Chapter 319
“A few days later, the Zhuyong tribe called us over, claiming they finished interpreting the ancient script.”
I quietly waited, strolling through the royal palace until they summoned me. Three members of the Zhuyong tribe sat in the library, ready to share their findings.
The content was pretty much what I already knew.
“The Dragon Flower Tree is a being that waits for ages, warming its seeds with fire beside the Treasure of the Fire Spirit. If you travel three thousand miles south across the Great Ocean, you’ll discover the legendary continent where Shennong was exiled after defeating the Emperor.”
“……”
“And the sealing place of the Fire Spirit is located at the largest mountain in that continent. If you break through the seal and the guardian, you can obtain the seeds of the Dragon Flower Tree.”
Dongbang Mu-gyeol’s face twisted in disbelief, while Baek Won-sangma simply looked stunned. To them, it must’ve sounded like an utterly absurd fairy tale. Nevertheless, the explanation continued undeterred.
“There’s also a story about the pure Sacred Lotus of ancient times. It’s probably related to your White Lotus Sect’s Sacred Lotus.”
At that, Dongbang Mu-gyeol shot me a sideways glance. The Zhuyong tribe kept going despite my silence.
“This pure Sacred Lotus of primordial times takes the form of a Black and White Lotus blooming near the ruins of Xuyou. The ruins of Xuyou lie in the mountains where the Great Sovereign of the Three Sovereigns, Jeon Wook, last left evidence of his water control abilities. You can also obtain a powerful treasure from Xuyou while you’re at it.”
Dongbang Mu-gyeol looked shocked.
“Black and White Lotus, you say…?”
“Just like the ones you gave us.”
All eyes turned to me at once, and Dongbang Mu-gyeol stared at me, dumbfounded, before glaring with anger. “Who… are you?”
“……”
“You say you have an improved version of the Sacred Lotus? Why would you need to lie about that… No way, if you got the primordial Black and White Lotus, then you must be—!”
Being the greatest physician, Dongbang Mu-gyeol was sharp. He seemed to quickly piece together the truth, but I casually responded to the Zhuyong tribe instead.
“You have terrible taste. Was it necessary to get me into this mess?”
“Hey!”
Dongbang Mu-gyeol stared me down, radiating killing intent, but I paid no mind. The Zhuyong tribe replied coldly.
“We are merely carrying out our assignment.”
“So now you have to complete my request too.”
“Already done.”
Thud!
In the blink of an eye, Dongbang Mu-gyeol and Baek Won-sangma collapsed forward, their faces pale and eyes bulging in shock. I hurried over to check their pulse; they were physically fine but completely unconscious.
“Mental Suppression?”
[Our tribe can suppress the minds of lesser beings. Even if their mental strength is strong, the three of us can easily manage that.]
It seemed the Zhuyong tribe had no intention of hiding, casually taking out a set of traditional attire. I frowned as I observed them.
“You really startled me. If I had fought Dongbang Mu-gyeol here, things would have gotten messy.”
[Not my problem.]
“Phew…”
I smirked wryly.
A few days prior, I had approached the Zhuyong tribe with two requests. One of them was to help me deal with Dongbang Mu-gyeol’s group. My request was to incapacitate them the moment the interpretation was done, and the tribe had done splendidly. I didn’t know if it was sorcery or a special ability, but their mental prowess was impressive.
After glancing down at the unconscious forms of Dongbang Mu-gyeol and Baek Won-sangma, I said, “Additional request. Please erase their memories.”
[You really ask for the weirdest things. Do you think we’re your minions?]
“I’ll pay you handsomely, so please. Otherwise, I’ll be forced to eliminate them.”
[Got it.]
I then watched the Zhuyong tribe implant fake memories into their minds as I listened to their responses under hypnosis, confirming that the false memories had taken root. I placed all three of them inside the wooden armor, intending to release them when I saw fit.
When I took out another pair of Black and White Lotus, the Zhuyong tribe spoke up.
[Take out another pair.]
“What do you mean?”
[It means I’m agreeing to your request to have you learn the language of the Southern Barbarians.]
“Ah!”
I pulled out another pair of Black and White Lotus as instructed. The Zhuyong tribe raised their hand and placed it on my forehead, chanting a bizarre spell. It was definitely a language unique to the otherworldly beings, something beyond human pronunciation.
Whooooom
A green light swirled around my brow and then faded.
“……!!”
In the next moment, I realized I could speak Southern Barbarian fluently. It felt as if I had grown up speaking it. The Zhuyong tribe, staring at me intently, tested out my newfound skill with a question in Southern Barbarian.
“Do you understand what I’m saying? The king of the Ayutthaya Empire is Naresuen, and are you aware that he is the Black Prince?”
“Of course. I know the Black Prince Naresuen very well.”
“Good.”
As I responded fluently in Southern Barbarian, the Zhuyong tribe gathered up the Black and White Lotus, looking as if they had completed their task. It was a bit chilly, making me feel slightly disappointed, but the Zhuyong tribe did indeed fulfill their end of the deal.
Who else could take down three Peak Experts in an instant?
Not even a Dharma Guardian could claim such feats.
‘They’re quite useful.’
Both the prophet and this tribe were highly competent. As I mentally praised the Zhuyong tribe, the member beside me spoke up.
[Follow us. We will allow you to use the Tower of Muwang.]
It seemed they had a basic trait of handling everything in one go. After all, even the prophet from Astana seemed to prioritize efficiency and speed. I waved my hands in refusal.
“No, just wait a moment. I need to meet with Naresuen.”
[We don’t have time to waste here. How long do you expect us to wait?]
“I’m not sure, but I have something crucial to discuss. Just a little longer, please.”
[……]
After some murmuring among themselves, they nodded.
[Finish in a day and come back here.]
“Understood.”
I exited the room and informed the Imperial Guards that I had come to see Naresuen. In less than a moment, Naresuen arrived at the throne.
When I looked, Naresuen stood with Sawasvati.
“I don’t see Dongbang Mu-gyeol. What happened?”
“There was a bit of conflict, so I temporarily subdued him.”
“……”
He fell silent, resting his chin on his hand.
“It’s not my concern, but make sure it doesn’t cause us trouble.”
“I can handle it more thoroughly than you might think.”
“I like that fighting spirit. Be sure to keep that promise.”
“Is there even a need to question? “
Nareshun seemed to have already inferred from reports that I had ‘handled’ Dongbang Mu-gyeol. However, Dongbang Mu-gyeol was not someone he necessarily had to protect, so it was brushed off. Clearly, negotiating with me mattered far more than that.
‘Had I not mentioned this days ago, it could have been dangerous.’
If I hadn’t shown the obsidian and discussed matters beforehand, Naresuen might have thought touching Dongbang Mu-gyeol was akin to messing with his guest. This could have resulted in a bloody conflict right here. Thankfully, due to my persuasion, this moment could pass peacefully. The effect of my political persuasion was evident.
Nareshuen spoke up.
“To be frank, I don’t consider the memory you’ve shown me to be the absolute truth. Therefore, I don’t trust you entirely. You understand that, right?”
I nodded.
“Of course.”
“However, it is true that I felt the direction we need to head toward in your memory, and I have a hunch that you will play an important role in this process. So for now, let’s mutually utilize each other for our benefits.”
“Yes.”
Though it was a very political exchange, I considered this agreement sufficient. Regardless, it meant he did not consider me a foe. Despite being suspicious of me, he clearly felt a significant weight regarding the Great Ming Empire’s ambitions.
Nareshuen likely intended to use me as a pawn on this chessboard.
‘If he intends to use me, I’ll play along for now. After all, that’s his business.’
While I was lost in thought, Nareshuen continued.
“The one I wish to introduce you to is a technician from the west.”
“A technician?”
“He washed ashore after a shipwreck and has interpreted the firearms technology that western merchants kept hidden, handing it over to us. He’s also a master of metallurgy. Thanks to him, we made great advancements in firearm technology.”
As Nareshuen spoke, he raised his hand, and the door opened, revealing a young man walking in.
He had brown hair and blue eyes—clearly a Colorful-eyed Person. He blinked and spoke in Central Plains language.
“Nice to meet you.”
As I glanced at him, Naresuen encouraged.
“He showed great interest when I mentioned you. Speak to him in Central Plains language.”
“……”
“You can discuss firearms freely.”
I felt at a loss. Even if he asked me to speak in Central Plains language, what on earth was I supposed to say? It was clear that asking him to teach me firearms technology wouldn’t be possible, and even if I did, I wouldn’t understand anyway—besides, I had to consider the scrutiny from Naresuen.
If Mangnyang were here, he might have caught on to Naresuen’s intentions in this situation, but I struggled to grasp it.
The young man from the west tilted his head and shrugged.
“I guess you have nothing to say. So I’ll just take my leave…”
“Wait a moment.”
I desperately racked my brain. What could I possibly say to this western technician whose name I didn’t even know? I felt like Naresuen had set me up for something absurd. A bead of sweat dripped from my forehead as an idea suddenly struck me.
“What do you think about this?”
Slide
I suddenly pulled out the Golden Eagle and presented it to him, immediately regretting it.
‘What was I thinking?’
The Golden Eagle was a Demon Artifact. There’s no way a western technician would recognize it, right? As my face went red with embarrassment, I suddenly heard him gasping in awe.
“No way.”
A low, sinister voice flowed from the mouth of the young man standing in front of me.
[Why do you possess the lamp of Alhazred?]
“Huh?”
At that moment, I realized that his words weren’t in the human tongue. It was the language of an otherworldly being—one I recognized well from multiple encounters. Perhaps realizing his slip, the young man flashed a grin.
“Sounds like we might be business partners. Why don’t you tell me how you acquired that item?”
“B-Business partners?”
“Don’t play dumb. You can’t hide things like that.”
The young man appeared oddly excited.
In that moment, I deduced his true nature.
‘This guy is a Demon Sorcerer!’
Realizing it as soon as he laid eyes on the Golden Eagle, and knowing its maker, not to mention speaking in the language of otherworldly beings, all pointed to him borrowing powers from the Old Ruler—he was clearly a malevolent sorcerer!
Evidently, he mistakenly thought I was also a Demon Sorcerer who would share the origins of the Golden Eagle with him.
As I pondered my words carefully, I said, “First, why don’t you tell me your name? Then I’ll think about it.”
“You’re a bother. Are all Orientals like this?”
The young man frowned but then replied, “Philippus Aureolus Theophrastus Bombastus von Hohenheim.”
“……”
The name was a mouthful—better suited for mispronunciation. I would have preferred the language of the otherworldly beings instead.
“Just call me Philippus Paracelsus.”
Quite the peculiar name for a Westerner, indeed. When I glanced at Naresuen, he chuckled as if he had expected this.
“A name difficult to pronounce.”
“I see.”
Paracelsus, appearing a bit impatient, said, “I don’t really care about how you got that. Let’s exchange secrets.”
“Sorry, but that’s not something I can trade.”
“Tsk… how useless.”
He snapped and turned away.
“I’ll be around this kingdom for a while, so come find me when you’re interested.”
Poof
Just like that, he vanished without a trace. Naresuen remarked, clearly unfazed.
“Figured he’d behave that way.”
“He’s a wicked being in league with the otherworldly. Dangerous.”
As I pointed out this aspect of the Westerner, Naresuen interlocked his fingers while sitting on the throne.
“So what? Either way, he’s an extraordinary technician and metallurgist who can be of great help to our Ayutthaya. We should utilize him as long as we can.”
“……”
“The Emperor of the Great Ming likely thinks the same. However, he seems to have been swayed by that ‘Alchemist’ due to his growing ambitions.”
Naresuen murmured before continuing.
“It seems fate didn’t align for you this time. Try again next time.”
“Yes.”
I replied and stepped back from Naresuen. My mind was in a whirlwind.
‘Is this what being a ruler is like?’
Naresuen didn’t strike me as evil, yet he was utilizing Paracelsus for the sake of his kingdom’s prosperity. It seemed he had already suspected Paracelsus as a Demon Sorcerer borrowing power from the otherworldly. Perhaps the reason he introduced me to Paracelsus was to stimulate him further and draw out deeper secrets.
It was all part of a calculated scheme, but such precision can also be dangerous. Naresuen appeared smarter than the current Emperor of the Great Ming, yet it was hard to predict when he might be swayed by a Demon Sorcerer to wreak havoc upon the world. Although he was likely to avoid using malevolent methods like human sacrifice, I had no idea what choices he might make when his nation was in jeopardy.
I headed back to the Zhuyong tribe. There was no longer anything for me to do here.
“Let’s go.”
“Alright.”
As I followed the Zhuyong tribe, it confirmed what Dongbang Mu-gyeol mentioned before—the ruins of giants appeared before me. These were the ancient remnants belonging to the descendants of Shennong, the Flame Emperor from the legends of the Three Sovereigns—figures like Chi You, Guobao, Gong Gong, and Hyeong Cheon.
The ruins themselves seemed to take the form of a tower without windows. Made of pitch-black, hole-riddled stone, the tower was colossal. As I gazed at the Tower of Muwang from a distance, the Zhuyong tribe gestured for me to follow.
Once we entered the tower, I discovered a hollow space inside resembling a cavern. However, the view was obscured from the outside due to a green gemstone partition. When I curiously touched the partition, the Zhuyong tribe warned me.
“Inside lies a sealed God. Don’t touch it.”
“A God?”
“There’s a separate, grand seal. Just don’t interact with it. If a single giant awakens, we’ll be in trouble.”
As the Zhuyong tribe mumbled in caution, they suddenly began spiraling up the staircase of the Tower of Muwang. With no desire to earn their ire by dawdling, I had no choice but to follow.
“This way.”
Upon reaching the top of the tower, dozens of Zhuyong tribe members, who had already arrived, stared at me, faces devoid of emotion, sending chills down my spine. They all simultaneously let out a mighty shout.
“……!!”
Moments later, I found myself enveloped in light, landing in a strange place.
‘What? Just a moment ago there were so many Zhuyong tribe members…’
Now, there wasn’t a single one in sight!
As I shook off my dizziness and walked outside, only one member of the Zhuyong tribe awaited me. He spoke.
“You’ve used half of your single-use pass. Inform me when you wish to return.”
“What do you mean?”
“You don’t know the function of the Tower of Muwang?”
“No.”
The member stared at me in disbelief before replying.
“Go outside the tower. You’ll understand.”
Following his advice, I descended the spiral staircase and stepped out of the Tower of Muwang. What lay before me was an expansive, barren plain.
“Gasp!”
This place was utterly new.
A new continent.
‘I see! The Fire Spirit is here.’
In that instant, I realized the function of the Tower of Muwang.
It allowed for spatial movement from one [Tower] to another, existing all over the world! This must be the southernmost continent where the Fire Spirit resides, and I had just instantaneously traveled from the Southern Barbarians to this land.
