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“Hmm, a revolution, you say?”

For now, I decided to stay still. “If Mangnyang’s death isn’t due to illness or overwork, it must be caused by external circumstances.”

So, I thought it’d be better to wait for some changes to occur before I made a move. In the meantime, I resolved to live my best life within the Thunderbolt Three Saints crew.

With the status as the Martial Arts World’s official ranking, the Thunder God Lineage had harshly fallen apart, diving into a reestablishment with surrounding sects. First, they made nice with the Six Great Families, while also gathering funds from nearby wealthy merchants. Essentially, they struck deals to move a few times according to the rich folks’ needs, in exchange for some funds to use in the future.

Though Lee Kwang solidified his standing in Guanzhong, he decided not to recruit disciples for the Thunder God Lineage again. Some former Azure Dragon Martial Arts students wanted to rejoin, but Lee Kwang turned them all down. After all, it was better to keep a small elite group around, especially since there was a chance of spies amongst the new recruits.

So, I formally reintroduced myself to the two among the Thunderbolt Saints, Red Moon and Green Moon. After hearing the background, Red Moon exclaimed, “You possess Wudang Sect’s secret techniques? Then show me!”

“Understood.”

In front of all the disciples of the Thunder God Lineage, I demonstrated what I had learned from the teachings of Jang Sam-bong from Wudang. Red Moon and Green Moon were left gaping in awe as they watched.

Green Moon, shaking with excitement, blurted out, “Incredible! Truly a technique of Jang Sam-bong!”

“It’s the Peerless Divine Technique!”

Red Moon mumbled, then turned to Lee Kwang, saying, “The reason you got strong is because you incorporated this Divine Arts Technique.”

“I can’t deny that.”

“That monstrosity surely did too…”

Red Moon shot a suspicious glance at Jin So-cheong. They all tried to hide it, but everyone recognized that the current strongest disciple of the Thunder God Lineage was undoubtedly Jin So-cheong. The looks that Red Moon and Green Moon gave her were that of someone gazing at a fearsome monster.

He grunted, “Hmm! But our Thunder God Lineage’s martial arts are no less impressive.”

“Who said otherwise?”

“I think we need to include that brat in the research of the Ultimate Technique.”

As Red Moon and Green Moon said this in unison, Lee Kwang nodded in agreement. “Of course, I had the same thought.”

And so, I, along with Lee Kwang, Jin So-cheong, Red Moon, and Green Moon, began researching the Ultimate Technique of the Thunder God Lineage. Although it was named a research project, we mostly discussed our previously gained insights without much actually practicing the martial forms.

Red Moon said, “It seems like you only know about Thunder Cloud Fist and Thunder Shadow Palm derived from the Thunder God Fist. How much do you know about its superior techniques?”

Lee Kwang replied, “Unfortunately, I have no idea. Skilled practitioners of the Thunder God Lineage are a rarity.”

“Hmph… If even you, the successor of the Grandmaster, doesn’t know, then what hope is there for anyone else?” Red Moon sighed deeply.

Then he continued, “I’ll share the essence of Thunder Spirit Seal and Nine Nether Qi with you.”

“Thanks.”

Green Moon interjected, “Lee Kwang! Do you perhaps know about the Magnetism Ghost Blade and Hell King’s Hand?”

“No. Those are techniques from the Ghostly Spirit Sect, aren’t they? My master didn’t even know those arts.”

“That’s right. But they are definitely part of the Thunder God Lineage too. I’ll share them with you.”

In an instant, four forbidden techniques owned by the previous masters of the Thunder God Lineage were unveiled. Even though they were desperate to uncover the Ultimate Technique, they’d casually revealed their biggest secrets! Stunned, I looked at Lee Kwang, who calmly stated, “As the Dharma Guardians are aware, all this is part of the Grand Arts Technique, but mixing everything doesn’t guarantee the Ultimate Technique will show itself.”

“That’s the problem! But we know.”

“Know what?”

“That you’ve received some insights about the perfected form of the Ultimate Technique from the Grandmaster…”

Red Moon and Green Moon stared at Lee Kwang with significant eyes, but Lee Kwang, unfazed, replied, “You’ve got quite the imagination! Let’s not waste time and get on with it.”

“Hmph.”

Training began with Red Moon and Green Moon teaching us the key points of Thunder Spirit Seal, Nine Nether Qi, Magnetism Ghost Blade, and Hell King’s Hand for three sessions each day. At the same time, Lee Kwang shared the insights he had combined from the Wudang Sect techniques. In our spare time, we discussed our experiences with martial arts, addressing strengths and weaknesses.

Joining such a group filled me with an overwhelming sense of pressure—no, even more than before. Back then, we just shared thoughts, but this time I had to engage in profound discussions with the ultimate experts of the Thunder God Lineage.

“I feel like I might very well melt…”

Fortunately, Lee Kwang seemed to consider my situation, as I was allowed to keep honing the Wudang martial arts while passing the techniques onto them. I could just listen and not push my input into the discussions.

Time passed, and about half a year went by. Our sharing of martial expertise had made considerable progress, evolving from discussions into a process where each practiced their realizations and systematized them. Of course, it seemed Jin So-cheong had gained the most achievements, actively leading our discussions due to her head start.

Red Moon and Green Moon urged me to hastily seek out Cheongwol, but Lee Kwang firmly rejected them. That was because I had informed him beforehand of the dangers around Mount Busa, and that without enough military strength, searching for Cheongwol would be futile.

Then I received news of a significant change from Mangnyang.

“You’re going to incite a rebellion?”

“Indeed.”

Mangnyang told me that finally, General Hwang Yeon had rallied forces to rebel against the current Huang Dynasty. I had anticipated this but never thought it would actually happen, prompting me to question, “Wait, weren’t you against killing the emperor? Why the sudden shift?”

“My time is running out. If things keep going this way, the emperor’s force will grow endlessly stronger. We must strike while we can.”

Mangnyang had completely recovered, and yet he seemed convinced his time was short.

“Last time you completely crushed the Imperial Guards. You’ll win again, right?”

“Hah, that would be nice. But…”

“But what?”

“I’ve heard reports of something unsettling lingering near the Imperial Palace. There could be unpredictable variables at play.”

“Don’t tell me they’ve summoned some otherworldly presence again!”

Mangnyang shook his head. “It feels different. Like something that has always existed is choosing to reveal itself… Not like the Demon King’s Ki.”

“Hmm.”

“But that doesn’t mean we can avoid inciting a rebellion. If you and the Thunder God Lineage are needed, I’ll let you know.”

Then, as if on cue, three months later, just as Mangnyang said, the revolution broke out.

General Hwang Yeon’s rebellion!

The justification was the proclamation of the Great Thunder Valley’s existence and the extreme abuse by the Duke of Guanzhong. Additionally, it seemed Mangnyang had made ample preparations through the Bancheon Alliance, resulting in even more forces gathering this time than during the Imperial Guards’ deployment. Even when numbers were low, Mangnyang’s command had led them to victory before, and this time, the outcome was glaringly apparent.

Lee Kwang gathered all the Thunder God Lineage members upon hearing the news. He declared, “I intend to assist General Hwang Yeon and Mangnyang.”

Having coordinated with Mangnyang more than ever, Lee Kwang spoke without hesitation. This meant he had agreed to form a community of shared fate with the Bancheon Alliance. Of course, no one argued against him. Only Sagong Lin quietly raised her hand and asked, “Are we tasked with intercepting the Duke of Guanzhong or the Golden Eagle Guards?”

“That’s right. Jin So-cheong and I will hold the rank of generals and command an army.”

With that, Lee Kwang glanced at Red Moon and Green Moon. “You two will handle protecting the leader of our forces.”

“Are you underestimating us? You want us to tussle with the Duke of Guanzhong and Golden Eagle Guards?”

“It’s a really important task, so I beseech you.”

“Hmph. Fine.”

The Thunder God Lineage experts joined Mangnyang’s camp the very next day.

Within days, General Hwang Yeon’s forces clashed with the Imperial Guards, leading to a grand battle. I was assigned to protect Mangnyang and took my position beside him. This time, his leadership was almost divine, and the Hwang army was falling like leaves in the autumn wind, even faster than last time.

No disciple among the Thunder God Lineage was so clumsy as to perish on the battlefield. Green Forest King Gu Cheol had always been the peak expert of the Wind Spirit Sect, and Jeonghu and Sagong Lin had significantly improved their powers over the past half year, stepping up to the ranks of peak experts. Additionally, the newly joined Seo Mun-hye also leveled up her martial arts by mixing in techniques from the Thunder God Lineage.

With loud roars and the sounds of destruction echoing everywhere, I saw Red Moon and Green Moon going wild like they were possessed. Red Moon’s strength was punches, while Green Moon’s was blades, and each strike took down Golden Eagle Guards who came to assassinate the commander.

“Hahaha!!”

The sheer skill of those two, mass-producing corpses, was spine-chilling. I felt fortunate they weren’t the enemies in this situation. As the tide of battle appeared overwhelmingly victorious, I said to Mangnyang, “We’ve won this war. I don’t see anything like a death sentence hanging over you.”

“Well… last time we won by outmaneuvering them, and then the Alchemist made his move.”

Mangnyang mumbled, “Baek Woong, I have a request. Go to Luoyang immediately and meet with Han Baek-ryeong. Bring her elite warriors from the Fire Spirit Sect here.”

“Understood.”

As soon as Mangnyang commanded, I rushed towards Luoyang, to the Han Clan. Upon seeing me, Han Baek-ryeong asked, “Have you come as a messenger of the rebels or a matter of the Thunder God Lineage?”

“The former.”

“Speak.”

“Soon, a sorcerer known as the ‘Alchemist’ will attempt to cast otherworldly techniques in the Huang capital of Luoyang. Please evacuate your clan’s experts before the disasters strike.”

“Otherworldly techniques?”

I described the curse techniques the Alchemist would use and the potential changes that could grace our fate to Han Baek-ryeong. Listening, she asked back, “Evacuate? Isn’t that just saying you want us to surrender to your side?”

“I hope you’ll consider it.”

After thinking for a moment, Han Baek-ryeong spoke, “Alright. Wait here for a short while.”

In just a brief moment, it seemed Han Baek-ryeong had gathered the Han Clan’s servants and martial artists. Among them were guests of the Han Clan, but lurking among them were many unidentified experts—likely dispatched elite masters from the Fire Spirit Sect.

After packing them all away in the Wooden Armor, I asked Han Baek-ryeong, “What will the clan leader do?”

“I plan to gather the leaders of the Twin Gate Sect for a discussion.”

“That sounds pointless…”

“If you didn’t know, that’s one thing, but if you suspect, then there’s always a method.”

Han Baek-ryeong smiled coldly.

I hopped onto the Golden Lamp and returned to where Mangnyang was. The battlefield was now fully victorious and in a stage of cleanup. I informed Mangnyang of my mission’s completion, to which he responded with a bittersweet smile.

“As expected from the Dharma Guardian of the Fire Spirit Techniques. Quite reckless.”

“What do you mean?”

“Leave it be. There might be good news coming.”

Mangnyang’s claim held truth.

General Hwang Yeon’s forces had advanced up to the Huang capital of Luoyang, but unlike before, there were no unusual fogs or ominous clouds hanging over Luoyang. This meant the Alchemist hadn’t started casting his techniques, leaving me perplexed.

About two sessions later, six or so figures appeared outside the city gates with their Light Body Techniques.

“We’ve come to surrender.”

The individuals belonged to the Twin Gate Sect leaders. They approached Mangnyang’s tent, presenting a box towards us.

As a military officer beside Mangnyang opened the box, a terrible stench of blood emanated from within, filling the tent with a vile odor. Mangnyang pinched his nose and checked the contents and addressed the Twin Gate leaders, “Is this the Alchemist’s head?”

“Indeed.”

The Master of the Great Sword Gate answered briefly.

“Knowing that he would brazenly threaten us, we prepared and teamed up to kill him.”

“Well done. You accomplished something great.”

Indeed.

After hearing about the Alchemist’s impending moves, Han Baek-ryeong must have showcased her strength and identity to the Twin Gate leaders. Then, when the Alchemist attempted to approach the Twin Gate leaders for an assassination request on General Hwang Yeon, they immediately united and struck him down.

As the martial artists’ battle power altered drastically based on whether they were prepared, the Alchemist probably didn’t even stand a chance to resist and died at the hands of the peak experts. And naturally, with the spellcaster dead, the curse and techniques were lifted.

Mangnyang, with a deeply significant smile, said, “We’re almost there. Just one more move left.”

One more move.

Making that move meant that the Huang Dynasty of the Great Ming Empire would be turned upside down.

 

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