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“Aaaaargh!!!”

This scream wasn’t from pain, no sir! The pain had become too much to bear, so much so that I eventually went numb. The reason I was wailing like a newborn wasn’t because of that, but because I felt weak! And to top it off, I couldn’t trust anyone!

It was like a sharp point drilling into my skull, a torment that wasn’t just physical. I was knelt down, gripping the grass in the barn tightly, tears streaming down my face.

“Damn it… I’ve died FIFTEEN times…!!”

But nothing had changed. I might have improved a little, but I had no way to fight against the mighty Imperial Palace. If I didn’t finish things off early, the Palace only grew stronger, leaving me wondering what I was supposed to do. And I couldn’t even rely on the White Lotus Sect for help; it felt like being caught in a dilemma!

Now, even the blessings from the Celestial Realm were unreliable. I had learned that the blessings of the Seven Luminaries and the Great Immortal couldn’t coexist. If I freed the Seven Luminaries from their seal, the Old Ruler would immediately infuse their soul into it. So, if I caught the Seven Luminaries while under the Great Immortal’s blessing, a backlash would ensue. Especially for me, since Yeodong-bin was practically a time bomb waiting to drop down at any moment, which only made things more irritating.

What the heck was I supposed to do? What went wrong?

I sat there, pulling at my hair in frustration, muttering to myself, “… I don’t get it. Should I just give up?”

It was infuriating! Why was I even trying to fight against the Imperial Palace? I didn’t care whether anyone recognized my struggles, but all these other guys seemed eager to stab me in the back! Relying on Mangnyang and Miho as my support wasn’t great either. If I ended up dying, they’d likely suffer afterwards!

But giving up right now would mean I’d be letting Mangnyang’s encouraging words go to waste: [You’ve done very well so far, Baek Woong. You will keep doing well in the future.]

“…”

I clenched my fist. If it weren’t for Mangnyang saying that, I’d probably have thrown in the towel right at this moment.

‘Yeah. Coming this far and walking away empty-handed is worse than death.’

With this mentality, I’d rather die not fifteen times, but several times over, if that meant seeing the Imperial Palace’s downfall. I wanted them to feel all the pain and suffering I had endured.

My eyes sparked with determination. “I need to get stronger.”

I needed strength, and to get that, I needed time. Up until now, I had tried to pull everything together at once, but after dying for the fifteenth time, I realized that was a bit greedy. To really train while worrying about outside forces was pure folly; with my insufficient talent, I could only focus on one thing at a time.

So, what do I have to do to buy myself some time?

After some thought, I muttered, “In this life… I’ll cut all ties!”

It felt like the right answer for me right now. Mangnyang and Miho were excellent allies, but they also acted as chains that held me back. Mangnyang had the righteous spirit that wouldn’t let the atrocities of the Imperial Palace slide, and if I involved Miho, I knew I’d find myself in a life-threatening situation. If I wanted to be free, I had to ditch the idea of keeping them around as companions.

So, what would happen if I cut ties with Mangnyang and Miho? What then?

After a deep contemplation, I spoke softly, “First, I should gain Intent.”

After obtaining Intent, then I could think about the next step—it wouldn’t be too late.

Resolving this into a firm determination, I immediately began the necessary actions I had to go through every time in my previous life.

Let’s go!

First, I grabbed the Heavenly Secret, rushed to Shandong, and snagged the Golden Eagle. I then made my way to the Great Thunder Valley to take down the Giant Toad and collect treasures including the Wooden Armor, saving General Hwang Yeon and other prisoners. After that, I went to Mount Huang to collect the Black and White Lotus and Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng, and also snagged the Water Element Divine Sword and Gold Bar.

After that, I headed off to Pirate Island, where I wiped out the pirates and rescued the Pirate Prisoners.

Swish!

“Aaaaargh.”

This time, I was so angry that those pirates were obliterated into pieces. It made me feel pathetic to vent my anger on those human scum, but that rage was uncontrollable! Someday, I would repay the so-called Great Immortal for what they did, multiplied several times over.

Once that was done, I went to Goryeo and freed the Goryeo Prisoners. Usually, I’d let the Central Plains prisoners free from Shandong and then head to Shadowless Gate to meet Mangnyang, but since I decided to drop that option, I was going to choose differently this time.

I went to Guanzhong’s Azure Dragon Martial Arts School. Appearing suddenly in the empty backyard of the school at night, I released General Hwang Yeon and the prisoners from the Great Thunder Valley. They looked taken aback at my sudden arrival, but before Lee Kwang or Jin So-cheong could show up, I booked it using the Golden Lamp.

No need for Mangnyang to handle General Hwang Yeon’s affairs. It would be entertaining to see how the Thunder God Lineage would deal with their homework.

“That’s about enough handling; now I’ll go break the second seal of the Water Element Divine Sword.”

At this point, I didn’t have to worry about the rest of the prisoners like Seo Mun-hye, who were stuck inside the Wooden Armor with time halted.

“But before that…”

I pulled out the Black and White Lotus and Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng, eating them one by one.

Rumble rumble!

A massive surge of internal power churned up like a storm. My already immense internal power, enhanced by the Black and White Lotus and the Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng, began to stir. But as I had been close to my limit already, the actual increase in power wasn’t that significant.

‘Better than nothing.’

Even though the efficiency was low, I wanted to gain as much advantage as I could. After finishing the elixir, I stored my Qi and headed north for the Water Element Divine Sword’s second seal.

Thwack!

As I fed the Divine Sword with blood and drove it into the ground, the night returned, radiant light erupted, and an ancient beast emerged. The ancient beast opened the way to the Old Ruler, Itaka.

Upon arriving in the Void of Emptiness, Itaka spoke, [Are you here to fulfill the contract?]

Meeting Itaka for the second time, I strangely felt less pressure this time. Itaka’s power remained the same, but somehow it felt easier to accept its presence. Thanks to that, I was able to speak to Itaka.

“Yes.”

Upon my answer, Itaka looked surprised. Then it said, [My name is Itaka. I will fulfill the contract.]

Whoosh!

Shortly after, the second seal of the Water Element Divine Sword was lifted, and Itaka’s spirit took residence within it.

“All set.”

I swung the Divine Sword a couple of times, looking around cautiously just in case.

Suddenly, I heard a voice. [Dharma Protector! How could you release such a sinister object?]

The tone was accusatory.

It didn’t take long for me to realize that Yeodong-bin had descended and was grumbling right next to my soul. Maybe it was because I had experienced Yeodong-bin’s descents often enough that I could understand his emotions somewhat now.

I smirked and said, “You think the Seven Luminaries are a sinister object? At least they’re better than the Great Immortal that stabs me in the back!”

[Dharma Protector, I don’t know what you’re talking about, but I hope you reconsider. If you don’t, I’ll have to eliminate you with Divine Fever.]

Yeodong-bin’s earnest plea irritated me, and I shot back, “That’s the backstabbing I’m talking about! You follow the Celestial Realm’s intentions and call me a Dharma Protector, but have you ever treated the descender with any respect? You’re only proving that you’re the puppet and slave of the Celestial Realm!”

[…]

“I’m not a puppet or any such thing. I’m a human! A living human!”

I let out the boiling rage inside me. “Go ahead and kill me! I’ll still wipe out everything in the Celestial Realm a hundred or a thousand times if I have to!!”

Yeodong-bin fell silent for a while.

‘Damn it. Is this really the 16th death again?’

Just as I was giving a wry smile while waiting for death by Divine Fever, Yeodong-bin finally spoke up after a long pause.

[Dharma Protector, let me explain why the Seven Luminaries are dangerous.]

“…!!”

I was shocked at that moment. Yeodong-bin was suddenly offering vital information. My surprise showed in my question. “Yeodong-bin, are you alright? Are you talking about a secret of the Celestial Realm?”

[Now that you’ve freed the second seal of the Water Element Divine Sword, you too have become entangled in a grand celestial scheme. Even if I’m punished by the Celestial Lord, it won’t be severe.]

Yeodong-bin answered calmly, implying he was ready for it. He too moved according to the Celestial Realm’s orders but clearly had his own will. I could feel just a little bit of the hatred I had for him ebbing away.

[The Three Sovereigns who birthed the Seven Luminaries are no benevolent beings. They are great evils.]

“So the Three Sovereigns are your superiors?”

[Different matter. The relationship you think you understand is possibly worlds apart.]

“…?”

After sighing, Yeodong-bin continued. [The Seven Luminaries were birthed through a contract with those known as the Old Ruler. Each holds incredible power and is destined to thrive in this age of decline. They should not have been released now.]

“What are you talking about? An age of decline?”

[If the Seven Luminaries are freed, the calamity that arises will be beyond comparison to the rampaging of the Otherworldly Race. You must prevent that.]

After explaining this, Yeodong-bin spoke earnestly. [Dharma Protector! Reconsider. If it means unleashing the great demon of the north, do so, but the Seven Luminaries must never be freed. There’s still a chance to re-seal them…!!]

“…”

I stayed silent for a moment, then said, “It doesn’t matter to me.”

[What…?]

After a short pause, I firmly declared, “Shut up, Yeodong-bin! If you don’t, I’ll unleash the power of the Seven Luminaries to bring catastrophe to the world. You know that whether I’m intentional or not, it’s like night and day.”

[Before that, I will kill you with Divine Fever.]

“Do as you please. Just know that I have nothing to lose.”

With a surge of power, I poured my essence into the Water Element Divine Sword, and felt something horrifying awakening within it. Yeodong-bin hastily added, [Alright… then I’ll withdraw! Control yourself.]

“That’s not enough. Cut ties with me entirely and just leave.”

[Understood.]

Whoosh!

Shortly after, Yeodong-bin severed the scroll of connection between us and disappeared. He probably used a spell to cut off our tether and returned to the Celestial Realm. I thought I wouldn’t have to deal with Yeodong-bin’s nuisance anymore.

‘Well, at the same time, I lost a shield that kept me safe…’

I wondered if the next time would go this well, but I realized that wasn’t guaranteed. That meant I had to find a way to remove Yeodong-bin whenever I needed to during this life.

After the second seal of the Water Element Divine Sword was lifted, I headed for the Prophet in Astana.

Whoosh!

The Prophet of Astana seemed to sense my presence and appeared atop the altar in the Great Temple shortly after. He stared at me silently before speaking.

[… The master of the Water Element Divine Sword has been born… Congratulations…]

“Thanks.”

I replied casually and pulled out the Nine Stars Main Capital from my Wooden Armor, holding it out to him. “Let’s make a deal. I need some information.”

[Oh…!]

“Is the price adequate?”

[Of course…]

The Prophet of Astana accepted the Nine Stars Main Capital from me with a pleased look. Then he asked, [What do you want to know…]

“This Water Element Divine Sword is just an ancient blade for now. Now that the second seal is lifted, what kind of power can it display? Please tell me the activation method.”

[Hmm… It’s simple.]

The Prophet extended a tentacle-like arm toward me.

[Kill anything with the Water Element Divine Sword… and that’ll be it…]

“Kill?”

[Be it a living being or a spirit… If you kill anything using the Water Element Divine Sword, it’s been said that it will grow stronger with each death… Once that growth is complete, it can unleash Itaka’s full power…]

“…!!”

I shuddered at the essence of the Water Element Divine Sword.

A weapon that grows stronger with each kill! And once fully grown, it becomes the ultimate weapon that can wield the powers of the Old Ruler!

I hastily asked, “Is there any chance that Itaka might take over my mind or body?”

[That won’t happen… Because the Itaka residing there isn’t its original body, but an avatar… It can never break the contract…]

“Avatar?”

[Most of the Old Rulers never reveal their actual bodies recklessly… Well… Since it’s a contract, some of Itaka’s power will definitely be transferred…]

“I see.”

If the Prophet assured me like this, I wouldn’t have to worry about side effects.

‘But killing… what do I kill?’

While I was lost in thought, the Prophet spoke again. [You seem to have quite a surplus left… What else do you want?]

That got me thinking. “So, the Great Immortal seems to have left me an endpoint to keep descending continuously, is there a way to shed this whenever I want?”

[Hmm… Just use the Resonance Spell to sever it. I will teach you.]

The Prophet instructed me on the Resonance Spell. As the Obsidian conveyed the spell to me, I immediately realized that I could entirely use it. And upon realizing the hidden power of the Resonance Spell, I exclaimed, “This spell… can also repel evil spirits and spirits!”

[Indeed… Resonance is about severing ties with the world… It is a spell that removes the place the spirit can root itself… Since the Great Immortal is a spirit, it will naturally be weak to the Resonance Spell…]

“Thanks!”

I felt like I just expanded my arsenal for dealing with spiritual entities.

“Oh, what should I do about the surplus techniques overflowing in the Water Element Divine Sword?”

[If you give it to me, I’ll make good use of it…]

“Oh? Really?”

[Of course… But processing them is also a job, so I won’t take more than this.]

“Well, it can’t be helped.”

The Prophet of Astana looked at me with a strange expression and said, [How strange…]

“What is?”

[You… not from the Otherworldly Race…? No… You are human, but…]

“Not at all.”

[Hmm… Either way… never mind, off you go…]

The Prophet said this and vanished.

“Phew, it’s all set now.”

I muttered, my eyes gleaming with excitement.

“Shall we head to the Shadowless Gate?”

Upon reaching Shadowless Gate, I managed to release Seo Mun-hye and the other prisoners as I used to. And in front of the Sword Demon, I exclaimed, “I want to join the Shadowless Sect!”

“Join? How interesting.”

The Sword Demon laughed heartily. “Your skills are already commendable despite your age. Are you really intent on joining our sect?”

“Age doesn’t matter in learning.”

“That’s not a phrase for such occasions.”

“Isn’t understanding all that matters?”

“You’re quite the free spirit, aren’t you?”

The Sword Demon shot back with an appropriate banter, chuckling.

“Alright then. From now on, you’ll live as the Dharma Protector of the Shadowless Sect.”

“Thank you.”

Got it!!

I felt relieved that things were going as planned. Now that I could stay within the Shadowless Sect, I intended to train hard over the years, aiming to attain the level of Intent.

‘Forget about the world’s affairs for now; I’m keeping my mind on achieving Intent first!’

This life, I decided to keep things simple.

 

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