Chapter 300
Chapter 300
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 300
Chapter Title: Heavenly Realm
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Heavenly Realm
When I arrived at the Azure Dragon Martial Hall, Dugu Xing was waiting for me.
"We have a lot to talk about. Let's discuss it inside."
"Yes."
His steps were natural yet somewhat hasty, as if he had been eagerly awaiting my arrival. Soon, we entered the inner room of the Crouching Dragon Hall in the Azure Dragon Martial Hall, where Lee Gwang, Jin So-cheong, and Cheongwol were also present. It seemed they had decided to remain on standby in the Crouching Dragon Hall unless something urgent came up. After taking his seat, Dugu Xing spoke.
"First, tell us everything that's happened so far."
"Yes."
I figured they already knew about the time I had spent with Jin So-cheong. So, I briefly explained what happened after we parted ways: my negotiations with the White Lotus Church and the soul-sealing ritual. When I mentioned that I had obtained the demand during the ritual and could now stand against the emperor's edict, Dugu Xing looked pleased.
"Good. If you can counter that bizarre sorcery, overturning the imperial palace should be no problem."
"There's something I need to tell you, though..."
"What is it?"
I glanced around at everyone present. Then, taking a deep breath, I spoke up.
"Please join hands with the White Lotus Church."
"......!!"
At that moment, killing intent surged from Cheongwol and Lee Gwang. Cheongwol wore an incredulous expression, as if he couldn't believe his ears, and it looked like he was struggling to suppress his murderous urge. His twisted face would soon turn into that of a ferocious demon. Lee Gwang's face was coldly impassive, but I knew a profound rage simmered beneath it.
Jin So-cheong had his eyes closed, showing no change in expression, perhaps lost in thought, and Dugu Xing merely rested his chin on his hand with a hum. In this room, Dugu Xing appeared the most level-headed—and he truly was. Slowly, he opened his mouth.
"Explain the situation. You wouldn't suggest something so outrageous without reason."
"The White Lotus Church Lord wishes for the Thunder God Flow to return to the White Lotus Church. He appointed me as the Thunder God Flow's guardian protector and took me as his disciple at the same time."
"Kukuku... Guardian protector, eh..."
Dugu Xing let out a hollow laugh. But his mouth smiled while his eyes sank into icy coldness, revealing the fury he was suppressing. It was the reaction I had expected, so before his emotions could erupt into a storm, I pressed on.
"That's precisely why I believe we must ally with the White Lotus Church."
"Why? Are you over the moon, Baek Woong, thinking you've snagged the Thunder God Flow guardian protector title, the Heavenly Spirit Pill, and the Church Lord's peerless martial arts all at once?"
When Dugu Xing sneered curtly, I replied calmly.
"You know that's not the case. And if I were truly after that, I would have twisted the story I just told you. I want to use the Church Lord's offer to lay the foundation for reviving the Thunder God Flow."
"What do you mean?"
I clenched my fist tightly.
"Think about it. The Church Lord has already dispatched the Elder Council as Wind God Flow's Yong Bi-cheon's stronghold. This isn't some half-hearted move—it's a declaration of full-scale war against the imperial palace. He proclaimed it himself. It's been five days since then, so by now, most of the White Lotus Church's elite experts are likely positioned near the capital, Luoyang."
"I see."
"And if the White Lotus Church defeats the imperial palace, it will usher in the era of White Lotus dominance over the world."
As I stared steadily at Dugu Xing, he seemed to catch on, his expression shifting.
"Surely... you're not suggesting we assassinate the Church Lord after the White Lotus Church seizes control of the world?"
"Exactly."
I nodded.
"We bide our time and use the power of reversal to assassinate the Church Lord later. The White Lotus Church will plunge into chaos. Once the Thunder God Flow has amassed enough strength, it will surely rise again in grandeur."
"Hm... So, a twisted path to execute the plan?"
"We were going to assassinate the Church Lord anyway, weren't we? Might as well let the White Lotus Church handle the imperial palace while we're at it."
"......"
As the discussion progressed, I noticed the killing intent from Cheongwol and Lee Gwang had subsided. Cheongwol now wore a contemplative expression, as if weighing the truth of my words, while Lee Gwang remained coldly impassive.
After much thought, Dugu Xing sighed.
"It's a strategy of using barbarians to control barbarians. If it works, the Thunder God Flow could fully revive within a decade."
"We'll need time to gather successors and uncover the secrets of the Heavenly Spirit Pill, so it won't happen immediately."
"True. Heh heh... It's a solid plan."
Dugu Xing seemed in better spirits, chuckling lightly. Then, Cheongwol, who had been listening quietly beside him, spoke up with concern.
"Elder. I don't quite follow—how exactly do you plan to assassinate the Church Lord? Is there even a way?"
Dugu Xing replied firmly.
"Cheongwol. I can't reveal the details now, but Baek Woong has the ability to assassinate the White Lotus Church Lord perfectly. I stake my name on it, so don't worry."
"Hmm..."
Cheongwol crossed his arms thoughtfully before addressing Dugu Xing.
"But isn't it excessive for Baek Woong to become the Thunder God Flow's guardian protector?"
"What do you mean?"
"By seniority or martial prowess, you, Elder Dugu Xing, should rightfully be the Thunder God Flow's guardian protector. Becoming one means becoming the Thunder God Flow's master. I believe you're the only one qualified in the Thunder God Flow right now."
Cheongwol's words were impeccably logical. No one in the room could dispute them. Naturally, in the proper order, Dugu Xing held priority. I considered responding but decided it best to stay silent and let Dugu Xing speak.
Sure enough, Dugu Xing opened his mouth.
"You're right. In normal circumstances, I should be the one. Even in the competition with Lee Cheon-un, I yielded only because his talent was unparalleled genius—it was originally my turn."
"Of course."
"But these aren't normal circumstances. The Church Lord wants Baek Woong as guardian protector, likely to place him at the forefront to effectively control the Thunder God Flow. If we're accepting the White Lotus Church's proposal and bowing to it, opposing that would be pointless."
"Why would it be pointless?"
Dugu Xing sighed.
"It's obvious as day. I can see it."
"Why?"
"Uncle... the Church Lord is that kind of person. He's been like that since he was young! He's never once bent his stubborn will."
"......"
Cheongwol fell silent. No one in the room knew the White Lotus Church Lord better than Dugu Xing, his own clan's nephew. His judgment was likely correct. And from the Church Lord's actions so far, anyone could see he was incredibly obstinate.
Dugu Xing continued.
"Fortunately, Baek Woong isn't entirely unqualified as guardian protector. He's mastered all three arts of the Thunder God Flow's Creation Fist Sword to a considerable level, especially the Thunder God Sword Dance. Plus, he knows a great many Thunder God Flow martial arts. I don't think it's unacceptable for him."
"......!!"
Cheongwol looked shocked. He stared at me with eyes full of doubt, but I ignored his gaze. Then, with a resigned air, he said.
"Hm... If that's your will, Elder, then so be it. I accept it."
"Good. That's better."
It was then.
"You're all just playing around!"
The room's atmosphere froze at Lee Gwang's sudden outburst. Dugu Xing and Cheongwol's faces stiffened as if scolded. Cheongwol's killing intent flared as if he might lunge at Lee Gwang any second, but he restrained himself and said.
"What did you say? Did I hear that wrong, Lee Gwang?"
"Ah, apologies. The situation was so ridiculous, I couldn't help but speak up."
"You damn bastard! Looks like you need to die to come to your senses."
Cheongwol shot to his feet.
Kugugugu...
Thunderous qi from the Thunder God Fist had already gathered in his hand. If he wished, he could strike in an instant and devastate a three-zhang radius. As befitting one of the Thunder Three Venerables, Cheongwol's martial arts had reached a high pinnacle realm, so there was no guarantee current Lee Gwang could defeat him.
Lee Gwang said quietly.
"Will you at least hear me out first? I'm the direct disciple of the master—don't I have the right to speak on such a crucial matter?"
"Hmm."
Cheongwol hesitated. Though irked by Lee Gwang's impertinence, Lee Gwang was the sole direct disciple of the previous guardian protector, Lee Cheon-un. No one had more say in choosing a guardian protector. Cheongwol suppressed his anger and said.
"If you have something to say, then say it."
"Thank you."
Lee Gwang took a deep breath before speaking.
"I have two doubts about this matter."
"Doubts?"
"The first is the Church Lord's true intentions."
With that preface, Lee Gwang continued in an utterly cold gaze.
"The Church Lord ordered Baek Woong here to gather our Thunder God Flow. But if we follow his words and go to the White Lotus Church's main altar, what's to say it's not a trap...?"
"Hmm..."
"It's highly likely he plans to eliminate us all at once. That's why I can't agree so readily. Blindly trusting his word and walking in isn't realistic."
Hearing this, Dugu Xing seemed deep in thought again. Propping his chin, he replied.
"And the second?"
"It's connected to the first. It's possible the Church Lord made a deal with Baek Woong precisely because of such intentions."
"I don't follow what you're getting at."
"If we follow Baek Woong's words and go to the White Lotus Church's main altar, in the worst case, we'll all be wiped out. Then Baek Woong gets the Thunder God Flow master's position, the Church Lord's peerless martial arts, and the Heavenly Spirit Pill all at once—without a single opponent left—becoming the world's second strongest. A perfect plan."
"......!!"
"After that, he might train disciples to his liking and subordinate the Thunder God Flow to the Water God Flow."
Lee Gwang's calm words rippled through Dugu Xing and Cheongwol's hearts. Cheongwol especially fidgeted restlessly, unable to settle, proof of the persuasive power in Lee Gwang's words. Dugu Xing, with deeper composure than Cheongwol, didn't show it easily but was clearly troubled.
Lee Gwang pressed on.
"Think realistically. Can we entrust the Thunder God Flow and all our lives to this Baek Woong? I absolutely cannot."
"Hmm."
I was dumbfounded.
'What kind of eloquence is that?'
Lee Gwang hadn't once said he wanted to be the Thunder God Flow's guardian protector. Yet he had stoked the elders' suppressed anxieties, attacking my trustworthiness itself. By invoking 'realism,' he invalidated the vision I had painted for the Thunder God Flow's future.
Truly cunning and shrewd rhetoric!
Proof that Lee Gwang wasn't just a brute with power—he possessed wisdom and quick wits befitting a crafty hero. If I mishandled this even slightly, I'd fall into his trap, beyond recovery.
'I need to hold back from any reckless moves here.'
So, what was my best course?
I looked straight into Dugu Xing's eyes and said.
"Elder."
"......"
"You know the reasons you can trust me. And you know I can't lie under oath."
I subtly reminded Dugu Xing that I had shared my past life's secrets via the black obsidian. He let out a groan before replying.
"I know. But still."
"Yes."
"From the Mangnyang kidnapping onward, things have been going awry lately, haven't they? Even today, sharing intelligence networks with the Sword Demon via the Divine Maiden Sect felt off."
"What do you mean?"
"I know the Sword Demon is trustworthy. But he's still a stranger we've never met face-to-face."
"......"
"I'm uneasy."
In that moment, I understood the source of Dugu Xing's unease.
The uncertainty of the black obsidian's memories!
The black obsidian showed my memories like a panoramic lantern show, hard to doubt for realism. But while Dugu Xing had accepted them upon reading, applying them directly to reality was a stretch. My adventures spanned vast scopes with bizarre experiences in succession, leaving him no choice but to suspect they might be fabricated.
Dugu Xing said after a pause.
"Maybe we should hold off on this..."
Shaking his head, he continued.
"Baek Woong, if you want to join alone, go ahead. But I want to preserve our forces and observe the situation longer."
"You're right, Elder."
Cheongwol chimed in from the side. He had never approved of giving the guardian protector seat to someone as young as me. Lee Gwang wore a faint, hidden smile—things were going his way.
I felt frustrated.
'That's not it!'
For the White Lotus Church, the imperial palace was currently their only rival, and the Church Lord knew it, charging forth without hesitation. Once they crushed it and rose as the Central Plains' supreme power, no one would control their unchecked might.
That's where the problem arose. If the Thunder God Flow didn't join the imperial palace assault, even returning to the White Lotus Church later would leave us at a disadvantage in merits. It would undoubtedly be the White Lotus Church's toughest battle. Joining afterward would offer no recognition. Reviving the Thunder God Flow would grow ever more distant.
Yet I couldn't explain this here, though I calculated it in my head. It hinged entirely on the Thunder God Flow moving per my plan. With Lee Gwang's rhetoric making Dugu Xing and Cheongwol doubt my intentions themselves, any explanation would sound like lip service.
'What to do?'
Before coming to the Azure Dragon Martial Hall, Zhuge Sa had warned me while sharing a ploy to convince the Thunder God Flow.
[Just watch out for one guy. Can't predict how he'll squirm.]
[I know.]
[Well... if Lee Gwang gets in the way, no choice. Settle it once and for all with him.]
[Guess I'll have to fight him to the death.]
Frustrated, Zhuge Sa had pounded his chest.
[You idiot! Is that all you think of for a decisive confrontation? Typical warrior mindset, damn it.]
[Then what?]
[Lee Gwang's type will slyly interfere and sow discord from the side. To counter that, use diversionary tactics to disrupt and confront the instigator directly. You have to persuade even him—pull him into your intent first.]
[Tricky.]
[Kuh... Damn... If it were Hyun, no need for this explanation.]
......
Now, in this situation, I vaguely grasped Zhuge Sa's meaning. With Lee Gwang set on causing chaos, any attempt to ease Dugu Xing and Cheongwol's anxieties would backfire. I fell far short of Lee Gwang in handling human psychology. He had endured decades in the intrigue-filled imperial court, a heavyweight who pressured the political scene.
So, persuade Lee Gwang.
Or deliver a major shock.
A battle unlike sword fights was upon me.
Desperately racking my brain, I sent a transmission to Lee Gwang.
[Lee Gwang.]
He ignored my transmission, poised to twist my words and seize any opening. Grinding my teeth, I said.
[Causing chaos like this is pointless. Because this matter concerns you directly.]
[One more word, and I'll ensure you never set foot in the Thunder God Flow again.]
It wasn't a bluff.
He was waiting for my slip. One wrong word, and he'd fan Dugu Xing's suspicions to oust me. Knowing the risk, I took a deep breath and played my trump card.
[Grand General Hwang Yeon told me. At the late emperor's deathbed, where the crown prince was present, the Vermilion Bird's Mount Tai Old Man was there too.]
[What... did you say?]
Lee Gwang's eyes shook violently. Knowing I had struck true, I continued the transmission.
[Grand General Hwang Yeon said you wouldn't know. The political landscape shifted so rapidly afterward that the Vermilion Bird's presence was buried in court affairs, and you were too busy with murim matters to have the leisure.]
[Is that true? The Vermilion Bird was really there at the late emperor's deathbed?]
[You should doubt it plenty. With the emperor and Vermilion Bird involved to this extent, you don't think it's unrelated to the late emperor's death, do you?]
I ended with a mocking jab.
[You're already brimming with suspicions everywhere—now even your last bastion of faith, your loyalty, crumbles under doubt.]
"......"
Lee Gwang's face turned distraught. The cold mask he had worn to manipulate the situation shattered. After a heavy sigh, he said.
"...No, Elder. On second thought, Baek Woong is right."
Dugu Xing looked surprised.
"What do you mean?"
"The Church Lord wouldn't resort to such a shallow scheme. And we need to witness his martial arts at least once more to find a counter."
"Hmm... Fair point."
"For now, we should follow Baek Woong's words. We can discuss the guardian protector later."
"Alright. If you say so, we'll go with Baek Woong's opinion."
Dugu Xing swiftly changed his stance. I thought him fickle, but realized otherwise. He held Lee Gwang in high regard despite appearances. Perhaps he even believed the guardian protector priority belonged to Lee Gwang over himself. Caught between my words and Lee Gwang's, he switched sides the moment Lee Gwang backed me.
'Have I cleared this hurdle?'
As I inwardly sighed in relief, Jin So-cheong sent me a transmission.
[Baek Woong. I have a request.]
[What?]
[Please allow me to share the Mount Wudang insights with my master too. If his martial prowess improves, it'll greatly aid our future plans.]
I shook my head.
[Don't talk nonsense. You know our bad blood?]
[I know you somehow persuaded him just now.]
Jin So-cheong's tone was unusually earnest.
[I have a feeling. The current master is different from the one you met in your past life. You may not realize it, but he's already changed quite a bit. For your past life's sake, please trust him just this once—at the end.]
[......]
Trust him?
Ask me to trust Lee Gwang?
I nearly exploded in disbelief. But having witnessed Jin So-cheong's freakish intuition before, I couldn't dismiss it lightly. After agonizing, I gritted my teeth.
[...Fine.]
[Thank you.]
This is the last time.
I'll never share anything with Lee Gwang again.
============================ Author's Note ============================
Sorry for the lateness. My body's been really off lately... OTL I'll write as hard as I can.