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The Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors

It took only three days to enter Sichuan, the central hub of the Sichuan Four Talents Sect. I checked into an inn and flopped down on the bed.

“Now I need to find the Sichuan Four Talents Sect and ask about Dongbang Mu-gyeol’s whereabouts.”

From my experience, barging into a martial arts family to dig for information is the kind of stupid you can’t even apologize for when caught. To find out information, you need a mix of legitimacy, power, influence, and strength—all of which I would need years to build up here in Sichuan.

Instead, I decided to take a more roundabout approach. I planned to gather intel about the Sichuan Four Talents Sect from the Open Sect’s Sichuan branch first.

Finding the Open Sect’s branch was relatively straightforward. Their members typically clustered under bridges or secluded areas, much like the beggars in the area around Luoyang. As I observed the beggars, I subconsciously gauged their martial prowess, and I was convinced there were some solid experts among them, so I figured this place was the Open Sect’s Sichuan branch.

I approached the group of beggars under the bridge and said, “It is an honor as a martial arts scholar to meet the heroes of the Open Sect.”

Immediately, all the beggars turned their attention toward me. They must have been confused about why some random kid was buttering them up. Most of them ignored me, trying to get back to their tasks, maintaining a calm demeanor typical of martial artists. As I stepped further in, a few bamboo staffs blocked my path.

“Whoa there, hold up.”

“What do you want?”

I looked down at the staffs. Those wielding them seemed ordinary at first glance but were definitely seasoned practitioners. I then turned my gaze to an older man lying against the far wall of the makeshift shelter.

“I came to buy some information. Are you closed for business today?”

The middle-aged man stirred, sitting up like a startled fish out of water, and walked toward me while scratching his head. “What’s this? Who’s this little thunderhead? Which family do you belong to?”

It seemed he took me for a child of a martial arts family. I chuckled and replied, “I am Baek Woong. It seems there are many restrictions on purchasing information in the Open Sect.”

“Restrictions? I don’t know what a kid like you would even want with information.”

“Sounds like you’re not talking like a true disciple of the Open Sect. If you really don’t want my business, I’ll just be on my way.”

As I turned to leave, suddenly, several Open Sect members who had been blocking me lunged at once. They were way beyond the normal expertise level and filled the space with a sea of bamboo poles. Given their qi, it was clear they planned to take me down by force.

But that was a massive underestimation of me.

Following the fundamental movements of the Thunder God Lineage, my body moved gracefully. Shadows flickered as my hands struck all eight directions at once, and in the next moment, I deftly snatched the bamboo poles away from them. Before they could process what happened, I flung the poles into the air, landing a series of strikes on their pressure points with the Thunder Shadow Step.

Thud!

“…!!”

The middle-aged beggar and everyone else around were stunned. It was just a one-second exchange, and all the experts from the Open Sect were on the ground. I released the hand of one beggar I had caught and chuckled.

“You act mighty but don’t back it up. Is this the true face of the Open Sect?”

“Watch your mouth. I can tell you’re quite the expert.”

The beggar’s eyes widened in surprise. His tone shifted dramatically; in a world where strength dictated status, he had no choice but to change his attitude towards me. Locking eyes with him, I spoke.

“I’m known as Daegongae. I handle the Sichuan branch of the Open Sect.”

“So now you’re willing to listen to me?”

“… Follow me.”

I followed Daegongae to a more secluded area where fewer people were around. After a moment, he asked, “Who are you to possess such notable martial skills at your age?”

“What’s it to you?”

“If you don’t tell me, I won’t sell you any information.”

I frowned, annoyed. “You really think you can just write me off like that, old man?”

“What…”

SLAP!

I lunged at him, reaching out. He flinched at my sudden attack. Whether he truly was the Sichuan branch head or not, his skills were more than beyond first-rate; he was pretty sharp and agile.

But I seized upon his momentary slip and struck his vital points. His techniques were good, but after countless real fights, I spotted his flaws.

“Gah.”

He faltered, one knee hitting the ground. I drew my dagger and placed it against his neck. Daegongae looked utterly shocked at being subdued in mere three seconds. I emanated a significant killing intent as I said, “You should know you’re making all the wrong choices.”

“……!!”

“I’ll assume you understand, so I’ll let you go.”

With that, I lowered my dagger and released his pressure points. Daegongae regained his freedom but was looking pale. He could tell I was no stranger to using power, and he realized I wouldn’t shy away from threats. He couldn’t dismiss me as someone to take lightly anymore.

“I can’t believe it… How do you have such advanced skills at your age?”

“As you can see, I have no intention of opposing the Open Sect. I just want the necessary information.”

I subtly pulled out some silver coins, a significant amount exceeding a hundred ounces. When Daegongae noticed the coins, he finally opened up.

“What do you want to know?”

“Nothing complicated. Just fill me in on the members of the Sichuan Four Talents Sect, their major martial skills, and any recent happenings.”

“You’ve come from another region, haven’t you?”

“Haha, think whatever you want.”

Daegongae seemed to shift into a leading interrogation stance, but since I brushed off his hints, he grumbled in defeat. It was clear from his expression that he found me quite formidable.

“I’ll need the payment upfront.”

“Any guarantees you’ll give me the information?”

Daegongae sighed bitterly. “I have no shame, so just trust me. I never thought I’d say this…”

“Here’s the money.”

Clink!

“I’ll spill everything I know.”

Once he received the payment, Daegongae began to detail all that I had asked about the Sichuan Four Talents Sect. I sat there listening intently for half a moment, absorbing most of the information into my mind.

After a while, I pondered and then asked him, “I want to buy some more information.”

“What information?”

Reaching into my armor, I pulled out a stash of silver coins worth double what I had just shown him. Daegongae’s eyes widened at the sight, but I maintained my calm tone.

“Information about Dongbang Mu-gyeol, the Heavenly Doctor!”

“Dongbang Mu-gyeol…? You mean the Five Great Physicians?”

“Exactly. If he’s recently shown up in Sichuan, I’d like to know what you know.”

“Hmm.”

He appeared to be rifling through his memories and wore a desperate look before finally saying, “Ah! Dongbang Mu-gyeol has indeed been seen recently in the dark underbelly of Sichuan with the Dao King. It was about a month ago.”

“Dao King? Who’s that?”

“You don’t know him? Well, he only operates in Sichuan…”

Daegongae licked his lips and continued, “He’s said to reach a divine level in gambling. While he’s tagged as a member of the Heretical Sect, he cares only for gambling and nothing else.”

“Oh…”

“Dongbang Mu-gyeol reportedly cleaned out the dark establishments with the Dao King and then disappeared at the Unfinished House while engaging in some weird gambling. What it entailed, I don’t know, but the manager there hasn’t uttered a word, so I have no way of knowing.”

“What’s the Unfinished House?”

“Also known as the Shrine of the Brilliant Flame. That’s where they enshrine Zhuge Liang.”

I realized this was sounding more interesting. As he said, it seemed Dongbang Mu-gyeol had been gambling with the Dao King, a notorious gambler, and then vanished. Rather than going to the Sichuan Four Talents Sect, my next destination would be the Unfinished House.

“Where’s the Dao King?”

“I can’t say much about his whereabouts. He seems to pop up wherever there’s a major gambling scene. Other than that, he’s a drifter with no fixed hideout.”

“I see.”

Daegongae noted, “If you intend to find Dongbang Mu-gyeol, I’d recommend against it. That guy’s a lunatic.”

“I’ve heard that a few times…”

“Anyway, I’ve given my warning. Now leave.”

With his dismissive wave, I nodded lightly and exited the Open Sect’s den.

“I better prepare a bit more before meeting Dongbang Mu-gyeol.”

Three people already labeled him insane. There was no doubt he was a troublesome existence, likely someone indulging in pleasures of life.

I returned to the inn, collected my thoughts, and headed straight for the Unfinished House. Asking for directions a couple of times along the way, I quickly located it. The Unfinished House appeared to be one of the most famous spots in Chengdu. Zhuge Liang was quite the figure in history for the people of Sichuan.

There were many worshipers and visitors, each one appearing like they were from wealthy families, which made me think my tattered outfit would stand out. So, I decided to get myself new clothes. After getting tailored at a fabric shop, I took a cleansing bath and returned to the Unfinished House the next day.

Attempting to enter the innermost shrine was impossible due to the guard’s restrictions. Most people didn’t seem to care as they merely enjoyed the ambiance of the Unfinished House. I approached a middle-aged man, who appeared to be the temple guardian.

“I’m Baek Woong. If it’s not too much trouble, I’d like to hear about Dongbang Mu-gyeol and the Dao King’s visit here not too long ago.”

Upon hearing my words, the guardian stiffened and sighed.

“Sigh… Now even young martial artists are coming to ask me…”

“Can’t you tell me?”

“No way!”

“Are you afraid of the influence of Dongbang Mu-gyeol and Dao King?”

As I taunted him, he pointed at the martial artists standing guard around us.

“Do you still think you can talk like that? All those guarding this place are elite experts vetted by the Six Harmonies Gate. Some even hail from the royal guards, so even elders from the Great Sect wouldn’t dare mess around here.”

The Unfinished House seemed to symbolize Chengdu, so the security was tight. The martial artists I saw around were definitely of high caliber. I replied curtly, “Still, it’s true that Dongbang Mu-gyeol and Dao King gambled and disappeared here, isn’t that right?”

“Ugh… How do you expect me to catch them after they cause a scene in the dead of night and slip away? That’s already something the royal family has given tacit approval for, so it’s not my fault.”

“The royal family?”

“A royal relative has a keen interest in the Unfinished House and takes care of things here.”

“……”

A royal relative? As I mulled over that name, the temple guardian frowned and said, “Anyway, I can’t tell you! You seem to be from a martial arts family; don’t waste your time here.”

Stepping out, I returned to the inn. I realized ambushing the manager and torturing him with the Thunder God Lineage’s techniques was a bad idea, given the number of eyes watching. He seemed to be under constant escort by top-notch practitioners from the Six Harmonies Gate, so coming at him recklessly would only stir up trouble. I felt the need to check out the Sichuan Four Talents Sect next.

“So I’m stuck again… How can I get information about Dongbang Mu-gyeol from the Sichuan Four Talents Sect?”

I pondered for quite some time and then decided to use my Enchantment Technique to head to Jinrang Valley. It might have been quite a while, but the atmosphere in Jinrang Valley felt more stable and quiet. As I trained with Mangnyang, he noticed me and smiled.

“Baek Woong! How goes your business in Sichuan?”

“A bit stalled.”

I shared the information I had gathered so far, and Mangnyang listened quietly before pressing his temple as if deep in thought.

“Then you should stay here for a few more days.”

“Huh…?”

“I’m sure a solution will come to you.”

It was about ten days later when I finally understood what Mangnyang had meant.

While helping Mangnyang with odd jobs, someone suddenly leaped into the air from seemingly nowhere, complete with a somersault and landed right in front of me, red-faced and shouting, “You little brat!!!”

“……”

I scratched my head and laughed. “Sorry, Miho.”

“Don’t act chummy, human!! Gyaah… I’m shaking!”

That was right. Miho had undergone the Queen Mother of the West’s trial and came through Goryeo to the Central Plains, but while I used the Enchantment Technique to circle around heaven and earth, she had been wandering all over the place until she ended up at Jinrang Valley.

Trying to smile awkwardly, I asked Miho, “Did you come to help me?”

“Hmph! I heard you once offered incantations to the Queen Mother.”

Of course, I knew better than anyone why Miho had come here. Just then, Mangnyang walked over and said respectfully, “I meet the Heavenly Fox.”

“What’s this now?”

“This is a new companion, Mangnyang.”

“Who decided that?!”

As Miho began to get mad, I calmed her down, “Miho, hold on.”

I explained everything to Miho, and Mangnyang listened along. By the time I had recounted my past lives up to the thirteenth cycle, Miho’s expression twisted in disbelief. But when she glanced at Mangnyang, he seemed completely unfazed and had even begun to lower his skepticism.

“Hah… So what do you intend to do, Baek Woong?”

“Well… I guess I should go back to Sichuan and meet Dongbang Mu-gyeol.”

Miho burst into laughter. “Alright! This maiden shall help you!”

Indeed, what Mangnyang had referred to as the “solution” was now clear.

If I had the Enchantment Technique from the Great Demon Miho, I could easily navigate through the complexities of Sichuan to find Dongbang Mu-gyeol without much fuss.

—————————= Author’s Note —————————=

This is the second installment of the year for my vile skills… Ahhh, if I can finish just one more… I’ll be free!

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