Thunder God's Reincarnation

Chapter 10

As soon as Baek Mu-Gun left the warehouse, he immediately visited his two uncles.

"Howd it go?" Baek Cheon-Ho asked.

"Ive discovered the Sea Dragon Gangs location."

"Really? Where is it?"

"There is a remote island fifty kilometers northeast of Dongtou. The base of the Sea Dragon Gang is located just 2.5 kilometers north of that island."

"Reconnaissance was already done there, but nothing was found."

"Thats because a trap array called the Fantasy Fog Array keeps it hidden."

"Fantasy Fog Array?"

"Its a trap array that changes its life-and-death path from time to time."

"Did you figure out how to pass through it?"

"He said that the squad leaders do not know either. According to him, there is a guide ship inside the Sea Dragon Archipelago that provides guidance on entry and exit."

"Isnt that info basically useless, then?"

"We have to find a way to break through the Fantasy Fog Array somehow."

"Are you perhaps planning to directly infiltrate the base of the Sea Dragon Gang?"

"Yes."

"We shouldnt recklessly start an all-out war with the Sea Dragon Gang. Theyre not your run-off-the-mill pirates. If we engage in an all-out war with them, we will incur considerable damages, which would take a significant amount of time and money to recover from. In that duration, we will fall behind the other forces in the Zhejiang Martial Alliance."

Cheon-Ho also expressed the same concerns as Baek Cheon-Ung.

"Why don't we borrow the power of the Guangdong Jin Family?" Baek Mu-Ok carefully expressed his opinions just as Mu-Gun was about to answer. He had been quietly listening beside his elder brother.

"You want us to borrow the power of the Guangdong Jin Family?" Cheon-Ho threw a question back at him.

Cheon-Ung and Mu-Gun also gave Mu-Ok a curious gaze. With the three of them staring at him at the same time, Mu-Ok proceeded to explain with a shy blush.

"Yes. The Guangdong Jin Family was the one who issued a kill order for the Fujian Three Murderers. And the Sea Dragon Gang was hiding the Fujian Three Murderers, even though they were considered an official enemy of the Guangdong Jin Family. If we request support and inform the Guangdong Jin Family of the fact that we have the Fujian Three Murderers corpses and that the Sea Dragon Gang hid them under their wings, they will move for the sake of their honor."

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The forces of murim greatly valued honor. Even if there was no practical benefit, they would unsheathe their swords for the sake of honor. It was even more so for big powerhouses like the Seven Great Clans.

The Guangdong Jin Family publicly declared the Fujian Three Murderers as their official enemy and issued a kill order on them. The Sea Dragon Gang hiding them despite knowing that fact meant they thought nothing of the Guangdong Jin Family. If the latter were to do nothing upon learning this, they would be diminishing their own power and authority. Hence, they would instead make an example out of the Sea Dragon Gang, showing the world what would happen if they were to oppose the Guangdong Jin Family.

"If the Guangdong Jin Family were to make a move, wed certainly minimize the damage the sect would suffer," Cheon-Ho nodded slowly.

"You're better than I am for thinking that far, Mu-Gun praised Mu-Ok for coming up with an idea he couldnt even think of.

"No, I just got lucky," Mu-Ok replied shyly.

"Mu-Ok's opinion makes sense, but this matter is not something that is up to us to decide. We are only able to take action if our elder brother Patriarch Baek and the other squad leaders agree to this in unison."

"Of course. For starters, I think it would be great to send a letter back home so that Father and the other squad leaders can discuss this further," Mu-Gun said.

"Yes, let's do that. Mu-Ok should write and send it since it is his plan."

"Understood. I also think it would be better for the White Dragon Squad to stay for a few more days even though they were scheduled for shift rotation today." Mu-Ok shared his view once more.

"You want to delay the return of the White Dragon Squad?"

"We don't know how the Sea Dragon Gang will react. They won't easily wage an all-out war unless they think that they have a clear chance of victory. However, to be on the safe side, I think we need to increase the Dongtou Maritime Defense Bases defense level."

"You have a good point. As expected, though you are not as well-versed in martial arts, you are one step ahead of Mu-Gun when it comes to using your head.

Mu-Ok smiled bitterly at Cheon-Ho's praise. As the son of a martial arts family, being praised for his intelligence does not please him. He also wanted to be recognized for his martial arts like Mu-Gun. Unfortunately for him, he fell short of the average person when it came to martial art talent and physique. Hence, no matter how much effort he put in, there was not much improvement.

'Now that I see it, Mu-Ok's resourcefulness is extraordinary. He is worth raising as a strategist in the future.'

Mu-Gun pondered for quite some time when he saw Mu-Ok's poor physique. If Mu-Ok was determined, he could somehow develop his martial arts, but if he wasn't born with innate martial art talent and a good physique, there was a limit to how far he could go. There would be little gain compared to the amount of effort he would have to put in.

However, there were other things than martial arts he could be good at. Although he still had to accumulate more experience, Mu-Ok certainly had the qualities of a strategist. In the long run, it would be much better for Mu-Ok to become a strategist than a martial artist. He didnt seem to think so yet, though.

As they discussed the issues regarding the Sea Dragon Gang, the ship arrived at Dongtou Maritime Defense Base. It boasted a considerable size. It had a port for ships to dock on, and a barricade prepared for any unexpected Sea Dragon Gang attacks. It was also equipped with all sorts of facilities that provided a training ground, meals, and lodging to the Baek Sword Corps that resided here alternately.

As they entered the port of the Maritime Defense Base, Baek Cheon-Gi and Baek Yong-Hwan came out to meet them.

As the squad leader of the White Dragon Squad, Cheon-Gi was scheduled to return to the headquarters after changing shifts with the White Wolf Squad. Cheon-Gi frowned when he saw Mu-Gun getting off the ship along with two of his younger brothers.

He had already found out that Mu-Gun regained his martial arts from a letter. However, it did not bother him much. He didnt know how Mu-Gun regained his martial arts, but he thought that Mu-Gun's body condition and martial arts would be in a terrible state given that it had not been long since he recovered from qi deviation.

However, seeing him in person now, he noticed Mu-Guns physique looked quite sturdy and seemed to indicate that he had trained in martial arts for several years. Above all, the qi channels he felt from Mu-Gun were by no means ordinary.

Mu-Gun also carefully examined at Cheon-Gi. It was difficult for him to accurately gauge his skills, but Cheon-Gi seemed to be in the upper intermediate peak-level realm.

Mu-Gun got off the ship via a ladder and immediately went over to where Cheon-Gi was to pay his respects.

"Long time no see, Uncle."

"Yes, likewise. It seems like you've regained your former self. As your uncle and a member of the Baek Sword Sect, I am delighted," Cheon-Gi said with a smile as if his previous frown never existed.

"It is all thanks to your concern, uncle," Mu-Gun spoke casually even though he knew his comment would cause Cheon-Gi to suffer from heartburn. Cheon-Gi's lips curved into a bitter smile.

"That ship looks like one of Sea Dragon Gang's ships. What happened?"Cheon-Gi asked as he saw the Black Dragon Ship, which arrived with the White Wolf Ship.

"Allow me to explain, elder brother."

At Cheon-Gi's question, Cheon-Ung detailed their encounter with the Sea Dragon Gang. After listening to Cheon-Ung's explanation, Cheon-Gi's heart sank. Mu-Gun's martial prowess far exceeded his expectations.

Yong-Hwan had won over the Baek Sword Corps hearts and support, but that still wasnt enough for him to be recognized as the successor. In such a situation, Mu-Gun's comeback was bound to become a great threat to Yong-Hwan. By status, Mu-Gun was the most likely successor since he was the first son of the Baek Sword Sect.

On top of that, Mu-Gun possessed martial arts strong enough to overpower one whole ship of the Sea Dragon Gang single handedly. That made it highly likely for him to seize the Baek Sword Corps support.

Cheon-Gi devoted everything to ensure that his son Yong-Hwan would become the Baek Sword Sects successor. He had no intention to give up on that after coming this far. Though he hoped not to resort to such measures, in the worst-case scenario, he was determined to make Yong-Hwan the successor even if blood had to spill.

"Hmm, I'm delighted that my nephew displayed such a remarkable performance as soon as he returned, but I am worried that this would lead to an all-out war with the Sea Dragon Gang." Cheon-Gi expressed his concerns. The Sea Dragon Gang suffered considerable damage, but they also suffered a great disgrace. There was a good possibility that the Sea Dragon Gang would spark a fight to make up for it.

"Since when has the Baek Sword Sect been afraid of the likes of pirates? Just like how uncle is concerned, if the Sea Dragon Gang wages an all-out war, all we have to do is thoroughly defeat them," Mu-Gun commented.

"Dont be too confident just because you managed to do a good job this time. The Sea Dragon Gang is no ordinary group of pirates. Their leader and the Sea Dragons Four Demons are all peak-level masters. We should never belittle them."

"Its not that Ive become too confident. Rather, I simply believe in the power of the Baek Sword Sect. If the Sea Dragon Gang has the Sea Dragons Four Demons, the Baek Sword Sect has the esteemed sect leader and the Baek Sword Corps squad leaders. Don't tell me you think that our upper echelons are weaker than that of the Sea Dragon Gangs?"

"Thats not what I mean. I am also confident that the Baek Sword Sect will emerge victorious. However, given that the Sea Dragon Gang's strength is by no means weak, well suffer significant damage if an all-out war breaks out. Im simply concerned that our sect's position in Zhejiang will be shaken in the future."

"Its been known since the olden days that epiphanies are hard to attain. The Sea Dragon Gang has caused great harm to the world and we have to punish them at all costs. Uncle, as per your words, an all-out war with the Sea Dragon Gang may cause great damage to the Baek Sword Sect. However, even if it does, the whole world will see it as a noble sacrifice, making them look up to us. As these noble sacrifices accumulate, the Baek Sword Sect will then be able to finally rise to the status of a prestigious sect. Don't you wish for the sect to walk such a path?"

"I want the Baek Sword Sect to traverse the path of a prestigious sect more than anyone else. However, that's only if the sect is in good shape. No matter how noble it is, if the Baek Sword Sect's power weakens, the other forces wont simply stand by and watch."

"But leaving the Sea Dragon Gang alone will allow their power to prosper. They could become a force were incapable of dealing with. It would be wise to root out the Sea Dragon Gang before they become even stronger."

"Stop! Enough! The two of you may have different opinions, but youre both speaking for the sake of the Baek Sword Sect, so there is no need to get heated up. Moreover, this is not the time to argue over right and wrong. We need to prioritize preparing countermeasures."

Cheon-Ung voiced out and dissuaded Cheon-Gi and Mu-Gun when their argument intensified.

"Countermeasures?" Cheon-Gi asked Cheon-Ung after slightly glaring at Mu-Gun.

"We shared our opinions on our way here, and"

"Wait a moment, Uncle," Mu-Gun interrupted Cheon-Ung.

"What's wrong?"

"I think its best for us to have this conversation inside."

There were many ears here. They had to be careful of what theyd say since there was a possibility that information would leak to the Sea Dragon Gang. Cheon-Ung immediately understood what Mu-Gun meant.

"Yes, that is indeed for the best. Come with us, second brother. You should postpone your return to the headquarters."

"Postpone my return?"

"I'll explain inside.

At Cheon-Ung's words, Cheon-Gi ordered the White Dragon Squad to be on standby, then headed to the Maritime Defense Bases command building with Cheon-Ho and Cheon-Ung. Mu-Gun, Mu-Ok, and Yong-Hwan also came with them.

"Cousin! Congratulations on recovering your martial arts."

While they headed to the command building, Yong-Hwan approached Mu-Gun and congratulated him.

"Thank you."

"By the way, you're amazing. You managed to defeat the Fujian Three Murderers all by yourself."

"It was only possible because they let their guard down."

"No matter how careless they were, wolves don't just become sheep. Anyway, I'm so happy that you returned with such great military prowess, cousin."

Mu-Gun looked at Yong-Hwan with a baffled gaze.

"Why are you staring at me like that?"

"Honestly, I did not know you would be so happy that I made a comeback."

"Your return is a good thing for the Baek Sword Sect. As a member of the sect, it is only natural for me to be delighted."

Mu-Gun carefully examined Yong-Hwan's gaze and facial expressions. The latter didnt seem to be putting on a show.

Mu-Gun had lived for many years through his previous reincarnations, and he had dealt with a lot of people. Through those experiences, he developed an insight capable of discerning whether the other person was lying or not. In particular, it was difficult for young people like Yong-Hwan to escape his sharp eyes.

In Mu-Gun's eyes, Yong-Hwan was sincerely happy about his return, which was surprising since Yong-Hwan was aiming for the position of successor.

If Yong-Hwan really hid his intention thoroughly and deceived him, that would mean he was a really formidable man. Either way, Mu-Gun thought it was necessary to carefully observe Baek Yong-Hwan.

"Is that so?"

"Yes, that's right."

"Thank you for thinking so. Ive also heard that you played a big role while I was away, Yong-Hwan. As the first son of the Baek Sword Sect, I'd like to thank you."

"I just did my duty as a member of the Baek Sword Sect," Yong-Hwan casually replied.

Mu-Gun smiled upon feeling Yong-Hwan's affection for the Baek Sword Sect through his answer. Unless Yong-Hwan abandoned his affection for the Baek Sword Sect, he would continue to carry the responsibilities as its member.