Chapter 341
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After enjoying some delicious ginseng chicken soup, we left the White Lotus Sect and headed for the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School. By the time we arrived, Lee Kwang was already there, and he greeted us at Waryong Hall with a rather grim expression.
After hearing the recent events from Jin So-cheong, Lee Kwang shot a sidelong glance at me.
“So, Baek Woong is now a Dharma Guardian of the Thunder God Lineage?”
“Yeah.”
“Well, he certainly has the skills for it, but… I can’t figure out the Sect Leader’s motives.”
Lee Kwang mumbled away.
“So, what’s the reason you came to find me?”
“We need to show proof to the Sect Leader that we’re gathering the Thunder God Lineage. That way, he’ll reveal the secrets of the Heavenly Spirit Pill.”
“Hmm… that sounds suspicious!”
Lee Kwang said firmly, his eyes glinting with intensity.
“The Heavenly Spirit Pill is infinite internal power. Offering it to you three is an incredibly generous deal. Plus, it would completely disrupt the long-standing balance of power within the White Lotus Sect. I can’t believe that the Sect Leader would present such a condition with a clear mind.”
Lee Kwang had a point. Just then, Mangnyang, who was listening, spoke up.
“I think it’s entirely possible, Elder.”
“Why do you say that, Mangnyang?”
“Think about it. The Sect Leader, as the head of the Su Shin Sect, has every reason to keep the Fire Spirit Sect and the Wind Spirit Sect on their toes. By nurturing the Thunder God Lineage, he could alarm their powers and easily secure his own authority. Also, he might be thinking that having three or so owners of the Heavenly Spirit Pill would help boost the lagging Thunder God Lineage’s influence.”
At Mangnyang’s words, Lee Kwang looked incredulous.
“That’s absurd. Most of the successors of the Thunder God Lineage have a strong desire for revenge against the White Lotus Sect itself. Do you really think the Sect Leader would be capable of handling the variable of having three hostile owners of the Heavenly Spirit Pill? Now that the Young Master has recovered and is poised to step into the Central Plains, why would he risk such a move? That’s a wild dream talk.”
“While your reasoning is generally valid…”
Mangnyang trailed off.
“The Sect Leader has gathered information showing a very strong obsession with the Ultimate Technique of the Thunder God Lineage, which changes things.”
“What?!”
“Right now, he’s only instructed to gather the successors, but eventually, he plans to have them study the Ultimate Technique, completing the Thunder Spirit. Furthermore, I believe he intends to elevate his own martial arts through the owner of the completed Thunder Spirit.”
“……!!”
Lee Kwang’s expression revealed genuine shock. This was likely a perspective he’d never even considered before. To think that the Sect Leader, possessing unmatched martial arts in the world, would yearn for the secrets of the Thunder God Lineage and even aim to improve his own skills with it? For Lee Kwang, who had been ousted from the White Lotus Sect over fifty years ago, it was a thought impossible to grasp.
Mangnyang continued, “Also, currently, the Sect Leader’s capabilities have reached a level where dealing with three or five owners of the Heavenly Spirit Pill is well within his grasp. Even the Wind Spirit Sect’s Cheon Woo-jin has been subdued with just a finger’s press of his martial prowess, so he’s no longer merely human.”
“Is it really to that extent…?”
A low humming sound escaped from Lee Kwang’s lips, his face contorted in deep thought. Then he said, “So… that guy believes that no matter how strong our Thunder God Lineage becomes, he can handle it?”
“That’s undoubtedly true.”
“Hahaha!!”
Lee Kwang suddenly burst into laughter. He couldn’t stop for a while, and when he finally calmed down, his eyes were ablaze.
“Alright then, if he looks down on us that much, we better show him a lesson! I’ll make sure he learns that controlling our Thunder God Lineage is a delusion!!”
In contrast to his previously passive and skeptical demeanor regarding the White Lotus Sect, Lee Kwang had fully transformed into a proactive stance now. It was because he recognized the stark reality of the Sect Leader underestimating the Thunder God Lineage. As a legitimate successor of the Sect, being so disregarded brought forth an unparalleled rage in him.
‘He’s fired up.’
I sighed inwardly. With Lee Kwang in this state, no one could hold him back. His nature was to trample opponents with an unpredictable venom and ruthlessness, alongside his genius. This was his steadfastness, something he had displayed while standing alone in a chaotic martial world.
Lee Kwang soon regained his composure and said, “I’ve identified three of the Thunder God Lineage successors. I’ll gather them at the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School within seven days.”
“Excuse me, but who are they?”
“One is Geokho. He’s the rightful heir of the Soul Removal Technique, disguised as an Elder in Guanzhong. You’ve met So-cheong, right?”
Jin So-cheong smiled awkwardly.
“A very free-spirited person.”
“Another is Beom Kyun. He’s known as the Spear Master in the martial world and active in the Northern Region.”
At that, Mangnyang seemed surprised.
“The Spear Master Beom Kyun! A top-tier expert in spear techniques from the Northern Region is a successor of the Thunder God Lineage?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“Hmm… impressive.”
“The last one is in Luoyang. He’s the Guardian Warrior for the powerful minister, Eom Sung, and goes by the name Jeong Yun-bo.”
To that, Mangnyang tilted his head.
“I know Eom Sung is a treacherous minister in the court. How is it that a successor of the Thunder God Lineage has become his guardian? Plus, his name doesn’t seem to be known in the martial world…”
Lee Kwang smiled bitterly at those words.
“The reason he’s beside Eom Sung is that the dim light of the lantern keeps him safe. Being Eom Sung’s subordinate means no one dares to touch him. Moreover, Jeong Yun-bo is no mere nameless soldier.”
“Who is he then?”
“He’s a member of the Ghostly Spirit Sect and a master of the Qi Turning Fist.”
With that addition, everyone couldn’t help but express their surprise.
“His fist technique surpasses mine.”
……!!
“He simply prefers to keep a low profile and has been staying as a guardian warrior. Even Eom Sung treats him with utmost respect because he admires his skills.”
For Lee Kwang to claim that someone was superior to him! Given his usual pride, it was nearly unfathomable. Even the Sword Demon from the Shadowless Sect had been disregarded by Lee Kwang in the past, hadn’t he?
Suddenly, I could gauge Jeong Yun-bo’s martial prowess from Lee Kwang’s words.
‘A Peak Expert!’
While his overall prowess might not match Lee Kwang’s, he surely was an undisputed master of the highest tier. ‘Peak Expert’ meant he was an extreme superhuman worthy of recognition in the martial world. I was astonished because I hadn’t imagined there could be such a high-ranking successor in the Thunder God Lineage.
Having said all that, Lee Kwang had nearly revealed all his cards. So it wasn’t surprising that Mangnyang spoke up.
“Elder, we’ve also identified the whereabouts of Dokgo Seong.”
“Really?!”
“Yes. Wondering if you could go with Lee Kwang to persuade him?”
Lee Kwang happily nodded in response.
“Of course! If we can get Elder Dokgo Seong’s support, everything will become much easier.”
……
I felt a bit uneasy about how smoothly everything was progressing. It was a type of sulking emotion. Having faced so many hurdles in the past, it felt absurd to see things just fall into place effortlessly now.
What truly bothered me was that all of this was happening because Lee Kwang was cooperating willingly. This man, who would typically fly off the handle, helping us in such a straightforward manner had made everything so much clearer.
‘Damn it! You’re like a stubborn onion, peeling away layer after layer!’
What in the world was this? Even more frightening was the possibility that Lee Kwang still had more up his sleeve. I was beginning to feel less annoyed by all this and started to feel a bit jaded. Just as I was crystallizing my disbelief, Jin So-cheong spoke up.
“May I ask one thing?”
“What is it?”
“I understand that you’re sworn brothers with Elder Deung Gwak, the leader of the Clear Stream Faction.”
“Hmm, that’s right.”
“If Elder Deung Gwak were to neglect assisting the Thunder God Lineage in its time of need, what circumstances do you think would prompt that?”
Jin So-cheong seemed curious about why Deung Gwak had turned a blind eye when help was requested from the Thunder God Lineage.
……
Lee Kwang wore a surprised expression at the unexpected question. It’s not every day he’d hear Jin So-cheong ask him something along those lines. But soon, he regained his composure and answered calmly.
“It would be a case where the entire Clear Stream Faction’s self-preservation is at stake.”
“Self-preservation?”
Lee Kwang nodded.
“The Clear Stream Faction is a progressive force that believes in ruling the people according to proper political principles, resembling a perfect straight, honest government force. For a sovereign, they’re like a thorn in the eye. However, the reason the Clear Stream Faction can exist is mainly because it houses most of the capable subjects. If they were purged, governance itself would collapse, and the sovereign’s control would weaken, which forces them to begrudgingly accept the harsh truths.”
“I see.”
“Nonetheless, even so, they live under the constant threat of annihilation under the sovereign’s absolute authority. If they’re not careful, they could be labeled traitors and end up exterminated, which is why they maintain a strict code of principles and honesty. They’re always on guard because the officials and the Golden Eagle Guards are desperately trying to find their weaknesses.”
After a moment of catching his breath, Lee Kwang continued, “If Elder Deung Gwak doesn’t assist me, it must be due to an immense threat to the self-preservation of the Clear Stream Faction.”
His logically sound analysis impressed Mangnyang.
“That’s quite astounding. Few current officials have such understanding…”
“As a member of the Special Investigative Team, I see and hear a lot. But why do you ask?”
Jin So-cheong didn’t evade and answered directly.
“Actually, there’s evidence suggesting that Elder Deung Gwak is under considerable pressure from another faction in Luoyang.”
“Hmm… what faction?”
“A faction capable of branding the entire Clear Stream Faction as traitors.”
“The only one that could do that would be the Duke of Guanzhong or the Golden Eagle Guards.”
“There’s one more: the Wind Spirit Sect.”
……
After a moment’s thought, Lee Kwang seemed to realize something.
“So, those guys have joined forces with the Imperial Palace. That’s quite the nasty pairing.”
“It seems their alliance is rather solid.”
“Got it. I can break their alliance; don’t worry. It’d be an easy feat if I mobilize my connections.”
Grabbing his spear, Lee Kwang said, “So let’s move quickly. The sooner the action, the better.”
We took Lee Kwang with us and headed straight for Sichuan. Upon arriving at the Dragon King’s Valley in Sichuan, a fog-laden spectacle emerged, and Dokgo Seong soon revealed himself before us. Dokgo Seong looked quite ruffled.
“Are you all from the Thunder God Lineage? And you, aren’t you Lee Kwang?!”
Lee Kwang nodded.
“That’s right.”
“What brings you here?”
“I need your strength.”
With that, Lee Kwang begins to share the developments and the Thunder God Lineage’s plans. At first, Dokgo Seong seemed intrigued, but gradually his expression shifted to one of anger.
“Uncle!! How can you look down on the Thunder God Lineage like this?!”
Thunder crashed!
The moment Dokgo Seong’s face twisted in overwhelming rage, a bolt of lightning flashed down from the clear sky. His will surged for just an instant, and the heavens responded by calling forth a thunderous energy. This was evidence of Dokgo Seong reaching an extraordinary realm.
After a moment, Dokgo Seong calmed his feelings and stated, “Understood. I’ll do my utmost to assist you. Once we obtain the Heavenly Spirit Pill and the Ultimate Technique, we’ll definitely bring down the Sect Leader.”
“We will surely succeed.”
After joining forces with Dokgo Seong, we began to search for the successors of the Thunder God Lineage one by one, following Lee Kwang’s instructions. When we first went to the spring scene pavilion in Guanzhong, we spotted Geokho, who was already drinking during daylight.
As soon as he spotted Geokho, Dokgo Seong hollered.
“You rascal! Day drinking, are you?!”
“Wha-?!”
Geokho jolted upright, taken aback, and stumbled as he recognized the strength of Dokgo Seong’s voice and thunderous will. In that single moment, he seemed to realize that Dokgo Seong was an exceptional expert, trembling slightly.
“S-Senior?! Is that really you?”
“First, you should get rid of your drunkenness. The smell is repugnant.”
“Yes, Sir.”
Geokho summoned his internal power and expelled the alcohol from his system, losing the red hue from his face as the foul smell vanished. As Geokho scratched his head, Lee Kwang turned to him.
“Geokho. From now on, we’ll be gathering all the successors of the Thunder God Lineage.”
“What’s happening?”
Lee Kwang briefly filled him in on the situation. Geokho’s expression became rather nuanced as he replied.
“Returning to the White Lotus Sect… Isn’t that moving further away from revenge?”
“It’s like entering a tiger’s den to catch a tiger.”
“I’m not feeling it. How can I seek vengeance with the help of my foe?”
“Trust me, Geokho.”
After thinking for a while, Geokho let out a defeated sigh.
“I’d rather die. I cannot do that. No matter the circumstances, I cannot bow my head to my enemy.”
That was unexpected. The usually lighthearted Geokho exhibited such firm resolve. Miho’s assessment of him being a man of unwavering principles had proven to be spot on. Geokho’s words brought about a complex expression among the group.
Then, Lee Kwang nodded.
“I guess this is where our destiny concludes. Farewell, Geokho.”
Geokho bowed to Lee Kwang.
“Thank you, Master Lee Kwang, for everything!”
“You’re welcome.”
Whoosh!
After completing his farewells, Geokho disappeared using the Soul Removal Technique. Just like that, their connection had dissolved. This showed that neither Lee Kwang nor Geokho could find common ground, swiftly aligning their emotions.
Dokgo Seong huffed in displeasure.
“That scoundrel! Does he think no one is out for retribution? One way or another, it has to be repaid with interest.”
Lee Kwang urged, “Calm down. Every person has their own thoughts.”
With that, he turned to me and said, “Next, we head for Beom Kyun. Let’s go.”
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