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00445 Dark Heaven Village ————————————————————————=

Before I knew it, words were spilling out of my mouth against my will.

“Today is the promised day.”

What? Why am I suddenly speaking on my own?

In that moment, I recalled Zhuge Bu’s explanation that this was a virtual reality. And I realized that ‘Jin So-cheong’s’ body was moving slowly on its own. This might be Jin So-cheong’s will.

‘So, it’s showing me a predicted future.’

If that’s the case, there’s no need for me to act or speak. I just need to observe as ‘Jin So-cheong’ moves and speaks. It seems that Baek Woong decided that showing Jin So-cheong’s appearance from 50 years later would best represent the ‘future’ I wanted to see.

I felt a strange flutter in my heart.

In the original future I knew from my first life, Jin So-cheong was one of the peerless masters reigning over the martial world. Of course, the talent of Jin So-cheong I’ve come to know so far far surpassed that, but still, I was going to experience the life of Jin So-cheong as they wandered the world.

Jin So-cheong, stepping out of the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School, spoke to the waiting Guk-ho.

“Older Brother. I am ready.”

Guk-ho looked like a complete old man. After 50 years, it was only natural that he’d crossed the threshold into old age. However, perhaps due to Guk-ho’s deep internal power, he had few wrinkles and mostly black hair with hints of gray, resembling someone in their fifties rather than an elder.

Guk-ho said gruffly,

“Is that guy, the bishop of the Nine Lotus Sect or whatever, really that strong? You’re this nervous.”

Bishop?

It was the first I’d heard of such a term, but ‘Jin So-cheong’ replied in a calm tone.

“As you know, I have concealed more than 80% of my abilities from the world. Until I gain enough strength to defeat the Master of the White Lotus Sect, I planned to focus solely on perfecting the Absolute Realm. However, even I had to brace for death to take down two bishops.”

“Hmm.”

“I apologize to the other peerless masters, but aside from a few, they wouldn’t be a match for the bishops.”

It seemed that Jin So-cheong had already fought against the bishops from the Nine Lotus Sect and was engaged in a life-and-death battle.

“……”

“Their power seems to derive from martial arts rather than mere skills. We must defeat them before they grow stronger, or the powerless common people will suffer.”

“Ugh, I don’t understand any of this.”

I couldn’t help but be surprised when Guk-ho finally sighed and spoke.

“Is it true that the Nine Lotus Sect has secretly taken control of the True Heaven Alliance and the Heretical Sect, even partially crippling the White Lotus Sect? I’ve never heard such a story while living in the martial world.”

“It’s true, Older Brother. It’s just that the Nine Lotus Sect controls the information and creates a peaceful martial world, so very few know their true nature.”

“Ugh, I can’t believe this.”

“Then let’s go.”

What followed left me even more stunned.

“To the place where we are supposed to meet the Master of the White Lotus Sect.”

The Master of the White Lotus Sect?

What do you mean by that?

Tydaht

Before long, Jin So-cheong and Guk-ho unleashed incredible light-body techniques, traversing mountains and fields until they arrived in a very quiet rural area. They entered a dark, dim cave, where to my surprise, the Master of the White Lotus Sect was sitting cross-legged.

[Have you arrived, Jin So-cheong?]

“It’s been a while.”

The Master of the White Lotus Sect chuckled smugly.

[Hehe… Is this the first time since you broke into the White Lotus Sect alone ten years ago to avenge your master and knocked down the Dharma Protectors, culminating in a standoff with me…]

“That’s a thing of the past.”

[You’re truly a monstrous genius in martial arts.]

The Master of the White Lotus Sect looked ragged. About 30% of his mask was destroyed, revealing a grotesque face of an otherworldly race, with blue blood dripping from all over his body. Moreover, one of his arms was missing, suggesting he had suffered a terrible fate at someone’s hands.

Jin So-cheong responded with a somber expression.

“It seems all the Dharma Protectors were killed by the bishops.”

The Master of the White Lotus Sect laughed self-deprecatingly.

[Hahaha… How can a human contend against the apostles of the Evil God? The fact that I’m still alive to escape is pure luck.]

“Can we fight them?”

[Of course we can. I would do anything to defeat the bishops.]

At first, I couldn’t quite grasp the situation.

‘So… You mean the bishops of the Nine Lotus Sect wiped out the Dharma Protectors and left the Master in such a state?’

I managed to comprehend the situation, but words escaped me.

You mean to say such an absurd future actually exists? There are beings in this world stronger than the Master’s Primordial Spirit and the Dharma Protectors’ Heavenly Spirit Pill! But I also recognized that the term Evil God suggested a close connection with the ‘Old Ruler’ who slumbers under the spoon.

Guk-ho looked at the Master of the White Lotus Sect with a pale face and said,

“I find it hard to believe. If this guy is this strong, what on earth are the bishops?”

[There are disparities even among the apostles. Much less, those empowered directly by the Old Ruler, who is among the strongest… A world exists out there that you martial artists don’t even know about.]

After a brief silence, the Master turned to look at Jin So-cheong.

[The Nine Lotus Sect has probably already taken control of the Imperial Palace as well. The Demon Subduing Hall beneath the palace has likely been wiped out. In this situation, do you still plan to directly attack the Imperial Palace?]

“Yes. There are no other options left.”

Jin So-cheong bit down hard on their lips.

“Intelligence indicates there has been a mass human sacrifice in the South Sea. At least one hundred thousand have already fallen…”

Guk-ho was shocked by those words.

“What do you mean? If such madness were happening, chaos would have erupted across the world…”

Jin So-cheong glanced at him.

“Don’t you understand, Older Brother? The martial world has become nothing more than a shell. Everyone living here is being deceived, unaware as they are sacrificed, while the minuscule few who know the truth are silenced by fear of the otherworldly race, or have gone mad. Even you who roamed the world as one of the peerless masters might not know.”

The Master murmured softly while sitting quietly.

[It’s desolate… I could have never imagined the balance between the three forces maintained for decades would shatter in this manner… I hadn’t expected the Evil God to interfere…]

“It’s no time to lament. We must eliminate the bishops to prevent humanity from meeting its demise.”

[……]

The Master sighed again.

[If only you had received the Seven Luminaries, how wonderful that would have been! With just the Seven Luminaries…]

A peculiar light flickered in Jin So-cheong’s eyes.

“The Seven Luminaries? What is that?”

[The secret treasure that contains the powers of the Three Sovereigns from the ancient era… With that power, I have heard humans might have a chance against a god. I too sought it while facing the Imperial Palace, but found none…]

“Hmm…”

[Even acquiring just two of the Seven Luminaries allows an ordinary martial artist to match the power of the Dharma Protectors, I’ve heard.]

As the Master murmured, he continued.

[Jin So-cheong. It seems you should not confront the Imperial Palace but search for the Seven Luminaries first. If you obtain the power of the Seven Luminaries, you could take down the Archbishops and the bishops.]

The Master’s words appeared earnest. Jin So-cheong fell silent for a while then spoke.

“Master, you have little time left. Have you suffered critical injuries from the fight with the Archbishops?”

[I’ve noticed.]

“What kind of thoughts do you have that you would seek to ally with me in such a state?”

Though Jin So-cheong scolded the Master, I sensed a forgiving heart capable of embracing even one who had been their master’s enemy. The Master chuckled softly and replied,

[In death, I cannot go to heaven or hell… What awaits me is eternal suffering… I am simply sorry I couldn’t fulfill the dreams of the Dharma Protectors who stood by me. Now, you’re my last hope.]

“Sigh!”

[You seem to be struggling to organize your thoughts… Come back tomorrow.]

With those words, the Master turned and sat facing the wall. Guk-ho looked at the Master’s back with a dissatisfied expression, but Jin So-cheong shook their head and said,

“Older Brother, let’s go.”

Jin So-cheong began to descend the mountain with Guk-ho, stopping at a nearby village to order food and find a place to stay for the night. When the two ordered somen and chicken at an inn, a meal that was decent, if not splendid, was served.

“Dammit. What basis does that Master have to be so high and mighty when he’s become a beggar? Why not just ignore him?”

Guk-ho grumbled. It seemed that despite the passage of time, he couldn’t see the Master of the White Lotus Sect, the worst enemy of the Thunder God Lineage, in a favorable light. Given the intense animosity from his youth, it wouldn’t have been strange for him to leap out and attack right away, but Guk-ho’s lack of serious hostility towards the Master seemed to have its own reasons.

“……”

“So-cheong?”

Jin So-cheong, with a stiff face, stared down at the table. Then they said,

“Older Brother, don’t eat this.”

“Huh?”

“This is human flesh.”

Clap

“You evil bastards!”

Jin So-cheong dashed towards the innkeeper couple and stabbed them with a spear.

Guuoo!

At that moment, a human body exploded, and a mass of tentacles oozed forth with a grotesque noise, launching an eerie attack towards Jin So-cheong. The size of it was monstrous, spanning three meters.

Guk-ho shouted discontentedly,

“What the hell? Can’t I eat in peace?”

Flash!

From Guk-ho’s spear erupted the Thunder Cloud Palm—a fearsome technique. It seemed that 50 years later, Guk-ho had ascended to a level equal to or beyond that of Lee Kwang. As the Thunder Cloud Palm swept towards those old couple transformed into otherworldly monsters, they were brutally crushed to the point where no form could be recognized.

“It seems the old couple was killed.”

Jin So-cheong said with a bitter expression.

“Older Brother, such things are happening all over the world. For some unknown reason, these wicked otherworldly beings are brazenly infiltrating and committing massacres and human sacrifices. This started once the Nine Lotus Sect grew in power.”

Guk-ho touched his head.

“Seeing it firsthand, I can believe it. I thought you had avenged the grudge against the Thunder God Lineage so I could live out my days in peace, but what kind of calamity is this?”

“Older Brother, we must seek out the Master again. His assistance is crucial.”

“Tch!”

Yet Guk-ho followed along reluctantly back to the Master. When facing the Master again, Jin So-cheong said,

“You told me to find the Seven Luminaries, but I lack the luxury of time. As you said, I tried to investigate through Mangnyang, but the land is engulfed in misery. Moreover, the capital Luoyang is shrouded in magical power, and it could turn into a living hell at any moment.”

[……]

“We need to strike the Archbishop before it’s too late. Please assist me.”

The Master murmured in a low voice.

[Hmm… Is there any way to bring in Dokgo Seong or the Sword Demon?]

“I don’t even know where Dokgo Seong is, and the Sword Demon Seo Mun-dae-ryong has likely gone mad, turning into a Demon King who wreaks havoc. I can’t waste time joining forces with them.”

Feeling a pang of sorrow, I thought,

‘Aha! The Sword Demon Seo Mun-dae-ryong has been driven insane by the loss of his daughter!’

While Jin So-cheong perceived the Sword Demon simply as a strong martial artist, I understood. The Sword Demon must have desperately searched for his daughter but either couldn’t find her or succumbed to madness upon discovering her corpse.

The Master replied, sounding resigned,

[Very well… Then I will accompany you on your mission to defeat the Archbishop. If I expend my last bit of strength, I should be able to handle one or two bishops…]

“Thank you.”

They proceeded down the mountain toward Luoyang. En route, as they passed by a dilapidated ruin before Luoyang, Jin So-cheong appeared to head toward a remote mountain area, seemingly intending to meet someone.

“You’ve come… Jin So-cheong.”

From behind the shadow of the trees, a middle-aged man slowly stepped out. Unlike Guk-ho or Jin So-cheong, he appeared to be an older man with fully gray hair, seemingly lacking any formidable martial prowess. Upon seeing him, Jin So-cheong greeted,

“Mangnyang. I have brought the Master of the White Lotus Sect.”

“It seems that way… Cough, cough.”

Mangnyang?!

Seeing that coughing old man, I felt a wave of anxiety. Is this what Mangnyang’s future looks like?! Although I predicted that Mangnyang would have survived to the time I lived, seeing him like this was an indescribable experience.

In this future, Mangnyang gazed solemnly at the ruins.

“The Master has vanished somewhere to strengthen the battle ground… and the priest has gone to the Celestial Realm to devise a plan… All I can do is my best.”

“You are the best strategist I know.”

“Thank you.”

Mangnyang brushed off the compliment and turned to Jin So-cheong,

“According to my intel, they seem to be planning something on the full moon night in Luoyang. If we don’t stop them, innocent people will be sacrificed…”

“Full moon? Why that day?”

“On the full moon, the symbolic powers and sorcery are at their peak. Also, that’s when the moon’s power is strongest, and the forces of the sea increase. Nine out of ten times, they will perform a mass human sacrifice involving millions on that day… Aiming to summon their master, the Evil God, to this land, as well as resurrect the absolute evil that was sealed beneath Luoyang.”

Mangnyang spoke with a troubled expression.

“I’d like to do something, but I’ve run out of schemes… All I can do now is predict the whereabouts of the Master of the White Lotus Sect and inform you. I’m sorry, Jin So-cheong.”

“No, you’ve done enough.”

“……”

As Mangnyang slowly walked into the shadows, he murmured,

“Jin So-cheong. I feel the end of this world is approaching…”

And with that, Mangnyang vanished into the distance. The Master, observing from behind, said,

[What do you plan to do now?]

“I have no choice but to exterminate the Archbishop.”

[It seems unavoidable.]

The three of them turned their gazes almost simultaneously toward Luoyang Castle.

Boom!

From the overcast sky, a massive figure with huge wings briefly flashed in the lightning before vanishing. Jin So-cheong, who had been silently staring at the sky, lifted their spear.

“Let’s go.”

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