Chapter 327
The next day, I stepped out of Jinrang Valley with Mangnyang and Jin So-cheong. Cheon Woo-jin decided to stay behind, sealing Zhuge Sa in order to protect the valley.
After entering the city of Luoyang using the technique Beating the Golden Lamp, we each found our accommodations. Mangnyang ordered a cup of tea at an inn and said, “Just as we discussed yesterday, I plan to meet Han Baek-ryeong today.”
“The rush is to slow down the Fire Spirit Techniques’ response, right?” I asked.
“Exactly. It’s only been a day or two since the incident broke, so now is the best time. The Fire Spirit Techniques have probably caught wind of the news but haven’t grasped the details, making it the ideal moment for negotiation.”
With that, Mangnyang continued, “It’s foolish to negotiate with someone who is well-informed about the situation. The best opponents are those who scratch their heads due to vague information. We must act before they have the full picture.”
Since we’d already discussed everything yesterday, I nudged the conversation to ensure we were all prepared for any eventuality. I glanced at Jin So-cheong, thinking, ‘Well, having Jin So-cheong around is reassuring.’
Honestly, I couldn’t gauge Jin So-cheong’s current skill level accurately right now. Even if Han Baek-ryeong decided to go full force, I believed Jin So-cheong would somehow handle it.
Sure, gaining martial arts skills in just a month seemed excessive, but that wasn’t the case. Jin So-cheong possessed a blessed talent that allowed her to absorb over a century’s worth of my martial knowledge and experience. Effectively, Jin So-cheong now benefited from the equivalent of over ten years of intense training.
Just to be safe, I asked, “Mangnyang, what are your thoughts on Han Baek-ryeong?”
“What do you mean? She’s a monster level expert who’s become a Half-Transition Master.”
“Not that kind of question. Do you think you could become her companion in the future?”
Although I hadn’t outright clashed with Han Baek-ryeong, I had received her assistance several times in past lives. Who knows? Maybe I could share the obsidian with her too.
“Hmm…” Mangnyang thought for a moment, seemingly caught off guard by my question. Then he replied, “It’s possible. However, there are uncertain factors that prevent me from making a definite statement.”
“Uncertain factors?”
“She’s a capable woman who can adapt to situations fluidly. Sometimes, communication flows easily, leaving a refreshing feeling. But even so, she never recklessly forsakes her own benefits. If things get urgent, who knows what choices she might make? After all, she has a huge force to protect.”
“Hmm…” I mused. It was hard to believe Han Baek-ryeong would ever abandon the Fire Spirit Techniques.
“Baek Woong, remember this: just because you seem to get along doesn’t mean you can trust that person. Whether you can trust them depends on whether you can make them trust you, and that’s a completely different issue.”
“Got it.”
Feeling a tad enlightened by his words, I was pondering about what he said when Jin So-cheong chimed in, “Let’s order a chicken dish. I’m feeling a bit peckish.”
“Sounds good!”
“Let’s eat.”
Jin So-cheong and I happily agreed with his suggestion, and soon after, the chicken dish arrived. Suddenly, Jin So-cheong poured the sweet and spicy sauce all over the fried chicken. I exclaimed in shock, “Whoa! Why are you pouring that on?”
“I thought it would taste better…” Jin So-cheong replied, confused.
Then Mangnyang burst out laughing, “What a silly thing to say! You’re supposed to dip it!”
“Is that so?”
As Mangnyang and I expressed our disappointment, the innkeeper strolled by, grinning, and said, “Haha, whether you dip it or pour it, it’s tasty. Enjoy!”
I grumbled back, “Ugh… I prefer to dip.”
Yet, with Jin So-cheong already pouring the sauce, I had no choice but to eat it that way. Ordering another one felt like a waste of money. After enjoying the fried chicken dish and finishing up with another steamed chicken, we left the inn.
As we arrived in front of the Han Clan’s gate, I sensed the lurking presence of the Heonwon Sect, just like before. I hadn’t been aware of such things, but now that my skills had peaked, I could tell their proficiency accurately through my Qi Sense. I felt they were at the level expected of the elite in Jianghu.
As expected, it seems the Heonwon Sect members realized Soon So-cheong and my skills were no joke, and they revealed themselves, blocking our way at the door. The first one glared at us and asked, “Who goes there?”
Mangnyang raised his hand to ease the tension, replying, “We’ve come to see the leader of the Han Clan. We bring gifts.”
“Gifts? What they are, tell us first.”
“Sorry, but I can’t do that. I must present them directly.”
“You’re uninvited guests. If you don’t disclose your names and identities, I’d advise you to leave.”
Just then, I felt multiple experts reveal their auras from hiding, ready to pounce if needed. It was clear that elite-level experts were keenly observing us for any weaknesses. That’s when Mangnyang chuckled and said, “I’m Mangnyang from the Bancheon Alliance. Not long ago, I delivered a gift to Young Master Han Jin-seong; haven’t you heard?”
“Hmm…”
The Heonwon Sect looked perplexed and glanced back. Behind them was Ki Ryong Shingun, the top expert among the Han Clan’s guests, and he wore a similarly confused expression. He stepped forward and gestured for me to wait, “I need to verify something. Please hold on.”
With a nod of his head, the Heonwon Sect members dashed inside. A moment later, Han Jin-seong emerged, gazing at Mangnyang with surprise in his eyes. He then bowed respectfully to him, saying, “I am Han Jin-seong. Thank you for the previous gift, Bancheon Alliance leader.”
Whispers rippled through the Han Clan’s guests. They had assumed we were uninvited but learned we were actual guests. With a slight gesture, Han Jin-seong indicated the others to retreat, and they quickly concealed their auras, disappearing back inside. Han Jin-seong smiled and said, “I apologize for our rudeness. We’ve been on high alert due to some troubling rumors swirling around lately.”
“Ah, no problem. But what rumors?”
“Let’s discuss that inside.”
“Understood.”
We followed Han Jin-seong into the Han Clan’s inner sanctum. I subtly sent a secret transmission to Mangnyang.
[Was your earlier wandering around preparing for this?]
[Haha, of course! I’ve already laid the groundwork for Bancheon Alliance in Luoyang and done some groundwork with the Han Clan. There won’t be any issues with today’s visit.]
Mangnyang seemed fully prepared. As I admired his thoroughness while following him, Han Jin-seong led us into a serene room. He invited us to sit, then, after a moment, began the serious conversation.
“I received the gold bars you sent as a founding gift for the Bancheon Alliance. Unfortunately, I couldn’t respond since I didn’t know your position.”
Mangnyang chuckled, indicating the gold bars I had given previously. “Haha, no worries. The gift today is the real deal.”
Han Jin-seong’s eyes gleamed. “Oh? Is that so?”
“Indeed! I wish to give it directly to the leader, however…”
“I’m acting in place of the leader. Giving it to me is the same as giving it to her.”
Mangnyang smirked, “It’s a significant matter that might be a bit much for the Young Master to handle.”
“What kind of gift could possibly merit such confidence?”
“I wouldn’t usually say this, but the wealth of the Han Clan is substantial, so gold bars may not constitute a grand gift. However, sending gold bars is a sentiment not everyone can afford, which is why I’m here to meet you.”
That’s a fair point. Based on the intel gathered, the Han Clan and the Fire Spirit Techniques wielded enormous financial power in the Central Plains. They could support the Five Great Families simultaneously and had considerable influence over many high-ranking officials in Luoyang, indicating their wealth was capable of filling entire rooms with gold. Han Jin-seong was not exaggerating at all.
Then Mangnyang burst out laughing, “Hahaha! Of course, we know that. It’s common knowledge that the Han Clan is a hidden wealth hub. That’s precisely why we’ve brought a treasure today that cannot be compensated with gold!”
“Hmm… What treasure?”
“As I said before, I won’t reveal it unless I meet the leader directly. However, it’s a substantial treasure that could entice her.”
“……”
After a moment’s thought, Han Jin-seong responded, “I’ll arrange for you to meet the leader. However, you must be prepared to take responsibility for that statement.”
“Of course.”
Being told to take responsibility meant one could be killed if the gift was unsatisfactory. Considering this was effectively the Fire Spirit Techniques’ stronghold, it felt ominous. Plus, numerous peak experts from the Fire Spirit Techniques were likely lurking about.
But with Jin So-cheong and Mangnyang by my side, I felt more at ease. After all, there was no one I could trust more than them at this moment.
Eventually, we entered the inner sanctum’s garden, where I spotted a stunning, dark-haired beauty resembling a doll. I immediately recognized her as Han Baek-ryeong, the Dharma Guardian of the Fire Spirit Techniques. Having met her several times, I couldn’t mistake her.
Han Baek-ryeong glanced at us and said, “Who amongst you is the leader of the Bancheon Alliance?”
Her tone was incredibly rude for a first encounter, yet no one in the room saw it as inappropriate. Everyone knew she had the stature to demand such treatment. In response to her question, Mangnyang stepped forward and bowed, saying, “I am Mangnyang, leader of the Bancheon Alliance, here to meet the esteemed Dharma Guardian Han Baek-ryeong.”
“……!!”
In an instant, both Han Baek-ryeong and Han Jin-seong’s expressions tightened. Mangnyang had literally hit the nail on the head, leaving even Han Jin-seong unable to hide his surprise. Han Baek-ryeong glared intensely at Mangnyang, sending out waves of intent with her Formless Qi, but Jin So-cheong and I managed to shield ourselves from her influence. Recognizing our resistance, Han Baek-ryeong’s expression shifted subtly.
“You’re not bad. Are you all part of the Bancheon Alliance?”
I was at a loss for words, unsure how to reply. In instances like this, it felt right to let Mangnyang take the lead. As expected, he answered with calm assurance, “These two are not part of the Bancheon Alliance, but they’ve accompanied me to see the Dharma Guardian. It’s quite a significant matter.”
“What…?”
“Let me clarify something,” Mangnyang said, pausing for effect.
“We wish to join the White Lotus Sect. Therefore, we have brought tribute for that purpose, so please hear us out.”
“……”
Han Baek-ryeong mulled over this for a moment before probing, “How did you deduce that we are the White Lotus Sect, and that I am a Dharma Guardian?”
“While creating the Bancheon Alliance, I gathered information. During that process, I investigated the financial resources tied to the Five Great Families, and quite by chance, I discovered it.”
“That’s hard to believe.”
Before Han Baek-ryeong could deepen the interrogation, Mangnyang hastily interjected, “I have something else to mention.”
“What is it?”
“I also have a connection to the White Lotus Sect.”
“What do you mean by that?” Mangnyang gestured towards us, “These two are Baek Woong and Jin So-cheong, both successors of the Thunder God Lineage.”
“……!!”
“With their help, I was able to establish the Bancheon Alliance.”
Han Baek-ryeong couldn’t contain her surprise this time. She certainly wouldn’t have expected the Thunder God Lineage to show up here. She went silent for a while, then asked, “I see. Are you planning for the revival of the Thunder God Lineage? Then why did you provoke the Namgung Clan, Jin So-cheong?”
Jin So-cheong replied calmly, “I believe you know the reason. They have been ruthlessly exterminating smaller clans and abducting women to turn them into sex slaves. This is against human decency and contradicts the teachings of the White Lotus Sect, so we took them down.”
“……”
Han Baek-ryeong appeared deep in thought. After a while, she finally spoke, “Jin So-cheong, your martial arts are no easy matter. I believe you must currently be the top expert among the survivors of the Thunder God Lineage. How did you accrue such strength at such a young age?”
“I can’t divulge the secret behind my skills.”
Mangnyang clapped his hands, excitedly cutting in, “Alright, I think it’s time to get to the crux of the matter. Are you interested in receiving our tribute?”
Han Baek-ryeong smiled coldly, “Hmph… Show us what you have. It better hold the same value as the Namgung Clan.”
“Well, I believe it’s worth at least ten times that.”
“What did you say?”
Mangnyang had kept the Black and White Lotus carefully stored in a fine wooden box, which he now retrieved, offering it politely to Han Baek-ryeong. Using her Void Object Manipulation technique from afar, she snatched the box and opened it to inspect the Black and White Lotus inside, her expression instantly hardening.
“This is…”
“It’s the Black and White Lotus. Just like the Sacred Lotus of the White Lotus Sect, but uniquely, the Black and White Lotuses grow in the same pond. Their effects also vary.”
“What effects does it possess?”
“You might already have some idea from the spirit energy it emits.”
Mangnyang grinned, “The Black and White Lotus harbors the ability to dispel curses and magical powers. I believe the Dharma Guardian would be able to use this gift effectively.”
“……”
Han Baek-ryeong scrutinized the Black and White Lotus intently. She then shifted her gaze back to Mangnyang, asking, “Do you have any conditions?”
Mangnyang could have negotiated with the Black and White Lotus in hand, but he seemed to want to hand it over to her, understanding full well Han Baek-ryeong’s nature. He knew she’d return favors received adequately, as establishing mutual trust by presenting the item first would create a positive impression.
“Yes.”
“Speak.”
Mangnyang took a deep breath and said, “There are three major requests.”
“You’re quite greedy.”
“Considering the value of the Black and White Lotus, these aren’t extravagant demands, so please don’t worry.”
Han Baek-ryeong responded curtly, seeming unhappy. “Hmph, state your requests.”
“First, I hope for your permission to annihilate the Namgung Clan completely. Second, assist in restoring the Thunder God Lineage to the White Lotus Sect.”
“And the third?”
“I wish for an opportunity to meet the Master of the White Lotus Sect.”
Han Baek-ryeong glanced at Han Jin-seong. “Jin-seong, what do you think?”
This was the first time Han Baek-ryeong had sought Han Jin-seong’s opinion. It indicated how seriously she considered this proposal. After deliberating for a moment, Han Jin-seong replied, “It seems acceptable.”
“Indeed.”
Han Baek-ryeong continued, “I will accept that proposal.”
