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“What do you mean by ‘Celestial Realm’?”

I felt utterly baffled by Il-ro’s words. The term ‘Celestial Realm’ referred to a folk religion that had caused the first large-scale uprising in history toward the end of the Han Dynasty. Even though it was suppressed, it had led to the downfall of the rotten Han dynasty and gave rise to the chaotic Three Kingdoms Period. Being a scholar who studied literature and history, I was all too familiar with the existence of the Celestial Realm.

The problem was that the Celestial Realm was a religion that had appeared over fifteen centuries ago. It was much older than the Tang dynasty, and even the era of Zhuge Mu-hu was decades later, making it truly ancient.

The Sect Leader pondered for a moment before responding.

“They said we wouldn’t overcome without our help?”

“That’s correct.”

“That boy disappoints me. I never thought he’d be incapable of suppressing a mere rebellion…”

The Sect Leader’s words prompted Il-ro to speak up quickly.

“That’s not true. The situation is extremely urgent.”

“Just how urgent are we talking about?”

“The entirety of Hebei has already been suppressed, and the Celestial Realm’s forces are estimated to number around three hundred thousand. They are attacking Shanxi and are on the verge of capturing it. Scholars and lords worried about the downfall of the Great Ming Empire are raising armies and heading to Luoyang to assist.”

“…”

The Sect Leader seemed incredulous.

“Clearly, I receive intelligence from the Central Plains once every half month. Are you telling me this has happened in less than a fortnight?”

“Well… Yes, to be precise, it has only been six days…”

“Hmm…”

The Sect Leader muttered briefly and then stated firmly,

“Call for a meeting.”

“Your Honor!”

“Dharma Guardians, and all top officials of each sect must attend.”

The Supreme Council of the White Lotus Sect was convened half a moment later. The meeting comprised twenty members, including the Sect Leader, myself as the Deputy Sect Leader, Dharma Guardians, Elders, and the highest-ranking experts from the Elder Council.

The Sect Leader opened the meeting.

“Everyone likely knows the situation by now. What do you think about the current events?”

“Sect Leader, I urge you to intervene immediately.”

The one who spoke decisively was Han Baek-ryeong, a Dharma Guardian of the fire spirit techniques. She had quickly returned to the White Lotus Sect from Luoyang using the Furnace Spirit techniques, her face clearly showing grave concern. This was a serious situation if even the cunning fox-like her couldn’t keep her composure.

“Currently, Luoyang is in chaos. There are madmen and thunder strikes appearing everywhere, and security is deteriorating. The Twin Gate Sect is trying to hold them back, but we’ve reached our limit.”

“Madmen?”

“Normal humans suddenly going insane and attacking those around them. Their physical abilities when mad are difficult even for a martial arts expert to handle, making them incredibly troublesome.”

“Hmm…”

The Sect Leader looked at Han Baek-ryeong and asked,

“Baek-ryeong, you were in Luoyang, so you must have heard the news sooner. Why didn’t you report earlier?”

“I apologize. Initially, the reports only mentioned a rebellion, and for three to four days, there were no signs. Then suddenly, Hebei was captured, and the Celestial Realm’s massive army advanced, causing a flood of information that we could not respond to.”

“What? So essentially, this has all happened in a day or two.”

“Yes. I reported it, but the Imperial Guard going berserk made it extremely difficult to manage. I’m really sorry.”

It seemed that Han Baek-ryeong hadn’t been able to report earlier because the events unfolded too far outside expectation. Trying to speculate without a clear grasp of the situation would only lead to more confusion.

The atmosphere became one of astonishment. This was due to the fact that the rise and rapid movement of the Celestial Realm were beyond common sense. Typically, no matter how fast an army moves, they would still cover about one hundred li a day. Only specialized corps or light cavalry could exceed that pace.

But now, the Celestial Realm’s forces were reportedly marching thousands of li in a day while smashing everything in sight with a speed akin to a gale.

‘It’s impossible unless each soldier possesses the speed of a war steed, repeatedly moving and fighting with infinite stamina…’

Having read military texts, I realized just how unreasonable the current situation was. Capturing a city in a day or two, and then rapidly advancing thousands of li to assault the region near the capital was impossible for a human army to achieve. Even if all soldiers were mounted on steeds, such stamina was required, not to mention logistical considerations. Even the legendary Mongolian cavalry wouldn’t be able to do that.

The Sect Leader suddenly turned to me and asked,

“Deputy Sect Leader, what do you think of this situation?”

Why is he asking me? Is he trying to shove this mess onto my shoulders?

I grumbled inwardly as Zhuge Sa jabbed at me.

“You fool! You need to make sure the Sect Leader understands the situation. If you don’t, we’ll miss our chance and be in serious trouble.”

“Zhuge Sa, do you know what’s going on?”

“Of course. Just relay what I said without dancing around it.”

This guy, even when he speaks, can’t help but be a pain…

I hid my annoyance and began to speak as Zhuge Sa suggested.

“This incident cannot be pulled off by mere human strength. Most likely, it involves the Great Immortal from the Celestial Realm. Among them, the one most connected to the Celestial Realm is the South Flower Immortal, the master of the sage Zhang Jiao, and it is highly probable he is manipulating the army using celestial arts.”

The crowd buzzed…

Once again, the meeting was abuzz with disbelief. It was not surprising since the Celestial Realm was a foreign concept to ordinary martial artists, bordering on folk belief.

As if on cue, Dokgo Jun jumped up and shouted at me,

“Deputy Sect Leader… what are you saying? You really think the Celestial Realm and the Great Immortal are our true enemies? Those imaginary beings…?”

“Of course.”

I replied curtly,

“In the eyes of the martial world, even the Heavenly Spirit Pill from our sect seems mythological. Besides, you’re aware that sorcerers exist, right? Hence, it’s probable the Celestial Realm and Great Immortal exist, and they are directly interfering because they fear our power in the Central Plains… I think it could certainly be within the scope of the Sect Leader’s might.”

“Hmm…”

“Moreover, there has already been confirmation of gods and apostles within the imperial palace, so I don’t understand why there’s any doubt.”

Dokgo Jun seemed lost for words. This was likely because he was the one who had struck a deal with the otherworldly race to gain the power of the Heavenly Spirit Pill, making it all too plausible that the Celestial Realm and Great Immortal could indeed exist. Other high-ranking officials seemed similarly shocked as they began to grasp the reality.

The Sect Leader, trying to refocus everyone’s attention, said,

“If what the Deputy Sect Leader says is true, then there would be tens of thousands of berserk warriors bolstered by the Great Immortal’s power. Furthermore, with the Great Immortal behind them, we’d have to fight against divine beings too.”

“…”

The atmosphere fell heavy among us. The Sect Leader’s sensible remarks highlighted the terrifying potential power of the enemy. There was no guarantee we could win against such foes. The Sect Leader chuckled and turned to me.

“Deputy Sect Leader. Do you think we have the loyalty to get involved in this struggle, regardless of the outcome?”

“We already have our fire spirit techniques and Dharma Guardians in Luoyang.”

“We could just evacuate the fire spirit techniques as quickly as tomorrow. A more straightforward answer would be appreciated.”

I tasted bitterness in my mouth. Given how the Sect Leader was pushing me for a response, it was clear he wanted to see my wit and ingenuity. Moreover, the shift from an adversarial to an allied relationship also played a part. Struggling to suppress my irritation, I calmly followed Zhuge Sa’s suggestion.

“This time, the forces of the Celestial Realm must be met with all our might. If it’s true that they have the Great Immortal and the Celestial Realm backing them, they will undoubtedly target our sect in the long run.”

“But they have no concrete proof that they are aiming for our sect.”

“It’s suspicious that a vast mass of madmen claiming to be the Celestial Realm is charging directly towards Luoyang, which they just captured not long ago. They are likely trying to destroy Luoyang before becoming stronger with the treasures you obtained from the imperial palace.”

“Then why don’t they raid the main sect directly?”

“I’m not sure, but perhaps they currently lack the strength to do so? Maybe they believe capturing Luoyang will give them the means to grow stronger…”

That last statement was more my speculation than Zhuge Sa’s opinion because he’d grown tired of discussing the matter. So, I felt a little anxious, fearing a backlash for such a half-hearted conclusion.

However, the Sect Leader nodded, as if to say my reasoning held some water.

“I see. That could be the case…”

What do you mean by “could be”? I became curious, but the Sect Leader then gave me an order.

“Alright. Then Deputy Sect Leader Baek Woong, scout the Celestial Realm’s forces immediately and report back to me.”

“Ugh.”

I grimaced. Did he really expect me to scout those dangerous forces? Even if I had reached an expert level, it was an incredibly risky proposition to step into the midst of hundreds of thousands of soldiers who cared not for life. So, I voiced my protest.

“Sect Leader, can’t you just wipe them out with the Imperial Palace forces, like when you took down the Imperial Guard?”

This was a genuine thought. The current White Lotus Sect Leader could probably smash them all on his own. His power had reached the Great Immortal level, and with the Primordial Spirit technique making his internal power and stamina infinite, no amount of forces, no matter how many thousands, would stand a chance. I would even bet he could defeat a Great Immortal like the South Flower Immortal if he were to descend right there.

However, the Sect Leader resolutely refused.

“That’s not an option.”

“Why not?”

“I sense that the enemy won’t be that simple. Also, if, as Deputy Sect Leader says, the Celestial Realm’s uprising aims at our sect, they will likely have anticipated our strength and found a way to overcome it. We cannot rashly provoke a confrontation without knowing their schemes and might.”

“…”

“Deputy Sect Leader, you possess excellent agility, wisdom, and martial skills, so I trust you will gather ample information.”

Just send someone else instead!

I sulked in my mind, but Zhuge Sa chimed in.

“What’s the rush? Just do the job.”

“It’s dangerous. Like I said, those lunatics will probably be enhanced with sorcery and go on a rampage…”

I recalled my previous infiltration into the crazy Taekyung Village. The place had been tainted by the wicked deity’s offering ceremony, and every resident had been driven mad, each possessing terrifying strength. If the followers of the Celestial Realm were in such a state, even my peerless skills would put my life at great risk.

“Regardless of whether the Sect Leader commands it, you must gather intelligence on your own. This is a powerful strike from the Celestial Realm, and should it fail, they would likely attempt to re-establish the Heavenly Ladder. We must uncover their intentions.”

“Hmm…”

I realized I had no choice in the matter. So, I quietly responded.

“Your Honor.”

“You won’t manage alone. I’ll assign you escort support.”

As soon as the Sect Leader’s words ended, Dokgo Jun stood up and took a martial authority stance.

“I’m counting on you, Deputy Sect Leader.”

“…”

“I won’t slow you down, so don’t worry.”

I couldn’t believe it.

‘There’s no way you wouldn’t be a burden!’

Dokgo Jun was one of the most formidable experts, right after the Sect Leader in our Su Shin Sect, not to mention a Dharma Guardian. Having him on board was like having an army of celestial warriors at my disposal. This must be the Sect Leader’s way of conveying the seriousness of the issue. Then Zhuge Sa flashed a smirk.

“The Sect Leader isn’t one to act without ulterior motives.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“Just saying.”

Zhuge Sa’s vague response gave me a strange feeling, as if he might stab me in the back. But I couldn’t refuse the Sect Leader’s orders, so I had no choice but to bow my head.

“Thank you.”

As the meeting adjourned, the Sect Leader called for me privately.

“Baek Woong. Did you notice anything strange in the Luoyang Imperial Palace?”

“Strange? In what way?”

“I don’t know if my senses are just off, but I had a tingling feeling while organizing things in Luoyang. My seventh sense occasionally warns me of dangers. I felt like something was lurking, but I wasn’t certain, so I wanted to ask you.”

“…”

What is he even talking about?

Not having a clue, I shook my head.

“I don’t know. But I doubt there’s someone out there who could deceive the Sect Leader’s senses.”

“Is that so…”

After a brief silence, the Sect Leader patted my shoulder.

“Then go and come back safely.”

With a loud crack, I soon headed out with Dokgo Jun, riding on the back of the Four Great Spirits towards where the Celestial Realm’s forces were gathering. According to Han Baek-ryeong’s intel, they were currently advancing upon Shanxi, and accurate positioning would be difficult. Therefore, I called upon the Four Great Spirits to pinpoint locations that seemed to match the Celestial Realm’s movements.

The Four Great Spirits were very capable, quickly locating their position, and we could observe the advancing army of the Celestial Realm charging across the steppe from a nameless hill.

Thud, thud, thud!

The ground reverberated heavily, and as I gazed at the scene unfolding in the distance, my expression turned shocked.

“This is insane…”

There were no cavalrymen. Yet every soldier was running, and at a speed that rivaled even a war steed! Normally, no human could run like that, and the fact they could maintain such speed was utterly staggering. Looking more closely, I noticed each soldier had eyes rolled back in their heads, appearing soulless, with veins protruding wild and muscles bulging as if they were near bursting.

Dokgo Jun, observing alongside me, commented,

“They’re pushing their bodies’ latent abilities to the limit. Their strength, grip, and vitality are all enhanced tenfold… no, twentyfold compared to ordinary humans.”

“How do you know that just by looking?”

“I’ve seen similar phenomena when someone consumes forbidden elixirs. But those elixirs generally lead to the death of the user within half a moment.”

“But those guys look like they have no intention of dying.”

In response, Dokgo Jun looked to the lead of the Celestial Realm’s forces, running like a mad dog.

“Then they’re likely no longer human.”

 

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