Chapter 92
Chapter 92
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 92
Chapter Title: Dark Heaven Village
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White Lotus Church Emerges!!
It was the most unprecedented event among all those I knew. In my first life, even when the Nine Yin Cult appeared, the White Lotus Church had remained quietly secluded without any major incidents. No one in the world disputed that the White Lotus Church was the strongest martial force in history, but the current order of the jianghu persisted precisely because they never stepped into worldly affairs.
"W-What? Are you saying they've decided to oppose the Ming court?"
When I stammered the question, Mangnyang shook his head.
"No, that's not it. The jianghu is still on high alert."
"Then?"
"About three months ago, White Lotus Church experts appeared in Qinghai for the first time. Until then, they were thought to be in Xinjiang, but soon after, they showed up in Guangzhou and Fujian as well."
"Aren't Guangzhou and Fujian completely unrelated to Xinjiang?"
"Exactly. And those who called themselves White Lotus adherents immediately bought massive buildings to establish White Lotus Church branches in the Central Plains. They haven't engaged in any overt activities or shows of force yet, but this is the first time they've openly declared their advance into the Central Plains, so the jianghu is in a state of extreme tension."
"......"
In short, the White Lotus Church had simply bought buildings and set up branches in the Central Plains.
Yet that alone was enough to put thousands of factions in the Central Plains martial world on maximum alert, a testament to the immense prestige and power of the White Lotus Church. It was common knowledge that their internal energy levels were extraordinarily profound, so no one would dare provoke them lightly. I asked cautiously.
"The Ming court surely despises the White Lotus Church—why aren't the officials stepping in?"
"That's the even stranger part. The White Lotus Church has long been assessed as having more than enough power to conquer the Central Plains, but due to the grudge between Emperor Hongwu and the White Lotus Church Lord, they've stayed away. Yet in this advance, the court is maintaining complete silence, and even when martial artists submit petitions, the response is always along the lines of 'handle martial affairs within the martial world.'"
"That can't be..."
When I responded uncertainly, Mangnyang said.
"As you suspect, this is a golden opportunity for the Ming court to crush the White Lotus Church with a million-strong army. But the imperial family and the entire court are silent on their actions."
"Isn't it the calm before the storm?"
Mangnyang let out a hollow laugh.
"Some think so, but I don't. The best strategy is to strike when the enemy is even slightly weakened. If the White Lotus Church subjugates and absorbs the Central Plains factions to become the supreme ruler of the jianghu, it'll become an unprecedented force beyond the court's control. I see the court's behavior not as a scheme, but as an anomaly."
"An anomaly?"
"I think the White Lotus Church has pulled some strings, preventing forces like the Embroidered Uniform Guard and the Eastern Depot from acting rashly. In fact, after the White Lotus Church became active, our Rebel Heaven Alliance has found it much easier to move around because the Embroidered Uniform Guard has slowed down considerably."
"Hmm... That's why you had the leisure to come all the way to Goryeo."
"That's part of it. The current martial world is like a powder keg. If it ignites, it'll be a bloodbath indiscriminate of friend or foe, so I've come here temporarily to avoid the danger."
Mangnyang's explanation gave me a clear picture of the overall situation. After pondering for a moment, I asked him.
"So, what are your plans from now on?"
"If nothing major happens, I plan to return to the Central Plains with you and resume Rebel Heaven Alliance activities. It's the perfect opportunity now—if you help, Baek Woong, we could achieve great success."
"...There's a bit of a problem."
"What is it?"
I told Mangnyang that I was currently learning medicine and that the ten-year vow I'd made with the nine-tailed fox was almost up. After hearing me out, he sighed in lament.
"If I'd known, I should've told you about Haein sooner."
"The nine-tailed fox's power is immense. She's a great yokai who could wipe out the elites of the Twelve Rites."
"Probably so. If she's the Heavenly Fox who served at Queen Mother of the West's side, she's originally a noble being no less than a celestial immortal of the heavens. If such a one fell and was banished to earth, she'd possess tremendous power."
"Isn't there some way?"
"Hmm..."
Mangnyang thought for a moment, then asked.
"You said the nine-tailed fox gave you this mirror called the Brahmamitra and told you to cultivate with it—have you been doing as instructed?"
"Of course. No downside, so every day at dawn and dusk, I meditate while gazing into the mirror for an hour."
"Let me see it."
Mangnyang formed a strange hand seal, creating a faint orange circle in the air. It moved to my heart area and slowly absorbed into me. Closing his eyes and concentrating, he then said.
"Just as I thought. Your potential for sorcery is now extremely high."
"What do you mean?"
"Exactly that. Over the past nine years, you've steadily absorbed the divine power of the Three Sacred Artifacts existing in Dongyoung, causing your upper dantian to resonate and slightly open. You've essentially trained spiritual sensitivity postnatally."
"Spiritual sensitivity?"
"The nine-tailed fox gave you a priceless treasure. You can now learn basic sorcery."
"......!!"
I could only reel in successive shocks. I'd been cultivating with the Brahmamitra without much thought, but who knew it was training me not in martial arts, but in sorcery? When I pulled it out from my bosom and showed him, Mangnyang exclaimed in admiration.
"Indeed, the true Three Sacred Artifact. It seems the rumors that the nine-tailed fox bewitched Dongyoung's Heavenly Emperor were true."
"You mean I can really use sorcery?"
Mangnyang nodded as if it were obvious.
"Of course. Sorcerers train diligently to enhance their abilities, just like martial artists. By carrying the supreme dharma vessel of Dongyoung in your bosom and cultivating an hour daily, you've performed the left-path practice of developing sorcery talent from nothing. It's on par with the state I achieved after obtaining my Dark Night."
"Ooh...!!"
"Since it's come to this, I'll teach you some sorcery. You'll pick it up quickly, I wager."
"Thank you."
I felt like I'd stumbled upon unexpected fortune. Mangnyang, a near-divine expert in sorcery, had declared I had no talent, so I'd given up on it entirely—yet a path had opened! The thought that I could now use sorcery thrilled me inwardly.
Mangnyang said, sounding intrigued.
"That said, the nine-tailed fox seems to have a great fondness for you. Fallen celestial beings are usually wicked and vicious, and she's a prime example. Yet she spared your life, conversed with you to the end, and even gave you her treasure... That's an extraordinary favor by any standard."
"That much?"
Miho hadn't seemed like such a bad sort to me. Our conversation hadn't given off that vibe at all. But Mangnyang stated firmly.
"I can say it with certainty. In this life, you survived thanks to Queen Mother of the West's blessing. The nine-tailed fox harbors guilt and longing for the heavenly Queen Mother of the West, which transferred to fondness for you. If you encounter her in your next reincarnation, don't expect the same luck."
"It was Queen Mother of the West's blessing..."
"Rumors say she's killed thousands of humans in Dongyoung. She's undoubtedly an evil great yokai."
With that, Mangnyang sighed and said.
"Haah, looks like you can't come to the Central Plains for a while."
"It's awkward because of the nine-tailed fox. Miho will surely come looking for me in the Central Plains."
"In my view, you need to calmly persuade her. If you do, she won't kill you. Killing you, wrapped in Queen Mother of the West's blessing, would be tantamount to denying herself."
"I suppose I must."
"But keep this in mind. She likely won't forgive betrayal. Mind that in your conversation if you want a good outcome."
Over the next six months, I learned basic sorcery from Mangnyang. When I asked if he wasn't returning to the Central Plains, he said it wouldn't be too late after the White Lotus Church stirred up the jianghu. Indeed, their emergence was checking the Embroidered Uniform Guard on its own, allowing the Rebel Heaven Alliance to move like fish in water.
Though basic, I learned sorcery at an astonishing pace—five spells in just half a year. Even Mangnyang was shocked.
"Truly, you've inherited the Brahmamitra's divine power. At this rate, you won't be far from entry-level intermediate sorcery."
"So I can use barriers now?"
"Simple ones, yes..."
"What about Earth Contraction Technique?"
"Advanced sorcery like that is still beyond you. Even decades under a renowned sorcerer might not suffice."
Crossing my arms, I said calmly to Mangnyang.
"Mangnyang, the nine-tailed fox will come soon. So, if I die, who should I take as a sorcery master in my next reincarnation?"
"Hmm..."
Mangnyang frowned, then said.
"My junior, Cheon Woo-jin, is on too high a level for you to learn from. If you insist on sorcery, I recommend seeking out the Maoshan Sect or Esoteric Buddhism. With your potential, they'll accept you gladly."
"Thanks for the advice."
"But don't talk like that about dying. How could I stand by and watch a friend perish?"
"Surely not..."
"I'll meet the nine-tailed fox with you."
I cried out in shock.
"That's too dangerous! The nine-tailed fox is truly powerful."
"Don't worry. I have a way."
"Hmm."
I had no choice but to trust Mangnyang. Until the nine-tailed fox arrived, my days repeated with studying the Hwasi clan's medicine and Mangnyang's sorcery. Half a year later, on a night when the moon shone brilliantly.
[Baek Woong! Come out to the four cardinal gates.]
A massive spirit voice echoed from somewhere. Unlike telepathy, a spirit voice was a sorcery spell sorcerers used to convey their will across distances. Guessing the nine-tailed fox had arrived, I called Mangnyang.
After preparing, we headed to the four cardinal gates—which, from this position, meant the East Great Gate.
Ta-at!
I'd slipped past the guards using lightness skill and reached a quiet alley outside the East Great Gate when a familiar voice sounded.
"Ten years, at last. Have you been well?"
"Ugh."
Turning, there stood Miho in her bewitching woman's form, the peerless beauty from our last meeting in Seo-gyeong. Her enormous breasts still swayed mesmerizingly, stealing my gaze for a moment. She giggled as if teasing me was the height of fun.
"Ahahaha. Are you still a virgin, you?"
I replied curtly.
"Mind your own business. But you can tell from that?"
"Of course! Don't underestimate me. The scent is different."
"......"
So the virgin scent was real...
Dazed as realization hit, she suddenly flipped in the air, transforming into a beautiful, cute little girl. Smiling brightly, she said.
"Do you prefer this form?"
"Stop teasing. Let's just talk."
"Ahahaha..."
After laughing uproariously for a while, Miho said.
"Have you diligently built your strength in the meantime?"
"To be honest, my martial arts haven't progressed much. But I've learned medicine, and thanks to the Brahmamitra, sorcery too."
"Hoo... Sorcery, eh? Must've had a master."
"Learned from a friend in the Central Plains."
Miho narrowed her eyes. Then she said.
"Fine. Not entirely satisfactory, but show me what you've learned, and I'll judge. Demonstrate."
"First, a question."
"What?"
"Why do you want the Seven-Treasure Haein? To return to the heavens?"
My question caught Miho off guard. Unlike her usual leisure, she was visibly shaken, even stammering uncharacteristically.
"W-Wh-Why do you need to know that?"
I answered nonchalantly.
"Just curious. You're enjoying emperor-like power on earth—why go back to the heavens? You could have anything here, so why?"
"Hmm... Baek Woong, you don't know what the heavenly realm is like, do you?"
"Nope. That's why I'm asking."
Miho didn't seem displeased. She answered readily.
"The heavenly realm isn't the material world humans imagine. It's half a realm of spirits where ethereal beings swim. Those who exist there feel fulfillment beyond compare to any material pleasure."
Smiling wryly, she continued.
"For a yokai like me, what joy is there in human pleasures? Luxuries, fine food, carnal delights—they're secondary. The spiritual satisfaction of the heavens is incomparable."
"Hm. So what do you want to do there?"
"Beg Queen Mother of the West's forgiveness and serve her again. I've longed for it desperately."
"I see."
"Enough chatter—show me your sorcery."
"Got it."
I demonstrated in order: Folding Earth Technique, Flame Talisman, Concealment Art, Ox Step Method, Illusion Art. All five basic spells I knew. Miho said admiringly.
"Hoo... Impressive. You've trained hard."
"Pass?"
"Not at all."
"......"
"Hmph... Think basic sorcery lets you storm the Twelve Rites' headquarters?"
Miho grumbled, but didn't seem truly angry. As I stood blankly, she waved her hand irritably.
"Fine. Live your life."
"Really?"
"The Haein in the Twelve Rites isn't something I'll take by force anyway. You're just a hindrance—begone."
It was ideal for me, but oddly unsatisfying—like being told I was surplus. From a great yokai like the nine-tailed fox's view, my power must seem insignificant.
"What about the Brahmamitra?"
"Keep it. I don't need trash like that."
"Thanks."
Miho's eyes sharpened. A faint killing intent emanated.
"Hmph... You, right here... Eh?!"
I suddenly hugged her. In her little girl form, she yelped in surprise as I scooped her up. But holding her tight, I grinned broadly.
"Thanks."
Human or yokai, it didn't matter. I wanted to express my gratitude to Miho.
"......"
Moments later, she pushed at my shoulder with her tiny hands, grunting. Her face was beet red. Looking away awkwardly, she didn't resemble a world-beguiling fox spirit at all. Pouting primly, she said.
"Hmph... It's just Queen Mother of the West's aura on you. Don't get the wrong idea—I'm not fond of you."
"Got it."
Turning her head, Miho said.
"For reference, the Twelve Rites' headquarters is in the Gaomi region of Changbai Mountain. Remember that."
"Got it. But why tell me suddenly..."
"Just did, idiot."
Irritated, Miho turned and walked away. Then she said.
"Your friend's lucky. Tell him not to meddle in useless affairs anymore, Baek Woong."
"Take care."
"Hmph..."
Shiiik!
Miho vanished. She'd probably left. At the same time, I heard a human figure thudding from somewhere in the air. With a crash, someone hit the ground. Rushing ten paces away, I found Mangnyang passed out under a tree.
I shook him in panic.
"Come to!"
"Ugh..."
His guards lay fainted nearby too. Once recovered, Mangnyang scratched his head.
"Shameful. I meant to help if needed, but the nine-tailed fox subdued me."
"What? She just stood there—did she sense and neutralize you all meanwhile?"
"Seems so. Didn't even know how. Truly a great yokai."
A chill ran through me then.
'Surely that killing intent just now?'
I'd felt nothing, but when her eyes sharpened with murderous aura, had I crossed the brink of life and death? Even if she'd spoken as if sparing me, she might've decided my fate then. Her sudden change likely came from my grateful hug.
Brushing off dirt, Mangnyang stood and said.
"Now, let's return to the Central Plains."
"...No."
"What?"
I stated firmly.
"I'll stay here and study medicine more."
Mangnyang looked baffled.
"What? The White Lotus Church's movements are intensifying. Delay further, and they'll conquer the jianghu in half a year—are you just going to watch?"
"From my position, it doesn't matter. The White Lotus Church won't harm me anyway. And as they grow stronger, the Embroidered Uniform Guard weakens, so I don't have much to do in the Central Plains right now."
"That's true, but..."
"I feel like I won't get another chance to learn medicine beyond this life. I want to learn as much as I can."
Mangnyang relented.
"Can't be helped. I'll respect your will. If something big happens, I'll contact you."
"Understood."
Mangnyang and his guards left Goryeo the next day.
The ship receded into view.
Shwaa—
Hwaseomyeong, who'd come with me to see Mangnyang off at a port near Gaegyeong, said.
"Are you truly resolved? You could achieve great things in the Central Plains martial world—can you abandon it all for medicine?"
He knew the full story from me, including about Mangnyang. I nodded to Hwaseomyeong.
"Yes. I'm sick of half-measures now. I want to master medicine to the utmost of my ability and forge my path."
Moved, Hwaseomyeong teared up briefly. Clenching his fist, he said.
"Good...!! We can do it!"
"Isn't it time we went independent from the Jeong clan?"
"I was thinking the same. The clan's naturalized, we've saved enough money—no need to impose on Jeong anymore. And for you to run your own clinic, let's tell the Jeong lord."
We went to Jeong Cheol-uk and said we'd step down as guests and guards. After hearing us out, he sighed.
"Hwa Elder, Baek Woong warrior—you two were the finest guests of our Jeong clan. I'd hate to lose you, but you must go?"
"Sorry... I want to pursue the path of a physician."
Jeong Cheol-uk pleaded earnestly.
"Hwa Elder, I'll give you a royal physician position. And Baek Woong warrior, a general's rank. Still no?"
A royal physician treated the royal family exclusively—also called imperial physician—the pinnacle for any doctor in Goryeo. A general's rank meant a stake in the military. Both were extraordinary for mere guests, and Jeong Cheol-uk had the influence to grant them.
But Hwa nodded no.
"Sorry. We'll repay the Jeong lord's grace another way."
"Hmm... If your resolve is that firm, no helping it."
Turning to me, Jeong Cheol-uk said.
"I'm sorry I couldn't reward Baek Woong warrior enough. Before you go, I'll grant one wish—what do you want?"
"Hmm..."
I pondered the unexpected offer. Sorting my thoughts, I replied.
"I'd like to meet the Twelve Rites' lords and spar with each once."
"Spar with the lords? Can't you just request that?"
"It's different as a wilder versus with the Jeong lord's endorsement."
Jeong Cheol-uk smiled.
"Ah, I see. I'll arrange the spars."
"Thank you."
"They'll respect my face and not act rashly."
I knew well how grueling and perilous spars or duels could be. Honor mattered equally in Central Plains or Goryeo—requesting lightly risked one's life.
But under Jeong Cheol-uk's name, I could exchange techniques safely. I thought to myself.
'I've neglected martial training too long. Time to experience higher martial arts.'
Gradual cultivation would take too long to reach super peak. As someone who gained much from real combat, while in Goryeo, I wanted to spar with the Twelve Rites' lord-level super peak experts to build battle experience. No other chance to safely face a dozen such masters.