Dark Heaven Village
I approached Lee Kwang and Jin So-cheong. By the time I had gathered all the treasures, they were only twitching slightly, but now they seemed to be trying to stand up unsteadily. Lee Kwang was much more composed than Jin So-cheong, likely thanks to the treasure, the Five Fire Seven Bird Fan, he had tucked away in his robe.
In a cracked voice, Lee Kwang asked,
“… Did we manage to take it down?”
He still hadn’t quite shaken off the shock. Supporting Lee Kwang and Jin So-cheong alternately, I replied,
“Yes. It seems we can take a break before heading out.”
“That’s a relief…”
Fearing that resting in the Abyss would sap our spirits, we climbed up to the Thunder Pearl and leaned against the wall to rest. After about a meal’s time lying dead to the world, Lee Kwang and Jin So-cheong slowly returned to normal breathing and regained their senses.
Jin So-cheong, rubbing his neck as if it were stiff, sighed. His curly hair was drenched in sweat, indicating just how tough of a time he’d had.
“What a terrifying attack. I never imagined such a monster was lurking here…”
“Couldn’t you resist the illusion?”
“Well, I was somewhat conscious, Master. If it got close, I could at least muster the strength to counterattack. But the illusions I experienced were unlike anything I had faced before; they were relentless, making it nearly impossible to collect my thoughts.”
“Hmm…”
I made a noncommittal sound. Though I hadn’t sensed it, the mental attack from the tentacled toad was undoubtedly fierce. Miho, the great demon, only felt a mild headache, but for an ordinary human, it would be fatal right away.
Lee Kwang began to stretch his body and said,
“Let’s use the Golden Lantern to return to the Bancheon Alliance.”
“Master, before that, I want to clarify something.”
“What is it?”
I looked Lee Kwang straight in the eye and said,
“What you did this time was overly dismissive of your allies and disregarded their trust. It troubles me as it differs from the virtue of righteousness I learned from you.”
“……”
Lee Kwang fell silent. He stared at me with piercing eyes before finally responding,
“Yeah. What I did was truly reprehensible. I will apologize to the Lord of Bancheon Alliance.”
Fortunately, Lee Kwang was a man who could admit his mistakes. He could accept advice from his subordinates. I exhaled a sigh of relief internally.
“Thank you.”
“And to answer your point, it’s because the weight of what I carry on my shoulders is too heavy.”
Lee Kwang raised his spear, pointing to the broken baroque bars around us as he continued,
“What separates those trapped here from us? It’s a matter of whether we fell to the Golden Eagle Guards or not. Currently, the Thunder Spirit Sect faces many strong enemies, and we can’t see a step ahead. As your leader, I must always prepare for the worst.”
“Well…”
“I know very well what’s righteous. But what good is righteousness if we all get betrayed or killed? Are we supposed to become ghosts after our deaths and resent everyone?”
Lee Kwang, who had been struggling, came to a firm conclusion.
“Even if we could go back to the past, my decision wouldn’t change. I value the people I have now the most, and to protect them and fulfill our intentions, I could become a demon.”
“……”
I was at a loss for words. It felt like I was seeing the real nature of Lee Kwang for the first time.
He was extremely realistic, had absolute confidence in his own strength, showed no mercy to enemies, was cold-blooded yet composed, and discarded all unnecessary ideals and emotions. Whether friend or foe could be exhausting, but once on your side, you had no choice but to trust Lee Kwang.
“Just a moment, please. You need to prepare mentally.”
“Understood.”
Once I sensed that Lee Kwang and Jin So-cheong had returned to their original mental state, I made them place their hands on my shoulder. Then I rubbed the Golden Lantern.
Fssssssssshhh!
This time, I focused as strongly as possible before the Celestial Vision could activate. Just before it illuminated the place where the sea god was, a voice inquired,
[Where are you headed?]
Here.
[Understood…]
The scenery changed. And suddenly, we found ourselves at the scene where the Bancheon Alliance and the Thunder Spirit Sect were facing off. Lee Kwang looked genuinely astonished, wide-eyed, as he scanned the surroundings.
And there was Geuk Ho, protecting Yoon Gwang and Ji Pyeong, who were being restrained by the Bancheon Alliance warriors. The pressure emanating from Geuk Ho was so overwhelming that it was impossible to approach carelessly, likely due to Mangnyang issuing a command to not engage.
When Lee Kwang spotted Mangnyang, he walked straight toward him. Bowing his head, he said,
“I sincerely apologize. Forgive me for my hasty mistrust in you.”
When Mangnyang accepted his apology, he nodded graciously.
“Of course. Had I been Lee Kwang, I would have made the same choice.”
“I feel quite embarrassed.”
“At this moment, that is the past.”
Mangnyang smiled warmly and extended his hand toward Lee Kwang. As Lee Kwang returned the Five Fire Seven Bird Fan, Mangnyang tapped his head lightly with it and said,
“Let’s focus on our future.”
“Thank you.”
At that moment, the tension in the room seemed to dissipate entirely. Geuk Ho released his pressure first, and the warriors of the Bancheon Alliance also withdrew their intent to fight. Since the leaders had resolved their grievances, the subordinates had no grounds to protest.
We first headed to the building where the Mutated Persons had been held. The Mutated Persons were sitting against the walls of the wooden structure in a daze, but their bodies had noticeably lost many of the characteristics typical of their kind, like tentacles. Those heavily corroded by the energies of the otherworld were still unchanged, but the humans who had undergone less change seemed to be slowly regaining their rationality.
In particular, General Hwang Yeon, whose body had fully transformed into that of a foreign beast, showed dramatic changes. His upper body, from the neck to the sternum, had completely returned to human form, and he was well on his way to being human up to his shoulders. Jin So-cheong couldn’t hide his joy and exclaimed,
“It’s working!”
“Not yet. This person’s body needs at least two months to fully revert and regain human rationality. Until then, we’ll have to manage the Mutated Persons while continually chanting spells to call upon the powers of the Taoist Spirits.”
Lee Kwang then spoke up.
“Is that even possible? We succeeded in escaping using the lantern’s power, but now we’re already marked by the Golden Eagle Guards. Surviving for two months while hiding in Luoyang is impossible.”
Lee Kwang was right. Being active in Luoyang at this moment was akin to a death wish. It was like curling up in the heart of enemy territory, making it a pipe dream to survive for two months. Mangnyang chuckled softly.
“The reason our Bancheon Alliance has endured until now without the Golden Eagle Guards’ hindrance is thanks to someone’s goodwill. We must turn that person into a complete ally. If we do, we can easily survive for two months.”
Lee Kwang replied, as if he had already guessed.
“That makes sense. I figured someone was backing us, but who is this person?”
“You already know.”
“……?”
“It is the head of the Han Clan, Jang Seo-Yi Han, from Shuangmun.”
Crash!
At that moment, Lee Kwang slammed his hand down on the conference table. Though he exercised restraint, the table was clearly shaking from his fury. He stared at Mangnyang as if he might devour him.
“Absolutely not! I do not want to partner with that old witch.”
As Mangnyang fanned himself, he replied,
“I understand what kind of person she is and her relationship with you, Lee Kwang.”
A fierce light shone in Mangnyang’s eyes. This was clear evidence that he too bore a grudge against the matter.
“However, this is no time to be picky. Without that person’s help, we will have to relocate our base from Luoyang, and in the process, we will continue to face the pursuit of the Golden Eagle Guards and Yingjun army, living on the run for years or even decades. Do you really think you can rebuild your strength and seek revenge against the Golden Eagle Guards under such conditions?”
“……”
“Fortunately, neither the Imperial Palace nor the Golden Eagle Guards know the true identity of that person. If used well, it might become an opportunity to exploit unexpected weaknesses.”
Lee Kwang pondered with his chin rested on his hand. Eventually, he spoke,
“Lord of Bancheon Alliance, I understand what you’re saying. However, what I really worry about is something else.”
“What is it?”
“That old hag is not one to act out of sympathy. There is always meticulous calculation behind her actions. If we grab her hand rashly, you might end up as her slaves.”
Mangnyang concurred with Lee Kwang’s view.
“That may be true. Our Bancheon Alliance lacks in power, funds, military strength, and information. We could never forge an equal relationship with the Han Clan. Even now, Jang Baek-ryeong likely sees us merely as pawns to redirect the Golden Eagle Guards’ gaze.”
Mangnyang shifted his gaze between Lee Kwang and Jin So-cheong, then said,
“But with the Thunder Spirit Sect, things might be different. She might consider an alliance from another dimension.”
“Hmm.”
“I see that as a win-win situation.”
Lee Kwang closed his eyes and contemplated before saying,
“In other words, it all depends on my will.”
“If you are unwilling, please say so now. We need to act quickly to conserve time.”
“There’s no need for that.”
Lee Kwang shot up from his seat. His face was once again icy and guarded as he began to hide his emotions.
“I must go repay an old debt.”
I listened to the course of the conversation, feeling like a heavy weight was settling in my chest.
“Hmm.”
Though they hadn’t directly mentioned it, the story was clear.
Han Clan – likely connected to the White Lotus Sect, meaning that Jang Baek-ryeong, the master of the Fire Spirit Sect, was going to negotiate with the greatest powers of the Central Plains. And even though Lee Kwang had reservations about the Fire Spirit Sect and Jang Baek-ryeong, he was now in a position to seek her help.
‘If that’s possible…’
An alliance between the Thunder Spirit Sect and Fire Spirit Sect! The powerful sect that once dominated the White Lotus Sect would finally unite. I shivered at the thought of what could happen if Jang Baek-ryeong and Lee Kwang were both unleashed. The sheer force of their momentum could tear the heavens apart.
Then Lee Kwang turned to me and asked,
“What will you do?”
All eyes in the room fell on me. Among them was Miho’s fierce gaze, making me feel a bit prickled. Until now, Miho had not looked kindly upon my actions, making it hard for me to say that I’d follow them into such an unfriendly place like the Han Clan. I could only respond,
“I will wait here.”
“That sounds good. Train hard.”
“Yes.”
About an hour later, Mangnyang and Lee Kwang completed their preparations, setting off toward the Han Clan. They planned to mix in among the travelers visiting the Han Clan to avoid detection. I took on the role of staying here to guard the area while they went off.
Geuk Ho, who remained with me, grumbled,
“Ugh, what the heck! I’m stuck waiting, and I have to resort to teaming up with those Fire Spirit Sect scumbags?”
“Geuk Ho, is there a reason not to accept help from the Fire Spirit Sect?”
Unexpectedly, Geuk Ho was visibly agitated instead of enjoying himself.
“Dude! You may not know this, but when the Thunder Spirit Sect was expelled, those Fire Spirit Sect bastards just stood on the sidelines and watched. I thought they were our biggest allies, but I got betrayed. Why in the world should we reach out to those filthy scum?”
It seemed not only Lee Kwang disliked the Fire Spirit Sect. Given Geuk Ho’s strong aversion, the righteous disciples of the Thunder Spirit Sect likely shared the same disdain for the Fire Spirit Sect scattered across the Central Plains. I couldn’t help but ask out of curiosity,
“What about the Water Spirit Sect? Do you hate them too?”
“What are you talking about? They are completely off the charts! They aren’t even worth holding a grudge against!”
Geuk Ho waved his hands dismissively and went on.
“More importantly, it seems like you have something to ask me, to follow me around…”
“Busted.”
“Kid, don’t pull any tricks. Whether or not I’ll teach you is up to me.”
Whew!
Geuk Ho casually asked,
“So, what was it you wanted to know?”
“I’m curious about the Thunder Spirit Sect technique you possess.”
“Figured as much. Little one has some serious martial arts hunger.”
“Looks like it’s not the Thunder Shadow Art…”
Geuk Ho chuckled.
“Chuckle… it’s even more extraordinary than the Thunder Shadow Art or any variations. Are you curious?”
“I am.”
“Not sharing it. This is my ace.”
“Surely, Master knows about it too? It’s hardly an ace…”
At that, Geuk Ho became serious.
“Not at all. Master doesn’t know my unique skill.”
“……!!”
“Want to know why?”
Geuk Ho briefly stood up, took a posture of martial arts. It resembled the initial stance of the Thunder Shadow Art, and as he slowly took three steps, I observed, knowing it would lead to something beyond the Thunder Shadow Art. Suddenly, an unusual change occurred.
Pzzzzzt!
It was as if an illusion was shifting. The movement was much faster and more dynamic than the Thunder Shadow Art, with the appearance of a human transformed into lightning itself. What could compare to Geuk Ho’s extraordinary display of technique would be something like the Protector of the Winds technique from the Fire Spirit Sect.
After completing seven steps, the illusion swirled back into Geuk Ho’s body. However, even though I was enhancing my perception, I couldn’t grasp when it had turned real. I was marveling at this wondrous technique when Geuk Ho nonchalantly shrugged.
“You just can’t learn it, huh?”
“What do you mean by that?”
“Just as it sounds. I intend to take revenge against the Fire Spirit Sect, so what’s the point in holding back my techniques? I planned on teaching it to Master but Jin So-cheong couldn’t learn it either.”
“That shouldn’t be possible. They’re unparalleled geniuses.”
“Well, I acknowledge that, but the skill seemingly eluded them. Quite strange, isn’t it?”
Swish!
Geuk Ho re-executed that technique. This time the lightning sensation flowed through my entire body, yet I still couldn’t spot where his true self had darted off to.
Such an elusive technique was enough to send shivers down my spine, as it was breaking common sense in the martial world. I could understand how overwhelmingly powerful it was at this level.
‘Scary…!!’
Not only could I not see it, but I couldn’t sense it approaching until it was too close!
The feeling was like lightning pouring out from another being.
If Geuk Ho’s skills improved even further, he could toy with opponents far stronger than him or find openings to take their heads without hesitation. With such speed and flair, he could easily maneuver.
I felt fortunate that Geuk Ho had been cautious and avoided risking mortal combat with me. I had no confidence in protecting my vital areas against someone showcasing such phenomenal martial skills. Thus, I inadvertently asked,
“What is that technique’s name?”
“It’s a Thunder Spirit Sect secret skill called Soul-Melting Step.”
I raised an eyebrow at the name due to its uniqueness. Usually, techniques or secrets within the Thunder Spirit Sect included the character for thunder (雷). But a technique associated with ‘melting souls’? What on earth could that mean?
Geuk Ho explained,
“According to my Master, I was uniquely capable of mastering the Soul-Melting Step, which is why they accepted me as a disciple. When I reach the pinnacle of mastery, they said they would teach me the conditions for understanding its secret… but I was killed by the Fire Spirit Sect.”
A gloomy expression suddenly swept over Geuk Ho’s face, indicating it was a deep psychological wound for him.
“Well, regardless, that’s why I don’t actually know the conditions for mastering it~ Just putting it out there. I taught Yoon Gwang and Ji Pyeong too, but they were too busy trying to learn the basics of the Thunder Spirit Sect, so they couldn’t grasp it at all.”
“Then please teach me.”
“To you?”
Geuk Ho chuckled gleefully.
“It’s not an issue, but it can’t be done without a catch~ You know I mentioned offering up a beautiful lady, right?”
“What are you talking about?”
“Pretend you don’t know. I was forced to teach Lee Kwang but Jin So-cheong, Yoon Gwang, and Ji Pyeong all failed the test. Guess I need a beautiful woman I can enjoy intellectually.”
Though it seemed like a joke, the serious look in Geuk Ho’s eyes made it clear he was likely using this as a rite of passage for sharing the technique. Even if it looked completely self-serving, this was part of his nature — he loved to play around!
‘… Hmm.’
I left that spot and pondered, then went to Miho. After explaining the situation, Miho burst into laughter.
“Hahaha! This could be interesting. Let’s have some fun!”
Boom!
Miho instantly transformed into a stunningly beautiful woman. She pulled me along, leading me directly in front of Geuk Ho. Geuk Ho, who had initially seemed to tease me, was left dumbfounded as the stunning beauty Miho suddenly appeared.
“Wow… Uhh… you really brought her…”
“Oh my… Where am I? I heard this little hero has something very urgent to discuss…”
“Ah! That would be me! I have something I want to tell this beautiful lady!”
Miho’s transformation radiated the aura of an innocent, delicate noblewoman. Glancing around nervously, she hesitated before saying,
“What is it…?”
“Care for a cup of tea?”
“……”
Watching this unfold, I couldn’t help but find it absurd. To suddenly sit down for tea with a lady in such a secluded area? Surely that could work for a normal woman! But Miho, acting as though she were getting seduced, started chatting and soon left with Geuk Ho for tea.
And about half an hour later…
Geuk Ho returned to the base looking utterly shocked, his cheeks flushed bright red. The high-level members of the Bancheon Alliance, lounging around, chuckled at Geuk Ho’s state. It seemed Miho had taken a cue from Geuk Ho, finding an opportunity to slap him without warning.
Geuk Ho came up to me and said,
“That pretty lady but has a few rough edges. I thought I’d just wrap her in my nice words and passion…”
I really wanted to snap back something sarcastic, but I decided to hold it in for now.
“Regardless, I did my part. Now keep your promise.”
With a resigned sigh, Geuk Ho replied,
“Fine, fine. I’ll teach you the Soul-Melting Step. Though I doubt you’ll be able to master it anyway.”
