0080 : Amcheonhyang (Dark Heaven Village)
The beggar suddenly swung his Tagoobong (Stick of Dog Beating) at me. His movements appeared slow, but as he entered my attack range, he executed a Quick Change that was startlingly swift. I noticed that his form was incredibly precise and devoid of flaws, prompting me to retreat instead of confronting him head-on.
Clang!
The beggar’s Tagoobong collided with my sword. The force of the impact sent him flying backward.
“Oh my goodness…”
With a deft move, the beggar executed a somersault in mid-air, landing approximately two lengths away. His face was clearly that of surprise. I could hear him murmuring,
“Wow… this is truly impressive… Even with my Dream Heaven Divine Art maximized, to be pushed back like this… such terrifying internal energy…”
“Who are you?”
I couldn’t afford to treat him carelessly. Although he had been sent flying during our exchange of internal energies, he had managed to recover without any injury. Moreover, most experts would have been utterly destroyed by an attack like mine, often suffering severe damage. The fact that he hadn’t even spat blood indicated that his internal energy was remarkably refined.
The beggar grinned widely.
“Hehe, I’m the supreme beggar king. And you, are you the Little Sect Leader of the White Lotus Sect?”
I replied curtly.
“What nonsense are you spouting? What are the odds of a passerby being the Little Sect Leader of the White Lotus Sect? And what proof do you have that I believe in the White Lotus Sect?”
“Ha! The chances are about the same as a Golden Eagle Guard being several times stronger than me.”
“……!!”
I was taken aback. He had certainly spoken words that couldn’t be dismissed lightly.
The Golden Eagle Guard, Cheonryonggae Gu Ik-hwan!
He was indeed the leader of countless beggars across the land, as well as a significant figure leading one of the Nine Great Sects. I had heard his name repeatedly when researching the Nine Great Sects. Furthermore, he was the direct disciple of one of the Three Great Righteous Experts of the orthodox sect, so his martial arts were undoubtedly impressive as well.
Seeing my wary demeanor, the beggar said,
“I sensed a storm-like aura and secretly followed. It felt as if a chunk of otherworldly energy was passing by. But you’re just a kid. So, I figured you must either be a Guardian Dharma Warrior or the Little Sect Leader.”
I smirked and laughed.
“Suppose you are Gu Ik-hwan of the Cheonryonggae. Do you think you alone can defeat a Guardian Dharma Warrior or a Little Sect Leader? I have heard they are fearsome monsters.”
“Of course, I don’t possess such arrogance. That’s why I’ve brought quite a few friends along.”
“Friends?”
Swish, swish, swish
Masters began to appear from all directions. They had kept their distance but converged at the beggar’s signal. I quickly realized that they were high-level martial artists from the martial arts world, and my expression turned grim as I counted over fifty of them.
Gu Ik-hwan chuckled.
“The Zheng Tian Alliance’s Sky Sword Team and Earth Sword Team have all arrived. Reinforcements will be here soon.”
The Zheng Tian Alliance!
Hearing that name made me involuntarily exhale. They were an alliance formed primarily by the Nine Great Sects, effectively established to counter the forces of the demonic factions. They regularly elected a leader for the alliance, who would then lead the cohorts in suppressing the heretics. I also understood that the Sky Sword Team and Earth Sword Team were independently formed military units within the Zheng Tian Alliance.
‘All first-rate experts… truly elite.’
My expression grew severe. The abilities of those gathered here were likely not far behind the Golden Eagle Guards. Considering actual prowess, it could be said I was surrounded by five teams of the Golden Eagle Guards. Moreover, if peak experts were among them, they could pose a significant threat. Additionally, I still had yet to clearly assess Gu Ik-hwan’s true capabilities.
I addressed Gu Ik-hwan.
“I have merely practiced the martial arts of my own sect. I have no connection to the White Lotus Sect.”
“How many can truly believe the words of a Little Hero like you in this world? I’ve heard that the White Lotus Sect uses Holy Lotus to train young martial artists. You might be a spy here to survey the Central Plains, so you must accompany us quietly for now.”
Gu Ik-hwan showed no signs of easing his suspicion. Considering his demeanor, it seemed he had been trailing me for days and had thoroughly prepared to confront me. In a situation where I could potentially be the Little Sect Leader or a Guardian Dharma Warrior of the White Lotus Sect, he would never let his guard down.
I pondered.
‘What should I do?’
Typically, my temperament would lead me to explode in anger and challenge Gu Ik-hwan and the Sky Sword and Earth Sword Teams to a fight. I might have thought that relying on my internal energy would somehow suffice. However, through long experience, I had realized that such an approach would not aid in resolving the situation. Even if I could defeat them here and now, it would only lead to unnecessary contention with the Zheng Tian Alliance afterward.
I could not help but think about what ‘Mangryang’ would do in such a situation.
‘What would Mangryang have done?’
I racked my brain, hoping to find a solution. I had come to understand that giving up easily and resorting to brute force inevitably leads to death. A saying by Mangryang came to mind.
‘There are things that won’t be conveyed if you don’t speak.’
While I was contemplating this, a good idea sparked, prompting me to speak. I decided to show my true self candidly.
“Have you ever heard of the Azure Dragon?”
As Gu Ik-hwan was a top official in the orthodox sect, I chose to address him formally. He shrugged his shoulders in response.
“Are you referring to the Four Divine Beasts? I’m not sure what you mean.”
I noticed he was feigning ignorance. So, I swiftly extended my spear and said,
“To think you’ve never heard of the Death God of the Imperial Palace that once shook the martial world of Shaanxi is unfortunate.”
“……”
Murmurs echoed among the Zheng Tian Alliance’s Sky Sword Team and Earth Sword Team members who surrounded me, their expressions revealing shock. Most of them were martial artists or disciples from the Nine Great Sects, and they couldn’t possibly be unaware of the legendary power of the Azure Dragon. Undoubtedly, the leader of the Cheonryonggae, an organization that gathers information, would know the facts. He stared at my spear intently and remarked,
“I’ve never heard of the young disciple like you under Azure Dragon Lee Kwang. He has a direct disciple named Zhen So-cheong.”
“I’m not his direct disciple, but I’m related to him by a considerable margin. One could say I belong to the same sect. My martial skills are quite similar to those of the Azure Dragon’s.”
“Hmph…”
“There’s no reason for me to be in opposition to the Zheng Tian Alliance.”
Gu Ik-hwan eyed me carefully, seemingly trying to discern the truth in my words. After a long pause, he called out to someone.
“Paeok! Jun-tae! Sang-gi!”
“Yes!!”
Three middle-aged swordsmen responded, stepping forward. Their auras were exceptional, indicating they were at the early stages of peak experts. Gu Ik-hwan placed them before me and said,
“These men hail from the Zhongnan Sect and the Huashan Sect. They have directly witnessed the Azure Dragon’s martial skills. If you wish to prove you are part of the Azure Dragon’s lineage, you should demonstrate your skills here.”
“You do realize that’s a highly disrespectful and near-taboo act in the martial world?”
As I tested him with my words, Gu Ik-hwan replied as if there were no other choice.
“Of course, I’m aware. However, if you don’t prove it, we’ll have no choice but to subdue you by force.”
“Well then, I suppose there’s no helping it.”
I gradually raised my spear. Before the gazes of numerous Zheng Tian Alliance masters, I began to elegantly unfold the Thunder Dragon Eight Forms.
Swish, swish, swish
It started as calm as still water, but as the techniques progressed, my movements became increasingly agile, blending with a circular flow. Eventually, the footwork of the Thunder Dragon’s Heavenly Kill merged, and my spear shimmered like a burst of white light.
“Ooh…”
I could see the middle-aged swordsmen’s eyes flickering.
I smiled slyly as I began to incorporate more variations into the Thunder Dragon Eight Forms. Having trained endlessly at the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School in the fundamentals of Lan, Na, and Chal, I was able to wield the spear as if it were part of my body. Mastering the basics naturally leads to applications, allowing me to unfold the same technique in as many as sixteen different forms.
I felt the spearhead twisting, creating a formidable vibration as I balanced my lower and upper body, unfolding my movements.
Boom, boom, boom, boom
My body united with the spear and rotated like a windmill within the space. The spear’s edge produced illusions, bewildering the onlookers, and soon it traced a dazzling spiral. As the Thunder Dragon’s Three Seats overpowered the heavens, the combined technique with Lan resulted in a shower of light, and in a moment where breathing seemed to cease, I began to continuously execute the eight main techniques of the Thunder Dragon Eight Forms.
Boom!!!
When the final technique was completed, a massive hole about a yard wide had been carved into the rocky mountain behind me. It was the result of my last thrust. Those witnessing my display of martial arts stood as if frozen, stunned by what they had seen.
The three middle-aged swordsmen who had been watching intently turned to Gu Ik-hwan.
“There is no doubt about it.”
“All those techniques are the Thunder Dragon Eight Forms.”
“It’s impossible to display such skills without being passed down over many years by a master of spear techniques.”
It seemed they had reached a consensus. They were active within the Zheng Tian Alliance, but as fundamental members from the Nine Great Sects, they had no reason to fabricate in matters of martial prowess.
“Hmm…”
Gu Ik-hwan appeared flustered by the unexpected turn of events, narrowing his brows. He had brought the elite masters of the Zheng Tian Alliance with conviction, only to have me prove my claims.
With no other choice, Gu Ik-hwan extended his hand in a gesture of concession.
“I, Gu Ik-hwan of Cheonryonggae, formally apologize for the disrespect shown to you, Little Hero. You seem to be a descendant of a prominent orthodox sect.”
“I accept your apology.”
“What is the name of this Little Hero? I would like to know it now.”
“I am Bai Weng.”
“Bai Weng, Little Hero, however, I cannot let you go just like this. Although it is indeed disrespectful, I earnestly ask for your company to the Zheng Tian Alliance.”
I stared quietly at Gu Ik-hwan. A high-ranking official of an orthodox sect prioritized reputation above all else, so given his insistence, he could no longer act with force. This was because the masters accompanying him were also orthodox sect members, and they would not move for illogical actions. Sure enough, Gu Ik-hwan sighed and said,
“Sigh… To be honest, the threat of the White Lotus Sect is increasing, and we are receiving numerous reports that their experts are operating in secret. Therefore, we cannot afford to overlook even the slightest danger.”
“What do you intend to do?”
“We will give you time to ensure your safety. We will certainly not harm you, so please just stop by the Zheng Tian Alliance briefly. I will make amends for this rudeness.”
I nodded in response.
“Understood.”
I followed Gu Ik-hwan as he led me toward the Zheng Tian Alliance. The masters trailing behind me had an air of surveillance, but I paid them little mind, knowing they had already accepted in their hearts that I was not an agent of the White Lotus Sect. At this moment, Gu Ik-hwan forcing me to accompany him to the Zheng Tian Alliance was more about his obsession as the head of an intelligence organization trying to get to the bottom of my identity.
‘If all goes well, I might gather some information from the Zheng Tian Alliance.’
I felt grateful that I had refrained from acting impulsively and fighting earlier. Unlike the chaotic sects, orthodox sects valued reputation. When facing evil adversaries without justification, they would stake their lives; conversely, if there was no justification, they would never strike without cause. Should one understand their nature, it could be possible to manipulate the situation to one’s benefit.
After a considerable journey, we reached Changping, the boundary between Henan and Shandong. A magnificent five-story building came into view. This place likely encompassed the entirety of the Zheng Tian Alliance’s grounds. As Gu Ik-hwan entered the reception area, the experts of the Sky Sword Team and Earth Sword Team swarmed in behind him.
Numerous martial artists could be seen throughout the Zheng Tian Alliance, and it was evident that this was the cradle of orthodox sects.
Creeeak
The door shut, and Gu Ik-hwan walked into a dark building resembling the Daeungjeon (Great Hero Hall) for quite some time. He raised his voice loudly,
“Zheng Tian Alliance Leader! It seems I have made a grave mistake. This Little Hero does not appear to be a member of the White Lotus Sect.”
With a rustle
From the shadows, a figure clad in white emerged. He appeared to be in his late forties, with a sword sheathed at his waist. The man known as the Zheng Tian Alliance Leader chuckled.
“Hahaha… I can’t help but feel relieved. Had that boy been the Little Sect Leader of the White Lotus Sect or a Guardian Dharma Warrior, we would have faced bloodshed today.”
“Hehe… I would have had confidence to endure until reinforcements arrived using the Dream Heaven Divine Art.”
As Gu Ik-hwan forcefully attempted to regain his pride, the Zheng Tian Alliance Leader spoke with a bittersweet tone.
“Gu Ik-hwan, only those who have fought the Guardian Dharma Warrior understand the true terror. I still carry the grudge of losing my arm to that person and may tremble if I were to face him again.”
Fluttering
The left arm of the Zheng Tian Alliance Leader was missing. It seemed he had survived a confrontation with the Guardian Dharma Warrior but lost his arm as a result. I gazed quietly at him and spoke.
“My name is Bai Weng. Excuse me, but are you the Zheng Tian Alliance Leader Wei Zhi-hun?”
The man in white smiled calmly and replied,
“Indeed, I am Wei Zhi-hun.”
He was the head of the Zheng Tian Alliance, a coalition comprising the Nine Great Sects and the orthodox sects, and Wei Zhi-hun, renowned throughout the Wei family as the greatest swordsman of all time. He had mastered the Taiji Enlightenment Blade, the pinnacle technique of the Wudang Sect, and led the hidden branch of the Wudang Sect as an unparalleled expert of orthodox ways. His reputation was so exceedingly high that it had echoed in my ears during my previous lives to the point of making them ring with the tales I heard.
“Alliance Leader, it has come to this…”
Gu Ik-hwan began to explain the events that had transpired to Wei Zhi-hun, the leader of the Zheng Tian Alliance. I listened intently, wary of any distortions or minimizations he might introduce into the account, but he showed no signs of that. Wei Zhi-hun, thoroughly paying attention, nodded in acknowledgment.
“I see. That’s a relief. Not only is he not a spy from the White Lotus Sect, but he possesses such outstanding cultivation as a descendant of the Azure Dragon.”
“Though there seems to be some misunderstanding, I am not a direct disciple of the Azure Dragon. While we share the same school, my master is different.”
“I am aware of that. The Azure Dragon himself told me so.”
“……?”
I was perplexed. The secret of the Thunder God School being passed down to multiple disciples should not be carelessly revealed to outsiders—why had Lee Kwang disclosed that to Wei Zhi-hun? Observing my confusion, Wei Zhi-hun smiled wryly and transmitted a thought to me.
[Lee Kwang and I share information. In exchange for my thorough protection of the secret regarding the Thunder God School, he vowed not to engage in actions opposing the orthodox sect and agreed to fight against the White Lotus Sect in times of crisis. As you also bear the characteristics of the Thunder God School, there’s no need for you to worry.]
It seemed that Lee Kwang’s ability to live comfortably as the leader of the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School stemmed from a pact with the Zheng Tian Alliance Leader. By disclosing some background of his sect, a sense of reassurance was conferred upon the orthodox sect, and in return, Wei Zhi-hun controlled information to assist Lee Kwang.
Wei Zhi-hun continued, “Moreover, there’s no trace of the distinct scent associated with Holy Lotus from you. I can confidently conclude that Bai Weng is not part of the White Lotus Sect.”
“Scent?”
“When someone consumes the Holy Lotus, which grants one extraordinarily potent internal energy for a short while, their body emits a scent resembling that of the White Lotus. Though the smell isn’t strong, it cannot be concealed from those with keen sense of smell. Moreover, this is the easiest way to identify experts of the White Lotus Sect.”
“I see.”
I was learning something I hadn’t known before. If what he said were true, then anyone who possessed overly high cultivation and emitted the scent of the White Lotus could indeed be suspected to belong to the sect. As I absorbed this new piece of information, Wei Zhi-hun asked, “So where were you headed?”
“I intended to travel to Goryeo via Shandong.”
“Goryeo? Why there?”
“I heard there are many renowned martial clans in Goryeo, so I wished to pursue martial training and broaden my knowledge.”
Upon hearing my words, Wei Zhi-hun appeared startled. “The eastern martial arts world, including Goryeo and Liaodong, is home to the Twelve Rites, a formidable alliance of sects. If you underestimate them, you might end up in serious trouble.”
“Twelve Rites?”
“Hmm…”
Wei Zhi-hun elaborated, “During the transition from the Yuan to the Ming, Goryeo also experienced significant upheaval. However, as far as I know, the martial faction known as the Twelve Rites intervened, ensuring Goryeo survived and underwent internal reforms. Their influence is such that it can impact the regime of a nation, so they are not to be underestimated.”
“That certainly sounds like a cause for caution.”
“We have acted rudely towards the young hero, and for that, I formally apologize.”
“There’s no need.”
As I scratched my head, Wei Zhi-hun addressed Gu Ik-hwan. “I intend to give this Little Hero the Zheng Tian Alliance’s token. What do you think, Gu Ik-hwan?”
“I have no objections. I declare that I will extend the support of the Open Sect to the Little Hero.”
“Hahaha… This is fortuitous.”
I sensed that things were unexpectedly turning out well.
‘What a good start!’
Though a crisis had arisen, my adept handling of the situation had allowed me to garner the attention of the Zheng Tian Alliance Leader and secure assistance in both funds and a token. With this, I would be able to access the help of the Zheng Tian Alliance and the Open Sect until I boarded a ship in Shandong.
—————————= Author’s Note —————————=
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