1270——————==

Soul of the Evil God

I thought Master Mangnyang’s words were unexpected. Then I said:

“Moving the capital? That’s absolutely impossible.”

There must be countless reasons for this, but at least to my knowledge, Luoyang is an incredibly important place, regardless of its surface function. The Battle Ground is set, protected directly by Master Mangnyang, and it holds significant meaning for many beings behind the scenes.

“…”

At my response, Mangnyang made a strange expression. That expression quickly vanished, and then in a calm voice, he said:

“The reason is currently unknown. According to the information given by sources around, it was announced just the day before yesterday that the current emperor plans to move the capital within ten years, and because of that, all attention is on Yanjing, the future capital of the Ming Empire.”

“Hmm… Ten years? Is it even possible to move such a colossal city in ten years?”

Ten years may sound long, but not really. The size of Luoyang Castle is far larger than combining several other main cities, and even the inner city is impressively grand. There are countless citizens who have never left Luoyang in their lifetime.

Having functioned as the heart of the Ancient Middle Kingdom for thousands of years, constantly expanding its territory, there essentially isn’t another city capable of replacing Luoyang at this point. Ten years are thoroughly insufficient to move that massive city.

In response to my question, Mangnyang thought for a moment and replied:

“Not necessarily. Wherever the emperor and the central ministers are, that is the core of the Ming Empire, so moving just the main governmental functions wouldn’t even take three years, and the rest will be moved slowly. There’s no need to build Yanjing up to the same scale as Luoyang immediately, so the capital move isn’t entirely unrealistic.”

Oh, that makes sense.

If it’s just relocating the government functions rather than moving Luoyang entirely, then it’s not that big of an issue…

I rubbed my head, lost in deep thought.

“But why are they moving it? There hasn’t been any major issues up to now, so why initiate a project that consumes national power…? Do you have any guesses?”

“Well, if I had to guess, something must have gone awry within Luoyang. Lately, there has been an unusual flow of qi in Luoyang, so it’s highly probable that something has happened.”

“Unusual flow of qi.”

Mangnyang stared at me intently before saying:

“Baek Woong. Are you thinking of getting involved in the Luoyang capital relocation?”

“…”

That gaze seemed to convey that he knew something. It felt like Mangnyang had already realized I had a deep interest in Luoyang.

“Hmm… It’s definitely something important, but what should I do?”

Considering my lives ahead, figuring out the cause of this Luoyang capital relocation is bound to be essential. I’ve felt the efficiency of compressing several lives into one merely through information too many times to disregard it.

However, getting involved in the incident of relocating the capital would mean that things could escalate into chaos, and my comfortable life could be caught in some major accident. I had several experiences where I barely lived a few years after being caught up in such matters, so it felt like a horrible idea.

“The best option would be to find out the reason for the Luoyang capital relocation and avoid getting involved…”

I thought hard for a while but soon realized something.

“Oh no, this is too new and complicated…!! This is a matter that can’t be solved merely through experiential cunning. A logical approach is necessary!”

The need for a strategist was exceedingly apparent. I could handle things well when it was something I had already experienced as a reborn person, but this Luoyang capital relocation was an entirely new event. If I dealt with it haphazardly, I was sure to end up in trouble. Thankfully, the strategists beside me had shown me the most efficient ways to approach matters, which had saved me from bleeding too much.

“Ugh… This is tough…”

As I scratched my head in frustration, Mangnyang let out a chuckle.

“Don’t think too deeply. Seeing you in deep thought is rather reassuring. If you were truly a bad guy, you wouldn’t even ponder this matter.”

“…?”

“First off, if I were to advise as much as I can, just observe. After all, this is merely a precursor to the incident, so it wouldn’t hurt to wait until something occurs before moving. Sometimes, acting too early can obscure the cause even more.”

“Ah… That makes sense. I’ve definitely experienced that before.”

I understood Mangnyang’s words. Moving too quickly from the start could turn my actions into an influencing variable, thus complicating the event. I nodded and then said:

“Your master, the protector of Luoyang, wouldn’t mind the capital relocation, would he? Factoring that in is what worries me most.”

Hearing that, Mangnyang chuckled.

“When I visited him with you before, he looked more joyful than ever. Do you know what he said to me?”

“Huh? What did that cat say?”

“…He said his strength would grow stronger with each passing day.”

“……?!”

Wait?! Really?!

I was flabbergasted by his words.

“Is it true?! Master Mangnyang is getting stronger?!”

“Indeed. That’s why I’m not too worried about the issue of relocating Luoyang. As long as my master remains safe, everything will be resolved.”

“Wow, that’s incredible….”

I couldn’t help but gasp in surprise.

‘The balance of the world is off.’

I can’t even fathom how much stronger that monstrous cat is going to get. If that’s the case, maybe I won’t have to worry too much about the world!

“Anyway, you have a mysterious way of calling him a cat. Why do you do that…?”

“It’s because he resembles a cat when I meet that person.”

“How is that even possible? Hm. And for some reason, it feels like you know your master’s true standing and power….”

Mangnyang tilted his head and replied:

“I will continue to report any information I uncover in the future.”

“Thank you for your efforts.”

After Mangnyang left, I couldn’t help but jump for joy in the empty space.

“Yes!!”

Master Mangnyang getting stronger is the best news! The stronger that cat gets, the easier my life becomes!

‘Maybe it’s thanks to the Evil God running away in this life?’

Hmm, then doesn’t that mean Master Mangnyang owes me a favor?

Should I ask for a free blessing later on…?

As I continued my train of thought, I suddenly heard someone calling out to me.

“Grand Master!! Gyeong-ho has returned.”

At Jin So-cheong’s voice, I stepped outside. Standing there with a spear was Jin So-cheong, and I tilted my head in confusion.

“Is that true? It’s been quite a while; why is he arriving now? And why did you come here instead of bringing Gyeong-ho to me later?”

“Um, well… You need to come and see for yourselves.”

“……?”

Following the confused pull from Jin So-cheong, we made our way to the village entrance. Upon reaching there, I spotted a massive procession of carts in front of the village. There were as many as five enormous carts, accompanied by dozens of attendants.

“Huh?”

What are those carts doing?

As I watched the scene, a familiar voice echoed from the front of the cart line.

“My disciple Gyeong-ho has come to meet Grand Master Baek Woong. I apologize for my tardiness!”

I instantly recognized it was Gyeong-ho’s voice and turned towards its source. Seeing Gyeong-ho standing there, I was taken aback.

“What? What’s with that outfit…? And why is Mo Yong-yeon with him?”

Gyeong-ho wasn’t dressed in his usual martial outfit but wore something fancy and bright, and beside him stood a bashful Mo Yong-yeon wearing a similar righteous outfit.

‘Wait, what?’

As I started to piece things together, Gyeong-ho awkwardly scratched the back of his head and said,

“Somehow, I ended up getting engaged to Miss Mo Yong-yeon….”

“…….”

What in the world is going on…?

While I stood there dumbfounded, Mangnyang, who had arrived at the village entrance, addressed Gyeong-ho.

“Was it Gyeong-ho? You mean to say that cart belongs to the Mo Yong Clan, and it’s loaded with dowry?”

“That’s correct.”

“Wow… The Mo Yong Clan is one of the Five Great Families, and that young lady personally brought the dowry to the groom’s house. I’ve never heard of such a thing in my life.”

Mangnyang appeared astonished and then turned to me.

“Village Chief, it would be best if you made your judgment not as a village chief but as Gyeong-ho’s Grand Master.”

“Uh… Um… Well…”

What kind of judgment am I supposed to make!

This is completely unexpected!

I couldn’t hide my bewilderment. Then I looked at Gyeong-ho and said,

“Gyeong-ho… weren’t you supposed to deliver Miss Mo Yong-yeon to her family?”

“Well…”

As Gyeong-ho hesitated, Mo Yong-yeon hugged Gyeong-ho’s arm tightly and said,

“Gyeong-ho Oppa protected me from countless evil foes in the world. He never backed down in battles risking his life and even defeated the Peak Expert of the Heretical Sect. I was moved by such an elder brother, and I persuaded my family.”

“……”

“He accepted my feelings, so we decided to marry.”

As I gazed at Gyeong-ho in disbelief, he wore an awkward expression.

“So that’s how it is, Grand Master.”

“That’s how it is…? So you were late because of the wedding discussions?”

“…I’m sorry.”

Gyeong-ho genuinely looked apologetic and tried to kneel, but I stopped him and said,

“If that’s how you feel, it must be well thought out. I won’t interfere in your marriage.”

“I will not slack in my training. Please accept my bride.”

“Uh, well. So are you here to hold the ceremony in this village?”

“That’s right.”

“I see. Go ahead.”

“Thank you!”

Chiriring –

Soon, musicians from the Mo Yong Clan began to play, and villagers started to help set up the banquet space. I watched the scene in a daze and suddenly realized an absurd fact.

‘This is even more shocking than the news of the Luoyang capital relocation, and I can’t think of that anymore…’

Having lived multiple lives, I’m seeing Gyeong-ho getting married now. As I was lost in thought, a loud voice suddenly pierced through.

“Gyeong-ho!! What do you think you’re doing getting married at this moment?!”

“Lee Kwang, Master.”

It seemed Lee Kwang had just finished his training today, drenched in sweat, and he shouted furiously at the village entrance. With a dismayed and slightly angry expression, he pointed at Gyeong-ho.

“Weren’t we supposed to seek revenge against those scumbags from the Wind Spirit Sect together?! If you get married, what will happen to your training? I’ve never heard of anyone excelling in martial arts after marriage. Are you saying you’re going to start a family and abandon our sect’s revenge?!”

“……”

“I can’t accept that. I’ve never seen you like that…!!”

Lee Kwang’s reaction was more intense than I expected. Watching him from the side, Dokgo Seong appeared hesitant to comment on the marriage as he chewed his lip. This indicated that even he thought that getting married would lead to a lack of dedication in training.

I didn’t want to pick a fight with Lee Kwang again, nor did I feel like it was my place to speak, so I kept my mouth shut.

‘Hmm?’

But in that moment, looking into Gyeong-ho’s eyes, I felt something. I butted in with a blunt voice while Lee Kwang raged on.

“Lee Kwang! Why are you unnecessarily angry?”

“…Master. Marriage is a significant matter and will deplete the energy and strength needed to raise a child. Gyeong-ho is at a crucial time for his development as a martial artist; I believe this is not a good idea.”

“What kind of foolish talk is that? You’re being ridiculous!”

“……?!”

As Lee Kwang frowned, I stepped closer to Gyeong-ho, resting my hand on his shoulder and said,

“Do you think Gyeong-ho’s flame is extinguished? I don’t think he’s that kind of person. The determination to pursue revenge while staying true to his feelings is evident!”

“What are you talking about?”

“If he becomes the son-in-law of the Mo Yong Clan, then the Mo Yong Clan, being one of the Five Great Families, would surely lend a hand in seeking revenge against the Wind Spirit Sect. Of course, Gyeong-ho isn’t the type to think of it that way, but isn’t he doing his best to have both love and revenge?”

I said that and pointed my finger toward Lee Kwang.

“You might bow to the White Lotus Sect in pursuit of revenge! But Gyeong-ho isn’t like that. Getting married means Gyeong-ho will honor his blood ties to the Mo Yong Clan, and that can’t be boiled down to mere calculations! At least their love is real, and as far as I know, you have no right to say anything to Gyeong-ho!! Understand?!”

Having experienced things over many lives, I could firmly defend Gyeong-ho. Gyeong-ho and Lee Kwang represented fundamentally different cases.

“……!!”

As Lee Kwang appeared flabbergasted, I relentlessly pressed the point home.

“And what’s this nonsense that one must not get married to be strong in martial arts! The Master of the White Lotus Sect got married too, you foolish fool! By that logic, why are you weaker than the Master?!”

“That, um…”

“That’s right! You don’t even need to go that far. Jeong Yun-bo got married and even had great-grandchildren, so how come you’re not as strong as your comrade, Jeong Yun-bo?”

“……”

Lee Kwang seemed slightly taken aback by the unexpected example. After some careful thought, he replied hesitantly.

“You know Jeong Yun-bo?”

“I know him. He works as a guardian for the powerful minister Eom Sung.”

“Mm….”

“This master knows everything.”

I chuckled and continued.

“Lee Kwang… Are you venting your frustrations at Gyeong-ho because I haven’t taught you the world-class martial skill yet and have only been making you practice Ranna Chul thousands of times?”

“……”

At that moment, Lee Kwang’s expression turned slightly hostile, shooting me a glare filled with a bit of murderous intent.

“If you really had the will, you would have taught me the Nine Chambers of Thunder Technique!!”

“Ohhhh.”

“I’m someone who values the fundamentals of spear techniques, but I think your training methods are excessive!! If you’re not just trying to torture me, then you should teach me secret techniques instead of focusing solely on basics!”

“Bwahahaha!”

I laughed at Lee Kwang’s rebellion.

‘Hehehe… Keep getting angrier, Lee Kwang!!’

It wasn’t that I found Lee Kwang amusing. It was precisely because the sight of him finally losing patience with only basic training would serve as a great counterpoint to the humiliation and insults I had endured.

Lee Kwang, do you realize?

That everything you’re doing right now fulfills my thirst for revenge?

I struggled to suppress my laughter, maintaining a serious expression as I said:

“Fine… I don’t want to ruin this beautiful wedding day with a nasty incident, but if that’s how it is, I will pledge my name to this moment in front of everyone for the sake of my disciple Lee Kwang.”

“What kind of pledge?”

I crossed my arms and declared,

“On the day I succeed in commanding Ranna Chul one hundred thousand times in a row, I shall impart to you the Nine Chambers of Thunder Technique and all secret techniques of the Thunder God Lineage!”

“……!!”

“This applies to all students of the Thunder God Lineage.”

Murmurs rippled through the crowd.

And Lee Kwang alone, with his eyes bloodshot, shouted with gritted teeth:

“Do it!!”

“I’ll be looking forward to it, Lee Kwang.”

I grinned.

‘Get to work now… Hehe.’

This wasn’t groundless faith.

It was a definite instinct from watching Lee Kwang for years.

With his current mental strength, he wouldn’t be able to complete one hundred thousand repetitions.