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“Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors.”

With a blast of energy, I, Jin So-cheong, and Geukho charged towards Henan at breakneck speed. Using the Soul Removal Technique, I could run faster and longer without exhausting my internal energy or stamina, far exceeding what a horse could do. Originally, only someone with amazing internal power could achieve this speed, but with the Soul Removal Technique, it became effortless.

“This is impressive.”

Of course, it was a given that someone like me, with massive internal power, would feel like I was flying with the technique. I felt like I could keep running for four days and five nights straight. The thought of traversing the world as if it were my backyard put me in a great mood. Sure, it would be easier with the Golden Lamp Technique, but still, improving my mobility was a delightful change.

Thus, I had to adjust my speed and stamina to match those of my two companions. I had hidden the existence of the Golden Lamp Technique from them until now, and it felt awkward to reveal it now. I could whip it out if needed, but something in me suggested it was better to keep it under wraps. As Geukho, who was resting briefly on a tree stump and wiping the sweat from his brow, spoke up.

“Huff… it’s insane. How does this kid have such incredible internal energy?”

The awkward formality dissipated as if it were a lie, and Geukho reverted back to his usual self. After spending more than half a year engaging in martial arts discussions and sparring with Geukho and Jin So-cheong, we had grown quite close. Hearing Geukho’s playful voice made me smirk as I replied.

“Have some Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng.”

“Ha! Look at this brat cracking jokes. Cute.”

Geukho chuckled, spat lightly on the ground, and continued.

“Anyway, is the old man Dongbang Mu-gyeol really that powerful? Do we really all need to go?”

Jin So-cheong, who was munching on some fruit nearby, chimed in. Being younger and a descendant of the Thunder God lineage, she usually deferred to Geukho.

“Um… Geukho-hyung, I don’t think so. If even the Dharma Guardian of the White Lotus Sect doesn’t engage recklessly, it must mean he’s seriously strong.”

“Hey, does that fruit taste good? Isn’t it bitter?”

“Want to taste it?”

“Sure.”

After biting into the fruit, Geukho grimaced.

“Ugh, tastes terrible.”

“Well, fruit tends to be like that.”

“Ugh… I can’t believe I’m stuck going to Henan.”

I replied to the grumbling Geukho. “Geukho-hyung, do you know anything about a technique like the Qualification Technique?”

“Qualification Technique? Is that some kid’s name? Sure, the Thunder God lineage has a Qualification Technique, but none of us here know it. Not even Master Lee Kwang.”

“Then who does?”

“Wouldn’t someone hiding in the Central Plains among the Thunder God lineage know?”

“That’s unfortunate.”

Geukho chuckled heartily. “Ha! Don’t stress! With all three of us, there are probably only one or two individuals over at the distant White Lotus Sect who could pose a threat. We should beat any old man without needing a Qualification Technique.”

“That’s true.”

In my mind, I figured that if there was such a thing as a Qualification Technique in the Thunder God lineage, Geukho and I could easily trap Dongbang Mu-gyeol. However, as Geukho said, if the three of us teamed up, it was true that there wouldn’t be anyone in the world who could match us. Unless Dongbang Mu-gyeol truly had the prowess of the Dharma Guardian, victory was a certainty.

“Seeing as they couldn’t even handle the Four Talents Sect, Dongbang Mu-gyeol can’t possibly measure up to the level of a Dharma Guardian.”

After all, the might equivalent to a Dharma Guardian represented absolute power. It was the kind of strength capable of plunging the Martial Arts World into chaos on its own. Therefore, even if peak experts were hiding everywhere, finding someone comparable to a Dharma Guardian was impossible.

Lost in thought, Jin So-cheong spoke up.

“Master, isn’t there any way we can negotiate without clashing with Dongbang Mu-gyeol?”

I shook my head.

“Based on the information I have gathered… it doesn’t seem likely.”

“That’s a shame.”

“If we show leniency, we might end up suffering.”

Indeed.

The common consensus about Dongbang Mu-gyeol was [Strong Madman], [That Jerk], or [Crazy Nut]. Such terrifying reviews were shared among the stern and renowned figures in the martial world, indicating just how wild Dongbang Mu-gyeol usually was. It goes without saying that ordinary negotiations would be futile with such a person.

“If they dared to provoke the renowned Four Talents Sect, they must really be nuts.”

Generally, people would avoid the Four Talents Sect out of fear of hidden grudges, but Dongbang Mu-gyeol seemed to have ruffled enough feathers that even the clan leader, Tang Mugyeok, was angered. I had absolutely no idea how one could hope for normal conversation from such a character. The only solution was to subdue him with power.

Geukho seemed to have fully recovered from fatigue through seated meditation and commented.

“Only about a hundred more miles to Henan. That kid is wandering around in there, so we have to catch him.”

“Okay.”

With a quick burst of energy, we entered Henan City soon after. We had the credentials and money needed, so we passed through without trouble. Inside the city, a bustling atmosphere greeted us.

“Wow, Henan is really big.”

“Yeah, but I heard the Heretical Sect is thriving here.”

“Hmm.”

I’d heard that, too, when bringing Seo Mun-hye and the hostages to the Shadowless Gate in Henan. At the time, it didn’t cross my mind, but now a hint of doubt arose.

“Why is that? The Shaolin Temple should be able to hold its ground here.”

Geukho smirked. “Normally, you’d think the presence of Shaolin Temple would discourage any Heretical Sect from thriving, but it seems to be the opposite due to the Lord of Henan.”

“Huh?”

This was new information for me. The Lord of Henan would be the noble or imperial figure ruling the area; what could possibly connect him to the martial world? As Jin So-cheong and I looked at Geukho, he stretched out his back and leisurely replied.

“Seems the Lord of Henan isn’t too fond of the Shaolin Temple. Because of that, the Shaolin Sect has been quite restrained for the past few decades, and their activities in the martial world have been largely stifled. Plus, the major orthodox sects and clans in Henan are all busy hoarding wealth, enabling the Heretical Sects to expand their influence easily.”

“Oh…”

The reason Geukho knew all this was likely because he had passed through Henan during his wanderings. I, too, had been to Henan, but I hadn’t paid much attention, so this was the first time hearing such details. Listening to Geukho, Jin So-cheong seemed confused.

“Aren’t the Heretical Sects just making the world more chaotic? Why is the lord creating his own problems?”

Geukho looked astonished. “Huh? Why would someone important care about the common folk? Are you silly?”

“……”

“Besides, the most powerful Shadowless Gate is right here in Henan, called the strongest of the Heretical Sects. They keep the smaller fry in check, so big incidents don’t happen. That way, they establish their own sort of ‘order.’ So, nobody’s making an effort to change the status quo.”

Jin So-cheong appeared unconvinced. He thought hard for a moment before sighing.

“It’s complicated, hyung.”

Geukho chuckled. “So-cheong, while your martial skills are enormous, you’re still clueless about the ways of the world! That brat is way more informed than you.”

The spotlight sure shifted to me as I scratched my head. ‘Well, that’s true. I’ve experienced more of the world than So-cheong has. But…’

When stepping into the world, raw martial strength often proved more significant. So-cheong possessed basic wisdom, so even if he stumbled initially, he’d gather enough experience to navigate Jianghu more comfortably than I could, given his disciplined nature, which was a tremendous advantage.

After some light banter, we arrived at the inn and unpacked our bags. Once we settled in and ordered food, Geukho gathered us together.

“The information source Master utilized is the Divine Maiden Sect from the Eight Demons of the Demon Path. We’ll take the day to rest and meet with them tomorrow to locate Dongbang Mu-gyeol.”

“Understood.”

“Once discovered, we’ll shut them down without hesitation. Got it?”

“Got it.”

It appeared that Lee Kwang had a connection to the most secretive group of women among the Eight Demons of the Demon Path, the Divine Maiden Sect. He seemed to have unfettered access to their intelligence network. I was curious about his past experiences, but asking him directly wouldn’t yield any answers.

The following day, we met with a formidable practitioner of the Divine Maiden Sect who informed us.

“Dongbang Mu-gyeol is staying at Jeon Bong Inn, near the north gate of the city.”

The Divine Maiden practitioner didn’t look particularly strong as a woman, but one glance at her veiled face showed signs of beauty. Geukho momentarily gazed at her, dazed, then cleared his throat to speak.

“Hmph! Is he alone?”

“No, he has two companions.”

“Two?”

“They’re figures in black wearing Monkey Masks. They hardly step outside the inn, but it seems they are definitely there to protect Dongbang Mu-gyeol.”

At that, we exchanged looks. Geukho turned back to her, asking, “What are their martial skills like?”

“I’m sorry; we primarily observe from a distance with a special technique. We didn’t approach close enough to gauge their skills. What’s clear, though, is Dongbang Mu-gyeol does not step away from them.”

“Hmm…”

“I have no additional information to provide. I must take my leave.”

“Safe travels.”

Swish!

As the Divine Maiden practitioner vanished, we headed back to the inn. Geukho broached the topic.

“Kid, those Monkey Mask guys you mentioned before, right? You know, the ones who played Mahjong at the Unfinished House?”

“Indeed, that’s them.”

Jin So-cheong folded her arms.

“Could they have moved from Sichuan to the Southern Kingdom alongside Dongbang Mu-gyeol?”

“Not certain.”

“You could be right. They might have joined after arriving in the Central Plains. But what’s key is that they’re now moving alongside Dongbang Mu-gyeol.”

After a brief contemplation, Geukho said, “Kid, what did you say about their martial skills?”

I recalled the testimony from Tao King of Fengshen War. “From what I’ve heard, their martial skills are exceptional. Dongbang Mu-gyeol was too intimidated to use force against them.”

Geukho’s expression darkened. “Damn, things are getting tangled. If those guys stick close like guards, capturing Dongbang Mu-gyeol is going to be tough.”

“What should we do?”

“I have no idea. So-cheong, what do you think?”

Geukho casually handed the decision to Jin So-cheong. She was deep in thought for a moment before responding.

“It’s been some time since we first heard the information.”

“That’s true. Traveling from Shanxi to Henan is no small feat.”

“Yet, the fact that Dongbang Mu-gyeol and his companions haven’t moved from the inn indicates they have a specific purpose and are waiting.”

“Waiting for what?”

“Not sure, but if we figure that out, it’ll make things easier.”

I agreed with Jin So-cheong’s assessment. Dongbang Mu-gyeol might appear erratic, but he was undoubtedly acting based on a clear objective: [Treat the Young Master of the White Lotus Sect’s strange illness]. There must be a significant reason for him to linger in Henan City for several days.

After a moment of silence, Geukho suggested, “How about this? Fighting within the city will definitely cause casualties, so let’s wait to see what they do, then lead them to a remote area and take them on one by one. That way, we increase our chances of capturing them.”

He was arguing for a contest of individual martial skills.

“Who takes on Dongbang Mu-gyeol?”

“That would have to be So-cheong. You and I can handle the Monkey Mask guys.”

“Understood.”

“Let’s have three of us keep watch over Jeon Bong Inn in shifts. Let’s track them for at least seven days.”

We began keeping close surveillance over the patrons entering and exiting Jeon Bong Inn from a distance. Maintaining a significant gap allowed us to remain undetected by Dongbang Mu-gyeol. Even if we happened to be spotted, we had a reliable communication system set up, so we could pursue them immediately.

The situation shifted three days later.

“They’re moving.”

Dongbang Mu-gyeol and the Monkey Mask figures exited Jeon Bong Inn, heading somewhere. We stealthily pursued them, keeping our presence concealed. After leaving the city, they veered towards a deserted patch of woods before stopping at the foothills of a hill.

A moment later, Dongbang Mu-gyeol turned to us and bellowed, [Hey, you kids! How about you come out if you have something to say?]

We lay hidden about sixty paces away. Geukho furrowed his brow.

“Damn it. So they noticed us.”

“They aren’t running away.”

“They’re confident in their strength, huh? That’s annoying.”

Geukho seemingly had no choice as he turned to Jin So-cheong. “So-cheong, I’m counting on you. We’re uncertain of the Monkey Mask guys’ abilities, so you need to handle this well.”

“Yes, leave it to me, hyung.”

“Let’s go!”

Swish!

We lunged forward simultaneously and stood before Dongbang Mu-gyeol’s trio. Dongbang Mu-gyeol was at the center, a chilling smile decorating his face as he spoke to us.

“What a bunch of kids. I don’t care where you come from, but you’ve walked right into my trap.”

“Oh dear~ I’m shaking in my boots. You’re so scary.”

“……”

Geukho’s counter provocation momentarily left Dongbang Mu-gyeol silent. Yet instead of getting angry, he eyed us with a cold gaze, and one of the Monkey Mask figures beside him spoke up.

“Dongbang Mu-gyeol. What’s the plan?”

“I won’t buckle to a bunch of kids. Let’s hear what their backers are about.”

It seemed that Dongbang Mu-gyeol and the Monkey Mask figures were of equal standing; likely a temporary alliance formed for mutual benefit. As we absorbed their banter, Jin So-cheong suddenly called out.

“Wait! Jumping into a fight won’t solve anything. How about you hear us out first?”

“What do you want?”

“Aren’t you all working to remedy the Young Master of the White Lotus Sect’s strange illness?”

“……!!”

Dongbang Mu-gyeol’s expression changed, startled. The Monkey Mask figures, however, remained nonchalant. Dongbang Mu-gyeol squinted at Jin So-cheong and questioned, “How do you know that?”

“That’s not the important part. The crucial point is that we can help each other.”

“Help? How? How could you know what I’m doing? And how would I know who you are?”

Dongbang Mu-gyeol was spilling doubts, his eyes brimming with murderous intent.

“Don’t make me laugh! You lot are just flunkies coveting my research! I should capture you and make you confess who’s pulling the strings.”

“You sure you’re in a position to decide that?”

“Heh heh, you’re the one who’s gonna get punished.”

Seeing Dongbang Mu-gyeol lose his cool, Geukho turned to Jin So-cheong, “I knew it! If that kid said it wasn’t gonna work, he definitely had a reason. This old man needs a good beating to listen.”

“You arrogant brat!”

With a furious swing, Dongbang Mu-gyeol unleashed a blinding light from his hand. In an instant, we activated the Soul Removal Technique to evade, but the area in front of us was bathed in light!!

Ka-boom – !!

“Ugh…!!”

This was insane. He simply swung once with a palm, and the entire area before us was obliterated! Dongbang Mu-gyeol clearly possessed almost equal power to my own. His latent power was also incredible.

But the problem was none of the Thunder God lineage disciples were the type to be intimidated. Geukho charged toward a Monkey Mask figure, shouting.

“Let’s go, shall we?!”

Clash!

In an instant, we paired off and started battling. Jin So-cheong tackled Dongbang Mu-gyeol, while I lunged at the Monkey Mask figure on my right. Geukho charged the Monkey Mask figure on his left, swinging his spear as if he intended to change locations. He wanted to avoid being sucked into Dongbang Mu-gyeol’s massive area attacks.

‘I expect So-cheong to hold her ground.’

I shared the same sentiment as Geukho, glancing over at So-cheong before addressing the Monkey Mask figure.

“How about we go one-on-one?”

“Sounds good, kid.”

We agreed and set the stage, moving about seventy paces away to separate ourselves. We took up arms, and I considered wielding the Yodo Muramasa, but since it was unfamiliar, I grabbed a well-crafted steel longsword instead.

It appeared that the Monkey Mask figure also wielded a sword. The figure, holding the sword, quietly stated, “You might look young, but you have some impressive skills; I can’t go easy on you, so don’t blame me if you die.”

“Ha, a mouse worrying about a cat! Quit the chatter and show me what you got!”

“Heh… you’ll eat those words.”

The Monkey Mask figure chuckled ominously as he prepared his stance and gradually spoke the name of his sword technique.

“I don’t know the name of your swordplay, but can you handle the Moon Woman’s Sword?”

Swoosh!

“Ugh!”

In that moment, I felt an incredible force sweeping across my path. I swiftly employed the Soul Removal Technique to evade, but it still sent shivers down my spine.

‘Had I not grasped the Soul Removal Technique, would I have taken a direct hit?!’

It set my thoughts straight. I had initially presumed Dongbang Mu-gyeol would be the strongest among the group, but it was the individual Monkey Mask figures that were no joke! Each one of them possessed comparable skills! The Monkey Mask figure glared at me, exuding resolve as they spoke.

“Here I come.”

The battle concluded in roughly one hundred and eighty seconds.

Thwack!

“Ugh… ahh…”

The Monkey Mask figure clutched their severed left arm and screamed. I stood tall, brimming with fighting spirit as I declared coldly, “I’m sorry, but I can’t waste time here. If you want to keep going, I’ll be sure to end your life.”

“……”

Although their face was concealed, I could sense the tremendous shock vibrating through the air. Though they had attempted to use the Moon Woman’s Sword to the best of their abilities, I too had pressed my swordplay fueled by deep internal strength and cornered them. It was practically a foregone conclusion after just one hundred and eighty seconds, leading the Monkey Mask figure to sigh in defeat.

“Ugh… I have no choice, I admit defeat and will withdraw.”

“Smart move.”

“Is your merciful blow a warrior’s kindness?”

As the Monkey Mask figure picked up their severed arm, I couldn’t help but let out a smirk. “Pay up if you want me to patch that up.”

“Hah, what a truly rotten day.”

Waving their head, the Monkey Mask figure stated, “The Baek Won-sangma will take their leave, do as you wish with Dongbang Mu-gyeol.”

“Wait, who are you guys?”

“Ask Dongbang Mu-gyeol.”

With that, they fled, clutching their arm.

I could have chased after them, but I felt that wasn’t necessary. I had severed their arm, but I didn’t completely best them. Facing off with life on the line, the Monkey Mask figure could still deal critical blows, and I chose to let them go for now.

“Phew, I won.”

Letting out a deep sigh, I thought about how those dangerous moments would have played out in my previous life. In this fight, I sensed my sword techniques had become more expansive and diverse. The Moon Woman’s Sword wielded by the Monkey Mask figure was top-tier in every aspect—variation, speed—but I’d managed to repel it effectively without exposing any glaring weaknesses. This was certainly a testament to my diligent training in the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School.

 

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