Chapter 137
Chapter 137
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 137
Chapter Title: Dark Heaven Village
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Lee Gwang and the mysterious silver-masked figure had vanished in a direction that required no separate tracking. The further we went that way, the more immense surges of qi exploded one after another like blasts, their shockwaves felt from afar. Realizing just how terrifying a realm their power had reached, I let out a low groan.
"Hmm."
Miho spoke up.
"Do we really have to head into that mess?"
"If Lee Gwang loses, we're done for anyway."
With resolute eyes, I continued.
"That fox mask is the head of the Han family—and likely a Dharma Protector Lion of the White Lotus Cult."
This was a fact I'd learned across my past lives. Han Baekryeong, ruler of the Incarnation Style and head of the Han family, had no choice but to be a Dharma Protector Lion. After all, the Incarnation Style now oversaw the White Lotus Cult's martial lineage. Lee Gwang and Jin So-cheong, as heirs to the Thunder God Style, had known this beforehand, which was why they'd tensed up the moment they saw her.
I'd gotten a full sense of a Dharma Protector Lion's fearsome abilities from my fight with the Wind God Style's protector. Though I hadn't witnessed the outcome of Lee Gwang's duel with her, it was clear the protector held the edge. That's why I had to help Lee Gwang somehow.
Tadadak.
As we ran, the sounds of their fierce battle reached us from the peak of Jangha Mountain. Without a word, Miho and I unleashed our lightness skills and leaped upward. It was a fairly tall peak for a wild mountain, but it took us less than half a gak to reach the summit.
Kwa-gwang!
"Haap!"
Lee Gwang's ultimate technique rained down. Spear strikes infused with wind and thunder tore through the air in an instant, swaying like willow branches mid-flight to split their trajectories. It was a horrifying assault only the spear master Lee Gwang could unleash.
But Han Baekryeong, locked in her battle stance, chuckled and swung both hands. Flame-like afterimages seemed to rampage, her body crumbling into fire. Yet it was merely an illusion forged of qi—her true form unleashing a massive Hot Sun Palm.
Kwaang—!!
It happened in a flash. A single palm strike against the ground sent the entire Jangha Mountain trembling with violent vibrations, kicking up dust. Flames erupted alongside the shockwave, spanning dozens of jang.
"......!!"
This was the clash of peerless masters!
Sensing he could no longer press the attack, Lee Gwang had pulled back. With a somewhat fatigued expression, he addressed Han Baekryeong.
"Are you joking? Why not fight for real?"
"Heh heh heh. What are you talking about?"
"No one thinks you don't know the Incarnation Style's essence lies in Twin Swordsmanship, with the True Night Heavenly Wolf Sword as its supreme art."
At Lee Gwang's words, Han Baekryeong replied.
"I'll answer that much since you broke my precious mask."
It was true enough. They'd clearly been fighting for a while—Lee Gwang's upper body glistened with sweat, and her silver fox mask was cracked, exposing her right eye.
Han Baekryeong tossed the silver fox mask to the ground, revealing the peerless beauty beneath: raven-black hair framing a refined, doll-like visage.
"I have no reason to fight to the death here."
"......"
Lee Gwang pressed his lips tight, as if he'd expected as much. Turning toward Miho and me as we arrived on the scene, he said.
"Stay on guard."
The brief words carried his firm distrust of anything Han Baekryeong might say. Sensing it, she spoke with a troubled air.
"You're not really thinking of settling things with me, are you?"
"What's wrong with that?"
In an instant, Han Baekryeong's eyes flickered with a pale blue hue. Pure killing intent.
"Don't bluff, Lee Gwang. I'm just weighing my options right now."
"Weighing your options...? If that's the case, explain the full situation. Isn't that why we're here?"
"Not even decades in the imperial palace can rid you of that brazen tongue."
"I'll take it as a compliment."
Han Baekryeong eyed Lee Gwang with disdain, but he remained unflappable. To her, he seemed like an irritating junior—quite the feat. It meant even a Dharma Protector Lion with world-shaking power couldn't treat Lee Gwang lightly.
At last, Han Baekryeong spoke.
"A freak calling himself an alchemist has afflicted all the disciples of the Twin Gate Five Families with a strange plague. The family heads—including me—came here out of necessity, trusting his promise to cure it if we eliminate Huang Yan's officers."
"A plague...? What kind?"
"Tumors sprout inexplicably on their bodies, and their limbs blacken from the tips. No real pain, but that's what makes it terrifying. It's like they're turning into something else—utterly horrifying to witness."
Lee Gwang nodded thoughtfully before replying.
"You seem far too calm for someone facing that. Does that mean the Han family retainers aren't afflicted?"
"Of course not. I've just seen something similar before."
Han Baekryeong answered with evident discomfort.
"It resembled the plague that struck the Young Cult Leader. Nearly identical."
"......!!"
Lee Gwang flinched in shock.
"So the rumors were true—the White Lotus Cult delayed its push into the Central Plains due to the Young Cult Leader's critical condition."
"Well, we know this plague won't erupt massively anytime soon, nor is it contagious. Taking down the shaman should resolve it."
Listening to their exchange, I pieced together the situation. The other Twin Gate family heads had come to assassinate out of ignorance of the plague's nature, exhausting every ounce of strength. But Han Baekryeong had some inkling of what it was.
After a long pause, Lee Gwang said.
"I see. So you tested my power?"
"Yes. You're the Thunder God Style's top master, but I needed to confirm if you could breach the imperial palace's barriers."
"And if I refuse the offer...?"
"Then even I have no choice. I'd have to go all out, cut you down, take Huang Yan and Mang Ryang's heads, and deliver them to the alchemist."
Sruk...
Without a sound, twin swords gleamed in Han Baekryeong's hands. The mere act radiated a crushing, intangible pressure. Worlds apart from what I'd sensed before—this was a formless aura that could cleave the heavens themselves. Even Lee Gwang nearly recoiled.
Han Baekryeong was dead serious.
Join hands with her here—or face life and death!
She was forcing a choice.
Lee Gwang said.
"You don't trust the alchemist's promise."
"How could I? This isn't a contagion or poison—it's a curse. No guarantee he'll honor it."
"Fair enough. I understand the situation now."
Lee Gwang pondered, then turned to me.
"Who's the woman with you?"
"Miho's older sister. She's here to help us."
"Oh? Perfect timing, then. How's the situation?"
"The enemies are wiped out. But Jin So-cheong was exhausted, so we left him behind for now."
"Good work."
Chuckling heartily, Lee Gwang faced Han Baekryeong again.
"I'll accept the offer. But without a solid plan, we can't just stick our necks in the tiger's jaws."
"I have a plan."
Arms crossed, Han Baekryeong stated firmly.
"The short of it: cut down that alchemist. He's deep in the imperial palace, so we must breach the Zhuge Division's barriers first. My power alone isn't enough, but with yours, victory is assured."
"...That means consulting our army's strategist. I know nothing of the Zhuge Division."
"Fair. I've heard his divine stratagems are unparalleled."
"Follow me. You two as well."
I replied to Lee Gwang.
"I'll catch up using my own method."
"Hm. Do that."
Paat!
Moments later, Han Baekryeong and Lee Gwang's forms vanished into the distance. Left behind, Miho and I surveyed the devastation atop Jangha Mountain. She stared at the scorched, gouged landscape—like a natural disaster had struck—and said with a paling face.
"Those two wield power no human should possess. How can people be that strong?"
"It's only natural. They're among the world's top ten powerhouses."
"Hmm... What will you do?"
"First, hear Mang Ryang's take. If he says it's hopeless, then it really is."
"Baek Woong, you trust Mang Ryang deeply."
"Of course!"
Miho gave me an odd look for a moment, then suddenly hugged me tightly from behind. Surprised, I heard her whisper softly in my ear.
"Don't make it too obvious. This lady gets jealous easily."
"......"
I couldn't tell if she meant it or was joking.
Soon, Miho and I used the Flying Lantern to return to camp, seeking Mang Ryang before Lee Gwang or Han Baekryeong arrived. He'd already been briefed and stood outside in full strategist garb, preparing to interrogate the Han family head, Jang Bong—still enthralled by Miho's Charm Art—kneeling before him.
"Mang Ryang."
"Ah, Baek Woong. Where've you been?"
I quickly explained the recent events.
"...So Lee Gwang and Han Baekryeong will arrive shortly. And this Jang Bong is under Miho's Charm Art—no need for torture to extract info."
"Hmm. This is a headache."
Mang Ryang sighed heavily.
"I never thought we'd face him head-on..."
"Is the Zhuge Division that fearsome?"
"The Treasure of the Central Plains."
Mang Ryang said bitterly.
"First human in the Great Ming's history to earn the title of Grand Prodigy. He's on another level. Perfect in every way."
I hated seeing Mang Ryang so lacking in confidence. To me, he was always bold and hot-blooded, upholding justice fiercely. Losing spirit before even facing the man irked me. Patting his shoulder, I said.
"Don't get down on yourself. To me, you're a genius and our hope. Why cower before some Treasure of the Central Plains?"
"Hm...?"
"You're the world's greatest strategist."
Stunned by my encouragement, Mang Ryang soon burst into laughter.
"Uahaha! Indeed! If I'm the world's greatest, I surpass the Treasure of the Central Plains!"
"Of course!"
"Got it. I'll give it my all."
Soon after, Lee Gwang and Han Baekryeong arrived.
"Where's So-cheong?"
Lee Gwang sought Jin So-cheong first upon return. He was in his tent, legs crossed, absorbing the Millennium Snow Ginseng's energy and nearing completion of the Great Celestial Circuit. Seeing this, Lee Gwang was stunned.
"What is this?!"
I sent him a transmission.
[I fed him the Millennium Snow Ginseng.]
"Eh?!"
[To help him recover...]
Lee Gwang stared at me in genuine bewilderment. Then he gripped my hand tightly.
"...Thank you! I won't forget this favor."
"No big deal."
"Han Baekryeong. Wait a moment. I want to discuss this after So-cheong wakes."
Han Baekryeong, who had entered the tent with him, said admiringly.
"This boy's your prized disciple. Truly exceptional talent, matching his master's reputation."
"I don't know who Jin Seong is, but So-cheong's even better."
"What?!"
A crackling tension sparked instantly. Panicking at the sight, I interjected.
"Please calm down, both of you..."
"Hmph!"
"Hngh!"
Watching these peerless masters bicker childishly over their successors left me flabbergasted. But thinking of it as parental pride made it somewhat understandable.
About half a sichen passed before Jin So-cheong awoke, his aura stabilized and eyes gleaming with refined light—a step higher in realm. Soon, all key figures gathered in Mang Ryang's tent.
Mang Ryang fanned himself with his Five Flowers Seven Gold Fan and addressed Han Baekryeong.
"If you would, please recount the full details again."
"Very well."
Han Baekryeong steadied her breath before speaking.
"You've heard how your Huang Yan Army triumphed over the Imperial Guard. The Twin Gate Five Families' heads had gathered to discuss our future course. Then this self-proclaimed alchemist appeared out of nowhere, claiming he'd afflicted all our disciples outside our immediate circle with a plague. He threatened to cure it if we brought him Huang Yan or one of his officers' heads."
"You said the plague matches the one that struck the White Lotus Cult's Young Cult Leader."
"Yes. Not certain it's identical, but the symptoms align closely."
"And it's a form of curse..."
Mang Ryang pondered briefly, then turned to me.
"Baek Woong. Sorry, but infiltrate Luoyang City and quickly abduct someone afflicted. Bring them here."
"Can I go alone?"
"For now, yes. The Zhuge Division's barriers are focused on the imperial city—Silver Concealment and lightness skill should make it easy."
The moment Mang Ryang gave the order, I left the tent and activated the Flying Lantern. Using it, I teleported to the Han family estate. Staggering figures roamed everywhere, devoid of reason.
As Han Baekryeong had described, their skin blackened like rot, the plague visibly consuming them. Grotesque tumors oozed pus in spots.
Dodging their gazes with Silver Concealment and Stealth, I assessed their conditions. Amid them, a man called Han Jin-seong showed almost no progression.
"Ugh..."
The plague lingered only at his limb tips, but he seemed in agony, resisting through sheer will—sweat pouring down his body. Approaching, I said.
"You alright?"
"Y-You are...?"
"I'm Baek Woong of the Huang Yan Army. Your family head is joining us to take down the enemy leader."
"Th-That's good... Keck!"
"......"
I eyed Han Jin-seong oddly as he coughed up blood.
'Why is Han Jin-seong barely progressed while the others transform like barbarians?'
What caused this difference? I pondered but could do little now. I considered using the Flying Lantern to bring him back, but with his struggle against the plague, he likely couldn't endure its nightmarish visions. It might kill him, so I said reluctantly.
"Sorry. Hang in there. It'll lift once we take down the shaman."
"Ugh... Wait..."
As I turned to leave, Han Jin-seong vomited blood and spoke.
"...Tell them freaks are prowling nearby. Be careful..."
"Freaks?"
"Yes... Snake-like humans... Wielding tridents or greatswords..."
"What? And no one reacts?"
"Look outside... Fog so thick you can't see a thing..."
I hurriedly checked outside. True enough, the imperial capital was shrouded in dense fog, visibility mere jang. Odd—no fog visible from afar. Why this phenomenon?
And as he said, snake-human figures slithered about in small groups, hissing. People hid in corners, avoiding eye contact.
'Snake-humans... Barbarians too.'
I'd fought them before. Not top-tier martial artists, but their innate physical prowess troubled even experts. The alchemist must have summoned the fog and them via sorcery.
"Got it. Hold on."
First, I entered the Han family quarters, retrieved the famed Dragon Flame Sword from its case, and stowed it in the Mokgap.
Then I grabbed a passing plague victim and teleported with the Flying Lantern to the main camp tent. Han Baekryeong startled at my sudden appearance.
"What?"
"Mang Ryang. Here's an infected one."
Showing the victim to Mang Ryang, he examined it meticulously. After about a shichen of silent observation, he spoke.
"Nothing like this in any records I've seen."
"Told you—it's no ordinary plague."
"......"
I updated Mang Ryang on Luoyang's situation. Hearing it all, he declared without hesitation.
"No choice, then. Can't kill the alchemist without breaching the Zhuge Division. Let's go straight through."
"How?"
Mang Ryang grinned at me.
"Extremely simple."
Shiiik!
Moments later, Flying Lantern in hand, I'd arrived at the top floor of the Inner Imperial Pavilion—the Zhuge Division chief's office. Zhuge Fu, reading a book, glanced up with a quizzical "Hm?" I opened the Mokgap and released.
Pababat!
"......!!"
Zhuge Fu jolted in shock.
I'd unleashed the combined power of the Mokgap and Flying Lantern: out poured Han Baekryeong, Jin So-cheong, Lee Gwang, Mang Ryang, and Miho.
Grinning at Zhuge Fu, I said.
"Hey there. Long time no see."