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0142 ———————————————-

Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors

I returned to Jinrang Valley with Mangnyang. After arriving and leaving the humans trapped in the wooden armor, Mangnyang remarked with curiosity, “Is it true that time flows differently inside that wooden armor?” “It seems almost to stop,” I replied. “That’s not bad then. Let’s talk it over first and then decide.” Mangnyang settled down on the porch in front of the thatched house to collect his thoughts for a moment before adding, “Baek Woong, since you’ve received the blessing of Xiang Yu, has anything changed?” “Not really…” I replied, feeling a twinge of unease.

The blessing from Xiang Yu didn’t sound like a good thing. Xiang Yu! He was the strongest general, sovereign, and slaughterer in history. He had only lost in a frontal battle when the entire country was wavering, and his army was practically undefeated. Plus, there was the Battle of Pengcheng, where he defeated tens of thousands with just 30,000 troops. Xiang Yu could be deemed the strongest in history as a martial artist, strategist, and field commander. However, he was simultaneously the most dreadful slaughter machine.

He had committed massacres tens of times with the casualness of having a meal, often burying villagers alive or roasting them over fires. He was a terrifying monster who buried millions alive just for venting his anger and setting an example during that era. Some historians evaluated that it was nearly impossible to find humanity or compassion in him. A slaughter machine devoid of human feelings! That was the current assessment of Xiang Yu by historians. Knowing that, accepting the ruthless blessing from him with joy was out of the question.

Mangnyang watched my expression and said, “I think we should observe the situation. If you feel you can’t handle the blessing, the only option left is to return it through an Offering Ceremony.” “Offering Ceremony?” “Xiang Yu is currently bestowing his blessing on you in exchange for the Offering Ceremony’s ritual. This creates a contractual relationship based on mutual agreement. You can’t be released until you fully enjoy Xiang Yu’s blessing to his satisfaction. Therefore, we should hold an Offering Ceremony equivalent to that of the Water Element to ask Xiang Yu to take back his blessing.” “Couldn’t I just tell Xiang Yu to take his blessing back?”

At that, Mangnyang sighed. “Any ordinary immortal would accept that proposal without hesitation. However, this is Xiang Yu we’re talking about. He might unleash a tremendous curse on you due to grievance or whim. It’s better to negotiate politely and avoid that risk.” “…”

It was the first time I felt this uneasy despite having received a divine blessing. As my expression soured, Mangnyang changed the topic. “By the way, I have something I’m curious about.” “What is it?” “If, as you say, it reached the thirteenth cycle, it means there was no Eight Trigrams Diagram of the Imperial Palace.” “Huh?”

Mangnyang pointed out something I hadn’t expected at all. As my eyes widened, Mangnyang calmly continued, “According to your statement, the Portrait Immortal could unify the world as soon as he’s completed. Yet at this point, the Portrait Immortal has barely drawn up a draft, and it could take years to complete. If the Eight Trigrams Diagram stolen from the Balhae Empire existed in the Imperial Palace, the alchemist or Zhuge Bu would have immediately completed the Portrait Immortal.” “Hmm… It’s possible that the Trigrams don’t have that power.” “Unlikely. The Eight Trigrams given by Fuxi during the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors era symbolize tremendous power and are certainly not inferior to the Philosopher’s Stone.”

Mangnyang fixed his gaze directly on me and asked, “How much do you know about the Eight Trigrams?” “Hmm… Just enough to study the True Book of Divination and the Book of Tai Chi.” “Then let me instruct you on the deeper aspects of the ‘power’ of the Eight Trigrams.”

Mangnyang seemed ready to discuss in earnest, fetching water from the gourd. He gulped it down. “The Book of Changes is a foundational text studied by all sorcerers. You know that it fundamentally explores 64 hexagrams and understands the world’s patterns through the intersection of Yang and Yin.” “Okay.”

“Why do sorcerers study the Book of Changes and the Eight Trigrams?” I thought carefully about Mangnyang’s question before answering, “Because of transformation, unchanging nature, and simplicity. By thinking about what must be done, what should not be done, and how to proceed, we can grasp the present, past, and future.”

Mangnyang seemed impressed. “Indeed, you’ve studied sorcery quite well. It’s rare to find someone who can answer just like that.” “I just recited what’s written in the book.” “Now, do you also know the Song of the Eight Trigrams?” “Um… I don’t remember it well, but I think it went like this:

In the Heaven hexagram all are connected;

In the Earth hexagram it’s split into six parts;

The Zhen hexagram is a vessel facing up,

And the Kan hexagram is an inverted vessel.

Li hexagram has an empty center,

While the Gen hexagram is full in the middle;

The Tui hexagram has a missing top,

And the Sun hexagram is cut off below.”

Mangnyang nodded. “That’s the fundamental principle for studying the Eight Trigrams, the Three Refined Masters’ Great Sage principles.” “Hmm.”

“The Eight Trigrams are fundamentally organized according to precise principles. They encapsulate both Yin-Yang numbers and constants, and the ‘image’ and ‘number’ are inseparably linked. This is termed as Image-Number Studies.” Having explained that, Mangnyang made a shocking statement. “Anyone who comprehends the ‘image’ of the Book of Changes and the Eight Trigrams can dominate space, while those who comprehend the ‘numbers’ can dominate time.” “……!!”

“This information is hidden from simple folk in divination texts but is indeed true. The masters of the Eight Trigrams all unlock abilities related to the Upper Dantian, which concern ‘time’ or ‘space.’” Mangnyang drank another sip of water.

“The Eight Trigrams contain an intensely [pure power], which sorcerers are often drawn to. From illusion techniques to puppet techniques, long-life techniques, rituals, alchemical techniques, transformation techniques, summoning techniques—none can escape the principles and power of the Eight Trigrams. It isn’t an exaggeration to say that it’s fundamentally essential to all sorcery.” “Is it really that powerful…?”

“It’s funny, but among those who claim to be upper-tier or top-tier sorcerers, very few truly understand the Eight Trigrams. They possess formidable strength yet are incredibly intricate and difficult to master, so most take decades or centuries to barely scratch the surface of the Trigrams.” Mangnyang wiped his lips, his gaze sharp. “Moreover, the power of the Eight Trigrams is originally not a human possession.” “What?”

“It all began when Fuxi of the ancient era, one of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors, taught humans the principles of the Eight Trigrams. As you know, the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors have become part of human history, but they are, above all, divine beings. Considering Fuxi’s stature, comparable to the primordial deities Pangu or Nüwa, the Eight Trigrams has originally been divine power.” “……!!”

“Furthermore, the Seven Luminaries Eight Trigrams Diagram is the first divine treasure containing the true principles of the Eight Trigrams as imparted by Fuxi in ancient times. Do you understand that this power is no less than the Philosopher’s Stone?” “I see…!!”

I nodded, grasping Mangnyang’s explanation. The Eight Trigrams represent the ultimate principles and philosophy, embodying [pure power]! It is a gift bestowed upon humanity by Fuxi, the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors, a truth that cannot be acquired even after thousands of years of historical living. The Seven Luminaries Eight Trigrams Diagram, existing at the ultimate pinnacle of the Eight Trigrams, must indeed be a treasure of pure power.

As I stroked my chin, I mused aloud, “The absence of the Seven Luminaries Eight Trigrams Diagram in the Imperial Palace means… the Demon Subduing Hall must have retrieved it separately.” “If, as you say, the existence of alchemists amounts to nothing more than a pawn in the Demon Subduing Hall, then that would certainly be the case.” “What should we do then?” “It adds one more reason to capture the alchemist. To find the whereabouts of the Seven Luminaries Eight Trigrams Diagram, we need to extract information from the alchemist.” “Indeed.”

Mangnyang said, “Oh, and it seems you have something you want to tell me?” “Right. I need to go somewhere for a moment.” “Where?” “There’s a strange statue inscribed with oracle bone script in the ruins of Xuyou.” “Interesting. Let’s go check it out.”

I transported Mangnyang into the wooden armor and used the Golden Lamp technique to head to the depths of the ruins of Xuyou. Once there, I took out Mangnyang and showed him the strange statue inside the cave. Mangnyang carefully examined the oracle bone inscriptions and remarked, “I think this statue represents Jeon Wook of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors.” “Jeon Wook?” “I won’t know more until I interpret the oracle bone script against ancient texts, but there are images and oracle bone scripts symbolizing Jeon Wook.”

I pulled a blank expression. “Why is a statue of the Three Sovereigns’ Jeon Wook here in the ruins of Xuyou?” “I’m not sure either.” “…”

Jeon Wook of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors! He was one of the Five Emperors responsible for the northern territories and the grandson of the Yellow Emperor. If this statue symbolizes Jeon Wook, it is indeed a peculiar thing. Why would it exist in the ruins of the Seven Luminaries? Mangnyang said, “Let’s take this statue with us. I’ll look into it.” “Please do.”

I returned to Jinrang Valley with Mangnyang. He said, “First, let’s take care of the remaining tasks.” Following his words, I first released the prisoners from the Great Thunder Valley in Jinrang Valley. People, including General Hwang Yeon, were shocked to find themselves in a different location all of a sudden. Mangnyang helped them regain their composure and began arranging their quarters just like before.

I then moved directly to Shandong, exchanged gold bars, and freed the pirate prisoners from the Central Plains. Among the captives were women in unfortunate circumstances. A one-eyed old man approached me. “My lord… I want to repay this favor…” “……” “If it’s for any being… I can definitely kill one…”

I knew he belonged to the otherworldly race and was a slave clan serving the ‘Old Ruler’ in Dark Heaven Village. His true form was that of a dog-like human. So after listening to his story, I accepted the black wooden token and said, “What do you want to say?” “Is there something you want to know…?”

I had him sit down and ordered a meal. He blinked slowly, not knowing what was happening, while I rested my chin as I waited for the noodles. “I already know you’re a dog-like human.” “……!!” The one-eyed old man’s face turned pale. As he stammered, I emitted a hint of killing intent and said, “Are you suggesting your benefactor should willingly walk to death for your sake? Are you even human?” “Ah… ahhh…”

The one-eyed old man lowered his head. He sobbed sadly, “You know everything…” “Let’s set aside the rest for now. But why haven’t your kind lived in Dark Heaven Village?” “What do you mean…” “You’re from an otherworldly race, so wouldn’t it be easier for you to go there and live freely without hiding what you really are than to live as lowly commoners in the Central Plains? After all, you are serving the ‘Old Ruler’ anyway, so it shouldn’t be hard for you to avoid trouble.”

The one-eyed old man seemed momentarily speechless. He sighed in lament, “Ahh… My lord… I don’t know how you know the secret of our Seven Kills Village, but that’s impossible.” “Why?” “Dark Heaven Village is too far away… even immortals can’t reach it… We can only survive by blending in with humans.” “That sounds troublesome…”

I pondered a bit and said, “Still, I’ll gladly accept the wooden token. I may visit if I have further needs.” “……” The one-eyed old man wore a strange expression, silently retreating.

Normal people would be baffled to receive a key to what was sure to be a trap leading to death, yet I oddly felt that if I ever met the Old Ruler in Dark Heaven Village, it wouldn’t lead to my demise. Soon after, I used the Golden Lamp technique to move near the Shadowless Gate. I visited the Shadowless Gate with Seo Mun-hye, bringing with me only the women who would start anew there. As I entered, the Sword Demon greeted me as before.

After Seo Mun-hye explained the situation to the Sword Demon, he nodded. “I see…” I quickly interjected saying, “I have work to do, so I can’t get married or anything.” “……” The Sword Demon looked somewhat taken aback. He must have been flustered since I caught on to his words. But soon he regained his composure and cleared his throat. “Ahem. Well, is there any favor you’d like me to grant?”

I had something in mind, so I asked the Sword Demon, “Do you happen to know a person named Dongbang Mu-gyeol from Heavenly Doctor?” At that, the Sword Demon wore a look of surprise. “Of course I know him. Why?” “I need to find him and plan on heading to Sichuan, so I want to know what kind of person he is.” “Dongbang Mu-gyeol, huh… hmmm.”

The Sword Demon contemplated for a moment with a hand on his chin. After a while he suddenly warned, “Don’t seek him out! He’s extremely dangerous.” “What?” “He’s like a walking bomb! It won’t do you any good to get involved with him.” “Then I need detailed information.” “All I know is that Dongbang Mu-gyeol is a madman.”

With that, both Hwa Seong-myeong and the Sword Demon, two martial arts veterans, simultaneously assessed Dongbang Mu-gyeol as a [madman]. What kind of person could instill such fear? Stumped, I wondered aloud when the Sword Demon remarked, “This is advice on behalf of my daughter’s benefactor. Just a heads-up—if you’re not careful, Dongbang Mu-gyeol might dissect you.” “……”

I exchanged trivial banter with the Sword Demon before returning to Jinrang Valley. When I arrived, Mangnyang asked me, “Did you take care of everything?” “I’ve done what needs to be done. Now we need to rescue General Hwang Yeon’s family.” “Oh, that can wait for a moment. We need to wait for things to settle down slightly.” I gazed at Mangnyang pensively and replied, “In that case, I think I’ll go take a look at Sichuan.” “Why Sichuan?”

I explained to Mangnyang the reason and circumstances behind wanting to find the Heavenly Doctor’s Dongbang Mu-gyeol. After listening, Mangnyang synthesized my words. “Indeed… you’re curious about the identity of the strange disease afflicting the Young Master of the White Lotus Sect.” “Exactly. I have a feeling it might be an important clue going forward.”

No matter how I looked at it, that strange disease was suspicious. The Sacred Lotus of the White Lotus Sect could not heal it, but the Black and White Lotus could. Plus, there were testimonies that the nature of the strange disease released by the alchemist was strikingly similar to that of the Young Master. Also, while Han Jin-seong subdued the disease with pain, ordinary humans could not. ‘I must find out.’

I had the instinct that I wouldn’t be able to move forward unless I discovered the truth behind that strange disease. “If that’s your instinct, it must be right.” “Oh, you really believe me?” “You’ve lived through thirteen rebirths, collecting countless experiences, so your instincts stem from a wealth of knowledge. I also share the belief that the White Lotus Sect isn’t unrelated to the Imperial Palace, so I think your choice is indeed correct.”

Mangnyang smiled broadly. “Then go and return safely.” Thus began my journey to Sichuan in search of the Heavenly Doctor’s Dongbang Mu-gyeol.

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