Chapter 185
Chapter 185
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 185
Chapter Title: Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors
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Mangnyang's choice was to "send an emissary." Even though the alchemist had fallen, the Zhuge clan's barriers remained a threat, so this was an attempt to first gauge their intentions. When Mangnyang dispatched the emissary, it returned after about an hour.
The emissary dismounted and staggered into Mangnyang's tent. Suddenly, its eyes rolled back white.
A gloomy voice emanated from the emissary's throat.
[Do you truly believe you've seized hegemony?]
"Is there any reason we shouldn't?"
The Zhuge clan was likely using the emissary's body to convey their will from afar—some kind of sorcery. After a long silence, the Zhuge responded.
[I don't know how you stole the Portrait of the Prodigy, but that was a grave mistake. You've touched the reverse scale.]
"The reverse scale, you say. Who's the dragon here? You? Well, you were called the Prodigy Among Men, so that fits.]
Mangnyang replied nonchalantly, and the Zhuge answered.
[There are terrifying truths in this world beyond human imagination. What you've done has drawn the attention of the master of those truths. Now, even I can't predict how the future will unfold.]
Mangnyang's expression changed.
"Surely you don't mean the [Ancient Ruler] will intervene directly?"
[Of course not. But soon, you'll pay the appropriate price.]
"......"
[Out of familial bonds, I warn you in advance, Hyun-a. I'll find my own path to survival, so you find yours.]
Flash!
Moments later, the emissary's body swayed, its color returning. Its eyes normalized too, suggesting possession or a summoning spell. Mangnyang dismissed the emissary and immediately gathered the Thunder God School's experts to visit General Hwangyeon.
Mangnyang bowed to General Hwangyeon.
"General, we must withdraw the army all the way to Yansi."
"To Yansi? That's absurd."
General Hwangyeon looked baffled. Luoyang was right before them, surrounded by their massive army. Yansi was over a hundred li away—a key stronghold. Retreating when the emperor was within grasp was throwing away a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so naturally, Hwangyeon was stunned.
But Mangnyang spoke gravely.
"We've done all that human strength allows. Now heaven's power is at play, so we must avoid calamity as much as possible. Please consider that."
"But Mangnyang, withdrawing to Yansi hands the emperor time to regroup and escape. Can you condone that?"
"That's no longer the priority. If mythical beings move, human armies might as well not exist. We risk irreparable losses."
General Hwangyeon agonized long and hard. Then he shook his head.
"I can't allow it."
"General!"
"I trust you, but this I cannot yield. Luoyang's defenders number only three or four thousand. A half-day siege will take the city. We can discuss after securing the emperor."
"No! That's the worst choice..."
General Hwangyeon glanced sidelong at Lee Gwang nearby.
"Lee Gwang. You owe me a debt."
In that instant, Lee Gwang's face paled. But he quickly regained composure.
"Indeed."
"Repay that debt now. Bind Mangnyang and have him step back from command temporarily."
"...Understood."
Clang!
I leaped in, blocking Mangnyang. Spreading my hands protectively, I retreated a few steps while glaring at the Thunder God School experts.
"Master Lee Gwang! Didn't you swear to share the Anti-Heaven Alliance's fate? Trust Mangnyang to the end!"
"......"
Lee Gwang gripped his spear silently. Then he spoke.
"I owe General Hwang my life. I vowed to repay it with my own someday. He calls in the debt, so I must obey."
"You madman...!! You know who's right, don't you?! Mangnyang has never been wrong!"
"Enough."
Lee Gwang fixed me with cold eyes.
"Soldiers follow orders. Step aside, or I'll cut you down."
I gritted my teeth. My hand crept toward the Thunderbolt Token in my bosom, but Lee Gwang's intent energy shot out, halting me. No real force, but if I touched the token, a storm of attacks would follow.
Lee Gwang's transmission came.
[Yield this time. Even I think retreating to Yansi is foolish. Help General Hwangyeon's once-in-a-lifetime gamble succeed.]
Lee Gwang knew Mangnyang had a point. Mythical beings intervening meant catastrophe. Yet as a warrior, he had to repay his debt, forcing himself forward. I gaped in disbelief.
'Why live so wearily?'
But I couldn't challenge it now. Helpless, I heightened my sword stance and gritted my teeth.
"Master. If we're dying either way, I'll choose mutual destruction."
Rumble...
My latent power erupted, shaking the tent. Jin So-cheong, Lee Gwang, Jeokwol, and Nokwol stiffened momentarily. I'd unleashed my full inner energy—not human realm. Jeokwol paled at its depth.
"How does one even build such power?"
Lee Gwang said curtly.
"Fights aren't won by inner energy alone. Thinking you can take us all down with you is a delusion."
"...Of course. But I can."
I was confident. Unleash Baek Woong's Resolve and Thunder Command, then Great Luo Annihilation at an opening—my power would multiply. Enough for mutual destruction here. Lee Gwang's brow twitched at my conviction.
Then Mangnyang sighed behind me.
"Very well. I've lost. Bind me."
"Mangnyang!"
Mangnyang transmitted.
[If the flow is inevitable, we follow for now.]
[But...]
[You'll need me back soon. Don't worry.]
I lowered my sword and dissipated my aura. Soldiers swarmed, binding us with ropes. Soon, Mangnyang and I were locked in a dim temporary granary.
Thud.
The door shut. Geukho lit a torch, jammed it in the wall, and sat before us. He'd come to guard us.
Geukho said.
"Don't worry, no harm intended. Just a disagreement."
"I think so too."
Mangnyang replied casually, continuing.
"Geukho. If chaos erupts outside, free us. I beg you."
"Sorry, but Thunder God School disciples follow orders. Won't until Master or General Hwangyeon comes."
"I trust your judgment."
Geukho just smirked. He seemed frivolous but was sharp, cool-headed, and strong-willed—perfect for guard duty.
Geukho added.
"By the way, don't think of using that Thunderbolt Token to escape."
"Why not, senior brother?"
"I couldn't stop you alone, but you'd never regain our trust."
"You're right. But with trust already shattered, what can't we do?"
"Shattered? They'd have sent Jin So-cheong with me."
"Hmm..."
"They still see you as allies, so mere confinement. Otherwise, you'd be dead back there."
"So what?"
I snapped irritably. Geukho glared.
"Don't provoke me. I'm not soft-eared or endlessly patient."
"......"
No choice but to stay put. Geukho had a violent streak like any Thunder God disciple—pushing could spell disaster.
We sat bound, waiting. I transmitted to Mangnyang.
[Mangnyang. What did that Zhuge mean?]
[Zhuge fled. No palace barriers left.]
[Why flee...?]
[A being strong enough to crush him easily appeared in Luoyang. It'll attack our army soon.]
[Even against this army of over a hundred thousand...]
[I can't guess what. Just leave it to fate.]
Half a day passed. Geukho sat unmoved, peak expert that he was. I could escape with the token now, per Geukho, but Mangnyang didn't want it. Neither did I.
Then.
Rumble...
Something stirred outside. Geukho sensed trouble, stood abruptly.
"Wait here."
He rushed out, returning in moments. He slashed our bonds with his spear, tossed us swords.
"Hurry! Big trouble. To General Hwangyeon!"
"What happened?"
Geukho gritted his teeth.
"You were right. A freak monster appeared!!"
Whoosh...
Azure mist blanketed everything. Visibility barely three zhang, and the mist seemed alive. Geukho led us unerringly to General Hwangyeon's tent.
Inside, Hwangyeon and Thunder God experts gathered. Hwangyeon, pale-faced, said.
"Mangnyang. Monsters from Luoyang paralyzed our army."
Mangnyang sighed.
"Damage report?"
"Over ten thousand dead already. Retreat orders issued, but this fog blocks transmission..."
"What kind of monster?"
"That's... earth soldiers."
"Pardon?"
"Earthen soldiers rising endlessly like immortals, attacking. Controlled by some white foam blob... or so it seems."
"White foam blob."
Mangnyang murmured, then said.
"Soon, this mist traps us, and the hundred-odd thousand annihilated."
"What is it?"
"Mythical being... probably."
Mangnyang continued painfully.
"Survival odds at best thirty percent... Prepare yourselves."
He scanned us Thunder God experts, including me.
"Fighting the monster is suicide. Issue retreat orders down to ten-man units, help manage. Earth soldiers aside, never fight the white foam source—flee it."
Thunder God protectors Jeokwol and Nokwol grumbled.
"Flee?"
"Without even fighting?"
Mangnyang said matter-of-factly.
"What if White Lotus Leader's beyond the mist?"
"Then we flee."
"Exactly."
"......!!"
"Fighting ancient beings is impossible for humans. No bravado."
"Ugh..."
Jeokwol and Nokwol bristled with dissatisfaction. As peak experts rivaling Lee Gwang, fleeing unknown monsters chafed. Soon, they dispersed to protect officers and rally troops.
I ventured out, navigating mist to a blood-mist spot. Approaching, I saw horror.
Drip...
Splash...
[Graaaah...]
[Ugh... ack...]
Earthen monsters called earth soldiers stabbed corpses with swords. When blood gushed, they plunged mouths in, slurping greedily. Others clawed out innards, chewing messily.
Puke.
A one-eyed tentacle beast—not earth soldier—slithered, impaling corpses. Yellow pus oozed, wounds sprouting worm-like tentacles that grew mushroom-shaped, lifting corpses via mycelium.
"......!!"
Ordinary humans would go mad. But I calmly noted the human sacrifice vibe—otherworldly demons devouring gleefully.
I charged, slashing earth soldiers and tentacle beasts.
Slash!
[Screee!]
[Kiak!]
Nimble and strong, but my swordplay shredded them. Weaker than expected, but too much for regular troops. Scanning for more,
Boom!
Miho shifted from necklace to half-yokai form—her semi-combat mode—appearing before me. Face full of fear, she said.
"Baek Woong! Stop and run!"
"What?"
"Feel this terrifying yokai energy? Too late soon!"
"What..."
Miho was genuinely terrified. Glancing fearfully beyond the mist, she said.
"An absurd great yokai... out there! Run!"
"Great yokai? Which?"
"Ugh... no time! Use the Thunderbolt Token."
Her fear rivaled facing Wollyo's guardian. Demon-resistant yet sensitive yokai sensed differently. Helpless, I used the token as told.
Flash.
Miho and I appeared in Mangnyang's tent. He was sorting documents.
"Grave situation, I see."
"Too late. Let's flee."
"Understood."
We sought Thunder God experts first. Mangnyang's desperate measure to save lives, but now even they were at risk. Their strong auras made linking easy.
Joined by all save Jeokwol and Nokwol, plus General Hwangyeon. Lee Gwang scowled.
"Annihilation. Just corpses."
"So fast..."
"Where are the protectors..."
Then.
[Graaaaaah!!!]
Ear-splitting scream echoed. We turned simultaneously. Massive thunder and flames rent the mist, visibility stretching ten-odd zhang.
Boom.
Destruction faded, revealing the unbelievable.
Thunder God protectors, world-shaking peak experts Jeokwol and Nokwol! Hearts pierced by white somethings, dangling midair. Coughing blood, barely alive—but no hope, hearts run through.
Jeokwol mustered final strength, shouting our way.
[Flee...!! This thing... different league...!!]
Splash.
Jeokwol's last words. White silver tail whipped playfully, shredding them limb from limb. Blood mist and chunks rained skyward—unreal.
Flames sparked in Lee Gwang's eyes. He gripped his spear, grinding teeth.
"You bastard...!!"
Jin So-cheong stepped up beside. Enraged by the deaths, his killing intent surged. Mangnyang yelled desperately.
"No! Calm down! Fighting now means death!"
"Ridiculous! Just drop that thing!"
Flash.
Instantly, Lee Gwang and Jin So-cheong shot toward the white foam. Mist hid them, but massive auras clashed, signaling fierce battle.
Rumble.
Amid faint thunder, my head throbbed.
"Ugh..."
It's coming.
He's coming.
I sensed Sword Immortal Yeo Dongbin descending. Unlike before, cautiously contacting my soul. I synced with his mind.
Yeo Dongbin spoke.
[Young friend... I, Yeo Dongbin... performed a thousand exorcisms... but this time, even I can't promise victory... Will you entrust your body to me?]
[Sword Immortal. What is that white foam blob?]
[Not foam. Its yokai power so overwhelming, lesser beings can't even perceive its form.]
[......?]
[I ask again. Among foes I've faced exorcising, this ranks top... Still entrust your life?]
I pondered.
'Full power fight means death?'
Precedent exists. High chance I'll die. If even Yeo Dongbin seeks permission, danger unspeakable. But standing by means Lee Gwang and Jin So-cheong die horribly.
Lee Gwang aside, can't let Jin So-cheong die. Gritting teeth, I replied.
[Yes.]
[Good... To subjugate this absolute demon king from ancient times... Heavenly Emperor, grant me strength!!]
Rumble!
Boom!
[This is Heavenly Concealed Swordsmanship's second stage... Resonating faith into念.]
Lightning struck from heavens into my sword. No shock or blackout—power surged through me. Yeo Dongbin borrowing heavenly force via spell.
'I' transformed, Sword Immortal descended. He glanced at Mangnyang and Miho beside, telling Miho.
[Queen Mother of the West bids you return to Qingqiu.]
Miho shuddered.
"What?"
[Interfere no more. Within a century, you'll return to the heavens.]
Whoosh!
Leaving that, 'I' leaped into battle.
Swoosh...
Sword flight pierced mist, revealing the field. Corpses littered everywhere, massacred by earth soldiers and tentacles. Above, Jin So-cheong and Lee Gwang assaulted the white foam fiercely.
"Haaah!!"
Boom.
Jin So-cheong's shout and spear strike shook the foam, shedding a layer. His life's blow—foam couldn't ignore.
Soon, an admiring voice echoed.
[To sever one of my nine tails, mere human...?]
"Shut up, yokai!"
[Hahaha...]
Next instant.
Pfft!
Something whitish flashed, severing one arm each from Jin So-cheong and Lee Gwang. Jin So-cheong barely dodged follow-up; Lee Gwang didn't.
Playfully—Lee Gwang's head flew skyward.
The end of Thunder God heir, Triple Excellence Lee Gwang with divine spear. Jin So-cheong stared blankly, disbelieving. Yeo Dongbin swooped, grabbing and landing him.
Tadak.
"Uwaaaah...!!"
Jin So-cheong lurched to attack madly, but Yeo Dongbin sealed his blood points effortlessly. Head lolling, he hurled Jin So-cheong outward—for other experts to catch.
Yeo Dongbin entered; white foam spoke.
[One of the Eight Immortals? Still picking needless fights.]
[I know you're an ancient demon king. But I can't let you disrupt the human realm further.]
[Hohoho... All Eight wouldn't suffice, yet alone?]
Mocked, Sword Immortal Yeo Dongbin raised his thunder sword.
[I'll stop you...]
His words felt off—something wrong.
Thunder sword powered up, parting foam: 'twas a gleaming silver 'tail.' Beyond, a mountain-like colossal evil fox.
Ooooh—
[Hahahaha!!]
'It' shook heaven and earth to devour. Stronger than any foe I'd faced—Miho-like, but vastly superior, absolute evil warping all qi.
Taiji distorts.
Even throwback Eight Immortal Sword Immortal braced for death—I felt it.
[Dalg-i!]
Battle began.