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“Is this a dream?”

I whispered to myself as I looked around. This place looked like the village where I lived, but I knew deep down that this wasn’t reality. After all, I still vividly remembered the last time I fell asleep. In this hazy, dreamlike atmosphere, I felt an even stronger sense that this wasn’t real.

Then suddenly, a voice came from across the street.

[Hello, uninvited guest. I am Master Mangnyang.]

A small black cat strutted right into the center of the narrow path. This cat, claiming to be Master Mangnyang, stared up at me with an adorably innocent face. I was baffled, but knowing this place wasn’t real helped me accept the absurdity of the situation.

“Master Mangnyang? Why have you appeared in my dream?”

The black cat opened its mouth.

[It’s too dangerous to appear before you without borrowing the form of a lucid dream.]

“What do you mean?”

[Two months ago, minor evils feared major evils so much that they even tried to escape time and space. If I get swept up in your fate, I will be in danger too.]

What kind of nonsense is that? As I struggled to understand, the self-proclaimed Master Mangnyang hopped up on a warm rock nearby, curling up and still keeping its gaze on me.

[To get to the point, I have no intention of meeting you. Not now, not ever. I’m too busy holding back the darkness of the outside world.]

Suddenly, I felt defeated. I had come all this way seeking help from Master Mangnyang, only to learn that it had no intentions of meeting or aiding me at all! I snapped in frustration.

“What’s your reasoning behind that? You’ve been rambling nonsensically this entire time!”

[Do you have the confidence to explain to a creature about what you’re doing?]

The black cat, Master Mangnyang, twirled its tail.

[It’s the same. This matter exceeds human comprehension. But since it entails secrets of a frightening world, explaining it to you is impossible.]

“……”

[Look closely.]

Woosh!

At that moment, I felt the entire dream collapsing into darkness. It felt as if my body and soul were being sucked away into some unknown void. When I opened my eyes again, I stood amidst a galaxy glowing brightly with stars.

What an overwhelmingly grand sight!

Stars scattered across the endless dark sky! Millions and billions of luminous stars!

As I stood there, dazed by the spectacle, Master Mangnyang said,

[Have you ever seen this universe in your lifetime? Do you have the confidence to explain this scenery to someone else?]

“……”

[The brain is just a mirror. With a limited viewpoint and angle, nothing is visible.]

Then it hit me.

‘This fellow… feels different! There’s something transcendent about it…’

Master Mangnyang was not an existence that could be understood or explained from a martial artist’s perspective. Far beyond just being a top sorcerer, it felt more like a semi-divine being, or perhaps something that had already transcended the norms of existence.

Unlike with Cheon Woo-jin, there was no basis for comparison here. Each word resonated with a level of power that felt inhuman and otherworldly.

Perhaps that black cat wasn’t merely human, but an avatar of some kind. I had to acknowledge that I was facing something more transcendent than anything I had ever encountered. As I stood stiff with awe, the black cat spoke.

[But I don’t want humanity to be mere playthings for gods. Therefore, I am willing to lend you a little help, as you are the most dangerous being in this world.]

“……?”

With a swift flick, the black cat pointed its front paw at me. Suddenly, I felt a rush of clarity as the pressure that had weighed on my mind lifted, leaving me feeling refreshed. Something horrible and vexing had vanished.

[I’ve removed the dark presence from this otherworldly dimension. For now, you won’t go insane or be contaminated.]

“Contaminated?”

[The sorcerer you faced isn’t a being of this world. It’s a member of an alien race that accidentally drifted here. Simply encountering its sorcery or knowledge can lead ordinary beings to corruption and despair. My job is to prevent wanderers from reaching this world, but it seems luck wasn’t on your side this time.]

As I stood there in a daze, I realized something and asked,

“Wait, what do you mean ‘for now’? Is there another one of those beings out there?”

[There may be.]

“How can I cleanse this dark presence from the other world?”

[You can seal the evil essence or knowledge, or you need the mental strength to withstand it.]

“Hmm…”

While I pondered, the black cat slowly walked over and dipped its foot into the cold stream.

[Then, I’ll take my leave now.]

It seemed prepared to exit just like that!

Is it really going to just drop hints and run off?! Realizing that Master Mangnyang shared the same nonchalant personality as my disciple Mangnyang, I felt utterly astounded. So I quickly dashed up to block the path of the black cat.

“Wait! Hold on!”

[Is there more you need to say?]

“I get that you only speak your mind and have no intention of solving any of my mysteries, but at least you could answer a few questions!”

Master Mangnyang seemed impressed by my boldness.

[Hmm… You know me quite well.]

“Just answer a couple of my questions!”

[I’ll only answer what I won’t regret later.]

I nodded and asked,

“Do you have any idea what the Heavenly Secret is?”

[What’s that?]

“Then why did it take two months for you to finally show up?”

[Because I felt like it.]

“What do you mean I’m the most dangerous existence in this world?”

[You just look that way. Not exactly handsome either.]

“……”

[What? Why? Huh?]

Noticing Master Mangnyang’s cheeky attitude, I realized that this cat was truly the master of my disciple Mangnyang. Before I could pursue my original line of questioning, I shifted gears.

“Master Mangnyang, I need to take down the Golden Eagle Guard. Can you lend me a hand? Surely, your disciple Cheon Woo-jin would be a great ally!”

The black cat yawned.

[Too troublesome, not my business. I won’t pressure my disciple on his affairs either. If Mangnyang wants to tag along with you, that’s his decision. Likewise, if you wish to make Cheon Woo-jin your ally, it’s up to you.]

“But you just took back the treasure called the Seven Fires, Seven Golds line!”

[Allowing my disciple to use the treasure was my decision. But considering his personality, he would probably overuse it in an attempt to help you. I can’t stand by and watch him shorten his lifespan like that.]

“……”

Crap, that’s why Mangnyang said that using the treasure would deduct years from his life! Was Master Mangnyang taking it away for that reason? The black cat’s sharp eyes glistened as it continued.

[My disciple has the greatest brains in the continent. In a chaotic time, he could easily rival the likes of Zhuge Liang or Sima Shi. Even though he lacks talent in sorcery, I cherish my disciple’s abilities. He’ll be fine without the treasures.]

“But I need real power to face the Golden Eagle Guard!”

[You figure it out. I don’t get involved in worldly matters.]

It was clear we weren’t getting anywhere. No matter how I looked at it, his attitude said he would rather sit back and watch the fireworks. So, forced to change the topic, I asked,

“If I find a certain book, can you help interpret it?”

[If you’re talking about the Nameless Ritual Book, it’s impossible. Only beings from the other world can interpret that.]

“But Mangnyang said he could interpret a similar book.”

[That’s just my disciple’s misunderstanding. It’s not formulated according to the rules of normal language. No matter how clever you are, it’s not feasible.]

“……”

Only beings from the other world can interpret it, huh? That meant the Heavenly Secret could likely be impractical as well! I had already confirmed this with the sorcerer by showing him the book, even if he babbled nonsense I couldn’t understand. I pondered for a second before speaking.

“If that’s the case, then take me as your disciple! I want to learn sorcery…”

[That’s impossible. You seem to have no talent for martial arts, plus your sorcery skills are even worse. Just give up.]

What a frustrating cat! I couldn’t help but shout,

“Damn it! How can you make such a bold conclusion?”

[It’s obvious to me. Plus, having no talent but still pretending to have it would be the real cruelty. I think I’m being kind here.]

“You’re just the worst!”

[I hear that a lot…]

As Master Mangnyang continued to grumble, it yawned and said,

[If you truly want power, you should seek the secret treasure of the Seven Luminaries. With that in your possession, even a novice like yourself might grasp some sorcery.]

“Seven Luminaries Secret Treasure?”

[Like the treasure, it’s a relic left behind by an immortal. However, unlike treasures, there are guardians protecting it. In other words, if you can find the ruins where those guardians exist, then all you need to do is discover that location.]

“Huh…”

[I believe I’ve provided enough advice. The rest is yours to investigate.]

With that, the black cat started along the narrow path. This time it looked as if it wouldn’t stop, even if I tried.

[Then, farewell.]

“Hey, wait!”

Master Mangnyang glanced back one last time and said,

[You won’t meet me again until you’ve undone that curse, fool.]

“……”

Upon waking up from this strangely vivid dream called “Lucid Dream,” I hurriedly sought out Mangnyang. As I unexpectedly knocked on his door in the dead of night, he blinked groggily and stood up.

“What’s going on?”

I recounted everything I had experienced to Mangnyang. After hearing it all, he sighed, as if he had anticipated the outcome.

“Looks like Master has no intention of helping us.”

“What should we do?”

Mangnyang scratched his head.

“What else? Let’s just stay put in the village and focus on getting stronger.”

That was such an unexpected reply! Wouldn’t it be better to head out and find the secret treasure of the Seven Luminaries immediately? As a look of suspicion flashed across my face, Mangnyang elaborated.

“This village is currently the safest place in the world. Not only is it protected by Master’s powers, but also, Priest Cheon Woo-jin can drive away any outsiders with his barrier. There’s no safer choice than building strength here.”

“What about the Seven Luminaries?”

“I know what that is. The relic embodies the powers of the Moon, Fire, Water, Wood, Gold, Earth, and Sun. Unlike treasures, ordinary folks can wield it even without sorcery.”

As he explained, Mangnyang shook his head vigorously.

“However, the guardians protecting the Seven Luminaries are rather powerful beings. Defeating the guardians and obtaining the treasure is just a fantasy. It’d be better to face the Golden Eagle Guard instead.”

“What do you mean? You said the guardians were relics left behind by immortals!”

“They were created to guard these relics, crafted by beings from the mythological age that one can hardly imagine in the present world. If you can’t handle the Golden Eagle Guard, going after relics is pointless. Even finding the ruins of the Seven Luminaries will take ages.”

“……”

Mangnyang continued,

“All this time, you’ve been honing your skills in real combat to elevate your martial prowess, right? If you cultivate your abilities to wield that impressive internal power and continue refining your martial arts, you should be able to challenge the Golden Eagle Guard.”

He made a fair point. I had been at the brink of battle with the Golden Eagle Guard utilizing my Thunder Spirit techniques, which made me feel that my abilities had indeed increased. Not only that, I could feel my internal power blending naturally with time and having an easier grip on the ways of the Thunder God lineage. Even though I had no talent, after long hours of training, I was approaching a breakthrough.

However, impatience gnawed at me, and I shook my head.

“How can we be certain when the Golden Eagle Guard would strike? I want to resolve this before they become even more powerful!”

“As long as Priest Cheon Woo-jin is here, even a million troops wouldn’t breach our walls.”

Mangnyang declared, firmly.

“Anyway, members like the Golden Eagle Guard can be replenished at any time by the imperial palace. Recruiting talent from a palace examination won’t be an overwhelming task. The crucial thing to note is the leadership of the Lord of the Golden Eagle Guard and the Vice Leader. Don’t bother with trivial matters; work on gaining the strength to overthrow them.”

That was sound advice.

‘But… I’ve kept the Heavenly Secret outside too long. It’s unsettling.’

If the enemy invaded and broke through the barrier, I might really die without ever being able to return! Dread washed over me, stirring an urgency in my mind.

As long as I possessed the Heavenly Secret, I would feel secure.

Moreover, my stubborn side kicked in. Although Mangnyang’s words were undoubtedly wise, my impatience was hard to shake off, especially after being belittled by Master Mangnyang. I felt the urge to take action immediately. As a result, I snapped back curtly.

“… I can’t do just that. Achieving mastery in martial arts takes time, and it’s hard to endure idly passing the years stuck here!”

“Um… The sorcerer’s illusion was merely a prank. Taking it seriously could…”

“I want power sooner rather than later. I intend to find the Seven Luminaries and embark on my own quest!”

Mangnyang let out a long sigh.

“If that’s how it is, I’ll just have to accompany you.”

“Just stay here! I don’t have the spare energy to protect you too!”

“You think you’ll find the ruins of the Seven Luminaries without my help? Searching for a needle in the desert comes to mind.”

“Let’s consider it as a martial arts training exercise.”

“You are seriously rushing things… Just calm down and think it through.”

Yet, despite his grumblings, Mangnyang ultimately joined me as we left the village. Outside, I immediately sought the Heavenly Secret, clutching it to my chest again. Honestly, I might’ve felt more anxious because I had let it stray too far from me.

It was night.

The chill lingered, but clenching the Heavenly Secret in my hands fueled my courage.

‘Alright, it’s time to find the secret treasure of the Seven Luminaries and set things in motion…’

Just then, while trying to determine our first destination with Mangnyang, a chilling voice echoed through the dark night.

“Oh, look, the so-called Dharma Guardian of the White Lotus Sect is here.”

As I searched for the source of that voice, a figure wearing a white mask stood in the shadows. Flanking him were members of the Golden Eagle Guard, already positioned with torches lit. I recognized him instantly.

“Lord of the Golden Eagle Guard!”

“Ha ha… To think you’d recognize me as soon as you saw me, you’re truly remarkable.”

The chief commander of the Golden Eagle Guard, and the strongest in the imperial palace, chuckled heartily. Suddenly surrounded, I felt a wave of panic wash over me as I realized they must have been closing in on this area from the start. Logically, without this, the number of Golden Eagle guards showing up from behind the pine forest couldn’t have exceeded dozens.

The Lord of the Golden Eagle Guard spoke casually.

“After obtaining details about the appearance and traits of the criminal who slaughtered the six divisions of the Golden Eagle Guard, I deduced that you arrived here in this village a month ago. However, whether attempting a full offensive or sending in agents, the mysterious fog had caused nothing but casualties as we fumbled around. You’ve conveniently walked right out of your fortress.”

“……”

“It’s been quite amusing, knowing you posed as a Dharma Guardian from the Huashan Sect. Ha ha!”

I regretted it deeply.

‘Mangnyang was right.’

After two months of peace, I thought the pursuit had ceased, but it turned out otherwise. They had tracked me down a month ago but had merely waited while observing due to Cheon Woo-jin’s illusion barrier! Furthermore, this village was so insular that they probably couldn’t utilize residents to gain intel.

If I had developed my Thunder Spirit techniques further and ascended to the level of refined Sword Qi, I may not have been overly concerned. But my impatience had led me to impulsively move too soon.

Gritting my teeth, I said,

“Mangnyang, I’m sorry.”

Mangnyang seemed to have given up, laughing weakly.

“It’s alright. It’s spilled milk. I suggest you escape.”

“……”

In this kind of situation, there was simply no way to break through the encirclement of the Golden Eagle Guard while protecting Mangnyang as well. My life was already hanging by a thread. I decided to stall for time by addressing the Lord of the Golden Eagle Guard.

“Ha ha, a disguise! How could you possibly know if I’m truly a Dharma Guardian from the White Lotus Sect?”

“You seem quite the fool. We have a mole among the three Dharma Guardians of the White Lotus Sect who collaborated with us. We’ve accumulated considerable information about your sect. No matter how you look at it, your traits don’t resemble any of the Guardians.”

“……!!”

One of the Guardians of the White Lotus Sect was colluding with the Golden Eagle Guard?!

Startled by such unexpected information, it also meant that they had the capacity to decipher my detailed whereabouts. The Lord of the Golden Eagle Guard continued to speak languidly.

“It’s regrettable that the sorcerer is dead and further rituals cannot be conducted, but that matters not. The Nameless Ritual Book has already been interpreted, therefore we just need to find someone with equivalent sorcery skills.”

“What the hell… what kind of twisted scheme are you up to? Summoning a demon beast through human sacrifice—does that even hold value? What do you hope to achieve by summoning a demon beast to the White Lotus Sect?”

The Lord of the Golden Eagle Guard, evidently made up his mind to kill us right there and then, calmly explained,

“Of course not. Even with a hundred demon beasts, how could they challenge the Master of the White Lotus Sect? The demon beasts are nothing more than offerings for the secondary ritual. When that secondary ritual concludes, we will annihilate the White Lotus Sect and fulfill the eternal glory of His Majesty the Emperor.”

“Secondary ritual?”

“Ha ha ha… any remaining questions can be addressed during your interrogation. I’m sure you have many queries you wish to raise.”

Suddenly, the experts surrounding us began to shift as one collective wave. Dozens of first-class experts and peak experts were forming an attack formation, ready to strike. Given my current skills, escaping this encirclement was utterly impossible.

It was then that Mangnyang spoke up.

“… I have a favor to ask.”

“……”

“Please end my life. I’d rather not face interrogation.”

I felt my heart twist at Mangnyang’s calm request.

What a tragic situation!

Every sentence Mangnyang uttered had saved my life time and time again, yet because of a moment of impatience, this was where I found myself! I still had many debts to repay, and now I had to end his suffering with my own hands!

I was beside myself with grief and bitterness.

I forced back tears and said,

“Go on ahead. I will follow.”

Mangnyang let out a soft chuckle that would haunt me for life.

“Heh… it’s been a pleasure.”

Swoosh!

“Oh no!”

The Lord of the Golden Eagle Guard frowned as my sword elegantly swept through the air, cleanly severing Mangnyang’s neck from his body. I had poured all my energy into that swift strike, enhanced by the Thunder Spirit technique, allowing him to feel almost no pain.

I was so ashamed of myself that I couldn’t bear it. I bit my lip until it bled. Then, I shouted,

“Commander! If you’re the strongest in the imperial palace, let’s fight one-on-one! If I lose, I’ll tell you anything you want!!”

Buzzing murmurs spread among the Golden Eagle Guards. They had likely never expected to hear someone plead for a one-on-one challenge from their leader, who had trapped them in this encirclement. The Lord of the Golden Eagle Guard agreed without hesitation.

“Alright. I’ve been curious about how formidable a self-declared Dharma Guardian of the White Lotus Sect can be.”

“Shut it!”

“Your energy is scattered. I’ll let you make three moves first.”

Swoosh!

Without realizing it, I gathered the Thunder Spirit within. Simultaneously, the vast internal power coursing through my body was converted into Thunder Spirit energy. In an instant, my body was enveloped in crackling lightning, surging with power. Like an unexpected lightning strike at night, my body ignited with power, shocking those around me.

“I’ve heard that when the internal energy reaches its peak with the properties of the Five Elements, phenomena like this occur, but it’s truly impressive!”

Bang!

I charged toward the Lord of the Golden Eagle Guard. Given the overwhelming strength of a peak expert like him, I knew that tricks wouldn’t suffice, so I aimed to unleash my strongest strike. After all, since he had boasted that he’d allow me three moves, I wanted to break his skull without hesitation.

Clang!

In an instant, the beam of lightning glinted as it sliced through the air. My Thunder Spirit-infused sword technique struck at breakneck speed against the Lord of the Golden Eagle Guard ten times. Normally, such a single attack would easily extinguish an ordinary Golden Eagle Guard.

“One.”

Yet, unexpectedly, the Lord’s voice came from a totally different spot. My heart sank when I realized that his form appeared five yards away, leisurely turning away. Even though I had attacked his shadow, it was as if he had employed a clone technique at that speed!

Bang!

“Two.”

Once more, I tried an attack, only for the result to be the same. Finally, I unleashed my Thunder Spirit technique explosively, surging straight toward the Lord. This was the ultimate technique of the Thunder Shadow Sword technique, the Absolute Slash, Thunder Shadow Breaking the Heaven!

“Three.”

Clang!

“……!!”

The Lord flicked his finger, and my sword shattered into two pieces, flying away. My Thunder Spirit-infused sword had the strength of a miraculous weapon, yet it shattered so easily! As I stood there stupefied, the Lord said calmly,

“Your speed and strength may be impressive, but your martial arts are quite crude. Calling yourself a Dharma Guardian—come now, you’ve still got a long way to go. I wouldn’t expect to win even against monsters like you, let alone a mere Great Sect Elder-level martial artist disrupting our plans.”

“……”

“It’s truly unfortunate that the Master of the White Lotus Sect can’t defeat three Dharma Guardians at once, but that’s quite the topic…”

There was no time to hesitate anymore!

I gulped!

“Oh dear!”

As blood gushed from my mouth in a torrent, it caught the Lord’s attention. He seemed surprised, likely believing that I appeared to be a tenacious survivor clinging to life. Seizing the moment of his distraction, I managed to sever my lifeline with a single cut.

This was my first time dying by my own choice, yet the experience was harrowingly unpleasant.

Crash!

My entire circulatory system shattered. It felt as if my internal organs were wrecked. I choked on a waterfall of blood from my throat as I sank towards the ground, reeling in a frenzy of excruciating agony. My eyes caught sight of Mangnyang’s head that had fallen to the earth.

‘Mangnyang, I’m so sorry.’

I vowed never to make such a mistake again.

Though there was no guarantee of my return, if I somehow survived, I would definitely seek vengeance for today’s grievances.

As my consciousness faded away, this was my sixth death.

 

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