Chapter 546
Chapter 546
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 546
Chapter Title: Dark Heaven Village
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Paht!
I headed first to Black Horse's secret hideout. Since it held the Black Night Sect's secret ultimate techniques and manuals, I grabbed the books right away. I also took all the stamps, land deeds, and asset documents stored there alongside them.
'Now, if I take these to the Great White Money House and claim the funds, I'll get thousands of silver taels at least. That's just the Great White branch—add in the others, and it's a massive fortune...'
But I had to do it quietly if possible. And leave no trace for Black Horse to track me later. Since I already had a plan, after returning to Jangryeong Valley, I immediately pulled out my bedding and began the plastic surgery acupuncture.
'I learned it once more from Hwa Seomyeong before, so at a basic level now...'
A full-body transformation would take even a divine doctor two months of grueling effort, but I didn't need anything that advanced. Just altering the face's shape a bit would do, so I calmly inserted the needles, stimulating the meridians along the twelve main channels of the body. Feeling the muscles and bones gradually loosen, I steadily pictured the new face I wanted in my mind.
'A more masculine face... And completely different from my original look.'
Wooduk! Wooduk!
After about an hour with the needles in and qi circulating, I felt the bones and flesh shifting. This was the most critical moment, so I assumed the Cloud-Mist Parting Clouds stance and stabilized my qi in a horse-riding stance. Once the qi was settled, I adjusted the needle positions while finely envisioning the appearance I wanted to adopt.
About three hours later?
My face had finally transformed completely. I'd also bulked up the muscles and bones in my upper body a fair bit, turning into a young man with fierce, glaring eyes. As I stood, Geuk Ho, who had been guarding me, smirked.
"Kekeke, you look like a bandit leader now."
"This look only lasts three days anyway. The more distinctive, the better for hiding my real face."
"Still better than your original mug."
"Shut it, you bastard!"
I grumbled. Unlike full-body transformation, this temporary version lasted at most three days. It forcibly reshaped the bones and muscles with qi and acupuncture, so when it wore off, I'd revert. Geuk Ho asked curiously.
"Hey. Say you do full-body transformation into a peerless hunk, marry a woman, and have kids—what happens? Do the kids turn out handsome too?"
"Huh?! Uh... well..."
It was such an unexpected question that I panicked. What would really happen in that case? Even Hwa Seomyeong never explained it! As I was at a loss for words, Geuk Ho snickered.
"If you don't know, do one on me later~ I'll test it with a pretty girl."
"......"
Paht!
Ignoring Geuk Ho's nonsense, I headed to the Great White Money House. I showed Black Horse's stamp and claimed everything he'd deposited there. Then I went around to branches everywhere, looting all of Black Horse's assets. Finally, I handled Wang Ya's garden. Mang Ryang grinned slyly.
"I'll use the Anti-Heaven Alliance's intel network to find a buyer. Just wait a bit."
"Can't drag it out. Before Black Horse notices..."
"It's fine. One day tops."
True to Mang Ryang's word, not even a full day—half a day later—a message arrived via carrier pigeon from someone eager to buy.
"Hehehe, you're really selling me the garden?"
The merchant before me was one of Hunan Province's top tycoons, buzzing with excitement at the news. He knew the garden's value too. I nodded firmly.
"Yes. You name the price."
The merchant's face took on a subtle expression.
"Naming first? You know your business."
"Out with it."
"Ten kwan of gold."
"You joking?"
"Er... twenty kwan."
I bellowed.
"Last chance! Think hard. Plenty of others want it."
Sweat beaded on his plump cheeks. More flustered than expected, he wiped it with a handkerchief from his bosom and said heavily.
"...Fifty kwan!! How's that? Can't go higher."
"Hmm..."
"Fifty kwan of gold buys a small county's control. Can't stretch my funds further, please..."
I nodded reluctantly.
"Fine."
I handed over the garden's ownership deed. As the delighted tycoon beamed, I asked.
"What'll you use the garden for? I need to know... Honestly, a garden isn't that practical, right?"
The tycoon glanced around slyly before admitting.
"Heh heh. Sell it back to Wang Ya."
"What?"
"Remodel the interior a bit, add special gifts... Heh heh."
"Special gifts?"
"Well... some women to his taste... And a chance to cozy up to royalty on the side."
"......"
I was floored by the tycoon's scheme. He planned to supply Wang Ya with women!
'Probably lure debt-ridden common girls with debt forgiveness, turn 'em into courtesans... Then serve them up to Wang Ya.'
From my days as an escort warrior, I could guess the sordid details. A depraved plan, but no need for me to punish him personally. I replied indifferently.
"Hmm... Suit yourself."
He'd die anyway without my help. I'd grab the cash and bolt, but this fool buying Black Horse's intact assets? Black Night Sect assassins would torture him for sure. And end with death. Trash judging trash—no need to interfere.
I brought the haul from looting Black Horse's wealth before Mang Ryang. He nodded satisfied.
"Impressive! Enough to negotiate now."
"I'll join the negotiations."
"Obviously. But another disguise spell—won't it strain your body?"
"Forcing bones and muscles into temporary shape burdens it, sure. But with my internal energy and stamina, it's minor."
"Then after seven days, I'll set up the meet with Matteo Ricci."
I withdrew from Mang Ryang to resume training. On the way to Yi Cheong-un, however, Zhuge Sa waited in the corridor, arms crossed.
"Hey, Baek Woong."
"Zhuge Sa."
"Training going well?"
I scratched my head.
"Still polishing basics."
"Absolute Realm in under fifty years?"
"...Dunno. Might take over a hundred."
"As expected..."
Zhuge Sa sighed briefly.
"Already talked with Yi Cheong-un. From today, train your martial arts by day, learn demonic path from me by night."
"Huh?!"
"Watched you for years. Sticking to pure martial arts yields nothing. You've hit a wall—better pick up demonic knowledge and tricks on the side."
I got it. Climbing from peak to Absolute takes ages anyway, so he was passing on demonic lore for immediate use next life. Knowing it would help for sure.
"Training the Great Separation Technique too?"
"Of course. Split the day: martial arts by day, demonic path from me at night."
"Got it."
Night fell. In Zhuge Sa's dank study, under dim lamplight, I sat listening to him. He lounged arrogantly in his chair.
"Baek Woong. What do you think the demonic path is?"
"Hmm... Borrowing power from the [Ancient Rulers]. Knowledge about them too."
"Right. Essentially, pathetic humans like ants licking the [Ancient Rulers'] asses for power—that's a demon sorcerer."
"......"
"But unlike arts needing long cultivation and discipline, demonic path grants power fast. Know why?"
I thought briefly.
"Because as long as the [Ancient Ruler] lends power, that's it."
"Exactly. You've faced demonic path across reincarnations, grasped its essence. Kekeke."
Zhuge Sa chuckled.
"You know [Ancient Rulers'] might defies imagination. Humans max out at Cheon Woo-jin or Great Law Immortal levels with sorcery, but true demonic borrowers surpass that easily. Become apostles or demon kings, that is."
"Yeah..."
I sighed. That's why handling the imperial palace is tough. Even the weakest of the three powers can offer massive tribute to gods anytime for huge power. Zhuge Sa continued.
"So, stockpile sacrifices, offer human sacrifices galore—easy power-up? Or equivalent treasures? Yet why hasn't 'Zhuge Sa' suggested that to you?"
"Hmm!"
"No need to bother offering your treasures to heaven or Three Emperors Five Kings—just give to [Ancient Ruler]."
Hadn't thought of it. I pondered arms crossed, but no answer. Cautiously asked.
"What is it...?"
"This central plains is Three Emperors Five Kings' domain."
"What?"
"Seven Calamities prove their protection; Three Emperors Five Kings suppress all demonic manifestations. Dump a huge tribute to an [Ancient Ruler] at once? Heaven detects instantly, info goes straight to Three Emperors Five Kings. They squash you like an ant."
"...But even if I die, the power carries to next life—profit."
I objected; Zhuge Sa snapped.
"Damn thick-headed idiot, didn't get it? Even huge tribute to [Ancient Ruler]—they sense ahead, Three Emperors Five Kings block midway. Think gods that level can't?"
"Ah!"
Irritated, Zhuge Sa said.
"But a few worth testing. I'll teach you those first."
For about an hour, he outlined several test strategies. All insanely reckless—I blurted in disbelief midway.
"No way, seriously try all this?"
"Yeah. If possible, before gathering allies—rough it out and die."
"Damn it... Not you dying..."
Pain of death!!
As I griped, Zhuge Sa cackled.
"Idiot. If me, no ally-gathering like you. Scrounge every cheat and taboo, amass power by any means. Slaughter obstacles, revel in wine and women, repeat. Bulk to demon king level and fight. You're too straight-laced."
Zhuge Sa sighed deeply.
"Hoo... Maybe ultimately you're right."
"......?"
"Just mumbling. Anyway, when growth plateaus in reincarnation, try what I explained."
"Got it."
"And now, basics of demonic path: foundational knowledge, spells, [Ancient Rulers]. Basic alchemy too while at it."
For seven days and nights, I barely slept an hour daily—martial arts by day, demonic lore by night, pouring all effort in. But I failed to memorize most of what Zhuge Sa called 'basics.'
'Too vast!'
He called it basic, but the volume was insane. No repeats in seven days' worth—all new. And this was 'tip of the iceberg'—real amount dozens of times more.
On the last day, Zhuge Sa said pityingly.
"What's wrong? Easier than martial arts or sorcery."
"Bullshit... That's over a hundred books' worth already."
"Martial arts or sorcery? Memory helps, but no innate talent or insight? No mastery. Demonic path? Memorize smart, prep tributes right—ride god's halo dancing. Ten years straight memorizing, you couldn't handle this? Gets easier later."
"Oh? Really?"
"Kekekeke. You'll see."
Fingers interlocked, he continued.
"But past basics, handling profound ancient secrets—be careful. Knowing [Ancient Rulers] or their ilk drives most mad, as you know."
"I know."
I nodded, but inwardly questioned.
'I never felt madness...'
What's scary about it?
Why frightening?
Even scary [Ancient Ruler] illustrations in demonic books? Nothing.
I didn't get it, but wrapped up the seven days' training. Heading to Mang Ryang, he was ready to depart with Yi Cheong-un and Geuk Ho. Jin So-cheong and Sword Demon had gained insights, deep in advanced training—couldn't join.
"Baek Woong. Let's go."
For today, I'd reshaped into a different look.
Paht!
We headed to Guangdong Province's port. Hearing from Mang Ryang about negotiating with Dadu Kingdom's Matteo Ricci, I'd scouted the port ahead for the ferry spot—straight there. Not going to Dadu directly; inland meet here.
Our destination: surprisingly, Guangdong's inner city. In a guarded carriage, officials led us inside. Up to the second floor of a lavish hall, several foreigners sat.
'Matteo Ricci!'
Center table: the Western monk I'd seen once before, Matteo Ricci. Seeing us, he stood beaming.
"Well, hello! Delighted to meet the Anti-Heaven Alliance Leader's group."
Flawless Chinese—indistinguishable from native. Mang Ryang returned the clasped hands.
"Honor to meet the esteemed monk and great Guangdong Governor."
The man beside stroked his beard contentedly.
"Ha ha, welcome."
Not just Matteo Ricci—the Guangdong Governor too. A provincial ruler's presence made it a major summit. Brief pleasantries, then to business.
Matteo Ricci said slyly.
"The silver phoenix statue's value is immense. Planned to take it home, but... hope today's deal benefits us both."
"Naturally. We're well aware."
Mang Ryang eyed me. I nodded, fetching the gold bars from the cart.
Kugung!
"......!!"
"Whoa!!"
Soon, one hundred fifty kwan of gold bars piled on the floor—everyone stunned. Beyond common sense. Merchants or tycoons handle such sums, but for one statue? No.
Mang Ryang grinned.
"Enough for it?"
The Guangdong Governor beside fussed excitedly.
"Amazing. That builds several fleets. Matteo, you'd accept too!"
"......"
But Matteo Ricci's gaze wasn't on the gold. Eyes closed, pondering.
'Hm?'
Matteo Ricci finally spoke.
"Actually, another party's joining today's deal. Highest bidder gets the phoenix statue."
"What?"
"Governor didn't explain?"
He eyed us oddly; we turned to the Governor. He coughed awkwardly.
"Well... long-time supporter of mine... Heard about the silver phoenix, got interested... Ahem! So viewing together today."
Mang Ryang said incredulously.
"Governor! What is this? Thought one-on-one..."
Deal info leaked via Governor?
What kind of farce?
"Sorry! Give him a look too. My request."
Tekkeuk.
Then three figures entered.
We stared puzzled.
"Brought a fortune. Anti-Heaven Alliance's might is real."
The center one glanced at Mang Ryang.
"Anti-Heaven Leader. Even beggars crave nice things sometimes."
"......"
Mang Ryang glared stone-faced at the Governor.
The Governor, embarrassed, silent a beat, then introduced the sudden weirdo.
"Allow me: former Beggar Sect Leader... one of the Three Great Eccentrics, Beggar Immortal. Old friend and patron."