After walking about thirty paces from Sindan, I turned back, but there was no trace of the village, not even the massive Sindan tree that stood there. The barrier protecting the Sindan tree conceals its very existence. It would take a powerful grandmaster to break through this barrier.
I can hear the chirping of mountain birds. The unique silence of a deep forest enveloped my body.
"......"
I turned my head. As I continued my steps toward Kaegyeong, I thought to myself.
'For a month, I received instruction on the imperfections of my martial arts from Shilryulju, and I learned a few more techniques...'
Shilryulju often sparred with me as a test. Although these spars were one-sided, with me on the receiving end, he seemed to have reached a unique and unparalleled level in his body movement techniques. Just observing his movements was enough for me to realize the flaws in my own techniques, such as the Thunder Shadow Step.
After the spars, when I occasionally asked him about my doubts, he would answer.
I recalled the conversation with Shilryulju.
[Why didn't you try to obtain the Moon Blade?]
[Yes, with the power of the Twelve Rhythms, it should have been possible.]
[Hmm...]
Shilryulju never took off his mask during our time together. There was no way to confirm the face of the peerless beauty that Jegoohee had mentioned. He would answer with his dog mask on, crossing his arms.
[If the Moon Blade in Dongyeong were brought here, it would certainly make things easier for us. But the land of Dongyeong would be overrun by the minions of the Evil Deity.]
[Does the Moon Blade Heavenly Azure Cloud Sword also play a role in suppressing the Evil Deity like Haein?]
[It doesn't have as strong a barrier as the Sindan tree, but the Heavenly Azure Cloud Sword does provide a similar barrier. The reason humans can live in Dongyeong is because of that sword.]
[......]
[If it's doing its job well, there's no need to do anything about it, right?]
I finished reminiscing.
'If that's the case, there's no need to try to obtain the Moon Blade right away.'
If I moved the Moon Blade carelessly, another force like the Demon Extermination Hall might emerge in Dongyeong. It seemed that what I needed to do was to locate the Moon Blade, not necessarily obtain it. However, I muttered a concern that I hadn't even shared with Shilryulju.
"It's strange... Jegoohee clearly bewitched the Heavenly Emperor of Dongyeong, so why couldn't the Moon Blade Heavenly Azure Cloud Sword, if it's really one of the Seven Blades, ascend to heaven?"
Jegoohee was extremely eager to return to the Heavenly Realm. Since the Seven Blades had the power to do so, she was making relentless efforts to obtain the Seven Blade Haein. If one of the Three Divine Treasures of Dongyeong was the Heavenly Azure Cloud Sword, there would have been no need for her to come all the way to Goryeo and risk a conflict with the Dan clan. There was definitely a secret about the location of the Moon Blade.
To learn more about the Moon Blade, I needed to meet Jegoohee again.
However, I was quite troubled.
Would I survive if I met Jegoohee again?
When we parted last time, Jegoohee seemed to have noticed that Mangryang had come to help me. She might have considered it a betrayal. Although she spared my life due to a whim, given her volatile nature, I could be killed by her at any moment. The current situation of not seeing her face was the most stable.
"Damn... I guess it'll work out somehow."
I started my journey, pondering the long road ahead. Since almost everything I needed to do in Goryeo was almost over, I thought it was time to focus more on honing my medical skills.
Thud
It took about three days to travel from Mount Jangbaek to Kaegyeong. Normally, it would take at least a month to walk this distance, but my speed was ten times that of an ordinary human. Even at a leisurely pace, I could have made it in a day or two if I had pushed myself.
As I entered the city of Kaegyeong and headed to the Hwa family estate, I was startled.
"......!!"
I was surprised to see people in white robes waiting in front of the Hwa family estate as if they were waiting for me. There were about ten of them, all appearing to be martial artists. The buildings of the Hwa family estate were intact, but the people around them avoided eye contact, as if they were afraid of the white-robed figures.
'What is this?'
I made eye contact with the leader of the white-robed figures. He looked to be around my age, a well-built and handsome young man. After confirming my appearance and features, he asked.
"Are you Baegung?"
Something felt ominous. I remained calm and replied.
"Yes, but who are you?"
Upon my confirmation, the young man suddenly switched to Han language and bowed.
"Master Baegung, we have been waiting for your return. It is an honor to meet you."
His attitude was polite and respectful. I maintained my tension and responded in Han language.
"Are you from the Central Plains?"
"We are specifically the White Lotus People."
White Lotus People!
I let out a sigh, as my suspicions were confirmed. The ten or so figures had incredibly high internal strength, and they seemed to be at the peak of their martial arts. Moreover, they appeared to be in their teens and twenties, making it clear that they were the young experts trained by the White Lotus Sect using the Holy Lotus. I had heard that they were leading the White Lotus Sect, which had taken over 40% of the Central Plains martial world, and were defeating many experts of the Central Plains.
I looked at the Hwa family estate and asked.
"Surely, you haven't harmed the Hwa family?"
The young man chuckled.
"No, we haven't. They are all safe and sound."
"Thank goodness."
"We came from the Central Plains to have a good conversation with you, Master Baegung."
"Good conversation?"
"Ah, I should introduce myself. I am Li Yusong, the leader of the White Lotus Sect's Wind God Team."
Li Yusong bowed again and continued.
"Actually, yesterday, the head of the Hwa family, the Bright Light Divine Doctor Hwaseong, and the Law Guardian Lion had a private conversation. They found out that you, Master Baegung, know the whereabouts of the Black and White Holy Lotus. That's why we were waiting to escort you to the Law Guardian Lion."
"......!!"
I clenched my teeth.
White Lotus Sect Law Guardian Lion!
One of the most powerful martial artists in the world was here. It could be Hanbaekryung, or one of the other two Law Guardians. What was certain was that the Law Guardian Lion wanted to talk to me, and there was a sinister plot behind it.
As I remained silent, Li Yusong said.
"Please come with us. We will escort you respectfully."
"Wait a moment. I need to confirm with my own eyes that the Hwa family is safe."
"Then please go in. We will wait for you."
The white-robed figures stepped aside. As I looked at each of the ten members of the Wind God Team, I realized they were incredibly powerful.
'If I fight them head-on, I have a 90% chance of dying...'
They were terrifying.
Their internal strength seemed even higher than that of the elders of the Zhongnan Sect, and they had excellent control over their qi. This place was filled with peak experts. If they had also learned group combat techniques or formation arts, I would have no chance of facing the Wind God Team alone. After all, they wouldn't have come to dominate the Central Plains martial world if they weren't this strong.
I entered the Hwa family estate to confirm that everyone was safe. Fortunately, no one was injured or killed, and they were all safe. However, they seemed anxious, likely aware of the white-robed figures' show of force. When I entered the inner chambers, I found Hwaseong and his immediate family gathered.
Hwaseong, his son and daughter-in-law, and his granddaughter Hwaeun.
The distant relatives were not present.
Feeling the weight of their gazes, I greeted Hwaseong, who was sitting in a chair.
"I apologize for being late. Your disciple Baegung has returned."
"Ah... you're back. Sit down."
"Yes."
As I sat down, a heavy atmosphere filled the room. Hwaseong didn't look particularly unwell, but his gaunt appearance suggested he was taking the situation seriously. He looked at me and said.
"Baegung, you must know that the White Lotus Sect people are waiting at the entrance of your home."
"They are the Wind God Team of the White Lotus Sect."
"Not only that, but yesterday, a Law Guardian Lion wearing a black tiger mask visited me. He seemed different from the one who came to take me away because of the young sect leader in the past."
"... What could the White Lotus Sect want from us now?"
I was flabbergasted.
In this life, I had no intention of getting involved with the Central Plains martial world, so I came to Goryeo through Shandong as soon as I was reborn. I had no memory of getting involved with the White Lotus Sect. Yet, their elite team and a Law Guardian Lion had suddenly come to find me, which was incomprehensible.
Hwaseong said.
"It seems... it's because of the Holy Lotus you gave me."
"Me?"
"The Law Guardian Lion explained the situation to me. I received the roots of the Black and White Holy Lotus from you and sold them to the Central Plains martial world using a method only I knew. It seems the White Lotus Sect's merchant guild bought them at an auction, and the roots ended up in the White Lotus Sect."
"......"
I was speechless.
"The young sect leader of the White Lotus Sect was saved by those roots. When he recovered, the White Lotus Sect leader immediately decided to expand into the Central Plains without hesitation."
"Such a thing..."
I was flustered.
"Isn't the Holy Lotus abundant even within the White Lotus Sect? Why did the young sect leader recover by eating those roots?"
Hwaseong sighed.
"He didn't explain that part. However, the Law Guardian Lion said that since our Hwa family helped the White Lotus Sect, they want to repay us."
"Repay us?"
"He said he wants to talk to you first. After that, they will help our Hwa family return to the Central Plains. They promised a hundred years of wealth and prosperity, treating us as great benefactors of the White Lotus Sect."
"Hmm..."
Hwaseong's son, Hwataebo, who had been listening quietly, looked at me. He was also a skilled physician, having inherited the Hwa Family's 18 Needles and Hwataojinhui. Hwataebo said earnestly.
"Father told me that our family was saved thanks to you. Please, make the right choice this time and save us. Our family's fate rests in your hands."
"Master Baegung... please."
The plea from Hwaseong's son and daughter-in-law was heartfelt. It carried a strong implication: "Don't argue and have a smooth conversation with the Law Guardian Lion." However, it was true that the fate of dozens of Hwa family members rested in my hands. I looked at Hwaseong with a heavy gaze and said.
"Master, can we talk alone for a moment?"
"Of course."
Hwaseong and I went deeper into the estate, leaving the family behind. This was the most secluded and innermost chamber of the Hwa family estate, Hwaseong's personal space. In the dimly lit room, Hwaseong spoke.
"I don't trust the White Lotus Sect."
"......"
"They are not evil, but they don't easily acknowledge those weaker than themselves. They are a force that operates through thorough calculation. The Law Guardian Lion's smooth talk is likely a trap."
"A trap?"
"Would they send a Law Guardian Lion and one of the four major military groups of the White Lotus Sect, the Wind God Team, just to talk to us? They are prepared to clash with the Twelve Rhythms in Kaegyeong if things go wrong."
"... What do you mean?"
"It seems you've caught on. If you refuse their offer, they are prepared to wipe out the Hwa family."
I let out a sigh, as Hwaseong's words were true.
Indeed, with the White Lotus Sect's power, they wouldn't be at a disadvantage even if they fought the Twelve Rhythms. The Wind God Team was incredibly strong, and the Law Guardian Lion's skills were likely exceptional. Wiping out the Hwa family and escaping would be a simple task for them.
I said.
"Then why did they wait for me to return?"
"Perhaps they want to proceed smoothly. It would be better for them if we were lured onto a remote boat and killed there rather than risking a conflict with the Twelve Rhythms. They also want to know what information you have."
"Either way, it means death."
"Yes... my son has also roughly figured it out. He's a smart kid."
Hwaseong's expression was grim.
I suddenly felt sorry for him. His life, which had been going well in the Central Plains, had been completely disrupted by the White Lotus Sect. Now, for some unknown reason, he was facing the threat of being wiped out by them. It was a frustrating situation.
After a moment of thought, I said.
"The most practical solution is to contact the Twelve Rhythms and drive them away."
"I thought of that too. But without evidence that they will attack us, would the Twelve Rhythms' experts risk their lives to fight the White Lotus Sect, the strongest martial force in the Central Plains? At least until they attack us directly, it's a near-impossible request."
"I'll go talk to Jeongcheolwook."
"Don't act rashly. If things go wrong, they will wipe out our entire family."
"Then what should we do?"
Hwaseong suddenly leaned against the wall, looking exhausted.
"I don't know... it feels like we're in a desperate situation. How did things come to this?"
Just as I was about to say something,
Creak
The door suddenly opened, and a figure appeared. It was Hwaseong's granddaughter, Hwaeun, who opened the door, standing against the light. She glared at me and said.
"You are truly stubborn, aren't you?"
"Yeon, what are you doing! Get out..."
Boom
Hwaseong, who was about to scold Hwaeun, suddenly fainted and fell forward. I quickly checked him, but he was just asleep, likely under a charm spell. I had never heard that Hwaeun could use such advanced techniques.
I glared at her and said.
"Jegoohee?"
Whirl!
In the next moment, Hwaeun flipped through the air and transformed into a cute girl. It was the human form of Jegoohee that I had seen in the past. She had been masquerading as Hwaeun, a member of the Hwa family.
"You stubborn fool! Why did you get involved with the White Lotus Sect?"
Jegoohee asked me, almost scolding me, but I stood my ground.
"How did you do this to Hwaeun?!"
"Don't worry. She's sleeping in the warehouse. What's going on?"
Jegoohee continued, sounding frustrated. Even for a nine-tailed fox who had lived for centuries, this was a sudden and unexpected turn of events.
"How could you attract the attention of a Law Guardian Lion of the White Lotus Sect? You are truly a stubborn fool."
"I agree that I'm stubborn... but why were you masquerading as Hwaeun?"
Jegoohee hesitated for a moment before answering.
"It's my choice. I wanted to take you because I have a use for you."
"A use?"
"I'll explain later. For now, we need to resolve this crisis."
With that, Jegoohee turned abruptly.
"Follow me!"
"Where?"
Jegoohee said curtly.
"We need to escape. Why are you asking? Do you want to fight the White Lotus people?"
"Insane...!! If I run away, the Hwa family will all be killed!"
I clenched my fists, and Jegoohee sighed in frustration.
"Oh, you stubborn fool! Don't just listen to others; think for yourself. Do you believe everything the crippled Hwa family physician says? Do you really think the White Lotus Sect will wipe out the Hwa family?"
"......"
"In this situation, the most important person is you. You are the one who leaked the Black and White Holy Lotus to the Central Plains. From the White Lotus Sect's perspective, they can't gain anything without capturing you. Am I wrong?"
"Y-You're right."
"Exactly. The Hwa family will be used as hostages, so you won't be killed immediately if you run away. However, from the physician's perspective, he can't be sure of his family's safety, so he didn't tell you this plan. Do you understand now?"
Jegoohee's logic was sound. I stood there, stunned.
Indeed, as Jegoohee said, the worst scenario would be to follow the Wind God Team and meet the Law Guardian Lion. The Law Guardian Lion could kill or torture me if he wanted. I needed to escape and buy time, then think of a way to counter the White Lotus Sect's next move. This situation was a desperate one for Hwaseong, but not for me.
'Was my judgment clouded by the bond between master and disciple...'
I followed Jegoohee to the back of the building.
"Come out!"
Then Jegoohee chanted something, and the sound of a bang was heard as the previous ghosts, Jeonggwui and Hugwui, appeared. Jegoohee summoned more paper spirits and said.
"Let's use these to buy some time. Follow me closely."
"Got it."
Swoosh
The ghosts and paper spirits walked out, making loud noises. Soon, the sound of explosions and sword clashes echoed, indicating that Jegoohee's summoned spirits were fighting the Wind God Team. Jegoohee leaped over the wall, and I followed her.
Whoosh
"Where are you going?!"
Suddenly, a figure appeared in front of us. It was Li Yusong, the leader of the Wind God Team, whose sword was enveloped in intense sword flames. Jegoohee chuckled and mocked Li Yusong.
"You young pup. Do you want to go to hell?"
"No way... but you can't run any further."
Li Yusong pointed his sword at Jegoohee and charged forward. Jegoohee smiled coldly and summoned nine fox flames around her body. Li Yusong, caught off guard by the unexpected attack, quickly deflected the flames with his sword and retreated.
"Quite a capable one. But die!"
Boom
"Ugh!"
As Jegoohee waved her hand, a massive pressure emerged, sending Li Yusong flying. It seemed she had summoned an invisible, massive entity to attack. Li Yusong, after being thrown several times, landed on a house and didn't move.