Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors
After that, I brought Dongbang Mu-gyeol to Jinrang Valley. At first, he seemed oblivious to what was happening as he was tucked away inside my Mokgyeop, but once I suddenly pressed on his vital points, a look of shock crossed his face.
“No…!!”
Pa!
He tried to unleash his latent energy all of a sudden, but I was far quicker. Using the Golden Sealing Technique of Hua’s 108 Needles, I sealed off his 16 acupoints, reinforcing the seal on his internal energy. Eventually, as Dongbang Mu-gyeol struggled and collapsed, I looked down at him coldly and said,
“With Geuk Ho‘s internal energy, it won’t be enough to completely seal someone of your caliber. You knew that, which is why you had the confidence you did until now, but things are different now. With the vision technique of Hua’s 108 Needles infused with my internal energy, you won’t be able to escape.”
“Ugh, what nonsense…”
Despite Dongbang Mu-gyeol trying to elevate his internal energy further, his expression grew fatigued as if he was trying to run with a heavy weight tied to him. No matter how hard he tried, his internal energy was scattered by the Four Hundred Extremes, so he must have been bewildered. I smiled slyly and said,
“Give up. Jinrang Valley has great air and good clear water, so you can rest comfortably here.”
“You brat…!! What are you doing? Give me back my internal energy!”
“You really don’t understand a word I’m saying, do you?”
Swish!
My Taoist Fist hovered over his forehead. Feeling threatened, Dongbang Mu-gyeol stopped squirming and closed his mouth. It may have seemed like a simple posture, but he realized that if I hit him, his head might explode like a balloon. I then relaxed my Taoist Fist and said,
“Lee Kwang wanted to lock you in the Torture Room and extract information from you over a long period of time. But that would be too inhumane; so, we simply agreed to seal off your internal energy and keep you here. Thank Bancheon Alliance’s Leader for that.”
“This… What on earth am I being treated like this for? What have I done wrong?!”
“Don’t worry. I won’t keep you trapped forever. When the time is right, I’ll let you go.”
“Ugh… You brat…”
Though Dongbang Mu-gyeol squeaked out a pained voice, he had no choice but to remain stuck in Jinrang Valley’s lodgings due to his inability to use internal energy. From now on, he would have to use his medical skills for Jinrang Valley.
‘Was that a bit too much?’
From Dongbang Mu-gyeol‘s perspective, it was undoubtedly one-sided harm. I felt a little guilty, but once the Thunder God Lineage matured and gathered its strength, I was willing to let him go then. After putting Dongbang Mu-gyeol in his lodgings, I went to find Mangnyang.
“Did the talks go well?”
“Lee Kwang also agreed.”
“Good.”
Mangnyang replied with satisfaction.
“So, are you ready to go as an envoy to the White Lotus Sect?”
“Of course.”
After discussions among Mangnyang, Lee Kwang, and the Thunder God Lineage experts, it was decided that Thunder God Lineage needed to negotiate its faction separation. During the talks about who would be the envoy, Mangnyang suggested me as the best candidate. Lee Kwang reviewed the proposal and approved, sending me along with Dongbang Mu-gyeol to Jinrang Valley.
“You’re the owner of the Golden Eagle, so you can slip away at any time, making you the most suitable choice. There’s no one better than you for this role.”
“Hmm, then do we head to Gansu Province now?”
Having never been to Gansu Province in my life, I felt a bit uneasy at the prospect of running around again, scratching my head, but Mangnyang shook his head.
“No. It would be mad to go through the Main Gate of the White Lotus Sect. Instead, let’s use the back roads to secure ourselves.”
“What do you mean?”
“From now on, we’ll head to Luoyang.”
Luoyang?
I was puzzled at first, but soon understood Mangnyang‘s reasoning.
“Isn’t there an envoy from the White Lotus Sect nearby?”
Pa!
After a brief while, I arrived in Luoyang. Appearing in a deserted alley, I finally stepped out onto the main street, and after walking a short distance, I found the main gate of the Han Clan. Knowing there were other experts hiding around besides the gatekeeper, I cautiously approached.
Just then, the gatekeeper asked me,
“Hey kid, what do you want?”
I answered as Mangnyang instructed.
“I’m a guest from the most secretive place.”
“Ah…”
The gatekeeper looked somewhat stunned before darting inside. A short while later, he returned and said,
“The Young Master of the Han Clan is waiting for you, so I’ll lead you to a separate room.”
I followed the gatekeeper into the Han Clan. Although it had been a while since I last visited, I couldn’t walk easily due to the pressure from the hidden guests and experts lurking around. At the same time, I couldn’t help but chuckle.
‘ I used to swagger around here like a brat? Unbelievable.’
Upon arriving at the separate room, I entered to find Han Jin-seong, the Young Master of the Han Clan, waiting. While I had seen him several times before, this was likely our first official face-to-face meeting. As I sat across from him, Han Jin-seong spoke.
“It’s a rare visit from a valued guest. How is the Leader of the Alliance doing?”
It seemed that Bancheon Alliance was indeed receiving assistance from the Han Clan, as Mangnyang had mentioned. Normally, due to the secretive nature of Bancheon Alliance, operating in Luoyang would be difficult, but with the Han Clan’s help, they were managing to gather significant information without exposure. Of course, Mangnyang also paid a modest fee to the Han Clan for this.
It was a symbiotic relationship, but the initiative lay with the Han Clan. I reflected on this fact slowly before responding to Han Jin-seong.
“I’m doing well.”
“What brings you here today?”
His high-spirited appearance was as good-looking as a character from a painting. He was indeed one of the finest men in Luoyang.
“To discuss a potential connection.”
“A connection…?”
I looked straight into Han Jin-seong’s eyes and said,
“I have something I wish to directly convey to the Sect Leader of the White Lotus Sect. Please be the bridge.”
“……!!”
Han Jin-seong’s face flickered with surprise. Then he replied,
“I’m not sure I understand. The Sect Leader of the White Lotus Sect is in Gansu Province, so you should seek him there.”
As expected, this was in line with Mangnyang’s words. While Mangnyang was aware that the Han Clan were enforcers of the White Lotus Sect, the Han Clan would never disclose such a fact. I glanced around before sending him a mental message.
[This concerns the Thunder God Lineage and the Young Master’s Illness. This is not a joke; please respond seriously.]
“……”
Han Jin-seong’s face briefly turned pale. He seemed to ponder something before saying,
“What is your name and title?”
“Baek Woong.”
“Baek Woong, please follow me.”
He took me into the Han Clan’s backyard. There stood a girl with a doll-like, beautiful appearance, just as I had seen before. Wandering through the empty garden, she answered coldly as Han Jin-seong approached.
“Jinseong, what’s up? Didn’t I tell you to handle things with the Bancheon Alliance’s envoy yourself?”
Han Jin-seong‘s lips trembled as he sent her a mental message. Moments later, as she received his message, her eyes sharpened, and she glared at me intensely.
“… Who are you? What does the Leader of the Bancheon Alliance want?”
I knew she was Han Baek-ryeong, one of the three Dharma Protectors of the White Lotus Sect and the head of the Hwa Sin Lineage. Her martial prowess might even surpass Lee Kwang‘s, and she possessed the absolute mastery of a certain divine internal energy called Cheonryungdan. Naturally, even with my current abilities, I would consider it a miracle if I could survive a hundred breaths against her.
I hurriedly spoke before she could lose her temper.
“I’m Baek Woong. And as you heard, I wish to discuss matters regarding the Thunder God Lineage and the Young Master’s Illness.”
“Damn it… If you’re spouting nonsense, you won’t live to see another day.”
Thud!
At that moment, the intangible energy surging from Han Baek-ryeong grasped my heart, making it feel as if I was tangled in spider silk, unable to budge at all.
The Intangible Qi!
This was a unique ability that peak experts could generate using intention. When released in a murderous form, it could kill those with weak will, and those with weak mental strength would be completely subdued by it. Most terrifyingly, this Intangible Qi could crush someone without even giving them a chance to use their martial arts, leading to death.
However, after years of training and hearing explanations from Lee Kwang about the essence of Intangible Qi, I knew how to respond. I concentrated the energy at my center and focused all my Qi. Soon, I opened my eyes wide and was able to withstand the pressure of the Intangible Qi.
Boom!
“Oh…?”
As I broke free from the Intangible Qi’s grasp, Han Baek-ryeong looked at me in surprise, while Han Jin-seong also watched me with astonished eyes. I felt like I had taken some damage, so I coughed up a little blood and said,
“Cough… It’s not nonsense.”
“Hmm.”
Han Baek-ryeong appeared to be deep in thought.
“Are you telling me that the Leader of the Bancheon Alliance can command someone of your abilities? No… you don’t seem to have undergone the Half Transformed Dharma, yet you possess impressive skills and internal energy for your age. Who’s your master?”
A multitude of questions and doubts poured out. While I knew most of them were rhetorical, I decided to respond.
“I am a disciple of Lee Kwang, from the Thunder God Lineage, and a member of the Bancheon Alliance.”
“Lee Kwang! So, that guy raised a disciple like you.”
“Will you lend me your ear?”
“……”
Han Baek-ryeong seemed to deliberate before replying,
“I will listen after testing your skills.”
Wooooosh!
Simultaneously, dual swords, resplendent with brilliance, flew from somewhere in the air to Han Baek-ryeong’s hands. Knowing she could unleash devastation with a mere swing, I swallowed dryly. Especially when she unleashed her Nine Moon Sabers, I’d be dead before I could blink.
“Please go easy.”
“Ha ha, why should I go all out against a brat like you? Come, feel it for yourself.”
As she laughed lightly, she waved one hand effortlessly. At that moment, a formidable Sword Wind erupted from all directions, surrounding me like a whirlwind. Having never seen such mastery of sword techniques, I hurriedly utilized the Revolving Wheel technique to slip away from the Sword Wind, and as I stepped back five paces, a beam of light-like sword energy flew towards me.
Clang!
I managed to parry that lethal strike, yet the force was so immense that I staggered back two steps. As I collided with a pillar behind me, it vibrated momentarily, but I quickly planted my feet firm again.
Swish—!
Once more, Han Baek-ryeong unleashed a Sword Wind from her right hand. This time, I thought it would be a slow attack; however, I soon realized the deadly Sword Flame it concealed, causing me to tense up. Staying calm, I relied on the Curved Sky Sword technique from Jang San-bong to deflect Han Baek-ryeong’s strike and regained my stance.
After fending off nearly a dozen attacks, Han Baek-ryeong laughed heartily.
“Ah ha ha! Impressive! You’ve grasped the nuances of swordsmanship. I didn’t think such talent existed in this world.”
“It’s just my inadequacy. Please, refrain from attacking.”
“I will. You’ve certainly shown commendable skill.”
Swish—!
Han Baek-ryeong sheathed her dual swords with a flourish. She then crossed her arms and said,
“Now, tell me what you wish to discuss.”
I finally took a deep breath, relieved, and said,
“Lee Kwang, the leader of the Thunder God Lineage, has decided to establish his own faction. As such, I came to convey this piece of information to the White Lotus Sect.”
“……”
Upon hearing this, Han Baek-ryeong fell into silence, looking genuinely disbelieving before saying,
“He’s going to establish a faction? Lee Kwang truly said this?”
“Yes.”
“That’s madness. I never thought I’d end up killing Lee Kwang with my own hands…”
The lack of emotion in Han Baek-ryeong‘s murmurs terrified me. It revealed that she had actually held back, despite knowing about the existence of the Thunder God Lineage all this time.
Yet, she was someone who could separate matters of the heart from responsibilities. If the Sect Leader of the White Lotus Sect issued an execution order, she would undoubtedly lead her Hwa Sin Lineage forces to obliterate the Thunder God Lineage without a second thought.
But that couldn’t happen! I locked eyes with Han Baek-ryeong and said,
“There’s one more thing to note.”
“What is it?”
“I hold clues to treat the Young Master’s Illness, and I’d like you to refrain from interfering with the Thunder God Lineage after the establishment.”
“……!!”
“I want to negotiate.”
Of course, Han Baek-ryeong wasn’t the only one surprised; Han Jin-seong looked equally bewildered.
Glaring at me, Han Baek-ryeong said,
“I find it hard to believe. Where exactly is Lee Kwang? I must speak with him directly.”
“Why can’t you believe?”
“You people claim to hold the answers? What guarantee do I have that’s true? The White Lotus Sect isn’t naïve enough to be swayed by idle gossip.”
“Ugh…”
I was both flabbergasted and secretly impressed; this was exactly as Mangnyang had anticipated.
As Han Baek-ryeong seemed ready to unleash her strength to subdue me, I rushed to interject,
“The Thunder God Lineage upholds certain principles, so why don’t you grant them a chance?”
This was the ‘word’ that Mangnyang had given me. I had to put everything on this statement.
True to form, Han Baek-ryeong paused mid-movement, her face a mix of disbelief and annoyance as she stared at me.
“What do you mean?”
“It’s just as I said. When the Thunder God Lineage was cast out, the Hwa Sin Lineage did nothing. In fact, even when the Dharma Protector of the Thunder God Lineage was killed, you stood by.”
“T-That’s…”
Han Baek-ryeong clearly was taken aback. I had attacked the very guilt she carried regarding the Thunder God Lineage directly.
I locked my gaze with hers and continued,
“Nonetheless, in the Thunder God Lineage, we have not questioned the ups and downs of loyalty. This is because we have faith that you, Han Baek-ryeong, truly saw that individual as a friend. If you did not think of Hwa Sin Lineage as potential allies, I wouldn’t be here making this address.”
“……”
“You may kill me if you wish, but please answer honestly: are you really willing to deny Thunder God Lineage even a single chance?”
Han Baek-ryeong stood there, slightly shaken. Han Jin-seong seemed to be deep in thought. After a long pause, Han Baek-ryeong spoke.
“Not necessarily.”
“Then, do you grant a chance?”
“Hmm…”
Han Baek-ryeong frowned for a moment before saying,
“Okay. If that’s the case, I’ll try and arrange a meeting.”
“Thank you.”
I was relieved to feel that the negotiation was leading in the right direction.
Then, Han Baek-ryeong continued, a warning laced in her tone,
“However, understand me clearly: if what you tell doesn’t check out or is a mere lie, if the Sect Leader doesn’t recognize you, there’s nothing I can do. You’ll face the full wrath of the White Lotus Sect.”
“Understood.”
I placidly acknowledged her threat while slipping my hand into my reach. Slowly, I drew out a pair of swords.
The Green Jade Double Swords shining vibrantly!
This was a treasured item I had acquired from Dae Ryeok-ok, one I had been saving for a suitable moment.
Han Baek-ryeong looked on, startled.
“What the hell is that?”
“They are the Twin Swords of Liu Bei, the famous general of the Kingdom of Shu. They are also called the Twin Sabers of Yin and Yang.”
“……!!”
“I would like to offer this as a gesture of goodwill from the Bancheon Alliance for your help in this negotiation.”
As I held out the glowing Twin Swords, Han Baek-ryeong accepted them almost reflexively, awe-struck as she examined them closely. After a while, she sighed,
“Indeed… This is a famous sword that rivals my Loved Sword. If this truly is the Twin Sabers, then the Bancheon Alliance has indeed bestowed upon me a great gift.”
“Will you accept it?”
“Of course. I will ensure that a meeting takes place.”
“Thank you.”
With the sense that the deal was sealed, I started to make my exit without hesitation, but Han Baek-ryeong called me back.
“Baek Woong.”
“Yes?”
“You are indeed a remarkable talent. Will you not consider serving under me someday?”
“……”
“You could assume a position of power.”
While discussing a lofty placement from a humble Martial Arts Family felt exaggerated, it truly wasn’t. The Han Clan was so powerful that buying a high-ranking position in government was trivial, and leveraging influence could easily place one in high office.
Moreover, even high officials were known to tremble at the fear of the Han Clan in the face of wealth distribution. Furthermore, if the Young Master were to be cured, the White Lotus Sect would rise to prominence in the martial world, so Han Baek-ryeong’s proposal wasn’t wholly absurd.
Still, I chuckled lightly and said,
“I’m fine as I am.”
“Oh?”
I turned my back on the disappointed Han Baek-ryeong and left the Han Clan. I returned to the Thunder God Lineage and informed Mangnyang that the negotiations had been successful. Mangnyang expressed his joy and said,
“Well done! It was an immensely difficult task, but you’ve managed remarkably. With this, we can expect even more support from the Han Clan.”
“What’s our next move?”
“Naturally, we must negotiate with the heads of the Orthodox Factions.”
Mangnyang smirked, calmly handing me the next commission.
“Now, let’s secure the Wudang Sect.”
I read a work called The Eight Great Families of Bukcheon on Munpia, and it’s a pity that even well-written martial arts novels are struggling to get published. T_T
