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“What? You call that arrogance?”

The Master of the White Lotus Sect raised an eyebrow. He didn’t seem emotionally affected, but he was all ears for my words. I continued, no matter the shocked expressions from those around me.

“I don’t see any arrogance here!”

“It’s because you’re not attacking me right now,” I said calmly.

“Master of the White Lotus, as you said, there’s no reason you can’t attack us. If you think I’m the mastermind, it’d be a piece of cake to just eliminate or capture me. Yet you choose to give me options and act all relaxed.”

“What’s your point?”

“You’re wary of me. That’s why you’re holding back your power and trying to swallow me whole without letting your guard down, unsure of my next move, right?”

“Hmm…”

There was a moment of silence. Most people stared at me with concern, including Mangnyang. What I just said was a massive gamble, provoking the Master of the White Lotus Sect. Yet Jin So-cheong seemed indifferent, staring blankly at the gathering.

I didn’t stop there. I pressed on.

“And here’s another proof of your arrogance!”

“Oh? Do tell.”

I felt my heart race but tried to keep a calm facade. I had learned that no matter how scared I felt, I needed to keep smiling to gain the upper hand.

“You have no idea what’s really going on. You defeated the Vermilion Bird, but it wasn’t the real thing. You have no clue what it’s scheming or whether your control over the Imperial Palace is successful. The one who’s most anxious in this situation is you, Master of the White Lotus, not your sect!”

“Hmm…”

“If you want to fight us to the end, I’ll gladly oblige. Let’s see who can take each other out!” I said, glaring steadily at him.

“But as a puppet master behind the scenes, I’ll warn you: attacking our Bancheon Alliance will lead to your inevitable regret because your true goals lie far above!”

“…”

While the Master of the White Lotus Sect remained silent, Dokgo Jun, a Dharma Guardian next to him, stormed forward, appearing furious. His golden dragon mask quivered as he spoke.

“How dare a puny brat like you disrespect the Master! You’ll pay with your life!”

BOOM!

Suddenly, there was a thunderous explosion, and Dokgo Jun’s sword form came crashing down towards me. With his master ranking just beneath the Master of the White Lotus, and wielding formidable Heavenly Spirit power, he was genuinely attacking me. In that instant, I felt his speed break through my perception.

Too slow.

Though his speed was incredible and could take out a Peak Expert in a heartbeat, I thought he was relatively slow. I could definitely counterattack with my martial arts.

‘Have I fought with the owner of the Thunder Spirit too much?’

Without a hint of panic, just as Dokgo Jun was about to strike my ribs, I activated the Three Treasure Technique. As the technique suppressed the changes in Heaven and Earth, I effortlessly deflected his attack. It seemed like Dokgo Jun anticipated this and unleashed the Seven Great Techniques in response.

SWISH!

Sure enough, Dokgo Jun had learned the intricacies of the Seven Great Techniques through his Master, using the Golden Contraction Sword’s essence to launch a barrage of water spears at me. His dazzling movements seemed to exude overwhelming potential, aiming to penetrate my body. Each strike from Dokgo Jun would definitely pierce my Protection Energy like paper. Objectively speaking, there was a significant gap in pure combat power between him and me.

My mouth felt dry.

It was clear to me that Dokgo Jun was just throwing attacks lazily.

‘So he’s underestimating me? I suppose he has the skills to think that.’

But – that was only true if it hit.

As I recalled the teachings of Zhang San-bong from back in the day, my mind was suddenly flooded with lessons about the Wudang Five Supreme Arts and how to apply Earth to counter Water.

Feeling the power easily flow into my movements, I executed the basic technique of Tai Chi, gathering the Earth Qi in my palms, and softly enveloped Dokgo Jun’s water spears with my intent. The flow of power descended naturally, causing the water’s potential to dissipate and embed into the ground, halting Dokgo Jun’s assault momentarily.

“No!”

No matter how strong the force, it wouldn’t be effective when forced to slip away.

That’s why the Wudang Sect’s techniques are held in such high esteem in the martial arts world.

“Time for my turn!” I said, taking advantage of Dokgo Jun’s shock at my unexpected application of Earth against his Water attack, launching my counter.

He forced his Heavenly Spirit energy upward to push me back, but at that moment, I accelerated the Thunderclap and concentrated my thunder power to my index finger.

‘A total oversight!’

My techniques flowed together.

“One!”

As I began my counterattack, the first finger technique struck Dokgo Jun’s protection energy, sending a ripple. “Two! Three!”

The second ripple expanded to the size of two palms, and the third hit, creating a force broad enough to flex my chest.

THUMP!

“Four! Five! Six!”

With the fourth hit, all his protection energy trembled; by the fifth stab, I saw surprise flash across his face, and by the sixth stab, I thrust my arm forward, drastically splitting his protection energy apart. The potential of the Seven Star Thunderbolt Technique had overwhelmed his defenses in an instant.

CRACK!

“Seven!”

In a final desperate attempt with my ultimate technique of Seven Thunder Fingers, Dokgo Jun finally gave up on relying on his defense and shielded his vital points, retreating.

“Argh!”

CLANG!

SIZZLE…

Dokgo Jun managed to stop the power of the Seven Star Thunderbolt Technique but was forced back from his original position. A large imprint marked his forearm, signifying that I had struck his meridian and temporarily blocked the flow of his power. There were even scorch marks where his feet had dragged across the ground from the force.

Stunned, Dokgo Jun exclaimed, “This… this can’t be!”

I shrugged, casually wiping my hands. “If I wield a sword, I’d be twice as strong. Wanna give it a try?”

Sure, it sounded like bragging. While it was true that wielding a sword would make me stronger than using basic techniques, I still hadn’t reached the point of surpassing his Heavenly Spirit energy. If it turned into a firepower battle, I’d be at a serious disadvantage, and I certainly wouldn’t handle a Dharma Guardian using pure skill right now.

“…!!”

But my bluff seemed to work because Dokgo Jun staggered back, no longer attacking. Unlike before, he was now giving me serious caution. The Master of the White Lotus Sect, observing from the side, finally spoke up.

“Impressive, defeating Dokgo Jun. You are indeed a peerless master, Baek Woong.”

“It’s not like I’ve gained anything from that compliment,” I replied.

He crossed his arms and asked, “Let me ask you something. Do you understand the gravity of this situation?”

“Yes. And except for Zhuge Yulong, it seems we’re all in the same boat right now. Myself, you, and the Twelve Joules over there are all in hot water.”

“Hmm…”

“Moreover, I’m the only one who knows how to resolve this mess.” I wanted to keep that information as leverage, and I could see Mangnyang panicking at my statement, realizing it could be crucial intel for negotiations.

But I was determined to stick to my guns and push forward without hesitation.

Looking directly at him, I declared, “Master of the White Lotus! The goal of this joint attack on Mount Ye is to destroy the Imperial Palace and bury the Vermilion Bird forever. But while you feign confidence, you’re funnily avoiding the real issue, allowing all of us to be played by the Vermilion Bird!”

“…”

I repeated, “It’s your choice whether to maintain this alliance or engage in conflict. I expect wise decisions from you.”

This was my final gambit.

‘Please work…’ I bit my lip internally.

If the Master of the White Lotus ignored me and attacked, I’d use the Golden Lamp to escape with my comrades. But I wouldn’t save everyone, perhaps only one or two. That would mean my journey in this life ended in failure. It was a desperate gamble.

The silence stretched on.

After what felt like an eternity, the Master of the White Lotus finally spoke.

“Baek Woong, what’s your true objective? To conquer the world?”

“That’s of no interest to me. But my dream is…” Suddenly, I recalled a peculiar term I heard from Zhuge Sa ages ago—a term that felt appropriate for this situation. I hesitated before continuing, “To benefit humanity.”

At my words, the Master’s eyes widened in surprise.

“To benefit humanity…”

“Who would wish for destruction?”

“Haha…”

The Master chuckled softly and said, “Very well. I concede. I will follow your Bancheon Alliance.”

“Master!”

Dokgo Jun gasped, looking over in shock, yet the Master waved his hand and continued, “I’ll apologize for any underhandedness shown previously. I swear on my soul that I won’t betray you any further today.”

I replied curtly, “I don’t think a mere apology can cover such treachery.”

“But your journey has its risks too.”

“I understand.”

I did it!

The Master of the White Lotus conceded and agreed to re-establish our alliance. Soon, the Dharma Guardians who had been keeping our Bancheon Alliance experts restrained released them, and they came over, looking like they’d just walked back from the dead. The Sword Demon came over and, astonished, said, “Incredible. To negotiate on equal ground with the Master…”

“I’m still far beneath his level.” I stated modestly.

“No, it’s not like that. It’s not something anyone can just do. You’ve grown.”

“Haha.” I chuckled, feeling pleased that my casual bravado, somewhat like what Mangnyang or his advisors used to throw around, actually worked this time. Just then, Mangnyang sent me a private message.

“Baek Woong, let’s get out of here quickly. It wouldn’t be wise to face the Twelve Joules any longer, and we need to find my uncle…”

Of course, we should. I had just hinted at giving information to the Master of the White Lotus, but since they’d already struck us first, there was no reason to uphold any loyalty. So as I guarded against the Master of the White Lotus and was ready to move my comrades out with the Golden Lamp, I felt a strange sensation.

“…?”

Am I really making the right choice?

A nagging unease hung in my mind. Logically, there shouldn’t be a reason to hesitate in escaping with the Bancheon Alliance, yet my throat felt parched. The weeds of doubt sprouted in my heart, slowing my movements.

At that moment, Mangnyang’s words echoed in my mind.

“Something feels off. Don’t get too cocky, or you might be counterattacked…”

“…”

Is this really ‘arrogance’? Is it ‘arrogance’ to think that we can take down the Vermilion Bird with just the Bancheon Alliance?

I felt trapped, as if thoughts were circling relentlessly in my brain. There was certainly a point there, but I had no guarantees my choice was the correct one. To seize the Ultimate Portrait Immortal, it would be strategic to shake off the Twelve Joules and the Master of the White Lotus and just escape. My current thoughts felt ridiculous.

But… but.

The premise that the Bancheon Alliance could take down a weakened Vermilion Bird.

What if that assumption was wrong? What if the Vermilion Bird still had enough power left to annihilate us?

‘Damn it. I’m running out of time.’

I shot a glance at Mangnyang, but there wasn’t time to discuss strategies. The Master of the White Lotus was fixated on me, seemingly waiting for me to divulge crucial information, and the Twelve Joules had their eyes peeled, ready to jump in at a moment’s notice. If I hesitated and held discussions, I would simply be looked down upon. But I had no time to share an opinion using the suspicious fishhook with Zhuge Sa either!

As Zhuge Sa once said, this was a situation where I had to make a quick call!

I pondered before finally speaking up.

“Master, follow us.”

“Where?”

“Baek Woong!”

Alarmed, Mangnyang shouted, but I steeled my resolve and continued, “Right now, we’re heading to the place where the Vermilion Bird is creating the Ultimate Portrait Immortal. Let’s completely annihilate it.”

Letting go of seizing the Ultimate Portrait Immortal in this life felt like a lot more than just greed; I had to make sure one thing was assured before losing both options. Ultimately, I decided to focus the combined power of the three great forces to take down the Vermilion Bird.

 

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