Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors
After a while, the disciples of the Thunder God Lineage returned to the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School. Perhaps due to the recent commotion with the Zheng Tian Alliance, the guards seemed wary of us, but we passed through the gate without being marked as wanted. It seemed they wanted to avoid any troublesome conflicts with the Alliance. Our main task was to tidy up the chaotic state of the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School.
Three days later, as if by appointment, a messenger from the Zheng Tian Alliance arrived bearing a letter to establish a truce. Lee Kwang sat leisurely in a chair, scanning the letter before speaking.
“I suppose we don’t need to meet in person?”
“He said to settle it through the letter.”
“Is that the will of Master Wei Zhi-hun?”
“Indeed, and the entirety of the Zheng Tian Alliance’s position.”
Lee Kwang seemed to offer a bitter smile.
After the messenger delivered the letter and departed, I said to Lee Kwang,
“Seems like the Master of the Zheng Tian Alliance wasn’t much of a factor in this.”
“Not entirely. Had Wei Zhi-hun refused, no matter how strong the Nine Great Sects‘ influence, this truce would have been dismissed.”
“Really? Isn’t the Zheng Tian Alliance being pushed around by the Nine Great Sects?”
Lee Kwang replied after placing the letter in a corner of his study,
“Sure, an ordinary person might think that. But Wei Zhi-hun is special. We should be grateful he holds no ill will towards us.”
“Hmm…”
Thinking back, it seemed Lee Kwang held Wei Zhi-hun in high regard. Although there were many talented figures among the Nine Great Sects, he seemed to acknowledge only Wei Zhi-hun and Yan Jeong-hong. No matter how impressive a master might be, Lee Kwang remained indifferent to their tales—he clearly had standards for assessing martial artists.
Lee Kwang subtly stepped outside and remarked,
“It’s time for us to talk, Thunderbolt Three Saints.”
Swish
At that moment, out of nowhere, two Phantoms appeared, seemingly materializing like white smoke.
‘Peerless Light Body Technique!’
One cloaked in red, the other in green. They appeared to be about the same age as Lee Kwang, suggesting that if they were indeed the Thunderbolt Three Saints, they must have achieved ordinary standing.
The red-clad Phantom clicked their tongue and said,
“Lee Kwang. You’ve stirred up quite the trouble. Just as I figured, you’re as unruly as any disciple of the Thunder God Lineage.”
“Red Moon. Where’s Green Moon?”
“Are we your subordinates? Why do you speak so impertinently?”
The red-clad figure known as Red Moon grew irritated. Just their annoyance seemed to conjure up a roaring tempest in the hall.
Boom!
“……!!”
Formless Qi flows! The mere will of Red Moon moved with such power, indicating their mastery had reached an unparalleled pinnacle, far beyond mine at mere peak. As I swallowed hard, Lee Kwang chuckled.
“When Red, Green, Blue of the Thunderbolt Three Saints unite, none can act so foolishly before them. But since there are only two of you now, I’m asking out of curiosity, aren’t I?”
Next, the green-clad figure, donned in scholarly attire, burst into laughter.
“Ha ha! If you weren’t the direct disciple of our master, I’d have your tongue out, Lee Kwang.”
“To do that, you’d have to lose your head first.”
“You do have a fine sense of humor. Ha ha!”
I was taken aback by how casually they bantered, while the content of their conversation was harsh. Who would think this was merely a chat between individuals of the same faction? Red Moon had a look as if they couldn’t wait to gut Lee Kwang on the spot!
Eventually, Red Moon calmed their emotions and spoke,
“Green Moon has gone to the Eastern Ocean far away.”
“Why did that person go all the way there?”
“To seek out the Round Moon Heavenly Killing Technique. They seemed to believe it could rival the sect leader’s capabilities.”
“Hmm… the Round Moon Heavenly Killing Technique. What’s that?”
Lee Kwang seemed rather surprised. Understandably so, only a handful knew of its existence. I too wouldn’t have known if it weren’t for Kamiizumi Nobutsuna.
‘And then the White Lotus Sect leader informed Kamiizumi Nobutsuna of the Round Moon Heavenly Killing Technique’…
A technique of fatality!
As I pondered the Round Moon Heavenly Killing Technique, Red Moon chimed in,
“I don’t fully grasp it either. However, Green Moon seemed steadfast in leaving.”
“I’m sure they’ll manage. Have you kept in touch?”
Red Moon looked incredulous.
“Have you lost your mind? How would I contact someone in the Eastern Ocean?”
“I meant when was the last time you contacted them.”
In response, Red Moon flared up.
“Are you trying to court death, you little brat?!”
Whoosh
At that moment, Red Moon lunged at Lee Kwang. The moves, while merely what I knew of the Thunder God Lineage, were executed like lightning. Red Moon’s initial strike, reminiscent of the Myeonghon Technique, bore extraordinary devastating force, instantly targeting Lee Kwang’s chest.
Crash!
In that instant, Lee Kwang intermingled the Thunder God Fist with the thrust of the Heavenly Thunder Infinite Spear, effortlessly deflecting Red Moon’s onslaught. Though Red Moon’s attack transformed in a blink into over ten variations, Lee Kwang seemed to send it all away in spirals. Once their exchange lasted merely a single second, Red Moon retreated.
Red Moon looked astonished.
“This brat… has grown significantly! Did I receive your Thunder Spirit Seal?”
Crackle!
Around Lee Kwang’s clothes and hands, faint singed marks appeared. He had managed to divert Red Moon’s lightning-fast strike, though not completely unscathed. Nevertheless, it clearly indicated Lee Kwang’s prowess matched that of Red Moon.
Lee Kwang replied,
“Do you think the landscape hasn’t changed since that disgraceful day? I too have my master’s honor to uphold, hence why I can’t act rashly.”
“Hmm…”
Red Moon’s eyebrows twitched, and the scholar-like figure beside him waved his hand.
“Enough, Red Moon. Lee Kwang’s skill is on par with ours. I believe he qualifies as a Thunder God Lineage Grandmaster.”
“Hmph. Green Moon. Why must you acknowledge this arrogant brat?”
“What if I don’t? There’s no need to dance around due to petty pride.”
“Well, I suppose you’re right.”
Reluctantly, Red Moon seemed to cease his “teaching” of Lee Kwang. I stood by, feeling enlightened witnessing the clash of three Peerless Masters.
‘So, these individuals are truly the supreme masters of the Thunder God Lineage.’
Red Moon responded to Lee Kwang’s words,
“The last time I heard from Green Moon was twenty years ago. They carried news that they found solid clues regarding the Round Moon Heavenly Killing Technique.”
“They found a clue? Then why haven’t they returned to the Central Plains?”
“Well, they’re probably training ever since, hoping to master what they found. That’s obvious, isn’t it?”
“Then, what was that last clue?”
Red Moon huffed with irritation and replied,
“Shut it, you little brat. I know you’re trying to sound all authoritative, but when you were a child, we supported the Thunder God Lineage, and now you dare interrogate us?”
“My master entrusted me with his legacy and concluded the sect conflict, so it is within my rights to act as Thunder God Lineage’s Grandmaster. You, as protectors, are obliged to heed my command.”
Green Moon remarked mockingly,
“A Grandmaster? Do you truly believe you’re worthy of your master’s legacy?”
“……”
Unexpectedly, Lee Kwang, who had appeared confident up to this point, hesitated at that question. Finally, he answered candidly.
“I cannot claim to be as capable. My master could contest with your combined might.”
“Whether or not skill dictates mastery is irrelevant, but to us, you’re still lacking. We cannot accept you yet.”
Had this been the norm, Lee Kwang would’ve retorted with bravado to showcase his prowess. Yet, in front of Red Moon and Green Moon, he didn’t seem inclined to. Both were the very definition of previous era’s supreme masters.
Instead, Lee Kwang replied calmly,
“So, what do you want?”
“While we can’t recognize you yet as our Grandmaster, you surely are the closest individual to that level. We will lend you our strength in reviving the Thunder God Lineage, as best as we can, and cater to your requests.”
“……”
“Moreover, I commend your courage.”
Red Moon and Green Moon’s words marked a significant turning point. After contemplating for a moment, Lee Kwang said,
“Agreed. But I assure you, you will soon acknowledge my worth.”
“We shall see.”
Shortly after, the three of them entered Lee Kwang’s inner chamber. Seated around a table, they seemed prepared to discuss something crucial. At that moment, Red Moon, seated in a chair, glanced at me and said,
“Lee Kwang. Who’s this fellow? Quite the strange one.”
“My disciple.”
“Your top disciple?”
“Not quite.”
Red Moon stared intently at my face and remarked,
“Your internal energy is at the level of a protector, yet you seem rather immature. Why do you appear so trivial?”
Lee Kwang snickered and said,
“That’s a long story. He is an unfinished talent.”
“Oh, how intriguing.”
“Also, this child is entitled to hear this conversation. Leave them be.”
“Alright then.”
Lee Kwang must have felt my position was well assessed by Mangyang. That’s why I, who should normally have been expelled from such a gathering, was allowed to stay and listen.
After a moment, Red Moon stated,
“I want to hear what happened leading up to this.”
“Of course.”
Lee Kwang remained calm as he began explaining the events that had transpired over the past while. Upon hearing his account, Red Moon and Green Moon appeared deep in contemplation. After some silence, Red Moon spoke first.
“That Ban Cheon Alliance leader is quite a remarkable figure.”
“True.”
“Good. The situation appears manageable. We can indeed offer our assistance.”
As Red Moon cast a glance at Green Moon, they smiled and nodded in agreement.
“No objections here.”
It seemed the Thunderbolt Three Saints, Red Moon and Green Moon, had resolved to return as protectors of the Thunder God Lineage. After taking a sip of tea, Red Moon said,
“Now, regarding the White Lotus Sect, you mentioned they asked for you to bring the Ultimate Technique within ten years?”
“Indeed.”
“With no prior guidance?”
“Correct.”
When Lee Kwang responded blandly, Red Moon stroked his chin and remarked,
“This is odd. The sect leader seems to have a hidden agenda.”
“What do you mean?”
“Lee Kwang, you know as well as I that the Ultimate Technique of the Thunder God Lineage isn’t finished, and no completed form has been created yet. Therefore, to demand the result just seems odd—it certainly links back to your master’s affairs.”
Lee Kwang mumbled with a stiffened expression,
“At present, it’s all speculation.”
“What do you want to do?”
“I believe it’s worth trying, not just for his sake. If the Ultimate Technique were completed, it might enable us to confront the sect leader.”
“Hmm…”
Red Moon hesitated slightly. Then, Green Moon, who was beside him, spoke up,
“I disagree. Striving for the Ultimate Technique might only serve to benefit the sect leader.”
“That’s also possible. But at the moment, I can’t think of any other way to deal with the sect leader.”
“If the Thunder God Lineage continues down this path of collective inheritance, it might thrive again after the untimely demise of the current sect leader. The current sect leader, hailed as the strongest in history, is unparalleled. Confronting them head-on would be unwise.”
Lee Kwang seemed to have perceived something from Green Moon’s words. He glared sharply at Green Moon,
“You two have created separate factions, haven’t you?”
“……”
Red Moon and Green Moon went silent, which confirmed Lee Kwang’s suspicion.
“What idiocy is this?!!”
Lee Kwang growled in frustration, unable to contain his anger.
“Are you suggesting we wait until our enemy dies? Even a child or a dilettante wouldn’t claim that! You fear the enemy’s strength, so you’d rather wait until they grow old and perish… Haha… it seems even the Thunderbolt Three Saints are losing their touch!”
Red Moon responded gravely,
“Don’t you think we’re upset as well? Do we not wish for vengeance against the sect leader? But as you know, the techniques of the Water God Lineage are far too formidable and superhuman. Let alone prior generations’ Water God Lineage leader, targeting White Lotus Sect is simply impossible. Before we seek vengeance, as protectors of the Thunder God Lineage, we have a duty to maintain our faction.”
“Shut it. You are merely doggedly loyal.”
“What did you say?”
Buzz buzz buzz
At that moment, a fierce spirit erupted from Red Moon and Green Moon. It transcended mere Formless Qi, entering a realm where both offense and defense could be manipulated freely. The two had taken offense at Lee Kwang’s remark.
Lee Kwang did not appear inclined to avoid the fight either. He had been trying to work towards avoiding combat but seemed ready to subdue them with force instead now that the two provoked his wrath.
I sensed danger.
‘If I leave this as it is, they will end up fighting!’
If the three began clashing here, it would spiral into chaos for the Thunder God Lineage. We would end without discovering a way to cure Mangyang, and all we had was doom ahead. Rushing in, I shouted,
“Please, gentlemen, grant me a moment!”
The fighting spirit surrounding the hall eased slightly. Green Moon fixed their gaze on me and asked,
“And who might you be?”
“I’d like to introduce myself. I’m Baek Woong, a disciple of the Thunder God Lineage.”
“Baek Woong. This is not the time for interruptions.”
“Even so, please hear me out.”
“What…?”
As Green Moon appeared puzzled, I bowed towards the table and declared,
“Everything you three say is correct! But you have all forgotten the most crucial aspect.”
“……?”
The three Peerless Masters’ faces shifted to a look of astonishment. Seeing their tension lessen, I seized this opportunity to make my point.
“I possess the ability to locate and bring back the missing Green Moon.”
Unexpected words that had nothing to do with the current topic.
Yet, oddly enough, they weren’t entirely irrelevant, and in fact, it was crucial in some light.
Their sheer astonishment would force them to relax their hostility!
“You mean you can bring Green Moon back from Eastern Ocean?”
“Indeed, would that not be the case, Master?”
When I looked to Lee Kwang for affirmation, even he seemed to predict how the conversation would unfold. With a reluctant expression, he uttered,
“Indeed. If it’s you, I believe you could bring back Green Moon, likely even within a few months.”
“……!!”
“Lee Kwang, what are you saying? This kid, Baek Woong, has such capabilities?”
Lee Kwang addressed Red Moon and Green Moon,
“This child possesses such mystical abilities. If you share clues regarding the whereabouts of Green Moon, we can swiftly retrieve them from Eastern Ocean, and at much faster speeds.”
“……!!”
“I can guarantee this with my master’s honor.”
No one treasures their master’s honor more than Lee Kwang in this world. With him invoking his master’s name, Red Moon and Green Moon began to trust his words.
With a chilling yet serious tone, Lee Kwang continued,
“Earlier, my inquiries may have seemed intrusive, but all of that was for the benefit of the Thunder God Lineage. My aim was to bring Green Moon back quickly to rejuvenate our Thunder God Lineage. By studying the martial arts of the three protectors alongside the lineage’s teachings, I believe we can surely discover the Ultimate Technique.”
“Hmm…”
“Yet you two have established your own factions somewhere in the realm, and your statement suggests you’d rather wait for the sect leader’s demise…”
With a bang, Lee Kwang slammed his hand on the table.
“Green Moon, who has gone to seek the Ultimate Technique, would surely find your words absurd!”
“……”
Red Moon and Green Moon were instantly left speechless. If Green Moon were forever lost in the Eastern Ocean, they might’ve been able to ignore him, but knowing he had a way to return at any moment would make them feel compelled to consider him. Thus, it became evident their pride as equal protectors of the Thunder God Lineage wouldn’t allow for Green Moon to belittle them.
Red Moon cleared his throat lightly.
“Hmm… very well. Then we will cooperate in achieving the Ultimate Technique.”
“Red Moon?! I did not consent to this.”
“Then what shall we do? Do we want to be laughed at by Green Moon?”
“Uh, well…”
Green Moon furrowed their brows and replied,
“Damn it! Fine. We’ll aid in achieving the Ultimate Technique.”
“Thank you for your support.”
“Should White Lotus Sect deliver any threats, we always have the right to withdraw.”
“Feel free to do as you please.”
Thus, Lee Kwang subtly pulled two out of the Thunderbolt Three Saints into his fold.
Red Moon spoke shortly thereafter.
“The final clue Green Moon last shared was that the Round Moon Heavenly Killing Technique is located in the Aokigahara Sea of Trees on the Eastern Ocean’s Fuji Mountain. It’s considered a perilous region and a wild place of the Eastern Ocean.”
“A place I’ve never heard of before. So, is it only a matter of going to Fuji Mountain?”
“I’m unsure. When Green Moon shared this info, they mentioned it to be a Demon Realm, so if you’re going there, be ready to stake your life.”
“Hmm…”
After hearing about Green Moon’s whereabouts, Lee Kwang slowly began recounting his experiences with the two Protectors of the Thunder God Lineage. Throughout his story, I could see the expressions on the three faces easing up, with traces of faint smiles forming.
‘These three truly share a bond as fellow disciples.’
Indeed, as the last remnants of the Thunder God Lineage, their camaraderie seemed all but natural. After I attentively listened to their discussion, I excused myself.
Once Lee Kwang finished discussing with the Protectors and assigned them accommodation, he formally introduced Red Moon and Green Moon to the Thunder God Lineage’s disciples. Although the disciples were astonished by their allocation, they seemed determined to honor their elders.
Green Moon looked at Guk-ho and said,
“I hear you’re the inheritor of the Myeonghon Technique?”
“Indeed.”
“Your pal Jang Hwan couldn’t shake off the pursuit, huh?”
“Do you know my master?”
Green Moon wore a complex smile.
“I do. He was the foremost expert of the Thunder God Lineage.”
“Ah…”
“Since you carry on Jang Hwan’s legacy, you will thrive. As long as we remain together, his essence shall continue.”
Green Moon’s words seemed composure-laden, yet they carried an emotional weight that stirred all listeners. Guk-ho displayed a slightly overwhelmed expression but swiftly regained his composure, declaring firmly,
“I shall uphold my master’s legacy.”
Thus, I fully realized that the Thunder God Lineage had successfully taken off on the right path. Even with their current strength, they had formed an unprecedented and powerful elite faction. At the same time, Mangyang’s earlier words echoed in my mind.
‘What will the Thunder God Lineage embark on in the future…’
I contemplated for brief moments, shaking my head. Given that an imminent threat stood before me, I needed to train relentlessly to defeat it. Worrying about the future of the Thunder God Lineage seemed entirely foolish.
I summoned Mangyang and Mi-ho as well. Having utilized my medical skills for Mangyang, he had returned to good health. Mi-ho, meanwhile, had spent her days frolicking about as the youngest disciple of the Thunder God Lineage with nothing but leisure.
After sharing my experiences with the Protectors, Mangyang remarked,
“I too have heard about Fuji Mountain and its Sea of Trees.”
“I’ve heard of it too.”
Both Mangyang and I turned to Mi-ho. With narrowed eyes, she replied,
“Located at Fuji Mountain, the Aokigahara Sea of Trees is most definitely a Demon Realm. It’s where the strongest youkai and spirits from the Eastern Ocean congregate.”
“What? Is it that dangerous?”
“Rather, I find it incomprehensible for that human, Green Moon, to dare train there. Even I have no idea how powerful the youkai present in that Sea of Trees might be, and wouldn’t walk in uninvited.”
Mi-ho had a terrified expression. Clearly, the Aokigahara Sea of Trees was a fearsome place. I scratched my head and asked,
“Do you think I can take a stab at it with my current skill?”
“Ha! You must be dreaming. You’d likely meet your end before you traverse even ten li, being devoured by some nameless-grade youkai! If you encounter a group of Shōjō or Tsuchigumo, you’d surely nothing but bone dust left!”
“……”
Her tone was so unwaveringly harsh that I was left feeling slightly hurt.
“To put it in perspective, that Demon Realm is like a pit of rot. It’s where immense powers of malevolence were amassed by the Yin-Yang Clan, consequently birthing insurmountable powerful youkai. It’s difficult to find places that are as perilous in the Central Plains or even Goryeo.”
“Why would the Yin-Yang Clan perform such madness?”
“They believed keeping the world in filth is better than letting it run rampant. Since the Eastern Ocean is suspiciously heavy with malignant aura, they chose to consolidate it into one.”
Slightly annoyed, Mi-ho continued,
“Baek Woong, going to the Aokigahara Sea of Trees is an absolute no-go. Avoid any excuses, live to see another day.”
“Got it.”
Mangyang added,
“Now you must concentrate on your own training.”
“Of course, I will!”
I felt confident as a practitioner, thanks to my recent experiences with healing Mangyang. The previous state of debilitating fatigue was now gone. Given that my efforts had aided in freeing him from exhaustion and burden, if we could maintain this peace for about a month, Mangyang could completely recover his health.
What hung over my thoughts was the mysterious phenomenon of life. Sometimes, life could come under threat from simply existing in poor health, while others faced unprecedented accidents leading to sudden deaths.
If I had mended Mangyang’s injuries, unforeseen calamities could completely strip him of life.
So, when I finally slipped out of the room, I covertly questioned Mi-ho,
“Mi-ho… is there really no method available? Even if it’s not the Peach Mountain Spirit, there must be some way to prolong Mangyang’s life…”
“… Didn’t I tell you? If there was such an easy solution, why on earth would Qin Shi Huang have sought eternal life?”
I knelt before Mi-ho, imploring her.
“I’m really sorry, but Mangyang must not die. I can’t just sit idle and let him pass away.”
“……”
Mi-ho seemed to contemplate deeply. After tossing a pine cone back and forth several times, she finally announced,
“There’s technically a way, albeit unconventional.”
“Oh! What method?”
“Heaven’s Mandate is fate decreed by the sky. Which means, it’s as if Mangyang has already sealed his fate. In other words, you could say Mangyang holds the power of life and death through Heaven’s Mandate, or rather a potential right of directive.”
“Hmm… But I can’t expect Mangyang to meet with me.”
“Seek offerings.”
Mi-ho declared resolutely,
“Mangyang—who stands among the gods—won’t simply refuse anyone wishing to offer tributes earnestly. If you present him with music or an offering that can gift him longevity, you could potentially bend Heaven’s Mandate. Even if it’s another master or sage, it wouldn’t matter.”
“Offerings? You mean like Makkah’s offerings, or what I previously used?”
Asking for an offering might indeed save him!
Mi-ho let out a sigh while gazing at my excited expression.
“Haah… You fool. Why are you so thrilled?”
“What’s wrong?”
“What’s so terrible about those offerings? If there were such convenient options, why wouldn’t Mangyang offer his life to Pachun for the Thunder God Lineage? Let’s be clear: Makkah’s offerings and any I’ve offered previously are treasures held in the highest regard; they are akin to the relics of the sage.”
These were about as valuable as sage artifacts!
Someone would have had to offer them up. It was all the more frustrating!
“How much of an offering would I need?”
As my idle thoughts swirled, Mi-ho’s eyes narrowed subtly.
“Let’s consider the approach of the Evil Cult; according to that assumption, if we were to exchange lives, at least seven hundred thousand souls would be the minimum to trade.”
“……!!”
“Even as treasures, you’d require several precious artifacts of the highest value—possibly four or so. I trust you already understand how rare they are.”
Thud.
I collapsed onto the floor.
Was there absolutely no way to evade Mangyang’s death? Would I truly be forced to witness him pass away? Just as despair overwhelmed me, Mi-ho looked at me with confusion.
“Baek Woong. In any case, whether I perish or Mangyang does, if you die, none of this matters, does it? Why be so fixated?”
“I understand. But… how can I stand still and merely watch someone die?!”
“Perhaps Mangyang is already at peace with his death; it’s simply ironic that you hold such a large burden.”
After remarking coldly, Mi-ho turned her attention elsewhere.
“I’d rather not discuss this any further. You should ponder your own issues.”
And with that, she vanished using her Hypnotism Technique.
It didn’t seem like Mi-ho was genuinely angry—she merely didn’t wish to see me cling stubbornly to this.
I knew what Mi-ho meant. Naturally, after hearing about my past life, Mangyang would have considerations about my future, preparing me towards the events that could unfold post his demise. I would merely need to follow that plan. That would indeed be the most rational path to take.
Yet knowing and feeling were entirely different.
No matter how I sliced it, how could I merely watch my closest companion die…?
I clenched my teeth and racked my brain. I toiled within my room that day, pacing back and forth as I contemplated the best course of action.
‘What could I possibly offer to Mangyang?’
I considered the Millennium Snowthorn, but that wouldn’t suffice. It was purely an item imbued with great power, lacking strong ritualistic value. The Black and White Lotus bore energy, but it wouldn’t equate to the measure of lives.
Then, something clicked in my mind.
“……!!”
I had a method!
“… This should work.”
I found myself smiling faintly.
I’d have to resort to it if this was the only available option.
