Chapter 181
Chapter 181
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Ace
Chapter: 181
Chapter Title: Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors
-----------------------------------------------------------------
I traveled with Jin So-cheong to the area near Hubei Province's Wudang Mountains. Since I had never actually visited the Wudang Sect's main mountain, we had to proceed on foot from there. As he followed me, Jin So-cheong said,
"Your face is filled with an impatience I've never seen before, little brother."
"......"
"Is something the matter?"
I hesitated at Jin So-cheong's question, then leaped up to the mountain peak twenty-odd zhang in a single breath using lightness skill before replying.
"Senior brother. No matter what it takes, I will accomplish this task."
"It's certainly important. If you gain the Wudang Sect's recognition, our situation will improve dramatically."
Jin So-cheong responded, then continued with a puzzled tone.
"But, little brother... If you're this agitated, you won't be able to perform at your best. Martial arts require harmony of mind, technique, and body, so compose yourself before we reach Mount Wudang."
"Understood."
I felt grateful for Jin So-cheong's concern in his own way.
'I'm sorry, senior brother.'
I couldn't carelessly mention that Mang-ryang was suffering from overwork due to his heavy responsibilities. It wasn't a matter of trust in Jin So-cheong; there simply wasn't enough information yet to make a hasty judgment. All I could do was handle my own task perfectly.
Pa-ba-bat
Before long, Jin So-cheong and I arrived at a small village fifty li from Mount Wudang. Exhausted from running all day, we decided to find lodging there. Since it was a small village without proper inns or guesthouses, we had no choice but to stay at the village chief's house.
"Thank you for letting us stay."
"Haha, one night is no trouble."
Of course, it wasn't free; we paid three taels of silver. With a wry smile, I lay down to rest and recover my internal energy and stamina. Tomorrow we would enter Mount Wudang, and I wanted my condition to be at its peak.
The next day, we reached the foothills of Mount Wudang. Before coming, Senior Brother Jin So-cheong had prepared a round bamboo hat, which he now lifted slightly as he spoke.
"Little brother. You're aware that the Wudang Sect has the Sword-Shedding Grounds."
"Yes."
The Sword-Shedding Grounds!
It was a famous—not quite famous—site of the Wudang Sect, signifying that all who wished to enter must leave their weapons behind. Considering how a weapon was as vital as one's life to a warrior, it was absurd, yet the Wudang Sect had upheld this tradition since its founding. Another hundred zhang or so, and we would likely reach it.
I stood silently for a moment, then muttered,
"Arrogant."
"Isn't it? I think so too."
And it was the height of arrogance and humiliation. Demanding that they leave behind weapons as dear as their lives was a blatant display of the Wudang Sect's dominance. Indeed, no other sect in the martial world dared create such a place except Wudang. Maintaining the Sword-Shedding Grounds unscathed proved the sect's overwhelming power.
Jin So-cheong grinned mischievously.
"Little brother. Shall we make a scene?"
I shook my head.
"I know what your 'scene' entails, so no."
"Huh?"
"Any other time, maybe, but not this time."
I knew it well. Though Jin So-cheong smiled brightly now, once he started a "scene," he became an unstoppable god of destruction that no one could restrain. In my past life, I had witnessed him single-handedly demolish the Zhongnan Sect without question or hesitation.
'We came to talk with the Wudang Sect, so not today.'
I pleaded earnestly with Jin So-cheong.
"Senior brother. Please. Let's just talk."
Jin So-cheong drooped dejectedly, lowering his spear.
"But leaving those insolent fools who demand we surrender our weapons goes against my nature."
"If you insist, I'll go up alone."
"Ugh... Fine."
Reluctantly, Jin So-cheong agreed to my request. I breathed a sigh of relief inwardly. Given how he had overturned the Zhongnan Sect alone in the past, if he acted now, he might well shatter the Wudang Sect entirely.
Soon, we arrived at the Sword-Shedding Grounds, where five Wudang Taoists appeared silently. They clasped their hands in greeting and said,
"Might we know which martial artists you are?"
"Baek Woong and Jin So-cheong of the Thunder God School."
"......!!"
The Wudang Taoists exchanged surprised glances upon hearing our introduction. They seemed well aware of the Thunder God School's reputation—or infamy. One in the center stepped forward, eyeing us sharply.
"I am Mu-gwang of the Wudang Sect. Forgive my rudeness, but what brings the Thunder God School to our sect?"
Mu generation.
That made him a later-generation disciple active in the martial world, likely one of the Wudang Eight Swords the sect prided itself on. At minimum a first-class expert, he probably commanded considerable fame. His internal energy suggested he was near peak level.
I said to Mu-gwang,
"I'm afraid I can't disclose it unless you're an elder or sect leader. Simply relay that it's related to your sect's supreme arts."
"What...!!"
Mu-gwang's face flushed with anger, interpreting it as treating him like a mere gatekeeper. But having come on behalf of the Thunder God School's dignity, I couldn't humble myself further and continued calmly.
"I can say this: if handled at your discretion, it will lead to great disaster."
"Hmm."
He suppressed his anger and replied,
"Then follow me. I'll guide you to lodging."
"Understood."
"First, please disarm here."
"And if we don't?"
At that moment, flames seemed to spark in the eyes of Mu-gwang and the other four Wudang disciples.
"We hope for a wise choice."
Their aura was no joke, and the other four's skills weren't far below Mu-gwang's. Seeing this, I understood.
'As the first gateway to the Wudang Sect, the Sword-Shedding Grounds is guarded by considerable experts.'
But I couldn't fathom why. The Sword-Shedding Grounds was merely a training ground of Taoist virtue where vicious weapons shouldn't enter—why risk lives over it? Or was the site itself the sect's honor? As a disciple of the Thunder God School, it made little sense to me.
Jin So-cheong felt it even more; arms crossed, he said,
"You there, Mu-gwang."
"Why do you call?"
"Aren't you afraid standing guard here? We're not here with ill intent, yet your attitude makes one despise the Wudang Sect. What if ruthless demonic experts come and slaughter you without a second thought?"
"......"
"You know the world is full of masters who could cut down you five with ease."
Jin So-cheong's words were genuine curiosity, not provocation. Mu-gwang, no fool, grasped the intent. After a moment's thought, he nodded and answered.
"If my attitude seemed rude, I apologize. But I'm carrying out my sect's duty, so please understand."
"Hmm."
"As for fear—yes, of course. As you say, a demonic overlord could slay us five brothers in one go. We'd all be dead."
Mu-gwang clenched his fist resolutely and continued.
"But even so, we cannot allow villains and vicious weapons into the place where young disciples diligently cultivate the Way. We stand ready to guard this gate even at the cost of our lives. We believe the sect will avenge us if we fall."
Conviction rang in Mu-gwang's voice.
"Hmm..."
Jin So-cheong pondered, arms still crossed, then nodded.
"I understand."
Whiiik
Without hesitation, Jin So-cheong thrust his spear into the Sword-Shedding Grounds. I followed suit with my weapon, then trailed Mu-gwang. As we went, Jin So-cheong transmitted,
[As expected of Wudang. These seem like low-level disciples, yet they have spirit.]
[The two pinnacle righteous sects naturally would.]
[The Wudang Sect leader must be no ordinary man. Can you really persuade them?]
Jin So-cheong had deliberately tested the Wudang Sect's spirit. As the saying goes, clear water above ensures clear water below; the morale and backbone of low disciples reveal a sect's strength.
The result left no doubt: Wudang was the pinnacle of the Central Plains. Even Jin So-cheong's tone held wariness, suggesting formidable power—far beyond the Zhongnan Sect.
[I have to.]
I resolved to make Wudang side with the Thunder God School, even if it meant dying here. Failure would doom Mang-ryang's plan.
We entered the Wudang Sect's reception hall and waited a long while.
After about half a shichen, Mu-gwang opened the door.
"The sect leader will see you personally. Follow."
We followed Mu-gwang up the mountain path for about five li—a considerable distance for ordinary folk, underscoring the sect's vast territory. They had bases everywhere, claiming all of Mount Wudang.
Entering the sect leader's hall, three experts awaited us, flanked by a dozen peak Wudang experts lined up.
"Are you the Thunder God School's emissaries?"
A deep, resonant voice.
A white-haired elder with a long white beard, the epitome of immortal Taoist bearing in Wudang robes, sat in the center chair. Two other emaciated elders in Wudang attire flanked him.
Their auras weren't overpowering or sharp—rather, ordinary-like. I knew this was the Return to Purity realm among transcendent peaks, where one concealed vast energy inwardly. Like Lee Gwang and Jin So-cheong, they had attained it. I hadn't; I relied on acupuncture to hide my qi, feeling the gap even within transcendent peaks.
'Amazing...!!'
Awed by their prowess, I clasped my hands and said,
"Baek Woong and Jin So-cheong of the Thunder God School."
"I am Qingfengzi, and beside me are my junior brothers Qingyi and Qingyun."
"An honor to meet the Wudang Sect leader."
The Immeasurable Sword Immortal, Qingfengzi!
Current Wudang leader and unrivaled sword immortal of the world. At the martial pinnacle, teacher of Righteous Heaven Alliance Leader Wi Ji-hon, who oversaw Wudang's secular branch. Absolute apex among Taoist sects.
Qingyi and Qingyun were also transcendent Taoist experts active in his generation; the trio symbolized Wudang. Reflecting on Qingfengzi's presence, I broached the purpose.
"Our visit must seem sudden."
"Your Thunder God School is currently branded a public enemy by the Righteous Heaven Alliance and recently annihilated the Nine Great Sects' Yellow Mountain Sect. No greater foe exists. Have you come here to die?"
Wuuuuu
As Qingfengzi finished, the three transcendent experts unleashed their energy. It manifested tangibly, pressing me with killing intent. Ceasing to conceal, they wielded formless pressure. Yet it paled against the Dharma Protector Lion's, so I endured calmly.
"Annoying!"
Jin So-cheong's eyebrow twitched; he swung his hand suddenly.
Hwooung
"......!!"
"What?!"
The Wudang disciples were stunned. With a mere wave, Jin So-cheong dispersed the auras of Qingfengzi, Qingyi, and Qingyun simultaneously. Unharmed but shocked by his feat, especially Qingfengzi, who shot to his feet.
"How at your age...!!"
Jin So-cheong replied curtly,
"We surrendered our weapons at the Sword-Shedding Grounds as requested, yet you pressure us first. Is this all Wudang amounts to?"
"What..."
"Make no mistake: I'm yielding one move for my junior brother's sake. If I act, everyone here dies."
Paaaah
Was it my imagination, or did an Asura's visage flicker? Vast formless energy surged from Jin So-cheong, raging outward in a qi storm. Overwhelmed, the flanking peak experts vomited blood and flew back.
"Uwaaak."
"Heok."
The three transcendent experts before us staggered, retreating three steps each. Qingfengzi, strongest, merely stepped back once, eyes bulging. Though formless, his mere presence swept the hall. Jin So-cheong smirked.
"I merely returned it in kind, so no complaints."
"Senior brother. This is a bit..."
Surveying the chaos—some unconscious, others meditating on injuries—I noted that a touch more malice would have killed all but the three.
Realizing Jin So-cheong's words weren't empty, Qingfengzi glared fiercely.
"You dare threaten Wudang with force and think you'll escape unscathed?"
"Quite fine. Because my junior brother's proposal is one you can't refuse."
"What..."
"Go on."
Jin So-cheong glanced at me; I realized he had set the stage.
'Jin So-cheong thought Wudang's arrogance would make them ignore me.'
Never worried about their strength, he feared their Central Plains pinnacle pride would dismiss my offer. Thus, he created a situation amenable to talk—in true Thunder God School fashion.
Grateful inwardly, I spoke slowly.
"Wudang Sect Leader. By chance, I obtained a great fortuitous encounter closely tied to your sect, so I've come to return it."
"......!!"
"I'd prefer the rest be confidential."
Hinting at fewer ears, Qingfengzi grunted.
"Hmm. Everyone out. Withdraw a hundred zhang."
"Sect Leader..."
"Even if Jin So-cheong attacks, you can't help."
"Yes."
The experts filed out, leaving only we two Thunder God School members and the three Wudang elders. Qingfengzi glared.
"Is that fortuitous encounter our Wudang supreme art?"
"'Our Wudang' is imprecise. It's the lifework of an absolute grandmaster."
Hearing my correction, Qingfengzi—and Qingyi and Qingyun—paled, sensing something.
"Could it be..."
"What I obtained is Patriarch Zhang Sanfeng's legacy arts."
"......!!"
Qingyun beside Qingfengzi trembled, beard quivering as he shouted.
"Impossible! You demonic scum claim to have gained that one's enlightenment?!"
"Why else would we visit Wudang ourselves amid the current martial turmoil just to lie?"
"Wretch. Then demonstrate it."
"If you wish..."
Staring steadily at Qingfengzi, I said,
"I left my sword at the Sword-Shedding Grounds. Could you lend one?"
"Use this."
Qingfengzi flung his sword. I caught it reflexively; immense internal force laced it—enough to kill a young expert outright. I smiled wryly.
'His pride must be deeply wounded.'
Slowly, I began demonstrating Patriarch Zhang Sanfeng's arts one by one.
Wuuuuu
My body moved fluidly with the qi, fruits of painstaking practice emerging. First came Coiling Void Sword and Heaven Contracting Sword, showcasing their unique attractive forces.
"Ooh..."
"That...!!"
Witnessing space warp under Coiling Void and suction from Heaven Contracting, they exclaimed in awe. Satisfied, I transitioned to others.
True Martial Seven Absolutes Scripture
Profound Heaven Five Divine Decisions
Supreme Ultimate Willow Intent Sword
Seven Stars Shadow Escape
These four supreme arts weren't battle-ready like the first two, but grasping those would reveal their profundity.
Regretfully, I couldn't attempt Unrivaled Hegemon—unbelievably domineering and demanding, likely requiring a decade-plus of training just to begin.
Pa-ba-ba-bat
Finally, Seven Stars Shadow Escape struck seven directions. Exactly three hundred breaths of demonstration. Sheathing slowly as I caught my breath, Qingfengzi exclaimed.
"...Baek Woong, do you know these arts' names?"
"Of course."
"Tell us."
"Coiling Void Sword, Heaven Contracting Sword, True Martial Seven Absolutes Scripture, Profound Heaven Five Divine Decisions, Supreme Ultimate Willow Intent Sword, Seven Stars Shadow Escape! The patriarch said these were his late-life realizations, so Wudang likely knows most not."
Qingfengzi sighed deeply.
"Indeed. Except Coiling Void and Heaven Contracting, all are our secret transmissions, lost to history. And those two are still cultivated by our martial uncle."
"...Martial uncle?"
What did that mean?
Qingfengzi was clearly elderly, white-haired—yet his martial uncle lived? Stunned, Qingfengzi eyed us deeply.
"Seems a Thunder God School disciple truly acquired our Wudang secrets. What do you seek by coming?"
"Nothing else. Our Thunder God School leader deems further fighting unnecessary and plans an armistice with the Righteous Heaven Alliance. We'll return your secrets; in exchange, support the truce with us and persuade other sects."
"......"
Qingfengzi sat, lips moving. Qingyi and Qingyun did likewise—transmitting among themselves. Jin So-cheong beside me transmitted,
[Little brother. Two terrifying masters are approaching.]
[What? Who?]
[Unknown. But stronger than these three.]
[No way.]
[Decide quickly. If fleeing, now's the time.]
I gritted my teeth.
'Failure dooms Mang-ryang's plan—and shortens his life. That can't happen!'
Normally I'd flee, but stubbornness prevailed.
[No! We'll hold.]
[Understood.]
Soon, Qingfengzi looked up.
"Apologies, but I can't decide. This goes to my martial uncle."
Passing the buck!
Dumbfounded, I growled,
"A Nine Great Sects leader can't decide? Does that make sense?"
"I agree, but unavoidable. Coiling Void and Heaven Contracting were his lifelong obsessions. I must hear his will."
"Ugh..."
Then—
Kwoong!
Two figures crashed through the ceiling into the hall—likely the "terrifying masters" Jin So-cheong mentioned. One a scruffy teenage Taoist boy, the other a robed monk. The boy looked younger than me.
The boy Taoist snapped irritably at Qingfengzi,
"Qingfeng! Why call me late for such a crucial matter?"
Qingfengzi, Qingyun, and Qingyi knelt, foreheads to the ground.
"We pay respects to Martial Uncle Myeong-ryongzi!"
The monk beside Myeong-ryongzi murmured lowly,
"I was playing go with Myeong-ryongzi when this arose."
"Hmph... Calling yourself Divine Monk means nothing if you can't read the heavens."
"Sorry about that. But this old monk doesn't fancy the title much either, Myeong-ryongzi."
Hearing them, my mind went blank.
'...We're done for.'
Myeong-ryongzi and Divine Monk!
Myeong-ryongzi unknown to me, but an age-reversing transcendent and the hidden expert Mang-ryang mentioned. Divine Monk: Shaolin's top echelon, one of the Three Generations'奇人 of the righteous faction.
Even the Dharma Protector Lion wouldn't underestimate them!
The pinnacle righteous sects—Shaolin and Wudang's supreme experts—were here.