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I rode the Four-Guardian Beast to bring Lee Cheong-un in front of the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School. As he glanced at the plaque of the school, Lee Cheong-un let out a hollow laugh.

“Who would’ve thought the practitioner of the Thunder God Lineage would establish a martial arts school in the Central Plains!”

“Life is unpredictable, isn’t it?”

“Haha, when you say it like that, it’s really quite persuasive.”

Ha!

Chuckling, Lee Cheong-un strode confidently through the main entrance. He seemed to wish to avoid drawing attention, disappearing like a flash of lightning, and I had to reluctantly chase after him using the Soul Removal Technique. Lee Cheong-un’s momentary speed easily surpassed the Soul Removal Technique, making me marvel inwardly.

‘The Soul Removal Technique is already an incredibly fast supreme skill, yet he’s faster than that.’

The Thunder Spirit Technique truly seemed to defy reason. By the time I arrived in front of Waryong Hall a few breaths later, the door had already swung open. It was evident that Lee Cheong-un had entered boldly.

Should I go in?

It was early evening, and perhaps that was why the candles were lit, casting a warm glow, but the surroundings weren’t particularly dark. In that relaxed twilight, I caught sight of the scene before the Thunder God Lineage’s priest. Lee Cheong-un wore a bright smile as he greeted.

“Lee Kwang! How have you been?”

Lee Kwang stood in the corridor, staring blankly at Lee Cheong-un. Silence stretched into the air.

“……”

With a ghostly expression, Lee Kwang merely blinked, showing no further reaction. No, rather than saying he couldn’t act, it seemed he couldn’t bear to act. It appeared he was overwhelmed by a profound psychological shock, reminiscent of when he’d been bedridden due to a clash of beliefs in the past.

About five breaths passed before Lee Kwang finally came to his senses, glancing around cautiously.

“… Is it a ghost? Is there a spellcaster nearby capable of captivating me?”

Lee Cheong-un, cheekily acting unimpressed, responded cheerfully.

“If such a being exists, I’d love to meet them! Lee Kwang, do I look like a ghost to you?”

“You— My master… I buried you after retrieving your corpse… You wouldn’t possibly be here.”

Lee Kwang mumbled as if brainwashing himself, slowly raising his spear. An intense killing intent gathered at the tip. In such a narrow corridor, if Lee Kwang thrust his full power into that spear strike, it would be nearly impossible for anyone in the world to evade it. Even I would struggle to block such an attack.

But instead, Lee Cheong-un taunted him.

“Let’s see just how much you’ve improved during our time apart. Come at me!”

“Ha!”

Phew!

The sound of air being violently split rang out. It was the result of Lee Kwang’s spear technique, accelerated to the extreme, bursting forth with Thunder Spirit energy. The underlying techniques of Grasp and Pierce were hidden in that approach, rendering it a terrifying Absolute Slash.

Thwump

Yet, in that fleeting moment, Lee Cheong-un flicked away the spear strike with his finger and pressed his own finger against Lee Kwang’s acupuncture point. Lee Cheong-un’s speed was simply unbelievable, even faster than the speed of the spear’s tip!

With Lee Kwang completely exposing his vital point, he was defeated in the blink of an eye. At this rate, just a flick of Lee Cheong-un’s finger would send Lee Kwang’s head flying.

“……!!”

As Lee Kwang froze in place, Lee Cheong-un withdrew his hand and smiled broadly.

“Not bad, but I must say, your skills aren’t as impressive as I expected! Have you been slacking off?”

“This can’t be happening…”

Lee Cheong-un, trying to persuade him, continued,

“Who else besides me could subdue you with Thunder God techniques in just one second? Obviously only a master like you could do that.”

“……”

Lee Kwang found himself struggling to accept the reality before him, perplexed as he faced the impossibility yet still feeling compelled to believe. Reluctantly, he ventured,

“I can’t believe it. Master was confirmed dead, and I buried you myself. No human could possibly survive in that situation.”

“True, I was indeed dead at that time.”

Lee Cheong-un continued,

“But the Heavenly Spirit Pillar itself is the power of the gods; miracles that exist because of divine strength are not to be doubted… I successfully resurrected after countless years.”

“I can’t believe it!”

Lee Kwang replied harshly as he gripped his spear tightly, ominous energy swirling in his eyes.

“Don’t spout nonsense!”

“What will you do if I’m simply standing in front of you as Lee Cheong-un, the Dharma Protector of the Thunder God Lineage who has attained the Thunder Spirit Technique?”

Lee Kwang was at a loss for words in response.

“Hahaha.”

Lee Cheong-un laughed playfully.

“Lee Kwang! How have you been getting along with Jeong Yun-bo and Beom-kyun?”

“… Who the heck are you?!”

In a bout of confusion, Lee Kwang unleashed another Absolute Slash towards Lee Cheong-un. This time, he seemed to have put more effort into it, and four transformed strikes surged forth as dangerous high-level techniques. A cleverly concealed transformation ensured he had to endure it.

However, Lee Cheong-un raised a hand languidly, then in the next moment, twisted Lee Kwang’s arm and effortlessly snatched the spear from his grasp. The speed was shocking; it was unbelievable. Lee Cheong-un exclaimed irritably,

“Really, how troublesome it is to prove you’re back!”

With gritted teeth, Lee Kwang glared at Lee Cheong-un.

“Even if you have resurrected, why did you take so long? Meanwhile, I… The Thunder God Lineage…”

Lee Cheong-un scratched his head in confusion.

“I see… It must have been quite a situation for everyone.”

Lee Kwang’s demeanor softened slightly as he seemed to regain his composure. Perhaps it was due to the overwhelming difference in skill that his tone shifted to half-respectful. After all, it was undeniable that Lee Cheong-un was an extraordinary master.

“Whoever you are, just go back. Do not appear before me again. I can’t possibly believe in your resurrection.”

“I’m afraid I can’t do that.”

“What did you just say?”

In an instant, Lee Cheong-un’s gaze turned icy.

“Lee Kwang, have you forgotten my temper after all this time?”

“What…?”

Pow!

The next moment, Lee Kwang was struck and sent spiraling through the air for two and a half rotations. He hit the ground but attempted to roll to his feet; however, Lee Cheong-un charged in, kicking Lee Kwang in the gut.

Gah!

Lee Kwang rolled on the floor, spitting blood.

“After I spoke kindly, you’ve completely lost your manners. Even after my calm tone, you really haven’t changed at all.”

“Ugh… Wait a moment…”

Lee Cheong-un seized Lee Kwang by the collar, lifting him up as he snarled.

“Those who lose their humanity are worse than animals. Haven’t I told you this countless times?”

At that, Lee Kwang’s expression shifted as if he had suddenly awakened. Perhaps Lee Cheong-un’s words were a signal resonating with their shared memories.

“Could it really… be you, Master?”

Lee Cheong-un replied with irritation,

“Have I really had to say it so many times for you to understand?”

Lee Kwang bit down on his lip and finally spoke.

“Still, I can’t believe it… It’s just… so unreal…”

“… Hah, I understand.”

Lee Cheong-un let go of Lee Kwang’s collar and continued,

“Then tell me. If I am truly Lee Cheong-un, what would you ask of me?”

“… In that case, I’d dare to request you to gather the Thunder God Lineage and lead us once again.”

“But it won’t change the fact that we can’t defeat the Sect Leader, even if we gather again.”

“Yet…”

Lee Cheong-un sighed in disappointment.

“Lee Kwang, you’ve grown to be a cunning and dark old man… Don’t you realize that in your heart, you truly think of me?”

“……”

“Are you really my disciple?”

Rumble!

At that moment, I could see a flash from Lee Cheong-un, accompanied by a thunderous roar. It was as if every part of his being had manifested into divine thunder, with enormous bolts racing outward. Simultaneously, an overwhelming will pierced through reality, reverberating around us.

[Do you truly think the practitioner of the Thunder God Lineage could be swayed by such trivial tricks?]

The earth shook violently. Under that immense pressure, both I and Lee Kwang trembled, overwhelmed. The top masters of the Central Plains could barely move in the presence of Lee Cheong-un’s aura.

This was indeed Lee Cheong-un, the Dharma Protector of the Thunder God Lineage!

‘A monster…!!’

When Lee Kwang was recounting the battle against the Sect Leader earlier, I could hardly believe it, but in this instant, everything clicked. Before me stood the true pinnacle of the Thunder God Lineage, the legendary Dharma Protector Lee Cheong-un!

“Gah…”

Lee Kwang took a step back in shock, and as he stumbled, he finally regained some semblance of composure and said,

“Wait, hold on. Give me a moment to consider!”

[Enough of this nonsense…]

“Surely we can at least talk, can’t we?”

Sssss

As Lee Kwang implored, Lee Cheong-un withdrew his energy. He smiled satisfactorily.

“Very well. However, time is of the essence. Shall we discuss the past?”

He had switched his attitude remarkably quick. Once Lee Kwang accepted it, Lee Cheong-un sat at a nearby table and began explaining his resurrection, as well as introducing me. After listening to about a meal’s worth of stories, Lee Kwang cast a skeptical look at me.

“Is it truly possible for a dead person to be resurrected merely by praying to a god?”

“Indeed.”

“And you are Master’s new disciple then…”

I neglected to mention to Lee Kwang that I was a reincarnator, nor did I introduce the Zhuge Clan. The narrative framed me merely as a wandering seeker who fortuitously resurrected Lee Cheong-un. Lee Cheong-un’s eloquence was such that it left no room for doubt.

Eventually, Lee Cheong-un continued,

“Baek Woong will now serve as the Dharma Protector of the Thunder God Lineage, disrupting the Sect Leader’s plans. Meanwhile, you and I should gather the masters of the Thunder God Lineage.”

Lee Kwang responded somewhat hesitantly.

“I still can’t trust that you are my master.”

“Well, there’s nothing I can do about that.”

Lee Cheong-un forced a smile before adding,

“I’ll explain everything. You likely still have many questions, but we can’t keep Baek Woong waiting for long. We can’t draw the Sect Leader’s suspicion, so we should let him go.”

“Understood.”

Ha!

I intended to depart right then and there on the Four-Guardian Beast and return to my lodgings in the White Lotus Sect. Upon returning and lying on my bed, the Zhuge Clan reached out to me mentally.

[They’ll manage things on their end. Now you must focus on training the Soul Removal Technique.]

Hearing that left me flabbergasted,

[And train hard, you say! With the Sect Leader’s watchful eye everywhere, will I even find time to focus on the Soul Removal Technique while receiving martial arts training from him? It was one thing when I was doing it without understanding; but when it comes to practicing to perfection…]

In response to my complaints, Zhuge Clan parroted back.

[You’ll know when you try. Just continue with the training you started.]

[Fine…]

And just a few days after I returned to the White Lotus Sect, the Sect Leader summoned me once again. Upon arriving at the audience chamber as commanded, the Sect Leader announced,

“Baek Woong. The interpretation of the Three Treasures Technique is nearly complete.”

“Yes…”

I could do nothing but hide my disturbed feelings.

[You must have waited long. I’ve called you here because I believe you are now able to learn, so from today onward, immerse yourself in cultivation with utmost devotion.]

So, the slow learning was merely due to my pace? I felt fortunate to be learning the Three Treasures Technique from the Sect Leader, yet there was also an unsettling feeling. It was the realization that the White Lotus Sect Leader, whom I had thought to be an enigmatic supreme being, wasn’t a mere genius, and that he seemed to be hiding something from me.

Just before beginning my training, Zhuge Clan spoke to me quietly,

[Baek Woong. While learning from the White Lotus Sect Leader, try applying the technique I mentioned.]

[What…?]

Before I even had a chance to respond to Zhuge Clan, the scene in front of me progressed.

Vwoooom!

[Now, Baek Woong. Watch carefully…]

“……”

The White Lotus Sect Leader began to slowly demonstrate the Seven Supreme Techniques. It was likely a way to warm up while also showcasing the achievements he had attained thus far. As it was only natural for me to focus unblinkingly on each demonstration, I was startled by Zhuge Clan’s words.

[What are you saying? It’s hardly the time to not be concentrated.]

To operate the technique meant diverting my mental focus elsewhere. If I were a genius, I might manage, but for someone of general talent, such an attempt would likely result in utter confusion. During a critical moment where I was being schooled in supreme techniques, how could I possibly do such a thing?

[Just follow along and do as I say. It’s a simple application of the Soul Removal Technique.]

Damn it!

While I could request the White Lotus Sect Leader to repeat the demonstration as many times as needed, it was utterly absurd to ask the Sect Leader to repeat after putting in that much effort! It would likely irritate the Sect Leader and risk earning his disappointment with high probability. However, since the Zhuge Clan was managing my entire reincarnation plan, I was left with no choice but to reluctantly comply.

Vwooom!

All the veins within my body resonated. As I recited the incantations the Zhuge Clan had instructed, it felt like my blood channels were moving in a familiar manner, simultaneously awakening my nerves. It felt as though my middle was split apart, almost as if I had been cleaved by a Ming sword.

It splits apart!

I suddenly found myself observing ‘myself’ through another pair of eyes, as if I were someone else entirely. More precisely, the sight of the White Lotus Sect Leader demonstrating the Seven Supreme Techniques now appeared to me with the perspective of another person. Along with that experience, I could feel another version of me having the freedom to think independently. I was taken aback by this transformation.

[Could it be…]

[You’ve applied the Yang Spirit Technique while mastering the Heavenly Deity Technique, haven’t you? It’s similar here. By employing the Soul Removal Technique, it’s more seamless to utilize the Yang Spirit Technique. Because the Soul Removal Technique far surpasses that of the Wu Dang Sect in dealing with the mind.]

To Zhuge Clan’s words, I could only nod in understanding.

‘This is incredible.’

Indeed, I was only executing the technique to link my mind, yet I found myself in a state where I could undertake two tasks simultaneously! As Zhuge Clan added a needless remark,

[Normally, with your talent, mastering this would take five years, but it’s all thanks to the contract with the Wall Illusions.]

[Is that so?]

[You can undertake two tasks at once and double your efficiency.]

At that moment, the demonstration of the Sect Leader’s Three Treasures Technique began, and I was able to initiate my cultivation of the Soul Removal Technique alongside it. To think I was managing to stay absorbed in what was going on, all the while executing two tasks to maximum effect felt like using two brains simultaneously!

[… Baek Woong. Do you understand?]

By the time I finished listening to the Sect Leader’s Three Treasures Technique presentation, I pondered intently. Finally, I replied,

“I’m sorry, but I don’t understand.”

[I will explain it again, but after this, I won’t repeat myself any longer.]

“Yes…”

After receiving another explanation, I still struggled to comprehend. It felt similar to learning from Jin So-cheong.

[In that case, I have my duties in the main school, so I’ll be taking my leave.]

The Sect Leader left after dropping something to the effect of urging me to train diligently, as he seemed disappointed by my reaction. His manner was rather irresponsible for a master, but perhaps he simply wasn’t the type to commit a lot of time to a dullard.

Left behind, Zhuge Clan regarded me with some disdain,

[It seems this isn’t the right time to practice the Soul Removal Technique. It would be better to draw the Yang Spirit Technique practice at double speed instead.]

“……”

Although the training speed had effectively doubled, I felt a sense of misery wash over me.