Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors
The process of entering the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School went surprisingly smoothly. Despite it being late at night, Geuk Ho headed straight to the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School, easily evading the disciples patroling at night, and made his way to Waryong Hall. Lightly landing in front of the hall, Geuk Ho opened the door and casually walked inside.
As I followed him in, I found a softly lit room illuminated by a lantern. A calm voice emerged from within.
“Geuk Ho?”
“Yes.”
“Come inside.”
Once both Geuk Ho and I entered the room, Lee Kwang, the master of the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School, was seen reading a book illuminated by the lamp. I didn’t know what book it was, but Lee Kwang was known for his love of reading. He glanced at me and said,
“Who is this?”
Geuk Ho answered,
“This is Baek Woong, the boy who’s recently been making waves. I confirmed he uses the techniques of the Thunder God Lineage and brought him.”
“……”
Lee Kwang scrutinized me with an indifferent gaze. Those animal-like eyes didn’t mean he was lost in thought; they were the eyes of someone thoroughly analyzing a person. After a while of observing me, Lee Kwang said,
“Impressive achievements at such a young age. Who is your master?”
I knelt down slowly, performing a respectful gesture as I replied,
“I can’t reveal my master’s name. However, I have obtained the secret technique and license of the Thunder God Lineage.”
“Hmm.”
Lee Kwang seemed to ponder for a moment before asking,
“What brought you to Guanzhong?”
“I was not pleased with the behavior of the Black Dao Sect.”
“Is that all?”
“Do you require anything else?”
When I turned the question back at him, Lee Kwang wore an amused expression.
“You’re quite an unpredictable one.”
“……”
“Geuk Ho, it looks like you’ve brought in a sly fox.”
As he muttered that, Lee Kwang looked at me and asked,
“Do you seek revenge on the Wind Spirit Sect?”
I knew that Lee Kwang, while unable to read minds, had an extraordinary intuition for sensing subtle human conflicts and weaknesses. Clumsy lies or masks wouldn’t work on him. So, drawing from the power of the Dharma Protector from the Wind Spirit Sect and my pent-up resentment, I exclaimed,
“There’s definitely someone I want to kill!”
“Who?”
“The leader of the Wind Spirit Sect.”
At that moment, Geuk Ho’s eyes focused on me. Lee Kwang’s eyes also bore a hint of surprise. My answer caught Lee Kwang off guard, causing him to cross his arms and say,
“Is it a personal vendetta?”
“It is both personal and not.”
“What do you mean?”
“If I must defeat the baddies of the Thunder God Lineage, then I absolutely have to kill their leader.”
Despite my somewhat bold statement, it conveyed my true feelings.
I was determined to tear that Dharma Protector from the Wind Spirit Sect apart someday.
As I spoke, I felt a surge of bloodthirst and fighting spirit rise within me, memories of losing Miho flooding my mind. Lee Kwang, observing me, shouted,
“Focus (喝)!”
Woosh!
Instantly, my bloodlust was suppressed by Lee Kwang’s commanding aura. I felt the boiling energy within me gradually subside. Lee Kwang grinned and said,
“I like your spirit. Very well, from today, you are a disciple of the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School.”
“Thank you.”
Afterward, I shared my sword techniques and specialties with Lee Kwang, detailing my proficiency in spear and fist techniques. After hearing all of this, Lee Kwang remarked,
“Considering your level, it seems you’re still in the phase of gradual improvement. You’re probably progressing, so if there’s anything you don’t understand or find difficult, feel free to ask me or Young Master So.”
“Yes.”
“I’ll officially register you as an instructor in the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School. Of course, if it’s a hassle, you don’t have to teach the kids.”
I thought for a moment before replying,
“I’m sorry, but can we try a different approach?”
“Why?”
“I’m searching for something based on my former master’s wishes. As this journey isn’t finished yet, I can’t settle down in the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School just yet.”
“What are you looking for?”
In this instance, I opted to be honest. It was a part I couldn’t easily fabricate. I decided to mix a bit of truth with some falsehoods because Lee Kwang would eventually learn about my actions in Sichuan.
“As a collateral descendant of the Hwa Family, I acquired medical skills and stumbled upon this issue…”
Then I described the White Lotus Sect’s little sect leader’s mysterious ailment, the Seven Great Healers, and their subsequent actions or speculations to Lee Kwang. He and Geuk Ho seemed intrigued, hanging on every word. After explaining everything, I concluded,
“My last lead is that Dongbang Mugeol, the Heavenly Doctor, stirred things up in the Sichuan Tang Sect while searching for a cure for the ailment, even traveling as far as the country of Yue beyond the southern borders. Unlike the other Seven Great Healers, he likely has some insights into this plague.”
“Hmm…”
Lee Kwang crossed his arms, seemingly deep in thought. After a brief silence, he asked,
“What’s your reason for chasing this lead regarding the ailment?”
“As you know, the White Lotus Sect possesses the power to dominate the martial world of the Central Plains at any time. However, they are probably stalled right now due to the little sect leader’s sickness. If I uncover the truth behind that ailment, I believe it would be useful when confronting the White Lotus Sect in the future.”
Lee Kwang genuinely admired my reasoning.
“Impressive… You’re a rare talent! Even I wouldn’t have thought that far.”
“Not at all.”
“I have heard rumors about the little sect leader’s ailment. However, I neglected them due to a lack of solid evidence, but if what you say is true, it means the ailment is likely a form of sorcery or curse.”
“Indeed, I suppose that’s the case.”
“Are you considering traveling to the southern land beyond Yue?”
“If necessary…”
Lee Kwang shook his head dismissively.
“That’s a foolish endeavor, and also uncertain. Do you have any idea how far the southern land is?”
“I’m not very sure.”
“It takes thousands of miles just to reach Yunnan from Sichuan, and from there, to traverse the harsh terrain of the southern lands to reach Yue would take thousands more. Of course, with your incredible internal power, it wouldn’t be impossible, but I don’t think you need to exert yourself to that extent.”
“Then…”
“Now that I have your lead, I will investigate Dongbang Mugeol my own way. Leave that work to me.”
Lee Kwang’s words carried significant confidence. After all, he possessed a strong desire for revenge against the White Lotus Sect, but without a solid strategy, he’d just be floundering about with Jin So-cheong. Hence, I had provided him with a lead that could potentially exploit the White Lotus Sect’s weaknesses, making it hard for him not to be thrilled.
“Yes, understood.”
I soon noticed that Geuk Ho’s expression, which had been observing me, shifted to one of astonishment. Up until that moment, I felt like I had just brought in a thunderous wild card, but now he couldn’t hide his admiration.
Lee Kwang then said,
“It’s late, but I’d like to assess your skills firsthand. Head to the training ground.”
Soon, I made my way to the training area, holding a sword while standing a distance of three paces away from Lee Kwang, who was observing. Geuk Ho lit up all the torches in the training area, and Lee Kwang, also armed with a sword, said,
“Using a spear would skew a proper evaluation, so I’ll use a sword as well.”
“Thank you for the instruction.”
“In case things get intense, let’s agree to take a moment to catch our breaths.”
“Yes.”
Hisssss…
I gathered my energy and glared at Lee Kwang. Internally, I griped,
‘Damn it… he’s just ridiculously strong. This monstrous human…’
Honestly, I believed I might have a fighting chance against Lee Kwang wielding a sword instead of a spear. After all, the spear holds significant advantages in martial combat. However, my years of training with the sword gave me a bit of confidence, thinking I might stand a chance.
Yet, I was completely wrong. The instant I faced him, Lee Kwang’s stature loomed like a mountain. It was nearly my first time seeing him perform his sword techniques, but I had a gut feeling that his Ten Thousand Success Sword Technique was the very embodiment of legendary swordsmanship.
I declared,
“I’ll take the first move!”
Fwaaaa!
In that moment, my body surged with lightning-fast energy. I activated the Baek Woong Style, tightly tying my essence together before shooting forth, merging my body with the sword. It was the perfect choice for my first attack, and Lee Kwang couldn’t help but be impressed.
“Good!”
Bang! Clang!
In the blink of an eye, ten exchanges passed. I poured all my internal power into attacking Lee Kwang with the essence of the Ten Thousand Success Sword Technique, but he deftly deflected my strikes using the mechanics of his Revolving Blade Art. Then, proving the technique of Moving the Heavens and the Earth, he unleashed tremendous force from a light strike.
Crash!
I hastily employed Thunderclap Hand to envelop the area, but my attack, which could send dozens of masters flying, had no effect on Lee Kwang. With minimal motion, Lee Kwang brushed aside my Thunderclap Hand, moving in on me with his Thunder God’s Star Slayer, and soon unleashed sword energy toward me.
As I blocked his counter with my defensive swordplay, Lee Kwang’s body seemed to momentarily pause.
Ten Thousand Success Sword Technique
Secret Technique
Thousand Kills Slash
“……!!”
Seeing hundreds of sword lights burst forth like a fantastical display, I was left speechless. It was only natural that Lee Kwang could use the Thousand Kills Slash, as he was the one who imparted me the Ten Thousand Success Sword Technique, but to think he could unleash a secret technique so casually in a spar was shocking! This Thousand Kills Slash, one misstep in defense or evasion, and it could easily cut me to bits—I clenched my teeth.
Thousand Kills Slash!!
Resolving to counter the Thousand Kills Slash with my own ultimate technique, I fortified my surroundings and deployed a sword barrier as hundreds of sword lights rained down. With the resounding ping of bouncing sounds, my surroundings were filled with a furious buzz, reminiscent of a swarm of angry bees. I struggled, beads of sweat forming on my forehead as I swung my sword frantically in the thundering storm of sword lights.
Clang, clang, clang!
I could see a hint of a smile creeping onto Lee Kwang’s face.
“Gah!”
I felt a single beam of sword light, concentrated into one strike, pierce through my defenses. The significant impact made me cough up blood, sending me flying backward. As I landed and regained my stance, Lee Kwang stood calmly, sword hanging at his side.
Lee Kwang remarked,
“If we continue like this, it might end up being too exciting, so let’s stop here. I’ve seen enough of your skills.”
“Ha… Ha… What do you think?”
“Quite sufficient. However, your swordsmanship isn’t purely from the Thunder God Lineage, is it? Have you learned from other schools?”
Without hesitating, I nodded.
“Yes, that’s correct. Why wouldn’t there be?”
“Of course. It’s encouraged to gather the strengths of various schools. However, I should know at least the origins of your techniques.”
“The sword techniques I’ve learned include…”
And so, I calmly explained and demonstrated briefly. Most of it came from the skills I’d picked up from Yeong Dong-bin’s Ascent and the Last Insights from Jang Sam-bong.
As Lee Kwang and Geuk Ho observed my performance in silence, their faces gradually turned to shock. A true master knows the hidden power within my techniques, especially those rooted in Jang Sam-bong‘s insights. In particular, Lee Kwang spoke with a trembling voice,
“Wh-what a terrifying sword technique! Which grandmaster taught you that?”
“……”
There was no way they’d believe I was blessed directly by Jang Sam-bong. I just casually replied,
“I learned it from a talented individual of the Mugwort Sect.”
That wasn’t a lie, so Lee Kwang wouldn’t catch on. Unsurprisingly, he seemed too engrossed in contemplating Jang Sam-bong’s insights to pay any mind to my answer. Geuk Ho, standing next to him, also wore an expression as if he was experiencing a eureka moment.
After a while, once the realization faded, Lee Kwang spoke somberly,
“If you have anything else you know, feel free to share.”
I gazed at Lee Kwang for a moment before saying,
“I’m sorry to bring this up, but don’t you think I and the disciples of the Thunder God Lineage share a mutual fate? If that’s the case, I also wish to share your secret techniques, Master Lee. Moreover, I’d love to share insights with Jin So-cheong.”
Lee Kwang looked as though he’d been struck. Then, seeming pleased, he laughed heartily,
“Indeed! If you’re bringing back such a treasured achievement, why would I hold back?!”
He then glanced subtly at Geuk Ho.
As if Geuk Ho noticed, he stepped forward and said to me,
“Baek Woong, starting tomorrow, let’s have you learn the Soul-Devouring Steps. With your talent, who knows, you might even grasp it.”
“Understood.”
Then Lee Kwang, who had been listening from the side, said,
“It seems you haven’t fully learned the advanced stages of the Ten Thousand Success Sword Technique. I’ll also pass on what I know about it, and the ultimate sword technique that surpasses the Ten Thousand Success Sword Technique.”
“……”
Wait, there’s more??
I felt completely stunned inside.
‘Damn it, Lee Kwang! Just how many secrets have you been hiding from me?!’
How many lifetimes has it been? And yet it was absurd to think that Lee Kwang was still concealing secrets of the Thunder God Lineage. I felt convinced that I had learned everything there was about swordsmanship by the time I reached the pinnacle! Surely, it seemed that Lee Kwang had utilized those hidden techniques to force me back in our earlier spar!
Lee Kwang was truly a fearsome individual.
As I shivered internally, Geuk Ho approached and patted my shoulder.
“I want to trust you.”
His words were laced with sincerity. For Geuk Ho, who usually never took anything seriously, to display such a look meant he saw me as a secret weapon against the Wind Spirit Sect. Realizing what I had done, I suddenly felt a panic.
‘Uh-oh… I raised too many expectations!’
The Mongmyeong had mentioned that this time around, I wouldn’t involve Lee Kwang and Jin So-cheong in the rescue of General Huang Yan’s family. I wanted to handle it with just the Ban Cheon Alliance. The reason being, if the Thunder God Lineage intervened, their excessively passionate tendencies might lead them to act recklessly instead of collaborating, which I had felt from their past actions.
Obviously, without adequate strength, it would be impossible to challenge the powers of the imperial court. At the very least, the Ban Cheon Alliance would require ample time to grow strong and establish itself. So, in this life, I didn’t extend the training offer to the Thunder God Lineage.
Thus, the task of integrating the Thunder God Lineage into the Ban Cheon Alliance became entirely mine. Additionally, since the Thunder God Lineage would certainly be at the front lines in any confrontation with the imperial court, I had the added responsibility of strengthening the masters of the Thunder God Lineage with the knowledge I possessed.
That said, garnering the attention of Lee Kwang and Geuk Ho brought an overwhelming sense of pressure. Moreover, I’d soon attract the attention of the genius Jin So-cheong. The fact that extraordinary masters and talents from across the Central Plains were now closely observing me was a staggering burden.
‘Forget it. Let’s think positively.’
I shook my head vigorously.
In any case, I just had to focus on improving my martial arts over the next few years.
‘In five years… I’ll grow to the next level in the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School!’
I clenched my fists.
This life felt promising.
If I keep moving forward like this, everything will be just fine!
