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I immediately made my way to the Han Clan with Dokgo Jun, where Han Baek-ryeong was. The place was in chaos, with bodies scattered everywhere and signs of a fierce battle evident from the bloodstains.

Most of the corpses looked like outsiders rather than members of the Han Clan. Han Jin-seong, the young master of the Han Clan, was tending to the injured when he spotted us and quickly reported.

“We meet the Dharma Guardian.”

Since Luoyang was already under the thumb of the White Lotus Sect, there was no longer any reason to disguise ourselves as Dharma Guardians. Dokgo Jun greeted him casually, then asked,

[Where’s Han Baek-ryeong?]

“Right this way,” Han Jin-seong replied.

We followed him to find Han Baek-ryeong staring intently at the sullied sky from her room.

After a moment, Dokgo Jun addressed her,

[What’s the situation in Luoyang?]

“It’s not good. The berserkers are emerging endlessly…”

Just then, the sound of shattering glass echoed through the air, followed by a chaotic battle. We rushed towards the noise and found a group of ten crazed individuals attacking the guests of the Han Clan, all dressed as commoners rather than martial artists.

“Aaaah!!”

“Stop them!”

To our shock, a few guests were quickly slain by the berserkers’ terrifying strength and speed, while the first-class experts struggled to hold them back. Despite some sword qi severing a berserker’s arm, they kept attacking as if in pain. The experts were at a loss.

Watching this unfold, Dokgo Jun snapped his fingers.

Puff!

Every berserker exploded instantly. No matter how strong their physique, they couldn’t withstand the dragon-like qi. After clearing the situation, Dokgo Jun saved the guests but spoke to Han Baek-ryeong with a lingering concern.

[Is this going to keep happening?]

“Yes. You’ve seen their strength now.”

[Hmm… They might not be dragons or demons, but they’re still a nuisance.]

Every single berserker had the combat power of a swift tiger. Their vitality, strength, and agility exceeded that of ordinary people, making them a threat even to first-class experts. If hundreds of thousands attacked, it would lead to catastrophe.

“At this rate, Luoyang will be wiped out. The guards aren’t functioning properly.”

At Han Baek-ryeong’s words, Dokgo Jun cast a sidelong glance at her.

[What’s important now isn’t that. We’ve figured out the enemy’s goal, and we need your help.]

“What do you mean?”

“Let me explain,” I said, stepping forward to inform Han Baek-ryeong of the information I had gathered from the Southern Flower Immortal.

After listening to my explanation, Han Baek-ryeong pondered for a moment before responding.

“We need to guess who might rival the Sect Leader in the Celestial Realm. I’ve heard that treasures are closely linked with immortals, so it’s likely that they’re after an ancient treasure with ties to a high-ranking Great Immortal.”

It made sense, but I couldn’t help but sigh at the realization.

“How am I supposed to find out who will attack in just a couple of days?”

“Deputy Sect Leader, I’m sorry, but I have no idea. You should go see Sangwan Hyuk.”

Even after I was appointed as the Deputy Sect Leader, Han Baek-ryeong took no joy in my position, always maintaining an indifferent attitude in the Sect Leader’s absence. However, given her status, I had no desire to press the issue.

“Sangwan Hyuk?”

“If he doesn’t know, no one will.”

I agreed with her. Unless it was Sangwan Hyuk, a Demon Sorcerer who could cooperate with the Sect Leader to uncover classified information about Luoyang, no one else could possibly know the location of the treasure right now!

“Thank you…”

But just as I was about to move, Zhuge Sa remarked with disdain,

“You fool. Watching you is infuriating. Why are you avoiding the easy path?”

“What do you mean by that…”

“There’s a simpler way to find out than asking Sangwan Hyuk.”

When Zhuge Sa revealed the method, I couldn’t help but let out an internal sigh.

“Hmm, that makes sense.”

Realizing that I hadn’t considered the obvious due to the unexpected emergence of the Taepyeong-do and the strange intentions of the Southern Flower Immortal, I knew my first visit should be there. I glanced at Dokgo Jun, then said to Zhuge Sa,

“…But I can’t take Dokgo Jun with me.”

“Just shake him off. If you can’t even manage that, how are you going to stop the Southern Flower Immortal?”

“Fine, I get it.”

I collected my thoughts and turned to Dokgo Jun.

“Dokgo Jun, I have a place to check out briefly at the Four Great Spirits. You stay here and help Han Baek-ryeong maintain order in Luoyang.”

As expected, he donned his Golden Dragon mask and showed his displeasure.

“Where do you think you’re going? I must accompany you!”

“Sorry, but I can only go alone.”

“Don’t even think about it… a Deputy Sect Leader going off on their own in this crisis?”

As he stepped forward, I quickly shot back.

“There’s no time to argue. You know best what my relationship is with the Sect Leader, right? We have to support each other when necessary; holding on like this will only poison the Sect Leader.”

“Hmm…”

“I need time to use my own methods.”

After some contemplation, he nodded.

“Understood. Just don’t do anything reckless.”

“You too.”

An irritated remark escaped my lips as I mounted the Four Great Spirits and headed straight for the nearby village outside Luoyang. There, I buried the Heavenly Secret in a nearby pine forest and entered the barrier. Suddenly, I felt the Illusion Technique, and Cheon Woo-jin appeared before me.

With a biting tone, he asked,

“What brings you here this time?”

“You don’t know? The Southern Flower Immortal has stirred up chaos!”

When I retorted, Cheon Woo-jin nodded.

“Of course I know. The powers of the Celestial Realm are in full swing. And you’re telling me the Southern Flower Immortal is at the forefront, using Taepyeong magic? What of it?”

Clearly, he understood the situational context. But instead of gratitude for the warning, I felt my irritation surge since he seemed unbothered by the impending doom. I realized I had no time to argue with Cheon Woo-jin and waved my hand dismissively.

“…Anyway, step aside. I have questions for Master Mangnyang.”

“You’re amusing.”

“What?”

“The Master isn’t obligated to comply just because you want to see him. Don’t bother him and just walk away.”

This guy is incredibly touchy, isn’t he?!

When we parted ways not long ago, things felt decent, but today he was uncharacteristically cold. However, his strength was so formidable that breaking through by force felt nearly impossible. Just as I hesitated, Zhuge Sa interjected.

“Something feels off. It’s better to withdraw.”

“What? You summoned me here and now you want me to leave?”

I was baffled by his suggestion.

After all, as a powerful being and guardian of Daoism, I believed that if I made an offering to the Master Mangnyang and asked my questions, I would surely learn something about the ongoing situation. It was a far more viable and realistic approach than seeking out Sangwan Hyuk. Yet, Zhuge Sa’s sudden advice to retreat left me flabbergasted.

“This seemed like an easy and accurate method… but Cheon Woo-jin’s reaction is strange.”

“Why?”

“He’s not the kind to cast you aside for no reason. Remember his previous response?”

“Hmm.”

While he had a habit of speaking his mind, Cheon Woo-jin’s final reaction during our last separation undoubtedly showed warmth. I recalled him even offering some advice.

“It seems something has occurred regarding the Master Mangnyang that would explain his behavior. Otherwise, this response wouldn’t make sense.”

After saying that, Zhuge Sa added,

“It appears this isn’t the right moment. Let’s leave before we make an even worse impression. We cannot afford to turn Cheon Woo-jin into an enemy.”

“Damn it.”

I clenched my teeth. If something truly was amiss with Master Mangnyang, Cheon Woo-jin would hardly be able to provide any answers. The best choice would be to retreat in silence. Sighing in resignation, I asked,

“Cheon Woo-jin. There are currently berserkers and lightning striking within Luoyang. Innocent lives are being sacrificed. Do you think this is right?”

It seemed prudent to hear Cheon Woo-jin’s perspective. He coldly replied,

“I believe it’s the White Lotus Sect and the Twelve Joules who have pushed the Celestial Realm to such extremes.”

“What do you mean?”

“The Celestial Realm, by its nature, must govern the earth. And to do that, they’ll spare no means. Exposing the essence of the Celestial Realm rests squarely on your shoulders.”

With that, Cheon Woo-jin turned away and walked back into the Illusion Fog.

“Let me give you some advice. Just give up on Luoyang. Otherwise, you’ll truly regret it.”

“…”

“Concluding this matter in Luoyang will halt the rampage of the Celestial Realm effectively, so heed my words.”

I stared blankly at the space where Cheon Woo-jin had vanished into the Illusion Fog.

‘Give up on Luoyang?’

If he was saying such things, it meant that this attack on Luoyang was a serious and coordinated effort from the Celestial Realm. With a heavy heart, I immediately mounted the Four Great Spirits and set off for Sangwan Hyuk’s residence in the Sangwan Clan.

Crackle! Crackle!

As I approached the Sangwan Clan, dark lightning crackled around. The corpses of berserkers lay charred and scattered, having attempted to invade the clan. Watching the berserkers die off like moths to a flame left me bewildered. It seemed Sangwan Hyuk had set up a defensive barrier using sorcery.

Even without using the dimensional bypass ability of the Four Great Spirits, I could have easily entered. When I arrived at Sangwan Hyuk’s study, he was gazing out at the landscape when he turned to me and said,

“You have something to ask, don’t you?”

“The one attacking Luoyang is the Southern Flower Immortal, U Gi, and Zhang Jiao. These guys desire a strong treasure that awakens the ultimate technique… Since you’ve longed for treasure yourself, do you have an inkling?”

Sangwan Hyuk shook his head.

“I don’t have a clue.”

“Really?”

“Why would I wish for Luoyang’s fall? But without power, all I can do is watch…”

He seemed weak and hesitant. I scratched my head.

‘True, he’s a sorcerer rather than a demon sorcerer. He might not know much about treasures…’

I continued to ask him questions, but he had no further insight. Realizing further information gathering would be futile, I decided to return and report to the Sect Leader.

The Sect Leader listened to my account calmly.

[It seems there is no other choice but a direct confrontation…]

“Are you sure that’s wise?”

[Luoyang will serve as a foundation for promoting the teachings of the White Lotus Sect. Some risk is unavoidable.]

A moment later, the Sect Leader summoned all Dharma Guardians and the Heavenly Spirit Pill possessor.

[Let’s go.]

Then he placed the others inside the Wooden Armor, and we all mounted the Four Great Spirits. When we neared the assembly of the Taepyeong-do’s great army, the Sect Leader abruptly dismounted and released the Wooden Armor.

The Sect Leader’s command resounded:

[Eliminate them all.]

[Understood!]

[Understood!]

As a horrific surge of energy began to swirl within the hall, five people, including the Dharma Guardians, appeared and unleashed their energies indiscriminately. Since they could all utilize infinite internal power, it felt less like martial arts and more like a natural disaster.

With lightning speed, everything within a five-mile radius was slaughtered and vanished. The intense force carved pathways through the land as streams of light etched through the sky. The earth burned, and colossal dragons—both water and fire types—soared through the air. As I witnessed this spectacle, I swallowed hard.

This was the power of the Heavenly Spirit Pill!

Even before the Sect Leader launched his powers, they had seemingly massacred at least ten thousand of the Taepyeong-do forces. In this light, the concept of a military presence holding any significance against the White Lotus Sect vanished. Furthermore, they showed no signs of fatigue, resembling tactical weapons rather than mere martial artists.

After about half an incense stick’s worth of time had passed, the White Lotus Sect appeared to be slaying rapidly, but the Sect Leader, observing from the air, seemed to sense something and suddenly stiffened.

He quickly warned the first branch elder of the Su Xin Sect, Dokgo Woo, who was at the front,

[Woo! Fall back!]

[Huh?]

[Everyone, come behind me!]

The first branch elders, in confusion, used their martial arts to swiftly retreat behind the Sect Leader. Then the Sect Leader summoned a peculiar mandala, greatly amplifying his inner energy, and soon thousands of mandalas bloomed in the sunlight, radiating brilliance.

Fwoosh—

Realizing what the Sect Leader was casting, I was utterly taken aback.

‘Heart of Heaven’s Abundance?!’

This was the ultimate technique he would never use unless facing a true adversary! Even in front of Lee Cheong-un, he had held back, only using it against the Twelve Joules or the evil god of the Demon Subduing Hall. Now, it was manifesting right before my eyes. I didn’t know the precise power of Heart of Heaven’s Abundance, but I understood that it was powerful enough to make even the absolute being of the world choose their battlegrounds carefully.

As the mandala formed intricately, swirling into a three-dimensional shape, it began to create a protective barrier around the White Lotus Sect members.

I was puzzled by the Sect Leader’s sudden moment of focus,

“Why the sudden…”

“It’s a trap. We’ve already fallen into formations.”

“What?”

“The Great Immortal himself has set this formation, and its power will be devastating.”

With a swift motion, the Sect Leader then placed the Dharma Guardians and Heavenly Spirit Pill owners inside the Wooden Armor, tossing it to me.

Once I caught it, the Sect Leader continued,

[Baek Woong, take everyone and retreat to the main hall. This opponent won’t be an easy one to deal with.]

“…”

It seemed that despite the thousands of Taepyeong-do slaughtered thus far, they were simply bait to trigger this formation. Per the Sect Leader, we were now at the center of a massive formation created by three Great Immortals! Choosing to escape without himself was undoubtedly a rational choice. I asked the Sect Leader,

“Sect Leader, can’t we simply eliminate our foes together with the powers of the Heavenly Spirit Pill?”

[That won’t be possible. I have an instinct that this formation is not as straightforward as it seems.]

“An instinct?”

[My newly acquired senses on reaching the Primordial Spirit are warning me.]

As the Sect Leader replied, he cast an intense gaze at me.

“What are you waiting for? Go!”

Staring back, I responded,

“What makes you trust me with this? What if I use the Wooden Armor to seal them forever?”

“Heh. If you were that sort of person, we would have already concocted a plan months ago. Am I wrong?”

“…”

“I suspect you want to witness some resolution through me. As long as that feeling exists, you wouldn’t betray me.”

Just then, a roaring thunderclap shook the sky as it darkened, and rain poured down. An ethereal energy of divine nature arose among the Three Talents, surrounding and enclosing the Sect Leader.

What appeared before the Sect Leader was the Southern Flower Immortal, who coldly laughed.

“Trying to run away? You think that’s possible?”

“Southern Flower Immortal.”

“That’s right. You wicked one. You’ve willingly stepped into my trap, so let’s end this here.”

“Do you think it will go your way?”

As the leader of the White Lotus responded, the Southern Flower Immortal raised a long staff in one hand.

“U Gi! Zhang Jiao!”

“Yes, Master!”

As two Great Immortals answered, he narrowed his eyes and added,

“Use the treasure!”

 

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