1002——————==

Soul of the Evil God

Kugugugu…

After a moment, I felt the Underwater City rising up into the sky. The ground trembled even more as vibrations echoed. Jeon Wook glanced at the ground and said.

[ Are we really trying to leave this world?]

[ Don’t jump to conclusions.]

[ It would be nice to get out of here…]

Saying this, Jeon Wook continued, sounding annoyed.

[ With all of their lowly followers, that is.]

Kirururuk –

Kiiiruruk

An unknown sound came from ahead, along with the flow of unidentified Demon Ki. It was some shapeless, slimy substance, which soon swayed its tentacles and transformed into a creature from the Otherworld. However, it definitely felt more ominous than the previous rabble, even with Jeon Wook wearing my skin.

‘… Is that thing also of the [Old Ruler] level?’

Ssssss

Monsters I’d never seen before began appearing, 3 or 4 at a time. Their numbers were far less than before, but their magical power raised goosebumps on my skin.

There was no doubt.

Those guys were the legendary monsters sealed in the Underwater City, the [Old Ruler]. They were Demon Gods that should have been holding their breath and sleeping until the end of times. With such formidable monsters showing up, even the Three Sovereigns seemed hesitant to act carelessly, and they began to maintain silence for a moment.

……

One of the Demon Gods stepped forward and unleashed a verbal attack on Jeon Wook’s group.

[ O Three Sovereigns. Are you planning to have endless, pointless fights until the end of times? We are included in the armistice agreement too.]

[ We didn’t want to get involved either. However, your actions to hasten the end have crossed the line. The balance of the world is already shattered, and you’ll find yourselves swept away in that destruction.]

[ No… We won’t be swept away. We will not engage in a muddy fight.]

Whooo–

An unknown resonance reverberated. Moments later, dozens of [Old Rulers] that had been standing around simultaneously vanished.

Pa-at

Seeing them suddenly disappear, Shao Hao Jin Tian said.

[ The Evil God has taken them. They’ve all moved to the Evil God’s sealed place.]

[ I see… Now I understand their intentions. They’re planning to use the Evil God’s abilities to leave this world altogether.]

[ That doesn’t seem right. Even if they fought us, they wouldn’t be so outmatched…]

[ Didn’t they break free from the prescribed timing of sorcery, forced to awaken? Regardless of being [Old Rulers], their power would diminish under such circumstances. Instead of facing us and risking annihilation, they must be trying to escape.]

With that, Jeon Wook said,

[ We should go confirm that they’re fleeing and give them a kick in the rear.]

[ Think we can snatch the tablet?]

[ We’ll just have to see when we get there.]

Uh-oh—

In an instant, Jeon Wook’s group was transported to a place resembling an ancient temple, surrounded by a dark sea. There was a barrier protecting this place, but with three Sovereigns present, it seemed they smashed right through it without a care.

And there, the Evil God could be seen sitting on a massive throne.

[ ……]

I could feel the Evil God’s enormous presence looking down at the Three Sovereigns’ apostles. The Evil God was clearly fixated on us, and on either side of him stood countless [Old Rulers], paying their respects as if claiming to be his subordinates.

‘ A scene befitting an emperor…’

Having lived as an emperor in this life, I felt an odd sense of déjà vu from the Evil God’s imposing aura. The Evil God, seated upon the throne, spoke briefly.

[ This instance was unexpected… It caused many worries… ]

The words that followed seemed to fluster even the Three Sovereigns at the top of the world.

[ Rather… It seems more fitting to gather you all as a thrilling team… ]

Hwooo—

The Evil God’s body began to disintegrate. It was breaking down visibly. I could only watch in blank amazement, as not only the Evil God but also the [Old Rulers] standing in attendance were vanishing with him.

I couldn’t comprehend what was happening, but Shao Hao Jin Tian seemed to grow increasingly anxious.

[ This can’t be… Are you really making this choice? A being of your caliber… ]

Jeogok chimed in.

[ O Evil God. Let’s rather seek a truce here. This only brings about destruction for everyone. Why are you doing this?]

The two Sovereigns were not only anxious; they were evidently quite impatient. And it seemed Jeon Wook felt the same, as he pointed Shao Hao Jin Tian at the Evil God.

[ What the hell’s the reason behind this mad act, Evil God!]

As the Evil God gradually crumbled away, a peculiar smile seemed to form.

[ Because there’s a next chance for me… you fools… ]

Hwaaa—

With those words, the Evil God’s body completely turned to dust and scattered. As if on cue, all the [Old Rulers] disintegrated as well, filling the Evil God’s court with an eerie silence.

It seemed the Evil God had chosen to self-destruct voluntarily.

I spoke to Jeon Wook in delight.

[ Jeon Wook! Does this mean the Evil God has disappeared from this world now?]

[ ……]

[ Why are you not answering… ]

[ Pull out the Four Great Spirit Deities. Quickly.]

Jeon Wook’s tone was devoid of levity. As I hastily produced Vajra, it crackled on Jeon Wook’s hand before vanishing almost immediately.

[ Why’d it disappear?]

[ Ah, well… it runs out of power after some usage, and then it becomes unusable for a while. I used Vajra earlier, so…]

[ Then pull out another Four Great Spirit Deity.]

Um, what should I pull out?

As I pondered, I decided on the Wind Spirit, Vayu. Grabbing Vayu, Jeon Wook remarked.

[ I didn’t notice before, but this one contains the power of the Ancient God. No, is it the Ancient God itself… How did you acquire this?]

[ Uhh, that’s, um… it just happened…]

[ Ha. I never thought I’d see the day the Supreme Ruler is toyed with by a mere mortal… Perhaps Nüwa was right.]

[ ……]

After a moment of lamentation, Jeon Wook stated.

[ Apostles Baek Woong. Consider it an honor. You will soon be obliterated alongside us.]

Huh?

[ …What do you mean… ]

[ Just now, the Evil God and his minions chose eternal self-destruction, casting a huge curse with their souls… A malignant incantation wishing for the obliteration of us Three Sovereigns.]

[ Ugh.]

[ Though she’s not here, Nüwa and the other Sovereigns will also be cursed… This is terrible.]

What?!

Did I hear that wrong?!

But Jeon Wook had no reason to joke about this. My mind began to swirl as I struggled to grasp a hold of myself and said.

[ B-but the Three Sovereigns are the greatest divine beings… No curse should affect us.]

[ They chose to endure billions of deaths and disintegrated themselves. A regular curse might be pointless, but a curse cast by an [Old Ruler] willing to sacrifice their own life… Due to the characteristics that amplify the cost, no one can escape it. Especially someone substantial like the Evil God.]

[ ……]

[ I never thought I’d end up returning to Emperor Gong Sun Xuanwen like this… Truly unpleasant.]

Taken aback by the unexpected words, I addressed Jeon Wook.

[ Returning to Gong Sun Xuanwen? I thought the Three Sovereigns were also born from the divine seat. Aren’t they meant to resurrect like the Evil God after a long time?]

[ … We’re a bit different.]

Jeon Wook offered no further explanation. He then remarked.

[ You have to hope that your Four Great Spirit Deities hold the power to deal with this situation.]

Hwiwooo—

Jeon Wook’s immense power flowed into the Four Great Spirit Deity, the Wind Spirit Vayu. It seemed Jeon Wook truly viewed this as a crisis, pouring forth unimaginable amounts of his energy, making my mind hum and resonate.

Kiiing—

Soon, Vayu began to emit a golden light, and the next moment, Jeon Wook sounded the horn.

That’s when an unfamiliar voice hit my ear.

[ My name is Vayu! I have appeared because the conditions are fulfilled. I am the wind of the divine position protecting you!]

Could it possibly be the ancient wind god I saw during the Vacuum Technique training?

I quickly said.

[ Please assist us in safely escaping this place.]

[ That’s beyond my capabilities… The curse’s power is far too strong. What in the world did you do to receive such a universal curse?]

What?! It sounds like it’s set in stone!

Well, if even the Three Sovereigns are unable to move, I guess that’s the case. Desperately, I implored.

[ Is there no way?]

[ Fine… If we avoid now, somehow it will work. Ensuring safety is my expertise, so I will do my best to solve this.]

Strangely, even while conversing with this mysterious entity claiming to be Vayu, Jeon Wook showed no signs of noticing. Remembering I hadn’t acquired the core of the Sea God, I hastily added.

[ Ah… Also, could you help with the White Lotus Sect transferring the Primordial Spirit’s contract to the Heavenly Spirit Pill… ]

[ Sure. I’ll assist with that.]

[ Thank you.]

[ But I must warn you. You used a workaround without freeing your Four Great Spirit Deities completely. Therefore, in this life, I might break… ]

Huh?

Urgh—

At that moment, I saw the essence of the Seven-Colored Bird escaping from Shao Hao Jin Tian’s body, and Jeogok’s from the Sacred Beast, the Shabi God. The essence of the Three Sovereigns, having extracted their spirits from their apostles, became riddled with cracks like a spider’s web as they screamed in agony.

[ Oooooo…]

[ No… ]

The wind emanating from Vayu began to bathe the entire space in golden light.

I could feel Jeon Wook draining from my body, feeding my despair.

‘ Am I dying…?’

That was my last memory.

……

Where am I?

‘ Did I not die?’

Based on the fact it’s not a barn, I must still be alive.

I quickly confirmed my body was moving just fine, as I pushed myself up and looked around, realizing I was on a sandy shore.

‘ Where am I?’

I tried to feel for my Floating Technique but found nothing. Furthermore, there was no Wooden Armor, and I was utterly devoid of anything except for the torn remnants of my clothes. I realized I didn’t know whether to be glad or sad about this situation.

At least, it was fortunate that Xuyou was still in my hand when I woke up. My warrior instincts had me gripping onto my sword without forgetting.

” Damn it…”

Did it all drift away in the sea?

Though I’m glad to be alive, all the treasures I had gathered have vanished. I felt a wave of emptiness sweep over me as I hurriedly attempted to summon beasts to transport myself.

” Huh?! Why won’t you summon?!”

Normally, my summoned beasts should come immediately by following the spell I learned from Zhuge Sa, but they wouldn’t appear. It felt as if the flow of the world itself had cut off.

How strange. It wasn’t like I’ve lost the ability to summon magic…

Can this even happen?

I tilted my head and sighed.

” No choice now. I’ll have to search the area.”

I enhanced my Qi sense to find any living beings nearby. After a moment, I spotted a deer or some ordinary animal and let out a sigh of relief. At least it was better than a place like Dark Heaven Village or the Blood Realm.

‘ I guess I got washed up on shore when I was at sea.’

Judging by the surrounding atmosphere, this was definitely not the Central Plains. From the foreign thickets and flora, it appeared to be somewhere in the south. The climate felt humid and hot. I briefly considered whether it could be the Southern Continent with the Fire Spirit but quickly dismissed it due to the vastly different ambiance.

I wandered around trying to find people for a while, but within a hundred li radius, there seemed to be neither humans nor traces of civilization. It looked like a rather vast continent, leading me to ponder what to do next.

How am I supposed to return to the Central Plains?

In this state, without being able to summon Floating Technique or beasts…

While pondering, a good idea suddenly struck me.

‘ Right! Let’s head north after pinpointing the directions. If I reach the North Pole, I can either head into the Central Plains from there or perhaps encounter humans along the way.’

Tatadadad!

I began to sprint with incredible momentum. I soon realized my body had recovered without the aftereffects of the Great Destruction, feeling fresher than ever. Perhaps Jeon Wook’s energy had sealed the vessel that should have shattered during the Great Destruction.

Just how long did I run? I detected a presence and hurriedly hid in the nearby thicket.

‘ What in the world is that?’

Kiiing—

There’s a huge base. Unfamiliar buildings I had never seen were sprawling out, along with a road stretching to the horizon. Moments later, a tall, cylinder-like object with wings had a pale-skinned Westerner climbing on top as it slowly closed its cover.

Kwuaat

A moment later, that cylinder-like machine shot out bright red flames through its wings and vanished into the sky at breakneck speed. It suddenly dawned on me that this was a machine created by humans to soar through the sky through scientific means.

I stealthily entered the base using Stealth Technique, taking a peek at the interior. Indeed, I spotted Westerners working busily, and multiple winged cylinders lay scattered around. When I noticed something in the Westerners’ hands, I was taken aback.

‘ Guns?’

They looked like firearms, but they were very different from the matchlock guns I had known. They were neither bolt-action rifles nor those with cartridges; no, they looked much sleeker and seemingly more capable of rapid-fire. The soldiers must certainly have been skilled in using them.

‘ Hmm… I can’t believe Western nations have developed firearms to this extent already. When did they advance so much?’

More importantly, are these Westerners part of the Holy Roman Empire?

I tilted my head in confusion as I searched for the highest-ranking middle-aged soldier nearby and stealthily approached, intercepting his energy and knocking him out. He seemed to lack martial arts knowledge, so it was as easy as pie.

” Hey. Who are you and where is this place? Are you a citizen of the Holy Roman Empire or the British Empire?”

” God damn… fuck!!”

” Hmm… this is during the Late Goryeo…”

” #%&&%%*#….”

The language was garbled by the soldier who, evidently, couldn’t understand the Middle Plains tongue or that of the Late Goryeo and was rambling. It struck me that his words sounded somewhat familiar but I couldn’t pinpoint when I’d heard them.

‘ Hmm… I think I’ve heard that language somewhere…’

Reluctantly, I activated the Heavenly Secret Technique to capture a nearby spirit and translate for me. Soon after, the soldier’s words began to come into focus.

” Who are you? You look like an Oriental, but why are you doing this at our base?”

” I am Baek Woong. Which country do you belong to, and where is this?”

” You joke, huh?! I am General Edmund of the U.S. Air Force, and this is the land of the United States. Who are you anyway?”

” I am the Emperor of the Great Bear Empire.”

At that, Edmund burst out laughing.

” Ha ha ha!! The emperor I saw when the Great Bear Empire’s diplomatic delegation arrived in San Francisco two years ago was a beautiful woman! Where does a lunatic like you come from…?”

” What? A woman?”

What ridiculous nonsense is this guy spewing?

I was bewildered but suddenly realized.

‘ Sounds like British Empire talk.’

His words bore a resemblance to that side. Though fundamentally similar, they were so vastly different that I hadn’t grasped it. So, I carefully scrutinized Edmund’s eyes.

” Is the United States a colony of the British Empire?”

” ……”

Edmund stared at me like I was insane before saying.

” You lunatic. It’s the 20th century now! Where in the world is the British Empire?!”

“`

 

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