Chapter 469
Chapter 469
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 469
Chapter Title: Dark Heaven Village
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After I briefly heard from Shangguan He about Deng Guo's status, Deng Guo sat across from me, while Shangguan He took a seat at one of the three remaining sides, mediating between us.
Neither Deng Guo nor I could easily speak first.
Thus, Shangguan He opened his mouth first.
"Deng Guo, Elder. There's a high chance the Shadowless Alliance Leader is being held captive at the Han Clan. Please help us rescue him."
"What reason do I have to do that?"
"When I previously treated the genius of your clan, didn't you say you'd grant any one request? I wish to use that favor now."
At Shangguan He's words, Deng Guo twitched his eyebrows and spoke.
"You're jumping ahead without context. The Shadowless Alliance has nothing to do with me, so give me a more specific reason."
"......"
A specific reason?
What did Deng Guo want to hear?
I was momentarily confused, unable to grasp Deng Guo's intentions, but I understood from Shangguan He's follow-up words.
"As Your Excellency desired, I will propose an alliance with the Cult Leader to you."
"That's fine."
Deng Guo was subtly demanding additional compensation from Shangguan He!
Realizing this straightforward scheme left me feeling deflated for a moment, but soon defiance welled up, and I spoke to Deng Guo.
"Deng Guo, Elder. May a mere wanderer of the martial world ask something?"
"Ask away—as long as you can answer in kind."
"...How do you plan to resolve this matter? Do you intend to lead private troops and assault the Han Clan?"
I wanted to know Deng Guo's thoughts.
Deng Guo's internal energy seemed to be at the pinnacle of the world, and his martial arts appeared extraordinary, but the opponents were the White Lotus Cult's Dharma Protectors and the Incarnation Flow.
No matter how powerful Deng Guo's skills or private forces, they couldn't be subdued by brute force. Surrounding them with tens of thousands of troops might win, but deploying that against a single clan was absurd.
Deng Guo burst into laughter.
"Hahaha... I'm no Yan Song. With His Majesty the Emperor clearly ruling Luoyang, for a mere official to move troops arbitrarily is a dangerous act that could be branded treason."
"You're saying you won't use force?"
"Why would I ever need to resort to force?"
Deng Guo continued leisurely.
"You moved me through Shangguan He. And once I move, I always complete the task I've taken on. Just trust me quietly and wait."
I tried to say something, but at that moment, Shangguan He's transmission sound arrived.
[Restrain yourself. Deng Guo, Elder, holds immense real power among the high officials of the Great Ming Empire as the Capital Guard Commandant. Even Yan Song would fear for his neck if he provoked him—so stay silent for now!]
"......"
Yan Song was a powerful minister with considerable authority in the current court. That's why Lee Gwang's colleague from his days as Yan Song's guard, Jeong Yun-bo, could support the Thunder God Flow just through long years of guard duty.
Hearing that even Yan Song paled before Deng Guo let me grasp how formidable the man before me truly was.
Of course, to me, such worldly power didn't resonate much. It felt meaningless compared to dealing with celestials from the heavenly realm or the [Ancient Overlords].
But it wasn't right to ruin things out of arrogance when I'd finally gained a new ally. Moreover, the Sword Demon's life hung in the balance this time.
I swallowed my defiance, suspicion, and turmoil, then bowed my head to Deng Guo.
"I leave this matter in your hands."
"Alright, then. Let's get moving. From what I've heard, this is urgent."
"Where to?"
Deng Guo, standing immediately, replied as he headed for the door.
"Naturally, the Han Clan."
Whoosh...
Soon, we set out into Luoyang's night streets, leading servants and retainers. The Han Clan wasn't far from Shangguan He's residence, so even at longest, it'd take half a shichen to arrive.
Deng Guo, mounted on horseback, spoke.
"Baek Woong. Your loyalty runs deep."
Caught off guard by the sudden remark, I glanced at him and replied.
"I owe him a great debt."
"Forgetting neither恩 nor怨 and repaying them makes a fine man. Don't lose that attitude."
"I will keep it in mind."
Deng Guo seemed to value loyalty and righteousness highly.
Curious about him with a mountain of questions, I asked.
"Why do you wish to meet the White Lotus Cult Leader, Elder Deng Guo?"
"That's two."
"Pardon?"
"Answering your question this time makes two you've gotten from me, so you should answer one of mine in return, no?"
"......"
"Of course, I have no intention of telling. It's not a light tale to share with someone I've just met, so you'll owe me just one answer from now on."
I stared at Deng Guo in disbelief. He'd completely blocked my attempts to fish for information like a snake over the wall and turned the tables, making me the one who had to answer.
'No wonder he holds a high post in the palace...'
Neigh.
At that moment, the horse halted before the Han Clan's main gate.
Instead of guards, oddly, Hunwon priests stood watch. Spotting us, they said.
"Halt. Do you know this is the Han Clan? State your identity."
Deng Guo replied nonchalantly from horseback.
"I am Deng Guo. I've come to meet the Han Clan Head."
"......!!"
The lead Hunwon priest's face drained of color in an instant. He signaled his juniors with his eyes, then they all bowed deeply.
"We were ignorant. Forgive the rudeness of these martial wanderers."
"You seem to be from the martial world. Can you pass word inside?"
"Please wait a moment."
Soon after, Han Jinseong emerged from within, unable to hide his astonishment. Even Han Jinseong, a master of composure, couldn't conceal his agitation—this showed Deng Guo's visit was utterly unexpected.
Han Jinseong politely greeted Deng Guo with proper decorum.
"Young House Lord Han Jinseong of the Han Clan greets Elder Deng Guo. I trust you've been well?"
"Hmm. It's been a while."
Han Jinseong and Deng Guo were acquaintances.
Deng Guo returned the perfunctory greeting, then said.
"I wish to see the Clan Head. Lead the way."
Han Jinseong wore a troubled expression.
"My apologies, but the Clan Head has retired to his chambers and cannot meet anyone tonight."
"Even with me here in person, you'll use sleep as an excuse?"
"That's..."
Deng Guo spoke threateningly.
"Tell the Clan Head this: if he doesn't speak with me today, he'll regret it for a hundred years."
Han Jinseong bowed deeper, as if with no choice.
"Then I shall relay the message."
After entering, Han Jinseong rushed out about one gak later. Pale-faced, he said.
"Please, come inside."
Deng Guo suddenly stopped Shangguan He.
"You wait outside, just in case."
"As you wish."
I followed Deng Guo, with Han Jinseong leading us deeper into the Han Clan.
We arrived at the familiar garden of Han Baengnyeong. Unlike before, she wore no leisurely expression. Descending from the garden bridge, she glared piercingly ahead—her gaze fixed on Deng Guo.
Han Baengnyeong spoke in a irritable tone.
"What's your scheme, old monster of the Confucian scholars?"
To her words, Deng Guo replied indifferently.
"I've come at a friend's request to fetch the Shadowless Alliance Leader. Word is he hasn't left the Han Clan yet."
"Hmph. Even as head of the Pure Stream Faction under the Capital Guard, do you think you can act as you please here?"
Han Baengnyeong released killing intent via her will, but Deng Guo, as a transcendent expert, brushed it off casually and said.
"My position is irrelevant. What's important is suspicion that the Shadowless Alliance Leader was invited here and secretly murdered. It's a matter the authorities should investigate."
Flinch.
Han Baengnyeong seemed to feel threatened by Deng Guo's calm words. Hiding nothing of her wariness, she glared at him.
"If you intend to bring official might to bear, we have our own considerations."
"Oh dear. Did I ever say that? Ah, but now that you mention it, that could be an option."
"You sly fox!"
Deng Guo smirked.
"Before something ridiculous happens, why not show me the Shadowless Alliance Leader's face? You're not hiding him away just to admire his handsome features in secret, are you?"
"......"
Han Baengnyeong suppressed her anger and said.
"He is currently in secluded training."
"Secluded? Why conduct seclusion in enemy territory like this?"
"It was his own request. I'll fetch him now—wait!"
Whoosh.
Han Baengnyeong vanished like a flickering flame, employing her Flame Shadow Plum Blossom Step at its peak. Her martial arts were on a level even fellow transcendents couldn't easily match—truly awe-inspiring.
Some time later, Han Baengnyeong returned to the garden via lightness skill, bringing one figure with her from the distant sky.
Tap.
And astonishingly, the Sword Demon stood beside Han Baengnyeong!
I stared at him in shock, but the Sword Demon, quickly grasping the situation, gave me a wry smile.
"Hmm, sorry, Baek Woong. I was careless."
What had happened?
I was bewildered, but Deng Guo and Han Baengnyeong showed no surprise. Moreover, Deng Guo looked as if he'd expected this, speaking indifferently.
"Shadowless Alliance Leader. Sorry to interrupt your busy seclusion."
Scoffed at by Deng Guo, the Sword Demon cupped his hands deeply.
"I apologize for troubling you with martial world affairs unnecessarily, Elder."
"Hmm."
"May I have a moment to speak with Baek Woong?"
"Go ahead."
The Sword Demon approached me and explained what had transpired.
"The discussions all concluded normally. While discussing the dual swordsmanship transmission, the Clan Head proposed an exchange of disciples, which I refused. We eventually agreed I'd seclude here and master what I need within a month before leaving."
So that's how it was!
Feeling foolish for worrying needlessly, I was left hollow. Recalling how I'd snapped at the Shadowless Sword Emperor made my face burn.
But this wasn't the place to whine at the Sword Demon, so I let out a deep sigh.
"You could have at least sent a messenger pigeon..."
"Exposing the Han Clan's key locations prevented that. My apologies."
I'd thought a disaster had struck, but it was nothing—my face flushed at my overreaction.
Eager to leave, I said to the Sword Demon.
"Then, you'll come to the Shadowless Gate in a month?"
"Yes..."
As the Sword Demon began replying apologetically, Deng Guo interjected.
"Don't end the conversation on your own."
All eyes turned to Deng Guo. With everyone watching, he spoke in a dignified tone, voicing what he wished.
"I wish to propose an alliance here between your factions and the Confucian scholars."
Huh?
It was utterly out of nowhere. I couldn't yet fathom Deng Guo's intent.
But the Sword Demon, Han Baengnyeong, and Han Jinseong—sharp-minded leaders—seemed to instantly pierce through his words and underlying motives, their expressions turning grave.
Han Baengnyeong crossed her arms and said.
"Deng Guo. Finally making your move? Is this as representative of the so-called Pure Stream Faction, the Confucian bloc?"
"Of course."
Deng Guo stared at her and continued.
"The opportunity has finally arrived. Until now, forces of [Darkness] were too dominant, so survival was all we could think of. But recently, their high priest vanished abruptly, greatly weakening them. With this pivotal chance, I propose alliance."
Han Baengnyeong chuckled.
"Heh... Ambitious."
"It's loyalty to the Great Ming Empire."
The Sword Demon, listening beside, said.
"If that path involves great treason, this Southerner will excuse himself."
"Shadowless Alliance Leader, it's absolutely not that. Vicious scum swarm like snakes around the Emperor; I merely seek to purge them for an era of peace—not rebellion."
"......"
The Sword Demon fell deep into thought.
By now, even I could grasp the conversation.
'Deng Guo aims to strike at the palace factions!'
Since his own Confucian forces weren't enough, he sought to draw in the Incarnation Flow and Shadowless Alliance too!
The Sword Demon's mention of treason was a probe to gauge the scale, having instantly seen through Deng Guo's aims.
Deng Guo spoke with arrogant yet fervent tone.
"Well? Give me your answers!"
Gulp.
I swallowed hard. Before the momentum became unstoppable, I quickly interjected.
"Wait a moment!"
All eyes turned to me. Taking a deep breath, I said.
"This seems too major a decision to make suddenly. How about setting a place and discussing again tomorrow? It's not something to decide right now."
A moment of gauging glances followed. The faction leaders exchanged looks, then agreed with my suggestion.
"Fine."
"Agreed."
"So be it."
Soon, the meeting place and time were set—I'd bought a day's time.
With Han Baengnyeong's permission, as I left the Han Clan with the Sword Demon, Shangguan He's transmission sound came.
[Baek Woong. I don't know what was discussed inside, but I've repaid your favor in full.]
[I know.]
[So please, ask the Demonic Cult Leader to release the Great Separation Technique he placed on me.]
I knew why Shangguan He had helped so readily. Bringing Zhuge Sa and forcing it with the Great Separation Technique would yield the same anyway. I'd known from the start his aid wasn't purely selfless, so after a moment's thought, I replied.
[I can't guarantee that. But I'll ask Zhuge Sa not to go too hard on you.]
[...That's still appreciated.]
Shangguan He, bound by the Great Separation Technique, was pitiable, but I couldn't lift it lightly. As a demonic cultivator monitoring all of Luoyang, the Cult Leader's confidant with hidden schemes aplenty, freeing him rashly could cause major setbacks in a critical moment later.