Chapter 171
Chapter 171
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 171
Chapter Title: Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors
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We moved to the village where Immortal Sage Mangnyang resided at Mangnyang's request. Of course, I didn't forget to bury the Heavenly Dark Secret Book in the pine grove. As we entered the village, Cheon Woo-jin spotted us and spoke up.
"What business brings you here this time?"
"I have an urgent matter to consult with Master about."
"And those people with you?"
When Cheon Woo-jin glanced our way, Jin So-cheong cupped his hands in greeting.
"I am Jin So-cheong of the Thunder God Style. Pleased to meet you."
"Hmm, so you're a martial artist too."
Muttering in an unenthusiastic tone, Cheon Woo-jin continued.
"Stay out of the way. Lately, Master has a lot on his mind."
"What do you mean, junior brother?"
When Mangnyang asked, Cheon Woo-jin let out a sigh.
"The Star of the Hegemon King has moved. Didn't you read the heavens, senior brother?"
"I've been too busy lately to check the stars."
"Judging by the agitation in the constellations, it seems a colossal being will soon rampage. Even the immortal realm is watching closely, so Master's getting all sorts of demands as the guardian."
"Hmm... I see."
I listened to their conversation and, curiosity piqued, asked Cheon Woo-jin.
"What's this Star of the Hegemon King?"
He glared at me for a moment but soon explained.
"You know the constellations are made up of Three Enclosures and Twenty-eight Mansions. Over vast stretches of history, those Three Enclosures and Twenty-eight Mansions shift, and amid those changes, there's a unique star that aids the North Star in maintaining balance. In astronomy, it's called the Star of the Hegemon King, and when it moves, massive upheavals shake the world."
"I had no idea..."
For some reason, Mangnyang seemed eager to avoid further talk and urged me on.
"Let's hurry. We're short on time."
We followed Mangnyang to the shrine where Immortal Sage Mangnyang was enshrined. He glanced at me and said.
"Bring out the Crystal Monument and the Portrait Figures."
"Hm? No issue there, but... won't pulling these out draw the alchemist's tracking spells and put us in danger?"
"It's fine. Do it."
Fwoosh.
Following Mangnyang's order, I took the Crystal Monument and Portrait Figures from my spatial pouch. The three Portrait Figures lay side by side beneath the massive Crystal Monument. Jin So-cheong, watching from the side, exclaimed in surprise.
"Junior brother, what on earth is this? Why are there people...?"
"I'll explain later. For now, let's follow Mangnyang's lead."
"Hmm."
Mangnyang closely examined the Crystal Monument and Portrait Figures, then approached the shrine, bowed respectfully, and spoke.
"Master, your disciple Mangnyang has come to see you. Today, I seek answers to a great enigma."
No reply came.
The silence was profound, as if Immortal Sage Mangnyang had never existed. Undeterred by the quiet, Mangnyang pressed on.
"In truth, I know. There's something suspicious about Baek Woong's reincarnation cycle, and you're reluctant to reveal your true self because of that incongruity. I've come to realize this while hearing of Baek Woong's past lives.
But if a curse afflicts him, is it truly good to keep avoiding it? He possesses a heart and will for justice. That's why I stake my life alongside Baek Woong. Isn't facing problems head-on and giving your all the true path of a shaman, as you always taught?"
Mangnyang finished, but still, no response or reaction followed.
He let out a long sigh and said.
"If that's your will, then I'll take a gamble of my own. Here, we have the Crystal Monument capable of crafting the Philosopher's Stone and the Portrait Figures as shamanic vessels. I offer them in tribute to Guardian Mangnyang. In exchange, please resolve this disciple's doubts."
"......！！"
I was stunned.
Sure, we'd once discussed offering them up if there was no time to study the Crystal Monument and Portrait Figures. But to actually sacrifice them to Immortal Sage Mangnyang right here? Moments later, something astonishing happened.
Rumble rumble rumble.
Suddenly, the massive Crystal Monument crumbled into powder from the top down. The three-zhang monument turned to sand in the time it took to blink ten times, and then the Portrait Figures were sucked into a bizarre spatial distortion and vanished.
The scene resembled something devouring the tribute.
We watched the eerie sight with bated breath, and soon a deep, resonant voice echoed through the space.
[My mortal disciple, Mangnyang. Indeed, the secrets of the world you seek are such that even this tribute gives me pause in whether to reveal them. To be honest, it'd take about a hundred human lives more for true balance.]
A voice utterly different from before.
Yet we instinctively knew it was Immortal Sage Mangnyang's. The moment we heard it, Mangnyang's face lit up with joy. Shortly after, Immortal Sage Mangnyang spoke.
[But considering you are my disciple, I'll accept this tribute. No need to worry about the resulting karma.]
"Thank you, Master."
[Ask your question.]
The phrasing was peculiar, as if Immortal Sage Mangnyang already knew what Mangnyang would ask.
Mangnyang opened his mouth.
"Is the current history of the Central Plains a distorted one, altered by the [Ancient Ruler] known as the Mother Without Birth?"
[Yes.]
Hearing that, not only Mangnyang but I too wore a shocked expression.
To think the god of the White Lotus Church, the Mother Without Birth—an Ancient Ruler—had truly rewritten this world's history! Immortal Sage Mangnyang continued as if mocking us.
[The history of the Central Plains was changed by the White Lotus Church, which in turn altered Goryeo and Dongyoung's histories as well. Even the distant histories of the Western Regions...]
"Then, can we consider the White Lotus Church a force of the [Ancient Rulers]?"
[No.]
Immortal Sage Mangnyang paused briefly before explaining.
[You wouldn't know, but those called Ancient Rulers are not equals. Strict hierarchies and rankings exist among them, with vast gaps in power. The Mother Without Birth is among the mightiest, showing little interest in the human realm, for she is an Outer God.]
"What is an Outer God?"
[Beings so supreme that even Ancient Rulers worship and revere them as gods. They have no interest in humanity to begin with.]
Rustle.
Before we knew it, a pitch-black cat had appeared in the shrine. It was the incarnation of Immortal Sage Mangnyang I'd only seen in dreams. Seemingly too lazy to speak directly, he used his avatar instead. The cat said.
[The founder of the White Lotus Church was a high monk who deeply cultivated Buddhist teachings. In the era of ten thousand factions, as humanity grew corrupt and depraved, tormenting the common folk, he agonized. He desperately sought a being beyond human power and founded the White Lotus Church, vowing to bring this world to nirvana through that entity's might.
He obtained spells to borrow the power of the Outer God, Mother Without Birth.
Thus, the Mother Without Birth they worship likely doesn't even know of the White Lotus Church in the human realm. She needs no worship. She merely bestows magical blessings and boons because they fervently call out from the human world. I wouldn't call that a 'force.']
I listened but couldn't follow and asked.
"Wait, that doesn't add up."
[What doesn't?]
"Aren't Ancient Rulers supposed to receive tributes of human flesh or souls, granting capricious power in return? Why does this Mother Without Birth freely lend her power to the White Lotus Church on a whim, without any tribute?"
The cat tilted its head at my question and replied.
[That's what's strange to me. Why should that entity care?]
"What?"
[The being humans call Mother Without Birth holds power in the universe's center to shatter the Three Thousand Worlds with a single irreverent word. Ancient Rulers have limits, requiring proper tribute, but she is different. Possessing infinite authority, it's mere idle amusement to her.]
"......！！"
Mangnyang shuddered. A look of 'fear'—one I'd never seen on his face—appeared. His lips trembled as he stammered.
"M-Master... that entity is the one you mentioned before..."
[Yes. 'That' one.]
"No way... as I feared..."
As Mangnyang's expression turned grim, the cat approached as if to comfort him, rubbing against his pant leg with its paw, and said.
[Worry not. That entity doesn't perceive this world. It slumbers in chaos. The White Lotus Church doesn't wield its power directly but merely scrapes infinitesimal fragments without understanding. Your fears are premature.]
"I see... thank you."
Mangnyang let out a deep sigh of relief.
[But your concern isn't unfounded. If the White Lotus Church interprets the founder's original sutra and fully taps the Outer God's power, it would be dangerous.
That entity also founded the Zen school, so its sutras as Mother Without Birth are scattered across all Buddhist sects in this world. At least a thousand years of safety, I'd say.]
I interjected with a question.
"What do you mean by 'dangerous'? Specifically? If they chant the complete Mother Without Birth sutra, does the Outer God descend?"
[No. It ends.]
"Ends what?"
[Everything just ends. No need to think further.]
"......！！"
I was horrified.
The god the White Lotus Church worshipped, Mother Without Birth, was that perilous?!
'But the way he's talking, she's so transcendently lofty that it actually eases the worry...'
Mangnyang must have some inkling of her true nature. Viewing it as a massive secret, he'd resolved to offer tribute to Immortal Sage Mangnyang as Great Immortal to learn it.
The cat, Immortal Sage Mangnyang's incarnation, leaped onto the shrine's roof and said.
[Anyway, it's been a while, Miho. How fares your work?]
Rustle.
From the curved jade around my neck, Miho transformed into her beauty's form. She glared at the cat and snapped in a sulky tone.
"Immortal Sage Mangnyang! Mind your own business. What have you ever done for me to butt in like this?"
[Fair enough. But I always worry about that cute little fox kit from the heavenly realm.]
"Eek! You old coot..."
Miho looked indignant but let it slide. Crossing her arms, she said.
"Hey! While you're at it, show some more generosity."
[What do you mean?]
"Whatever those Portrait Figures are, the Crystal Monument could craft the ultimate alchemy, the Philosopher's Stone. You gonna call it quits after one bit of info? If you love your disciple, throw in some real help!"
I was dumbfounded watching Miho boldly demand more. From what I'd seen, Immortal Sage Mangnyang surpassed even Great Immortals as the immortal realm's guardian—yet here she was, strong-arming him? I feared we might face my fourteenth death right there.
But the cat lounged calmly on the shrine roof and replied.
[If you'd brought the true Philosopher's Stone, I'd grant Heaven-Shattering protection, but the crafting method alone is meaningless. I acknowledge it as an excellent dharma treasure, but the tribute falls short.]
"Th~at's~ why~ you're not even Old Lord Taishang—you'd ignore the Jade Emperor's edicts! Can't you overlook a little tribute?"
[Hmm...]
As Miho spoke harshly, the cat seemed lost in thought. Then it addressed Mangnyang.
[Then, my disciple Mangnyang, I have two proposals. Will you hear them?]
"Speak, Master."
Everyone in the shrine was startled by what followed.
[You are fated to die soon.]
"I see."
[Will you extend your lifespan and receive weakened protection, or accept your fate and redirect the protection to the others?]
Mangnyang was fated to die soon!
What was this!?
I shouted and lunged forward.
"What the hell?! Why would Mangnyang die!"
The cat's form blurred and vanished, reappearing elsewhere. Being an illusion, I couldn't grasp it with my power. The cat looked at me with emotionless eyes and said.
[Mangnyang's heavenly mandate originally surpassed ancient rarity. But entangled in the White Lotus Church's mandate, yours, and other distorted mandates, his remaining time has drastically shortened. Death will come within a year or two.]
"......！！"
Immortal Sage Mangnyang pierced like a needle.
[And it will be the same henceforth. As long as you're together.]
I was speechless at those words.
'Does that mean... the moment I drew Mangnyang in, he could no longer fulfill his heavenly mandate?'
It made sense. We opposed the White Lotus Church, the martial world, even the imperial palace, adventuring endlessly. My dying like a fly was par for the course, and Mangnyang bore equal risk. But a death decree from a Great Immortal-level being carried different weight.
Then Mangnyang spoke.
"Master. I choose the latter."
"......！！"
I tried to say something, but Jin So-cheong, who'd been watching silently, covered my mouth and held me back. Immortal Sage Mangnyang continued.
[Are you sure?]
"Yes."
[If you abandon Baek Woong now and find another lord, you could live out your full ancient rarity lifespan. As a strategist, you'd wield your talents freely as desired. Yet you choose the latter path?]
"Of course. I've chosen, Master—don't hesitate."
[...Very well.]
Fwoosh!
[I've bestowed Heaven-Shattering blessing. May it aid you well.]
With that, Immortal Sage Mangnyang vanished.
Bathed in sunset light, I stared blankly at Mangnyang.
He fanned himself with his Five Flames Seven Metals Fan, wiping sweat.
"Hot, isn't it."
Staring at him, I murmured dazedly.
"Why... why..."
Mangnyang's lifespan had only years left.
The shock was too great; I could only gape at him. Glaring at Jin So-cheong, I ground my teeth.
"Senior brother!! Why did you stop me!!"
My lion's roar echoed.
Had Jin So-cheong not restrained me, I'd have charged in, demanded cancellation, and begged to extend Mangnyang's life. But because of him, I was held back helpless. Jin So-cheong spoke gravely.
"He asked me via transmission."
"What..."
"Indeed. I asked Jin So-cheong to stop you."
Mangnyang said it calmly. Uncomprehending, I yelled at him.
"We could just extend your life! Who cares about some blessing?! What difference does it make?! All I need is you!"
Damn Immortal Sage Mangnyang's blessing—I didn't care. Why must Mangnyang die early?
Mangnyang alive, aiding me—that held meaning.
Even if I died midway, Mangnyang surviving would be fine.
As I cried out in anguish, Mangnyang said.
"Xiang Yu."
"What?"
"I could foresee it. The reason my mandate shortened so drastically is likely the Hegemon King's blessing upon you."
What did he mean?
As all eyes turned to him, Mangnyang slowly continued.
"Baek Woong. Do you know how you've died in your past lives?"
"Uh... well..."
"You'd progress smoothly, only to drop dead from some random variable. This time, that variable is the Hegemon King—the only reason you or I might die abruptly."
Mangnyang folded his fan and pointed at me.
"And only equal protection can shield you from the Hegemon King's blessing. Thus, I sought Heaven-Shattering protection from my master—the mightiest I know—to guard you."
"What even is Heaven-Shattering protection..."
"Don't worry. Master's blessing might surpass all you've received combined."
Glancing at Miho and Jin So-cheong, Mangnyang said.
"After I'm gone, please look after Baek Woong. With your help, he can go the distance."
"......"
Miho and Jin So-cheong seemed at a loss for words. Miho said apologetically.
"Sorry, human. If I hadn't spoken up..."
"No. If you hadn't, I would have. It was coming anyway."
Mangnyang chuckled and said to me.
"Let's return to Jinrang Valley. We must prepare our next move swiftly."
"...Why."
I grabbed Mangnyang's shoulder.
I didn't know what to say. Against my will, my throat choked, face twisted, burning sensation welled, thick tears falling. I'd never wept so ugly, yet I couldn't suppress the emotions. I wanted to strong-arm Immortal Sage Mangnyang even now for more life, but I knew Mangnyang least desired that.
"Why are you so calm about your own death..."
Mangnyang pressed his temples with the Five Flames Seven Metals Fan and said.
"Well. Because I'm with you."
"Huh...?"
"If I feared death needlessly, how could I earn the trust of one who dies repeatedly? Just that."
"......！！"
Brushing my hand away, Mangnyang spoke in cool, composed tones.
"There's no guarantee I'll die. Heavenly mandates are fluid and variable; offer fitting tribute later, and lifespan can extend. Dongyoung has the Mount Tai Earth Lord Ritual too. Right, Lady Miho?"
Miho nodded as Mangnyang indicated her.
"Yes."
Mangnyang laughed heartily.
"Something like that."
"Like that?"
He gripped my hand firmly.
"Of course. What we must do now isn't wasting time weeping—it's preparing with all we've got to win!"
"...Got it!"
Mangnyang's words reignited my spirit.
That changed everything!
As he said, leverage Heaven-Shattering protection to our advantage, find artifacts or dharma treasures to extend Mangnyang's life—what could be better?
Thus blessed with Heaven-Shattering protection, we returned to Jinrang Valley.