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“Wait, what?!”

Following Yongbi-cheon led us straight to Binju in Shandong. This place felt completely different from Qingdao, where I had been before, and it was frankly confusing.

“Why not Qingdao instead of Binju?”

“You dolt! Qingdao is swarming with eyes and martial factions. We can’t just waltz in there! Everyone and their mother will be gathering intel on us!” Yongbi-cheon scolded me.

“But if that’s the case, can’t we just hit the road?” I grumbled.

“Shut it and follow me! You’ll see!”

Grumbling internally, I followed Yongbi-cheon, wondering what master plan he had to justify this detour.

After using his mysterious techniques to keep up, it seemed like he was impressed with my stamina. “Impressive internal power! You kept up with me all day and night from Jangryeong Valley?”

“Hmph! Didn’t want to fall behind, did I?”

“We’re here.” Yongbi-cheon announced as we landed near a deserted fishing village. Compared to Qingdao, this place was the epitome of rural poverty – no large ships or bustling trade, just a few dinghies bobbing in the water.

“How are we going to get to Goryeo on those tiny boats?” I asked incredulously.

Without responding, Yongbi-cheon let out a long whistle. Suddenly, a massive ship began to approach from a distant rocky isle.

“Whoa!”

This ship was even bigger than the military craft I’d seen under Ahn Hyeon’s command! It had black sails and was gliding toward us with impressive speed.

As it got within fifty paces, someone demonstrated incredible light body techniques to rush in our direction.

Wow, this person moved like a ghost, hardly making a sound. I could never manage that level of finesse with my Melhonn Technique!

As my eyes adjusted, I recognized the face before me. “Father! I’ve been waiting!”

When Yongbi-cheon’s son greeted me, it was clear he was pleased. “Good. Let’s go.” The identity of the person standing before me was none other than Yong Junil, the leader of the Huashan Sect and Yongbi-cheon’s son!

Staring at the giant ship, I couldn’t help but exclaim, “It’s bigger than a warship… building that must have cost a fortune!”

Yong Junil smirked at me. “So you’re the new Dharma Guardian of the Thunder God Lineage?”

“Baek Woong,” I introduced.

“I’m Yong Junil from the Wind Spirit Sect. To answer your question, that ship was funded by pure wealth from the Wind Spirit Sect. It’s called the Ink Wind.”

“……”

I let out a low hum. ’They built something like that with just a sect’s resources?’

Creating ships is exceptionally costly, let alone outfitting it with gear that must have run into the hundreds of thousands! That kind of wealth is beyond what an average person could earn in a lifetime.

The Wind Spirit Sect had amassed wealth comparable to the Fire Spirit Techniques.

‘Well, didn’t the Eight Demons of the Demon Path and Shura Sect gobble up everything under the sun? So, this isn’t so surprising…’

As I pondered this, Yong Junil smiled. “You’re as skilled as the rumors say. Let’s get along.” I nodded curtly.

“Wind and Thunder don’t exactly coexist peacefully. We’ve got plenty of reasons not to be chummy after what happened when you kicked the Thunder God Lineage out.”

“Hmph! It seems you don’t hold a deep grudge against them.”

“What do you mean?”

“Don’t be so prickly. We’re going to have to work together anyway, so why not set our emotions aside?” Just like that, he hopped onto the Ink Wind with Yongbi-cheon, using his light body technique for a smooth entry.

It was likely that there wasn’t a dock nearby due to shallow waters, making it hard for the ship to dock.

With no other option, I followed suit onto the ship, feeling a strange discomfort as if Yong Junil had read my mind.

‘His gaze? His tone? What did he perceive? Or was it just a lucky guess?’

Yong Junil’s words hit close to home, and I couldn’t quite discern whether he was just fishing for info or throwing a curveball. I realized that he was a much sharper individual than I had anticipated.

One thing was for sure: Yong Junil was a genius overflowing with talent to be leading the Wind Spirit, especially since he was also the Huashan Sect’s master. When two clans’ techniques were being learned simultaneously, it was a tough feat. Mastering both and excelling at them meant his talent was undeniable!

“Set sail!”

Moments later, the Ink Wind sliced through the waves quickly. I realized that each crew member was also an expert in Wind Spirit techniques, and the ship’s speed was much faster than the warship I’d traveled on before. I was highly confident that we’d reach our destination just as swiftly as leaving from Qingdao.

“Baek Woong, right?”

As I stood on deck lost in thought, Yong Junil approached me. I shot him a wary glance, and he responded with a chuckle.

“You’re quite the unique character. I get why the Sect Leader finds you fascinating.”

“Don’t talk to me casually.”

“No big deal. I just thought to share intel from our mission. My father mentioned you hadn’t been briefed before.”

I silently scrutinized him, and Yong Junil continued.

“The site we’re meeting the Twelve Joules isn’t the Sacred Altar where they usually hang. That’s too far out; it’s Shen Yang.”

“Shen Yang…?”

“Essentially the heart of Liaoning Province.”

He pressed on, “It’s practically neutral territory between the Central Plains and Goryeo. Plus, while the Twelve Joules have a stronghold there, it’s easier to escape than to meet at the Sacred Altar.”

“Is that what you discussed in advance with the Twelve Joules?”

“Yes.”

He gazed across the horizon. “The Twelve Joules are also aware we hold considerable sway in the Central Plains. The spies they planted in Luoyang are always at work gathering intel.”

“Twelve Joules’ spies!” I recalled hearing about these during whispers of the Sword Demon’s tales. Speculated to be equal in prowess to the Three Masters and an overseeing eye on the Twelve Joules.”

“So why didn’t you acquire the Heavenly Spirit Pill?” I asked curiously.

“Hmm?”

“You seem incredibly skilled. You might even surpass Yongbi-cheon there, yet you don’t possess the Heavenly Spirit Pill?”

Yong Junil appeared taken aback for a moment, as if my question had struck a nerve.

After a brief pause, he chuckled mysteriously, “You’re quite the perceptive one. Just when I think I’ve pegged you, you throw another curveball.”

“Just answer my question.”

“To clarify, I might have surpassed my father’s skills in some areas, but that doesn’t mean I could inherit the Heavenly Spirit Pill. The Sect Leader has decided that only one person shall possess it to maintain the balance among techniques.”

“I see…”

Before I could respond, Yong Junil erupted into laughter. “I envy you for receiving divine power so easily… hahahaha!”

Divine power? “Wait a minute, does he know what the Heavenly Spirit Pill really is?”

In that instant, I confirmed that he understood the Heavenly Spirit Pill’s true nature. Unlike the average martial artists who mistakenly thought it was just another technique, he grasped that it represented the authority of divine beings.

This insight carried profound implications.

But I decided not to pursue this line of questioning further.

‘Discussing this kind of knowledge would only make him wary of me.’

This validation of the Heavenly Spirit Pill signified one of the White Lotus Sect’s greatest secrets. How Yong Junil figured it out—whether by his own deductions or through Yongbi-cheon—I knew he wanted to turn this information into leverage. It was better for me to remain a useful asset rather than a potential threat.

After processing my thoughts, I asked him, “What’s needed once I arrive?”

“Nothing much. Just protect my father in case something goes sideways.”

“Yongbi-cheon is like ten times stronger than me; how does that equate to protection?”

“The Twelve Joules’ Three Masters are also his equals. It’s better to be safe than sorry.”

“……”

“It’ll take about three days to get there, so rest easy until then.”

With that said, Yong Junil retreated inside. I remained on deck, gazing at the horizon for a while, lost in thought before eventually heading inside for a break.

Eventually arriving at a port near Shen Yang, the Wind Spirit experts busily prepared to disembark. After about an hour, everyone had gotten off, and Yongbi-cheon ordered, “You all need to secure our escape route from this port.”

“Understood.”

“Junil and you, follow me.”

Quickly, Yongbi-cheon leapt seamlessly into action, and I found myself sprinting alongside Yong Junil, observing his graceful movement with awe.

‘No waste at all.’

While not as swift as my Melhonn Technique, it certainly outpaced the average martial arts techniques. Yong Junil exerted minimal energy for the fastest effect, showcasing his impressive mastery of his own techniques. Despite being from the enemy camp, he clearly had the potential to claim a leader’s title amongst the Nine Great Sects.

Upon entering Shen Yang, we headed toward an eerie manor devoid of guards. As we entered, faint lights flickered to life one after another.

Inside the silent structure, we reached a bright room where the Twelve Joules awaited, adorned with a puppy mask alongside their Three Masters.

The Twelve Joules waved at us cheerfully, “You must have had quite the trip, Yongbi-cheon!”

Yongbi-cheon bowed respectfully. “Yongbi-cheon’s messenger, Dharma Guardian of the Wind Spirit Sect, Yongbi-cheon, here to see the esteemed Yong Junil of the Twelve Joules!”

“Right, take a seat.”

“I won’t refuse.”

We three joined the table opposite them.

‘Incredible, that’s the Twelve Joules, Ha Eun-cheon…’

Seeing the previous interaction, I realized how high the Twelve Joules’ status was. Yongbi-cheon—the invincible Dharma Guardian of the South—suited himself beneath the Twelve Joules, essentially granting him equal standing with the White Lotus Sect’s Leader.

After a moment, Ha Eun-cheon crossed his arms. “So I hear the White Lotus Sect wants to form an alliance?”

Yongbi-cheon nodded and responded, “To be precise, the Leader wishes to establish a Non-aggression Pact while we build strength in the Central Plains, with the expectation of your tolerance during this time.”

“Tolerance, huh? You believe the Twelve Joules might just take a swing at you?”

“Not necessarily, but it’s better to be cautious. That’s why I’m pressing for this meeting to strengthen mutual trust. I have an ample reward to offer!”

“A reward, you say? What kind of reward?”

“Gold, Sacred Lotus, and excellent divine weapons we’ve gathered in the White Lotus. This would rival any tribute a nation could offer.”

Most of that cargo was probably waiting with the crew at the harbor.

“Hmmm…”

Ha Eun-cheon tilted his head, pondering. “You talk about trust as if you think it’s easy.”

“What are you suggesting?”

“To be frank, I know you guys intend to seize the Central Plains now that your Young Master’s afflictions are gone.”

……

Yongbi-cheon, and even Yong Junil, fell silent, absorbed in his words. Ha Eun-cheon drummed his fingers on the table as he continued.

“If we let you be, you’re likely to devour the entire Central Plains martial world and turn it into a White Lotus Empire! What’s to stop you from later launching an attack on the Eastern Martial World?”

“That’s a gross exaggeration. That’s why I’m seeking deeper mutual trust.”

Ha Eun-cheon chuckled coldly, “Trust, huh?”

“Alright, then how about you leave Yong Junil as hostage in the Sacred Altar for evidence of trust? If you invade, you’ll send his head as a gift to the White Lotus Leader.”

I felt chills run down my spine at that suggestion. Not long ago, Ha Eun-cheon would’ve schemed quietly without revealing such cruelty; now it felt like a different beast altogether. I could almost call it a filthy proposition, disregarding the pride of the White Lotus Sect!

In response, Yongbi-cheon clenched his fists as he trembled with barely restrained fury, spitting back, “How can the conversation shift to this? Using my son’s life as a measure of trust is ridiculous!”

“It’s entirely reasonable! He is your precious son, a future pillar of the Wind Spirit. You can’t say you wouldn’t trust us if you hand him over! Your own words back devastatingly!”

My heart sank in the wake of his pointed remarks. Ha Eun-cheon’s cunning sinister nature seemed to ebb into the air, having weaponized all intel against Yongbi-cheon. The latter was clearly at a loss, thrown off by a shrewd opponent who didn’t hesitate to make a vicious play.

No matter how significant this meeting was, Yong Junil was his only child and a valuable heir for the Wind Spirit’s future. Under the uncertainty of future moves, entrusting him to a potential enemy wasn’t an option.

At this moment, Yong Junil broke the silence, “If you despise the concept of mutual trust, how about we strike a deal?”

Ha Eun-cheon shifted his focus to Yong Junil with interest. “A deal, huh?”

“You’re not looking for martial disputes among weak human factions, but for intel on a divine being known as the Old Ruler.”

“……”

“If you’ll agree to this Non-aggression Pact, we’ll mobilize all the Dharma Guardians to assist in hunting the Sea God.”

I glanced at Yongbi-cheon, noting how his expression didn’t change—he’d likely prepared a backup plan for when this initial proposal fell through. Ha Eun-cheon, intrigued, leaned in closer, “So a Heavenly Spirit Pill holder is here to help? That’s quite impressive.”

“Willing to accept?”

Ha Eun-cheon laughed boisterously. “Don’t be ridiculous. I have no use.”

……!!

“You lot have only interpreted the Law of the Non-Birth Mother to gain power, and aside from the Sect Leader, you have no inkling of its true nature. You know nothing of the Old Ruler, the Three Sovereigns, or the Seven Luminaries! You’re just a bunch of clueless fools! If you knew, you wouldn’t dare speak of lending the power of the Dharma Guardians!”

“Ugh…”

“So, just leave. If you push this any further, your lives won’t be guaranteed!”

Red with humiliation, Yongbi-cheon now bore the burden of capsize on his back. I was astounded that he could even contain himself against someone who could bully a Dharma Guardian!

‘The Seven Luminaries. The Sect Leader probably has no clue there’s still need for the things I took. If I spill that I’ve got the Merchants’ Treasure, it’ll sort all this out.’

I kept repeating this mantra in my head. Whatever the trade, if I brought up the Seven Luminaries openly, it could drastically change the meeting’s atmosphere. I felt caught in a dilemma. Should I help this deal along or let it fester?

 

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