It was a sunny day.

The sky is clear and blue.

Standing straight in the training grounds, the disciples await the news In-su brought for them.

Step. Step. Step.

The silence was only broken by In-su's footsteps as he climbed the podium, holding a scroll in his hand.

Finally, In-su was standing upright on the podium, looking at the disciples with worry.

"Ahem!"

Yeong-jeon stared at the man on the podium.

'What news is this? Is this about finding the lost martial art?'

Honestly, he didn't know what In-su was going to say to them. Although his guess was that of finding a lost martial art.

His guess couldn't have been more wrong.

"Two weeks from now, we'll select ten representatives that will fight Wudang's third-class disciples."

The disciples' eyes went wide as they heard that. And Yeong-jeon, who was looking at In-su with drooping eyes, was woken for a moment.

The disciples shouted involuntarily.

"The Wudang?!"

"The Wudang Sect, which had been showing kindness to us for years decided that to prove our worth, we'll be showing them our martial art."

In-su spoke with a calm voice.

Yeong-jeon glanced at the disciples who had their mouths wide from shock.

'The Wudang? If I had to fight them, even in this body, I am confident in winning."

"But these..."

His eyes wandered at the disciples. In his eyes, they are bugs, unable to step out of their rocks due to the dangers of the outside.

There's no problem.

As long as he's breathing, this sect will be molded to a sculpture Yeong-jeon saw fit.

'The Wudang has been helping us for years?.. Strange...'

He looked to his right and saw a disciple whose eyes were unwavering as if he was ready to take on any opponent.

"Ryu Yongsun is it?"

Yeong-jeon's question broke the disciple's gaze at In-su.

"Yes..."

"The Wudang... It has been helping this sect?"

It was strange. In the past, there was no such alliance between the Wudang and Thunderous Sky Sect. Such things as alliances were rare, only seen between the lower sects.

Even the sects in the Ten Great Heavens were not sharing such camaraderie.

Mistake...

It was all a mistake...

When the Demonic sect attacked, the entire world was startled. In response, an alliance consisting of all sects was formed.

Too late.

Yeong-jeon clenched his fist tight.

Every time his thoughts wandered to it, he felt a raging flame inside him.

"Yes, the Wudang has been keeping this sect running for decades. If not for them, this place will be empty."

Yeong-jeon listened carefully. But, the more he replayed Ryu Yongsun's words in his mind, the more he was confused.

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

Why?

Why would a renowned sect help this place? Is there a reason?

Either way, he appreciated them.

"Why would they do that?"

Yeong-jeon asked.

Wudang, one of the Ten Great Heavens, helping a ruined sect? It seemed ridiculous. And yet, it is the reality.

When Ryu Yongsun answered, Yeong-jeon's confusion lowered.

"Wang Zhenwu is an elder at the Wudang Sect,"

'Wang Zhenwu? I think... I had heard that name before.'

"I have no exact answer, but, Elder Wang is a man that fought in the great demonic war. I think, at that time, all the sects united into one order; probably, the Wudang and the Thunderous Sky Sect were allies at one point. Since he is a veteran, he might still carry the same brotherhood to the Thunderous Sky Sect until now."

Yeong-jeon blinked as he heard it.

There was something wrong.

"..."

'Since the great demonic war? Isn't that 200 years ago?! You're telling me that Wang Zhenwu survived and not me?!'

"Those drugs in Wudang must have been hefty, huh."

Yeong-jeon muttered involuntarily.

"D-Drugs..?"

"If a man could live for two centuries, then there's no way that's possible! There must be some external help!"

"That could be possible..."

Ahem!

In-su cleared his throat loudly, catching the attention of all.

"I know that all of you are scared, but I, as your older brother, must teach you the Lightning's six senses. So, don't worry."

He then presented the handbook saying: Lightning's six senses.

Yeong-jeon blinked uncontrollably at the sight while the others cheered after finally being able to be taught the technique.

'You, you're still going to teach that after I returned the Seven Lightning Stances?! Are you out of your fucking mind?!'

Thwack!

He slapped his cheeks, trying to snap out of this dream. However, this was no dream, but his nightmare.

'This sect is sure to crumble! You're teaching these brats a complex equation without even letting them experience the basics! It's like teaching algebra to someone who can't even write numbers!'

'I want to fuckin die!'

The cheers from the disciples only made it worse. They were excited to learn this technique that they couldn't handle, oblivious to how much they would suffer by trying to learn such a thing. At this moment, Yeong-jeon felt the full weight of just how far the Thunderous Sky Sect had fallen in his absence.

Meanwhile, In-su, unaware of the turmoil boiling inside Yeong-jeon, continued his explanation with an enthusiastic smile. "With this technique, we'll be able to show the Wudang that we still have strength, that we are not to be underestimated."

Yeong-jeon wanted to laugh. How could they possibly expect to stand against the Wudang Sect, one of the Ten Great Heavens, with such an inadequate foundation? His eyes scanned the faces of his fellow disciples. They’re lambs being led to slaughter, he thought grimly.

Still, there was one person who stood out—Ryu Yongsun. His eyes were sharp, focused, and determined. Unlike the others, Ryu Yongsun’s energy felt different, more refined.

'If it was this brat, he might learn the first page or two... A golden worm is still a worm nonetheless! I absolutely disagree with this!!'

As he held the handbook upwards, the sounds of footsteps caught his attention.

"Where is In-su?"

The disciples turned to their side and saw the sect leader himself stepping foot in the training grounds.

"S-Sect leader!"

In-su immediately rushed into the old man and bowed, slipping the Lightning's six senses into his sleeve.

He was led by the sect leader to the back of the boarding house where no one could see and hear them.

"What is the reason for your call, sect leader?"

"It is about the handbook we found yesterday."

"Hm?"

The sect leader handed out the Seven Lightning Stances to In-su.

At this, In-su's eyes widened.

"S-Sect leader? Why are you giving me this? Don't say that..."

"Yes, I'm planning on teaching this instead of the lightning's six senses."

When In-su heard this, he spoke with urgency.

"B-But! Sect leader, the Wudang, we'll have to fight them soon. If we teach them this, it'll only hinder their growth. Since they've been learning the Swift-Wind Sword Technique, the Mountain River Technique, and Nine Points Sword Strokes, they've grown accustomed to learning the Lightning's six senses."

"If we switched courses now, they'll never master the Lightning's six senses and not even the Seven Lightning Stances."

After taking a deep sigh, the sect leader opened the handbook to a specific page.

This is the root and not learning this is equivalent to not embracing my teachings.

No words were spoken by the sect leader, and yet, In-su understood what he was trying to convey.

"But, if we never make the younger brothers learn the Lightning's six senses, they'll lose and we'll lose our benefactor."

"I'm also afraid of that too. But the name we carry is not of Wudang. Our ancestors laid out the path for us, and it is our duty to follow it. As long as we carry the essence of the Thunderous Sky Sect, we must honor it. If we lose our way and only focus on appeasing Wudang, then we lose our identity entirely."

The sect leader's voice was firm.

"But Sect Leader, the disciples… they might not be ready for this transition. If we fail against Wudang, it could mean the end of our sect's support," In-su said cautiously, still unable to fully align with the sect leader's decision.

The sect leader, however, shook his head slowly. "Whether Wudang helps us or not, we cannot sacrifice the foundation of the Thunderous Sky Sect for short-term gain. Let them struggle with it, let them fail if they must—but they will learn the true essence of our martial art. If we continue down this path of half-measures, we'll lose our soul."

With that, the sect leader turned and walked away, leaving In-su alone with his thoughts and the weight of the responsibility on his shoulders. He looked back at the training grounds, where the disciples were still buzzing with excitement over learning the Lightning's six senses. A deep sigh escaped his lips.

After a while, In-su returned to the training grounds.

"Everyone."

The disciples stilled, confusion crossing their faces as they waited for him to continue.

"Instead of the Lightning's six senses, we'll be learning the Seven Lightning Stances."

'That's better.'

Yeong-jeon smiled widely.

However, his demeanor was the opposite of others. Well, this was the first time that they've heard this technique.

'I can't let this man teach these brats.'

Yeong-jeon ignored the muffled confusion and walked to the podium.

"Older brother."

In-su looked down.

"What is it, Yeong-jeon?"

"If you may, will you please let me teach my fellow brothers, that technique?"

Yeong-jeon pointed at the Seven Lightning Stances handbook.

In-su stared at Yeong-jeon in disbelief, his eyes narrowing. "You? Teach the Seven Lightning Stances?"

The disciples were too focused, complaining that they didn't notice a madman being their teacher.

In-su refused to believe it. A newcomer presenting itself to teach his brothers who had been here for years?

"But... The Wudang, If you l—"

Before he could finish his sentence, Yeong-jeon cut him off.

"Two weeks."

"Uh?"

"Give me two weeks and we'll win against the Wudang. If not, I'll face any punishment."

Yeong-jeon spoke with absolute confidence. If he lets this incompetent man teach, he'll only hinder the disciples' already zero talent.

'I will mold this sect at all costs!'

In-su remained silent, his brow furrowing in contemplation. The murmurs among the disciples grew louder as they exchanged incredulous glances, unable to process Yeong-jeon's bold request.

But something about Yeong-jeon's words sounded absolute. Like it was guaranteed and Yeong-jeon only stated the fact.

"But—" In-su began, but the fire in Yeong-jeon’s eyes silenced him.

"Please! Trust me, older brother. Everybody here is fired up. We've been training for days on end and nobody is complaining. They all have their motives but they will all be collected and formed to make this sect rise."

"With our collective efforts as brothers, we'll be able to learn this within two weeks, no, a week."

In-su nodded.

Everything Yeong-jeon said was true. Three weeks ago, these disciples were weak but ever since this newcomer joined, those 'weak' disciples began to change for the better.

As he examined these facts in his mind, his lips seemed to move involuntarily.

"F-Fine... I'll give you my permission..."

Yeong-jeon clasped his hands and bowed down.

"I won't let you down, older brother."

'Don't worry, I'll give this sect an overwhelming victory against Wudang.'

Now that the incompetent is gone, it is time for him to make his move.

His eyes wandered at the disciples.

'I almost feel bad. Almost. Hehe... You'll thank me after this.'

The hours passed and the night came.

Tak. Tak. Tak.

It was late at night and yet, the disciples were awake... Half-awake.

"That madman is at it again..."

"Didn't he hear that we're going to fight against Wudang?"

"Yah, if we are all sore when we are fighting Wudang, we'll be as good as dead."

Tak!

The door was slammed open as if Yeong-jeon was intending on breaking it.

"Listen! I will teach you the Seven Lightning Stances!"

"You will what?!"

All of the disciples yelled in unison.

"You heard me right."