Dark Sky Village
Mangnyang wiped the sweat off his brow and said,
“I don’t think we have much time, so I’ll get straight to the point.”
In truth, I could have executed this plan solo and finished the rescue by myself. However, I sought Mangnyang out after defeating the Tentacle Toad because he suggested it was better to do so. Apparently, he thought handling everything all at once wasn’t a wise move.
“First, show me the treasures you’ve acquired.”
I presented the Nine-Star Fundamental Coin, Wooden Box, and Twin Broadsword of Cao Cao to Mangnyang in sequence. He examined each treasure carefully and picked up the Twin Broadsword before asking,
“Do you know what the Twin Broadsword of Cao Cao is?”
“I don’t really know much about it.”
“This is known as the beloved sword of Liu Bei, the Emperor of Shu Han, from the Three Kingdoms Period. It’s probably genuine.”
Liu Bei of Shu Han.
He was a legendary hero who established the Shu Han Empire in opposition to the cunning Cao Cao during the Three Kingdoms Period. I had heard in “Romance of the Three Kingdoms” that he wielded dual swords, but I never expected this to be one of them. It made sense why Lu Dongbin valued this more than Muramasa.
“The most critical part is that. How was it fighting the Tentacle Toad? Tell me about the difficulty you felt.”
“Well, Lu Dongbin did most of the work, so I don’t have much to say. He took it down quite easily…”
“Not that, I mean, if you had to face it alone without Lu Dongbin’s help.”
I thought for a moment before answering.
“It would likely be quite difficult.”
Putting other things aside, the Tentacle Toad was as durable as it was large. Even Lee Kwang had rated it as sturdy, and only with Lu Dongbin unleashing his strong energy and sword techniques could it finally be killed. A typical peak martial artist would be lucky to survive against it, considering the Tentacle Toad‘s considerable attack power and agility. Even if I summoned my full strength with Thunder Seal and White Hawk Talisman, I’d probably be struggling for at least half a Jikyeong.
“Good. In fact, I wanted to hear that, so don’t bother coming next time.”
Mangnyang replied satisfyingly and continued,
“Now go back, put all the hostages into the Wooden Box, and bring them to me.”
Mangnyang accepted all the valuables I had in the box for safekeeping and gave me writing brush, ink, and paper. The purpose was clear.
“Understood.”
The plan proceeded as planned. I used Light Body Technique to teleport to the Great Thunder Prison again. As expected, there were no guards around, so even with the death of the Tentacle Toad, no one seemed to notice. Even if they did, it would take time to enter through the back paths, granting me ample time. I began slicing through the bars where the prisoners were held, one by one.
Swish!
Despite being made of iron, with my internal energy and sword flames combined, it was cut as easily as butter. After slicing through the bars to let them out, the prisoners were overwhelmed with joy. They must have felt like they were saved from hell itself.
“Oooh…!!”
“Thank you, noble hero!!”
“This is a miracle.”
While cutting the bars, I addressed them,
“Gather near the entrance of the Great Thunder Prison for now. Help carry the mutated ones.”
“Understood.”
They numbered a total of twelve, with three mutated individuals among them. There were also four women present. Luckily, it seemed they hadn’t been subjected to any unspeakable acts yet.
‘It seems the head of the Golden Eagle Guards would come here to commit such crimes when he was in the mood.’
When I arrived at the innermost part of the Great Thunder Prison where Lee Kwang and Jin So-cheong had previously been, I found an old man leaning against the wall. I recognized his face well and studied him slowly. However, the old man spoke first.
“Child, have you come to rescue me?”
His voice carried an indescribable aura of strength, and I could tell he had a remarkably indomitable character. More importantly, he was lucid. Relieved, I replied,
“Yes, General Hwang Yeon.”
“Indeed… Thank you for your help.”
As I sliced through the bars to help General Hwang Yeon out, he waved his hand.
“It’s fine. I can walk by myself.”
“Glad to hear that.”
“I haven’t been trapped for long. No need to worry.”
It seemed General Hwang Yeon was aware that those trapped for too long could mutate. With him rescued, there was no one else left to save, so I returned to the area where everyone had gathered. The people were astonished, staring at the mutated individuals.
“Oooh… They’re healing!”
“What happened?”
The parts of the mutated individuals were visibly healing where they had been corrupted by the otherworldly race, returning to human flesh. It was probably because the source of the curse was destroyed when I defeated the Tentacle Toad. I spoke to them,
“Now, please focus your attention over here for a moment.”
Including General Hwang Yeon, ten rational individuals in the hall turned to look at me. I calmly scanned them and said,
“I’ve just rescued you from this Great Thunder Prison, but before we proceed, I want to know your identities, the dates you were imprisoned, and the reasons you were trapped.”
“What does that mean? Is that really necessary?”
One middle-aged man, who appeared to be a senior official, questioned, but I smirked in response.
“I’m pulling you out of this hell, so isn’t it reasonable to answer that much? Just to clarify, I’m not obligated to take you with me.”
“… Ah, I see.”
The senior official seemed to grasp his situation and fell silent. I then took the writing brush, ink, and paper I received from Mangnyang and recorded each person’s name, date of imprisonment, and reasons in a separate room. After finishing the investigation of the individuals, including General Hwang Yeon, I tucked the papers with the gathered data into my pocket.
I turned to them and said,
“Alright, now I’ll be moving out. However, due to the Golden Eagle Guards, I’ll be unable to return to my residence for a while, so keep that in mind.”
“Understood.”
“I’ll arrange for a hiding place for you.”
Everyone agreed with me since they were all targeted by the Golden Eagle Guards. I presented the Wooden Box to them.
“Put your hands inside.”
“Uh… huh?!”
The people jumped in surprise when their arms were sucked into the box. Some were so shocked that they nearly fell backward when their entire bodies were pulled into the box. Once they realized how vast the Wooden Box was, they all began stepping in one after another. Normally, they would be worried about the treasures I had stored in the box, but since I had entrusted them to Mangnyang, I had no such fears.
As General Hwang Yeon was about to be the last to enter, he stared at me intently.
“Who are you, exactly?”
His tone, which had treated me like a child, had noticeably shifted to respect. Locking eyes with General Hwang, he continued,
“I can tell you have trained in martial arts. Given your age, very few would possess skills like yours in the Central Plains. Plus, you carry fine treasures… who sent you?”
“I can’t tell you right now. Just know there are those who act for righteousness.”
“Righteousness! Ha…”
General Hwang chuckled bitterly. It was understandable; he had been kidnapped by the Golden Eagle Guards, so the word must have sounded hollow to him. I asked him,
“Do you know if your family is also in a state of detention?”
“Most likely. The Golden Eagle Guards seem to have plotted something.”
“Are you prepared to stake everything against the Golden Eagle Guards?”
This question was one Mangnyang recommended I ask. He wanted to hear this answer, as it could change the course of our future actions.
General Hwang replied firmly, as if there was no need for hesitation,
“Of course! I will eradicate those Golden Eagle Guards, even if it costs me my life!”
That was the answer I had hoped for. I let out a victorious chuckle.
“Good.”
Swish!
Once General Hwang was also tucked inside the Wooden Box, I used Light Body Technique to teleport back to Mangnyang. He seemed to be busy preparing, as he had laid out all sorts of tools in his yard.
“You’re back!”
I handed over the papers detailing the identities of the people I rescued and said,
“General Hwang gave a positive answer.”
“I see. Then I’ll make sure to protect them.”
“Are you planning to take them to Jinrang Valley?”
“Believe it or not, I’ve established quite a bit of influence here.”
Mangnyang replied confidently. In reality, he hadn’t just been fooling around in Jinrang Valley; he had turned it into his sphere of influence, with numerous contacts and subordinates at his disposal. He hadn’t built the Bancheon Alliance from nothing. After a brief moment, I pulled out the people who had been inside the Wooden Box.
“Oooh…?!”
“Where is this?!”
The people were taken aback by their sudden change of scenery. After all, it was quite the shock to find themselves in a mountain hut. Mangnyang reassured them, “Please don’t be alarmed. I will assist you until the situation stabilizes.”
“Who are you?!”
“I am Mangnyang, and I intend to help you in every way I can.”
After calming them down alongside Mangnyang, I led them to a predetermined secret hideout. Mangnyang had created another refuge behind this mountain. I convinced them of the reasons they couldn’t venture out into the world just yet and assigned them rooms for their stay.
“The mutated ones will gradually heal in the meantime. I hope you will assist them.”
“Leave it to us.”
Then I called General Hwang over, and we began discussing things—just the three of us, Mangnyang, Hwang, and I. Mangnyang initiated the conversation,
“General Hwang, we’re part of an organization called the Bancheon Alliance, which aims to correct the injustices of the imperial court and assist His Majesty in implementing proper governance. We moved hastily to rescue you after hearing of your kidnapping.”
Mangnyang had carefully avoided stating anything against the royal family. It was crucial to present our actions solely as support for the Emperor, leaving no room for accusations of treason or rebellion.
General Hwang seemed impressed,
“That was quick. I’ve only been captured for two days…”
“……”
Time-wise, that seemed remarkably ample. Four days should pose no trouble at all. Mangnyang then added,
“However, what we’ve learned is that your kidnapping is not merely the rampage of the Golden Eagle Guards.”
General Hwang raised an eyebrow.
“What do you mean?”
“We confirmed that the Emperor himself is directly involved in this matter.”
“… I find that hard to believe.”
He didn’t show much change in expression, but it was evident he disagreed with us. After all, he was a paragon of virtue and integrity, having dedicated his life to serving the nation. It was more likely he would die proclaiming loyalty than easily accept such words.
But Mangnyang pressed on,
“Do you still think that after witnessing the hellish scenery of the Great Thunder Prison? Do you believe it’s permissible to turn humans into such monsters simply due to suspicion of treason? Do you think the current Golden Eagle Guards could act independently while undermining His Majesty?”
“……”
“No matter how highly regarded and powerful the head of the Golden Eagle Guards is among his subordinates, at the end of the day, he’s still a mere military officer. No matter how hard he tries to conceal it, news will leak to classmates and other officials. You know this to be true better than I do. If the Great Thunder Prison continues to exist as it is…”
“Enough. I’ve understood.”
General Hwang gave a sound like he was in pain as he held his head. He gripped it for a long time before finally sighing.
“… Sigh, I understand it intellectually. However, I can’t bring myself to believe it…”
“If you understand, you must change your perspective. The current Emperor is a remarkably talented individual who has been famous since his childhood. It’s evident that he’s been led astray by scheming courtiers.”
“Hmm…”
Mangnyang pressed even harder.
“The welfare of your family, as well as the peace of the realm, hangs in the balance. If you give up opposing them now, I assure you your kin will meet their demise soon. Not only that, countless righteous souls will be lost to the hands of the Golden Eagle Guards.”
“That cannot happen.”
“Exactly. It cannot happen.”
Then, Mangnyang grasped General Hwang’s hand tightly and looked him in the eye, saying,
“The one who can change this situation is you, the national hero, General Hwang. Please fight alongside us for righteousness.”
General Hwang remained silent for a moment before responding,
“Allow me to have a moment to think…”
He then turned back to the refuge. I gazed at his retreating figure and turned to Mangnyang.
“Do you think he will help?”
“That man is principled and intelligent, so he won’t easily be swayed by just a few words of persuasion.”
“Then what’s the point of persuading him?”
Mangnyang chuckled softly.
“However, the act of attempting to persuade is what matters. In the end, he’ll make a decision based on his values and gains, but the presence or absence of a supportive faction will make a significant difference. Especially when it comes to the Emperor being the one pulling the strings behind the Golden Eagle Guards, it makes it hard to trust the military’s actions or the generals.”
“Oh…”
I realized that the information I had acquired in my twelfth life about the Emperor directly controlling the Golden Eagle Guards wasn’t for nothing—it carried significant weight.
“What General Hwang needs right now is a third-party faction without external influence. He’ll likely grasp at any opportunity desperately.” This creates an interdependent relationship between us.”
I furrowed my brow.
“In that case, there can’t be any trust.”
“That’s how it always is. During the mutual deception and exploitation, one chooses who to trust and who to believe. That’s the nature of organization and mutual benefit.”
I understood why Mangnyang had insisted I accompany him to meet General Hwang. Since General Hwang was also a martial artist, he would likely consider overpowering Mangnyang, so I needed to ensure Mangnyang could plant the seed of persuasion in his mind before anything else.
I asked Mangnyang worriedly,
“Can you control them by yourself?”
“Don’t worry. Rather, they’ll likely beg me not to kick them out. You just focus on handling the remaining tasks.”
“Understood.”
I believed in Mangnyang and used Light Body Technique to teleport again.
Swish!
This time, I arrived at a secret location on Pirate Island. A hidden chamber created between coral reefs, I knew that being here would allow me to sneak quickly and subtly into the Blood Saber Group‘s base.
Using the secret passage, I executed the Stealth Technique to reach the residence of the Blood Saber Group leaders. Through the window, I could see the chaos inside.
