976——————==

Soul of the Evil God

I headed towards a large pavilion near the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School with all my companions. From the upper level of the pavilion called Qinghua Tower, I looked down at the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School and spoke.

“So, the Sacred Lotus Sect’s Sacred Lotus Person is currently surrounding the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School, keeping an eye on it?”

[Correct.]

The leader of the White Lotus Sect, who stood beside me, replied as he also gazed down at the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School.

[There are fifty-seven Sacred Lotus Persons, including Peak Experts from the Three Great Styles. Additionally, all three Dharma Guardians were dispatched to lead them.]

“……”

[The Elder Council is on standby in this pavilion and is ready to deploy at my command.]

“Looks like almost all their forces are here.”

[Indeed.]

Essentially, it was like the White Lotus Sect had come ready for an all-out war. The White Lotus Sect’s leader alone held more than half their military power, and when you included the Three Great Dharma Guardians, it meant they had nearly everything they needed. Plus, with the Sacred Lotus Persons—who had been consuming Sacred Lotus since childhood and possessed immense internal power—along with the Peak Experts from various styles, they could easily overturn the martial world several times over.

‘So the White Lotus Sect leader takes this matter very seriously, huh?’

Even though it would allow their experts to easily navigate the martial world using the Thunder God Lineage’s Flame Spirit techniques, leaving their main forces unguarded could give nearby heretical sects or phantoms an opportunity to act freely. Realistically speaking, it was absurd for the White Lotus Sect to mobilize completely just for observing a mere martial arts school.

However, this time was different.

Depending on ‘who’ is behind this—all of that would shape the future, which justified the White Lotus Sect leader’s caution. I silently stared at the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School for a while before speaking to Zhuge Sa, who was with me.

“Zhuge Sa. What do you think Lee Kwang is thinking?”

“There are a few possibilities. But I can’t say anything for certain.”

“Why not?”

“If I say something to you and you start fantasizing, you’ll likely fall into the enemy’s trap…”

“……”

“You’d just die and that’d be that. So it’s better to meet the situation head-on and judge based on that. In that respect, your foolish personality might actually be an advantage… Getting more experienced could just make things riskier.”

Muttering like that, Zhuge Sa asked.

“Baek Woong, the important thing is your heart. Are you okay with annihilating the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School this lifetime? Is it fine to kill both Lee Kwang and Jin So-cheong along with Guk-ho?”

When Zhuge Sa asked something so significant, I felt a jolt. With a sigh, I responded.

“…I don’t know.”

Am I being too soft?

It’s nearly certain that the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School had been bolstered by outside forces, yet I couldn’t wrap my head around it. No matter what, those were once my companions and might become companions again in the future—how could I cavalierly order their deaths? Well, maybe Lee Kwang was a different story, but what wrong had Jin So-cheong or Guk-ho done?

However, I also knew that such lenient thinking could endanger my other companions. That’s why, even after coming this far, I couldn’t clear my mind of these complicated thoughts.

While I was deep in contemplation, Miho spoke.

“Baek Woong, why don’t you just give them the Obsidian?”

“The Obsidian…?”

Miho nodded.

“Whatever dealings they’ve made with the outside forces, considering you are a Reborn Person, it’s clear they have no option other than to partner with you. Moreover, they were all once your companions in the past, so they shouldn’t have strong aversions.”

“Hmm.”

“I think triggering a bloodbath with the White Lotus Sect like this is a waste of effort. If you’re not prepared to kill the Azure Dragon Martial Arts experts, is there any need to persist? If you’re going to kill them, do it decisively.”

“That’s true… Maybe I should give them the Obsidian.”

Miho made a valid point. It felt like handing over the Obsidian would be better after considering her input.

However, Zhuge Yulong, who had been standing aside, disagreed.

“No, I think it’s better to proceed as we are.”

“And why is that?”

“… If the Thunder God Lineage experts have any mechanisms or techniques in place to transmit all information, do you have any idea what giving them the Obsidian might result in?”

Ah!

I made a shocked face as Zhuge Yulong continued.

“The effect would be similar to what you did when you sent all your memories to the Celestial Realm via the Celestial Sage last time. Given that we don’t even know who’s behind the scenes, as an advisor, I cannot recommend such a risky decision. The risks of information about you as a Reborn Person leaking to the Coming Chaos is far too great!”

“That makes sense… I can’t use the Obsidian. So what do we do now?”

“If you’re not prepared to kill them, then we have no choice but to capture them alive. That’s why all our forces are here.”

“Hmm.”

“Give the order. It’s best to resolve this before dawn.”

I pondered for a moment and then said.

“I’ll go myself. I want to see if we can resolve this through dialogue and then deploy the troops. I genuinely want to have a conversation.”

“You going yourself? That’s too dangerous. Send another subordinate.”

I firmly stated.

“No! If I don’t face them directly, the Thunder God Lineage will never accept whatever claims I might make.”

“What’s your basis for that?”

“Because I’m also of the Thunder God Lineage.”

“……”

Most of the people present wore bewildered expressions, but the leader of the White Lotus Sect seemed to understand.

[Understood… I see.]

I confidently approached the main gate of the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School without any guards or companions. Standing at the gloom-laden entrance was the gatekeeper, Bangil. Normally, Bangil was pretty laid-back, but now he stood at attention, guarding the door. He said.

“Hey kid, no begging for scraps here—just clear off.”

“Heh heh…”

I couldn’t help but chuckle a bit. It was because what he said was almost identical to the words he’d used the first day we met. Without wearing the Emperor’s attire and in plain clothes, he had no idea I was the Emperor.

I addressed Bangil.

“Bangil, either way, help me out this time to become a Peak Expert.”

“You brat, what nonsense are you spouting…”

Bangil yelled furiously and tried to grab me, but at that moment, I swiftly hit him with a pressure point technique, knocking him out. He collapsed as if he’d simply fallen asleep, and I looked at him with pity, thinking.

‘If I were in Bangil’s position, I wouldn’t be much different.’

For some reason, I often felt a sense of kinship toward him. As I considered finding him an excellent master to help him become an expert, I walked into the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School.

Approaching the building where Lee Kwang was, I found two people already waiting outside. Lee Kwang, unlike before, spoke in a somewhat cold tone.

“Your Majesty the Emperor, what brings you here? I hope I didn’t keep you waiting.”

Though he spoke respectfully, there was a heavy gravity in his tone. It indicated he concealed more ferocity than a wild tiger hiding its claws. It seemed Lee Kwang was already aware of the White Lotus Sect’s encirclement.

“Lee Kwang.”

After briefly glancing at him, I turned my gaze to Guk-ho and said.

“Guk-ho, I have a question.”

“Ask away, Your Majesty.”

“If you deem the White Lotus Sect and the current Imperial Family as one, will you ultimately not lay down your sword of revenge against the White Lotus Sect? Even if there’s no chance of success?”

Guk-ho flinched slightly at my penetrating question. He was known as the one holding the most unwavering sense of vengeance among all the heirs of the Thunder God Lineage. But soon he regained his composure and replied.

“That’s correct, Your Majesty. My quest for revenge is not merely personal but also to avenge my master. It’s a matter I cannot afford to give up on.”

“Does that mean you will commit treason?”

Guk-ho’s eyes shone intensely. There was no hint of fear of death in those eyes.

“… If you don’t stand in my way, I will not draw my sword against Your Majesty.”

He expressed it indirectly, but it was essentially a declaration that he was prepared for revenge regardless of the consequences. Knowing that this was the kind of person Guk-ho was, I felt a bittersweet sensation. I then turned my head toward Lee Kwang and said.

“Lee Kwang, you must have allied with someone. If you disclose that power now and honestly surrender to us, I will guarantee you and the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School will not face harm on my name.”

“……”

Lee Kwang slowly crossed his arms and replied.

“I had actually considered giving up.”

Once he broke the ice, Lee Kwang continued speaking.

“I realized that the power of the White Lotus Sect leader and the Dharma Guardians is overwhelmingly great for me to handle. Abandoning the White Lotus Sect was my only option when it gained recognition as the national religion. On top of that, I received information that the secretive force aiding the Emperor is as powerful as the White Lotus Sect, so I was almost driven mad. I even considered giving up everything and committing suicide.”

“Not at this point?”

“As long as there’s even the slightest chance left, I won’t give up. I can’t let the lineage of the Thunder God Lineage, which has persisted for a thousand years, end like this.”

“……”

“Your Majesty, please withdraw for now. I ask that you just observe as we battle against the White Lotus Sect.”

“That’s a strange request. What Emperor would just sit back and watch while the national religion and the National Master are invaded?”

“Is that so…”

Whoosh!!

At that moment, five figures materialized in front of Lee Kwang. They were all unfamiliar faces, but I could recognize one of them, causing my eyes to widen.

‘Hong Gil-dong!’

So the Twelve Joules were behind Lee Kwang, huh?

Hong Gil-dong, the leader and a Peerless Master of the Twelve Joules, smiled broadly and walked up to me.

“Don’t worry, Lee Kwang. This reckless Emperor will allow us to take him hostage.”

As Hong Gil-dong approached within three paces, I opened my mouth.

“Do you really think you can capture me with your skills?”

“Hahaha. It’s a mistake for a mere martial artist to show up here without protection.”

Swoosh!!

The technique known as “Ban-Yak-Pan-Rong” unfolded from Hong Gil-dong’s hand as it came crashing toward me. This technique had many hidden tricks, and its precision was such that even a Peak Expert would be caught off guard. However, it wasn’t Hong Gil-dong’s true body, so I chuckled softly.

‘He really let his guard down, Hong Gil-dong.’

Alright then, I’ll take your life!

Whoosh!!

In that moment, I unleashed the Thunder Sword from the Absolute Realm directly toward Hong Gil-dong’s energy, slicing through it effortlessly in half. Hong Gil-dong’s eyes widened in shock as I severed his energy. In a panic, he attempted to use his “Kong-Ling-Byeok-Pal-Hwan” technique to escape using an illusion.

“Ugh!”

You think I would let you go that easily?

Wiying!

Sword Thunder!

Thunder Dragon Descends!

However, it was too late, and the trajectory of my sword precisely caught his true body. I rapidly changed its form and lengthened it, making it impossible to dodge.

Both of us understood that this strike would hit. Hong Gil-dong was left with the choice of whether to concentrate his power on defense or try to minimize the damage.

‘Now, what will you choose?’

I secretly smiled.

Choosing the former might allow him to block fully, but it could also cost him his life. Choosing the latter would guarantee the loss of his wrist but could help him avoid further harm.

In that moment, I saw Hong Gil-dong biting his lips tightly. Ultimately, he chose the former, vigorously spreading the wings of Intent behind him to block my sword.

Kong-Ling-Byeok-Pal-Hwan

Essence of the Technique

Intent Wings!

The wings made of his Intent stood firm against my sword strike. This was an expression of pride, opting to meet my attack directly rather than suffer the humiliation of being wounded in retreat.

Boom!

As the wings of the Absolute Realm’s technique unfolded, my sword thunder momentarily met a massive wall and halted its progress. But rather than feeling disappointed, I became elated and laughed.

“Hahaha…!!”

No way…

Am I going to easily claim the head of a Peak Expert from the Twelve Joules?

This feels incredible!

Absolute Sword Thunder!

Infinite Slash!

Boom!

My shining sword emitted a dazzling radiance stronger than ever, unleashing immense energy and terrifying thunder power. The force caused momentary tremors, and soon the power converged at a point, becoming eerily quiet.

Feeling the changed atmosphere, Hong Gil-dong finally sensed something awry and widened his eyes.

“This… this is…!!”

In desperation, Hong Gil-dong attempted to use his hundred-eight illusions to separate reality from illusions, but I was able to tightly bind his illusions with the wings of the Absolute Realm.

‘Hmph. You think I’d let you slip away?’

Such a technique might work on Peak Experts, but it could prove fatal against another from the Absolute Realm.

He should have been more careful! I glared fiercely.

“Die!”

Boom!

Before his final cry could escape, my assault struck Hong Gil-dong’s neck. His expression mirrored utter disbelief, and as his neck shattered, his head flew off into the void. I swung my sword without restraining the momentum.

Boom!

Unable to withstand the sword’s thunder, Hong Gil-dong’s body fell apart, and blood gushed everywhere.

“……!!”

“Huh!!”

“The… the Elder!!”

I could feel the shock among the four Peak Experts standing behind him. Even Lee Kwang and Guk-ho appeared taken aback, stumbling backward.

Was this all they had?

Did they think they could mess with me with such power?

Unconsciously, words escaped from my lips.

“Lee Kwang, kneel before me right now.”

“……”

I smiled broadly.

“Isn’t the Master of the Thunder God Lineage standing right in front of you?”