---

“`html

0182 ———————————————-

Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors

With Bright Dragon and Master of Zen standing before her, Jin So-cheong remained remarkably composed. It was clear she had reached a level where she could remain unfazed by the enemy’s strength. The peerless masters around her seemed equally intrigued by this fact.

“What a remarkable fellow. Are all those from the Thunder God Lineage such monsters?”

As Bright Dragon murmured this, Jin So-cheong couldn’t help but let out a soft chuckle.

“That’s not the case. Let’s not keep an eye on each other unnecessarily.”

The Shaolin Master who was standing next to her added, “It seems this is a matter concerning the Wudang Sect and the Thunder God Lineage, so Bin Seung should step back for a moment.”

With that, his form subtly shifted towards the entrance. It appeared he was intentionally avoiding involvement, but in truth, he was taking up a position to cut off a possible retreat and get ready for a joint attack if necessary. Even a Shaolin Master was still a member of Jianghu.

Bright Dragon turned to me and asked, “So, you can really use the Cave-Collapsing Sword and Heavenly Contraction Sword?”

It seemed earlier, alongside Cheongpungja, the three of them weren’t merely discussing but were attempting Thousand Mile Voice Technique towards Bright Dragon from afar. Without it, such a direct inquiry wouldn’t arise. I nodded.

“They’ve witnessed it with their own eyes.”

As Bright Dragon turned around, Wudang’s leader, Cheongpungja, announced with authority, “Yes, Master. This Baek Woong has mastered the Wudang Sect’s Ultimate Techniques.”

“Hmm…”

Bright Dragon hummed thoughtfully before speaking, “Then accept the conditions! What are you hesitating for?”

At that, Cheongpungja displayed a puzzled expression.

“Master, the Thunder God Lineage has currently been designated as an enemy of Jianghu, and they recently annihilated the Huashan Sect. Furthermore, there’s a high probability they’re connected to the White Lotus Sect. Engaging in negotiations with such demons would tarnish our sect’s honor.”

Hearing Cheongpungja’s words, Bright Dragon let out a cold laugh.

“Hmph… Very well, then, little one.”

“Are you referring to me?”

“Yes.”

I was taken aback. Bright Dragon appeared to be just a small child, even younger than me, who was already approaching adulthood, yet he was calling me a little one! However, in the presence of a Half-Transition Master, I couldn’t respond but listened intently.

“Do you have any rebuttals to Cheongpungja’s words?”

“Of course I do.”

I calmly delivered the response I had prepared ahead of time, “Firstly, the designation as an enemy of Jianghu is likely due to the destruction of several sects attributed to us. However, that blood incident was not caused by us, nor was it necessary to arouse suspicion before instigating the sect conflict.”

Cheongpungja shouted in anger, “That’s just a situation! In reality, the martial arts of the Thunder God Lineage have been forced upon the victims.”

“You seem to be entirely unaware that you’ve branded us as part of the White Lotus Sect while knowing nothing of its ways.”

“What are you talking about?”

“The White Lotus Sect consists of the Four Great Families — Thunder God Lineage, Su Shin Sect, Fire Spirit Techniques, Wind Spirit Sect. The Thunder God Lineage was exiled from the White Lotus Sect over half a century ago but had been together for over a thousand years before that. For that reason, the foundational martial arts between the Four Great Families are similar, and basic natural spirit energy can be mimicked.”

Woosh!

As soon as I finished speaking, I summoned wind with my hands. Although it lacked lethality, it was undoubtedly a demonstration of Wind Spirit Energy. After hearing the explanation from Lee Kwang, I had practiced during my spare time and acquired this technique in a short span. Seeing the Wudang disciples murmuring in awe at my display of Wind Spirit Energy, I continued.

“This is Wind Spirit Energy. An expert of the Thunder God Lineage can wield basic Wind Spirit Energy, and the Fire Spirit Sect’s masters at a licensed level can utilize Thunder Spirit Technique.”

“Hmm.”

“On whose word have you concluded us as villains? The Thunder God Lineage likely wasn’t well-known in Jianghu before the blood incident. Who could possibly pinpoint our martial arts so precisely?”

Silence fell as Cheongpungja, with a strained expression, seemed to contemplate my words. I didn’t stop there and continued speaking.

“The reason we’ve been designated as an enemy of Jianghu is precisely because of the actions of the Wind Spirit Sect. We merely practiced justifiable defense against their unprovoked first strike. The massacre of the Huashan Sect happened because it was the Wind Spirit Sect’s base in the Central Plains.”

“Did you think I would easily believe such a tale?”

“Why would you not believe it?”

“The Huashan Sect has been incorporated into the Nine Great Sects for over ten years, and the Azure Dragon Sword master Yong Junil has attained a reputation as an outstanding orthodox expert. The martial arts he learned connect directly to the Huashan Sect’s disciplines, which the sect leaders have already verified. You cannot just dismiss everything based on your claims!”

At that, I chuckled softly and said, “But you must be harboring doubts about the Huashan Sect’s remarkably potent martial arts. You must have witnessed various godly abilities that couldn’t simply stem from the normal skills of Huashan’s ways. Additionally, you’re likely aware that there are martial arts of an unknown origin as well.”

That was the part that Mangnyang had pointed out to me.

…

Continuing on, I stated firmly, “Listen closely. The historical background of the Wind Spirit Sect, one of the Four Great Families of the White Lotus Sect, also spans a millennium. Their martial arts far surpass the fundamentally orthodox arts of the Huashan Sect, so blending in their insights to make them subordinate is no challenge at all. If you’re a true master of Muwak, you should be able to recognize that.”

“Furthermore, we can validate this with the White Lotus Sect’s master. We can genuinely confirm whether the Huashan Sect belongs to the Wind Spirit Sect or not.”

“Is… that really true?”

“Indeed.”

This was somewhat of an exaggeration. I wasn’t entirely certain whether the White Lotus Sect’s master would genuinely authenticate this. However, from the perspective of the White Lotus Sect’s master, the Bancheon Alliance has become a significant entity searching for a cure for their son’s strange illness, thus weighing it mightily against the Wind Spirit Sect. So while it was a bit of a bluff, it wasn’t entirely deceitful either.

Just then, the Bright Dragon, who had been quietly listening, interjected.

“So you’re saying you were merely the victims of an unprovoked attack, and that it’s really the Huashan Sect and the Wind Spirit Sect that should be declared as enemies of Jianghu, and that the annihilation of the Huashan Sect was also an act of justifiable defense?”

“Indeed, oh wise one! We have evaded mass slaughter while breaking free from the encirclement of the True Heaven Alliance, focusing entirely on self-defense. If we truly are enemies of Jianghu, why would we have acted in this manner?”

“Hmm… There are many crafty folks in Jianghu, so your words are not easily accepted. But I also have a question for you.”

The Bright Dragon leaned back comfortably in his seat and said, “So you of the Thunder God Lineage originally belonged to the White Lotus Sect? Therefore you are potential threats to the Central Plains Martial World? How do you respond to that?”

I answered without hesitation, “Threats? You really overestimate yourselves.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“Your True Heaven Alliance is not the enemy of the White Lotus Sect. An enemy is one who must fight until death against each other, right?”

I glared at the Wudang masters seated nearby.

“However, if the White Lotus Sect had truly harbored such intentions, it would have annihilated the True Heaven Alliance in half a year, placing the entire eight regions under its control. The only reason the True Heaven Alliance remains standing as the foremost power in Jianghu is that the White Lotus Sect has no desire to invade the Central Plains!”

“……!!”

This remark seemed to cause Cheongil and Cheonggyun nearby to bristle with indignation and shout out loud.

“You! How dare you insult Wudang!”

Suddenly, Cheongil’s tremendous energy intertwined with the five-colored powers released from Cheonggyun’s palms and surged forth. It was likely a form of Huangshan Soft Palms, and its power unleashed by a peak expert was sufficient to tear my body apart.

Ugh!

I hesitated for a moment contemplating whether to evade or not, but ultimately froze in place. This was because I saw Bright Dragon’s form moving just prior.

Bam!

Bright Dragon moved with a single palm, sweeping lightly as Cheongil’s and Cheonggyun’s powers disappeared into thin air. He glared at them and yelled, “Fools! How dare you lay hands on a messenger?!”

“M-Master!”

“What you do is the true embarrassment of Wudang. Kneel!”

“Yes!”

Upon receiving Bright Dragon’s order, Cheongil and Cheonggyun knelt beside him. It was a comical sight to see such white-haired peak experts in such a bowing position, but this only illustrated the sheer power and authority Bright Dragon wielded.

With a sigh, he continued, “Hoo… Cheongpungja. You and I both know that what the young man says is not incorrect, right?”

In response to Bright Dragon’s inquiry, Cheongpungja nodded darkly.

“Indeed, Master. It’s a fact that we cannot handle the strength of the White Lotus Sect.”

Bright Dragon turned to me and remarked, “But if so, does that mean the Thunder God Lineage qualifies as enemies of the White Lotus Sect?”

“Of course!”

I replied resolutely, “We just negotiated with the master of the White Lotus Sect before the recent sect conflict! Under the premise that we achieve a certain condition within a decade, we have ensured the independence of the Thunder God Lineage in the Central Plains. This is pretty much proof that we are indeed qualified to stand against the White Lotus Sect.”

“And what is that condition?”

“Apologies, but I can’t disclose the conditions until they are accepted.”

Bright Dragon pondered for a while before saying, “Let’s accept the conditions.”

“Master!”

“You know the current declaration of Jianghu is largely meaningless. And entangled with the White Lotus Sect, we can’t allow ourselves to be shackled by empty names. A time will come when strength will be the only means of survival.”

Even though Bright Dragon’s appearance was that of a young child, his words carried an air of profound wisdom. Perhaps because he sensed it, Cheongpungja said nothing further and nodded in agreement.

“I will follow your request, Master.”

Bright Dragon smiled, “But you too must grant us a condition.”

“What is it?”

“Starting now, you must stay with our Wudang Sect and pass on all the techniques. Isn’t that fair?”

I almost agreed but suddenly thought of Mangnyang. Time was running out for him, and I needed to take care of him with my medical skills to extend his life. Wasting time with the Wudang Sect would only pose more difficulties.

“Right now, that’s not possible. But I shall surely return later to pass on the teachings.”

“That won’t do.”

Bright Dragon shot me an icy glare.

“I don’t know how urgent your situation is, but there’s no set time for you to arrive here. Isn’t it more crucial for you to stay now and pass on your techniques?”

“It’s absurd that Wudang can’t trust me enough.”

“Stop your nonsense. It’s not an area meant for negotiation, but we’ve made quite a large concession, haven’t we? You are the ones trying to take advantage of us.”

Despite Bright Dragon’s valid point, I faced a dilemma, and then Jin So-cheong took a step forward.

“I can stake my honor as a martial artist on this. My disciple will keep his promise.”

“Of course, he will try to uphold it. But when will it be?”

“My disciple will come to share the martial arts teachings with Wudang within three years at the latest.”

“How convenient for you to say that. What will happen if it reaches beyond three years?”

Jin So-cheong answered firmly, “By then, I shall offer my life at the Wudang Sect.”

“……!!”

What did he just say?!

I was shocked and sent a secret message to Jin So-cheong.

[Brother, what are you talking about?]

[I heard Mangnyang’s time has about two years left. Even if I extend his life, this should suffice.]

[That’s not what I meant! Why are you wagering your life?]

[No one would believe me unless I offered my life. This way is better.]

[But…]

[Don’t worry. This is the best plan.]

As we conversed through secret messages, Bright Dragon crossed his arms and seemed lost in thought. He eventually rested his chin on his hand and spoke.

“You are Jin So-cheong, right? I dare say you are an extraordinary genius who comes once in two hundred years. I have never seen or heard of a talent quite like yours.”

“You’re too kind.”

“But you would offer your life? Do you mean that?”

“A man should speak only once.”

“… Very well, I shall take you at your word.”

Thus we entered negotiations with the Wudang Sect. Our demand was that the Wudang Sect would strive to inform the True Heaven Alliance about the events while also working toward coexistence, and the Wudang Sect’s demand was that I would return within three years to hand over the techniques. Despite Bright Dragon’s wish for me to stay now, he seemed to show consideration for the busyness of the Thunder God Lineage.

Once the negotiations concluded and we prepared to leave, the Shaolin Master addressed Jin So-cheong.

“Excuse me, but are you not the child of General Jin Cheon-hwi?”

He halted.

Upon hearing this, Jin So-cheong stopped in her tracks. She then replied softly, “Why do you ask that?”

“Bin Seung received much aid from General Jin Cheon-hwi. His cunning in the heavens saved my life once. And you, child, bear a striking resemblance to him from his youth…”

Jin So-cheong remained silent for a moment, contemplating, until she finally spoke.

“Unless you are not with us in the Thunder God Lineage, this is not something you should reference.”

“Of course…”

The Shaolin Master almost seemed to know for certain and responded with a smile, “Namu Amitabha.”

We left the Wudang Sect and returned through the Golden Lamp technique to the Thunder God Lineage’s abode. When we arrived at the temple where the Thunder God Lineage resided, Jeonghu greeted us warmly.

“You’ve arrived, brothers!”

“And the others?”

“They are in individual training.”

Shortly after, we joined Lee Kwang and Mangnyang in a meeting room and shared the events that transpired. Upon hearing everything, Lee Kwang grinned with satisfaction.

“Well done, Baek Woong. Looks like we’ve managed to breathe a sigh of relief.”

“Thank you.”

Lee Kwang’s smile indicated just how significant this negotiation was. Without the mediation from the Wudang Sect, it was hard to estimate how much bloodshed we’d have to endure with the True Heaven Alliance. Mangnyang seemed to have consolidated himself during that time, looking somewhat revitalized. After a sip of warm tea, he remarked.

“You should prepare to return to the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School at the right time. At the appropriate moment, the True Heaven Alliance will send someone my way.”

“That’s my intention.”

Lee Kwang observed Mangnyang intently before asking, “From here on, things will be critical. How do you plan to move after the ceasefire negotiations with the True Heaven Alliance?”

“In my opinion, I believe the Thunderbolt Three Saints are already lurking near the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School.”

“What makes you think so?”

“They likely align with our thoughts. Now that they have confirmed the Thunder God Lineage’s strength, they’re probably just waiting for the right moment to join forces.”

Mangnyang waved the Seven Fires, Seven Golds Line.

“The issue lies in the possibility that even after their arrival, we might not have mastered the Ultimate Technique of the Thunder God Lineage…”

“In that case, we’ll have no choice. We can only wait and endure for another ten years while hoping for other masters of the Thunder God Lineage to join us.”

“……”

Mangnyang gazed silently at Lee Kwang, then posed a question.

“May I inquire, what if the White Lotus Sect’s master proposed accepting revenge on the Wind Spirit sect in exchange for calling the Thunder God Lineage into play?”

Mangnyang’s question felt plausible enough to make Jin So-cheong and Extreme Tiger flinch. It seemed they had considered such a scenario. Lee Kwang, however, answered resolutely, dismissing even the notion.

“No!”

“So you’d have to take on the Master of the White Lotus Sect as well to feel fulfilled?”

“That’s nonsense. Even the power of the Wind Spirit Lineage alone failed to bring down the peak Thunder God Lineage. My master was twice as strong as Yong Junil. The Thunder God Lineage was expelled solely because the Master of the White Lotus Sect chose to cleanse it.”

Lee Kwang clenched his fist and stated, “The source of all evil lies with the Master of the White Lotus Sect! As long as he exists, there’s no future for the Thunder God Lineage.”

“Then why do you think the Thunder God Lineage was expelled?”

Inwardly, I thought Mangnyang was delving too deeply. After almost killing him once, it felt reckless for Lee Kwang to be so bold! I anxiously wondered if he would radiate killing intent once more, but surprisingly, Lee Kwang answered calmly, “That’s something I can’t ascertain.”

“You don’t know?”

“Exactly. In fact, my master, Dharma Guardian of the Thunder God Lineage, was extremely close with the White Lotus Sect’s master. One day, out of the blue, he received a severe injury while facing him, and that day marked the scattering of the Thunder God Lineage.”

“Hmm…”

“It matters not why the master expelled the Thunder God Lineage. Countless masters were sacrificed as a result, along with the ruin of their lives. The Master must pay for the sins of that day.”

“Understood. Then we have no choice but to strike against the White Lotus Sect.”

Mangnyang replied confidently, and continued, “But now I also need you to grant me a favor. Since we have settled the Thunder God Lineage issues, it must be right to help with matters concerning the Bancheon Alliance as well.”

“What kind of help do you need?”

“Assassination!”

Lee Kwang fell silent. He then seemed to implicitly agree and asked, “Who should be assassinated?”

Mangnyang’s eyes sparkled with intent, though the look was a bit vacant. “The Lord of the Golden Eagle Guard, Lord of Inner Imperial Pavilion Zhuge Bu, and the Alchemist.”

“……!!”

“You must take down these three.”

Lee Kwang fell silent and seemed to ponder for a moment. It appeared that the deliberation didn’t concern possibility or impossibility but rather the most efficient methods. Sure enough, Lee Kwang’s response came back with remarkable accuracy.

“At least a year will be needed. Given two years, we would have an 80% success rate.”

“It must be done within a year.”

“Is such haste truly necessary?”

“Yes. As we grow stronger, so do they. It may already be too late to act.”

“Hmm… I shall consider it.”

After wrapping up the discussion between Lee Kwang and Mangnyang, I turned to Mangnyang as if to interrogate him, “Mangnyang, what do you mean?! Zhuge Bu is your brother, isn’t he?”

Indeed, he was also known as the treasure of the Central Plains, the Lord of Inner Imperial Pavilion, a peerless master, and sorcerer, Zhuge Bu. He was a member of the Zhuge Clan, and Mangnyang’s elder brother, Zhuge Hyun. It was shocking to see Mangnyang request help in assassinating his own brother.

Mangnyang solemnly responded, “I have no choice. I don’t wish to kill my brother, but it has become an unavoidable task.”

“What do you mean?”

“If my uncle, Zhuge Sa, were alive, even if I were to die, I could still team up with you to strategize against him. However, the Thunder God Lineage lacks the strength to contend with the forces of the Imperial Palace that Zhuge Bu commands. We must eliminate him while the strength of the Imperial Palace is still weak.”

Mangnyang coughed and added, “Moreover, they’ve likely already created a new Portrait Immortal. The same method will not work twice. This time, instead of merely containing him, we need to eliminate him for good to avoid future troubles.”

“Aren’t you being overly cautious? Both the Lord of the Golden Eagle Guard and Zhuge Bu are inherently weaker than the Dharma Guardian of the White Lotus Sect.”

In my eyes, the biggest hurdle in this life would be the White Lotus Sect. Of course, it wasn’t absolutely necessary to fight the White Lotus sect, but the sheer might of the White Lotus Sect seemed capable of swallowing the Imperial Palace whole. So for the time being, I thought there was no need to worry about them, yet surprisingly, Mangnyang regarded the Imperial Palace as a significant threat.

Margnyang sat down and relaxed, then said, “You too must be aware that the Wind Spirit Sect collaborates with the Imperial Palace.”

“Indeed. That Dragon Person we mentioned earlier from Mount Huang was likely the work of the Alchemist.”

“The fear of the Imperial Palace lies not within the sheer martial powers of its individuals. They can dramatically alter the outcome of a battle with the powers of otherworldly evil gods using external techniques. Moreover, the fact that Zhuge Bu has allied with the Imperial Palace serves as evidence of this.”

“What do you mean?”

“As I mentioned before in my previous life, Zhuge Bu is exceptionally intelligent. So rather than stirring up trouble when certain defeat seems imminent, he naturally joins the winning side. What do you think that indicates?”

My expression hardened at that remark. Mangnyang sighed. “Zhuge Bu realized long ago that the Imperial Palace has some ace up their sleeves to defeat the White Lotus Sect. That’s ultimately why we need to topple the Imperial Palace swiftly.”

“`

 

---