Chapter 73
Chapter 73
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 73
Chapter Title: Subduing Demon Hall
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After gaining enlightenment in my martial arts a few days later, I met Han Baekryeong again under Han Jinseong's guidance. Unusually, this time Han Baekryeong was dressed in evening attire, as if she had just returned from somewhere. Upon seeing me, she said,
"I've looked into it, and it seems true that you're not a disciple of the Azure Dragon. He has a disciple named Jin So-cheong, who is a genius no less than Jinseong himself. Frankly, it even makes me a bit envious."
I realized that Han Baekryeong had been quiet all this time because she was investigating my background. The fact that she called me here and stated it so boldly meant she must have gathered quite a bit of information.
"Before we talk, there's something I want to ask you first."
Han Baekryeong looked at me with her transparent eyes devoid of any emotion and said,
"You're not willing to become a member of our Han Family rather than just a guest?"
"What are you talking about all of a sudden?"
"It's about giving you the power you so desperately desire. I don't know who your target for revenge is, but I could help you with that within reason. In return, you must devote absolute loyalty to the Han Family and sometimes risk your life for it."
"......"
I thought for a moment before saying,
"Becoming part of the family means mingling bloodlines, so that would mean..."
"I'm thinking of giving you Jihwa as your partner. That child is one of the Luoyang Four Flowers, the pride of our family for her exceptional beauty and talents. Frankly, I think she's too good for you as a match."
"......!!"
I was stunned. It was because while staying as a guest in the Han Family for so long, I had heard stories about her.
Luoyang Four Flowers!
They were the noble and most beautiful young ladies of the martial families in Luoyang. I had once glimpsed Han Jihwa, one of the Luoyang Four Flowers, from a distance. She had a voluptuous figure combined with delicate, sculpture-like beauty. If compared to a flower, she was like a peony—more than enough to make any young man's heart race.
Frankly, my appearance was quite ugly, though it wasn't obvious yet due to my young age. In a few years, it would become apparent enough to make even a decent village girl turn away in disgust. For someone like me to take one of the Luoyang Four Flowers as a wife was clearly an imbalance. Stammering, I said,
"W-Wait a minute. What about her own feelings in this?"
"Jihwa is prepared to do anything for the family. It's her duty as someone born into the Han Family and having received its full benefits. Of course, Jihwa is a modest and gentle girl, so she will serve you as her husband without a word of complaint."
A beauty of such grace devoting herself solely to me.
It was a temptation no man could easily resist.
"......"
I glanced at Han Jinseong's face. Since Han Jihwa and Han Jinseong were cousins, I thought he might react to such a major matter. However, Han Jinseong, the young house lord of the Han Family, listened silently without a change in expression, making it hard to read his emotions.
Gritting my teeth, I said,
"This is too sudden. I don't understand why you're offering me such favor. I'm only interested in cultivating my sect's martial arts—do you really think I can mix with your family?"
"Of course, I'm not helping you for free. There are clear benefits to bringing you to our side. But going so far as to make you family by giving you Jihwa is because I like you as a person."
"Hmm?"
"Cut the nonsense and answer me. Will you accept my proposal or not?"
I thought long and hard. Both Han Baekryeong and Han Jinseong knew this was a grave matter, so they waited patiently without pressing. After much deliberation, I finally spoke.
"I refuse."
Han Baekryeong looked bewildered for a moment, then composed herself.
"Is that so? Then forget we ever had this conversation."
"Thank you."
"But let me ask one thing. Did you refuse because Jihwa doesn't appeal to you? I'd like to hear your reason."
I took a deep breath and calmly replied,
"The path I'm on is that of a true asura right now. Until all this is resolved, I have no leisure to look aside. Moreover, if she marries me not out of true feelings but due to pressure, it would bring misery to both her and me. Also, revenge must be achieved with my own strength to have meaning—I can't make such a grave decision just to borrow your power."
Indeed.
Of course, I too wanted to marry Han Jihwa, called one of the Luoyang Four Flowers, enjoy her body, revel in women as much as I wanted, and live a happy life. However, I currently bore the goal of avenging myself against the Imperial Guard Chief and uncovering the imperial palace's conspiracy, swearing to myself not to rest until it was done. Thus, I couldn't afford sloppy shackles like a forced marriage.
Moreover, if I married her, spent years in happiness, and then unluckily died and reincarnated?
In my 10th or 11th life, I doubted I could remain cold toward the Han Family. I would inevitably try to protect Han Jihwa, my lover with whom I had shared body and soul. If we even had a child together, it would be hopeless. My mentality would shatter beyond ruin.
That would mean my entire reincarnation process being consumed by lust for love—nothing could be more agonizing.
At the very least, I wanted to choose a woman I could truly love and spend my twilight years with of my own will. To do that, I first had to fulfill the tasks and revenge before me. Hearing my answer, Han Baekryeong said with genuine admiration,
"Impressive. You have a strong evil faction temperament, yet you possess unyielding solitary spirit and willpower. A man like you will achieve great things wherever you go."
"Let's drop that talk. Is there anything else to discuss?"
"Even though you refused my proposal, I still want to help you. Because your sect and I are connected, I want to lend a hand however little."
"Connected?"
Han Baekryeong nodded and said,
"If you've heard from your sect's master, you might have guessed, but our Han Family inherits the Fire God Style."
"No way—you...!!"
"Yes."
At Han Baekryeong's response, I widened my eyes.
"I am the successor of the Fire God Style, just like the Thunder God Style—a remnant of the White Lotus Cult."
"......!!"
White Lotus Cult!
Though I had suspected it, I still let out a groan. If this became known to the world, heaven and earth would turn upside down. No wonder she possessed absurd martial arts. Her internal energy was on par with mine, who had consumed Millennium Snow Ginseng multiple times, and she wielded peerless techniques that transcended humanity!
But if she was a successor on the same level as that monster Lee Gwang, it made sense. A transcendent expert in the prime of returned youth—there was no other way.
And one more thing clicked. If the family's martial arts were the White Lotus Cult's Fire God Style, they naturally couldn't participate in the imperial palace language convention. Even if imperial warriors didn't recognize it now, as information accumulated, the connection to the White Lotus Cult would surface, so they hid their arts as much as possible.
At the same time, I was struck dumb. Because a certain hypothesis flashed in my mind.
'No way, is she...'
I had so many questions, but an overwhelming sense of dread washed over me. Even the Imperial Guard Chief had no confidence in beating her one-on-one, so with my current level, she was an impossible opponent. As I panicked, Han Baekryeong said,
"You must have many questions. However, since you refused to join our family, I can't tell you more."
I inwardly regretted it. I should have lied and said yes to hear the secrets... But it was spilled milk, so I regained my composure and said,
"You don't think I'll spread this in the martial world?"
"Is there any need?"
"What do you mean?"
"The Thunder God Style is just as heretical in the Central Plains martial world. If your identity is exposed, we can simply relocate to the White Lotus Cult, but for your Thunder God Style, you'd be ostracized not only by the Central Plains but by the White Lotus Cult as well."
Han Baekryeong gave me a cold glare.
"Of course, if you do leak the secret, I'll personally come find you and tear you apart. That's obvious, right?"
"...Understood."
Her words didn't sound like a joke or empty threat. I felt the Han Family's power could track me even to the ends of the earth. Sure, during my reincarnations, I could deliberately leak it to mess with them, but even then, it felt like I'd be courting death.
'I mustn't speak carelessly until I have the power to defeat her.'
As I muttered inwardly, Han Baekryeong said,
"I owe a debt to the Thunder God Style. When it was expelled from the White Lotus Cult, it was quite an absurd turn of events. If I had helped more actively then, the Thunder God Style would still be serving as a guardian elder—it's regrettable."
"That was over half a century ago—how are you..."
"Can't you see I'm in returned youth? That happened when I was still active."
"......"
Her sense of time felt different. Sighing, Han Baekryeong said,
"Enough. I'll write you a recommendation letter, so take this letter to the Guanzhong Azure Dragon Martial Hall. Its hall master, Azure Dragon Lee Gwang, is a Thunder God Style master and will greatly advance your martial arts."
"What? Wasn't I going to the imperial palace language convention?"
"Someone else will go instead. For the Thunder God Style, nothing is faster than learning from the same lineage. If your goal is martial improvement, my plan is better, no?"
She was right. If I could re-enter as Lee Gwang's disciple, there was no need to risk my life doing foolish things at the convention. In a daze, I asked,
"Will he accept it?"
"Of course. I knew his master, and I'm acquainted with his disciple Lee Gwang. You needn't worry about that."
I respectfully accepted the letter Han Baekryeong handed me. At the same time, I thought this was part of my fortune.
'Good. This will reduce suspicion, and I can become Lee Gwang's disciple again.'
It was a shame I didn't hear the full Han Family secret, but for me, who had been pondering how to re-enter the Azure Dragon Martial Hall, this was a huge opportunity. If Han Baekryeong was so confident, Lee Gwang would almost certainly accept me.
"I am grateful for your grace."
"Withdraw now. Next time you come to Luoyang, bring a gift."
"Understood."
I followed Han Jinseong out of Han Baekryeong's residence. I trailed him through the labyrinthine corridors for a long time, but there was no sign of reaching the exit. Puzzled, I looked at him, and he suddenly stopped and said,
"Thank you."
"For what?"
"For my cousin's sake... thank you."
It seemed to be about the forced marriage.
Han Jinseong's face showed intense emotion that made his usual composure unbelievable. He looked on the verge of tears. His voice choked as he continued,
"Everything in this family is dictated by the house lord's will. In truth, this wealth and honor were all built by her power, so we live always mindful of our duties. I thought Jihwa's marriage was unavoidable."
His words carried deep anguish. So I replied straightforwardly,
"I refused only for my own sake."
Han Jinseong shook his head.
"I find you admirable for clearly stating your own will and refusing in front of the house lord. This is sincere."
"......"
I'd never received such praise before, so I felt embarrassed. As I cleared my throat awkwardly, Han Jinseong strode forward.
"It might not be much as compensation, but I want to offer this token of my sincerity to you, Baek Woong."
Creak.
Han Jinseong opened the door to a room. Inside lay an ancient sword on a pure white jade stand, quietly gleaming. At a glance, it was a blade brimming with immense power.
"This is..."
Han Jinseong stepped forward, lifted it by the scabbard, and held the flat of the blade toward me.
"This is the Dragon Abyss. Please take it."
"Dragon Abyss!"
I was shocked.
The Dragon Abyss was one of three swords forged by the famed swordsmith Goyo of Yue during the Warring States period, alongside Gan Jiang, on the orders of the King of Chu. Also called Dragon Spring, its fame came not only from being wielded by Xiang Yu, the Hegemon-King of Chu, but also from heralding the founding of the Western Jin dynasty.
Thus, if this was the real Dragon Abyss, its true value was unimaginable. A legendary named sword surpassing the worth of an entire city in historical and symbolic terms. Wars had been fought over less.
"I can't accept such an incredible item. What will you get in trouble for..."
"I have the authority to give this much. To the house lord, the Dragon Abyss is just a collectible."
"......"
Suddenly, I recalled that the Han Family was the Central Plains' greatest wealthy house. Indeed, with their amassed fortune, even a great named sword might seem trivial. No matter how fine an ancient artifact, it paled against current power.
"Hmm, then I'll gratefully accept it."
As I took the Dragon Abyss sword, a soft light suddenly emanated from its blade. Unlike with Dark Night, no oracle bone script appeared, but I felt a spiritual energy rise and envelop my body. As I gazed at the green aura, Han Jinseong said in wonder,
"That's a phenomenon I've never seen. Perhaps the Dragon Abyss has acknowledged its master..."
Moments later, the energy faded. My heart swelled with satisfaction at acquiring the treasure. But reluctant to leave empty-handed, I asked Han Jinseong additionally,
"Have you ever heard of the Seven Luminaries Relics?"
"Of course, as a Daoist legend, I've heard of it. But it's too far-fetched, so I don't believe such a treasure actually exists."
Even they, who collected swords like the Dragon Abyss, dismissed the Seven Luminaries Relics. Makes sense for such a distant mythical treasure. After a moment's thought, I asked again,
"Then... you seem to have an outstanding mind. What do you think is the 'southern end of the world'?"
This was the clue for the Fire曜 I heard from Immortal Present Heaven. I instinctively sensed Han Jinseong possessed intellect and erudition rivaling Mangnyang, so I thought there might be something to glean. Han Jinseong looked puzzled but answered,
"I've read that beyond Namban lies the great sea between Tianzhu, and beyond that sea is a primitive continent of utter barbarism. No one has gone further, so that's all I know."
"Primitive Continent?"
"Who from the Central Plains would travel so far? Ordinary navigation makes it impossible. That's the extent of my knowledge."
"......"
I had a foreboding feeling that reaching the Fire曜 among the Seven Luminaries Relics would require an incredibly distant journey. Something on the scale of thousands of li, an ominous premonition of such remoteness.
After bidding Han Jinseong farewell, I headed to the Guanzhong Azure Dragon Martial Hall.
'No pursuers from the Asura Sect, it seems.'
It was miraculous. By my past life experiences, around now, evil factions or demonic cults would swarm thinking it was their chance, but there wasn't even a hint. The Asura Sect must have dropped interest in me to avoid offending the Han Family.
A few days later, I arrived before the Guanzhong Azure Dragon Martial Hall.
"......"
Fourth time entering? Rather than感慨, I felt incredulous. Who would have thought I'd return—not just walking in, but after adventures in Luoyang and a Fire God Style recommendation.
Brother Bang Il wasn't guarding the main gate. As I strode to the Crouching Dragon Hall, perhaps sensing my qi, the Azure Dragon Martial Hall Master and Triple Excellence Lee Gwang was there. Chief Instructor Jin So-cheong was absent.
Lee Gwang eyed me coldly, then extended his hand and said,
"Show me the letter."
Knowing it meant Han Baekryeong's recommendation, I handed it over without hesitation. Lee Gwang skimmed it for about ten seconds, then suddenly incinerated it with the Three Enchanting True Fire technique.
Whoosh.
After instantly destroying the letter, Lee Gwang spat bitterly,
"...That old hag of the Fire God Style has gone mad. Too busy protecting herself to heed Master's peril, and now daring to recommend another Thunder God Style disciple to me?"
Something was wrong.
The atmosphere was off.
'Oh no... damn it...'
Feeling things going awry, I invoked Lord Taheo Cheonjon inwardly. My luck had been great so far—why this now? Seeing Lee Gwang's killing intent sharpen, my heart sank. If that monster rampaged, I had no way to survive.
Suddenly, Lee Gwang tossed me a spear and a sword, one each.
As I caught them reflexively, Lee Gwang said lowly. His eyes blazed with genuine killing intent.
"Spar with me. If I don't approve, you die here."
At that moment, a thought struck me.
Lord Taheo Cheonjon's luck only lasts a relatively short time—and it's probably not infinite, either.