Chapter 156
Chapter 156
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 156
Chapter Title: Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors
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My entry into the Azure Dragon Martial Hall proceeded quite smoothly. Even in the dead of night, Geuk-ho headed straight for the hall. He easily shook off the disciples patrolling the grounds and made his way to the Crouching Dragon Hall. Landing lightly in front of it, he opened the door and strolled inside leisurely.
As I followed him in, there was a room lit faintly by a lantern. A dispassionate voice came from within.
"Geuk-ho?"
"Yes."
"Come inside."
When Geuk-ho and I entered the room, the Azure Dragon Martial Hall Master, Lee Gwang, was reading a book by lantern light. I had no idea what book it was, but Lee Gwang had always enjoyed reading.
He glanced at me and said,
"Who's this?"
Geuk-ho replied.
"It's that Baek Woong kid who's been making waves lately. I confirmed he uses the Thunder God Style martial arts and brought him here."
"......"
Lee Gwang scanned me with his emotionless, animal-like gaze. That predatory look wasn't a sign of him zoning out—it was the eyes he got when thoroughly dissecting a person.
After studying me for a long while, Lee Gwang said,
"Impressive achievements for such a young age. Whose disciple are you?"
I knelt slowly, cupped my fists in salute, and said,
"I cannot reveal my master's name. But I have acquired the Thunder God Style's secret techniques and permission to practice them."
"Hmm."
Lee Gwang seemed to ponder for a moment. Then he said,
"Why were you causing a ruckus in Guanzhong?"
"The Black Dao scum's behavior rubbed me the wrong way."
"Is that all?"
"Do you require something more?"
When I countered with a question of my own, Lee Gwang's face lit up with amusement.
"You're an unpredictable one."
"......"
"Geuk-ho, looks like you picked up a slippery fox."
Muttering to himself like that, Lee Gwang looked at me and asked,
"Do you want revenge against the Wind God Style?"
I knew Lee Gwang couldn't read minds, but he possessed an uncanny intuition for detecting the subtle conflicts and weaknesses in a person's inner self. Half-hearted lies or facades wouldn't work on him. So, drawing out the power and grudge of the Wind God Style's guardian warrior from deep within, I spat it out like bile.
"There is... someone I must kill, no matter what."
"Who?"
"The Wind God Style's leader."
In that instant, Geuk-ho's eyes turned toward me. Lee Gwang's gaze sharpened with interest as well. My answer seemed a bit unexpected, as he crossed his arms and said,
"A personal grudge?"
"In a way, yes—and no."
"Explain."
"As the successor of the Thunder God Style, if I must bring them down anyway, it means I'll definitely kill their leader."
I spoke with bold defiance, but it was my true feelings.
That Wind God Style guardian bastard—I would tear him apart someday, without fail.
My words stirred me up, and killing intent and hostility boiled over from my body in waves.
The memories of losing Miho ravaged my mind. Then, Lee Gwang, who had been watching me, bellowed,
"Ha!"
Whoooosh!
My killing intent vanished in an instant, crushed by Lee Gwang's overwhelming presence. I felt the surging hostility within me subside.
Lee Gwang grinned and said,
"I like your spirit. Good. From today, you're a disciple of the Azure Dragon Martial Hall."
"Thank you."
Afterward, I revealed my sword realm and specialties to Lee Gwang, along with my attainments in spear and fist arts. Once he heard it all, he said,
"Judging by your level, you're still in the gradual refinement stage, progressing toward ascension. If there's anything you don't know or find difficult, come ask me or So-cheong anytime."
"Yes."
"I'll list your official status as an instructor at the Azure Dragon Martial Hall. Of course, if it's a hassle, you don't have to teach the kids."
I thought for a moment before saying,
"I'm sorry, but is there no other option?"
"Why?"
"I'm currently traveling in accordance with my late master's dying wish to find something. That journey isn't over yet, so I can't settle down at the Azure Dragon Martial Hall just yet."
"What are you looking for?"
I decided to be honest about this part. It wasn't something I could fabricate lightly, so I mixed a bit of truth with some falsehood. After all, Lee Gwang would eventually learn about what I'd done in Sichuan.
"I trained in medicine as a collateral branch member of the Hwa Clan, and that's when I learned about this..."
I explained to Lee Gwang about the White Lotus Cult's young leader's strange illness, the Five Great Physicians of the World, their subsequent actions, and my speculations. Both Lee Gwang and Geuk-ho, standing beside him, listened with keen interest.
After laying out the full story, I said,
"The last clue I uncovered is that the Heavenly Strange Physician, Dongbang Mu-gyeol, ransacked the Sichuan Tang Clan in search of a cure for the illness and headed all the way to the Yue Kingdom beyond the southern barbarians. Unlike the other Five Great Physicians, he must have some inkling about the nature of that strange disease."
"Hmm..."
Lee Gwang crossed his arms, deep in thought. Silence stretched for about an incense stick's time before he spoke.
"Why are you chasing leads on that strange illness?"
"As you know, the White Lotus Cult has the power to conquer the Central Plains martial world at any moment. The only reason they're holding back now is probably that strange illness afflicting their young leader. If we uncover its true nature, it'll be useful against the White Lotus Cult in the future."
Lee Gwang genuinely admired my words.
"Excellent... You're a prodigy of the world. Even I hadn't thought that far."
"No, sir."
"I've heard rumors about the young leader's illness too. But without solid proof, I dismissed it. According to you, it's some kind of sorcery or curse. Dongbang Mu-gyeol is wandering in search of a cure using intangible poisons or other methods."
"Yes, probably."
"So you're planning to go all the way beyond the southern barbarian lands of the Wu Yue region?"
"If necessary..."
Lee Gwang shook his head.
"That would be utter folly. And with no guarantee of success. Do you even know how far the southern barbarian lands are?"
"Not really."
"It's thousands of li just from Sichuan to Yunnan. From there, crossing the treacherous southern barbarian terrain to the Yue Kingdom adds thousands more. With your formidable inner energy, you could probably make it, but I see no need for such hardship."
"Then..."
"Now that you've given me this lead, I'll investigate Dongbang Mu-gyeol in my own way. Leave it to me."
There was considerable confidence in Lee Gwang's words. And for good reason—he harbored a fierce vendetta against the White Lotus Cult but lacked a strategy, reduced to stamping his feet and raising Jin So-cheong. Now that I'd brought him a potential weakness, he couldn't help but be overjoyed.
"Yes, understood."
I noticed then that Geuk-ho, who had been watching me from the side, now looked utterly astonished. Up until now, he'd just dragged in some thunderbolt punk, but he couldn't hide his admiration anymore.
Lee Gwang said,
"It's late, but I want to test your skills myself. Come to the training ground."
Soon after, I stepped out to the training ground. With Geuk-ho watching, I held a single sword and faced Lee Gwang from three zhang away.
Geuk-ho lit all the torches around the training ground. Lee Gwang, also wielding a sword, said,
"If you use a spear, I can't gauge your true skill accurately, so I'll use a sword as well."
"Thank you for the lesson."
"If the exchange gets intense, we'll pause for one breath each time."
"Yes."
Shhhh...
I built up my aura and glared at Lee Gwang. Inwardly, I groaned.
'Damn... As expected, he's ridiculously strong. This monster...'
To be honest, I thought I had a shot against Lee Gwang if he used a sword instead of his spear. Spears had huge advantages as combat weapons. But in terms of sword training alone, I had more experience than him, giving me some confidence.
I was wrong. The moment we faced off with swords, Lee Gwang's presence loomed like Mount Tai. This was almost the first time I'd seen him properly unleash his swordsmanship, but I had a feeling his Myriad Chariots Sword Art was a peerless technique in itself.
I shouted,
"I'll take the initiative!"
Flash!
In that instant, my body shot forward like lightning. I activated the Baek Woong Convergence, binding my entire body's true energy tightly, then launched into unity of body and sword. It was an impeccable first strike, drawing admiration from Lee Gwang.
"Well done!"
Clang!
Clang-clang!
Ten exchanges passed in a flash. I poured all my inner energy into striking at the essences of the Myriad Chariots Sword Art, but Lee Gwang deflected my attacks using the subtleties of the Revolving Wheel Art. Then, as if proving the Four-Two-One Thousand Catty principle, he unleashed immense power from light sword strokes.
Boom!
I hurriedly unleashed the Heavenly Thunder Seal to envelop the space, but the attack that had sent dozens of experts flying did nothing to Lee Gwang. He brushed it aside with minimal movement, closed in with Thunder Shadow Step's Heaven-Earth Kill, and thrust sword energy at my opening.
As I blocked his counter with a defensive sword form, Lee Gwang's body seemed to pause for a split second.
Myriad Chariots Sword Art
Secret Technique
Thousand Slashes, Ten Thousand Cuts!
"......!!"
I was stunned by the hundreds of illusory sword beams pouring down like a fantasy. Lee Gwang had taught me the Myriad Chariots Sword Art, so it was natural he could use its secret technique, Thousand Slashes, Ten Thousand Cuts. But how could he unleash a secret technique without hesitation in a mere spar? It was a vicious killing move that would shred you if your defense or evasion faltered even slightly, so I gritted my teeth.
Thousand Slashes, Ten Thousand Cuts!!
I countered with the same absolute technique. As hundreds of sword beams rained down, I firmly guarded only the space around me, scattering a sword membrane. Clanging sounds rang out like something ricocheting, and soon my surroundings filled with a ferocious buzz like swarming bees. Sweat beaded on my forehead as I wildly swung my sword amid the barrage of sword lights falling like a downpour.
Clang-clang-clang!
A smile crept onto Lee Gwang's face.
"Urk!"
I felt the sword beams of his Thousand Slashes, Ten Thousand Cuts converge into a single light, piercing the center of my defense. The massive impact wounded me internally, and I spat blood as I flew backward. Landing with a settling stance, I saw Lee Gwang standing with his sword lowered.
He said,
"No point continuing—this has been fun enough. I've seen plenty of your skill."
"Huff... huff... How was it?"
"Sufficient. But your swordsmanship isn't purely Thunder God Style. You've learned from other schools?"
I nodded without hesitation.
"Yes. Why not?"
"Of course. Drawing strengths from other schools' arts is to be encouraged. But I should know the origins."
"The sword arts I've mastered are as follows."
I then calmly explained and gave brief demonstrations. Most were minor sword tips I'd internalized from Yeo Dong-bin’s descent, along with the profound insights of Jang Sam-bong like Coiling Dragon Thrust and Heavenly Pivot Sword.
Lee Gwang and Geuk-ho, standing silently as they watched my demonstration, gradually grew astonished. As experts, they recognized the terrifying power hidden in Jang Sam-bong's insights that I displayed. Especially Lee Gwang, his voice trembling as he said,
"What... terrifying swordsmanship. From which elder did you obtain it?"
"......"
Even if I said I'd received direct blessings from Jang Sam-bong himself, they wouldn't believe it. I answered vaguely,
"From an eccentric of the Wudang Sect."
It wasn't a lie, so it wouldn't snag with Lee Gwang. Sure enough, he was too absorbed pondering Jang Sam-bong's insights to care. Geuk-ho beside him seemed to be experiencing a moment of enlightenment as well.
Some time later, once the epiphany passed, Lee Gwang said with a settled gaze,
"If you know anything more, tell me."
I looked steadily at Lee Gwang and said,
"I'm sorry to say this, but aren't my Thunder God Style senior brothers and I bound by fate? If so, I'd like to share my master's ultimate arts with you, Master Lee Gwang. And with Senior Brother Jin So-cheong as well."
Lee Gwang looked as if he'd been struck. Then, grinning happily, he burst into laughter.
"You're right! Why hold back when you've brought such treasures?"
Lee Gwang glanced subtly at Geuk-ho.
Catching the hint, Geuk-ho stepped forward and said to me,
"Junior Brother Baek Woong. Starting tomorrow, learn the Soul Extinguishing Step from me. With your talent, you might even master it."
"Understood."
Lee Gwang, who had been listening, said,
"You haven't learned the advanced stages of the Myriad Chariots Sword Art yet. I'll teach you the Myriad Chariots Sword Art to the extent I know it, and its ultimate technique that surpasses it."
"......"
There was more?
I was flabbergasted inwardly.
'Damn it, Lee Gwang! Just how much have you been hiding from me?!'
This was already several reincarnations in. Yet it was absurd that Lee Gwang still had secrets of the Thunder God Style sword arts tucked away. I'd genuinely thought I'd learned all the swordsmanship by the time I reached the supreme realm. He must have used those hidden Thunder God Style sword secrets to repel me in the spar just now!
Lee Gwang truly was a frightening man.
As I trembled inwardly, Geuk-ho approached and patted my shoulder.
"I want to trust you."
There was sincerity in his words. For Geuk-ho, who was always unserious and slacking off, to show this expression meant he saw me as a secret weapon against the Wind God Style. I realized I'd inadvertently done something drastic.
'Oh no... I raised their expectations too high.'
Mang-ryang had said that this time, for rescuing General Hwang Yeon's household, we wouldn't involve Lee Gwang or Jin So-cheong— we'd handle it with the Anti-Heaven Alliance's strength alone. Because the Thunder God Style's domineering nature might lead them to act rashly on their own rather than cooperate. I'd felt that from Lee Gwang's reckless actions in past lives.
Naturally, without sufficient power, we couldn't win against the imperial palace's forces. At least, the Anti-Heaven Alliance needed time to grow and organize. That's why Mang-ryang hadn't approached the Thunder God Style with any alliance proposal this lifetime.
Thus, incorporating the Thunder God Style into the Anti-Heaven Alliance was entirely my mission going forward. And since they'd be at the forefront of any clashes with the palace in terms of raw combat power, I had to strengthen the Thunder God Style experts with my knowledge.
Even so, receiving the undivided attention of Lee Gwang and Geuk-ho filled me with immense pressure. And soon, the genius Jin So-cheong's interest too. Being watched by peerless experts and prodigies who stood out anywhere in the Central Plains was pressure enough to melt my guts.
'Whatever. Think positive.'
I shook my head.
Anyway, I just needed to improve my martial arts here for a few years.
'The next five years... I'll advance one more step at the Azure Dragon Martial Hall!'
I clenched my fist.
This lifetime felt promising.
I just had to keep charging forward like this!