---

“So, my wounds healed up after two days?”

When I finally opened my eyes, I found the female doctor from the Six Great Families of Guanzhong next to me. Soon after, Kang Son-mu, the physician, came in after receiving a message.

He took my pulse and said, “Alright, you’re all healed. You can go now.”

“What about the medical fees?”

“Jin So-cheong covered it. You can head straight to the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School.”

“Thank you!”

After thanking him, I left the Kang family residence. As I peeked back at the plaque of the Kang family, I thought, ‘Lee Kwang’s influence in Guanzhong is pretty substantial. Usually, you’d have to wait days to see a physician, but I got immediate treatment…’

Considering the gravity of the situation, to receive treatment from the top physician of a family like the Kang family, you’d need a solid network and connections. Lee Kwang was indeed a person worthy of such privileges.

I made my way to the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School. This time, the Bangil brothers were on guard, but as soon as they recognized me, they waved me in without a fuss. They must’ve gotten the word beforehand. Upon stepping inside, I encountered Jin So-cheong right in front of Waryong Hall.

“Baek Woong, you’ve come!”

“…”

“Haha, you’re looking cautious. I can’t blame you.”

Jin So-cheong chuckled dryly and added, “From today onward, I’ll be your elder brother. I’m currently the Grandmaster of the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School, and I also have a background in the Thunder God Lineage. I hope we’ll work well together.”

Hearing his introduction made me feel a bit awkward. It struck me as strange that someone I used to pull off pranks with was now an unfamiliar figure standing before me. But I quickly regained my composure and bowed deeply.

“Thank you for your guidance, elder brother.”

“Alright, follow me. Our Master is waiting.”

“Master?”

Are they planning to beat me up again after healing me?

Worrying, I followed Jin So-cheong inside. Just as he said, Lee Kwang was waiting for me seated in a chair. His aura was unusually solemn, which put me on edge. He stared at me and declared, “I’ve assessed your talent. I, Lee Kwang, vow to do my utmost to pass on the essence of the Thunder God Lineage to you, Baek Woong.”

The atmosphere felt different.

‘Huh?’

There had never been such grave declarations before; it was just, ‘I’ll teach you, so learn it.’ As I tilted my head in confusion, Lee Kwang asked, “Before we start training, I need to check what you know. How much do you know about the techniques of the Thunder God Lineage?”

I took a moment to think and replied, “With the spear, I know the Thunder Spirit Eight Forms; with the sword, I know the Thunder Shadow Sword Technique, including the Thunder Blade. For boxing, I’m familiar with the Thunder Cloud Fist and the Thunder Cloud Palm. I’m aware that there’s the Thunder God Fist waiting if I develop my boxing skill, and presently, I’ve mastered the Thunder Shadow Step, Heavenly Gathering Kill as a secret technique. Also, I’ve achieved mastery in Qi.”

“I see. You’ve learned quite a bit, but rather ambiguously,” Lee Kwang remarked after pondering for a moment.

“Ideally, you’d master the Thunder Spirit Eight Forms first to progress to the Heavenly Thunder Infinite Spear, which would lead you to the realm of intent. You’d typically awaken the Thunder Spirit level in the process. Yet, you’ve learned the Thunder Spirit first, acquired a relatively weaker sword technique, and are now learning advanced secret techniques…?”

“Ah…”

“What on earth was your previous master thinking?” The disbelief in his tone was palpable. But I was just as baffled!

‘Wait, you were the one teaching me!!!’

Regardless, this was Lee Kwang’s first meeting with me in this ninth life. I couldn’t spill the secrets of my past lives, so all I could do was mutter, “My focus has been on self-defense, which is why I decided on that as my main path. I presume that’s why you passed down techniques with me in mind. Additionally, it took some considerable time to master Thunder Shadow Step, Heavenly Gathering Kill.”

“Hmm… something feels off. The order of teaching seems… almost like you’re being restrained…”

“…?”

Lee Kwang’s mumbling suddenly clicked in my head. ‘Could it be?’

As someone of the Thunder God Lineage, I should be a pupil to teach, but I wasn’t a subject worth pouring out everything into. He handed me secret techniques but didn’t appear overly enthusiastic. Even if we were close enough, it didn’t seem like he acted with the intention to train me long-term.

Restraint. Perhaps Lee Kwang wanted to control my overwhelming internal power from past lives by adjusting how intensely he taught me. Surely the Thunder Shadow Step and the Heavenly Gathering Kill were both excellent techniques, but listening to Lee Kwang’s words, the teaching speed and process were vastly different from a typical successor.

While I pondered over this, Lee Kwang spoke again. “Let’s do this. From today, I’ll primarily teach you the spear.

“Huh? Isn’t the next step for the Thunder Shadow Sword Technique…?”

“Your sword technique already has its own illusions and transformations. You wouldn’t lose much power by not advancing to the next step right away. What’s crucial is that you’ve neglected spear techniques up to now, and we need to change that to quickly approach the apex of the Thunder God Lineage.”

“But I’ve heard mastering one weapon takes a lifetime…” I pointed out. Lee Kwang tilted his head, clearly puzzled by my remark.

“That applies to other schools, not the Thunder God Lineage. The spear, sword, and fist techniques work together in harmony for a synergistic effect. Didn’t your previous master teach you this?”

“I’ve been told it’s fine as long as I learn just one well…”

Upon my reply, Lee Kwang’s expression darkened. “Your previous master is an absolute idiot! How can a traditional heir of the Thunder God Lineage say such nonsense? The Heavenly Thunder Infinite Spear, Ten Thousand Success Sword Technique, and Thunder God Fist are all interconnected; if you lack proficiency in one, you can’t fully grasp any of them!”

“Ugh.” I fought hard not to burst into laughter at how comically he was chastising his counterpart.

‘Wait, but you were the one teaching me.’

Yet, the moment my assumptions were validated, a sense of dread surged through me. ‘This is serious.’

According to Lee Kwang, the previous version of him had never taught me with full effort. Despite the long hours of personal guidance, he never aimed to truly reveal the essence of the Thunder God Lineage to me.

Lee Kwang had no intention of genuinely teaching someone like me, who was suspect in the eyes of other pupils in the Thunder God Lineage. Moreover, since my talent was relatively unimpressive, he likely aimed to merely give me a taste of sword and fist techniques, and that was already more than enough at the master level to make a name for himself.

But that implied that even if I survived an intense training regimen in my previous life, I was never fated to comprehend the Thunder God Lineage’s ultimate secrets. Even if I somehow managed to grasp the next level of the Thunder Shadow Sword Technique, the blockage caused by my previous knowledge might leave me at a loss.

As I stood there, pondering, Lee Kwang said, “First, I need to assess your understanding. Let’s head to the training ground so you can demonstrate the techniques of the Thunder God Lineage that you know, step by step.”

“Alright.”

I was well practiced at this. As I performed the techniques known to me in sequence, I felt a significant improvement in my movements, likely due to having mastered the Thunder Shadow Step. Once I executed the final stance of the Eight Forms, Lee Kwang commented, “You’ve mastered the Thunder Shadow Step quite well. Did you develop your swordplay on your own?”

“I did receive strong inspiration for it.”

“Hmm, good. You should be able to grow rapidly in spear techniques if you apply yourself properly.”

From that day onward, Lee Kwang began personally instructing me in spear techniques with an intense and passionate attitude, unlike any I had ever seen before. I couldn’t help but question if this man really was who he claimed to be.

Clang!

Clang!

I swung the wooden spear non-stop, executing the Thunder Spirit Eight Forms in succession. Following Lee Kwang’s commands, I also included variations of the Thunder Shadow Step into the eight forms, practicing continuously in various directions. After already performing this for three sessions, my entire body was drenched in sweat, yet Lee Kwang urged me on with relentless shouts, “Keep thinking and keep swinging! The spear is the ultimate weapon! It will give you power beyond your commitment! Combine all forms of the Thunder Spirit Eight Forms to create the optimal path of attack!”

“Yes!”

Clang, clang, clang! I continued swinging the spear until I finally reached the seventh session and collapsed to the ground, breathless. Although I hadn’t reached the point of a hundred thousand swings, the fact that I was continuously focusing on executing techniques quickly wore me out mentally.

As I lay sprawled on the floor, gasping, Lee Kwang explained, “People often think that the spear’s long reach makes it ineffective in close quarters, but that’s a common misconception among swordsmen and players who rarely encounter true masters of spear technique.”

Swish!

Lee Kwang’s spear shot forward with an unyielding force, exuding a formidable aura. Glaring fiercely as if an enemy were in front of him, he stated, “That’s absolutely wrong! The spear is formidable even at close range! The spear represents the epitome of combat that disregards all advantages in battle! Up until now, you only knew the Thunder Spirit Eight Forms, but from now on, you will hone the delicate yet powerful fundamentals that exist within spear techniques.”

“Fundamentals?”

“Correct. You will master a total of three fundamentals, which can all be considered secret techniques. This is the essence of spear technique.”

I felt a peculiar sensation. ‘Wait, I never learned anything like that from Lee Kwang before.’

Until now, whenever I expressed my desire to specialize in sword technique, Lee Kwang would simply teach me that without pushing the importance of spear techniques or working on the fundamentals with me.

“Lan, Na, Chal!”

“Huh?! Those are basics, right?” I responded, baffled. The three fundamentals Lee Kwang named were ones I had already learned. You couldn’t perform the Thunder Spirit Eight Forms without mastering them first.

Lan was about bouncing outward (an external rotation), Na was the inward maneuver that’s a defensive move (an internal rotation), while Chal simply meant thrusting forward. Three months ago, I would have mastered Lan Na Chal to serve as the base for executing the Thunder Spirit Eight Forms. They were fundamentals anyone could grasp with a bit of practice, independent of talent.

However, at the moment I questioned this, fire sparked in Lee Kwang’s eyes.

“You! What do you know to dare speak like that?! Do you even know what Lan Na Chal is?”

With a swift motion, Lee Kwang struck his wooden spear, the force bursting through and creating a hole in the wall that measured two feet across. I froze, unable to move, when Lee Kwang continued to explain, “That was just the Lan Na Chal technique! I didn’t use any secret techniques. Did you witness any extraordinary elements within that technique?”

“Uh… no.” I stammered.

“Basic techniques are something you could spend a lifetime mastering, yet you dare speak so lightly!” Lee Kwang continued angrily.

“Jin So-cheong has grasped the secret techniques of the Heavenly Thunder Infinite Spear, but instead of showcasing that, he practices Lan Na Chal daily because he acknowledges what he lacks. Don’t ever mock those still struggling!”

“…”

I had no choice but to start practicing those basic techniques daily to not let his words get to me. Despite the monotony, he constantly taught me applications of the fundamentals and techniques I had never considered before. It was apparent that only someone who had devoted decades just to mastering spear fighting could understand such subtleties.

About half a year later, I found myself training intensely again, swinging the spear all day until I collapsed into sleep.

In my dreams, a divine being appeared, walking toward me on a cloud bridge. Pointing to the Divine Sword I held, he spoke.

[I am the Primordial Void Ruler. Today’s debt for that sword is settled.]

“Huh?”

[Your fortune will return to normal. Farewell.]

Startled, I yelled, “Wait a minute!”

“Why?”

“I’ve offered up centuries of luck, and you’re telling me it’s over already?”

The Primordial Void Ruler’s brow furrowed.

[I’ve granted you several lifetimes worth of luck.]

[Seriously?!]

[For real.]

With that, the Primordial Void Ruler walked away, disappearing beyond the cloud bridge.

[You should be satisfied with whatever luck awaits you.]

With a drip of drool, I woke up, pondering, ‘What have I been going through until now? Does that mean the last bit of fortune is what’s next?’

What he meant would soon become clear the next day.

While practicing the Lan, Na, Chal basics as usual, an epiphany suddenly struck my mind. As I attempted to integrate the Thunder Shadow Step with the Thunder Spirit Eight Forms, despite it being my first try, something told me I could pull it off.

‘What’s this impression I’m getting?!’

With a burst of realization, I executed my thunderous techniques through the basics and suddenly amalgamated into something dramatically effective. The Thunder Spirit Eight Forms transformed into a fluid, formidable martial display, far surpassing anything I had done before. The Qi that I had forced in all this time flowed effortlessly like dew collected at the tip of the spear.

Completing the Thunder Spirit Eight Forms continuously in sixteen different forms, I was enveloped in an invigorating rush I had never felt before. Standing still, I perceived clearly: I had stepped into another realm of the Thunder Spirit Eight Forms.

“Excellent! I was worried you’d be dull at first, but it seems you possess splendid talent!”

“Master!”

“If you aim to achieve your goals, you need to grow at this pace.”

Unbeknownst to me, Lee Kwang had been watching my progress.

He smiled brightly and announced, “After much contemplation, I’ve decided to pass down the Decisive Enlightenment Thunderclap technique to you.”

Decisive Enlightenment? This was a term I had never heard before. How many secrets had Lee Kwang concealed while teaching me through my past lives? How clueless had I been, failing to grasp it after years of training, to finally hear something of worth now? I was utterly flabbergasted.

Meanwhile, Lee Kwang explained, “Thunderclap is about breath control. You’ve learned that the foundation of martial arts and internal power lies in breathing, correct?”

“Yes.”

“The Thunderclap breath is one of the most critical secrets among the techniques of the Thunder God Lineage and is passed only to a true successor. It’s fundamentally a singular transmission, representing the most powerful fundamental technique.”

“Most powerful?”

Never before had Lee Kwang described any technique with such grandiose words, let alone related to breathing.

Holding his hand out, he positioned himself into the Thunder Cloud Fist stance, taking a deep breath while drawing all strength into himself. After holding this position, Lee Kwang stated, “To grasp this Thunderclap, you must understand the essence of Heart, Qi, Blood, and Essence. The Dantian is the heart’s field, where your will can guide your internal power. The Eight Extraordinary Vessels are essentially under your will’s control. Thunderclap elevates Heart, Qi, Blood, and Essence to their ultimate, akin to transforming your entire intent into a bolt of lightning all in a single breath. This one breath could change everything.”

“Transforming my will into lightning?”

“Exactly like this.”

With a loud BOOM!, Lee Kwang’s entire form vanished into thin air. When he reappeared, an enormous force of one punch was punctuated against the wall with a sound that echoed. I realized that this wasn’t merely strength or speed but something beyond those concepts. I understood that if that punch were directed at me, there would be no means to dodge or defend against it.

Seeing my shocked face, Lee Kwang commented, “I see you’re catching on.”

“You mean this breathing technique…?”

“Once the breath effect is in play, any technique you execute belonging to the Thunder God Lineage will carry the potency of a secret technique. As long as the spear, sword, and fist develop harmoniously, that power is maximized. Using Thunderclap, even a highly skilled expert could easily be obliterated, hence it’s often referred to as the ‘Mighty Kill’ technique.”

“……!!” A chill ran through me.

‘What if Lee Kwang used Thunderclap against me…?’

In the past, Lee Kwang had never shown any inclination to use Thunderclap against me. Jin So-cheong had seemed the same when we invaded the Zhongnan Sect. But if both of them, already peak experts, unleashed Thunderclap to its fullest potential, who knows what might happen?

Lee Kwang chuckled, “Of course, there’s another reason it’s called Decisive Enlightenment. The instant you activate that breath, your internal power drains at an alarming rate, so I personally can’t sustain it for more than thirty seconds. After it’s over, I’ll be vulnerable to attacks for a few seconds. Therefore, Thunderclap is a surefire technique.”

“Once unleashed, it must ensure the enemy’s demise?”

“Precisely. Keep that in mind.” Lee Kwang’s gaze gleamed intensely.

“You, me, Jin So-cheong. For anyone else who sees Thunderclap, you must eliminate them! Otherwise, you could be killed as well.”

I gulped, “Understood!”

At that moment, I realized that this was the last bit of fortune bestowed upon me by the Primordial Void Ruler.

“Yes.”

Understanding martial arts, attaining comprehension—what would usually require years or even decades to obtain in the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School, all translated with this fortunate coincidence in Luoyang, alongside Lee Kwang suddenly elevating his evaluation of me. I finally had the opportunity to grasp the Decisive Enlightenment Thunderclap technique!

 

---