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“Dark Heaven Village! The Heavenly Mysterious Woman of Nine Heavens!”

She stands out among all the Great Immortals of the Celestial Realm, a being almost akin to a master in her own right. I once had the chance to see her in person, and let me tell you, her beauty was awe-inspiring, almost divine. Not only was she a master of the Corpse Dissolution Technique, but she was also the teacher of Ji-seon Mang-nyang in the past.

I remember she worked as the right hand of the Queen Mother of the West but was constantly troubled by the contradictions surrounding her. She sent her disciples and subordinates to investigate the Queen Mother’s true intentions, but most of them ended up assassinated by ambiguous figures. This led Ji-seon Mang-nyang to transfer his memories and experiences to me, with the hope that I could unveil the truth about the Queen Mother and the dark secrets of the Celestial Realm.

As I reminisced about the Heavenly Mysterious Woman of Nine Heavens, the Fire Dragon Incarnate continued speaking.

[The Heavenly Mysterious Woman oversees the newly appointed immortals at the Great Immortal Supervisor’s role, but in ancient times, she was a war god who fought directly against the giants. She’s one of the most combat-skilled sorcerers in the Celestial Realm and a renowned master of the Art of War.]

“Right… you got that right.”

Ji-seon Mang-nyang learned a lot from her since he was directly taught by the Heavenly Mysterious Woman. She knew a staggering 369,000 different techniques that ordinary sorcerers in the human realm wouldn’t even dream of mastering—most of them don’t even reach twenty techniques before meeting their ends. It’s clear she transcends the limits of humanity.

[I’m not quite sure what Immortal Sword Technique entails, but I can feel a connection to the Heavenly Mysterious Woman and the Law of Cause and Effect. It’s definitely a technique she created.]

I paused for a moment to think, then asked, “Can you tell me more about what the Immortal Sword Technique is?”

[I don’t know the details. But if I hazard a guess on the Heavenly Mysterious Woman’s intentions, she seems to want to sever Yeodong-bin’s ties with the Celestial Realm while preserving his combat strength. Becoming the Immortal Sword holds that meaning.]

“Severing ties with the Celestial Realm? So, what does that make Yeodong-bin now…?”

The Fire Dragon Incarnate looked at the sword with a sad expression.

[He’s essentially lost his identity as a Great Immortal and has transformed into the Immortal Sword itself. He’s just a mere sword with the capabilities of Yeodong-bin. Nothing more.]

“……”

[I can’t say for sure. As a Great Immortal, Yeodong-bin is an incredibly powerful being, so was it really necessary to go through this roundabout method to sever ties with the Celestial Realm? It’s a risky technique that won’t necessarily help him. Yet, you, as his master, can still benefit greatly from the Immortal Sword.]

“That’s… interesting.”

What on earth are Yeodong-bin and the Heavenly Mysterious Woman plotting? And why resort to such a roundabout method as the Immortal Sword Technique?

My head swirled with a multitude of thoughts, but it was too complex and intricate for me to draw conclusions alone. Unless I consulted with my advisors and gathered evidence for deduction, I couldn’t solve this immediately. So, I cleared my mind and spoke to the Fire Dragon Incarnate.

“… You’re sure absorbing the flames of Zhu Rong is okay?”

[Heh heh. Are you concerned for me, as Yeodong-bin’s master?]

The Fire Dragon Incarnate looked at me with a somehow proud gaze.

[It’s fine. In truth, the property of chaos doesn’t pose a threat to me at all. It just feels like I’ve overeaten a bit.]

“Not a threat at all?”

[I am a grand being who has lived since the Primordial Age, an avatar of the Shenglong. The Shenglong thrived on the chaos that once filled the world, and that essence now flows within me.]

“Understood. Are you fully recovered now?”

[I’ve recovered over 80%. I’ll be back to full strength soon.]

Seeing how quickly the Fire Dragon Incarnate recuperated made it clear that Zhu Rong’s flames were indeed a potent curse.

A sudden thought struck me, and I asked, “Although you’re the avatar of Shenglong, I understand that your will is separate from the original, correct…?”

[That’s correct.]

It seemed that the situation was similar for most avatars. Take for instance, the avatar of the Eight Parts of the Divine, who also had his own desires separate from the original figure.

“Then you don’t know Shenglong’s intentions or the current state of affairs?”

In response to my inquiry, the Fire Dragon Incarnate casually replied.

[Whenever he wishes, the original Shenglong shares information and advice with me. If he doesn’t want to, then I’m left in the dark.]

“……”

[He currently doesn’t care about the world of mortals. They say the Divine Temple of the Emperor remains quiet as well.]

“So he gives you no information at all?”

[If there’s any faint hint of his will, it’s… hmm… he’s curious whether the promises made by the Three Sovereigns in connection with Ch’ang-hil will be upheld all the way to the end.]

“Promises?”

[He doesn’t tell me specifically what they are.]

The promises of the Three Sovereigns? What could they be? What relevance does that have to this situation?

While I was puzzled, the Fire Dragon Incarnate spoke up.

[Shenglong is counted as the Emperor’s right hand, an existence equal to the Sovereigns. So attempting to gauge his will from our level is futile. It’s best not to delve too deeply into it.]

“… Got it.”

Taking the Fire Dragon Incarnate’s words at face value makes sense. After all, if even the other Sovereigns do not know where the Divine Temple lies, there’s no way of even imagining the overwhelming existence of Shenglong, who lives there and acts as the Emperor’s aide. Speculating on his intentions right now would be a fruitless endeavor.

Lastly, I recalled the words Yeodong-bin once mentioned.

[Before the Heavenly Altar descends, if I can awaken my master, the Fire Dragon Incarnate, perhaps there is a way.]

[How can that really help when the entire Celestial Realm has branded me a traitor to humanity?]

[At least if I can get my master awakened, he’ll be able to guide me on what to do next.]

The Heavenly Altar has descended now. What could Yeodong-bin have intended to achieve by awakening the Fire Dragon Incarnate? And why did he think awakening him would be a breakthrough when he would have to confront the entire Celestial Realm?

Does the Fire Dragon Incarnate have some plan up his sleeve?

“Oh, Fire Dragon Incarnate. The truth is…”

I went beyond the brief explanation I previously had given, detailing my fifty-year confinement under Ch’ang-hil, and how Yeodong-bin entrusted me with the Immortal Sword Technique and sought the help of the Fire Dragon Incarnate. After listening, he sighed and said.

[You should have told me that earlier… How can I understand the situation if you only said that Yeodong-bin had turned into the Immortal Sword without context?]

“I’m sorry.”

It seemed the fact that the Fire Dragon Incarnate is the avatar of Shenglong weighed heavily on my mind while I was investigating. Finally, the Fire Dragon Incarnate spoke as if he finally understood.

[I’ve figured it out. The Heavenly Mysterious Woman likely anticipated that you would come to her after wielding Yeodong-bin’s Immortal Sword.]

“Are you saying to go seek out the Heavenly Mysterious Woman?”

[Few can grasp that Yeodong-bin’s Immortal Sword Technique isn’t one he mastered himself but was derived from reading the Law of Cause and Effect, revealing the techniques of the Heavenly Mysterious Woman. It seems Yeodong-bin desired for me to interpret her intentions for him.]

The Fire Dragon Incarnate, deep in thought, continued.

[That means Yeodong-bin was likely being monitored by someone and couldn’t freely express his words and actions. Thus, he couldn’t fully confide in you either.]

“Monitored?”

[I can’t say for certain, but if someone is monitoring the Eight Immortals Yeodong-bin, then a being on par with the Three Pure Ones or someone equivalent must be using sorcery. In an attempt to escape that pressure and control, Yeodong-bin has likely sought the assistance of the Heavenly Mysterious Woman to transform into the Immortal Sword.]

“Who could that possibly be?”

[To find out, you’ll need to seek the Heavenly Mysterious Woman.]

“Hmm.”

Is it too late? Yeodong-bin’s goal must have been to prevent destruction by awakening the Fire Dragon Incarnate, looking for clues before the Heavenly Altar descends. But the Heavenly Altar has already come down, the world breaking apart, and the Celestial Realm is in ruins thanks to the Nine Lotus Sect. Would seeking her now even bear any fruit?

Realizing the situation was growing increasingly dire, I shook my head and declared, “Understood. I will do my best to find the Heavenly Mysterious Woman.”

[I will also do everything I can to assist you.]

Even if the situation was tangled, it still had to be done. Until I uncovered the clues left behind by Yeodong-bin, I would merely repeat the same actions. So I needed to act first. Although the difficulties left my mouth feeling parched, I steeled my will and pushed forward.

“By the way, any idea where Gong Gong suddenly vanished off with the Fire Spirit?”

[Gong Gong went to meet with the King. There’s only one person who could be his King.]

“Who would that be…”

The Fire Dragon Incarnate crossed his arms and looked up at the sky.

[Among the Three Sovereigns, the Sovereign of Flames, Yan Emperor Shennong. He is the grand being who faced Emperor Gong Sun Xuanwen head-on in ancient times, and also the king of the giants.]

Yan Emperor Shennong! I remembered the past information regarding him.

[If you go south from the Southern Barbarian under the Moon Kingdom, further down you’ll encounter the Great Ocean. If you venture a few thousand miles south from there, you’ll find the legendary continent where it’s said Shennong was exiled after losing to the Emperor.]

[It’s due to the faction of Yan Emperor Shennong. Ever since the war where the Emperor and the Yan Emperor clashed for the first time in Pan Cheon, the two immense factions have clashed throughout the Mythological Age. Following the descendants of the Yan Emperor, Gong Gong waged war again with Jeon Wook, resulting in colossal destruction, peaking with Chi You’s involvement.]

[As far as I know, the humans that exist in the world today are a product that Three Sovereigns had a hand in creating. It is said that Nüwa, Shennong, and Fuxi came together. Regardless of what Pangu really is, the initial creation of life came from a different race known as the [Ancients], and the form of humanity that resulted was refined by the Three Sovereigns. Therefore, I have no idea if Pangu actually exists or not.]

[But isn’t he sealed away? Your opinion doesn’t really matter now. If you want to go, then go, Yan Emperor.]

The Yan Emperor Shennong, king of the giants, has been continuously sealed in the southern continent since losing in that battle at Pan Cheon. Furthermore, he’s also one of the creators of humanity, consistently at odds with the deities.

While the magnitude of his power is uncertain, considering Emperor Gong Sun Xuanwen stands at an overwhelming level above the other Three Sovereigns, it stands to reason Shennong must be a transcendent being close to the [Old Ruler]. I gazed up at the heavens and spoke.

“So is Gong Gong trying to rescue the sealed Yan Emperor Shennong?”

[It’s highly likely. He’ll probably attempt to break the seal using the power of the Fire Spirit.]

“Isn’t that dangerous?”

[Well… it doesn’t seem like it would work.]

The Fire Dragon Incarnate’s voice trailed off. This is… a massive issue!

My mind raced as I felt the urgency of the situation. I considered using the Palace Examination Technique to locate Gong Gong’s whereabouts, but then I hesitated.

‘Is it really wise to rush in?’

While it’s certainly a critical matter if Gong Gong attempts to break the Yan Emperor’s seal, wouldn’t it be reckless to just charge in without a plan? Isn’t it better to clear my head before taking action given how serious the situation is?

It’s correct I must take the lead in all actions, but I felt this wasn’t the right moment for that.

‘I need to consult my advisors first.’

Pa-at!

I immediately moved to the Kingdom of Duke Du and handed the obsidian over to Mang-nyang and Zhuge Sa. I quickly explained the situation, and then Mang-nyang remarked.

“Baek Woong, well done. That was a very cool-headed decision. Going straight for Gong Gong would have been a bad move.”

“Now what should I do?”

“I don’t believe Gong Gong is someone to break a promise he made. Also, he likely isn’t fond of revealing the location where his kin is sealed or based. There’s no need to provoke him unnecessarily; if we just wait, he’ll likely come to return the Fire Spirit to you.”

Mang-nyang continued, “The key will be that moment. Do not appear to be prying into his affairs and instead confidently request his cooperation. Make it clear you will offer as much help as possible in breaking the Yan Emperor’s seal. In my view, that’s a sound way to establish a proper partnership with Gong Gong.”

“… Mang-nyang.”

“What is it?”

“I can’t help but feel you’re speaking with the assumption that the Yan Emperor’s seal won’t be broken. What’s the basis for that certainty?”

“Hmm, well…”

Before Mang-nyang could explain, Zhuge Sa chimed in with a tone implying he found it ridiculous.

“It’s something anyone can see, even without Mang-nyang saying it.”

“Why?”

“Didn’t the Fire Dragon Incarnate say it wouldn’t work? Is there anyone among us who knows more about divine status and seals than the Fire Dragon Incarnate?”

“……”

“To seal the Yan Emperor, you need at least an equal being or something more powerful. Only the other Three Sovereigns would fit that bill. It’s a no-brainer that a seal established by the Three Sovereigns can’t be broken by one or two of the Seven Luminaries.”

“Ah, right…”

Zhuge Sa was right. If I had acted impulsively while fueled by emotion, I could have unnecessarily provoked Gong Gong and sown seeds of distrust, leading things to spiral out of control. Zhuge Sa continued.

“But you’re doing well enough, so get back to the Yan Emperor’s seal.”

“Understood.”

Pa-at!

Once I returned to the sealed place, I waited for about half a moment. Suddenly, a great figure fell from the sky.

Ku-goo-goong!!

It was none other than Gong Gong. It seemed he had regained much of his power as the Water God, exuding an immense presence of yin energy. With a pearlescent glow emanating from his eyes, Gong Gong tossed the Fire Spirit at me.

[Catch this.]

Ta-at!

I used the Void Object Manipulation technique to catch the Fire Spirit midair, and as I held it, the size shrank from that of a giant to something manageable for a human to hold.

Letting out a relieved sigh, I said, “You kept your promise.”

[Of course.]

“Where on Earth did you just come back from?”

[The location of my king… ]

“Could it be you went to attempt to break the Yan Emperor Shennong’s seal?”

[That’s right.]

“Has the Yan Emperor awakened?”

In response to my question, Gong Gong replied coldly,

[Perhaps he has, but it didn’t seem so. That seal can’t be broken without handling ‘her’.]

“Her?”

[Nüwa particularly despises the king and personally poured her full strength into creating that seal. Unless she’s eliminated, breaking that seal is going to be tough…]

Nüwa! Upon hearing that, I realized my advisors’ predictions were correct. Indeed, in order to seal a Sovereign, a being of equal standing or greater must have facilitated that seal. Moreover, being Nüwa, the Earth Mother God and the legendary creator of the Central Plains, she possesses divine powers that must make the seal almost impossible to break with the mere Seven Luminaries.

[But my task is now clearer. My king has issued me an order.]

“So the Yan Emperor can still convey messages even while sealed?”

[Exactly. Even with Nüwa, she can’t capture everything about him.]

“Hmmm.”

Raising his massive right arm, Gong Gong addressed me.

[Baek Woong. You too must gather the Seven Luminaries. The two of us will collect as many Seven Luminaries as possible and then sacrifice them all at once to break the seal and bring the Giant God King back to the realm of mortals. If the power of the Seven Luminaries is bestowed upon the king, he should be able to defeat even an Emperor.]

Am I out of my mind?!

You want me to gather them just for the benefit of others?!

Although I cursed internally, I held back and responded, “Of course I can gather them, but how do you intend to acquire them?”

[I will go retrieve the Golden Crow in the West. You should acquire the Moon Sovereign or Wood Element in the East. After that, you’ll head to Dark Heaven Village to get the Earth Element.]

“… The plan is solid, but is it really feasible to obtain the Earth Element?”

[Hoh ho ho!!]

The Fire God burst into a laugh.

[Just you wait and see the power I shall display.]

Ku-goo-goong!

With those final words, Gong Gong vanished into the air once again. I cast my gaze toward the distant sky, in deep contemplation.

‘Will he really be able to find the Golden Crow in the West by himself?’

Will that even be possible?

The Golden Crow in the West is currently sought after by the Black Brotherhood, the most powerful heretical faction, and the Guardians are risking their lives to keep it sealed away. The sorcerers in the Black Brotherhood are all powerful Mage Sorcerers, including the exceptional Peng Zuo, who is of the line of Jeon Wook and a master at the Great Immortal level. With such fierce rivals, I hadn’t even considered going after the Golden Crow until now.

No matter how powerful Gong Gong has become, can he really acquire the Golden Crow alone?

I shook my head and returned to my true form with the method of the Golden Lamp.

‘I should focus on my own concerns.’

To obtain the Wood Element, I will have to visit the Twelve Joules. As for the Moon Sovereign,

‘I need to prepare to head to Mount Tai.’

Whether I live or die, the only thing I can do is follow Jin So-cheong’s will and seek an audience with the Celestial Sage.

 

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