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“Why do I feel like this was not in the brochure?”

We moved to the village where Master Mangnyang was, per Mangnyang’s request. Of course, Heavenly Secret didn’t forget to ask about the Pine Forest. Upon entering the village, Cheon Woo-jin looked at us and said, “What’s the trouble this time?”

“I’m here for some urgent advice for my Master.”

“And those folks?”

As Cheon Woo-jin glanced our way, Jin So-cheong introduced herself. “I am Jin So-cheong from the Thunder God Lineage. Pleased to meet you.”

“Hmm, another martial artist, eh?” Cheon Woo-jin muttered reluctantly.

“Just stay quiet. My Master seems to have a lot on his plate lately.”

“What do you mean, Priest?” Mangnyang asked, and Cheon Woo-jin sighed.

“The Overlord’s star has moved. Your older brother hasn’t been reading the Heavenly Secrets?”

“Been too busy to even think about it.”

“From the looks of the constellation shifting, it appears something big is about to go down. The Masters of Celestial Realm are definitely keeping an eye on it, and it looks like many requests are coming in for the Guardian’s attention.”

“Oh, is that so…” I overheard their conversation and couldn’t help but ask Cheon Woo-jin, “What’s this Overlord’s star all about?”

He shot me a glare for a moment but then explained. “You know well enough the constellation consists of 3 principals and 28 stars. And these stars have been changing throughout history for eons. Amongst this chaos is a unique star that helps the North Star maintain balance. The astronomers call it the Overlord’s star, and when it shifts, huge changes occur in the world.”

“Never heard of that before…” Just then, it felt like Mangnyang wanted to hurry me along.

“Let’s go. No time to waste.” We followed Mangnyang to the shrine dedicated to Master Mangnyang. He shot me a side glance and said, “Bring out the Crystal Stele and the Portrait Immortal.”

“Uh? I don’t mind, but isn’t it dangerous if I take them out, given the Alchemist’s tracking skills?”

“Don’t worry, just do it.”

Whoosh! I pulled out the Crystal Stele and the Portrait Immortal from my wooden armor as commanded. The three Portrait Immortals lined themselves up under the massive Crystal Stele. Jin So-cheong, who was watching, exclaimed in surprise, “What on Earth are these? Who are all these people…”

“I’ll explain later. For now, let’s just follow Mangnyang’s orders.”

“Hmm.” Mangnyang calmly inspected the Crystal Stele and the Portrait Immortal before moving to the front of the shrine, addressing it respectfully.

“Master, your disciple Mangnyang has come to see you. Today, I come with a mighty question.” The answer didn’t come.

The silence was deafening, as if Master Mangnyang had never existed at all. Unfazed by the quiet, Mangnyang pressed on, “I know the reincarnation of Baek Woong is puzzling. You hesitate to reveal your true self due to this unease. I learned of Baek Woong’s past through his deeds yet if he were indeed cursed, wouldn’t avoiding it be a good idea? He possesses a heart and will for justice. That’s why I can risk my life in solidarity with him. Isn’t confronting problems and giving it your all the path of the sorcerer?”

Even after saying that, there was still no reply.

Mangnyang sighed deeply and continued, “If this is the case, I intend to take a gamble myself. Here I have the Crystal Stele and Portrait Immortal, which can produce a Philosopher’s Stone; I wish to offer them up to the Guardians of the Borderlands. In return, I hope you can enlighten me on my curiosity.”

“……!!” I was taken aback.

Of course, I had mentioned that if there was no time or luxury to study the Crystal Stele and Portrait Immortal, it would be better to just offer them up. But to do that right here to Master Mangnyang? Just then, something incredible happened.

Rumble, rumble, rumble!

Suddenly, the massive Crystal Stele disintegrated into powder from the top down. It only took the blink of an eye for a stele that sized to turn to dust, and soon the Portrait Immortals that lay beside it were sucked into a bizarre distortion of space and vanished.

It looked as if something was [devouring] the offerings.

As I witnessed the bizarre spectacle in silence, a deep voice echoed through the hall.

[My human disciple, Mangnyang. The secret to the world you desire obviously requires a price that’s worth pondering. To be frank, you’d need about a hundred human lives to establish a balance.]

A voice entirely different from before.

But we instinctively realized it was indeed Master Mangnyang’s voice. The moment we heard it, Mangnyang’s face lit up. After a moment, Master Mangnyang spoke.

[However, considering that you are my disciple, I will accept this offering. You need not worry about the repercussions that may follow.]

“Thank you, Master.”

[Now, ask your questions.]

His tone was peculiar, almost like he already knew what Mangnyang would ask.

Mangnyang spoke up, “Is the current history of the Central Plains distorted by the Old Ruler, the Non-Birth Mother?”

[Indeed.]

Upon hearing that, Mangnyang and I both displayed expressions of shock.

Could it be true? The deity of the White Lotus Sect, the Non-Birth Mother, was the Old Ruler who altered the history of this world! Master Mangnyang continued, almost mockingly.

[As the history of the Central Plains shifted due to the White Lotus Sect, so did the history of Goryeo and Dongyoung as well…]

“Then can we consider the White Lotus Sect as being part of the Old Ruler’s influence?”

[Not quite.]

Master Mangnyang paused before elaborating.

[You may not know this, but those referred to as the Old Rulers are not on the same level. There’s a distinct hierarchy among them, with significant gaps in power. The Non-Birth Mother is a tremendously strong presence and, in truth, cares very little about the Mortal Realm. She is an Outer God.]

“What’s an Outer God?”

[Even the Old Rulers worship and hold reverence for these high beings. They have no interest in humanity whatsoever.]

Suddenly, a black cat appeared in the hall. It was the embodiment of Master Mangnyang that I had only seen in dreams. Perhaps it was too tedious to speak, so it seemed it opted to send its avatar to communicate instead.

The cat spoke, [The founder of the White Lotus Sect was a highly cultivated high monk. During the Man Tang period, when humanity was corrupt and the common folk suffered unbearably, he agonized greatly. Yearning for a power beyond human reach, he created the White Lotus Sect with the conviction that he could guide the world to nirvana using that power.]

With help from the Outer God, the Non-Birth Mother, he was granted a spell that harnessed her abilities.

[Hence, the Non-Birth Mother, whom they venerate, probably doesn’t even know of the existence of the White Lotus Sect among humans. She has no need for worship. She simply grants magical protection and blessings because humanity desperately calls out for it. I don’t believe that can be called an influence.]

Listening to this, I found myself confused and asked, “Hold on a minute. That seems weird.”

[What’s weird?]

“Aren’t the Old Rulers supposed to take offerings of human bodies or souls to grant power in return? Why does the Non-Birth Mother provide strength without any offerings?”

The cat tilted its head in curiosity and said, [I find that strange as well. Why should she care?]

“What?”

[The being humans call the Non-Birth Mother possesses the power to destroy three thousand worlds with just a single word of her tongue. Though the Old Rulers have their limits, she does not, for she embodies infinite power. It’s mere amusement for her.]

“……!!”

Mangnyang shuddered. His face showed a fear he had never exhibited before. Trembling and stuttering, he said, “You don’t mean… Master…”

[That’s right. ‘That’ being.]

“No way… as I thought…”

As Mangnyang wore a somber expression, the cat approached him gently. It pawed at Mangnyang’s trousers, saying, [Don’t worry. That existence is not aware of this world. It merely slumbers in chaos. The White Lotus Sect doesn’t directly receive her powers; they utilize the tiniest fragment of that power without understanding it. Your concern is overly paranoid.]

“I see… thank you.” Mangnyang let out a great sigh of relief.

[However, your concern isn’t unwarranted. If the original teachings left behind by the White Lotus Sect’s founder were comprehended completely by the sect, it could pose a danger.]

Well, that being also founded Zen Buddhism, and so the Non-Birth Mother’s scriptures are probably scattered throughout every kind of irregular method in the world. I believe there won’t be any worries for about a thousand years.]

I interjected with a question. “How is it dangerous? If one simply recites the Non-Birth Mother’s complete text, will the Outer God descend?”

[No, it would end.]

“What would end?”

[Simply everything would end. No need to ponder further.]

“……!!” I gasped in disbelief.

So the deity they worship, the Non-Birth Mother of the White Lotus Sect, was actually such a dangerous being?!

‘But why does it seem like they’re talking about something so lofty that it’s actually less concerning…’

I think Mangnyang had a vague idea of what the Non-Birth Mother was. Realizing this was a greatly hidden secret, he seemed determined to offer up sacrifices just to uncover the reality as a Great Immortal.

The avatar of Master Mangnyang, the cat, leaped up onto the shrine and said, [By the way, it’s been a while, Miho. Are things going well?]

With a swish, the form that hung around my neck transformed into the beautiful figure of Miho. She looked at the cat and, with an annoyed voice, said, “Master Mangnyang! Mind your own business! Have you done anything for me to poke your nose around?”

[That may be true. Yet I worry about that adorable little fox from the Celestial Realm.]

“Ugh, you old man…” Miho seemed to pout but decided to let it go. With her arms crossed, she said, “Hey! Since we’re at it, how about a little extra generosity?”

[What do you mean?]

“I’m sorry, but the Portrait Immortal stuff can’t compare to the Crystal Stele, which can create the ultimate Philosopher’s Stone. Are you seriously going to just give us one piece of information and call it a day? If you really care for your disciple, then give a little more help!”

I couldn’t believe Miho had the audacity to talk to Master Mangnyang like that. Given what I knew, Master Mangnyang was a powerful guardian of the Celestial Realm; treating him with such impudence could cost someone their life. I nearly feared she might earn her 14th death here.

But the cat merely lounged on the shrine roof and said, [I would have granted the blessing of Great Creation had you brought the genuine Philosopher’s Stone, but having only the method holds no value. While it is indeed an excellent sacred text, the offering is insufficient.]

“Sooo, you’re not the Taishang Laojun, but a lunatic who disregards even the Jade Emperor’s command? Can’t you just dismiss those offering needs?”

[Hmm…]

When Miho remarked harshly, the cat seemed to drift into contemplation. Then, it addressed Mangnyang.

[Well then, my disciple Mangnyang, I have two proposals for you; would you care to hear?]

“Speak, Master.” The following words stunned everyone in the hall.

[You are soon to meet your death.]

“I see.”

[You can extend your lifespan while receiving a weakened blessing, or would you rather come to terms with your fate and allow me to channel the blessing to others?]

Mangnyang is fated to die! What the heck does that mean?!

I erupted. “What the bloody hell! Why would Mangnyang die?”

The cat’s figure blurred, disappearing and reappearing elsewhere, making it impossible for me to grab it. The cat fixed its unfeeling gaze on me and said, [Mangnyang’s destiny has naturally surpassed that of the human age. However, entangled in the fate of the White Lotus Sect, your fate, and other distorted powers, his remaining time now drastically shrinks. Death is looming within two years.]

“……!!”

Master Mangnyang delivered that statement like a piercing judgment.

[And so it will remain as long as you are present.]

The moment I heard that, I couldn’t utter a single word.

‘Could it be that by pulling Mangnyang in, I’m making him unable to enjoy his destiny?’

That did seem plausible. By opposing the White Lotus Sect, the Martial World, and even the Imperial Palace, we were constantly placing ourselves in danger. It was only natural for me to fall like a fragile insect, thereby making Mangnyang bear equal risks. But to receive such a fatal decree from the existence of a Great Immortal felt weighty.

Then Mangnyang spoke up.

“Master, I choose the latter.”

“……!!” I tried to say something, but Jin So-cheong, who had been quietly observing, silenced me as she placed her hand over my mouth. Mangnyang then continued.

[Are you truly fine with this?]

“Absolutely.”

[If you choose to abandon Baek Woong and seek a different master now, you’ll be able to enjoy your original lifespan fully. Furthermore, you can fully apply your skills as an adviser to your heart’s content. Yet, you choose the latter?]

“Without a doubt. I’ve made my choice, so Master, please don’t hesitate.”

[…Very well.]

Whoosh!

[I grant the blessing of Great Creation. May it serve you well.]

With those words, Master Mangnyang vanished.

I stood there vacantly, feeling the sunset bearing down on me.

Mangnyang wiped his forehead, grumbling, “Man, it’s hot.”

I stared at him, completely dumbfounded. “What in the world…?”

The revelation that Mangnyang’s life had only a few years left shook me to the core. I could only glare at Jin So-cheong, gritting my teeth.

“You stopped me! Why was that?!”

A powerful Lion’s Roar reverberated through the air.

If Jin So-cheong hadn’t stepped in at that moment, I would have undoubtedly thrown a tantrum, demanding Mangnyang’s lifespan be extended! But thanks to Jin So-cheong, I was rendered powerless. Then Jin So-cheong solemnly stated, “He asked me not to let you.”

“What?…”

“Yes, that’s correct. Mangnyang asked me to stop you.”

Mangnyang spoke with calm certainty. I couldn’t comprehend. “All you had to do was extend your lifespan! What’s the deal with this blessing? Why does that even matter?! What’s the issue? You just have to stay alive!”

It didn’t matter if I bled out in some quest. As long as Mangnyang lived on, that was enough.

I was on the brink of emotional upheaval, my throat tightened, expressions distorted, warmth numbing my sensibilities as tears rolled down my face. I had never cried so ugly before, unable to hold my emotions back. Yet I knew, deep down, that begging for his life was probably not what Mangnyang truly wanted.

“Why can you be so nonchalant about your own death…”

Mangnyang pressed his fingers against his temple and said, “Well, it’s because I’m with you.”

“Huh…?”

“If I were to uselessly fear death, I’d struggle to earn your trust, given you’re someone who repeatedly faces death. It’s just that simple.”

“……!!”

Mangnyang brushed away my hand and calmly insisted, “There’s no guarantee I’ll die. Destiny is fluid and can change; if you offer the appropriate gifts later, I may yet extend my lifespan. The Taishan Duke ritual exists in Dongyoung, after all, right, Miho?”

When Mangnyang mentioned Miho, she nodded.

“Indeed.”

Mangnyang chuckled. “That’s the way it is.”

“That’s how it is?” Mangnyang firmly took hold of my hand.

“Of course! What we need to do now isn’t to waste time wailing but to prepare to win with everything we’ve got!”

“…Understood!”

Hearing Mangnyang’s words rekindled my spirit.

Now things were different!

Per Mangnyang’s advice, I could strategically use the blessing of Great Creation, and then search for artifacts or sacred texts that might extend Mangnyang’s lifespan!

With that, we accepted the blessing of Great Creation and made our way back to Jinrang Valley.

 

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