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0169 ———————————————-

The Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors

Mangnyang spoke to me and Jin So-cheong.

“Listen well. First, we will move to Gansu and head to the main gate of the White Lotus Sect. Then, once we pass through the gate, we’ll meet the Master of the White Lotus Sect.”

“That sounds treacherous…”

It’s the most perilous journey in the world. Sure, getting to Gansu is one thing, but what kind of trials await us on our way to the Master of the White Lotus Sect? One thing is for sure: no expert in the world can casually claim survival on this thorny path.

Mangnyang continued.

“We don’t have much time. Because Yong Junil hasn’t just started moving now; he’s likely been plotting since the discussion about the faction arose. His trickery will already be in full swing, so blocking it is nonsense. The only way out is to convince the Master of the White Lotus Sect.”

“……!!”

So that’s why!

It suddenly dawned on me why Mangnyang was so anxious. If Yong Junil has the abilities of a strategist, he’s the type to ‘win before fighting.’ He would naturally prepare his plans in advance and reveal them to the enemy later. Mangnyang, as a fellow strategist, must have judged it impossible to counter Yong Junil’s schemes and decided to go all-in.

“So, shouldn’t we have explained this to Master Lee Kwang earlier?”

“To persuade the Master of the White Lotus Sect, we need to mention the Imperial Palace. It’s an insurmountable wall between me and Lee Kwang.”

“Hmm.”

“But know this: I have no intention of killing the Emperor. Rather, the Emperor is someone to be utilized, not disposed of. I believe my plan will ultimately be proven right.”

“I’ve come this far because I trust you. Don’t worry.”

After nodding, Mangnyang said, “First, we need to completely seal Master Lee Kwang’s power.”

A moment later, we placed a seal on the unconscious Lee Kwang’s internal energy. The disciples of the Thunder God Lineage, especially Geuk Ho, reacted fiercely.

“Crazy… So-cheong, are you out of your mind? Are you saying you disobeyed the Master’s orders based on that bone-headed Bancheon Alliance leader? And now you’re going to seal the Master?”

“Older Brother, are you going to stop me?”

“Yeah, try to take me down with one punch, you punk!”

Pow!

Geuk Ho charged like a madman but was subdued by Jin So-cheong in just three seconds. As he fell unconscious, Jin So-cheong sighed.

“I seem to be increasing my sins!”

Sa Gong Lin and Jeonghu, knowing there was no other choice, remained silent. But Sa Gong Lin glared at Jin So-cheong with disdain.

“Betraying the loyalty to your master, Older Brother was that kind of person.”

“I will gladly accept any punishment later. But for now, it’s in accordance with my will.”

“Do as you please. After all, aren’t you the King of Strong?”

“……”

Seeing the heavy expression on Jin So-cheong’s face made me feel guilty. After all, if she had just stayed silent, she wouldn’t have lost anything, but the moment she stepped forward for us, she became a traitor to the Sect. I quickly sealed Lee Kwang’s power using my internal energy techniques and stepped outside.

“Let’s go, Older Brother.”

“Right.”

We headed towards Gansu, the closest region I had been to before, riding on boiling energy.

Then, we began to move quickly towards the White Lotus Sect using Light Body Technique. We planned to reach the White Lotus Sect within four days, so we kept marching non-stop. We saved our breath to the point of preserving our energy for words and used the Soul Removal Technique to leap forward.

After about three days, we finally reached the northwestern part of Gansu Province. Running at a speed several times faster than a horse, this was to be expected. Now we only had half a day left to reach the White Lotus Sect, so we slowed down a bit to take a break. Mangnyang became exhausted from running out of internal energy and physical strength, so I carried the unconscious Mangnyang.

Under a large tree, I asked Jin So-cheong.

“Older Brother, it feels a bit late to ask this, but why did you decide to save Mangnyang?”

“Because I thought it was the right thing to do.”

“Surely there must be a reason you think it’s right.”

As I pressed her with further questions, Jin So-cheong smiled faintly.

“… that’s because the priest owes his life to Mangnyang.”

“Hmm?”

What does that mean?

When I looked at Jin So-cheong with curiosity, he took a moment to drink from the stream nearby and continued.

“If it weren’t for the priest, my master and I would have spent our lives training only as military officers. Of course, once I reached a certain level, I would have ventured into Jianghu, but I never would have dreamed of revenge against the Thunder God Lineage or the White Lotus Sect. I would have just lived as an ordinary martial artist.”

“……”

I couldn’t deny that. I had indeed witnessed the fate of the Thunder God Lineage.

“And then, the priest came to find me. Initially, I was quite suspicious of the priest, but with the insights and visions he shared about the future… and the companions from Bancheon Alliance who helped me achieve my dreams… I don’t know how overwhelmed I’ve felt throughout this time.”

Jin So-cheong leaned against a tree stump, gazing at the blue sky.

“You’ve given us a dream. Though my master tries his best to ignore it, you are the benefactor who has brought us a dream and a goal.”

“Hmm.”

“Therefore, I believed in you and wanted to believe in that man, Mangnyang, who you’re risking your life for.”

“W-well, I appreciate your words, but isn’t that a bit too much praise…”

As I listened, I felt embarrassed, scratching my head. Having someone like Jin So-cheong, an absolute master who even subdued Lee Kwang, say this about me was quite overwhelming. Then Jin So-cheong smiled brightly and said, “Don’t be so humble. There are times I want to pursue something with my life too.”

“Well, if you insist.”

“Haha, finally back to the usual priest.”

We laughed lightly. As we conversed, it felt like those unnecessary worries were fading away. Of course, the problems weren’t really solved, so I brought up something important shortly after.

“Older Brother, do you think we could defeat a Dharma Guardian if the two of us worked together?”

“Well, I’m not sure.”

“Since the Master gained the upper hand over Yong Bi-cheon, it should be enough, right?”

At my question, Jin So-cheong forced a smile.

“Hmm… Priest, I think you might be under some misconception, but even if my master and I teamed up, beating Yong Bi-cheon in full force would be difficult.”

“Eh? Why is that?”

“Because that was a short battle.”

Jin So-cheong continued firmly.

“The Heavenly Spirit Pill, with its limitless energy, is not to be taken lightly. What do you think would happen if he just stayed up high and kept firing Wind Bullets?”

“Well… we’d either have to keep dodging or try to break his Protection Energy Technique like last time.”

“He’ll just keep flying away, dodging. We won’t have the internal energy to catch up and break his Protection Energy Technique.”

“Hmm.”

“The frightening thing about the Heavenly Spirit Pill is its ability to manipulate Natural Spirit Energy indefinitely. If Yong Bi-cheon plans for a long battle and just avoids fatal wounds, there’s no way for us to win against him, no matter what we try. If we want to gamble on victory, it needs to be a short battle like last time, and it should be in a confined space where he can’t escape.”

I realized this was a troublesome problem. Of course, in a short battle, either Lee Kwang or Jin So-cheong could definitely overwhelm Yong Bi-cheon, but now Yong Bi-cheon would know that too. From now on, when he encounters experts from the Thunder God Lineage, he’d fully exploit the advantages of the Heavenly Spirit Pill for total destruction. Using such tactics would make it extremely exhausting for us to counter him.

I asked Jin So-cheong, “What exactly is the Heavenly Spirit Pill? They say it has limitless energy and absolute power, yet it seems that no one besides the Dharma Guardians of the White Lotus Sect can obtain it in the entire Central Plains.”

“From what I’ve heard from my master, the Heavenly Spirit Pill is achieved through a special process. It’s different from the martial arts realms achieved through natural enlightenment. Before my master could learn the method to access the Heavenly Spirit Pill, the lineage was cut off, so he mostly acquired his levels through self-study.”

“Hmm…”

“Also, it’s why I agree with the opinions of both the Priest and the Master of Bancheon Alliance. Even if my master doesn’t know, scattered successors of the Thunder God Lineage might have some knowledge about the Heavenly Spirit Pill’s identity or how to acquire it.”

Indeed, this was the reason for gathering Thunder God Lineage successors. While it was important to collect scattered secrets, there might be some individuals who could provide detailed information about the Heavenly Spirit Pill, which could be seen as the White Lotus Sect’s greatest secret. It was only a matter of obtaining knowledge about the Pill from them.

Soon, we revitalized the aware Mangnyang and set off again toward the White Lotus Sect. As we neared the White Lotus Sect, we easily found our way through the nearby village. It didn’t take long for us to reach the main gate of the White Lotus Sect.

Bang—

The main gate of the White Lotus Sect resembled a massive fortress. Indeed, a fortress built like a castle was blocking our way. The local government wouldn’t permit this, but it seemed that the White Lotus Sect was allowed to have it. Since the Master of the White Lotus Sect could take down a million troops and assassinate the Emperor if he wanted to.

Standing in front of the fortress were some young men, perhaps just past their twenties, with charming features and noble appearances. However, I quickly assessed their level of internal energy and couldn’t help but exclaim.

“Hmm…”

This was an age inappropriate level of internal energy. It matched my own when I had consumed Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng once or twice. In other words, each of them possessed internal energy equivalent to that of high-ranking experts from the Central Plains Martial World, if not surpassing them.

In other words – the Martial Artists of the White Lotus Sect who had consumed Sacred Lotus!

That’s why they slowly approached us on horseback and spoke.

“Suspicious individuals were indeed approaching. Who are you?”

Mangnyang stepped forward and replied.

“I am the Leader of Bancheon Alliance, Mangnyang, and these are my companions.”

“Leader of Bancheon Alliance? So why have you come all the way here?”

“I was summoned by the Master of the White Lotus Sect and came in accordance with that order.”

“……”

The leading young man frowned and said, “If that’s a lie, you won’t return alive.”

“Why threaten and resort to violence? Isn’t the doctrine of the White Lotus Sect about mercy and brightness?”

“Your mouth is still intact. Follow us.”

Clop, clop.

We followed the young men into the fortress of the White Lotus Sect. After a while, we walked along a grand path and entered a bustling village that was surprisingly as large as a major town, where the members of the White Lotus Sect seemed to live.

When the villagers saw the young men, they greeted them warmly.

“Oh, who are those guys?”

“Doesn’t matter. Just step aside.”

“Hmm… understood.”

Though the young man responded gruffly, the villagers didn’t seem displeased and willingly stepped aside. From their behavior, it appeared that these young individuals enjoyed considerable respect among the villagers. As I trailed behind, I couldn’t help but ask.

“I’m Baek Woong. And who are you?”

“No need to know!”

Seeing their strong aversion made it clear that they were indeed wary of us. Though they seemed extremely ungracious, I could tell they had some form of etiquette. After all, they didn’t try to tie us up or seal our powers.

Meanwhile, Mangnyang looked around and muttered.

“People seem happy. It’s a stark contrast to the other regions in Gansu Province.”

At that, the young man chuckled, as if feeling a sense of pride. “Of course. The folks here don’t get exploited by the landlord and live equally, sharing their crops and wealth. They’ve broken free from their usual fate of being squeezed dry.”

“Equality… fate…”

Mangnyang pondered over the young man’s words. I also observed the surroundings, and indeed, the people here were thriving. In stark contrast to the peasants and serfs in other areas of Gansu Province, who couldn’t even afford to eat porridge and were starving.

‘Well, overcoming the status and fate given at birth is almost impossible.’

I recalled the time I traveled through Shandong. The people there looked much worse off than here in Gansu Province, suffering from continuous exploitation and turning into bandits. Even in Guanzhong, many had become bandits due to poverty and starvation. These people were inexplicably living happily.

After passing through the bustling village, we reached another gate. Upon arrival, the young man said to a middle-aged man dressed in white.

“I brought the outsiders. I’m the Leader of Bancheon Alliance, here to visit the Master.”

“Leader of Bancheon Alliance… I have heard of that name.”

The middle-aged man with deep-set eyes gazed at us and then said, “That man is truly remarkable. Who exactly is he?”

His gaze fell on Jin So-cheong. Jin So-cheong, who was completely concealing his energy and blending in, seemed to have been immediately recognized by the man.

“I came to escort the Leader of Bancheon Alliance.”

“Hmm… Truly remarkable. That level of Absolute Realm at such a young age… It feels as if I’m meeting Lord Wang.”

After several compliments, the middle-aged man in white said, “Follow me. You’ll be able to meet the Master right away.”

“If you don’t mind me asking, who are you?”

“That’s rude!”

The young man shot Mangnyang a glare. Simply asking about his identity seemed to be an unforgivable crime, and he was trembling with anger. The hesitation about whether to strike was likely because the middle-aged man in white was watching with keen interest.

The middle-aged man replied to Mangnyang’s question.

“I am Sam Ro.”

“Sam Ro?”

“I am the third old man in the back room, ha ha.”

Chuckle, chuckle.

Sam Ro waved his hand, quietly opening the heavy iron gate.

Creeeak!

The massive door, likely weighing thousands of kilograms, opened as if it were a regular door, revealing the astonishing level of his internal energy.

“……!!”

In that instant, I felt I understood Sam Ro’s identity. Mangnyang and Jin So-cheong seemed to have suspected it long before.

‘The Elder Council of the White Lotus Sect…!!’

I understood why the young men hadn’t sealed us. It wasn’t just confidence in their abilities; it was also because the White Lotus Sect’s strongest experts, including the Elder Council, were nearby, making it impossible for anyone to stir trouble. The mere thought that high-ranking experts like Sam Ro might be lurking around left me feeling very uneasy.

This was the strength of the White Lotus Sect!

Conquering the entire Central Plains Martial World within a few years of the tenth rebirth wasn’t without its merits. Mangnyang, walking beside me, also appeared visibly tense, while Jin So-cheong remained calm.

[Miho. Are you alright?]

As I discreetly reached for the jade pendant in my possession, I silently sent a message, and Miho’s response came through.

[There are too many monstrous humans here. As promised, you must prioritize your life and escape. Got it?]

[Yeah, I understand.]

Miho was currently transformed into the jade form to protect me. Unlike living beings, it was relatively easy to change into an inanimate object, allowing Miho to remain in this state for a long time. Of course, she could return to her original form anytime she desired.

After following Sam Ro for a while, we reached a magnificent building. The sign above the building read “Hall of the Sect Leader.” Upon entering the Hall, we encountered people who greeted Sam Ro.

“Hey.”

“Hey.”

“Welcome.”

“Yeah.”

Sam Ro acknowledged each one of them. Some were old men with wrinkled, weathered faces, while others appeared as young boys. But one thing was clear: all were masters from the Elder Council, emanating immense internal energy.

‘Damn… Are the top experts from the Elder Council just roaming around the Hall of the Sect Leader?’

I gritted my teeth. Although I could remember the location for next time, nothing about it made me want to come back.

This must be the realm of the Dragon Bloodline!

How reckless would it be to go wild in a place like this? I’d probably be torn to shreds in less than half a meal. As I desperately tried to keep calm, Sam Ro reached a door.

“Master, it’s Sam Ro.”

[What’s going on?]

“Leader of Bancheon Alliance is here.”

[Let him in.]

Creeeak.

As the door opened, once again, I saw the form of the Master of the White Lotus Sect beyond the threshold. Sam Ro, standing beside me, whispered to us.

“Show respect to the Master.”

We all bowed our heads in unison. Normally, I might feel some discomfort, but knowing the Master’s level in martial arts made it easy to avoid any reluctance. Once our greetings were complete, the Master of the White Lotus Sect spoke.

[It seems like I just saw you a few days ago, and you’ve come back quickly.]

“I rushed over as I could not wait to see the Master.”

[Indeed. I’m genuinely glad. The words of the Leader of Bancheon Alliance are very intriguing.]

At the next sentence from the Master of the White Lotus Sect, I felt my mind momentarily freeze.

[… As you suspected, it’s indeed the ‘Old Ruler’s Curse.’ My son’s strange disease is the result of that monster.]

 

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