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“That’s quite the event going on!”

A moment later, Cheon Woo-jin waved a flag and then merged the divine power of Taehuh Cheonjon into himself. This is commonly known as the phenomenon of “spirit summoning,” which doesn’t come from knowledge or experience but rather requires a suitable “vessel.” Apparently, only Cheon Woo-jin here had such power.

The descended Taehuh Cheonjon spoke in a voice that seemed not of this world.

[Well done with the spirit summoning. I intended to grant you a blessing, but…]

“That won’t do. I would rather receive a blessing from someone else,” Mangnyang replied resolutely. Cheon Woo-jin flinched at that. Taehuh Cheonjon responded with a frown.

[Uh… okay…]

[Have you made the offering of the divine summoning?]

After Taehuh Cheonjon, the divine power of the Queen Mother of the West entered Cheon Woo-jin. Knowing that the Queen also couldn’t skip blessings, I thought Mangnyang would just let this slide. But instead, he seized the opportunity to ask something else.

“Queen Mother, may I confirm if my understanding of the summoning order is correct?”

[What order are you referring to?]

“It starts with Taehuh Cheonjon, followed by the Queen Mother, and then probably the Southern Flower Immortal or perhaps Yeodong-bin, or Yuan Yuanzi. Is that correct?”

The Queen Mother seemed taken aback and responded.

[Yes. How do you know that?]

This was likely due to the progress Mangnyang had observed until now. I thought it was obvious, but surprisingly, Mangnyang unfurled his Seven Fires, Seven Golds Line and said, “The twenty-eight constellations will be summoned as allocated. This is the law of the immortals bound to the Nine Regions.”

[You possess remarkable knowledge. That is indeed correct.]

“You may recommend other entities, but that would seem to be the case.”

[Do you have something specific to say?]

In response to the Queen Mother’s question, Mangnyang replied flatly, “I do not need other blessings. Please grant me two rights.”

[What are they?]

“First, the right for me and Baek Woong to enter Mount Kunlun, and the second, the right to perform the offering ceremony at Mount Tai.”

[…!!]

You could feel the Queen Mother was startled by this. If even a high divine being like her was caught off guard, then what Mangnyang proposed must hold significant implications. The Queen Mother answered.

[That is quite greedy. I can grant you the first right, but the second is beyond my control.]

“But you are the leader of the divine women of the Heavenly Realm, who even possesses the Heavenly Mysterious Woman. You hold the highest authority aside from the deputy. I cannot believe you lack such authority.”

Then, the Queen Mother let out a troubled huff and said, [Human. Do you understand what it means to hold the right to perform the offering ceremony?]

“Yes, I do.”

[You must know it is a right powerful enough to disrupt the balance of heaven and earth.]

“Yet, the spirit summoning holds such value.”

With a frozen smile, Mangnyang said, “By obtaining the vitality of the divine summoning, the wilting flowers of the Heavenly Realm may bloom, allowing the immortals to regain their vigor. This is truly an unmatched virtue on earth.”

[Hmm… Very well. If you can bear the responsibility, I shall grant you those two rights.]

“I suspect that even after that, the Law of Cause and Effect will require a price to be paid.”

[Are you thinking of asking for something else?]

Mangnyang spoke firmly. “Please forgive the nine-tailed fox that has fallen to the ground and let me summon the Eight Immortals.”

[What…?]

“I think it would balance the price.”

The Queen Mother fell silent for a while. Then, in a voice tinged with something akin to anger, she said, [Fine. You seem to have acquired a great deal of knowledge about the Heavenly Realm. However, if you dare to toy with the immortals in the future, you will face heavenly retribution.]

“I will keep that in mind.”

[You have received the price. Now you may leave.]

With a shimmer, the Queen Mother disappeared. Cheon Woo-jin’s vitality returned to his eyes. Since the spirit summoning ended after two attempts, Cheon Woo-jin merely looked a bit fatigued, rather than utterly exhausted as before. However, with a worried expression, he said to Mangnyang, “Brother, angering the Queen Mother is not wise. She is truly a lofty being.”

“I know that. I have even met the Three Sovereigns in person.”

“But how did you manage to rub her the wrong way?”

“That was the only way to uncover the truth.”

“……?”

With a chuckle, Mangnyang walked once more towards the shrine. He casually performed a martial authority gesture and spoke. “Master, I apologize for my earlier rudeness. Now, I’m about to leave the world.”

The response from Master Mangnyang didn’t come.

‘As expected…’

I felt an overwhelming sleepiness wash over me. No matter how much martial arts or techniques I learned, I could not resist the slumber.

Soon enough, I found myself once again facing Master Mangnyang in my dream. In the dream, he appeared in the form of a black cat and said, [Although my disciple, aren’t I impressive? No human has ever been able to negotiate with the Queen Mother of the West.]

“……”

[You have quite the curious expression.]

I asked the most pressing question that had been eating away at me.

“What exactly are you?”

It was the most fundamental, yet the most impactful question. Upon hearing my question, the black-furred Mangnyang waved his tail as he replied, [As you can see, I am Master Mangnyang. I don’t see why you’re so curious about that.]

“No, you’re different.”

[Different in what way?]

“You said you’re staying in this town to seal the demon slumbering in Luoyang, and it must be the Old Ruler ruling the imperial palace. That being’s power is undoubtedly strong enough to wipe out the Heavenly Realm on its own.”

Master Mangnyang replied emotionlessly, [You know quite a lot.]

I muttered to myself and stared at Master Mangnyang directly. “How can someone like you, who can seal and monitor such a being, exist?!”

Previously, I had just gone with the flow of things. I knew he was a powerful existence, but it didn’t resonate much with me.

However, after encountering the artifacts and spells of the Otherworld through the Zhuge Clan and experiencing their massive power, I couldn’t overlook it anymore. Furthermore, when the Seven Luminaries’ divine fox went wild, the power of Itaka was unbelievable.

Yet, it was utterly strange that a mere Great Immortal like Master Mangnyang could seal an Old Ruler, a being potentially equal to or exceeding Itaka. Even as a Taoism guardian delegated power from the Jade Emperor, how could he seal such a distinctly superior entity?

Then Master Mangnyang stared at me blankly before saying, [I am the Borderlands Master. And at this moment, I am Master Mangnyang. I have no past or future, so that question holds no meaning.]

“What does that mean?”

[It’s similar to not feeling fear because neither life nor death exists.]

He spoke with a hint of mockery. Then he continued, [You and I are still too early for such a conversation.]

“What kind of nonsense is that!! I am already more than…”

In that moment, he interrupted me.

[This is not the time of destruction, is it?]

As soon as I met Master Mangnyang’s eyes, a chill rushed down my spine, and I felt a cold shiver envelop my entire body. It was as if an overwhelming despair and a feeling of defeat washed over me, akin to staring into the darkness of the vast universe. I hadn’t sensed this kind of power even from the Master of the White Lotus Sect.

And I understood. ‘God!’

Unlike the previously “emotional” or “changing” deities that could at least express feelings, the Mangnyang before me was a passive, mechanical, yet absolute existence. While it pretended to have a personality, it was impossible for a human to fathom the true thoughts of such a being.

Pa-at!

Light flooded in. It was a warmth that seemed to envelop everything. As I was engulfed by that light, I gradually drifted away from the dream, feeling the pulsing heartbeat of the surrounding darkness. That heartbeat felt strangely familiar.

[You should return for now.]

Wait! Don’t just kick me out like that!

Give me even a single clue regarding the Seven Luminaries!!

As I screamed inside, Master Mangnyang seemingly incapable of fulfilling that wish replied, [Chase after Fuxi’s Eight Trigrams. That will be the easiest way to build your power.]

And just like that, the dream ended.

“Ugh.”

When I regained consciousness, Mangnyang was already awake. He reached out and helped me up, saying, “Let’s get going.”

“Ah, I guess we should…”

As I left the village with Mangnyang without a second thought, I was pretty much used to this process since I had done it multiple times. However, the moment we stepped past the threshold of the village, an unsettling feeling gripped me, and I turned to look back.

“Are you here to send me off?”

Sure enough, there stood a youthful-looking man in his early twenties, dressed as a farmer. Naturally, it was Cheon Woo-jin, the spirit who had been summoned and was Mangnyang’s disciple. Cheon Woo-jin gazed at me blankly before saying, “What do you mean? I’m following my brother.”

“Huh?!”

Surprised, I exclaimed, and Mangnyang replied, “That is how it is.”

“What do you mean by that?!”

“My disciple’s prowess is exceptional. I spoke with my master and decided to take him along. This way, my disciple’s strong abilities will greatly assist us.”

“……”

I looked at Mangnyang and Cheon Woo-jin alternately, baffled.

Bringing along the spirit Cheon Woo-jin?!

This was something I had never encountered before, leaving me flabbergasted. But soon Mangnyang smiled cheerfully and said, “There’s no reason it can’t work. After all, the disciple was quite idle and seemed to want to watch the offering ceremony.”

“Damn it… Brother, don’t spout nonsense. What do you mean ‘watch’?! That’s absurd!”

Cheon Woo-jin gritted his teeth and said, “If the offering ceremony goes awry, it would spell disaster. So I felt the need to monitor it!”

“The disciple has received no blessings from the Heavenly Realm, yet he is full of loyalty.”

“You’re not dumb enough to say you don’t know what the offering ceremony involves?” Mangnyang shrugged.

“I understand well. So I think my disciple would be quite helpful.”

“Shut up, you fool.”

Seeing Cheon Woo-jin, who was sulking yet kind of caught off guard, made it clear his involvement was half against his will. Mangnyang probably wanted the rights to perform the offering ceremony and decided to drag Cheon Woo-jin along as a watchful eye. Poor Cheon Woo-jin had fallen right into Mangnyang’s trap.

‘I didn’t expect this.’

I never thought Cheon Woo-jin would turn into a companion. How would I possibly manage to cooperate with this annoying, grumpy person?

Shortly after, we arrived at the inn. True to routine, Mangnyang secured a room and started ordering chicken dishes while explaining things to us.

“Um… I will outline the tasks ahead, so listen carefully.”

“I’m all ears.”

Mangnyang tore off a chicken leg and said, “Baek Woong, head straight to the prophet and acquire a spell. After that, take the Nine-Tailed Fox to Jinrang Valley.”

“Understood.”

Mangnyang glanced at Cheon Woo-jin. “I will prepare in my own way, and the disciple is to storm the Zhuge Clan and bring him to Jinrang Valley.”

“Who is the Zhuge Clan?”

“My uncle, but he’s a strange fellow residing in Jangryeong Valley. He specializes in heretical arts and puppetry, so be cautious.”

“Hmph!”

With an air of displeasure, Cheon Woo-jin vanished without a word.

‘He disappeared without a trace!’

As I was taken aback, Mangnyang, pouring himself a drink, said, “There’s no need to be surprised. That’s true spatial manipulation.”

“True spatial manipulation?”

“Typically, spatial manipulation comes with many limitations, but that is a high-level technique that allows free bending of space, moving far faster than light body technique. Few in the human world can use spatial manipulation like a disciple does.”

Feeling anxious, I remarked, “The Sword Demon was wary of the Zhuge Clan; do you think Cheon Woo-jin could capture him?”

“Heretical techniques are incredibly dangerous for ordinary martial artists. It was wise for the Sword Demon to be cautious. However, such heretical arts will be ineffective against my disciple.”

Mangnyang grinned confidently. “I can guarantee it. The Zhuge Clan will be beaten up enough to come along.”

“……”

Mangnyang clearly held Cheon Woo-jin in high regard. It was understandable since, when it came to spells, he was the foremost genius in the Central Plains. Feeling a mix of complex emotions at the thought of Cheon Woo-jin facing the Zhuge Clan, Mangnyang spoke again.

“Baek Woong. You need to focus on the offering ceremony in this life. That’s how you achieve your goal.”

“I’ve been curious; why is the offering ceremony so important?”

“You possess the memories of Ji-seon Mang-nyang, so you should know that there are two types of offering ceremonies performed at Mount Tai. One is real, and one is fake. What we have secured is the right to the genuine offering ceremony.”

Mangnyang explained slowly. “The offering ceremony, first enacted by Qin Shi Huang, is a sacrificial act to heaven and earth. Those who succeed in this offering ceremony immediately gain dominion over the Nine Regions and heavenly fortune.”

“I understand, but that doesn’t seem to be an essential ability for a ruler. Why must we prioritize this?”

Mangnyang sighed. “It appears you haven’t fully grasped Ji-seon Mang-nyang’s knowledge.”

I sighed as well. “It’s too complex and vast. There are many things I can’t quite grasp.”

Indeed, despite receiving Ji-seon Mang-nyang’s knowledge through a powerful technique akin to black obsidian, my head just couldn’t process it. I couldn’t use the powers or knowledge associated with immortals without a solid foundational understanding. Meanwhile, Mangnyang appeared to have largely absorbed that knowledge, being naturally well-versed in it.

Mangnyang said, “First, let’s discuss the concept of fields. The field refers to the correspondence of astrology in geography, where its essence is [aligning the heavenly stars with territorial divisions].”

“Aligning the heavenly stars with territorial divisions?”

“Exactly. The movements of the constellations are reflected in the vast earthly world known as the Nine Regions.”

Continuing to define the significance of fields, Mangnyang elaborated. “In astrological field theory, heavenly stars are primarily divided into the twenty-eight constellations and twelve branches. This philosophy can be considered the pinnacle of the idea that heavenly connections are indispensable for describing earthly territories. The names of the states in the Warring States Period were also derived from the eternal language of the starry night.”

“Hmm…”

“Even the everyday term ‘field’ we commonly use actually originates from there.”

Mangnyang clenched his fist. “The heavens cast a shadow (天垂象) and the earth forms shapes (地成形). This has been the most crucial concept binding geography throughout the thousands of years of Chinese history.”

After a moment of thought, I asked, “What does this have to do with gaining dominion and fortune through the offering ceremony?”

“It’s a bit complex, so let me explain it in detail.”

Mangnyang relaxed his arms and picked up another chicken leg.

“As you saw earlier, the order of the Great Immortal’s spirit summoning may seem irregular at first glance, but in reality, it follows the celestial order corresponding to the constellations, based on field theories. Even the immortals cannot escape the law that the heavens correspond with the earth. This is because the sacred order of the heavens manifests most clearly there.”

Now, ponder this. Why did the ancient people thousands of years ago align the territories of the Nine Regions with the constellations, extending even beyond China to the four barbarian tribes?

“……”

In that moment, a sudden thought popped into my head, triggered by the term ‘constellation.’ “Is it because of the [Old Ruler]?!”

“That’s right. Modern scholars dismiss it as the fleeting faith of ancient people, yet it was deeply rooted in relation to divine beings. This secret has been passed down solely within the obscure sects of the Dao vein along with the Heavenly Realm.”

Mangnyang chugged his drink and said, “The fields defined within the Nine Regions represent the territories assigned to the ancient [Old Rulers]. Within that domain, they truly acted as gods and ruled over humanity with dark mythology.”

“……!!”

“This is also a secret that the Heavenly Realm desires to conceal from the humans of the earth. They wish to suppress the existence of the [Old Ruler] that they dearly want to hide.”

Stunned by the unexpected truth, I involuntarily gasped. Fragmented knowledge that I had been unable to connect suddenly held the weight of ancient legends.

Mangnyang declared, “To gain dominion over the Nine Regions and heavenly fortune through the offering ceremony means to become the master of the world while also acting as a priest connecting the divine and mortal realms.”

“A priest?”

“Yes, a priest.”

He wore a relatively rare cynical smile. “Offering humans in large quantities to the [Old Ruler] while being promised peace for the world and acquiring the magic and power of immortality… It’s no wonder that emperors like Qin Shi Huang and Yang Guang’s emperor were so obsessed.”

This was the moment the truth of the Mount Tai offering ceremony was unveiled.

 

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