Chapter 176
Baek Mu-Gun promptly concluded his preparations and entered the Baek Sword Sects distinguished guest hall. As he walked in, Beigong Xue rose to her feet. Her striking beauty momentarily captivated Mu-Gun's gaze. Her cold yet regal countenance exuded an allure distinct from Dan Seol-Young and Namgung Hyun-Ah. Nevertheless, this wasn't the moment for appreciating her beauty. Mu-Gun swiftly refocused and greeted her first.
"I am Baek Mu-Gun, the Young Patriarch of the Baek Sword Sect. I apologize if I kept you waiting."
"No, you didn't. I'm grateful that you're willing to meet me without an appointment. Allow me to officially introduce myself. I am Beigong Xue, the Young Matriarch of the Beihai Ice Palace," Beigong Xue greeted Mu-Gun politely.
"Pleased to meet you. Shall we take a seat?"
Mu-Gun and Beigong Xue settled into their chairs.
"May I ask why the Young Matriarch of the Beihai Ice Palace has come all the way to Shaoxing?" Mu-Gun asked straightforwardly.
"I've come seeking assistance from the Thunder God's successor."
"Assistance?"
"Yes. I've heard that the Thunder God's successors see it as their duty to thwart the Nine Celestial Demons Sect's ambitions. Are the rumors I've heard accurate?"
"Yes, the Thunder God's successors indeed bear the responsibility of safeguarding murim from the Three Great Demonic Sects[1], including the Nine Celestial Demons Sect. I'm fully committed to fulfilling that mission," Mu-Gun affirmed.
"In that case, please assist the Beihai Ice Palace," Beigong Xue pleaded.
"You mean that the crisis at the Beihai Ice Palace is connected to the Nine Celestial Demons Sect?" Mu-Gun asked.
"That's correct. There was recently a rebellion at the Beihai Ice Palace, incited by my uncle, Beigong Han. Or so everyone thinks. In fact, the person claiming to be my uncle is actually a demonic practitioner from the Nine Celestial Demons Sect in disguise," Beigong Xue explained.
"Are you certain about this?"
"The individuals involved in the rebellion, including my supposed uncle and nine members of the Thirteen Gangs of the Beihai Divine Ice Corps, were found to be using a form of demonic art, unrelated to the Beihai Ice Palace's martial arts. The only entity capable of controlling the Beihai Ice Palace using such demonic arts is the Nine Celestial Demons Sect," Beigong Xue clarified.
"If that's the case, the Beihai Ice Palace appears to be under the influence of the Nine Celestial Demons Sect. How can I be of assistance? Do you believe I can take them all on single-handedly?" Mu-Gun inquired with skepticism.
"No need to be concerned about that. The Beihai Ice Palace has its own guardians who will support the Thunder God's successor," Beigong Xue assured.
"Guardians?" Mu-Gun inquired.
"The previous patriarchs of the Beihai Ice Palace offered their own bodies as tools to protect the Beihai Ice Palace in the event of a crisis that threatened its existence. We call them the Beihai Glacier Zombies. Beihai Glacier Zombies possess a Vajra Physique and retain the martial skills they possessed in life. With the Thunder God's successor and the Beihai Glacier Zombies, we can confront the forces of the Nine Celestial Demons Sect that have taken control of the Beihai Ice Palace," Beigong Xue explained.
"How many Beihai Glacier Zombies are there?"
"There are twelve in total," Beigong Xue replied.
Given that the Beihai Ice Palace's previous patriarchs were at least in the Absolute Realm, having twelve zombies with the Vajra Physique capable of wielding Absolute Realm power could potentially rival the strength of one of the Seven Great Families.
If you use the Beihai Glacier Zombies at the forefront of the battle, it would be a formidable force against the Central Plains, so why havent you used them so far? Mu-Gun asked.
The Beihai Glacier Zombies draw their power from extreme coldness, which can be constantly supplied in Beihai. Outside of Beihai, they would lose their power. Beigong Xue explained further.
That's a relief from the Central Plains' perspective.
I officially request your help, Thunder God's successor. Please save the Beihai Ice Palace from the grip of the Nine Celestial Demons Sect. I will never forget this. Beigong Xue knelt before Mu-Gun and begged.
There's no need to do this. Please, stand up.
I won't stand up until you agree, Thunder God's successor, Beigong Xue insisted.
Well, I wish I could make this decision on my own, but it's not solely up to me. I have to consider the consequences for others, as I do not belong to myself alone.
Each time Mu-Gun was away from his post, he couldn't help but worry that the Nine Celestial Demons Sect might target the Loyal Heart Alliance. Additionally, the journey to the Beihai Ice Palace was a long one, taking several months at the least. Even if it was for the sake of ultimately defeating the Nine Celestial Demons Sect, it wasn't a decision to be made lightly.
"The Nine Celestial Demons Sect has taken control of the Beihai Ice Palace and they will likely utilize the palace's forces to attack the murim forces in the Central Plains. These are enemies you will have to confront eventually. Wouldn't it be more advantageous for the Thunder God's successor to face them in Beihai, where you can receive support from the Beihai Glacier Zombies?"
Mu-Gun couldn't refute Beigong Xue's reasoning. As she pointed out, the Nine Celestial Demons Sect might use the Beihai Ice Palace's forces to attack the murim in the Central Plains. Moreover, once they left Beihai, they would lose the support of the Beihai Glacier Zombies. It made more sense to confront the enemy now while they could still access that support.
The challenge was ensuring that the Nine Celestial Demons Sect wouldn't target the Loyal Heart Alliance in his absence. However, if Mu-Gun acted discreetly enough to avoid alerting them, the sect might not attack the Loyal Heart Alliance immediately.
"Very well, I will make my way to the Beihai Ice Palace," Mu-Gun said after careful consideration.
"Really?" Beigong Xue's expression lit up with delight.
"Yes, but please rise," Mu-Gun added.
"Thank you. I'll never forget your assistance in saving the Beihai Ice Palace," Beigong Xue said earnestly.
"In return, I have one condition," Mu-Gun continued.
"A condition?" Beigong Xue inquired.
"Yes. If I save the Beihai Ice Palace, I would like the Ice Essence from your palace," Mu-Gun disclosed.
"The Ice Essence?" Beigong Xue appeared surprised.
"Actually, my wife is learning ice-based martial arts. The Ice Essence from the Beihai Ice Palace would greatly aid her in enhancing her internal energy," Mu-Gun explained.
"Alright, if you save the Beihai Ice Palace, I will grant you the Ice Essence," Beigong Xue agreed willingly.
The Ice Essence was an invaluable treasure that even the Beihai Ice Palace found difficult to obtain. Nevertheless, Beigong Xue was willing to offer something of greater worth than the Ice Essence if it meant saving her palace.
"Since it's getting late today, please rest in our distinguished guest hall. We will set out tomorrow morning," Mu-Gun suggested.
"Understood."
Baek Mu-Gun wasted no time in seeking out Baek Cheon-Sang after his meeting with Beigong Xue. He explained the situation with the Beihai Ice Palace and his intention to go there. Cheon-Sang, recognizing Mu-Gun as the Thunder God's successor, decided not to constrain him within the Baek Sword Sect or the Loyal Heart Alliance, understanding that Mu-Gun's strength wasn't only valuable to these factions but to all of murim.
With Cheon-Sang's approval secured, Mu-Gun then informed his two wives about his journey to the Beihai Ice Palace and requested their understanding. Although Hyun-Ah and Seol-Young were worried about Mu-Gun's safety, they didn't object to his decision, knowing it was made after careful thought.
Since Mu-Gun would be away for an extended period, he spent a passionate night with the two.
The following day, he departed from Shaoxing and headed to the Beihai Ice Palace, accompanied by Beigong Xue and her group.
* * *
They traveled by sea, just as Beigong Xues group had come to Shaoxing. During the voyage, Mu-Gun and Beigong Xue shared the ship but spent most of their time focused on their individual martial training.
Mu-Gun's dedication had allowed him to advance to the Supreme Realm and master the Infinite Thunder Sword, the ultimate technique of the Heavenly Descent Thunder God Sword. Although he had yet to fully recover his internal energy, most of his martial prowess from his previous reincarnation had returned.
However, his quest for martial perfection continued. Despite experiencing multiple reincarnations, he had yet to reach the Mythic Realm, a seemingly unattainable state that elevated a martial artist to godlike status. The Mythic Realm required more than just enlightenment; it was a realm beyond comprehension, and the martial artists that could attain it throughout murim's history could be counted on one hand.
Mu-Gun persisted in his relentless pursuit of this legendary martial realm.
Achieving the Mythic Realm was a profound endeavor, requiring the understanding and embodiment of the universe's creation as a divinity. The successors of the Heavenly Descent Thunder God Sect, such as Mu-Gun, embodied the principle of thunder and lightning as the Thunder God, elevating themselves to godlike status. To reach the Mythic Realm, Mu-Gun needed to embody everything in the universe within himself.
The Thunder God's Descent had given Mu-Gun a glimpse of the Mythic Realm and the knowledge of what was required to reach it. However, he lacked the concrete steps to attain it. All he could do was study and seek the truth of the universe that he had caught a glimpse of. His pursuit was a remarkable feat in itself, as most martial artists never had such an opportunity.
Beigong Xue, on the other hand, was eager to learn martial arts from the Thunder God's successor. At twenty-six, she had already reached the Upper Peak Realm, a remarkable achievement. However, meeting Mu-Gun changed her perspective. Despite his younger age, Mu-Gun had attained the Supreme Realm. Even taking into consideration that Mu-Gun was the Thunder Gods successor, it was still a great shock to Beigong Xue.
Beigong Xue's encounter with Mu-Gun had opened her eyes to the vast world of martial arts, making her realize that she had been like a frog in a well, limited by her previous perspective. She felt an intense desire to become stronger, especially for the sake of saving the Beihai Ice Palace, and threw herself into martial arts training, even cutting down on her eating and sleeping time.
However, her dedication alone wouldn't guarantee advancements in her martial realm. Recognizing her need for a teacher who could guide her to higher levels, Beigong Xue believed that Mu-Gun was the best candidate for this role. Nonetheless, she struggled with the idea of asking him for instruction. She had already imposed on him by requesting his help to save the Beihai Ice Palace, and asking for martial arts guidance felt like asking too much.
After a few days of much contemplation, however, she decided to set aside her shame and make the request, understanding that her current responsibilities as the Beihai Ice Palace's Young Matriarch demanded her to be as strong as possible. When Mu-Gun left his cabin for dinner, Beigong Xue seized the opportunity to ask him for guidance.
"I know it's a rather bold request, but could I ask for your guidance in martial arts, Young Master Baek?"
"You want me to teach you?"
"Yes, I believe my progress has its limitations. With your higher martial realm, I think your guidance would be invaluable." Beigong Xue looked earnest.
No matter how cold-hearted someone was, it was impossible to remain so when faced with Beigong Xues expression. Her earnest expression tugged at Mu-Gun's heartstrings, and he couldnt bring himself to decline her request.
"Alright, I'll dedicate two hours a day to help you with your martial arts during our journey to Beihai," Mu-Gun agreed.
"Really?"
"Yes, we'll spend one hour sparring and the other hour discussing our martial arts and analyzing our sparring sessions. So, be ready for it."
Mu-Gun intended to teach Beigong Xue just as he had instructed the martial arts masters of the Baek Sword Sect. While the Beihai Ice Palace might eventually pose a threat to the murim of the Central Plains as a borderland force, Mu-Gun was confident that Beigong Xue, once familiar with his skills through their training, would never consider an invasion of the Central Plains. Even if she did, Mu-Gun had the means to handle such a situation. All he had to do was wipe out the entire Beihai Palace.
Is there perhaps anything you want from me in exchange for teaching me? Please tell me if you have something you want in return, and I will try to fulfill it.
Beigong Xue was known for her straightforward personality, believing in reciprocating whatever she received, whether it was kindness or resentment. She was determined to give something in return for Mu-Gun's guidance.
Hmm, must I tell you now? Mu-Gun asked.
No. Please tell me when you think of something you want. We will be traveling together for quite some time anyway. Beigong Xue said.
Alright. Well then, can I have my meal now?
Ah! I am sorry. Please go ahead and eat.
You should hurry up and eat too, Young Matriarch Beigong.
Mu-Gun started his meal first, with Beigong Xue and the Beihai Four Shadows following suit. The ship's food wasn't particularly appetizing, but it was sufficient to satisfy their hunger.
1. Changed Three Greatest Demonic Sects to Three Great Demonic Sects.
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