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After the negotiations with Han Baek-ryeong, everything was meticulously led by Mangnyang. He laid bare our circumstances and revealed the reasons for having to obliterate the Namgung Clan. At this, Han Baek-ryeong chimed in.

“I had no clue about the Namgung Clan’s misdeeds. If I did, I would have obliterated them myself!”

Han Baek-ryeong, speaking softly, continued.

“Feel free to handle this as you see fit.”

“Thank you. And could you possibly nurture a new clan to replace the Namgung Clan?”

“Wasn’t the request threefold?”

“This is an investment for the future. I’ve already scouted someone who can significantly aid the Fire Spirit Techniques.”

“Hmm… Who is this person?”

Her eyebrow raised with curiosity, Mangnyang smirked and replied.

“I found someone named Bai Li Jeong-woon, the heir of the Bai Li Clan. He may lack in martial prowess now, but his intellect and resolve make him a worthy candidate.”

“Bai Li Clan, huh? Are you saying you want to raise the descendant of a fallen great clan in Sichuan?”

“If you wish, I’ll bring him soon.”

“No, that’s alright. If someone like you holds him in high regard, he must be resourceful. Strengthening the Sichuan Martial World would be beneficial.”

“Thank you.” I couldn’t help but murmur.

“Hmm…”

Bai Li Jeong-woon! He was someone I encountered while searching for Dongbang Mu-gyeol in Sichuan. The Bai Li Clan was once mighty, but now only Bai Li Jeong-woon remained, guarding remnants of their legacy, suffering from starvation. I remembered giving him assistance while learning about the secluded Dokgo Seong in the Dragon King’s Valley as a trade.

Now, it seemed Mangnyang wanted to recruit him deliberately. I planned to ask more later and refocused on the discussion.

“Jin So-cheong, is your master Lee Kwang also involved in your plans?”

My gaze fixed on Jin So-cheong, who responded calmly without a trace of hesitation.

“No. My master intends to oppose the White Lotus Sect until he draws his last breath.”

“Hmm… are you saying you defy your master’s wishes?”

“If my master’s path is righteous, I shall follow him to the death. However, he himself seems lost as to why he lives. That path leads only to futility and destruction, and as his disciple, I believe it is my duty to guide him back.”

Hearing Jin So-cheong, Han Baek-ryeong appeared deep in thought, looking both surprised and contemplative. Finally, she asked.

“What do you think of Lee Kwang?”

“His life became twisted from the moment your friend, the Dharma Guardian, died.”

Jin So-cheong’s firm words continued.

“As someone who serves the Fire Spirit Techniques and was a close companion of Dongbang Mu-gyeol, you should understand what I mean.”

It might have sounded rather brazen directed at the Dharma Guardian of the White Lotus Sect. I could see the slight disturbance on Han Jin-seong’s face from behind, hinting at his suppressed anger. No matter how skilled Jin So-cheong was, speaking so casually about the Guardian’s status was a grave matter.

However, instead of getting upset, Han Baek-ryeong sank into contemplation. Finally, she said.

“We shall watch this unfold.”

At that moment, Mangnyang interjected.

“About that third proposal you mentioned earlier, may we have an audience with the Master of the White Lotus Sect when we present the Black and White Lotus?”

“Of course; you must explain the properties of the Black and White Lotus. Join us.”

“Thank you.” After some more discussion, we left the residence of the Fire Spirit Techniques. As we exited the Han Clan, I intended to use the Golden Lamp right away, but Mangnyang stopped me.

“The Fire Spirit Techniques have begun taking notice of us. Use it only in a place where people aren’t looking later.”

“Got it.” We blended into the crowd of Luoyang and stealthily started shaking off our pursuers. Jin So-cheong even detected a few and suppressed them. After about half a moment, we finally found an opening and used the Golden Lamp to return to our stronghold in Jinrang Valley.

Once back in Jinrang Valley, I asked Mangnyang.

“You didn’t tell me about Bai Li Jeong-woon earlier, did you? Just a spur-of-the-moment idea?”

Mangnyang shook his head.

“No. I already visited Sichuan personally using the Ground Transport Technique and met Bai Li Jeong-woon. I sensed his talent and potential, leading me to decide to recruit him. There’s no one more useful than a descendant of a fallen prestigious family.”

“Hmm…”

“Originally, I planned to recruit Sagong Lin from the Sagong Clan as a cornerstone for the Bancheon Alliance. Since they are much closer, and Sagong Lin’s martial talent is truly top-notch. However, I couldn’t proceed for a reason.”

Hearing Mangnyang’s words made something click in my mind.

“Old Sage of Mount Tai!”

“Exactly. Sagong Lin is a disciple of the Old Sage of Mount Tai, specifically his legacy at the Shaolin Temple. Though he hasn’t revealed much to her, they share a relationship significant enough for him to bestow her a sign marker. Recruiting her would inevitably attract his attention.”

As I listened, it was clear Mangnyang viewed Zhuque as an enemy. He only referred to the Old Sage of Mount Tai or the Dharma Guardian Zhuque, never mentioning his father at all. I could see the gleam in Mangnyang’s eyes.

“Regardless, Sagong Lin is someone we may need to utilize at the right moment. If we can trap Zhuque using her, it could throw him off guard.”

“Utilize her? But she knows nothing!”

“It’s not the time to be considerate of her situation. Zhuque is an opponent that requires all my wit and your abilities, as well as Jin So-cheong’s talent to stand a chance against. Let’s win first and think later.”

“Hmm, understood.” Jin So-cheong, who had been listening, spoke up.

“Mangnyang, what do you plan to do from here?”

“The first task is to uproot the source of the Namgung Clan’s corruption.” Mangnyang replied resolutely.

“With permission from the Fire Spirit Techniques, I’ll use my information network to publicly expose the Namgung Clan’s evils and incite condemnation against them throughout the Jianghu. Soon enough, they’ll be cut off from trade with the postal houses and spurned by the orthodox sect experts. That’s when the Namgung Clan will try to use their strength to push through, and it will be your job to exterminate their experts.”

“Understood.”

“Just so you know, show no mercy. They’re merely obstacles to our future now, so eliminate them thoroughly.”

Mangnyang’s gaze shifted towards Jin So-cheong, and I understood what that look implied. ‘Mangnyang is worried about Jin So-cheong’s acquaintance with the Namgung Clan members.’

It was a reasonable worry. From what I’ve seen, Namgung Min, the lady from the Namgung Clan, showed a slight inclination toward Jin So-cheong. Given Jin So-cheong’s traits of not backing down from a challenge, I couldn’t help but fret whether she could truly partake in the ruthlessness of obliterating a clan.

Sensing my concern, Jin So-cheong said firmly, “You needn’t worry about me.”

“Got it.” Mangnyang spoke, having received that assurance.

“Everything will likely commence after entering the White Lotus Sect. But let me state one thing regarding that…”

What followed Mangnyang’s statement surprised me. “The Master of the White Lotus Sect will likely want Jin So-cheong as his disciple instead of Baek Woong.”

“……!!”

‘If the Master of the White Lotus Sect recognizes Jin So-cheong’s level of martial arts, having mastered the Three Steps, he will surely try to assimilate that essence as his own. Moreover, a genius knows another genius, after all.’

I felt queasy. I already had an inkling that this might happen, but hearing it from Mangnyang made my mood plummet. Then, Jin So-cheong spoke up.

“Isn’t that diverging from the original plan? Baek Woong must obtain the secrets of the Heavenly Spirit Pill for it to hold any meaning.”

“We can change our approach. After you uncover the secrets of the Heavenly Spirit Pill, just transfer that knowledge to Baek Woong. The efficiency will drop by a bit compared to experiencing it directly, but it should suffice. We can also find ways to enhance efficiency.”

“Then…”

“That’s right. Baek Woong can teach you the techniques of the Obsidian Martial Arts. You can then pass that knowledge back to Baek Woong. How about it, Baek Woong?”

Teaching the Obsidian Martial Arts to Jin So-cheong!

Upon hearing that, I fell deep into thought. After quite a while grappling with possibilities, I finally spoke up, “This knowledge of martial arts stems from the language and magic of the otherworldly race. I understand it, but I lack the confidence to convey or pass it on using human language. After all, it’s a power gleaned through the Prophet’s magic.”

“I figured as much. We’ll have no choice but to negotiate further with the Prophet.”

“Hmm, to obtain more Grimoire, I would need to acquire the Nameless Ritual Book from the Inner Imperial Pavilion.”

“That isn’t urgent, so let’s mull it over slowly. We can gradually collect treasures suitable for negotiation with the Prophet.”

Mangnyang continued calmly, “There’s plenty to do, but you can leave the minor details to me. For now, let’s focus solely on obliterating the Namgung Clan.”

“Understood.”

“I need to speak with the Sword Demon, so let’s head to the Shadowless Gate.”

Pa-at!

We moved to the Shadowless Gate. After reporting the negotiation results with the Fire Spirit Techniques to the Sword Demon, he grinned broadly and said, “Good. I will proceed with my plan accordingly.”

“What do you intend to do?”

“I will mobilize the Eight Demons of the Demon Path to pressure the Namgung Clan. Additionally, I’ve concluded discussions with Mo Yong-yeon, planning to cultivate a new faction in the Anhui region through collaboration with the Mo Yong Clan.”

Mangnyang nodded.

“So Anhui is also becoming a part of the Shadowless Gate.”

“Haha, isn’t it reasonable to pocket such profits? Historically, the Eight Demons of the Demon Path never had the guts to pressure the Namgung Clan. They’ve always stood united as the Five Great Families, and with the Namgung Clan’s military prowess, they never dared to act, but even now, it’s a considerable risk.”

“No, please proceed as you see fit.”

After a prompt response, Mangnyang asked the Sword Demon, “Are you considering a meeting with the Twelve Joules?”

“Naturally. You seem to have already opened up conversations with them.”

“From discussions with the Master of the Twelve Joules, I’ve secured a confirmation of acceptance for the Shadowless Gate.”

“You’re quite ahead of the game. It’s still just a thought on my end…”

“Is it something you’d rather not do?”

“Not at all. In fact, it would make things easier. If I had a strategist like you, I could have conquered the Jianghu long ago.”

With a wry smile, the Sword Demon said, “Hmm… So Jin So-cheong, can you perceive the essence of the Three Steps you’ve obtained?”

“Understood.”

Then the Sword Demon and Jin So-cheong faced each other in the sparring arena. Having witnessed Jin So-cheong conquer the Namgung Clan barehanded, I could only conclude that in this match, Jin So-cheong had the upper hand. However, the Sword Demon, endowed with the Ultimate Techniques of Jang Sam-bong, wouldn’t make it a landslide victory, as it had been against Namgung Myeong during their duel.

Pa-at!

Moments later, the melee between the Sword Demon and Jin So-cheong began. With the sound of ruptured space resonating, the air in the sparring arena shook.

Pa-shoot!

Jin So-cheong’s fist was stained with a thin line of blood. Peering down at the wound, he drew a spear.

“Hmm!”

I couldn’t help but murmur. Just that single exchange made Jin So-cheong draw his spear, which carried substantial meaning. Jin So-cheong had fought barehanded against the Namgung Clan, even without pulling out a weapon. The fact that he now felt the need to wield a spear spoke volumes about how formidable the Sword Demon had become.

As Jin So-cheong met the Sword Demon brandishing the spear, the latter seemed to emit a hint of cold sweat and quietly remarked.

“Incredible… just how far have you ascended? It seems impossible to breach the gaps of the Three Steps.”

To this, Jin So-cheong responded, “Your mastery is impressive as well. While you may not have elucidated the Seven Stars Shadow, you’ve learned to link the remaining techniques. It’s quite commendable that you’ve self-taught it in such a short time.”

“Hmm… it appears futile. I don’t have the confidence to surpass even three thresholds.”

With a sigh, the Sword Demon lowered his sword.

“I concede.”

“It was an excellent duel.”

After merely one moment of battle, the victor was determined. While martial artists might deem it an underwhelming display, I could see that the duel was played out with mathematically precise calculations due to the Peaks of Mastery involved.

Though the Sword Demon was less skilled than Jin So-cheong, navigating a life-or-death situation allowed him a chance to strike back. Such opportunities could bring victory, but being a friendly duel, the risk was too small to warrant such a decision.

‘They are remarkable experts…’ I could only exclaim in awe. If the two before me truly joined forces, defeating the Dharma Guardian no longer seemed like a dream. If I could acquire the secrets of the Heavenly Spirit Pill, that dream would bloom into reality.

As the Sword Demon dismounted from the sparring stand, he said, “Baek Woong, later, I expect the same training you provided for Jin So-cheong. I humbly request it.”

“Uh… even if you say that, it requires an incredibly large amount of obsidian…”

The Sword Demon nodded.

“Alright. I’ll do my best to scout out obsidian mines. If necessary, I might just buy them out. So do be patient.”

“……”

It appeared the Sword Demon felt a deep-seated frustration from recently losing to Jin So-cheong in the duel. I got the feeling I was witnessing a side of him I had never seen before, his usually calm and composed demeanor fading. Obviously, Jin So-cheong’s martial prowess stirred a competitive spirit in the Sword Demon.

After the sparring match, Mangnyang called me aside and said, “Baek Woong, let’s hit the Namgung Clan hard in seven nights’ time. Until then, let’s keep the pressure off the Sword Demon and me.”

“Huh? Is there a particular reason for that?”

“We need to train in Jinrang Valley. You have to become stronger.”

Mangnyang’s eyes sparkled.

“Now, let me explain the true application techniques of the Heavenly Secret Technique.”

 

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