Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors
“The ultimate technique of the Thunder God Lineage?”
The disciples of the Thunder God Lineage stared at Lee Kwang in shock. There were special and powerful techniques known as “Beo Ki” and “Oui” within the lineage, but the mention of an “ultimate technique” had never come up before. Even Jin So-cheong seemed confused, making it clear something unusual was afoot.
‘Does such a thing exist?’
Of course, I was the most bewildered.
I had acquired and studied the Thunder God Lineage for a staggering half-century, and beyond the battlefield techniques, I had never heard such a reference from Lee Kwang. With everyone’s eyes fixed on him, he let out a heavy sigh.
“Hmm…”
After a brief silence, Lee Kwang spoke.
“Master, that’s currently classified as lost, but it can be reclaimed if we split the sect.”
At his answer, the Sect Leader responded slowly as if he had anticipated this.
[I knew that.]
“……”
[You must understand, Thunder God Lineage, that recognizing your split pertains to the history of the White Lotus Sect itself.]
What does that mean?
As the room fell silent, the White Lotus Sect Leader continued.
[The origin of the White Lotus Sect can be traced back even before the White Lotus School; a profound lineage existed that worshipped the Mother of All Things. You, including the Thunder God Lineage, originated from that era. This lineage began far earlier than the Southern Song Dynasty, during the Late Tang period, making our history nearly a thousand years old.]
“I understand.”
[Moreover, the Four Great Sects have always united against external pressures, believing in one doctrine, and periodically producing their own sect leaders. This means the White Lotus Sect has no clear division between martial and teaching factions, and the Four Great Sects are inherently equal. You, the Thunder God Lineage, are not merely a branch but the very history of the White Lotus Sect itself.]
While the White Lotus Sect Leader seemed to be stating the obvious, Mangnyang frowned at his words.
“Hmm, this can’t mean…”
He seemed to grasp something from the Sect Leader’s statement. The Sect Leader continued.
[Regardless of your current strength, to permit your division, I must make a decision based on my own terms. The prerequisite for this decision is that you must possess the essence of the Thunder God Lineage, which spans over a thousand years of martial arts. Without it, I cannot expose the ‘history’ of the Thunder God Lineage beyond these walls.]
“……!!”
Lee Kwang clenched his teeth and yelled.
“What kind of nonsense is this? If that’s what you’re going to say, then what was the purging of the Thunder God Lineage? You’re effectively trampling on the very history you mentioned!”
While Lee Kwang confronted the White Lotus Sect Leader, only the Dharma Protector seemed to feel that was ‘rude’. After all, Lee Kwang was the representative and strongest of the Thunder God Lineage, and it was true there were contradictions in the Sect Leader’s statements.
Thus, the Dharma Protectors subtly prepared to move as the Sect Leader gestured to pacify them. The Sect Leader replied.
[That matter had unavoidable circumstances. However, I hold feelings of remorse and sympathy toward the Thunder God Lineage, and I am willing to accept you back into the sect if you desire it now.]
“Ha ha… You expect me to believe that?”
[This is not a matter of choice; it is a necessity. You must prove that the Thunder God Lineage possesses the ultimate techniques to declare independence, or you will join us here today. That is why I have come here personally.]
“……”
It dawned on all of us the true intention behind the White Lotus Sect Leader’s words.
He was here to minimize conflict by absorbing the Thunder God Lineage!
It was clear he had ambitions to extend his influence over the Central Plains Martial Arts World, gathering strength for that goal. While it wouldn’t be difficult for the White Lotus Sect to conquer the Thunder God Lineage, it seemed he had opted for absorption instead.
Naturally, it would not be detrimental for groups like the Bancheon Alliance or Mangnyang to join forces with the White Lotus Sect, as their main enemy was the Imperial Palace, making it a common target. Therefore, Mangnyang thought it would be fine if the Thunder God Lineage joined the White Lotus Sect, but Lee Kwang’s perspective was different. He bore a grudge from being cast out by the White Lotus Sect.
With bubbling anger barely contained, Lee Kwang spoke.
“That’s unfair.”
[What is unfair?]
“The Thunder God Lineage has traversed a millennium of martial history, with countless masters establishing various techniques and philosophies. Its vast quantity cannot be resolved by just one or two inheritors, hence we opted for a collective inheritance. Thus, when cast out from the White Lotus Sect, the martial arts of the Thunder God Lineage inevitably fragmented and scattered.”
Lee Kwang, with fiery eyes, continued to glare at the Sect Leader.
“It’s utterly ridiculous for the source of that fragmentation to now speak of the ultimate techniques! At least you should grant us a sufficient grace period!”
[……]
The White Lotus Sect Leader seemed to ponder for a moment.
[Perhaps I should hear your opinions.]
Then suddenly, he asked the Dharma Protector of the Wind Spirit Sect beside him.
[Yong Bichun, what do you think?]
The man with the black mask, Yong Bichun, the Dharma Protector of the Wind Spirit Sect, appeared to be thinking carefully about the Sect Leader’s words. He then smirked coldly and replied.
“Lee Kwang‘s words seem quite irresponsible. Without the ultimate techniques or martial prowess, how can a sect be established? To place the blame on us? We can disregard that statement.”
Naturally, the faces of Lee Kwang and the gathered disciples of the Thunder God Lineage flushed with rage. It was infuriating to hear the leader of the Wind Spirit Sect, their enemy, speak so dismissively. However, engaging Yong Bichun in a fight here would be akin to signing one’s death warrant, so they had to hold back.
[Indeed. Then, Han Baek-ryeong, what do you think?]
The woman with the silver fox mask, leader of the Hwa Shin Sect, answered the Sect Leader’s question.
“I find merit in both sides’ arguments. Also, as far as I know, the Thunder God Lineage has allied with the Bancheon Alliance, which opposes the Imperial Palace. Granting them a grace period will not harm our sect.”
[Hmm… the Bancheon Alliance.]
The Sect Leader murmured while glancing towards Mangnyang.
[Are you the Bancheon Alliance Leader?]
Gulp
At that moment, Mangnyang froze like a mouse caught in front of a cat, unable to utter a word. The Sect Leader‘s intangible aura had suppressed his spirit.
‘Oh no!’
I quickly placed my hand on Mangnyang’s shoulder and poured out my energy like a waterfall, helping him regain composure after a moment. Seemingly having lost consciousness for a short while, Mangnyang gathered himself and answered.
“Yes, Sect Leader.”
[Why are you opposing the Imperial Palace?]
“Because otherworldly races are undermining the world from the depths of the Imperial Palace.”
Murmur…
The room buzzed at Mangnyang’s response. The term “Otherworldly Race” was unfamiliar not only to the disciples of the Huangshan Sect but also to the members of the Thunder God Lineage. Even the bodyguards accompanying the Sect Leader seemed baffled.
However, the Sect Leader appeared interested in Mangnyang’s words. Withdrawing the intangible aura he had been emitting, he said,
[Otherworldly Race…? Are you confident in that statement?]
“Already, the Golden Eagle Guards and fellow comrades are under their influence, having long become their pawns. I believe if this continues, the common people will suffer due to their atrocities, which is why I have risen for righteousness.”
[Oh…]
The Sect Leader said.
[Interesting. You are welcome to visit the White Lotus Sect whenever you like.]
“I will definitely visit.”
At that moment, the Dharma Protectors looked shocked, glancing toward their backs.
The Sect Leader’s unexpected words had caught them off guard. The Sect Leader then turned to the Dharma Protector wearing the Golden Dragon Mask and asked,
[Dokgo Jun. What do you think?]
Unlike the other Dharma Protectors, the Sect Leader seemed to call him informally, likely because they belonged to the same lineage. Dokgo Jun glanced at Lee Kwang before replying.
“I find it reasonable to grant a grace period. Even if we absorb them, we would still lack the ultimate techniques, so granting them ample time should not be detrimental.”
[Hmm. That makes sense.]
After hearing opinions from the three Dharma Protectors, the Sect Leader turned to Lee Kwang.
[Thunder God Lineage. I acknowledge that my proposal came as a surprise, and I will grant you a grace period to obtain the ultimate techniques.]
“……”
[The period will be three years! Bring me results within that time frame.]
Immediately, Lee Kwang pressed his temples and shouted.
“I need ten years!”
[You underestimate it. Do you think three years is enough time for the world to change in a single go?]
“Damn it… As you know, the Thunder God Lineage‘s ultimate techniques require the gathering of three masters to inherit. Searching the world for them from now on wouldn’t even be enough in ten years!”
[Hmm…]
The Sect Leader finally spoke.
[Alright… Let’s make it five years. No more than that.]
“Thank you.”
[Until then, I will allow a provisional sect division. Do make an effort.]
Was this a half-victory?
It seemed that the White Lotus Sect Leader bore no ill will toward the Thunder God Lineage, demonstrating a very positive attitude in negotiations. This caused noticeable frowns from the Dharma Protectors of the Wind Spirit Sect. Meanwhile, there was little change in the expressions of those from the Hwa Shin Sect and Water Spirit Sect.
At that moment, Mangnyang suddenly stood up and declared.
“I want to make a request to the supreme leader of the White Lotus Sect!”
All eyes in the room turned to Mangnyang. The atmosphere shifted as the Sect Leader seemed ready to depart. Without hesitation, he asked curiously,
[What is it?]
“It seems the esteemed leader of the White Lotus Sect does not fully trust the capabilities of the Thunder God Lineage, so I would like to propose something. It’s practical and beneficial for both sides, and I hope you will consider it.”
Taking a deep breath, Mangnyang continued.
“I would like the Thunder God Lineage and the Wind Spirit Sect to engage in a friendly spar.”
[A friendly spar…?]
Nodding, Mangnyang elaborated.
“We could hold a best-of-five match, allowing the masters of each sect to spar. The sect leader will have the chance to witness the Thunder God Lineage’s capabilities, while we can observe the famed strength of the White Lotus Sect and Wind Spirit Sect.”
At Mangnyang‘s suggestion, Yong Bichun, the Dharma Protector of the Wind Spirit Sect, shouted in astonishment.
“You brat! Are you out of your mind?”
“It’s not ridiculous. Are you perhaps insecure…?”
“……!!”
At that moment, Yong Bichun’s teeth grinding could be heard, and everyone in the room tensed. It was evident he had taken the provocation to heart. Yet, even the Dharma Protector, with the Sect Leader present, couldn’t act rashly.
The Sect Leader replied,
[A friendly spar would require a reward for the victor, right? What do you think would be appropriate?]
“If the Thunder God Lineage wins, we’d like the grace period extended to ten years. If the Wind Spirit Sect wins, the Thunder God Lineage will be absorbed into the White Lotus Sect immediately, without dissent.”
[That sounds entertaining.]
Yong Bichun turned to protest against the Sect Leader in a hurry.
“Leader! There’s no need to accept these puny brats’ proposal!”
[Stop it. All they need to do is win, right?]
“Th-That is…”
[Unless you have no confidence in winning… would you decline?]
Under the subtle pressure from the Sect Leader, Yong Bichun gritted his teeth and replied.
“No, our Wind Spirit Sect can certainly win.”
[That’s how it should be.]
And thus, the stage for the friendly spar was set. Since the inner area was too cramped for a proper match, everyone began moving to the training hall of the Huangshan Sect. As we moved, the disciples of the Thunder God Lineage and I, along with Mangnyang and Mi-ho, gathered to strategize.
Lee Kwang turned to Mangnyang.
“You did well to speak up.”
“It went as planned. Now we just need to secure two wins.”
“We need to show them a taste of their own medicine.”
Lee Kwang, firm in his resolve, looked around the group and declared,
“Jin So-cheong, myself, and Baek Woong will participate.”
“Perhaps it would be better for Guk Ho to take on the challenge…”
Just as I made my suggestion for modesty, Lee Kwang mused in thought. Then, Geuk Ho chimed in with a chuckle.
“Why are you being modest? You’re the one with the bigger responsibility here.”
“Senior…”
Geuk Ho clapped me on the back, speaking jovially.
“Don’t be foolish! The fate of the Thunder God Lineage is at stake—now’s not the time to save face! You’re stronger than I am, so put that aside and fight to win! That’s more beneficial to me.”
“Understood.”
Hearing this, Lee Kwang nodded in agreement.
“The third member of their team won’t be a pushover either. Baek Woong, you absolutely must win.”
“Don’t worry, Master.”
After hastily discussing a rough strategy, we proceeded toward the training hall. Already in the stands were the White Lotus Sect Leader, the two Dharma Protectors, and the elite guards, along with the elders and disciples of the Huangshan Sect, all eagerly awaiting.
The elder of the Huangshan Sect, serving as the referee, called out,
“Each sect’s three representatives, step forward!”
Lee Kwang, Jin So-cheong, and I walked onto the sparring ground.
From the opposite side came the three masters of the Wind Spirit Sect. As I assessed them, a wave of worry washed over me.
‘Yong Bichun, Yeom Jung-Il, and that guy…’
The third master from the Wind Spirit Sect was a one-eyed man wielding a ringed knife. I thought they might choose Do Ryong Sin or Lee Yeong-Song as their representative, so it took me by surprise. However, his martial prowess was definitely much higher than theirs. He was clearly an extraordinary combatant, so I guessed he would be a tough opponent.
A moment later, we proceeded with a bow as etiquette before stepping to our respective positions. The elder of the Huangshan Sect in the center of the arena bellowed,
“First contender, step forward!”
Swoosh!
The first to step forward from the Wind Spirit Sect was the one-eyed man with the ringed knife. Of course, if Lee Kwang or Jin So-cheong were going, they could almost guarantee a win. But since it wasn’t efficient for them to take the brunt of the fight here, I had to step up against that one-eyed opponent.
As I approached, keeping a distance of three feet, I bowed and said,
“I am Baek Woong, of the Thunder God Lineage. I look forward to this match.”
The one-eyed man returned my bow and replied,
“I am Tuma of the Wind Spirit Sect.”
“……!!”
In that moment, I gasped in alarm.
“Wait, you’re the Master of Shura Sect?”
He seemed to suppress his arrogance as much as possible, likely conscious of the fact that the White Lotus Sect Leader was watching.
“Indeed.”
This was no ordinary situation.
The Eight Devils of Martial Daos!
The Shura Sect primarily relied on blades, and the only direct confrontation I had with them before was when they had banded together to try to kill me during my encounter with the Golden Blade Faction. Their members were known as the Eight Devils, each one a supreme master ruling over the world of evil martial artists.
Among them was Tuma, the combat fanatic who organized the underground martial arts tournament in Luoyang. Remarkably, Tuma turned out to be a disciple of the Wind Spirit Sect of the White Lotus Sect! As I stood there, stunned by the unexpected situation, Jin So-cheong sent me a mental message from below the arena.
[Don’t worry, Master. You’re stronger than him, so as long as you stay calm, you’ll definitely win!]
Taking a deep breath, I settled my nerves, despite the threatening wind swirling around Tuma’s knife. I wasn’t going to be intimidated. Instead, confidence surged within me.
‘Right. Why should I fear the likes of the Eight Devils?’
My goals didn’t end here; I aimed to face the much stronger forces of the Imperial Palace head-on. If I showed fear here, nothing would come of it.
“Sparring begins!”
And thus, the first match with the Eight Devils of Martial Daos commenced.
