Chapter 183
After a while, the Thunder God Clan disciples returned to the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School. Maybe it was because we had just stirred up trouble with the True Heaven Alliance, but the officials seemed to be on high alert as we passed through the main gate. Yet, they didn’t seem keen to place a bounty on our heads.
Perhaps they didn’t want to get the authorities involved in the mess we created at the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School.
Three days later, as if by agreement, a messenger from the True Heaven Alliance came to deliver a letter for a ceasefire agreement. Lee Kwang sat in his chair and read it carefully before commenting, “We don’t need to meet separately, right?”
“They said to settle it through a letter,” I replied.
“Is it from Master Wei Zhi-hun?”
“That’s right. And it represents the will of the entire True Heaven Alliance.”
Lee Kwang seemed to smirk at that.
After the messenger conveyed the message and left, I remarked, “It seems Master Wei had no influence in this matter after all.”
“Not at all. If Wei Zhi-hun had refused, no matter how powerful the Nine Great Sects are, the ceasefire agreement would have been ignored.”
“Huh? Isn’t the True Heaven Alliance controlled by the Nine Great Sects?”
Lee Kwang, having put the letter in a corner of his study, responded.
“That might be the case for an ordinary person. But Wei Zhi-hun is different. We should be thankful he holds no ill will towards us.”
“Hmm…”
Thinking back, Lee Kwang seemed to regard Wei Zhi-hun highly. Although he claimed there were many talents among the Nine Great Sects, the only ones he seemed to acknowledge were Wei Zhi-hun and Yeon Jeong-hong. He remained indifferent to any other Peak Experts mentioned. Lee Kwang clearly had standards for evaluating martial artists.
Lee Kwang stepped outside and then remarked, “It’s time we talked, Thunderbolt Three Saints.”
Just then, out of nowhere, a white figure seemed to spring forth and suddenly, two phantoms appeared in front of us.
‘Peerless Light Body Technique!’
One of them was dressed in red, and the other in green. They seemed to be about the same age as Lee Kwang, suggesting if these were the Thunderbolt Three Saints, their accomplishments must have already reached the stage of flatness.
The red-clothed phantom flicked his tongue and said, “Lee Kwang. You startled me when you suddenly made a move. You seem pretty unruly for a Thunder God Clan member.”
“Where’s Cheongwol?”
“Are we your subordinates? Why do you sound so cocky?” The red-clothed phantom, called Jeokwol, said irritably. Just his annoyance seemed to stir a powerful storm in the hall.
Crackle!
“……!!”
The flow of Formless Qi! The fact that he could move this much power with sheer willpower indicated that Jeokwol was extraordinarily skilled at an incredibly high level. He was on a tier that’s simply unmatched compared to me, who was just at the threshold of being a Peak Expert. As I swallowed hard, Lee Kwang chuckled softly.
“When the Red, Green, and Blue Thunderbolt Three Saints gather, no one can act all high and mighty in front of them. But since it’s just the two of you, what’s the question?”
Then, the green-clothed scholar-like phantom next to him laughed outright.
“Ha ha! If you weren’t the direct disciple of the elder, I would’ve cut out your tongue, Lee Kwang.”
“To cut out my tongue, you’d have to cut off your own neck first.”
“You sure know how to joke! Ha ha!”
I was taken aback by how casually they chatted.
‘Ugh.’
It was as if they were talking like old friends, yet the content was so menacing. Who could possibly claim this was a conversation between members of the same sect? Not to mention, the elderly figure in red looked like he wanted to kill Lee Kwang at any moment just from the look on his face.
After a moment, Jeokwol calmed himself and said, “Cheongwol went far away to Dongyoung.”
“Why did that person go all the way there?”
“He went to search for the Lunar Kill Technique. He judged it could stand against the abilities of the Sect Leader.”
“Hmm… the Lunar Kill Technique, huh… What’s that?”
Lee Kwang looked somewhat puzzled. It seemed like hardly anyone knew about the Lunar Kill Technique. I wouldn’t have known about it at all if it weren’t for Kamizumi Nobutsuna.
‘And the Master of the White Lotus Sect told Kamizumi Nobutsuna about the Lunar Kill Technique…’
It’s a legendary killing technique!
As I pondered the Lunar Kill Technique, Jeokwol added, “I don’t know much either. But it seems like Cheongwol went with some conviction.”
“Well, he’ll probably manage just fine. So, do you keep in touch?”
Jeokwol looked dumbfounded.
“Are you crazy? How can I stay in touch with a guy who’s in Dongyoung?”
“I was just asking when the last time you contacted him was.”
At that, Jeokwol exploded.
“You brat… Do you really want to die already?!!”
Boom!
In that moment, Jeokwol lunged at Lee Kwang. Simply put, it was the Thunder God Clan martial arts that I knew of, yet his movement was as quick as lightning. With a swift strike reminiscent of the Soul Removal Technique that charged forward, Jeokwol’s hand was instantaneously filled with formidable power aimed straight at Lee Kwang’s chest.
Tang!
In that split second, Lee Kwang merged the Thunder God Fist with the Heavenly Thunder Infinite Spear’s Absolute Slash to deflect Jeokwol’s attack. Jeokwol’s strike transformed in a flash, producing over ten variations, yet Lee Kwang deftly flowed them around as if moving in circles. After their brief exchange of a single moment, Jeokwol retreated again.
Jeokwol wore a look of bewilderment.
“This brat… has really grown strong! You handled my Thunder Spirit Technique?”
Crackle!
Around Lee Kwang’s clothes and hands were slight scorch marks. In an instant, he deflected Jeokwol’s single strike but couldn’t fully negate the overwhelming force of that Thunder Spirit Technique. Still, it was evident that Lee Kwang’s strength was on par with Jeokwol.
Lee Kwang shot back, “Since that day of disgrace, how many times have the landscape changed? I cannot afford to act recklessly with my teacher’s honor on the line.”
“Hmm…”
as Jeokwol’s eyebrows twitched, the green-clothed scholar-like figure watching from the sidelines waved his hand.
“Enough, Jeokwol. Lee Kwang’s skills are on par with ours. He qualifies as a master of the Thunder God Clan.”
“Ugh. Greenwol. You want me to recognize this brat?”
“What if I don’t? There’s no need to let unnecessary pride get in the way.”
“Well, that’s a valid point.”
Jeokwol seemed reluctantly to have dropped the ‘reform’ of Lee Kwang. On the sidelines, I felt as though I was witnessing the grand spectacle of three Peak Experts.
‘These guys are the current top figures in the Thunder God Clan.’
Jeokwol responded to Lee Kwang, “The last contact with Cheongwol was twenty years ago. He mentioned he had found a solid clue for the Lunar Kill Technique.”
“He found a clue? So why hasn’t he come to the Central Plains?”
“Well, after finding it, he probably started practicing on his own. It’s as plain as that.”
“So, what’s this last clue? Can you tell me?”
At this, Jeokwol became testy.
“Hey, brat. I get that you’re trying to act all master-like, but cut out the tone. We’ve been supporting the Thunder God Clan since you were a little brat. And now you dare to interrogate us?”
“My teacher passed down his legacy to me, and since the faction war has ended, I am now the current master of the Thunder God Clan. As such, you’re obliged to follow the commands of the master.”
Greenwol, looking amused, said, “Master? Do you think you could even follow half of your teacher’s capabilities?”
“……”
Unexpectedly, Lee Kwang, who had seemed so full of confidence, faltered at that question. He then answered honestly, “Not at all. My master was on par with the combined strength of you two.”
“Though I don’t want to judge based on skill, it seems to us that you’re still lacking. We can’t accept you yet.”
Had it been the usual Lee Kwang, he would have embraced this as a challenge. Yet it seemed he couldn’t muster that kind of bravado in front of Jeokwol and Greenwol, the extraordinary figures from the last generation.
Instead, Lee Kwang calmly asked, “What do you want to do then?”
“While we can’t acknowledge you as the master just yet, it’s true you are the closest thing to one. We’ll also lend our strength to revive the Thunder God Clan and do our best to meet your requests.”
“……”
“Furthermore, we respect your courage.”
What Jeokwol and Greenwol said was of great significance. After a moment’s thought, Lee Kwang agreed, “That works for me. But you will soon acknowledge me as the master.”
“That remains to be seen.”
After some time, the three entered Lee Kwang’s inner chamber. Sitting around the table, they seemed ready to discuss something crucial. At that moment, the seated Jeokwol shot me a glance and asked, “Who’s this kid? He’s a curious fellow.”
“My disciple.”
“Your direct disciple?”
“No.”
Jeokwol stared intently at my face.
“His internal power is at the level of a Dharma Guardian. He’s much higher than me. But why does he appear so immature?”
Lee Kwang smiled while replying, “There’s a reason for it. He’s an unrefined gem.”
“Oh, interesting.”
“Also, he has earned the right to listen to this discussion. Leave him be.”
“Fair enough.”
It seemed Lee Kwang indicated my position must have been referred by Mangnyang. And he likely persuaded them to share information about the Thunder God Clan. Due to this, I managed to stay, even in a place I should have been chased out from.
After a while, Jeokwol spoke up, “I’d like to know what’s happened.”
“Let me explain.” Lee Kwang calmly narrated the events of what transpired over a brief meal. After hearing the story, both Jeokwol and Greenwol wore expressions of contemplation. After a moment of silence, Jeokwol spoke first.
“That Leader of the Bancheon Alliance is quite the remarkable figure.”
“Indeed.”
“Good. The situation seems quite favorable. We can assist you.”
As Jeokwol cast a glance at Greenwol, Greenwol responded with a smile, “I have no objections.”
It appeared that the Thunderbolt Three Saints had firmly decided to return as guardians of the Thunder God Clan. After sipping tea, Jeokwol asked, “By the way, did the Master of the White Lotus Sect say to bring the Ultimate Technique of the Thunder God within ten years?”
“That’s correct.”
“Without any prior consultation?”
Lee Kwang replied in a dry tone, “That’s correct.”
As Jeokwol stroked his chin, he mused, “This is strange. The master is hiding something.”
“What do you mean?”
“As you know, the Ultimate Technique of the Thunder God is not yet complete, and even the perfected version hasn’t been created. Yet, to demand its completion, there’s undoubtedly a matter regarding your master involved.”
Lee Kwang muttered with a stiff expression, “As of now, it’s all just speculation.”
“What do you want to do?”
“Even if it’s not for that person, attempting it is worth a shot. Perhaps if the Ultimate Technique is completed, we might stand a chance against the master.”
“Hmm…”
Jeokwol displayed hesitance. Then Greenwol, standing beside him, added, “I oppose that. Striving for the Ultimate Technique might only benefit the master.”
“That might be the case. But right now, I can’t think of anything else to deal with the master.”
“If the Thunder God Clan continues like this as a multiple lineage, perhaps after the current master dies, the lineage may revive. The current master is known as the absolute invincible among all previous masters. Engaging head-on against him is foolish.”
Lee Kwang seemed to have sensed something in Greenwol’s words. He then narrowed his eyes at Greenwol, “You guys have formed your own faction. That’s what’s been going on, huh?”
“……”
Jeokwol and Greenwol fell silent. That indicated Lee Kwang’s speculation was not far from the truth.
“You’re saying something foolish…!!” Lee Kwang couldn’t suppress his anger, growling, “You want to wait until our enemy dies? Not even a child or an ignorant fool would say such nonsense! Out of fear of our enemy’s power, you want to wait until you grow old and die… ha ha… the Thunderbolt Three Saints have really gone downhill!”
Jeokwol answered solemnly, “Don’t you think we’re not furious? Do you think we don’t want vengeance against the Master? But as you know, the Su Shin Sect’s martial arts are too powerful and superhuman. Especially taking on the Master of the White Lotus Sect, titled the strongest among the Su Shin Sect, is impossible. Before exacting revenge, we have the duty to uphold the Teachings of the Thunder God Clan.”
“Shut up. You’re nothing but a tail between your legs.”
“What did you say?”
Wuuuuuu!
In that moment, an intense aura of righteousness erupted from both Jeokwol and Greenwol. It was a level beyond mere Formless Qi, one where they had manifested substance to freely use in attack or defense. They had become enraged by Lee Kwang’s words.
Lee Kwang wasn’t in the mood to back down either. Though he had been trying to avoid conflict since earlier, the words struck a chord in his reverse scale, prompting him to assert dominance.
I had a gut feeling.
‘If this continues, a fight is inevitable!’
If those three began to battle here, it would be chaos. The Thunder God Clan would be obliterated instantly, with no heads or tails to show for it, and I wouldn’t even find a path to alter Mangnyang’s destiny. So, I urgently interrupted and shouted, “Please, let me speak for a moment!”
At that call, the killing intent in the hall subsided for a moment. Greenwol looked at me with a blank stare and asked, “Who are you?”
“Let me introduce myself. I’m Baek Woong, a disciple of the Thunder God Clan.”
“Baek Woong, this is not the moment for you to interject.”
“Even so, just let me say one thing.”
“What…”
As Greenwol looked bewildered, I bowed towards the table and said, “All three of you are correct! But you are forgetting the most important thing.”
“……?”
The three Peak Experts of the Thunder God Clan looked shocked. Taking advantage of their slackened tension, I drove home my point.
“If I may, I’d be able to find the missing Cheongwol and bring him back.”
It was an unexpected claim that seemed completely off-topic.
However, it wasn’t entirely irrelevant; in some ways, it was crucial.
With such absurdity, they’d have no choice but to lower their killing intent and focus.
“You’d bring Cheongwol back from Dongyoung?”
“Isn’t that right, Master?”
Seeking Lee Kwang’s approval, he seemed to catch on to the direction this conversation was heading. He replied with a slightly reluctant tone, “Yes. I believe you can bring the Cheongwol of the Thunder God back within a few months.”
“……!!”
“Lee Kwang, what do you mean? Is there such ability in this Baek Woong?”
Lee Kwang responded to Jeokwol and Greenwol, “This kid possesses a mysterious ability. If you two could share any clues regarding the whereabouts of Cheongwol, we could work together to retrieve him from Dongyoung in a remarkably short time.”
“……!!”
“I can guarantee that on my teacher’s honor.”
No one cherishes the honor of a teacher more than Lee Kwang. When he invoked his master’s reputation, Jeokwol and Greenwol began to show signs of believing him. Adding on, Lee Kwang continued coldly, “Earlier, when you interrogated me, I apologize, but that was all for the Thunder God Clan. To swiftly bring back the Cheongwol will enable the revival of our Thunder God Clan. By studying the martial arts of the three guardians and the inherited martial arts of the Thunder God Clan, we can surely find the Ultimate Technique.”
“Hmmm…”
“But I can’t help but feel like you two have your own faction set up somewhere.”
Lee Kwang slammed his hand on the table, “You’re really going to wait until Cheongwol, who went to find a secret technique in Dongyoung, hears that and thinks how pathetic you two are!”
“……”
Jeokwol and Greenwol’s expressions turned mute on that remark. If Cheongwol were somewhere in Dongyoung, not returning forever, they could disregard it. But knowing there’s a way to retrieve him, they couldn’t risk bringing him back without consideration. Definitely, being sneered at by Cheongwol as an equal guardian of the Thunder God Clan would be unbearable for either Jeokwol or Greenwol.
Jeokwol cleared his throat.“Hmm. Hmmm. Fine… then we’ll assist with the Ultimate Technique.”
“Jeokwol?! I didn’t agree to that!”
“So what? Do you want to be mocked by Cheongwol?”
“Um… that’s…”
Greenwol wrinkled his brows and said, “Damn it! Fine. We’ll help complete the Ultimate Technique.”
“Thank you for your assistance.”
“If we find ourselves at risk of annihilation, know that we will back out at any moment.”
“You can do as you please.”
Thus, Lee Kwang had casually pulled Jeokwol and Greenwol into the fold of his strength.
After a moment, Jeokwol said, “The last clue Cheongwol conveyed twenty years ago regarding the Lunar Kill Technique was about the Aokigahara Forest of Mount Fuji in Dongyoung. It’s said to be an incredibly dangerous and remote area.”
“Never heard of it. So do we just head to Mount Fuji?”
“Not entirely sure. When Cheongwol transmitted this message, he mentioned that place is a Demon Realm, so if you’re going, he advised to do it with your life on the line.”
“Hmm…”
After hearing about Cheongwol’s whereabouts, Lee Kwang began to slowly recount all that had transpired with the two guardians of the Thunder God Clan. I sensed their faces gradually relaxing, and I could almost feel a hint of amusement creeping in.
‘At the end of the day, these folks are still from the same school.’
Well, considering they were the last remaining comrades of the Thunder God Clan, perhaps this amiable demeanor was only natural. After thoroughly listening to their conversation, I got up from my seat.
Once Lee Kwang finished speaking with the guardians, he assigned their lodgings. He then formally introduced Jeokwol and Greenwol to the disciples of the Thunder God Clan, who gazed in amazement yet seemed eager to treat them like elders of the sect.
Greenwol, upon seeing Gyeongho, remarked,“So you’re the successor of the Soul Removal Technique?”
“Indeed.”
“That Zhang Huan fellow… he just couldn’t shake off those who were pursuing him, could he?”
“Do you know my Master?”
Greenwol smirked, “Of course. That friend was the foremost expert in Light Body techniques among the Thunder God Clan…”
“Oh…”
“Since you’ve carried on Zhang Huan’s legacy, it shouldn’t cease. So long as his martial arts remain, he will continue to live on.”
Greenwol’s words seemed mundane, yet there was something that stirred within the listener’s heart. Gyeongho’s expression quivered for a moment before he steadied himself and said firmly, “I will certainly carry on my Master’s will.”
With this, I realized that the Thunder God Clan was now fully set on its course. With its current strength, an incredibly powerful elite sect had been born. Simultaneously, I recalled Mangnyang’s earlier words.
‘What steps will the Thunder God Clan take in the future…’
After a brief moment of consideration, I shook my head. With such powerful foes right before me, the only option left was to train harder and defeat them. Concern over the future of the Thunder God Clan seemed rather foolish.
Then I called for both Mangnyang and Miho. Using my medical skills, I had been combining Qi treatments and acupuncture for Mangnyang during this period, so he had started to feel much better. As for Miho, she had barely anything to do and was just playing around as the young disciple of the Thunder God Clan.
As I recounted my encounter with the guardians of the Thunder God Clan, Mangnyang remarked, “I have heard of Mount Fuji’s Aokigahara Forest.”
“And I have too,” Miho chimed in.
We exchanged glances, and Miho narrowed her eyes to speak, “That Aokigahara Forest near Mount Fuji… it’s certainly a Demon Realm. It’s a place where the strongest monsters and demons in Dongyoung gather.”
“What? So it’s such a dangerous place?”
“I just don’t understand the man Cheongwol. I, even I, can’t step into that forest because I’m unsure of the powerful monsters that may reside there. How could a mere human seek martial arts training in a Demon Realm like Aokigahara?”
Miho’s expression became serious. It seemed Aokigahara Forest was indeed a perilous location. Scratching my head, I asked, “What do you think will happen if I go there with my current abilities?”
“Hmph. That’s quite the absurd statement. You likely wouldn’t even make it ten li before being devoured by some nameless great demon pack. If you ran into something like Shouker or Tsuchigumo, you wouldn’t even have a bone left to recover.”
“……”
That was a bit harsh to swallow.
“To put it into perspective, that Demon Realm is like a pit of decay. The magic energy that used to permeate Dongyoung has been collected into that one place by the Yin-Yang clan, resulting in a multitude of powerful monsters utterly contrary to what naturally exists. You won’t find another such dangerous site in the Central Plains or Goryeo.”
“Why did those Yin-Yang folks perform such a deed?”
Miho retorted angrily, “They probably thought it better to collect the devilry in one place rather than let it flood the world. Given how unusually strong the magical energy is in Dongyoung, it makes sense.”
After some nervy comments, Miho added, “Baek Woong. I’m absolutely against you going to Aokigahara Forest. Whatever excuse you make, avoid it at all costs. You should stay away from throwing your life away.”
“Got it.”
Mangnyang chimed in, “Now, what you have left to do is train diligently.”
“Of course, I’ll give it my all.”
I was confident about Mangnyang’s current condition as a physician. Up until now, he had appeared significantly weak and weary, but that was no longer the case. Thanks to my medical treatment and effort, Mangnyang had recovered remarkably well from his overexertion, and his burdens had lightened. If he could hold out for another month without issues, Mangnyang would be fully restored.
What weighed on my mind was the existence of the divine fate. This could manifest due to poor health and limits finding their way, or an inevitable fate could seal a life in an unforeseen accident. If I restored Mangnyang’s health, it was possible that unforeseen circumstances could snatch his life away.
Therefore, once I parted from that spot, I secretly asked Miho, “Miho… is there really no way? Even if it’s not the Taishan Duke Ritual, is there a way to extend Mangnyang’s life?”
“… I told you. If there were such a convenient way, why would Qin Shi Huang have sought immortality?”
I kneeled before Miho, pleading, “I’m really sorry. But I must save Mangnyang. I can’t just let him die like this.”
“……”
Miho wore a visibly contemplative expression. After a while of tossing a pine cone back and forth, she said, “There’s not absolutely no way.”
“Oh! Do you have a method?”
“Destiny is the path set by heaven. What it means, say, is that Mangnyang possesses the power to determine fate. In other words, Mangnyang can have the divine right to dictate what’s fated to that extent.”
“Hmm… But it’s unlikely Mangnyang would want to see me.”
“Find offerings.”
Miho said decisively. “Mangnyang is one with a spirit above humans. He cannot refuse anyone who wishes to dedicate an offering to him without reason. If you present him with an offering capable of extending his life, he would be inclined to determine the fate of his lifespan.”
“Could offerings be the Water Element Divine Sword, or those like the Portrait Immortal or Crystal Stele I offered before?”
Perhaps I could save him by requesting offerings! Miho sighed, seeing how thrilled I became.
“Hah… you idiot. Why would you be elated over such an improbable situation?”
“What’s so bad about it?”
“If there were methods so easy, why did Mangnyang sacrifice his life to ask for the Blessing of the Sky? Mind you, keep in mind that elements like the Water Element Divine Sword, Portrait Immortal, or Crystal Stele are truly immeasurable treasures for sorcerers.
“Essentially, they’re akin to a treasure worthy of an immortal. Just think of the fact that Mangnyang spoke of finding it inadequate even after receiving such offerings.”
“……!!”
“Determining fate isn’t something that can switch simply. The already confirmed short lifespan of Mangnyang is probably due to the blessings of Xiang Yu, and you would need to pay several times more than the original offering to overturn that.”
“What kind of offering would be needed?”
As I dazedly questioned, Miho’s eyes widened. “When accounting for a shift through forbidden methods, we’d be looking at the cost of at least seven hundred thousand lives…”
“……”
“Even if you consider using sorcery materials, you’d need at least a few treasures. Of course, how difficult it is to acquire treasures goes without saying.”
I thudded down to my seat.
Are we genuinely unable to do anything about Mangnyang’s death? Am I just going to have to stand by as he dies? As I was wallowing in despair, Miho remarked as if she just didn’t get it, “Baek Woong. If neither I nor Mangnyang die, but you do, there’s no point, right? Why are you so fixated?”
“I know, I know, but… how can I just stand by and watch someone die?!”
“Mangnyang has already come to terms with his own death, yet ironically, it is you who acts like this, which is humorous.”
After coldly commenting, she turned her head away. “I don’t want to discuss any further today. You can sulk about it and figure things out.”
With that, she vanished using her transformation technique.
It wasn’t that Miho was entirely angry; it seemed she simply disliked my sluggishness.
I understood what Miho meant. Naturally, having heard about my past life, Mangnyang was looking out for my future, even after he dies. I merely needed to accept that plan. It was undoubtedly the most rational action.
But knowing and feeling are two different things.
No matter what, how could I simply watch my most trusted companion die…!!
I bit my teeth and racked my mind. I thought hard enough that it felt like my head was about to burst. That day, I locked myself away in my room, pacing back and forth as I contemplated what the best course of action would be.
‘What can I offer Mangnyang?’
I thought of the Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng, but that didn’t seem plausible. It was merely a potent object, but its value in sorcery didn’t appear to be high. Black and White Lotus had spirit power, but I doubted it could match the worth of seven hundred thousand lives.
While I was lost in thought, something clicked.
“……!!”
This might work!
“… I hope this is okay.”
I smiled weakly.
This was a must-do. If this was the only option available, then I had no choice.
