Celestial Realm
At the words of the Sword Demon, Dokgo Seong seemed significantly shocked.
Whi-wooo!
Gradually, the massive cloud flowing at the mountain peak began to dissipate, and beyond the faint mist, a shadowy figure started to come into focus. Until now, it had only been a vague sense of something beyond the fog, but its true form was finally revealing itself.
Dokgo Seong stepped closer to us and spoke up.
“Sword Demon, how do you know about the Thunder God Lineage?”
The killing intent was palpable, yet it was intertwined strongly with a sense of astonishment that flowed through the air. If I could clearly feel it, there was no way the perceptive Sword Demon wouldn’t notice. He let out a quiet chuckle and replied,
“I have a fair amount of knowledge about the Four Great Schools of the White Lotus Sect. Especially since your Dharma Protectors have made quite the name for themselves against the masters of the Central Plains.”
“Dharma Protectors? What do you mean?”
“There were three Dharma Protectors, including the Su Sin School’s Dharma Protector, who clashed with the masters of the Central Plains. You never lost, and the fear of the White Lotus Sect was engraved in the shadows. If you are from the Thunder God Lineage, you should be aware of this.”
Dokgo Seong looked increasingly flustered at the Sword Demon’s words. Perhaps it was this tension that made him answer in a slightly anxious tone.
“S-Su Sin Lineage. Is that so…”
“Please answer my question. Are you a master of the Thunder God Lineage?”
Dokgo Seong seemed resigned to a fault and replied,
“Yes, I am Dokgo Seong of the Thunder God Lineage.”
“Indeed. Was that sword technique you just displayed the Thunder Shadow Sword Technique?”
“No.”
“Then what is it?”
“……”
Dokgo Seong clammed up. He then took a confident step forward and said,
“Before you pry into someone else’s martial arts origin, might I ask why you’ve come to this Dragon King’s Valley?”
It looked like he had regained some composure. I could feel his intense energy blending with the mist. Given how close we were, his presence felt even more imposing. I gulped, and the Sword Demon responded,
“Naturally, we are curious to meet the master of Dragon King’s Valley, revered by the peak experts of the Four States.”
“I am merely training here. I do not involve myself in Jianghu matters.”
“That’s not really my concern. I simply wish to confirm that you are beyond what I imagined.”
Then, Dokgo Seong replied,
“Then, leave at once. I do not wish to have my training interrupted.”
“……”
The Sword Demon seemed to mull something over for a moment before speaking.
“Dokgo Seong, do you happen to know a person named Lee Kwang?”
“……!!”
Paahng!
At that moment, the previously thick mist surrounding us exploded like an eruption. Dokgo Seong’s formidable mental force manifested itself, impacting the environment. In no time, the fog-laden Dragon King’s Valley transformed into a place of clear skies and sunlight.
And Dokgo Seong’s true form was revealed.
He appeared to be middle-aged and, based on appearance, did not seem much older than Lee Kwang. Unlike Lee Kwang, who had a scholarly elegance, Dokgo Seong bore the rugged looks of a wild man who had lived a rough life, but his features were striking nonetheless. Surprisingly, he was clad in a neat white training outfit, astonishing for someone presumably practicing in the mountains.
Dokgo Seong let out a resonating Lion’s Roar.
[How do you know Lee Kwang?!]
Growl, growl!
It was no ordinary roar; as it echoed, a wave of thunder surged out and surrounded Dragon King’s Valley, causing landslides to rumble in the distance. Dokgo Seong’s formidable background was evident, and it seemed he could convert his lion’s roar into a Mind Control Technique. His ability to manipulate nature itself was nothing short of magnificent.
The Sword Demon absorbed the tension and replied smoothly.
“Please, don’t shout. There’s no point in making a fuss in such perilous terrain.”
“Ugh… answer me. How do you know that bastard?”
“I know because it’s worth knowing. Although Lee Kwang may not hold a high reputation in the Jianghu, his abilities are among the very best, rivaling the highest masters. How could I not be aware of such a critical figure?”
“You insolent—! That’s not what I meant.”
Dokgo Seong gritted his teeth.
“The fact that you mentioned Lee Kwang means you’ve confirmed that his martial arts also belong to the Thunder God Lineage. Am I correct?”
“Indeed. I already knew Lee Kwang is part of the Thunder God Lineage.”
With a bizarrely nonchalant response, the Sword Demon chuckled softly.
“I know more than I expected. There’s plenty of information that would make you salivate.”
“……”
Dokgo Seong appeared to be deep in thought. He then said,
“What do you want?”
“I initially just intended to gauge the strength of the master of Dragon King’s Valley, but my plans have changed. If you truly are from the Thunder God Lineage, this presents an opportunity for my disciple and me to have an in-depth conversation.”
“What? Your disciple? Him?”
“That’s correct.”
Both Dokgo Seong and the Sword Demon turned their gazes toward me simultaneously. I felt pressured, yet somehow managed to hold my ground against their imposing presence. Dokgo Seong, his eyes glinting with curiosity, remarked,
“Could it be… Has that kid also learned martial arts from the Thunder God Lineage?”
“Why do you think that?”
“Now that I see, he holds a massive Thunder Spirit Qi. Has he achieved Thunder Spirit?”
Muttering to himself, Dokgo Seong continued,
“Could he be an inheritor…”
The Sword Demon interjected,
“This young man is Baek Woong, an inheritor of the Thunder God Lineage. He is currently my disciple and is undergoing training.”
“Damn…”
Dokgo Seong glared at me with a displeased expression. However, he didn’t seem inclined to voice any complaints. The mere fact that an inheritor of the Thunder God Lineage had entered another sect was indeed a grave offense, yet the current condition of the Thunder God Lineage was not one where such matters could be considered, especially given the Sword Demon’s power was convincing enough.
The Sword Demon stated,
“My disciple, in pursuit of higher martial arts, became my disciple. However, no matter how much I teach him, I am unable to guide him beyond a certain level concerning the martial arts of his origin, the Thunder God Lineage. I hope that you, Dokgo Seong, can pass on your skills to my disciple.”
“Hmph!”
Dokgo Seong scoffed.
“I acknowledge that he possesses the potential to achieve Thunder God Lineage status. He seems capable of manipulating intention, but why should I be obliged to teach him?”
As Dokgo Seong protested, the Sword Demon shot me a glance and transmitted,
“Now it’s your turn to speak.”
“Me?”
“Best for you to convey your value directly to Dokgo Seong.”
I agreed with the Sword Demon’s idea. While he could represent my case, that wouldn’t leave a positive impression on Dokgo Seong. It would be much better for me to take the initiative and present myself effectively.
I stepped forward, positioning myself firmly.
“I am Baek Woong, the inheritor of the Thunder God Lineage. Currently, I serve as a Dharma Protector of the Shadowless Gate, and it is an honor to meet a senior of the Thunder God Lineage.”
“……”
“If it’s not too much trouble, may I demonstrate the Thunder God martial arts I know?”
“Go ahead.”
I nodded and quickly began demonstrating my martial arts. Until now, I had focused on refining the Soul Dissolving Sword Technique, grounded in the Celestial Descent Sword and the Rolling Clouds Sword, under the guidance of the Sword Demon. However, I could easily showcase the foundational techniques of the Thunder God Lineage if I put my mind to it.
Swish, swish!
I executed the Thunder Shadow Sword Technique and the Ten Thousand Wins Sword Form, followed quickly by lifting a nearby large branch to demonstrate the Thunder Spirit Eight Forms and Heavenly Thunder Serpent Spear. I also showcased the Thunder Shadow Step as well as the Thunder Spirit Seal, Magnetism Ghost Blade, Nine Nether Qi, and Hell King’s Hand. The latter martial arts were taught to me by the Thunderbolt Three Saints and were akin to their unique techniques.
As I performed my martial arts atop the narrow mountain peak, Dokgo Seong’s eyes widened in disbelief. After some time, he collected himself and asked,
“What… Who were you taught by? How do you know so many martial arts… How do you know about the Ghostly Spirit Sect’s exclusive techniques?”
“Did you recognize the Magnetism Ghost Blade and the Nine Nether Qi?”
“Answer my question. Those techniques can only be mastered by a very few in the Thunder God Lineage. Is your master from the Ghostly Spirit Sect?”
“Not at all. I learned these techniques from the Thunderbolt Three Saints. They’ve only been learned in passing, so I haven’t fully honed them.”
“The Thunderbolt Three Saints… Ah… those fellows…”
As I spoke, Dokgo Seong seemed to be reeling back, searching his memories. I was left stunned by this reaction.
‘This guy is definitely a master of the Thunder God Lineage, but how is he ranked? I can’t figure it out.’
And why was he reacting so strongly to Lee Kwang?
While immersed in my thoughts, the Sword Demon interjected.
“As you can see, my disciple holds astonishing ability as an inheritor of the Thunder God Lineage. If you help this child, it would greatly contribute to the resurgence of the Thunder God Lineage.”
At those words, Dokgo Seong appeared baffled.
“Resurgence?”
“Isn’t it true that your Thunder God Lineage has been devastated by the White Lotus Sect? I figured you’d be here to revive the Thunder God Lineage.”
“Ah… that…”
Dokgo Seong appeared somewhat uneasy. This was a stark contrast to the passionate dedication of the Thunder God Lineage masters I had encountered who were all fervently working toward the ‘resurgence of the Thunder God Lineage’ goal. After contemplating, Dokgo Seong said,
“… That said, Sword Demon, you are quite crafty. You’re treating him well, knowing he’s an inheritor of the Thunder God Lineage?”
“Haha, perhaps. However, I believe there’s no issue with passing the Shadowless Gate to Baek Woong.”
“What?!”
“Anyway, I hope you’ll reply to my proposal. Are you uninterested in Baek Woong?”
“That’s not it.”
Dokgo Seong hesitated before continuing,
“I just need some time to think. This is all too sudden for me.”
“In that case… how much time do you need?”
“Come back tomorrow. I will give you my answer then.”
“Very well.”
Whee!
The Sword Demon and I retreated from Dragon King’s Valley. As we left, I glanced back, suspicious that Dokgo Seong might ambush us, but he didn’t move an inch. Just as he said, it seemed he was contemplating the abrupt situation.
The Sword Demon, who was bounding alongside me, remarked,
“That man is quite unique. He feels vastly different from the Thunder God Lineage masters you’ve encountered in your memory.”
“Yes, that’s true.”
“With that in mind, you must remain sharp. I cannot earn Dokgo Seong’s trust, so it falls on you to uncover his story no matter what. Otherwise, you would be throwing away a rare opportunity.”
The Sword Demon’s words were astute.
“I will bear that in mind.”
Dokgo Seong was currently in a defensive posture. Though he also belonged to the Thunder God Lineage, he exuded a volatile nature, differing from the other disciples I had encountered. This was perhaps a result of his distinct attitude towards the Thunder God Lineage. Rather than viewing it as merely a sect, his perspective resembled that of a pure seeker watching from a slight distance.
The Sword Demon said,
“We shouldn’t waste any more time. Let’s head to Jangryeong Valley using the Elevation Technique.”
“Ugh… Are we really going?”
“We must.”
Whoosh!
In the next moment, the two of us propelled ourselves toward the residence of the newly appointed Jangryeong Valley Lord, Zhuge Sa, using the Elevation Technique. It was the same cozy building I had visited with Mang Yang earlier. I felt a slight unease, wondering if there were any traps or formations set up, but it seemed there were none.
The Sword Demon stopped a passing servant and asked,
“Pray tell, where might Lord Zhuge Sa be?”
“Eeek!”
The servant was startled when we suddenly appeared in the room. He quickly calmed down when he sensed that the Sword Demon meant no harm and replied,
“Lord Zhuge Sa passed away a few years ago… He is no longer with us.”
“He died?”
“The grave is over that way. Just go into the bamboo grove.”
The servant pointed toward the far side of the bamboo forest.
So Zhuge Sa is dead.
“I see. But that’s strange.”
The Sword Demon looked around the building.
“Both this building and the surrounding landscaping seem to be well-maintained. It’s rather unusual for the Jangryeong Valley to remain intact if the leader, Zhuge Sa, has died.”
“Ah… You’re unaware?”
“What do you mean?”
“Currently, the Jangryeong Valley is under the ownership of someone else. I, too, have taken on the duty of cleaning and managing this building and grave under the orders of the new Lord Jangryeong. That’s why it remains as tidy as it is.”
There was a peculiar sense of pride in the servant’s words. The Sword Demon pondered for a moment, resting his chin on his hand, then asked,
“What is the name of this new Lord?”
At the servant’s next words, I felt as if I had been hit in the head.
“Master Byeokji-sang.”
“What?!”
Even the Sword Demon was taken aback. The servant seemed confused by our shock.
“Why are you surprised? Our new master isn’t particularly renowned in the Jianghu…”
“……”
The Sword Demon and I exchanged glances.
We both agreed mentally that this was a significant matter.
King of Gambling, Byeokji-sang!
She was hailed as the top gambling king of the Four States and was known as an icy beauty, a rare prodigy who was also a peak master! To think she had been appointed as the new Lord of Jangryeong Valley!
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