Chapter 417
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“The answer surprisingly came easily.”
[ I believe we shouldn’t attack the Sect Leader of the White Lotus. ]
[ Why is that? ]
I calmly replied to Yeodong-bin’s question. [ Because the Sword Saint is hesitating. ]
[ …… ]
[ The Sword Saint is a protector of humanity. The moment he hesitates, his justification disappears, doesn’t it? ]
I wanted to sound more convincing, but my words fell short. Still, Yeodong-bin seemed to grasp my point, pondering as he stared at the Fire Dragon Sword for a moment. Then, he spoke.
[ So if I cast aside my hesitation, it’s fine to attack? ]
[ Uh… well… ]
As I hesitated, the Sword Saint calmly said, [ Dharma Protector, I greatly appreciate you finding the Fire Dragon Sword for me. However, even if this divine sword is in my hands, what meaning does it hold if I can’t find justice? ]
[ Hmm… ]
[ You are the one who has built the greatest connection with me in a thousand years. I would like to hear more of your thoughts. ]
Yeodong-bin seemed lost in thought about something. I found his confusion oddly human, making me question the usual belief that the great immortals transcend human emotions.
After contemplating, I said, [ Please help me convince the Sect Leader of the White Lotus. ]
[ Convince him of what? ]
[ The justification for the Celestial Realm’s decree is that the White Lotus Sect’s occupation of Luoyang is perilous. As the Deputy Sect Leader of the White Lotus, I will persuade the Sect Leader to withdraw. If so, everything can be resolved smoothly without using force. ]
This was something I had discussed in advance with Zhuge Sa. In truth, it was a statement I had prepared, but Yeodong-bin had seized control of the atmosphere too quickly for me to speak it out.
[ Isn’t your eloquence sufficient? ]
[ The Sect Leader reveres strength. I need the Sword Saint’s help. ]
[ … Is that so? ]
Shiririririri!
[ Four Great Spirits! ]
Yeodong-bin sheathed the Fire Dragon Sword and called out for the Four Great Spirits. As they materialized and stared quietly at him, he affectionately patted the neck of one of the spirits and continued, [ I’ve come to owe you again after a thousand years. ]
To my surprise, the Four Great Spirit, who had only been performing its duties in silence until now, suddenly replied, [ You’re quite talkative, Yeodong-bin. You made me work like a dog when you were alive. ]
I noticed the glint in the Four Great Spirit’s qilin-like eyes.
[ Really? ]
[ If tasks are at hand, move quickly. I am simply doing my part. ]
BA-DA-DA-DA!
Mounted on the Four Great Spirit, Yeodong-bin headed towards the place where the Sect Leader was in closed-room training. As Yeodong-bin unexpectedly appeared in the hall, I could sense the experts of the Elder Council congeal and rush over. Il-ro looked at me and said, “Deputy Sect Leader! I told you the Sect Leader is in closed-room training! How dare you intrude!”
The Elder Council’s experts exuded a tense and hostile aura, unlike any I had ever felt before. They needed to protect the Sect Leader at all costs during this crucial closed-room training. Even I was not exempt from this fact, being the Deputy Sect Leader who often faced the Sect Leader one-on-one.
[ Baek Woong, Deputy Sect Leader! Tell us your reason for intruding and get out! If not… ]
Il-ro and other expert council members looked ready to attack me any moment. Their sincere loyalty to the Sect Leader was unquestionable.
[ Yeodong-bin! Give me your body. Let me explain to them… ]
[ No need. ]
Without hesitation, Yeodong-bin raised his Fire Dragon Sword and shouted to them, [ I have words for the Sect Leader. If I can break your joint attack within three seconds, you may open the path!! ]
CRACKLE!
It seemed that Yeodong-bin had pulled significantly from his potential, as a massive storm of energy surged forth. However, the Elder Council’s experts weren’t pushovers themselves by any means, and though they staggered for a moment, they soon mocked him.
“Crazy guy!”
“You want to die without the Heavenly Spirit Pill?!”
[ Will you accept this? ]
Il-ro stepped forward, responding in a voice filled with murderous intent, “Of course! But you’ll be the first to be decapitated!”
Seeing their reactions, an overwhelming bitterness washed over me. I had thought I had made significant progress in the White Lotus Sect, climbing the ranks to Deputy Sect Leader via the Dharma Guardians, but it turned out the Elder Council hardly recognized me without the Heavenly Spirit Pill. It was no surprise given that I lacked both the school influence and the Heavenly Spirit Pill, but their reactions still irked me.
BOOM!
The eight experts from the Elder Council in front began to amplify their energies simultaneously, summoning their True Body Techniques. Though some of them originally came from the Four Great Families, more than half were legendary masters from the Central Plains who were lured by the White Lotus Sect’s reputation. They were personally selected by the Sect Leader and had refined their martial arts through their training, making them practically disciples of the Sect Leader.
‘Damn it!’
I nearly lost my mind upon witnessing the scene. The strength of those eight in front of me was such that they could likely defeat even the Leader of the Nine Great Sects—they were genuine peak experts. No matter how high my internal power was, unless I summoned Moon Sovereign, winning was out of the question. So I urgently shouted to Yeodong-bin, [ Yeodong-bin! Use the Moon Sovereign! If you do, it’ll be easy… ]
[ I don’t use a cow-slaying knife to kill a chicken. ]
Yeodong-bin, in his straightforward manner, raised the Fire Dragon Sword and charged forward.
BOOM-BOOM-BOOM!!!
In an instant, the True Body Techniques of the eight peak experts unleashed a cascade of energy that created a dazzling waterfall of light. Even a Dharma Guardian would have to defend against an attack of this magnitude. The strength and reputation of the Elder Council were no empty boast.
But in that moment, it felt as if time had stopped and Yeodong-bin’s sword danced like a feather.
Heavenly Escape Sword Technique.
Six Intent Saintly Heaven Diagram.
Sea Tide Solution.
Like the emergence of a massive wave, the space was enveloped in sword shadows. One mere sword shadow shouldn’t be able to deal with such a torrent, but for some odd reason, the Six Intent Saintly Heaven Diagram appeared to erase all martial techniques in its path. The sheer force of nature itself surged from the undercurrents of the sword arts, seemingly alive.
WHOOSH!
The azure light cut through the air like a sea breeze.
“AARGH!”
“AHHH!”
In an instant, the eight peak experts flew backward, bloodied and battered. Surprisingly, it seemed Yeodong-bin had held back just enough that none were dead, even if they were gravely injured. It all happened so quickly that I was left dumbfounded.
‘Was he this strong?’
Although I had known that Yeodong-bin was a top-tier fighter and had witnessed his strength multiple times, what I felt at that moment was on a different level altogether. It was so overpowering that I couldn’t fathom what resistance might look like.
Il-ro shouted as I dashed forward in a frenzy, “Everyone, attack!!”
FWOOOOOSH!
In that moment, thirty experts from the Elder Council leaped up into the sky. This was likely their full power, and the Elder Council had never joined forces like this in the history of the White Lotus Sect. However, the fact that they were willing to jump at Il-ro’s command meant they regarded Yeodong-bin as a tremendous threat.
Heavenly Escape Sword Technique.
Six Intent Saintly Heaven Diagram.
Yeodong-bin lightly stepped into the Ground-impact Technique, merging his sword form.
Earth Rain Solution.
Unity.
A downpour diagonally defied the heavens, with thousands of forked rays of sword light shooting up from the ground to the sky. In the blink of an eye, a dozen of the Elder Council’s experts were struck down by the sword forms, losing consciousness, while the rest began to fall to the ground, unable to resist the storm of sword light.
THUD THUD!
“Hurk…”
“Ack…”
In just two seconds, the outcome was decided as the Elder Council’s experts were annihilated, and even Il-ro fainted. Not a single one had died amidst that chaos.
Yeodong-bin expressionlessly watched the scene unfold before silently walking inside. It was as if he believed this was not something to boast about. Yet, feeling the immense mastery behind Yeodong-bin’s techniques left me utterly speechless from the sheer awe of it.
Heavenly Escape Sword Technique, Six Intent Saintly Heaven Diagram!
A martial technique without basic techniques was on a different plane than human martial arts. The Six Intent Saintly Heaven Diagram was indeed the martial arts of the Absolute Realm, all honed over centuries by Yeodong-bin, making it completely impossible for lower martial techniques to withstand.
I began to understand the immense chill I felt.
‘I’ve leveled up!’
It seemed like an absurd conclusion, but it was the only explanation. Back when I was oblivious, I thought the flashing sword lights and energies were just amazing; now, I had come to frequently experience the martial arts of the Absolute Realm and learned their theories and experiences. Particularly, as I practiced the Three Treasure Technique and absorbed the Sect Leader’s insights, I could faintly envision that realm. Thus, Yeodong-bin’s strength was now more palpable than ever.
As Yeodong-bin stepped into the Sect Leader’s closed training chamber, candles began to light up in the dimness, eventually multiplying to hundreds. It was as if the flames had come alive by magic.
In the center of the closed training area stood the Sect Leader of the White Lotus, already waiting for Yeodong-bin. The Sect Leader gazed at him intensely before saying, [ A stranger, you’ve arrived well. ]
[ Who do you think I am? ]
[ You appear to be the Deputy Sect Leader, but the power flowing from your being is that of an absolute master. The awe you displayed as you subdued the Elder Council rivals the arts of the heavens themselves. In my lifetime, I’ve hardly seen anyone like you. ]
It seemed that the Sect Leader had sensed the combat signs outside even while engaged in closed training.
[ …… ]
[ Are you perhaps the Celestial Realm’s Yeodong-bin? ]
Upon the Sect Leader’s candid question, Yeodong-bin calmly answered, [ Yes, I am the Sword Master Yeodong-bin. ]
GASP!
The Sect Leader exhibited a clear sign of surprise. After all, how could anyone easily accept that one of the legendary Eight Immortals worshipped by the common folk stood before them? But given the current situation where they were directly opposing the Celestial Realm, it seemed he grasped it rather quickly.
With a slightly solemn expression, the Sect Leader said, [ What a pity. I would have liked to continue my training… ]
[ I did not come to kill you. I came to talk. ]
The Sect Leader’s interest piqued at Yeodong-bin’s words. [ What do you mean? Did you not come to subdue the rebel of the Celestial Realm? ]
[ That would normally be the case. ]
After a brief pause, Yeodong-bin continued, [ My Dharma Protector decided to convince you, so I have chosen to trust him. ]
SSSSS!
I sensed Yeodong-bin release his spiritual energy and turn towards me. As my senses returned fully, the Sect Leader quickly caught on to what was happening. When the Sect Leader glanced at me, I sighed and said to him, “Sect Leader, you must give up Luoyang.”
Then I explained everything that had transpired to the Sect Leader. After listening from beginning to end, he seemed to ponder deeply in silence for a while, then spoke.
[ I don’t understand. ]
“What?”
[ Baek Woong, I’ve always known you subtly wished to eliminate me. But I thought it was merely a close call. If you had wanted to easily eliminate me and reclaim treasure, why take the risk to convince the Sword Master? ]
“……”
I scratched my head and replied, “Because we are in an alliance.”
[ Are you sincere? ]
“Yes. And as you mentioned before… I am curious about the future that you will witness.”
Continuing, I added, “Sect Leader, isn’t this enough? I don’t know what the Celestial Realm fears, but provoking them for a direct confrontation now would be premature. You should let go of Luoyang and retreat. If you do this, I will do everything in my power to persuade the Celestial Realm to stop the decree from being established.”
[ …… ]
“Sect Leader.”
I sensed the Sect Leader’s emotions waver significantly. It seemed possible to persuade him.
The Sect Leader replied, [ I do not understand why the Celestial Realm is so wary of me. I would like to speak with Yeodong-bin again. ]
I nodded and, following his request, released Yeodong-bin’s spirit energy. When the Sect Leader locked eyes with Yeodong-bin, he didn’t talk at first, as if gauging his depth, before finally asking, [ Yeodong-bin, just one thing: Is it true that it only needs to be Luoyang? ]
[ That should suffice. ]
[ And the reason? ]
[ It is forbidden knowledge and I cannot disclose it, especially not to you. ]
[ As I thought… ]
With a bitter murmur, the Sect Leader continued, [ I understand. I will withdraw all forces of the White Lotus Sect from Luoyang and will not return again. This should persuade the Celestial Realm, right? ]
[ I cannot guarantee that. You may consider it unlikely. ]
[ Heh, are you grasping at straws? ]
Then Yeodong-bin spoke resolutely, [ Should the decree be established, innocent lives would be slaughtered, and an even greater disaster will befall us! I will do everything in my power to stop it. ]
[ Thank you. ]
Just then, the Mandala of Heart of Heaven’s Abundance began to gently rise around the Sect Leader. As Yeodong-bin quietly watched, the Sect Leader stretched one hand frontward and said, [ Before you leave, I ask you to teach my junior. ]
[ Do you not realize the situation I am in? ]
[ The weight of your commitment to the Martial God is too great for mere Musin. I find it regrettable to withdraw, granting me an opportunity to learn. ]
The sparring invitation of the Sect Leader of the White Lotus! But Yeodong-bin replied with evident reluctance, [ This is not the time for that. The energy expended while we compete will only drain the Dharma Protector’s strength. I cannot choose a path that puts the protector’s life at risk. ]
[ I promise to only engage in realized wisdom. I will not use the Primordial Spirit’s abilities. ]
[ … Even so. ]
Yeodong-bin contemplated for a moment and, aiming the Fire Dragon Sword, said, [ Alright. ]
[ Thank you. ]
As two absolute masters assumed their stances, Yeodong-bin murmured, [ It’s been a thousand years since I fought against the Four Great Families of the White Lotus… ]
And what felt like an eternity passed, but specifically, the exchange began, lasting exactly three seconds.
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