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“Assassinate the Master of the White Lotus Sect!”

I felt a wave of shock wash over me at Han Baek-ryeong’s words. I had known she held some hidden resentment towards the current Master of the White Lotus Sect, but hearing it so directly took me by surprise.

“Why?”

“Because you possess the strength to do so,” she replied.

“That’s no reason,” I shot back, meeting her gaze firmly. “Just because I have power doesn’t mean I need to target the Master. We’re complete strangers.”

“That may be true,” she acknowledged. “But why do you make such an unreasonable request all of a sudden?”

“The Dragon’s Avatar may not have met the Master, but he is a very dangerous person. He may seem calm, but he is a whirlwind of madness and obsession. If what you desire is peace in this world, then conflict with him is inevitable.”

Her words struck me hard. ‘She knows something I can’t deny.’

Despite her abstract way of speaking, I couldn’t help but relate, having witnessed the Master’s true nature myself. Han Baek-ryeong clearly understood his temperament and intentions. However, I continued to play it cool, hiding the tension that brewed within.

“That’s something only time will reveal. I can’t act against someone for a threat that hasn’t even materialized yet. If there’s nothing more to discuss, I’ll be on my way.”

My firm statement left her looking a bit troubled. “Are you saying the Master could potentially be a greater threat than the evil sorcerer he just defeated in the Imperial Palace?”

“……”

I knew it well. If the Master were to break free and overtake the Imperial Palace, he would seek out the Non-Birth Mother’s Dharma Techniques. He’d become the Apostle of the Dark God, just as Han Baek-ryeong described. With his plans and tendencies so clear, I couldn’t bring myself to dismiss her concerns.

“I’d like to hear more specifics.”

“What do you wish to know?”

“How you know all of this, and what exactly makes the Master so dangerous?”

“It’s a lengthy story, but are you okay with that? It’s a hidden secret from within the White Lotus.”

“Given the gravity of the situation, I’m ready to listen carefully.”

With a nod, she began her tale. “The current Master, Dokgo Uncheon, was originally an unknown ruler. The current Dharma Protectors—myself, Dokgo Jun, Yongbi-cheon, and even the late Lee Cheong-un—were all renowned in our martial prowess. At that time, he was so inconspicuous that others might not even know of his existence. All he did was study texts and practice obscure sorcery from ruins. But during the internal competition for the position of Master, he suddenly emerged, showcasing his limitless internal power and defeating even Lee Cheong-un, the strongest Dharma Protector, to claim the Master’s throne.”

“……”

“His power clearly wasn’t acquired through standard means. A martial genius greater than Lee Cheong-un should not exist, and the idea of ‘limitless internal power’ is virtually impossible.”

“So what you’re saying is…?”

“Correct. His abilities lie not within martial arts but rather the realms of sorcery or magic. He’s almost certainly colluding with beings referred to as ‘demons.’ A non-martial artist leading the White Lotus implies his goals stray far from the interests of our martial community. Additionally, he doesn’t see humans as anything more than mere tools for his ambitions, signaling a looming tragedy.”

She spoke calmly, but I couldn’t argue against her words. ‘Everything she says is… right.’

It left me unnerved that she could grasp what had taken me countless lives to realize through hard work by the Master’s side. I feigned ignorance and pushed on. “If what you say is true, then the forces behind your Dharma Protectors—like the Heavenly Spirit Pill and limitless internal power—were obtained through the power of demons?”

“That’s correct.”

“Do you have proof?”

“All of us Dharma Protectors, including myself, acquired the strength of the Heavenly Spirit Pill not through normal training but by undergoing some shady sorcery rituals. This cannot be considered martial arts; it’s a disgrace for martial artists.”

“Hmm…”

“But without the Heavenly Spirit Pill, we can’t maintain our Sect’s security, leaving us with no choice.”

Her feelings of self-hatred were palpable. I felt puzzled. “But… by obtaining limitless internal power, haven’t you gained an advantage over all factions and reclusive masters?”

“Ultimately, this power means little before one who has reached the Absolute Realm. In the grand scheme of things, the quality of one’s strength outweighs quantity. Meanwhile, we have no clear idea what the cost of our power truly is.”

Han Baek-ryeong continued, “Every power comes with a cost. At this rate, all Dharma Protectors will face destruction, and all the non-martial factions under us will surely meet their doom. That’s why I want to act against the Master.”

“I see…”

It seemed she was still unaware of what contract the Heavenly Spirit Pill represented or the cost it would extract. But her logical thoughts and instincts made it clear she sensed she’d fallen into a precarious trap. That’s why she’d been seeking a way to break free from the Master’s grip since the death of Lee Cheong-un.

After considering things carefully, I responded, “I understand your reasons for needing to strike against him. But I can’t simply rely on your words to risk going after the Master. It’s true he’s incredibly strong, and I have many pressing matters at hand. I can’t afford to create unnecessary enemies right now.”

“Would you not offer everything we have in the Fire Spirit sect?”

“That still seems a poor trade to antagonize the Master. He’s the closest person to being unmatched throughout history, so he should never be underestimated.”

Han Baek-ryeong momentarily fell silent upon my polite rejection. Then she spoke, “I know two of his weaknesses. If we strike those, we can greatly weaken the Master and easily achieve victory.”

Surprised, I paused. It wasn’t merely the unexpected revelation that shocked me; it was also unclear how far she had grasped the situation.

‘She must be talking about the Reverse Scale and the Young Master!’

If I could target those two weaknesses, taking the Master down would be a breeze. Why the Young Master was a weakness still eluded me, but I knew there was room to maneuver as long as I understood. As I lost my words, Han Baek-ryeong continued.

“Oh Dragon’s Avatar! If you eliminate the Master, not only will you secure our Fire Spirit sect but also gain control over the martial world in Luoyang and beyond!”

“……”

“If you agree to my proposal, I’ll share those weaknesses and a concrete plan.”

I found myself pondering. After a moment, I finally replied, “Please give me time to think about it.”

“Until when?”

“I’ll have an answer for you in ten days.”

“I will be waiting.”

I watched Han Baek-ryeong pick her pipe back up as I gazed at her in silence. “Is the Shadowless Alliance doing well?”

“That one is close to the Dragon’s Avatar, so I treat him with respect. He’s diligently learning the martial arts of our sect every day.”

“I’d like to talk to him for a moment.”

“I’ll guide you.”

I saw Han Baek-ryeong swiftly using her martial arts to dart off somewhere. Though I felt a little out of my element not being able to use techniques myself, I focused on following her energy signature. Shortly after, I discovered a small martial training ground far from the Han Clan.

There, someone was vigorously wielding a sword—it was none other than the Sword Demon.

Excited to see me, the Sword Demon exclaimed, “Long time no see!”

“Uh… How have you been?”

“I’ve been well.”

I recounted the conversation I’d just had with Han Baek-ryeong. Although she was right next to me, there was no need to hide anything since it didn’t matter. After hearing the story, the Sword Demon thought for a moment before saying, “I don’t have much to offer.”

Yet that was just surface-level talk. In that very brief moment, he sent me a secret transmission.

[Discuss with Zhuge Sha and Mangnyang.]

That seemed about right. After confirming the Sword Demon’s safety, I departed from the Han Clan and returned to the Shadowless Alliance’s base at Jangryeong Valley. Then, I explained my recent experiences to Zhuge Sa and Mangnyang.

Zhuge Sa looked irritated as he remarked, “Hmph. You’re just running about haphazardly without even consulting the strategist?”

“Ugh… Sorry…”

With no words left to say, I apologized, but Mangnyang interjected, “Baek Woong, you have to keep in mind that you might consider Han Baek-ryeong a companion. Once you earn her trust, your actions today will be perceived favorably. Don’t think too harshly of it.”

Zhuge Sa snorted. “If that’s the case, just hand her the Obsidian and ask if she wants to be on our side or not! Why sit around playing mind games with that wily woman? Are you too scared that harboring resentment against Han Baek-ryeong might limit your choices next time?”

“……”

“That’s nonsense! Ignore it. We don’t have the luxury to take on the Master right now.”

Zhuge Sa decisively turned down Han Baek-ryeong’s assassination proposal. In fact, his words were probably the most realistic. With my search for Chi You still ongoing, opposing the Master would be a monumental task.

As I sat beside Mangnyang, he eventually spoke up, “But Uncle, now that the Imperial Palace is defenseless, the Master may very well make his move on Luoyang. Just as Han Baek-ryeong suggested, even if we can’t kill him, we should at least prepare a way to contain him.”

“Hmph! The guy’s tied up thanks to the curse placed by the White Lotus; he’s stuck hugging the Young Master while he can’t even move around in Xin Kang. That means we can fully control or even take out his subordinates, helping us to contain the White Lotus.”

Zhuge Sa scoffed, “Baek Woong! After ten days, go talk to her again. Convince the Wind Spirit sect to join in on the assault against the Master—along with those scholars too.”

“Huh?!”

Zhuge Sa laughed at me. “That woman won’t go for it! If she could’ve rallied others like the Twelve Joules to finish the Master off, she would have done so already. She’s incredibly suspicious, full of schemes, and only looks after her own faction. Just throwing this idea at her will buy us at least a year of peace! So just put it out there—leave her to stew!”

“……!!”

“While she’s busy tussling with Yongbi-cheon, both our Fire Spirit and Wind Spirit sects will be immobilized. The only ones left are the Su Shin Sect or the Elder Council. Their presence in Luoyang will be challenging because of the local factions. Plus, the Master himself can’t even set foot in Luoyang, so what’s the point?”

“Oh… that makes sense…”

“And just like that, we’ll have a plan to counter the White Lotus!”

Zhuge Sa burst forth with this scheme, and honestly, it didn’t sound bad at all. If I could entangle Han Baek-ryeong in the complexities of inter-factional relations, she would be left in a tough spot. I wasn’t outright accepting or rejecting her offer, after all. Instead of getting a headache over her, it seemed wiser to shift the burden back onto her.

Zhuge Sa gave Mangnyang a sharp look. “And you, Hyun, are so eager for sorcery that you can’t think clearly. You need to reflect on that as a strategist.”

Feeling embarrassed, Mangnyang replied, “You’re right.”

“Clear your mind and take some time to head to Mt. Yeongsan and meditate for a bit. Until you establish your own path, you won’t be of any use.”

I thought Zhuge Sa was being a bit too harsh there. I mean, saying Mangnyang was useless? But to my surprise, Mangnyang nodded and accepted it calmly. “I will do so.”

“Got it? Clear your head. If you don’t, you’ll make big mistakes.”

“Understood.”

Zhuge Sa dismissed him with a curt comment. But worry lingered in his eyes. So, I thought best to let it be for now.

Suddenly, I heard a voice. “At last, everyone has gathered.”

The unfamiliar words echoed from behind me.

“……?!”

As I realized I was being suppressed from behind, a cold dread washed over me. The moment I realized I was in the opponent’s attack range, it felt as if my whole body had frozen, my blood running white.

Zhuge Sa and Mangnyang sensed it too, staring wide-eyed in fear at my back. They had been in a defensive stance, but now, they failed to notice how this apparition had suddenly appeared behind me.

I wanted to strike.

But I couldn’t.

The moment I thought to attack, I would die.

With my heart racing, I cautiously placed my fingers on the sword’s handle. But I didn’t dare to draw it.

‘No… They’ll be faster than me!’

Even if I used my Thunderclap and internal energy to pump up my physical abilities, or even drew upon the powers of the Fire Spirit and the National Seal, in that instant, I would lose my neck or take a fatal blow. Unlike the scratches I had endured before, I might end up in a hundred pieces. No matter how close to immortality Jeon Wook made me, I couldn’t take that gamble!

The output of strength was a separate issue. The person standing behind me had acquired the Absolute Fast Sword, and even the Master of the White Lotus couldn’t evade its blade. Besides, there was no shield or defensive barrier that could withstand it.

What kind of powerhouse is this?

In an instant, only one name came to my mind. As I whispered, “Miyamoto… Musashi…”

The figure behind me seemed intrigued. “You know of me.”

Indeed.

Standing behind me, exerting pressure on all three of us, was none other than the top expert of the Absolute Realm and the special envoy of the Twelve Joules, Miyamoto Musashi! The most powerful swordsman in Dongyoung’s history, holder of the Book of Five Relationships, and founder of the Two Heavens One Style, he was here without a sound behind me.

The reason he came was easily inferred. ‘… Of course, Musashi is…’

The right-hand man of the Twelve Joules!

Miyamoto Musashi had been hidden in Luoyang, observing quietly as a special envoy of the Twelve Joules. His stealth was a mastery of the Absolute Realm, so only one as perceptive as the Master of the White Lotus might take notice. And with the Imperial Palace’s recent destruction at the hands of the Fire Dragon Incarnate, he had likely tracked me all the way to Jangryeong Valley!

 

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