Chapter 158
Chapter 158
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 158
Chapter Title: Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors
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Thud thud thud.
I, Jin So-cheong, and Geuk Ho began racing toward Henan at breakneck speed, applying the Phantom Soul Step. Using it allowed us to run much faster and longer than a horse while consuming far less internal energy and stamina than ordinary footwork. A level of endurance that normally required monstrous reserves like mine could now be achieved effortlessly with the Phantom Soul Step.
'Pretty impressive.'
As someone who'd always had vast internal energy, I felt like I was flying when using the Phantom Soul Step. I could probably keep going nonstop for four nights and five days. The thought of traversing the world like it was my backyard filled me with delight. Sure, pulling out the Flying Steam would make it even easier, but the boosted mobility was still a joy.
Because of that, I had to match my pace to their speed and stamina. I'd kept the Flying Steam hidden from them until now, so whipping it out felt awkward. It would be fine, but something told me it was better to keep it under wraps. Geuk Ho, who had been resting perched on a tree branch, wiped the sweat from his brow and spoke.
"Huff... huff... This is insane. How does this kid have such ridiculous internal energy?"
In a blink, Geuk Ho had dropped the awkward formality and reverted to his old self. After more than half a year of martial arts debates and spars, we'd grown close—him, Jin So-cheong, and me. Hearing his usual cocky tone, I gave a wry smile and said,
"Have some Millennium Snow Ginseng."
"Hah, look at this punk cracking jokes. Kid."
Geuk Ho let out a hollow laugh, spat lightly on the ground, and continued.
"Whatever. Is that old geezer Dongbang Mukeol really that strong? Do we really all three need to go?"
Jin So-cheong, munching on some tree fruits nearby, answered. Being younger and a successor of the Thunder God Style like him, he always addressed Geuk Ho as senior brother.
"Hmm... Senior Brother Geuk Ho. Probably. If even the White Lotus Cult's Dharma Protectors won't take him on lightly, he must be incredibly powerful."
"Hey, are those tree fruits tasty? Aren't they bitter?"
"Want to try one?"
"Hand it over."
Geuk Ho chewed on a fruit and grimaced.
"Ugh, tastes awful."
"Well, that's tree fruits for you."
"Sigh... Of all the rotten luck, heading to Henan."
I turned to the grumbling Geuk Ho.
"Senior Brother Geuk Ho. Do you know any joint attack techniques by chance?"
"Joint attack? You mean like that kid from someone's family? The Thunder God Style had some, but none of us know them now. Not even Master Lee Gwang."
"Then who does?"
"Me? Probably one of the Thunder God Style successors scattered across the Central Plains."
"Too bad."
Geuk Ho laughed boisterously.
"Puhaha! Don't stress~ With the three of us ganging up, only a couple guys back at the White Lotus Cult could beat us. No need for joint attacks against some old fart—we'll win easy."
"Yeah, you're right."
In my mind, if there was a Thunder God Style joint technique, Geuk Ho and I could surround Dongbang Mukeol effortlessly.
But as he said, the three of us together feared no one in the world. Unless Dongbang Mukeol's skills truly matched a Dharma Protector's—which seemed unlikely after he couldn't handle the Sichuan Tang Clan—we had the winning combo.
'The Sichuan Tang Clan alone stumped him, so he's probably not Dharma Protector level.'
Dharma Protector-level power symbolized absolute dominance—the strength to plunge the martial world into chaos single-handedly. That's why even if Peak Experts lurked everywhere, none could rival them.
As I pondered, Jin So-cheong spoke up.
"Junior Brother. Any way to negotiate with Dongbang Mukeol besides clashing head-on?"
I shook my head.
"From what I've gathered... no."
"That's a shame."
"Letting our guard down could get us killed."
Exactly.
The common view of Dongbang Mukeol was [strong madman], [bastard], or [psycho]—terrifying labels from the most respected elders of the jianghu. It showed just how unhinged the Heavenly Madman Dongbang Mukeol really was. No way normal talk or negotiation would work with a guy like that.
'Sichuan Tang Clan, poison masters extraordinaire, and he picks a fight with them. Says it all.'
Most avoided the Tang Clan out of fear of vendettas, but Dongbang Mukeol had enraged even Clan Head Tang Mu-geuk. Definitely a lunatic. I couldn't imagine reasoning with him. Force was the only option.
Geuk Ho, having recovered his stamina with some meditation, said,
"Just another hundred li to Henan Province. He's wandering around in there, so let's nab him for sure."
"Yes."
Thud thud thud.
We entered Henan Province soon after. With our identification plaques and coin pouches, passing the gates was no issue. Inside the city, the streets buzzed with activity.
"Henan City is huge."
"It is. But they say the unorthodox sects thrive here."
"Hmm."
I'd heard that before. Back when I delivered Seo Mun-hye and the hostages to the Shadowless Sect in Henan. It hadn't stuck with me then, but now it piqued my curiosity.
"Why's that? With Shaolin—the leader of the Nine Great Sects—holding strong here."
Geuk Ho smirked.
"Normally, Shaolin's influence would suppress the unorthodox. But apparently, it's because of the Henan City Lord."
"What?"
News to me. The City Lord was imperial kin or nobility ruling Henan—why meddle in martial affairs? As Jin So-cheong and I glanced at Geuk Ho while walking, he stretched his back and replied leisurely.
"The City Lord doesn't care much for Shaolin. That's why their lay disciples have been keeping a low profile for decades, and Shaolin hesitates on demon-subduing expeditions. Plus, Henan's righteous sects and families are busy hoarding wealth, letting the unorthodox expand freely."
"Hmm..."
Geuk Ho probably knew from wandering the world and visiting Henan. I'd been here but paid little mind, so it was new info. Jin So-cheong, still puzzled, said,
"Don't the unorthodox ruin public order? Why would the City Lord bring trouble on himself?"
"Eh, So-cheong. The world doesn't work that simply~ A City Lord won't sweat martial world's trifles. If the unorthodox shower him with bribes while watching their step, he'll just let them be."
"What about the common folk?"
Geuk Ho looked baffled.
"Huh? Why would big shots care about peasants? You idiot?"
"......"
"And the Shadowless Sect—the strongest in Henan, top of the Eight Demonic Sects—controls the area. They rein in the small fry, so no major incidents, and they have their own [order]. That's why no one rocks the boat."
Jin So-cheong seemed unconvinced. He thought it over and sighed.
"It's complicated, Senior Brother."
Geuk Ho chuckled.
"So-cheong~ Your skills are top-notch, but you don't know the world yet~ That kid over there gets it better."
Called out, I scratched my head.
'Yeah, I've seen some things. More than Jin So-cheong right now. But...'
In the real world, raw power often mattered more than book smarts at first. Jin So-cheong had solid judgment, so even if he floundered initially, a little experience would make him thrive in the jianghu better than me. He was cautious by nature, avoiding big mistakes—a huge edge out here.
We chatted as we reached an inn, unpacked, ordered food, and Geuk Ho gathered us.
"Master's intel came from the Goddess Sect of the Eight Demonic Sects. Rest today, contact them tomorrow, find Dongbang Mukeol."
"Yes."
"Once we spot him, shut up and beat him down. Got it?"
"Understood."
Mysteriously, Lee Gwang had ties to the Goddess Sect—the most enigmatic women-only sect among the Eight Demonic Sects. He could tap their intel freely. I was curious about his past, but he'd never tell.
Next day, we met a Goddess Sect expert and got the info.
"Dongbang Mukeol is staying at the Jeonbong Inn near the north gate inside the city."
She wasn't all that imposing in martial prowess, but even veiled, her face looked stunningly beautiful. Geuk Ho stared slack-jawed for a moment before clearing his throat.
"Ahem! Is he alone?"
"No. Two companions."
"Two?"
"Black-clad freaks in monkey masks. They rarely leave the inn, but they're surely his escorts."
We exchanged glances. Geuk Ho turned to her.
"What's their skill level?"
"Sorry, we observe from afar with special techniques. Can't gauge their martial arts up close. But Dongbang Mukeol sticks to them like glue."
"Hmm..."
"No more info. Farewell."
"Take care."
Whoosh!
With the Goddess Sect expert gone, we headed back to our inn. Geuk Ho brought it up.
"Kid. Those monkey-mask guys you mentioned before, right? The four playing mahjong at Wuhou Temple."
"Yes. No doubt."
Jin So-cheong crossed his arms.
"Did they travel with Dongbang Mukeol all the way from Sichuan through Naiman to Yue Kingdom?"
"Not sure."
"True. Could've joined in the Central Plains. But them moving together now is key."
After pondering, Geuk Ho said,
"Kid. What did you say their skills were like?"
I recalled Do Wang's testimony from the Wuhou Temple mural.
"From what I heard, extremely high-level. Dongbang Mukeol didn't dare use force on them. On par with him, or at least nearing Peak Expert."
Geuk Ho scowled.
"Damn, this is getting messy. With escorts like that, grabbing Dongbang Mukeol will be tough."
"What do we do?"
"Dunno. So-cheong, your thoughts?"
Geuk Ho handed the decision to Jin So-cheong straightforwardly. After thinking, he replied,
"It's been a while since we got the intel and moved."
"Yeah. Shaanxi to Henan ain't a short trip."
"Yet Dongbang Mukeol's crew hasn't budged from the inn. Means they're waiting for something on purpose."
"What?"
"No idea... but figuring it out simplifies things."
I agreed with Jin So-cheong. Dongbang Mukeol seemed erratic, but he followed a clear goal: [cure the Young Leader's strange illness]. Lingering in Henan City for days had a reason.
Silence fell, then Geuk Ho spoke.
"Here's the plan. Fighting in the city causes casualties, so wait for them to move, herd them to an isolated spot, take them one by one. Raises capture odds."
Individual matchups.
"Who takes Dongbang Mukeol...?"
"You, So-cheong. You and I each handle a monkey-mask."
"Got it."
"We'll watch Jeonbong Inn in shifts of three. At least seven days and nights."
And so we began surveilling Jeonbong Inn's visitors from afar with our keen eyesight. The distance minimized detection risk. If spotted, our signals would let us pursue immediately.
Change came three days later.
"They're moving."
Dongbang Mukeol and two monkey-masks left Jeonbong Inn, heading somewhere. We trailed stealthily, masking our presence. They exited the city, trekked through deserted fields to a wild mountain's foothills, and stopped.
Moments later, Dongbang Mukeol bellowed toward us.
[Brats! If you have words, come out and say them!]
We were hidden about sixty zhang away. Geuk Ho grimaced.
"Damn. Busted after all."
"They're not running."
"They're confident in a fight too. Pain in the ass."
Geuk Ho turned to Jin So-cheong helplessly.
"So-cheong. Your turn. Monkey-masks are unknowns—you gotta handle it."
"Yes. Leave it to me, Senior Brother."
"Let's go!"
Flash!
We leaped out simultaneously, landing before Dongbang Mukeol and his two. The central Dongbang Mukeol smirked coldly at us.
"Bunch of young punks. Don't know your sect, but you walked right into it."
"Ooh~ Scary. So strong, I'm shaking."
"......"
Geuk Ho fired back with mockery, leaving Dongbang Mukeol momentarily speechless. He didn't rage, just eyed us coldly. One monkey-mask beside him spoke.
"Dongbang Mukeol. What now?"
"Can't cower before every brat if I want great deeds. Hear their backers first."
Dongbang Mukeol and the monkey-masks seemed equals. Temporary allies for mutual gain, probably. Listening, Jin So-cheong interjected.
"Wait! Jumping straight to fighting isn't the answer. Hear us out first."
"What talk?"
"You're working to cure the White Lotus Cult Young Leader's illness, right?"
"......!!"
Dongbang Mukeol flinched in shock. The monkey-masks barely stirred. He glared at Jin So-cheong.
"How do you know that?"
"Doesn't matter. What does is we could help each other."
"Help? How? How do you know my business? And who the hell are you?"
Suspicions poured out as he bristled with killing intent.
"Don't make me laugh! You're just jianghu thugs eyeing my research. I'll capture you and make you spill your backers."
"Drinking your own poison, eh."
"Keh heh heh, you'll be the ones drinking it."
Seeing Dongbang Mukeol's fiendish grin, Geuk Ho told Jin So-cheong knowingly,
"See? Told you the kid was right. That old man's gotta get beat before he'll listen."
"Impudent whelp!"
Whoosh!
Enraged, Dongbang Mukeol swung a blindingly white palm forward. We dodged with Phantom Soul Step, and the space ten-odd zhang ahead was instantly bathed in light.
Boom boom boom—!!
"Urgh...!!"
Incredible. A single swing had erased a fan-shaped swath of earth. His palm strike hid repulsive force rivaling mine, with massive latent energy.
But none of us Thunder God Style disciples would flinch at that. Geuk Ho charged a monkey-mask boisterously.
"Come on, let's have some fun~!!"
Clang!
Clang!
In seconds, we'd each picked foes and clashed. Jin So-cheong rushed Dongbang Mukeol; I went right at the monkey-mask there. Geuk Ho hit the left one with his spear, shifting the battlefield—wary of Dongbang Mukeol's vast, area attacks.
'Jin So-cheong will handle it.'
Sharing Geuk Ho's sentiment, I glanced at him before telling my monkey-mask,
"One-on-one?"
"Fine, kid."
We agreed and relocated about seventy zhang away, facing off three zhang apart with weapons drawn. I'd considered the Yodo Muramasa but stuck to a fine iron longsword—more familiar.
His weapon was a sword too. The monkey-mask gripped his calmly and said,
"You look young, but skilled. Can't go easy—don't hate me if you die."
"Hah, mouse worrying about the cat. Cut the crap and hand over your neck."
"Heh heh... Mouth still running even facing death soon."
The monkey-mask seemed to chuckle deeply, then slowly assumed a stance and revealed his sword art.
"Don't know your sect's swordsmanship, but can you handle the Moon Maiden Sword?"
Swish swish swish!
"Urk!"
An immense sword momentum swept my front. I barely evaded with Phantom Soul Step—a chilling assault.
'Without it, direct hit...?!"
I'd misjudged. Thought Dongbang Mukeol was the strongest, but no—the monkey-masks matched him. He glared with fierce eyes.
"Here I come."
The fight ended in about 180 breaths.
Slash!
"Urk... Ack..."
The monkey-mask clutched his severed left shoulder, screaming. I stood firm in my slashing pose, aura rippling, and said coldly,
"Sorry, can't waste time here. Keep going, and I'll end your life."
"......"
Face hidden, but his shock vibrated the air. He'd unleashed Moon Maiden Sword at full power, but my deep internal energy fueled swordplay that overwhelmed him. Ending it in 180 breaths, he sighed defeatedly.
"Kuh... Fine. I lose. I'm withdrawing."
"Smart choice."
"Clean cut—warrior's mercy?"
As he picked up his arm, I smirked.
"Pay up, and I'll reattach it."
"Keh heh heh... What a rotten day."
The monkey-mask shook his head and said,
"The White Ape Twin Demons withdraw. Do what you want with Dongbang Mukeol."
"Wait—you are who, exactly?"
"Ask Dongbang Mukeol."
He grabbed his arm and fled.
I could've chased but saw no need. I'd cut his arm, but it wasn't total victory. If he'd fought desperately, I'd take heavy wounds too—so I let him go.
"Whew, won."
I exhaled deeply.
'Last life's me would've had some close calls.'
This bout showed my swordsmanship had broadened and diversified. Moon Maiden Sword was peak—changes, speed, all flawless—yet I'd repelled him without much disadvantage. Fruits of diligent training at Azure Dragon Martial Hall.