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Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors

The process of entering the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School was pretty smooth. Even though it was the dead of night, Gook-ho immediately headed to the school, easily evading the patrolling disciples and made his way to Waryong Hall. Settling down lightly in front of Waryong Hall, Gook-ho opened the door and sauntered inside.

As I followed him in, there was a softly lit room inside. From that room, an indifferent voice called out.

“Gook-ho?”

“Yes.”

“Come inside.”

As Gook-ho and I entered the room, there was Lee Kwang, Master of the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School, reading a book by the light of a lantern. I couldn’t tell what book it was, but Lee Kwang had always enjoyed reading. He glanced at me and asked,

“Who are you?”

Gook-ho replied,

“This is Baek Woong, the kid causing a stir recently. I confirmed he uses Thunder God lineage martial arts and brought him along.”

“……”

Lee Kwang scanned me with a cold, analytical gaze. His animal-like eyes suggested he was thinking, but they were focused on evaluating me thoroughly. After studying me for a while, Lee Kwang remarked,

“Impressive achievements at such a young age. Who is your master?”

I knelt slowly, performing a martial salute, and said,

“I cannot reveal my master’s name. However, I have acquired the secret technique and license of the Thunder God lineage.”

“Hmm.”

Lee Kwang seemed to think for a moment before asking,

“What was the reason for your outburst in Guanzhong?”

“I was displeased with the behaviors of the Black Dao.”

“Is that all?”

“Is there something else you require?”

When I posed the question back to him, Lee Kwang’s expression turned amused.

“A hard-to-read kid, huh?”

“……”

“Gook-ho, it seems you’ve picked up a slippery one.”

As Lee Kwang muttered, he turned to me and asked,

“Do you wish to take revenge on the Wind Spirit Sect?”

I knew that he couldn’t read my mind, but I was aware of his sharp intuition that could detect subtle conflicts or vulnerabilities in humans. Clumsy lies or masks would not work on him. So, drawing upon the power of the Dharma Guardian of the Wind Spirit Sect and the resentment that accompanied it, I expressed earnestly,

“There is someone I wish to kill without fail.”

“Who is that?”

“The leader of the Wind Spirit Sect.”

At that moment, Gook-ho’s attention shifted towards me, and Lee Kwang’s eyes lit up. It seemed my response had somewhat caught him off guard, and he folded his arms before saying,

“Is it a personal grudge?”

“It’s both that and not.”

“What do you mean?”

“If I must defeat them as the successor of the Thunder God lineage, I will definitely kill their commander.”

Even though I said it boldly, this was truly my heart’s intention. The Dharma Guardian of the Wind Spirit Sect would eventually face a gruesome end at my hands.

Excitement surged through me, and the killing intent and ambition radiated from my body. The memories of losing Miho clouded my mind. And then, Lee Kwang, who had been observing me, bellowed,

“Halt!”

Whoosh!

In an instant, my bloodthirst was suppressed by Lee Kwang’s aura. I felt the intense killing intent recede away. Lee Kwang, grinning, remarked,

“I like your spirit. Good, from today, you are a disciple of the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School.”

“Thank you.”

Afterward, I disclosed my sword realm and special skills to Lee Kwang and mentioned my progress in spear and fist techniques. Once he had heard everything, Lee Kwang said,

“From your level, it seems you still have much to learn. You are in the process of ascent, so if you encounter anything unknown or difficult, feel free to ask me or Jin So-cheong.”

“Understood.”

“I’ll keep your surface identity as a master of the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School. Of course, if you find it troublesome, you don’t need to teach the children.”

I thought for a while and replied,

“I’m sorry, but isn’t there another way?”

“Why?”

“I am wandering in search of something in accordance with the wishes of my previous master. I haven’t finished that task yet, so I cannot settle down at the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School.”

“What are you seeking?”

I decided to speak candidly about this matter. I couldn’t fabricate something here, so I intended to mix a bit of truth with a slight lie. After all, Lee Kwang would find out what I had done in Sichuan eventually.

“As a branch of the Hua Clan, I learned medical techniques, and in the process, I discovered certain incidents…”

I explained everything about the strange disease of the Young Master of the White Lotus Sect, the Five Great Physicians, and hints about their subsequent actions. Lee Kwang, of course, seemed intrigued, just like Gook-ho standing next to him. After summarizing the entire situation, I stated,

“The last clue I found is that the Heavenly Doctor Dongbang Mu-gyeol went searching for a cure for the strange disease and ventured as far as the Southern Kingdom beyond Sichuan. Unlike the other Five Great Physicians, he certainly has some insights into the strange disease.”

“Hmm…”

Lee Kwang, with arms crossed, fell deep in thought. Silence stretched on for about a quarter of an hour before he asked,

“What is your reason for chasing clues about that strange disease?”

“As you know, the White Lotus Sect possesses the potential to dominate the Martial Arts World at any time. Yet, their current stagnation is likely due to the Young Master’s strange disease. If I can unveil the truth behind that disease, I believe it could be beneficial when opposing the White Lotus Sect in the future.”

Lee Kwang, genuinely impressed, responded,

“Excellent… You are a genius. Even I wouldn’t have reached that depth of thought.”

“No, it’s nothing.”

“I have also heard rumors about the Young Master’s strange disease. But having no solid evidence, I had simply disregarded it. If what you say is true, then the strange disease is a form of magical arts or curses. Dongbang Mu-gyeol is probably roaming about seeking a cure using formless poison or some other methods.”

“Yes, I assume so.”

“So, are you thinking of going all the way to the Southern Kingdom?”

“If necessary…”

Lee Kwang shook his head vigorously.

“That is far too foolish a task. And there’s no certainty. Do you have any idea how far the Southern Kingdom is?”

“I’m not sure.”

“Just to get from Sichuan to Yunnan will take thousands of li, and then it’s another thousands of li through the treacherous Southern territory to reach the Southern Kingdom. Of course, with your outstanding internal power, it’s not impossible, but I don’t think that level of effort is necessary.”

“Then…”

“Since I’ve heard clues from you, I will also look into Dongbang Mu-gyeol in my own way. Leave that matter to me.”

Lee Kwang’s words were laced with significant confidence. After all, he harbored a strong vengeance against the White Lotus Sect while having no concrete strategy. The opportunity brought by clues that could become their weakness was something to be overjoyed about.

“Yes, understood.”

And then I noticed Gook-ho’s expression, which had been observing me, had changed into one of astonishment. Up until now, he seemed like he had just brought in a thunderous fool, but now he couldn’t hide his admiration.

Lee Kwang said,

“It’s late, but I want to see your skills firsthand. Come to the sparring arena.”

I went outside to the sparring arena shortly afterward, holding a sword and standing facing Lee Kwang from about three paces away, with Gook-ho watching. As Gook-ho lit all the torches in the arena, Lee Kwang also stated while holding his sword,

“Since holding a spear won’t allow for an accurate assessment of your skills, I will use a sword as well.”

“Thank you for your instruction.”

“Let’s agree to take a moment to breathe if it gets too intense.”

“Yes.”

Swish!

I raised my spirit and glared at Lee Kwang, internally letting out a silent curse.

“Damn… he’s annoyingly strong. This monster of a person…”

To be honest, I thought that if he wielded a sword instead of a spear, I might have a chance. After all, the advantages a spear has as a combat weapon are significant. However, considering the years of sword training I had undergone, I felt slightly confident that I had the upper hand over Lee Kwang.

But that was a miscalculation. The moment we stood face to face with swords, Lee Kwang’s figure appeared enormous, looming like Mount Tai. It was nearly my first time witnessing him executing sword techniques, and somehow, I felt that his Ten Thousand Success Sword Technique was the essence of Peerless Sword Technique itself.

I shouted,

“I’ll take the first strike!”

Whoosh!

At that moment, my body exploded forth like lightning. I activated Baek Woong’s Formation to strongly bind the essence of my entire being before launching into Unity of Body and Sword. As an initial attack, it was undoubtedly the best choice, making Lee Kwang marvel.

“Nice!”

Clang!

In an instant, ten exchanges had passed. Drawing up all my internal power, I attacked Lee Kwang using the essence of the Ten Thousand Success Sword Technique, but he easily deflected my strike using the Transcendental Rotation Technique. And then, with a lightweight sword stroke, he unleashed immense force.

Bang!

I hurriedly utilized Thunder Blade to envelop the space, but the attack that had sent dozens of experts flying had no effect against Lee Kwang at all. With minimal movement, he sidestepped the Thunder Blade and approached me with Thunder Shadow Step, quickly sending a wave of sword qi my way.

As I employed my defensive sword technique to block Lee Kwang’s counter, it appeared as though his body froze momentarily.

Ten Thousand Success Sword Technique!

Secret Technique!

Thousand Kills Slash!

“……!!”

Seeing hundreds of sword lights pouring down like an illusion, I was taken aback. It was only natural that Lee Kwang, who had imparted the Ten Thousand Success Sword Technique to me, could also wield the secret technique, Thousand Kills Slash. But how could he use a secret technique so seamlessly in a mere spar? This Thousand Kills Slash was a gruesome technique—any lapse in defense or evasion could result in catastrophic injuries, making my determination tighten.

Thousand Kills Slash!

I decided to counter with Absolute Slash like Thousand Kills Slash. As hundreds of sword lights poured out, I solidly defended my space with a sword membrane. There were sounds of clashing, and as this chaotic sound filled my surroundings, I swung my sword wildly, my forehead dripping with sweat amidst the storm of sword lights.

Crash!

Lee Kwang’s face seemed to break into a grin.

“Cough!”

I felt the concentrated light of Lee Kwang’s Thousand Kills Slash pierce through the center of my defense. Staggering back from the force of the blow that left me slightly wounded, I coughed up blood as I fell back. As I executed a falling defense and landed, Lee Kwang stood there with his sword down.

Lee Kwang remarked,

“If we keep going, it looks like it might lose its charm, so we should stop. I’ve seen enough of your skills.”

“Huff… huff… how was it?”

“It’s enough. However, your swordplay isn’t purely Thunder God lineage, is it? Have you learned techniques from another sect?”

I nodded without hesitation.

“Yes, I don’t see why not.”

“Of course. It’s even encouraged to pull advantages from techniques of other sects. However, I need to know their origins.”

“The sword techniques I’ve learned are as follows.”

I calmly explained and showed short demonstrations regarding my sword techniques. Most of it included the basic techniques I had gleaned from Yeodong-bin’s descension and the final insights from Jang Sam-bong’s Bowing Sky Slash and Heavenly Contraction Sword.

Lee Kwang and Gook-ho, who had been quietly observing my demonstration, gradually displayed expressions of astonishment. It was clear they understood the tremendous power embedded in what I had learned from Jang Sam-bong. Especially, Lee Kwang spoke with a trembling voice,

“Wha… what terrifying swordplay. Which ancient one did you learn it from?”

“……”

No one would believe that I had personally received blessings from Jang Sam-bong. I shrugged and replied vaguely,

“I learned it from a talented individual of the Wudang Sect.”

I wasn’t telling a lie, so I wouldn’t be caught. Sure enough, Lee Kwang seemed too preoccupied to give it a second thought, as he engrossed himself in contemplating Jang Sam-bong’s insights. Gook-ho, standing nearby, appeared as if he was experiencing a moment of realization.

After a while, once the realization phase seemed to have concluded, Lee Kwang, with muted eyes, said,

“If you have anything else you know, please speak it.”

I looked at Lee Kwang silently and then said,

“I apologize for saying this, but aren’t we all fated to be in this together, me and the brothers of the Thunder God lineage? In that case, I would like to share your secret techniques with you, Master. Additionally, I would also like to share insights with Jin So-cheong.”

Lee Kwang looked as if he had been hit hard. Then, laughing heartily as if pleased, he said,

“That’s right! If you bring us such a treasure, what reason would I have to hold back?”

Lee Kwang glanced at Gook-ho subtly.

Perhaps sensing the mood, Gook-ho stepped forward and said to me,

“Baek Woong, from tomorrow, you will teach me the Soul Removal Technique. With your talent, you might be able to grasp it.”

“Understood.”

Then Lee Kwang, who had been listening nearby, added,

“It seems you haven’t grasped the advanced level of the Ten Thousand Success Sword Technique yet. I will pass on the advanced techniques of the Ten Thousand Success Sword Technique and the final ultimate swordsmanship beyond it.”

“……”

There are actually more techniques?!

I was internally flabbergasted.

“Good grief, Lee Kwang! Just how much were you keeping hidden from me?!”

How many reincarnations had it been? Yet, the fact that Lee Kwang concealed secrets of the Thunder God lineage was utterly baffling. I thought I had learned all the necessary sword techniques by the time I reached the peak expert level. I probably assumed Lee Kwang had used the hidden Thunder God lineage techniques to drive me back in the sparring match we just had!

Lee Kwang was truly a formidable individual.

Lost in my thoughts, Gook-ho approached and patted my shoulder.

“I want to put my trust in you.”

His words held genuine emotion. Gook-ho, who typically never took anything seriously, seemed to regard me as a secret weapon against the Wind Spirit Sect. I realized, quite inadvertently, the weight of responsibility I had taken on.

“Uh-oh… I might have set their expectations too high.”

Mangnyang noted that this time, when it came to rescuing General Hwang Yeon’s family, he wouldn’t involve Lee Kwang and Jin So-cheong, wanting to resolve it solely through the Bancheon Alliance. That decision stemmed from the concern that if the Thunder God lineage got involved, they might act too rashly due to their impulsive nature, rather than collaborating with caution. I had felt that from Lee Kwang’s reckless behavior in my past life.

It goes without saying that without sufficient strength, one could never hope to win against the powers of the Imperial Palace. At the very least, the Bancheon Alliance needed time to grow and shape itself. Thus, Mangnyang had not proposed any training suggestions for the Thunder God lineage in this life.

Therefore, ensuring that the Thunder God lineage was incorporated into the Bancheon Alliance became my task moving forward. And given that the Thunder God lineage was undoubtedly going to be at the forefront in the coming conflicts with the Imperial Palace, it would be my duty to strengthen the experts of the Thunder God lineage with the knowledge I possessed.

That said, I felt a tremendous burden overlap as Lee Kwang and Gook-ho’s expectations were now upon me. Not to mention that soon, the genius Jin So-cheong would be watching me, too. The pressure of being the focus of attention from unmatched peak experts and geniuses was something that was almost too much to bear.

“Ah, to heck with it. Let’s think positively.”

I shook my head.

Regardless, I could improve my martial arts over the next few years, all I had to do was to keep at it.

“For the next five years… I’ll grow one level further here at the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School!”

I clenched my fist.

This life feels promising.

As long as I keep pushing forward, I’m bound to succeed!

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