Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors
Alongside Jin So-cheong, I traveled to a small village near Mount Wudang. Since I had never personally visited the Wudang Sect, we decided to walk from there. Jin So-cheong followed me, commenting,
“Your face is unusually tense today, Master.”
“…….”
“Is something bothering you?”
After hesitating, I leaped up twenty times in a row with Light Body Technique to reach the mountain peak, answering,
“Older Brother, I will see this through no matter what!”
“This is indeed important. If you gain recognition from the Wudang Sect, it will greatly improve our situation.”
Jin So-cheong replied, then continued doubtfully,
“But Master… if you’re this restless, you won’t be able to showcase your true abilities. Martial arts require a balance of mind, technique, and body, so gather your thoughts until we reach Mount Wudang.”
“Understood.”
I felt grateful that Jin So-cheong was concerned for me in his own way.
‘I’m sorry, Older Brother.’
I couldn’t bring myself to mention that Mangnyang has been overwhelmed by his workload. It wasn’t a matter of trust, but rather that I couldn’t make any hasty judgments right now. All I could do was handle my duties perfectly.
Pat pat pat
Not long after, Jin So-cheong and I arrived at a small village fifty li from Mount Wudang. After running all day, we were pretty exhausted, so we decided to find a place to stay for the night. However, since it was a small village without proper inns, we reluctantly stayed at the village chief’s house.
“Thank you for your hospitality.”
“Haha, it’s just for a day.”
Of course, it wasn’t free; we had to pay three taels of silver. I smiled wryly as I rested to restore my inner energy and stamina. I wanted to be in peak condition for our entrance into Mount Wudang the next day.
The next day, we arrived at the entrance of Mount Wudang. Jin So-cheong, holding the round hat he had purchased earlier, said softly,
“Master, I assume you know about the Sword Disarmament Ground.”
“Yes.”
The Sword Disarmament Ground!
It’s a notable site within the Wudang Sect, meaning that anyone wishing to join must leave their weapons behind. Considering how essential weapons are to a martial artist, it seemed ridiculous, yet the Wudang Sect has preserved this tradition since its inception. We were only about a hundred steps away from it now.
I silently muttered,
“How arrogant.”
“Right? I think so too.”
And it wasn’t just arrogance; it was utter humiliation. To ask someone to leave behind their weapons, which are as dear as life itself, showcased the pride of the Wudang Sect. In truth, no one else in the Jianghu has managed to create a place like the Sword Disarmament Ground. It indicated just how strong the Wudang Sect‘s influence was that they could operate such a place without fear.
Jin So-cheong smirked playfully.
“Master, shall we have some fun?”
I shook my head.
“Having experienced Jin So-cheong‘s idea of fun, I must refuse.”
“Eh?”
“If it were another time, I might agree, but not today.”
I knew; even while he laughed cheerfully, if Jin So-cheong were to unleash his ‘fun,’ he would become a force of destruction no one could stop. In his past life, he had utterly obliterated the Zhongnan Sect on a whim, and I had undoubtedly witnessed it.
‘We came to speak with the Wudang Sect, so today is not the day.’
I earnestly pleaded with Jin So-cheong.
“Older Brother, please. It would be better to just talk.”
Jin So-cheong sulked and pouted.
“But leaving those who demand our weapons unchallenged is not in my nature!”
“If that’s the case, I will go up alone.”
“Ugh… I suppose there’s no choice.”
Reluctantly, Jin So-cheong agreed to my wishes. I felt relieved inwardly. Since he had single-handedly overturned the Zhongnan Sect before, if he intervened this time, there was a high chance he would completely destroy the Wudang Sect.
Soon, as we reached the Sword Disarmament Ground, five Wudang Sect disciples cautiously appeared before us. They seemed to be on guard as they asked,
“May I ask where you hail from, martial artists?”
“We are Baek Woong and Jin So-cheong from the Thunder God Lineage.”
“……!!”
The Wudang Sect disciples glanced at each other, surprised. They appeared to be familiar with the name of our sect, either through its reputation or notoriety. One of the disciples stepped forward, looking sharp.
“I am Mu-gwang, a disciple of the Wudang Sect. Apologies, but may I know what business the Thunder God Lineage has here?”
Since he bore the family name “Mu,” he must be a prominent figure among the Wudang Sect, likely one of their Wudang Eight Swords—a well-known expert with considerable fame in the Jianghu. From the aura he radiated, he was nearly at the peak level of martial prowess.
I replied to Mu-gwang.
“Apologies, but unless you are an elder or the sect leader, I cannot speak of such matters. Please relay that it concerns your sect’s secret techniques.”
“What…!!”
Mu-gwang frowned, anger flashing across his face, feeling disrespected as if I saw him as merely a gatekeeper. However, with the dignity of the Thunder God Lineage at stake, I couldn’t lower my stance further, so I calmly continued,
“I assure you, if you handle this presumptuously, there will be severe consequences.”
“Hmm.”
He suppressed his anger and replied,
“In that case, you shall follow me. I will guide you to a suitable place.”
“Understood.”
“Before that, I must ask you to disarm.”
“And if we refuse?”
At that moment, sparks seemed to fly from the eyes of Mu-gwang and the other four Wudang Sect disciples.
“I hope you will choose wisely.”
Their pressure was palpable, and the skill of the other four seemed to be on par with Mu-gwang. I deduced the situation.
‘The Sword Disarmament Ground being the gate to enter the Wudang Sect is guarded by formidable masters.’
But I didn’t understand why they were so ready for a fight. While the Sword Disarmament Ground only indicated that one shouldn’t enter with harmful weapons for training, why would they take such drastic measures? Or was the Sword Disarmament Ground itself a point of pride for the Wudang Sect? No matter how I reasoned, as a disciple of the Thunder God Lineage, I found it difficult to comprehend.
Jin So-cheong, arms crossed, seemed to understand my confusion and asked,
“Mu-gwang.”
“Why do you call for me?”
“Don’t you feel fear standing guard here? We did not come to the Wudang Sect with ill intentions, yet seeing your attitude, it makes me detest the Wudang Sect. What will you do if rogues from the evil sects come to kill you?”
“……”
“You know your skills are decent, but there are plenty of powerful figures in this world capable of wiping out five of you at once.”
Jin So-cheong’s question wasn’t a provocation; he seemed genuinely curious. Mu-gwang understood this and pondered before nodding in agreement.
“I apologize if my demeanor seemed rude. However, I must request your understanding, as I am performing my duty for the sect.”
“Hmm.”
“And regarding your question of whether I am afraid, I would definitely say yes. As you said, there could indeed be a true fiend who could wipe us out. If that happens, all of us will be dead.”
Having said that, Mu-gwang clenched his fists resolutely.
“Yet still, we cannot allow rogues and weapons to enter a place where young disciples diligently train in their arts. We are prepared to guard this gateway, even if it costs us our lives. Even if we die, we trust that our sect will avenge our deaths.”
Mu-gwang spoke with conviction.
“Hmm…”
Jin So-cheong nodded thoughtfully.
“Understood.”
Swish
Without hesitation, Jin So-cheong sheathed his spear at the Sword Disarmament Ground. I followed suit, leaving my weapon there as well, then followed Mu-gwang. As we walked, Jin So-cheong remarked,
[Truly the Wudang Sect. Even these lower level disciples have impressive physiques.]
[Of course, two giants of the orthodox sect would be remarkable.]
[It seems the Wudang Sect‘s leader is no ordinary person. Can we really convince them?]
It seemed Jin So-cheong was testing how proficient the Wudang Sect’s spirit was. Just as clean water flows from above, the morale and strength of lower-level disciples can reflect the essence of their sect.
The outcome of this assessment left no doubt that the Wudang Sect was indeed formidable. Judging by Jin So-cheong’s tone, even he felt a hint of wariness. Surely, the strength of the Wudang Sect far exceeded that of the Zhongnan Sect.
[Let’s do it.]
I resolved to gain the Wudang Sect‘s favor, even if it meant risking my life here. If I failed to accomplish this, Mangyang‘s profound plans would crumble, and his life would be at stake. That I could not allow!
We entered the building of the Wudang Sect guest hall, waiting for quite some time.
After about half an hour, Mu-gwang returned through the door.
“The sect leader wishes to see you. Follow me.”
We walked roughly eight li along the mountain path. It was a considerable distance for an ordinary person, highlighting how extensive the Wudang Sect’s territory was. They seemed to have established foundations all over the place, essentially claiming Mount Wudang as their domain.
When we finally entered the Wudang Sect leader’s chamber, three masters awaited us. Standing to the sides were about a dozen peak experts of the Wudang Sect.
“Are you the emissaries of the Thunder God Lineage?”
A deep voice inquired.
A venerable elder with long white hair and a beard, embodying the typical image of a transcendent master, sat in the middle chair wearing Wudang Sect robes. Beside him were two other elderly men, also dressed in the Wudang Sect garb but visibly frail.
While their auras were not particularly potent, they appeared to be closer to ordinary people, which made me realize they were likely the pinnacle of that state called returning to simplicity. Both Lee Kwang and Jin So-cheong had reached this state, meaning they could store immense energy within, remaining completely placid. I realized that I had yet to achieve this state and was currently relying on acupuncture techniques to conceal my energy, recognizing that even within the mastery of the transcendent state, there was a notable gap.
‘These are incredible individuals…!!’
Momentarily enchanted by their presence, I bowed and addressed them,
“I am Baek Woong from the Thunder God Lineage, with me is Jin So-cheong.”
“I am Cheongpungja and these are my disciples, Cheongil and Cheonggyun.”
“It’s an honor to meet the leader of the Wudang Sect.”
Cheongpungja, the No Limit Sword Immortal, was the leader of the current Wudang Sect, enjoying unparalleled reputation. He was undoubtedly at the top of today’s Jianghu, also known as the master of Zheng Tian Alliance leader Wei Zihun, making him an absolute figure without compare among the Daoist sects.
Moreover, both Cheongil and Cheonggyun were also peak masters active in the Wudang Sect, making the three of them the very symbol of the Wudang Sect. Recognizing Cheongpungja‘s presence, I mentally prepared to relay our purpose.
“I anticipate your sudden visit might be unexpected.”
“Currently, your Thunder God Lineage has been designated as a public entity by the Zheng Tian Alliance, and not long ago, you annihilated the Nine Great Sects‘ Huashan Sect. There is no more vile foe of the Jianghu than you.”
Woosh woosh woosh
As Cheongpungja finished speaking, the three peak experts began to emit overwhelming energy, as if a massive force was pressing down on me, suffocating my surroundings. They stopped concealing their energy, unleashing Formless Qi to apply pressure upon me. Although their energies were significant, they were still nowhere near the Heavenly Will’s might, which allowed me to remain calm and composed.
“Annoying!”
Jin So-cheong’s eyebrows twitched before he suddenly waved a hand.
Whoosh
“……!!”
“What?!”
The disciples of the Wudang Sect were all taken aback. Jin So-cheong’s simple hand wave scattered the energies of Cheongpungja, Cheongil, and Cheonggyun simultaneously. While none of them appeared to be injured, they were evidently astounded by Jin So-cheong‘s skill. Especially the seated Cheongpungja, taken aback, stood up from his chair in awe.
“How can one of your age possess such skill…!!”
Jin So-cheong responded curtly,
“Since you’ve left your weapons behind at the Sword Disarmament Ground, it’s laughable to pressure us with your energy. Is this all the Wudang Sect can muster?”
“What did you say…?”
“I must clarify, I am holding back at the request of my master. But should I choose to fight, all of you here would perish.”
Flash
In that moment, was it merely my imagination that I saw a visage of Asura? A tremendous force of Formless Qi surged from Jin So-cheong, enveloping the surroundings and creating a storm of energy. Unable to withstand the onslaught, the peak experts that had been lined up fell back, gasping and vomiting blood.
“Ahhh!”
“Ugh.”
The three peak experts before us stumbled back, taking three unsteady steps. Cheongpungja, the most skilled, glared fiercely but managed to hold his ground with one step back. Even without the real essence of feeling, the mere pressure from Jin So-cheong was enough to sweep over the chamber like a tsunami.
With a smirk, Jin So-cheong remarked,
“I merely returned your sentiment, so do not take offense.”
“Older Brother, this is a bit…”
As I surveyed the chaos around us, it looked like a scene straight out of a nightmare. Some of the Wudang Sect disciples had fainted, while others were wounded in the process of recovering their energy. Had Jin So-cheong infused any malice into his energy at all, perhaps everyone—save for the three before me—would have been slain.
Clearly understanding that Jin So-cheong spoke truthfully, Cheongpungja narrowed his eyes, aflame with anger.
“Do you truly believe you can threaten the Wudang Sect with force?!”
“Yes, I do believe it would go splendidly. Because my master has brought an offer that I think you cannot refuse.”
“What do you mean…”
“Now, allow me to explain,”
With a gaze directed at Jin So-cheong, I realized he had laid the groundwork for me.
‘Ah, so he thought the Wudang Sect would dismiss my words due to their arrogance.’
Jin So-cheong had not worried about the strength of the Wudang Sect; he was concerned about their pride as a prestigious orthodox sect that could lead them to overlook or dismiss my proposal entirely. He had meticulously prepared the situation for me to speak comfortably in line with the Thunder God Lineage‘s methods.
I felt a surge of gratitude towards Jin So-cheong as I began to express my thoughts.
“Wudang Sect Leader. By chance, I encountered an extraordinary opportunity that I acquired and it closely relates to the Wudang Sect, which is why I sought you out.”
“……!!”
“I would prefer to have further discussions in a more secure setting.”
Implying that fewer ears present would be beneficial, Cheongpungja gestured and replied,
“Hmm. Everyone, leave the room. Maintain a hundred steps distance from here.”
“B-but Sect Leader…”
“Should Jin So-cheong choose to fight, you all would be of no help.”
“Understood.”
As the Wudang Sect disciples quickly dispersed, only the two of us from the Thunder God Lineage and the three from the Wudang Sect remained in the room. With a heavy stare, Cheongpungja asked,
“Does this opportunity involve our Wudang Sect’s secret techniques?”
“It is a bit misleading to say ‘our Wudang Sect’. The truth is, this is the culmination of a certain absolute master’s accomplishments.”
As I explained this distinction, I noticed Cheongpungja and the others’ expressions rapidly shift. They seemed to reach a sudden understanding.
“Don’t tell me…”
“I have obtained the teachings of Jang Sam-bong.”
“……!!”
In response, Cheonggyun, standing next to Cheongpungja, trembled, shouting,
“Impossible! Are you saying that the demonic-path practitioners acquired that master’s enlightenment?!”
“Without that, how could we have deliberately visited the Wudang Sect in such tumultuous times?”
“Old man, then please show us!”
“If you wish…”
Calmly, I regarded Cheongpungja before continuing.
“Could you lend me a sword? I left my weapon at the Sword Disarmament Ground.”
“Use this.”
Cheongpungja tossed his own sword toward me. I reflexively caught it, feeling the immense energy embedded in the sword. Any ordinary young martial artist would be injured severely if struck by its weight. I let out a wry smile.
‘Seems his pride was quite hurt.’
Gradually, I began to unfold the Jang Sam-bong’s techniques one by one.
Whoosh whoosh whoosh
My body flowed seamlessly with my energy, displaying the fruits of my labor under intense practice. I started with Gul-gong Sword and Cheon-chuk Sword, unveiling their unique alluring capabilities.
“Ooo…”
“Is that…!!”
They exhaled in amazement as they watched the Gul-gong Sword distort the space around it while the Cheon-chuk Sword drew in energy. Believing I had shown enough for now, I began unveiling other techniques one by one.
True Martial Seven Cuts Classic
Hyun Cheon Five Divine Decision
Tai Chi Yau Ji Willow Sword
Seven Stars Biding Shadow
Unlike the Gul-gong Sword and Cheon-chuk Sword, these four secret techniques were not yet polished for actual combat, but even if they could grasp the essence of the first two swords, they would soon realize just how formidable the techniques I wielded truly were.
What troubled me was that I could not demonstrate the Unparalleled Tyrant. This technique was powerful enough to make one doubt Jang Sam-bong himself was the creator, being astoundingly complex and rigorous. It would certainly take decades of labor to even step into its doorway.
Pat pat pat
Finally, as I demonstrated the Seven Stars Biding Shadow, I had showcased a total of three hundred moves. As I took a breath and slowly sheathed the sword, Cheongpungja gasped in astonishment.
“… Baek Woong, do you know the name of this martial art?”
“Of course.”
“Please tell me.”
“Gul-gong Sword, Cheon-chuk Sword, True Martial Seven Cuts Classic, Hyun Cheon Five Divine Decision, Tai Chi Yau Ji Willow Sword, Seven Stars Biding Shadow! Master Jang Sam-bong himself claimed these were techniques of his later enlightenment, thus I suspect that the Wudang Sect is unaware of most of them.”
Cheongpungja sighed deeply,
“That’s not entirely correct. Besides the Gul-gong Sword and Cheon-chuk Sword, which have been recorded as our Wudang Sect’s secrets, the rest are documented as unperceived alongside no practical applications. Furthermore, even the Gul-gong Sword and Cheon-chuk Sword are still being refined by our Sasook.”
“… Sasook?”
What was this about?
Cheongpungja, having a youthful appearance, revealed that the elder he referred to still existed? When I froze in confusion, Cheongpungja narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing us.
“It seems the Wudang Sect techniques were indeed mastered by a disciple of the Thunder God Lineage. What is it you wish to gain by coming here?”
“More than anything, our leader from the Thunder God Lineage seeks to minimize further conflict. We wish to conclude a ceasefire agreement with the Zheng Tian Alliance. Once we return the Wudang Sect’s secrets, we hope you will support this truce and convince other sects to comply as well.”
“……”
Cheongpungja returned to his seat, moving his lips as if involuntarily whispering something under his breath. Then, both Cheongil and Cheonggyun appeared to share silent communication among themselves. Jin So-cheong, next to me, also engaged in silent communication.
[Master. Two terrifying figures are approaching us.]
[What? What sort of figures?]
[I don’t know. Only certain they are stronger than the three standing before us.]
[That, that can’t be! No way!]
[We’re left with no choice. This is the only chance to escape!]
I gritted my teeth.
‘If I fail, Mangyang‘s plans will collapse, and his life will be in jeopardy. That cannot happen!’
Under normal circumstances, I would have opted to retreat, but now I had to stake everything on this gamble.
[No! I will hold on a bit longer.]
[Understood.]
A moment later, Cheongpungja directed his gaze at us.
“Apologies, but this is not something I can decide alone. I shall delegate this to the Sasook.”
He passed the judgment to someone else!
I felt incredulous, staring at him, growling,
“Is it truly the case that the leader of the Nine Great Sects cannot make a decision on his own? What sense does that make?”
“I think the same, but it is unavoidable. Regardless of the matter, the Gul-gong Sword and Cheon-chuk Sword are lifelong treasures of Sasook. I must hear Sasook’s wish without fail.”
“Ugh…”
At that moment, the ceiling of the leader’s chamber broke open, and two imposing figures descended. They were definitely the ‘terrifying figures’ that Jin So-cheong had warned about. One was a disheveled teenager disguised as a Daoist and the other, a monk clad in robes. The teenage Daoist seemed even younger than my current age.
The boy Daoist nervously gazed at Cheongpungja, demanding,
“Cheongpungja! Why did you delay summoning me for such important matters?”
Then, as if they had rehearsed it, Cheongpungja, Cheonggyun, and Cheongil kneeled, pressing their heads to the ground,
“We greet Minglongzi (名龍子) Sasook!”
Minglongzi, the youth of renown, stood beside the monk, who quietly remarked,
“I was just playing a game of Go with Minglongzi, yet such a significant event occurs.”
“Hmph! What good is calling yourself a Divine Monk when you can’t even read the stars?”
“My apologies, but I do not find that title particularly pleasant, Minglongzi.”
As I heard their exchange, my mind went blank, realizing the gravity of the situation.
‘… I’m done for.’
Minglongzi and the Divine Monk!
While I didn’t know who Minglongzi was, he was undoubtedly a transcendent expert who had mastered the secrets of rejuvenation, referred to as the best among the unseen masters. The Divine Monk, however, was one of the top three legendary figures of the Shaolin Temple, a legendary individual among orthodox sects.
With those two present, even a Divine Guardian would hesitate to intervene!
The highest calibers of orthodox sects from the Shaolin Temple and the Wudang Sect were now in attendance!
