Chapter 123
Chapter 123
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 123
Chapter Title: Dark Heaven Village
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I approached Lee Gwang and Jin So-cheong. By the time we had gathered all the treasures, they had been reduced to mere twitching, but now it seemed they were staggering to their feet.
Lee Gwang was far more lucid than Jin So-cheong. It was probably thanks to the Treasure Badge Five Flowers Seven Golden Threads he had tucked in his bosom.
Lee Gwang spoke in a raspy voice.
"...Did you... defeat... the bastard?"
He still hadn't fully recovered from the mental shock. I supported Lee Gwang and then Jin So-cheong in turn as I replied.
"Yes. You should rest a bit, then we can head out."
"That's a relief..."
Resting in the Demonless Abyss might drain our vitality to the wraiths, so we climbed up to the Thunder Prison and leaned against the wall to recover. Lee Gwang and Jin So-cheong lay there like the dead for about the time it takes to eat a meal, then their breathing normalized and they regained their senses.
Jin So-cheong rubbed his stiff neck and sighed. His sweat-matted bald head showed just how much ordeal he had endured.
"What a terrifying attack. To think such a demonic beast was lurking here..."
"Couldn't you resist the hallucinations?"
"To be honest, I had a faint awareness, Junior Brother. I had enough strength left for a counterattack if it got close. But those hallucinations I'd never experienced before kept crashing over me without respite. Maintaining sanity was nearly impossible."
"Hmm..."
I let out a groan. I hadn't felt it myself, but the tentacle toad's mental assassination technique was undoubtedly extremely powerful. Even the great yokai Miho had only found her ears ringing a bit, but for ordinary humans, instant death would be the norm.
Lee Gwang worked the kinks out of his body and said.
"Now, let's use that Golden Flying Cauldron to return to the Reverse Heaven Alliance."
"Master. Before that, there's one thing I want to make clear."
"What is it?"
I looked straight at Lee Gwang and said.
"I believe what you did this time overly disregarded your allies and ignored trust. It troubles me because it contradicts the righteousness you taught me."
"......"
Lee Gwang fell silent. He fixed me with a piercing gaze, then slowly replied.
"You're right. I did something inexcusable. I will apologize to the Reverse Heaven Alliance Leader."
Fortunately, Lee Gwang was a man who could admit his mistakes. He knew how to accept remonstrations from those beneath him. I inwardly breathed a sigh of relief and cupped my fists.
"Yes, thank you."
"And to answer you, it's because the [weight] on my shoulders is too heavy."
Lee Gwang raised his spear tip to point at the severed iron bars scattered around.
"What's the difference between those trapped there and us? It's merely whether we've been caught by the Brocade Guards or not. The Thunder God Style currently faces many powerful enemies, and the future is unpredictable. As your leader, I must always prepare for the worst."
"But..."
"I know full well what righteousness demands. But if we all get betrayed or killed, what use is that? Will you become a vengeful ghost after death?"
Lee Gwang, arguing fiercely, reached a firm conclusion.
"Even if I returned to the past, my decision wouldn't change. The people I now hold dear are the most precious to me. To protect them and achieve our goals, I can become a demon if needed."
"......"
I was at a loss for words. It felt like I had just glimpsed the true nature of this man, Lee Gwang.
Utterly pragmatic, with absolute confidence in his own power, merciless to enemies, cold-blooded yet proud, discarding any unnecessary grand ideals or emotions. A man who could make both foes and allies sick of him, yet one you couldn't help but trust once on his side—that was Lee Gwang.
"Please wait just a moment. You need to prepare mentally."
"Understood."
Once I judged that Lee Gwang and Jin So-cheong's mental states had returned to normal, I had them place their hands on my shoulders. Then I rubbed the Golden Flying Cauldron.
Fwaaah!
This time, I sent a strong surge of will before the Thousand-Li Eye could activate. Just before it could reflect the Sea God's location, a voice asked.
[Where to?]
Here.
[Understood...]
My vision shifted. In an instant, the scenery changed, and we were at the site where the Reverse Heaven Alliance and the Thunder God Style were facing off. Lee Gwang's eyes widened in genuine shock as he looked around.
Geukho stood guarding Yun Gwang and Ji Hyeon, who had their acupoints sealed by the Reverse Heaven Alliance warriors. A fearsome killing intent emanated from Geukho's body, preventing any reckless approaches. Mangnyang must have ordered them not to charge.
Spotting Mangnyang, Lee Gwang walked forward steadily. He bowed his head and said.
"I'm truly sorry. Forgive my rash lack of trust in you."
Mangnyang nodded readily upon receiving the apology.
"Of course. I would have made the same choice if I were you, Lee Gwang."
"I have no face to show."
"That matter is in the past now."
Mangnyang smiled faintly and extended his hand to Lee Gwang. When Lee Gwang returned the Treasure Badge Five Flowers Seven Golden Threads from his bosom, Mangnyang tapped his own head with his folding fan and said.
"Let's focus on what lies ahead."
"Thank you."
In that moment, the tension in the room evaporated. Geukho released his killing intent first, and the Reverse Heaven Alliance warriors withdrew theirs. With the leaders having set aside their grudges, the subordinates could say nothing.
We first headed to the building where the mutants had been quarantined. The mutants sat blankly against the wooden walls, but the demonic energy and tentacles unique to otherworldly races had largely faded from their bodies. Those heavily corrupted by otherworldly energies showed little change, but the humans with milder transformations were starting to twitch as if regaining their senses.
In particular, General Hwang Yeon's transformation was dramatic. His upper body from the neck to the solar plexus had fully reverted to human form, reaching up to his shoulders. Jin So-cheong couldn't hide his joy and shouted.
"It's working!"
"Not yet. For this one's body to fully revert and regain human reason, it will take at least two months. Until then, we'll manage the mutants and continuously recite purification incantations invoking the power of Daoist divinities."
Then Lee Gwang said.
"Is that feasible? We succeeded in escaping using the cauldron's power, but we're already marked by the Brocade Guards. Hiding and operating in Luoyang for two months is impossible."
Lee Gwang was right. Operating in Luoyang now was suicidal. It was like crouching in the heart of enemy territory, so surviving two months was a pipe dream. Mangnyang chuckled.
"The Reverse Heaven Alliance has endured without Brocade Guard interference until now thanks to one person's favor. Now we must fully make that person our ally. Then two months will be a breeze."
Lee Gwang replied as if he had guessed.
"I thought so. I figured someone was backing us. Who is this person?"
"Someone you already know."
"......?"
"From the Twin Gates Merchant Guild—Chang Seo Yi Han—the head of the Han Family Clan."
Boom!
Lee Gwang slammed the conference table in fury. He had restrained himself rationally, so it didn't shatter, but it was enough to express his rage. He glared at Mangnyang as if to devour him and said.
"Impossible! I refuse to join hands with that old hag."
Mangnyang fanned himself lazily before replying.
"I know what kind of person she is and what her relationship is with you, Lee Gwang."
A fierce glint entered his eyes, proof that Mangnyang harbored venom toward her as well.
"But this isn't the time to be picky. Without her help, we'd have to abandon our base in Luoyang immediately, face pursuit from the Brocade Guards and Imperial Army amid that, and live as wanted fugitives for years or decades. Do you truly believe we could rally forces and exact revenge on the Brocade Guards after such hardships?"
"......"
"Fortunately, the palace and Brocade Guards don't know her true identity. If used well, it could become an unexpected chink in their armor."
Lee Gwang rested his chin, pondering. Then he said.
"Reverse Heaven Alliance Leader. I understand your intent. But my real concern is something else."
"Please speak."
"That old hag never acts out of compassion. Her every move is backed by cold calculation. Ally with her rashly, and you might end up as her slaves."
Mangnyang agreed with Lee Gwang's view.
"Quite so. The Reverse Heaven Alliance lacks power, funds, martial prowess, and intelligence. We can't stand as equals with the Han Family Clan. Even now, Han Baekryeong uses us merely as a diversion to draw the Brocade Guards' eyes."
Mangnyang looked alternately at Lee Gwang and Jin So-cheong, then said.
"But with the Thunder God Style, it's different. She'll have to consider an alliance with us from another dimension."
"Hmm."
"It's killing two birds with one stone, as I see it."
Lee Gwang closed his eyes in thought, then said.
"So it comes down to my will."
"If you refuse, say so now. We need to save time for the next best option."
"No need."
Lee Gwang shot to his feet. His face had hardened coldly again, signaling he was hiding his emotions.
"Time to collect an old debt."
I let out a groan as I followed the conversation.
"Hmm."
Though they hadn't named her directly, the implication was clear.
The Han Family Clan—likely tied to the White Lotus Cult in truth—the Central Plains' greatest conglomerate led by Han Baekryeong, master of the Fire God Style. We had to negotiate with them. And despite Lee Gwang's distaste for the Fire God Style and its clan head, the situation forced him to seek her aid.
'If that's possible...'
An alliance between Thunder God Style and Fire God Style!
The guardian sects that once propped up the White Lotus Cult's massive pillar would unite. I shuddered, unable to imagine the upheaval if Han Baekryeong or Lee Gwang went berserk. It would be power enough to split heaven and earth.
Lee Gwang looked at me and asked.
"What about you?"
All eyes turned to me. Miho's fierce gaze was among them, making me feel unjustly pierced. She had viewed my actions unfavorably until now, so declaring I'd follow to an enemy lair like the Han Family Clan was impossible. I had no choice but to reply.
"I'll stay here on standby."
"That works. Train diligently."
"Yes."
About an hour later, Mangnyang and Lee Gwang's group, preparations complete, headed to the Han Family Clan. To avoid notice, they planned to blend into an escort agency's convoy visiting the clan. I was left to guard the place in their absence.
Geukho, remaining with me, grumbled.
"Damn it all, having nothing to do and ending up allying with those Fire God Style bastards."
"Senior Brother Geukho. Is there a reason we can't accept their help?"
Unlike his usual sly, self-indulgent self, Geukho was agitated.
"Damn! You were too young and don't know, but those Fire God Style scum just watched when the Thunder God Style was driven out. We thought they were our greatest allies, but they betrayed us. Why the hell should we reach out to those filthy bastards first?"
It wasn't just Lee Gwang who hated the Fire God Style. Seeing Geukho so repulsed, most Thunder God Style inheritors scattered across the Central Plains probably felt the same. Curious, I followed up.
"What about the Water God Style, then?"
"What nonsense? They're not even worth mentioning. Not the kind of foes you hold grudges against. Haven't you even heard what the Water God Style is?"
Geukho waved it off and sat wearily, continuing.
"More importantly, clinging to me like this means you have something else you want to ask more than that, right?"
"You caught me."
"Don't play games, kid. Whether I teach you is up to me anyway."
Geukho smirked slyly and asked.
"So, what do you want to know?"
"I'm curious about the Thunder God Style secret technique you possess, Senior Brother Geukho."
"I figured. The kid's got a real thirst for martial arts."
"It's not Thunder Shadow Step..."
Geukho chuckled.
"Kekeke... It's even greater than Thunder Shadow Step or its Heaven-Earth Killer variant. Curious?"
"Very."
"Won't teach you. It's my bread and butter."
"Master probably knows it anyway? Hardly a secret..."
Geukho turned serious.
"Not at all. Even Master doesn't know my secret technique."
"......!!"
"Want me to explain why?"
Geukho stood, assuming a footwork stance. It was the starting posture for Thunder Shadow Step. He took three slow steps. I knew it led into the Heaven-Earth Killer and watched impassively, but suddenly a different change occurred.
Crackle!
It was like an illusion moving. The motion was faster and more dazzling than Thunder Shadow Step Heaven-Earth Killer, as if a human body had transformed into lightning. Only the Wind God Style's guardian lions' secret arts could compare to Geukho's movement technique.
After seven steps, whoosh—the illusion sucked back into Geukho's body. But even with my inner power heightened, I couldn't tell when or how it became real. As I marveled at the ghostly footwork, Geukho shrugged.
"They just couldn't learn it."
"What do you mean?"
"Exactly that. I figured there's no point hiding a secret technique when we need revenge on the Wind God Style, so I taught it to Master Lee Gwang, but he couldn't learn it. Same for Jin So-cheong."
"Impossible. They're martial prodigies."
"I acknowledge that, but they still couldn't. Weird, huh? It's so simple."
Whoosh.
Geukho demonstrated the footwork again. This time, the Thunder Shadow flowed as if piercing my body, yet I couldn't locate his true form.
This elusive movement shattered common martial sense, sending shivers through me. At the entry to peak transcendence, I could tell how cheat-like this footwork was.
'Terrifying...!!'
Not just invisible—it evades detection until it's right beside you!
A Thunder Shadow indistinguishable from the real body flows out.
If Geukho's skill advanced a bit more, he could leisurely toy with far superior foes or slit their throats exploiting gaps. It was too fast and flashy, granting perfect freedom of advance and retreat.
Good thing Geukho had been cautious earlier and hadn't pushed for a deathmatch. Against him using this transcendent lightness skill, I lacked confidence in protecting my vital points. Stunned, I asked.
"What's the name of that secret technique?"
"Thunder God Style secret art: Soul Extinguishing Step."
I tilted my head at the technique's oddity. Most Thunder God Style techniques included "thunder" in the name. A step that extinguishes souls—what could that mean?
Geukho said.
"My master said I was the only one with the talent to learn Soul Extinguishing Step, so he took me as a disciple. He promised that once I reached perfection, he'd teach me the secret and conditions for mastery... but he was killed by the Wind God Style."
Geukho's face suddenly grew melancholic. It seemed a deep emotional scar for him.
"Anyway, that's why I don't know the conditions for mastering Soul Extinguishing Step either~ That's the gist. I did teach it to Yun Gwang and Ji Hyeon, but they were too busy with basic Thunder God Style arts to even comprehend it."
"Then teach me too."
"You?"
Geukho snickered.
"No problem, but words alone won't do~ I said offer a pretty girl, remember."
"What are you talking about?"
"Playing dumb. I had no choice with Master Lee Gwang, but Jin So-cheong, Yun Gwang, and Ji Hyeon all passed this test. Introduce me to a beautiful lady who can enjoy the winds of romance with me."
It sounded forced and playful, but Geukho's eyes were serious. This must be his unique trial for passing on Soul Extinguishing Step. Utterly self-serving, but given his nature of loving dalliances with women, it was inevitable.
' ...Hmm.'
I stepped away, pondered deeply, then went to Miho. After explaining the situation, Miho laughed heartily.
"Ahaha! That sounds fun. Shall we play?"
Poof.
Miho instantly transformed into a voluptuous peerless beauty. Led by my hand, she approached Geukho. He, who had brought it up to tease me, gaped in shock at the sudden appearance of the stunning Miho.
"Gasp... Uh... You really brought..."
"Oh my... Where is this? This young hero said he had urgent words for me..."
"Ah! That's me. I have words for you, beautiful lady."
Miho's transformation this time was that of a pure, graceful noble lady. She glanced around anxiously, then cautiously said.
"What is it...?"
"Would you care for some tea?"
"......"
I watched, dumbfounded. Suddenly suggesting tea to a beauty lured to a secluded spot—is this how ordinary seduction works? Yet Miho chatted, pretended to be swayed, and went for tea with Geukho.
And about half an hour later.
Geukho returned to base beet-red, cheeks slapped raw like he'd been scorched. Reverse Heaven Alliance experts lounging around snickered at him. Miho must have feigned displeasure and slapped him mercilessly when the chance arose.
Geukho said to me.
"Pretty lady, but lacking in character. I tried to win her over with my silver tongue and passionate love."
I wanted to retort, "What bullshit," but held back for now.
"Anyway, I've done my part. Now keep your promise."
Geukho sighed in defeat.
"Fine, fine. I'll teach you Soul Extinguishing Step. You won't master it anyway."