Chapter 183
Chapter 183
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Ace
Chapter: 183
Chapter Title: Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Some time later, the Thunder God Style disciples returned to the Azure Dragon Martial Hall. The hall's staff seemed wary of us after our rampage with the Righteous Heaven Alliance, but since we weren't wanted criminals, they let us pass through the gates without issue. They probably didn't want the trouble of the alliance dragging the local authorities into it. The real hassle was cleaning up and restoring the battered hall.
Three days later, as if by prior arrangement, an emissary from the Righteous Heaven Alliance arrived with a letter proposing a truce. Lee Gwang sat in his chair, reading it carefully before speaking.
"No need for a separate meeting?"
"The letter suffices, as we were instructed."
"The Righteous Heaven Alliance Leader, Wi Ji-hon?"
"Indeed. And it is the will of the entire alliance."
Lee Gwang gave a wry smile.
Once the emissary delivered the letter and departed, I said to Lee Gwang,
"The alliance leader had no real influence in this matter."
"Not entirely. If Wi Ji-hon had refused, even the Nine Great Sects' sway couldn't have forced the truce through."
"What? Isn't the alliance leader just a puppet of the Nine Great Sects?"
Lee Gwang tucked the letter into a corner of his study before replying.
"That would be true of an ordinary man. But Wi Ji-hon is exceptional. We should count ourselves fortunate he harbors no grudge against us."
"Hmm..."
Come to think of it, Lee Gwang held Wi Ji-hon in high regard. Despite the Nine Great Sects' abundance of talent, he only acknowledged Wi Ji-hon and Yeon Jeong-hong. He dismissed all other peak experts with indifference. It seemed he had firm standards for measuring a warrior's worth.
Lee Gwang stepped outside casually. Then he said,
"Isn't it about time we spoke, Thunderclap Three Venerables?"
Shhh...
At that moment, a figure in pristine white robes seemed to leap from nowhere, and in an instant, two bizarre old men appeared on the spot.
'Transcendent Lightness Skill!'
One wore red robes, the other green. They appeared around Lee Gwang's age, and if they were indeed the Thunderclap Three Venerables, their cultivation had undoubtedly reached the Transcendent realm.
The red-robed eccentric clicked his tongue and said,
"Lee Gwang. You caught us off guard starting all this trouble. True to Thunder God Style, you're as reckless as ever."
"Red Moon. Where's Blue Moon?"
"Are we your underlings? Mind that arrogant tone."
The one called Red Moon snapped irritably. It was just irritation, yet a storm of immense aura swept through the room in an instant.
Rumble...
"......!!"
The flow of formless energy! To wield such power with mere will meant Red Moon's attainment in the Transcendent realm was supremely exalted. He was incomparable to me, just at its threshold. As I swallowed hard, Lee Gwang chuckled.
"When Red-Green-Blue Thunderclap Three Venerables united, no one dared act boldly before you. But with only two here now, surely I can ask?"
The green-robed scholar-like eccentric beside him burst into laughter.
"Hahaha. If you weren't the elder's direct disciple, I'd have ripped out your tongue, Lee Gwang."
"To take my tongue, you'd lose your head first."
"You've got a knack for jokes. Haha."
I was stunned by their casual exchange.
'Ugh.'
They chatted like old friends, yet the content was brutally savage. Who would believe this was discourse among same-sect brothers? The red elder even looked itching to strike Lee Gwang down right then.
Red Moon calmed himself after a moment and said,
"Blue Moon went far off to the Eastern Seas."
"Why would that old man go all the way there?"
"To seek the Round Moon Heavenly Killing Method. He judged it could counter the cult leader's abilities."
"Hmm... Round Moon Heavenly Killing Method... What's that?"
Lee Gwang seemed somewhat baffled. Few likely knew of it. I wouldn't have either, without Kamiizumi Nobutsuna.
'And the White Lotus Cult Leader informed Kamiizumi Nobutsuna of its existence...'
An illusory killing art!
As I pondered the Round Moon Heavenly Killing Method, Red Moon said,
"I don't know much either. But Blue Moon seemed convinced in his own way."
"Well, he'll manage somehow. Do you keep in touch?"
Red Moon looked incredulous.
"Are you mad? How do you contact someone in the Eastern Seas?"
"I'm asking when you last heard from him."
Red Moon bristled.
"You little punk... You really want to die that badly!!"
Whoosh!
In that instant, Red Moon lunged at Lee Gwang. It was pure Thunder God Style technique as I knew it, but Red Moon's movement was lightning itself. With a Thunder Shadow Step evoking Annihilation Soul Step, his single strike carried world-shattering might toward Lee Gwang's chest in a flash.
Clang!
Lee Gwang parried with Thunder God Fist infused with the ultimate of Heaven's Thunder Infinity Spear. Red Moon's assault shifted over ten times in that brief moment, yet Lee Gwang deflected it all in a circular flow. After the exchange of one blow, Red Moon retreated again.
Red Moon looked shocked.
"You bastard... You've grown tremendously! You withstood my Thunder Spirit Seal?"
Crackle...
Lee Gwang's sleeves and hands bore faint scorch marks. He'd blocked the single strike in an instant but couldn't fully dissipate the ferocious Thunder Spirit Energy. Still, it wasn't an injury, proving his skill matched Red Moon's.
Lee Gwang retorted,
"Do you know how many times the rivers and mountains have changed since that day of humiliation? I stake my master's honor, so I won't hastily reform the sect."
"Hmm..."
As Red Moon's brow twitched, the watching green-robed man waved a hand.
"Enough, Red Moon. Lee Gwang's skill is our equal. He qualifies as Thunder God Style's patriarch."
"Tch. Green Moon. You want me to acknowledge this arrogant punk?"
"What will you do if not? No need to circle around with pointless pride."
"Fair enough."
Red Moon reluctantly dropped his intent to 'discipline' Lee Gwang. Watching from the side, I felt my eyes open to the clash of three transcendent experts.
'These are the Thunder God Style's current pinnacle masters.'
Red Moon replied to Lee Gwang,
"Last contact with Blue Moon was twenty years ago. He said he'd found a solid lead on the Round Moon Heavenly Killing Method."
"A lead? Then why hasn't he returned to the Central Plains?"
"What else? He's probably training with it now. Obvious, isn't it?"
"Then tell me what that final lead was."
Red Moon snapped irritably,
"Hey, kid. I get you're playing patriarch, but drop the tone. We've upheld Thunder God Style since you were in diapers. You dare interrogate us now?"
"My master bequeathed me his legacy, and I've won the sect reformation duel. I am Thunder God Style's patriarch now. As its Dharma Protectors, aren't you bound to obey the patriarch's command?"
Green Moon scoffed,
"Patriarch? Do you think you match even half your master's prowess?"
"......"
Unexpectedly, the confident Lee Gwang hesitated at the question. Then he answered honestly.
"No. My master matched you three in joint assault."
"We won't measure patriarch by martial superiority alone, but you're still lacking in our eyes. We can't acknowledge you yet."
Normally, Lee Gwang would have boldly retorted he'd best their joint attack. But even he couldn't flaunt such bravado before Red Moon and Green Moon, the previous generation's supreme masters.
Instead, Lee Gwang said calmly,
"Then what do you propose?"
"We can't recognize you as patriarch yet, but you're the closest. We'll aid you in reviving Thunder God Style and grant your requests as best we can."
"......"
"And we salute your courage."
Red Moon and Green Moon's words marked a turning point. Lee Gwang pondered briefly before saying,
"Very well. But soon you'll acknowledge me."
"We'll see."
Moments later, the three entered Lee Gwang's private chamber. Seated around the table, they seemed ready for serious discussion. Red Moon, glancing at me from his chair, said,
"Lee Gwang. Who's this kid? Quite the odd one."
"My disciple."
"Prime disciple?"
"No."
Red Moon stared piercingly at my face. Then he said,
"His internal energy is at Dharma Lion level. Far surpasses mine. Yet why does he seem so frivolous?"
Lee Gwang gave a wry smile.
"Circumstances. He's an unpolished gem of great potential."
"Hoh. Interesting."
"And he merits hearing this. Leave him be."
"Very well."
Lee Gwang must have received guidance from Mang Ryang on my position. He'd likely persuaded them to share Thunder God Style secrets with me. Thus, I stayed where others would be dismissed.
Soon, Red Moon of the Thunderclap Three Venerables said,
"We want the full story."
"I'll explain."
Lee Gwang calmly recounted events over an incense stick's time. Red Moon and Green Moon pondered deeply upon hearing it. Red Moon broke the silence first.
"That Half-Heaven Alliance Leader is a remarkable talent."
"Indeed."
"Good. The situation's favorable enough for us to assist you."
Red Moon glanced at Green Moon, who smiled faintly.
"No objections."
Red Moon and Green Moon had resolved to return as Thunder God Style's Dharma Protectors. After sipping tea, Red Moon said,
"But the White Lotus Cult Leader demanded we bring the final ultimate, Soul Annihilation, within ten years?"
"Yes."
"Without prior notice?"
"Yes."
As Lee Gwang answered dryly, Red Moon stroked his chin.
"Strange indeed. The cult leader hides something."
"What do you mean?"
"As you know, Thunder God Style's final ultimate, Soul Annihilation, is incomplete—not even a perfected form exists. Demanding it points to your master's matter."
Lee Gwang muttered with a stiff face.
"It's all speculation now."
"What do you want to do?"
"Even if not for him, it's worth attempting. A completed Soul Annihilation might rival the cult leader."
"Hmm..."
Red Moon hesitated. Green Moon then spoke.
"I oppose it. Pursuing the final ultimate might only benefit the cult leader."
"Possible. But no other way to slay him comes to mind."
"If Thunder God Style endures through successive patriarchs until the current leader dies, we can revive it then. He's called the strongest cult leader ever—absolutely invincible. Confronting him head-on is folly."
Lee Gwang sensed something in Green Moon's words. He glared sharply.
"You've built your own faction separately. That's it."
"......"
Red Moon and Green Moon fell silent, confirming his guess.
"Foolish nonsense...!!"
Lee Gwang growled, unable to contain his anger.
"Wait until the enemy dies? Even a child or scholar wouldn't say that! Afraid of his power, so wait until we rot away... Ha... Even the Thunderclap Three Venerables have fallen this far!"
Red Moon replied gravely.
"Do you think we're not furious? That we don't crave revenge? But as you know, Water God Style's arts are overwhelmingly potent—superhuman. Much less against the strongest ever, the White Lotus Cult Leader. Impossible to assail. Before revenge, as Dharma Protectors, we must preserve the sect's lineage."
"Shut up. You're just craven dogs."
"What?"
Whoooosh!
Intense tangible aura erupted from Red Moon and Green Moon. A step beyond formless energy, it could manifest for offense or defense at will. The two were enraged by Lee Gwang's words.
Lee Gwang showed no intent to back down. He'd avoided conflict earlier, but their words struck his reverse scale, so he seemed ready to subdue them by force.
I sensed intuitively.
'If this continues, they'll fight!'
If these three clashed here, it would be utter ruin. Thunder God Style would shatter instantly, and I'd fail to alter Mang Ryang's fate. I hurriedly intervened, shouting,
"Please hear me out for a moment, sirs!"
The room's battle intent subsided briefly. Green Moon eyed me and said,
"And who are you?"
"Allow me to introduce myself. I am Baek Woong, disciple of Thunder God Style."
"Baek Woong. This isn't your place to interject."
"Even so, please hear one word."
"What..."
As Green Moon looked exasperated, I bowed deeply toward the table.
"All three of you are right! But you've overlooked the most crucial point."
"......?"
The three transcendent Thunder God Style masters looked baffled. Seizing their relaxed moment, I drove in the wedge.
"I can retrieve the missing Thunderclap Three Venerable, Blue Moon, from the Eastern Seas."
An unexpected statement, unrelated to the topic.
Yet not entirely irrelevant—pivotal in some ways.
Its absurdity would disarm their killing intent and draw focus.
"Bring Blue Moon back from the Eastern Seas?"
"Isn't that so, Master?"
Seeking Lee Gwang's agreement, I saw he'd caught on. With a reluctant expression, he said,
"Yes. You could bring back Dharma Protector Blue Moon in mere months."
"......!!"
"Lee Gwang. What do you mean? This Baek Woong has such ability?"
Lee Gwang told Red Moon and Green Moon,
"He possesses such mystical powers. If you share Blue Moon's lead, we can unite to retrieve him from the Eastern Seas swiftly—hundreds of times faster."
"......!!"
"I stake my master's honor on it."
No one valued a master's honor more than Lee Gwang. Mentioning it convinced Red Moon and Green Moon. Lee Gwang continued coolly,
"I apologize for the interrogation earlier, but it was all for Thunder God Style. To swiftly retrieve Blue Moon and revive our school. Studying the three Dharma Protectors' arts and the full legacy would surely yield the final ultimate."
"Hmm..."
"But you two built your own faction somewhere, preaching to wait for the cult leader's death..."
Lee Gwang slammed the table.
"If Blue Moon, who left for the ultimate technique in the Eastern Seas, heard that, how pitiful he'd find you!"
"......"
Red Moon and Green Moon were instantly speechless. If Blue Moon never returned, fine—but with means to fetch him if located, they couldn't ignore his judgment. Being mocked by peer Dharma Protector Blue Moon would be worse than death.
Red Moon cleared his throat awkwardly.
"Ahem. Fine... We'll cooperate on completing the final ultimate."
"Red Moon?! I haven't agreed."
"Then what? Want Blue Moon to laugh at us?"
"Well..."
Green Moon scowled, then said,
"Damn it! Fine. We'll help complete the final ultimate."
"My thanks for your aid."
"If extinction looms, we'll withdraw anytime. Remember that."
"Do as you will."
Thus, Lee Gwang subtly conscripted two of the Thunderclap Three Venerables fully.
Red Moon said moments later,
"Blue Moon's last lead twenty years ago: the Aokigahara Sea of Trees at Mount Fuji in the Eastern Seas. Even there, it's a notorious perilous wilderness."
"First I've heard of it. So we go to Mount Fuji?"
"Not sure. Blue Moon warned it's a demonic realm—come only if willing to risk your life."
"Hmm..."
Having learned Blue Moon's whereabouts, Lee Gwang began discussing recent events slowly with the two Dharma Protectors. Listening, I noticed their faces softening slightly, even hints of smiles.
'For all their talk, these are sect brothers.'
As the last remnants of Thunder God Style, perhaps this was natural. I listened fully, then excused myself.
After concluding with the Dharma Protectors and assigning quarters, Lee Gwang formally introduced Red Moon and Green Moon to the disciples. Awed by their stature yet treating them as sect elders.
Seeing Geuk-ho, Green Moon said,
"You're the inheritor of Annihilation Soul Step?"
"Yes."
"Zhang Huan, that friend... Couldn't shake his pursuers after all."
"You know my master?"
Green Moon smiled wryly.
"Of course. He was Thunder God Style's top lightness skill expert..."
"Ah..."
"You've inherited his line. As long as his arts endure with us, he lives on."
Green Moon's calm words stirred the listener deeply. Geuk-ho's face welled with emotion, then steadied as he vowed firmly,
"I'll uphold my master's legacy."
Thus, I truly felt Thunder God Style back on track. Its current forces already formed an unprecedented elite powerhouse sect. Simultaneously, Mang Ryang's words surfaced.
'Thunder God Style's future path...'
I pondered briefly but shook my head. With a formidable foe before us, diligent training to defeat it was all. Worrying over the future now was foolish.
Then I summoned Mang Ryang and Miho together. Using my medical arts, I'd treated Mang Ryang with qi therapy and acupuncture concurrently, so he was much improved. Miho, with little to do, had been playing with the young girl disciples.
Sharing my encounter with the Dharma Protectors, Mang Ryang said,
"I've never heard of Mount Fuji in the Eastern Seas."
"I have."
Miho narrowed her eyes as Mang Ryang and I turned to her.
"Aokigahara Sea of Trees at Mount Fuji... Indeed a demonic realm. Where the Eastern Seas' mightiest yokai and demons gather."
"What? That dangerous?"
"I don't get this Blue Moon human. Even I couldn't enter, unsure of the yokai within—yet a mere mortal trains there seeking martial arts."
Miho looked daunted. Aokigahara Sea of Trees was truly perilous. Scratching my head, I asked,
"With my current skill, how would it go?"
"Hmph. Ridiculous. You'd barely go ten li before nameless great yokai devour you. Swarmed by shoukeru or tsuchigumo hordes, not even bones left."
"......"
Her bluntness stung a bit.
"Think of that demonic realm as a festering pit. Onmyoji clans dumped the Eastern Seas' overflowing demonic qi there, birthing yokai too potent for normal existence. Hard to find such peril in the Central Plains or Goryeo."
"Why would onmyoji do that?"
"Better one dung heap than heaven and earth as one, they figured. The Eastern Seas' land brims with demonic qi abnormally."
Miho continued irritably,
"Baek Woong. Absolutely avoid Aokigahara Sea of Trees. Dodge any excuse. Don't throw your life away needlessly."
"Got it."
Mang Ryang said,
"Now you must focus on diligent cultivation."
"Of course."
As a physician, I was confident in Mang Ryang's state. Previously debilitated and frail, now healed. My full efforts had mended his overwork and eased burdens. One more stable month, and he'd fully recover.
What gnawed was heavenly fate. Poor health could limit lifespan, or mishaps predestine it. Healing Mang Ryang might invite unforeseen doom.
Afterward, alone with Miho, I whispered,
"Miho... No real way? Beyond Mount Tai's Husband-Wife Formation to extend Mang Ryang's life..."
"...I told you. If such convenience existed, why did Qin Shi Huang seek immortality?"
Kneeling, I pleaded,
"I'm truly sorry. But Mang Ryang must live. I can't let him die like this."
"......"
Miho pondered deeply. Tossing and catching a pinecone, she finally said,
"It's not impossible."
"Oh! What method?"
"Heavenly fate is heaven-ordained destiny. Mang Ryang High Immortal tampered with heaven's mechanism. In other words, he holds authority to set heavenly fates at will."
"Hmm... But he won't meet me."
"Find tribute offerings."
Miho stated firmly.
"Mang Ryang, as celestial deity-rank, can't refuse one offering tribute without cause. Offer tribute worthy of extending Mang Ryang's life, and you can defy heaven's mechanism. Any great immortal works."
"Tribute like Makya's Water Tome or prior Portrait Ghost Tool and Crystal Stone Tablet."
Offer tribute and plead to save him!
Miho sighed at my excitement.
"Sigh... Fool. Situation's not that rosy. Why else would Mang Ryang forgo his life for Heaven-Defying Blessing? Note: Makya's Water Tome, Portrait Ghost Tool, Crystal Stone Tablet are shamanic treasures beyond peer.
Near-equivalent to immortal talismans. Recall Mang Ryang saying such rewards weren't enough."
"......!!"
"Heaven's mechanism isn't easily altered. Mang Ryang's shortened life likely from Xiang Yu's curse—overturning it demands multiples of prior tribute."
"How much?"
Dazedly asking, Miho's eyes narrowed.
"Assuming evil arts, human lives: at least seven hundred thousand..."
"......"
"Even ritual tools: three or four talismans. No need to say how hard talismans are to obtain."
Thud.
I collapsed there.
Was Mang Ryang's death truly inescapable? Must I watch him die? As I despaired, Miho said incredulously,
"Baek Woong. Even if Miho or Mang Ryang dies, your death resets it, no? Why so attached?"
"I know. I know, but... How can I just watch him die!"
"Mang Ryang's detached from his death, yet you cling ridiculously."
Miho turned away coldly.
"Don't want to talk more today. Brood alone."
She vanished with transformation art.
Miho wasn't truly angry—just disliked my persistent clinging.
I grasped her meaning. Having heard my reincarnation tale, Mang Ryang planned post-death for my future. I need only follow. Most rational.
But knowing and feeling differ.
No matter what, how can I watch my greatest ally die...!!
Gritting teeth, I racked my brains. Pacing my room that day, I pondered the best course.
'What tribute can I offer Mang Ryang High Immortal?'
Millennium Snow Ginseng? Useless. Mere potent herb, no strong shamanic value. Black-White Lotus held spirit power but not equivalent to seven hundred thousand lives.
Then it hit me.
"......!!"
This method exists.
"...It'll work."
I smiled weakly.
This must do. No other way.