Chapter 527
Chapter 527
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Ace
Chapter: 527
Chapter Title: Dark Heaven Village
-----------------------------------------------------------------
"......"
When I woke up, I opened my eyes in the Azure Dragon Martial Hall's lodging. Recognizing this familiar place as undoubtedly the Chief Instructor's quarters, I scratched my head and got up from my spot.
I then ran into Jin So-cheong, who had been waiting outside. He gave me a light bow upon seeing me.
"Did you sleep well through the night, Senior?"
Senior?
It suddenly hit me that Lee Gwang and Jin So-cheong had already seen through my internal energy level. And having witnessed it, they had no choice but to assume I was a returned-to-youth expert. Now sober and thinking clearly, I realized it was an absurd mistake, and as I scratched my head, Jin So-cheong spoke up.
"It seems you're a master of the Thunder God Style. Might you be one of the successors?"
"You saw that I've achieved Thunder Spirit."
"Indeed."
I let out a sigh and said,
"I'm in no position to reveal my circumstances. I'll soon make up for my recent disgrace, so please bear with me a little longer."
"Is there no way we can assist you?"
Huh?
Surprised by his unexpected words, I looked at Jin So-cheong. He continued,
"A master like you wouldn't drink until losing consciousness without some immense worry or sorrow weighing on you, would he? The pain of losing your school is something we of the Thunder God Style share, so I'd like to help."
"......"
His words rang with genuine sincerity, not some scheme. At the same time, a pang of inner pain struck me.
*In the end... Jin So-cheong died too.*
Not in this life, but in my previous one, he had charged at the Three Emperors and Five Emperors and met his end. And that outcome stemmed from my own poor choices, which had drawn those monsters down upon us. I had nothing to say, overwhelmed by self-loathing.
If I forged bonds again, more people would die.
I'd steeled myself for that, but right now, I needed time alone to think.
"...I'm fine. Your kind thoughts alone are thanks enough..."
*Whiiish!*
Something suddenly flew at me, and I snatched it out of the air. It was a longsword, tossed by a figure approaching from afar, who called out,
"Impressive skill, as expected."
I shot him a cold glare and said,
"Triple Excellence Lee Gwang. What is the meaning of this?"
Lee Gwang replied with casual composure,
"You wandering alone without even a weapon seemed dangerous, so I thought I'd gift you one of our hall's training swords."
"Hah..."
My expression grew even icier. For all his polite words, he was itching to test the skills of this mysterious Thunder God Style master. And when called out on his rudeness, he smoothly changed the subject, as if he'd been waiting.
*He must have realized he couldn't take me on with his own strength alone.*
In truth, I was confident I could beat Lee Gwang right now. The insight I'd gained from Jin So-cheong's Soul Extinguishing Step—Heavenly Light—wasn't just an upgrade to my footwork; it had propelled my overall martial prowess to a new height.
I considered laying Lee Gwang flat, but glancing at Jin So-cheong beside me changed my mind.
*...Jin So-cheong died because of me.*
I hadn't even apologized yet, so I couldn't just recklessly beat down his master. Plagued by guilt toward Jin So-cheong, I turned my head and replied to Lee Gwang,
"I'll gladly accept the kindness. Then I wish prosperity upon your hall."
"You're leaving?"
"Indeed."
"Before you go, why not stop by Geuk-ho's place? He said he had something to tell you."
Geuk-ho?
Curiosity piqued, I nodded.
"Very well."
After getting directions, I went to find Geuk-ho. He was sprawled in a large inn in Guanzhong, reeking of booze. Even a master like him couldn't handle the staggering amount we'd drunk; he seemed hungover. Peering at me through half-lidded eyes, Geuk-ho said,
"Hey, Baek Woong... So you really are a returned-to-youth master, huh?"
"...Maybe."
"They said you're from the Thunder God Style. Why'd you wanna drink so much? Was it that heartbreaking?"
"......"
"If you don't wanna answer, no need... Same for me."
Geuk-ho chuckled from his bed and continued,
"It's a laugh. My master was killed by the Wind God Style, and here I am, too weak to do anything but lounge around taverns..."
"Geuk-ho. You're already at elder-level prowess for a major sect."
"What? You can tell that at a glance? We haven't even sparred yet."
I replied nonchalantly,
"I can tell just by looking."
"Damn... You're even more amazing than I thought."
Muttering in disbelief, Geuk-ho went on,
"Anyway, Master Lee Gwang seems keen on keeping you around... He told me in advance to sweet-talk you. Said to tell you about our current forces and future goals..."
"I see."
"You're a returned-to-youth Thunder God Style master, so it's only natural. Otherwise, he wouldn't have emptied his pockets to cover the bar tab, and you'd have sobered up in some cold Guanzhong jail."
"Hmm."
"But... just go. Get out of here."
Feeling something off in his words, I looked at him with keen interest.
"Go?"
"Yeah. Go wherever you want. You just drifted here on a whim anyway, right?"
"True enough. But if I don't help, it'll be harder for you all to get your revenge."
Geuk-ho smirked at my question.
"We won't get revenge on the White Lotus Church like this anyway."
"......!!"
"Master Lee Gwang talks about revenge, but he's too swayed by personal emotions. For him, revenge isn't the goal—it's just an excuse. We'll drag it out and accomplish nothing, or rush in recklessly and burn out like moths to a flame."
I regarded Geuk-ho with newfound respect.
*He sees right through Lee Gwang's heart.*
For all his vengeful ghost exterior, Lee Gwang was a conflicted man of dual natures. It was something I'd only grasped after countless reincarnations. After pondering, I said to Geuk-ho,
"You say it like you're any different."
"What makes me so great? It's just... Unlike Master Lee Gwang, who's built up so much over the years, I have nothing left to lose. Even if he dies, I'll have no choice but to keep pursuing revenge."
"...I see."
In that moment, looking into Geuk-ho's eyes, I realized.
Geuk-ho was the true avenger.
No matter who the foe, he wouldn't waver from external circumstances or excuses—he'd see his vengeance through to the end. In fact, back when the White Lotus Church proposed submission for practical gain, Geuk-ho had firmly refused and taken to the wandering path. It seemed foolish at a glance, but it proved his will unbreakable in any situation. Worlds apart from Lee Gwang, torn between imperial loyalty and his own contradictions.
*If only Geuk-ho's skill matched that resolve... The White Lotus Church would face a catastrophe.*
Sensing this, I quietly observed him, and he smirked.
"What're you staring at? Am I that handsome?"
"Well, more than me."
Geuk-ho made a face like goosebumps had broken out.
"Ugh... Don't take jokes seriously. Girls don't like me anyway."
"I'd be hurt if you meant it for real."
"Kekeke."
Watching Geuk-ho cackle, I sank into thought.
*This could work.*
No, perhaps a new turning point had come.
I was a bit worn out now. Having witnessed my comrades' deaths up close, I was drained, barely keeping my sanity—and it was rough. That moment sharing drinks with Geuk-ho had lightened my mood a touch, so I wanted to repay him.
Decision made, I said to Geuk-ho,
"Geuk-ho. Will you follow me?"
"What?"
"I can give you the power to avenge yourself against the White Lotus Church. And show you a new world you never knew existed."
Geuk-ho panicked.
"Uh... I mean... Not really into that kinda thing..."
"...I'm not talking about guy-love."
"Joking, heh heh."
He tried to brush it off lightly, but my serious gaze sobered him up. He had the insight to read intent. After thinking it over, he suddenly grabbed the spear by his bedside and stood.
"How about a spar? That way, you can judge if I'm worth following."
"Fine by me."
I nodded.
"A single glance beats a hundred words, right?"
*Thud!*
Geuk-ho and I leaped from the high pavilion and headed outside the city walls. Knowing we were both peak experts or beyond, we understood a fight in town would cause a huge uproar. Reaching a grassy area beyond the walls, Geuk-ho said,
"Your internal energy feels insanely deep. How do you even cultivate something like that? Gobbling spirit elixirs like snacks?"
"Die and come back to life over twenty times, and you'll get there."
Geuk-ho burst out laughing at my answer.
"Now I see you can crack jokes too."
"......"
I wished it were a joke.
Soon, we faced off, and Geuk-ho struck first.
*Clang!*
Geuk-ho's spear was fierce enough. I'd been clueless when we first met, but he had clearly refined his qi into spear flames, and it even seemed he could wield aura. Youth and insight held him back, but he was undeniably among the top ranks of experts.
Considering his age, Geuk-ho was a genius too.
*No wonder he became one of the Ten Great Experts of the World later...*
Lost in thought, I countered his Thunder Spirit Eight Forms with Thunder Dragon Divine Sword. My sword forms, infused with qi, extended outward, forming perfect defense. Like an invisible barrier, every assault bounced off, forcing Geuk-ho back.
"Impressive."
Geuk-ho swallowed hard.
"You're stronger than Master Lee Gwang."
"Geuk-ho. No need to hold back your secret arts."
"What?"
"You'll understand what I mean soon enough."
*Hummm.*
I swiftly unleashed Soul Extinguishing Step, merging with Phantom Shadow to close in. Amid the phantom-like movements, Geuk-ho concealed his openings and dodged with his own Soul Extinguishing Step. But as he did, memories of Jin So-cheong shadowing me in ultra-close combat flashed, spurring me to accelerate further.
*Whiiing.*
The air quivered faintly as our chase wore on. My footwork and internal energy far outclassed his, so Geuk-ho couldn't shake me.
"Urk!"
Unable to endure, Geuk-ho switched to offense, deploying his secret art. I'd been waiting for that opening and countered with my own.
Soul Extinguishing Step
Heavenly Light
*Boom!*
Our Heavenly Lights clashed midair, thunderous illusions colliding in a deafening blast. Seizing the gap, I pressed in and halted my sword tip at his solar plexus. His vital seized, Geuk-ho offered no further resistance.
He didn't even glance at the blade at his chest. Instead, eyeing me suspiciously, he asked,
"How do you know Soul Extinguishing Step—Heavenly Light...?"
"Is it so strange for me to use it? You're not the only one your master taught besides. The Azure Moon Protector knew it too."
Geuk-ho grumbled at my retort.
"Damn. You're wrecking my pride. That was my only meal ticket."
"Now, my skills don't end here. If you want, I can give you something beyond Heavenly Light. Call it a tremendous treasure..."
"......"
Easing my sword down, I said,
"Will you follow me?"
Geuk-ho replied oddly,
"Why me, of all people?"
"......"
"Master Lee Gwang is way stronger than me, and my junior Jin So-cheong has talent I can't even compare to. That guy's a real genius. Whatever you're planning, dragging along a half-baked guy like me won't help."
"Don't decide what's useful or not on your own. Even trash-tier talent can grow strong someday."
Dismissing his words, I continued,
"Besides, you drank with me. No strings attached. That's reason enough to be comrades."
"Comrades? Weren't you trying to make me your subordinate?"
"If you wanna be a subordinate, go ahead."
"Kekeke... Nah. Looks like you just wanna drink with me again."
Geuk-ho guffawed and dropped his spear.
"Alright. I'll follow. I'll teach you how to hold your liquor."
A thought struck me, and I warned him,
"Just so you know, the path I'm on is a bloodbath. Battling the White Lotus Church Lord will feel like a stroll by comparison—it's that brutal. Still in?"
"...No idea what you're up to, but yeah. Better than rotting here."
"Good."
I knew then that a new bond had formed.
Geuk-ho had become my comrade from here on out.