0092 : Dark Heaven Village (암천향)
White Lotus Sect (백련교) Launches!!
This was the most extraordinary event I had ever known. Clearly, the White Lotus Sect had remained quietly hidden until the emergence of the Nine-Tailed Fox in my first life. While no one among the people of the world disputed that the White Lotus Sect was the strongest martial faction, the current order of the martial world continued unbroken because they did not intervene in its affairs.
“What, what? Are you saying they have decided to confront the Ming Court?”
As I asked hesitantly, Mang Ryang shook his head.
“Not at all. The tension in the martial world is still very taut.”
“Then what?”
“About three months ago, for the first time, masters of the White Lotus Sect appeared in Qinghai. Until then, they were presumed to be in Xinjiang, but it wasn’t long before they also showed up in Guangzhou and Fujian.”
“Guangzhou and Fujian have nothing to do with Xinjiang!”
“That’s right. And those who referred to themselves as White Lotus Members immediately purchased a large building and established the Central Plains Branch of the White Lotus Sect. Although they have not conducted external activities or demonstrations of force so far, the fact that the White Lotus Sect has so openly declared their intent to enter the Central Plains has left the martial world in a state of extreme tension.”
“……”
In summary, it meant that the White Lotus Sect bought a building and established a branch in the Central Plains.
However, even that was enough for the martial world to be plunged into a state of high alert, as the status and power of the White Lotus Sect were immense. Especially since it was common knowledge that the internal energy levels of the White Lotus Members were extraordinarily high, it was clear that no one would dare to provoke them recklessly. I cautiously asked,
“The Ming Court must dislike the White Lotus Sect, so why aren’t they taking action?”
“That’s the more peculiar point. The White Lotus Sect has been assessed to possess enough power to dominate the Central Plains but refrained from acting due to the enmity between the Hongwu Emperor and the leader of the White Lotus Sect. Yet, in the current situation, the officials are completely silent, and even when martial artists petition, they merely repeat, ‘Let martial matters be resolved by martial artists.’”
“That cannot be….”
As I replied uncertainly, Mang Ryang spoke.
“As you think, this is a perfect opportunity for the Ming Court to strike the White Lotus Sect with a million-strong army. However, both the imperial family and the entire court remain silent regarding the actions of the White Lotus Sect.”
“Is this the calm before the storm?”
Mang Ryang let out a hollow laugh.
“Some might think so, but I don’t. The best military strategy is to strike when the enemy is even slightly weakened. If the White Lotus Sect manages to subjugate and absorb the martial factions of the Central Plains, they will become a force unprecedented, one that even the officials won’t be able to control. I see this current behavior of the officials as not a stratagem but an anomaly.”
“Anomaly?”
“I believe that the White Lotus Sect has done something that prevents the Golden Eagle Guards and the Dongyeong from recklessly moving. In fact, our Counter-Heaven Alliance has found it much easier to operate after the White Lotus Sect began to act, as the movements of the Golden Eagle Guards have greatly slowed down.”
“Hmm… that means you were able to come all the way to Goryeo because of this advantage.”
“That’s right, and the current martial world is like a powder keg. If it ignites, a slaughtering war will unfold, regardless of friend or foe, so I also came here to avoid danger for a while.”
Through Mang Ryang’s explanation, I could comprehend the overall situation. After some contemplation, I asked Mang Ryang,
“So what do you plan to do from here on?”
“If there are no particular incidents, I plan to return to the Central Plains with you and carry out activities for the Counter-Heaven Alliance. Now is a prime opportunity, and if you, Baek Ung, lend me your assistance, we could achieve great success.”
“… There’s a bit of a troublesome matter.”
“What is it?”
I shared with Mang Ryang that I was currently learning medical skills and mentioned that I had little time left on the ten-year contract I made with the Nine-Tailed Fox. Mang Ryang let out a lament after hearing my entire story.
“If I had known this, I would have told you about Hae In much earlier.”
“The Nine-Tailed Fox’s power is incredibly high. She is a great monster capable of wiping out the elite of the Twelve Righteous Sect.”
“Perhaps so. If she is the Heavenly Fox and a Nine-Tailed Fox who was near the Queen Mother of the West, then she is originally a noble being akin to a celestial being. If such a person were to fall and be banished to the mortal realm, she would undoubtedly wield immense power.”
“Is there no way around this?”
“Hmm…”
After some thought, Mang Ryang asked,
“I heard you were instructed to receive the Eight Mirror Technique from the Nine-Tailed Fox and refine it. Are you doing so?”
“Of course. There’s nothing to lose, so I practice meditation with the mirror every morning and evening.”
“Let me see it.”
As Mang Ryang formed a peculiar hand seal, a faint orange circle appeared in the air. This circle approached near my heart and slowly absorbed into me. After closing his eyes and contemplating something, Mang Ryang said,
“It seems as I thought. Your potential for sorcery has increased significantly.”
“What do you mean?”
“Just as I said. Thanks to steadily absorbing the powers of the Three Divine Instruments present in Dongyeong over the past nine years, your Upper Dantian has resonated and is somewhat open. You have effectively cultivated spiritual perception through acquired means.”
“Spiritual perception?”
“You have been given a very precious treasure by the Nine-Tailed Fox. You can now learn beginner sorcery.”
“……!!”
I could only be astonished in succession. I had been practicing the Eight Mirror Technique without much thought, but could it be that this was a means of learning sorcery? When I took out the Eight Mirror Technique from my bosom to show him, Mang Ryang expressed his admiration.
“Indeed, it is the authentic Three Divine Instruments. It seems the rumor that the Nine-Tailed Fox ensnared the Heavenly Emperor in Dongyeong was true.”
“Are you telling me that I can really use sorcery?”
Mang Ryang nodded as if it were a matter of course.
“Of course. It’s not just martial artists who train; sorcerers also consistently refine their abilities. By always carrying the best scripture in Dongyeong and practicing a session every day, you have undertaken a path similar to the practice of sorcery, which enhances your previously nonexistent talent. This is akin to me obtaining a magical treasure and honing my sorcery skills.”
“Oh…!!”
“Since it has come to this, let me teach you some sorcery. You’ll probably learn quickly.”
“Thank you.”
I felt as if I had unexpectedly struck gold. I had given up on sorcery altogether after a senior sorcerer claimed I had no talent, but now there seemed to be an unexpected road ahead! The mere thought of being able to use sorcery made me feel joyous and exuberant.
Mang Ryang remarked in astonishment,
“Even so, it appears the Nine-Tailed Fox has a considerable fondness for you. Typically, fallen celestial beings that descend to the mortal realm tend to be malicious and malevolent, and the Nine-Tailed Fox is a prime example. Yet, she spared your life, engaged in conversation with you, and even offered her treasure… This is an extraordinary kindness that one wouldn’t normally expect.”
“Is it really that remarkable?”
I didn’t think the Nine-Tailed Fox seemed all that bad. I hadn’t sensed any deep malevolence during our conversations. However, Mang Ryang stated emphatically,
“I can assure you. You survived in this life thanks to the blessing of the Queen Mother of the West. The Nine-Tailed Fox harbors guilt and longing towards the Queen Mother, and that emotion has translated into fondness for you. If you encounter the Nine-Tailed Fox in your next reincarnation, you best not expect luck like this again.”
“So it was due to the Queen Mother’s blessing…”
“I have heard rumors that the Nine-Tailed Fox has killed thousands of humans in Dongyeong. She is undoubtedly a wicked great monster.”
Mang Ryang sighed as he spoke.
“Sigh, it seems you won’t be able to come to the Central Plains for a while.”
“It’s awkward to go because of the Nine-Tailed Fox. She will definitely seek me out in the Central Plains.”
“I believe you will need to calmly persuade her. If you do so, the Nine-Tailed Fox will certainly not kill you. To kill you, who is enveloped in the Queen Mother’s blessing, would be akin to denying herself.”
“I’ll need to do that.”
“However, be mindful. She is likely to not forgive ‘betrayal.’ Keeping that in mind will help you achieve a good outcome.”
And from then, I spent the next six months receiving instruction in beginner sorcery from Mang Ryang. When I asked if he wouldn’t return to the Central Plains, he replied that it wouldn’t be too late to go back after the White Lotus Sect stirred things up in the martial world. In fact, the very appearance of the White Lotus Sect seemed to keep the Golden Eagle Guards in check, allowing the Counter-Heaven Alliance to move as if it were a fish in water.
Though it was beginner-level sorcery, my rate of learning was rapid. In merely six months, I was able to learn five different sorceries. Mang Ryang was utterly astonished.
“Indeed, you have inherited the miraculous powers of the Eight Mirror Technique. At this rate, you’ll soon be able to step into intermediate sorcery.”
“Can I now use barriers?”
“If they’re simple ones…”
“What about the Earth Shrinking Technique?”
“Such advanced sorcery is still beyond your grasp. That is an incredible technique that even renowned sorcerers may take decades to master.”
I crossed my arms and calmly spoke to Mang Ryang.
“Mang Ryang, it’s about time for the Nine-Tailed Fox to come. So if I were to perish, who would be the best sorcery master to take as my mentor in my next reincarnation?”
“Hmm…”
Mang Ryang frowned and replied,
“My master, Cheon Woo-jin, is of such a high caliber that you wouldn’t be able to learn from him. If you truly want to learn sorcery, I would recommend seeking out the Maoshan Sect or Esoteric Teaching; given your potential, they would gladly accept you.”
“Thank you for the advice.”
“However, do not speak of dying so lightly. How could I bear to watch my friend perish?”
“I wouldn’t…”
“I too shall meet the Nine-Tailed Fox.”
I exclaimed in shock,
“That’s far too dangerous! The Nine-Tailed Fox is truly formidable.”
“Do not worry. I have a plan.”
“Hmm.”
I had no choice but to trust Mang Ryang. As I awaited the Nine-Tailed Fox, I continued to learn medical skills from the Hwa family and sorcery from Mang Ryang each day. Half a year passed like this until one particularly bright night.
[Baek Ung! Step forth to the Four Guardian Gates.]
A colossal spirit voice echoed from somewhere. Unlike a normal transmission, a spirit voice is a technique used by sorcerers that can convey one’s will to the desired individual from afar. I surmised that the Nine-Tailed Fox had arrived and called for Mang Ryang.
After preparing myself, I headed to the Four Guardian Gates. The Four Guardian Gates referred to the four massive gates surrounding Gaegyeong, and in this context, it specifically meant Dongdaemun.
Ta-at
As I evaded the guards using light footwork and reached a quiet alleyway outside Dongdaemun, I heard a familiar voice.
“It’s been ten years. How have you been?”
“Uh.”
Turning around, I saw the Nine-Tailed Fox, appearing as an enchanting woman. She resembled the breathtaking beauty I had seen in Seogyeong. Her extraordinarily large chest swayed, momentarily captivating my gaze. She seemed to find it amusing to tease me.
“Ahaha! Are you still a virgin?”
I answered bluntly, “Mind your own business. By the way, can you really tell just because I’m a virgin?”
“Of course! Don’t underestimate me; I can smell it.”
“……”
Is there really a ‘virgin scent’…?
As I stood there, feeling somewhat jolted awake, she suddenly did a backflip and transformed into the appearance of a beautiful and adorable young girl. With a bright smile, she said, “Do you prefer this look?”
“Stop teasing me. Let’s just talk.”
“Ahahahaha…”
The Nine-Tailed Fox, who found something amusing, laughed for quite a while before saying, “Have you diligently built up your strength during this time?”
“To be honest, my martial arts haven’t progressed much. But I’ve learned medical skills and, thanks to the Eight Mirror Technique, I was able to learn sorcery.”
“Oh… Sorcery, huh… So you had a teacher?”
“I learned from a friend back in the Central Plains.”
The Nine-Tailed Fox narrowed her eyes and replied, “Alright. I’m not entirely satisfied, but I’ll judge based on the sorcery you’ve mastered. Show me what you’ve learned.”
“Before that, I want to ask something.”
“What is it?”
“What do you want the Seven Luminaries to achieve? Are you trying to return to the heavenly realm?”
Surprisingly, at my question, the Nine-Tailed Fox looked as if she had been hit hard. Unlike her previous relaxed demeanor, she appeared clearly agitated this time and fumbled her words.
“W-w-why do you need to know that?”
I casually replied, “I’m just curious. You hold power comparable to an emperor on earth, so I’m wondering why you’d want to return to the heavenly realm. You can enjoy everything here.”
“Hmm… Baek Ung, it seems you don’t understand what the heavenly realm is.”
“Right. I don’t know much, so I’m asking.”
The Nine-Tailed Fox didn’t seem too displeased and readily answered my question.
“The heavenly realm isn’t a material world as humans might think. It can be described as a world of spirits where the essence is half intangible. Therefore, those who exist in the heavenly realm experience a fulfillment that cannot be compared to all the pleasures of the material world.”
After saying that, the Nine-Tailed Fox managed a wry smile.
“As a former monster, how much joy can I experience as a human? Luxurious wealth, delicious food, and physical pleasures are secondary. The spiritual fulfillment gained in the heavenly realm cannot be compared to those.”
“Hmm. So, what do you want to do once you reach the heavenly realm?”
“I wish to beg for forgiveness from the Queen Mother of the West and serve her again. I have longed for this all along.”
“I see.”
“Now, enough idle talk. Show me your sorcery.”
“Alright.”
One by one, I demonstrated the Ground Folding Technique, Fire Charm, Concealment Technique, Ox Tread Method, and Phantom Technique. After presenting all five basic sorceries I knew, the Nine-Tailed Fox seemed impressed.
“Hoho… Indeed. You’ve studied diligently.”
“Is this enough to pass?”
“No, not at all.”
“……”
“Hmph… Are you planning to invade the Twelve Righteous Sect with these basic sorceries?”
Though the Nine-Tailed Fox seemed irritated, she didn’t appear particularly angry. As I stood blankly, she waved her hand dismissively.
“That’s enough. Just live your own life.”
“Really?”
“After all, the celestial being in the Twelve Righteous Sect isn’t looking to obtain power by force. You would only get in the way, so just leave.”
While this was the best outcome for me, I felt a strange sense of discomfort. It felt like she was saying my help wasn’t needed due to being outside her league! However, it was also true that from the perspective of a great monster like the Nine-Tailed Fox, my strength must seem weak.
“What will happen to the Eight Mirror Technique?”
“You can keep it. It’s of no use to me anyway.”
“Thank you.”
The Nine-Tailed Fox’s eyes turned slightly sharper, and I felt a sense of killing intent emanating from her.
“Hmph… You here… Huh?!”
I suddenly pulled the Nine-Tailed Fox into an embrace. As she appeared as a young girl, she let out a flustered sound when I hugged her tightly. Yet, I couldn’t help but smile broadly and say, “Thank you.”
Regardless of human or monster, I wanted to express my gratitude to her.
“……”
After a moment, the Nine-Tailed Fox struggled with her small hands to push me away from her shoulder. Her face was as red as a tomato. The way she averted her gaze felt far from the powerful enchanting creature she was. In a somewhat haughty tone, she said, “Hmph… It’s just because you carry the aura of the Queen Mother. Don’t get it twisted; I don’t particularly like someone like you.”
“I understand.”
The Nine-Tailed Fox turned her head and said, “By the way, the main base of the Twelve Righteous Sect is located in the Gomi area of Changbai Mountain. Remember that.”
“I got it. But why are you suddenly telling me this…”
“I just felt like saying it, you fool.”
Having grown irritated, the Nine-Tailed Fox turned her back and walked away, adding, “Your friend is quite lucky. Tell him not to get involved in unnecessary matters from now on, Baek Ung.”
“Take care.”
“Hmph…”
Whoosh!
The Nine-Tailed Fox disappeared. Simultaneously, I heard a sound from the air, as if something human-shaped had fallen. Running toward the noise of a thud, I found Mang Ryang unconscious beneath a tree.
I was startled and hurried to shake him awake.
“Snap out of it!”
“Umm…”
Looking closely, I noticed Mang Ryang’s bodyguards also laying fainted nearby. They all seemed to be in a similar state of unconsciousness. After a moment, Mang Ryang came to his senses and scratched his head.
“I’m sorry. I was going to help, but I got suppressed by the Nine-Tailed Fox.”
“What are you saying? You mean the Nine-Tailed Fox stood still, and in that time, she noticed and subdued you?”
“That seems to be the case. I didn’t even realize what was happening, so indeed, that Nine-Tailed Fox must be a great monster.”
At that moment, I felt a chill run through me.
‘Could it be that killing intent from just a moment ago?’
I hadn’t sensed any such aura at all, yet when her eyes sharpened and the killing intent was revealed, did I brush against the line between life and death? Even though the Nine-Tailed Fox spoke as if she would spare me, it’s possible she had considered ending my life at that moment. The sudden change in her attitude was likely due to my unexpected hug of gratitude.
Mang Ryang dusted himself off and said, “Let’s head back to the Central Plains.”
“… That won’t do.”
“What do you mean?”
I declared firmly, “I want to stay here and study medicine further.”
Mang Ryang looked at me in disbelief. “What are you talking about? The movements of the White Lotus Sect are becoming more intense. If we delay any longer, they will conquer the martial world within six months. Are you really going to watch that happen?”
“From my perspective, that doesn’t concern me. After all, the White Lotus Sect poses no threat to me, right? Moreover, as the White Lotus Sect grows stronger, the Golden Eagle Guards will shrink, so there isn’t much for me to do right now in the Central Plains.”
“That may be true, but…”
“I feel that if I don’t learn medicine in this life, I might never have the chance again. That’s why I want to learn as much as I can.”
Mang Ryang sighed, seemingly unable to do anything about it. “Very well. I will respect your will. If anything serious happens, I will contact you.”
“Understood.”
Then Mang Ryang and his bodyguards left for Goryeo the next day.
I watched as their ship disappeared into the distance.
Swish—
Hwa Seo-myeong, who had come with me to see Mang Ryang off at the port near Gaegyeong, said, “Are you truly prepared? You could undoubtedly achieve great things in the martial world of the Central Plains, but can you really give all that up to devote yourself to the path of medicine?”
Hwa Seo-myeong had already heard about my journey and Mang Ryang. I nodded in response to his question.
“Yes, that’s right. I detest only learning halfway. I want to learn medicine as best as I can and carve out my own path.”
Hwa Seo-myeong seemed moved by my words and paused momentarily, fighting back tears. Then he clenched his fists and declared, “Alright…!! We can do this!”
“Isn’t it about time we became independent from the Jeong Clan?”
“I was just thinking the same. The naturalization of our clan has been completed, and I’ve saved enough money, so there’s no longer any need to depend on the Jeong Clan. And since you need to become an independent physician, let’s talk to Jeong Cheol-wook about it.”
Hwa Seo-myeong and I went to find Jeong Cheol-wook to inform him that we would no longer serve as guests or bodyguards. After hearing our circumstances, Jeong Cheol-wook sighed.
“Hwa Old Man. And you, Baek Ung. You two have been the most exceptional among all the guests of the Jeong Clan. I truly don’t wish to let you go, but do you still feel you must leave?”
“I’m sorry, but… I want to pursue the path of a physician.”
Jeong Cheol-wook spoke earnestly, “Hwa Old Man, I will grant you the position of royal physician. And for Baek Ung, I will grant you the title of General. Would that not suffice?”
The royal physician position referred to someone who specialized in examining royals, also known as the court physician. It represented the highest position for a physician in Goryeo. Additionally, the title of General meant becoming a significant figure within the military of Goryeo. Either position was a remarkable offer for mere guests, and Jeong Cheol-wook had the influence to grant such titles.
However, Hwa Old Man shook his head.
“I’m sorry, but I will repay the Jeong Clan’s kindness in other ways.”
“Hmm… If your resolve is that strong, then I have no choice.”
Turning to me, Jeong Cheol-wook continued, “Baek Ung, I feel I haven’t sufficiently repaid you for everything. Before you leave, is there anything you wish to ask for?”
“Well, um…”
Caught off guard by the unexpected offer, I pondered for a moment. After organizing my thoughts, I responded, “I want to meet the masters of the Twelve Righteous and spar with them.”
“Spar with the masters? Isn’t that something you can just request?”
“There’s a difference between requesting as a wild man and having the official approval of the Jeong Clan leader.”
Jeong Cheol-wook smiled broadly.
“Ah! I understand now. I will arrange the sparring for you.”
“Thank you.”
“They won’t dare to act rashly seeing my face.”
I was well aware of how harsh and difficult sparring could be. The importance of honor is no different between the Central Plains and Goryeo, and carelessly requesting a spar might lead to life-threatening consequences.
But since it was under Jeong Cheol-wook’s name, I would be able to safely engage in martial exchanges. I thought to myself,
‘I’ve been neglecting my martial training for too long. I need to feel a higher level of martial arts.’
It seemed like it would take too long to reach the pinnacle through gradual improvement alone. Given that I preferred gaining experience through actual combat, I wanted to take the opportunity to increase my martial arts experience by sparring with the peak masters of the Twelve Righteous now that I was in Goryeo. Opportunities to safely duel with twelve peak masters wouldn’t come again.
