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After receiving a request from Sangwan Hyuk, I found myself in deep thought.

“Well, this could actually work out for me.”

If I return to the main sect following the sect leader, I wouldn’t be able to avoid receiving the teachings of the Heavenly Spirit Pill. Last time, I managed to brush it off by claiming there was confusion in martial arts, but the sect leader is no pushover. The next time they propose the Heavenly Spirit Pill, they will ensure that there’s no way out for me.

For now, while I grant Sangwan Hyuk’s request, I need to figure out a way to evade the teachings from the sect leader. Running away from them would be the easiest route, but somehow, I sensed that if I distanced myself from the leader now, I’d miss out on crucial information.

As I was strategizing in my head, Zhuge Sa chuckled softly.

[You’re really struggling to come up with ideas, huh? But hey, your direction isn’t wrong.]

This guy’s constant teasing was getting tiresome. I pretended not to hear him and threw a question his way.

[What does Sangwan Hyuk want the treasure for? He could just get one from the sect leader.]

[It means he’s greedy.]

[Greedy?]

[When the sect leader announced a reward for subduing the Imperial Palace, he could have easily gotten the treasure from them. But the reason why he didn’t propose that to the sect leader and instead sought you out is that he wants to keep the debt hanging over the sect leader. He believes he can squeeze everything out of them.]

I shook my head.

[That’s absurd. What will happen if the sect leader doesn’t keep that promise…]

[Of course, the sect leader might break a promise depending on the circumstances, but at least they’re someone who tries to keep their word. That’s why leaving a debt is significant. Sangwan Hyuk clearly understands the sect leader’s temperament well.]

[…]

[We can’t know why he needs the treasure unless he tells us. For now, let’s focus on how to obtain it.]

Zhuge Sa’s statement rang true. I had already asked Sangwan Hyuk why he needed the treasure, but he had dodged the question. Now, all I could do was go through with the request. Deep in thought, I spoke up.

[Should I look for Mangnyang?]

[That’s a terrible plan, you dimwit.]

This guy’s sarcasm always made my head spin.

[What’s wrong with that?]

Zhuge Sa snickered.

[You thought the easiest treasure to get was the Five Fires, Seven Birds Fan from Hyun, didn’t you?]

I snapped in irritation.

[Of course! Baek Woong can’t be found anywhere, and Cheon Woo-jin wouldn’t give me the Land and Earth Diagram just because I asked nicely. The National Seal is too risky to even think about, and I have no idea where the Fire Dragon Sword is. The Suspicious Fishhook is with the sect leader, so how is seeking Mangnyang not right?!]

[Heh, that’s the thinking of an ordinary person.]

Zhuge Sa continued with a grin.

[You probably thought about searching through information organizations, visiting Master Mangnyang, or whining to me, huh? But all of those options are terrible, which is why they’re called terrible plans.]

[What?]

[Think of it this way: If you were Mangnyang, wouldn’t you notice the White Lotus Sect’s power rising? He’d definitely know about your cooperation with the sect leader, meaning he can guess that the White Lotus Sect is growing stronger than before. In such a situation, Mangnyang wouldn’t reveal himself unless fully prepared. Even if you sought him desperately.]

[Ugh…]

[Finding Hyun, who is intent on hiding, isn’t easy. And you know you can’t stir things up too much right now, right? You do know that you have surveillance on you, don’t you?]

I glanced around. Although they were good at hiding their presence, two experts from the Su Shin Sect were observing me from a distance. I could win a fight if it came to that, but since we couldn’t afford to turn against each other, I let it be.

[Right.]

[Looking for Hyun now is a terrible idea. Just keep that in mind.]

I crossed my arms and sat still, pondering.

[Then what’s the middle strategy?]

[Set a trap and wait in Luoyang.]

[What? A trap? Why?]

[Hehe, you really don’t get it, do you?]

Zhuge Sa mumbled in exasperation.

[Let’s stick to the facts and put aside the conjectures. The one who kills the Vermilion Bird is cursed by the gods. So why hasn’t the sect leader died?]

[Hmm…?]

It hit me suddenly, and I replied.

[Are you suggesting that the Vermilion Bird is still alive? But I already knew that…]

[You fool. Knowing doesn’t help at all. You have no idea what it means for that bastard to still be alive.]

[…]

[Think from the Vermilion Bird’s perspective. After barely escaping with his life after losing to the White Lotus Sect, he transferred to a spare body. What do you think he’s planning?]

[Well… he would probably look for a chance to retaliate against the White Lotus Sect.]

[And how would he strike back? What fundamental clue would he need? It can only be intelligence.]

[Uh… what do you mean by that?]

My mind was struggling to catch up when Zhuge Sa chimed in.

[Information from the Celestial Realm. He is currently occupying the Heavenly Altar of Mount Tai while eavesdropping on celestial information.]

[Oh…!!]

[The White Lotus Sect can’t take down the current martial forces on Earth by any means. But gathering intelligence from the Celestial Realm might present an opportunity. Because the Vermilion Bird, Zhuge Yulong, is a powerful sorcerer and demon sorcerer.]

I hadn’t thought of that! ‘Right, the Vermilion Bird is residing on Mount Tai, under the guise of the Old Sage of Mount Tai, while monitoring the Celestial Realm!’

I had received this intelligence previously but hadn’t connected it to the current situation. As something clicked in my mind, Zhuge Sa continued.

[And he’s likely obtained one valuable piece of information already. What do you think it is?]

[What is it?]

[Your intelligence. You recently negotiated with Yeodong-bin to qualify as the Moon Sovereign, receiving the task of monitoring the world’s champions. If the Vermilion Bird obtained information about you, it would be very promising. Why? Because if he can take you down, he gets the Seven Luminaries for free.]

[……!!]

[Besides, you cursed Zhuge Bu with the Soul Exchange Technique, and he likely knows your face when he revives. If you are Zhuge Yulong, would he let you off the hook? He’ll likely come at you, aiming for a kidnapping or an attack.]

I could find no fault in his logic. I realized the situation wasn’t good as I pondered deeply.

[So you want to set a trap and wait?]

Zhuge Sa laughed in mockery.

[Yeah. Now you see why the idiotic proposal to go find Mangnyang makes it a terrible plan?]

[Damn…!!]

I was infuriated by Zhuge Sa’s irritating words but had nothing to say. Before he pointed out the situation, I hadn’t even considered any middle strategy. I took a moment to calm my flustered heart and asked.

[… So what’s the top strategy?]

Zhuge Sa chuckled.

[Hehe. You want to know?]

[Tell me. We have to proceed with the top strategy anyway.]

[Before that, I need to confirm something. Are you willing to risk your life for this adventure?]

[Huh?]

[Assuming the adventure will make things significantly easier if successful.]

What kind of question is that? I was puzzled but shook my head.

[No, I don’t think so.]

[Why not?]

[I feel like this life is special. As long as I survive, I think I’ll gather more information, so I’d prefer a safer route.]

[Hmm… I see.]

[Why were you asking that?]

[Oh, it’s nothing. Anyway, now I’ll explain the top strategy.]

Zhuge Sa spoke vaguely.

[The top strategy is to go to the village where Mangnyang is located. Right now, that’s your best option.]

[Huh? Rather than that, if we attack the Vermilion Bird directly from here…]

[You crazy fool. The Vermilion Bird, who was defeated by the White Lotus Sect, is curled up in his last refuge, the Heavenly Altar on Mount Tai, which must not be lost. You think you can just go there by yourself? Even if the sect leader went, they’d probably face a harsh counterattack in a trap.]

[…]

It wouldn’t come to crossing my lips to suggest taking the sect leader or a Dharma Guardian along. First of all, there was the issue of how the sect leader obtained that information, and then there was a high possibility that things would spiral out of control.

[Enough chit-chat, just go to where Mangnyang is. That’s how things will properly progress.]

“Hold on, before heading there…”

I thought through something and mentioned it to Zhuge Sa. After hearing my thoughts, Zhuge Sa replied.

[That doesn’t sound too bad. Though I do wonder if it’s necessary.]

“Are you saying no?”

[I don’t care much either way. No need to get too close to the Thunder God Lineage.]

Zhuge Sa grumbled, but I decided to push forward regardless.

Crack!

I headed to the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School before reaching the village where Mangnyang was. The Azure Dragon Martial Arts School had not closed, but it appeared to have significantly fewer disciples, with only a little over twenty remaining. As I made my way deeper into the school, I noticed some of the Thunder God Lineage experts.

Upon noticing me, Lee Cheong-un greeted me warmly.

“Welcome back, Baek Woong.”

“Have you been well?”

“Every day has been fulfilling.”

Next to Lee Cheong-un stood Lee Kwang and Jin So-cheong. I could sense a significant shift in their state since the last time I had seen them.

‘Hmm… this feels different.’

Unlike the time I saw them when they were researching the Seven Great Techniques, a more fundamental Natural Spirit Energy flowed through their bodies. It also felt like their shapes were encompassed in a softer form. While I couldn’t put my finger on it, I knew this difference was significant.

Lee Cheong-un spoke up.

“I’m curious about what’s happened in your absence. Can you share your recent developments?”

“Of course.”

I nodded and shared everything that had transpired since parting ways with Lee Cheong-un. Once my story wrapped up, I pulled out an obsidian from my pocket and handed it over, filled with my memories. After Lee Cheong-un read the memories, he gasped.

“The Spider King! The sect leader focused on developing the destructive power of the Seven Great Techniques!”

“Do you know the principle behind that technique?”

“Of course.”

With unwavering confidence, Lee Cheong-un explained.

“The result of combining the Tai Chi Yau Ji Willow Sword, Heavenly Five Divine Decisions, and Bowing Sky Slash techniques. You can think of it as the Natural Spirit Energy you saw in the checkerboard pattern before, which expanded according to the essence of Bowing Sky Slash. It also incorporates changes in the details of the essence, but there’s no need for an elaborate explanation.”

“Uh-huh.”

“However, this has been developed in a completely different direction compared to the Three Treasure Technique. This technique is designed to create overwhelming power for destruction rather than flexible usage, aligning precisely with the sect leader’s nature.”

“Comparing the Spider King to the Three Treasure Technique, which one is stronger?”

“The Three Treasure Technique is naturally superior. Once you fully master the Three Treasure Technique, you’d be able to evade the attack range of the Spider King and aim for its weak points. However, of course, that also depends on your level of mastery.”

After rumbling through those thoughts, Lee Cheong-un said,

“Baek Woong, it seems unnecessary to stir up trouble for the sect leader.”

“Huh? Why is that?”

He smiled sweetly.

“He is fumbling around without understanding the true essence of the techniques. There’s a slight chance of victory.”

[Immature?]

Having witnessed the Spider King’s terrifying power firsthand, I found it hard to agree. Seeing Lee Cheong-un seem confident about victory also struck me as bizarre.

I glanced at Lee Kwang. He gruffly replied,

“What are you looking at?”

“Do you acknowledge that your master has been resurrected?”

“I have no reason to answer that.”

Before I could spit out my annoyance, Jin So-cheong waved her hand beside me.

“Baek Woong, don’t take it personally. We owe you a debt of gratitude.”

“Um, I understand.”

I then shared the insights and mysteries I had gained from attending the sect leader’s seminar. Upon hearing it, Lee Cheong-un and the Thunder God Lineage experts remarkably displayed expressions of realization.

“Alright, I’ll share the techniques I’ve got too.”

And so, for about two moments, I absorbed the essence of the Seven Great Techniques through Lee Cheong-un’s insights. It was a simple exchange but felt immensely beneficial. After sharing the information, Lee Cheong-un spoke.

“Considering this, how about staying for a few days? I’d like to explain some things more thoroughly…”

“I appreciate it, but I have the Su Shin Sect watching me. If I don’t move quickly, I may get my tail stepped on. The secrets here could be exposed as a result.”

“Indeed, then take care.”

“May you be safe.”

Crack!

Once my business was finished, I immediately rode on the Philosopher’s Stone toward the village where Mangnyang was located. As I entered the village, hiding the Heavenly Secret, I sensed something strange.

Woowoo!

It felt like a more tightly closed barrier than before enveloped me. As I twisted around uncomfortably, the pressure from the barrier increased. Just as I felt suffocated, a voice emerged from the void.

[Baek Woong. Why have you come all the way here?]

Heard the voice of Cheon Woo-jin, and at the same time, his sorcery appeared three zhang away from me. The five-colored clouds surrounding Cheon Woo-jin indicated that this was an illusionary space, not reality. There was no way to pierce through Cheon Woo-jin’s illusion unless I released the Seven Luminaries.

I cleared my throat and declared.

“I’ve come to meet Master Mangnyang. After that, I have something to discuss with you.”

Cheon Woo-jin glared at me with sharp eyes.

“I’ve heard you’ve become a follower of the White Lotus Sect and participated in the battle with the Imperial Palace. If you don’t clearly explain why you’ve come here, you’ll never meet your master.”

“Why do you want to know? Are you truly interested?”

“Speak!”

I smiled slyly.

“You surely know that I’ve become the envoy of the Moon Sovereign, right? But since a vital mission has arisen, I’ve come seeking the opinion of the guardian of Taoism, Master Mangnyang.”

“What is that mission?”

I changed my expression suddenly and replied sternly.

“You have no right to question me. Step aside, now!”

Cheon Woo-jin looked bewildered.

“What? Are you aware that you’re caught in my illusion and your life is hanging by a thread?”

“Absolutely.”

“You’ll regret testing your luck…”

As Cheon Woo-jin began to cast his spell, I shouted forcefully.

“Cheon Woo-jin, no matter how impressive you may think you are, you are merely a disciple of Master Mangnyang and are not even a terrestrial immortal! Trying to obstruct my path as a chosen envoy of the Celestial Realm is itself a sin, don’t you think?”

He froze.

The five-colored clouds enveloping me halted momentarily and dispersed. Cheon Woo-jin glared at me with annoyance. Realizing he had been pierced in his core beliefs, he continued to glare.

Embarrassed, I waved my hand dismissively.

“Get out of the way. Now.”

Cheon Woo-jin stepped aside brusquely, muttering,

“Watch your tongue if you plan to say foolish things.”

“Oh, I’m so scared.”

Finally, I stood in front of the sacred ground of Master Mangnyang.

“Master Mangnyang, I’ve come to meet you!”

And before long, I slipped into a deep sleep.

[Well, this is a surprise. Is it the side effect of the Soul Exchange Technique?]

A black cat was strolling along the opposite path. I turned to look at Master Mangnyang and asked,

“What side effect?”

[The soul of the heretical sect leader is in the same body as yours. But it’s neither a failure nor a success; the premise of the Soul Exchange Technique was simply messed up.]

I could see white flames floating around the black cat. Staring blankly at them, Master Mangnyang continued.

[The intruder must be sent back first.]

Whoosh!

The white flame disappeared. It seems that flame had been Zhuge Sa’s soul. Apparently, his inadvertent entry into the Dream World caused Master Mangnyang to return him.

‘God is indeed a god.’

While I admired Master Mangnyang’s powers, he then said,

[You’re contaminated by strong evil qi. But your essence hasn’t fallen at all. This is a first for me.]

“You mean I’m contaminated?”

[Yes. But the turbid qi of the Otherworld hasn’t devoured your soul. Even the Great Immortal could be brought to corruption…]

The murmurs left his mouth as Master Mangnyang touched my forehead with his paw.

[I will purify you. We cannot leave you like this.]

Woowoo!

Suddenly, my head felt clear. As I touched my forehead, Master Mangnyang spoke.

[I know exactly why you’ve come. You want to borrow Cheon Woo-jin, right?]

“Ugh… Is that not possible?”

[It’s not impossible per se.]

After a brief silence, Master Mangnyang continued.

[Recently, during a meeting of the Great Immortals of the Celestial Realm, the Queen Mother of the West said there is a need to reestablish the Heavenly Ladder.]

[…?]

[She was enraged enough to cause chaos in the human realm.]

In this dream world, I couldn’t hear Zhuge Sa’s advice. I furrowed my brow, contemplating, and finally questioned.

[So by the Heavenly Ladder, you mean to revive the Heavenly Altar?]

[That’s correct.]

[Why? What does that imply?]

[It’s a warning from the Celestial Realm.]

Master Mangnyang appeared genuinely displeased for a rare moment. His tail stood upright as he walked beside me, elaborating.

[There’s no way I can entrust the grand scheme of heaven and earth to a troublemaker like you. If measures cannot be taken to prevent chaos, post-processing might just have to be executed.]

[So you’re saying you guys from the Celestial Realm will handle the chaos yourselves?]

[If you can’t hold back the White Lotus Sect and the Master of Twelve Joules, it would be so.]

[Damn it! What…]

I felt utterly flabbergasted. I accepted the position of the envoy of the Celestial Realm wanting to handle the Moon Sovereign, but somehow, everything felt like it was spiraling wildly out of control. Master Mangnyang glanced back at me and then continued along the path.

[I don’t wish for the Heavenly Altar’s revival either. Do your best.]

[Did you wake up?]

When I came to, Cheon Woo-jin stood before me.

“Let’s go, Celestial Envoy.”

The sarcastic tone in Cheon Woo-jin’s voice was laden with annoyance. Seeing his face filled me with good humor, and I grinned as I replied.

“You’re going to help me and work hard now, right?”

“I know, so shut up.”

“You know what we’re about to do, right?”

“Ugh.”

“You must have heard it from Master Mangnyang?”

As I smirked, Cheon Woo-jin could no longer hold back his irritation and shouted,

“Of course! We’re heading to smack that Vermilion Bird who’s been snooping around the Celestial Realm!!”

 

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