0044 : Demon Subduing Hall
About two days later, Mangnyang prepared a potion of poison the size of a child. He cautiously added various ingredients in the workshop and began the process of combination. After about three or four steps, a suffocating, gunpowder-like smell spread, and soon a sufficient amount of venom was completed to fill a small flask. Mangnyang handed the finished product to me.
“Here you go.”
“What happens if a human consumes this?”
Mangnyang smirked.
“Before the tenth breath is taken, signs of paralysis will appear throughout the body, and before the twentieth breath, they will be completely immobilized. If left unattended for half an hour, it will inevitably lead to death.”
“……”
“I’d like to hear your thoughts first. Is the activity of that heretical sect truly so vile that it requires this poison?”
I felt it was time to reveal the truth. After all, if he was going to accompany me to the village of tragedy, Mangnyang was currently my greatest ally. The more he knew the facts, the more it would benefit me. I calmly laid out the truth before him.
“They are not just mere heretics. The Golden Eagle Guards are assisting the sorcerers.”
“……!!”
Mangnyang’s eyes widened. He had never heard that the Golden Eagle Guards were involved until now. He looked dazed for a moment and seemed to ponder something. He glared at me and said,
“Why have you not told me this until now?”
“I needed time to observe you as well.”
It wouldn’t have been good for me if I fully disclosed it to Mangnyang from the start and he reacted extremely. Besides, there was no guarantee that he would show any loyalty. I needed to secure the poison first and see if I could trust him based on his response.
Regardless, Mangnyang had handed me the finished product. So, I disclosed the information. It seemed like Mangnyang read my state of mind, as he sighed.
“Hah, it’s not really a big deal… So, you’re saying it’s fine to turn the Golden Eagle Guards and the imperial family into enemies?”
“They demand sacrifices from others while risking nothing themselves. If we let them be, it’ll reach a point where we can no longer stop them.”
I honestly shared my feelings about the Golden Eagle Guards and the imperial family. Mangnyang nodded in admiration.
“That’s correct. Still, it’s a pity you didn’t tell me sooner; I could have made more preparations.”
“More preparations?”
“If our enemy is the Golden Eagle Guards, I could have sought help from my master. It’s too late now, so forget about that.”
Master?
Then I realized I had never asked Mangnyang how he acquired such profound knowledge and wisdom. I had assumed he was simply a prodigy who learned it all on his own, but he must have had a master of sorts. Curious, I inquired about his master, but he stammered.
“Give me some time to observe you as well.”
“… Understood.”
I had given in to his request in exchange for mine. I shrugged and shared everything I had heard and seen about the Golden Eagle Guards and the sorcerer. After Mangnyang processed the information, he began calmly discussing what we needed to do next.
“We should be able to arrive at that village on horseback in about three days. For some reason, you are convinced that a tragedy will occur there; what stage do you think the Golden Eagle Guards and the sorcerers will be at by then?”
I realized I had at least advanced time by ten days, maybe even fifteen. The travel time to Mount Huang was significantly reduced due to my internal strength, and I hadn’t unnecessarily detoured to my hometown for revenge, leaving me with plenty of time.
I wasn’t entirely sure, but compared to the time I first faced the tragedy, a considerable amount of time had passed. Moreover, when Hyun Cheon Do-in discovered their misdeeds, human sacrifices had not yet commenced, and they had only entered the indoctrination stage. Considering all these points, I replied,
“There’s a very high probability that they are still in the stage of scouting the village and seeking assassination targets. Or perhaps they have not even departed from Luoyang yet.”
“If what you say is true, then the Golden Eagle Guards will only move after the sorcerer’s flute sounds. It’s indeed best to subdue the sorcerer before the Golden Eagle Guards take action, if that is the case.”
I nodded.
“That’s correct. That’s why I, too, was thinking that it may be best to infiltrate the village as soon as possible.”
“So, you plan to subdue the sorcerer as soon as he shows up in the village?”
“That’s what I was thinking.”
After a moment of contemplation, Mangnyang shook his head.
“Hmm, that’s not the case. It sounds good, but it’s actually a poor choice. We have time on our side, so we should opt for a better strategy.”
“What do you mean?”
“Before I explain… do you have anyone else we could recruit for this mission? I mean someone other than me.”
I responded immediately.
“On my way here, I found a Taoist temple called Taejeong Temple. The temple’s master, Hyun Cheon Do-in, is a peak expert from the Mu-dang Sect, and if we confirm the tragedy, he would surely be of great help to us.”
“Indeed. I was considering hiring mercenaries from the Twin Gates, but someone of his caliber would certainly suffice.”
“Mercenaries?”
“The Twin Gates of Luoyang, Tai Geom Gate and Cheol Hyeol Gate, often send capable fighters among their disciples to take on assignments in distant lands. It’s not common, but if you have the right connections, you might hire a master from the Twin Gates for a hefty price. They may not work very diligently, but they are said to be worth the money.”
“……”
“The Four Families occasionally take on paid work as well, but they are a very closed-off network, making them hard to meet.”
I had a thought that perhaps the leader of Cheol Hyeol Gate or a top disciple from Tai Geom Gate might fit that description. Those highly skilled masters often travel outside to earn money for the sect. There was even a possibility that those referred to as elders might operate as mercenaries.
I cautiously suggested, “Mangnyang, how about using the silver ingots to hire some mercenaries?”
“That’s not a bad idea, but it’s already too late. In this urgent situation, when would we go to Luoyang and hire someone? If it had been two days ago, I could have sent a letter to my master to arrange for them to arrive just in time.”
“……”
“Don’t worry. I think it’ll be enough with just you, me, and Hyun Cheon Do-in.”
With a rustling sound, Mangnyang pulled out a map from somewhere and unfolded it. Upon closer inspection, it was a detailed map of the area within thirty li around the tragic village. I gasped in surprise.
“Did you draw this map?”
“Of course not. This is a classified document I had my subordinate in Jinrang Valley steal from the government office two days ago. The office always keeps military maps stocked for emergencies.”
“……”
It was evident that this person would go to any lengths for his preparations, taking immediate action upon hearing my words.
“Why do you look at me like that? I’m doing my best to prepare in my own way.”
As Mangnyang groaned, he pointed to a specific area on the map.
“Look closely. The mid-section of this mountain connects to the water source of the Kyunghagang River. The village barely reaches this tributary, and that tributary connects to the well. It’s not just a structure for pumping groundwater. If the village needs water, they would have to laboriously travel dozens of li back and forth to the Kyunghagang River.”
“I see.”
“If we locate the point where the tributary passes through and release the poison there, it should be possible to paralyze the village. This is because the wells are interconnected at deeper levels.”
Mangnyang slyly retracted his finger and smiled.
“… Of course, this is if we arrive too late and are forced to overpower the village.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“If we can make a preemptive strike, then there is an even better option. Using this poison will kill at least 100 people, but wouldn’t it be better to save everyone rather than accept that sacrifice? This is a nerve poison, and there isn’t even a proper antidote.”
“……?”
Mangnyang’s following words were incredibly shocking.
“Let’s set the village on fire.”
Three days later, Mangnyang and I rode our horses to Taejeong Temple.
With a furrowed brow, Mangnyang stared at Taejeong Temple.
“I don’t really get along with these Taoist masters.”
Though he was a specialist in the art of Qi Men Dun Jia, he was fundamentally a charlatan who lived off vague prophecies with no real mystical powers. Naturally, he couldn’t help but feel uncomfortable around genuine Taoists. I chuckled lightly and reassured him.
“Hyun Cheon Do-in is not a bad person, so don’t worry.”
“Tsk.”
As we dismounted our horses and approached, the Taoist disciples standing before the temple looked startled. They quickly drew their Demon Subduing Swords and aimed them at us. Although the Demon Subduing Sword wasn’t ideal for practical use, it was a weapon commonly carried by Taoists for self-defense.
“Who are you?”
I smiled calmly and replied, “[I have come to see the master of Taejeong Temple. It’s not an ill-intentioned visit, so please grant me your understanding.]”
“Uh… Transmission.”
As the disciples of Taejeong Temple realized that my internal strength was at least on par with a peak expert, their faces stiffened. Though I appeared to be a teenager, it didn’t take long for them to mistakenly regard me as a seasoned master.
One disciple in his twenties, looking extremely tense and sweating from his forehead, said, “We will bring the master, so please remain still.”
[Rest assured, I won’t cause any trouble.]
“…”
It didn’t take long for him to return with the master of Taejeong Temple, Hyun Cheon Do-in. True to his transcendent nature, the Taoist made his slow, deliberate entrance. It had been a long time since I had last seen him, and nostalgia washed over me.
The master glanced at me and respectfully said, “A distinguished person has come to visit. Which martial sect do you represent?”
I believed there was no need to boast about my martial prowess in front of Hyun Cheon Do-in; he was an exceptional peak expert and could assess my abilities with just a glance. Instead, I performed a polite bow and replied to his query.
“I am Baek Woong, and this is my friend, Mangnyang. We are here because we face a difficult situation and wish to seek your assistance, Master Hyun Cheon Do-in.”
“Assistance, you say…”
Hyun Cheon Do-in chuckled in disbelief.
“Haha… Baek Woong, your internal power has reached a superhuman level, yet you seek the help of an old Taoist? I simply wish to cultivate in harmony with nature alongside my disciples and prefer not to interfere with worldly matters.”
As expected, this was the response I anticipated.
Hyun Cheon Do-in would never actively involve himself in matters of force unless he personally witnessed the tragedy. It seemed unlikely that he would join our cause without witnessing it firsthand. Moreover, it was clear he couldn’t be persuaded with money; he was a noble Taoist, making it very challenging to persuade him.
However, I desperately needed Hyun Cheon Do-in’s strength. Despite my internal power and martial arts significantly increasing, handling even a squad from the Golden Eagle Guards alone was overwhelming. They had even trained in combined techniques and tactics, which made it easy for me to end up in grave danger. If Hyun Cheon Do-in aided us, the task would undoubtedly become much easier.
At that moment, Mangnyang spoke up.
“Master, can you not discern the heavenly signs? A malign star is rising in the heavens, foretelling impending calamities. How can you sit idly by and await misfortune?”
Hyun Cheon Do-in gazed at Mangnyang with profound eyes.
“I am indeed aware that recent celestial phenomena have been strange. However, those are omens of great disaster, beyond the control of a meager individual like myself. I have too many burdens to easily fall for external intrigues.”
It seemed there was truth to the strange celestial signs. Both Mangnyang and Hyun Cheon Do-in knew how to observe the stars, and it appeared they sensed an ominous aura lately. I recorded this seemingly useful information in my mind when Mangnyang chuckled lightly and said,
“No matter how talented a Taoist you may be, you cannot see the world’s misfortunes better than I can. I can assure you, evil forces will surely arise in this vicinity.”
“What? Who are you to speak so boldly?”
Hyun Cheon Do-in responded incredulously. He was an elder of the Mu-dang Sect and well-versed in various practices essential for a Taoist. Naturally, he was also knowledgeable in astrology; in his right mind, he shouldn’t dismiss Hyun Cheon Do-in so easily.
In confident tones, Mangnyang replied, “I am Mangnyang Seonsa. Have you never heard of me?”
What nonsense is this?
I nearly shouted in disbelief. Even if he claimed to be Mangnyang Seonsa, he was merely a well-known fortune-teller around Luoyang, and people in Jinrang Valley only knew him to that extent. Such self-aggrandizement was utterly absurd, especially when addressing a master like Hyun Cheon Do-in. I momentarily closed my eyes, believing that trying to recruit Hyun Cheon Do-in had been a mistake.
Unexpectedly, upon hearing the title “Mangnyang Seonsa,” Hyun Cheon Do-in’s expression changed to one of surprise.
“Could it be you?!”
“I am indeed the one known as the Guardian of the Border, Mangnyang.”
“Ha… This is incredible… So you are said to be the greatest sorcerer of the Left Path in the Central Plains?”
“That’s correct.”
With a swift motion, Mangnyang produced his fan, the Five Fires and Seven Birds Fan.
“This is my magical artifact, the Five Fires and Seven Birds Fan,” he declared.
As Hyun Cheon Do-in took the fan, he examined it with great interest. After several moments of scrutiny, he let out a heavy sigh.
“Indeed… the legend that you have received a treasure directly from a celestial being has proven true… This is a true treasure that cannot be crafted by human skill. I acknowledge that you are Mangnyang Seonsa.”
That was a treasure?!
I couldn’t believe it, knowing that I had seen Mangnyang using it to scratch his earwax before.
“Thank you.”
“Follow me. As fellow members of the Taoist sect, I will at least lend you an ear.”
Hyun Cheon Do-in, being a master of the right path, seemed unable to dismiss the visit of the highest authority from the Left Path. Dumbfounded, I followed him inside Taejeong Temple, still processing the situation. Wasn’t “Mangnyang Seonsa” just a hastily made nickname? To find out that it was indeed associated with another identity, the greatest sorcerer of the Central Plains’ Left Path, was bewildering for me.
‘Is this guy not supposed to have incredible abilities? Can he even properly perform sorcery?’
I discreetly transmitted a message to Mangnyang.
[What’s going on? Are you really the greatest sorcerer?]
Mangnyang gave me a sidelong glance, signaling that he would explain later. With no other choice, I had to trust him and see it through.
After a moment, the three of us sat around a table in the reception room of Taejeong Temple, sipping tea.
Mangnyang began, “Master Hyun Cheon Do-in, I stake my name on this. Soon, a calamity will befall a nearby village, and it will not be a natural disaster but a man-made one. I have gazed into the fates and sensed that a heretical sect intends to use people as offerings.”
“Hmm… But how could it be in this nearby village…”
“This area’s poor transportation makes isolating it easier. The heretical sect must have taken note of this.”
Mangnyang’s overwhelming confidence left no room for doubt in Hyun Cheon Do-in’s demeanor. The master was already halfway convinced, but then he turned to me and asked, “With Baek Woong’s skills having surpassed the pinnacle, you still require our sect’s power? Is the power of the heretical sect that formidable?”
“They care little for human life, casually engaging in human sacrifices and massacres. Moreover, there are unidentified peak experts supporting them from the shadows. While Baek Woong possesses remarkable martial prowess as my bodyguard, he cannot face them alone.”
I’m a bodyguard?
I was astounded to see Mangnyang casually crafting this scenario on the spot, but it seemed to resonate well with Hyun Cheon Do-in. Upon hearing the mention of human sacrifices, Hyun Cheon Do-in’s expression twisted in horror, filled with rage.
“Those vile fiends…!! Are they receiving assistance from the Mado Eight Gates?”
“I do not know. However, I’ve heard there are two or three peak experts skilled in combined techniques among them, so they shouldn’t be taken lightly.”
“Ha… Such forces are indeed rare.”
Hyun Cheon Do-in appeared incredulous. After all, peak experts aren’t common, and only the top echelon of renowned sects would typically have such martial experts under their command. A single organization capable of managing several peak masters would need to be at least as substantial as the Nine Great Powers.
Mangnyang continued, “We aim to draw out those evil beings and deal with them so that the people will not suffer. We have sought righteous martial artists in the area, but they all evaded us. To uphold justice in the martial world, we urgently require your assistance!”
“Hmm, understood! I shall help you without fail!”
“…”
Just like that, in an instant, Mangnyang had successfully persuaded Hyun Cheon Do-in, who promised to return the next day, and we left Taejeong Temple together. I believed that if he came back tomorrow, we would surely gain a reliable ally who was thoroughly prepared. As we moved further away from Taejeong Temple, I couldn’t help but exclaim in disbelief.
“What kind of lies did you tell? You’re not the greatest sorcerer, are you?”
“That’s correct. As you know, I lack supernatural powers, so I can only use basic techniques.”
“Then what exactly…”
Mangnyang smiled wryly. “It’s not entirely a lie. The treasure is genuine, and Mangnyang Seonsa, as you can see, is indeed a real person. It’s just that he isn’t me.”
What does that even mean?
But Mangnyang shook his head. “It would become too complicated to explain it all. For now, let’s go scout the village.”
“True enough.”
Our current priority was clear: to patrol the village and assess its condition! If that wasn’t accomplished, there would be no way to achieve our subsequent goals.
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