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“Dark Heaven Village, huh? Three things?”

I asked with a raised eyebrow.

“That’s right. Let’s start from the first point.”

Master Mangnyang gulped down some cold water he fetched from the well and continued.

“The first question is, where did the Golden Eagle Guard obtain the Twelve Joules when there was no ‘change’ in the first place?”

“Now that’s a curious matter.”

“If we can’t figure this out, it would just be time wasted.”

I breathed a sigh. Even while learning medical techniques, I was constantly troubled by this quandary. According to history, if things went as they should, the Golden Eagle Guard would have acquired the Twelve Joules to strengthen their influence, but instead, they easily handed over the Central Plains Martial World to the White Lotus Sect. Why did history change like that? Mangnyang continued.

“In my opinion, that change solely depended on your actions. When you went to Goryeo and helped the Great Dragon Merchant Association and Seogung Escort Agency, that single act impacted the future. In other words, if you had failed to rescue them, they would have been captured by pirates and either turned into slaves or sacrificed to be offerings. That defeat would have had a decisive effect on the whereabouts of the Twelve Joules.”

“So you’re saying these pirates didn’t just commit piracy a couple of times, but that one instance led to the Golden Eagle Guard acquiring the Twelve Joules?”

“Don’t you feel it? The starting point and the end point of cause and effect are beyond human wisdom to guess. Even peeking using divine abilities requires the skills of an immortal. Therefore, nobody can know how that event flowed to reach the ‘future.’

Master Mangnyang added.

“If I had to guess, it would make sense that the Golden Eagle Guard and the Sea God Clan joined forces. It also relates to the Sea God Clan’s raid in the Western Capital.”

“Hmmm…”

He pointed at me.

“In other words, regardless of the situation, you must rescue the Great Dragon Escort Agency from the pirates. Doing so would significantly increase the chances of preventing the Golden Eagle Guard from acquiring the Twelve Joules.”

“But… in terms of reincarnation, that feels like a huge waste. It’s about saving lives, but I’d have to make a round trip on a thousand-mile sea route.”

“If you truly dislike that, you’ll have to find out the process and cause of the cause and effect yourself.”

“Find out myself?”

“Indeed. There are two methods. The first is for you to infiltrate the Golden Eagle Guard and observe how they acquire the Twelve Joules up close. The second is to enter the lair of those fish monsters and find out how the Twelve Joules are passed around. The first option is likely easier and has a higher probability of success.”

“Hmm… You were very much against me infiltrating the Golden Eagle Guard in my previous life, saying it was dangerous.”

As I muttered, Mangnyang chuckled.

“That was because at that time, you had nothing but martial arts and were reckless. To me, it looked like you wouldn’t survive in a place as dangerous as the Golden Eagle Guard. Plus, you died so often that I wanted to give you time to grow and refine yourself using the blessings of the Queen Mother of the West.”

“……”

“The chosen talents of the Golden Eagle Guard excel not only in martial arts but also in strategy and wit. Furthermore, I’ve heard that there are unknown peak experts lurking around. If you’re not careful, you could end up used and tortured.”

I had nothing to reply.

It felt like that could genuinely happen.

“But now it’s different. From what I’ve heard, you’ve become significantly calmer compared to before and now think for yourself. Honestly, it’s true that you’ve accumulated knowledge superior to the average person and that you possess skills in not just martial arts but also magic and medical techniques. With who you are now, you could definitely infiltrate the Golden Eagle Guard and achieve your objectives.”

“Thank you for the compliment.”

So basically, the first suggestion was to infiltrate the Golden Eagle Guard and uncover their tricks and processes. I paid attention to Mangnyang as he continued.

“Now, let’s address the second point.”

“Please.”

“The second is, as you might have guessed, that Master of the Twelve Joules is quite a sinister character.”

“I think so too.”

“Two high monks, Great Monk Seo San and Yu Jeong, were guarding the ruins of the Twelve Joules, unaware of its significance. You were only told about Yu Jeong having an involvement, and they didn’t even want to expose their identity to you while wearing a doll mask. It’s pretty clear they lied and don’t trust you at all.”

After saying this, Mangnyang shifted his gaze to the wooden stump.

“As for the Master of the Twelve Joules, I’ve heard of him. He’s a supreme being ruling the Eastern Martial World, a genius of the Twelve Joules. This is the first time I’m hearing he knew your master, but still, there’s no way such a prominent figure would lie without reason. He must have had a purpose for lying about Yu Jeong.”

“He probably aimed to gather the Twelve Joules into one.”

At that moment, the emotions I sensed from the Master of the Twelve Joules felt sincere. But Mangnyang shook his head.

“That might be true. However, Baek Woong, do not be too absolute in your belief in any single premise. If the Master of the Twelve Joules is as clever and slippery as a serpent, he can mix many truths without being fixated on one. What you saw from his emotions is merely one facet, so you can’t be sure you grasp the real intent.”

“……”

Hearing this made me even more confused.

The thought that the Master of the Twelve Joules had lied to me had occurred to me from the moment I was about to enter the ruins of Yu Jeong. But why on earth did he lie? If I hadn’t suddenly followed Miho, I would’ve been training my medical techniques, and someday I could have left for Dongyoung. I might have explored Dongyoung for a hundred or two hundred years while relying on the blessings of the Queen Mother of the West, only to die one day.

‘Chilling.’

All sorts of thoughts crossed my mind, but I pushed them aside for now. Mangnyang continued.

“However, you now have neither the justification nor the leisure to seek out the Master of the Twelve Joules. It’s something to look into later. What you need to understand now is that you should never fully trust the Master of the Twelve Joules or the Twelve Joules faction. Individual sect leaders might be virtuous, but the will of the organization could change at any moment due to the Master of the Twelve Joules.”

“Got it.”

“You also cannot directly seek out Yu Jeong right now. It’s better to just remember its location and revisit later.”

After saying this, Mangnyang went back to fetch water from the well. Returning with a bowl of water, he took a sip before speaking again.

“Thirdly. This is the most important, but how do you intend to become stronger?”

“I plan to grow stronger through my own training.”

“You already know that’s not what I’m asking.”

“……”

“Lee Kwang did not teach you everything. While he may have shown you all the apparent martial arts, he probably didn’t share all of the true secrets. You likely realized that during your fight against the Dharma Guardian of the Wind Spirit Sect before you died.”

“That’s true.”

I responded in a worn tone.

The strength of the Dharma Guardian of the Wind Spirit Sect was on a completely different level. That was certain. But beyond just the level disparity, the types and levels of techniques I was learning differed vastly. Especially after seeing the footwork and secrets of the Wind Spirit Sect, I couldn’t help but feel a little inadequate.

Lee Kwang often said that if they were of the same realm, the Thunder God Lineage could defeat the Wind Spirit Sect more than 70% of the time. Even if it was thanks to the Thunderclap technique, it was sure that many secret techniques still lay beyond my grasp. Although I had built up countless real combat experiences through sparring with peak experts, I would still need the guidance of masters to consolidate that experience into a step forward.

Mangnyang looked at me with concern.

“It seems you’re feeling a lot of fear and anger towards Lee Kwang at the moment. Is that why you’re avoiding thoughts of going back to the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School?”

“It’s unavoidable.”

I said with difficulty.

“Do you have any idea how frightening it is to endure the killing intent and disdain of a peak expert like Lee Kwang? If it hadn’t been for my strong purpose, I would have either killed myself or become a total wreck by now. Just remembering that period gives me nightmares.”

“Is it that bad?”

“Whether it takes a hundred years or a thousand years, I don’t have the confidence to study under Lee Kwang again. That’s my honest feeling.”

Being looked down upon by Lee Kwang had really pained me. It was even worse than being tormented by that despicable senior escort in my first life. For years, I felt like a frog under a snake. So, while I knew joining Lee Kwang would be the quickest route to quick growth, I consciously chose a different path in my past life.

Honestly, I had already laid out plans to join Lee Kwang and train once more. With acupuncture techniques, it was entirely feasible. However, I hadn’t found the courage to execute it, and I was in constant distress.

After pondering for a while, Mangnyang spoke.

“That’s not a good situation. Hmmm, it looks like things are going to be quite tangled… With one body and so much to do, it seems overwhelming.”

“……”

I kept my mouth shut.

This was a matter related to mental trauma, so I didn’t feel I could resolve it easily. Mangnyang snapped his fingers.

“Then let’s go to offer the Seven Luminary’s Ritual. We can find out what blessings we receive and decide on a course of action afterward.”

“Understood.”

I followed Mangnyang to where Cheon Woo-jin was. Once again, I left the Heavenly Secret in the pine forest before I entered to meet Cheon Woo-jin. As before, Cheon Woo-jin seemed displeased, but after some persuasion from Mangnyang, he allowed the ritual to be performed.

As he chanted the incantation and proceeded with the ceremony, Cheon Woo-jin’s face hardened. Then, glaring harshly at me, he said,

“Hmm… Spirit Summoning is happening…”

“Does the Primordial Void Ruler have something to say to me?”

Cheon Woo-jin’s eyes widened in surprise. It seemed unexpected, but I remained unmoved. This was already the third time, so I had a fair idea of what would come up.

After a brief moment, Cheon Woo-jin’s body began to glow. His face turned red, and a bright light seeped from his eyes. The Primordial Void Ruler had descended into him. He stared hard at me and said,

[The ritual was well accepted, humans. But… something’s strange. I desire to grant blessings to you and those guiding the ritual, yet I sense remnants of my power within you. Are you related to the bloodline of the Three Sovereigns?]

“Not at all, Primordial Void Ruler!”

Mangnyang didn’t swear any oaths. After all, he was dealing with a being capable of discerning lies, so he would only provide minimal responses.

[Hmm… I definitely… sense remnants of my power…]

Groaning in contemplation, the Primordial Void Ruler spoke again.

[If that’s the case, I shall substitute another being to impart power to you.]

“Is that permissible?”

[Of course. However, as they operate in a different domain than I, the rewards you receive may differ somewhat.]

Deciding to twist my question slightly, I inquired,

“What if that individual also feels awkward about granting blessings?”

My question seemed to catch the Primordial Void Ruler off guard, causing Cheon Woo-jin to wobble for a moment. After a brief pause, the Primordial Void Ruler replied,

[That shouldn’t happen… If it does, another deity will be designated.]

“I see.”

[Now, come forth, Queen Mother of the West.]

Swish!

Colorful clouds flowed as the figure of a beautiful woman was momentarily etched upon Cheon Woo-jin’s body. This time, it was the Queen Mother of the West who had taken over.

The Queen Mother, inhabiting Cheon Woo-jin, quickly turned to glance at me. ‘She’ scrutinized me closely before saying,

[What is this… happening?]

“Pardon?”

The Queen Mother seemed genuinely perplexed.

[I sense the aura of the Peach of Immortality from you… and simultaneously, remnants of my former subjects. Are you possibly related to the Nine-Tailed Fox?]

Suddenly, a wave of emotion surged through me. Miho’s death passed through my mind like a flash. Dropping to one knee, I pleaded,

“Queen Mother! Though I’m unworthy, I had a close relationship with the Nine-Tailed Fox. While it commits evil deeds on earth, its only desire is to return to the Celestial Realm. I hope you can grant it a chance for repentance to return to the Celestial Realm.”

[Dare I say… is that your wish?]

“Yes, indeed.”

I didn’t care about other gods’ blessings. I’d only end up dying a bit more. I just wished for even a glimmer of salvation for Miho.

[……]

Even from a high-ranking deity like the Queen Mother of the West, this seemed unexpected, as she fell silent. Then after a moment, she spoke.

[I will grant that favor. However, this does not equate to fulfilling requests regarding the ritual. Your matters will be entrusted to another deity.]

“What do you mean by that…?”

[I will test your Nine-Tailed Fox. I will see if that child can truly repent and ascend to the Celestial Realm.]

“Thank you.”

I bowed, stunned. This meant my request would be honored, and the chance for blessings would still remain. Was it possible for a deity to show such compassion?

[I never anticipated a human would defend that child.]

As she spoke, the Queen Mother wore a soft smile. While I stared blankly at her, she raised her hand high.

[Come forth, Southern Flower Immortal.]

Shudder.

Cheon Woo-jin’s body trembled. Then I felt the presence of the Southern Flower Immortal leaving, and a mysterious divine energy enveloped the place. Master Mangnyang, who had been watching, trembled and spoke with fear.

“Ugh… What is this…?”

Even Master Mangnyang, the master, seemed to have a reason to fear the Southern Flower Immortal. Then the summoned Southern Flower Immortal spoke through Cheon Woo-jin’s mouth bluntly.

[I didn’t want to come here either. I have to grant blessings to humans where the dreadful boundary of Master Mangnyang exists? Hmph… What a peculiar occasion.]

I was shocked by the Southern Flower Immortal’s tone. Forget why Mangnyang feared him; I knew that the Southern Flower Immortal was a legendary immortal from the Three Kingdoms Period. I asked him,

“What do you mean by the boundary of Master Mangnyang?”

[That is…]

Swoosh.

[Ugh, ugh!]

In that moment, I could see the Southern Flower Immortal’s aura freezing in a chill. It wasn’t just a cold presence; it seemed like his spiritual body was being pulled out while Cheon Woo-jin remained intact. The Southern Flower Immortal shouted in surprise.

[Stop! Stop! I understand, Master Mangnyang! I’ll do what I need to and withdraw! I won’t speak useless words!]

The chilling onslaught ceased.

The Southern Flower Immortal’s spiritual body returned to Cheon Woo-jin. He placed a hand on my shoulder, saying,

[I shall grant you the Book of Heavenly Peace Sorcery.]

Then Mangnyang, who had been watching, interjected forcefully.

“Wait a moment!”

[What is it?]

“Who doesn’t know that the Book of Heavenly Peace Sorcery is just a flashy title for a mere book?”

[What?]

“I’ve heard it all from my master. The reason the Grandmaster of the Peach Blossom Grove fell was that you issued a fake book. Since my master is watching, don’t say nonsensical things.”

The Southern Flower Immortal made a bitter expression. Then he said,

[Then let me ask. What reason could I possibly have to bestow excessive blessings upon this human? Offering the ritual is appreciated, but our blessings are ultimately just a formality. Shouldn’t you be satisfied with the Book of Heavenly Peace Sorcery?]

I was taken aback by the Southern Flower Immortal’s words. While the Primordial Void Ruler and the Queen Mother of the West gave amazing blessings, the Southern Flower Immortal seemed disinterested, wanting to do the bare minimum. Moreover, it seemed Mangnyang wouldn’t intervene regarding what the Southern Flower Immortal intended to give me either.

Stepping forward, I spoke to the Southern Flower Immortal.

“Then please pass it to another being. I ask this of you.”

[Understood.]

The Southern Flower Immortal readily accepted my request and waved his hand.

[Come forth, Yeodong-bin.]

Clatter clatter.

Cheon Woo-jin’s body shook violently. I momentarily worried whether he would be alright with receiving so many spiritual gifts, but given his bad luck, I figured it wasn’t my concern. After a moment, the one who descended upon Cheon Woo-jin was Yeodong-bin.

[Are you a martial artist?]

“That’s right.”

[In that case, I will impart the Heavenly Escape Sword Technique to you.]

Swish!

Light erupted and quickly faded. Once Cheon Woo-jin’s role was complete, he weakly knelt down. The sounds he was making were quite the sight.

“Within a hundred years, there’s no one who has received as many blessings as I have…”

“That’s fine, but what blessing did I receive?”

Cough cough.

Cheon Woo-jin, who had been coughing, replied,

“You gained the Heavenly Escape Sword Technique from the Sword Saint Yeodong-bin. Congratulations.”

“What do you mean? I don’t feel like I’ve received anything.”

I questioned, utterly bewildered.

I expected something to be engraved in my memory or some incredible peerless divine technique to be felt. But there was just a flash of light and nothing more. I felt nothing relating to martial arts.

Seeing my bewilderment, Cheon Woo-jin said,

“I’m not sure, but the Heavenly Escape Sword Technique isn’t merely a martial arts technique for humans, but for immortals. Thus, there may be some conditions for it to manifest.”

“And so?”

“It means to go with the flow. Yeodong-bin isn’t a petty deity; he’s a generous one, so you’ll understand the essence of it soon enough.”

“……”

So in the end, it sounded like I gained nothing, right?

Feeling a sense of unease, I left the village where Cheon Woo-jin was, alongside Mangnyang.

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