Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors
I initially thought that the Thunder God Lineage just practiced en masse at the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School, but contrary to my expectations, the daily schedule was extremely rigorous. I had to wake up first thing at dawn, squeezing every last bit of wisdom from Jang Sam-bong to desperately train, while the others rose after half an hour and mimicked my practice.
Miraculously, the sparring sessions began with me at the center, surrounded as if in a Circular Formation, with about a foot’s distance between everyone. At first, I was puzzled by this setup, but by the third day, once Sagong Rin and Jai Hu grew accustomed to their forms, the reason became clear.
Those surrounding the Circular Formation dove into their martial arts, deeply contemplating techniques and their meanings, and as noon approached, they gathered to discuss among themselves. I joined in the debates, and to my astonishment, even Sagong Rin and Jai Hu, who were clearly less experienced than I, made remarkably sharp observations.
Jin So-cheong, Geuk Ho, Lee Kwang, Sagong Rin, and Jai Hu—all of them were rare talents in martial arts, and their intuitive grasp of the arts they cultivated was extraordinary. Every time I practiced my Gul Gong Cham or Cheon Chuk Geom, sharing insights during these discussions made me gulp in awe.
‘Amazing…’
While I would have merely grabbed at basic techniques, by the time the conversation circled back, we had stumbled upon profound insights. The discussions even led us to the connections and derivations from the hidden techniques. I felt my head spinning, needing to concentrate relentlessly on these discussions.
But of course, this made perfect sense. Learning martial arts together is often faster than alone, and if innate talents share their insights, the efficiency skyrockets. After training for about seven weeks, I realized that the martial arts research I managed to accomplish alone would have taken several years.
“Hrgh… hrgh…”
By that time, however, I felt utterly drained, like a rag. Though I had endured countless sword swings, the fatigue from simple movements and sparring was a whole different story. Since my body was in motion alongside my mental focus, I was over-exhausted. Eventually, unable to keep up, I slumped under a tree for a breather when Lee Kwang barked at me sternly.
“Get a grip! Do you think you have endless time?”
“Ugh… I’m sorry.”
“I’ll give you fifteen minutes to rest. Use that time to replenish as much energy as you can.”
“Yes.”
“I already told you this training would be tough. I believe in your endurance.”
With Lee Kwang saying that, I had no choice but to grit my teeth and recover my energy. With blurry eyes, I glanced towards Sagong Rin and Jai Hu, who were still diligently training.
‘Incredible growth rate…’
They were quickly advancing as they grasped the insights of the Wudang Sect. Normally, you wouldn’t expect a rise in martial prowess in just seven weeks. Still, it seemed they had already broken their shells and were developing by discovering their own martial insights. Their innate talent was so far beyond comparison that it sent chills down my spine.
It was tough.
While my body and mind were drained, the hardest part was the mental strain. Practicing martial arts among exceptional talents made me feel inadequate and tortured. Fortunately, at the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School, the atmosphere was more open for discussions, but here, every moment was precious, leading to fierce debates that made comparisons of talent unavoidable.
And the despair I had hardly felt in this life washed over me like cold rain. I was forced to face the bleak reality of my own meager talent, concealed until now by effort. A week after that, utterly exhausted, I found myself hiding between rocks during the night.
“……”
Clearly, my progress was good. I could feel that research that would have taken me over five years alone was being expedited. It was dozens of times faster. But simultaneously, I was so frustrated that I felt like crying.
Why was I so talentless?
It wasn’t that I hadn’t put in the effort. If I had fallen behind due to lack of effort, that would be my own doing. Yet even in my previous life, I practiced martial arts at every opportunity and worked hard. But now that I was at the stage of borrowing others’ talents for research, an overwhelming sense of self-loathing crashed over me; it was like the precious gems had been clearly sorted from mere stones.
I missed Mi-ho.
I wanted to giggle and chitchat about trivial things with her.
I longed to live again, simply mindlessly following Mangnyang‘s words.
“…No.”
But I collected my thoughts.
Because I believed in Mangnyang.
Why would he push me into such a hellish environment if he knew everything?
He believed I could overcome this inferiority complex and suffering to endure for the greater good. If Mangnyang believed in me, I had to repay that faith. And if I didn’t quickly strengthen myself, even more fierce hardships awaited.
I clenched my fist, wiping away the tears that had barely surfaced. My throat was parched, so I gulped down some stream water and got to my feet. I murmured the words Jin So-cheong had once given me.
“Men should strive to be strong.”
A man must become strong on his own.
I couldn’t always expect good things.
Sometimes, arduous trials would come. If I wished to achieve something great, that was only natural.
If this was the trial imposed upon me, then I would surpass it.
And about two months later, Mangnyang came to find us at the training hall.
It was midday, the sun high in the sky, and we were practicing our martial arts as usual. Mangnyang walked towards Lee Kwang and said,
“Lee Kwang, a messenger from the White Lotus Sect has come.”
Lee Kwang was deep in contemplation, researching the techniques of Gul Gong Cham. He perked up at Mangnyang‘s words and exclaimed,
“What did they say?”
“They said to meet at the Huangshan Sect in four days at Shenshi.”
“The Huangshan Sect? Why are they dragging the Nine Great Sects into this matter?”
Lee Kwang questioned, puzzled, while Mangnyang replied grimly,
“The Huangshan Sect is the Central Plains branch of the Wind God Lineage. You didn’t know?”
“……!!”
Lee Kwang’s eyes widened. He yelled,
“Why didn’t you tell me that?”
Though a fierce killing intent erupted from him, Mangnyang remained unperturbed, exuding an air of immense power. Calmly, he said,
“What were you planning to do if I had told you? Go storm the Huangshan Sect with the Thunder God Lineage at such a crucial time in negotiating with the White Lotus Sect?”
“Well…”
“The important thing is the Dharma Protectors, not the small fries. I figured you’d know that better than anyone, so I felt there was no need to mention it.”
Lee Kwang seemed at a loss for words and closed his mouth tightly. But the skeptical glint in his eyes indicated he harbored some doubts about Mangnyang. I worried a bit for Lee Kwang, but at that moment, the issue of the White Lotus Sect was of greater concern.
After a brief pause, Lee Kwang said,
“Alright then. Who is their envoy?”
“The White Lotus Sect Leader will come accompanied by all three Dharma Protectors.”
“……!!”
“Their strength, capable of annihilating the Central Plains Martial World, will all be there.”
Mangnyang muttered softly, but the expressions of everyone in the room hardened.
The White Lotus Sect Leader and the Dharma Protectors!
If those four appeared in the Central Plains, no entity could stop them. In fact, the strength of any one of the four could overturn the entire Nine Great Sects. Not to mention that the capability of the White Lotus Sect Leader, who could face three Dharma Protectors at once, was beyond imagination.
Lee Kwang let out a hollow chuckle and said,
“Ha! Seems the old hag has done us a favor. Who would have thought the enemies would gather in one spot…”
“Are you planning to take on the White Lotus Sect Leader?”
“…No, I know my place. It’s probably impossible to do anything there.”
Surprisingly, Lee Kwang accepted reality without much resistance. He coldly added,
“But thanks to Baek Woong, I’ve improved my skills while honing the ultimate sword techniques. If something goes wrong, I might at least get a stab in before I go.”
“That sounds good. It’ll ease my mind.”
Mangnyang, having casually responded, continued,
“However, there shouldn’t be a need to resort to force on that day. I believe the White Lotus Sect Leader won’t handle things in such a pettifogging manner. I think he’s actually coming to acknowledge the Thunder God Lineage.”
“So you want me to show some pleased reaction?”
Lee Kwang replied bluntly, while Mangnyang pressed his fingers to his temples.
“Of course you should be pleased. We can gain additional benefits at that moment.”
“Benefits?”
“First, we’ll lock in the pledge of independence for the Thunder God Lineage, then use that as a pretext to engage in sparring. Of course, both you and Jin So-cheong will be summoned to face the Dharma Protectors.”
“……!!”
“Clearly it’ll be a friendly spar.”
Sparring with the Dharma Protectors!
The unexpected announcement left the students of the Thunder God Lineage stunned. But while the rest were surprised, Lee Kwang remained calm, his eyes closing in silent contemplation. After a long consideration, he said,
“Is this an opportunity to gauge the Dharma Protectors‘ skills?”
“Exactly. You’re aware that your understanding of the Dharma Protectors and their heavenly aura isn’t something you, as a master, can be indifferent about, right?”
“Indeed. If I can discern the strength of the Dharma Protectors and their true capabilities, it will be of great help moving forward.”
“Thank you for understanding.”
Lee Kwang added,
“However, don’t let the Water God Lineage get involved. If possible, I want to grapple with the Wind God Lineage.”
“I understand. The Dharma Protector of the Water God Lineage is extremely dangerous.”
“Alright then, Baek Woong…”
Lee Kwang turned to me, and I nodded.
“I’ve been to Mount Huang before. I can reach it in no time.”
“Then until a day prior, keep polishing your martial arts.”
“Yes.”
Once the discussions concluded, Mangnyang called for me separately. I stood outside the hut speaking with him.
“Baek Woong. How has training gone? I refrained from contacting you as I thought it might disturb your focus. Have you made any progress?”
I smiled wryly at Mangnyang’s question.
“It’s been quite grueling.”
“Hmm… I anticipated this would be the case, but it was unavoidable.”
“No worries. If it’s a process I must go through, then I’ll bear it.”
I replied and continued,
“So far, I’ve merely practiced Gul Gong Cham and Cheon Chuk Geom as they are, but now I’ve begun to grasp the derivatives and variations, establishing a singular sword technique.” Jin So-cheong seems to have already crafted a new form, along with integrating it with the techniques of the Thunder God Lineage.”
“That’s impressive… To have made such progress in just two months.”
“It helps to have five geniuses gathered.”
At the same time, hardships and frustrations I had encountered filled my mind. The five assembled around me didn’t berate or ridicule me, but each time they showed consideration for me, it felt uncomfortable. I had been forcing myself to endure my lack of talent while barely sleeping at night. Hence, I could say that I had undergone an intense training density over these two months.
I stated,
“And now it seems I’ve reached the stage to begin learning the Seven Ultimate Techniques of True Martial Arts and Heavenly Five Divine Decisions, Tae-geuk Willow Sword, Seven Star Retreating Shadow, and Unmatched Dominance.”
“……”
When he heard the names of the techniques, Mangnyang looked shocked.
“What on earth are those? Each of them is said to be world-class martial arts?”
“It seems so.”
“Jang Sam-bong was truly a monstrous sage… Just mastering those alone would make you an unparalleled expert in this world.”
“The real problem is that each is incredibly difficult to master.”
Simply mastering each technique alone would require a hundred years of painstaking practice. They were the profound insights left by the greatest martial arts genius of the orthodox sect. Of course, Yeodong-Bin attained them as if breathing, but he was also a heavenly being beyond comparison to me.
I rubbed my tired eyes and said,
“Regardless, I expect noticeable results in mastering Gul Gong Cham and Cheon Chuk Geom within a year, at the very latest.”
“You can expect that?”
“Indeed.”
When the appointed time arrived four days later, we comfortably rested until the Shenshi hour and then used Bite and Clutch to fly towards Mount Huang. Arriving at the peak I frequented, close to the Huangshan Sect, we were greeted by thick fog covering the mountain.
Led by Mangnyang, the masters of the Thunder God Lineage and Mi-ho began moving through the fog towards the Huangshan Sect. Although there was plenty of time until the agreed hour of Shenshi, we arrived early to scout the enemy’s stronghold.
Eventually, upon reaching the peak where the Huangshan Sect was located, we spotted a massive door leading to the sect. Disciples of the Huangshan Sect respectfully bowed to us standing before that door.
“It’s an honor to meet the masters of the Thunder God Lineage! Please, come this way.”
We were taken aback. The Wind God Lineage and Thunder God Lineage were bitter enemies, yet the disciples of the Huangshan Sect, their Central Plains base, bowed so respectfully. But conversely, knowing our impulsive personality, perhaps the Wind God Lineage was trying to probe us without provoking reactions right from the start.
As we followed the disciples of the Huangshan Sect, we approached a grand reception hall. It was too vast and opulent to be simply called a mountain sect’s hall, and across from it sat a middle-aged man.
Moments later, the man stood up and approached Lee Kwang, who was sitting down, bowing respectfully.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you. I am Yong Junil, the Sect Leader of the Huangshan Sect, known as the Dragon Slayer Sword.”
Dragon Slayer Sword Yong Junil!
He was a transcendent master who had appeared like a comet, the Sect Leader of the Huangshan Sect. It was said that when his sword aura danced, even dragons would be sliced apart—he was a renowned master of illusive swords, having eradicated all harmful factions around Huangshan. Even within the Nine Great Sects, he was a leading figure renowned for his sword prowess.
Upon receiving greetings from Yong Junil, Lee Kwang let out a sound of amazement.
“Ah… I am Lee Kwang. I have indeed heard much about your reputation.”
“There are historical grievances from generations past between our sects, but I hope we can put those aside for today. It’s a joyous day, especially with the sect leader present.”
“I shall be mindful of that.”
To my surprise, Lee Kwang accepted Yong Junil’s greeting without attempting provocation. However, lurking within his indifferent expression was a chilling aura, and I could tell that Lee Kwang was doing his utmost to contain his impulsive nature. It was likely that Yong Junil, facing Lee Kwang, sensed his underlying feelings to some degree.
As light refreshments were served, we seated ourselves in the reception hall. Every dish was splendidly crafted, exhibiting the work of top chefs, yet none of us dared to eat. No one among us would be foolish enough to eat in enemy territory.
Mangnyang seated beside me said,
“Today will surely be a crucial turning point.”
“I believe so.”
I concurred with his sentiment.
After a brief moment, entertainers came in, lightly playing music to uplift the mood, but the melody gradually turned to a solemn tone. Eventually, even the sounds of the Ajaeng ceased, with only slow drumbeats resonating in the air.
Dong!
Dong!
After a prolonged moment, as the drumbeats dwindled, an elder from the Huangshan Sect stepped forward and proclaimed,
“Welcome, White Lotus Sect Leader.”
Saah!
At that moment, my gaze fell towards the entrance beyond.
Here, now, the White Lotus Sect Leader, the world’s number one master, was about to emerge.
Thud-thud!
First came three Dharma Protectors, each adorned with a black, silver, and golden mask respectively. Slowly, someone seemed to be taking their seat behind them. A distinct energy of mastery was not felt from that figure, but in an instant, everyone in the hall could sense something.
Behind the masks was someone.
That was undoubtedly the White Lotus Sect Leader.
In the hushed hall, the first words spoken by the White Lotus Sect Leader reverberated throughout,
[It’s been a while, Thunder God Lineage.]
It was impossible to tell whether the voice belonged to a man or a woman, but it was clear that the speaker possessed profound inner strength enough to use the Yughab Jeonseong technique. Lee Kwang, striving to analyze the voice, replied slowly,
“Indeed, Sect Leader.”
[Do you desire independence?]
The Sect Leader directly asked without any preamble. Lee Kwang looked taken aback, but remained expressionless as he replied,
“Of course. Our Thunder God Lineage intends to declare itself as a unique sect, no longer a subordinate discipline of the White Lotus Sect.”
[And the cost for that would be the key to curing the White Lotus Sect’s scourge, correct?]
“Nothing has changed.”
A silence ensued.
After a moment of tension, the White Lotus Sect Leader replied,
[I will acknowledge the independence and establishment of the Thunder God Lineage.]
But every face among the masters of the Thunder God Lineage hardened at the conditions that followed.
[However, you must possess the ultimate technique of the Thunder God Lineage.]
