Chapter 178
“When I returned to Jinrang Valley with Seo Mun-hye, everyone was gathered, including Mangnyang and the Thunder God Lineage folks.”
Miho had a sulky expression, while Mangnyang, looking a bit awkward, chuckled, “You’re quite popular, huh?”
If it were a normal day, I would’ve tossed back a joke at Mangnyang, but now I felt like I was walking on eggshells with everyone watching, especially Lee Kwang, whose unimpressed face made it seem like I might be in deep trouble if I slipped up.
After a moment of thought, Lee Kwang finally spoke, “Tell me the circumstances leading to this.”
I recounted how I brought Seo Mun-hye with me. Of course, I’d left out the part about seeking teachings from the Sword Demon and just mentioned I was asked to drop by the Shadowless Gate again.
That alone could have rubbed Lee Kwang the wrong way since it was rather audacious to seek guidance from a place I had no formal ties with. Lee Kwang looked skeptical but soon directed his question to Seo Mun-hye.
“Seo Mun-hye. Are you truly here to form an alliance with our Thunder God Lineage?”
Seo Mun-hye responded calmly, showing no signs of flummoxed panic, “Yes. My father mentioned we could lend strength to the Eight Demons of the Demon Path.”
“Hmm…”
Lee Kwang seemed deep in thought over the unexpected proposal.
Mangnyang, overhearing, chimed in with a teasing tone, “That’s secondary. Did you come here just as an envoy, or do you have intentions beyond that?”
“It’s not just that. I’m here to join the Thunder God Lineage,” she declared confidently.
Instantly, the mood in the room froze.
Seo Mun-hye, the number one lady of Shadowless Gate and a peak expert expected to take over the Shadowless Gate in the future, wanted to join the Thunder God Lineage! This was no ordinary matter. I glanced at her in shock, and she smiled brightly, “Lee Kwang, will you allow me to join?”
Lee Kwang hesitated a moment before replying, “I see no reason to decline. The Thunder God Lineage does not bar those who wish to join.”
“I’m relieved to hear that.”
“However, the martial arts of the Thunder God Lineage and Shadowless Gate may clash, which could be harmful for you…”
“I’ve accepted that risk. I’ll have to put in my own effort.”
“If there comes a day when the teachings of your Shadowless Gate conflict with our Thunder God Lineage, you won’t hesitate, will you?”
“Of course not.”
Her answer rolled out without pause. Lee Kwang seemed pleased with her resolute attitude and nodded.
“If you desire it this much, I, Lee Kwang, will accept you into the Thunder God Lineage.”
And just like that, Lee Kwang had her perform the Nine Prostrations Ritual, formally establishing their master-disciple relationship. Thus, Seo Mun-hye shed her identity as a member of Shadowless Gate and became the youngest disciple of the Thunder God Lineage. It was a shocking and rather sad choice for someone who could easily set up her own clan with her reputation.
After the initiation ceremony, Lee Kwang turned to Seo Mun-hye and said, “I will give you an answer regarding the Sword Demon’s proposal in three days.”
“Understood.”
“And as I currently cannot guide you in the martial arts of the Thunder God Lineage, you will practice independently for a while.”
“Yes.”
Lee Kwang’s tone had an air of condescension, which was expected. Just moments ago, Seo Mun-hye was a master of Shadowless Gate and an outsider; now she was the youngest disciple of the Thunder God Lineage.
Once the situation settled, Lee Kwang called for me and Mangnyang, leading us to a quiet room.
As the three of us sat at the table, Mangnyang began, “Lee Kwang, I want to explain the situation to Baek Woong first.”
“Go ahead.”
“Baek Woong, as you’ve heard, thanks to the efforts of the Thunder God Lineage disciples, we achieved a great victory against the Huashan Sect, destroying their leader, the Spirit Guardian, and effectively obliterating the sect. Afterward, I joined forces with the Thunder God Lineage masters and headed straight to Jangryeong Valley.”
I feigned ignorance and tilted my head. “Why did you go to Jangryeong Valley?”
“I went to invite my uncle, Guangsheng, to join the Thunder God Lineage as a military consultant.”
“Guangsheng? Is he not the lord of Jangryeong Valley?”
“Yes.”
“But why go through the trouble of inviting him? You could manage well enough on your own.”
Mangnyang replied bitterly, “You must have learned by now. The Bancheon Alliance and Thunder God Lineage have teamed up for mutual benefit, but there’s a chance of it falling through in the long run. If we end up fighting amongst ourselves, it would be incredibly inefficient and lead to mutual destruction. Plus, without enough intelligence gathering or organization within the Thunder God Lineage, survival is impossible.”
“So you thought it’d be best to have Guangsheng as a subordinate general, just in case?”
Mangnyang nodded. “The Thunder God Lineage and Bancheon Alliance will only grow larger, so it’s essential.”
“…”
I realized Mangnyang was implying something greater than what he said. He believed he had a death sentence within two years and was seeking a talented leader who could keep the organization running after he was gone.
I didn’t need to ask Mangnyang directly, as I could guess his thoughts, but I wanted to make sure there wasn’t another reason. Hearing it straight from him left a bitter taste in my mouth.
‘Don’t worry, Mangnyang. I will definitely find a way to extend your life.’
“So did you bring back Guangsheng?” I finally asked.
“…”
Mangnyang’s face darkened. Just as he hesitated, Lee Kwang spoke in a casual tone.
“He’s dead.”
“What?!”
What on earth? I had expected him to be here, but now he was dead!
In shock, I turned to Lee Kwang, who calmly poured hot tea into a cup. “By the time we arrived, he had been dead for quite a while. Jangryeong Valley had already held his funeral.”
“Why? Why did he die?”
“They say it was suicide.”
“Suicide?!”
As I stammered in disbelief, Mangnyang added, “I can’t understand it either. I don’t know why my uncle committed suicide. But if he decided to do so, there must have been a good reason.”
“What kind of person was this Guangsheng? I mean, he was living large as the lord of Jangryeong Valley and suddenly throws it all away to commit suicide…”
“Wealth and honor meant nothing to him.”
Mangnyang murmured in memory. “There’s no doubt he was a genius, but he was always extremely pessimistic, enjoying only to mock and ridicule the world. So his suicide doesn’t come as a huge shock.”
“…”
Even after hearing Mangnyang’s words, I still couldn’t grasp who Guangsheng really was.
While I was lost in thought, Lee Kwang interjected, “Baek Woong, there’s no need to dwell on the dead. We returned from Jangryeong Valley without achieving anything. More importantly, what do you think about the Sword Demon’s proposal?”
“Hmm…”
Lee Kwang changed the subject to a pressing matter. Should the Thunder God Lineage ally with the Eight Demons of the Demon Path? I had been mulling over this since I brought Seo Mun-hye here, but I still didn’t have an answer.
I casually passed the question to Mangnyang. “I think the Bancheon Alliance leader would have the better judgment.”
Mangnyang chuckled, “Hey now, if you brought a bride, shouldn’t you take responsibility?”
“B-bride?”
“Seo Mun-hye is known as a flower among the notable female experts of Jianghu, so what kind of trick did you use to win her heart? Haha.”
“…”
Finding myself at a loss for words, Lee Kwang laughed heartily.
“Alright then, Bancheon Alliance leader. Personally, I’m considering rejecting the proposal.”
“I figured you’d think that.”
“The Eight Demons of the Demon Path have no sense of loyalty. Moreover, forming an alliance with them might give the True Heaven Alliance a reason to retaliate.”
Snap!
Mangnyang unfolded the Seven Fires, Seven Golds Line technique, his expression turning serious as he locked eyes with Lee Kwang. “You’re right. At least until the Thunder God Lineage firmly establishes itself, we should avoid training with the Eight Demons of the Demon Path. Not to mention that Tuma from the Eight Demons of Martial Daos is affiliated with the Wind Spirit Sect.”
“Hmm, that’s also a concern,” Lee Kwang muttered thoughtfully.
“Bancheon Alliance leader, not only Tuma, but the Wind Spirit Sect’s influence can be felt everywhere in Jianghu. What do you think their reach truly is?”
“What’s visible is only Huashan Sect and Tuma. But in reality, there are likely at least twice that number lurking in the shadows. Probably even some subordinates from the Fire Spirit and Su Shin Sects.”
“What a nuisance.”
“The White Lotus Sect isn’t so much unable to unite the Central Plains as it is unwilling. They are truly terrifying.”
Mangnyang continued, “Now we need to negotiate with the True Heaven Alliance.”
“Isn’t that too soon? They’re probably furious after being burned.”
“No, now is the right time. If we let their grievances deepen, their nature as an orthodox sect means they won’t back down until they’ve all met their demise. We should extend a hand, and they’ll accept it to save face.”
Lee Kwang laughed coldly, “I can already picture how that will play out. Sounds like it’ll be quite entertaining.”
Mangnyang glanced at me. “If Baek Woong helps, this should proceed smoothly. But there’s something else I’d like to know.”
“What’s that?”
“Do you know anything about the other successors of the Thunder God Lineage?”
“…”
Lee Kwang remained silent for a moment before replying. “I don’t understand your intent.”
“I apologize for prying into the sect’s secrets, but if the other successors struggle to contribute to our strength, it could lead to trouble down the road.”
“Ah, that makes sense. Don’t worry about it. There’ll certainly be some powerhouses showing up.”
Lee Kwang leaned back, relaxing in his chair. “Especially… the Thunderbolt Three Saints. They should still be alive. If they and their disciples join us, it would be tremendous.”
“Thunderbolt Three Saints?”
“They are former peak experts of the Thunder God Lineage, from the same era as my master.”
“Are they strong?”
“What can I say? They were already at the pinnacle of peak experts when I was just a child. If they’re still alive now, they’re essentially legendary figures.”
The Thunderbolt Three Saints! The legendary former experts of the Thunder God Lineage! Lee Kwang’s confidence indicated that they had to be formidable indeed. Of course, they weren’t the only survivors, and if the scattered Thunder God Lineage members united, they could form an incredible sect.
Then an idea struck me, and I said to Lee Kwang, “They seem like the type to be prideful, likely reluctant to cooperate.”
“Of course. They will likely demand to be the leaders immediately upon arrival.”
“Then…”
“You don’t need to worry about that issue.”
Lee Kwang’s tone was decidedly firm. I realized from his words that he already had a countermeasure in place for dealing with the Thunderbolt Three Saints. Mangnyang wrapped up the discussion.
“Then let’s leave it at that for now.”
After discussing a few remaining details, we dispersed. Once separated from Lee Kwang, Mangnyang called me aside to discuss something in a secluded spot.
“Baek Woong, the reason I specially called you to the meeting today was because I wanted to.”
“Huh?”
“I haven’t mentioned it before, but General Hwang Yeon and his clan are currently gathering a great army, including the North Dragon Troops, with the support of the Bancheon Alliance in Hebei province. They’re planning a major operation soon, and if that happens, I won’t be able to focus on the Thunder God Lineage alone.”
“What?!”
My heart dropped. “Oh right. That incident…”
General Hwang Yeon had been forcibly kidnapped and confined in Great Thunder Valley by the Golden Eagle Guard. Of course, I rescued him at every turn during my past life using the Golden Lamp technique, but in this life, I had been too busy with Thunder God Lineage matters to help Hwang Yeon. However, it seemed Mangnyang had still found a way to assist him.
I looked back at Mangnyang and asked, “So I have to control Lee Kwang from now on?”
“You don’t need to overthink it. You are not only a disciple of the Thunder God Lineage but also in a key position as a bridge to the Bancheon Alliance for Lee Kwang.”
“Ah.”
“In other words, when significant issues arise, Lee Kwang will share crucial information with you. However, remember that the information he provides will be filtered, so don’t let yourself be misled.”
“I understand.”
Lee Kwang would continue to treat me as just a disciple, but he wouldn’t fully trust me. Still, I would hold a unique standing among the apprentices, and I had to sift through valuable information to relay to Mangnyang. Realizing the gravity of my responsibilities, I steeled my resolve as Mangnyang continued.
“The Thunder God Lineage is bound to thrive. If they succeed in standing on their own, they could quickly surpass the True Heaven Alliance, which is the grouping of the Nine Great Sects. But you need to think carefully.”
“What do I need to think about?”
“You are overlooking a crucial fact.”
What could I possibly be overlooking? I pondered over this repeatedly. The rise of the Thunder God Lineage aligned perfectly with my ultimate goal of toppling the Imperial Palace, so I had been diligently nurturing it without a hint of doubt. Yet, Mangnyang’s sudden comment suggested there was a deeper layer here.
Then it struck me. “… The reason the Thunder God Lineage was purged by the Sect Master!”
“Exactly.”
Mangnyang praised my insight. “You’ve gained considerable wisdom now. With a little more refinement, you could become a strategist.”
“Are you implying the Thunder God Lineage also harbors evil?”
“Hmm, it’s hard to express with the word evil. But have you not noticed how tyrannical the Thunder God Lineage has seemed during its recent actions?”
“…”
That was true. The Thunder God Lineage’s approach to clearing everything in its path had been exhilarating, but it could also be viewed as indifferent to its opponents’ circumstances. In fact, I had sought mercy from Lee Kwang at the site of the Huashan Sect’s annihilation.
Mangnyang folded the Seven Fires, Seven Golds Line technique and said, “The Thunder God Lineage is powerful, but they are certainly not a benevolent sect. If they had not been purged, they would have likely boasted the most potent martial arts in the Martial Arts World, ruling over others. You must consider what the establishment of the Thunder God Lineage would mean for the Martial Arts World.”
“Lee Kwang is not someone who mistreats the weak.”
“But he’s someone capable of bending personal morality for the sake of the organization.”
“Hmm.”
Mangnyang sighed heavily. “If only my uncle Guangsheng were still alive, I would have had no qualms about leaving the Thunder God Lineage in his hands. It’s quite lamentable… At this rate, the Thunder God Lineage is in danger.”
“What do you mean by that? Does being tyrannical mean it could be too strong and cause problems?”
“Too much rigidity leads to breaking. The stronger you are, the more likely you’ll shatter. I can’t be sure how far Lee Kwang will go in negotiations with the True Heaven Alliance. Given the current climate, peppered with the Wind Spirit Sect’s reach, he might just want to force a confrontation with the True Heaven Alliance.”
“That would be excessive.”
I said with a shocked expression. While it would be entirely possible for the Thunder God Lineage to wipe out a few of the Nine Great Sects, a confrontation against the gigantic organization known as the True Heaven Alliance was on a whole different level. It was clear that experts from various orthodox sects would flock in droves to join the fray. I didn’t believe Lee Kwang would make such a foolish choice.
But Mangnyang was adamant. “You need to watch closely. And you must ensure the Thunder God Lineage doesn’t become too overconfident in its powers. If they don’t, the Thunder God Lineage may well meet destruction soon.”
“I understand. I’ll follow your advice.”
After wrapping up with Mangnyang, I went to find Miho. For some reason, Miho was chatting with Seo Mun-hye. Upon seeing me, Miho puffed her cheeks in frustration, “Hmph! Look who decided to show up, the popular guy!”
