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“The words of the Master of the Twelve Joules carry quite a weight, I see.”

In that moment, a strange current mixed with the already chilled air, indicating that the leaders of the three major factions gathered here were contemplating whether to compromise at this level or not.

The Imperial Palace side offered information on the Dharma Techniques while cooperating to gather the techniques for the White Lotus Sect, and in return, the White Lotus Sect agreed to halt their advances for ten years, while the Twelve Joules would make Liaodong, Shandong, and the Kingdom of Duke Du part of Goryeo’s territory.

However, Mangnyang seemed displeased with the atmosphere and approached me with a suspicious glint in his eye.

[ Baek Woong, it wouldn’t be good if the negotiations settled as they are. I’ll give it a shake.]

[ Are you serious? That sounds dangerous…]

[ Trust me.]

It seemed Mangnyang was intentionally conveying his thoughts to me rather than stepping in unilaterally. This implied he wanted to entrust a decision to my judgment and luck. After some thought, I replied to Mangnyang.

[ Alright! I trust your judgment.]

Mangnyang nodded and stepped forward slowly, making a declaration.

“Please lend your ears to the opinion of the Bancheon Alliance.”

All eyes turned to Mangnyang. Standing at the center, he continued, “The main issue at hand is whether the Imperial Palace is genuinely informed about the Dharma Techniques and if that information can be trusted. If we can be assured of that, then everything will go smoothly. However, gaining mutual trust in this moment would be quite difficult.”

[ That’s true.]

“So, how about we establish a ‘bridge’ as a grace period?”

At Mangnyang’s suggestion, the Master of the Twelve Joules seemed intrigued, saying, “Are you suggesting that the Imperial Palace should pre-provide information on the Dharma Techniques to the White Lotus Sect?”

“Excellent insight.”

It didn’t seem like only the Master of the Twelve Joules grasped it. Vermilion Bird Zhuge Yulong and even the Master of the White Lotus Sect seemed to recognize what sort of proposal was tied to the word ‘grace period.’ Then, the Vermilion Bird crossed his arms and remarked, “I was going to bring it up first, but since you did, thank you. We are indeed willing to provide enticing preliminary information regarding the Dharma Techniques.”

[ Speak plainly here.]

“That’s not possible. I can’t reveal it without getting a corresponding affirmation, even if it’s not a complete ceasefire. Do you take us for fools?”

[ Hmm.]

As subtle tensions played out between the Vermilion Bird and the Master of the White Lotus Sect, the Master of the Twelve Joules opened his mouth, seemingly annoyed.

“So, the reason you, Alliance Leader Mangnyang, insisted on discussing the bridge now is clear, right? You want the Bancheon Alliance to take on the role of providing preliminary information, don’t you?”

Mangnyang nodded. “That’s exactly right. We, the Bancheon Alliance, will convey the Dharma Techniques’ information and ensure it is credible.”

“Credible, you say? That means if either side has a change of heart or deceit…”

“We will notify the other participating powers in this trilateral negotiation immediately.”

“Hmm.”

The Master of the Twelve Joules seemed entertained, while the Sword Demon, who stood to Mangnyang’s left, stepped forward and addressed everyone.

“May I have a word on behalf of the Shadowless Sect, presenting the view of the Central Plains Martial Alliance?”

He had joined Mangnyang to voice the opinions of the heretical sect. The people present were intrigued by the Sword Demon’s appearance.

“Oh, the Sword Demon.”

[ So it was you, the leader of the Eight Demons of Martial Daos, who had joined him. What about your side…]

Once the Master of the White Lotus Sect recognized the Sword Demon, a short man stepped out from the right side and proclaimed, “I am Ming Dragon, representing the Nine Great Sects of the Central Plains.”

[ Ming Dragon.]

The Master of the White Lotus Sect suddenly turned to Dokgo Jun, who was standing on his right.

[ Jun, did you not exchange pleasantries with him before?]

Then Dokgo Jun, the Dharma Guardian of the Su Shin Sect, bowed slightly as if humbled by the mention and replied with humility. [ That was a past event.]

[ It must be nice to meet an acquaintance. Go ahead and greet him.]

Responding to that, Dokgo Jun approached Ming Dragon and bowed respectfully.

[ It’s been a while, Master Ming.]

“The feeling is mutual… But calling me old master might be a bit untimely, considering you look just as old, eh?”

Ming Dragon mocked lightly as he received the greeting, and Dokgo Jun simply responded with a silent smile.

[ Hehe.]

After their greetings concluded, the Sword Demon spoke.

“As you can see, Ming Dragon and I represent the righteous and evil factions of the Central Plains at this gathering. Furthermore, we declare that our actions will align with the Bancheon Alliance. We promise to monitor and uphold all promises and declarations made here, doing our utmost to maintain neutrality. The Eight Demons of the Demon Path and the Nine Great Sects will also provide assistance.”

The Master of the White Lotus Sect stroked his chin thoughtfully. [ This is curious. Why do you team up with the Bancheon Alliance? Do you think he’s capable of that?]

“Indeed. I believe the Alliance Leader has sufficient capabilities to coordinate peace for the world, which is why we are here in agreement.”

[ Oh…]

The Master of the White Lotus Sect seemed engrossed in thought.

“This meat is delicious.”

The Master of the Twelve Joules said, resting his chin on his hand while shoving a chicken leg into his mouth with glee. I often wondered how he managed to eat while wearing a mask, but he seemed to be enjoying his meal regardless.

The Vermilion Bird spoke up. “How blatantly obvious.”

As Mangnyang’s gaze turned towards him, he continued speaking without hiding his discomfort. “I’m well-aware that your Bancheon Alliance dares to harbor rebellious thoughts against the Imperial Palace. Are you attempting to pull the righteous faction into this, explicitly going against the imperial authority? This reckless act could have unforeseen consequences in the martial world ahead.”

With a light flap of his folding fan, Mangnyang returned the inquiry. “I’ll throw that question back at you. Do you really think the Imperial Palace has any reason to spare the martial world, simply because we are quiet? They’ve already sent instructions to the True Heaven Alliance and the Demon Path sects to oppose the White Lotus Sect, and you’d believe there won’t be interference from the Imperial Palace in the future? Quite the contrary! It’s bound to get worse! We only seek the best methods to maintain martial world freedom from the Imperial Palace.”

“You speak well.”

“Let the two of you settle this. We only wish to maintain a temporary peace until then. This is the will of the Bancheon Alliance and the Central Plains Martial World.”

“……”

Then, the Master of the Twelve Joules, finishing his chicken leg, commented, “I’m supportive of the Bancheon Alliance handling the coordination.”

All eyes turned towards him. He picked up another piece of chicken leg before continuing.

“In fact, I participated in this meeting to propose our Twelve Joules take the mediator role. But judging by how much distrust both the Imperial Palace and the White Lotus Sect seem to hold towards us, it appears best to assign that role to the willing Bancheon Alliance. I wholeheartedly support the Bancheon Alliance’s intentions.”

Hearing those words, the Master of the White Lotus Sect seemed significantly impacted as he flinched. Perhaps this was the driving wedge that would decide his stance, and the Master of the White Lotus Sect gradually raised his head and declared, [ Very well. I will entrust the mediation role to the Bancheon Alliance. Furthermore, I promise in the name of Dokgo Uncheon that during the ceasefire with the Imperial Palace, there will be no harm against the Central Plains Martial World and the Bancheon Alliance.]

“You’re being hasty!”

The Vermilion Bird grimaced.

“Master of the White Lotus, you haven’t even listened to our side yet!”

[ Hmph… We are inherently potential adversaries. There can be no trust, regardless of what is said. I only wish to guarantee the contract’s trust through the Bancheon Alliance leader.]

“That’s not agreeable.”

[ If you have a better proposal that can convince us, then you may speak up now.]

“……”

The Vermilion Bird appeared dissatisfied, yet with two major factions agreeing, the Imperial Palace had no room for opposition. If they did, that would officially incite full-scale war. Reluctantly, the Vermilion Bird opened his mouth.

“Fine. Let’s do that.”

I trembled in excitement while observing the meeting. ‘We did it!’

If the talks had continued slowly down that path, it surely would have ended with the Imperial Palace and White Lotus Sect reaching an agreement, disregarding the Bancheon Alliance or the Central Plains Martial World altogether. After the meeting concluded, the Bancheon Alliance would have found themselves overlooked by the Twelve Joules or the White Lotus Sect, left to face the Imperial Palace alone. With the burden off the White Lotus Sect, the Imperial Palace could expand their forces, potentially becoming a massive threat.

But Mangnyang wisely interjected at the right moment, empowering the Bancheon Alliance with a ‘critical role.’ Henceforth, the Bancheon Alliance became the witnesses and messengers of the agreement, making it impossible for any of the three major factions to brush them aside. Moreover, a possibility arose where the White Lotus Sect might protect the Bancheon Alliance in the future.

Indeed, an incredible achievement!

Eventually, they delved into detailed discussions and agreed that the Imperial Palace would provide insights on the Dharma Techniques to the Bancheon Alliance within fifteen days. In reality, they could’ve exchanged information on the spot, but that was a mere formality. It served to protect against the Imperial Palace potentially distorting the information or the White Lotus Sect rashly stepping in.

As the Master of the White Lotus Sect spoke, nearing the end of negotiations, he turned to Mangnyang during a private moment.

[ Do you know of the fate awaiting this world?]

Mangnyang nodded. “I have learned some through ancient texts.”

[ The Non-Birth Mother’s techniques are essential in altering that dreadful fate. Sharing that information with you was not a matter to be choosy over. It was imperative to obtain that object with your help. This concerns the future of humanity—not just any one of us.]

Mangnyang emphasized by clenching his fist. [ This is a significant matter that will affect mankind’s future.]

“If I may ask, what happens after gathering the Dharma Techniques? Does each individual technique hold power?”

The Master of the White Lotus Sect calmly replied, [ What happens afterward is merely speculation on my part… We can discuss the specifics another time. However, gathering the dispersed Dharma Techniques is an incredibly tough task; I’m unsure if I can achieve it in my lifetime…]

With a hint of lament, the Master of the White Lotus Sect turned away. While walking alongside his Dharma Protectors, he unexpectedly found himself face-to-face with the Master of the Twelve Joules, who was inexplicably blocking his path while smiling mischievously.

“I have something to say.”

[ What is it?]

“Let’s find a separate space for this, shall we? Will you come?”

[ Fine.]

Suddenly, both the Master of the White Lotus Sect’s entourage and the Master of the Twelve Joules vanished. It seemed they had used a technique akin to Spatial Transmission. As soon as the key figures had cleared out from the venue, Mangnyang, along with Lee Cheong-un, was about to leave when, at that precise moment—

“Alliance Leader Mangnyang, where are you rushing off to?”

“Zhuge Bu.”

The Master of the Inner Imperial Pavilion Zhuge Bu appeared before Mangnyang along with a group of attendants. The onlookers were clad in pristine civil official attire, but Mangnyang frowned upon their appearance.

“They’re the astrologers of the Inner Imperial Pavilion.”

“Impressive. How did you figure it out at a glance? Do you know these are all sorcerers?”

“……”

I was well aware. The astrologers of the Inner Imperial Pavilion rarely reveal themselves, but each one is a skilled sorcerer trained under the Grand Astronomer. Each one poses a significant threat, as they are all upper-tier sorcerers.

“Meeting like this is fateful. Why not stay in Luoyang for a few days? It might be a bit lengthy.”

“Are you planning to stab me in the back as soon as the talks conclude? If the White Lotus Sect or Twelve Joules get wind of this…”

In response, Zhuge Bu chuckled lightly.

“Hahaha… Do you think we would afford you such an opportunity? From now on, Alliance Leader, you will reside in the basement of the Golden Eagle Guard and share the same boat as us. It would also be quite entertaining to use you as bait to capture the White Lotus Sect.”

Clap!

As Mangnyang reached for the Golden Lamp from his robes, Lee Cheong-un, the Sword Demon, and Ming Dragon simultaneously extended their hands towards Mangnyang. They had already discussed an escape plan utilizing the Golden Lamp. But Mangnyang could not activate the lamp, his expression freezing.

“A barrier.”

“Hehe. As expected, it seems you had escape devices or demon artifacts. However, there’s no chance of escaping here.”

Rumbling sounds echoed as numerous beast-like creatures emerged from every direction. Each bore extraordinary physical abilities, interpretive of being combat weapons only manageable by peak experts; hundreds of them appeared, creating a scene full of horror.

‘This is risky.’

No matter how strong Lee Cheong-un’s Thunder Spirit was, could they escape while protecting all three? If those beasts coordinated and unleashed an unrestrained assault, it would lead to disaster.

“Heh heh.”

At that moment, Zhuge Sa, who had been watching the situation in Luoyang with his Clairvoyance skill, wore a mischievous grin, as if waiting for something.

Suddenly, an incantation resonated throughout the hall.

“Wail!”

With a thunderous sound, “AAAAAAAH!!!”

In his final moments, Zhuge Bu bent over like a shrimp and collapsed forward, as if his insides had been ruptured, vomiting blood uncontrollably.

“M-Master!

The astrologers panicked.

And it was not Zhuge Bu that activated the Yin-Yang Heaven Bug but rather Mangnyang himself. Pointing a finger at Zhuge Bu, he activated the incantation to control the Yin-Yang Heaven Bug.

Mangnyang let out a sigh.

“I don’t particularly relish the idea of killing my own kin…”

“Ugh… how… could you…”

Mangnyang cast a cold gaze at Zhuge Bu and spoke.

“Give the command.”

“Retreat! Retreat! Retreat!”

With a powerful directive, the beasts under Zhuge Bu’s control abruptly retreated from the battlefield. Feeling the weight of his own orders, Zhuge Bu trembled and finally fainted.

Mangnyang looked at his still form coldly and shouted the incantation.

“Explode!”

The explosion obliterated Zhuge Bu’s body instantly. Under normal circumstances, I would have planned to abduct Zhuge Bu for torture, but now I intentionally did not. Ignoring Zhuge Bu’s potential value would ensure the Vermilion Bird’s alertness level would decrease.

“A kin turned to the demonic arts cannot be pardoned. I feel foolish for not managing to reform my brother.”

Mangnyang murmured bitterly after executing Zhuge Bu in one strike.

“Ugh.”

“This is unthinkable…”

The astrologers stood bewildered, but in that split second, the Sword Demon, Ming Dragon, and Lee Cheong-un, seizing the opportunity, rushed toward them, beginning their brutal onslaught. Sword strengths clashed and Lee Cheong-un’s Thunder Spirit ripped through the foes mercilessly.

“AAAAAH!”

“Please, save me…”

Once the slaughter concluded, Mangnyang set Zhuge Bu ablaze with a fire element technique, rapidly incinerating his body. It was essential to burn him, lest the remnants of the Yin-Yang Heaven Bug be discovered. After a short while, when Zhuge Bu was reduced to ashes, he shouted towards a direction.

“Vermilion Bird! I will let this warning slip just for this once. But should you play any further tricks, I will destroy you all by any means necessary!”

There was no response, but the implication was clear.

A perfect victory!

Our side quickly began to withdraw from the vicinity of the General’s Tower. I watched the tense unfolding with astonishment and turned to Zhuge Sa, saying, “Did you really foresee that situation?”

“Indeed.”

Zhuge Sa chuckled. “Thus, using the Soul Exchange Technique, I passed control of the Yin-Yang Heaven Bug to Hyun.”

It was true.

Zhuge Sa anticipated the Imperial Palace would strike as soon as the meeting concluded and shared the sensory perception with Mangnyang through the Soul Exchange Technique, even bestowing him the right to control the Yin-Yang Heaven Bug. In doing so, Mangnyang succeeded in pacifying Zhuge Bu in one quick strike.

 

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