Chapter 374
“I never thought I’d end up bringing Lee Cheong-un to the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School on the Four Great Spirits!”
While gazing at the sign of the school, Lee Cheong-un chuckled to himself. “Who would’ve imagined the direct descendant of the Thunder God lineage would establish a school in the Central Plains?”
“Life is unpredictable, after all.”
“Haha, coming from you, that’s quite convincing!”
With a hearty laugh, Lee Cheong-un confidently strode through the main gate without a second thought, as if he were afraid of drawing too much attention. He vanished like a flash of lightning, leaving me trailing behind, desperate to keep up with his insane speed. It seemed I had to follow him via a technique that was light years behind his incredible pace.
‘Even the Soul Removal Technique is a testament to peak expertise, and yet he’s even faster than that!’ It was mind-blowing to see the Thunder Spirit in action. By the time I reached Waryong Hall, the door had already swung open. Obviously, Lee Cheong-un had made his entrance with flair.
Should I go in?
It was early evening, and the flickering candlelight cast a warm glow over the otherwise dim space. Amidst the relaxed twilight, I spotted the scene before the Dharma Guardian of the Thunder God lineage—Lee Cheong-un greeted Gwang-a with a charming smile.
“Gwang-a! How have you been?”
Gwang-a stood in the hallway, dazed and speechless, frozen in place.
“……”
His expression resembled that of someone possessed, eyes simply blinking without further movement. Or rather, it would be more accurate to say he was incapable of moving, struck by a significant mental shock, reminiscent of a time he was bedridden due to value conflicts in the past.
After about five breaths, Gwang-a finally came to his senses and looked around cautiously.
“…Is it a ghost? Is there a sorcerer nearby capable of hypnotizing me?”
Unfazed by the absurdity of his thoughts, Lee Cheong-un answered cheerfully. “If someone like that exists, I’d really like to meet them! Tell me, Gwang-a, do I look like a ghost to you?”
“Master… I took care of the corpses… There’s no way you’d be here.”
Gwang-a murmured as if trying to brainwash himself and gradually lifted his spear. I could feel the intense killing intent pooling at the tip of his weapon. In this narrow hallway, if he struck with full force, even the best of experts would find it nearly impossible to evade—me included.
However, Lee Cheong-un only taunted him. “Let’s see how much stronger you’ve gotten. Come at me.”
“Hah!”
Whoosh!
The sound of air being sliced apart echoed through the hall. In reality, it was the shockwave produced by Gwang-a’s hyper-accelerated thrust, infused with the essence of thunder. Hidden within his technique were the combined skills of ‘Grab’ and ‘Thrust,’ crafting a fearsome Absolute Slash.
But just in that instant, Lee Cheong-un flicked Gwang-a’s spear aside with his finger, placing his own finger against Gwang-a’s acupoint. It was astonishing how Lee’s speed outmatched that of the spear’s!
Gwang-a had unexpectedly left his vital point wide open, resulting in instant defeat. If Lee continued to flick his finger, Gwang-a’s head would likely roll—
“……!!”
Gwang-a froze, and Lee withdrew his hand with a smile. “You’ve gotten weaker than I expected! Were you slacking off in your training all this time?”
“This can’t be…!”
Lee urged, “Who else besides me could subdue you with Thunder God techniques in a mere second? Clearly, no one but our revered Master could, right?”
“……”
Gwang-a was left speechless. “Ahaha.”
As Lee Cheong-un chuckled mischievously, he continued, “So, Gwang-a! How are Jeong Yun-bo and Beom Kyun doing?”
“…Who are you?!”
Gwang-a, overwhelmed, initiated another Absolute Slash, this time putting in even more effort as four swirling Rapid Techniques burst forth. His movements were intricately designed, impossible to evade even for someone who knows what’s coming.
But Lee Cheong-un calmly raised his hand, swiftly twisting Gwang-a’s arm and disarming him in a flash. The speed was unbelievable! Exasperated, Lee said, “Now, this is truly annoying. Proving my resurrection is really becoming a chore…”
Gwang-a clenched his teeth and shot Lee a fierce look. “Even if you say you resurrected, why are you only showing up now? All this time, I… the Thunder God lineage…”
Lee scratched his head. “I see… Everyone must have had their troubles.”
Realizing some semblance of rational thought returned to Gwang-a, his tone shifted to a mix of awe and respect. Regardless, no one could deny that Lee Cheong-un was indeed a peerless master.
“I can’t do that.”
“What did you say?”
Lee’s gaze suddenly turned cold. “Gwang-a, has time managed to make you forget my temper?”
“What…”
Wham!
In the next moment, Gwang-a found himself flying through the air, performing two and a half spins before crashing to the ground. Although he rolled over to prevent the impact, Lee was right there, kicking him in the gut!
“Kugh!”
Gwang-a spat out blood as he tumbled about. “I was being nice, and yet you completely lost your manners. I tried being calm while talking to you, but you? You still haven’t changed a bit with age.”
“Ugh…Just a moment…”
Lee grabbed Gwang-a by the collar and began to growl, “Those who have lost their humanity are even worse than beasts. How many times have I had to tell you this?”
At that moment, Gwang-a’s expression shifted as if he suddenly realized something profound. Those words seemed to evoke a nostalgic trigger only he could comprehend.
“Is it really… you, Master?”
Lee responded, a bit irately, “How many times do I have to repeat myself for you to get it?”
Gwang-a bit his lip before saying, “Still, I can’t accept it… that kind of resurrection is… really…”
“…Huff, it’s understandable. It’s hard to believe without experience.”
Lee released his hold on Gwang-a’s collar and continued, “So, tell me, if I am truly Lee Cheong-un, what would you ask of me?”
“…Well, I’d humbly request you step up to gather and lead the Thunder God lineage once again.”
“But even if we gather, can we defeat the Master?”
“However…”
Lee sighed, disappointment evident in his voice. “Gwang-a, you’ve grown sly and deceptive like an old man… Do you really think you can weigh your words with such pretense?”
“……”
“Are you truly my disciple?”
Rumble…
In that moment, a thunderous sound filled the air, and a blinding flash erupted from Lee Cheong-un, resembling lightning that seemed to engulf him. Waves of overwhelming power surged forth, resonating deep within my very being.
[ Did you think the Dharma Guardian of Thunder God lineage is a mere fool easily swayed? ]
The ground quaked beneath the sheer pressure of his presence, causing both me and Gwang-a to shiver in disbelief. High-ranking experts in the Central Plains found their movements immobilized, blocked by none other than Lee Cheong-un’s aura!
This was the Dharma Guardian of the Thunder God lineage! A true monster…!!
Just minutes ago, I was skeptical of his epic tale, but now I couldn’t deny the truth. The man before me was truly the legendary Thunder God lineage’s supreme guardian, Lee Cheong-un!
“Hah…”
Overwhelmed, Gwang-a staggered backward. Finally regaining his composure, he exclaimed, “Wait! Just give me a moment to think!”
[ Shut up… ]
“But we can still have a conversation, can’t we?”
As Gwang-a pleaded, Lee Cheong-un retracted his overwhelming aura, flashing a satisfied smile. “Alright, let’s make it quick, since we’re out of time.”
In a swift change of tact, he shifted the conversation to his resurrection, detailing the events and even introducing me as his new disciple. Gwang-a listened intently, skepticism lingering in his gaze as he regarded me with suspicion.
“So you’re saying that simply praying to the gods can resurrect the dead?”
“That’s correct.”
“And you’re now the Master’s new disciple…”
I didn’t mention my rebirth, keeping the details of my origins as Zhuge as far from this conversation as possible. I was merely described as a traveler of the Thunder God lineage who fortuitously aided Lee Cheong-un’s revival. Lee’s eloquence left no room for doubt in Gwang-a’s mind.
After a moment’s pause, Lee said, “Baek Woong will now become the Dharma Guardian of the Thunder God lineage, aiming to disrupt the Master’s plans. In the meantime, we should gather the experts of the Thunder God lineage.”
Gwang-a replied with a frown, “I still can’t believe you’re my Master.”
“Well, there’s nothing you can do about that.”
Lee sighed humorously before adding, “I’ll explain everything. You still have many questions, but I can’t keep Baek Woong waiting. We mustn’t raise any suspicion from the Master, so we should move along.”
“Understood.”
Whoosh!
I hopped back on the Four Great Spirits and swiftly departed to the White Lotus Sect’s lodging. Not long after lying on my bed, Zhuge Sa spoke in my mind.
[ They’ll figure it out on their own. You should focus on training the Soul Exchange Technique now. ]
Flabbergasted, I responded, [ Easy for you to say! The Master’s eye is everywhere, and I’m already training under the Master! When would I find time for the Soul Exchange Technique? Sure, I might’ve done so without a care before, but mastering something like this isn’t comparable to a mere casual training session. ]
Zhuge Sa replied, seemingly unfazed, [ You’ll understand once you give it a shot. Just keep perfecting your techniques. ]
[ Sure thing. ]
Within a few days of my arrival at the White Lotus Sect, the Sect Leader summoned me once more. Upon reaching the audience chamber, he stated, [ Baek Woong, the interpretation of the Three Treasure Technique is nearly complete. ]
“Yes…”
I couldn’t conceal the unease creeping into my heart.
[ It must’ve been a long wait for you. I’ve decided you’ve reached a level worthy of instruction, so starting today, it’s time to refine your intellect during training. ]
So, was that it? My pace had merely been slow this entire time? I was relieved to finally learn the Three Treasure Technique from the Master but simultaneously felt an uncomfortable tension. The Master, whom I’d once viewed as a mysterious, powerful divine being, now appeared less infallible. And I could feel that he was hiding something from me.
Just before starting my training, Zhuge Sa reminded me, [ Baek Woong, while learning from the Master, try operating the essence as I suggested. ]
[ What… ]
Before I could finish with my protest, the situation before me moved along.
Whirrrrr…
[ Now, Baek Woong, watch closely… ]
“……”
Before my eyes, the Sect Leader commenced a demonstration of the Seven Great Techniques. It was an opportunity for him to stretch as well as show off his achievements thus far. Naturally, I had no choice but to focus entirely on each of his demonstrations while trying to follow Zhuge Sa’s instructions.
[ What do you mean? You want me to operate the essence while focusing? ]
Operating the essence while staying alert primarily meant splitting my focus. If I were a genius, it might’ve been feasible, but with a standard level of talent, attempting such a feat would surely leave my mind in a complete mess! And doing this during the rigorous act of passing on sacred art? No way!
[ Enough chatter, just do as you’re told. It’s merely an application of the Soul Exchange Technique, so it’s simple. ]
Curse it all! While I had managed to view the Master’s demonstrations repeatedly as he requested, the opposite situation was just impossible! How amusing and arrogant would it look from the Master’s perspective if I dared to say, “Could you please demonstrate again?” That would only raise the risk of disappointing this great genius! But Zhuge Sa was responsible for my reincarnation plans, so I had no choice but to follow his advice.
Whirrrrrr…
All of my blood vessels reverberated in synchronization. As I chanted the incantation Zhuge Sa instructed me to, the familiar movements triggered my blood flow, and I sensed a division within my consciousness. It felt as if my center had split under a blade; I was experiencing a strange duality!
Division!
At this point, I wasn’t merely observing ‘me’ anymore; it was like I was seeing ‘myself’ from an alternate perspective. More precisely, my view of the Sect Leader’s demonstration of the Seven Great Techniques morphed into an outsider’s gaze, while I simultaneously felt a second self thinking freely.
Was this for real…?
[ Haven’t you also applied Yang’s Divine Art while mastering the Hyun Cheon Divine Art? It’s the same principle. The Soul Exchange Technique allows for a more effortless application of the Two Intent Divine Art because it excels in mental manipulation, far surpassing Wudang techniques. ]
I breathed a silent gasp. ‘Incredible.’
It was true! Just by operating on the essence, I had managed to enter a state where I could multitask like a champion! Zhuge Sa snidely interjected, [ Originally, even with your talent, it would take you five years to accomplish this, but thanks to our contract with the Fengshen War, it’s now possible. ]
[ Is that so? ]
[ You can perform two tasks at once and double your efficiency. ]
As the Sect Leader’s lecture on the Three Treasure technique began, I launched into the Soul Exchange Technique training simultaneously. I wasn’t merely daydreaming; I was carrying out two tasks at peak efficiency, so I didn’t lose track of what was happening. It felt like utilizing two brains at once!
[ … Baek Woong. Did you understand? ]
After listening closely to the Sect Leader’s lecture on the Three Treasure technique, I remained lost in thought before finally responding, “I’m sorry, but I still don’t get it.”
[ I’ll explain it again today. But tomorrow, I won’t repeat myself. ]
“Yes…”
Even after hearing another explanation, I still failed to comprehend. It was just like when I learned from Jin So-cheong.
[ Now, I’ll attend to my responsibilities back at the school. ]
Seemingly frustrated by my reactions, the Sect Leader abruptly warned me to train diligently or else and departed. For a Master, his attitude was rather irresponsible, yet it was clear he wasn’t one to waste time on a dullard.
Left alone, Zhuge Sa lamented, [ Apparently, this isn’t the time for training in the Soul Exchange Technique. Just focusing on maximizing the speed of the Three Treasure Technique using the Two Intent Divine Art would be better. ]
“……”
My training speed had indeed soared, yet I couldn’t shake the sense of disappointment lingering in my heart.
