Chapter 209
Chapter 209
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Ace
Chapter: 209
Chapter Title: Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Paat!
A short while later, I headed to Hebei with Mangnyang. Among the places I'd been to, the one closest to the Crimson Dragon Sect was a remote village in the northern part of Hebei Province. Mangnyang examined the map and spoke.
"From the information we got from the Anti-Heaven Alliance member, it seems heading three hundred li northeast from here will take us to the Crimson Dragon Sect."
"Three hundred li? That's nothing. Let's get going."
Tadadot!
Mangnyang and I started running together. We dashed through fields and leaped across rivers along the riverbanks. But after about a hundred li, Mangnyang was panting heavily, clearly exhausted.
"Huff... huff... Hold on a second..."
"Hm? Tired already?"
Wasn't he tiring out too quickly? As I tilted my head, Mangnyang gave a hollow laugh.
"Ha... haha... Normal humans can't sprint a hundred li at full speed like a horse... We haven't rested once so far... Huff... huff... I'm only managing this much thanks to the inner energy I gained from elixirs... And you don't look tired at all..."
"......"
Only then did I truly realize just how monstrous my stamina had become. Mangnyang was at a level where he'd be called a first-class expert in the martial world, with impressive inner energy to boot, yet sprinting a hundred li at full speed had left him utterly drained. I realized I'd been inconsiderate.
"Tch, sorry about that."
"Whew... Let's rest a bit before we go."
"No. I'll just carry you on my back."
"What? Uh...."
I immediately hoisted Mangnyang onto my back and unleashed Annihilation Step and Thunder Command, then started running. When heading to the North Pole, it had been such a long distance that I needed to pace myself, but with only two hundred li left now, I could just run like mad—my inner energy would hold out fine.
Screeech!
The air tore with a ripping sound. I was running nonstop at ten times a horse's speed. Space itself seemed to contract sharply, no worse than the Shrinking Earth Technique. Mangnyang, slung over my back, seemed to just be clinging tightly to my shoulder.
Before long, I reached the top of a mountain ridge. With my exceptional eyesight, I scanned the surroundings and spotted a cluster of large buildings.
"Is that it?"
"Yes. That's the Crimson Dragon Sect."
I'd assumed Cheokwol was thoroughly hiding her identity in the jianghu. Otherwise, she couldn't possibly operate a sect so openly with such massive buildings. Despite her explosive temperament, she must be quite cunning and quick-witted.
"Hmm... Should we go straight in?"
"Of course not. Cheokwol said to meet in Stone Forest Village nearby."
"Stone Forest Village? That one there?"
From the mountaintop, I could see a small village about three li from the Crimson Dragon Sect. Mangnyang nodded, so I carried him there on my back.
Taat!
I set Mangnyang down in front of the village. His stamina seemed fully recovered; he was wiping off his sweat. Then he said,
"You carried me here and you're not even tired?"
"Fit as a fiddle."
Some inner energy and stamina had been consumed, but it recovered in no time. Probably just sitting for about one gak would restore me completely.
"...Your lightness skill might be among the top five in the world."
Mangnyang made a face of utter dismay and took the lead.
"She said there's a cave behind the village chief's house in Stone Forest Village. Cheokwol should be waiting there."
"What a hassle... Why is Cheokwol so paranoid?"
"Because if the White Lotus Cult's elders came charging in, she couldn't handle them. She's always on guard against their raids."
"......"
It hit me anew just how unusual Lee Gwang was. He operated under the Righteous Heaven Alliance's protection, boldly thrusting himself into the open world, which made even the White Lotus Cult hesitate to touch him. But that approach required tremendous guts—normally, hiding like Cheokwol was the sane choice.
A moment later, as we arrived at the cave entrance, a middle-aged man in red robes standing there spoke.
"Who are you?"
Mangnyang replied.
"Those who defy the heavens."
"Enter. She's waiting."
The middle-aged man stepped aside from the cave. I guessed he was a considerable expert.
'Faint traces of Thunder Spirit energy... So he's cultivated the Thunder God Style arts too...'
Given that Cheokwol brought him here, he must be deeply trusted, likely a Crimson Dragon Sect high expert well-versed in the Thunder God Style. As we ventured deeper into the cave, lanterns brightened our view, and at the end waited Cheokwol.
Cheokwol glanced at Mangnyang and me before speaking.
"Who's the Anti-Heaven Alliance Leader?"
"Me."
Mangnyang raised his hand without hesitation, and Cheokwol said in surprise,
"You? Not that monster over there?"
"That's right."
"Hmm..."
Cheokwol let out a low hum and sat in a prepared chair.
"Sit down. Let's talk."
"Of course."
Mangnyang and I took our seats. Cheokwol stared piercingly at us for a long while before opening her mouth.
"Is this Jin So-cheong guy such an amazing genius?"
"Indeed. There's no one in the world with greater martial talent, and he's probably on par with the current White Lotus Cult Leader."
"Why haven't we heard of him until now?"
"Because Triple Excellence Lee Gwang kept him hidden tight. It was probably his ultimate trump card for revenge against the White Lotus Cult."
At that, Cheokwol flashed a sinister smile.
"Kekeke... That brat's irrelevant. Jin So-cheong's talent is what matters."
"We're providing your group with full support. If you wish, we can even arrange for Jin So-cheong to come to the Crimson Dragon Sect."
Cheokwol waved a hand at Mangnyang's words.
"No. Not yet."
"What?"
"We need to judge him ourselves after seeing him in person. Isn't there some way?"
At Cheokwol's question, Mangnyang thought for a moment before replying.
"Of course there's a way."
"Tell me."
What followed from Mangnyang left me stunned.
"This warrior here is also a descendant of the Thunder God Style resisting the White Lotus Cult. Have him spar with Jin So-cheong—surely even you would be convinced?"
"......!!"
"Come watch at the sparring grounds yourself."
I shot Mangnyang a shocked look, but he remained utterly nonchalant. At his words, Cheokwol glanced at me and said,
"I've been wondering about you since the entrance. You're hiding it, but that terrifying inner energy... and the unmistakable power of the Thunder Spirit from the Thunder God Style arts. You're definitely at or beyond Licensed Successor level— a sect master-grade transcendent peak expert."
"......"
As expected, he'd sensed my inner energy level. On the surface, it was nearly indistinguishable from Heavenly Spirit Pill level, so caution was warranted.
"Who are you?"
I hesitated for a split second. How should I reveal myself in this situation?
As I agonized, Mangnyang spoke up for me.
"He studied under an unnamed Thunder God Style high expert after consuming Millennium Snow Ginseng. Thanks to his immense inner energy, he reached a high realm at a young age, but the ginseng's side effect left him with a constitution that ages slowly from a youthful appearance. That's why he looks much younger than his actual age."
"Urgh... Millennium Snow Ginseng...!!"
I couldn't say a word. Mangnyang's story was a lie, but it wove in enough truth to make it cleverly hard to refute. After explaining that far, he smiled faintly and added,
"...However, this warrior's talent doesn't even reach the tip of Jin So-cheong's toe. That should be worth looking forward to, no?"
"......"
Cheokwol pondered deeply. Then she spoke.
"Fine. We'll do it that way."
Mangnyang then discussed with Cheokwol at length how to arrange the spar between Jin So-cheong and me before we left the cave. Only after traveling about twenty li away and confirming no tails did I speak up.
"Mangnyang. What was that? A spar with Jin So-cheong? You didn't say a word to me."
"If I'd told you ahead, you'd have chickened out and refused. You wouldn't have even come here."
"......"
He wasn't wrong. Mangnyang looked at me and continued.
"Don't you need a check-up once in a while? To objectively see what level Jin So-cheong is at now, and where you stand. Everything else is just a bonus."
I hesitated.
"But..."
"Win or lose, it doesn't matter—just clash with him."
"What if I win? Won't that be trouble?"
Mangnyang eyed me like I was asking something ridiculous and replied.
"Not at all. If Cheokwol and Nokwol aren't blind, they'll instantly recognize Jin So-cheong's terrifying genius. Hell, I'd strongly recommend you crush him."
"Why?"
"Why, you ask."
Mangnyang chuckled.
"I've inherited the Black Onyx's memories from you. It's not just hearing your journey as a story— I know intimately the hardships you've endured. How could I not root for you?"
"......!!"
"I'm making this proposal because I believe you'll win."
Emotion welled up inside me.
'Mangnyang believes in me this much?'
Current Jin So-cheong was likely at transcendent peak expert realm, and I was probably at the same level. It wasn't a sure loss for me, but his genius was so astounding I couldn't guarantee victory. Plus, I'd always shrunk before his talent in past lives. Deep down, I didn't want to fight him if I could avoid it.
But if my friend Mangnyang believed in me this much, that changed everything. An unfamiliar fighting spirit and competitive fire surged within me. Mangnyang's next words fanned those flames higher.
"Plus, if you beat Jin So-cheong, Lee Gwang's face will be priceless."
"You're right! Let's do it!"
That's a sight I really want to see!
As my fighting spirit blazed, Mangnyang said,
"I'll have an Anti-Heaven Alliance member send the challenge letter to Lee Gwang for a martial demonstration. Aim for about a month from now, so polish your skills until then."
"A month is too short for major progress..."
At that, Mangnyang replied as if he'd expected it.
"You're at transcendent peak now, so breakthroughs won't come easy. The method's obvious, isn't it? Seek guidance from an even stronger expert."
"From who?"
"Learning from a White Lotus Cult Guardian would be ideal, but you want to keep your face hidden from them if possible. Which leaves one perfect candidate."
I returned to Jinrang Valley with Mangnyang. There, he asked Mihu a favor.
"Mihu-nim. First, please return to Dongyoung and gather the Black Onyx. Only you can do it."
Mihu nodded.
"Of course. I'll leverage my political influence to collect every last one and even locate the Black Onyx mines. With plenty of Black Onyx, Baek Woong will have far more options."
"Thank you."
"No need for thanks."
Mihu stroked my cheek with a bright smile.
"I've decided to move for Baek Woong's sake."
Mihu's attitude had changed a lot. Before, as long as I stayed alive, she couldn't care less about the rest—a apathetic stance. But joining that recent debate and now actively gathering Black Onyx? That was uncharacteristically proactive for the old Mihu. I grabbed her hand and said,
"Thanks, Mihu!"
"Hmph, think that'll fluster me?"
Mihu scoffed playfully, then suddenly wrapped her arms around me and kissed me.
"......!!"
Our lips met in a surprise attack, sending lightning down my spine. Unlike the half-joking teases I'd used to rile her up, a sultry energy flowed through my body. My face flushed beet red in an instant, breath catching in my throat.
Mihu pulled away after a long moment, flashing a bewitching smile.
"Ufufu, this time it's for real."
"Urk..."
I was at a loss. Her genuine seduction hit several times harder than before, unleashing powerful waves of sexual impulse. As I fidgeted helplessly, Mangnyang muttered in disgust.
"Ugh... Goosebumps..."
"Hmph! Jealous? Get yourself a girlfriend. Kyahaha."
Mangnyang sidled up and whispered to me.
[Calm your loins.]
Mihu eyed me curiously.
"It's quite impressive."
"......!!"
I bolted to a secluded spot by the boiling spring. There, I bathed under the waterfall, cultivating Thunder Dragon One Qi Art more intensely than ever while desperately reciting the Thunder Purity Scripture.
"Uwaaaah!!"
Begone, worldly desires!
Vanish, temptations!
After about half a shichen passed, my erection subsided, and I could return to Jinrang Valley.
"Kyahaha... Took you long enough?"
Mihu cackled, but I couldn't meet her eyes.
'This isn't good.'
If Mihu ramped up the seduction, I wasn't sure I could hold out. Before, her human-beguiling was half-playful, but now she genuinely liked me and was deploying full yokai charm.
"Alright, let's go!"
"Eh?"
I grabbed Mihu's hand and flew at top speed to the Imperial Palace in Dongyoung, dropping her off there.
"Black Onyx—I'm counting on you!"
"Hey, wait..."
Paat!
I zipped straight back to Jinrang Valley. That brief exertion had drained my mind power; I panted heavily.
"Huff... huff..."
Mihu's dangerous. Next time I see her, I might not hold back and pounce.
Mangnyang smirked at me and said,
"You showed no reaction to world-class beauties like Lady Seomun Hye or Lady Sa Gong-rin, so why are you so weak to Mihu-nim?"
"......"
You know damn well why!
I wanted to shout it internally but played dumb instead. No way I'd open my mouth and get argued down by Mangnyang.
"Anyway, safe travels. Best of luck with your training."
"Leave it to me."
A short while later, I flew via lightness skill to a familiar place.
Upon arrival, the guard warriors, not recognizing my face, questioned me.
"Who are you?"
I'd been here once under the name Baek Woong. But with my appearance altered by plastic surgery, they wouldn't know. I replied,
"I'm someone called So Woong. I've come with a gift for your sect leader."
"A gift? What kind?"
"Sorry, but I can only tell him in person."
The gatekeepers went inside to report, then returned.
"Enter."
I stepped into the sect grounds and soon met the sect leader. A rugged, manly middle-aged man awaited within. He eyed me sharply and spoke.
"So Woong, was it? What's your relation to Baek Woong?"
"I'm his younger brother."
"Younger brother... You don't look anything alike."
"I hear that a lot. But we trained at the same sect as brothers."
I already knew he'd sensed my inner energy and martial prowess. So I muddled through cleverly. With my voice altered by surgery too, how could he suspect I was Baek Woong?
"......"
The sect leader fell silent for a moment, then said,
"Fair enough. So, So Woong, Baek Woong's brother—what's this gift for me?"
"This."
I presented him with the Yodo Muramasa. Examining it closely, the sect leader exclaimed in admiration.
"Indeed, the Yodo Muramasa! Quite the gift."
"I'm glad you like it."
"Yes... Offering a peerless weapon like this must come with a purpose. State your business. I'll grant what I can."
I spoke politely.
"I wish to learn the sword from the renowned head of the Eight Demonic Sects and Shadowless Sect Leader, Sword Demon Seomun Daeryong, for one month."
The Sword Demon nodded readily at my words.
"So be it. With your skill level, it should be quite enjoyable for a month."
"Thank you."
That's right.
This was the Shadowless Sect—the strongest evil sect in Henan and top among the Eight Demonic Sects!
And I'd traded the Yodo Muramasa to learn swordsmanship from its leader, Sword Demon Seomun Daeryong. It was the fastest way to boost my sword attainment to match my level right now.