NOVEL NEXT Chapter 497
00497 Dark Heaven Village ————————————————————————
I never expected the Master of the White Lotus Sect to show up here to form an alliance!
I surveyed the situation in the hall.
And then it struck me what I should do.
‘… Should I just run away?’
I might possess the potential to win against the Master of the White Lotus Sect right now. If I deploy all my unique artifacts and powers of the Great Destruction, I might stand a chance. But using the Great Destruction again without any guarantee of survival would only lead to self-destruction. Besides, there’s no reason to engage in a death struggle against such a towering figure like the Master of the White Lotus Sect.
Thinking about negotiations made my head throb even more. In my nineteenth life, I experienced firsthand how tricky and difficult the Master of the White Lotus Sect could be. He concealed his true intentions until the end and could only choose what he needed for himself. Just when I thought I understood him, I found myself being used, which made negotiations incredibly challenging.
So, the only remaining option was to flee. To disregard this show of force from the Master of the White Lotus Sect and prioritize my own safety.
‘That’s tough.’
However, the situation in the hall was quite burdensome.
Han Baek-ryeong seemed to be covered in blood and unconscious. Moreover, it didn’t look like much time had passed since the Fire Spirit Techniques had been suppressed. This meant the Master of the White Lotus Sect was aware of my arrival and was waiting by attacking the Fire Spirit Techniques and Han Baek-ryeong beforehand. If I didn’t grasp how much the Master of the White Lotus Sect knew about me at this very moment, I risked unfavorable consequences later.
“……”
After a long contemplation, I spoke to the Master of the White Lotus Sect.
“I don’t quite understand what you’re saying. And how can you be so sure that I am a divine apostle?”
The Master of the White Lotus Sect replied.
[There was someone who provided the information. I was informed that you are the vessel of the Azure Dragon of the Heavenly Realm and possess the powerful strength of unique artifacts.]
“Who is it?”
[Hehehe…]
The Master did not answer my question and instead gave a mysterious smile. He then said,
[It seems you’ve had an interesting conversation with the Fire Spirit Techniques. Care to have one with me as well?]
“Why did you attack the Fire Spirit Techniques?”
[Because they rebelled.]
The way he stated “rebellion” made it seem like the Master of the White Lotus Sect had already grasped a considerable part of Han Baek-ryeong’s plans. Moreover, he had cleverly intervened before Han Baek-ryeong could solidify his power by training with me.
‘So, he has no intention of attacking me right now.’
Given that he was attempting to resolve this through dialogue, it indicated that the Master was aware of the power I had shown. Since he didn’t know the extent of my potential, he was cautious and was trying to resolve matters through conversation first. I realized I needed to leverage this information well.
I asked the Master of the White Lotus Sect,
“It doesn’t matter. Please explain what you mean by wanting to form an alliance with me.”
[It’s simple. From now on, you will not obstruct our White Lotus Sect when we advance into the Central Plains, and we’ll assist each other for our mutual goals. For that, I am willing to spare no efforts of the White Lotus Sect.]
“That sounds plausible…”
[It wouldn’t be bad, so think it over carefully…]
The Master did not pressure me for an answer. This meant he had determined I was not the type to be coerced for his gain, and it indicated he was on guard against me. I could subtly pick up on his psychological state.
‘What the Master of the White Lotus Sect wants is for me to have a positive impression of him.’
From the Master’s perspective, it wouldn’t matter if he didn’t get an answer from me right away. Just making me recognize that he had become a negotiation partner instead of the Fire Spirit Techniques was beneficial for him. I realized I could read his intentions and saw a path to navigate the situation.
“Do you intend to eliminate the Fire Spirit Techniques?”
[That’s my plan. I can’t keep a traitor alive.]
I could sense sincerity in his firm reply. I nodded and continued speaking.
“If that’s the case, I have nothing to say to you.”
The Master seemed slightly surprised.
[… Are you attached to the Fire Spirit Techniques?]
I responded gruffly.
“The one at fault isn’t Han Baek-ryeong but rather your own lack of virtue.”
Suddenly, the atmosphere in the hall shifted dramatically. The martial artists of the Elder Council and the subordinates of the Water God Team looked bewildered, and even the restrained members of the Fire Spirit Techniques were taken aback. No matter how much of a vessel of the Azure Dragon I was, I doubt they expected someone to criticize the world-renowned Master of the White Lotus Sect directly.
However, the Master wasn’t flustered; instead, he seemed intrigued.
[Lack of virtue, you say. I’m curious which part of me you consider lacking virtue.]
“Han Baek-ryeong’s rebellion stemmed from your suppressive and oppressive ways regarding other martial arts and your lack of communication. Your Dharma guardians, who should have been devoted to you, lived in fear of being discarded at any moment. You even scaled up the pressure by forming an Elder Council, which is meant to be a loyal vanguard and disciple group, right? The current situation is solely due to your own lack of virtue, as you rule like a dictator, hiding your true intentions and only caring about your Su Shin Sect.”
[…]
The Master slowly leaned his arms against the chair. He didn’t show it but I could sense he was quite disturbed. He spoke.
[Impressive… You speak as if you’ve peered into the heart of the White Lotus Sect, despite being an outsider. Has Han Baek-ryeong divulged everything to you? Such a heroine, concealing her feelings even from her blood relations…]
[Yes, I admit it.]
At that moment, Dokgo Jun beside him shouted in shock.
[Master!]
[Quiet, Jun. We are in the midst of an important discussion.]
[Yes.]
The Master silenced Dokgo Jun and continued.
[However, that is simply our internal situation. It’s not for you to interfere with. I am the Master of the White Lotus Sect, and I have the right to deal with traitors. No matter how well you package it, you, an outsider, shall not interfere in my judgment regarding the Fire Spirit Techniques.]
“Who said anything about interference?”
I replied bluntly.
“I don’t like what you’re doing. And if you go against my feelings, I have nothing to say to you.”
In that moment, the experts from the White Lotus Sect and the Elder Council all directed murderous intent towards me in unison. Each of them was incredibly strong, and the pressure was overwhelming, as they directed their killing intent and resentment toward me. Even the Water God Team’s Dharma Guardian, Dokgo Jun, was glaring this way. But as the Master waved his hand, that killing intent washed away, and he spoke angrily.
[Anyone who releases killing intent without my permission will be executed on the spot.]
The hall fell silent. The Master of the White Lotus Sect sighed and said,
[My apologies. As you mentioned, I will indefinitely postpone the disposition of the Fire Spirit Techniques.]
“I should have told you that earlier.”
[Now, I would like to hear your answer regarding the alliance.]
At the Master’s request, I responded calmly.
“You mentioned that by forming an alliance, you intend to advance into the Central Plains. Your goal is unity in the Central Plains, isn’t it?”
[That’s right.]
That’s a lie.
I already knew his real goal was towards True Martial. There was no way he would share such a closely guarded secret with me, someone who was an outsider. The notion of advancing into the Central Plains was akin to flipping a lid off a pot for the Master of the White Lotus Sect, thus it could never be his primary objective.
But I thought it best not to reveal that I knew this now. If I unintentionally made it apparent that I was aware of the Master of the White Lotus Sect’s actual goals, he would likely view me as a significant threat. Moreover, it wouldn’t help to give him the obsidian to cultivate an ally, so that was to be avoided.
I replied to him,
“If we form an alliance, there won’t be any reason for me to assist you, so is that acceptable? I will never lend a hand to your affairs.”
[That’s still fine. It’s unfortunate, but I will suffice with just the fact that you won’t oppose our White Lotus Sect.]
The Master believed that as long as I didn’t interfere, taking over the Central Plains would be a piece of cake for him. I thought to myself that it had been sufficient to probe into his motives thus far, and then I said.
“Understood. I will agree to an alliance. But keep in mind, this is a promise made solely as the vessel of the Azure Dragon.”
[……?]
“And do not touch the Fire Spirit Techniques.”
[Understood.]
The Master appeared somewhat dumbfounded, but I had my intentions behind those words.
‘I must create a way out as the Master of the Twelve Joules.’
Since I had secured the position of a joint Master of the Twelve Joules, agreeing to this alliance here could be interpreted as a bond between the Twelve Joules and the White Lotus Sect. That’s why I emphasized my identity as the Azure Dragon’s vessel, not as the Master of the Twelve Joules. It was indeed a political discussion, but through my experiences, I understood that standing on principle was more crucial than I initially thought. It was wise to set up this safety mechanism.
Ultimately, I just needed to agree to the alliance in a manner that would allow me to leave. As long as he didn’t interfere with my search for Emperor Changqie, it would actually work out in my favor. I found myself wanting to chuckle as I thought I had skillfully navigated the situation.
“And since we’re forming this alliance, I’d like to know the source of how you learned about me…”
[Hmm, that I cannot disclose.]
“Why not?”
[I would like to share, but the identity of the informant is a very sensitive secret. It holds the security of the sect, making it hard to reveal. However, I can at least tell you that I know almost everything that was happening in Luoyang, including your dealings with the Dharma Guardian.]
In the end, he was saying he wanted to threaten me by not wanting to share. Though I found his attitude annoying, it was evident that exposing the identity of an informant for just a verbal agreement would be foolish. Instead, I told him.
“I have a comrade here, the Sword Demon. What has become of him?”
[He’s been held at a distance, but if you wish, I can bring him here. Just wait.]
After about a half moment, silence persisted.
Swish.
From afar, one of the Elder Council martial artists emerged, leading the Sword Demon, bound in ropes. Upon the Master’s signal, the ropes were released, and the Sword Demon walked toward me. He spoke in a lamenting tone.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t even have a chance to escape.”
“It’s okay. I understand.”
No matter how much of a master he was, the Sword Demon couldn’t escape when the Master had brought both the Elder Council and the Water God Team together to create a heavenly net. With even Han Baek-ryeong subdued, it was a situation that seemed impossible to escape. After confirming that the Sword Demon wasn’t injured and hadn’t been poisoned, I said to him,
“Please take a moment to rest.”
“I’m ashamed.”
I had the Sword Demon sit beside me to rest. It seemed he was already exhausted, as he fainted. I infused my internal power into him to stabilize him and spoke to the Master.
“It’s a relief you haven’t harmed the Sword Demon…”
Suddenly, I felt a powerful vibration emanating from the suspicious fishhook hidden in my pocket. Normally, I would hold it to use, but since it allowed communication just from contact, it made sense. While I was currently negotiating smoothly with the Master of the White Lotus Sect, I hesitated when suddenly called by Mangnyang.
[Mangnyang, what’s the matter?]
Mangnyang shouted urgently, as if he was on the brink of collapse.
[It’s bad! Hurry and come to Jangryeong Valley!]
[The Master of the White Lotus Sect is here, and we were just about to discuss an alliance…]
Though I had already said something surprising, Mangnyang spoke even more urgently.
[This is not the time for such trivial matters! Hurry…]
[Aah, understood. I’ll get there as soon as possible.]
So he was saying that the alliance with the Master of the White Lotus Sect was a trivial matter?
Mangnyang didn’t seem like the type to dismiss things lightly. This must mean that something significant was happening that was serious enough to see the alliance with the Master of the White Lotus Sect as trivial. I tried hard to keep a stiff expression and spoke to the Master of the White Lotus Sect.
“… Something’s come up, so I’ll have to take my leave. I’ll see you soon.”
[Ah… That’s disappointing. I had many things to discuss with you.]
“Once again, do not touch Han Baek-ryeong, the Fire Spirit Techniques, or the Sword Demon.”
[Understood.]
Pa-at!
I hurriedly took the Sword Demon and returned to Jangryeong Valley. There, I found Zhuge Sa, Mangnyang, and Cheon Woo-jin, all wearing twisted expressions. They all simultaneously turned to look at me. As my gaze fell on them, I spoke.
“What on earth happened?”
“It’s bad. Things have escalated drastically.”
“What happened?”
“… First, lay down the fainted Sword Demon.”
“Understood.”
I asked Sibi to take care of the Sword Demon so he could rest. I then returned to sit with my companions.
But no one seemed eager to start talking. After a long hesitation, Mangnyang finally opened his mouth.
“Baek Woong, two major incidents have occurred.”
“Tell me one by one.”
“First, the person we referred to as the Tao King, the Fengshen War… in reality, he is the first Master of the Baehwa Sect and has reached the level of a Demon King in human form, and he has stepped onto the stage of the mortal world.”
“What?!”
What kind of nonsense is this?
I looked at Zhuge Sa in bewilderment, and he spoke with a gloomy expression.
“Not too long ago, I went to meet the Demon King and obtained approval to extend my lifespan by forming a contract with him. Initially, I was supposed to serve him directly, but I managed to secure a grace period. You can imagine the reasons for that, right?”
“I understand.”
He must have obtained the grace period to assist me. Originally, Zhuge Sa, who had no attachments to his life, was supposed to abandon his human form and become a part of the Demon community, but he lingered here for my sake. Zhuge Sa continued.
“But now, for some reason, that guy has decided to resurrect the Heretical Sect and has appeared prominently in the Central Plains. He is now manipulating a martial arts organization called Blood Shadow Valley from behind the scenes and gathering followers for the Heretical Sect.”
“……”
What kind of absurd situation is this?
I stared at him in disbelief and said,
“Wait. Then what about you? You reached the level of a Demon King, and by touching the laws of the world, isn’t it that you would be the one to instigate this Heretical Sect? Why…”
“You see, I’m not sure of the reason, but it seems he has found a way to avoid the backlash of the laws. Plus, if a Demon King level being takes action directly, he would be much more effective and powerful than I could be.”
Stumble.
Zhuge Sa suddenly staggered. It seemed he was holding his shoulder and enduring intense pain.
“Guh… He’s summoning me again.”
“Could it be he…”
“Yeah. He’s ordered me to command the Blood Shadow Valley and draw humans into the Demonic Realm. With this call that started a little while ago, I realized his plan.”
“That was the starting point, huh?”
“Right now, I’m resisting with the power obtained from the Nameless Ritual Book, but since I’m in a contract with him, I can’t hold on for too long…”
“……”
What in the world is happening? I was supposed to stabilize my positions with the White Lotus Sect and the Twelve Joules while gaining information from the Prophet to gradually approach the Eight Parts of Emperor Changqie, and then out of nowhere, Zhuge Sa is facing a crisis! And who would’ve thought the Demon King of the Heretical Sect would show up?
Mangnyang calmly continued,
“And there’s one more…”
“Mangnyang, is there something worse than this?”
“There is.”
“I’m getting nervous.”
As Mangnyang hesitated, Cheon Woo-jin, who was standing with his arms crossed, leaned against the pillar and spoke.
“After learning about this upheaval, I just returned from seeking out my Master. He said that after 49 days in the Celestial Realm, the Heavenly Sovereign has decided to descend.”
“……”