NOVEL NEXT Chapter 501
00501 암천향 (Dark Heaven Village) ————————————————————————
I spoke to Jin So-cheong as she awakened.
“It’s time for you to grant my request.”
Jin So-cheong looked at me in disbelief and said,
“Someone like you would ask something of me…? My master wouldn’t be a match for you.”
“It’s a very big request. And I’ll apologize in advance.”
I subtly changed my tone and continued,
“I’m sorry for leaving you alone all this time.”
“……?”
“Now, take this.”
*Kaboom!*
After a moment, I pulled out a massive piece of obsidian from my wooden armor. Seeing the enormous rock, which was several times larger than an ordinary person, Jin So-cheong frowned but then looked wary when I told her to touch it. I said to her,
“An unspoken promise lasts a lifetime. I could have killed you when you fell, but are you really going to break your word?”
“Hm… I understand.”
With a sigh, Jin So-cheong reached out to the obsidian.
*Vrooom*
In that moment, I used the magic of the obsidian to transmit the memories I held, and it was a far greater volume than what I had previously shared with my other comrades. This time, I focused on pouring all my knowledge and experience related to martial arts into Jin So-cheong.
“……!!”
Jin So-cheong trembled as if struck by lightning then eventually stopped. Rubbing her temples, she said to me,
“So that’s how it was…!! Baek Woong, you were a reincarnated person. And we’ve met several times.”
“That’s correct.”
Jin So-cheong spoke as if a bit hurt.
“However, there haven’t been many instances where you accepted me as a comrade.”
“That’s…”
I hesitated, then spoke frankly. After all, Jin So-cheong had received the memories of the obsidian, so she would have figured most of it out.
“It was because I secretly envied your talents and felt inferior.”
“……”
“However, I promise you. In future lifetimes, that will not happen.”
At that, Jin So-cheong brightened up and smiled.
“Heh. You could obtain all the wealth and power in this world if you wanted, yet you’re standing against divine beings out of pure indignation? That’s a trivial matter. I’ll forget about it.”
“Thank you for understanding.”
“Baek Woong, before you leave, I’ll go pay my respects to my master.”
“Ugh, that’s…”
I made a troubled expression at Jin So-cheong’s request. Perhaps noticing my mood, Jin So-cheong said,
“The reason my master gets involved in your affairs is that he’s concerned for me. However, if I clearly state where I’m heading, there shouldn’t be an issue.”
In due time, it seemed that Jin So-cheong went to visit Lee Kwang at the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School. Judging by the fact that Lee Kwang didn’t come out to see her off, it seemed Jin So-cheong had convinced him about her martial arts training. As we walked out together, Jin So-cheong said,
“Baek Woong, how do you think the Thunder God Lineage and the White Lotus Sect should resolve their conflict?”
“Hmm…”
I let out a hum. It was something I had been postponing, as it was complex to think about and not an urgent matter at hand. But as Jin So-cheong said, it was something I eventually had to answer.
The issue was complicated because the Thunder God Lineage had to seek revenge against the White Lotus Sect in some way. The humiliation of Dharma Guardian Lee Cheong-un being murdered, the sect being ousted, and numerous casualties was something the Thunder God Lineage could never accept. However, the leader of the White Lotus Sect had his own concept of justice, and the current White Lotus Sect was a mighty power beyond the Thunder God Lineage’s reach. This was why the issue had not surfaced until now.
But if in the next lifetime I decided to nurture Jin So-cheong, that would change. If she grew up properly, she could become an expert rivaling the leader of the White Lotus Sect, and by that time, the Thunder God Lineage would be able to reach the White Lotus Sect. Once the Thunder God Lineage and the White Lotus Sect began to clash, it would be a significant loss for me.
However, it was also problematic to tell Jin So-cheong, who had grown up with the grudge of her ancestors, not to seek revenge. Jin So-cheong was quick to realize that this would become a hot topic later on, which is why she had brought it up with me in advance.
I spoke candidly.
“I hope the Thunder God Lineage forgets its grudge.”
“Just as I thought.”
“Jin So-cheong, what do you want to do?”
Jin So-cheong gazed into the distance and answered,
“For a martial artist, grievances must be handled before life itself. Especially since my master, who raised me, wishes to repay the grudge of the Thunder God Lineage, as a disciple, I must make sure to avenge the Thunder God Lineage.”
Jin So-cheong continued,
“… But this is a matter of my one and only life, so it’s a simplistic way of thinking.”
“What do you mean?”
“As you reincarnate, you have unearthed secrets about the Thunder God Lineage and the White Lotus Sect that are impossible to grasp within a single lifetime. I have discovered that there are far more complicated circumstances tied to their grievances, and that the leader of the White Lotus Sect also possesses his own beliefs. Thus, having received your memories, I can no longer perceive the Thunder God Lineage’s grudge as a straightforward grudge.”
“Hmm…”
“Think about the future when you saw Baek Woong.”
Baek Woong?
I delved into my memories.
“Hmm, there is such a memory.”
“At that time, Baek Woong stated that even though I had achieved martial arts equal to the leader of the White Lotus Sect, I hadn’t resolved the matter with him. If you consider that Baek Woong is a treasure that reads profound causes and predicts the future, why do you think he made such a judgment?”
“I don’t know.”
“According to the information you’ve gathered so far, it means I realized that as I approached the Absolute Realm, killing the leader of the White Lotus Sect would be meaningless. The same goes for the Thunder God Lineage’s grudge…”
“……!!”
I hadn’t thought about that. It was certainly strange that even though Jin So-cheong reached the Absolute Realm, she hadn’t killed the leader of the White Lotus Sect, but at the time, I hadn’t contemplated it in detail. Jin So-cheong continued,
“Realizing that emptiness is due to this very world being twisted.”
“It’s twisted, you say…”
“Ascending to the Absolute Realm and becoming the pinnacle of the martial world ultimately means you will encounter the [darkness of the world] that you are unraveling. If you do nothing, there exists a trend where the Nine Lotus Sect will rise and everyone will face destruction, so you cannot escape that. Jin So-cheong, having reached the Absolute Realm, whether she liked it or not, would instinctively feel that her own strength would not be enough to confront the distortion.”
This perspective was unfamiliar to me. No, it was perhaps due to Jin So-cheong herself that she could make such a judgment. Because she knew herself best in this world, she could offer such a perspective. I focused on Jin So-cheong’s words and said,
“Then what do you want to do?”
Jin So-cheong declared firmly,
“If I truly wish to repay the Thunder God Lineage’s grievance, I believe the way to do that is by helping you. The leader of the White Lotus Sect striking the Thunder God Lineage is ultimately a distorted result of his desire to save the world. To resolve everything, we must change the very world that distorted him, and the fastest way to do that is to assist you, the reincarnated one, in eradicating the evil beings.”
“… Excellent.”
I couldn’t help but admire her.
At first glance, it seemed that Jin So-cheong was just talking the talk, but this truly was the mindset of a great person and a hero. Ordinary people could never think like that; martial artists were those who washed their blood with blood and found it hard to think of the greater good beyond the grievances they faced.
Moreover, considering that before Jin So-cheong acquired the obsidian, she was a die-hard martial artist of the Thunder God Lineage, her thoughts must be exceptionally flexible. If an ordinary person were to resolve their contradictions and reach a conclusion like Jin So-cheong’s, it might take over a decade or more.
Jin So-cheong said,
“Then let’s go see Miho. You need to apologize to her as well.”
I realized what Jin So-cheong meant and nodded my head.
“Understood.”
*Boom!*
[I know how to enable Miho to return to the Queen Mother of the West!!]
*Halt*
In that moment, the Front Demon and Back Demon halted their attacks and froze. And from the shadows, Miho emerged, transforming from a sharp-eyed figure into a beautiful woman with a sultry figure.
“Who are you?”
I delivered the response I had prepared.
“I am Baek Woong, and this is Jin So-cheong. And as you can see, I am the master of the Flame Elemental Sword.”
*Chiriring!*
As I raised the Flame Elemental Sword, a powerful surge of fiery energy exploded from the blade. As the blast of energy was refined, it resonated like a string instrument, and upon hearing that sound, Miho looked startled. Being a monster, she must have felt the power of the Flame Elemental Sword more directly. Miho, who had been murmuring softly, said,
“You’re quite impressive… Why has someone like you come to this small nation?”
“As I mentioned before, I know how Miho can return to the Celestial Realm where the Queen Mother resides. I came here to negotiate.”
“Hmm… How do you know about my situation?”
I momentarily called upon the energy of Jang Sam-bong to weave around my body. It wasn’t summoning spirits but showing the divine energy of the Great Immortal, and I said to Miho,
“As you can see, I am connected with the Great Immortal and am quite well-informed about the affairs of the Celestial Realm.”
“I see. So what is that method?”
“There’s one condition to share that method.”
“What is it?”
I tossed a gigantic piece of obsidian toward Miho. As she caught it with her tail, I said,
“This is the obsidian for transmitting my memories. I will send the memories now, so all you need to do is agree.”
Miho scoffed.
“Don’t make me laugh. What kind of trick do you have up your sleeve?”
As Miho tried to toss the obsidian aside, I said,
“The one at a loss here will not be me, but rather you.”
“What do you mean?”
“It’s been hundreds of years since you came down to the ground, yet you still haven’t found a way to return to the Celestial Realm, have you? You’re probably planning to search through the Western Capital or look for the legendary Red Moon out of frustration.”
“……!!”
“But I definitely know how you can return.”
“Is that true?”
“First, agree to receive the memory via that obsidian. Then I’ll tell you.”
“……”
“As you already know, I am the master of the Seven Luminaries. I wouldn’t cheat you.”
Miho appeared to hesitate for a long moment.
Then she cautiously extended her pure white tail and grasped the obsidian in her hand. In that instant, I transmitted my memories, causing Miho to tremble violently as the memories flowed into her through the obsidian.
After a brief moment, Miho looked at me with a bewildered expression and then said,
“You… you… Baek Woong…”
Seeing that Miho had gained the memories, I immediately knelt before her, lowering my head.
“I’m sorry, Miho!!”
“……”
“For not wanting to give you the obsidian because I didn’t want to see you die in the meantime. But the situation is too urgent now. Please help this foolish me.”
“Th-this…”
Miho’s expression was one of shock. Unlike with Jin So-cheong, she seemed to need a substantial amount of time to process her emotions, nervously flicking her tail and fidgeting in place. It took a while before Miho finally spoke up.
“Why do you like me?”
Huh?
Taken aback by the unexpected question, I looked at Miho. She gazed at me with a complicated expression and continued,
“You’ve met countless stunning beauties among the human race, some of whom could be suitable companions for you. So why, specifically, are you so in love with me, a demon?”
That was a silly question.
I took a step closer to Miho without hesitation and replied,
“Is there a need for a reason to like someone? If I had to say, it’s because you approached me honestly without prejudice. And I like that about you. It has to be you.”
“……”
“I will keep reincarnating, but… I will always like you.”
Suddenly, Miho’s face flushed bright red. With a face that looked like she was holding back something, she glanced around and said,
“Hu… Hmph! Is that really true?”
“Of course.”
“… I understand. My mind is still a mess, but…”
Miho smiled gently.
“I think it will be fun to be with you.”
That does it!
“Thank you!!”
I couldn’t hide my joy as I welcomed Miho as my comrade. With this, I had successfully recruited all those I could in this lifetime. I asked Miho,
“Miho, do you happen to have any connections with the Tsuchimikado clan?”
“Hrm… Are you thinking of bringing the Tsuchimikado clan to confront Emperor Changqie?”
“Correct. It’s Mangnyang’s strategy.”
There was also a way to enter Aokigahara Sea and meet the Abe clan, but I didn’t want to go to such a dangerous place if I could help it. Besides, I needed to find out the information Miho might have.
“Unfortunately, I’m not too familiar with the Tsuchimikado clan. Plus, since the Yin-Yang Masters are natural enemies of demon beasts, I didn’t want to get involved with them. However…”
“However?”
Miho paused thoughtfully and said,
“I’ve heard that the Emperor and the current Shogun who rules Dongyoung have some kind of ties with them.”
“Oh, that…”
The Emperor refers to the Japanese emperor. Currently, he was under the influence of enchanting techniques, effectively preserving his consciousness through the manipulations of the Dream Realm. I had promised to keep his secret, but Miho had now fully received that secret. When I made a troubled expression, Miho laughed.
“Ahaha. Don’t worry. I won’t do anything to the Emperor. If he’s managed to protect himself from my charm, then we can acknowledge that and talk.”
“Got it.”
We quickly went to see the Emperor. The dazed Emperor, entranced, showed not even a hint of his original self. Despite Miho dispelling the charm, the Emperor still wore a dreamy expression, which made Miho scoff.
“Wake up! I already know you unleashed the manipulations of the Dream Realm.”
At that, the Emperor’s expression shifted, and he turned to us. He wore a look of resignation.
“It’s over… Do with me as you will, whether you kill or spare me.”
“Hoho. There’s no need for that. You will simply serve as a voice monitoring the Shogun from now on. I promise there will be no harm against you or your clan.”
“Is that… really true?”
“Only if you tell me everything you know about the Tsuchimikado clan.”
“Understood.”
From the Emperor, we learned valuable information about the Yin-Yang Tsuchimikado clan. As a Emperor, he held significant ties and secrets concerning the Yin-Yang clan. It was during this conversation that Miho was greatly taken aback.
“Could it be… Abe no Seimei is still alive?”
“That is correct.”
The Emperor said, his eyes reflecting profound depth.
“He has been the leader overseeing all Yin-Yang masters since the Heian era. I understand he manages the most profound area of Aokigahara Sea known as the Abyssal Sea. However, it is said that even among Yin-Yang masters, they have not seen him for hundreds of years due to the fear surrounding the areas he seals.”
Miho responded incredulously,
“I’ve heard he lived for over 500 years and died, yet he’s still alive? To think he has survived this long…”
“His talent surpasses that of any previous genius in the Tsuchimikado clan, far exceeding that of regular Yin-Yang masters.”
As we listened to the conversation, Jin So-cheong turned to me and said,
“Baek Woong, how about recruiting Abe no Seimei to our side? A sorcerer of that caliber could be a match for Cheon Woo-jin.”
“Hmm!”
Indeed, if he were of that level, he would be a considerable asset in confronting Emperor Changqie. I thought it was a good plan and replied,
“Very well. Let’s head to Jangryeong Valley for now. We need to grow stronger as we lack power.”
*Boom!*
I first returned to Jangryeong Valley with Miho and Jin So-cheong. Then I introduced them to Mangnyang, Cheon Woo-jin, and the Sword Demon, and we began to form our proper lineup. Mangnyang, looking satisfied, said,
“Jin So-cheong, train in Jangryeong Valley. With the Sacred Lotus and Black and White Lotus that Baek Woong possesses, you’ll resolve your internal energy issues in no time. Additionally, once your training deepens, I hope you can enhance your skills through sparring with the Sword Demon.”
It was a twofold training method. The Sword Demon would certainly improve faster by discussing the Seven Great Techniques with Jin So-cheong.
“I understand.”
“Miho, you should train with me and learn the techniques from Cheon Woo-jin.”
“I got it.”
Mangnyang turned to me and said,
“Baek Woong, go to the leader of the White Lotus Sect and negotiate. To resolve this Demon King crisis, their power is absolutely essential.”
“I don’t have confidence in persuading the leader of the White Lotus Sect.”
I genuinely lacked confidence. The leader was an absolute martial artist of the martial world, possessing tremendous skills, and his temperament was cunning and treacherous, making it impossible to easily discern his true intentions. Even if I explained about Emperor Changqie, it would likely sound like nonsense to him. Or he would use it to his advantage if he knew.
Mangnyang then said,
“If you show your strength, he will listen.”
“Strength? Right now, all I possess is my original martial skills. The Fire Dragon Incarnate is injured…”
“There’s a more straightforward method if it involves borrowing someone else’s strength.”
Suddenly, Mangnyang spoke in a language I didn’t expect.
“Miyamoto Musashi, step forward.”
*Swoosh!*
Out of nowhere, Miyamoto Musashi’s figure materialized in the formerly empty space. He glanced at me and said,
“Master of the Twelve Joules Baek Woong. As commanded, I have decided to assist you for ten years.”
I understood the situation. Miyamoto Musashi would serve me for ten years, as I had previously discussed with Ha Eun-cheon. And now, he was here to help me. Mangnyang might not have sensed Miyamoto Musashi’s presence but guessed the situation, prompting his remark.
“Will you help me?”
Miyamoto Musashi nodded.
“Then let us go.”
*Boom!*
I used my skills along with Miyamoto Musashi to arrive at the Hall of the Sect Leader where the leader of the White Lotus Sect was. I recalled the strategy Mangnyang had just shared.
‘I must ensure the rescue of Han Baek-ryeong, no matter what.’
To do that, I had to endure even a heavy display of force.
I thought I might die here, but I steeled myself and walked into the Hall of the Sect Leader with Musashi.
“……?”
Something felt off.
At this point, I should have encountered one or two experts from the Elder Council or the Su Shin Sect launching surprise attacks. However, there was no sign of life in the usually bustling Hall of the Sect Leader filled with strong individuals. It couldn’t be hidden presence, as even Miyamoto Musashi showed no particular reaction. Before an expert of the Absolute Realm, the masters of the Elder Council wouldn’t be able to conceal their auras.
Miyamoto Musashi suddenly remarked,
“This is ominous.”
When I looked at him, Miyamoto Musashi continued,
“There’s an incredibly powerful presence ahead. Are you still going?”
His gaze was directed towards the deepest part of the Hall of the Sect Leader, where the leader of the White Lotus Sect usually resided. I had an ominous feeling that the leader had achieved incredible martial skills by some means. So I contemplated.
‘If the leader has grown strong, can I win? No, will I even be able to establish a conversation?’
I could not be certain. No matter how renowned Miyamoto Musashi was…
I found myself making an unexpectedly big gamble, gritting my teeth as I said,
“… There’s no time. Let’s go.”
“Understood.”
Even if the leader had become a being comparable to an Apostle, using my skills and powers would allow me to evade him somehow. With that thought, I advanced another twenty steps.
Now the innermost room of the Hall of the Sect Leader was in sight. The door was open, and an unknown aura of death poured forth.
*Woowoo*
And just as I stepped into the room…
“……!!”
I widened my eyes in disbelief at the scene before me.
The leader of the White Lotus Sect.
‘He… is dead!’
Lying there with the mask on was the icy corpse of the leader of the White Lotus Sect.
There were no visible signs of injury, just that his hands and feet had shriveled up.
And seated in the leader’s original position was a bizarre ‘something.’
This ‘something’ stared at us with its glowing white eyes. It looked like a wrinkly-headed newborn, but its body was abnormally shaped. There was no hair visible on its head or body, and it appeared smooth-muscled, with no sign of human genitalia.
But at the moment our gazes met, I felt an overwhelming pressure that nearly took my breath away.
What is that?
What is that?
It seems so bizarre.
Like we were standing in a realm detached from this world.
The strange feeling I received was on a different level than what I had felt from otherworldly beings. My body drenched in sweat was begging to throw up in discomfort. Before I could think about anything, Miyamoto Musashi said,
“We should flee.”
Glaring at him, I saw Musashi biting down hard on his teeth as if determined.
“That is not human.”
“I know that, but is it that strong?”
“It’s not just a matter of strength… it’s far too ominous.”
*Swish*
Suddenly, the bizarre entity extended a finger. Then, it smiled broadly as it stretched its mouth wide.
“Baek Woong. Baek-woong. Baek Woong… yes… such a name…”
Why is it calling my name?
Then I froze in surprise at the next words.
“Nice to meet you… I am the leader of the White Lotus Sect… Dogo… Seol… I… am…”
That voice was familiar.
Though it sounded like a buzzing, its unique intonation remained intact.
Also, that name — it’s exactly as I know it.
So it’s hard to believe.
“… Young Master?”