NOVEL NEXT Chapter 554
Chapter 554 – Dark Heaven Village
The words of the Master of the Twelve Joules seemed to hold considerable influence, as a strange current mixed with the cooling air at that moment. It signified whether the heads of the three major forces gathered here would compromise at this level.
The Imperial Palace was providing information on the Dharma, and in return, the White Lotus Sect was cooperating to gather the Dharma by pausing their advances for ten years, while the Twelve Joules stood to make Liaodong, Shandong, and the Kingdom of Duke Du property of Goryeo.
However, Mangnyang, not pleased with this atmosphere, approached me with a suspicious fishhook in hand.
[ Baek Woong. It wouldn’t be good if the negotiations concluded like this. I’ll shake things up a bit.]
[ Are you serious? It could be dangerous…]
[ Trust me.]
There must be a reason Mangnyang chose to convey his intentions to me rather than unilaterally step in. It felt like he was entrusting his judgment and fate to me. After a moment’s thought, I responded to Mangnyang.
[ Alright! Please do it.]
Mangnyang nodded and slowly stepped forward to command attention.
“Ladies and gentlemen, may I request your attention to the opinion of the Bancheon Alliance?”
All eyes shifted to Mangnyang as he stood in the center.
“What’s most concerning right now is whether the Imperial Palace clearly knows the particulars about the Dharma, and if that information can be trusted. If we can ascertain that, everything will proceed smoothly. However, gaining mutual trust here and now will be quite challenging.”
[ That’s right.]
“Then, how about taking a grace period through a ‘bridge’?”
Mangnyang’s suggestion piqued the curiosity of the Master of the Twelve Joules.
“Are you saying the Imperial Palace should provide advance information on the Dharma to the White Lotus Sect?”
“You have great insight.”
It seemed that it wasn’t just the Master of the Twelve Joules who understood this; even Zhuque Zhuge Yulong, as well as the Master of the White Lotus Sect, seemed to realize what proposal came with the term ‘grace period.’ Zhuque crossed his arms and then spoke.
“I was about to mention it myself, so thank you for your promptness. Indeed, according to that proposal, we are willing to provide enticing advance information regarding the Dharma.”
[ Speak of it here.]
“Not so fast. I can’t disclose until I have a definite response regarding a corresponding ceasefire—even if it’s not a complete truce. Do you take us for fools?”
[ Hmm.]
As a subtle power struggle unfolded between Zhuque and the Master of the White Lotus Sect, the Master of the Twelve Joules spoke wearily.
“So, the reason you, Leader of the Bancheon Alliance, brought up the ‘bridge’ now is that you are volunteering your faction to take on the task of providing advance information?”
Mangnyang nodded.
“Indeed. We of the Bancheon Alliance will transmit the Dharma information and undertake the responsibility for its reliability.”
“Responsibility, huh? That means if one side has a change of heart or resorts to deception…”
“I’ll promptly inform the other factions participating in this trilateral negotiation.”
“Hmm.”
The Master of the Twelve Joules chuckled, seemingly entertained. Just then, the Sword Demon, standing to Mangnyang’s left, stepped forward and commanded attention again.
“May I have a word on behalf of the Sword Demon, representing the Eight Demons of Martial Daos?”
He had come with Mangnyang to present the views of the Heretical Sect at today’s gathering. The attendees were fascinated by the Sword Demon’s emergence.
“Oh, it’s the Sword Demon.”
[ I wondered who it was; the leader of the Eight Demons of Martial Daos is here. First, then…]
Upon recognizing him, the Master of the White Lotus Sect realized there was a short man standing to his right who stepped forward and spoke.
“I am Ming Longzi of Wudang, here representing the Nine Great Sects.”
[ Ming Longzi.]
The Master of the White Lotus Sect suddenly turned to look at Dokgo Jun, who was standing to his right.
[ Jun, didn’t you once share a move with him?]
Dokgo Jun, the Dharma Guardian of the Wind Spirit Lineage, bowed respectfully, as if honored, and replied through the Six Harmonies Assembly.
[ That did occur in the past.]
[ How nice to see a familiar face. Go, introduce yourself to him.]
At this, Dokgo Jun walked up to Ming Longzi and bowed.
[ It’s been a while since I’ve seen you, Lord Dao.]
“It’s indeed been a while… But to call me Lord Dao, you hardly appear suitably aged yourself.”
Ming Longzi’s words dripped with sarcasm as he welcomed the bow. Dokgo Jun merely chuckled in response.
[ Hehe.]
Once the pleasantries were over, the Sword Demon began to speak.
“As you can see, both Ming Longzi and I have come here representing the righteous and heretical factions of the Central Plains. Furthermore, we hereby declare that our future actions will be in collaboration with the Bancheon Alliance and that we will do our utmost to maintain neutrality while observing all promises and declarations made here. All factions of the Eight Demons of Martial Daos and the Nine Great Sects will spare no effort to assist in this.”
Hearing the Sword Demon speak, the Master of the White Lotus Sect placed his hand on his chin and remarked.
[ How peculiar. Why are you partnering with the Leader of the Bancheon Alliance? Do you really think he’s capable of handling matters of such gravity?]
[ Oh…]
The Master of the White Lotus Sect seemed deep in thought.
Munch munch
“This meat tastes heavenly.”
At the same time, the Master of the Twelve Joules was gnawing on a chicken leg, looking quite satisfied. Each time I saw him eat while wearing those silly masks, I couldn’t help but wonder how he managed. Nevertheless, he was clearly enjoying it.
Zhuque chided,
“Quite straightforward, aren’t you?”
As Mangnyang’s gaze turned to Zhuque, he didn’t hide his discomfort and continued speaking.
“I was aware that your Bancheon Alliance dared to harbor intentions against the Emperor’s decree. To now drag in the righteous faction seems like a clear affront to the imperial authority, doesn’t it? Little did you realize how immature such actions could have severe repercussions on our Martial World?”
Thud
In response to Zhuque’s blunt inquiry, Mangnyang lightly folded his fan and retorted.
“I’ll return that question to you. Why should the Imperial Palace expect any leniency just because we stand idle? There is no reason for the Emperor to show leniency towards the Martial World. The Imperial Palace has already conveyed directives to the True Heaven Alliance and the Demon Path factions to oppose the White Lotus Sect. Truly, it would be foolish to think interference from the Emperor won’t worsen! We are merely taking the best approach to protect the Martial World’s freedom.”
“You speak quite well.”
“The resolution is best resolved between the two of you. Until then, we will maintain temporary peace. This is the intention of the Bancheon Alliance and the Central Plains Martial World.”
“……”
Just then, the Master of the Twelve Joules, who had been munching on the chicken leg, spoke up.
“I support granting the role of mediation to the Bancheon Alliance.”
All eyes in the hall turned to him. He reached for another piece of the chicken leg before continuing.
“Truth be told, I came here intending for our Twelve Joules to take up the mediation role. But it seems like both you, the Imperial Palace and the White Lotus Sect, don’t trust us at all. If this continues, I see no reason to shoulder the bothersome mediation role. It seems best to leave it to the zealous Bancheon Alliance instead. I fully support their intentions.”
Clearly impacted by the words of the Master of the Twelve Joules, the Master of the White Lotus Sect flinched. It was clear that those words were pivotal in steering his decision. Gradually, he lifted his head and said,
[ Alright. I will entrust the mediation role to the Bancheon Alliance. And while we maintain a truce with the Imperial Palace going forward, I, Dokgo Wooncheong, will promise in his name that we will not harm the Bancheon Alliance and the Central Plains Martial World’s righteous factions.]
“Too hasty!”
Zhuque frowned.
“Master of the White Lotus Sect, haven’t we yet had a say?”
[ Hmph… After all, you and I are but potential enemies. Regardless of what you say, trust is altogether impossible. I intend to establish the trust in the contract through the Leader of the Bancheon Alliance.]
“Not pleasant.”
[ If you have a better proposal to convince us, please speak up now.]
“……”
Zhuque seemed displeased with the proceedings, but since two of the three major forces had consented, the Imperial Palace had no grounds to refuse. If they did, that would incite an all-out war. Forced to relent, Zhuque finally spoke.
“Fine. Let’s proceed as such.”
I watched the meeting unfold, trembling with excitement.
‘I did it!’
If this conversation continued to unfold slowly, the intentions of the Bancheon Alliance and the Central Plains Martial World would likely be ignored, leading to an agreement solely between the Imperial Palace and the White Lotus Sect. Had that happened, after the meeting, the Bancheon Alliance would have been disregarded by the Twelve Joules or the White Lotus Sect, leaving them in a lonely fight against the Imperial Palace. With the pressure on the Imperial Palace alleviated, it could amass power freely, becoming a formidable enemy.
However, Mangnyang had intervened at the opportune moment to bestow a ‘crucial role’ upon the Bancheon Alliance. Thus, they became the witnesses and transmitters of the contract, making it so no faction could recklessly endanger them. Moreover, it had opened the possibility of the White Lotus Sect providing protection for the Bancheon Alliance in the future.
Truly amazing success!
Eventually, they hashed out the finer details, and it was agreed that the Imperial Palace would deliver the Dharma’s information to the Bancheon Alliance within fifteen days. In truth, there was no reason not to exchange information immediately, but it was largely a formality to prevent the Imperial Palace from distorting facts or the White Lotus Sect from acting recklessly.
As the Master of the White Lotus Sect concluded his part, he turned to Mangnyang for a private conversation and said,
[ Are you aware of the fate this world is about to face?]
Mangnyang nodded.
“I know some through ancient texts.”
[ The Non-Birth Mother’s Dharma is essential to changing that wretched fate. The reason I’m not monopolizing that information for myself and sharing it with you is that it’s an urgent matter that requires all means necessary. We must find it at all costs.]
The Master of the White Lotus Sect clenched his fist, emphasizing his point.
[ This is a matter of great significance that will determine humanity’s future—one that involves us all.]
“Then, I have a question…”
[ What is it?]
“If we gather the Dharma, what will happen? And does each piece of Dharma contain power?”
The Master of the White Lotus Sect calmly replied.
[ I can only speculate about what will happen… I might be able to discuss the specifics with you later. However, it is indeed tremendously difficult for us to locate the scattered Dharmas in the world, and I have no idea if I will finish it within my lifetime.]
The Master of the White Lotus Sect sighed wistfully. He turned away and, while walking with the Dharma Guardians, encountered the Master of the Twelve Joules, who stood directly in his path. The Master of the Twelve Joules seemed to be blocking his exit intentionally, grinning mischievously.
“I have something to say.”
[ What is it?]
“Let’s find another place for this discussion; this setting seems inappropriate. Will you come?”
[ Understood.]
Swoosh!
Suddenly, the group of the Master of the White Lotus Sect and the Master of the Twelve Joules vanished as if employing a spatial shifting technique. As the major figures in the hall departed, Mangnyang also attempted to leave with Lee Cheong-un, but at that moment…
“Leader of the Bancheon Alliance, where are you off to in such a hurry?”
Lord of Inner Imperial Pavilion, Zhuge Bu appeared before Mangnyang with his entourage. The people around him were dressed in formal official attire, but upon seeing them, Mangnyang frowned.
“Are those the astrologers from the Inner Imperial Pavilion?”
“Remarkably, you recognized us at a glance. Do you know that they’re all sorcerers?”
“……”
I do know. The astrologers of the Inner Imperial Pavilion seldom show their faces, but each one is a capable sorcerer trained by the Grand Astronomer of the Imperial Palace. Their individual powers are formidable, making them a serious threat.
“It’s fate that we meet like this. Why not stay in Luoyang for a few days? You may find it a bit long, though.”
“Are you planning to stab me in the back right after the meeting? If this gets out to the White Lotus Sect or the Twelve Joules…”
Zhuge Bu broke into a playful smile.
“Hahaha… Do you think we’ll grant you that opportunity? The Leader of the Bancheon Alliance will now reside in the basement of the Golden Eagle Guard, sailing under the same ship as us. It could be quite amusing to bait the White Lotus Sect using you.”
Clap!
As Mangnyang pulled out a Golden Lamp from his robe, Lee Cheong-un, the Sword Demon, and Ming Longzi all reached out their hands toward him simultaneously. They had all already discussed an escape plan using the Golden Lamp. But Mangnyang couldn’t activate it as his expression stiffened.
“Barrier troops.”
“Ha ha. As expected, it seems you had moving artifacts or demon artifacts on you. But here, escape won’t be an option.”
Kwang kwang!
From every corner, monsters emerged; each one possessed extraordinary physical capabilities, fighting machines that were only manageable by Peak Masters. With hundreds of them swarming, it was terrifying.
‘ This is dangerous.’
No matter how formidable Lee Cheong-un’s Thunder Spirit Technique was, could he protect three people while escaping right now? If those creatures coordinated their attacks ruthlessly, it would be perilous.
“Hehehe.”
At that moment, Zhuge Sa, observing the chaos in Luoyang from afar, grinned mischievously, seemingly waiting for something.
Finally, a chant erupted in the air.
“Cry out, go!”
Crack crack!
“…. KRAAAAH!!”
With a final scream, Zhuge Bu toppled over, his body twisting like a shrimp. Had his insides been ruptured? He coughed up blood.
“L-Lord Zhuge!!”
The astrologers around panicked.
But it was Mangnyang who triggered his Yin-Yang Heaven Bug, not Zhuge Sa. Mangnyang extended a finger, pointing at Zhuge Bu and activating the mantra.
Mangnyang sighed.
“I don’t relish the thought of killing my own kin…”
“Cough… you… how…”
Mangnyang fixed a cold stare on him and said,
“Command, go.”
“Gah… ugh! GAAAAH….”
For a while, as blood erupted from his upper body, Zhuge Bu rolled his eyes in a frenzy.
“Retreat! Each! And! Retreat!”
Rumble!
As Zhuge Bu’s command rang out, the soldiers under his control all retreated from the battlefield. Zhuge Bu trembled and collapsed as soon as his vengeful order was delivered.
Mangnyang glared at Zhuge Bu and chanted,
“Explode, go.”
Boom!
With an explosion, Zhuge Bu was killed on the spot. Normally, he would have intended to abduct Zhuge Bu to torture him for information, but he intentionally refrained from doing so. Because feigning ignorance about Zhuge Bu’s utility would surely lower Zhuque’s alertness.
“I can’t show mercy to family members who’ve strayed to serve the demons. I truly find it pitiful that I couldn’t reform my brother.”
Having killed Zhuge Bu in one strike, Mangnyang muttered bitterly.
“Eek.”
“What in the world…”
The astrologers all panicked, but at that moment, the Sword Demon, Ming Longzi, and Lee Cheong-un struck at once and began butchering them. Sword strength and sword qi danced as Lee Cheong-un’s Thunder Spirit Technique tore through the foes mercilessly.
“KRAAAAH.”
“Save me…”
After the carnage settled, Mangnyang used Flame Art to incinerate Zhuge Bu’s remains. It was necessary to burn it since they wouldn’t find remnants of the Yin-Yang Heaven Bug otherwise.
A moment later, as Zhuge Bu turned to ashes, he shouted towards somewhere.
“Zhuque! This one time, I’ll let it slide as a warning. But if you pull another stunt, I will annihilate you all by any means necessary.”
Though no reply came, the situation was unmistakable.
A perfect victory!
Our army quickly began to leave the vicinity of the General’s Tower. I watched the unfolding situation in awe and exclaimed to Zhuge Sa,
“Did you really foresee this situation?”
“Yes.”
Zhuge Sa laughed slyly.
“I strategically transferred the controlling rights of the Yin-Yang Heaven Bug to Hyun using the Soul Exchange Technique.”
Exactly.
Zhuge Sa anticipated that the Imperial Palace would strike right after the meeting concluded and shared sensory perceptions with Mangnyang through the Soul Exchange Technique, even granting him the authority to manipulate the Yin-Yang Heaven Bug. Thanks to that, Mangnyang succeeded in taking down Zhuge Bu with one decisive blow.