Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors
I decided not to move just yet.
‘If Mangnyang‘s death wasn’t due to sickness or overexertion, it must be due to external circumstances.’
In that case, it would be fine to act after some change had occurred. With that thought in mind, I resolved to make the best of life in the Thunder God Lineage, now that the Thunderbolt Three Saints had joined.
Once the Thunder God Lineage was freed from the martial world’s restrictions imposed by the Zheng Tian Alliance, it collapsed fiercely and began to redefine its relationships with nearby sects. First, it rekindled ties with the Six Great Families of Guanzhong and also gathered funds from wealthy merchants in the area. To be precise, it secured financial resources in exchange for a series of future collaborations according to the merchants’ needs.
Though Lee Kwang firmly established his position in Guanzhong, he did not recruit new disciples for the Thunder God Lineage. Several former disciples of the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School sought re-entry, but Lee Kwang rejected them all. It was wise to remain a small, elite group, especially considering the possibility of spies from other sects infiltrating their ranks.
I was formally introduced to Red Moon and Green Moon, members of the Thunderbolt Three Saints. After hearing the circumstances, Red Moon exclaimed in astonishment,
“You possess the hidden teachings of Zhang Sanfeng from the Wudang Sect? Show me!”
“Certainly.”
Before the gathering disciples of the Thunder God Lineage, I demonstrated Zhang Sanfeng‘s enlightenment just as I had learned it at Wudang. Red Moon and Green Moon, unable to conceal their shock, were left agape. Green Moon, trembling with excitement, exclaimed,
“Impressive. Truly like Zhang Sanfeng!”
“It’s extraordinary divine skill!”
As Red Moon murmured, they turned to Lee Kwang and said,
“The reason you’ve become stronger is that you’ve integrated this divine skill.”
“I cannot deny that.”
“And this monstrous kid likely did too…”
Red Moon shot a glance filled with suspicion at Jin So-cheong. Unbeknownst to them, everyone recognized that Jin So-cheong was currently the strongest in the Thunder God Lineage. Both Red Moon and Green Moon regarded Jin So-cheong like he was some untouchable anomaly.
He gruffly stated,
“Hmm! But our Thunder God Lineage’s martial arts are equally impressive.”
“Who said otherwise?”
“I think that brat should be part of the research on the Ultimate Secret Technique too.”
As Red Moon and Green Moon spoke in unison, Lee Kwang nodded.
“Of course, I had intended the same.”
Thus, I joined Lee Kwang, Jin So-cheong, Red Moon, and Green Moon to begin research on the Ultimate Secret Technique of the Thunder God Lineage. Though it was called research, we spent our time discussing the insights we’d gathered rather than practicing the practical forms of martial arts.
Red Moon said,
“It seems you only know of Thunder Spirit Fist derived from our Thunder God Fist, and Thundercloud Breathing Technique. How well do you comprehend the higher principles of Thunder Spirit Fist?”
Lee Kwang replied,
“Regrettably, I do not. Very few have mastered the techniques of the Thunder God Lineage.”
“Ugh… If the heir of the sect leader doesn’t even know, what hope is there for the rest?”
Red Moon sighed in genuine frustration. He then said,
“I will teach you the secret techniques of the Thunder Spirit Seal and Nine Nether Qi.”
“Thank you.”
Green Moon added,
“Lee Kwang! Are you aware of Magnetic Ghost Blade and Hell King’s Hand?”
“I’m not. Those are unique techniques of your Ghost Spirit Sect, even my master was unaware of them.”
“Indeed. But they are undoubtedly techniques of the Thunder God Lineage. I’ll share the Magnetic Ghost Blade and Hell King’s Hand with you.”
In an instant, the four secret techniques possessed by the previous masters of the Thunder God Lineage were unlocked. Regardless of our quest for the Ultimate Secret Technique, sharing such secrets so freely felt surprising! As I stared in disbelief, Lee Kwang said slowly,
“As you disciples know, while all these techniques are part of the Thunder God Lineage, merely mixing them won’t guarantee that the Ultimate Secret Technique will manifest.”
“That is the issue. But we know.”
“What do you mean by ‘we know’?”
“You’ve probably heard something about the complete form of the Ultimate Secret Technique from the sect leader…”
Red Moon and Green Moon looked at Lee Kwang with meaningful eyes, but Lee Kwang answered casually,
“You’re quite the guesser. Cut out the meaningless talk and let’s save time.”
“Hmph.”
Thus, the training commenced with Red Moon and Green Moon teaching us the main formulas for the Thunder Spirit Seal, Nine Nether Qi, Magnetic Ghost Blade, and Hell King’s Hand for three full hours each day. Lee Kwang also shared the insights he had created by incorporating Wudang techniques. In the free time remaining, we would discuss our impressions and outline the pros and cons of our martial arts.
As I found myself in the midst of such a gathering again, I felt an overwhelming pressure. No, it was more than before; last time, I merely shared my impressions, but now I had to delve into deep discussions with the Thunder God Lineage’s elite experts!
‘My head might melt…’
Fortunately, perhaps due to Lee Kwang‘s consideration for me, I only needed to focus on training the Wudang techniques and passing down what I learned, so I could simply listen without feeling compelled to join in the discussions.
About half a year passed. The sharing of martial arts yielded considerable progress, as it seemed we shifted from discussions to practices focused on each individual’s insights. Of course, the greatest achievement was Jin So-cheong, who actively led the discussions since he was the most advanced among us.
Red Moon and Green Moon urged me to hurry and search for Green Moon, but Lee Kwang flatly refused. This was because I had previously informed him of the dangers surrounding Mount Busa, leading him to agree that without sufficient martial power, hunting for Green Moon would be impossible.
Then, I received a significant update from Mangnyang.
“They are going to incite chaos?”
“Indeed.”
Mangnyang said that finally, Hwang Yeon, along with the forces he had assembled, planned to launch a rebellion against the current dynasty. I had anticipated it, but hearing it was actually going to happen left me questioning.
“Wait. Weren’t you against the idea of killing the emperor? Why the sudden change…”
“Because my Heavenly Mandate is nearly up. At this rate, the forces led by the emperor will keep growing endlessly. We must strike while we can.”
Mangnyang had completely regained his health. Despite that, he seemed sure he would meet his end soon.
“Last time, you completely crushed Eo I-mun. You should win again this time.”
“Haha, that would be nice. But…”
“But what?”
“I’ve heard reports of unusual energies near the Imperial Palace. There may be unpredictable variables.”
“Could it be they summoned beings from other realms again?”
Mangnyang shook his head.
“It feels different—like something that has always existed is deliberately revealing itself… It’s unlike demonic energy.”
“Hmm.”
“That being said, I can’t avoid igniting the chaos. If I need your help and the Thunder God Lineage’s, I will ask then.”
Then, not long after, just as Mangnyang foretold, the rebellion broke out in three months.
Hwang Yeon‘s revolt!
The justification was once again behind Daliaok‘s existence and the excesses of the Golden Eagle Guards. Additionally, it seemed Mangnyang had made extensive preparations through Ban Cheon Alliance; unlike last time, they amassed an even larger force than Eo I-mun. Even with fewer troops, Mangnyang’s strategic prowess had led to victory before, so the outcome of this was likely clear.
Lee Kwang gathered all the members of the Thunder God Lineage upon hearing the news.
“I plan to assist the patriot, Hwang Yeon.”
Having coordinated with Mangnyang for an extended period, Lee Kwang showed no hesitation in his words. This also implied that they had agreed to form a united front with Ban Cheon Alliance. Clearly, no one opposed Lee Kwang’s statement. Only Sagong Rin quietly raised her hand and asked,
“Are we to fend off the ambushes from Daliaok or Golden Eagle Guards?”
“Correct. Moreover, I and Jin So-cheong will hold military ranks and lead the troops.”
After Lee Kwang’s statement, he gave a significant glance to Red Moon and Green Moon.
“Both of you will be tasked with guarding the allied leaders.”
“Are you underestimating us? You expect us to merely tussle with Daliaok and Golden Eagle Guards?”
“This is a critically important task I’m asking for.”
“Hmph. Understood.”
The elite experts of the Thunder God Lineage joined Mangnyang‘s camp the following day.
In no time, Hwang Yeon‘s forces clashed with Eo I-mun’s, and a grand battle erupted. I was assigned to guard Mangnyang, standing by his side. Once again, Mangnyang showcased his divine commanding skills, and this time, the forces of the Imperial Army fell like autumn leaves—overwhelmed!
Among the disciples of the Thunder God Lineage, no one was inept enough to die on the battlefield. Green Forest King Gu Cheol was originally a top-tier expert of the Wind Spirit Sect, while Ja Hu and Sagong Rin had dramatically improved their martial skills over the last half-year and stood among the ranks of elite experts. Additionally, the newly initiated Seo Moon-hye had integrated the martial arts of the Thunder God Lineage into her repertoire.
Kwooom!
The battlefield echoed with the roars of war and destruction all around, and I could witness Red Moon and Green Moon, the two gatekeepers of the Thunder God Lineage, rampaging like wild animals. Red Moon was skilled in fist techniques, while Green Moon wielded a blade, ruthlessly cutting down the elite members of the Golden Eagle Guards that came to assassinate the commanders.
“Bwahahaha!!”
Their terrifying combat skills sent chills down my spine; I was relieved they weren’t my enemies. With the tide of battle tipping toward a complete victory, I turned to Mangnyang and remarked,
“This war is ours! I see no sign of your impending doom.”
“Well… last time, we won by chance, and then the Alchemist played his trick.”
As Mangnyang muttered that, he continued,
“Baek Woong, I have a favor to ask. Go immediately to Nanyang and meet Han Baek-ryeong. Lead the main forces of the Transformation Sect here.”
“Understood.”
As soon as I received Mangnyang’s orders, I rode toward Nanyang, heading to the Han Clan.
Upon seeing me, Han Baek-ryeong asked,
“Are you here on behalf of the rebels or for the Thunder God Lineage?”
“First option.”
“Speak.”
“Soon, the sorcerer from the Imperial Palace… what we call the ‘Alchemist’, is attempting to cast foreign sorcery in the Imperial Capital of Nanyang. Please evacuate the masters of the Han Clan before any harm comes to them.”
“Foreign sorcery?”
I recounted the curse techniques the Alchemist was likely to use and the potential changes that might ensue. After hearing this, Han Baek-ryeong asked,
“Evacuate? Does that imply you’re asking us to surrender?”
“I hope you’ll consider it.”
After a moment’s thought, Han Baek-ryeong replied,
“Fine. Please wait here a single watch.”
In only a watch, Han Baek-ryeong seemed to have gathered the people and elite masters of the Han Clan. Although there were Han Clan retainers among them, there were many unfamiliar experts as well. These were likely top-tier masters stealthily sent by the Transformation Sect. After gathering them, I asked Han Baek-ryeong,
“What are your plans?”
“I intend to gather the heads of the Twin Gate Sect and discuss matters.”
“That doesn’t sound productive…”
“If you knew, why seek advice now?”
Han Baek-ryeong smiled coldly.
Once I rode back to Mangnyang’s camp, it was clear the battlefield had reached a victorious conclusion and was now in the cleanup phase. As I reported that I had accomplished my mission to Mangnyang, he smiled bitterly.
“Truly, a typical maneuver befitting the protectors of the Transformation Sect. Reckless!”
“What do you mean?”
“Let it be. There might be good news shortly.”
Mangnyang’s words were indeed true.
Though Hwang Yeon‘s forces were gathered in front of the Imperial Capital of Nanyang, the eerie mist and ominous clouds that usually surrounded Nanyang were nowhere to be seen. This meant the Alchemist had not yet cast his sorcery, leaving me in a state of confusion.
After about two hours had passed, six representatives from the Twin Gate Sect appeared outside the city gate.
“We have come to surrender.”
The leaders of the Twin Gate Sect were indeed the ones I saw! They approached Mangnyang‘s command tent with a single box in hand.
As a military officer beside Mangnyang opened the box, a horrendous scent of blood and decay flooded the tent. Mangnyang, pinching his nose to bear the stench, examined the contents and looked at the heads of the Twin Gate Sect with an incredulous expression.
“Is this the head of the Alchemist?”
“Indeed.”
The Master of the Twin Gate Sect replied succinctly.
“He came to threaten us without a shred of shame, so we were prepared and killed him together.”
“Well done. You’ve achieved remarkable things.”
That was right.
It appeared Han Baek-ryeong had learned of the Alchemist‘s imminent moves ahead of time and likely showcased his strength and identity to the Twin Gate Sect’s heads. Then, when the Alchemist attempted to involve them by casting his curse techniques, they successfully banded together and struck him down without warning.
The difference in combat power for martial artists depends significantly on whether you were prepared or not, so the Alchemist likely had no ability to fight back against the combined strength of the absolute experts. Naturally, with the master of the techniques dead, the sorcery was also dispelled.
Mangnyang smiled meaningfully and said,
“Almost there. Just one more step to take.”
One step.
That fateful move would signify a complete upheaval of the Great Ming Dynasty!
