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“I received a massive piece of obsidian from Miho and returned to the Central Plains.”

This obsidian was about 2 cubits in size—large enough that I needed both arms to carry it.

‘With this obsidian, I might be able to include all the details.’

The obsidian I used to transfer memories to Mangnyang and Miho was barely the size of my palm, only sufficient to convey a rough idea of my fourteen past lives. Mangnyang and Miho absorbed my memories like reading a book, picking up fragments of emotion as markers.

Even though they had read my memories, they couldn’t acquire the techniques or martial arts I had mastered.

But the larger the obsidian, the more memories it could compress. With a piece this size, I might even directly transfer my skills!

I placed the obsidian in my wooden armor and headed towards Mangnyang.

Once he heard about the obsidian, Mangnyang remarked, “This obsidian’s technique is remarkably overpowered.”

“Really?”

“There are existing arts that can transmit memories, but they require immense innate talent and a deep understanding of techniques. You’d need to be at least a peak expert, and those types are rare in the Central Plains. What you’re doing, just using a rock to store memories without restrictions, is impressively efficient.”

After explaining that, Mangnyang continued, “Baek Woong, I think it’s essential to gather as many grimoires as you can. The more arts you obtain from the prophet in Astana, the easier your future endeavors will become.”

“That makes sense.”

With the collection of arts from the prophet in Astana, I could engage in an exchange. I had now received the technique from the obsidian, so perhaps I’d get different techniques in my next life.

As I contemplated Mangnyang’s words, I suddenly remembered something and asked, “By the way, Mangnyang, isn’t it about time the White Lotus Sect attacked the Imperial Palace?”

“I was just about to mention that,” said Mangnyang with a sigh. “Strange as it is, the White Lotus Sect has started to hesitate. Just when it seemed like the sect leader was ready to strike, they suddenly stopped all actions. Instead, they seem to have opted to extend their influence over the Central Plains using funds from the Fire Spirit Techniques of the Han Clan.”

“…!!”

What is going on?!

I had been looking forward to the White Lotus Sect sweeping through the palace, and every plan hinged on that expectation! If they couldn’t take the palace soon, all planned efforts would definitely go awry.

After some contemplation, I asked, “Is the sect leader feeling pressured about attacking the palace?”

“…I’m not entirely sure. The last time I saw the sect leader, they seemed indifferent. But if they’re hesitating, I suspect there’s some factor beyond just ‘power.’”

“Another factor…?”

Mangnyang answered confidently, “Baek Woong, don’t worry. I will talk to the sect leader again and find out their true intentions.”

“Don’t push yourself too hard…”

“Haha! Just focus on what you’re doing in Shadowless Gate.”

But I couldn’t help but feel anxious. Considering the potential future developments, I knew I couldn’t reveal my identity to the White Lotus Sect. Wouldn’t it be better to help Mangnyang and assist the sect in conquering the Jianghu? Still, given Mangnyang’s strategic mind, I felt it best to follow his lead.

Thud

I headed back to Hanam Shadowless Gate in haste. Upon arrival, the gatekeepers seemed too familiar with my face to be all that vigilant.

I declared, “Please inform them that I’ve come for more teachings.”

“Young hero, just a moment…”

Suddenly, the head of the guard warriors stepped forward, then approached me and whispered, “Before you meet the sect leader, the young master wishes to see you.”

“…?”

“Please follow me.” I hesitantly followed him.

‘The young master must be Seo Mun-hye, but what does she want to see me for? Right now, I shouldn’t look like Baek Woong after using surgical techniques…’

When I arrived before Seo Mun-hye’s room, she was seated and waiting, graciously greeting me.

“So Woong, it’s been a while. How have you been?”

“It’s a pleasure to see you again.”

Having met her numerous times during a month of martial arts training, we had a semblance of familiarity. Seo Mun-hye blinked for a moment, gazing at me before she gently grasped my hand.

“You’re not Baek Woong, are you?!”

So she was suspicious after all!

I felt like I’d been caught off guard by a head-on attack. Controlling my emotions, I replied without showing any sign of trouble. “I’m not your brother.”

“If what you said is true, may I touch your face to confirm?”

“Go ahead.”

After a moment, Seo Mun-hye began feeling my face, examining it thoroughly as if trying to find any discrepancies in my appearance with her energy.

But after nearly half a moment of scrutinizing my face, she sighed.

“Ah… it’s not you.”

“I told you so.”

While I responded, I was secretly astonished at Physician Hwa Seong-myeong’s amazing skills. Placing my faith entirely in Hwa Seong-myeong’s surgical techniques, I found they had flawlessly transformed my appearance. Even with energy probing, there wasn’t a hint of unnaturalness—truly miraculous medical skills! No implants or anything, just pure mastery!

‘If someone as esteemed as Seo Mun-hye can’t detect it, then nobody else will be able to either.’

Seo Mun-hye continued probing my cheek, “You truly are beautiful. If you continue like this, you’ll be a peerless beauty in the world.”

“Are you mocking me?”

“Hehehe… Half of it is sincere.”

Her radiant laughter was infectious, making it hard for me to be annoyed at her teasing. She gazed into the distance as though reminiscing, continuing, “Your brother may have been unfortunate in appearance, but he had the demeanor of a great hero. I… admired him.”

“……”

“I apologize for being forward. Since I owe you my debt of gratitude, I would like to grant you a request.”

A request?

As soon as I heard that, I blurted out, “I want to know why you’re trapped on a Pirate Island. Tell me the reason!”

Upon hearing my question, Seo Mun-hye appeared startled.

“Oh!”

Then she said, “As promised, I’ll tell you… I participated in an underground martial arts tournament called the Dark Realm Martial Arts Tournament, but I lost and was mentally and physically dominated. That’s how I ended up on Pirate Island.”

“But why would you enter the Dark Realm Martial Arts Tournament? As a young master of Shadowless Gate, you have everything—money, talent, and the status of a peak expert!”

“……”

Seo Mun-hye hesitated. I had rescued her from the island several times as Baek Woong, yet she avoided discussing it. I didn’t want to pressure her further, but since this was a ‘transaction,’ I wanted to find out what I could.

“… I was hoping to obtain the Self-Controlled Moon Blade.”

“Self-Controlled Moon Blade?”

Now that I think of it, I had heard about that when the Black Snake Society Leader spoke about the Dark Realm Martial Arts Tournament. The previous tournament winner received the Turning Wheel Blade Technique, Silver Dew Fruit, and the Self-Controlled Moon Blade as prizes.

“Your main martial art is swordsmanship, so why would you want a halberd?”

“I received information that the Self-Controlled Moon Blade hides the number one martial art in the world.”

“……!!”

“Even Tuma, the host, didn’t know that secret. If he had known, he would never have listed it as a prize. He probably just thought of the Self-Controlled Moon Blade as a mere weapon.”

“How did you come to find that out?”

“That’s something I can’t disclose.”

Seo Mun-hye sighed. “Though I’m the young master of Shadowless Gate, my martial talent pales in comparison to my father’s. To properly inherit Shadowless Gate, I needed tremendous strength. That’s why I wanted to unravel the secrets of the Self-Controlled Moon Blade to become stronger.”

Listening to her, she sounded like a fool, but she was anything but. In her twenties, she had already reached peak expert status, showing great potential to rule the Jianghu. Her feelings of inferiority stemmed merely from the genius that was Sword Demon Seo Mun-dae-ryong.

Self-Controlled Moon Blade! The number one martial art in the world! Just hearing that was tempting.

After a moment’s thought, I remarked, “That’s odd. My brother said he hadn’t heard anything like that from you.”

“I couldn’t bring myself to speak about it. I didn’t want to put him in danger.”

“What do you mean?”

Seo Mun-hye’s countenance fell as she expressed, “If anyone heard this, they would confront the current owner of the Self-Controlled Moon Blade. But that person is a terrifying master, and why would I put my benefactor in danger?”

Her sincerity was evident.

I felt a spark of understanding. “So, you know who the current owner of the Self-Controlled Moon Blade is?”

“I’m not obliged to tell you that.”

“Why?”

“I said I would only provide the backstory, not the current details. Plus, I can’t put a benefactor’s sibling in danger.”

“……”

Given her current demeanor, it seemed unlikely she’d divulge any information at all. Even offering her treasures would probably not persuade her. However, this was unexpected invaluable intel that I wanted ASAP. I pondered briefly and said, “Regardless of your resistance, I’ll still seek out the owner of the Self-Controlled Moon Blade myself. It’s simple enough—I could either charm the Black Snake Society Leader, who’s Tuma’s subordinate, or confront Tuma directly.”

“Don’t do anything reckless. Those people are not easy to deal with.”

“Then just tell me. Whether I challenge the owner of the Self-Controlled Moon Blade or not is up to me.”

“Hmm…”

“Think of it as repaying my life debt to your brother.”

Upon hearing my words, Seo Mun-hye looked stunned.

“You’re quite shameless!”

“Just promise me you’ll do your best.”

“Fine, but your life is on you.”

Seo Mun-hye accepted with a hint of resignation.

“The current owner of the Self-Controlled Moon Blade is the former tournament winner, the one they call the supreme being from the outskirts.”

“No way…”

Seo Mun-hye’s next words opened my eyes wide.

“Twelve Joules Master. He possesses the Self-Controlled Moon Blade.”

To think the supreme being of the Eastern Martial World, the Twelve Joules Master himself, was the owner of the Self-Controlled Moon Blade!

I was flabbergasted and asked in disbelief, “The Twelve Joules Master? Why would that recluse venture out to participate in a tournament in the Central Plains and take the Self-Controlled Moon Blade?”

“I don’t know the specifics. All I know is that the new champion was declared to be the Twelve Joules Master.”

“……!!”

“That’s why I could finally lay down my desires regarding the Self-Controlled Moon Blade.”

“I see…”

I began to understand her words. Who in the world could snatch the Self-Controlled Moon Blade from the Twelve Joules Master? It’s a feat even Sword Demon himself might struggle to achieve! I thought to myself, ‘What a headache. Even if the Self-Controlled Moon Blade possesses the number one martial art in the world, it’s useless if it’s in the hands of the Twelve Joules Master.’

It was a moot point.

“In any case, thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

I parted ways with Seo Mun-hye and headed to where the Sword Demon awaited. He was seated, calmly waiting for me, as if he already knew where I had been.

“You’ve had quite a long talk with the young lady.”

“I apologize for keeping you waiting.”

“Not at all. I hoped you’d have a deep discussion with her sooner or later.”

The Sword Demon paused in silence and then spoke. “I don’t care if you’re Baek Woong or So Woong. What matters is you’re a genuine martial artist, and I’ll do my best to teach you.”

“Thank you.”

“However, there is a condition.”

“What’s that?”

“As much as I appreciate your talent, I’m the head of a sect. It would go against our regulations for me to teach martial arts of a certain level to outsiders. Do you understand what I mean?”

I scratched my temple, replying, “You mean I should join Shadowless Gate?”

The Sword Demon nodded.

“Exactly. If you do that, I’d be willing to teach you our secret arts. Plus, I’ll elevate your status to that of a guardian, right under the sect leader.”

“……!!”

His proposal was astonishing. Joining Shadowless Gate meant I would not only learn secret techniques but also gain a rank equivalent to the young master’s! I hesitated, thinking about my commitments to the Thunder God Lineage but quickly dismissed the idea and replied, “I’ll do that.”

This life, I was determined to learn the martial arts of Shadowless Gate.

 

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