0032 : Golden Eagle Guards
White Lotus Sect, you say?
What on earth does this mean?
The White Lotus Sect is a religion that has been carried on since the Southern Song period. In truth, I was quite ignorant and had no interest, so I didn’t know much about it.
It seemed that there were various trivial circumstances surrounding it, but what worried me most at this moment was the status of the White Lotus Sect within the Martial Arts World. While it had nearly lost its status as a religion, things were different in the Martial World.
Currently the strongest candidate in the Martial World!
The White Lotus Sect was categorized as neutral in this world. To be more precise, because it hardly involved itself in the affairs of the Martial World and was indifferent to them, it was difficult to classify it as good or evil. Nevertheless, the fact that the White Lotus Sect’s Protection Martial Arts was powerful was widely recognized in Jianghu.
So much so that there are tales of attempts to oppress the White Lotus Sect since the time of the Hongwu Emperor, but the leaders and protectors of the sect were such formidable figures that others were wary. Unlike the overtly visible Nine Great Sects or the Five Great Families, the White Lotus Sect was considered a hidden powerhouse.
‘Damn… what kind of misunderstanding could this be?’
As I contemplated this, I began to understand the implications of Samjeol Lee Kwang’s words.
‘If it pertains to the martial arts of the White Lotus Sect, does this mean it’s reasonable for someone my age to be an expert as well?’
Samjeol Lee Kwang had drawn the most rational conclusion within his knowledge. This was confirmed in his subsequent words.
“If you are from the White Lotus Sect, you cannot be accepted into our martial school.”
I quickly responded,
“I am not a member of the White Lotus Sect.”
Samjeol Lee Kwang’s expression did not change at all. He was neither exhibiting a cold visage nor any malice; he simply gazed at me with an indifferent look. It was odd, but the moment I made eye contact with him, I felt as if I was being pulled in.
“Anyone who has ingested the Holy Lotus cannot possibly achieve such extraordinary martial prowess at that age.”
“Holy Lotus? What is that?”
“You feign ignorance.”
Swish
At that moment, Samjeol Lee Kwang grasped the spear that was beside him on the table. In that instant, every cell in my body screamed danger, and I felt an intense wave of prickling sensation run from the top of my head to my abdomen, as if my entire being was being sliced. I barely managed to suppress a scream and took three steps back.
Thud
But Samjeol Lee Kwang remained still, holding onto the spear. I stood there with beads of sweat on my forehead, swallowing hard.
‘W-what was that just now? Was that killing intent? But it felt too real to merely be that…’
It felt overly realistic!
I genuinely believed I had just been seriously injured.
However, as I regained my senses, I thought it could simply be that I was alive.
Judging from the realm of killing intent was too much.
Then Samjeol Lee Kwang stroked his neatly trimmed beard and spoke,
“It seems you are not merely a guardian who has taken the Holy Lotus. To accurately perceive the concept of formless energy is impressive.”
“Formless energy…?”
“Understanding one’s weapon surpasses mere comprehension; it entails realizing the weapon’s essence and ultimately unifying with it. When this is achieved, one can control formless energy.”
Although Samjeol Lee Kwang kindly explained, his voice was laced with a chilling indifference that made my teeth want to chatter. Clearly, he had not unleashed killing intent at that moment, yet I instinctively felt that if he wielded that spear even once, my body would be ripped apart mid-air.
‘That level of skill is beyond my understanding… it’s fundamentally different from techniques like sword energy or sword flames!’
At this rate, I would die.
Samjeol Lee Kwang was completely judging me as a member of the White Lotus Sect.
Moreover, he seemed to lack any guilt about harming a child.
I gritted my teeth and shouted,
“Wait! I truly am not a member of the White Lotus Sect. I can prove it!!”
“Prove it… How do you plan to do that?”
“That is…”
In that moment, I was at a loss for words.
What means did I have to persuade Samjeol Lee Kwang?
If I unleashed the Thunder Spirit Eight Forms or the Thunder Shadow Sword Technique, he would think my abilities were leaking out. Faced with the realistic barrier of this dilemma, I felt a chill down my spine.
Yet, I had come to the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School with the intention of risking it all.
Even if I were to be killed here, I would have no choice but to muster courage!
“… You will know after seeing my martial arts demonstration.”
Now I myself wasn’t sure. I might as well try to persuade him randomly.
“A martial arts demonstration…?”
“It is narrow here; I will show it outside.”
Without waiting for his response, I burst open the door to Waryong Hall and leaped into the spacious training area in front of it. This area was typically where instructors and senior disciples would gather to showcase their achievements to Samjeol Lee Kwang.
Flick
I retrieved a spear that was mounted in the training area and stood in the center. Samjeol Lee Kwang stood at the entrance of Waryong Hall, observing me with interest.
‘Watch closely.’
I focused my mind. Slowly, but with every movement, I recalled the time when I removed my weaknesses under the guidance of Hyun Cheon Do-in and began to unfold the Thunder Spirit Eight Forms. Although my foundation was swordsmanship, the supreme spear technique, the Thunder Spirit Eight Forms, had always been an object of admiration.
Swish swish swish!
The eight movements of the Thunder Spirit Eight Forms unfolded rapidly, connecting like beads on a string, transitioning from the Thunder Spirit Piercing Heaven to the Thunder Spirit Solitary Turn. As I executed the Thunder Spirit Eight Forms, I glanced at Samjeol Lee Kwang, but he still showed no change in expression.
So, I sheathed the spear again and this time drew my sword, beginning to perform the Thunder Shadow Sword Technique at an even faster pace. Since this was my specialty, I could move with greater confidence. As I was halfway through the Thunder Shadow Sword Technique, I sensed a slight change in Samjeol Lee Kwang’s expression.
Thunder rumbled
Finally, as I executed the Thunder Cloud Palm in succession, the training ground vibrated with thunderous energy. My movements concluded with a final flourish, showcasing everything I had!
“……”
A stillness and silence fell over the space. It was just Samjeol Lee Kwang and me. He stood with his arms crossed, seemingly lost in thought and appearing somewhat vulnerable. However, the formless energy he emanated made it impossible for me to carelessly move or flee.
After about a quarter of an hour, Samjeol Lee Kwang opened his mouth.
“Who are you?”
It was no longer the polite tone of a judge; instead, it carried a significant weight of anger and gloom, filled with emotion. It was the expected response; any ordinary person would pale at the thought of facing someone who might come at them like a madman, and if that someone was Samjeol Lee Kwang, I might indeed end up dead here.
I spoke calmly.
“As you can see, I’m at least not a member of the White Lotus Sect.”
“It truly seems so. One cannot achieve the Thunder Spirit without consuming the Holy Lotus.”
Samjeol Lee Kwang spoke as if he were spitting out the words, then seemed to settle his emotions into silence. He turned his back and suddenly sent a message my way.
[If you are confident that you will not speak even a single lie, then follow me.]
It felt like more than just a simple request for confession; it bore a heavy meaning. I nodded slightly and followed Samjeol Lee Kwang into the building. Keeping a distance of about a foot, I realized something.
Samjeol Lee Kwang was different.
He was fundamentally unlike any peak masters I had encountered before.
Of course, it was regrettable that I couldn’t discern what that difference was at my current level.
Clank…
We headed toward a different location from the room I had seen earlier. When he opened the door, I found a desolate and dark room. Samjeol Lee Kwang seemed to breathe warmth back into the place, throwing a few twigs into the fireplace before inviting me to sit in a chair.
“Sit there.”
For a moment, I considered whether this was some kind of ploy of his, but I brushed aside my hesitation and sat down.
‘The difference in levels is too great.’
The gap between me and Samjeol Lee Kwang, verified by the formless energy, was greater than I had thought. I wasn’t exactly sure, but it felt like a sky-and-earth difference compared to when I clashed with the First Elder of the Iron Blood Sect. If I fought with Samjeol Lee Kwang at his full strength, survival would be impossible, so any kind of scheme felt futile from my position.
Tat tat tat…
As the flames flickered, the room began to warm gradually. Samjeol Lee Kwang sat across from me with his chin resting on his hand, examining me, before saying,
“Tell me in detail. Where did you learn the Thunder God Style?”
What?
I was caught off guard by the sudden mention of an unfamiliar term. I had thought that he would angrily accuse me of stealing his martial school’s secrets, yet here was a name I had never heard before: [Thunder God Style].
‘Could it be that the Thunder Spirit techniques weren’t mere creations of Samjeol Lee Kwang? Had they been derived from a separate sect called the Thunder God Style!’
Alternatively, it was also possible that Samjeol Lee Kwang referred to his own martial arts as the Thunder God Style. As I pondered this, I responded,
“The one who imparted this martial art to me has already passed away. Before he died, he simply told me to seek out Samjeol Lee Kwang.”
“Died? Why?”
“He was ill.”
I was taking a gamble. It was too risky to trust Samjeol Lee Kwang completely and reveal the reincarnation story of Cheonam Biseo. The idea of someone returning to life after dying was simply absurd, and no martial artist would pass down genuine martial arts techniques to someone like me. Rather, I would prefer to take the risk of being found out as a liar and face death than to let go of any chance I had to impress him.
“What was his name?”
It worked!
Indeed, Samjeol Lee Kwang’s martial arts had not been an entirely original creation; they had been derived from the Thunder God Style. I felt a surge of excitement but maintained my composure.
“He didn’t teach me everything.”
“… That might be so.”
As he muttered somewhat bitterly, Samjeol Lee Kwang continued,
“Then how did you achieve your level of cultivation?”
“After my master passed away, while wandering the world, I had the fortune of consuming a Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng on Mount Huang.”
“Show me your wrist.”
Swish
Samjeol Lee Kwang grabbed my wrist and felt my pulse. He closed his eyes as if to detect the roaring energy within me, keeping quiet for a while before letting go. After a moment, he said,
“It’s true. There is extreme cold energy circulating. However, it’s harmonizing with this extreme Yang energy; what does that mean?”
“In fact, there was another elixir next to it, and I was able to survive by taking that as well.”
“Is that so?”
Samjeol Lee Kwang sat quietly for a moment before speaking again.
“Your master was undoubtedly one of the successors of the Thunder God Style. Unfortunately, it seems he failed to achieve the Thunder Spirit and succumbed to illness.”
“……”
“If that’s the case, then you and I are fellow disciples. If you are willing to serve me as your master again, perform the Nine Prostrations here.”
Nine Prostrations!
I was taken aback by Samjeol Lee Kwang’s words. On the surface, it seemed like a common ceremony for accepting a fellow disciple, but it was anything but that. The Azure Dragon Martial Arts School did not enforce the Nine Prostrations from any of its disciples. Even the instructors had not performed the Nine Prostrations before Samjeol Lee Kwang. Apparently, only Jin So-cheong had formally done so.
Thus, the Nine Prostrations carried a deeper meaning. Unlike other disciples taken in for monetary gain, it signified choosing a true successor to pass on one’s genuine martial arts. The only reason Jin So-cheong had performed the Nine Prostrations was that he alone could be considered worthy of such acknowledgment.
Naturally, I performed the Nine Prostrations without hesitation. Once I finished my nine bows, Lee Kwang spoke.
“Get up. From now on, I am your master, and I will pass on the Thunder God Style to you.”
“Yes.”
He showed no signs of doubt. After all, Jin So-cheong, who had received the genuine teachings from him like a beloved son, had trained me for nearly three years in isolation. If the Thunder God Style belonged to a separate sect, he had no reason to suspect me.
“Baek Woong. You’ve likely heard this from your master, but the Thunder God Style is a multi-person inheritance and a martial school that astounds the heavens. You have great potential moving forward, so practice diligently to see the extremes of the Thunder God Style.”
“Understood.”
A multi-person inheritance and a school that astounds the heavens? It was the first time I had heard such terminology, but I couldn’t very well ask for clarification. It was only natural for a sect to pass down its history even if a master did not explicitly teach martial arts, and claiming ignorance of that history could raise suspicion.
But I soon reconsidered and took a gamble.
“Uh… I’m not very quick-witted and have trouble remembering the history of the sect. Could you please tell me again?”
“Hm… Well, you are young, so that could be the case.”
No matter how outstanding my martial arts seemed, my appearance suggested I was just in my early to mid-teens. It was only logical for a child to forget such details. Rather than inquiring about martial arts first, expressing a desire to learn about the sect’s history made Samjeol Lee Kwang seem eager to share.
“How much do you know about the White Lotus Sect?”
“My master didn’t mention the White Lotus Sect much. In fact, this is the first I’m hearing of it today.”
“Really? He likely had no interest in the grudges surrounding the White Lotus Sect.”
“Grudge?”
I nearly inhaled sharply at his following words.
“Yes. The defenders of the White Lotus Sect and the martial school were purged and forced to flee to the Central Plains half a century ago, which became our Thunder God Style. To avoid attracting attention in Jianghu, we operate discreetly, but our roots lie within the White Lotus Sect.”
“……!!”
“Of course, I only heard this from my master, so I hold no personal vendetta against them. However, remember that they betrayed and exploited the warriors of the Thunder God Style.”
The Thunder God Style!
It was a martial arts faction that had inherited the protective martial arts of the White Lotus Sect. When infighting in the White Lotus Sect ensued, the Thunder God Style was forcibly driven to the Central Plains, and instead of forming a new faction, it seems the successors chose to scatter. I, suppressing my astonishment, asked,
“Wouldn’t it have been better for the Thunder God Style to band together and create a large sect if they desired revenge?”
“I’ve heard that the power of the White Lotus Sect Leader is beyond imagination. Rather than smashing eggs against a rock, the previous generations likely desired to cultivate their martial arts quietly and remain hidden.”
Thinking back, Hyun Cheon Do-in from the Wudang Sect had mentioned the White Lotus Sect leader as well. After witnessing my formidable energy, he had remarked that only the White Lotus Sect Leader could defeat me in terms of inner strength. If my energy, bolstered by consuming the Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng multiple times, was at a formidable level, then the prowess of the White Lotus Sect Leader must have been truly extraordinary.
“How strong is the White Lotus Sect Leader?”
“The White Lotus Sect Leader has been undefeated for over 200 years. Although the leadership has been passed down, every leader has consistently overwhelmed the top masters of the Orthodox Sects in the Central Plains. One might say that the martial arts of the White Lotus Sect are second to none.”
“Wow…”
Is that really the extent of their prowess? It was no wonder Hyun Cheon Do-in mentioned the White Lotus Sect Leader with such reverence!
Samjeol Lee Kwang spoke with his usual nonchalant expression.
“I deeply contemplate the grudgers of the past. If you had clearly been a member of the White Lotus Sect, I would have cut you down right then and there.”
“What does it mean that I’ve mastered the Thunder Spirit?”
“When the Thunder Dragon One Qi Technique reaches its peak, it grants resistance to all ailments and extends one’s lifespan, filling the body with thunderous energy. This state is known as the Thunder Spirit, and you likely reached it by consuming the Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng.”
“Ah…”
So, the continuous release of thunderous energy after mastering the Thunder Dragon One Qi Technique was indeed what they meant by Thunder Spirit.
“Those who consume the Holy Lotus from the White Lotus Sect can acquire formidable internal strength; however, it is impossible for them to achieve the Thunder Spirit from the Thunder Dragon One Qi Technique, which is why I could believe your words.”
The Holy Lotus seemed to be an elixir distributed by the White Lotus Sect. While I struggled to retain this new knowledge, Samjeol Lee Kwang’s expression turned curious.
“However, there is a different flow within your body than the Thunder Dragon One Qi Technique. What is it?”
There was no point in trying to deceive him foolishly in this situation. I answered honestly.
“It is Hyun Cheon Shin Gong.”
“Hyun Cheon Shin Gong! Is that the Hyun Cheon Shin Gong, one of the Five Great Divine Techniques of the Wudang Sect?”
“Yes. Although it was merely a technique, I had the fortune to learn it during my travels through an encounter with a practitioner of the Wudang Sect.”
I did not lie.
“Hmm… If you had the Hyun Cheon Shin Gong, then you could have become a direct disciple of the Wudang Sect, yet you still sought me out?”
“Yes. It was my master’s wish.”
For some reason, Samjeol Lee Kwang wore a look of pride. No matter how grand and flourishing the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School might be, it could not compare to the Wudang Sect, which was one of the Nine Great Sects and boasted the highest prestige among them. It must have pleased him that I chose to come to him, forgoing the opportunity to become a disciple of a Wudang elder.
“Very well. From today onwards, you shall be my direct disciple, and you will serve Jin So-cheong as your senior disciple. Given your skills, I will grant you the position of instructor, and for the time being, you will learn from me one-on-one.”
“Understood.”
I felt elated that everything was going so well.
I had successfully become a direct disciple of Samjeol Lee Kwang!
‘… Well, if only I hadn’t missed my chance for revenge during my second death.’
At that moment, I realized that my previous foolish actions had cost me valuable time to deeply learn the martial arts of the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School. After enduring many hardships to return, I couldn’t help but regret my past choices.
Once the conversation settled down, Samjeol Lee Kwang began to share various insights about the White Lotus Sect and the Thunder God Style, during which I gathered significant knowledge about the former.
The White Lotus Sect originally functioned as a legitimate sect instrumental in founding the Ming Dynasty, and even the Hongwu Emperor had once been a member. However, after establishing the empire, the Hongwu Emperor completely reversed his stance, subtly beginning to suppress the White Lotus Sect. Though he did not publicly execute White Lotus Sect members, he always found excuses to arrest or pressure them whenever they attempted to expand their influence.
As a result, the White Lotus Sect could only operate as a secret society, ultimately being driven southward, to a region where the influence of the imperial court was weak due to the presence of numerous ethnic minorities. There were rumors that the White Lotus Sect absorbed the descendants of Jin Wuliang, who opposed the Hongwu Emperor; however, that remained unconfirmed gossip.
Samjeol Lee Kwang remarked,
“By the way, So-cheong mentioned he was meeting a friend.”
I nearly let out a chuckle. The normally solemn and cold Samjeol Lee Kwang affectionately referring to Jin So-cheong! It indicated a closer relationship between them than with other disciples of the martial school. He likely intended to take care of Jin So-cheong above all others, even at the cost of abandoning the other disciples.
“I would also like to see my senior disciple.”
“Is that so?”
Samjeol Lee Kwang contemplated for a moment before saying,
“Then you should bring him here. He should be with the Azure Dragon Sword now.”
“Excuse me?”
“I apologize for taking away your personal time, but it is far more important to introduce the new disciple of the Thunder God Style.”
While Samjeol Lee Kwang likely understood it differently, what surprised me wasn’t that.
He was with the Azure Dragon Sword!
That meant Jin So-cheong’s senior disciple was none other than Namgung Hwan!
Now that I think about it, Namgung Hwan had also mentioned visiting Guanzhong with his fiancée to meet someone; could that be what he meant?
Regardless, this was a chance to meet the Azure Dragon Sword face-to-face. My eyes sparkled with excitement.
“Yes, I will definitely bring my senior disciple here.”
“Right now, they should be at the Zhao Family among the Six Great Houses of Guanzhong.”
The Six Great Houses referred to the six most influential trading, artistic, and martial families in the Guanzhong area. Among them, the Zhao Family was known for their outstanding financial power.
“Not at an inn or a tea house?”
“I don’t know either. So-cheong last mentioned their whereabouts there, so go check it out.”
“Understood.”
Swish!
I exited the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School and swiftly leaped into action. Since Samjeol Lee Kwang likely anticipated my capabilities, he must have trusted me to fetch Jin So-cheong without issue. I leaped across rooftops, thinking,
‘This is great! I’m excited!’
While I was at it, I’d get to see the Azure Dragon Sword, Namgung Hwan, and his fiancée, Mo Yong-yan! It felt like a lucky day, and an involuntary smile crossed my lips. At that moment, I thought this errand would be simple.
