Chapter 106
Chapter 106: Dark Heaven Village
After the extermination of the Blood Island Group was complete, I met privately with Deputy Commander An Hyeon to discuss our plans.
The main topics were how to handle the aftermath and what to do with the people captured by the pirates. I deliberately avoided mentioning the brutality of the lingchi execution, figuring that even someone with An Hyeon's iron will wouldn't want to dwell on it.
During our conversation, Deputy Commander An Hyeon spoke up.
"We can't stay here long. Though we've crushed the Blood Island Group, the merchant caravan could still be threatened by minor pirates, so we need to hurry and provide escort."
"Will you take the prisoners back to Goryeo, then?"
By 'prisoners,' I meant all those enslaved by the pirates. In truth, we'd massacred nearly all of them, save a tiny few. With around seventy slaves, their disposition was a critical issue.
An Hyeon thought for a moment before replying.
"That seems likely for now. There are Goryeans among them, so we'll drop them off in their homeland first, then take the rest to the Central Plains."
"I know a bit of Goryeo tongue. I can help with that."
"Oh, really?"
An Hyeon's face lit up as he said,
"Then we'll finish preparations and depart in three shichen. Help out until then."
I had been tending to the detailed conditions of the captives up to that point. The reason I brought it up now was to avoid suspicion when approaching them directly to extract information. From the navy's perspective, there might be details only the slaves knew.
I returned to where the pirate slaves were gathered. Upon my arrival, some wept with joy.
"Ah... Healer Baek."
"You've come again."
"Let me take a look."
I approached and checked their conditions. Emergency treatment for those with severe injuries was done, and for those whose limbs were rotting, I'd amputated the necrotic flesh to halt further deterioration.
Using Hua Tuo's Golden Needle and acupuncture, I'd also enabled partial mobility in those with major wounds to their spines, pelvis, or legs that had left them semi-crippled. For women whose internals were damaged from prolonged gang rape, I'd healed their organs with qi, and treated pregnant ones to prevent prenatal toxicity.
The military doctor treating alongside me marveled.
"Impressive. Undeniably the arts of a renowned medical clan. You look so young—how do you wield such skill?"
"It's just a minor talent. More importantly, some need medicine for proper treatment."
"But you provided temporary relief for even those cases, didn't you? Over half here owe their lives to you."
I felt embarrassed by the doctor's praise. In truth, training for nearly a decade under Hwa Seo-myeong, head of the clan that inherited Hua Tuo's arts and one of the Five Great Physicians, made this par for the course. After applying the One Hundred Eight Acupuncture Points of Fiery Essence to a feverish man's neck, I said,
"This should handle the urgent cases. Now, let's classify them by nationality."
"Yes."
At my request, the captives stated their origins. Of the seventy, about fifty were from the Central Plains and twenty from Goryeo. After sorting them, I noted approximate names, birthplaces, and brief characteristics. Once finished, I addressed them.
"Goryeans will be dropped off in Kaegyong first. Central Plains folk will go there next, then home. Also, anyone knowing secrets about the pirates should come to me before we leave. Rewards based on the info."
"That was when one captive shot up her hand."
"I-I know something!"
"Me too!"
About twelve others raised hands. The rest seemed eager but ignorant.
"Good."
Seeing men and women mixed, I thought briefly, then called them all aside to an isolated building, interviewing one by one.
Most info was useless, leaving me disappointed mid-conversation. They were likely just desperate for cash upon returning home. But five pieces were valuable.
"There's a secret chamber under the pirate leader's quarters. I saw him sneak in."
This from a pregnant woman who must have been a stunning beauty before the ordeal ravaged her looks. Yet remnants of nobility and allure remained—she'd probably been summoned for the leaders' pleasure. I promised her a reward.
"They've stockpiled gunpowder in a crevice between rocks north of the island."
"I saw a Blood Island executive boasting about a famed blade in his private space. Hidden behind the wall."
"They sell slaves in the Henan coastal region. That's where they meet the traders."
The last one especially caught my ear.
"Sometimes Central Plains men visit this island and talk with the pirates. About once a month. They wore fine robes, and even the pirate leaders groveled."
Central Plains men in fine robes making pirate leaders grovel.
Just to check, I asked,
"Were their robes embroidered with golden threads, by chance?"
"Yes? Y-yes, they were."
"......"
I let out a groan.
'The Embroidered Uniform Guard visited this island.'
This confirmed Commander Mangnyang's suspicion that the Sea God Clan and Embroidered Uniform Guard might be allied. The groveling suggested the Guard dealt not with mere pirates, but their Sea God Clan backers.
Thus, news of the navy's raid would soon reach them—and likely my involvement. Irritated yet relieved at tangling with the Guard again, I thought,
'I must honor General Jang Kyung-ik's request.'
They weren't openly targeting me yet. Using General Jang's influence as a shield, pretending ignorance, could protect me. Fulfilling his favor and leveraging him was essential.
With intel gathered, I acted. First, taking the pregnant woman to the pirate leaders' quarters as per her tip, I opened the indicated secret door. Inside, dazzling gold and silver treasures piled in a rock-carved chamber. Since I'd come alone with her, no need to alert others.
She said,
"I've been defiled and shamed—hard to survive back in the Central Plains. The other women are the same. Won't you share this treasure for our sake?"
She preferred dealing with me personally over handing it to the navy. After a pause, I replied,
"Of course, sharing is easy. But gold and jewels become curses without means to guard or sell them."
"So I have another request."
"What?"
"Among the women, there's a white-haired idiot staring blankly."
"Ah."
I'd seen her. Strikingly beautiful in form, but dead-fish eyes and limp body screamed vegetable. She looked at me and said,
"Even the pirate leaders and executives never touched her. She was just passing through, originally a martial artist. A peak expert, they said. If you restore her arts, we can live under her protection."
"Certain?"
"Yes. She's an idiot now, but close with us."
The women had already bonded. They aimed to recruit her as a guard once powered up. Sound plan, I nodded.
"Understood. Let's see."
I fetched the white-haired woman from the captives and examined her privately in a room, starting with a full pulse diagnosis.
'Hmm. As expected, healthy. No rape traces. And her qi sealed... So it's true.'
Casual check missed it, but probing with infused qi revealed sealing marks. Her eyes were dead-fish; she responded childishly to words.
Inspecting meridians and dantian closely, neither were severed—the dantian intact. Her sealer likely preserved her for some scheme, not sex slavery, ready to restore arts and mind as needed.
Fortunately, I knew the seal.
The Forbidden Heaven Subduing Spirit Grand Method sealed mind and qi superbly, but the Hua Tuo School passed down its release.
'Even severed meridians or crushed dantian can be healed with Hua Tuo secrets.'
Placing my hand on her dantian, I sequentially unblocked sealed points. As the seal lifted slowly, her body trembled.
"Ugh... Aaaagh... Ack..."
At eighty percent release, profound qi erupted, aura rippling around her. Stunned by the unexpected depth—surpassing average peak experts—I flinched.
'What? This level...'
Final needle fully unsealed her; she convulsed and slumped.
......
Silence lingered. After half a shichen, the white-haired woman slowly lifted her head.
"You saved me?"
Clear voice. I removed the needles, nodding.
"Yes."
"Where is this? Where am I?"
"Blood Island Group's base in the Yellow Sea. You've been in the underground prison for months, sold as a slave."
"Ah..."
She turned away, weeping bitterly, shoulders shaking uncontrollably. Genuine grief—I couldn't stop her silent sobs.
Regaining composure after a while, she said,
"I am Seo Moon-hye of the Shadowless Gate. Thank you, young hero."
"......!!"
Stunned, I asked,
"Shadowless Gate? One of the Eight Demonic Sects?"
"Yes, that's what the world calls us."
She answered casually, but I was shocked.
Shadowless Gate!
Peak of Central Plains' unorthodox sects among the Eight Demonic Sects, famed for martial prowess. Its lord, Sword Demon Seo Moon Daeryong, was an ultra-peak expert, top contender for world's strongest.
Even Lee Gwang called him a must-fight someday. Elite few, yet untouchable—none dared provoke them. Infamous for pursuing enemies to hell's end.
"You're... Sword Demon's daughter?"
Wiping tears, Seo Moon-hye confirmed.
"Yes."
"How did you end up here..."
"......"
She didn't answer. Not ready to trust me fully. Natural caution. Waiting for calm, I said,
"What I can say: Those who sealed you with Forbidden Heaven Subduing Spirit Grand Method and sold you planned to use you for something. Proof—you're still a virgin; even pirate leaders untouched you."
At 'virgin,' her face flushed crimson.
"You... saw?!"
"I'm a physician. Pulse reveals it without sight."
"Ah, r-right."
Calmly continuing,
"Remember your idiot days?"
"I recall sisters who helped me. The time feels like a hazy dream."
"Yes. They urged your rescue. Without them, I'd have left you."
"Ah..."
"You want to rush to Shadowless Gate, but they're the world's most pitiable. And you owe them."
Understanding, Seo Moon-hye nodded firmly.
"Of course. I'll help them to my utmost."
"How?"
"Take them to Shadowless Gate."
To give ill-treated women a second life there. Surprised, I asked,
"That alright?"
"Yes."
Relieved, I stood.
"We've crushed the pirates and soon head to Kaegyong. You'll go there, then home—keep your resolve."
"W-wait. Your name, young hero?"
"Baek Woong."
Hesitant, she said,
"Aren't you curious why I'm here?"
"Of course."
Packing nearby needles and tools, I added,
"But prying if you won't tell is improper."
"......"
"I'll go."
Leaving her aboard, I swiftly handled tasks.
First, told An Hyeon about northern gunpowder. He dispatched troops to secure it, diverting attention. Then, to pirate leaders' secret chamber—I packed priciest treasures and metals into a chest, stashing it in the ship's most hidden spot.
Next, sought executive's famed blade. Pushing hidden stone wall revealed a radiant dao. Truly famed—I gazed entranced at its noble edge.
"Japanese sword."
Scabbard engraved "Muramasa." Masterwork from eastern lands, finest weapon I'd seen. Pity not my dao specialty—skilled wielder could unleash multiples my power.
Secured, returned to ship. Seo Moon-hye waited quietly.
"All done?"
"Yes. Departing soon—wait with others."
"Um... something to say."
"What?"
She explained,
"How I ended up here."
"Hmm."
Good—she'd opened up while I worked. Forced earlier, she'd refuse; stranger's wariness strong. Now, deeming me trustworthy.
"Truth: I joined a tournament to make my name."
"Tournament?"
"Yes. You may not know—Dark Realm Martial Combat Tournament."
"......!!"
Shocked.
Never expected that name here.
"I know it well."
"Yes?"
"Loyang's tourney for elixirs, treasures, manuals..."
Impossible not to.
I'd nearly died there. Survived via Han Clan aid, but still daunting memory.
"You knew..."
"You competed?"
Embarrassed, she turned away.
"Yes. Lost round four. Then sealed, ended here..."
Self-inflicted.
But Shadowless Gate heiress joining dark tourney had reasons. I pondered silently. Sorted, I said,
"Thought meridians severed, dantian crippled—but hosts trusted Forbidden Heaven Subduing Spirit Grand Method. And reason to preserve your arts."
Untouched body implied special purpose.
She wouldn't know; future deduction needed.
"Thanks again, young hero."
Rumble.
Ship lurched.
"Details later."
"Yes."
Returning to my cabin, I thought,
'Know Sea God Clan's city location—next time.'
Sea God Clan—even Twelve Rites wary, untouchable demons. Underwater solo swim suicidal folly. Plus, this life's Azure Dragon Hall goal—no reckless death.
Rejoined caravan off Kaegyong, one day out. Dae Ryong Merchant Lord and Seo Palace Escort Chief, hearing events from An Hyeon, marveled. Viewing pirate heads, they praised.
"True master!"
"Safer travels now."
"Ha ha..."
Post-talk, I approached Seo Palace Escort Chief.
"Chief."
"Ah, true young hero. Be our lead escort?"
"Ha ha..."
wry smile, I asked,
"First, question: Seen this vessel?"
"What kind?"
"Like this..."
Showed drawing. Squinting, he shook head.
"No. What's it?"
"Friend in Goryeo seeks desperately. Western import."
Dodging, he nodded.
"Truly don't know. We don't handle Western goods. Dae Ryong Merchant Lord might."
Next, Dae Ryong Merchant Lord greeted smiling.
"Oho! Heard your feats. Join us? Promise second-in-command."
"Ha ha ha... First, question."
"What?"
"Seen this vessel?"
Showing him the drawing, he squinted at it curiously and shook his head. "That is no ship. It is an exotic, bulbous lamp imported from beyond Tianzhu, featuring a long, distinct spout. People use it to burn incense or provide light, and it produces a very fine smoke."
"A lamp, you say?"
"Indeed. Why do you seek it?"
"A friend of mine in Goryeo desperately wants one."
"Well, it is hardly priceless. If you want it, let's go fetch it."
To trade warehouse. Unlocking, he pulled corner box—over ten fat lamps. Chuckling,
"Take if wanted. Trivial..."
"Western import, not valuable?"
"Goryeo merchants trade direct often. Mundane daily item—no rarity."
"Got it. Thanks."
Took box to room. Laid out fat lamps, pondered deeply.
'What? One Sea God Clan desperately wants?'
Stuck. Per Merchant Lord, mere daily goods—how discern? Staring, noticed one golden gleam.
"Could it be..."
Suspicious script on golden fat lamp's side—others blank. Picked up, examined. Lit as intended.
Fwoooosh—!!
"......!!!"
What?!
Indescribable vista flooded my mind.
View rocketed, hovering vast sky. Plunged to sea surface, dove deep abyss. Piercing dark waters, light-revealed city matched pirate leader's mermaid description.
View swept interior. Bizarre buildings; trident- or sword-armed mermen patrolled, bulging eyes blinking, chittering.
Deeper: colossal abyss; unimaginable giant 'something' deeper than city, humanoid merman. Overwhelmed by presence, awe and terror surged.
Sea God?
View pulled away, sped on. Halted at another city.
Beyond mermen—unprecedented alien: history's humans/civs couldn't match its grotesquery. Sunken in vast sea, emanated impossible malice; mere sight shook my heart.
What.
What is that?
No mermen. As view reached entrance, entered—I intuited [colossal beings] slumbered in depths. Like facing Izanagi-no-Mikoto: over ten demonic presences, qi transcending human cognition.
Howling.
Demon gods slept in abyss. Sane mind couldn't enter.
View shifted. Stasis darkness, then unknown realm. Dream-heaven adrift: dream-nightmare blend.
Vast continent; central mega-lake/sea. Moon eerily close. 异族 from prior otherworlds dwelled: giant bugs, mountain goats, hyena-head men, unseen horrors.
Whisper came.
[Will you go?]
No!
Not now!
Desperate refusal. Whisper:
[Understood...]
".......!!"
Back to reality, sweat-soaked. Deep-sea city and otherworld drained spirit. Unbelievable existence—madness normal, but I just coughed.
Muttering at golden fat lamp,
"I see. So that's what it is."
Shows 异族/evil god realms clairvoyantly, even teleports! Otherworld demonic artifact—why Sea God Clan sought; now mine.