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“We don’t have much time, so let’s get to the point.”

While wiping the sweat off, Mangnyang spoke up. Honestly, I could have taken care of this all by myself without even needing to find Mangnyang after defeating the Tentacle Toad. But apparently, he thought it was better to do things together rather than solo.

“First, show me the treasures you acquired.”

I revealed the Nine Stars Main Capital, the Wooden Armor, and the Twin Broadsword to him one after another. As he scrutinized each item, he picked up the pair of sword blades and asked, “Do you know what the Twin Broadsword is?”

“Not really.”

“This is known as the beloved sword of Liu Bei, the Little Emperor of Shu Han from the Three Kingdoms Period. It’s probably the real deal.”

Liu Bei? The legendary hero who established the Shu Han Empire against the tyrant Cao Cao? I mean, I’d heard that he wielded twin swords in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, but I never expected it to be this one. It made sense why Yeodong-bin held it in such high regard over Yodo Muramasa.

“The most important thing is this: How did it feel facing the Tentacle Toad? Tell me about the difficulty.”

“Well, Yeodong-bin did all the heavy lifting, so I can’t really say much. He took it down easily…” I began.

“That’s not what I mean. What if you had to face it alone without Yeodong-bin’s help?” he pressed.

After a moment of thought, I replied, “It would be pretty tough.” The Tentacle Toad was as durable as it was large. Even Lee Kwang considered it tough, and it took Yeodong-bin unleashing his Qi and Sword Flying Technique to finally bring it down. A typical martial artist would grind to dust trying to take it on, especially since the Toad’s attack power and agility weren’t low either. Even if I used Thunderclap and Baek Woong’s Formation, I would face a solid struggle for at least half a moment.

“Good. That’s exactly what I wanted to hear. You don’t need to come back here again.”

Mangnyang replied with satisfaction before continuing, “Now go back, put all the hostages into the Wooden Armor, and bring them to me.”

Receiving all the valuables from the Wooden Armor, Mangnyang handed me a writing brush, ink, and paper. The purpose was clear.

“Got it.”

With the plan in motion, I activated Thunderclap to teleport to Great Thunder Valley. As expected, there were no guards around, so no one had a clue that the Tentacle Toad was dead. Even if they suspected it, it would take a lot of time for them to navigate through the secret path, so I had plenty of time to spare. I started cutting through the prison bars, one by one, while surveying the surroundings.

Crash!

Even without much effort, my internal power and sword flames made quick work of it. When I broke through the last bar, the prisoners expressed their overwhelming gratitude. They must have felt like they were rescued from hell itself.

“Whoa…!!”

“Young hero, thank you!!”

“This is a miracle.”

While cutting the bars, I instructed, “Gather at the entrance of Great Thunder Valley for now. Help the mutated ones along the way.”

“Got it.”

There were 12 in total, with 3 among them being mutated. I could also tell there were 4 women among the group, who thankfully didn’t seem to have been assaulted… yet.

‘Apparently, the Lord of the Golden Eagle Guard likes to take women whenever he feels like it.’

When we reached the innermost part of Great Thunder Valley where Lee Kwang and Jin So-cheong were last located, there was an old man sitting against the wall. His face was familiar, so I cautiously approached. However, he spoke first.

“Kid, did you come to rescue me?”

His voice held an undeniable strength, indicating he had a commanding presence. Most importantly, he was in a clear state of mind. I felt relieved and promptly replied, “Yes, General Hwang Yeon.”

“Indeed… Thank you for your help.”

As I helped General Hwang Yeon to his feet, he waved a hand, “It’s alright. I can walk by myself.”

“That’s a relief.”

“I haven’t been trapped for long. There’s no need to worry.”

The General seemed aware of how those trapped here could become mutated over time. Since there was no one else left to rescue, I headed towards where the gathered people were.

I could see their astonishment at the sight of the mutated individuals.

“Whoa… They’re healing!”

“What happened?”

The mutated individuals were visibly regaining their human form, as it seemed the defeat of the Tentacle Toad disrupted the source of sorcery affecting them. I spoke to them, “Now, please pay attention over here for a moment.”

Including General Hwang Yeon, the ten sane individuals present turned their attention to me. I calmly scanned the crowd and spoke, “I’ve brought you out of this Great Thunder Valley, but before we continue, I need to know your names, how long you’ve been trapped here, and the reasons for your captivity.”

“What do you mean? Is it really necessary?” one middle-aged man, resembling a high official, protested, but I simply chuckled.

“I’m pulling you out of hell; don’t you think you can at least answer that much? Let me add, I really don’t have to take you with me.”

“…Ah, alright then.”

Realizing his position, he fell silent. I took the writing brush and started recording each of their names, the duration of their captivity, and the reasons in a separate room. Once I finished gathering information on everyone, including General Hwang Yeon, I tucked the papers into my pocket.

I addressed them, “Alright, we’re moving now. However, keep in mind that due to the Golden Eagle Guard, we won’t be returning to our homes for some time.”

“We understand.”

“I’ll arrange a hideout for you all.”

Since they were all targets of the Golden Eagle Guard, their expressions indicated agreement with my plan. I presented the Wooden Armor to them.

“Please put your hands in.”

“Uh… what?!”

The group jumped in surprise as their arms were sucked into the Wooden Armor. As soon as their entire bodies entered, some were startled enough to trip over themselves. Once they fathomed the extent of space inside the armor, they all began scrambling to get in. Normally, they’d worry about my valuables stashed inside, but since I had already entrusted them to Mangnyang, there was no need for concern.

Before General Hwang Yeon entered last, he looked at me thoughtfully.

“Who exactly are you?”

His tone had shifted from condescending to serious. When our eyes met, he continued, “Due to my training, I can gauge your abilities. For someone your age, possessing such skill is rare in the Central Plains, probably not more than two or three. Plus, you possess exceptional sacred texts… Who sent you?”

“I can’t say right now. Just know there are individuals acting for righteousness.”

“Righteousness! Ha…” General Hwang chuckled bitterly. Given his predicament, it was understandable that he’d find irony in that word. I addressed him again.

“I have a question. Are you aware that your family is in a similar situation?”

“That would be likely. The Golden Eagle Guard seems to have intentions.”

“Are you ready to bet everything against the Golden Eagle Guard?”

This question had been recommended by Mangnyang, who asked me to solicit this response as it would dictate our future actions. General Hwang responded firmly, without a hint of hesitation.

“Of course! I will eradicate those Golden Eagle bastards even if it costs me my life.”

That was the answer I wanted. I smirked.

“Good.”

With that, I placed General Hwang into the Wooden Armor and teleported back to Mangnyang. He seemed to be bustling around, his yard filled with various tools.

“You’re here!”

I handed him the papers with everyone’s details and said, “General Hwang gave a positive response.”

“Great! Then I’ll make sure to protect them.”

“Are you planning to take them to Jinrang Valley?”

“Surprisingly, I’ve built a substantial presence here.”

Mangnyang confidently declared. He hadn’t just been lounging around in Jinrang Valley; he had practically turned it into his domain, complete with many messengers and subordinates. He hadn’t created the Bancheon Alliance from nothing.

After a moment, I pulled the people out from the Wooden Armor.

“Whoa…?!”

“Where are we?!”

They were understandably taken aback. Being suddenly transported to a mountain hut would shock anyone. Mangnyang reassured them, “Please don’t panic, everyone. I will assist you until things settle down.”

“Who are you?!”

“I’m Mangnyang, and I plan on helping you in every way I can.”

After calming them down along with Mangnyang, I led them to the pre-arranged hideout. Mangnyang had set up another refuge behind this mountain. After persuading them why they couldn’t venture into the world just yet, I assigned them rooms to stay in.

“The mutated individuals will gradually heal over time. Please assist them until then.”

“Leave it to us.”

I called General Hwang Yeon, and the three of us began discussing. Mangnyang kicked things off.

“General Hwang, we are part of the Bancheon Alliance, a group aiming to rectify the injustices within the imperial family for the sake of Your Majesty’s good governance. We rushed to rescue you upon hearing of your kidnapping.”

Mangnyang made sure not to mention opposing the imperial family. There was no way they could frame it as rebellion; the only narrative possible was that they were assisting the emperor.

General Hwang appeared impressed. “Impressive speed. I’ve only been imprisoned for two days…”

“…”

Time-wise, that did seem quite generous. I figured they had at least three to four days to spare.

Mangnyang added, “However, what we’ve figured out is that your kidnapping wasn’t an accident caused by the Golden Eagle Guard’s rampage.”

General Hwang’s eyebrows twitched.

“What do you mean by that?”

“We’ve confirmed that the emperor is directly involved in this matter.”

“…I can’t believe it.”

His expression remained neutral, but it was clear he didn’t agree with us. This was understandable; he had spent his life serving the nation, a paragon of integrity and valor. He was the type of person who would rather die shouting loyalty than ever believe such treachery could exist.

But Mangnyang pressed on heavily, “Do you truly believe what you just saw in the hellscape of Great Thunder Valley? Do you think it’s permissible to mutate humans into such monsters simply because they are suspected of treason? Do you believe the current Golden Eagle Guard can act independently against the emperor in carrying out such atrocities?”

“…”

“Even if the Lord of the Golden Eagle Guard has plenty of trust from his subordinates and tight control, he’s still just a petty military officer. Gossip will inevitably leak out, even from Dongchang or other high officials. You, General Hwang Yeon, understand that better than anyone. Yet the existence of this Great Thunder Valley persists…”

“Enough. I understand.”

General Hwang groaned as if he were in deep thought. After a while of tugging at his hair, he sighed.

“… Hah, I know it in my head. But I can’t accept it…”

“Knowing is one thing, but it’s time to change it. The current emperor has been known as a talented prodigy since childhood. He must have been drawn into the wrong path by twisted ministers around him.”

“Hmm…”

Mangnyang spoke more assertively, “The safety of your clan and the peace of the world are at stake. If you give up resistance here, it’s clear your bloodline will be annihilated before long. Not only that, but countless righteous individuals will perish at the hands of the Golden Eagle Guard.”

“That can’t be!”

“Exactly. It can’t!”

Then Mangnyang grabbed General Hwang Yeon’s hand tightly and looked him in the eyes. “You are the only one who can change this situation. Please help us and fight for justice.”

General Hwang fell silent for a moment before responding, “Give me a moment to think…”

He returned to the hideaway, and I turned to Mangnyang, saying, “Will he help us?”

“He’s a man of conviction with a keen mind, so he won’t easily waver from our persuasion,” Mangnyang replied.

“So what’s the point of persuading him then?”

Mangnyang chuckled softly, “Trying to persuade him is the important part. Regardless, he’ll make decisions based on his values and interests. But whether or not he sees if he has support is crucial. Especially if the emperor himself is controlling the Golden Eagle Guard; it complicates trusting the military or the generals.”

“Ah…”

I realized that what I learned in my twelfth life wasn’t in vain. The fact that the emperor manipulates the Golden Eagle Guard held significant implications.

“What General Hwang needs right now is a third-party force that hasn’t been influenced from the outside. He’s in a position to grab any straw to accept my proposal. It’s about forming a relationship where we rely on each other.”

I frowned, “Then trust becomes an impossibility.”

“That’s how it usually works. In a system where everyone deceives each other, it’s about finding that trustworthy individual. That’s the nature of organizational gain.”

I now understood why Mangnyang deliberately brought me along for the meeting with General Hwang. Since he was also a martial artist, familiar with training, there was the potential for him to try and overpower Mangnyang. I still needed to play a protective role at least until Mangnyang planted the seed in General Hwang’s mind.

I asked Mangnyang worriedly, “Can you control them all on your own?”

“Don’t worry. They’ll end up begging me not to kick them out. You just focus on wrapping things up.”

“Understood.”

Trusting Mangnyang, I used Thunderclap once again to move.

Boom!

This time, I arrived at the secret location on Pirate Island. It was a hidden space created between the reefs, and I knew that if I stayed here, I could slip swiftly and discreetly into the Blood Blade Group Leader’s quarters.

Using the secret location and my Invisibility Technique, I made my way to where the Blood Blade Group members resided, catching a glimpse of the chaos unfolding inside through the window.

 

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