?”
When I asked gruffly, Lu Dongbin replied,
[ The Heavenly Escape Sword Technique is already within you. The link connecting us is inscribed in your soul, so there’s no need to grant blessings separately. ]
In other words, it seemed that Lu Dongbin would appear without me having to ask for blessings as before.
“Ah.”
[ I shall pass it to the next. ]
Whooosh
In that instant, I saw Cheon Woo-jin’s expression contort. Though it was the moment of manifestation, he looked terribly drained and tired. But I kept my mouth shut, thinking “Good for you.”
The celestial being that manifested next spoke.
[ Currently… your reputation is quite widespread in the Celestial Realm. No one in history has been able to summon the renowned grandmasters of the Celestial Realm like this. ]
“Who are you?”
[ I am Yuan Yuanzi… ]
Who is that?
I tilted my head in confusion, but suddenly Mangnyang’s expression shifted beside me. Yuan Yuanzi smiled comfortably and queried me,
[ Do you like martial arts? ]
That question gave me much to ponder.
Do I, indeed, like martial arts?
Of course, there’s nothing more pleasing than becoming stronger through martial practice. There’s immense joy in surviving after battling strong opponents as well. However, I initially trained not out of love for martial arts but rather as a means of survival. It’s easier to live with strength, so I learned martial arts out of practicality; I wouldn’t really say I embraced it wholeheartedly.
‘Well, I guess I like it quite a bit.’
But I decided to accept that “me,” who liked martial arts, is still a part of me. Life isn’t just one facet—hobbies and interests, along with various other influences, shape one’s character. At the very least, I could truthfully claim I liked martial skills more than an average person.
“Yes.”
[ Good… Let me impart upon you the insights I didn’t get to share in this mortal realm… ]
Whooosh
With Yuan Yuanzi extending his hand, the Dark Night Ritual offering came to an end. I felt an immense influx of knowledge and martial experience fill my mind. When I regained my senses, I saw Cheon Woo-jin collapsed.
Mangnyang rushed to him, supporting him.
“Are you alright, fellow disciple?!”
“Cough… Ugh… I’m fine.”
“Great work.”
Once Cheon Woo-jin settled down, Mangnyang and I left the village. As before, we decided to gather at the inn to summarize the events thus far.
Mangnyang tore into a chicken leg.
“The blessing you received this time is exceptional. Truly, it can be said to be a remarkable opportunity.”
“Who exactly is Yuan Yuanzi?”
“Well, people in this world may not know whom that title refers.”
After muttering that, Mangnyang continued,
“Yuan Yuanzi is a Taoist figure from the late Song dynasty, also known as Quan Yi or Jun Bao. His title isn’t well-known because he has a much more famous name.”
“……?”
I opened my eyes wide at what followed.
“The founder of the Wudang Sect, one of the two eminent sects along with the Shaolin Temple. He is renowned for negotiating with the Yuan dynasty government to preserve the legacy of this land and for safeguarding the powerless commoners. His martial prowess is so renowned that many in the martial world wouldn’t be ignorant of his name. When discussing great masters in the martial arts, his name is always mentioned.”
“Whoa…!! Are you saying I’ve acquired Zhang Sanfeng‘s insights?!”
“Indeed.”
Zhang Sanfeng!
He was the patriarch who ruled the martial world alongside the Shaolin Temple among the Eight Great Sect. He rose to prominence during the late Song dynasty as a brilliant martial artist known for protecting the weak and negotiating with the Yuan government, making his name well-known. The fact that someone among martial artists wouldn’t recognize Zhang Sanfeng is almost unthinkable. At first, I hadn’t realized his identity because he used his unique title Yuan Yuanzi instead. That title is typically passed down within the sect, so it’s challenging for ordinary martial artists to keep track of Zhang Sanfeng’s full title. While I was still processing this astonishing revelation, Mangnyang asked me a question.
“What did he impart to you?”
“Well… I think I’ll need to meditate on it to know. For now, it feels like some shapeless knowledge has been absorbed into me.”
“Then I encourage you to practice whenever you get the chance. If necessary, it wouldn’t be a mistake to go into seclusion and just take the time to master Zhang Sanfeng’s insights.”
“Hmm…”
Viewing me with intrigue, Mangnyang added,
“There’s a great advantage if you can fully assimilate those insights.”
“Is it immortality?”
Mangnyang shook his head.
“That’s not an advantage. Immortality doesn’t save individuals from disasters.”
“Then…”
“You could win over the Wudang Sect by returning the insights and the forbidden techniques back to them.”
“Ah!”
“This unexpectedly adds another variable.”
As Mangnyang grumbled, I realized he was only joking lightly. If that’s the case, could I really become the sect leader of the Wudang Sect with this? If I could gain the Wudang Sect on my side, things would certainly become much easier. I couldn’t help but feel hopeful and asked Mangnyang a question.
“Then if I successively gain insights from the past patriarchs of the Eight Great Sects…”
“That’s nonsense… While all these patriarchs are masters and remarkable figures, only Zhang Sanfeng alone has reached the level of an Immortal. Whether it’s the Hua Shan Sect, Zhong Nan Sect, Kunlun Sect, Ami Sect, or Jian Chang Sect, achieving the level of an Immortal as the sect leader is miraculous.”
“Hmm!”
“Think of Zhang Sanfeng as a special genius. It’s been only about 200 years since his passing that he became a leading master.”
I felt the same grip of realization as Mangnyang spoke. Zhang Sanfeng was indeed an extraordinary being. According to him, even if someone ascended to the left of the Celestial, ranks could still differ among those realms, and only a select few of the Great Immortals were merits worthy of receiving the Dark Night Ritual. After recalling Zhang Sanfeng‘s greatness, I once again asked Mangnyang.
“By the way, what did you mean earlier about Southern Flower Immortal almost dying at your hands?”
“Hmm… It’s a sensitive backstory, but I can share it with you.”
After a brief moment of hesitation, Mangnyang spoke.
“Literally. My mentor, Mangnyang, was once a formidable force in the realm of immortals. Back then, he was labeled as the Empyrean Dimension, but I, as his disciple, do not know precisely what transpired then. The only certain thing is that during that time, Southern Flower Immortal challenged my mentor, whose body was torn apart in that single blow, and he was later resurrected by the Jade Emperor.”
“……!!”
“It makes sense that Southern Flower Immortal reacted so haughtily. Though now fulfilling the duty of protecting the realm of immortals, he indeed faced death at the hands of my mentor.”
I was at a loss for words.
“Isn’t Southern Flower Immortal also a Great Immortal? Did a single blow finish him off?”
“My mentor is a rather special existence. He did not become an immortal through hard work but was not a human from the start.”
“Then is he a monster-immortal?”
I’d heard of such cases since the age of myths, where monsters trained and became monster-immortals rather than humans achieving immortality. When I questioned based on my knowledge, Mangnyang gave me a rather peculiar expression as he answered,
“That’s not it either.”
“How can that be?”
“My mentor is a being of many secrets, so do not pressure yourself to understand him. Even the Jade Emperor and Taishang Laojun cannot freely decree his fate.”
“……”
I sensed that those close to Mangnyang had no knowledge of the true nature of Mangnyang. Neither Myo Cheong nor Mangnyang knew of his essence, only recognizing him as a manifestation of the true master. The fact that such an enigmatic existence was in seclusion was terrifying.
Finally, I parted with Mangnyang near Jinrang Valley.
“Mangnyang, I’ll handle things according to the plan, so I hope for your cooperation.”
“Don’t worry.”
I passed nearly everything I had acquired to Mangnyang, only taking the items necessary for my trip to Goryeo.
‘Alright, let’s start according to Mangnyang’s plan!’
The plan was straightforward.
In the next few days, I dashed to Shandong Province and, upon arriving, snuck into the Great Dragon Merchant Association’s logistics depot. By using the low-level invisibility tactic, Stealth Technique, I could explore without alerting Biao Shi or Biao Wei.
After laying low in the logistics depot and exploring vigorously at night, I finally located my target within two Jikyeong.
“This is it!”
What I retrieved was a cargo box storing a Golden Bar. I cautiously opened the box and pulled out the Golden Bar. With this, I now had a means of quick transportation. I put the cargo box back as it was and stepped outside.
Then, I rubbed the side of the Golden Bar.
Not wanting to accidentally summon a celestial being, I focused my will and shouted,
“I want to go here!”
[ Understood… ]
Whooosh!
When I arrived, I found myself deep within the Dai Lei Cavern. Despite the total darkness, I had brought a torch, so I was able to see clearly. I spotted a Tentacle Toad across the water and muttered,
“Long time no see.”
Just then…
The massive Tentacle Toad detected my presence and slowly turned its head. It was as if a vivid pressure erupted in my mind, similar to the overwhelming force exerted by a magician in my past.
[ … You! … Great… Being… ]
Most of its words were untranslatable, so I chose to ignore it. As I delved deeper into the depths of my mind, I activated the essence of the Heavenly Escape Sword Technique.
‘Sword Immortal Lu Dongbin, there is an evil before me. Please defeat it.’
Moments later, a divine energy burst forth from my eyes. Normally, I would have been left to handle it alone, but given my plea, Lu Dongbin had no choice but to heed it. He descended upon me, shouting fiercely,
[ You evil thing from the Dark Sky Village! To seek human flesh in a place like this, I, Lu Dongbin, will not forgive you! ]
Minutes later, Lu Dongbin launched the Sword Technique at the Tentacle Toad. The sword pierced through the slippery skin of the Tentacle Toad, inflicting a severe wound as its bodily fluids gushed out.
[ Kyaaa!! ]
Lu Dongbin quickly created clones and summoned a massive sword from the air, launching a second strike. This time, the towering Tentacle Toad released its bodily fluids to block the attack but then emitted a monstrous sound wave spell. It was certainly a beast of a different caliber compared to the monster I’d faced before at sea.
Zing—
However, the sonic wave that had easily immobilized Lee Kwang and Jin So-cheong had no effect on me whatsoever. I realized it wasn’t merely a case of the last toad intentionally sparing me. The truth was, the curse of the Tentacle Toad didn’t affect me in the least.
Perhaps Lu Dongbin was also aware of this fact as he muttered,
[ You are indeed closely connected to another realm… ]
Whaam!
Even as he spoke, Lu Dongbin approached cautiously, seeming to gauge the Tentacle Toad’s potential. Had this cave been carved into the mountain, he wouldn’t have been able to unleash his formidable skills carelessly.
Watching for a moment, the tentacle Lu Dongbin realized something and let out a chuckle.
[ Ah, you possess a fascinating technique! I’ll give it a try too. ]
Positioning himself, Lu Dongbin took a stance like a sword master, as if he had instantaneously comprehended Zhang Sanfeng’s insights within my mind.
Zhang Sanfeng
Insights
Sky-Defying Cut
Whoosh!
With a sound resembling a swarm of bees buzzing, the strike distorted the space itself as it extended. Although the Tentacle Toad shot its bodily fluids like bullets, they were entirely deflected as if the space itself absorbed them, twisting their path drastically.
This was an incredible display, an effect unimaginable within conventional martial techniques, bending space itself like a vacuum! With this sole technique, one could neutralize all types of offensive sorcery. As I watched in astonishment, Lu Dongbin once again employed Zhang Sanfeng’s insights.
[ Come near! ]
Sky-Crushing Sword
Churrr!
As the sword struck, it seemed the space began to curl inward as if it were being sucked in. Now, he had progressed beyond merely distorting space; it began to tighten. The extreme suction force overwhelmed the immense Tentacle Toad, which squirmed helplessly and fell into the water.
Satisfied that he had lured the Tentacle Toad effectively, Lu Dongbin unleashed Seven Stars Shadow to create numerous clones, then used Taijitu’s Blade to fling the Tentacle Toad into the air.
[ Kyaaa!! ]
The Tentacle Toad struggled and emitted another sonic wave, but this time, Lu Dongbin unfurled Xuantian Five Divine Decision, shooting five radiant beams of divine light that nullified the sonic wave entirely.
Finally, he countered with True Martial Seven Cuts Classic, smashing the Tentacle Toad’s body to pieces. An iridescent mirror broke apart in the air, exuding rays of light randomly in all directions.
It was all the culmination of the Wudang Sect’s ultimate secret knowledge displayed by Lu Dongbin.
Boom!
The Tentacle Toad detonated in the air, splattering its bodily fluids everywhere. Each droplet was acidic, but Lu Dongbin warded it off with protective energy and the sword barrier. Once the hunt was complete, Lu Dongbin spoke satisfyingly,
[ That was fun. I’m going to have a word with Zhang Sanfeng now. ]
Thud.
As Lu Dongbin walked away, I knelt on the ground, rubbing my shoulders and sighing.
“Phew, thankfully I only opened up to the Three Gates. I still have 30% of my internal energy left…”
What mattered most was that the moment Lu Dongbin unleashed his technique, I felt as if I was partaking in it too. This would undoubtedly greatly aid me when I practiced Zhang Sanfeng’s insights in the days to come. Experiencing a technique executed at perfection by a superior master was itself worth a few years of practice.
I proceeded deeper into the cave and found the Mugwort, Gui Shen, and Green Jade Twin Swords in hand. As for the twin swords, Lu Dongbin had referred to them as the Double Ghostly Twin Swords, but I didn’t even know what that was, so I planned to ask Mangnyang about it later.
Then, I placed all I had acquired into the empty space of the Mugwort box and rubbed the Golden Bar once more.
Whoosh!
The next moment, I arrived back in front of Mangnyang near Jinrang Valley. I had to stop by for a mid-report.
Mangnyang appeared to be studying something while practicing martial arts. Once he released his Mabo Posture, he smiled.
“You did it!”
“Thankfully, I did.”
Indeed.
The plan comprised swiftly obtaining the Golden Bar, then defeating the Tentacle Toad to acquire a mystical Mugwort that allows for substantial storage! With everything I needed secured, I could now save significant time going forward.
