Chapter 195
Chapter 195
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 195
Chapter Title: Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors
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When we returned to Mangnyang, he summoned General Hwang Yeon to confirm the rescue of the household members. The general was overjoyed, and Mangnyang said,
"General, we have kept our promise, so please give serious thought to upholding yours."
"Hmm... Of course. But there's a problem."
"What problem do you mean?"
"Even if I directly report the injustice of this matter to His Majesty, there aren't many who would support us. We need political influence beyond military authority."
Mangnyang replied,
"We plan to bring Elder Denggak to our side."
"Denggak? Is that possible?"
"Our goals align. Especially with the testimonies and evidence from those sacrificed to the Great Thunder Prison, it's entirely feasible."
"Hmm... In that case, I won't spare this old body of mine."
Once their conversation ended, Mangnyang went back to speak with the rescued individuals. When he returned, I asked him,
"You tried persuading Denggak once before and failed. Surely you've mentioned that—how do you plan to handle it?"
Indeed.
Denggak, the leader of the Pure Stream Society and other unaffiliated scholars! He was an extremely high-ranking official and an incorruptible administrator, someone who could push through with full authority, piercing any interference from the Eastern Depot or Embroidered Uniform Guard. As a great scholar and sage, Denggak's political power was considerable.
However, in my previous reincarnation when the Anti-Heaven Alliance and Thunder God Style first allied, the attempt to persuade him had failed. I hadn't been there myself, so I didn't know the details, but even with Lee Gwang—who was close to Denggak—accompanying them, it hadn't worked. Drawing from my experience, I explained, and Mangnyang waved his Five Fires and Seven Golds Fan.
"According to you, Denggak of the Pure Stream Society was actually Lee Gwang's sworn brother, and Lee Gwang went to persuade him based on that bond but failed. You didn't hear the full details, but it wasn't just about political self-preservation—there were more complex circumstances involved. Is that all accurate?"
"Yes. From what I remember, Lee Gwang did his utmost but failed and lamented it afterward."
"Then persuading Denggak starts with uncovering his circumstances. Back then, there wasn't time, but now it's different. Since our movements haven't been exposed yet, there are plenty of ways to try."
Mangnyang continued,
"Baek Woong, can you give me the Twin Ridge Sword?"
The Twin Ridge Sword was the treasured green-jade blade beloved by Shu Han's Little Emperor Liu Bei. I had claimed it after defeating the monster in the Great Thunder Prison.
"Of course. But what for...?"
"I'll explain my full plan at once."
Mangnyang sat on the edge of the main hall and continued,
"Our fundamental strategy is to hand hegemony to the White Lotus Cult. Naturally, our first foothold must be the Han Family House in Luoyang. We'll lay the groundwork by persuading Han Baekryeong, the family head and guardian protector of the Incarnation Style."
"......!!"
"We'll prove the ease of toppling the imperial house and our own value to her. At the same time, we'll build trust by having the Black White Lotus convey messages to the White Lotus Leader through her from now on. Once the White Lotus Cult's restrictions are lifted, they'll support us fully. The Twin Ridge Sword will serve as an offering to persuade Han Baekryeong."
I said to Mangnyang,
"Then I'll go with you and help. Her formless energy is beyond what ordinary martial artists can withstand."
Mangnyang shook his head.
"No, you can't. In this reincarnation, avoid exposing your face or arts to the outside world as much as possible—unless it's an operation like this rescue where we exterminate all enemies."
"What do you mean?"
"Exposing your appearance puts you at a severe disadvantage. If the enemy learns your name, face, techniques, abilities, and so on, your range of operations shrinks dramatically. I plan to use you, Baek Woong, as our final trump card."
"Hmm."
"Incidentally, the White Lotus Cult mustn't learn about you either. Keep that in mind."
I didn't fully understand.
Why avoid exposure to the imperial palace, White Lotus Cult, or any eyes at all?
There seemed to be another reason, but the "final trump card" line made me let it go. Mangnyang went on,
"Of course, I don't plan to persuade Han Baekryeong right away. I'm allotting about two or three years to build our arts and sorcery and get the Anti-Heaven Alliance on track—then we'll start the plan. For now, focus solely on tracking Mangya's whereabouts."
"Do I really have to go to the northernmost edge of the world?"
"It may sound absurd, but that's the surest shortcut right now. Without the power of the Seven Desires Mangya, we can't predict what lies ahead. Leave Central Plains matters to me and go find Mangya."
"Understood."
Off to the northernmost edge of the world.
As I pondered, Mangnyang said,
"And one more thing—find a place suitable for cultivating sorcery."
"Got it."
"You've focused on martial arts so far, but future battles will require sorcery as well. You're at a beginner level now—raise it higher."
"......"
Not so easy. Advancing in sorcery was actually harder than martial arts. Mangnyang could progress rapidly since he had mastered basic sorcery knowledge and was building on it postnatally, but that wasn't the case for me.
I left Mangnyang and exited the Hidden Wolf Valley first. He seemed eager for me to head north immediately and gather leads. As I emerged, Miho appeared beside me and said,
"The northern end probably means beyond the great grasslands."
The great grasslands lay north of the Central Plains' Great Wall, a vast plain inhabited by nomadic tribes. Fierce nomads who formed the roots of the Yuan Empire lived there in great numbers, though I knew their population had drastically declined due to the Great Ming Emperor's subjugation campaigns.
I said to Miho,
"Miho, have you ever been to the great grasslands or beyond?"
"Hmm... Not sure, but I think I've passed through once. I came via lands north of Liaodong. But even I haven't been to what you'd call the world's northern end."
"The farthest I've been is the North Sea Ice Palace. We'll start from there."
"Isn't that one of the Twelve Laws?"
"Something like that."
In the past, I'd visited each of the Twelve Laws factions to duel their leaders. Most were in Liaodong, but the North Sea Ice Palace was uniquely in the northern frozen tundra—one of the exceptions. It was located in a small city called Haesamwi.
Of course, the land around the North Sea Ice Palace was bitterly cold. Even with my immense inner energy and near-transcendent skill back then, I'd had to bundle up in furs to visit. I could ward off the cold with internal energy, but the extreme chill caused constant leakage.
Miho said,
"Why not seek the North Sea Ice Palace Lord's help while we're at it? He must know the northern continent well."
"That might work..."
Miho had a point. The North Sea Ice Palace Lord wasn't just a Twelve Laws leader—he was the hegemon of the region. He undoubtedly possessed deep knowledge of its history, geography, and culture. Miho continued,
"Ah, but there's a catch."
"What?"
"Mangnyang told you not to expose your appearance or movements, right? That applies to the Twelve Laws too. You'll need a way to hide your identity."
"Hmm."
I thought for a moment after hearing Miho. Then I said,
"Then we'll make a quick stop in Goryeo."
Flash!
Soon after, Miho and I used Instantaneous Movement to arrive in Goryeo—specifically, to visit Physician Hwaseo Myeong, a guest of the Jeong family. When Miho and I suddenly appeared in the medicine hall, Hwaseo Myeong—who was sorting herbs—was greatly startled.
"Y-You! The young collateral branch member, Baek Woong?"
"Long time no see. I hope you've been well."
As I cupped my hands in greeting, Hwaseo Myeong regained his composure and laughed heartily.
"Haha... Of course. The gold bars you gave me are serving me well. I've already commissioned a northern trade caravan to bring my clan here to Goryeo. You're a hero of the Hwa family."
"Have you told anyone else about my business?"
"No, never. Your existence is a top secret known only to me and Lord Jeong."
Fortunately, Hwaseo Myeong and Lord Jeong had kept my presence confidential. I sighed inwardly in relief.
Hwaseo Myeong glanced at Miho and said,
"And this is...?"
Before I could speak, Miho smiled sweetly and answered,
"Pleased to meet you. I am Miho, Baek Woong's wife."
"Oh... Delighted."
"......"
I stared at Miho in disbelief, but she just gave me a what-about-it look. With no choice, I got to the point.
"The reason for our visit today is to discuss plastic surgery."
"Plastic surgery?"
"Yes. I have basic knowledge of it, but I'm not confident, so I'd like the guidance of Physician Hwaseo Myeong, one of the Five Great Divine Physicians of the world."
"Hmm..."
Hwaseo Myeong grew serious. He fetched a nearby human mannequin for acupuncture practice, laid it down, and said,
"Explain everything you know about plastic surgery as best you can."
"Plastic surgery is a branch of medicine, specifically surgery. It involves not just incisions but also secret acupuncture and herbal decoctions. It requires precise understanding of the body's muscles and skeleton."
"That's the outline. Now describe the specific methods you know."
"First, the secret needles' paths target these two Deficient Meridians like so..."
I gathered my memories and lectured on plastic surgery for about half a shichen. Hwaseo Myeong stroked his chin and said,
"Looks like you've been taught by someone. But you're wrong. Much of your knowledge is missing, and you have no practical experience."
I nodded sheepishly.
"You're right."
I'd studied under Hwaseo Myeong for decades back then and learned plastic surgery too. But it was advanced medicine I couldn't master easily. Patients needing it were rare, so I lacked practice. Plus, much time had passed, and I'd forgotten parts.
Hwaseo Myeong said,
"If you proceed as is, you could temporarily alter your appearance, but long-term it'd strain your facial muscles and tissues, turning you monstrous. I'll teach you the proper technique."
"Could I perform it on myself?"
"To be frank, what you know is just a makeshift method: fixing a desired face shape with acupuncture and stabilizing qi with decoctions. It's rudimentary. True mastery takes decades, but at that level, self-application is no issue."
"Relieved to hear that."
Hwaseo Myeong asked curiously,
"Do you need to change your face for some reason?"
"Yes, exactly."
"Then I must repay your grace. I'll perform the surgery on you myself."
"......!!"
"Of course, my technique is special—no worry about reverting. Just stimulate certain secret meridians, and you'll return to normal."
The Bright God Physician Hwaseo Myeong performing plastic surgery!
It would be far superior to my own attempt. He glanced at the stunning beauty Miho beside me and whispered,
'Your grown-up face is quite ugly by worldly standards, but I'll make it especially handsome. Your wife will love it.'
"......"
Miho had surely heard with her keen ears, but she pretended not to. Then she sent me a giggling transmission.
[Baek Woong, get the surgery! Refuse, and you're done for.]
[Hey, threats now?!]
[Hee hee.]
Miho giggled and sent,
[Handsome is best!]
[......]
So starting the next day, I received plastic surgery from the Bright God Physician Hwaseo Myeong, and in spare time, relearned surgery and medicine from him. I aimed to recover lost knowledge and reach a level where I could perform it solo.
The surgery on me took about seven days and nights. After that, when the bandages came off my face, Hwaseo Myeong wiped his brow and said,
"All done."
"Thank you."
"Your wife might faint from shock. Haha."
As I stepped out, Miho—who'd been amusing herself with shuttlecock—looked over. Her face froze in shock.
"Wh-who are you?"
"It's me, Miho."
"Gasp..."
Miho seemed unable to hide her astonishment. Then she flew into my arms and hugged me tight.
"Aww, hubby! I didn't recognize you~"
"Ugh... Ack... Let go..."
"Kyahahaha. How can you be this pretty?"
Miho was so thrilled I felt uneasy. Hwaseo Myeong held up a mirror.
"......!!"
What... is this?!
In the mirror wasn't my usual crooked, gloomy, ugly face—but a beautiful boy reminiscent of a girl. A little makeup, and you'd swear he was a beauty!
Hwaseo Myeong said his secret technique would adapt to growth, so if I aged like this, "handsome" wouldn't fit—it'd be "lovely"!
Flustered, I stared, and Hwaseo Myeong cleared his throat.
"Ahem... Your wife specially requested it."
Miho's tastes were surely mixed in.
"......"
What to do now.
The thought of living with a pretty-boy gigolo face filled me with despair.