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After gaining insight into martial arts a few days later, I once again found myself meeting Han Baek-ryeong, guided by Han Jin-seong. Oddly, this time, she was dressed in a party gown, suggesting she had been out and about.

Upon seeing me, she said, “I’ve done some digging, and it seems you’re not actually a disciple of the Azure Dragon. He has a disciple named Jin So-cheong, who’s equally brilliant. Honestly, I’m a bit envious.”

It dawned on me that Han Baek-ryeong had been quiet all this time to gather information about me. If she was bold enough to bring it up, she must have gathered substantial intel.

“Before we chat, I’ve got to ask you something.”

With a gaze void of any emotion, she looked at me and continued, “Are you not considering becoming part of our Han Clan instead of just a guest?”

“What on earth are you talking about?”

“I’m offering you the power you so desperately want. I don’t know who your target for revenge is, but within reason, I can help you with it. In return, you’ll have to pledge your loyalty to our clan, which might mean putting your life on the line at times.”

I paused for a moment before replying, “Being part of a clan implies a blood connection, so what do you mean by that?”

“I intend to offer Ji-hwa as your partner. She’s one of the Four Beauties of Luoyang, a stunning gem of our clan. Frankly, she might be too good for you.”

My jaw dropped in shock. I had heard about these beauties during my time as a guest in the Han Clan. Four Beauties of Luoyang! They were renowned as the most noble and beautiful ladies of the martial world. I had caught a fleeting glance of Han Ji-hwa at a distance—her figure was mesmerizingly sculpted, a beauty akin to a poppy flower, enough to make any young man’s heart race.

Honestly, I was young and rather plain-looking. A few years down the line, I might look decent, but for now, I was the kind of boy that would make a typical girl turn her head in disgust. To think I could end up paired with one of the Four Beauties was utterly ridiculous. Stumbling through my words, I said, “W-wait a second. What about her will?”

“Ji-hwa is prepared to do whatever it takes for her clan. She sees it as her duty since she’s already reaped great benefits from being born into the Han family. She’s a good, kind girl, and she’ll serve you without hesitation.”

Having a stunning beauty devoted only to me was an enticing offer that no man could resist.

I glanced at Han Jin-seong, thinking he might react at such significant news since he and Ji-hwa were cousins. Yet, he remained stoic, silently listening as if nothing could faze him.

Grinding my teeth, I said, “That’s a pretty sudden proposal. I don’t understand why you’re being so generous. My focus is solely on honing my martial arts. Do you really think I can blend into your clan?”

“I’m not doing this for free. There’s an evident advantage to having you on our side, but I genuinely want you to join us because I find you intriguing.”

“Huh?”

“Enough chitchat; are you going to accept my proposal or not?”

After a lengthy contemplation, I realized both Han Baek-ryeong and Han Jin-seong knew how significant this matter was, respecting my thinking time. Finally, I broke the silence, “I refuse.”

Han Baek-ryeong looked utterly taken aback, but then her expression quickly returned to normal.

“Oh, really? Well, that’s fine. Let’s pretend this conversation never happened.”

“Thanks.”

“But can I ask one thing? Was it Ji-hwa you rejected simply because she didn’t appeal to you?”

I inhaled deeply and replied calmly, “I’m currently on the path of an Asura. Until I resolve everything, I can’t afford to look sideways. Besides, if I’m forced into a marriage without sincerity, it would only lead to misery for both her and me. Moreover, I need to be the one to achieve my revenge. Relying on others to make such a critical decision is unacceptable.”

Truthfully, I wanted nothing more than to marry Han Ji-hwa, savor her beauty, and live a blissful life. But I was wholly focused on avenging the Lord of the Golden Eagle Guard, exposing the imperial palace’s schemes—a goal I vowed to achieve before resting. Thus, I couldn’t afford to be shackled through a coerced marriage.

Furthermore, if I were to marry her and live happily for a few years, then die suddenly and reincarnate? When facing the Han clan again in my 10th or 11th life, I wouldn’t be able to keep my cool. I would go to great lengths to protect Han Ji-hwa, my lover. And if we had children? The toll on my mental strength would be catastrophic.

It would mean my entire reincarnation cycle would be consumed by desire, which would be unbearable. I wanted to choose who I spent my life with based on my own volition. To do that, I first had to fulfill my current objectives and seek revenge. Hearing my response, Han Baek-ryeong seemed genuinely impressed.

“Impressive. You have a burdensome, rebellious spirit but a solid will and resolve. Someone like you can achieve greatness anywhere.”

“Can we drop that? Anything else to discuss?”

“Though you’ve turned down my offer, I still want to help you. Our clan is related to your martial arts sect, so I’d like to offer some assistance.”

“Related?”

Han Baek-ryeong nodded and explained, “If you’ve heard from your master, you might have guessed, but our Han Clan is the lineage of the Fire Spirit Techniques.”

“Wait, you mean…!!”

“Yes, I am Han Baek-ryeong, the successor of the Fire Spirit Techniques. Just like the Thunder God Lineage, I am a descendant of the White Lotus Sect.”

White Lotus Sect! While I had suspected it, this was proof that could shake the world to its core. No wonder they possessed mind-boggling martial skills comparable to mine after consuming the Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng numerous times. She wielded extraordinary powers that seemed beyond mortal comprehension!

And it clicked—I understood. If my clan’s Muwak practiced the Fire Spirit Techniques, they wouldn’t be participating in the Imperial Palace Martial Arts Tournament. While the imperial palace martial artists might not recognize them right away, the connections to the White Lotus Sect would become undeniable with time. It meant they had to conceal their martial skills as much as possible.

Simultaneously, I felt like a deer caught in the headlights. I had a sinking suspicion of what she might imply.

‘Could it be she is…’

I had so many questions, but I was gripped with a chilling fear. Even the Lord of the Golden Eagle Guard wouldn’t dare go one-on-one with a Dharma Guardian, so for someone like me, she was an impossible opponent. As I started to panic, Han Baek-ryeong spoke.

“I bet you have many questions. But since you’ve decided not to join our clan, I can’t share anything further.”

I felt the regret creep in. If only I had lied about wanting to join, I could have learned their secrets… but it was too late now. Reclaiming my composure, I stated, “You shouldn’t think I’d spill the beans to the martial world.”

“Is there any need to?”

“What do you mean?”

“The Thunder God Lineage is also viewed as an outcast in the Central Plains martial world. If our identities were ever discovered, we could simply relocate our base to the White Lotus Sect. But for you, the moment your lineage is revealed, you’ll be looked down upon by both the Central Plains and the White Lotus Sect.”

Han Baek-ryeong cast a chilling glance at me. “Of course, if you leak any secrets, I won’t hesitate to personally hunt you down and tear you to pieces. That’s only natural, right?”

“…Understood.”

I didn’t think her words were just a joke or an idle threat. There was something unsettling about the Han clan’s prowess, as if they could find me even in the depths of obscurity. Sure, I could leak their secrets as revenge during my reincarnation, but even then, it felt like I’d be walking down a path I shouldn’t.

‘I must avoid speaking freely until I’m strong enough.’

As I mulled this over, Han Baek-ryeong continued, “I owe a debt to the Thunder God Lineage. Back when the Thunder God Lineage was expelled from the White Lotus Sect, it was an absurd situation. If I had helped actively, the Thunder God Lineage might still be working as the defenders of the White Lotus Sect today. But alas, what a pity.”

“That was decades ago, how can you still be…?”

“Can’t you tell I’m a Half-Transition Master? That incident happened during my active years.”

Something about her felt off, almost like a sense of time itself had shifted. With a sigh, Han Baek-ryeong said, “Forget it. I’ll write you a recommendation, so take this letter to the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School in Guanzhong. The leader there, Samjeol Lee Kwang, is a master of the Thunder God Lineage, and he can help you advance your martial skills.”

“What do you mean? I’m not competing in the Imperial Palace Martial Arts Tournament?”

“Someone else is going in your place. Studying with someone from your lineage is the fastest way to improve. If your goal is to enhance your skills, trusting my judgment would be best.

That made sense. If I could become Lee Kwang’s disciple again, there’d be no reason for me to risk my life competing in the tournament. Caught off guard, I asked, “Does he actually agree to this?”

“Of course. He and my master are acquaintances, and I know Lee Kwang too. You needn’t worry about that.”

I graciously accepted the letter Han Baek-ryeong offered. It felt like a stroke of luck.

‘Great! This will reduce discomfort and allow me to be Lee Kwang’s disciple once more.’

Though I was disappointed not hearing the full truth, this was a golden opportunity that came while I was contemplating rejoining the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School. Having Han Baek-ryeong show such confidence made me believe that Lee Kwang would welcome me back with open arms.

“Thanks for your kindness.”

“Now go. Next time you visit Luoyang, bring along a gift.”

“Understood.”

I then left Han Baek-ryeong’s dwelling, following Han Jin-seong through the labyrinthine corridors, but oddly enough, it felt like we were getting nowhere.

Curiously glancing at Han Jin-seong, he abruptly stopped and said, “Thanks.”

“For what?”

“For my cousin. Thank you.”

It seemed he was referencing the forced marriage matter. His face was painted with emotions that were almost unbelievable compared to his usual stoic demeanor. It was as if he was on the verge of tears.

He continued, his voice trembling, “Everything in this clan is governed by the Clan Leader’s will. All this wealth and honor were achieved through the Clan Leader’s strength, so we live constantly reminded of our duties. I thought Ji-hwa’s marriage was inevitable.”

His words carried a heavy essence of pain, leading me to respond gently, “I rejected it solely for my own reasons.”

Han Jin-seong shook his head. “I think it’s remarkable how you were able to express your own will in front of the Clan Leader. That’s sincere admiration.”

Not having received such praise before, I felt a bit flustered. While I was clearing my throat, Han Jin-seong stepped confidently ahead.

“This is by no means anything substantial, but I want to present this to Baek Woong.”

With a creak, he opened the door to a room. Inside lay an ancient sword, quietly gleaming atop a pedestal made of white jade, radiating immense power.

“This is…?”

Han Jin-seong stepped forward, gripping the sheath before presenting the sword’s guarded middle blade part to me.

“This sword is Longyuan. Please take it.”

“Longyuan!”

My eyes widened in surprise. Longyuan was one of three legendary swords crafted by Gu Yazi during the Warring States period for the King of Chu by the order of the famous Gan Jiang. The notoriety of this sword stemmed not only from its historical significance but also because Xiang Yu, the Overlord of Western Chu, wielded it. If this sword were genuine, its true value would be beyond imagination. It was a legendary sword whose historical and symbolic value could easily surpass that of an entire city. It wouldn’t be surprising if wars erupted over such an artifact.

“I can’t accept something this remarkable. What are you trying to…?”

“I have the authority to give this. To the Clan Leader, Longyuan is merely a collectible.”

Suddenly, I recalled the Han Clan’s status as the richest in the Central Plains. Indeed, if the Han Clan had amassed significant riches, they wouldn’t think twice about a legendary sword. No matter how impressive an ancient item was, it paled in comparison to the current power of wealth.

“Well then, I’ll gratefully accept it.”

As I took the Longyuan, a soft glow suddenly emanated from its surface. Unlike the philosopher’s stone or Oracle Bone Script, a mysterious green aura enveloped my body. Examining the emerald essence, Han Jin-seong observed, “That’s an unusual phenomena. Perhaps the Longyuan sword is acknowledging its new master…”

Moments later, the aura subsided, and I felt a sense of satisfaction from acquiring the treasure. However, I found myself reluctant to leave just yet and asked Han Jin-seong, “Do you happen to know anything about the legendary treasure known as the Seven Luminaries?”

“I’ve heard tales since it’s part of Taoist legends. But they seem too far-fetched for me to believe they actually exist.”

Even with his impressive collection like the Longyuan sword, the Seven Luminaries didn’t seem to hold his interest. I could understand why; as such distant legendary treasures, they could naturally be disregarded. After pondering for a moment, I prodded again, “Then… Since you seem to possess a sharp mind, where do you think the ‘Southward Tip of the World’ might be?”

This was a hint I received from Master Hyuncheon regarding the Fire Spirit Techniques. I instinctively recognized that Han Jin-seong was a scholar of immense caliber, rivaling that of Mangnyang, so I thought I’d at least have a slim chance here. Han Jin-seong appeared baffled before he replied, “If you go further south from the southern barbarians, you’ll encounter the great sea between Tianzhu; and beyond that, there’s the barbaric primitive continent itself. But nobody knows further details.”

“The primitive continent?”

“Would anyone be crazy enough to travel that far from China? It’s definitely impossible with normal sailing methods. That’s all I know.”

Inspiration struck me—I had a gut feeling that to reach the Fire Spirit treasure, I’d have to embark on an extremely long journey, possibly beyond comprehension.

After bidding farewell to Han Jin-seong, I made my way towards the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School in Guanzhong.

‘Looks like there’s no follower from the Shura Sect pursuing me.’

Strangely enough, I found that odd. Normally, considering past reincarnation experiences, there’d be a swarm of heretical or demonic sect members ready to swarm me by this time. But there were no such signs whatsoever. Perhaps the Shura Sect had lost interest in me, not wanting to get on the bad side of the Han Clan.

Days later, I finally arrived at the front of the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School in Guanzhong.

“…”

Was this my fourth time entering? I wasn’t filled with emotional nostalgia but rather bewilderment. I couldn’t believe I was just casually returning here after all my adventures in Luoyang, recommended by the Fire Spirit Techniques.

Neither Bangil nor his brothers were at the main gate, and when I strode up to Waryong Hall, the leader, Samjeol Lee Kwang, emerged as if he sensed my presence. I noticed Jin So-cheong was absent.

Lee Kwang stared at me with an icy demeanor before extending his hand and saying, “Show me the letter.”

Recognizing it was Han Baek-ryeong’s recommendation, I handed it to him without hesitation. Lee Kwang scanned it for about ten seconds before suddenly incinerating it with his technique, the Three Spirits’ True Fire.

Whoosh!

In an instant, the letter vanished, and Lee Kwang spat out, “That old hag from the Fire Spirit lineage has lost her marbles. Caught up in her own affairs, she dares recommend a disciple of Thunder God Lineage to me?”

Something felt off about the atmosphere.

‘Oh hell… Damn it.’

I sensed something was going terribly wrong. Thinking back to the Primordial Void Ruler, I realized that until now, luck had been on my side, but why the sudden shift? Lee Kwang’s killing intent surged, making my heart drop. If that monster lost control, there’d be no way I could escape unscathed.

Lee Kwang suddenly hurled a spear and a sword at me.

Instinctively catching them, he said quietly, “Let’s spar. If you can’t convince me, you’ll die here.”

In that moment, a chilling thought crossed my mind. The Primordial Void Ruler’s fortune seemed to be relatively short-lived, and it genuinely felt like a consumable resource.

 

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