Heavenly Realm
Paah!
I immediately headed towards the Dragon King’s Valley in the Four Rivers. I had already thought about what to say when I faced Dokgo Seong again. The Cloud Sea majestically floated over the Dragon King’s Valley, making it look like an inhospitable and perilous place for humans to settle.
In the midst of the thick, massive clouds, I sensed a faint killing intent.
‘Is this how it feels?’
In the past, the Sword Demon would suddenly burst out, and I’d wonder why. But now, though I couldn’t quite place it, I realized there was a perilous presence somewhere that pricked my intuition. As I deepened my understanding through my martial arts training and grew accustomed to its thinking, I noticed this phenomenon. I couldn’t sense any direct threat, but I felt there was a terrifying entity lurking somewhere, more fearsome than any tiger.
I quietly stood on the mountain peak and began to showcase my martial arts.
Swish…
I started with a nearby sturdy branch, executing the Thunder Spirit Eight Forms. Once I completed the progression of the Thunder Spirit Eight Forms, I unfolded the Heavenly Thunder Infinite Spear, and then sequentially performed the Thunder Shadow Sword Technique and the Ten Thousand Success Sword Technique, mixing in the Heavenly Gathering Kill here and there.
Pa pa pa pat!
My body became like a whirlwind, conjuring a wind wheel. The momentum that rose surged through the vast nature, dancing as it took on the essence of thunder and transforming into a pure dance. I was leading a sword dance with all the skills I had learned until now.
After a considerable time, I finally ceased showcasing the techniques of the Thunder God Lineage and returned to my original stance.
Then, about ten spans away, a presence sent me a telepathic inquiry.
[ You are a high-level practitioner of the Thunder God Lineage. Reveal your name and title. ]
This was a different reaction from when I had visited with the Sword Demon. I knew that Dokgo Seong had an aggressive stance towards unfamiliar outsiders, so the key was to lower his guard while raising his curiosity. To achieve that, I intentionally flaunted my expertise in the Thunder God Lineage. No matter how aggressive Dokgo Seong was, he wouldn’t recklessly attack a fellow sect member.
I gazed towards his location and replied,
“I am Baek Woong of the Thunder God Lineage. I have come seeking the guidance of Senior Dokgo Seong, with the aspirations of my lineage.”
Dokgo Seong seemed surprised by my response and paused briefly, then appeared within view and spoke, not through telepathy but rather in his own voice.
“How do you know my name?”
“I dug through the annals of history and learned that you are the next most skilled after the Dharma Protector Lion among the high-level practitioners of the Thunder God Lineage. Having finally arrived after much effort, I am truly moved.”
“……”
Dokgo Seong turned his head away, looking a bit embarrassed. While it’s true that with the death of the Dharma Protector Lion Yi Cheong-un, he was now the top practitioner of the Thunder God Lineage, it must feel strange to hear such an evaluation from another. However, this was an assessment from Han Baek-ryeong, who had been close to the laws of the Dharma Protector, and thus it was undeniably objective.
“What do you mean when you say you’ve come bearing the aspirations of the Thunder God Lineage?”
I knelt submissively, as if in reverence, and replied,
“By a fluke of fate, I have attained mastery of the techniques of the Thunder God Lineage, yet I have come to feel the limits of my own abilities. Furthermore, I am concerned about our lineage’s current situation, which is not very favorable, prompting me to seek your guidance, Senior. I humbly request to be accepted as your disciple.”
“Hmm.”
He let out a bewildered sound. Given that he was a seasoned warrior with a singular focus on his training, it would naturally be challenging for him to accept a request from a sudden junior asking to become his disciple. After a moment, Dokgo Seong spoke in a somewhat pointed voice.
“I’m sorry, but I cannot accept that request.”
“Why not?”
“Having a talented disciple like you would be a great fortune and opportunity for the lineage, but I have circumstances that prevent me from stepping outside. You are already qualified to become the Grand Master of your own sect, so you can handle things yourself.”
Circumstances preventing him from stepping outside.
If I were ignorant of the context when coming to see Dokgo Seong, I would have surely been confused. It makes no sense for the current top practitioner of the Thunder God Lineage not to assist a junior. However, since I understood the reason, I gazed at him with a composed expression and said,
“Might it be related to the Dharma Protector Lion, Dokgo Jun?”
“……!!”
Dokgo Seong was genuinely taken aback. His astonishment showed plainly on his face, as he stuttered in response,
“You’ve done quite a bit of digging about me.”
“I am already aware that you are cousins with Dokgo Jun. I surmise that he has come to your secluded space, insisting you stay hidden.”
“Hmmm… That is indeed correct.”
Dokgo Seong sighed before continuing,
“At present, there seems to be no prospect of opposing the White Lotus Sect with just the strength of the Thunder God Lineage. Yi Cheong-un was the most powerful Dharma Protector in history, and now he is gone… What can be done?”
“…I see.”
Fundamentally, Dokgo Seong shared a similar viewpoint as the Thunder King Triad. Being among the elder practitioners of the current Thunder God Lineage, they were probably more acutely aware of the power gap between the Thunder God Lineage and the White Lotus Sect than anyone else. I calmly observed Dokgo Seong before stating,
“Nevertheless, I wish to deeply learn the swordsmanship of the Thunder God Lineage. You are the only one in the world who can teach me.”
“Hmm… I do feel a uniqueness in your swordsmanship prowess.”
“Even if you do not step into the martial world, wouldn’t it be a significant help in reviving the Thunder God Lineage if you were to teach me? Isn’t that a duty of an elder within the lineage?”
“Revival, huh…”
Dokgo Seong muttered and then asked,
“Are you perhaps aiming to become the Grand Master of the Thunder God Lineage?”
Grand Master!
That term did not simply refer to a master of a sect. It signified a leadership position commanding all masters and skilled practitioners of the Thunder God Lineage, a role that had originally been held by the Dharma Protector Lion. However, with the disintegration and fragmentation of the Thunder God Lineage, no one could casually speak of taking on the title of Grand Master. Even the famed Lee Gwang had earned harsh criticism about his inadequacies when attempting this after reaching a transcendent state.
I shook my head.
“I am still aware of my many shortcomings. So I will only do what I can.”
“What can you do?”
“I will find the weaknesses of the White Lotus Sect and strengthen our power to counter them.”
“Hmm… You possess the capability to dominate the martial world, yet you choose to tread a thorny path.”
“That is the duty of the successor of a sect.”
“……”
Dokgo Seong fell silent. After a time, he uncrossed his arms and said,
“Very well. I shall teach you. That does seem to be what I ought to do.”
“Thank you.”
I could tell that I had built at least a minimal trust relationship with Dokgo Seong. To save time, I then explained to him my current confusion regarding the sword arts and the barriers of martial skills in detail. After listening, Dokgo Seong replied,
“Indeed, as you said, the only way to achieve that is to become the disciple of the White Lotus Master.”
“Yes. If they are an absolute master of martial arts, they might be able to lend a hand.”
“Hmmm, but I get the feeling you have some ulterior motives.”
“Yes?”
Dokgo Seong smiled mysteriously and said,
“Just a hunch, but it seems you aren’t solely relying on the White Lotus Master. Do you know of another absolute master on equal footing?”
“… You’re correct.”
I replied to Dokgo Seong,
“I have a feeling that I could break through with the power of the Sword Immortal Yeodong-bin.”
“Oh!”
I explained that the Sword Immortal Yeodong-bin could descend upon me, and through mastering his Heavenly Thunder Sword Technique, I might be able to pierce my current limitations. I also shared the tale of how I had received the blessing of the Sword Immortal, but Dokgo Seong seemed little interested in sorcery.
Upon hearing my words, Dokgo Seong expressed admiration,
“You have no trace of fatalistic intent and look quite youthful. What kind of adversity have you faced to have accumulated this much experience? It’s something that would be hard for an average person to endure even ten times.”
“… Well, if you die around sixteen times, I suppose anyone could manage.”
“Hmm?”
“It’s nothing.”
I shook off the remark and said,
“So, what are your thoughts on this?”
“Hmmm…”
After some contemplation, Dokgo Seong stated,
“I have come up with an excellent idea. It will truly serve two purposes at once.”
“What idea?”
I was left astonished by Dokgo Seong’s forthcoming words.
“Have the Sword Immortal Yeodong-bin descend and duel with me.”
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