Dark Sky Village
There was no need to trace the whereabouts of Lee Kwang and the mysterious Silver Mask. As I ventured in that direction, I felt an immense surge of Qi erupting like an explosion, the waves rippling far and wide. I realized just how terrifying their power had become and let out a low hum.
“Hmm.”
Miho asked,
“Do you really have to go into that chaos?”
“If Lee Kwang loses, we’re done for.”
I replied resolutely.
“That fox mask is the head of the Han Clan and, most likely, the Dharma Protector of the White Lotus Sect.”
I had learned this in my previous life. Han Baek-ryeong, the ruler of the Fire Spirit Sect and head of the Han Clan, was undoubtedly the Dharma Protector of the White Lotus Sect. This was because the Fire Spirit Sect was currently responsible for the martial arts of the White Lotus Sect. Lee Kwang and Jin So-cheong must have sensed this, as they had tensed up the moment they saw her.
I had already learned how formidable the Dharma Protector’s abilities were from my fight against the Wind Spirit Sect’s Dharma Protector. Although I hadn’t witnessed the duel between Lee Kwang and the Dharma Protector, it was clear he stood little chance. So, I had to help Lee Kwang at all costs.
Tatadat
As I ran, I could hear the sounds of their fierce battle from the top of Mount Jangha. Without a second word, Miho and I activated our lightness skills to ascend. It was a fairly tall mountain for a hill, but it took us less than half a breath to reach the summit.
Kwahwahwang
“Ha!”
Lee Kwang was unleashing his Ultimate Technique. Attacks imbued with Wind and Thunder sliced through the air, while he twisted and turned like a willow, splitting the very path of his strike. It was a terrifying assault that only the spear master Lee Kwang could perform.
However, Han Baek-ryeong, in a combat stance, merely chuckled and swung her arms. All at once, it appeared as though illusions made of flames danced, and her body exploded into fire. Yet, that was merely an illusion made of Qi; the real body was already unleashing a massive Heat Palm.
Kwahng – !!
In an instant, it happened. It was simply one strike colliding with the earth, yet the entire Mount Jangha seemed to rumble with intense vibrations. With the tremor, a vast explosion of flames erupted, and it seemed to spread across dozens of feet.
“……!!”
This was a battle between supreme experts!
Lee Kwang seemed to feel that he could no longer attack and began to retreat. With a somewhat fatigued expression, he spoke to Han Baek-ryeong.
“Are you messing with me? Why won’t you fight properly?”
“Hohoho, what do you mean by that?”
“Do you think I don’t know that Fire Spirit Sect’s essence is the Twin Sword Technique and that the True Night Sky Wolf Sword is the strongest sword technique?”
In response to Lee Kwang’s words, Han Baek-ryeong said,
“Since your precious mask is broken, I’ll answer you this time.”
Indeed, it seemed they had been fighting for a while; Lee Kwang’s upper body was drenched in sweat, and the Silver Fox Mask on Han Baek-ryeong had shattered, revealing her right eye.
Han Baek-ryeong tossed the mask to the ground, unveiling the breathtaking figure of a stunning beauty with black hair. Her appearance was so delicate, she looked like a doll.
“I have no reason to fight for my life in this situation.”
“……”
Lee Kwang seemed to have understood something and sealed his lips tightly. Then, he addressed me and Miho, who had just arrived.
“Stay on guard.”
Though short, his words conveyed his distrust of Han Baek-ryeong completely. It seemed Han Baek-ryeong picked up on this and spoke in a somewhat troubled tone.
“You don’t really want to duel me, do you?”
“Why would that be a problem?”
In an instant, Han Baek-ryeong’s eyes glowed with a bluish hue. It was a clear threat.
“Don’t bluff, Lee Kwang. I’m only measuring which side has the upper hand.”
“You’re measuring, huh? If that’s the case, why not share your circumstances? You came here to discuss those things, didn’t you?”
“Of course! You’re so brazen, like a rat that’s spent decades in the Imperial Palace.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment.”
Though Han Baek-ryeong scrutinized Lee Kwang with disdainful eyes, Lee Kwang remained unfazed. Somehow, it seemed that in her eyes, he was merely an irritating junior, which was quite a feat. Even the Dharma Protector with invincible power could not treat Lee Kwang carelessly.
Moments later, Han Baek-ryeong said,
“There’s a person claiming to be an alchemist who has infected all the Twin Gate Sect disciples with a strange disease. The Twin Gate Sect’s leaders, including myself, were forced to come here under the pretense that if we eliminate the officials of the Hwangyeon Corps, he would free us from this ailment.”
“A strange disease, huh… What does it entail?”
“It manifests as unknown tumors growing on the human body, staining the tips of limbs black. It doesn’t seem painful, but that’s what makes it more terrifying. You feel like you’re transforming into something unknown, and the sight of it is horrendous.”
Lee Kwang nodded slowly before responding,
“You seem far too calm for that. Doesn’t that mean the Han Clan’s people haven’t contracted the disease?”
“Not at all. I’ve just seen something similar before.”
With an uncomfortable expression, Han Baek-ryeong replied,
“It resembled the disease that afflicted the Little Sect Leader. Very similar, indeed.”
“……!!”
Lee Kwang gasped in surprise.
“So the rumors that the White Lotus Sect delayed their advance into the Central Plains due to the Little Sect Leader’s grave condition are true.”
“Nevertheless, that disease won’t break out suddenly, and I know it’s not contagious. It will likely be resolved once we defeat the alchemist.”
Listening to their conversation, I could start to piece together the situation. The other leaders of the Twin Gate Sect were assassinating for a disease they didn’t understand, but it seemed Han Baek-ryeong had a better grasp of what was happening.
After a moment of contemplation, Lee Kwang asked,
“Is that so? So you tested my strength?”
“That’s right. It’s true you’re the top master in the Thunder Spirit Sect, and I need to see if you have the capability to breach the Imperial Palace’s barrier.”
“What if I refuse the offer?”
“Then I’d have no choice but to fight you with full force and behead you and Mangnyang, taking their heads to the alchemist.”
Swish…
Silently, Han Baek-ryeong had two swords grasped in her hands. Even just holding the swords emitted a terrifying pressure, a massive intangible energy that dwarfed what I had felt before. Lee Kwang even took a step back, startled.
Han Baek-ryeong was serious.
She was forcing him to either ally with her or determine their fates!
Lee Kwang said,
“You don’t trust the alchemist’s promise.”
“How could I believe such a thing? It isn’t a disease or poison, but a type of curse. There’s no guarantee he’ll keep his word.”
“Fair enough. I see the situation clearly.”
Lee Kwang pondered for a moment and then looked at me. He asked,
“Who is this lady?”
“She’s Miho’s older sister. She came to help us.”
“Ah, is that so? What a timely arrival. What’s the situation?”
“All the enemies have been wiped out. However, Jin So-cheong is exhausted, so we left her for now.”
“Good job.”
As Lee Kwang chuckled, he turned to Han Baek-ryeong and stated,
“I accept your proposal. However, we won’t walk blindly into the tiger’s mouth without a precise plan.”
“I have a plan.”
With her arms crossed, Han Baek-ryeong responded decisively.
“The conclusion is simple: we need to slay that alchemist. He’s lurking deep within the Imperial Palace, and to reach him, we need to breach Zhuge Fu’s barrier. Since I cannot guarantee this alone, I believe with your strength, we have a solid chance.”
“… We’ll have to consult our military strategist about the specifics of Zhuge Fu. I’m not knowledgeable about him.”
“Agreed. I’ve heard his abilities in tactics are extraordinary.”
“Follow me. You two, come along.”
I answered Lee Kwang,
“I’ll use my methods to follow.”
“Hmm, do that.”
Whirr
A while later, Han Baek-ryeong and Lee Kwang moved farther away. Miho and I were left behind, watching the devastation left at the top of Mount Jangha. Miho gazed at the charred grounds, seemingly horror-struck.
“Those people hold powers that are hard to believe. How can humans be that strong?”
“It’s only natural. They are among the strongest in the world, after all.”
“Hmm… what’s your plan?”
“For now, I need to hear Mangnyang’s thoughts. If he says there’s no hope, then it’s truly hopeless.”
“Baek Woong, you seem to have a lot of faith in Mangnyang.”
“Of course!”
Miho looked at me with a strange expression for a moment before suddenly hugging me tightly from behind. I was taken aback, but then Miho leaned in and whispered in my ear,
“Don’t show too much. Bonyeo is very jealous.”
“……”
I couldn’t tell whether she was serious or joking.
Soon, Miho and I returned to the barracks using our lightness techniques, intending to find Mangnyang before Lee Kwang and Han Baek-ryeong arrived. It seemed Mangnyang had been informed of the situation, as he was now suited in military attire, appearing serious and ready for action. He had Jang Bong, the head of the Zhang Clan, who was still entranced by the charm technique, kneeling so he could be interrogated.
“Mangnyang.”
“Ah, Baek Woong. Where have you been?”
I briefly explained everything that had transpired.
“… So, Lee Kwang and Han Baek-ryeong will arrive shortly. Also, Jang Bong, under the spell of Miho’s charm technique, should provide information without the need for torture.”
“Hmm, this is a headache.”
Mangnyang sighed as if defeated.
“Who would have thought I’d have to face him in direct combat…”
“Is Zhuge Fu truly that terrifying?”
“The Treasure of the Central Plains.”
Mangnyang spoke bitterly.
“It’s the first time a person has been granted the title of Treasure of the Central Plains since the founding of the Great Ming. That person is on a different level; a perfect human being in every aspect.”
I was frustrated by Mangnyang’s lack of confidence. He always seemed to be the passionate man who upheld justice. Yet, to see him lose confidence without even facing anyone was disheartening. I patted his shoulder and said,
“Don’t be too disheartened. In my eyes, you’re an incredible genius, our hope. Why should you be intimidated by a mere Treasure of the Central Plains?”
“Hmm…?”
“You’re the greatest strategist under heaven.”
Mangnyang looked taken aback for a moment before breaking into a cheerful laugh.
“Hahaha! Indeed! If I’m the greatest strategist, can I surpass the Treasure of the Central Plains?”
“Of course!”
“Got it. I’ll definitely gather my strength.”
Before long, Lee Kwang and Han Baek-ryeong arrived.
“Where is Jin So-cheong?”
Lee Kwang immediately asked about Jin So-cheong. She was currently taking the Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng to recover her strength, meditating in her barracks. Lee Kwang was astonished to see her almost completing Daejucheon while digesting the effects of the Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng.
“What?!”
I sent him a mental message.
[ I forced her to eat the Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng. ]
“Huh?!”
[ I told her to regain her strength… ]
Lee Kwang looked at me in shock, then tightly grasped my hand and said,
“… Thank you! I won’t forget this kindness.”
“Don’t mention it.”
“Han Baek-ryeong, please wait for a moment. I’d like to discuss this after Jin So-cheong wakes up.”
Han Baek-ryeong, who had entered the barracks with us, spoke in astonishment.
“This child is your prized disciple. She truly possesses remarkable talent, on par with Jin Seong-gi.”
“I don’t know who Jin Seong-gi is, but Jin So-cheong is even more exceptional.”
“What?!~”
At that moment, a sudden spark of energy flickered. I was startled watching their reactions.
“Both of you, please calm down…”
“Hmm!”
“Unh!”
Watching them both get annoyed, I was left dumbfounded. Why are top-tier experts from around the world engaging in petty squabbles over who has the better disciple? But considering the parental pride, I guess it’s understandable.
After about half an hour elapsed, when Jin So-cheong finished her preparations, all parties involved gathered at Mangnyang’s barracks.
Mangnyang casually swirled the Five Elemental Energy Cloak around while addressing Han Baek-ryeong.
“Then, I must apologize, but could you please elaborate on the events?”
“Certainly.”
Han Baek-ryeong took a moment to catch her breath before saying,
“We also heard that your Hwangyeon Corps managed to defeat the Imperial Shadow Corps. The leaders of the Twin Gate Sect were gathering for a meeting about what to do next. Suddenly, a being claiming to be an alchemist appeared and said he had cursed all our disciples with a strange disease. He threatened to free us from the disease if we brought him the heads of the Hwangyeon Corps or their leaders.”
“You mentioned that the disease is similar to the one that afflicted the Little Sect Leader, right?”
“Exactly. I can’t be sure it’s identical, but the symptoms are quite similar.”
“And it’s a type of curse…”
Mangnyang paused, then turned to me and said,
“Baek Woong, I hate to ask, but could you infiltrate Luoyang and quickly abduct someone afflicted by the strange disease?”
“Can I handle it alone?”
“It should be fine for now. Zhuge Fu is currently focusing all energies on the Imperial Palace, so with Invisibility Technique and lightness skills, it should be manageable.”
As soon as Mangnyang’s orders were given, I dashed out of the barracks to use my lightness technique. Using it, I arrived at the Han Clan, where people stumbled around as if lost. It resembled a scene devoid of sanity.
Terrifyingly, just as Han Baek-ryeong had mentioned, their skin appeared to be rotting, turning black and engulfing their bodies. Moreover, horrific tumors formed everywhere, dripping with a vile pus.
I evaded their gaze using Invisibility Technique and began surveying the area. I spotted a man named Han Jin-seong, who seemed relatively unharmed compared to the others.
“Ugh…”
However, it appeared he was in dreadful pain, as the disease lingered on the peripherals of his limbs. It seemed he was resisting with all his mental will but was drenched in sweat. I approached Han Jin-seong and asked,
“Are you alright?”
“Y-You are…?”
“I’m Baek Woong, belonging to the Hwangyeon Corps. Your clan leader has teamed up with us to defeat the enemy leader.”
“T-That’s good… Gah!”
“……”
I looked at Han Jin-seong, who was now coughing up blood, with a perplexed expression.
‘Why is Han Jin-seong so little affected while everyone else seems to have transformed into another race?’
What caused that discrepancy? I pondered but had no answer at that moment. I considered using my lightness technique to take Han Jin-seong with me; however, I doubted his mental fortitude could withstand the torturous experience of teleportation. The risk of killing him in the process was too high, so I reluctantly said,
“I’m sorry, but please bear with it. Once we deal with the alchemist, things will revert.”
“Ugh… Just… a moment…”
As I prepared to leave, Han Jin-seong coughed up blood and said,
“… Beware of monsters wandering nearby. Please pass this on…”
“Monsters?”
“Yes… Humans that move like snakes… They’re wandering around with tridents or large swords…”
“What?! How have they not been addressed?”
“Look outside… The thick fog is obscuring everything…”
I quickly peeked outside. Just as he said, the capital was engulfed in towering fog, hiding even the sight of the street ahead. However, I couldn’t see any fog from outside, so I pondered what could have caused this phenomenon.
And just as Han Jin-seong had mentioned, I could hear hissing sounds as snake-like humans roamed in groups. The townsfolk avoided eye contact, hiding in the corners.
‘Snake humans… are these also another race?’
I had encountered snake humans before. They weren’t incredibly skilled fighters, but their innate physical abilities presented challenges even for the likes of proficient martial artists. I deduced that the alchemist must have summoned both this fog and snake humans using sorcery.
“Understood. Please wait.”
I entered the Han Clan’s chambers and fetched the treasured sword Yong Yeon Sword, placing it in my vault.
I then seized a nearby afflicted individual and transported him with me using my lightness technique back to the main camp. Han Baek-ryeong looked startled when I suddenly appeared.
“What?!”
“Mangnyang, this is the infected person.”
As I displayed him to Mangnyang, he scrutinized every detail. After observing the afflicted individual for about half a breath, Mangnyang earnestly declared,
“I’ve never seen or read about anything like this.”
“I told you, this isn’t your ordinary disease.”
“……”
I relayed to Mangnyang the current situation in Luoyang. He listened intently before responding without hesitation,
“There’s no choice. We can’t kill the alchemist without breaching Zhuge Fu. We must go for a full-frontal assault.”
“How do we do that?”
Mangnyang grinned at me.
“Very simple.”
Shhh!
Moments later, I arrived tearfully at the top floor of the Imperial Palace with Invisibility Technique. This area was Zhuge Fu’s office. As I entered, Zhuge Fu, who was sitting down with a book in hand, looked at me with a puzzled expression. I swiftly opened my vault to release the spell.
Pabababat
“……!!”
Zhuge Fu was startled.
Suddenly, upon the opening of the vault, Han Baek-ryeong, Jin So-cheong, Lee Kwang, Mangnyang, and Miho all appeared simultaneously. I gave him a grin and said,
“Hey there, nice to meet you.”
The combination of the vault and lightness technique created a double effect!
