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The old man appeared taken aback by my words.

“Wh-what are you talking about? Do you even know what you’re saying, Confucius?”

“Of course!”

I was convinced that Zhuge Sa held the solution to this situation. I genuinely disliked him, but he wasn’t the kind of guy to throw out trashy schemes without reason. At the very least, he understood the basics of looking down on others only after achieving success. So, I started to speak, delivering his words in my mind.

“Whether it’s a princess or a divine sword, in the end, they’re just otherworldly items. They can’t even compare to a grimoire that grants tremendous power to the user. Unless that firewall is of treasure level, it’s nothing!”

“……”

“I want to see the items of the Demon Path. They are truly the rarest treasures in the world!”

As I stated that decisively, the old man lowered his head in silence. Suddenly, his tone shifted dramatically, and he spoke in a grim voice.

“You are not Sang Gwanwna, are you?”

Out of nowhere, I felt a cold hostility hitting me. I was used to killing intent and animosity, so I wasn’t too shaken, but I realized the old man’s hostility felt quite bizarre. It was thick with dense malice, entirely different from the usual human malice, oozing an eerie aura that I hadn’t encountered before.

‘What is this? Is he practicing Qimen martial arts or something?’

[Stop with the useless thoughts and answer quickly. This is a crucial moment.]

But despite my wonderings, Zhuge Sa kept urging me to speak. I had no choice but to continue.

“What makes you think I’m not Sang Gwanwna?”

“The Sangguan family has been a prestigious family in Luoyang since ancient times. How could a child of the Sangguan, a member of the orthodox sect that produced the Five Great Physicians, know about grimoires or demon artifacts?”

I feigned disappointment as dictated by Zhuge Sa’s instructions.

“You’re really a clueless fool. Don’t you understand the essence of the Sangguan family?”

“What do you mean?”

“The founder of the Sangguan family was Sang Gwanwna, the foremost strategist and confidant of Empress Wu Zetian. And it’s well-known that Empress Wu had deep dealings with the otherworldly races; our Sangguan family is precisely the one that knows the secrets of the Demon Path best!”

“……”

The old man’s mouth hung open in surprise at my words. But I was just as shocked, so I awkwardly questioned Zhuge Sa.

[Hey, is that really true? Did that really happen?]

Zhuge Sa snapped back in annoyance.

[Shut up and focus on the conversation! I’ll explain later.]

[Got it.]

I quickly gathered my composure and continued speaking.

“Another thing. As a descendant of the Sangguan family with profound knowledge, I’ve discerned your essence since earlier. You haven’t revealed your name or identity, yet you can’t possibly be just some random slave market manager. You’re truly the highest ruler in charge of the slave market, and I also know you’re of the otherworldly race…”

…What?!

This old man is from the otherworldly race?!

Even as I spoke, I couldn’t believe it; I blinked in disbelief. How could I be struggling to accept this as true while saying it out loud? This was a first for me.

The old man sank into silence for a while with his head bowed, then suddenly began to undergo a shocking transformation.

Crackle…

It seemed as if his body was melting away. His skin dissolved like some gooey substance, with blood-sizzling chunks dropping to the ground. His form melted like candle wax, swirling in the air along with a dark aura and eventually appearing in a shape that no longer resembled a human at all.

What emerged looked like a pillar with wings. His massive body sported three or four tentacles, and on his head sat a twitching creature resembling a sea organism’s mouth. The large straw-like appendage supported his body, giving off an unsettling vibe. And yet, despite appearances, something about his presence conveyed agility.

He began to speak directly into my mind.

[You know quite well. It’s the first time I’ve learned that a member of the Sangguan family harbors such secrets. I apologize for my rudeness.]

Even though it was the language of the otherworldly race, it seemed as if it was translated directly into human comprehension for me to understand. Judging by that, he must be quite a high-level existence among his kind. While I marveled at the strange sight of this otherworldly being, I continued speaking as Zhuge Sa had instructed.

“You are an ancient race, one that fought wars with the descendants of the Evil Gods in the faraway past. I heard you currently reside in the northern hemisphere; what brings you to the Central Plains?”

[Heh… You know an awful lot. To put it simply, I’m scouting the humans to satisfy my thirst for knowledge. The time of destruction is fast approaching; preparations must be made.]

“……”

I couldn’t gauge how extensive Zhuge Sa’s knowledge of the otherworldly race was. So, I questioned him in my thoughts.

[What exactly is this ancient race?]

[It’s lengthy to explain, but the ancient race is a superior race far beyond compare to humans. You could say they are rulers that have stepped back from the stage.]

[Are they strong?]

[Physical abilities aren’t that remarkable. However, the level of their civilization is entirely different. Compared to the ancient race, humans are merely monkeys.]

This bizarrely shaped otherworldly being was something that formidable?

As I gazed at it in awe, it spoke.

[Sang Gwanwna. Do you truly wish to purchase a grimoire? You seem to understand its value; thus, you ought to know just how precious and expensive they are, correct?]

It was somewhat of a stern reminder, but merely a reiteration of the facts.

“Truth be told, I came prepared.”

[What?]

“I found out you’ve been trading with several humans. I received your information from the Master of the Baehwa Sect and came on the recommendation. I also heard you’re legendary for being the darkest merchant in this line of work.”

At this, the ancient being let out a dark chuckle.

[Heh… A recommendation from Zhuge Sa? Then, it must be certain.]

“Will you conduct business with me?”

The ancient being feigned weariness.

[Of course. But if Zhuge Sa recommended you, then you must be quite mad to even step into this world… You’re a human to be feared.]

“……”

Zhuge Sa, what on earth have you been doing in your life…

Also, I finally understood who the ‘merchant’ Zhuge Sa referred to before arriving at the slave market. From the beginning, he had shown no interest in the Wind Spirit Sect or the Imperial Palace but had come to trade with this ‘ancient race’ before me! Yet, for someone labeled a heretic and a demon sorcerer to be trading with an otherworldly being like this—Zhuge Sa was truly out of his mind.

‘Typically, one would feel fear and madness upon encountering an otherworldly being…’

Zhuge Sa seemed to read my mind and sneered.

[What are you rambling about? What could possibly be worse than me?]

Suddenly, the ancient being extended a tentacle into the air, summoning a translucent square. It began to poke at each square, which moved as if they were tangible objects. As the ancient being manipulated something, he inquired.

[What kind of grimoire do you wish?]

“Perhaps one that is the Hanri or some taboo worth being cursed for.”

At this, the ancient being grew offended.

[You’re insane. Are you really a demon sorcerer?! Are you searching for something like that in the human world?]

“Just tell me if you have it or not.”

[I don’t have it. It’s likely in the Western Regions.]

“Then what grimoires do you have?”

[I need some assurance before I tell you that.]

I felt the cold gaze of the ancient being on me. I casually replied.

“Well, just speak first. Naturally, I wouldn’t have come if I wasn’t confident in my ability to pay.”

[… There’s a ‘Golden Branch’ available.]

“Hmm. It may not be as esteemed as the Nameless Ritual Book or the Nine Stars Main Capital, but it’s an impressive grimoire nonetheless.”

[What a cheeky little human. What gives you, a mere human, the right to discuss the status of a grimoire?]

“Hahaha.”

The ancient being grumbled, but it sounded less like animosity and more like childish banter typical of merchants. As I spoke Zhuge Sa’s words, a chill ran down my spine as I felt the madness shared between the two. It felt like they could comfortably speak about human flesh too.

‘This Zhuge Sa is… completely sharing the perspective of the otherworldly race!’

He no longer felt human. Just as I began to feel uneasy, the dialogue continued.

“Anyway, I want to buy the grimoire ‘Golden Branch.'”

The ancient being twisted his tentacle in reply.

“State your price.”

“You want me to suggest? You really have no shame. I’ve never seen a merchant like you who would stick to that!”

[Then forget it. I don’t have to sell to you after all.]

“Tch…”

Zhuge Sa grumbled in my head.

[A typical dealer insisting on a price would do so even when selling his mother. You’ve got yourself a wrong deal.]

Worry flooded my mind.

[I don’t know what you’re talking about, but you’re confident you can handle this, right? We can’t let things spiral out of control here.]

[Don’t worry.]

I took a deep breath and then stated,

“I’ve learned the Soul Exchange Technique and can collect ‘Po’ (魄) energy. Look.”

Swish…

Using spirit power, I levitated the two portions of ‘Po’ energy I had collected yesterday from a couple. Upon seeing it, the ancient being trembled his tentacles.

[Interesting. Are you offering to give me the ‘Po’ energy?]

“Of course. If you have ‘Po,’ it would be easier for your clan, which sleeps in hibernation in the south pole, to maintain vitality, wouldn’t it?”

[You know a lot… But it seems like the amount is too little.]

“I intended to pay in installments for the grimoire.”

I smiled casually, feigning being at ease as instructed by Zhuge Sa.

“Starting from now, I’ll collect ‘Po’ energy for ten years and bring you 10,000 portions. How about it?”

[10,000… Hmm… I need some time to think.]

“I’m going to offer nothing more than this. I want to see your sincerity.”

[……]

The ancient being fluttered something like little wings. It seemed to be a phenomenon that occurred when the other race pondered. After a long deliberation, the ancient being spoke.

[Your conditions are sufficient. However, I want to know your reason for wanting a grimoire.]

“What’s it to you?”

[Grimoires are closely linked to the Old Ruler. If mishandled, your contract could entangle you in disasters. Naturally, I need to know your purpose.]

“To increase my strength, if I must say. Is that enough?”

[No… That’s not enough. I cannot hand you a grimoire on mere words.]

“……”

The ancient being continued.

[At present, I cannot hand over a grimoire to you. The installment agreement is uncertain, and your motives are unclear. However, given your sincerity, I will trade for a demon artifact.]

“That’s ridiculous. There’s no point in possessing a grimoire since I won’t be able to use it…”

[If you act so arrogantly, I’ll just eliminate you.]

“Alright, I’ll do it your way.”

Whoosh…

[Let’s make a deal.]

After a moment, the ancient being conjured something from the dark space and handed it to me. As I accepted the item, I realized it was a shining silver bracelet. It had a yellow gemstone embedded in it, intricately crafted with strange designs. I glanced down at the bracelet and said,

“Is this a demon beast contract bracelet?”

[You know well. It’s a top-quality product.]

“How about 200 portions of ‘Po’?”

[What nonsense are you spewing now? Do you not understand that I only take one-time payments?]

“Tch… Then let’s do this trade.”

Bang!

After a brief moment, I dumped all the golden bars and silver bars the Master had given me from the wooden armor. The ancient being examined the gold and silver treasures, almost as if savoring them, and then spoke.

[This is fine. But I would prefer you give me that wooden armor.]

“Not happening. If you’re going to do that, you’ll have to give me the grimoire ‘Golden Branch.'”

[Heh… Fine, if this is how we do business…]

As the ancient being began to reply, I suddenly interjected.

“No, the calculations don’t add up.”

[What?]

“Since we’re at it, you also need to tell me about the human factions operating in the slave market. Their leader’s position included. That would match the price.”

[What do you need that for?]

“Listen closely. The slave market will come to an end today.”

Realizing my words, the ancient being trembled his tentacles.

[What?! What are you saying?]

“The cult of the Non-Birth Mother has sniffed us out and is heading here now. The preparations for the attack are already complete. You’d be smart to leave now.”

[……]

Seeing the ancient being silent, worry surged within me. I feared that Zhuge Sa was carelessly steering the conversation this way, and I couldn’t discern if continuing was prudent. More than anything, it irritated me that I had no idea what Zhuge Sa’s intentions were in steering the dialogue.

The ancient being spoke.

[You want to know the backers in exchange for informing me of the attack? How would you even know whether it’s true?]

“Because I’m going to be your regular customer from now on.”

I flashed a slick smile as I continued speaking, like Zhuge Sa had instructed.

“If we’re going to see each other often, why bother with the struggle of human factions? I can gather ‘Po,’ thus making a better deal than those guys.”

[Hmm…]

“Time is of the essence. I need to finalize the arrangements before this place turns into chaos.”

[Alright. If I’m going to trust you, I guess I’ll take a leap.]

Once the ancient being finished calculating, he fluttered his wings and said.

[The one directly cooperating with me is the Imperial Palace, and the one in close relation to them is the group of martial artists called the Wind Spirit Sect. The slave market managers reside on the top floor of the red-tiled building next door.]

“Got it. Please also tell me their guard status and capabilities.”

[Understood…]

Swiftly, the ancient being tossed me a diamond. As I received the diamond, suddenly, a flood of information surged into my mind.

‘Memory transmission technique!’

But it was distinctly different from the technique I possessed with obsidian. The fundamental system and principles varied significantly. However, the effect of ‘transmitting’ a memory was the same. I quickly learned the structure of this slave market along with detailed information about those present.

After a moment, the ancient being created a dimensional door in the air and declared.

[See you again.]

Swoosh…

As the ancient being vanished, I exhaled a sigh of relief.

“Hoo.”

It felt like an incomprehensible transaction had swiftly passed by. I questioned Zhuge Sa in my mind.

[Hey. What exactly just happened? Explain it to me!]

[Explain? Seriously, you’re a dull one.]

[You’ve been rambling in your own language while I had no clue? Hurry up and explain!]

As I yelled, Zhuge Sa replied in a resigned tone.

[You’re the bait.]

[What?]

[Although you wanted a grimoire, the only profit you could gain here is that bracelet. From now on, you can just sit back and watch.]

[That doesn’t make sense…!! Please, I need an explanation.]

Zhuge Sa retorted curtly.

[What a pain. I can’t believe Hyun chose someone like you as his lord…]

[Stop treating me like an idiot…!!]

Anger boiled to the top of my head in an instant. So without hesitation, I began to chant the Command of Separation. Perhaps I could banish Zhuge Sa from my being!

Then, Zhuge Sa chuckled amusedly.

[Hehe, so now you reveal your true colors. You could have used the Command of Separation all this time, but I let you be because I thought you might find me useful. Just because I scratched an itch now you decide it’s time to use it?]

I angrily shot back.

“Shut up! I don’t need you anymore!”

Zhuge Sa kept teasing back without missing a beat.

[Alright… Go right ahead. I was just getting fed up too. To think you think you can stand up against the Old Ruler with such a small capacity is pathetic.]

Then I hesitated.

As I was chanting the Command of Separation, a cold chill shot through me, halting my spell. Zhuge Sa continued without pause, mocking me.

[Hey, stupid. Do you think you’ve gotten comfortable only because you keep hearing nice things from Hyun? With every past life, your capabilities have increased, and you’ve gained a bit of confidence, huh? You thought you had the qualities of a monarch?]

[Stop joking. You must be panicking since you feel you’re about to be expelled, huh?]

[Again, I ask, if I’m wrong, then argue against me. You throw a tantrum just because I voiced a few bitter truths, thinking it’ll make you stand against gods? You’re just being overly cautious when compared to the overlords of past and present.]

“……”

I couldn’t muster a response, so Zhuge Sa spoke calmly.

[I’ve said it before. Don’t ask me everything, think for yourself. But since I’m in your head, you totally neglected using your brain and relied solely on me. Was this trade I just conducted truly beyond your understanding? No, you could’ve understood everything simply by connecting the dots.]

“…That’s true.”

[Hyun has indulged your childishness countless times throughout each of your reincarnations. I’d wager while he’s been thinking about expelling me, he also wondered how to nurture you into a person worth saving. Truly remarkable!]

Upon mentioning Mangnyang, I found myself at a loss for words. Zhuge Sa’s words struck directly at the weaknesses I’d harbored in my heart. He chuckled.

[You can chase me away if you want. But know that’ll only reflect your limitations.]

“Damn it…”

I slumped down in defeat and contemplated. After a long time of deliberation, I finally exclaimed.

“I’m sorry. I’ll reconsider.”

As Zhuge Sa had said, I couldn’t remain stagnant. It would be easy to drive away Zhuge Sa with the Command of Separation, and the chances were high I could succeed. However, the insights Zhuge Sa had been sharing recently sparked many thoughts. As the reincarnator, I recognized that if I didn’t accept the bitter truths he spoke, I wouldn’t be able to grow any further.

Zhuge Sa then teased.

[Ah, I suppose there’s still a glimmer of possibility. Go on, what do you have in mind?]

“Let’s put the grimoire and trade aside for now. With the demon beast contract bracelet, I could grow a little faster, right?”

[Indeed.]

“But there’s one thing that truly baffles me. What do you mean by bait?”

[Hmmm… It seems you still don’t quite grasp the Master of the White Lotus.]

Zhuge Sa continued.

[The Master of the White Lotus doesn’t trust you. Yet, for such a significant mission to snare the tail of the Wind Spirit Sect, he sent you out nearly alone. And the identity of Sang Gwanwna stands out strikingly. Thus, the answer is clear.]

“No way…”

What followed caught me off guard as Zhuge Sa spoke.

[It’s likely already begun. You were the bait to draw in the attention of slave market managers, and the main force must be arriving around now. This has been a two-pronged tactic from the start.]

Bang!

The large explosion echoed through the air. As I turned to the sound, I realized a new phase was upon us.

Water Dragon!

A surreal twenty or so colossal water dragons floated in the air above the slave market. Standing atop the water dragon was a figure; by concentrating my strength, I recognized the identity instantly.

‘Dokgo Jun…!!’

The Dharma Guardian of the Wind Spirit Sect, wearing the Golden Dragon Mask, stood on the water dragon with his arms crossed, gazing down at the venue. Behind him stood dozens of phantoms, all clad in demon martial outfits marked with the character for Water. Additionally, the martial prowess of these phantoms was at an extraordinary level.

Indeed. The Wind Spirit Sect had come here to deal with the otherworldly faction.

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