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00372 The Celestial Realm ————————————————————————=

That day, Lee Cheong-un, a Dharma Guardian and a member of the Thunder God Lineage, found himself unwittingly plagued by worries. His dilemma stemmed from realizing the grim reality within the Su Shin Sect and how to decide his own stance moving forward. Eyes closed in contemplation, Lee Cheong-un thought, ‘I must stop the Sect Leader.’

The Sect Leader wasn’t an utterly wicked person. However, the methods he chose could lead to extreme wickedness—hence, Lee Cheong-un felt the need to halt the Sect Leader’s advances. Moreover, there was the Heavenly Spirit Pill!

Originally, this limitless internal power hadn’t existed in the White Lotus Sect. At some point, under the leadership of the Master of the White Lotus Sect, it was bestowed upon each of the Four Great Families. Lee Cheong-un had also been able to enjoy the benefits of the Heavenly Spirit Pill. Yet, instead of feeling overjoyed, he felt uneasy about it.

This Heavenly Spirit Pill was the power of the divine.

It wasn’t human martial arts.

So, wasn’t it an unstable force that could disappear at any moment through divine intervention?

Could everything be entrusted to God?

The only one capable of truly communicating with the divine at the White Lotus Sect was the Sect Leader himself. Everyone in the highest circles knew that the bizarre scriptures interpreted by the Sect Leader had awakened the power of the Heavenly Spirit Pill. The problem was, not one of the sorcerers in the Thunder God Lineage had seen or heard of those scriptures.

Thus, if the Sect Leader went berserk, there would be no one to stop him.

But was it right to strike the Sect Leader just because of doubt?

The issue lay in the fact that there was no one else in the White Lotus Sect who harbored such doubt and anxiety but Lee Cheong-un. If there was no one to agree with him, voicing these thoughts would only be seen as a trivial act of rebellion, leading to certain failure.

“Master.”

Just as Lee Cheong-un was deeply ensnared in thought, a voice called out from outside. He opened his eyes and replied,

“Come in.”

Creeeak.

Entering was his direct disciple, Lee Kwang, who was expected to lead the Thunder God Lineage in the future. Among his peers, he was exceptionally talented and genuinely dedicated to his training. Although he had only recently started practicing the Thunder God Lineage, Lee Cheong-un thought he had already taught him everything there was to know. In fact, Lee Kwang had already mastered the basics of Thunder God martial arts and could easily execute the Rising Technique.

Lee Kwang performed a formal bow and said,

“I sparred with Jeong Yun-bo today and won. I came to tell you about it.”

“Hahaha.”

Lee Cheong-un burst out laughing. After laughing for a while, he said,

“Don’t say such things with a serious face. I thought something major had happened…”

“……”

“Don’t worry, you’re my only disciple. While Yun-bo is talented enough to be at par with you, I would never take him as a disciple. You’re the one closest to being worthy of the title of a Dharma Guardian. Haven’t I explained that several times?”

“I’m sorry.”

“Hahaha.”

Lee Cheong-un wore a wry smile.

‘ I need to rein him in a bit.’

Lee Kwang had talent that any martial artist would drool over, but his sense of competition and determination were fierce. He had begun to compete fiercely after considering that his peer, Jeong Yun-bo, posed a potential threat to him. The gap between a Dharma Guardian’s disciple and others was significant, yet Lee Kwang seemed to think there was a chance that Lee Cheong-un might take Jeong Yun-bo as a disciple.

Of course, Jeong Yun-bo wasn’t an easygoing character, so he was also diligently training while snarling at Lee Kwang. This was refining both their capabilities, and Lee Cheong-un simply watched them. However, lately, he felt it was a bit excessive.

Lee Cheong-un continued calmly,

“What does it mean to be a Dharma Guardian? It’s to lead the Thunder God Lineage and to have the right to substitute for the Sect Leader should anything happen to him. Therefore, a Dharma Guardian must know not only martial skills for real combat but also rituals and ceremonial martial arts.”

“……”

“Jeong Yun-bo has exceptional talent in fist techniques, but he lacks any skill in the swordplay of the Thunder God Lineage, so I can’t take him as a disciple. On the other hand, you, Lee Kwang, seem to excel at everything. You have already reached the Ascended Stage of the Thunder God Lineage swordplay and can use the Thunder God Sword Dance’s foundational techniques freely, can’t you?”

“… I actually wanted to ask you something because of that.”

Lee Kwang cautiously posed his question to Lee Cheong-un.

“Isn’t the Thunder God Sword Dance too weak? Should we set aside the ceremonial martial arts?”

“Hmmm… That question again.”

“I’m sorry, but I can’t accept it.”

“What can’t you accept?”

Despite his cautious demeanor, Lee Kwang firmly stated his opinion.

“The swordplay of the Thunder God Lineage is excessively lacking in practicality compared to spear techniques. Isn’t it a waste for talented individuals to hone an art that doesn’t match the ultimate efficiency sought by the Thunder God Lineage?”

“I guess I haven’t explained that properly before.”

Lee Cheong-un, sighing, continued,

“When you learn the Thunder God Sword Dance and reach the Thunder Principle Realm, you can execute the Thunder Sword. At that point, the differences between swordplay and spear techniques will greatly diminish. And when the Thunder God Sword Dance surpasses the Mind Control Technique and reaches an even higher state…”

At that moment,

[ Dharma Guardian Lee Cheong-un! The Sect Leader calls for you.]

Whoosh!

With the Six Harmonies Assembly, a massive energy surged forth. Feeling the storm of energy pouring from outside, Lee Cheong-un glanced that way and quickly activated the Soul Removal Technique to move his body. Eventually, he spotted someone standing in the garden outside, arms crossed.

Lee Cheong-un raised an eyebrow in surprise.

“Dokgo Jun? The Sect Leader is calling for me? What’s going on?”

Indeed, suddenly appearing before him was Dokgo Jun, a Dharma Guardian of the Su Shin Lineage, also referred to as the Sect Leader’s direct disciple. Known for his extraordinary talents among the Dokgo clan, he was reputed to have nearly mastered the martial arts of the Su Shin Lineage. Wearing a Golden Dragon mask, Dokgo Jun emitted a round gaze and transmitted his energy.

[ Didn’t you previously express your thoughts regarding the Heavenly Spirit Pill and the scriptures to the Sect Leader?]

Lee Cheong-un’s expression changed.

“I did.”

[ The Sect Leader has decided to explain everything in detail to dispel your worries. Follow me.]

“……”

Lee Cheong-un felt an inexplicable sense of unease. It was more like a creeping intuition. So, he decided to test Dokgo Jun once.

“Since you obtained the Heavenly Spirit Pill, you’ve only been using secret transmissions or the Six Harmonies Assembly, haven’t you? Why don’t you speak? At this distance, we can hear everything.”

[ ……]

“Excessive waste of internal power. No matter how infinite the internal power is…”

Teasingly, Lee Cheong-un remarked, prompting a response from Dokgo Jun.

[ Do not probe unnecessarily. We aren’t intimate enough to be discussing such matters, are we?]

“Can’t even talk that much among fellow Dharma Guardians?”

[ The Sect Leader’s command is solemn. Delaying like this is irreverent.]

“Hmm… Then I have no choice.”

Lee Cheong-un clicked his tongue. He felt like giving a good smack to the impudent Dokgo Jun, but he had no cause to do so. He could easily knock him down ten times over, but that would mean defying the Sect Leader and declaring all-out war on the Su Shin Lineage.

Looking at Lee Kwang, Lee Cheong-un said,

“Disciple.”

“Yes?”

“Take care of the Thunder God Lineage while I’m gone.”

It might only be for a moment.

Lee Cheong-un spoke somewhat playfully, but Lee Kwang earnestly bowed and replied,

“Understood!”

Swish!!

Following the lead of Dokgo Jun, Lee Cheong-un began to move swiftly. When they reached the Hall of the Sect Leader, as Dokgo Jun had said, the Sect Leader was indeed there.

“Hmm…?”

Feeling something was off, Lee Cheong-un looked around, and the Master of the White Lotus Sect began to speak.

[ Lee Cheong-un. The Elder Council has been dismissed.]

“What’s going on? Did the loyalist forces shake them off themselves?”

[ Because I wanted to answer your inquiries sincerely. If the Elder Council were to be lurking nearby, wouldn’t you doubt my true intentions?]

“You’re quite benevolent.”

Lee Cheong-un casually replied, but internally, he found it intriguing. The Sect Leader usually attached seasoned experts from the Elder Council as escorts and never let them leave his side. While the Sect Leader was much mightier alone, if an assassin aimed for him, there were countless methods to target him, hence he always kept his distance. This was related to the time when many assassins had sought the Master of the White Lotus Sect’s head upon his ascension.

The Master of the White Lotus Sect added,

[ Moreover, I no longer particularly need an escort.]

“……”

Upon hearing that, Lee Cheong-un stared intently at the Master of the White Lotus Sect. Then he realized something and let out a faint sound.

“You’ve achieved the Primordial Spirit!”

The Sect Leader seemed startled, flinching slightly.

[ Indeed… you are a genius beyond belief. To notice that at a glance.]

“I’m quite surprised myself. That is a level not permitted to humans…”

As he replied, Lee Cheong-un was inwardly stunned.

‘ Crazy man! Has he truly achieved the Primordial Spirit?!’

The Primordial Spirit! It was the unique martial art system established by the Master of the White Lotus Sect. The Heavenly Spirit Pill was the pathway to the Original Spirit, but it wasn’t the Original Spirit itself—it was merely a means to an end. Ultimately, true understanding meant reaching the open state of the Upper Dantian, Middle Dantian, and Lower Dantian, which would lead to infinite power, transcending humanity, as explained by the Master of the White Lotus Sect.

And upon seeing the Master of the White Lotus Sect, Lee Cheong-un could tell that he had achieved the Original Spirit and the Primordial Spirit.

This was evident because, while the Master of the White Lotus Sect appeared ordinary at a glance, the formidable power of the Heavenly Spirit Pill surged far beyond that, coalescing into the essence of Tai Chi. The profound energy circulating internally also made it impossible for the Heavenly Spirit Pill’s power to compare.

Though both possess infinite power, the Original Spirit could freely manipulate one’s inner microcosm, creating not only Tai Chi but also the properties of the Five Elements and Four Concepts at will.

The reason the Master of the White Lotus Sect had dismissed the Elder Council’s protection became clear. He likely felt that no one in existence could kill him now that he had reached the Primordial Spirit.

As Lee Cheong-un felt a bit uncomfortable, the Master of the White Lotus Sect spoke again.

[ Lee Cheong-un, it seems you harbor distrust towards the power of the Heavenly Spirit Pill and the Original Spirit. Isn’t the Heavenly Spirit Pill the strongest force that will protect our sect from now on? Can you share your reasons for your skepticism?]

“Is that why you called me here?”

With a wave of the hand, the Master said,

[ I would have ignored it had it been anyone else. But since you are the Dharma Guardian of the Thunder God Lineage, I must hear your concerns.]

Lee Cheong-un took a moment of silence before responding.

“The idea that the Heavenly Spirit Pill is divine power is incredibly unsettling.”

The Sect Leader questioned back,

[ What do you mean?]

“Throughout the millennia of the White Lotus Sect, while the Four Great Families may have quarreled and envied each other, we all unified with one heart for the sake of protecting our sect. The driving force behind that unity has always been the exceptional martial arts of the Four Great Families, which we built upon our ‘human strength’.”

Pausing momentarily, Lee Cheong-un continued.

“However, receiving power from the divine means that it could vanish any moment at the will of the divine. How could one trust such power so recklessly?”

[ ……]

“What about the price for that power? You haven’t explained any of this in detail to us.”

Lee Cheong-un vividly recalled the terrifying force that surrounded the Sect Leader when he received such an awe-inspiring power and compelled the disciples of the Four Great Families to submit and ascend to the peak. A grotesque, eerie sensation could not be expressed by pure martial prowess.

[ Hmm…]

The Master of the White Lotus Sect appeared to be deep in thought after hearing Lee Cheong-un’s words. He then said,

[ However, it seems you accepted the power of the Heavenly Spirit Pill. If you’re so doubtful, why did you accept it?]

With a sigh, Lee Cheong-un replied,

“There was no choice. If the other lineages targeted the Thunder God Lineage, it would be impossible to defend without the Heavenly Spirit Pill. Had I not been a Dharma Guardian of the Thunder God Lineage, I would never have accepted the Heavenly Spirit Pill.”

[ I see. That explains why you have been uncooperative since that day.]

“The sentiment is irrelevant. I’ve heard your reasons, so what do you intend to do now?”

Seeing his curt response, the Sect Leader glanced at Dokgo Jun and then spoke slowly.

[ Lee Cheong-un, the truth is, I agree with your suspicions.]

“What?”

[ The Heavenly Spirit Pill is incomplete.]

“……!!”

Lee Cheong-un’s face twisted at the sudden revelation from the Sect Leader.

[ It poses no issue at a human level, but it can become a poison when facing stronger transcendent beings. I apologize for revealing this only now.]

Lee Cheong-un was baffled. Out of nowhere, what kind of nonsense was this? Yet, he managed to keep his cool, his mind racing, and began to understand what the Sect Leader was implying.

‘ He’s considering whether to recruit me or eliminate me!’

So how should he respond now? What was the Master’s true intention?

As Lee Cheong-un pondered, the Sect Leader continued.

[ My current understanding of the Primordial Spirit also shares similar limitations. I’ve shed some constraints from the Heavenly Spirit Pill, but instead, I’ve placed a greater burden upon myself. If I don’t resolve this issue in the time I have left, I will ultimately face destruction.]

Lee Cheong-un’s eyebrows twitched.

“I don’t understand what you mean. So are you saying you forced fraudulent contracts on the Dharma Guardians, including me?”

[ Fraudulent contracts? It’s not like that. Like I said, the Heavenly Spirit Pill’s weakness only comes into play when facing transcendent beings. Against humans, it’s virtually invincible.]

“But when you handed us the Heavenly Spirit Pill, you didn’t mention any of these restraints.”

[ I apologize for that.]

With the fire of anger in his eyes, Lee Cheong-un glared at the Master of the White Lotus Sect.

“Don’t toy with people. Just tell me your true intentions. Why did you call me here?”

[ As I mentioned earlier, I invited you here to persuade you honestly. So, I spoke of the weaknesses of the Heavenly Spirit Pill and the Original Spirit. From now on, what I say is all truth, so please listen carefully.]

“……”

As the following words left the Sect Leader’s mouth, Lee Cheong-un was astonished.

[ The Heavenly Spirit Pill and the Original Spirit are, in fact, powers we gain in exchange for our souls to the Non-Birth Mother.]

“What… what did you say?!”

The Master of the White Lotus Sect spoke softly. Dokgo Jun, standing on the side, showed no signs of surprise, as if he had heard it all before.

[ To call them offerings isn’t quite right. The Non-Birth Mother holds no interest in humans, but we voluntarily offer ourselves to the Throne of Chaos where she resides. Those who gain the Heavenly Spirit Pill or the Original Spirit dissolve into infinite darkness after death.]

“Ha ha…”

Lee Cheong-un found himself at a loss for words.

‘ Could it be that the sensation of dissolving into that darkness…’

The Non-Birth Mother! She was the most revered divine spirit worshipped by the White Lotus Sect, but over the years, the sect had become less reverent towards her. For the modern White Lotus disciples, she was more like an abstract ideology than a real deity. Thus, hearing such talk about the Non-Birth Mother and offerings at this very moment was something difficult to accept.

[ And the origins of the Heavenly Spirit Pill and the Original Spirit are precisely this Grimoire.]

Swish.

The Master of the White Lotus Sect slowly revealed a tome from his robe. The cover seemed to be inscribed with strange language unassociated with Chinese characters, likely belonging to the Otherworldly Race. It appeared to be bound with human skin and had an unusual moisture to it. As Lee Cheong-un stared at the Grimoire in silence, the Master began to explain.

[ This is the Grimoire of the Water God handed down within our Su Shin lineage. Its interpretation was first carried out by my predecessor, and on that basis, I effectively discovered a means to contract with the divine.]

Lee Cheong-un responded in a blunt voice,

“You’ve lost your mind. A Grimoire means it’s a product of the Otherworldly Race, one connected to their magic. Did you implant those evil sorceries into our Dharma Guardians?”

[ It depends on how it’s used.]

The Sect Leader shook his head.

[ Like I said, the Heavenly Spirit Pill doesn’t directly harm you. However, since it’s derived from the sorceries of the Otherworldly Race, it cannot withstand the dark existence that serves as its source… notably the Sea God or the Evil God.]

“……”

[ Consider it a sorcery that borrows the power of the Sea God to summon the might of the greater ‘Father’.]

The Sect Leader was truly insane.

‘ Are you saying we sold our souls to the gods…?’

Lee Cheong-un felt a genuine urge to kill the Master of the White Lotus Sect. Until now, his concerns and anxieties had been merely trifling, but now, a sense of crisis had taken over him. He couldn’t even begin to fathom what the wicked man, who had deceived the Dharma Guardians by making deals with the Otherworldly Race, would do next.

When Lee Cheong-un fell silent, the Master of the White Lotus Sect spoke.

[ In other words, as long as we avoid clashes with the Otherworldly Race, we could dominate the Martial Arts World and further seize the Central Plains for ourselves. For that, I’ll require your complete cooperation, Lee Cheong-un.]

“What do you mean? What kind of help can I provide you?”

[ Just as we in the Su Shin lineage interpreted our Grimoire, I know that you in the Thunder God Lineage have also advanced something along the way. Likely, it’s the Ultimate Technique of the Thunder God Lineage.]

“……!!”

Although Lee Cheong-un’s face showed no changes, he felt a pang of embarrassment inside.

‘ How… how is this possible? How does he know about the existence of the Ultimate Technique, the Thunder Spirit, which only I and Lee Kwang are aware of?!!’

He instinctively recalled Lee Kwang’s face.

‘ Can it be that Kwang…?’

The Sect Leader’s gaze gleamed with intensity as he spoke.

[ Teach me the Ultimate Technique of the Thunder God Lineage. If you do, I promise the boundless evolution and glory of the Thunder God Lineage, and even the position of Sect Leader will be passed on to you in the future. If you wish, I can also share how to acquire the Original Spirit.]

“……”

[ Let’s strike a deal, Lee Cheong-un.]

Lee Cheong-un clenched his fist tightly. After a long silence, he finally spoke.

“Your intentions are transparent.”

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