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“Damn it! Let’s just get going.”

My 13th life had begun, and I was barely holding myself together on the way to fetch the Heavenly Secret. I was too overwhelmed by the scant information I’d received and the lack of significant action to sit around sorting my thoughts. What had become clear, though, was that stacking my fortune would grant me a period of unrivaled luck at the cost of a certain death waiting at the end. Of course, any achievements I managed in that time would mean nothing if I were dead, so I couldn’t use that method again.

After obtaining the Heavenly Secret, I grabbed some Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng, Black and White Lotus, Gold Bars, and the Water Element Divine Sword at Mount Huang before heading to Jinrang Valley. No matter how fast I went, it seemed I couldn’t get there any quicker, as it was already night when I arrived. Once again, I woke up Mangnyang.

Once I managed to persuade him for another half-moment, he was stunned by my story.

“I believe you’re a reborn person, but why did you make such choices in your 12th life?”

“I was just curious about what would happen if the celestial beings blessed me multiple times.”

“That’s obvious—catastrophe.”

“…”

“Let me explain.” He pointed at me with his fan.

“First, you understand that immortals are ethereal beings without a physical form, right? They reside in the Heavenly Realm or what’s known as the Immortal Realm and only descend to earth on rare occasions. You probably know all that.”

“I do.”

“They forsake their physical bodies to wield the power to influence the laws governing the world. However, as long as they remain part of the Immortal Realm, they can’t exert their will on the material world without a mortal’s desire and offerings; they are extremely passive beings.”

With that, Mangnyang sighed.

“But due to that passivity, once an immortal decides to bestow an offering, they can unleash tremendous power. Not to mention, the Primordial Void Ruler is one of the top five deities worshiped in Taoism—legend has it he is the avatar of the Spirit Treasure Heaven Master. Therefore, he can manipulate the powerful realm known as fortune, and receiving blessings from him twice is more than any mortal could ever handle.”

“Umm…”

“The same goes for other heavenly deities. If you were to receive the Queen Mother of the West’s blessing twice, you’d live as long as Dongfang Sak during the Three Thousand Years. But even then, you wouldn’t be able to handle the excess power of those blessings and would ultimately bring about your self-destruction. It’s something you must never do.”

I could understand Mangnyang’s words. From now on, it might be better for me to just passively receive blessings. In conclusion, even though I had eradicated the Imperial Palace’s power, it had been a meaningless attempt since I ended up dead. It dawned on me that being alive made it all worthwhile.

“So, shall we go now?”

I went with Mangnyang back to the village where Cheon Woo-jin was, repeating the same process and offering the Water Element Divine Sword. Even though I’d done it twelve times, I found it gratifying every single time. Mangnyang mentioned that it was a monumental Taoist ceremony that occurred perhaps once a century.

Whoa, whoa, whoa.

The Primordial Void Ruler spoke.

[ I can feel my essence… ]

“Will you pass it on to the next one?”

[ Sure. ]

Without any hesitation, the Primordial Void Ruler called on the Queen Mother of the West. I did as I did before by requesting clemency for the Nine-Tailed Fox from her, and she accepted the proposal. As the Queen Mother was about to call on another immortal, I quickly spoke up.

“Queen Mother!”

[ What is it? ]

“Please refrain from summoning the Southern Flower Immortal.”

Her eyes brightened with curiosity. Understanding my intention, Mangnyang chimed in.

“The Southern Flower Immortal has a poor relationship with my master, Master Mangnyang. It would be counterproductive for both sides, so please spare us that.”

The Queen Mother pondered briefly before replying.

[ That makes sense. The Southern Flower Immortal was once annihilated by Master Mangnyang and was only revived through the Jade Emperor’s aid. ]

Wait, when did that happen?

I looked at Mangnyang in shock, but he showed no reaction. The Queen Mother continued as if she were already informed.

[ Then I shall do my best to select one. ]

Whoa, whoa, whoa…

Not long after that, Cheon Woo-jin’s body rattled, and a new spirit descended upon him. Mangnyang and I watched in nervous anticipation.

[ Are you a martial artist? ]

The Sword Saint Yeodong-bin stood before me. It seemed the best choice the Queen Mother had in mind came down to the Sword Master and Overlayer, Yeodong-bin. Memories of dying because of him troubled me, but I nodded and replied.

“Yes.”

[ If so, I shall impart the Heavenly Escape Sword Technique… huh?! ]

Yeodong-bin exclaimed in a voice resembling a strangled duck. He approached me and started to touch me.

[ I can feel the heart of the Heavenly Escape Sword Technique!! You’ve already accepted the Heavenly Escape Sword Technique, haven’t you?! ]

“……”

[ Incredible. Could it be that my worldly descendant has reached the level of the Heavenly Escape Sword Technique…? ]

“You can’t give me the technique?”

When I bluntly asked, Yeodong-bin replied.

[ The Heavenly Escape Sword Technique is already within you. The terminal that connects me is engraved in your soul, so there’s no need for a separate blessing. ]

So it meant I could summon him just like before without needing additional blessings.

“Ah.”

[ I will pass it on to the next. ]

Whoosh!

In that moment, I saw Cheon Woo-jin’s expression turn grotesque as he ascended. Though it was instantaneous, he looked exceedingly drained and fatigued. But inwardly, I thought it served him right and said nothing.

The next spirit called forth opened its mouth.

[ Currently… your reputation spreads throughout the Heavenly Realm. No one in history has ever managed to summon such renowned immortals of the Immortal Realm. ]

“Who are you?”

[ I am Yuan Yuanzi… ]

Who the heck is that?

I tilted my head in confusion, but I quickly noticed Mangnyang’s expression change next to me. Yuan Yuanzi then smiled gently and questions me.

[ Do you like martial arts? ]

His question gave me much to ponder.

Do I actually like martial arts?

Of course, there’s nothing more delightful than becoming stronger through training, and the joy of surviving against a powerful enemy is extraordinary. However, I didn’t originally practice martial arts out of love; it was merely a survival tactic. I learned it because having strength made life easier. There wasn’t a genuine passion for martial arts that led me to start practicing.

‘Well, I do like it to a certain extent.’

But I’ve decided to accept that ‘me’ who enjoys martial arts is still me. Life isn’t just one dimension; hobbies and interests are part of our character. I could at least say I liked martial arts more than the average person.

“Yes.”

[ Good… then I shall impart to you the insights I failed to share while in the mortal realm… ]

Boom!

As Yuan Yuanzi extended his hand, the ceremony of offering the Water Element Divine Sword came to an end. I felt an overwhelming rush of knowledge and martial arts experience flood into me. When I came to my senses, Cheon Woo-jin lay collapsed before me.

Mangnyang rushed to Cheon Woo-jin’s side, supporting him.

“Master, are you alright?!”

“Cough… urgh… I’m fine.”

“Good job.”

When Cheon Woo-jin had regained his stability, Mangnyang and I left the village. We headed to an inn to wrap up our stories thus far.

Mangnyang picked at a chicken leg.

“The blessing you received this time was quite special. It can truly be called a great fortuitous encounter.”

“Who the heck is Yuan Yuanzi?”

“Well, people in the world don’t really know who that title belongs to.”

Mangnyang muttered before continuing.

“Yuan Yuanzi refers to a Taoist of the Song Dynasty, known by the name of Quan Yi or Jun Bao. His title is not well-known because his other name is much more famous.”

“……?”

I couldn’t help but widen my eyes at the next words.

“He is the founder of the Wudang Sect and currently one of the most revered immortals among the common people, that is, Yuan Yuanzi Zhang Sanfeng.”

“Holy crap…!! You’re saying I received Zhang Sanfeng’s insights?!”

“That’s right.”

Zhang Sanfeng! He was one of the leading figures of the righteous sects alongside Shaolin Temple. His name was known for negotiating with the Yuan dynasty government to protect the martial lineage of this land and shield the powerless common folk. It could be said that almost no martial artist was unfamiliar with Zhang Sanfeng’s name. When discussing the Grand Masters of martial arts, his name was always mentioned.

The reason I hadn’t recognized him immediately was that he’d revealed himself using the unique title of Yuan Yuanzi. That title was something passed down only within the martial lineage, making it hard for the average martial artist to know Zhang Sanfeng’s title. As I calmed my astonishment, Mangnyang asked.

“What insights did you receive from him?”

“Well… I’ll probably know when I meditate on it. Right now, it just feels like a formless knowledge has entered me.”

“In that case, I recommend practicing whenever you have a chance. And if it doesn’t work out, retreat and simply master Zhang Sanfeng’s insights; it would certainly not lead to a fall.”

“Hmm…”

Mangnyang, who was gazing at me intently, added.

“Moreover, if you fully digest those insights, you would gain a significant advantage.”

“Is that immortality?”

Mangnyang shook his head.

“That’s not an advantage. Immortality wouldn’t drive the Demon Subduing Hall away.”

“Then…?”

“You could return those insights and techniques to the Wudang Sect, winning them over to your side.”

“Oh!”

“This is unexpected; another variable has emerged.”

Mangnyang complained, though his words sounded playful. If that were true, it meant I might become the leader of the Wudang Sect if I played my cards right! If I could win over the Wudang Sect, things would be so much easier! I asked Mangnyang in hopeful anticipation.

“So if I called forth the founding figures of the Nine Great Sects in order to receive insights…”

“That’s nonsense… while each founding figure of the Nine Great Sects was indeed significant, only Zhang Sanfeng has reached the level of the Great Immortal. Whether it’s the Huashan Sect, Zhongnan Sect, Kunlun Sect, Ami Sect, or the Jianzhang Sect, for a sect leader to reach that level is miraculous.”

“Hmm!”

“Zhang Sanfeng is quite special. It’s barely been 200 years since his death, and yet he has achieved a saint-like status.”

I felt the truth of Mangnyang’s words that Zhang Sanfeng was indeed an extraordinary individual. According to him, even ascending among immortals led to distinctions, and it was just a selected few Great Immortals who possessed the rank to accept the offering of the Water Element Divine Sword ceremony. After reflecting on Zhang Sanfeng’s greatness, I asked Mangnyang again.

“By the way, what did you mean when you said the Southern Flower Immortal nearly killed you?”

“Well… it’s a sensitive secret, but for you, I can share it.”

After a brief hesitation, Mangnyang said.

“To put it literally, my master, Mangnyang, was once a horrific figure rampaging in the realm of immortals. Back then, my master was known as the ‘Emperor of the Borderlands’ but the specifics are unclear to me as a disciple. What is certain is that the Southern Flower Immortal once faced my master and was annihilated in one blow, only to be revived by the Jade Emperor’s intervention.”

“……!!”

“It’s understandable why the Southern Flower Immortal reacts so harshly. While he currently fulfills the role as a guardian of the Immortal Realm, he indeed met his demise at my master’s hands.”

I couldn’t fathom it.

“Isn’t the Southern Flower Immortal among the Great Immortals? You mean to say he was dispatched in one go?”

“My master is a rather unique existence. He didn’t cultivate to become an immortal but was, to begin with, not a human existence.”

“So, is he a Monster Sage?”

I’ve heard rumors since the Silver Age that there are cases where beings other than humans can cultivate and become Monster Sages. When I asked based on Taoist knowledge, Mangnyang replied with an expression that suggested he was truly perplexed.

“Not exactly.”

“How is that possible?”

“My master is a riddle wrapped in a mystery. Don’t try to comprehend him too casually. Even the Jade Emperor and the Primordial Void Ruler cannot give orders regarding him.”

“……”

I felt like no one around Mangnyang truly comprehended what was significant about him. Both Miho and Mangnyang only knew about him as the avatar of the Primordial Void Ruler and seemed oblivious to what he fundamentally was. The fact that such a mysterious entity was in hiding felt frightening.

Eventually, I parted ways with Mangnyang in Jinrang Valley.

“Mangnyang. I will proceed as planned, so please take care of things.”

“Don’t worry.”

I handed over nearly all the items I had obtained to Mangnyang and packed only what I needed to head to Goryeo.

‘Alright, let’s see if Mangnyang’s scheme can unfold smoothly.’

The plan was straightforward.

Over the next few days, I raced to Shandong and, immediately upon arriving, snuck into the Great Dragon Merchant Association’s logistics warehouse. Using the beginner invisibility technique, I was able to search without being detected by the escort or the escort leader.

While lying in wait in the logistics warehouse, I diligently searched at night, and in just two half-moments, I found my target.

“This is it!”

What I pulled out was a cargo box containing the Golden Lamp. I cautiously opened the box and retrieved the Golden Lamp. With this, I finally had a means for teleportation! I put the cargo box back where it belonged and exited.

Then, I rubbed the side of the Golden Lamp.

Avoiding any unnecessary divine insights, I strongly focused my will and shouted.

I want to go here!

[ Understood… ]

Boom!

I arrived deep within the Great Thunder Valley. It was an abyss with no hint of light, but I had carried a torch beforehand, so I could see clearly in the darkness. I gazed across the water’s edge at the Tentacle Toad and mumbled.

“Long time no see.”

At that moment, the Giant Tentacle Toad detected my presence and slowly seemed to turn its head. Just then, I felt a strong wave of pressure rush through me as if a Protection Energy Technique had poured into my head.

[ … You! … of the Great… ]

Of course, I couldn’t understand most of it, so I ignored the words. As I delved within myself, I activated the essence of the Heavenly Escape Sword Technique.

‘Sword Saint Yeodong-bin, there is a demon before me, please vanquish it.’

Moments later, divine energy blazed forth from my eyes. Normally, I’d have tackled it alone, but with my request, Yeodong-bin had no choice but to answer. He descended into my body and cried out.

[ O creature of darkness residing behind the moon! To seek human flesh in such a place, I, Yeodong-bin, shall not forgive you! ]

Shortly after, Yeodong-bin unleashed the Sword Flying Technique on the Giant Tentacle Toad. The technique impaled its slimy skin mercilessly, leaving a massive gash as bodily fluids squirted out.

[ Kieee!! ]

Yeodong-bin quickly conjured a clone and summoned a giant sword in mid-air, striking down once more. The Giant Tentacle Toad released a spray of its bodily fluids to block the attack but then emitted a wild screeching sound. It was undeniably a far mightier beast than those I had previously faced.

Fizz…

However, the magical sonic wave that had incapacitated Lee Kwang and Jin So-cheong in an instant was completely ineffective. I began to wonder if it had deliberately withheld its attacks before, but that wasn’t it. From the start, that curse of the Toad had no effect on me.

Yeodong-bin must have realized this too, as he murmured.

[ Yea, indeed, you seem closely tied to the Otherworldly Race… ]

As he spoke, Yeodong-bin approached cautiously, as if measuring the creature’s potential. Normally, if he displayed his techniques without hesitation, even the Giant Tentacle Toad would be wiped out in an instant, but this cave had been carved from the mountain, preventing him from using his full power recklessly.

After looking for a gap, Yeodong-bin seemed to realize something as gray sword energy erupted forth.

[ Haha! Yea, you possess an interesting technique. I think I shall employ it myself. ]

Yeodong-bin prepared his stance, and like the Sword Saint he was, it seemed he instantaneously grasped Zhang Sanfeng’s insights within my mind without prior training.

Zhang Sanfeng!

Insights!

Bowling Sky Slash!

Zoom!

As the sword slashed forth, it created the illusion of the space itself distorting. The Giant Tentacle Toad shot its bodily fluids at him like bullets, but as if erasing those invisible markings, it swept past effortlessly, altering its trajectory drastically.

This was something utterly unfathomable in conventional martial arts, bending space as if to absorb it! If I had this basic technique, I could nullify any kind of attack. While I was in awe, Yeodong-bin unleashed Zhang Sanfeng’s insights for a second time.

[ Come hither! ]

Insights!

Heavenly Contraction Sword!

Whoosh!

As he swung his sword, the phenomenon appeared as if space was contracting and twisting. This time, it started not only bending space but squeezing it down. The enormous Giant Tentacle Toad, larger than dozens of bodies, flailed desperately as it sank below the water’s surface.

Yeodong-bin, likely deeming it sufficiently drawn in, activated the Seven Stars Shadow to produce numerous clones, then with the Tai Chi Yau Ji Willow Sword, he flung the Tentacle Toad into the air.

[ Kweeek!! ]

As the creature struggled, it emitted another harsh sonic blast, but this time, Yeodong-bin unleashed the Heavenly Five Divine Decisions, firing five beams of divine light. The sonic blast was blocked in mid-air.

Finally, with the True Martial Seven Cuts Classic, he punctured the Toad’s body, reducing it to smithereens. A rainbow-colored mirror formed in the air, randomly emitting rays of light.

All of this was the result of the Wudang Sect’s final ultimate technique performed by the Sword Saint.

Bang!

The Giant Tentacle Toad exploded in mid-air, splattering its bodily fluids everywhere. Each droplet was acidic, but Yeodong-bin swept them away with his Protection Energy Technique and Sword Barrier. After defeating it satisfactorily, Yeodong-bin remarked.

[ That was fun. I think I’ll go have a chat with Zhang Sanfeng. ]

Thud.

When Yeodong-bin departed, I sank to my knees on the ground, rubbing my shoulders as I let out a sigh.

“Phew, thankfully, I only opened the third door. My internal power is still at about thirty percent…”

Most importantly, considering that what Yeodong-bin had just executed felt like I had performed it alongside him, it would surely help immensely in mastering Zhang Sanfeng’s insights in the future. Experiencing a technique executed at peak proficiency certainly accelerated my training process by several years.

I proceeded to enter the cave and acquired the Wooden Armor, the Demon Subduing Hall’s strange items, and the Twin Broadsword from the Nine Stars Main Capital. With the Twin Broadsword, Yeodong-bin referred to it as the Twin Broadsword, but I didn’t quite understand what it meant, so I planned to ask Mangnyang about it later.

After placing everything I’d acquired into the empty space within the Wooden Armor, I rubbed the Golden Lamp again.

Whoosh!

When I reappeared, it was right before Mangnyang in Jinrang Valley. I had to drop by for a progress report.

Mangnyang was practicing martial arts while reading some scripture but stopped to smile at me.

“You succeeded.”

“It seems I did.”

Indeed, the plan was to acquire the Golden Lamp in the shortest period possible and then defeat the Toad to obtain a mysterious Wooden Armor capable of holding numerous items! Having acquired everything necessary allows me to save a significant amount of time from now on.

 

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