Chapter 169
Chapter 169
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 169
Chapter Title: Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors
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Mang-ryang spoke to me and Jin So-cheong.
"Listen well. We'll head to Gansu first and go through the White Lotus Cult's main gate. Once we pass through it, we'll reach the White Lotus Cult Leader."
"That sounds perilous..."
It was the most treacherous journey in the world. Getting to Gansu was one thing, but what trials lay between the White Lotus Cult's main gate and its leader? One thing was certain: no expert under heaven could rashly claim survival on that thorny path.
Mang-ryang continued.
"We have no time. Yong Jung-il isn't just starting to move now—he's surely been scheming since the sect founding was mentioned. His plot is already ripe, so stopping it is impossible. Convincing the White Lotus Cult Leader is our only option."
"......!!"
So that was the reason!
Only then did I understand why Mang-ryang was in such a hurry. If Yong Jung-il had the talent of a strategist, he was the type to "win before fighting." It was natural to deploy schemes in advance and reveal them to the enemy later. As a fellow strategist, Mang-ryang had judged it impossible to counter Yong Jung-il's plot and proposed an all-or-nothing gamble.
"Then couldn't you have explained it that way to Master Lee Gwang earlier?"
"To convince the White Lotus Cult Leader, the matter of the imperial palace can't be omitted. It's an insurmountable wall between me and Lee Gwang."
"Hmm."
"But know this: I have no intention of killing the emperor. He's a being to be used, not killed. I believe my scheme is undoubtedly correct in the long term."
"We came this far trusting you. Don't worry."
Mang-ryang nodded and said.
"First, we must fully seal Lee Gwang's internal energy."
A short while later, we sealed the internal energy of the unconscious Lee Gwang. The Thunder God Style disciples, especially Geuk-ho, reacted with strong opposition.
"Are you insane...? So-cheong, are you in your right mind? You're defying Master's orders because of that Anti-Heaven Alliance Leader or whatever bag of bones? And now you're going to seal Master's energy?"
"Senior Brother. Are you planning to stop me?"
"Yeah, try beating me to death with one punch, you bastard!"
Flash!
Geuk-ho lunged like a madman but was subdued by Jin So-cheong in just three exchanges. As Geuk-ho fainted, Jin So-cheong sighed.
"My sins are mounting!"
Sa Gong-rin and Jae-hu seemed to realize there was no choice and stayed quiet. But Sa Gong-rin glared at Jin So-cheong with unkind eyes.
"To betray loyalty to your master... So that's the kind of person you are, Senior Brother."
"I'll gladly accept any punishment later. But for now, follow my will."
"Do as you please. It's a world where the strong rule, isn't it?"
"......"
Seeing Jin So-cheong's face grow heavier, I felt sorry. Strictly speaking, Jin So-cheong had nothing to lose by staying silent, but the moment he stepped up for us, he became a sect traitor. I quickly sealed Lee Gwang's energy with my internal art method and stepped outside.
"Let's go, Senior Brother."
"Right."
We rode Bi-deung toward the region closest to Gansu that I had visited.
Using lightness skill, we swiftly headed toward the White Lotus Cult. Planning to arrive within four days at latest, we marched without rest. We even conserved breath for speech, using Annihilation Step to fly like the wind.
After about three days, we reached the northwestern edge of Gansu Province. Having moved several times faster than horses, it was only natural. Now only half a day from the White Lotus Cult, we slowed slightly to rest. Mang-ryang had exhausted his internal energy and stamina midway, so I had carried the fainted Mang-ryang on my back.
While resting under a large tree, I asked Jin So-cheong.
"Senior Brother. It's late to ask now, but why did you decide to spare Mang-ryang?"
"As I said, because I thought it was right."
"There must be a reason you thought it right."
Pressing further, Jin So-cheong smiled faintly.
"...It was because you staked your life on Mang-ryang, Junior Brother."
"Huh?"
What did that mean?
Staring at Jin So-cheong, he moistened his throat at a nearby stream and continued.
"Without you, Master and I would have trained in the hall our whole lives. Sure, I'd have entered the martial world upon reaching a high realm, but things like founding the Thunder God Style or avenging the White Lotus Cult—I'd never have dreamed of them and just lived as a wanderer."
"......"
I couldn't disagree. I'd seen the Thunder God Style's fate continue that way in reality.
"Then you came. At first, I was suspicious of you, but your insights, your foresight of the future... and the Anti-Heaven Alliance comrades who would help realize our dreams... You don't know how full my heart was."
Jin So-cheong leaned his chin on a tree branch. His eyes gazed at the blue sky.
"You gave us dreams. Master resists out of his nature, but you are our benefactor who brought us dreams and goals."
"Hmm."
"That's why I trusted you and decided to trust the man you staked your life on—Mang-ryang."
"Th-thank you, but isn't that too high praise...?"
Hearing it, I scratched my head in embarrassment. Even the peerless expert Jin So-cheong, who subdued Lee Gwang, saying this to me gave me chills. Jin So-cheong smiled slyly.
"Don't play cool just between us. There are times I want to stake my life on something too."
"If you put it that way."
"Haha, now you're back to your usual Junior Brother self."
We laughed lightly. The conversation eased needless worries. Of course, things weren't truly resolved, so I brought up an important matter shortly after.
"Senior Brother. Could two of us take down a Dharma Protector?"
"Who knows."
"Since Master held the advantage over Yong Bi-cheon, that should be enough, right?"
Jin So-cheong gave a wry smile at my question.
"Hmm... Junior Brother, you seem mistaken. Even Master and I together would struggle against Yong Bi-cheon at full power."
"What? Why? Master cut off his arm."
"That was a short battle."
Jin So-cheong continued firmly.
"The Heavenly Spirit Realm's infinite internal energy is no light matter. What if he stays airborne and keeps firing wind bullets?"
"Well... We'd dodge continuously or close in to shatter his protective energy like before."
"Then Yong Bi-cheon would keep flying and evading. We can't keep up while lacking the energy to break his protective aura."
"Hmm."
"The Heavenly Spirit Realm is fearsome because it permanently wields natural energy. If Yong Bi-cheon commits to a prolonged battle and guards against fatal wounds, no matter what we do, beating him is hard. For a chance, it'd have to be a short battle like last time—in a confined space where he can't flee, ending it in an instant."
I realized it was a headache. Of course, in a short battle, Lee Gwang or Jin So-cheong had the power to overwhelm Yong Bi-cheon, but he knew that now. From here on, facing Thunder God Style experts, he'd openly use the Heavenly Spirit Realm's advantages for area devastation. Countering such tactics would be too burdensome.
I asked Jin So-cheong.
"What exactly is the Heavenly Spirit Realm? Infinite internal energy, a transcendent realm—seemingly no one in the Central Plains but the White Lotus Cult's Dharma Protectors has attained it."
"From what Master told me, it's a realm gained through a special process, unlike natural enlightenment in martial realms. The transmission cut off before Master learned the entry method, so he self-taught most realms."
"Hmm..."
"That's also why I think you and the Anti-Heaven Alliance Leader are right. Even if Master doesn't know, the scattered Thunder God Style inheritors might know the Heavenly Spirit Realm's nature and acquisition method."
Right. That was the reason to gather the Thunder God Style inheritors.
Gathering lost ultimate arts was important, but perhaps some knew the White Lotus Cult's ultimate secret—the Heavenly Spirit Realm. We just needed to learn it from them.
Soon, we infused energy into the recovered Mang-ryang and headed back to the White Lotus Cult. Nearing it, locals easily pointed the way. It didn't take long to reach the main gate.
Boom—
The White Lotus Cult's main gate was like a massive fortress. It truly was a fortress built like a castle. No official would permit such a thing, but they tolerated it for the White Lotus Cult. Its leader could assassinate the emperor through a million troops if he wished.
Standing before the fortress were young men in their early twenties, handsome and refined. But I gauged their internal energy at a glance and let out a groan.
"Hmm..."
Internal energy beyond their years. Matching what I had after one or two Millennium Snow Ginseng. In other words, each possessed energy rivaling or surpassing Central Plains martial elders.
In short—White Lotus Cult warriors who consumed Sacred Lotuses!
They slowly rode toward us and said.
"We heard suspicious figures approaching, and it's true. Who are you?"
Mang-ryang stepped forward.
"I am the Anti-Heaven Alliance Leader Mang-ryang, and these are my comrades."
"Anti-Heaven Alliance Leader? What business brings you here?"
"The White Lotus Cult Leader summoned me before, so I've come at his command."
"......"
The lead youth frowned unpleasantly.
"If that's a lie, you won't leave alive."
"Why threaten and resort to violence when you can verify? Isn't the White Lotus Cult's doctrine mercy and radiance?"
"You're talkative. Follow us."
Clop clop.
We followed the youths into the White Lotus Cult fortress. After a long main road, we entered a bustling village rivaling a large town. It seemed where White Lotus Cult members lived.
The cult members greeted the youths warmly.
"Oh, who are they?"
"No need to know. Step aside."
"Hmm... Alright."
The youth replied curtly, but the villagers complied without displeasure. They seemed trusted locally. Curious while following, I asked.
"I'm Baek Woong. Who are you?"
"No need to know!"
Their strong rejection showed heavy wariness. Seemingly rude, but they observed etiquette—no gagging, binding, or sealing. Instead, Mang-ryang murmured, surveying.
"The people look happy. Compared to other Gansu regions."
The youth smirked proudly.
"Of course. Here, people aren't exploited by landlords, sharing crops and money equally. They've escaped endless squeezing."
"Equality... fate..."
Mang-ryang pondered the youth's words. As he said, the locals brimmed with vitality. Unlike other Gansu villages overflowing with starving commoners and slaves unable even to eat congee.
'Indeed, overcoming birth-given status and fate is near impossible.'
I'd toured Shandong before. Its people seemed even harder off than barren Gansu, endlessly exploited into banditry. Even in Guanzhong, many bandits were those starving without wealth. These people living unusually happily stood out.
Soon, passing the large village, we reached another gate. The youth spoke to a white-robed middle-aged man there.
"We've brought outsiders. Calls himself Anti-Heaven Alliance Leader, here to see the Cult Leader."
"Anti-Heaven Alliance Leader... I've heard the name."
The white-robed man muttered, scanning us with deep-set eyes. Then.
"That one is exceptional. What is he?"
His gaze was on Jin So-cheong. Though fully concealing his aura to seem ordinary, he saw through instantly. Jin So-cheong replied.
"I've come to escort the Anti-Heaven Alliance Leader."
"Hmm... Impressive. Absolute realm at that age... Feels like seeing the Origin Lord..."
The white-robed man, marveling repeatedly, said.
"Follow me. You can see the Cult Leader right away."
"Pardon, but who are you?"
"Insolent!"
The youth glared at Mang-ryang. Asking identity seemed blasphemous; his hand trembled. He hesitated to act because the white-robed man watched interestedly.
The white-robed man answered Mang-ryang.
"This old one is the Third Elder."
"Third Elder?"
"The third old fogey in the corner room, heh heh."
Chuckling, the Third Elder gestured, smoothly opening the gate's iron door.
Rumble—
The massive door, weighing thousands of catties, opened like a swinging one, revealing his terrifying internal energy.
"......!!"
In that moment, I guessed the Third Elder's identity. Mang-ryang and Jin So-cheong had likely known earlier.
'White Lotus Cult's Council of Elders...!!'
That explained why the youths didn't seal us. Not just confidence in their skills, but Elders and super-experts nearby prevented mischief. Knowing such experts lurked made survival feel unreal.
This was the White Lotus Cult's power!
No wonder it conquered the Central Plains martial world in mere years in my tenth reincarnation. Beside me, Mang-ryang was visibly tense; only Jin So-cheong remained calm.
[Mi-ho. You okay?]
Secretly touching my jade pendant, I sent a soul message. Mi-ho replied.
[Too many monster-like humans here. As promised, grab you and bolt if needed, got it?]
[Yeah, got it.]
Mi-ho was currently transformed into the jade pendant to protect me. Unlike living forms, inorganic transformations were easy, allowing long duration. She could revert anytime.
Following the Third Elder awhile, an antique building appeared. Its plaque read Cult Leader Hall. Entering, people greeted him here and there.
"Hey."
"Hey."
"Goood to see you~"
"Yeah~"
The Third Elder acknowledged each. Wrinkled elders with liver spots, boy-like youths—all Council of Elders experts with immense energy.
'Damn... So the Cult Leader Hall has Elders wandering when bored?'
I gritted my teeth. I remembered the place for future Bi-deung trips, but had no desire to return.
Truly a dragon's lair, tiger's den!
Rampaging alone here? I'd be torn apart before half an incense stick burned. Forcing calm, we reached a room. The Third Elder said.
"Cult Leader. It's the Third Elder."
[What is it?]
"The Anti-Heaven Alliance Leader has come."
[Let them enter.]
Creak.
Entering, the White Lotus Cult Leader's silhouette loomed as before, feet visible. The Third Elder beside whispered lowly.
"Pay respects to the Cult Leader."
We all clasped hands and bowed. Normally repulsive, but knowing his martial prowess dispelled aversion. After the greeting, the White Lotus Cult Leader spoke.
[I saw you days ago, yet you return so soon.]
"Unable to wait, I hurried to see you, Cult Leader."
[Good. I'm quite pleased too. Your words were most intriguing.]
At the White Lotus Cult Leader's following words, my mind blanked momentarily.
[... As you surmised, the 'ancient ruler's' curse. My son's strange illness stems from that monster.]