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The Fourteen Lives Have Started!

With a sudden jolt, I awakened in the barn, gripping my neck. I waited patiently for the phantom pain to subside, and as my brain finally registered reality, I reluctantly let go. It was oddly comforting to realize I had developed some tolerance for pain.

Leaning against the barn wall, I pondered, “Hmm… What was that guy trying to possess me at the end?”

The memory was vivid. It wasn’t just feeling unwell; it was near a cursed possession. Some kind of “Old Ruler” lent me power, filled the Portrait Immortal with “energy,” and then attempted to control my body to drag me into his lair.

It’s funny—what sent chills down my spine was how I felt a sense of ‘favor’ towards him. If I had completely lost my mind and body to him, I probably would have headed straight to the Old Ruler’s lair using that boil technique of his.

Just imagining what would have happened next made me shudder. Who the heck are these Old Rulers? They seem to have acted pretty whimsically compared to the Immortals.

But as of now, that possession aura and mental control were completely gone, and I was in full possession of my sanity. I muttered, “Guess the Heavenly Secret will neutralize the Old Ruler’s magic when I go back to the past.”

The more I thought about it, the more amazed I was by the Heavenly Secret. It was a simple ability to return to the past, yet it transcended all the bizarre divine treasures I had collected on my adventures. Just the fact that I could return to the past infinitely made it incredibly powerful. I realized once again what a miraculous encounter it had been to possess the Heavenly Secret.

Desperately wanting to grasp the Heavenly Secret, I paused to contemplate. My experience over the decades taught me that rushing ahead with just thoughts was not effective. I calmly considered what my most efficient course of action would be.

“Hmm. I could move a bit differently, I suppose.”

With that, I dashed out of the barn and swiftly made my way. I didn’t forget to practice the Soul Removal Technique every now and then.

“Let’s go!”

First, I needed to get the Heavenly Secret. But instead of heading to Mount Huang like last time, I quickly changed direction towards Shandong.

With the route completely flipped, the time it took to reach Shandong significantly changed. Just a few days after leaving home, I managed to breach the walls of Shandong and enter the city under the cover of night. Mentally retracing my steps, I headed for the warehouse where the Great Dragon Merchant Association’s trade goods were stored.

Before long, I found the Golden Lamp and promptly used it.

Ka-pow!

The moment I appeared, I found myself in the Great Thunder Valley’s Abyss. In the Abyss, just as before, a massive Tentacle Giant Toad was waiting there. It looked like it had been awake for days, staring blankly.

“Come forth, Yeodong-bin!”

At the same time, Yeodong-bin descended into my body.

“I will eradicate the evil!!”

Yeodong-bin let out a battle cry as he wielded my body like a sword. It seemed he always got a kick out of battling evil.

Ka-bam!

Crash—!

Before long, Yeodong-bin’s battle ended, leaving behind a shredded corpse of the Tentacle Giant Toad. I made my way to the cave behind the toad and acquired the Wooden Armor, the Twin Broadsword, and the Nine Stars Main Capital. Ascending back to the Great Thunder Valley, I chopped the bars and freed the imprisoned people.

“General Hwang Yeon. I apologize, but please step inside for just a moment.”

“Who on earth are you?!”

After convincing everyone to hop into the Wooden Armor, including General Hwang Yeon, I moved again to Mount Huang.

Ka-pow!

“Hang in there…”

Upon reaching Mount Huang, I dug up the Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng and several flowers and roots of the Black and White Lotus to stash in the Wooden Armor. Then I immediately accessed the Fortuitous Encounter Ruins, snagged a Gold Bar, and after spilling some blood on the altar, I fought the Guardian Giant Spider.

Ka-bang!

Despite my heightened prowess, the Guardian Giant Spider put up no resistance and was quickly finished off. Rudely body slamming it against a cliff, I acquired the Water Element Divine Sword and stuffed it into the Wooden Armor.

Suddenly, curiosity piqued within me.

“I wonder what else is lurking in the lair of that giant spider?”

Probably just a spider’s den, but the thought intrigued me. Grabbing a nearby torch, I began to scale down the cliff to check it out. Stepping carefully with my internal power made the descent manageable.

Grrr…

“Not a spider’s lair?”

To my surprise, the ground below wasn’t a spider’s web but rather a flat stone surface. The Giant Spider didn’t seem to scavenge on the ground but appeared to hibernate and only woke when sensing an intruder. The absence of any remnants of webs except the spot where the spider once rested caught my attention.

“Looks like the Giant Spider was artificially created from the start.”

I closely inspected the area around the stone floor and discovered a cave leading down in a corner of the cliff. I gasped, “Wait, there’s another cave here?!”

I knew this was the Seven Luminaries’ sealed Fortuitous Encounter Ruins in the Abyss, so it was no surprise. But in my fourteenth life, more stuff to dig out? I was bewildered and began to walk down the staircase of that cave.

There, unlike before, was a small chamber. It had a strange vibe illuminated by dim lights. In the center stood a statue of a middle-aged man.

“Oracle Bone Script?”

Unexpectedly, the statue had ancient Oracle Bone Script inscribed on it. Of course, since it was also archaic, I struggled to interpret it.

‘Is this for Mangnyang?’

I pondered whether to chip away at the statue or bring Mangnyang here. I realized the latter would be less burdensome and decided to leave the statue as is. Since it’s definitely human-made, Mangnyang could eventually figure it out.

I inspected the small room but found nothing else aside from the statue. It seemed this statue was erected more as a tribute and respect to someone rather than for treasure hunting.

Somewhat disappointed, I was glad to learn this new fact, and I proceeded to teleport away.

Ka-pow!

I moved to Taekyung Village and retrieved the Silver Phoenix Fragment from the Hua Clan’s study. After securing the fragment, I immediately dashed to Pirate Island.

Clip!

“Aaaah!”

It was dawn on Pirate Island. Upon my arrival, I rushed immediately into the pirate captain’s quarters and wiped out all the pirate chiefs. They tried to call for backup, but since I had snuck in while they were sleeping, taking down all three of them was a piece of cake. After defeating them, I looted the Blood Blade Group’s gold and silver treasures from the secret stash.

Swish!

“…..!!”

I darted off, silently executing all the pirates in their sleep. I wanted them to experience some grievous suffering, but having done it before, I decided this time to keep it hush-hush. I made sure to incapacitate a dozen or so pirate officers as venting material for the prisoners.

After subduing all the pirates, I moved to the northern part of Pirate Island, loaded up the gunpowder, and snagged the Yodo Muramasa from the pirate officers’ chamber. Once I believed I had collected everything worth obtaining from Pirate Island, I released Seo Mun-hye from her golden seal and allowed the pirate prisoners their time for revenge.

After the gruesome vengeance concluded, I stuffed all the pirate prisoners into the Wooden Armor and once more shifted over to Goryeo’s Gaegyeong. When I arrived in Gaegyeong, dawn was breaking, and I decided to eat something at the inn while taking a breather before tracking down Hwa Seong-myeong.

As I unexpectedly teleported into his medical hall early that morning, Hwa Seong-myeong looked shocked as if struck by lightning.

“W-What the hell?!”

“I am Baek Woong, a distant relative of the Hua Clan…”

I explained the situation and handed him the Golden Casket, like last time, before involving Jeong Cheol-wook to sort out the Goryeo prisoners. Up to this point, it had only taken about two moments of time.

Before leaving again, I asked Hwa Seong-myeong something else, as an additional question had arisen.

“Mr. Hwa Seong-myeong. Are you perhaps aware of an esteemed physician named Gang Jeon-gil, one of the Five Great Physicians?”

Hwa Seong-myeong frowned.

“Hmm, of course I know him. A guy who’s all talk and no skill.”

“…That gentleman is currently residing in the Shadowless Gate, and I happened to run into him.”

“Uh? The Shadowless Gate?”

Hwa Seong-myeong sounded incredulous.

“Why would he go there? I thought he’d go to Shaolin Temple since that was his usual jam.”

“Looks like he thinks the Shadowless Gate is more comfortable.”

“Goodness… arrogance runs deep, but I can’t blame him much.”

With a wry smile, Hwa Seong-myeong said, “So what’s the deal with him?”

“Actually, Mr. Gang Jeon-gil suspects the Young Master of the White Lotus Sect‘s condition may be due to a curse.”

“…!!”

Hwa Seong-myeong flinched in shock. His eyes sharpened.

“Please, elaborate!”

I relayed Gang Jeon-gil’s theory in full. Hwa Seong-myeong, who seemed to listen intently from beginning to end, appeared lost in thought. After a moment of silence, he finally spoke up.

“Do you genuinely wish to uncover the truth behind the curse tied to the Young Master of the White Lotus Sect?”

“Yes, indeed.”

“Well, I think just like Gang Jeon-gil. You should seek out Dongbang Mu-gyeol. Admittedly, I also consider him the best.”

Dongbang Mu-gyeol—a unique physician known as the Heavenly Doctor, unlike the other Five Great Physicians. He healed people in his own manner and set his payment whimsically. Sometimes, it cost a life or two, leading some to regard him as an enemy. While I was uncertain of what kind of person he was, based on Hwa Seong-myeong and Gang Jeon-gil‘s opinions, it seemed he possessed extraordinary medical prowess.

“Where can I find Dongbang Mu-gyeol?”

Hwa Seong-myeong licked his lips.

“Well… that old guy possesses some remarkably unique martial arts. Curiously, he didn’t come due to pressures from the Dharma Protectors, but appeared voluntarily. The Dharma Protectors likely confirmed that, so it might be true.”

“Remarkably unique martial arts? Are you saying the physician also has great martial arts skills?”

Hwa Seong-myeong nodded.

“I, too, practice martial arts at a top-tier level as the head of the Hua Clan, but Dongbang Mu-gyeol is on a different level. Even the Dharma Protectors can’t easily approach him. It could be a unique martial art from the Dongbang Clan, I’m not sure, but he’s undeniably a peak expert.”

“……!!”

A martial art even the Dharma Protectors struggle to face! If that’s the case, he truly must be one of the unmatched masters in this world. I could hardly visualize a physician cultivating martial arts to reach such proficiency, so I sighed in disbelief. Dongbang Mu-gyeol had to be a transcendent genius.

After some contemplation, Hwa Seong-myeong spoke again.

If you wish to find him, head to the Four Talents Sect in Sichuan. That’s the last trace of Dongbang Mu-gyeol I caught wind of.”

“Thank you.”

“And be careful; he truly, truly has a wild personality… No, he might be outright crazy, so keep your guard up when you meet him.”

Hwa Seong-myeong quickly cleared his throat.

“Ahem.”

“……”

I couldn’t believe that crude curse slipped out of Hwa Seong-myeong‘s mouth. It only took a memory jog to make the usually patient and composed man shudder and utter such language about Dongbang Mu-gyeol’s character.

‘…I don’t want to meet him.’

I shook my head and handed Hwa Seong-myeong a gold bar to help rejuvenate the Hua Clan. After saying my farewells, I teleported directly to Jinrang Valley.

Ka-pow!

There was the thatched house I’d seen a few times before belonging to Mangnyang.

As I peered at what he was up to, I noticed he was lazily sprawled on a bench, flipping through a book of springtime beauties. I approached him, laughing softly.

“Enjoying yourself?”

“Huh?!”

Mangnyang jumped in surprise, flustered.

“W-Who are you?”

“Just a wandering martial artist.”

“……”

I sighed a short relief. Realizing things had progressed just as planned, saving me a lot of time.

Yes.

This time, without stopping by Mount Huang, I first acquired the Heavenly Secret, and in the span of just two days, handled all the necessary affairs. I saved my visit to Mangnyang for last.

Now, while I pondered when to free the hostages, it wasn’t a huge concern. I thought it made more sense to take care of business first and meet up with Mangnyang after that, so I chose to take a different approach this life.

Finally, I took the time to explain to Mangnyang everything that had happened over my thirteen lives. Once I felt I had adequately persuaded him, I asked the most pressing question.

“…Mangnyang, how do I defeat Zhuge Bu?”

“……”

Mangnyang regarded me with an unwavering trust. Perhaps because of that, he seemed to carefully contemplate my seemingly random query.

After pondering briefly, Mangnyang replied, “Your thirteenth life was indeed quite fortunate. Had Zhuge Bu not sought to use you, you would’ve likely been killed by his Fated Destiny long ago.”

“Fated Destiny?”

“Just a single talisman touch can instantly send your soul soaring away to death. Moreover, if Zhuge Bu had activated the Treasure, Baek Woong, you would have faced dire circumstances. That’s something Zhuge Liang himself used.”

After stating that, Mangnyang’s eyes glinted.

“Let me clarify: even if we approached the situation identically this time, we would ultimately lack the power to win. Without the Old Ruler’s serendipitous blessing on your body, you likely would’ve died in the Imperial Palace with a 100% chance. Keep that in mind.”

“Hmm.”

That was something I had already contemplated, so I sighed. Defeating Zhuge Bu within the barrier he erected in the Imperial Palace was a pressing dilemma.

Mangnyang reassured me, “Of course, I do have some tactics to bring down Zhuge Bu, but we can only look into those once we’ve built sufficient strength and influence.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“Let’s not try to assassinate the emperor in Seven Kills Village by Mount Tai. Hold on to that plan for now; we’ll build the Bancheon Alliance, and you’ll assist me in the process to bolster our power over the next few years. If you try to fell a giant tree too hastily, you might just get hit by the butt end of the axe.”

“Understood.”

Mangnyang grinned, “First, let’s handle the Water Element Divine Sword‘s ritual.”

Without delay, we utilized the Golden Lamp to head to the town where Cheon Woo-jin was located. By now, burying the Heavenly Secret in the pine forest had become a regular habit. Convincing Cheon Woo-jin to emerge, as expected, was nothing new, and performing the Offering Ceremony was also expected.

Wuwuwuwuwuwu…

Cheon Woo-jin’s eyes gleamed, and soon enough, the Primordial Void Ruler descended. He eyed me with a distant gaze and remarked, [_“Something’s most curious… why do I sense my Qi?”_]

“Please pass the turn.”

[_“Okay.”_]

As the turn switched from the Primordial Void Ruler to the Queen Mother of the West, I requested her favor for Miho‘s release first, and then it led naturally to my order.

“Please exclude the Southern Flower Immortal from this.”

[_“Hmm. Understood.”_]

Wuwuung…

I expected Yeodong-bin to appear next, but curiously, the order changed this time.

The divine spirit that descended upon Cheon Woo-jin trembled as it spoke with a blunt voice, [_“I am Peng Zuo.”_]

It continued, [_“I am still alive, so I cannot bless you… I will pass my turn.”_]

“Wait? Still alive?”

Shocked, I exclaimed, “But Peng Zuo was from the Yu Shun era, wasn’t he?!”

Peng Zuo muttered indifferently, [_“I’m still alive. What are you gonna do about it?”_]

“……”

I was taken aback.

Peng Zuo, known for living from the Yu Shun era until near the end of the Yin Dynasty, was regarded as a figure symbolizing longevity. To hear he was still alive millennia later was astonishing!

‘He must be well over 3,000 years old…’

While I stood in a daze, the turn shifted again.

Paahh…

[_“I am Yi.”_]

While I heard the introduction, I didn’t quite grasp the significance.

Was there even a deity by that name?

Lost in thought, the one claiming to be Yi chuckled and placed a blessing upon me.

[_“I grant you the ability of 必仲 (Bì Zhòng).”_]

“W-Wait! What is that ability?”

[_“Anything you shoot will surely hit…”_]

I instinctively turned to Mangnyang. He seemed to grasp why I glanced at him and quickly shook his head. Just then, I hurriedly shouted to Yi.

“Sorry, but that blessing doesn’t seem to fit me. Can you change it for something else?”

[_“Hmm… Every archer in this world longs for that blessing…”_]

“But I’m not an archer; I’m a swordsman!”

Yi appeared a tad disgruntled, responding somewhat harshly, [_“Fine. If you think sword fighting sounds better, I’ll introduce you to someone fitting.”_]

Paahh!

‘I wonder if Cheon Woo-jin is up to this?’

Uneasy thoughts crept in. Having surpassed the fourth divine blessing, this was the fifth. During my last attempt, I nearly collapsed from exhaustion. If this next spirit didn’t go well, I’d have to prepare myself for the sixth round of blessings.

After a brief while, the spirit called down stepped forward.

[_“Are you the brash punk filtering the spirits?”_]

The ominous beginning set a bad tone.

It seemed word had spread through the realm of spirits that I had rejected blessings from four divine beings.

As I hesitated, unable to respond to the spirit’s words, it slowly revealed its form. Clad in ancient black armor and helmet, an imposing presence radiated from this handsome young warrior. Though he looked somewhat delicate, the threatening killer intent rolling off him was palpable.

‘Is this what a divine spirit is?’

Shivers ran down my spine. The pressure felt reminiscent of Lee Kwang or peerless masters, or even more intense than that. Usually, these spirits are beings of exceptional cultivation; this threatening and brutal aura was unlike anything I had ever encountered; it felt more like the imposing presence of a demon king.

I managed to stammer out, “I-I need power!”

The spirit’s eyes lit up.

[_“Power? What kind of power do you need?”_]

“I need a blessing that’s powerful enough to overcome an unbearable foe obstructing my path! I inadvertently have disrespected the Celestial Realm!”

I said that as an excuse, but somehow the spirit looked rather pleased with this notion.

With a smile, it spoke, [_“I like that… It’s what I enjoy the most.”_]

“Huh?”

At those words, both Mangnyang and I were taken aback.

[_“I bestow upon you the blessing of Xiang Yu.”_]

“Whaaaat!!”

“Xiang Yu!!”

Mangnyang’s eyes shot to me, urgently signaling to call it off, but by the time I reacted, the ritual had already concluded.

Thud.

As Cheon Woo-jin collapsed and fainted, a pristine white light swirled around me, and a blessing was imparted upon me.

‘Ugh… This feels… wrong…’

I stood there, utterly bewildered.

Xiang Yu, the King of Western Chu!

The god of destruction and undefeated slaughter!

A man whose bravery was renowned throughout Central Plains and had also spread his fair share of infamy—he had just blessed me.

 

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