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I soon managed to arrive at the Shangguan family. Currently, while the shock of the attack on the Imperial Palace had not yet spread through the capital, Luoyang, an indescribable sense of unease enveloped the city, and even the light from the sky felt somewhat ominous. I gazed at the main gate of the Shangguan residence beneath the clouded sky.

Indeed, the plaque boldly proclaimed it as the Shangguan family.

‘Not that big of a clan, huh…’

There was a lengthy wall and a three-story building inside, but considering the reputation of the illustrious Shangguan Hyuk, it hardly counted as grand. The Twin Gate Sect alone loomed several times greater. The scale of the Shangguan residence could be likened to just a well-off family. Plus, there didn’t seem to be any guards standing watch at the entrance.

I lingered for a moment, sensing the atmosphere before pushing open the door. To my relief, it wasn’t locked, and as soon as I stepped inside, I spotted the main hall. I heightened my Qi sense and felt the faint presence of about ten individuals inside. Most likely, they were members of the Shangguan household and their servants.

As I ventured deeper, a large, bearded middle-aged man blocked my path and spoke gruffly, “Hey! You little brat! This isn’t a place for just anyone to stumble into!”

I stared at him blankly and replied, “Is this not the Shangguan family?”

“It is. But you don’t look like someone here for a treatment.”

“I come from the Imperial Palace.”

The man’s face twisted in disbelief, “What?”

“My master has courteously asked for the presence of the esteemed Shangguan Hyuk. It’s urgent, so please contact him immediately.”

Since the turmoil at the Imperial Palace hadn’t settled yet, it was not ideal to directly mention the Sect Leader.

“You crazy fool!”

The middle-aged man shouted and suddenly lunged at me. Swish!

“Wow, he has some serious martial arts! And pretty advanced too…”

I dodged his initial strike, surprised. I suspected he had some ability, but his first move concealed a rather sophisticated martial arts maneuver. The way he twisted and lunged was something even the best experts from Jianghu would struggle to predict. I could have easily countered with my internal power, but his martial skills intrigued me, so I decided to engage with the basics instead.

Thwack!

Quickly, I transformed my Thunder God lineage techniques to deflect his thrust. Once, I parried to the left, and the next time, I pretended to be caught off balance to evade. After a few quick exchanges of around five seconds, the middle-aged man appeared flustered and leaped back. He attempted to grab me by the collar, but my basics were on par, turning him into the one in danger.

“What… what kind of martial arts is this?”

“I’m not at your level.”

Though possessing decent martial skills for someone of his background, he was still far from my match. I waved my wrist dismissively, “Do I seem like I’m trying to joke around? I don’t want to use force, but if you continue to be uncooperative, I’ll have to show my strength.”

Gradually, I released my restraint and elevated my internal power. Even though I didn’t fully unleash it, as I exuded some energy, the middle-aged man’s expression became increasingly pale, eventually twisting in fear.

“Ngh…”

In that state, I let my aura glow and added, “This is the power of my internal energy. Should I truly exert myself here, things would become quite disastrous for you.”

“P-please stop…”

Even as he summoned all his internal energy to resist, he looked as though he was on the verge of passing out. Just then, a voice interrupted.

“That’s enough, young hero.”

Whoosh!

Suddenly, a spring breeze blew in, and the pressure I had been emitting dissipated unexpectedly. I turned to see a gentle and dignified middle-aged man descending the stairs. I knew exactly what he had done.

‘Formless Qi!’

This was an extreme level only available to supreme experts who could skillfully handle intent! Because he could wield formless Qi, he easily suppressed my internal power’s aura. This indicated that his level was indeed at a rare peak among experts of Jianghu.

As he looked at the middle-aged man, he shook his head disapprovingly. “Mojing, how could you carelessly attack someone with the Half-Transition Master title? Even if you claim to be the best among our household warriors, you’ve chosen the wrong opponent.”

“Ugh… Clan Leader…”

“Stand down.”

After saying that, the middle-aged man looked at me, his clear eyes seemed to inquire, leading him to convey through a thought transmission. [Did the Sect Leader summon me?]

As expected.

I sensed I had come to the right place and replied, “Indeed, Clan Leader.”

The Five Great Physicians, Shangguan Hyuk!

He was before me. Shangguan Hyuk sighed heavily. “Ha… It seems this day has finally arrived. Has that person taken control of the Imperial Palace?”

“Yes. My task was to bring you along.”

“……”

Shangguan Hyuk hesitated before sending another thought transmission. [Is the Emperor… deceased?]

I felt slightly annoyed and answered curtly, “I’m not in a position to play nice. If you have questions, it’s best to ask the main party directly.”

Shangguan Hyuk’s eyes glimmered, “You’re quite an extraordinary character. However, I haven’t heard of someone like you…”

“I can’t answer that question.”

“Ah, I see. I’ve been speaking nonsense.”

Shangguan Hyuk gazed towards the door with his deep-set eyes. “Understood. Follow me.”

“A wise decision.”

I summoned the Four Great Spirits. Since I had formally asked for his presence, rushing in was not what the Sect Leader desired. I had sprinted to capture the atmosphere of Luoyang, but for the return, I should take on the demeanor of a gracious host.

“W-what is this?”

“Get on quickly.”

Shangguan Hyuk’s eyes widened in shock at the sight of the Four Great Spirits. After a moment, he regained composure and said, “It seems I was fortunate to encounter a noble person today…”

Whoosh!

Before long, we were on the Spirit Beast heading to the Royal Chamber. As we dismounted, Shangguan Hyuk noted Han Baek-ryeong and Dokgo Jun lined up at attention and expressed a look of resignation—as if realizing what was inevitable. He approached the seated Master of the White Lotus Sect and bowed deeply.

“Sect Leader, I sincerely congratulate you on becoming the lord of the world.”

In response, the Sect Leader cheerfully replied, [Thank you. Your assistance has been substantial.]

“No need for such words…”

[Without your presence, acquiring the internal information of the Imperial Palace, the secrets, and the power dynamics of the ministers would have been quite the challenge. I feel deeply grateful for your significant contributions to our sect.]

“You flatter me.”

Watching that interaction, the pieces began to fall into place. ‘The Shangguan family was a spy for the White Lotus Sect!’ But how?

From my perspective, the Shangguan family lacked both clout and wealth, merely an ordinary household. Moreover, considering the incident where the Five Great Physicians were branded as traitors in the Martial World, it was peculiar that the Shangguan family thrived in Luoyang.

How could they acquire high-quality intelligence enough to assist the Sect Leader in such circumstances? My confusion must have been evident, as Zhuge Sa chimed in.

[The Shangguan family has close ties with the Otherworldly Race. That’s why they allied with the Sect Leader.]

[What? How does that connect?]

[The story I shared with you about the Shangguan family at the slave market wasn’t just a tale. They possess an ancient history as integral as that of the Han Clan, and they are indeed related to the Demon Path. This ties back to Shangguan Wan’er.]

[Shangguan Wan’er…]

[She was the greatest lady of her time, serving Empress Wu Zetian. As an inner court official and chancellor, none could match her cunning and genius throughout the plains.]

Continuing, Zhuge Sa elaborated, [Shangguan Wan’er was surely heavily involved in the Empress’s Offering Ceremony. The proof lies in the fact that the Shangguan family hasn’t faced extinction for a millennium since it was founded by her.]

[The Offering Ceremony…]

[Despite the White Lotus Sect being oppressed by the Five Great Physicians, no one dared to touch the Shangguan family. They were directly under the Sect Leader’s protection, with Dharma Guardian Han Baek-ryeong covertly acting to ensure that the Twin Gate Sect shielded them.]

[Is that so?]

Zhuge Sa wore a somewhat self-deprecating smile. It was likely that he felt foolish for not having suspected the Shangguan family before becoming the heretical Sect Leader.

[Hahaha… Only after becoming a Sect Leader did I realize the special nature of the Shangguan family. This illustrious Shangguan Hyuk must be dealing with the Otherworldly or possesses ties to the dark arts.]

[Hmm…]

[The reason for their acquiring high-level information is simple. If this illustrious Shangguan Hyuk can utilize the Demon Path’s secret techniques, then it’s likely he could easily gather classified information within Luoyang. Furthermore, contacting the Sect Leader without being detected would be a breeze.]

Finally, I started to understand.

As I nodded in agreement, the Sect Leader addressed Shangguan Hyuk, [Shangguan Hyuk, the one manipulating the Imperial Palace from the shadows has revealed himself as the Dharma Guardian Zhuque.]

“Really? I hadn’t known that. While I suspected someone like that exists…”

[Indeed, we’ve dealt with him decisively, but I still have my doubts.]

“……”

[This individual is most likely related to the Demon Path; do you foresee any chance of his resurrection?]

I now realized why the Sect Leader had summoned Shangguan Hyuk—not just to commend him or discuss rewards, but perhaps to seek guidance from someone who might understand the Demon Path as deeply as he did! The Sect Leader was exceptionally cautious.

Shangguan Hyuk, lost in thought, eventually replied, “It’s not impossible. Quite the opposite.”

[Hmm.]

“I’d like to inspect the interior of the Imperial Palace…”

[Very well.]

Moments later, we explored the ruins of the Imperial Palace together. After inspecting the Crystal Stele and the Portrait Immortal’s study for some time, Shangguan Hyuk stood before the Crystal Stele and declared, “There’s no doubt about it. The Zhuque didn’t die; he will soon resurrect and interfere with the Sect Leader.”

[Is that right? How might he come back?]

Shangguan Hyuk placed his hand upon the Crystal Stele and said, “By harnessing the power from this Crystal Stele, he can create numerous contingency bodies like the Portrait Immortal. If his ability exceeds my expectations, he must have prepared dozens of these duplicates to cover all bases.”

[So, we can’t kill him until we destroy all his contingency bodies?]

“Correct.”

[What a headache. Is there a way to trace their location?]

Shangguan Hyuk answered resolutely, “You either make a sacrifice to the gods for guidance, or you’ll have to systematically uncover each one of his bases.”

[……]

The Sect Leader fell into silence and then crossed his arms, saying, [That Zhuque must be eradicated by any means. They are the greatest obstacle after the Twelve Joules.]

“In that case…”

[I’ll think up a plan soon. It shouldn’t take long.]

Shangguan Hyuk cautiously suggested, “… Sect Leader, what are your thoughts on negotiating with the [Old Ruler]?”

[……]

“That entity is merely observing for now. Even if several followers die, it wouldn’t be significant to the gods. However, soon, you must engage with that existence in some form.”

Shangguan Hyuk’s words struck a chord. ‘Indeed, if this continues, the Sect Leader will perish fighting the gods once again.’ I knew too well the horrific scene should the ruler of spirit beings descend to Earth. In the past, the Master of the White Lotus Sect had exerted all her strength but was unable to withstand even an arm of that ruler’s might and was slain. Although the sect leader had grown stronger since then, it remained uncertain if he could adequately contend against a divine being. As someone who had reincarnated, I was aware that the choices he made now would prove crucial.

Finally, the Sect Leader voiced, [Quite a simple matter. For now, I shall offer sacrifices to appease the gods.]

He resolutely stated his intent, [Afterward, I will strike at the Twelve Joules to gain the Seven Luminaries and then wield all their strength to stand equal against the Ruler!]

“……!!”

At that moment, a chilling sensation coursed through me. ‘Exactly the same!’

After nearly 20 cycles of rolling and tumbling, I found myself arriving at the very same conclusion—this meant the Master of the White Lotus Sect had arrived at the same point! While our ultimate goals might differ, it was highly likely that I would soon face off against the Master of the White Lotus Sect.

At that moment, Shangguan Hyuk smiled and added, “Very wise. I shall follow until the end.”

[Shangguan Hyuk, you still have one wish to fulfill after seizing the Imperial Palace, right?]

“Ah, that’s right.”

[State your wish. If I can grant it, I will do my utmost to fulfill it.]

“……”

Shangguan Hyuk pondered deeply before smiling brightly and replying, “I can’t say just yet.”

In astonishment, the Sect Leader responded, [You can’t disclose it? Why is that?]

“The timing isn’t right.”

[When shall that timing be?]

Shangguan Hyuk wore a vague expression as he remarked, “After you have absorbed the Twelve Joules.”

[Still far off, then.]

“You’ll accomplish it soon enough.”

In that instant, I could sense it.

In order to acquire the Seven Luminaries, the Master of the White Lotus Sect would wage war against the Twelve Joules. That would undoubtedly become a clash of unprecedented scale!

 

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