Chapter 490
00490 Dark Heaven Village ————————————————————————=
“What on earth is this? How did you get here…”
“The master of this dream is Master Mangnyang. Since the master of the dream invited me, it’s only natural that I can come in too.”
The relaxed reply from the Master of the Twelve Joules glanced at Master Mangnyang and said,
“A black cat… is Baek Woong seeing you that way? You seem excessively cute compared to usual.”
[I like it.]
“Too different, too different.”
The Master of the Twelve Joules had an undertone of fear towards Master Mangnyang. It was as if Master Mangnyang had a monstrous aura, subtly keeping his distance. The Master of the Twelve Joules looked at me and said,
“Well, we just defeated the Sea God together, right? Plus, since you’ve also become a Master of the Twelve Joules, we can consider each other as comrades now, can’t we? So I was hoping we could strengthen our alliance through a contract and fight together.”
I was overwhelmed by his shameless words.
“Are you casually throwing around the term comrade?”
“Why? The Death Sea belongs to the East, doesn’t it?”
“That’s not what that phrase is meant for.”
I glared at the Master of the Twelve Joules with sharp eyes.
“And I know that you didn’t put all your power into the operation against the Sea God.”
He seemed to be trying his hardest, but I had the feeling that the Master of the Twelve Joules was hiding his trump card and observing until the end. There was no particular reason, but it was the atmosphere of someone who fought there on the spot. This was also the reason why I had branded the Master of the Twelve Joules as an unbelievably unreliable individual. Then the Master of the Twelve Joules smoothly replied,
“I think you have a lot of curiosity about me, don’t you? If we become a bit closer, you might get to know my secrets. I have some loyalty to show towards my contractor.”
“……”
“By eliminating the Sea God, I have overcome a significant hurdle in my plans. At the very least, I bought myself a hundred years. If you help me just a little more, we could aim for even more.”
“First, can you explain what this contract is about?”
As I didn’t ease my vigilance, the Master of the Twelve Joules opened his mouth.
“It’s nothing special. The contract states [we will help each other to the best of our ability], and that’s it.”
“……? Do we really need to formalize that as a contract?”
“While the contract’s terms are being fulfilled, the protection of Master Mangnyang as the mediator can be granted.”
“……!!”
I looked at Master Mangnyang in surprise. He seemed not to even glance this way, sitting idly on the wall.
‘The blessing of Great Creation!’
Master Mangnyang’s blessing, whose essence I couldn’t fully grasp, yet it was a great assistance to humans! Realizing the intention of the Master of the Twelve Joules, I said,
“Are you trying to get me to contract with you for Master Mangnyang’s help?”
“In conclusion, yes. It’s the best option to cope with future disasters.”
“Such favorable terms seem suspicious…”
“It’s not that great of a deal.”
The Master of the Twelve Joules said with a smirk.
“The protection will likely only activate once or twice at most. And I’ll have to bear quite a bit of cost for this contract. Even so, without Master Mangnyang’s help, I wouldn’t be able to handle divine beings in the future, so I need to make this contract.”
I turned to Master Mangnyang and asked,
“Is that true?”
[Yes.]
Master Mangnyang replied while licking his own paw.
[All the power I possess is being used to suppress the magic sealed in Luoyang. Thus, I can’t lend even a speck of power. However, since the Master of the Twelve Joules possesses enough qualification and power, I permit the contract.]
“Is it alright to lend your power through a contract?”
[Because it follows the Law of Cause and Effect, the deficiency of power will be replenished immediately, since a great being is supporting that contract.]
Is that so?
However, I distinctly remembered begging Master Mangnyang for the blessing of Great Creation before, only to be turned down. Feeling uneasy about this difference, I pondered before asking,
“Are a transaction and a contract different from each other?”
[That’s an interestingly sharp observation. No human standing before me has ever pinpointed that difference.]
“……”
I fell silent at Master Mangnyang’s intriguing words. I worried that I might attract unnecessary suspicion.
“I’ll answer that question.”
The Master of the Twelve Joules interjected.
“A transaction can be proposed by anyone, but a contract follows a predetermined procedure. I discovered a contract by chance, so I can request it from Master Mangnyang, but Master Mangnyang cannot refuse a contract carelessly, even if it’s a transaction.”
“Can I also request a contract from Master Mangnyang?”
The Master of the Twelve Joules shook his head, looking troubled.
“Probably not.”
“If you teach me about contracts and how to proceed with them, I will comply.”
“No way. That’s not within my authority to decide.”
I glanced at Master Mangnyang, and he said,
[That is true.]
Even though the Master of the Twelve Joules seemed desperate, judging from Master Mangnyang’s response, it appeared there was something hidden about the contract. The Master of the Twelve Joules was speaking more in a tone of ‘can’t’ rather than ‘doesn’t want to’.
After listening to their conversation and thinking for a while, I said,
“Let’s discuss this later. It’s too sudden.”
I felt I shouldn’t accept it hastily.
Then the Master of the Twelve Joules said, sounding disappointed,
“Hey. Do you think I traveled a thousand li only to find you in reality? While it would be easy with the help of the Three Masters, that’s not the case. Contracts can only be made in Master Mangnyang’s dreams.”
“… It means it has to be right now.”
The Master of the Twelve Joules spoke in a somewhat mumbling manner and continued.
“Think seriously. We’ve all seen the power of the Sea God, right? Among the [Old Rulers], there are many beings stronger than him. It’s impossible to withstand those beings without the protection of the gods.”
“……”
“I’ve mostly been observing until now, but with the Sea God defeated, signs will start appearing everywhere. I can’t handle that risk, so I need to borrow Master Mangnyang’s strength. You too, I presume.”
For some reason, this time I felt his sincerity. Although I still sensed that he was hiding something, it seemed true that he desperately wanted to establish a contract with me.
What should I do?
I made my decision.
“I have yet to receive everything I should from you. It would be better to settle all that before discussing this calmly.”
The information regarding Changqie, Peng Zuo, and Dark Heaven Village. And Musashi’s and the Master of the Twelve Joules’ assistance. I hadn’t received anything properly that he had promised me. In that scenario, I couldn’t just add a contract while floating around not knowing anything.
The Master of the Twelve Joules sighed.
“Damn… I won’t have much leisure moving forward.”
“I can’t yield.”
“Alright. Then let’s talk next time.”
With a swift motion,
The Master of the Twelve Joules disappeared. He had left Master Mangnyang’s dream.
Master Mangnyang spoke.
[Is that fellow suspicious?]
“Wouldn’t you be suspicious? He shows up wearing a puppy disguise even in a dream.”
[It would’ve been better if it were a cat disguise.]
“……”
Is he seriously saying that?
While I was in disbelief, Master Mangnyang continued,
[Go out now.]
I woke up. I explained what had just happened to Mangnyang.
Mangnyang was taken aback.
“Master of the Twelve Joules in a dream? You don’t think it’s an illusion, do you?”
“I don’t know. But Master Mangnyang wouldn’t have a reason to deceive me on purpose.”
“Hmm…”
Mangnyang said,
“Let’s proceed for now.”
I set up the altar with Mangnyang, who started to chant the incantation as the officiant of the ceremony.
Pah-at!
After a while, a massive spirit possessed Mangnyang’s body, and upon seeing the blankness in his gaze, I realized that the Great Immortal had come once again.
[Apostle. For what reason do you summon the Immortal?]
This ceremony was ostensibly similar to how one would offer a ritual. This time, I sacrificed half of the Divine Portrait’s twenty bodies. According to Zhuge Clan’s words, ten Divine Portraits were equivalent to a considerable offering.
“Who are you?”
[I am the Heavenly Ruler of Tai Xu.]
As expected, the first to appear was the Heavenly Ruler of Tai Xu. Recalling the plan I devised with Mangnyang, I spoke to the Heavenly Ruler.
“I’m sorry, but please summon the Queen Mother of the West.”
[What? Why not summon her from the very start…]
“Please.”
The Heavenly Ruler of Tai Xu grumbled as he passed the turn to the Queen Mother. As she appeared, I quickly moved my turn again. This continued until, in the predetermined order, the Great Immortal Tai Gong-mang finally revealed himself. I spoke to Tai Gong-mang.
“Tai Gong-mang, I desire the right of re-selection.”
[Are you serious?]
“Yes.”
[Very well. I will erase one of the powers you possess from the Great Immortal. Which one will it be?]
“That is…”
After answering Tai Gong-mang, I called forth the Great Immortal once more.
Pah-at!
The vision of the Great Immortal that descended upon Mangnyang’s body seemed quite troubled.
[To grant you my blessing is not a difficult task. However, do you truly need my blessing as an Apostle?]
“I need it. Desperately.”
[Hmmm, if so, then I’ll accept your request…]
Before the Great Immortal could finish his words, I resolutely interjected.
“Your knowledge of martial arts alone won’t suffice.”
[… What do you mean?]
“I want to connect with you through the terminal of fate.”
[……]
“If my offering’s value is sufficient, it should be entirely possible.”
Seemingly caught off guard by my unexpected request, the Great Immortal hesitated for a moment. Then he said,
[I cannot comprehend why you would make such a demand.]
Unlike when I interacted with Yeodong-bin, there was a distinct demeanor of discomfort this time.
“You’re also a Master of the Twelve Joules, right? That power is needed.”
[Accepting that request isn’t difficult, but I need to hear your reasoning. If you aim to misuse my power for selfish ends, then I cannot agree.]
“With the Sea God dead, their forces will march toward destruction, causing other worldly races to grow stronger. The chaos might be greater than when you were active in the Yuan Dynasty. Therefore, I need strong, immediate forces rather than other blessings.”
[Allow me a moment to hold a meeting in the Celestial Realm.]
A long silence ensued before the Great Immortal nodded.
[I shall accept your request.]
“Thank you.”
With a whoosh,
The spirit of the Great Immortal was drawn into my right hand. It meant that, just like when I interacted with Yeodong-bin, a terminal of fate had formed between us, allowing him to descend unto me from now on. I felt a sense of relief, realizing that the plan devised with Mangnyang was half-successful.
‘It’s a success.’
However, the ceremony was still ongoing. I noticed that the spirit energy flowing through the altar hadn’t yet dispersed, and cautiously called out to Mangnyang.
“… Are you alright?”
“Guh… gack…”
Mangnyang appeared to be radiating heat all over his body, as if he were a burning ball of fire due to an immense headache. It was only natural, having taken in multiple Great Immortals one after another, just like Cheon Woo-jin did during his spirit summoning ritual. However, Mangnyang’s face looked even more haggard than Cheon Woo-jin’s back then, with his entire body glowing red, to the point where it seemed his life was in immediate danger.
Cough!
Mangnyang coughed up blood. He managed to say, while panting,
“I expected this… And I had to endure it myself… Don’t worry… Just quickly take me to Jinrang Valley…”
“Understood.”
Suddenly, Cheon Woo-jin, who was watching from the side, bit his lips tightly and said,
“Older Brother. What you did was foolish and reckless!”
“Hrgh… Priest… Are you worried for me…?”
“Your actions could be deemed a suicide by all the Taoists of the world. You didn’t need to push yourself so hard, Older Brother, you could have attempted to challenge the entrance exam within a year or two—why take such reckless risks?!”
A bitter smile appeared on Mangnyang’s face.
“… There’s no guarantee that I or Baek Woong will be alive in a year or two… I must grow stronger, and fast.”
“……!!”
“Priest… let’s meet again when I’m alive…”
Pah-at!
I rushed to take Mangnyang to the Bamboo Grove in Jinrang Valley. Once there, I laid him down on a flat stone. As soon as Mangnyang lay on that stone, the burning fever that brewed within him gradually calmed down, and he looked much more comfortable than before.
“This place… is where the Qi of Jinrang Valley gathers most intensely… If you regulate your power here, you should be able to survive.”
“Are you really alright?”
“Whew… In truth, the odds are fifty-fifty… but I’ll leave it to the heavens.”
Mangnyang smiled through the headache.
“To grow one step stronger, there’s no choice but to use this fever…”
That was it.
One of the biggest reasons I had executed this plan was the fever. Repeatedly summoning the Great Immortal would cause powerful energy to swirl within the body, presenting dangers—this was referred to as fever. When the fever surged, typically people would die, but if one could endure it, the sorcerer’s energy would amplify, strengthening them a level further.
Mangnyang had taken this risk, having seen how much Cheon Woo-jin was strengthened by withstanding the fever from previous experiences. Yet since Mangnyang’s strength was far weaker than Cheon Woo-jin’s, there was a higher chance of dying from the fever as opposed to Cheon Woo-jin, making Mangnyang’s actions a gamble on this occasion.
When I looked at him with a worried expression, he said,
“You have nothing more to do here… Don’t worry about me, go back… I hope you receive assistance from the new Great Immortal.”
“Understood.”
I returned to Jangryeong Valley, mentally wishing for Mangnyang’s recovery. I then informed the Zhuge Clan that the ceremony had concluded successfully. The Zhuge Clan said,
“The Heavenly Ruler of Tai Xu refused to help recover the Fire Dragon Incarnate?”
“Yeah.”
“How strange.”
The Zhuge Clan frowned.
“That isn’t such a burdensome request from a Celestial perspective.”
“I think so too.”
“They mentioned Emperor Gong Sun Xuanwen’s Temple of the Gods… I’ll investigate that later. More importantly, has your connection with the Great Immortal been firmly established?”
I nodded affirmatively, prompting the Zhuge Clan to say,
“There’s a wide area behind Jangryeong Valley. You shall train there in the future.”
Having brought the topic up, I headed straight to the designated area. Then, through the connection, I called out to the newly linked Great Immortal in my mind.
[Come forth!]
I could feel the spirit of the Great Immortal approaching nearby. I spoke to him.
[I shall share my martial arts memories with you. Witness this possibility!]
[……?]
The Great Immortal seemed bewildered, but as I intensely recalled the memories of my martial arts, he soon gasped in awe.
[What… is this…?]
[These are the possibilities derived from your martial arts.]
[Hooh…]
The Great Immortal seemed to be extremely interested, exploring the various possibilities. After savoring the principles and quality of the martial arts for a while, he spoke,
[Before my ascension, I left teachings in Wudang Mountain, but it was not complete. I developed the Seven Great Techniques, but I heard that most were lost except for the Cave-Collapsing Sword and the Heavenly Contraction Sword. Baek Woong, how did you deepen and study my martial arts comprehensively?]
[There were those who carefully kept your insights. With their help, I learned these possibilities.]
[Hmm…]
As I vaguely dodged the topic, the Great Immortal exclaimed in admiration.
[Very well done…]
[Will you be able to teach me about the Seven Great Techniques in the future?]
The Great Immortal replied to my question.
[Of course. However, since the derived techniques are another form of pure world-class martial skills, please understand that I cannot teach them thoroughly.]
[Why not?]
[The beings who created the derived techniques possess a remarkable talent. They too have likely founded new sects that reach absolute realms. Thus, I cannot explain the entirety of their potential, Dharma Protector.]
[… In any case, thank you.]
I smiled and said,
[Zhang Sanfeng.]
The founder of the Wudang Sect, a being who ascended in human form to become a Great Immortal and attained the status of a Master of the Twelve Joules!
And the one who had once bestowed a blessing on me, passing down the knowledge of the Seven Great Techniques!
I intended to establish a direct connection through the terminal to receive teachings from him.