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“Well, that’s been resolved, hasn’t it?”

“That’s not the point! That being known as the Three Pure Ones…”

Just as Cheon Woo-jin was about to explode, Mangnyang gave a wry smile and calmed him down.

“Priest. You knew from the start that Baek Woong was a peculiar one, didn’t you? Now is not the time to waste your energy on useless things. Focus on the most critical ritual.”

“But…”

“As you know, if he was truly the suspicious Great Evil, your Master wouldn’t leave it alone. So, I trust Baek Woong.”

“…Understood.”

Mangnyang slumped down and closed his eyes.

“I’ve consumed too much of my spirit power, so I’ll take a breather.”

“Hah.”

Cheon Woo-jin sighed and began preparing for the Offering Ceremony of the Three Sovereigns. When he finished preparing, he called out to me.

“Baek Woong. During this ceremony, I won’t be able to speak or act.”

“Why?”

“Because of the aftereffects from the Prophet forcibly conducting the Offering Ceremony, I’ll have to stabilize the Law of Cause and Effect. It’s frustrating, but controlling it is hard enough for me. So, negotiating with the Three Sovereigns totally depends on your skill and luck.”

“Hmm.”

Cheon Woo-jin frowned.

“Just a warning, this Offering Ceremony is a one-time deal. If it fails, it won’t be done again until the Heavenly Ladder descends. Keep that in mind…”

“Can’t we wait until Mangnyang recovers and then start?”

“It’s too significant a ritual and mixed with the Law of Cause and Effect, making it extremely difficult, and your older brother, who hasn’t even become an Earth Immortal yet, can’t help. So don’t worry and just focus on your own tasks.”

“Got it.”

Swoosh!!

A moment later, a divine light enveloped Cheon Woo-jin’s entire being. Unlike before during the Offering Ceremony, he appeared to be pouring all his spirit power into this.

Lee Cheong-un, watching this, gripped a dagger and walked forward.

“I’ll handle the grunt work like the human sacrifice. You focus.”

“Understood.”

Suddenly, a unique darkness spread across the world as the Three Sovereigns appeared. Just like before, the Divine Temple of the ancient spirits manifested in the air, and then the sovereign Jeon Wook revealed himself amidst the splendid royal court.

‘Well, that’s a success for the time being…’

I murmured to myself.

My primary goal was to summon Jeon Wook!

Last time, I called forth the Moon Sovereign but ended up with bloodshed. This time, however, I could aim for Jeon Wook since I had a statue of him. Given that he was quite favorable towards me last time, the chances of success were high.

Jeon Wook glanced at me and spoke.

[I am Jeon Wook of the Five Sovereigns, a descendant of the Emperor. Who summoned me?]

“Jeon Wook! I am Baek Woong, a human. First, as a token of respect, I shall present an offering.”

[Proceed.]

Lee Cheong-un immediately ripped out the heart of Zhuge Yulong’s vessel and presented it. As Jeon Wook savored the spirit power for a moment, he spoke.

[The basic etiquette is met. Now, what did you summon me for?]

I calmly replied.

“Currently, in the Heavenly Realm, the White Lotus Sect’s tyranny has provoked Nüwa’s anger, leading to the descent of the Heavenly Ladder. However, this portends a great calamity for the human world, so I kindly request you to retract it.”

[Are you telling me to reject the Heavenly Sovereign’s plan?]

“Indeed. I’ve sufficiently prepared tributes, so I hope you can grant this request.”

As I knelt and earnestly begged, Jeon Wook appeared to be deep in thought.

Suddenly, the sky turned gray, seemingly reflecting Jeon Wook’s emotional shift. He solemnly addressed me.

[Baek Woong, Master of the Moon Sovereign. All of this is your doing.]

“What?!”

It seemed Jeon Wook recognized that I was the Master of the Moon Sovereign as soon as he laid eyes on me. He must have known since the moment he appeared. But why was he blaming me? Jeon Wook continued calmly.

[Nüwa ordered you to restore the balance of the earthly powers and prevent chaos. However, you haven’t executed your assigned tasks at all. Consequently, Nüwa had no choice but to act to safeguard the ancient pact.]

“I haven’t failed in my mission! The Master of the White Lotus Sect has already requested with Yeodong-bin to withdraw from Luoyang to the Heavenly Realm…”

[Foolish!]

Jeon Wook suddenly bellowed.

[You don’t even realize what the problem is! By the time that petition reached you, the Master of the White Lotus Sect had already colluded with the Great Evil and established a terrifying contract! While that deception might work against humans, it’s merely a ludicrous trick for us. We had no choice but to take urgent measures to prevent the influence of the Old Ruler from spreading across the Central Plains.]

“…?!”

What in the world is happening?

Unlike others, Jeon Wook was utterly unwavering and considered the Heavenly Ladder a given. Clearly, he had sufficient confidence to speak so defiantly. However, I was left in a state of panic as I couldn’t comprehend what that confidence stemmed from.

At that moment, Mangnyang stumbled over and knelt before Jeon Wook, speaking.

“Oh, Sovereign Jeon Wook! Would you allow this insignificant being of the human way to ask a question?”

[I permit it.]

“Does that imply the Master of the White Lotus Sect has already established a formal contract with the ruler of the Demon Subduing Hall and officially accepted the powers of the Demon God?”

[Indeed.]

Jeon Wook’s face twisted slightly in anger, the darkness swirling around him.

[That being seeks the techniques of the Non-Birth Mother, utilizing any and all means at his disposal. It’s a technique that cannot be completed by human or even the power of the Three Sovereigns! I will show that arrogant human the might of the Heavenly Realm.]

Roar!!

As Jeon Wook’s fury swelled, a tremendous vibration resonated across the earth. And at that very moment, the tremors began to spread to an unimaginable extent, initiating seismic activity across the land.

I was horrified by the power of the Three Sovereigns. Just with rage alone, they could cause a colossal disaster on the continent?!

‘This is the power of the gods…!!’

Jeon Wook waved his hand. The half-transparent offerings reverted to their original colors.

[I shall not accept your tributes. This is a request I cannot grant. You all should think about how to manage things from here.]

“Then what should we do…?”

[Before the law of cause and effect collapses further, you must…

Boom!!

Suddenly, the chaos erupted.

[Kieeeeek!!]

The spirit Doo-all whipped its head around.

[Hiiiiiik!!]

[The Sleeper activates their powers!!]

[This is bad!!]

[We’re going to war with the Old Ruler!!]

The Divine Temple of the ten thousand ghosts screamed. Even though they were subservient beings, they seemed to be acutely sensitive to the immense waves of great magical power roaring from a distance. This magic was something even I could deeply sense as wicked, terrifying, and immense.

Fuming, Jeon Wook declared,

[Heh heh… In the end, that damn fool has stirred up trouble!]

“What do you mean?!”

[No more warnings! The grace period of the Seven Seven Seven has officially ended.]

“What?! Why?!”

[The frog creature launched the first attack!!]

Jeon Wook’s darkness surged dramatically. He transformed into a giant made of shadows, howling into the void.

[The law of cause and effect has permitted the descent of the Heavenly Realm; now, from here on out, we shall unleash force. That frog creature will regret underestimating the powers of the Three Sovereigns!]

Crash!

Simultaneously, Jeon Wook and the Divine Temple vanished without a trace. The sky also cleared, returning to its original state.

What just happened?

It was clear that the Offering Ceremony had failed, but I couldn’t wrap my head around what Jeon Wook had done. I was left standing there, dazed, and Lee Cheong-un was in the same boat.

However, it seemed that Lee Cheong-un grasped something. He approached Mangnyang and asked.

“Mangnyang. Are you feeling okay? You’d know what happened, wouldn’t you?”

“Ugh… This is terrible…”

Mangnyang staggered, his complexion pale. He gritted his teeth, trying to endure, but finally fell to the ground without strength. As Lee Cheong-un supported him, Mangnyang shook his head and said,

“Woo-jin has fainted. Please help him recover, Lee Cheong-un.”

“Don’t worry.”

“When he regains consciousness, we’ll talk.”

Lee Cheong-un moved toward the unconscious Cheon Woo-jin, channeling immense energy into him and utilizing Qi treatment techniques. Thanks to the power of the Heavenly Spirit Pill, it was undoubtedly more effective than any other healing technique, and eventually, Cheon Woo-jin awoke, coughing up blood.

“Cough!”

“Are you back with us?”

“What just happened? I was trying to maintain the ritual when everything went dark…”

All eyes in the room turned to Mangnyang. He was the only one who had grasped the situation accurately. Mangnyang sat in silence for some time, finally exhaling deeply.

“We miscalculated. Before trying to stop the Heavenly Realm, we should have halted the White Lotus Sect first.”

“Mangnyang, what do you mean?”

Mangnyang looked at me and said,

“Do you remember Jeon Wook’s earlier statement? The Master of the White Lotus Sect has already colluded with the Great Evil and entered into a terrifying contract!”

“I remember. But the Master of the White Lotus Sect has always been linked to the Su Shin Sect, researching its powers and connections to demons, hasn’t he?”

“That’s not it. The power they possess is dangerously close to pure chaos. It would shake the world’s balance to the point that the Three Sovereigns would be concerned. What Jeon Wook meant is much simpler.”

Mangnyang continued.

“The Master of the White Lotus Sect formally contracted with the Old Ruler after seizing Luoyang.”

“That’s already known information. He promised to placate that entity and offered the Twelve Joules and Goryeo as tribute within ten years…”

“That may not be the case.”

“What do you mean?”

“He’s deceived you, Baek Woong.”

Mangnyang said bitterly.

“To the Master, you are the best kind of ally, bringing good fortune by merely being near. That’s why he has shown you much favor and respect, but he’s never fully trusted you. He wouldn’t have mentioned anything that might make you refuse and leave. Especially with my influence that makes you loathe human sacrifices and the Old Ruler…”

“……!!”

“Given what Jeon Wook said, it isn’t just any kind of contract. The Master surely didn’t make a half-hearted promise; he must have fully embraced the Old Ruler’s power, executing human sacrifices. The danger of that is undoubtedly extreme.”

“Ah…”

This seemed plausible. I just hadn’t wanted to consider that, as I had harbored goodwill towards the Master.

“The Heavenly Realm sensed that, so they descended to stop it, and meanwhile, the Master of the White Lotus Sect must have been trying to block the dangers of destroying the Battle Ground in Luoyang while gathering forbidden techniques.”

“Wait, what does that mean…?”

I was baffled.

The Master deceived me?

While it was conceivable, everything was unfolding in such a strange way. Even when presenting the offerings at the Heavenly Altar, I never imagined the situation could escalate like this. As I stood there, bewildered, Mangnyang fixed me with an intense gaze.

“I can assure you. The Master probably felt the Heavenly Realm was preparing to act, so it’s likely they began human sacrifices, officially drawing the Old Ruler’s power into Luoyang. He’s likely summoning demonic troops and apostles.”

Cheon Woo-jin chimed in.

“Your older brother. Luoyang is hell itself by now.”

Mangnyang spoke gloomily.

“Indeed. From now on, the immortals of the Heavenly Realm and the apostles of the Old Ruler will clash, creating even more hellish conditions. Either way, Luoyang is doomed.”

“I can’t believe it.”

I looked at Mangnyang with dread.

“How could the Master…”

If Mangnyang was correct, it was beyond anything ordinary.

The Master would be throwing Luoyang itself to the Old Ruler, conducting human sacrifices! The lives and souls of its inhabitants would be slaughtered and devoured.

I never imagined the Master would commit such a heinous act, leaving me mentally shaken. Mangnyang shot me a glance.

“Baek Woong… The Vermilion Bird Zhuge Yulong and the Master are the same.”

“What do you mean they’re the same?”

“Both wish to save humanity, but they ignore the trivial sacrifices that come with it. The Master wanted to save the woeful fate of humankind, but the lives of those who aren’t White Lotus Sect members, whether a few or many, didn’t matter to him… They’re not any different from the Vermilion Bird.”

Mangnyang lamented.

“Now there’s only one method left… We must eliminate the Master. If we fail to do so, the conflict with the Heavenly Realm will escalate, and the lives of humans residing on this land will be exterminated.”

I shouted in an agitated voice.

“Even if the Heavenly Realm wins, there will be no future for humanity!”

“Even so, it’s better than being devoured by the Old Ruler. We have no choice but to take our chances with the mercy of the Heavenly Realm…”

“Damn it…”

I felt immensely gloomy while speaking.

Now that it had come to this, eliminating the Master was essential, yet it was an incredibly difficult challenge. Furthermore, even if we succeeded, the massacre was still unavoidable, which was utterly frustrating.

‘Where did everything go wrong?’

I couldn’t tell.

Finally, I said, “Let’s head to Luoyang.”

We needed to assess the situation in Luoyang to determine our next course of action.

 

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