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I left the Sacred Altar a month later. After walking about thirty paces, I turned back, only to find not even a trace of the Sacred Altar Village, let alone the huge Sacred Altar Tree that had stood there. The barrier protecting the Sacred Altar Tree had concealed its very existence. To break through this barrier, a Grand Sorcerer would need to step in.

Birds were chirping in the distance, and the haunting silence of the deep forest wrapped around me.

“……”

I turned my head and continued my steps toward Gaegyeong, my thoughts wandering.

‘In the past month, I’ve learned the art of internal power from the Master of the Twelve Joules, and even picked up a few more techniques…’

The Master of the Twelve Joules had sparred with me a few times for practice. Though it seemed one-sided since I was the one taking all the hits, he stood at a level in martial arts that was beyond anyone else. It was so significant that just by observing his techniques, I recognized flaws in my Thunder Shadow Step.

After our sparring sessions, whenever I had questions, he answered them.

I still remembered a conversation with the Master of the Twelve Joules.

[Why didn’t I attempt to obtain Yayoi?]

[Yes. With your strength, it would be well within your reach.]

[Hmm…]

The Master of the Twelve Joules had never taken off his fox mask during our meetings. I had no way to verify the face of the peerless beauty that Lee Joo-hee spoke of. He answered with crossed arms, still wearing the puppy mask.

[If you bring Yayoi from Dongyoung, it’ll definitely make things easier for us. But then the lands of Dongyoung will be overrun by the minions of the Evil God.]

[So the Heavenly Gathering Cloud Sword also plays a role in suppressing the Evil God, similar to the Sacred Altar Tree?]

[Of course, it’s not as powerful as the barrier of the Sacred Altar Tree, but the Heavenly Gathering Cloud Sword maintains a similar shield. The reason humans can reside on Dongyoung land is because of that sword.]

[……]

[There’s no need to rush to do its job correctly, right?]

As I ended my recollections, I thought to myself, ‘If that’s the case, then there’s no need to rush to acquire Yayoi right now.’

If I moved Yayoi carelessly, it could give rise to a force in Dongyoung like the Demon Subduing Hall. Perhaps what I needed to focus on was not acquiring Yayoi but simply keeping track of its location. However, I murmured the troubles that I hadn’t disclosed even to the Master of the Twelve Joules.

“It’s strange… Miho must have truly enchanted that Heavenly Emperor of Dongyoung, but if the Heavenly Gathering Cloud Sword really is the Seventh Luminary, then why hasn’t it ascended?”

Miho seemed desperate to return to the Celestial Realm. And being a Seventh Luminary, she had great power, so she tirelessly strove to obtain the Seventh Luminary’s Heavenly Emperor. If one of Dongyoung’s Divine Tools was indeed the Heavenly Gathering Cloud Sword, there wouldn’t have been any need to come all the way to Goryeo and risk conflict with the Dan Clan. There had to be some secret regarding the location of Yayoi.

To learn more about Yayoi, I needed to meet Miho again.

But I was heavy with worry.

Would I be able to survive when I met Miho again?

Last time we parted ways, it seemed she noticed Mangnyang coming to help me. She might have considered it a kind of betrayal. Although she spared my life out of whim, with her unpredictable nature, I couldn’t know when she might decide to kill me. Right now, avoiding eye contact with her felt like the safest option.

“Ugh… Whatever will be will be.”

With that thought, I began my journey along the long road ahead. It felt like there wasn’t much left for me to do in Goryeo, so I decided to focus on honing my medical skills.

As I made my way from Mount Changbai to Gaegyeong, it took about three days. A journey that would typically take over a month on foot took me only a fraction of the time, thanks to my speed, which surpassed that of an ordinary human by tenfold. If I really wanted, I could have reached my destination in a day.

Upon entering the city of Gaegyeong and heading to the Hua Clan, I was suddenly startled.

“……!!”

There were people dressed in white, waiting for me in front of the Hua Clan! There were about ten of them, all appearing to be martial artists. While the building of the Hua Clan stood intact, the people around avoided making eye contact as if trying to distance themselves from the Man in White.

‘What’s going on?!’

I locked eyes with the leading Man in White. He looked to be my age, well-built and good-looking. After checking my attire and appearance, he spoke.

“Are you Baek Woong?”

Something felt ominous. I forced myself to stay calm and answered, “Yes, but who are you?”

As I replied, the young man suddenly switched to speaking in Mandarin instead of Goryeoese, declaring his martial authority.

“I suspected you might return, Baek Woong. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”

His tone was polite and cordial. I didn’t drop my guard as I spoke back in Mandarin.

“So you’re Central Plains people?”

“To be precise, we are White Lotus Members.”

White Lotus Members! I couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief, realizing my guesses were indeed correct. The high levels of internal power radiating from these ten or so people suggested they were peak experts. It was also notable that the White Lotus Members, regardless of gender, all appeared to be in their teens or twenties.

They must be the young expert ranks cultivated using the Sacred Lotus from the White Lotus Sect! I had heard rumors that they were leading the White Lotus Sect, having snatched up nearly forty percent of the martial artists in the Central Plains. A staggering number of peak experts, who could easily take down the elders of the major sects having mastered the White Lotus Sect’s Secret Martial Arts Technique, flooded out from their ranks.

I looked over at the Hua Clan and said, “You’re not here to cause trouble for the members of the Hua Clan, are you?”

The young man chuckled lightly.

“No such thing. They’re all safe and sound.”

“That’s a relief.”

“We traveled all the way from the Central Plains to have an interesting conversation with you, Baek Woong.”

“Interesting conversation?”

“Ah, I’m sorry for not introducing myself sooner. I’m Lee Yeo-song, the leader of the Wind Spirit Sect.”

Once more, Lee Yeo-song bowed to me and continued, “In fact, just yesterday, the Master of Guangming Divine Doctor, Hwa Seong-myeong, and the Dharma Guardian had a separate conversation. They concluded that you, Baek Woong, hold knowledge about the whereabouts of the Black and White Lotus. So we’ve been waiting to escort you to the Dharma Guardian.”

“……!!”

I clenched my teeth. The Dharma Guardian from the White Lotus Sect! One of the most powerful martial artists in the world was here right now. I couldn’t help but wonder if it could be Han Baek-ryeong, as it could be one of the other two Dharma Guardians. One thing was clear: the Dharma Guardian wanted to talk to me, and that was bound to involve a sinister conspiracy.

Not wanting to say anything further, Lee Yeo-song prompted, “Please, let’s go together. We’ll treat you with great respect.”

“Hold on a moment. I need to confirm that the Hua Clan members are indeed safe with my own eyes.”

“Then please go ahead. We’ll wait for you to return.”

The White Lotus Members parted to make a path for me. I passed by each of the members of the Wind Spirit Sect, still feeling their immense internal power.

‘If I go toe-to-toe with these guys, there’s a ninety percent chance I’d end up dead…’

They were certainly disturbing figures. They seemed to possess even higher internal power than the elders from the Zhongnan Sect, and they knew how to control their own aura with great calmness in their demeanor. It felt like a gathering of peak experts. If they were trained in group fighting techniques or coordinated abilities, I wouldn’t stand a chance against them with just my bare hands. Truth be told, if they weren’t this strong, they wouldn’t dare step forward to dominate the Central Plains Martial World.

I stepped inside the Hua Clan to confirm the safety of the people. Fortunately, there were no injuries or casualties, and everyone seemed to be safe. They appeared to have been aware of the intimidation displayed by the White Lotus Members, showing signs of anxiety. As I stepped further inside, I found Hwa Seong-myeong’s direct descendants gathered together.

Hwa Seong-myeong, along with his son and daughter-in-law, and his granddaughter, Hua Yeong-yeong. The branch family didn’t seem to be here.

Feeling their gaze upon me, I felt a wave of pressure wash over me. Still, I approached Hwa Seong-myeong, who was seated and formally bowed.

“I apologize for my lateness. I, disciple Baek Woong, have returned.”

“Ah… you’ve done well to come back. Please, have a seat.”

“Yes.”

As I took my seat, a heavy silence fell over the room. Hwa Seong-myeong didn’t appear to be in poor health, but his complexion seemed paler, perhaps troubled by the current situation. Watching me closely, he said, “Baek Woong, you are aware that the White Lotus Members are outside.”

“They call themselves the Wind Spirit Sect.”

“Moreover, just yesterday, a Dharma Guardian dressed in a Black Tiger mask visited me. He seemed distinct from the one who had previously come to take me away due to the Young Master.”

“… What on earth have the White Lotus Sect come looking for us for?”

I couldn’t fathom it and felt my temper flaring up. I had fled to Goryeo after reincarnating, hoping to avoid entanglements with the martial world, and I had no recollection of anything that would involve the White Lotus Sect. Then suddenly being approached by an elite force and a Dharma Guardian was utterly baffling.

Hwa Seong-myeong continued, “It seems to have something to do with the Sacred Lotus that you provided.”

“Huh?”

“The Dharma Guardian explained the situation to me. I sold the roots of the Black and White Lotus, using a secret method known only to me, to the Central Plains Martial World—only for it to end up at the hands of a trading group within the White Lotus Sect. With the roots flowing in, it seems they have made their way into the White Lotus Sect.”

“……”

I was left dumbfounded, my jaw dropping. “They say the Young Master of the White Lotus Sect was saved because of that root? And once the Young Master regained their strength, the leader of the White Lotus Sect immediately resolved to advance into the Central Plains?”

“S-Such a thing…”

My mind raced, startled. “Wasn’t the Sacred Lotus supposed to be exceedingly abundant within the White Lotus Sect? Why in the world would the Young Master be cured from eating that?”

Hwa Seong-myeong sighed. “That’s something they didn’t explain to me either. However, the Dharma Guardian mentioned that since our Hua Clan has greatly aided the White Lotus Sect, they would like to repay that favor.”

“Repay?”

“They primarily wanted to speak with you. Afterward, they would help our Hua Clan return to the Central Plains. They promised to treat us as their great benefactors and secure us a hundred years of wealth.”

“Hmm…”

At that moment, Hwa Seong-myeong’s son, Hwa Tae-bo, who had been quietly listening, turned to me. As a physician who had received teachings in the arts of the Hua’s 108 Needles and Huatuo’s Five Animals Play, he possessed remarkable skills. With a serious tone, he pleaded, “I’ve heard from my father that our clan was saved because of you. Please make the right choice again and save us once more. The fate of the Hua Clan rests in your hands.”

“Baek Woong, we’re counting on you.”

The desperation in Hwa Seong-myeong’s family’s voices implied that it was imperative not to sputter unnecessary words and to conciliate with the Dharma Guardian. However, it was a reality that the fates of numerous members of the Hua Clan depended on me. I found myself gazing heavily at Hwa Seong-myeong before saying, “Master, may I speak with you alone for a moment?”

“Alright.”

Hwa Seong-myeong and I withdrew into a deeper section of the room, away from the family. This area was the most secretive and hidden chamber in the Hua’s buildings, a personal space for Hwa Seong-myeong. In the dark chamber, lit by a single candle, Hwa Seong-myeong began to speak.

“I… don’t trust the White Lotus Sect.”

“……”

“They aren’t inherently evil, but they easily disregard those weaker than themselves. They treat other forces in the martial world with absolute calculations. While the Dharma Guardian might have lured us in with seemingly harmless words, it’s probably a trap.”

“A trap?”

“Do you really think they came just to call the Hua Clan? They might even be considering clashing with the Twelve Joules and their warriors stationed here in Gaegyeong.”

“… What do you mean?”

“It seems you’ve caught on. If we reject their proposal, they’re likely planning to wipe out the Hua Clan.”

I exhaled a sigh. Hwa Seong-myeong’s words rang true. If the White Lotus Sect’s forces were indeed that powerful, then they wouldn’t back down even if they clashed with the Twelve Joules. The strength of the Dharma Guardian could surpass any ordinary martial artist’s, making the thought of annihilation a trivial matter for them.

I asked, “Then why have they waited quietly until I returned?”

“Perhaps they want to proceed as comfortably as possible. They might think it easier to consume sweet bait than to clash directly with the Twelve Joules. They’d likely want to grasp what information you possess.”

“So either way, we’re stuck.”

“Yes… My son has likely sensed the truth to some degree. Tae-bo is a smart one.”

Hwa Seong-myeong’s expression was clouded with gloom.

I suddenly felt pity for him. Hwa Seong-myeong’s once stable life in the Central Plains had spiraled into chaos mainly due to the White Lotus Sect. And now, for reasons unknown, they were threatening to eradicate him. What a ridiculous turn of events!

After thinking for a moment, I proposed, “The most realistic approach would be to contact the Master of the Twelve Joules and have them drive these people away.”

“I had considered that as well. But they don’t have concrete proof that we’ll be directly attacked, and would the peak fighters of the Twelve Joules fight against the might of the White Lotus Sect, which is the strongest martial force? At least until they attack directly, it remains mere speculation.”

“I’ll talk to Jeong Cheol-wook.”

“Don’t act rashly. They would wipe out our family at the first hint of discord.”

“Then what should we do?”

Hwa Seong-myeong suddenly slumped against the wall, drained.

“I don’t know either… it feels like we’ve been backed into a corner. How did things turn out this way…”

Just as I was about to add something, the door creaked open, and a figure stepped into the light. It was Hwa Seong-myeong’s granddaughter, Hua Yeong-yeong, who stood there with a displeased look.

“You’re such a fool, aren’t you?”

“Yeong-yeong, what are you doing? You shouldn’t be here…”

But before I could finish my warning, Boom!

Hwa Seong-myeong collapsed suddenly. I rushed to check, but he seemed unhurt; he had simply fallen asleep, bewitched by an enchantment technique. I had never heard of Hua Yeong-yeong possessing such advanced magic.

I glared at Hua Yeong-yeong and demanded, “Are you Miho?”

Suddenly, she transformed mid-sentence, her features shifting into the likeness of the young girl I had seen before—Miho’s human form. She had impersonated Hua Yeong-yeong while mingling in the Hua Clan!

“You utter fool! What’s got you entangled with the White Lotus Sect?!”

Miho exclaimed, carefully but hurriedly.

“Calm down! How did you manage to pull that off?!”

“Don’t worry, she’s sleeping in the storeroom. But what exactly is going on?”

Miho continued, her frustration evident. It felt as though the centuries-old nine-tailed fox was caught in the storm.

“What the hell would provoke a Dharma Guardian of the White Lotus Sect to come and threaten you? You’re an unlucky one, aren’t you?”

“I agree that I have little luck… but why were you masquerading as Hua Yeong-yeong?”

Miho hesitated for a moment before responding, “That was my plan! I intended to take you away for a purpose.”

“A purpose?”

“I’ll explain later. Right now, we need to resolve this mess.”

With that, Miho turned sharply.

“Follow me!”

“Follow you where?”

She snapped back, “To escape, of course! What are you still doing here? Are you itching for a fight with the White Lotus Members?”

“Are you crazy?! If I just run away, every member of the Hua Clan will be killed!”

I clenched my fists as I spoke, and Miho struck her chest in frustration.

“You dimwit! Don’t just heed what others say; think for yourself! Do you really believe every word that this blockheaded Hua Clan doctor says? That the White Lotus Sect would go so far as to erase the Hua Clan?”

“……”

“The most crucial factor in this situation is you. You were the one to leak the roots of the Black and White Lotus into the Central Plains. If they want anything, it’s to capture you. Am I wrong?”

“That… makes sense.”

“In that case, the members of the Hua Clan are likely intended as hostages. If you flee, they wouldn’t kill you right away. But that Hua Clan doctor fears for his own family’s safety and hasn’t mentioned anything.”

“I understand.”

Miho’s logic was firm. I stood there, momentarily taken aback.

Truly, following Miho and meeting the Dharma Guardian right now would be a catastrophic choice. If the Dharma Guardian willed it, they could eliminate or torture me at will. I needed to buy myself time and come up with a plan to thwart the next move of the White Lotus Sect. The impending threat felt tangible, but unlike how Hwa Seong-myeong perceived it, it wasn’t completely a dead end for me.

‘Was I clouded by my affection for my master?’

I followed Miho behind the building.

“Come out!”

Miho uttered a spell, and with a pop, the Front Demon and Back Demon appeared before us. She summoned more Spirit Puppets through her sorcery.

“We’ll have them stall for time. Just stick close to me.”

“Got it.”

Thud

The Front and Back Demons, alongside the paper puppets, stomped out. Moments later, loud sounds erupted outside, as if Miho’s summoned spirits collided with the Wind Spirit Sect. As Miho leaped over the wall, I followed right behind her.

Whoosh!

“Where do you think you’re going?”

Suddenly, a figure emerged before us, shimmering with intense fire on his sword. It was none other than Lee Yeo-song, who had identified himself earlier as the lead of the Wind Spirit Sect. Miho chuckled before sneering at Yeo-song.

“You think you can take me to Hell?”

“Not a chance…but you won’t escape this time.”

Lee Yeo-song aimed his sword at Miho and charged forward. However, Miho coldly smiled and summoned nine strands of foxfire around her, unleashing them at lightning speed. He appeared entirely unprepared for such an attack and hastily tried to block with flames, retreating in the process.

“Not bad, but die!”

Bang!

“Gah!”

With a wave of her hand, Miho unleashed immense pressure, and Lee Yeo-song was flung backward, crashing into the nearest house without getting back up.

Miho snorted, “Hmph! A pathetic fool thinks he can toy with me.”

“……”

I stared at Miho in disbelief. Just moments prior, Lee Yeo-song’s skills had been formidable, rivaling my own, if not surpassing them. Based solely on his swordsmanship, he was a newcomer to the peak level of martial arts and was more than capable of leading the forces of the White Lotus Sect. Yet Miho dispatched him in mere moments with her overwhelming power. It was clear she was indeed deserving of the title Great Demon.

‘First things first, focus on the task at hand.’

I followed closely behind Miho while channeling the Concealment Technique, lowering my presence and aura. Miho noticed my actions and chuckled.

“Haha, you’ve improved a tad bit, huh? Seems like the Master of the Twelve Joules has helped you out a little.”

“Yeah. So are you not going to go after the Heavenly Emperor?”

“Hmph… charging straight into the Sacred Altar is impossible. As for the maiden, she’s decided to take a different path.”

“What path?”

Miho replied, “Let’s wait to talk after we get out of Gaegyeong. There’s a massive energy that’s been bothering me since a while back.”

I turned to glance behind us and reluctantly muttered, “I agree.”

The overwhelming presence Miho and I felt came from a distance—twisting and writhing, it exuded a powerful aura that sent chills down my spine. It must have been the energy of the Dharma Guardian. To possess such strength, even a Great Demon like Miho felt uneasy.

 

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