---

The next day, Lee Kwang went to meet Deung Gwak, the leader of the Clear Stream Faction. As Lee Kwang’s sworn brother, he seemed like he could help with this mess. I wanted to tag along but Lee Kwang said the Clear Stream Faction is filled with rigid Confucian officials who don’t just meet anyone. He thought my presence could complicate things.

In fact, he didn’t even take his loyal disciple, Jin So-cheong, along. He went alone to meet Deung Gwak, leaving me to wait around, which gave me the chance to meet Mangnyang and have a chat.

Mangnyang said, “Seems like a lot has happened while we were apart.”

I replied, “Isn’t it only been a short while? And you’ve already grown the Bancheon Alliance this much?”

“I had a feeling something like this could happen. It’s best to prepare early,” Mangnyang said, grinning.

“By the way, you’re really doing well. Almost got engaged to the Sword Demon’s daughter, Seo Mun-hye…”

I averted my eyes from Mangnyang’s playful gaze. “I turned her down. It felt too overwhelming.”

“Heh… You really are an enigma.”

“Anyway, check this thing out.” I handed him the Golden Eagle.

Mangnyang examined the Golden Eagle with a curious expression. “So this is such a grand treasure?”

“I can hardly believe it myself, but it seems related to the Old Ruler,” I explained.

“That makes sense. There’s nothing quite like it among the treasures of the Immortal Realm.” As he muttered that, he lightly rubbed the side of the eagle.

Suddenly, Mangnyang was engulfed in a purple glow! The light lasted for about half a moment before vanishing completely. Mangnyang looked like he just experienced something extraordinary too, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.

He coughed, “Cough! Cough! Hah… Hah…”

THUD! Mangnyang suddenly collapsed, clearly drained of both physical strength and energy. I rushed to his side, startled.

“Are you alright?!”

“Y-yeah… I’m fine. Just got a bit scared.” He looked at me like I was some kind of monster.

“You mean to say you weren’t affected at all? You’ve seen an ancient city protected by an Evil God and explored Dark Heaven Village…”

“Dark Heaven Village?”

“That bizarre continent we just visited? It’s an otherworldly realm referred to as Dark Heaven Village,” Mangnyang replied as he tapped his forehead with the treasure, regaining his composure.

“After the Old Rulers were expelled from the current world, that became their base. Even Immortals wouldn’t dare venture there for fear!”

“Why’s that?”

“Because Dark Heaven Village is said to house not just the Old Rulers, but also true demon-level beings! The chances of a human returning alive from there are almost nonexistent.”

A chilling statement. Was he saying that terrifying entities like the Sea God or Evil God congregate in Dark Heaven Village? I lost my words as Mangnyang handed me the Golden Eagle again.

“It’s an incredible item, but humans usually can’t harness its power. Only sorcerers from otherworldly races can use it, and you’re just an odd exception. A normal person would go crazy just from what they saw.”

“Hmm…”

“The Golden Eagle might have been passed down through the Sea God Clan with the help of the Evil God. And it seems they acquired the Seven Luminaries from that realm,” he said, and I was struck by a jolt of realization.

“Are you saying the Seven Luminaries are in Dark Heaven Village?”

“It’s possible. The Sea God or Evil God could have them. But given the circumstances, one of the Seven Luminaries is likely hidden somewhere in Dark Heaven Village. An item already belonging to the Old Rulers wouldn’t easily be retrieved by the Golden Eagle guards.”

“Hmm…” I felt incredulous. Dark Heaven Village, a realm even the Immortals fear! Was I really supposed to go there in search of the Seven Luminaries? How many times would I end up dying there?

As I pondered in dismay, Mangnyang continued, “Regardless, Dark Heaven Village is a place even the remaining otherworldly beings in this realm can’t casually visit. So you have to protect that Golden Eagle at all costs!”

“Understood.”

“Now, moving on to the next topic, have you decided on where to invest the Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng?” he asked.

I thought long and hard, then replied, “I have two possibilities.”

Mangnyang chuckled. “Can I take a guess?”

“Go ahead.”

“You’re planning to invest it in either Lee Kwang or Jin So-cheong, aren’t you?”

“Right.” I nodded half-heartedly. “It only hit me after I met you upon entering Luoyang. But you had this in mind from the very start.”

“What’s important is that the Thunder God Lineage now has a reason to confront the guards,” Mangnyang stated, spreading out the treasure of the Seven Fires, Seven Golds Line.

“Don’t slip up, or Lee Kwang, as a patriotic soldier, will never look at you kindly. You should make a careful decision considering your own thoughts.”

“Fair enough…”

“Ultimately, it worked out! Because of you, Lee Kwang is willing to take action to rescue Hwang Yeon and isn’t shying away from conflict with the Golden Eagle guards. Nobody besides you could have stirred the Thunder God Lineage into motion like this.”

Mangnyang complimented me, and I felt a bit bashful. He had already anticipated this outcome during our very first meeting, and I could hardly keep up.

“How embarrassing.”

“You can give the Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng to anyone. Just make sure to clearly explain the situation to Lee Kwang and ask for his agreement.”

“I will take that to heart.”

Mangnyang then added, “By the way, there’s one more guest. I was hoping to see her too, so let me invite her in.”

SNAP! As Mangnyang clicked his fingers, a portal opened in the air, and Miho appeared via Transmission Technique. She looked as stunning as ever, with her voluptuous figure drawing attention. She had been lurking outside, eavesdropping due to the barrier, and entered as it opened.

For a moment, Mangnyang looked taken aback before bowing before Miho. “I’m honored to meet you, Honorable Heavenly Tiger.”

Miho smirked coldly, “Hmph… Mangnyang? Using my master’s name is audacious. Doesn’t it scare you, a mere human using the name of Mangnyang the Master?”

Mangnyang chuckled cheerfully. “My master is a figure of fear wherever he goes. Why would I, as his disciple, need to be afraid?”

Realizing I was watching with concern, Miho harshly said, “Don’t worry. No matter who I am, I won’t harm the disciple of Mangnyang. No one wants to cross the boundary with my enemies.”

“Thanks, Miho.”

Miho ignored my gratitude, and an awkward silence ensued before Mangnyang spoke up. “Miho, I apologize, but could you assist us in the Great Thunder Valley rescue mission?”

“What?”

“This mission is of utmost importance. If we’re not careful, the otherworldly forces occupying the Imperial Palace and the Demon Subduing Hall could plunge this world into chaos. If the Heavenly Tiger were to lend a hand, it would be incredibly helpful.”

Miho showed her displeasure openly at Mangnyang’s suggestion. “What do I care if the otherworldly beings step in? My only concern is assisting Baek Woong for ten years. Anything beyond that is not my issue.”

“Hmm… it seems it’s unavoidable.”

Mangnyang’s gaze subtly shifted towards me. I caught the hint and told Miho, “Miho, please help us.”

Her expression twisted into a scowl, truly irritated. “Ugh… I knew it. You’re trying to outsmart a fox, aren’t you?”

I quickly replied, “But you’re going to help, right?”

“Hmph! Who do you think you are!”

“This is a ten-year agreement we made, isn’t it? Are you just going to stand by and watch while I walk into certain death?”

Miho’s face only darkened further. Without warning, she waved her hand, and the bizarre summoning technique that obliterated the Wind Spirit Sect materialized. The transparent hand swung through the air, targeting Mangnyang.

BOOM! I quickly intervened, parrying Miho’s spell with my Sword Flame, channeling my internal power to withstand the force. Having broken through the peak threshold proved incredibly useful. I yelled at Miho, “Miho! What the hell are you doing?”

With flames resembling foxfire surrounding her, Miho levitated, showcasing her true nature as a great demon Nine-Tailed Fox. Her eyes turned fierce, emanating a chilling aura as her words dripped with spirit language. [I’ve changed my mind. I might just rip off that arrogant brat’s arm.]

“Why are you doing this?!”

[Do you think I would endure seeing the humiliation of being toyed with by a human’s silver tongue? Even if it means crossing swords with Mangnyang, I’ll teach that brat a lesson!]

With immense killing intent pouring forth, I recoiled involuntarily. ‘When I ran into her in the Western Capital before, she was just playing around…!!’

The true power of Demon Miho was beyond what I could handle even now. I doubted I could survive even using the Thunderclap technique against her in a head-on clash. But I couldn’t just let Miho harm Mangnyang while I stood idly by, lost in confusion.

Suddenly, Mangnyang stepped out from behind me, extending his arm. “Here, take it.”

[…!]

“What? I can slice off an arm for you.”

He lifted his dagger, poised to chop off his own shoulder without hesitation. Given his internal power, it would definitely be a clean cut. Just then, Miho zipped in to grab Mangnyang’s arm, transforming back to her human form and glaring at him.

“What do you think you’re doing?”

“If losing an arm could ease the resentment from the Heavenly Tiger, it’s a small price to pay.”

Seeing him hesitate, it looked like Miho didn’t truly intend to harm Mangnyang; she just wanted to intimidate him into stepping back. But now that Mangnyang insisted on offering his arm, Miho seemed caught off guard.

“Lord Tien, this isn’t a leisurely situation. Depending on how things go, I could sacrifice my life at any moment, so please, I beg for your help.”

Mangnyang maintained his composure as Miho frowned in thought. Finally, she sighed and stepped back. “I’ve heard you’re a valuable companion to Baek Woong; I’ll let it slide this time. But if you try any tricks again, I won’t hold back next time.”

“Thank you.” I breathed a sigh of relief watching Mangnyang calm Miho down.

She crossed her arms and stated ominously, “I know this serves as the entrance to a cursed plot. Regardless of your wants or needs, the whirlpool of overlapping schemes and grievances will never cease. I will not allow you to shove the one I protect into such a pit.”

“You seem to have a clear understanding of the situation.”

Mangnyang smirked and said, “Exactly. Honestly, this situation is nothing but a gamble. However, it’s a risk we must take sooner or later. If one attempt can shift the tide, then it’s worth the shot.”

“So rescuing Hwang Yeon is that important?”

Miho complained, and Mangnyang responded, “It is crucial. By rescuing Hwang Yeon, we gain a significant reason.”

“……”

“General Hwang Yeon is a revered figure who saved the Great Ming from a national crisis, possessing influence akin to a god within the military. With just his word, the armed forces would unite, and he maintains solid connections with the officials.”

Mangnyang’s gaze sharpened. “If General Hwang Yeon attests to the darkness prowling within the Imperial Palace and denounces the tyranny of the Golden Eagle guards and Duke of Guanzhong, it will create a massive upheaval within the political scene. Even the forces of the Demon Subduing Hall wouldn’t dare mess with that kind of momentum. We Bancheon Alliance will take that opportunity to contain and drive back the forces of the Demon Subduing Hall.”

Miho thought for a moment before replying, “So that Lee Kwang’s also prepared to face treason is due to that?”

“That’s correct. This is a situation where he has already antagonized the Golden Eagle guards. Given that he is a strong-willed soldier dedicated to the nation, he must have his doubts about the current situation, prompting him to check on the Emperor’s safety directly.”

“The Emperor?”

“Yes. He doesn’t care about the personal guard of other emperors. His loyalty only lies with this one Emperor. That’s why he’s even willing to ally with us, a minor faction, to achieve his mission.”

“Hmmm…” I felt chills listening to Mangnyang’s observations.

‘So Mangnyang figured that much out?’

Mangnyang had only met Lee Kwang the previous day. Yet here he was, dissecting Lee Kwang’s motives in detail, motives I could sense but had never articulated. True to Mangnyang’s words, Lee Kwang often expressed concern for the Emperor in private, declaring he would slay any treacherous officials for that purpose. Mangnyang was reading minds from far away!

Miho announced, “I’m going to the Great Thunder Valley too.”

“Thank you.”

“But if Baek Woong is in danger, I’ll only protect Baek Woong.”

“That’s more than enough.”

It seemed like the conversation between Miho and Mangnyang had reached its conclusion. I finally asked Mangnyang what had been on my mind.

“So, Mangnyang, what exactly is the Great Thunder Valley? Why does even Lee Kwang seem so tense?”

“Great Thunder Valley is the worst prison ever created by the Hongwu Emperor of the Ming Dynasty.”

“Worst prison you say? What makes it so secure?”

Prisons are, after all, just buildings and constructs. Even if there was a prison made of iron, experts like Lee Kwang or Jin So-cheong could probably break out easily enough. Mangnyang answered my question with a serious look.

“The Great Thunder Valley is a living maze, fortified with a formation technique similar to the Imperial Palace. There aren’t guards stationed inside, just a blocked entrance. Throughout history, not a single prisoner has ever escaped from the Great Thunder Valley.”

“But we have Lee Kwang and Jin So-cheong!”

“I know, but it won’t change anything. Many peak experts have been imprisoned in the Great Thunder Valley, yet once they’re trapped inside, they never come out alive.”

……

“Lee Kwang is aware of this fact, which is why he isn’t foolish enough to directly challenge the Great Thunder Valley. Instead, he plans to infiltrate through a designated exit and execute the rescue swiftly.”

I felt utterly dumbfounded. “Wait, if that’s true, does it mean even the formation guarding the Imperial Palace is at the same level as the Great Thunder Valley?”

“It is. Even worse. The palace has its strongest sorcerer protecting it…”

……?

“Let’s save that story for later. For now, we need to devise a plan before Lee Kwang returns to save time.”

So the three of us started to form our strategy under Mangnyang’s lead. Miho looked less than pleased at having to follow Mangnyang’s plan, but thanks to his logical reasoning, she remained quiet and attentive. Given that a crafty Nine-Tailed Fox like her was following suit, it was clear Mangnyang’s plan was foolproof.

 

---