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암천향(暗天鄕)

So I approached Lee Kwang and Jin So-cheong. By the time we wrapped up the treasure, I was just kind of wriggling around, but now it felt like I was staggering to stand up. Lee Kwang was in way better shape than Jin So-cheong, probably thanks to that treasure, the Seven Fires, Seven Golds Line, he had tucked away.

In a cracked voice, Lee Kwang asked, “Did you take that guy down?”

Clearly, he was still shaken up. I supported both him and Jin So-cheong, replying, “Yeah. We can rest for a bit before heading out.”

“Thank goodness…”

We didn’t want to risk more shock by trying to rest in the Abyss, so we made our way up to the Thunder Pearl and leaned against the wall to take a break. Lee Kwang and Jin So-cheong rested like logs for about a meal, then slowly their breathing returned to normal and they came to their senses.

Jin So-cheong rubbed his stiff neck and sighed. His curly hair was drenched in sweat, clearly showing how tough things had been.

“That was a really scary attack. I can’t believe a monster like that was living around…”

“Couldn’t you resist the illusion?”

“To be honest, I had a vague awareness, Priest. I had enough strength to counterattack when it got close. But the illusions hit me like a wave I’d never experienced before, making it nearly impossible to think straight.”

“Hmm…”

I let out a hum. I hadn’t felt it, but the Tentacle Toad’s mental assassination attack must’ve been incredibly strong. While the great demon, Miho, only experienced a bit of an earache, any normal human would likely have died on the spot.

Lee Kwang stretched his body and said, “Let’s use that Golden Eagle to get back to the Bancheon Alliance.”

“Master, before that, I want to make one thing very clear.”

“What is it?”

I looked Lee Kwang straight in the eye and said, “What you just did was completely disregarding your supporters and trust. It bothers me, as it goes against what you taught me about righteousness.”

“……”

Lee Kwang fell silent. He gave me a piercing look and slowly responded, “Yeah. I did something I shouldn’t have. I will apologize to the Leader of the Bancheon Alliance.”

Fortunately, Lee Kwang was a man who could admit his faults. He knew how to accept the words of those below him. I exhaled in relief and felt empowered.

“Thanks.”

“And to answer your point, it’s because the weight of what I carry is too heavy.”

Lee Kwang lifted his spear and gestured toward the remnants of the broken bars around us.

“What sets us apart from the ones trapped there? It’s merely whether we fell victim to the Golden Eagle Guards or not. The Thunder God Lineage is currently facing many formidable foes, and the situation is unpredictable. As your leader, I must always prepare for the worst.”

“But…”

“I know fully well what it means to act with loyalty. But if we all get betrayed or killed, what use is that? Are we just going to blame ghosts after we die?”

Lee Kwang determinedly concluded, “Even if I went back in time, my decision wouldn’t change. The people I keep close are the most precious to me, and to protect them and fulfill our desires, I am willing to become a demon if needed.”

“……”

I was at a loss for words. It felt like I was seeing the true nature of Lee Kwang right now.

A pragmatic man, holding absolute trust in his power, offering no mercy to enemies, cold-blooded but also dignified, dismissing unnecessary ideals and emotions entirely. He could terrify both foes and allies, but if one became his ally, there was no choice but to trust him.

“Just wait a moment. You need to prepare mentally.”

“Got it.”

Once I thought their mental strength was back in order, they placed their hands on my shoulder. I then rubbed the Golden Eagle.

“Pshhh!”

This time, I projected my will as strongly as possible before the Heavenly Eye activated. Just before it illuminated the Sea God’s location, a voice asked, [Where do you wish to go?]

Right here.

[Understood…]

My vision changed. In the blink of an eye, we stood in the midst of a scene where the Bancheon Alliance and the Thunder God Lineage were in confrontation. Lee Kwang looked genuinely shocked, wide-eyed as he took in the surroundings.

And there was Geuk-ho, maintaining a protective stance over Yun Guang and Lee Ji-pyeong, who were being suppressed by the Bancheon Alliance’s warriors. Geuk-ho radiated a terrifying aura that made it impossible to approach. Probably, Mangnyang had issued a command to stay back.

Upon spotting Mangnyang, Lee Kwang marched over confidently and bowed his head, saying, “I sincerely apologize. I shouldn’t have been so hasty in my trust towards you all.”

Receiving his apology, Mangnyang nodded willingly, “Of course. Even if I were you, I would have made the same choice.”

“I’m sorry.”

“That concern is now a thing of the past.”

Mangnyang smiled sweetly and extended his hand to Lee Kwang. When Lee Kwang handed over the treasure, the Seven Fires, Seven Golds Line, Mangnyang gave a light smack on his own head with his fan, saying, “Let’s think about the future.”

“Thank you.”

In that moment, the tension in the hall seemed to evaporate. Geuk-ho was the first to relax his aura, followed by the warriors of the Bancheon Alliance lowering their killing intent. They resolved their grudges since matters between leaders couldn’t easily be questioned by their subordinates.

We first headed to the building where we had confined the mutated people. The mutated folk were sitting idly against the wooden walls, and it was evident that many of their previously alien features had disappeared. While those deeply affected by otherworldly energies showed no change yet, the humans who had changed less seemed to be slowly regaining their sanity, wriggling around.

Particularly, the transformation of General Hwang Yeon, who had turned into a monster of the otherworldly race, was dramatic. His upper body from neck to solar plexus was fully human again, even down to his shoulders. Jin So-cheong couldn’t hide his joy and shouted, “It worked!”

“Not yet. He still needs at least two months to completely restore his body and regain human sense. Until then, we’ll keep managing the mutated folk and continuously chant the spells using the Divine Spirit’s power.”

Lee Kwang interjected, “Do you think that’s possible? We managed to escape using the Golden Eagle’s power, but we’re already marked by the Golden Eagle Guards. Hiding in Luoyang for two months is unrealistic.”

Lee Kwang was right. The situation made it a suicidal act to operate within the city at this time. It was similar to curled up in the heart of the enemy camp, making the prospect of enduring for two months feel like a pipe dream. Then Mangnyang chuckled.

“Up until now, our Bancheon Alliance has been able to endure without being controlled by the Golden Eagle Guards thanks to the favor of an important figure. We now need to turn that figure completely into our ally. If we do, we can easily survive for at least two months.”

Lee Kwang responded with understanding, “I suspected as much. It felt like someone was supporting us from behind. Who is that person?”

“You already know him.”

“……?”

“It’s the leader of the Han Clan.”

Bang!

At that moment, Lee Kwang slammed the meeting table so hard it nearly broke. Though he contained himself with reason, it was enough to convey his anger. He glared at Mangnyang like he was ready to eat him alive before exclaiming, “No way! I don’t want to get involved with that old woman!”

Mangnyang began waving his fan and replied calmly, “I know who that person is and what relation they have with you, Lee Kwang.”

There was a fierce glint in his eyes. It was proof that Mangnyang was also filled with animosity regarding this matter.

“But right now, we can’t be picky. Without that person’s help, we would have to abandon Luoyang and move our base, while continuously fleeing from the Golden Eagle Guards and Imperial Guards, facing years and decades of being wanted. Do you really think that kind of effort will allow us to gather strength and take our revenge on the Golden Eagle Guards?”

“……”

“Fortunately, the Imperial Palace and Golden Eagle Guards don’t know the true identity of that person. If used wisely, it could provide unexpected loopholes.”

Lee Kwang rested his chin in thought. Then he spoke, “Leader of the Bancheon Alliance. I understand what you’re saying. However, what really worries me is something else.”

“What is it?”

“That old lady doesn’t act based on pity or anything like that. There’s thorough calculation behind her actions. If we reach out without considering it carefully, there’s a chance we may end up as slaves.”

Mangnyang agreed with Lee Kwang’s sentiment, “That’s true. Our Bancheon Alliance lacks influence, funds, military strength, and information. We can’t even match the Han Clan in terms of negotiation. Right now, the leader of the Han Clan is using us as pawns to divert the Golden Eagle Guards’ focus.”

Mangnyang looked back and forth between Lee Kwang and Jin So-cheong, saying, “But with the Thunder God Lineage, that’s a different story. She will consider an alliance with us from a different dimension.”

“Hmm.”

“I think it would be killing two birds with one stone.”

Lee Kwang closed his eyes to think before stating, “So it all depends on my will.”

“If you prefer not to, please say so now. We need to act quickly regardless.”

“No need for that.”

Lee Kwang shot up from his seat. His face was once again cold and tense, showing that he was starting to hide his emotions.

“I need to go collect the long-standing debt.”

I let out a humming sound as I listened to the series of conversations.

“Hmm.”

Although they didn’t explicitly mention it, the subject was clear.

The Han Clan — likely affiliated with the White Lotus Sect — and the Peak Expert in Fire Spirit Techniques, Han Baek-ryeong, were headed for negotiations with the wealthiest person in the Central Plains. And even though Lee Kwang seemed apprehensive about the Fire Spirit Techniques and Han Baek-ryeong, he was now in a position where he had to seek her help.

‘If that’s possible…’

The alliance of the Thunder God Lineage and Fire Spirit Techniques!

It would mean the mighty Dharma Guardian, who upheld the colossal pillars of the White Lotus Sect, pairing up with the likes of them. I couldn’t even imagine what might happen if either Han Baek-ryeong or Lee Kwang went wild.

It would be an overwhelming force capable of splitting the heavens!

Then Lee Kwang turned to me and asked, “What will you do?”

All eyes in the hall turned to me. Among them were Miho’s fierce gaze, making me feel strangely poked at. Up until now, Miho had looked at my actions with skepticism, so it was tough to say that I would follow into the Han Clan like this. I had no choice but to reply, “I’ll wait here.”

“That should be fine. Train hard while you’re at it.”

“Yes.”

About half a moment later, Mangnyang and Lee Kwang finished their preparations and headed for the Han Clan. They seemed to be planning to infiltrate by blending in with the shipping station at the Han Clan to avoid detection. I took on the role of guarding this place while they were gone.

Geuk-ho, who remained with me, grumbled, “Ugh, seriously, I end up having to ally myself with the Fire Spirit Techniques fools.”

“Geuk-ho, is there a reason we shouldn’t take help from the Fire Spirit Techniques?”

Geuk-ho seemed unusually excited despite his usual laid-back self.

“Damn! You’re too young to know, but when the Thunder God Lineage was exiled, the Fire Spirit Techniques just stood by and watched. I thought they were our biggest allies, but they betrayed us! Why should we extend a hand to such filthy folks?”

It seemed I wasn’t the only one who disdained the Fire Spirit Techniques. Seeing Geuk-ho’s vehement objection suggested that most inheritors of the Thunder God Lineage scattered across the Central Plains likely despised the Fire Spirit Techniques too. My curiosity got the better of me and I kept questioning.

“What about the Su Shin Sect? Do you dislike them too?”

“What are you talking about? They’re completely out of the discussion. They’re not even worth holding a grudge against! Haven’t you heard anything about the Su Shin Sect?”

Geuk-ho waved his hand and sat back down, continuing, “But, it seems like you’re really here to talk because you want to ask something more urgent.”

“You caught me.”

“You little brat, don’t try to play games with me. The things I choose to teach you are entirely up to my kindness.”

Grinning, Geuk-ho slyly asked, “So, what do you really want to know?”

“I’m curious about the Thunder God Lineage secret technique you possess.”

“I had a feeling you’d say that. You’re really greedy for martial arts, huh?”

“It doesn’t seem to be Thunder Shadow Step…”

Geuk-ho chuckled, “Hmph… It’s even more incredible than Thunder Shadow Step or Thunder Shadow Heavenly Gathering Kill. Curious, are you?”

“I am.”

“Not giving it away. This is my trump card.”

“But the Master must already know. It’s not much of a trump card…”

Geuk-ho made a serious expression. “Not at all. The Master doesn’t know my technique.”

“……!!”

“Want me to tell you the reason?”

Geuk-ho briefly got up from his seat and took on a stance. It was the initial pose of the Thunder Shadow Step, and as he slowly took three steps, I knew this would lead to Thunder Shadow Step Heavenly Gathering Kill, so I was watching without much emotion until suddenly, something extraordinary happened.

Crack!

It felt like an illusion was shifting. The speed and flair surpassed even the Thunder Shadow Step Heavenly Gathering Kill, almost as if his body transformed into lightning itself. Only a technique rivaling Geuk-ho’s mastery could compare to the Dharma Guardian’s skills in the Wind Spirit Techniques.

When he finished the seven steps, an illusion zipped into Geuk-ho’s body. But with my internal energy heightened, I still couldn’t tell when or how the real one appeared. In awe of this incredible technique, Geuk-ho shrugged casually.

“You can’t just learn it.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean exactly that. I had to take revenge on the Fire Spirit Techniques and wasn’t saving my talents for this. I asked Lee Kwang to teach me, but it didn’t work out. The same goes for Jin So-cheong.”

“That can’t be true. They are geniuses of Muwak.”

“I acknowledge that, but they just couldn’t learn it. Odd, right? It’s this simple.”

Geuk-ho did the technique one more time. This time, the Thunder Shadow seemed to penetrate my body, yet I couldn’t find where Geuk-ho was concealed.

This stealthy technique was so beyond common sense in the martial arts world that I felt a shiver run down my spine. Now that I had entered the domain of peak experts, I realized how outrageous this technique really was.

‘Scary…!!’

Not only could I not see it, but I couldn’t even sense it until it was right on top of me!

The Thunder Shadow flowed like it had no substance at all.

If Geuk-ho’s skills improved even a little more, he could easily toy with or find openings against opponents far above his level. The speed and flamboyance allowed complete freedom of movement.

It was a relief that Geuk-ho was cautious and hadn’t tried to decide life and death with me earlier. I had no confidence in protecting my vital points against such a formidable technique. So, I accidentally asked, “What’s the name of that technique?”

“It’s the Thunder God Lineage secret technique: Soul Removal Technique.”

I tilted my head due to its strangeness. Typically, techniques or secret techniques of the Thunder God Lineage mostly bear names involving ‘Thunder’. Yet, a technique that removes souls? What could that possibly mean?

Geuk-ho explained, “According to my Master, I had the unique talent to grasp the Soul Removal Technique, which was why he accepted me as his disciple. If I reach a peak, he said he’d teach me the secrets and requirements for mastering the technique… but then he was killed by the Fire Spirit Techniques.”

Geuk-ho’s face suddenly fell, clearly reflecting a deep emotional scar.

“Well, anyway, I don’t know what the requirements to master the Soul Removal Technique are.”

“Then will you teach me?”

“You?”

Geuk-ho burst out laughing, “Not a problem, but it can’t be for free~ I’m saying you owe me a beautiful woman.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Oh, don’t play dumb with me. I had no choice but to teach Master Lee Kwang, but Jin So-cheong and the others all missed out. Someone beautiful to enjoy the fun with me is needed.”

It sounded ridiculous and playful, but Geuk-ho’s eyes were serious. This seemed to be his version of a trial for passing on the Soul Removal Technique. Though it was driven by self-interest, it seemed inevitable given his love for spending time with women.

‘…Hmm.’

I stepped aside to think and then approached Miho. Upon explaining the situation, Miho burst into laughter, “Aha! That sounds like fun. Shall we play?”

Bang!

In an instant, Miho transformed into an incredibly beautiful maiden. She took my hand and led me before Geuk-ho. It seemed like Geuk-ho had brought it up teasingly, but upon suddenly facing a stunning beauty, he was completely caught off guard.

“Huh… O-oh… you really brought her…”

“Oh my… where is this? I heard this young hero wanted to talk to me urgently…”

“Aha! That would be me. I have something to say to the beautiful girl!”

Miho’s new appearance resembled a pure and delicate daughter from a noble family. She nervously scanned the surroundings and spoke cautiously, “What is it…?”

“How about a cup of tea?”

“……”

I watched in disbelief. Out of nowhere, to ask a beautiful maiden who followed me into a secluded area for tea? Was this supposed to work on an ordinary woman? However, Miho began chatting and pretended to be charmed, leading Geuk-ho off for tea.

About half a moment later…

Geuk-ho returned to the base wearing a flushed expression, red as a beet. The experts of the Bancheon Alliance scattered around the place couldn’t hold back their laughter upon seeing him. It seemed that Miho had smacked him a few times when he least expected it.

Geuk-ho said to me, “She’s pretty, but her personality is lacking. I was going to envelop her with my charm and passion…”

Part of me wanted to retort, “You’re just talking nonsense,” but I decided to hold my tongue.

“Either way, I’ve done my part. Now you must keep your promise.”

Geuk-ho sighed as if defeated, “Alright, alright. I’ll teach you Soul Removal Technique, even though you probably won’t manage to learn it.”

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