Chapter 126
Chapter 126
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 126
Chapter Title: Dark Heaven Village
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The thirteenth life had begun.
"Damn it all! Let's just get going."
I pulled myself together roughly and headed off to obtain the Heavenly Dark Secret Book. There wasn't enough information to sit around pondering, and I hadn't accomplished anything yet. The one thing that was clear was that if I stacked up luck, I'd gain unparalleled fortune for a short time, but certain death awaited as the price. Of course, no matter what incredible feats I achieved in that span, it was all meaningless if I died, so I couldn't use that method again.
I obtained the Heavenly Dark Secret Book, then got the Millennium Snow Ginseng, Black and White Lotus, gold ingot, and Mokya's skull from Yellow Mountain before heading to Jin Rang Valley. As expected, even at maximum speed, it took about the same time, and I arrived right at nightfall. I woke Mang Ryang once more.
After persuading Mang Ryang for another hour until he understood, he looked utterly baffled once he'd heard everything.
"I believe you're a reincarnator, but what on earth made you choose that in your twelfth life?"
"I was curious what would happen if the Heavenly Immortals bestowed multiple blessings."
"That's not even worth asking. Ruin."
"......"
"I'll have to explain it to you."
Mang Ryang pointed at me with his fan.
"First, you know that immortals are spiritual entities without physical bodies. They normally reside in the Immortal Realm, or Heavenly Realm, and rarely descend to the mortal world. You should know that much."
"I do."
"They gained the power to influence the laws of the world in exchange for shedding their physical forms. But since they belong to the Immortal Realm, they can't wield that power on the mortal world at will. They're extremely passive beings who only act when mortals earnestly desire it and offer a proper tribute."
Mang Ryang sighed after explaining that far.
"But because of that passivity, once an immortal receives tribute and begins to act, they unleash tremendous power. Moreover, Tai Xu Heavenly Lord is one of the top five deities revered in Taoism, with legends claiming he's an incarnation of Ling Bao Heavenly Lord. That's why he can wield the divine domain of luck, and for him to grant two great fortune blessings is already beyond what any mortal can endure."
"Hmm..."
"The same goes for other celestial gods. If you received two blessings from the Queen Mother of the West, you'd live as long as Dong Fang Shuo's three thousand kalpas. But even then, you couldn't withstand the excess power of the blessing and would self-destruct. It's something you must never do."
I could accept Mang Ryang's words.
From now on, it seemed best to just quietly accept the blessings one at a time. In conclusion, while I'd annihilated the forces of the imperial palace, my death rendered it meaningless. It had to matter that I survived. With that reminder, I said,
"Then let's go."
Mang Ryang and I returned to the village where Cheon Woo-jin was and repeated the same process, offering Mokya's skull as tribute. Even though I'd done it twelve times before, it never got old. Mang Ryang said it was a massive Taoist ritual that happened once every century, if at all.
Woooooo
Tai Xu Heavenly Lord spoke.
[ I sense my energy...]
"Shall we pass the turn to another?"
[ Yes.]
Tai Xu Heavenly Lord called the Queen Mother of the West without any attachment. As before, I earnestly requested mercy for the nine-tailed fox, and she accepted. As the Queen Mother was about to summon another immortal, I hurriedly spoke up.
"Queen Mother!"
[ What is it?]
"Please don't call Namhwa Old Immortal."
The Queen Mother showed a glint of interest in her eyes. Mang Ryang, grasping my intent, chimed in from the side.
"Namhwa Old Immortal has bad blood with my master, Mang Ryang Immortal. It would only cause pointless trouble, so please spare us that much."
The Queen Mother pondered briefly before replying.
[ That's reasonable. Namhwa Old Immortal was once obliterated by Mang Ryang Immortal and barely revived with the Jade Emperor's help.]
There had been such an incident?
I looked at Mang Ryang in shock, but he showed no reaction. The Queen Mother continued as if confirming.
[ Very well. I'll choose the best one I can.]
Woooooo...
Soon, Cheon Woo-jin's body jerked, and a new divine spirit descended into him. Mang Ryang and I watched anxiously yet expectantly.
[ Are you a martial artist?]
Sword Immortal Yeo Dongbin stood before us. It seemed the Queen Mother's best choice had led to Yeo Dongbin, the Sword and Fighting Immortal. I felt annoyed recalling how I'd died because of him before, but I nodded and answered first.
"Yes."
[ Then I shall impart the Heavenly Escape Swordsmanship... Huh?!]
Yeo Dongbin let out a strangled quack-like sound, uncharacteristic for him, in surprise. He approached and prodded my body before speaking.
[ I sense the heart of the Heavenly Escape Swordsmanship!! Have you already received it before?!]
"......"
[ Astonishing. Could my mortal descendant have reached the realm of the Heavenly Escape Swordsmanship...?]
"Can't you grant me the Heavenly Escape Swordsmanship?"
When I asked curtly, Yeo Dongbin replied.
[ The Heavenly Escape Swordsmanship is already within you. The terminal connecting us is etched into your soul, so no separate blessing is needed.]
In other words, unlike before, Yeo Dongbin could now manifest without a separate blessing request.
"Ah."
[ I'll pass the turn.]
Flash!
For a moment, I saw Cheon Woo-jin's expression twist grotesquely. Even in the instant of possession, he looked utterly exhausted. But inwardly, I thought he deserved it and said nothing.
The newly summoned spirit spoke.
[ Your fame... has spread throughout the Heavenly Realm. Never has anyone drawn forth such esteemed great immortals from the Immortal Realm.]
"Who are you?"
[ I am Yuan Yuan Zi...]
Who was that?
I tilted my head, but Mang Ryang's face beside me paled dramatically. Yuan Yuan Zi smiled serenely and asked me.
[ Do you like martial arts?]
That question gave me plenty to think about.
Did I truly like martial arts?
Of course, mastering them and growing stronger brought unparalleled joy. The thrill of surviving a battle against a powerful foe was immense. But I hadn't started martial arts out of pure love; it was solely for survival. I pursued it because power made life easier. It wasn't affection for martial arts itself that led me to begin.
'Well, I do like it quite a bit.'
But I decided to accept that the 'me' who enjoyed martial arts was still me. Life isn't one-dimensional; hobbies, interests, and more shape the personality. At least compared to an ordinary person, I could say I liked martial arts.
"Yes."
[ Good... Then I shall impart to you the insights I never fully transmitted to the mortal world...]
Flash!
With that, Yuan Yuan Zi extended his hand, ending the Mokya skull tribute ritual. I felt an enormous influx of knowledge and martial experience flooding my mind. When I came to, Cheon Woo-jin had collapsed before me.
Mang Ryang rushed over and supported him.
"Junior Brother, are you alright?!"
"Ugh... I'm... fine."
"You've done well."
Once Cheon Woo-jin had stabilized, Mang Ryang and I left the village. As usual, we headed to an inn to sort through everything that had happened.
Mang Ryang tore into a chicken leg.
"The blessings you received this time are extraordinary. Truly a great fortuitous encounter."
"Who exactly is Yuan Yuan Zi?"
"Well, the people of the world wouldn't know what that Taoist title refers to."
Mang Ryang muttered before explaining.
"Yuan Yuan Zi refers to a Taoist from the late Song Dynasty whose personal name was Jeon Il or Gun Bo. His title isn't well-known because another name of his is far more famous."
"......?"
I couldn't help but widen my eyes at his next words.
"He is the founding patriarch of the Wudang Sect—one of the most revered immortals in the folk traditions today—none other than Yuan Yuan Zi, Zhang Sanfeng."
"Gasp...!! You mean I obtained Zhang Sanfeng's insights?!"
"Indeed."
Zhang Sanfeng!
He was the founding ancestor of the Wudang Sect, one of the Nine Great Righteous Sects that stood as the twin pillars alongside Shaolin. Renowned for negotiating with the Yuan Dynasty government at the end of the Song to protect the land's dragon veins and shield the powerless commoners, he was also called the Sage of Great Accomplishment for his profound martial arts. Virtually no martial artist hadn't heard of him. His name was essential when discussing grandmasters.
I hadn't recognized him immediately because he'd revealed himself with his unique Taoist title, Yuan Yuan Zi—a name passed down only in Taoist lineages, not commonly known among martial artists. As I composed my inner shock, Mang Ryang asked,
"He said he imparted insights—what did you receive?"
"Hmm... I'd have to meditate to know. Right now, it just feels like formless knowledge has entered me."
"Then I recommend practicing whenever you can. Worst case, you could seclude yourself, master just Zhang Sanfeng's insights, and come out—it wouldn't be a total failure."
"Hmm..."
Mang Ryang gazed at me steadily before adding,
"Completely assimilating those insights has one major advantage."
"Immortality?"
He shook his head.
"That's not an advantage. Immortality won't make the Demon Army retreat."
"Then..."
"You could return those insights and ultimate arts to the Wudang Sect, making them your allies."
"Ah!"
"This has unexpectedly added another variable."
Mang Ryang grumbled playfully. If what he said was true, I could even become the Wudang Sect leader if I played it right! Having Wudang as allies would make things far easier. With a spark of hope, I asked Mang Ryang,
"If I sequentially summon the founding ancestors of the Nine Great Righteous Sects and receive their insights..."
"Nonsense... The founding ancestors of the Nine Great Righteous Sects were all grandmasters and eccentrics, but only Immortal Zhang Sanfeng ascended to the Great Luo Divine Immortal realm. For Huashan, Zhongnan, Kunlun, Emei, or Jeongseng Sect leaders to reach that as Taoists is a true miracle."
"Hmm!"
"Consider Immortal Zhang Sanfeng an exceptional genius. It's only been about two hundred years since his death, and he's already at the great immortal level."
From Mang Ryang's answer, I truly felt Zhang Sanfeng was in a league of his own. Even among immortals, ranks divided further, and only a select few Great Luo Divine Immortals were worthy of Mokya's skull tribute. After reaffirming Zhang Sanfeng's greatness, I asked Mang Ryang again,
"By the way, what was that about Namhwa Old Immortal nearly dying to Mang Ryang Immortal?"
"Hmm... It's a sensitive secret, but I suppose it's fine to tell you."
After a brief hesitation, Mang Ryang said,
"Exactly as it sounds. My master, Mang Ryang Immortal, was once a great menace rampaging through the Immortal Realm. Back then, he was called [Emperor of the Boundary's Je Mang Ryang]. I don't know the exact details as his disciple, but what's certain is that Namhwa Old Immortal challenged him and was obliterated in one strike—his immortal body torn apart—only to be revived by the Jade Emperor."
"......!!"
"It makes sense why Namhwa Old Immortal reacted so bitterly. He guards the Immortal Realm now, but it's true he died by my master's hand."
I said in disbelief,
"Isn't Namhwa Old Immortal also a Great Luo Divine Immortal? You took one down in a single blow?"
"My master is a special existence. He didn't become an immortal through human cultivation—he was never human to begin with, as far as I know."
"Then a yokai immortal?"
I'd heard that since the Silver and Zhou eras, besides humans ascending via Tao, yokai could cultivate into yokai immortals. Basing my question on Taoist knowledge, Mang Ryang gave a truly enigmatic expression as he replied.
"Not that either."
"How could that be?"
"My master is riddled with mysteries—don't try to comprehend him casually. Even the Jade Emperor and Supreme Elder Lord can't issue commands regarding him lightly."
"......"
I somehow sensed that those around Mang Ryang Immortal knew nothing substantial about him. Both Miho and Mang Ryang only knew his incarnation form; his true nature remained unknown. It was terrifying that such an enigmatic being lurked in seclusion.
I soon parted ways with Mang Ryang in Jin Rang Valley.
"Mang Ryang, I'll proceed as planned, so take care of things."
"Don't worry."
I'd handed nearly all the acquired items to Mang Ryang, taking only what I'd need for Goryeo.
'Right, time to start according to Mang Ryang's strategy?'
The strategy was simple.
I rode for days to reach Shandong Province, then sneaked into the Great Dragon Merchant Association's logistics warehouse right away. Using the beginner spell Invisibility Technique, I evaded the escort warriors and captains.
Lurking in the warehouse, I searched diligently at night and found my target in just two hours.
"This is it!"
What I pulled out was a cargo crate containing the golden cauldron. I carefully opened it, retrieved the Golden Cauldron, and now had a means of teleportation. I returned the crate as found and slipped out.
Then I rubbed the side of the Golden Cauldron.
Not wanting to see Cheon Ri-an unnecessarily, I willed strongly the moment I touched it.
I want to go here!
[ Understood...]
Flash!
I'd arrived in the depths of the Great Thunder Prison. Pitch-black abyss without a shred of light, but I'd brought a torch beforehand, so I could see clearly. Gazing at the tentacle toad across the water, I muttered,
"Long time no see."
That was when it happened.
The giant tentacle toad sensed me and slowly turned its head. Then, like when the nasal ganglion had poured willpower into my mind, I felt intense telepathic waves.
[ ...You! ...Great... one's...]
Of course, most was unintelligible, so I ignored it. Sinking into my inner self, I activated the quintessence of faith from the Heavenly Escape Swordsmanship.
'Sword Immortal Yeo Dongbin, there's a demon before you—please strike it down.'
Soon, a divine glow flashed in my eyes. Normally, I'd have let myself handle it alone, but since I'd called him, Yeo Dongbin had no choice. He descended into my body and shouted powerfully.
[ Creature of Dark Heaven Village from the dark side of the moon! Devouring human flesh in such a place—I, Yeo Dongbin, shall not forgive you!]
Moments later, Yeo Dongbin unleashed sword control arts at the giant tentacle toad. The arts pierced its slimy skin mercilessly, inflicting massive wounds and spraying fluids.
[ Kiiiiieeeek!!]
Yeo Dongbin swiftly created clones, summoned a massive sword in the air, and struck down again. The toad blocked once by secreting fluids over its body, then retaliated with a sonic blast. It was clearly a league above the sea demon I'd faced.
Ziiing—
But the curse sonic wave that had instantly crippled Yi Gwang and Jin So-cheong had no effect. I'd thought maybe it hadn't targeted me last time, but no—its curses simply didn't work on me.
Yeo Dongbin seemed to realize it too, muttering,
[ Guide, you seem closely tied to other races...]
Kagang
Even as he spoke, he approached cautiously, probing the demon's potential. If Yeo Dongbin unleashed his usual mad ultimate arts, even the giant tentacle toad would fall in one blow, but this was a cave dug into the mountain—reckless big techniques were impossible.
Spotting an opening, Yeo Dongbin emanated gray sword aura, as if realizing something.
[ Haha! Guide, you have an interesting technique. Let me try it too.]
Yeo Dongbin assumed a grounded drawing stance. True to his sword immortal nature, he'd instantly comprehended the Zhang Sanfeng insights in my mind without any practice.
Zhang Sanfeng
Insights
Bending Void Slash
Whiiiing
With a swarm-like hum, the sword path distorted space as it extended. The toad's fluid bullets were swept away like erasing intangible traces, their trajectories wildly deflected.
This was unthinkable in conventional martial arts—it twisted space itself, sucking it in! This move alone could nullify any projectile attack. As I watched in awe, the Sword Immortal used Zhang Sanfeng's insights again.
[ Come here!]
Insights
Heaven Contracting Sword
Churrrrk
As the sword swung, space seemed to crumple and reel in. Beyond refraction, it was contracting space. The immense suction dragged the dozens-of-feet-wide tentacle toad, flailing like it was drowning.
Satisfied with the pull, Yeo Dongbin used Seven Stars Escaping Shadow from the insights, creating countless clones to close in, then repelled the toad into the air with Taiji Radiant Willow Sword.
[ Kweeeek!!]
The toad screeched another sonic blast in frenzy, but Yeo Dongbin countered with Mysterious Heaven Five Gods Decree, firing five divine beams that blocked it mid-air.
For the finish, he unleashed True Warrior Seven Severing Scripture, rebounding qi to shatter the toad's body. A rainbow mirror formed in the air, spraying rays randomly.
All of it—the Wudang Sect's ultimate arts—unfolded by the Sword Immortal.
Kuboom!
The tentacle toad exploded mid-air, fluids scattering everywhere. Each acidic droplet was deflected by Yeo Dongbin's protective qi and sword barrier. Finishing the subjugation, he said contentedly,
[ That was fun. I should go chat with Zhang Sanfeng.]
Thud
Once Yeo Dongbin departed, I dropped to my knees. Rubbing my shoulders, I sighed.
"Haa, fortunately only the three gates opened. I still have thirty percent inner energy left..."
Most crucially, since I'd felt Yeo Dongbin's display as my own, it would greatly aid future training of Zhang Sanfeng's insights. Experiencing a Fighting Immortal's moves at peak proficiency equated to years of practice.
I entered the cave and retrieved the Wood Pouch, Demonic Scripture Nine Stars Origin Scroll, and Jade Twin Swords. He'd called the twin swords Twin Solitary Greatswords, but unsure of the exact name, I'd ask Mang Ryang later.
I stored everything acquired so far in the Wood Pouch's inner space, then rubbed the Golden Cauldron again.
Flash!
I reappeared before Jin Rang Valley where Mang Ryang waited. I had to give him the interim report.
Mang Ryang was studying a book while practicing martial arts, but he relaxed his horse stance and grinned.
"Success."
"Fortunately, yes."
Indeed.
The strategy was to obtain the Golden Cauldron in the shortest time, slay the toad, and secure the mysterious Wood Pouch for massive storage. With everything needed acquired, I could now save tremendous time.