Chapter 103
Chapter 103
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 103
Chapter Title: Dark Heaven Village
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I left the village with Mang Ryang and decided to stay at an inn for a while. Rather than rushing into other matters, I figured it was better to assess the current situation first.
Mang Ryang mumbled while ordering and eating a chicken dish in the small room at the inn.
"Hmm... Heaven Concealment Swordsmanship, eh... So you don't feel like you've gained anything from it?"
"That's right."
"I've opened your spirit channel for sorcery tricks, yet it's still strange."
Mang Ryang said after tearing into a chicken leg.
"Listen well. Unlike before, you now have to make a 'choice.'"
"A choice?"
"In my view, from this point on, you have three options."
Mang Ryang extended his fingers one by one.
"First. Join me from now on and work to form the Semi-Heaven Alliance. Your martial prowess and intellect have already reached a level sufficient for leading an organization, so if we combine forces, I believe we can build a major group within three years."
"Hmm."
He extended his index finger.
"Second. Infiltrate the Golden Guards. By acting as one of their officers and gathering intelligence from close by, everything you report becomes our information. Plus, you could sabotage them at critical moments if needed."
Mang Ryang set down the chicken leg, now just bones, and presented his final option.
"And third. Go to the Azure Dragon Martial Hall and learn martial arts."
"...You're joking?"
I asked in disbelief, but Mang Ryang replied firmly.
"No joke. You need to seriously consider the third path."
"That's..."
"Your heart is filled with too much resentment right now, so you can't choose it. But if what you've told me is true, the fastest way for you to reach the transcendent realm is to receive instruction from Lee Gwang. Once your arts hit transcendent level and you become a master of the Thunder God Style, everything ahead will be much easier."
I gritted my teeth.
"Easy to say, but I just can't do it. Besides, I doubt Lee Gwang would teach me willingly."
"Think it over."
"Think what over?"
"You're assuming Lee Gwang will kill you, but he's never actually murdered you himself. Right?"
"......"
"That means, no matter how angry or out of control he gets, Lee Gwang is an iron-blooded man who doesn't lose his humanity. You think a guy like that would casually beat a successor of another Thunder God Style lineage to death just because he's pissed about a sect secret leaking? Sure, it's possible, but I don't think so."
"Why not?"
"Think back carefully..."
Mang Ryang rested his chin on his interlaced fingers and continued calmly.
"Recall the two times Lee Gwang was angry at you from the start."
"When I brought the Flame God Style recommendation letter, and when my talent fell short of his expectations."
"The first wasn't anger at you personally. It was irritation from the Thunder God Style perspective toward the Flame God Style behind you. But the second was different. That was anger because he had 'expectations' for you."
"True enough."
"In other words—yes. If I'm right, Lee Gwang was sharpening his blade for revenge, and he decided to forge you with it."
My eyes widened. I'd never considered that. I'd just thought he'd arbitrarily expected things and beaten me for it. The motive of a 'blade for revenge' had never crossed my mind.
"Revenge? Isn't that a stretch?"
"No. Given the situation, the only reason Lee Gwang would enthusiastically train you despite the awkwardness with the Flame God Style is that. To get revenge on someone with terrifying power beyond his reach, he chose to raise you, who seems to possess the world's best internal energy and talent."
"......"
My hands trembled. Listening to Mang Ryang, I could guess who the targets of that 'revenge' were.
"The White Lotus Cult. He passed down secret techniques and ultimate intents to me for revenge against the White Lotus Cult."
Otherwise, no matter how much the same Thunder God Style, he wouldn't teach them to a non-direct lineage. It meant an enemy so powerful that pouring everything he had into teaching wouldn't suffice—and considering Lee Gwang's skill, the only ones fitting were the White Lotus Cult. Likely someone above the Dharma Protectors.
Mang Ryang gave a wry smile.
"It's hard to imagine, but if his revenge target was the White Lotus Cult Leader, his anger makes sense. It would have been the greatest gamble of his life, only to lose both opportunity and time."
"Damn it..."
I was utterly baffled.
Me against the White Lotus Cult Leader? What nonsense was that? Even unleashing Great Thunderclap Formation and Thunderclap simultaneously offered no guarantee of killing even one Dharma Protector. I'd never imagined he saw me as that kind of initial investment. Mang Ryang's theory lacked hard evidence but held strong persuasive power piercing my ears.
Mang Ryang said,
"Anyway, even if you reveal your origins and return to the Azure Dragon Martial Hall, I doubt Lee Gwang will kill you. You said he's indifferent and impartial to everything, right? He'll just treat you as a disciple from another Thunder God Style branch. No more of the past humiliations. He won't even have expectations from the start."
"You really think so?"
"If you just hide your Thunderclap, it's entirely possible. Don't expect more secret arts from Lee Gwang—just hone yourself near transcendent expert level, and that'll suffice. With your vast combat experience, you'll progress quickly under Lee Gwang or Jin So-cheong."
I pondered deeply.
As I fell into thought, Mang Ryang asked,
"So, which of the three paths will you take? None are bad choices."
Clink.
I set down my chopsticks on the bowl and crossed my arms.
"I'll go back to the Azure Dragon Martial Hall. Somehow, I'll reach higher realms."
"Tough decision, but a good one."
I'd lost out too many times ignoring Mang Ryang's words. This time too, he was subtly pushing the third option hard. Choosing otherwise felt like a loss. He probably still thought my power insufficient to push major events and topple the Demon Battlefield.
Moreover, life's experience taught me that tougher choices bring sweeter rewards. After gritting my teeth in deliberation, I said,
"But first, I want to sort out my feelings. Any good ideas?"
Rationally, I leaned toward it, but emotionally, it didn't sit right. I wanted some diversion to steel myself. Sensing my mood, Mang Ryang smiled faintly.
"What's to worry? Head straight to Shandong and hop on the Great Dragon Merchant Group's caravan like before, timing it right. With your current skill, dealing with the Blood Path Bandits will be even easier than last time."
"Ah..."
It was 'go kill the Blood Path Bandits to vent your frustration.' Not a righteous faction hero's idea, but Mang Ryang was merciless toward evil outsiders.
"If you're not infiltrating the Golden Guards anyway, you need to sever the karma of obtaining the Seven Luminaries. It's regrettable not knowing the process or cause, but it's something you must do. Think of it as a boat trip, then follow the plan upon return."
"Got it."
With a plan set, my mind felt a bit lighter. The stuffiness since this reincarnation's start seemed to lift.
A sudden thought struck me, and I asked,
"What about honing sorcery further to reach sorcerer level?"
"Not impossible. You're already a novice sorcerer, so with a good master and a dozen years of diligent practice, you could hold your own."
Mang Ryang slurped his soup after replying.
"But mark this: You've seen such incredible sorcerers in past lives that you don't realize—sorcery, if not reaching elite levels, is mostly just parlor tricks. It can't compare to martial arts in raw combat power. Even if you train like mad for ten or twenty years, applying it in battle would be cumbersome. Sorcery isn't made for fighting like martial arts."
"I see..."
So, without top-tier mastery, sorcery's efficiency drops.
"And the info on Mokya is intriguing."
Mang Ryang said, stroking the sword spirit of Mokya wrapped in a cloth bundle.
"Sealed, you say... Did I really say that?"
I nodded.
"Definitely."
In my 10th reincarnation, during the half-year Mang Ryang visited Goryeo to teach me sorcery, he shared knowledge and info from his time as Semi-Heaven Alliance Leader. Honestly, that helped more than the sorcery.
Most shocking: Mokya, the divine sword handling the Water Luminary of the Seven Luminaries, was currently sealed. Mang Ryang had studied it extensively, even asking his master Mang Ryang the Elder, confirming someone had sealed it, preventing full power.
Mang Ryang said,
"Even with Mokya, which could slay Great Thunder Immortal ancestors if used right, I was content forming the Semi-Heaven Alliance because of that."
"Can't use its full power without breaking the seal."
"Then the seal ties to the stele's content. Tell me what the Water Luminary stele said."
"Like this."
I recited the stele's text to Mang Ryang. He transcribed it into a book and stared long, then spoke as if grasping something.
"...This is a headache. You can really unseal Mokya here? This is insane... There's a limit to remoteness."
What was the headache?
But Mang Ryang looked genuinely exasperated. He sighed deeply.
"Haaah... I'll look into it. But don't expect good news."
"I trust you."
"If I'm right, gathering the Seven Luminaries is one hell of an adventure..."
Mang Ryang grumbled, but he was someone who handled necessities decisively, so I wasn't too worried. To wrap up, I scanned for eavesdroppers and sent a transmission.
[You should take the Millennium Snow Ginseng.]
The prior talk might pass as gossip, but the ginseng warranted caution via transmission. Just in case.
"Cough! Hack! Hack hack..."
Mang Ryang, mid-bite of chicken, choked in surprise. Wiping his mouth hastily, he stammered in panic.
"What?! Are you mad?! You didn't take it in Yellow Mountain and brought it all the way?"
"Yes."
"Heh, haha... haha..."
Mang Ryang laughed hollowly. No surprise—carrying the world's top elixir without consuming it was unthinkable. He'd assumed I'd eaten it already.
"It wouldn't help me more anyway."
I casually offered the Millennium Snow Ginseng to Mang Ryang.
"Take it with the Black and White Lotus for faster martial progress."
"W-Well, sure... B-But..."
Stunned with rabbit eyes, Mang Ryang soon regained composure and said gravely,
"No, that's not it. Hmm... That could be fun."
Tapping his head with a finger, he pushed the ginseng back toward me. I'd never expected refusal, so I looked shocked. Turn down Millennium Snow Ginseng?
Mang Ryang said,
"You keep it. I'm satisfied you promised it to me."
"But why..."
"I think you need it more than I do. No, you must use it."
"What do you mean?"
"You're too dependent on me. Sure, it's an investment for the future, but that stunts your growth. Think with your own head and find your own use."
He said with conviction.
"If you invest it well, it'll yield dozens-fold returns. Call it my intuition."
"......"
"I've thought all this life and found no good spot, so give it to me then. But I bet you'll find one."
"Understood."
Mang Ryang had given me homework. He'd instantly brainstormed a 'worthy investment,' deeming me better suited. It was a solvable puzzle—now mine to crack.
Not spoon-feeding meant 'think for yourself.'
'I'll have to think hard. The answer's probably already there.'
I resolved to solve Mang Ryang's assignment this life. Munching the last fried chicken with chopsticks, he said,
"And I'll look into the link between Holy Lotus and Black-White Lotus. Seems a major secret."
"Thanks."
"Thanks? I'm the grateful one. Anyway, good luck."
I parted with Mang Ryang that evening. I'd given him all Black and White Lotus flowers and roots, plus half the gold bars from the chest. Now, I just trained until he bore fruit.
"Let's go!"
Tucking the Millennium Snow Ginseng deep in my bundle, I headed straight to Shandong. Unlike before, with Sealed Human Meridian Blood Blockade sealing my qi, no sudden suspicions from Beggar Clan Leader Heavenly Dragon Dog chasing me. I reached Shandong smoothly, but trouble followed.
"Kid with no ID trying to enter? Scram, you beggar brat!"
"......"
The city guards chased me off angrily. As a major port, it teemed with beggars and shady folk, rejecting suspects harshly. Last time, the Righteous Heaven Alliance Leader's token eased entry—I cursed my oversight.
'Damn. Bribe them?'
My travel funds wouldn't cut it. Gold bars would work.
But using them here felt wasteful, and casually flashing gold bars risked trouble—like my Luoyang past experience.
Pondering, I slumped in a nearby slum when someone approached.
"Hey there, young brother. Life tough?"
A beggar. Sensing his Beggar Clan aura, I said,
"Not really."
"Heh heh... Doesn't look it. Nice clothes, and something off about you. I get your dilemma though."
"What?"
"I know how to sneak into the city. Deal?"
He'd seen my gate rejection. I eyed him coolly.
"Not interested..."
"Huh? You'll regret it."
"Don't mess with big shots—just go."
I planned lightfoot over the wall at night. Entanglements just annoy. The beggar scowled.
"Damn brat, so mouthy?"
Whoosh.
He swung his iron cudgel suddenly. Heavy swing—fresh first-class level. I was inwardly stunned he'd attack; past foes, even peak experts, tensed around me. But with Sealed Human Meridian Blood Blockade hiding qi, riffraff swarmed.
I casually dodged naturally. Glaring murderously, I warned,
"Attack once more, and you won't survive."
Sss—
"Wh-What."
The beggar froze at my sudden killing intent, lips and hands trembling as he realized I hid power. He knew I could beat him dead here if I wanted.
"Y-You dare touch the Beggar Clan?"
"I'm scared of the Clan, not you. Need to die to wise up?"
"Gasp!"
At my kill word, he backpedaled. My warning conveyed I could ignore that if inclined.
"Uwaaa!"
He fled wildly; I sighed.
'Hiding power's inconvenient sometimes. Riffraff picks fights.'
Unavoidable.
At night, I unleashed Thunderclap, leaping over the gate in jumps. Guards missed my speed. Landing inside, I booked an inn room.
Next day, skipping Great Dragon Merchant Group, I went to West Palace Escort Agency, applying as escort warrior. As expected, escorts and captains scoffed like nonsense.
"Take a good look."
"At what?"
Flash.
"Gasp."
"Uwaaaah!!"
Crowds buzzed in shock. I'd lifted a massive ship keel timber for West Palace Escort front—thirty grown men might barely manage; I held it one-handed. All gawked in awe.
Grinning, I said,
"I'm young, but strong."
Soon, the West Palace Escort Chief rushed out. Staring bug-eyed at my feat, he yelled,
"Y-Your name?"
"Baek Woong."
"You seem a peak rivers-and-lakes warrior. Why escort?"
"Does West Palace Chief refuse me?"
He shook head frantically.
"No, no!! Welcome, Baek Woong Escort Captain!"
Thus, overnight I became West Palace Escort Captain, joining the Goryeo caravan. No schemes or brains needed—just flaunt power with internal energy, and they'd take me as guard. Calculated.
I told West Palace Chief,
"Chief, Blood Path Bandits roam nearby. Can't we get navy ships?"
Overseeing frantic cargo loading, he said,
"No way! Who pays for that? No bribes to officials, no ships."
"Hmm."
I frowned. Solo, I could handle bandits somewhat, but last crossing relied on luck.
'Not good. Can't leave to chance.'
No water arts meant struggling if ships clashed distantly. Sinking ship? Even I helpless. Worst: caravan wiped, me fighting pirates endlessly.
'Best: secure one warship.'
I pondered. Tied to Seven Luminaries fate, no sloppiness—zero failure tolerance. Warship essential.
'No choice. When if not now?'
I sought Jeong Gi-tae, sixth-rank official overseeing Goryeo shipment. Not idle for instant meetings, I waited all day at office gate.
Sunset, finally permitted. Jeong eyed me boredly.
"West Palace Escort Captain wants me why?"
"Brought Your Excellency a great gift to show."
His eyes sparked curiosity.
"Gift? What?"
"Send someone away..."
"Hmm... Come in."
In his room, I subtly flashed the gold bar.
"Very nice gift."
"Eeek!! Pure—gold!!"
Jeong collapsed in shock, lunging; I dodged. Realizing, he pleaded,
"W-What favor? I'll help what I can."
"For Goryeo shipment... add one warship escort."
He grimaced.
"Warship? Possible, but tough. Needs General Jang Gyeong-ik's approval."
"Who's General Jang Gyeong-ik?"
"This Shandong's castle lord equal, commands 50,000 troops. No go without him."
"Nothing for it then. Forget it."
As I pocketed bar to leave, he panicked.
"Okay, okay! I'll try. Give me the bar; I'll fund talks. That work?"
"No guarantee you'll help..."
"What then?"
"Arrange one-on-one with General."
"You convince Jang Gyeong-ik yourself?"
Jeong looked incredulous. Right—Jang held Shandong military real power. Child persuading? Absurd.
But greed won; next day, via Jeong, I reached General's Mansion inner chamber smoothly.
"You're here, Magistrate Jeong."
"Yes, General."
Jang Gyeong-ik: one-eyed burly brute in ornate uniform, arms crossed on dais—picture-perfect general. Jeong bowed.
"This is West Palace Escort Captain Baek Woong requesting audience."
Jang disappointed:
"A kid?"
"But rumors say he's monstrously strong... Not ordinary despite looks."
"Hoo..."
Jang eyed me intrigued, asking,
"Baek Woong Escort Captain. Why request warships?"
Without hesitation:
"Must reach Goryeo. Don't want life threats en route. Doing my utmost."
Jang laughed heartily.
"Hahaha! Take land route then. Gold bars and fuss for newbie West Palace over maybe-pirates? You're some eccentric."
Firmly:
"I help General; General helps me. One bar's nothing."
"Hoo... Heh. Profiting just from my connection?"
I slid two bars aside.
Eyes widened slightly.
"Hope so."
"......"
Flashy, but all gain.
Hiding tracks futile—Golden Guards would investigate later. Better boost pirate defeat odds, make splash.
Be visible first. Gold ties to 'higher-ups' could shield later.
Yes.
Turn Jang into my connection.
Past lives showed human ties' power. Gold for powerful ally? Ideal. Jang eyed amused.
"Fun. Fun... First as unique as General Jin Cheon-hwi in my life."
"......"
"Likely young martial artist, right? Trained in arts?"
"Yes."
"Lineage?"
"Azure Dragon Martial Hall."
That instant.
Jang startled, eyes bulging, voice trembling:
"N-No way... You're Azure Dragon Guard's disciple?"
Playing dumb:
"Who's Azure Dragon Guard?"
"...Hmm. Uh, that Triple Excellence Lee Gwang guy."
"Heard from direct master. Multi-lineage sect, so he's collateral master too."
"I-I see. Ahem."
Coughing, Jang said,
"Approved! Three warships deploy. Escort Goryeo shipment."
"Thanks."
"More requests?"
"None."
Rising to bow and leave with Jeong—goal met. But Jang grabbed:
"W-Wait. Let's talk."
"Talk? Fine, but..."
Jang waved Jeong off.
"Magistrate Jeong, dismissed."
"Yes."
Post-Jeong silence. No guards in one-on-one. Long quiet, Jang sighed:
"Planning never return from Goryeo?"
"No. Visit Goryeo briefly, return with caravan."
Jang subtly:
"Good. Then, a favor?"
"Any within my power."
Jang nodded firmly.
"...Understood. Return from Goryeo, see me at once. I'll tell your task."
"What task?"
"Light errand, no worry. I'll reward duly."
Errand?
I tilted head but affirmed.
"Got it."
Thus, errand pact with Jang; three days later, boarded warship-escorted caravan ship to Goryeo.
============================ Author's Note ============================
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