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My 18th life has officially started.

I decided to step out of the barn.

As I moved, I had a lot on my mind, but even more to do. Everything was so tangled up, and the aftereffects of dying in my 17th life were still haunting me. I sensed that sitting quietly in this negative, despairing mood would make any chance for a comeback impossible.

Without saying a word, I headed to get the Heavenly Secret. Once I got it, I didn’t hesitate and immediately headed to Shandong to obtain the Golden Lamp. This was an essential process that couldn’t be skipped, as it was crucial for my adventure.

Finally, after retrieving the Golden Lamp from the Great Dragon Escort Agency, I stood on the rooftop at night, sighing.

“Haa!”

The lengthy sigh escaped me. I knew I’d be busy again soon. There was a lot to do. But most notably, thinking about that colossal entity, ‘God,’ only made me feel gloomier. Can a mere human really defeat such a being?

Sitting on the roof, I reminisced. In my previous life, after getting the Golden Lamp, I went to the Thunder Pearl and fought the Giant Toad. After that, I rescued Hwang Yeon and took him to the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School, then went to the Sword Demon to pass on memories using obsidian. After leaving the pirate business and freeing captives with the Sword Demon, I remember heading to offer the Water Element Divine Sword.

If nothing special happens in this life, it would make sense to proceed this way again. However, suddenly, I felt otherwise.

“If things go as they are, I’ll end up freeing the Water Element Divine Sword through the Offering Ceremony. However, since the Azure Dragon is eavesdropping on the Heavenly Secret at the Heavenly Altar of Mount Tai, that means I’ll inevitably clash with the Azure Dragon sooner or later.”

During my 17th life, the Azure Dragon’s resourcefulness and intellect always kept me one step behind, hitting me from behind. I managed to damage the Imperial Palace with the help of the White Lotus Sect, but ultimately lost due to God’s descent.

It seemed premature to confront the Azure Dragon right now. The Azure Dragon wasn’t just a powerhouse; he read the optimal conditions regarding strategy and tactics. Facing him unprepared would raise the difficulty level drastically.

Then, shouldn’t the priority be to eliminate the Azure Dragon this time?

“Can I do it with my martial arts?”

The Azure Dragon’s true abilities were so powerful even Lee Kwang was beneath him. Above all, the ability to borrow the powers of the Seven Luminaries through the Earth Star Eight Trigrams Diagram to seal the opponent’s strength was terrifying. Assuming my martial arts were in sync with Lee Kwang, it would be impossible to assassinate the Azure Dragon solo.

After pondering the situation, I reached a conclusion.

I would discuss with Mangnyang to proceed with future plans but should prioritize eliminating and containing the Azure Dragon above all!

“The Emperor isn’t the problem. We have to eliminate the Azure Dragon to dismantle the Imperial Palace.”

I could have left everything to Mangnyang, but after he got kidnapped this time, it made me realize that wasn’t the way to go. Mangnyang was human too and could make mistakes. And by thinking ahead, it’d certainly be easier to strategize with Mangnyang.

With a snap, I headed to the Thunder Pearl. As soon as I spotted the Giant Toad there, I summoned Yeodong-bin. I could fight myself, but it seemed better to let Yeodong-bin handle it instead of draining my strength.

[Help me!]

Yeodong-bin immediately accepted my request and summoned his spirit into my body. In the meantime, he swung his sword and charged at the Giant Toad.

[Ha!]

It didn’t take long for Yeodong-bin to deal with the Giant Toad. I quickly gathered the Grimoire, Wooden Armor, and Twin Swords to rescue General Hwang Yeon and the captives. After rescuing them so many times, I memorized their names and identities.

“Hmm. Let’s not drop Hwang Yeon right at the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School.”

The anxiety of increasing variables outweighed the benefit of hastily clearing tasks. First, I shoved everyone I rescued into the Wooden Armor, then immediately went to Dongyoung to extract some obsidian. After that, I went to the Shadowless Gate and passed on my memories to the Sword Demon using the obsidian.

Oh!

“Hmm…!!”

At first, the Sword Demon was skeptical when I offered the obsidian, but after he received my memories from my 17th life through it, his expression turned confused before regaining composure. He collected his thoughts and spoke to me.

“I see. So despite my best efforts, I ultimately faced defeat…”

That was his brief comment about my 17th life. I felt both embarrassed and gloomy, gazing at the ceiling. The Sword Demon snapped his fingers.

“So, it seems we can’t recklessly intervene since the Azure Dragon has the upper hand on information regarding the Celestial Realm.”

“Exactly. As long as he guards the Heavenly Altar of Mount Tai with the title of Old Sage of Mount Tai, information about the Offering Ceremony will definitely leak to the Azure Dragon at any moment.”

“And from then on, we’ll have to fight against the Azure Dragon’s full power and cunning plans.”

“Indeed.”

After pondering for a moment, the Sword Demon remarked.

“It was wise of you to discuss this with me before talking to Mangnyang. However, there are several things you should be cautious of before relaying this information to him.”

“Huh?”

What should I be cautious of?

As I looked puzzled, the Sword Demon continued.

“First, remember that the Azure Dragon is Mangnyang’s father.”

“Mangnyang isn’t someone who would betray due to blood ties.”

As I asserted this strongly, the Sword Demon chuckled.

“Haha. I think so too. Mangnyang is a genius who won’t be bound by such connections. What I’m worried about is Mangnyang’s ‘current state.’”

“……?”

“Think about it. No matter how high the memory transfer rate of the obsidian is, it’s still new information for Mangnyang. And buried in that information is the huge secret that his father is the Old Sage of Mount Tai, the Three Great Sovereigns are his blood relations, and that the Azure Dragon plans to use the stolen information from the Celestial Realm for wicked purposes in the Great Ming Empire. How do you think Mangnyang, who was cast out of his clan and lived aimlessly in Jinrang Valley, will take that?”

“Huh!”

I swallowed hard as I grasped the meaning behind the Sword Demon’s words. The Sword Demon smiled gently and continued.

“I got dragged into your past life, but I managed to benefit from memory transfer in my own way. Meaning, there’s a chance for objective understanding and judgment. But Mangnyang is so closely tied to you that the shock he might receive from this new information is unpredictable.”

“Th-That makes sense.”

It was an unanticipated perspective, so I started to think it over. It was indeed true.

As Mangnyang had always accepted information and became an ally, I had never considered this. However, this time was different. The information revealed about the Azure Dragon in my 17th life specifically concerned Mangnyang’s direct lineage. I was inadvertently handing him an unexpected homework assignment he would need a lifetime to unravel. Regardless of who it was, they would inevitably become confused.

The Sword Demon then stated.

“Of course, Mangnyang is an excellent vessel, so he’ll sort out the confusion and assist you. But I can’t deny that he’ll expend significant mental strength. I think it’s time for you to show consideration for Mangnyang.”

“Consideration?”

After nodding, the Sword Demon explained.

“It means showing him a reason to trust you. That alone would make him feel as though he’s discovered light in the darkness. Furthermore, it signifies that you can indirectly support Mangnyang.”

“……!!”

I understood the Sword Demon’s words and bowed deeply in gratitude.

“Thank you for your guidance.”

“Not at all.”

Once again, I realized why the Sword Demon was the leader of the Heretical Sect. It’s not just because of his sheer strength; his mental techniques and talent for utilizing people were extremely proficient. Had it not been for the Sword Demon, I would have pushed Mangnyang to the brink of losing his mind before he could cope.

In fact, I had sensed something all along. Each time I transferred memories to Mangnyang, he wore an expression of despair at sensing his failures through those memories. Who would feel good hearing they’ve failed countless times with experiences they hadn’t even lived? But Mangnyang had always managed to pick himself back up and help me.

As I contemplated, the Sword Demon spoke up.

“First, let’s move me and the Shadowless Gate to Pirate Island. You just need to take care of that, and then you can go on your way.”

“Got it.”

“I’ll wait for your return from Pirate Island.”

With a snap!

I transported the Sword Demon and the Shadowless Gate to the Pirate Island where the Blood Blade Group were. Last time, I actively helped the Sword Demon and slaughtered the pirates, but this was something we both had previously pushed past. The Sword Demon figured it would be better to reduce my time waste and stay somewhat cool-headed.

And I immediately headed to the ruins of the Water Element Divine Sword. Previously, I prioritized the Golden Lamp over the Water Element, but with my power sufficiently accumulated now, it was fine to push it back a bit. After gathering Black and White Lotus from the pond, I ventured inside the ruins, took down the Guardian Giant Spider, and obtained the Water Element Divine Sword. As a bonus, I also descended underground and shoved the statue of Jeon Wook into the Wooden Armor.

After securing the Water Element, I immediately made my way to Jinrang Valley. Bursting into the thatched house, I flung open the door to find Mangnyang reading a book under the candlelight.

He looked surprised and stared at me.

“Who are you?”

“I am Baek Woong.”

I plopped down before Mangnyang and gazed at him, saying, “Let me say one thing: I hold no resentment towards you, and I’m prepared to push forward steadfastly no matter what happens.”

“……?”

Mangnyang stared at me in utter disbelief.

“What nonsense are you spouting? Are you crazy?”

“Most would respond like that.”

I scratched my head and pulled out the obsidian from my pocket, presenting it to Mangnyang. Then I said, “This is the technique of the obsidian that passes on one’s memories to another. I obtained it from the prophet of Astana. To discuss further, you must use the obsidian to read my memory.”

Mangnyang shouted.

“You’re a funny fellow. Even if you say such a technique exists, why should I accept this?”

“Mangnyang, let’s discuss something else.”

I shifted my seating posture and continued calmly.

“Mangnyang, the first time we met was long ago. At that time, I was lost, unaware of the path I should take, caught up in futile desires. Then, I happened upon you, and my future began to grow clearer. I have felt gratitude towards you since then.”

“Huh…? But we’re meeting for the first time?”

“Not really. It’s an old meeting, as this isn’t our first encounter.”

After uttering this briefly, I locked eyes with him and said, “The moment you accept this obsidian, you may receive a shock. Because it holds the secret of your lineage that you’ve been unaware of.”

“……!!”

“It’s not just about Zhuge Bu being the Treasure of the Central Plains or that he collaborates with the Imperial Palace. The truth is far more staggering than that. You’re to be surprised!”

Mangnyang didn’t exhibit a scared expression. Instead, his face turned curious, almost intrigued, as he remarked.

“You’re a fascinating character. You intend to share the obsidian memories with me, yet you’re trying to scare me?”

“That’s to lessen the shock you’ll experience.”

“Hehe… I’m curious now to see how magnificent this memory can be. Hand it over.”

Mangnyang extended his hand with eagerness. I nodded and offered him the obsidian. The moment the obsidian touched his hand, the memory transfer started.

Oh!

“Ugh…!!”

Mangnyang’s expression turned as if he’d been struck. After staring blankly at the void for a moment, he spoke.

“You really didn’t need to worry, Baek Woong.”

“……”

Mangnyang spoke bluntly.

“I’m not that weak a person.”

Mangnyang had taken in my memories up to my 17th life.

With a smirk at Mangnyang’s response, I said, “As I said before, I’m ready to move forward. How about you?”

“Give me a moment. I want to reflect on this memory.”

“Understood.”

Mangnyang fell silent for about a half hour, lost in thought, chewing over the memory. After that long meditation, Mangnyang finally opened his mouth.

“Zhuge Yulong… he was my father, a figure who lived his life as the Lord of Inner Imperial Pavilion. Both he and Zhuge Bu were always respected by us, known to be among the best sorcerers in the Central Plains. He was so resolute that he immediately imposed a Gold Seal and expelled my uncle Zhuge Sa the moment he dabbled in forbidden arts.”

“……”

“Until just before receiving this memory from you, I believed that was all there was to him.”

With a sigh, he confessed, “But… I never imagined my father would be that kind of person. If it weren’t for you, I would have never found out this secret.”

“I’m sorry.”

“What’s there to be sorry about? I’ve only learned that he was a hypocrite. Moreover, I found out he was a part of the Demon Path, even more corrupted than Zhuge Sa. I owe you my gratitude instead.”

Mangnyang chuckled.

“Let’s move forward together from now on, Baek Woong.”

I felt something welling up inside me.

It was clear that Mangnyang had managed to rise above the shock he experienced.

 

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