Chapter 184
Chapter 184
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 184
Chapter Title: Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors
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I decided not to move for the time being.
'If Mang Ryang's death wasn't due to illness or overwork, then it must be caused by some external circumstance.'
In that case, it wouldn't hurt to wait for some change to occur before acting. With that in mind, I resolved to live my life to the fullest within the Thunder God School, now that the Three Thunderclap Venerables had joined.
Once the Thunder God School was cleared of its designation as a criminal organization by the Righteous Heaven Alliance, it vanished from the public eye and entered a phase of reestablishing relations with neighboring sects. First, it renewed ties with Guanzhong's Six Great Families, and at the same time, it gathered funds from nearby wealthy merchants. More precisely, it secured ongoing financial support in exchange for agreeing to handle a few tasks tailored to those merchants' needs.
Lee Gwang had solidified his position in Guanzhong to perfection, but he did not resume recruiting disciples for the Thunder God School. Some former Azure Dragon Martial Hall disciples wished to rejoin, but Lee Gwang rejected them all. It was probably because maintaining a small elite force was preferable at the moment, and he was wary of the possibility that spies from other sects might be among his old disciples.
And so, I formally reintroduced myself to Red Moon and Green Moon among the Three Thunderclap Venerables. After hearing the full story, Red Moon spoke in admiration.
"You possess the Wudang Sect's Zhang Sanfeng's secret arts? Then show us."
"Understood."
In front of all the Thunder God School disciples, I demonstrated Zhang Sanfeng's enlightenment just as I had done at Wudang. Red Moon and Green Moon could not hide their shocked expressions upon witnessing it all. Green Moon, unable to contain his agitation, trembled as he spoke.
"Incredible. As expected of Zhang Sanfeng."
"It's a peerless divine art."
Red Moon muttered, then said to Lee Gwang,
"The reason you've grown so strong is because you incorporated this divine ultimate art."
"I won't deny it."
"And that monstrous young punk too..."
Red Moon glanced uncomfortably at Jin So-cheong. Everyone pretended otherwise, but it was common knowledge that Jin So-cheong was currently the strongest in the Thunder God School. The way Red Moon and Green Moon treated him was like gazing upon an inscrutable monster.
He spoke gruffly.
"Hmph! But our Thunder God School's martial arts are no less."
"Who said otherwise?"
"I think we should include that guy in the research on the final ultimate technique."
When Red Moon and Green Moon both voiced this, Lee Gwang nodded.
"Of course, I intended to do the same."
And so, I joined Lee Gwang, Jin So-cheong, Red Moon, and Green Moon in researching the Thunder God School's final ultimate technique. Though called research, it mostly involved discussing and unpacking the insights we had accumulated so far, with little actual practice of martial forms.
Red Moon said,
"You lot only seem to know Thunder Cloud Hard Fist and Thunder Cloud Soft Fist, derived from the Thunder God Fist. How much do you know of the Thunder God Fist's superior ultimate techniques?"
Lee Gwang replied,
"Unfortunately, I know nothing. Few were proficient in the Thunder God School's fist techniques."
"Urgh... Even you, the successor to the grand master, and the others are even worse off. Sigh..."
Red Moon sighed in genuine frustration. Then he said,
"I'll pass on the essentials of the Thunder God Fist's superior ultimate techniques: Thunder Spirit Seal and Nine Abyss Gang Qi."
"My thanks."
Green Moon, standing beside him, said,
"Lee Gwang! Do you happen to know Magnetic Lightning Ghost Blade and Dark King Hand by any chance?"
"No. Those were the unique arts of your Ghost Soul branch even within the Thunder God School. My master didn't know them either."
"True. But they are undeniably Thunder God School martial arts. I'll teach you Magnetic Lightning Ghost Blade and Dark King Hand as well."
In an instant, four ultimate arts held by the previous generation's Thunder God School masters were unsealed. Even though they sought the final ultimate technique, I hadn't expected them to reveal their greatest secrets so readily! As I looked on in surprise, Lee Gwang slowly explained,
"As the protectors know, those are all radiant ultimate arts, but mixing them doesn't guarantee the final ultimate technique will reveal itself."
"That's the problem. But we know something."
"What do you know?"
"That you received something from the grand master regarding the completed form of the final ultimate technique..."
Red Moon and Green Moon eyed Lee Gwang meaningfully, but he replied nonchalantly,
"You're quite the master of reading between the lines. Enough with the pointless probing—let's save time."
"Hmm."
Training began with Red Moon and Green Moon teaching us the core essentials of Thunder Spirit Seal, Nine Abyss Gang Qi, Magnetic Lightning Ghost Blade, and Dark King Hand over three two-hour periods each day. Lee Gwang also shared his insights from incorporating Wudang ultimate arts. In the remaining time, we discussed our experiences with the martial arts, pointing out strengths and weaknesses.
Once again included in such a gathering, I felt an immense pressure. No, even more than before. Last time, it was just sharing feelings, but now I had to engage in profound discussions with the Thunder God School's supreme masters.
'My stomach's going to melt...'
Fortunately, Lee Gwang considered my position, so I simply continued refining Wudang martial arts and passing them on—that was enough. I didn't need to join the discussions; listening was fine.
About half a year passed like that. Progress in sharing martial arts had been made, and now it seemed we were focusing on practicing and systematizing our individual insights rather than debating. Of course, Jin So-cheong appeared to have gained the most, and he was leading the discussions, being the most advanced.
Red Moon and Green Moon demanded I hurry to find Blue Moon, but Lee Gwang rejected it outright. Because I had warned him in advance about the dangers of Mount Fuse, he agreed that we lacked sufficient force to search for Blue Moon.
And then I received news of a great change from Mang Ryang.
"You're going to start a rebellion?"
"Indeed."
Mang Ryang explained that the forces rallied under Great General Hwang Yeon were finally raising an army to rebel against the current imperial dynasty. I had anticipated it, but hadn't thought it would actually happen, so I asked,
"Wait. Weren't you of the opinion that we shouldn't kill the emperor if possible? Why the sudden change..."
"Because my allotted lifespan is nearly up. If things continue like this, the faction centered on the emperor will grow endlessly stronger. We must strike while we can."
Mang Ryang had fully recovered his health. Yet he was convinced he would die soon anyway.
"Last time, you completely crushed the Imperial Guards. You'll win this time too."
"Haha, that would be ideal. However..."
"However?"
"I've received reports of an ominous demonic energy lingering near the imperial palace. There might be an unpredictable variable."
"They haven't summoned another otherworldly being, have they?"
Mang Ryang shook his head.
"It's different from that. It's more like some 'something' that was always there deliberately revealing itself... Not quite demonic energy."
"Hmm."
"That said, we can't exactly hold back from rebelling. If I need your and the Thunder God School's help, I'll let you know."
And sure enough, three months later, the rebellion broke out as Mang Ryang predicted.
Great General Hwang Yeon's rebellion!
The justification was the same as before: publicizing the existence of the Great Thunder Prison and the East Depot and Embroidered Uniform Guard's abuses reaching their peak. Moreover, thanks to Mang Ryang's preparations via the Anti-Heaven Alliance, unlike last time, they had gathered more troops than the Imperial Guards. They had won before despite fewer numbers thanks to Mang Ryang's command—this victory was a foregone conclusion.
Upon hearing the news, Lee Gwang assembled the entire Thunder God School. He declared,
"I intend to aid the loyal patriot Great General Hwang Yeon and Mang Ryang."
Having coordinated extensively with Mang Ryang, Lee Gwang showed no hesitation. It also signified agreement to form a community of fate with the Anti-Heaven Alliance. Naturally, no one objected. Sa Gong-rin alone quietly raised her hand and asked,
"Are we blocking ambushes from the East Depot or Embroidered Uniform Guard?"
"Exactly. Jin So-cheong and I hold general ranks and will command the troops."
Lee Gwang glanced at Red Moon and Green Moon as he said this.
"You two, please protect the allied commander's safety."
"Aren't you underestimating us? Making us tussle with the East Depot or Embroidered Uniform Guard?"
"It's precisely because it's a crucial mission that I'm asking you."
"Hmph. Fine."
The Thunder God School masters joined Mang Ryang's camp the very next day.
Within days, Great General Hwang Yeon's forces clashed with the Imperial Guards, sparking a great battle. I was assigned to guard Mang Ryang and stood by his side. Once again, Mang Ryang displayed godlike command, overwhelming the imperial army even more than before, sweeping them away like falling leaves.
None of the Thunder God School disciples were clumsy enough to die on the battlefield. Bandit King Gu Cheol was already a peak expert in Wind God Style, while Jae Hu and Sa Gong-rin had made tremendous progress over the past half year, ascending to peak expert ranks. Moreover, the newly initiated Seo Mun-hye had incorporated Thunder God School arts to elevate her own skills.
KABOOM
Amid the chaotic war cries and destruction echoing everywhere, I could see the two Thunder God School protectors, Red Moon and Green Moon, rampaging like madmen. Red Moon's specialty was fists, Green Moon's was the blade, and with every move, they slaughtered Embroidered Uniform Guard elites who had come to assassinate commanders.
"Krahaha!"
The pair mass-produced corpses with such ferocious skill that it sent chills down the spine. It was fortunate they weren't the enemy. As the battlefield atmosphere turned to total victory, I said to Mang Ryang,
"We've won this war. I don't see any fate of death for you."
"Who knows... Last time, we won the battle, then the alchemist made his move."
Muttering, Mang Ryang said,
"Baek Woong. I have a favor to ask. Go to Luoyang immediately via flying sword and meet Han Baekryeong. Lead the Fire God School's main experts here."
"Got it."
As soon as Mang Ryang's order came, I flew on my flying sword to the Han family estate in Luoyang. Seeing me, Han Baekryeong said,
"Have you come as the rebels' envoy or on Thunder God School business?"
"The former."
"Speak."
"The imperial palace's sorcerer—what we call the 'alchemist'—is about to unleash otherworldly sorcery on the capital Luoyang. Please evacuate the Han family estate's experts before the damage hits."
"Otherworldly sorcery?"
I explained the curse sorcery the alchemist would use and the changes to come. Han Baekryeong countered,
"Evacuate? That sounds like surrendering to your side."
"I'd appreciate your consideration."
After a moment's thought, Han Baekryeong said,
"Very well. Wait here one double-hour."
In just one double-hour, Han Baekryeong had gathered the Han family retainers and experts. Among them were the family's guests, but also many unidentified masters—likely Fire God School adepts secretly dispatched. I stored them all in my spatial pouch and asked Han Baekryeong,
"What will you do, family head?"
"I'll gather the Twin Gate Temple leaders and speak with them."
"It seems pointless..."
"Ignorance is one thing, but if they suspect, there's a way."
Han Baekryeong smiled coldly.
I flew back to Mang Ryang on my flying sword. The battlefield was now fully won and in cleanup phase. Reporting mission accomplished in Mang Ryang's tent, he smiled bitterly.
"Truly befitting a Fire God School protector envoy. Utterly reckless."
"What do you mean?"
"Leave it. Good news might come soon enough."
Mang Ryang was right.
Great General Hwang Yeon's army advanced to the outskirts of the capital Luoyang and waited, but unlike before, no eerie fog or dark clouds shrouded the city. It meant the alchemist hadn't deployed his sorcery, leaving me puzzled.
About two double-hours later? Half a dozen figures shot out from the city gates via lightness skill.
"We come to surrender."
They were the Twin Gate Temple family heads. Entering Mang Ryang's tent, they presented a box.
An officer beside Mang Ryang opened it, and a foul stench of blood filled the tent. Mang Ryang pinched his nose, endured it, checked the contents, and looked at the Twin Gate Temple heads.
"Is this the alchemist's head?"
"Indeed."
The Great Sword Sect Leader replied curtly.
"When the bastard brazenly came to threaten us, we were prepared and struck him down with a joint attack."
"Well done. You've accomplished a great deed."
Indeed.
Han Baekryeong, having learned of the alchemist's movements in advance, must have revealed his power and identity to the Twin Gate Temple leaders. Then, when the alchemist visited them after deploying his curse sorcery to request Hwang Yeon's assassination, they immediately joint-attacked and killed him.
A warrior's combat power differs vastly with or without preparation, so the alchemist likely perished without meaningful resistance under the ultra-peak experts' combined assault. Naturally, with the sorcery's caster dead, the spell and curse dissipated.
Mang Ryang smiled meaningfully.
"Almost there. Just one move left."
One move.
The moment that one move was made, the Great Ming Empire's imperial dynasty would be overturned.