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0155 ———————————————-

Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors

Guk-ho was hanging around in the Spring Scene Pavilion, the largest martial arts building in Guanzhong, acting like a pillar. Naturally, nobody knew that this Guk-ho, who seemed so carefree, held the qualifications of a Peak Expert and possessed the Soul Removal Technique, a peerless secret. I, too, had no idea about his true identity until Lee Kwang came looking for me; it was only fair to consider him a reclusive expert.

Miho and I didn’t visit the Spring Scene Pavilion directly. Instead, we carefully monitored it, occasionally analyzing the times Guk-ho would leave and his routes. We found out that he would meander about Guanzhong every day or two without any particular purpose.

The beauty scheme started on the third day.

“Hmm…”

While walking, Guk-ho stopped in his tracks when he saw Miho reading under a willow tree.

So beautiful.

Miho’s appearance at that moment wasn’t that of an alluring beauty but rather resembled a delicate flower, pure and innocent. She was the very definition of a beautiful daughter from a prestigious family. I thought maybe a bombshell would do better, but Miho disagreed.

[From what you say, it seems that Guk-ho, despite pretending to be a flirt, has a soft spot for innocence. A guy like that might act like he prefers bombshells, but in reality, he’s more likely to be attracted to a pure and charming woman.]

[Really?]

[Can you believe someone like him can maintain his essence while playing the pillar of the ladies at that gigantic building? His willpower and self-control are quite high. If I want to lure him, I’ll have to put in some serious effort.]

Guk-ho’s standards seem high.

I wasn’t sure how that worked, but I knew no one could outdo Miho in the arts of seduction. I had no choice but to hide nearby and watch as Miho attempted to charm Guk-ho.

As expected, Guk-ho initially appeared uninterested, casually passing by. However, moments later, he timidly turned back, lingered near Miho, and awkwardly initiated a conversation.

“Miss, what brings you to read this book?”

Miho slowly looked up, a subtle smile gracing her lips as she answered.

“I’m reading a book called the Classic of Mountains and Seas. And who might you be?”

“Hmm… I’m Guk-ho. I happened to pass by, and I found you reading so beautifully that I couldn’t help but approach.”

That was quite the direct compliment. For someone who liked sweet-talking women, his approach was surprisingly clumsy. I remembered Guk-ho had failed to charm Miho the last time, which left me bewildered. How could he be such a clumsy mess while calling himself a cultured gentleman?

If it were the usual Miho, she would have burst into laughter, but deciding to play the innocent girl, she looked rather surprised.

“Oh my… thank you.”

“It’s cold today. You might catch a cold; what do you think about sipping tea nearby and chatting?”

“Indeed, it is chilly.”

“Let’s go together.”

As Guk-ho quietly extended his hand, Miho smiled brightly and took it.

“Thank you.”

She stood up and followed Guk-ho, walking lightly.

‘Ugh…’

Watching that scene, an inexplicable turmoil washed over me. I knew it was all just play-acting, yet something felt off in my heart. It was as if irritation bubbled up, seeing Guk-ho sincerely trying to woo Miho.

It didn’t help that, despite Guk-ho often being a clown, he was quite the handsome dude when you got down to it.

‘What am I even thinking?’

I shook my head and concealed my aura using the Invisibility Technique, trailing behind them.

Miho and Guk-ho entered a nearby inn, and for a while, their conversation continued quietly. Their topic revolved around trivial matters and jokes but flowed quite naturally. After a bit of chatting, Guk-ho turned serious and said:

“Among all the women I’ve seen in my life, Miss, your beauty is truly unmatched. I’ve never seen anyone like you in Guanzhong; may I ask which renowned family you come from?”

Miho’s expression turned slightly troubled.

“I’m sorry, but I can’t freely disclose my name or family to strangers. Please understand.”

“Ugh…”

“I think I should be on my way now…”

As Miho began to stand, Guk-ho quickly grasped her sleeve. When Miho looked at him quietly, Guk-ho panicked and stammered:

“Ah! I apologize. I just wanted to… ask if we might meet again.”

Miho beamed a smile.

“I often come out to read.”

“……!!”

“I hope next time we can talk about interesting books.”

Leaving a dumbfounded Guk-ho behind, Miho slowly exited the inn. I kept observing Guk-ho for a while; he seemed to be contemplating whether to follow Miho or not.

I couldn’t help but think he was pitiful.

‘Is he really going to delve into the personal details of the woman he likes? What a fool!’

Yet, that could be a normal man’s reaction. But since I had foreseen this, I patiently waited for Miho to lose him. Soon enough, Miho employed a disguise technique, vanishing from view, leaving Guk-ho floundering.

When Miho returned to me, she was giggling.

“Ahahaha!! What a naive boy! That was fun.”

“……”

“Hey? Why the sour face?”

“It’s nothing.”

With a peculiar smile, Miho drew closer to me, and while I shifted my gaze, she poked my cheek with her finger, chuckling.

“Ohoho… are you jealous?”

“Of course not.”

After glancing at me with an amused expression, Miho softly embraced me from behind. I flinched a little, and she soothingly said:

“Don’t worry. I prefer you over Guk-ho by far.”

“Whatever you say…”

“Ahaha… don’t make your voice tremble like that.”

My face flushed as I felt embarrassed. It stung a bit to think Miho might have caught onto my feelings for her. Expressing that emotion felt somehow shameful. I shook my head and asked Miho,

“So, what do you think? Do you think you can charm Guk-ho?”

With a swish of her tail, Miho replied,

“Hmmm… he has more mental strength than I expected. It won’t be easy unless there are significant gaps in his willpower.”

“I thought you managed to charm peak experts like Zhang Bong from the Zhang Clan or Tao King Byeok Ji Sang easily.”

Miho clasped her hands and expounded,

“The Enchantment Technique isn’t necessarily related to martial strength. Just because someone is strong doesn’t mean they inherently possess significant willpower and vitality. While those who have cultivated powerful martial arts might possess outstanding mental strength, that’s more about intrinsic character traits.”

“Intrinsic character?”

“Tao King Byeok Ji Sang is incredibly skilled at gambling and maintains sharp self-control, right? However, her inner psyche is quite unstable and chaotic. Since her vital energy isn’t balanced, she’s more susceptible to enchantments, separate from her surface-level mental strength.”

“Oh, I see…”

“Martial skills aren’t omnipotent. Especially if one hasn’t trained in the fundamental martial arts of the Dao or Buddhism, becoming susceptible to enchantments is much easier.”

I understood now why Miho had previously enchanted Zhang Bong. During the fierce battle, when his mental flow became intense and monotonous, coupled with his concerns for the servants, his focus had waned. When Miho caught him off guard with the Enchantment Technique, it was no wonder he fell victim.

I told Miho,

“It’s too complicated and time-consuming to explain everything to Guk-ho and persuade him. It’s unfortunate for him, but I’ll have to enchant him to obtain the secrets of the Soul Removal Technique.”

Miho spoke confidently.

“Ohoho… why feel sorry? A beautiful lady like me is spending time with him.”

“……”

I gazed at Miho absentmindedly before pinching her soft belly with my fingers. Her sleek stomach felt nice but soft to hold. Miho looked at me, startled.

“Lose some weight.”

“Eek… you evil brat!”

Miho laughed heartily and ruffled my hair.

After some playful banter, Miho and I rested at the inn and continued our [plan].

…

Miho and Guk-ho’s [push and pull] continued for about eight weeks. Initially, Guk-ho appeared quite awkward, but over time, he looked yearning to have Miho by his side and eventually said:

“… I feel like I can’t live without you.”

That was a confession.

Miho blinked innocently, seemingly confused, as Guk-ho eagerly grabbed her hand, saying,

“I love you! Please go out with me.”

I was totally unprepared for such direct confessions. Concealed by the Invisibility Technique, I stared at them in shock. Miho appeared contemplative for a moment before gently pushing Guk-ho’s hand away, saying:

“I don’t know anything about you aside from your name, and you don’t know what kind of woman I am. How can we be together?”

“I—I am Guk-ho, a disciple of the Thunder God Lineage.”

Guk-ho, flustered, revealed his secret. Miho tilted her head.

“Thunder God Lineage?”

“Yes… I…”

Then Guk-ho shared his past. He had been taken in at a young age by a master and learned from the Thunder God Lineage. His master had been murdered by the Wind Spirit Sect, and he was hiding in Guanzhong, depending on Lee Kwang to seek revenge. Most of this was already known. Having revealed that much, Guk-ho said:

“… However, if you would be with me, I believe I could give up on revenge. I have never wanted anyone like you as my partner in life…”

“……”

Miho stared silently at Guk-ho before answering.

“A true man wouldn’t just give up on revenge.”

“I don’t want to put you in danger.”

“You are jumping to conclusions. A man like you is cowardly, and I don’t want to associate with someone like that.”

When Miho responded coldly, Guk-ho’s face fell into despair. He then said:

“Is there truly no hope for me?”

“……”

After a moment of silence, Miho spoke again.

“Complete your revenge and return to me. Then, I will consider your request.”

“……!!”

“I will be leaving Guanzhong for a while. Please don’t look for me.”

“W—wait! At least tell me your name…”

As Guk-ho gripped Miho, she answered,

“Shi-ho.”

“Shi-ho… I will definitely finish that revenge and come find you! Please wait for me!”

Miho only smiled softly before walking away.

Guk-ho sat there for a long time, pondering something before suddenly darting off in a certain direction.

When I met Miho back at our base, I was dumbfounded and asked,

“Miho, weren’t you supposed to charm him completely? Why did you suddenly change your mind?”

That was true.

Our original plan had been to completely captivate Guk-ho, draw him in, and then use the Enchantment Technique to extract all the secrets of the Soul Removal Technique. Yet, Miho had abruptly pressured Guk-ho to take revenge and ended things.

This could only be seen as her capriciousness.

Once Miho returned to her usual self, she swept her hair back and replied,

“I couldn’t find an opening.”

“What do you mean?”

“That Guk-ho guy is attracted to me but stubbornly holds onto his resolve. Even though he said he’d give up revenge today, his will burned even stronger. He possesses remarkable mental strength.”

“……!!”

“I felt that hastily attempting an enchantment would be highly likely to fail.”

Based on what Miho said, Guk-ho, despite his foolish antics, seemed to possess outstanding abilities befitting the successor of the Thunder God Lineage. I was inwardly impressed when Miho continued,

“Then it’s better to encourage him to strengthen his personal urge for revenge. If there is a prerequisite he can’t abandon, we should use that to our advantage.”

“What do you mean?”

Miho grinned softly.

“Now, I want you to subtly reveal the martial arts of the Thunder God Lineage while making whispers around here. Alternatively, you can join the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School and get them talking. Either way, Guk-ho will be drawn to you, eager to find you, because he needs to seek revenge quickly. When new variables arise, he’ll be more willing to share his martial knowledge.”

“……!!”

I felt a chill run down my spine. Did Miho foresee all this in that short moment? It was clear that Guk-ho didn’t seem particularly attached to passing down the Soul Removal Technique, but his wariness toward others was strong. Even if he felt certain I was on his side, he’d be exceptionally picky about sharing it.

Yet, since Miho had planted that seed, it was bound to make it considerably easier for me to acquire the Soul Removal Technique from Guk-ho.

The ability to manipulate human emotions so freely and expertly.

With that alone, Miho was indeed a frightening existence.

“Alright then.”

I decided to follow Miho’s advice. A few days later, I casually wandered into Guanzhong and pretended to have a run-in with a small heretical faction, getting into a scuffle with some second-rate black-clad martial artists active in gambling dens and taverns. During the fight, I openly showcased the Thunder God Lineage’s techniques.

Boom!

“Gaaah!”

“Y—young hero… I’m sorry…”

After knocking down about twenty members of the Black Dao Sect with the Thunder Cloud Fist, I smugly crossed my arms.

“What are you even relying on to act so cockily?”

“Oh no… I can’t take it anymore…”

“Hmph! I’m Baek Woong! There are some black-hearted folks running the gambling dens and martial arts here. Lead me to them; I’ll handle them too.”

“Y-yes…!!”

I decided to act as a righteous young hero who had just emerged into the Jianghu, furious at the minor evil deeds of the black-clad remnants. The black Dao members seemed to prefer the idea of not getting beaten further, as they began guiding me to the various heretical factions present in Guanzhong.

Boom!

Boom!

In just two days, I managed to crush five different factions. Although I hadn’t killed anyone, many had gotten knocked out after wildly flailing around. I was simply fighting carelessly without even using my sword, and it struck me as absurd how easy it was.

‘Even struggling a little would have been nice; they’re too weak, huh?’

I felt a bit deflated. Since Guanzhong wasn’t that large, it felt like I had dealt with just about all the minor factions existing there. While wandering through the streets at night, I happened to pass by the Spring Scene Pavilion when a voice suddenly called out:

“Ah! Baek Woong, young hero! Having fun lately?”

A young chap who was a pillar in the pavilion was snickering at me; of course, it was Guk-ho. I thought, finally, the moment had come as I responded curtly.

“Who are you? If you’re the pillar here, don’t come bother me without reason.”

“Ahahaha… you’re so arrogant. But that is the trait of our sect.”

“Our sect? What nonsense…”

Pa-pow!

Guk-ho suddenly burst into an attack with the Soul Removal Technique. I had already braced myself, but as Guk-ho unleashed the Soul Removal Technique, I was dizzy from the sheer speed. The illusions were overwhelming, and I couldn’t read any of it.

Bam!

I hastily raised my arm to block Guk-ho’s strike, but he managed to slip through my defenses with a kick. I tumbled, rolling on the ground and bouncing back to my feet, while Guk-ho expressed astonishment.

“Wow… you stood up after taking that hit? Who taught you to be such a monster?”

“Thunder God Fist… You too, aren’t you?”

Guk-ho laughed heartily before responding.

“Ahaha… that’s right. I’m a successor of the Thunder God Lineage, just like you.”

“Hmm.”

“Seems like you’ve been fighting a lot lately, relying on your martial skills. With your impressive internal strength and the techniques of the Thunder God Lineage, it makes perfect sense. But that’s precisely where the issue lies.”

I responded tersely.

“Why? I’m going to use my martial arts as I please.”

Guk-ho’s eyes sharpened.

“The Wind Spirit Sect is keeping their eyes on things, and if you want revenge, you must conceal your actions and keep low!”

“I’m not scared of the Wind Spirit Sect. I have the Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng for the best internal power in the world.”

“Ha… will you still say that in front of the Wind Spirit Sect’s Dharma Guardians?”

“……”

Of course not. I was only pretending to be a rookie of the Thunder God Lineage, but when the topic of Dharma Guardians from the Wind Spirit Sect came up, I felt dread. Even at my current strength, despite raising the Thunderclap and Baek Woong’s Formation, I seriously doubted I could stand against the Dharma Guardians. Using Great Destruction would allow me a chance, but it would be utterly futile.

As I fell silent, Guk-ho seemed to take my silence as understanding and said,

“Don’t waste your energy here; follow me.”

“Why should I follow you?”

“I will introduce you to an excellent person. Moreover, I’ll teach you secrets of the Thunder God Lineage that you don’t know. How does that sound?”

He must be going to introduce me to Lee Kwang from the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School.

I pretended to deliberate and nodded.

“Sounds good.”

Inside, I was actually amazed.

By using Miho’s beautiful ploy, I had managed to create a situation where I could join the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School without suspicion while also gaining the opportunity to learn secret techniques.

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