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0165 ———————————————-

Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors

The Ultimate Technique of the Thunder God Lineage?

The students of the Thunder God Lineage looked shocked and glanced at Lee Kwang. There are special and powerful techniques known as Jibgi and O-ui within the Thunder God Lineage, but the concept of the Ultimate Technique had never been explained by Lee Kwang before. Even Jin So-cheong seemed puzzled, indicating that something unusual was indeed occurring.

‘Is there really such a thing?’

Of course, I was the most flabbergasted.

I had been studying the Thunder God Lineage for nearly half a century, possibly even longer. Yet apart from the Decisive Enlightenment Thunderclap, I had never seen Lee Kwang hint at anything like it. With everyone’s gaze fixed on Lee Kwang, he cleared his throat after a moment of tense silence.

“Umm…”

After a brief pause, Lee Kwang spoke.

“Master, that technique is currently lost to time, but once we regather our factions, we can reclaim it soon enough.”

It seemed the Master had anticipated this, as he slowly activated the Six Harmonies Assembly.

[I knew it would be like this.]

“……”

[The Thunder God Lineage… you must understand this. My acceptance of your faction directly relates to the history of the White Lotus Sect.]

What on earth does that mean?

As everyone in the room quietly focused on the Master of the White Lotus Sect, he continued speaking.

[The origins of the White Lotus Sect trace back to the White Lotus Faith or even earlier, where a profound lineage existed that worshipped the Non-Birth Mother. Even you, Thunder God Lineage, along with the Four Great Families, began from that very line. This lineage started long before the Southern Song, during the Late Tang Dynasty, making our history close to a thousand years.]

“I know.”

[And the Four Great Families have always united against external pressures and periodically appointed a new sect leader from their ranks. In essence, the White Lotus Sect does not separate into martial and doctrinal factions; the Four Great Families are fundamentally equal. You of the Thunder God Lineage are not merely a Dharma Protection faction but the very history of the White Lotus Sect itself.]

The Master’s words sounded like obvious truths, yet Mangnyang’s expression soured upon hearing them.

“Umm, could it be…?”

It seemed he realized something different from the Master’s words. The Master continued.

[Regardless of current power, granting your faction approval necessitates my own decision. The prerequisite for that decision is that you must possess the essence of a millennium of Thunder God martial arts. Otherwise, I cannot allow the ‘history’ of the White Lotus Sect known as the Thunder God Lineage to be cast away!]

“……!!”

Lee Kwang clenched his teeth in frustration and shouted.

“Where’s the logic in that? If you’re going to say that, then what on earth was the purpose of the cleansing of the Thunder God Lineage? You’ve practically trampled your own esteemed history!!”

Though he challenged the Master of the White Lotus Sect, it seemed only the Dharma Protectors perceived it as ‘rude.’ Lee Kwang was the representative and mightiest of the Thunder God Lineage, and the Master’s words indeed seemed contradictory.

Perhaps sensing the tension, the Dharma Protectors subtly prepared to intervene, but the Master waved a hand to signal them to remain steady.

[Let’s just say that event had unavoidable circumstances. However, I harbor feelings of regret and compassion toward your Thunder God Lineage, and if you wish, I am willing to accept you back into the sect.]

“Hehehe… Are you asking me to believe that?”

[This is not a choice; it’s a necessity. You of the Thunder God Lineage must prove that you possess the Ultimate Technique, or enter the fold here today. That is why I came personally to this gathering.]

“……”

It was then we all began to understand the Master’s true intention.

He stepped in to minimize conflict while attempting to absorb the Thunder God Lineage!

The Master of the White Lotus Sect clearly harbored ambitions to extend his influence into the Martial Arts World, and it seemed he was consolidating forces for that purpose. Though quelling the Thunder God Lineage with the power of the White Lotus Sect wouldn’t be difficult, it seemed he preferred the option of absorbing them instead.

Naturally, from the perspectives of the Bancheon Alliance and Mangnyang, partnering with the White Lotus Sect wouldn’t be a bad idea. After all, the White Lotus Sect’s primary enemy was the Imperial Palace, making them allies against a common foe. Therefore, Mangnyang likely felt it was acceptable for the Thunder God Lineage to be absorbed by the White Lotus Sect at this point, but Lee Kwang felt differently. He still harbored grievances from being cast out by the White Lotus Sect.

Lee Kwang’s boiling anger was barely contained as he spoke.

“This is unfair.”

[What is unfair?]

“The Thunder God Lineage has undergone countless masters establishing secret techniques and ultimate techniques throughout its millennium of martial history. The volume is so vast that a single heir couldn’t possibly encompass it all, so we opted for a multi-legacy approach. That’s why when we were rejected from the White Lotus Sect, the martial arts of the Thunder God Lineage fragmented and scattered!”

Lee Kwang glared at the Master with burning eyes as he continued.

“To invoke the term ‘Ultimate Technique’ when the source of that fragmentation wasn’t even informed of any prior conditions is preposterous! At the very least, shouldn’t we be granted a sufficient grace period?”

[……]

The Master of the White Lotus Sect seemed to ponder for a moment.

[I suppose I should hear your opinion.]

With that, he unexpectedly turned to the Dharma Guardian from the Wind Spirit Sect beside him.

[Yong Bi-cheon. What do you think?]

The man wearing the Black Tiger Mask, Yong Bi-cheon, furrowed his brows as he contemplated the Master’s words. Then he smirked coldly and responded.

“I find Lee Kwang’s words to be quite irresponsible. Whether the Ultimate Technique or the Decisive Enlightenment, we can’t cement a sect without them, yet he tries to shift the blame onto us? His words can be dismissed easily.”

Lee Kwang’s fury surged as he heard Yong Bi-cheon, the leader of the Wind Spirit Lineage, speak, and the other Thunder God Lineage disciples felt their anger bubble up too. However, fighting Yong Bi-cheon in this setting would be suicidal, so they had no choice but to endure.

[Very well. Then how does Han Baek-ryeong think?]

The head of the Fire Spirit Sect, wearing a silver fox mask, Han Baek-ryeong, responded to the Master’s inquiry.

“I think there’s validity to that. Besides, as far as I know, those in the Thunder God Lineage are allied with the Bancheon Alliance, who oppose the Imperial Palace. Granting them a grace period to maneuver wouldn’t harm our sect.”

[Hmm… the Bancheon Alliance.]

The Master of the White Lotus Sect muttered to himself, glancing at Mangnyang.

[Are you the leader of the Bancheon Alliance?]

In that instant, Mangnyang appeared as if he were a mouse caught in front of a cat, rendered speechless. The Master’s formless qi had suppressed his spirit.

‘Oh no!’

I quickly reached out to Mangnyang’s shoulder and bestowed him my internal power like a waterfall, and after a moment, he regained his composure. After seeming unconscious for a brief moment, Mangnyang cleared his throat before addressing the Master.

“Yes, Master of the White Lotus Sect.”

[Why are you opposing the Imperial Palace?]

“Because foreign races manipulate from the shadows within the Imperial Palace, plunging the world into chaos.”

Murmurs…

His response sent ripples through the crowd. The term ‘foreign races’ was unfamiliar not only to the disciples of the Huashan Sect but also to the Thunder God Lineage members. Even the protectors that accompanied the Master seemed puzzled by the statement.

However, the Master of the White Lotus Sect appeared intrigued by Mangnyang’s words. Withdrawing the formless qi he had been subtly extending, he spoke.

[Foreign races…? Are you certain of that?]

“The Golden Eagle Guard and the Duke of Guanzhong have long been under the influence of foreign races. I believe if this continues, the common people will suffer under their tyranny, which is why I rose for righteousness.”

[Ohh…]

The Master of the White Lotus Sect said.

[How interesting. You may visit the White Lotus Sect at any time, and I will treat you well.]

“I will definitely pay a visit.”

At that moment, the Dharma Protectors stared at each other in surprise, as if the Master’s words were unexpected. The Master then turned to the Dharma Guardian wearing the golden dragon mask, from the Su Shin Sect.

[Dokgo Jun, what do you think?]

Unlike the other Dharma Guardians, the Master seemed to address him more comfortably, likely because they belonged to the same sect. Su Shin’s Dharma Guardian, Dokgo Jun, glanced at Lee Kwang before replying.

“I don’t think it’s a bad idea to grant a grace period. If we absorb them now, they won’t have the Ultimate Techniques; it would benefit us to give them ample time.”

[Hmm. That makes sense.]

After hearing the opinions of three Dharma Guardians, the Master turned to Lee Kwang.

[Thunder God Lineage, I acknowledge that my proposal was sudden, so I will grant you a grace period to obtain the Ultimate Techniques.]

“……”

[The period is three years! You must bring results within that time frame.]

Lee Kwang suddenly pressed his temple and shouted.

“We need ten years!”

[You underestimate the worth of ten years. Do you need that much time to change the rivers and hills?]

“Damn… As you know, three masters of the Thunder God Lineage must come together to inherit the Ultimate Techniques. It won’t take a decade just to search the Heaven and Earth Sea for teachings.”

[Hmm…]

The Master of the White Lotus Sect finally said.

[Very well… I’ll give you five years. No more than that.]

“Thank you.”

[During that time, you are permitted to temporarily reorganize. I truly hope you exert yourselves.]

Should this be viewed as a half success?

Surprisingly, the Master of the White Lotus Sect seemed not to harbor any ill will toward the Thunder God Lineage and displayed a very positive attitude towards negotiation. It appeared that even the Dharma Guardian from the Wind Spirit Sect was scowling at this situation. Of course, the heads of the Fire Spirit and Su Shin Sects didn’t show any sign of change.

At that moment, Mangnyang abruptly stood up and spoke boldly.

“I have one request for the Supreme Being of the White Lotus Sect!”

All eyes turned to Mangnyang. The atmosphere was shifting as the Master seemed ready to depart. Incredibly, it was now Mangnyang who was turning the tide. The Master regarded him with interest.

[What is it?]

“Currently, it seems you don’t have much confidence in the capabilities of the Thunder God Lineage, so I wish to propose something. It’s a practical idea beneficial to both parties, and I hope you will consider it.”

Taking a deep breath, Mangnyang continued.

“I hope the Thunder God Lineage and the Wind Spirit Lineage will engage in a friendly sparring match.”

[Friendly sparring…?]

Nodding, Mangnyang elaborated.

“We would compete in a three-round, two-win format, allowing the masters of each lineage to spar. The Master could witness for yourself just how capable the Thunder God Lineage is, while we could verify the renowned strength of the White Lotus Sect and the Wind Spirit Lineage.”

At Mangnyang’s suggestion, Yong Bi-cheon from the Wind Spirit Lineage, flustered, shouted.

“Dude! What nonsense are you talking?”

“It’s not nonsense. Are you perhaps lacking in confidence…?”

“……!!”

In that instant, Yong Bi-cheon’s teeth ground audibly, and the tension in the room became palpable. It was clear that Yong Bi-cheon was provoked, his resolve burning from the pressure of the situation. However, even the potential for a clash seemed restrained, held back by the presence of the Dharma Guardians and the Master of the White Lotus Sect.

The Master spoke.

[A friendly spar would need conditions for winning and losing. What shall we set as stakes?]

“If the Thunder God Lineage wins, the grace period should be extended to ten years. If the Wind Spirit Lineage prevails, the Thunder God Lineage agrees to be absorbed by the White Lotus Sect without objections.”

[Oh, how delightful.]

Yong Bi-cheon quickly turned to protest at the Master.

“Master! There’s no need to entertain such a trivial request!”

[Calm down. Is it not simply a matter of winning?]

“That… that’s…”

[Unless you are uncertain of your victory… you can refuse.]

Yong Bi-cheon, under the subtle pressure from the Master, gritted his teeth and replied.

“No, we can win.”

[That’s the spirit.]

With that, the friendly sparring match was arranged. The current location was too cramped for a proper duel, so everyone began to move toward the training ground of the Huashan Sect. As we moved, the disciples of the Thunder God Lineage, along with me, Mangnyang, and Miho, gathered to strategize.

Lee Kwang said to Mangnyang.

“Leader of the Bancheon Alliance, you articulated that well.”

“Not at all. It went exactly as planned. We just need to secure two wins.”

“We need to show them a tough lesson.”

Lee Kwang stated resolutely, his eyes scanning the room as he declared.

“I, Jin So-cheong, and Baek Woong will participate.”

“Extreme Tiger should be the one to enter…”

As I spoke in modesty, Lee Kwang made a sound of disapproval. Then Extreme Tiger interjected, chuckling.

“Come now, are you trying to save face at a time like this?”

“Older brother.”

Extreme Tiger patted my back cheerfully.

“Dude, the fate of the Thunder God Lineage is at stake! Why wait to save your pride? You’re stronger than me, so don’t worry and just go out there and win! That’s the best way to help me.”

“Understood.”

Hearing this, Lee Kwang nodded.

“Their number three must also be formidable. Baek Woong, you must absolutely win.”

“Rest assured, Master.”

Having roughly strategized, we made our way to the training ground. By the observation seats were already the Master of the White Lotus Sect’s palanquin and two Dharma Guardians, along with the loyal guards of the sect, waiting amidst a swarm of onlooking disciples from the Huashan Sect.

The elder from the Huashan Sect, overseeing the match, called out.

“Representatives from each sect, step forward!”

I, Jin So-cheong, and Lee Kwang stepped onto the sparring arena.

On the opposing side, three powerful figures from the Wind Spirit Lineage approached. As I scrutinized their faces, a wave of anxiety washed over me.

‘Yong Bi-cheon, the leader of the Wind Spirit Lineage, the Huashan Sect’s leader, the Azure Dragon Sword, and that guy…’

The third master from the Wind Spirit Lineage was a one-eyed man wielding a curved blade. I had expected either the elder or the army leader of the Wind Spirit Sect, so this was unexpected; however, his skills were certainly heightened. I estimated that he was definitely an expert on the peak level, which would make him a tough opponent.

Moments later, we bowed to each other and prepared for the duel. Standing in the center was the elder from the Huashan Sect, who shouted loudly.

“The first combatants, step forward!”

Swish!

The first to stride forward from the Wind Spirit Lineage was the one-eyed man wielding the curved blade. Certainly, if Lee Kwang or Jin So-cheong were to face him, they could assuredly secure the first victory, but it was less efficient, so I had to confront this one-eyed man. I took my stance and stood about three paces apart from him on the stage.

As I bowed, I introduced myself.

“I am Baek Woong of the Thunder God Lineage. Pleased to meet you.”

The one-eyed man also inclining his head replied,

“I am Tuma from the Wind Spirit Lineage.”

“……!!”

In that instant, I gasped in shock.

“You can’t be the main of the Shura Sect from the Eight Demons of the Demon Path, can you?”

Tuma seemed to be suppressing his arrogance, aware that the Master of the White Lotus Sect was watching.

“Indeed.”

This was no ordinary matter.

The Eight Demons of the Demon Path!

Among them, the Shura Sect is recognized for using swords primarily, and so far, I had only directly faced their leader when the combined factions had attempted to kill me back when I confronted the master of the Gold Sword Guild. The master of the Eight Demons was said to be the Eight Demons of Martial Daos, where each of them dominated the skies of the heretical faction as peak experts.

Tuma, known as the Shura Sect’s leader and obsessed with battle, was also the one hosting the Dark Realm Martial Arts Tournament in Luoyang. That someone like Tuma turned out to be a disciple of the White Lotus and Wind Spirit Lineage was not what I had anticipated! When caught off guard, Jin So-cheong sent me a secret transmission from below the arena.

[Master, don’t worry. I’m sure you’re much stronger, so just remain composed, and you’ll definitely win!]

Breathing deeply, I reassured myself. Though the blade in Tuma’s hand swirled dangerously, it didn’t diminish my spirit. Instead, confidence began to swell within me.

‘Right. Why should I be afraid of the likes of the Eight Demons of the Demon Path?’

My goals don’t end with the Eight Demons. I must confront forces from the Imperial Palace which are several times stronger than they are. If I cower here, I won’t achieve anything.

“Let the match begin!”

And thus commenced my first duel against the Eight Demons of the Demon Path.

 

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