NOVEL NEXT Chapter 547
Chapter 547 – Geol-seon!
Geol-seon!
He was the former abbot of Open Space and the current abbot’s master, and one of the Three Great Masters of the Orthodox Sect. With this, I have now encountered all three of the Three Great Masters: the Old Sage of Mount Tai, the Master of Zen, and Geol-seon. Geol-seon’s appearance was that of a scruffy beggar, dressed in tattered clothing, but he was merely an ordinary-looking middle-aged man. His drowsy eyes dominated his features. Standing beside him were a young man and woman, both equally dressed in beggar’s rags.
Geol-seon spoke to Matteo Ricci.
“I’ve brought something of value that rivals gold, but would you kindly hear our terms?”
“Gladly.”
“I present you this instrument and the music score.”
The young man and woman beside Geol-seon each pulled out a jade-green string instrument and a book, offering them to Matteo Ricci. As Matteo took the instrument and score, Geol-seon explained.
“This instrument is a ‘Banhu,’ and its specific name is ‘Padalgan.’ To master Padalgan, you need to practice the music score and the sound skill, known as ‘Shin-hyang Cheon-eum.'”
“Music skills and techniques of the martial world, I see. What effects do these sound skills have…?”
Geol-seon then slightly opened his mouth. Surely, he was explaining through secret transmissions to Matteo Ricci. For quite a while, Matteo listened to Geol-seon’s detailed explanations and finally said,
“Excellent. These two are indeed worth more than gold.”
“…!!”
I was a bit taken aback. No matter how valuable, the gold we brought would be staggering; to think that Padalgan and Shin-hyang Cheon-eum held equal value was shocking! But Mangnyang seemed unfazed and said to Matteo Ricci,
“This is against the principle. We came here thinking it was a one-on-one transaction. Had we known there were competitors, we would have prepared better.”
“Well… that is a fair point. It seems the Duke mistakenly did not inform you.”
Matteo Ricci replied nonchalantly, while the Duke turned his head away. It was obvious that Geol-seon, being an acquaintance of his, had intentionally kept it from us to facilitate his acquisition of the Silver Phoenix Fragment. I felt a surge of anger but before I could speak, Matteo Ricci opened his mouth again.
“Then, you two should discuss this at the top level. There’s a meeting room prepared there, so please negotiate the need for you both to obtain the fragments… Afterward, summon me.”
Matteo Ricci conversed with the Duke for a moment and then took his guards to the lower floor. In an instant, the hall became a space where only Geol-seon’s group and us remained, facing each other.
An awkward silence enveloped the room. Before long, without anyone suggesting it, we slowly made our way to the upper level. The discussion could only take place there. Upon reaching the top, Geol-seon and Mangnyang sat down at a large table across from each other. Mangnyang broke the ice first.
“I never expected the greatest renowned figure of the Orthodox Sect, whose reputation reaches the heavens, to covet treasures and intrude without loyalty, Geol-seon.”
Geol-seon replied leisurely,
“I’ve been retired for a long time, and my disciple Cheonryonggae is leading Open Space well. What’s wrong with an old hermit trading treasures while passing the time? If there is a mistake, it lies with the Duke for not mentioning our intrusion. Take that up with him.”
“Hmm!”
Mangnyang let out a hum of surprise. I too watched in disbelief.
‘No matter how esteemed Geol-seon is as a figure in the martial world, he’s being so brazen towards the Duke.’
He dropped all honorifics and casually criticized a ruler. Considering the Duke’s position equated to that of a prince, this was utterly unbelievable. It was even more outrageous since we were in a competitive position!
Mangnyang pondered briefly before speaking.
“What are your thoughts? I recognize the treasure holds great value, but we do not plan to retreat.”
“Hmm, is that so… then let’s have an honest discussion.”
Geol-seon leaned back slightly and chuckled.
“Oh, right. It’s been a while since I’ve seen a friend, and yet you act as if you don’t recognize me.”
“………?”
“I conducted ‘Gyeong-gol Seong-hyeong,’ but my eyes cannot be deceived. Yun.”
At that, Lee Cheong-un, standing behind Mangnyang, chuckled.
“My apologies. I had my reasons.”
“Can’t you drop that ugly disguise?”
“Alright.”
As Lee Cheong-un raised his energy, the altered appearance I had temporarily fixed through surgical techniques returned to its original state. We had all changed our appearances in preparation for this meeting. Lee Cheong-un said,
“Seeing as you practiced the alteration technique, it’s been ages since we last met, hasn’t it? How did you recognize me so quickly?”
Geol-seon grinned with sleepy eyes.
“Heh. In the Absolute Realm, and for someone hiding their Thunder Energy, even in these vast Central Plains, you are the only one. Just the Dharma Guardian of the Thunder God Lineage.”
“Anyway, it’s been a while.”
“Good to see you.”
I shivered while observing their conversation.
‘That’s right… those two were friends.’
Usually, Lee Cheong-un would casually mention that he was friends with Geol-seon, one of the Three Great Masters of the Orthodox Sect. At that time, it didn’t seem particularly important, but witnessing their reunion here brought that fact to light. Geol-seon scratched his head and said,
“Hmm… If I recall correctly, you were declared missing decades ago during the turmoil at the White Lotus Sect. Have you been gathering forces since then?”
Lee Cheong-un responded,
“Don’t get me wrong. I’m not the leader of the Bancheon Alliance. I’m merely here to assist the Duke.”
“Oh? So, the Bancheon Alliance is not under the Thunder God Lineage?”
“That’s right.”
Geol-seon seemed to contemplate something. Then he shifted his gaze to Mangnyang and said,
“Duke, what is your relationship with Lee Cheong-un?”
“I don’t see why I should answer that.”
“If I speak, are you prepared to share something valuable?”
“That may or may not be the case.”
As Geol-seon smoothly dodged, Mangnyang’s voice turned grave.
“Regardless of my relationship with him, it doesn’t change the fact that we came here to stake a claim to the Silver Phoenix Fragment. I cannot provide answers unrelated to that matter.”
“Hmm, fine.”
Geol-seon slammed the table with a bang and then stated,
“If you tell me about your relationship with Lee Cheong-un and why you desire the Silver Phoenix Fragment, I’ll withdraw my name from this auction right away. How about it?”
“That won’t do.”
Mangnyang’s eyes glinted fiercely.
“We’re confident that we can win against you in this competition, even if it costs us more. Do you think we’re foolish enough to reveal our information just because we’re intimidated by you?”
“How troublesome…”
“We have the right to know. Why does Geol-seon seek the Silver Phoenix Fragment?”
Geol-seon crossed his arms and smiled.
“My desire for the Phoenix Fragment stems from my hobby of collecting ancient artifacts.”
“What do you mean?”
“Those items I just presented to Imadu were treasures I collected while passing time during my old age. I feel good gathering treasures with interesting backstories. During that time, the Duke informed me about the Silver Phoenix Fragment, and I felt a craving for it.”
It’s hard to believe that such a statement was genuine. Mangnyang thought for a moment, then replied,
“So you mean you cannot back down?”
“You just claimed you were confident in winning the competition. Well, I can say the same. If you raise your stakes, I plan to offer my disciples, these youngsters, as guards to Imadu.”
The young man and woman beside Geol-seon raised their heads. The man, Heon Ang, was handsome, and the woman looked pure and lovely. Though dressed like beggars, their beauty was undeniable. But it wasn’t their looks that caught our attention. Lee Cheong-un interjected,
“It seems these are the disciples you’ve painstakingly raised.”
“You figured it out? Haha. I put a lot of effort into them.”
Geol-seon said proudly, patting the young man’s shoulder.
“They might seem young, but they are older than they appear, and thanks to my teachings, they’ve reached a considerable level of skill. Imadu won’t be able to refuse my offer.”
“Are they around fifty?”
“Something like that. They’ve been studying under me for a long time.”
I realized the meaning behind Lee Cheong-un’s words. I understood the depth of their conversation because I too had high martial arts skill. Thus, I secretly used the Suspicious Fishhook to convey a message to Mangnyang.
[Mangnyang. Those two are all Peak Experts.]
Even though they looked to be in their twenties, their actual age being closer to fifty meant they had halted aging due to their immense Kung Fu and intent. This indicated they had reached a profound level of mastery. Mangnyang, surprised, whispered,
[Is that true? Their presence doesn’t seem to convey much… ]
[I can sense their enlightenment. They’re probably hiding their strength on purpose.]
[Much appreciated, Baek Woong.]
Although Mangnyang had been discretely practicing martial arts for defense, most of his training revolved around techniques, so it made sense that he couldn’t discern the level of a high-ranking expert. Yet even after conveying the information, I felt troubling unease.
‘What’s going on? Geol-seon is a Peak Expert, isn’t he… but to raise two Peak Experts?’
Peak Experts are not found just anywhere in the Central Plains. Not even the renowned elders of the Nine Great Sects are all at peak levels, and most die without breaking through after years of hard work. Naturally, every sect desires to cultivate Peak Experts, but it’s not something that can be achieved with mere effort.
The White Lotus Sect stood out exceptionally among the Four Great Families, having a surplus of Peak Experts among its upper management and Elder Council due to its thousand years of history, which allowed it to develop world-class martial skills. Comparatively speaking, the levels of the White Lotus Sect, where even the Master of the White Lotus Sect teaches Elder Council members, were incomparable. The thought of Geol-seon cultivating two Peak Experts from the brink of trial is truly baffling!
As I was on edge regarding Geol-seon, Lee Cheong-un said,
“I know you have little interest in martial world matters. Could you please yield this time, simply because I’m your friend?”
“Hmm. Yield… yield…”
Geol-seon closed his eyes, seemingly deep in thought. After a long pause, he slightly opened his eyes and said,
“Very well. First, let the Duke tell me the purpose of the Bancheon Alliance. If I can hear that, I shall withdraw.”
“I have retired long ago and I’m merely an old man now. Just satisfy my curiosity. I have been curious about the recent rise of the Bancheon Alliance’s power.”
Silence fell as Mangnyang and Lee Cheong-un exchanged glances. Mangnyang seemed resigned and finally said,
“If you promise not to reveal this information to Open Space or others, I shall share it.”
“Of course. I don’t even communicate with my former disciple, Cheonryonggae. I swear on my name that I won’t relate what I hear today to the martial world.”
“The Bancheon Alliance seeks to check the Imperial Palace, which is leading evil human sacrifices and causing great calamities, in order to save the innocent common folk.”
“Hmm!”
Geol-seon raised his eyebrows, surprised. He leaned in with interest and said,
“The Imperial Palace conducts human sacrifices? Do you have any evidence?”
“Plenty. And it’s also clear that they intend to summon evil beings to bring about calamities. We’re here to prevent a great disaster in Luoyang.”
“Ha ha… ha ha ha!”
Suddenly, Geol-seon gave a strange laugh.
He chuckled for a while before finally saying,
“How amusing!”
“What do you find amusing?”
“Nothing in particular. This means that the Silver Phoenix Fragment belongs to you.”
Geol-seon rose from his seat, continuing,
“Keep in mind this: As long as you don’t meddle with me, I won’t interfere with you either… I will simply watch. Remember this!”
It felt like he was imparting a significant warning.
Lee Cheong-un brusquely interjected,
“Same as ever, putting on airs. Don’t you want to share a drink with me?”
“Heh. I’ll just sing and carry on until the last moment arrives.”
“Be careful.”
Finally, Geol-seon left with his disciples, withdrawing from the engagement, and Matteo Ricci exchanged gold for the Silver Phoenix Fragment, saying to us,
“Congratulations on acquiring both fragments.”
“What do you mean by that…?”
“There’s no need for concern. I already knew that the Silver Fragment held some royal seals. You’re after that royal treasure, aren’t you?”
Matteo Ricci chuckled as he continued,
“But it has no relevance to me. What I desire is a rather unique treasure.”
At that moment, I sensed the gravity of what he wanted.
[I am Matteo Ricci, dispatched to the Ming Empire under the Society of Jesus… and this is my guard Hans Talhoffer.]
[I came here after learning that the Emerald Tablet is within the Imperial Palace, but it seems there’s quite the uproar… we shouldn’t get involved, so we’ll be taking our leave.]
Indeed. In my previous life, Matteo Ricci clearly aimed for the Emerald Tablet together with Talhoffer, who appeared as an exceptional sword hero, looking to seize it before the Imperial Palace’s collapse.
‘He’s most likely after the Crystal Stele.’
I could have acquired the Crystal Stele long ago, but I had left it in the hands of the Imperial Palace, watching to maintain the balance of the world. Hence, if I were to obtain the Crystal Stele and give it to Matteo Ricci, I could definitely gain his cooperation…
Then, Mangnyang softly said,
“I would like to delve deeper into this matter. There might be opportunities for the Bancheon Alliance and you to collaborate.”
“Oh! That would be very welcome. I was just about to bring it up.”
Matteo Ricci remarked, pulling out a cross from within his cloak,
“When you hear our intentions alongside the doctrine of the Society of Jesus, you will surely understand the path to truly serving humanity.”
Matteo Ricci explained,
“Our Society of Jesus has come to uncover powerful demon sorcerers that have infiltrated this land and, furthermore, to seek treasures that can amplify the power of guardians.”
“What do you mean?”
“Um… it’s a bit complex. Have you heard of the existence of demons?”
“I know quite well.”
Mangnyang shared our knowledge about the otherworldly races. Matteo Ricci seemed relieved at our understanding.
“That makes it easier to explain.”
After organizing his thoughts, he elaborated,
“The West has now fallen under the influence of demon paths, diminishing the vital energy, and allowing evil beings to rampage. This is attributed to the presence of the ‘Black Brotherhood,’ a cult of evil gods. Because of them, the guardians have sealed themselves and the protective barriers that shield the Easterners have weakened significantly…”
“Hmm…”
“Furthermore, demon sorcerers from the West are believed to be searching for legendary treasures thought to exist in the East. If this continues, the East shall undoubtedly fall victim to their greed, prompting our Society’s decision to travel here.”
“To save strangers in the East? There must be some other motives.”
“Of course, that isn’t the sole reason. We also seek powerful artifacts that could awaken the Guardians.”
The Society of Jesus’s goal is to rescue the guardian who is sealing himself from the West! To strengthen that seal or awaken the Guardian, they have come seeking powerful artifacts in the East. Mangnyang, intrigued by the twist, spoke up.
“So you’re willing to easily relinquish the Silver Phoenix Fragment? It might hold even greater value than gold.”
Matteo Ricci replied,
“No. I’ve gathered more information than expected. I’m assured that the treasures opened with that fragment do not include what we desire. It’d be of better use to spread the teachings of the Society of Jesus in the Duke Du Kingdom and the Guangdong region.”
“What good comes from spreading teachings?”
“The guardian we serve draws strength from human faith. Thus, expanding faith in the East means that the guardian grows stronger, allowing him to counter the otherworldly races and the authority of the ‘Old Ruler.'”
“I see!”
It appears that even the guardian of the West becomes more powerful through the faith of the people. This moment was enlightening regarding the motives behind the Society of Jesus’s journey to the East. Matteo Ricci, with a sorrowful look, prayed briefly before his cross, then spoke,
“My brothers in the Society of Jesus have high hopes for a treasure known as the Emerald Tablet. It is the origin and treasure of all alchemy and one of the mightiest relics… the greatest treasure left behind by Hermes Trismegistus before his ascension.”
“…?”
Listening from beside them, I became bewildered and asked,
“The Philosopher’s Stone? That’s what you plan to use to rescue your Guardian?”
“That’s correct. The Philosopher’s Stone can shake the balance of this entire world, so it must be obtained by human hands. Moreover, the only means to create the Philosopher’s Stone is that Emerald Tablet.”
“I know acquiring the Philosopher’s Stone grants immortality. Immortality, infinite energy, and the creation of all things are possible…”
I learned all about the Philosopher’s Stone’s abilities while studying basic alchemy from Zhuge Sa. Matteo Ricci nodded in agreement.
“If you secure the Philosopher’s Stone, please let me know. I will offer everything from the Society of Jesus to acquire it. I am willing to repay you with power over all kingdoms.”
Could the staggering power tied to the Philosopher’s Stone really be compared to just acquiring everything that the Society of Jesus owns? Considering that they had traveled to the East risking everything to rescue the people of the West as their last hope, I couldn’t dismiss them. Despite differences in skin and hair color, they too are honorable people.
We pulled back from Matteo Ricci and made our way directly to the royal family of Balhae. Mangnyang spoke with tension,
“Then I’ll insert it now.”
*Clatter*
The moment both Silver Phoenix Fragments intertwine,
*Pwaaah!!!*
A colossal light erupted, and the doors to the royal family began to creak open. After centuries, the royal gates opened to reveal a dark space within. Staring into that space, Mangnyang spoke knowingly,
“As expected, the interior is an artificial void made by techniques. It’s quite vast.”
“Are there any formations or traps?”
“That’s unlikely. The Silver Phoenix Fragment is a perfect key. They must have thought only established royalty could enter. And since Mangnyang has previously acquired intel in previous lives, we should be fine.”
Mangnyang waved his hand.
“Let’s go.”
*Clomp…*
We stepped into the interior of the Balhae royal family. As we ventured further inside, in stark contrast to the ruins outside, we could see ancient Balhae buildings lined up around us. This technique resulted in a space larger inside rather than outside, reminiscent of the one the Master of the Twelve Joules had used.
Our steps halted before a throne housing a skull seated upon it.