874——————==

True Martial Home

I was taken aback by Seimei’s words.

“What are you talking about?! That guy is extremely dangerous…”

Seimei replied calmly.

“I know. But at the same time, he has a guardian’s duty to ensure that the balance of this East does not collapse further. Since he stole the Moon Sovereign from Emperor Godai and buried it on Ganghwa Island in ancient times, he has the obligation to protect Dongyoung. If Dongyoung collapses and the Life Sea engulfs the entire archipelago, the power of the Demon will multiply by dozens. He won’t even have the courage to fight against the Sea God.”

That made sense. If the Master of the Twelve Joules’ goal was to hold off the impending doom for thousands of years, he certainly wouldn’t want the Demonic forces to grow stronger before that happened. Moreover, the power of the demon gathered in Dongyoung was among the most powerful in the region and couldn’t be ignored.

“Hmmm!”

“He probably doesn’t know about our alliance yet. If I approach him purely as the head of Dongyoung needing support, he should provide assistance accordingly. Then, I’ll negotiate to get the finest treasures we can.”

“You mean crafting a Divine Being from the treasures we get from the Master of the Twelve Joules?”

“Exactly. If we become Divine Beings, then the Moon Sovereign won’t need to summon Miho as her spare life anymore.”

“……”

It seemed like a decent plan. Rather than forcefully squeezing the Master of the Twelve Joules for resources, it was a stealthier operation to drain what he could offer. Looking back at Zhuge Sa, he shrugged and didn’t seem to oppose it much. I nodded and said to Seimei.

“I’m counting on you, Seimei.”

Seimei answered with a faint smile on his elderly face.

“I will secure Miho with the power of our Tsuchimikado clan in advance. You don’t need to worry; she won’t be harmed. I’ll also ensure her persona is preserved.”

“Thanks. Well…”

“Oh, and one more thing.”

“Huh?”

Interjecting mid-sentence, Seimei said with sharp eyes.

“Bring me the Seven Fires, Seven Golds Line from Mangnyang.”

I was dumbfounded by the unexpected request.

“… What? We agreed to not involve Mangnyang.”

“This is a different issue. There must be some secret hidden within the Seven Fires, Seven Golds Line that I want to study with Yin-Yang arts.”

Indeed, Seimei had mentioned in a previous life that there was a peculiar secret within the Seven Fires, Seven Golds Line. Although that life had been rushing, I couldn’t discern what that secret was, but Seimei seemed intent on exploring it.

“Hmm. Understood.”

If anyone could uncover the secret, it would be Seimei, the top master of Yin-Yang. After agreeing with Seimei’s proposal, I returned to the Central Plains with Zhuge Sa.

Upon hearing Seimei’s request, Zhuge Sa said,

“Then just bring the Seven Fires, Seven Golds Line. You know that there’s no need to directly contact Mangnyang, right?”

“I know. I’ll only fetch the Seven Fires, Seven Golds Line.”

Clap!

I stealthily entered the hut where Mangnyang was staying in Jinrang Valley. It seemed Mangnyang was out, leaving signs of life behind. As I quietly hid and waited, Mangnyang returned home half a day later, lit a candle, and began reading a book. I thought the Seven Fires, Seven Golds Line was probably somewhere on him, so I pounced to grab Mangnyang.

“Ugh, who…”

Thud!

In an instant, Mangnyang was subdued and fell, and I searched his body until I found the Seven Fires, Seven Golds Line in my hand. Looking at the unconscious Mangnyang with a bitter gaze, I muttered.

“I’m sorry. This is my way of repaying…”

I left five gold bars and several Black and White Lotuses by his head. If it had nothing to do with me, this would greatly help Mangnyang’s life. But just as I was about to activate Golden Lamp with the Seven Fires, Seven Golds Line, something unexpected happened.

Hisssss

Suddenly, five streams of flame burst out from the Seven Fires, Seven Golds Line, wrapping around my upper body like a snake!

“……?!”

Whoosh!!!

“Uuugh!!”

As the flames from the Seven Fires, Seven Golds Line began to scorch me, I was startled, but soon the Spirit Power within me and the power of Amaterasu reacted, neutralizing the flames. I had reached a state where I could naturally counteract the flames of techniques just by standing still. I scrambled to let go of the Seven Fires, Seven Golds Line, but it clung to my hand like it was glued.

‘I’m… running out.’

Moreover, the pain from the flames intensified, giving me a feeling like my internal Divine Power was being eaten away! It seemed like the flames could even burn away Divine Power, as if they were consuming my Spirit Power and Amaterasu’s strength like the ends of a rope catching fire!

Whoosh

“Hah!!”

At that moment, I felt a sharp gaze scanning me, making my heart leap. A pair of eyes was covering my entire body.

Those… those eyes!

Feeling an unfathomable presence beyond the Seven Fires, Seven Golds Line—a presence that surpassed even killing intent—made me feel utterly weak, and before I knew it, I was kneeling. The flames from the Seven Fires, Seven Golds Line had already stopped, but as I focused on those eyes, I struggled to regain my senses.

They were watching me.

Though it was a brief moment, the gaze shook my mind fiercely. When the gaze disappeared, I hastily threw the Seven Fires, Seven Golds Line to the ground, finally regaining my composure. My palm was damp with sweat as I gritted my teeth.

“Mangnyang, Master…!!”

Could this be Mangnyang coming to personally retrieve something stolen from his disciple?!

I couldn’t believe that might be the secret hidden within the Seven Fires, Seven Golds Line, but I wasn’t certain yet. And now that Mangnyang had seen me, there was a high chance he’d pay attention to me from now on.

‘Ugh, did I mess things up?’

I felt like I had stirred up a hornet’s nest, but I couldn’t back down now; I clenched my teeth and approached the sleeping Mangnyang to wake him.

“Ugh, who are you?!”

“Mangnyang! I’m someone named Baek Woong. As you can see, I came to borrow your Seven Fires, Seven Golds Line and left a rental fee here.”

The bewildered Mangnyang glanced at the gold bars and Black and White Lotuses, then yelled.

“Don’t be ridiculous! Hand it over at once. That’s a gift from the Master, and I can’t give it up!”

“Ugh… Alright. If I get permission directly from Mangnyang, will it be fine?”

“Try if you can. In that case, I will lend it to you… But how do you know the Master?”

Grab!

Ignoring his question, I immediately grasped the Seven Fires, Seven Golds Line again. Just like before, fierce flames enveloped my body, but I ignored it and fixated on the gaze from beyond time and space. Then, I called out to Mangnyang with my will.

[Mangnyang, Master! I’m running out of time. I need to uncover all the secrets as quickly as possible. So please allow me to borrow this!]

After a moment of silence, Mangnyang’s reply echoed.

[Alright. But there’s a condition.]

[Anything!]

Given how things had escalated, it was better to agree to anything. Besides, it was true that Mangnyang was one of my few allies, so I steeled myself.

And the condition Mangnyang stated was surprising.

[Take Mangnyang with you.]

[……?! No! If I use the Obsidian, Mangnyang will get tainted…]

As I began to voice my concern, Mangnyang countered, as if already knowing.

[I’ll protect against that. Even if I accept your Obsidian, Mangnyang won’t fall.]

Hmmm…

Considering Mangnyang could likely handle it, I felt tempted. For me, having Mangnyang as a companion would be highly desirable. However, I needed to be more cautious, so I spoke up.

[I heard that we shouldn’t increase the number of those who know about past lives.]

[The Demon Sorcerer’s concerns have already been read by me using the Law of Cause and Effect, so there’s no need to worry about that. Mangnyang will be an exception.]

It seemed he was also aware of my conversation with Zhuge Sa. It appeared Mangnyang had been observing everything while pretending to do nothing.

Even so, seeing Mangnyang push this hard was a first for me, making my eyes widen in shock.

[…Why are you so determined to have Mangnyang join my journey?]

In most cases, he was indifferent or tried to protect individuals like Mangnyang or Cheon Woo-jin from being dragged into my Law of Cause and Effect. Although he had often pushed them away, it was unusual for him to insist on including a disciple.

[……]

There was no response. Instead, the flames from the Seven Fires, Seven Golds Line ceased.

Hastily, I returned the Seven Fires, Seven Golds Line to its original owner, Mangnyang. As Mangnyang received it, he stared blankly, asking,

“What on earth… is going on? What happened?”

Feeling bitter, I replied.

“Mangnyang, I’m just as puzzled by this situation. However, my name is Baek Woong, and as agreed with Mangnyang, I will hand over the Obsidian to you.”

“What?!”

I placed the golden Obsidian in Mangnyang’s hand and transmitted my memories using the Obsidian’s technique. Normally, this would be a reckless act I’d never do, but since Mangnyang vouched for it, I decided to go for it. There was nothing in this world I could trust more than Mangnyang’s guarantee.

Whoosh!

Receiving the memory, Mangnyang staggered for a moment. Then, he clutched his head, contemplating deeply, and suddenly started shedding tears.

“…Baek Woong, it seems I’m cornered into a trap within a trap. How on earth did it come to this…”

… Ugh.

Hearing it directly from Mangnyang made me acutely aware of how perilous our situation was. I felt gloomy inside but managed not to show it as I asked Mangnyang.

“Mangnyang. Have you obtained the memory?”

“Huf… It’s a relief that my uncle is by your side. Thank goodness…”

Mangnyang murmured as if lamenting, then steadied himself and stated.

“Baek Woong. Although I’m not fully aware of our circumstances, I will accompany you and protect you from danger.”

“… Thank you!!!”

I might not fully grasp the situation, but I grinned brightly.

Mangnyang had joined our group as my support!

I took Mangnyang with me to Jangryeong Valley. As Mangnyang and Zhuge Sa met, Zhuge Sa first wore a surprised expression before saying.

“Did Master Mangnyang intervene?”

We hadn’t said a word, but did he catch on instantly?

The guy really has a sharp mind and awareness. As I silently commended him for figuring it out so quickly, Mangnyang replied to Zhuge Sa.

“That’s right.”

“Why’s that?”

Zhuge Sa’s peculiar counter-question prompted Mangnyang to respond coolly.

“The Master intends to use me as a pawn on the chessboard.”

“That makes sense. A very objective perspective.”

Zhuge Sa mumbled that, looking at Mangnyang with newfound understanding.

“You’ve grown.”

It appeared Zhuge Sa had sensed a shift in Mangnyang’s previously naive qualities and spirit. I felt the same change in Mangnyang, so I could agree with that statement.

“I heard you’ve decided to ally with my father. How do you plan to attack the Celestial Realm?”

“You know I’m offering the Seven Luminaries to Pangu.”

Mangnyang pondered deeply before continuing.

“… But I think there’s something I need to do first.”

“What is it?”

Mangnyang’s following strategy made me question my hearing.

“We need to capture Jin So-cheong right away. Then we must seal him or make sure he cannot come into the world.”