Chapter 384
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As I stepped into Dragon King’s Valley, I finally came face to face with Dokgo Seong. At first, Dokgo Seong shot me a menacing killing intent from behind the fog, but I had reached a level where I could easily brush it aside. Thanks to my master’s Inner Dan and techniques like the Three Treasure Technique, my internal power had significantly increased.
Realizing that his usual intimidation tactics were failing, Dokgo Seong cautiously revealed himself. Folding my arms, I stared at him from a dozen paces away and said, “Dokgo Seong. I am Baek Woong of the White Lotus Sect.”
Dokgo Seong didn’t respond. I continued, “The Sect Leader is looking for you. Let’s return to the White Lotus Sect together.”
“Who are you?”
“I just told you, I’m Baek Woong.”
“I’m asking what you do.”
Dokgo Seong’s eyes gleamed with suspicion and hostility. “You’ve achieved the level of the Thunder God Lineage and possess formidable internal power… who exactly are you? Why are you here as the Sect Leader’s envoy?”
“Um…”
I took a moment to gather my thoughts before speaking.
“Let me explain my purpose in more detail first. You can learn about my identity afterward.”
“What?”
“The Sect Leader has picked up the remaining techniques of the Seven Great Techniques left by Zhang Sanfeng, the founder of the Wudang Sect. He is currently training diligently in our sect with the Dharma Guardians Dokgo Jun and Han Baek-ryeong joining in.”
“…!!”
This sudden news shocked Dokgo Seong. After all, Zhang Sanfeng was a legendary figure in the Wudang Sect and a myth within the martial arts world; he fully understood the significance of the Seven Great Techniques. Dokgo Seong maintained his composure, though, and asked, “Dokgo Jun and Han Baek-ryeong? What happened to Yong Bi-cheon?”
“He is dead.”
“What?!”
“The entire Wind Spirit Sect has been demoted to the lowest rank, and Dharma Guardian Yong Bi-cheon has been executed for treasonous acts. Thus, Yong Bi-cheon cannot participate in the research.”
Dokgo Seong’s hands trembled visibly. Given that the Wind Spirit Sect had been a pillar of the Four Great Families for over a thousand years and one of the nemeses of the Thunder God Lineage, it was easy to imagine how upset he must have felt. He likely realized that an unimaginable calamity had occurred.
‘And the more I shake him up, the easier it will be for me to achieve my goal.’
As I patiently waited for his reaction, Dokgo Seong spoke in a trembling voice, “The Sect Leader… has destroyed the Wind Spirit Sect?”
“Not destroyed, just plundered their martial arts and made them underlings. Only Dharma Guardian Yong Bi-cheon is dead.”
“Isn’t that the same? To eradicate the Wind Spirit Sect… what the hell is the Sect Leader thinking?”
“The Wind Spirit Sect had colluded with the Golden Eagle Guards of the Imperial Palace to run a slave market and amassed great wealth; we have also captured evidence of them selling information about the White Lotus Sect to the Imperial Palace. Isn’t it strange to not deal with them accordingly?”
“Hmm.”
“For someone from the Thunder God Lineage like you, this is a good thing. One less enemy to deal with…”
As I provoked him lightly, Dokgo Seong frowned. Rather than getting angry at my taunt, he seemed to be assessing my intentions.
“Who are you to know the inner workings of the sect so well? And what do you mean by treating the Wind Spirit Sect as slaves and laborers… who exactly are you…?”
“Think simply. If someone could casually attach a sect of the Four Great Families to their property, it would only be the Dharma Guardian. Plus, only a Dharma Guardian would know the inner workings of the sect this well, and even have the Sect Leader’s orders to retrieve his nephew.”
Dokgo Seong’s face stiffened at that.
With a surge of energy, a bright flash of sword lightning erupted from the longsword he held. I instinctively flinched back; at my level, I couldn’t confidently repel Dokgo Seong’s deadly aura. Although my superior internal power might afford me an advantage in a real fight, his lightning speed could pierce through my protection technique and deal a fatal blow.
Dokgo Seong shouted, “Are you saying you’re a Thunder God Lineage Dharma Guardian?!”
Bang!
In the next instant, Dokgo Seong lunged like lightning, coming at me in an instant. I dodged his attack with the Soul Removal Technique, but the deadly lightning was striking at me like a snake’s flickering tongue. I gritted my teeth.
‘It’s so wide!’
This was a familiar feeling from when I sparred with Dokgo Seong before. His attack range was much wider than it appeared, and it had a peripheral angle that made it hard to predict. There were times I thought I dodged only to end up cut instead. If the Shadowless Soul-Removing Sword concealed its attacks like a shadow, then the lightning felt like unpredictable, wild bolts of lightning.
Swish!
Though I thought I had evaded as much as possible, I felt the fabric of my outer garment tear as it skimmed my skin. Thankfully, I had a minimum level of defense from my internal power, sparing me from a severe injury, but it was obvious Dokgo Seong’s attack prowess had reached terrifying heights.
Boom!
Channeling all my internal power, I unleashed the Thunder Spirit Seal, but Dokgo Seong nimbly backflipped in mid-air, dodging the attack while his lightning aura surged even more fiercely. He was set to decide the battle within ten seconds.
I quickly pressed my wounded skin together, shouting, “Calm down! If I had planned to take you by force, I wouldn’t have come alone.”
“What?!”
“Knowing you’re from the Su Shin Sect, you should realize how well I know their strength! If I had brought just two elders from the Su Shin Sect here, this place would have been your grave.”
“…”
As he contemplated, I seized the opening to state, “You’re from the Thunder God Lineage, so this is a great opportunity for you. One less enemy to deal with…”
When I observed his reaction, Dokgo Seong seemed to contemplate my perspective. He didn’t lash out at my provocation but seemed to be assessing my true intentions.
“You have to be kidding me. What exactly are you planning to do?”
I met his gaze and slowly replied, “As I said, I’m a Dharma Guardian of the Thunder God Lineage, and I have my reasons for being here.”
“What reasons? I don’t know what kind of successor you are, but have you forgotten the humiliation from fifty years ago?! You crawled into the Sect Leader’s side as if he was your enemy!!”
Dokgo Seong yelled with genuine rage, but I calmly retorted, “Listen carefully. Think long and hard about what it means for the Sect Leader to have cleansed the Wind Spirit Sect. It’s equivalent to announcing that he doesn’t need the power of the Wind Spirit Sect or the Dharma Guardians to conquer the Central Plains. Plus, he absorbed Yong Bi-cheon’s Heavenly Spirit Pill for his own use.”
His temper was immense, but in an instant, my words seemed to hit the mark, and he calmed down greatly, considering what I said. “You’ve absorbed the Heavenly Spirit Pill? Is that even possible?”
“The Heavenly Spirit Pill was granted to the various sects by the Sect Leader himself. So if he’s able to retrieve it, it’s not surprising.”
“Then… this is truly terrifying.”
“Indeed. So don’t get too caught up in your vendetta against the Thunder God Lineage. Reflect on what could happen if you do not choose to stand beside the Sect Leader.”
For a good while, he was lost in thought. Finally, he lifted his head and said, “After the Sect Leader conquers the Central Plains, the Thunder God Lineage will be hunted.”
“Exactly. That’s precisely why I became a Dharma Guardian of the Thunder God Lineage. Rather than opposing him, I’d rather earn his favor and ensure the Thunder God Lineage’s future.”
Sounding convincing, yet my face felt warm. The truth was that I had been rather forced to join the White Lotus Sect due to the Sect Leader’s influence.
“Hmm… I can’t trust you.”
“As you can see, this is the only piece of information I can offer you out of goodwill.”
I added with a warning tone, “If you go along with me and return to the White Lotus Sect, I can give you even more information.”
“I have a question.”
“Ask away.”
“You also know about Zhang Sanfeng’s Seven Great Techniques?”
I nodded, “Of course.”
“Just how powerful is the Seven Great Techniques? I can’t believe the Sect Leader would resolve to eradicate the entire Wind Spirit Sect just because he obtained one technique.”
I hesitated, pondering what to say. Until now, I’d been guided smoothly along the conversation as per Zhuge Sha’s instructions, and Dokgo Seong was on the verge of falling into my trap. But should I reveal and demonstrate any Wudang Sect techniques?
As I deliberated, Zhuge Sha interjected, [What does it matter? Just show him.]
[Is that really okay?]
[It doesn’t matter if he knows about the Seven Great Techniques at this point. Once he returns to the sect, he’ll end up studying it anyway. Just think of it as a simple favor.]
[Got it.]
After taking a deep breath, I spoke to Dokgo Seong, “Watch closely. I’ll reveal to you not just the basics of the Seven Great Techniques but the essence of the Three Treasure Technique as well.”
And with that, I laid out the Seven Great Techniques to their fullest, and understanding began to dawn on him when I demonstrated the Three Treasure Technique. Having honed the Cave-Collapsing Sword and Heavenly Contraction Sword enough for real battles, it seemed Dokgo Seong immediately grasped their power as well. Once the display was finished, he stood trembling, clearly shaken.
“G-Great martial arts! Is this truly what my uncle acquired?”
“It’s incredibly challenging, but that’s exactly why the Sect Leader is counting on your talent and wants you to join in on the study.”
I coaxed him softly, “Think carefully. This martial art can be considered the pinnacle of the human realm. It’s a rare opportunity to train alongside the greatest masters of this age.”
“I… I don’t know.”
“What will you do?”
“…”
Dokgo Seong seemed deeply shaken this time. He stood in silence for a long while, finally exhaling a reluctant sigh, “Give me some time. I can’t settle on a decision immediately.”
“Fine. But I can only give you a day.”
“Understood. I will return here tomorrow.”
I warned him, “There’s no point in trying to run. You know very well that avoiding the Sect Leader’s intentions is futile.”
Bang!
With that, I slipped away from the conflicted Dokgo Seong. While I had been uncertain of the outcome from the start, things were surprisingly going well. Dokgo Seong had been thoroughly shaken, with only a final decision remaining, so I’d say I had over half of the success I’d aimed for.
In a quiet forest, I muttered, “So it really works. Dokgo Seong is wavering…”
[Hehe. You thought Dokgo Seong wouldn’t be swayed, didn’t you? I know you didn’t expect an 80% chance of success. But look, it’s just like I said; your words have had an effect!]
“Dokgo Seong has always emphasized revenge against the Thunder God Lineage. Does that heart waver so easily?”
[Why are you asking me? What kind of answer do you want?]
“…”
[You’re disappointed, aren’t you.]
Zhuge Sha chuckled darkly.
[From what I see, the most determined for vengeance amongst the Thunder God Lineage is definitely Geuk-ho. The others have their reasons tangled up and their resolve isn’t as strong. Geuk-ho is the one who best exemplifies the desire for revenge.]
“Geuk-ho…”
[Remember this well. Human willpower isn’t that strong. Patience and resolve required by martial artists are a different concept. Every human can easily fall and break down.]
With that conclusion, Zhuge Sha continued, [Dokgo Seong may make excuses or delude himself, but tomorrow he will likely accept the proposal. So let’s put our minds at ease and head straight to the Imperial Palace.]
“Should I not share memories with Dokgo Seong using the Obsidian?”
His lightning and sword skills could prove immensely beneficial. However, Zhuge Sha suggested we simply shake off Dokgo Seong for now.
[Honestly, I don’t understand why you want to share memories with him.]
“Why?”
Zhuge Sha spoke nervously, [Dokgo Seong is not a villain, but he’s not a trustworthy person either. If you shared a memory with him and ended up stabbed in the back, it would just be sheer luck that you did not fall for his tricks. He’s an ordinary human who could betray you if circumstances turn against him. I’ll let you handle Lee Cheong-un, but why deal with that kind of person?]
I chuckled and replied, “You’re sharing memories with me too.”
[You, idiot. Are you out of your mind?]
“Anyway, let’s strategize before heading to the Imperial Palace. How should I converse with Zhuge Bu?”
[Team up? What do you mean team up?]
“Huh?”
Zhuge Sha smirked playfully.
[Hehe… Talking is something you do with humans.]
Boom!
Finally, I used the Four Great Spirits to transport myself to the Imperial Palace. The place I arrived at was the highest floor of the Inner Imperial Pavilion, where Zhuge Bu’s office was located. He was seated, busy working at a desk piled high with documents, fulfilling his duties as the Lord of the Inner Imperial Pavilion.
Zhuge Bu, feeling the tension, immediately grasped the treasure Baek Woong in one hand as I silently raised a finger towards him. “Weep, Gu.”
Crack!
“Aaaaah!!!”
Zhuge Bu wailed intensely, shivering violently like he had caught a disease, rolling on the floor. He dropped the Baek Woong treasure, powerless to perform any technique, writhing like a caterpillar. I couldn’t comprehend how severe the pain must be for him to become like that.
Zhuge Sha chuckled darkly from within me, [Hehe. Using the Yin-Yang Heaven Bug should be a last resort. But in reality, torture is the norm here.]
“…”
[What are you waiting for? Grab him by the hair.]
With a crack, I stomped over and grabbed the hair of Zhuge Bu, whose eyes were clouded with pain. I pressed my hand against his forehead and activated the Soul Exchange Technique. Soon, white spirit energy and the essence of his Baek surged forth, and I easily acquired Zhuge Bu’s Baek.
Letting go of Zhuge Bu’s hair while he was still dazed, I said, “Just now, I cast the Soul Exchange Technique on you. You will now follow my commands.”
“Y-You… Who are you…”
He seemed too overwhelmed by pain to even consider fighting back.
From my pocket, I pulled out a red letter given to me by the Sect Leader and handed it to Zhuge Bu. As he trembled and accepted it, I quietly watched him.
“Read it.”
I could have ripped it open myself, but knowing the Sect Leader was proficient in forbidden law, I figured he would anticipate my reading it first. Zhuge Bu slowly tore open the letter seal and read in quivering tones.
“To… Lord of the Inner Imperial Pavilion, this is a message from the White Lotus Sect. We feel the need for a sincere conversation with you and your companions… Therefore, we wish to exchange grimoires and await your response by the next full moon…”
“Exchange grimoires?”
“…to exchange the grimoire of the Su Shin Sect for the Nameless Ritual Book…”
Zhuge Bu stammered his response while trembling, drooling due to the agony. Even a bystander would feel pity for him. However, he forced himself to respond, accurately sensing that defying me would lead to his demise.
Finally, I said, “You do realize that embedded in your heart is the Yin-Yang Heaven Bug, and I control it at my will.”
“…!!”
“And now, with the Soul Exchange Technique, I can completely control you. You know what that means, right? I can see and hear everything you do, and betrayal is impossible.”
“W-Who are you… why are you doing this…?”
Bang!
I slammed Zhuge Bu’s head down on the floor. His forehead bled, making him look dazed as I growled, “Shut up and just answer my questions yes or no.”
“Y-Yes…”
Just as Zhuge Sha instructed, I commanded, “Deny the Sect Leader’s proposal. Additionally, say that we need a supplementary meeting for better terms. Moreover, if you divulge my existence or leave any clues, I will set off the Yin-Yang Heaven Bug embedded in your heart.”
As I pressed down on the five pressure points Zhuge Sha indicated, the internal Yin-Yang Heaven Bug seemed to writhe violently, causing Zhuge Bu to grunt painfully.
“Ugh…”
“We’ll meet again.”
I stepped away from Zhuge Bu, also taking the Nameless Ritual Book from the third floor. Normally, it was something that couldn’t be taken easily due to its tracking skills, but now that I could manipulate Zhuge Bu at will, it wasn’t a problem.
Once I wrapped up the tasks, Zhuge Sha spoke up, [Still have some time left.]
“Got anything else we should do?”
[Of course.]
Zhuge Sha grinned slyly and said, [Go back to the Prophet again. And find out the whereabouts of the Seven Luminaries in exchange for the Nameless Ritual Book.]
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