Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors
Swish!
Geuk Ho was residing in the Spring Scene Pavilion, the largest building in Guanzhong, acting like a pillar man as usual. Unsurprisingly, no one realized his true strength and that he had attained the license to practice the Thunder God Lineage, making him a peak expert, nor did they know he possessed the secret technique known as the Secret Technique of Blood Severing. I had no idea of his true identity until Lee Kwang came looking for me, so I could definitely say he was a recluse expert.
Miho and I didn’t go straight to the Spring Scene Pavilion. Instead, we carefully monitored it and analyzed Geuk Ho’s comings and goings. We discovered that he roamed around Guanzhong aimlessly about once every day or two.
The seduction operation began on the third day.
“Hmm…”
While walking down the street, Geuk Ho spotted Miho reading a book under a willow tree and stopped in his tracks.
Beautiful.
Miho’s current appearance was not that of a sultry beauty, but rather akin to a delicate and pure flower. She was an embodiment of a beautiful young lady from a prestigious family. I thought a more voluptuous look might win him over, but Miho disagreed.
[From what you say, it seems Geuk Ho pretends to be a lecher but actually has a pure heart. He may act like he prefers voluptuous women, but in reality, he’s likely to favor a pure, delicate girl whom he wants to protect.]
[Really?]
[That man’s managing to maintain his essence while flirting with women in that massive building. Is he a regular human? His willpower and self-control, along with his taste in women, are quite refined. It seems I’ll need to put a fair amount of effort into seducing him.]
Geuk Ho’s standards were high, huh?
I couldn’t quite comprehend it, but no one could outmatch Miho in the art of seduction. I regrettably had to hide nearby and watch the process of her attempting to charm Geuk Ho.
As expected, Geuk Ho initially appeared to pass by casually without a care. However, a moment later, he timidly turned around as if trying to act nonchalant and began to linger near Miho, finally gathering the courage to speak to her.
“What brings you out here reading such a fine book, Miss?”
Miho slowly lifted her face, showing a soft smile as she replied,
“I’m reading a book called Shan Hai Jing. And you are…?”
“Hmm… I am Geuk Ho. I happened to pass by and was captivated by the sight of you reading.”
That was quite direct. For someone who fancied wooing women, his approach was rather clumsy. I had witnessed him fumble in his attempts to seduce Miho before, so I was flabbergasted. A self-proclaimed dandy, yet so inept?
Normally, Miho would have burst out laughing, but it seemed she was committed to playing the innocent girl this time, so she feigned surprise.
“Oh my… Thank you.”
“It’s quite chilly. You might catch a cold. How about we grab some tea somewhere nearby and talk?”
“Indeed, it is quite cold.”
“Let’s go together.”
As Geuk Ho quietly extended his hand, Miho smiled brightly and took it.
“Thank you.”
Miho stood up and followed Geuk Ho, her steps light.
Ugh…
Watching that scene stirred my unknown turmoil. I knew it was all an act, yet my heart felt uneasy. It annoyed me to see Geuk Ho genuinely attempting to court Miho.
It didn’t help that, despite his usual clumsiness, he was quite a handsome guy too.
What am I even thinking?
I shook my head vigorously and used my concealment technique to silently follow them.
Miho and Geuk Ho entered a nearby inn and engaged in quiet conversation for a while. Their discussion revolved around trivial matters and jokes, but they seemed to be connecting quite naturally. After a while, Geuk Ho turned serious and said to Miho,
“Among all the women I have seen in my life, you are undoubtedly the most beautiful. I have never seen anyone like you in Guanzhong. Which noble family do you belong to?”
Miho made a troubled expression.
“I’m sorry, but I can’t casually reveal my name or my family to strangers. Please forgive me.”
“Ugh…”
“Perhaps I should take my leave now…”
As Miho subtly began to rise from her seat, Geuk Ho hurriedly grabbed the sleeve of her robe. When Miho gazed at him with a blank expression, Geuk Ho awkwardly added,
“Oh! I’m sorry. It’s just… I wanted to ask if we could meet again.”
Miho smiled brightly.
“I often come out to read.”
“……!!”
“I’d like to have an interesting discussion about books next time.”
With that, Miho slowly exited the inn, leaving Geuk Ho dazed.
I had been observing him for some time, and it seemed Geuk Ho had intended to follow Miho, beginning to stealthily trail her. Watching his naïve behavior struck me as pathetic.
Are you trying to uncover details about the girl you fancy? What a fool!
Well, that might be a natural response for a guy. But since I had anticipated this much, I patiently awaited Miho to shake off Geuk Ho. Eventually, using her transformation technique, Miho disappeared without a trace, leaving Geuk Ho floundering.
When Miho returned to me, she was bursting with laughter.
“Hahaha!! What an innocent guy! That was entertaining.”
“……”
“Huh? Why so sulky?”
“It’s nothing.”
With a mischievous smile, Miho approached and poked my cheek with her finger.
“Uhuhuh… Are you jealous?”
“I’m not!”
After briefly staring at me, Miho laughed softly and discreetly hugged me from behind. I froze in surprise as Miho comforted me,
“Don’t worry. I like you much more than Geuk Ho.”
“Really? Whatever.”
“Hahaha… Don’t let your voice tremble.”
My face flushed, and I felt embarrassed. It bothered me that she seemed to have picked up on my feelings for her. Expressing such feelings felt awkward. Shaking my head, I said to Miho,
“So what? Do you think you can seduce Geuk Ho?”
Miho swayed her tail and replied confidently,
“Hmm… He has a surprisingly strong mind. It will likely be tough unless a significant gap in his focus opens up.”
“Unlike that ultra-strong master from the Jang Clan or Dao King Byeokji-sang, who seemingly fell easy to your charms.”
Miho explained while interlocking her fingers,
“The Enchantment Technique isn’t directly linked with martial arts. Just because someone’s martial arts are formidable doesn’t mean their inherent willpower is necessarily so. Of course, the stronger someone has trained in martial arts, the better their mental power might be, but that delves into the finer aspects of their moral character.”
“Character?”
“Dao King Byeokji-sang possesses exceptional gambling skills and cool self-control, right? However, her inner state is highly unstable and chaotic. Since her spiritual essence isn’t stable, it makes her very susceptible to enchantments, irrespective of her apparent mental strength.”
“I see…”
“Martial arts are not omnipotent. Especially if one hasn’t studied the mystical art forms of the Dao or the monks, they are likely to fall victim to enchantments.”
Suddenly, everything clicked. I understood why Miho had been able to enchant Jang Bong so easily during battle—his mind had been clouded with concerns for his family, and overwhelmed by the intensity of the fight, he became an easy target for her enchantment.
I then said to Miho,
“It’s too complicated and time-consuming to explain my circumstances to Geuk Ho and convince him, so I’m sorry to him, but I will have to charm him to extract the secrets of the Secret Technique of Blood Severing.”
Miho replied confidently,
“Uhuhuh… What’s there to feel sorry about? A beauty like me is gracing him with her attention.”
“……”
I gazed at Miho and pinched her tummy between my fingers. It was smooth, but I still caught a bit of soft flesh. Miho looked at me in bewilderment.
“Lose some weight.”
“Yikes… You little rascal!”
Miho chuckled and ruffled my hair.
After playing around for a bit, we took a break at the inn and continued planning.
……
Miho and Geuk Ho’s pulling and pushing game went on for about eight weeks. Initially, Geuk Ho had been awkward, but eventually, he started showing a desperate longing for Miho, even saying outright,
“… I feel like I can hardly live without you.”
A confession.
Miho blinked her eyes in mock confusion, but Geuk Ho seized her hand and exclaimed,
“I love you! Please go out with me!”
I had never imagined he would confess so directly. While I concealed my presence, I watched in shock as Miho pondered for a moment. She then gently pushed Geuk Ho’s hand away and replied,
“I know nothing of you besides your name, nor do you know what kind of woman I am. How could we date?”
“I— I am Geuk Ho, disciple of the Thunder God Lineage.”
Geuk Ho, seeming to get anxious, revealed his secret. Miho tilted her head, intrigued.
“Thunder God Lineage?”
“Yes… I…”
Then, Geuk Ho unveiled his past—how he was taken in by his master at a young age to learn the Thunder God Lineage, and how that master was killed by the Wind Spirit Sect, leading him to hide in Guanzhong, relying on Lee Kwang to seek revenge. Most of it was information I already knew. After revealing that, he said,
“… But if you would be with me, I feel I could give up that vengeance. I never wished for a companion like you in my life…”
“……”
Miho gazed quietly at Geuk Ho and then said,
“A true man should not give up on revenge.”
“I don’t want to put you in danger.”
“You’re jumping to conclusions. Such a man lacks true manliness, and I don’t want to associate with someone like that.”
As Miho’s cold retort struck right at Geuk Ho, he momentarily looked overwhelmed with despair. He then asked,
“Is it really not possible?”
“……”
After a pause, Miho replied,
“Complete your revenge first and then return. I will consider it then.”
“……!!”
“I will be leaving Guanzhong for the time being. Please do not look for me.”
“P-Please wait! At least your name…”
As Geuk Ho held onto Miho, she answered,
“It’s Siho.”
“Siho… I will surely complete that revenge and find you! Please wait for me!”
Miho merely smiled lightly and departed.
Geuk Ho sat there lost in thought for a while before sprinting off somewhere.
When I reunited with Miho at our base, I was bewildered and asked,
“Miho, you were supposed to completely charm him! Why did you suddenly change the story?”
That was right. Our original plan was to fully draw Geuk Ho in, take advantage of his weaknesses with the Enchantment Technique, and extract all the secrets of the Secret Technique of Blood Severing from him. Yet, out of nowhere, Miho urged him toward revenge and walked away. It was undeniable; it seemed to be Miho’s fickleness.
Once she resumed her usual demeanor, Miho swept away her hair and responded,
“There were simply no openings.”
“What?”
“That man, Geuk Ho, despite having feelings for me, was resolute in his will. Even while he stated he would give up on revenge today, his determination only seemed to burn brighter. He possesses a remarkably strong will.”
“……!!”
“Attempting to use the Enchantment Technique on him seemed highly likely to fail.”
Hearing Miho speak this way, it appeared that beneath his clumsy demeanor, Geuk Ho possessed exceptional abilities deserving of a Thunder God Lineage heir. While I was internally impressed, Miho continued,
“Then I thought it would be better to spur him on, maximizing his desire for personal revenge. If there are prerequisites he cannot abandon, we ought to utilize that.”
“What do you mean?”
Miho smiled softly,
“Now, you should subtly showcase the Thunder God Lineage’s martial arts nearby, or you might as well join the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School and let them know. Either way, Geuk Ho will feel compelled to seek you out. Since he’s eager to take revenge, if some new variable arises, he’ll be much more inclined to reveal his martial arts.”
“……!!”
I was hit with a chill down my spine. Had Miho really figured all this out in that short span? Indeed, Geuk Ho seemed to lack sentimental attachments towards imparting the Secret Technique of Blood Severing, but his wariness toward others was significant. Even if he assured he could trust someone, he was quite picky about passing along his teachings. However, with Miho planting that seed, obtaining the Secret Technique of Blood Severing would undoubtedly be much easier now.
She had this uncanny ability to manipulate human emotions so freely.
That alone made Miho a terrifying presence.
“Got it.”
I resolved to act according to Miho’s plan. Taking a few days, I entered Guanzhong under the guise of coincidence and engaged in minor conflicts with the lesser evil factions there. While battling with the second-rate black daoists who hang around gambling houses, I openly showcased the techniques of the Thunder God Lineage.
Bam!
“Ugggh.”
“W-We’re sorry…”
After easily dispatching a group of over twenty black daoists with a couple of swift moves, I crossed my arms smugly.
“What do you all think you’re getting bold with?”
“Oh no… We’re just committing sins…”
“Humph! I am Baek Woong! Surely, there must be more black daoists calling this area home? Bring them to me; I’ll take care of them too.”
“Y-Yes…!!”
I was pretending to be a righteous swordsman just starting to journey through the Jianghu. Acting as though I was angered by the minor misdeeds of the black daoist rabble. The black daoist gang seemed unwilling to face more punishment, so they promptly began to guide me toward the factions existing in Guanzhong.
Crash!
Bam!
In just two days, I crushed five different factions! I had not killed anyone, but dozens, if not hundreds, had gotten knocked out while carelessly trying to show off. It was a bit ridiculous how easy it had been, considering I hadn’t even needed my sword.
I wish I could at least pretend it was tough, but they’re just too weak…
I felt a bit exhausted by those thoughts. Guanzhong wasn’t that extensive an area, so I felt I had trampled through almost every faction there. It was while I was wandering the night that, passing by the Spring Scene Pavilion, I suddenly heard a voice.
“Hey! Baek Woong! Is life treating you well?”
A young pillar man standing in front of the building called out to me with a chuckle. Sure enough, it was Geuk Ho. I knew this moment would come, and I replied nonchalantly,
“Who are you? If you’re the pillar man from Banjuri, don’t stir up trouble.”
“Haha… So proud! But that’s a trait of our sect.”
“Our sect? What nonsense…”
Swish!
Geuk Ho gave a cheeky smile before suddenly activating the Secret Technique of Blood Severing and lunging at me. I was already prepared in my heart, but when Geuk Ho unleashed the Secret Technique of Blood Severing, the sight left me breathless. Like a mirage unfurling at astonishing speed, I couldn’t even catch a glimpse of the real Geuk Ho.
Bam!
I hastily raised my arm to block Geuk Ho’s strike, but it pierced through my defenses and landed. As I tumbled to the ground and sprang to my feet, Geuk Ho exclaimed in surprise,
“Wow… You got up after taking that hit? Who the heck taught you to take a punch like that?”
“The Thunder God Fist? No way, are you also…”
Geuk Ho burst into a hearty laugh and replied,
“Haha… Yeah, I’m also a disciple of the Thunder God Lineage.”
“Hmm.”
“Recently, I’ve heard you flaunting your martial arts a lot. Given your impressive internal power and Thunder God Lineage techniques, it’s understandable.”
Yet, Geuk Ho’s eyes turned sharper.
“However, that’s not how it should be.”
I retorted bluntly,
“Why? I’m using my martial arts as I please.”
Geuk Ho’s expression turned serious.
“The Wind Spirit Sect has its eyes on you across every corner of the Central Plains. If you intend to take revenge, then you must conceal yourself and remain incognito.”
“I’m not scared of the Wind Spirit Sect. I’ve consumed the Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng and possess unrivaled internal power!”
“Ha! You really think those words would hold up before the Wind Spirit Sect’s guardian lion?”
“……”
Of course, I didn’t. Acting as a novice disciple of the Thunder God Lineage, I felt anxious when the Guardian Lion of the Wind Spirit Sect was mentioned. Even in my current state, I doubted I could match the guardian lion even if I brought out everything I had. If I utilized all my skills, I could probably achieve a draw, but that would be of little significance.
When I fell silent, Geuk Ho took it as acknowledgment and said,
“Don’t waste your strength here; follow me.”
“Why must I follow you?”
“I’d like to introduce you to a remarkable person, and also pass on some of the hidden techniques from the Thunder God Lineage. How about that?”
He was likely going to introduce me to Lee Kwang from the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School.
I feigned some hesitation before nodding,
“Alright.”
I was internally astounded.
Miho’s beauty had managed to create a situation where I could enter the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School without suspicion, while also presenting me the opportunity to learn its hidden techniques.
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