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“Chime! Chime!”

Boom!

Waaaaah—

The battle cries of the battlefield echoed across the fields, tinged with blood.

It had been a mere half an incense stick since the Great Demon War of the Great Bear Empire had begun.

Amidst the chaos of tens of thousands of demons clashing with hundreds of thousands from the Great Bear Empire, the first major skirmish commenced.

[Take this.]

The transformed Asura of the Eight Parts of the Divine, appearing as a strange snake-like being, floated in the air and unleashed countless glass beads. These beads spread through the air, forming transparent threads that created a death trap covering a massive area equivalent to a giant mountain.

The vanguard of the Asura was the Thief Gang!

He had purposely tracked down the position of the Master of the White Lotus Sect for an ambush. Without being careless, he returned to his true form from the start and launched a full-force attack.

Boom!

Absolute Realm.

Heart of Heaven’s Abundance.

Behind the Master of the White Lotus Sect, dozens of mandalas intertwined and merged into one, forming a shield. The shield began to spin in a circular motion. The cold voice of the Master of the White Lotus Sect followed.

[Is this all you’ve got….]

Before long, the Master of the White Lotus Sect unleashed the Power of Chaos, invoking chaos itself. As if he had no intention of using his full strength, he only partially transformed to block the Thief Gang’s attack! As one of his main techniques was nullified in an instant, the Thief Gang was taken aback.

[Wow, you really got stronger. When did you gain this much power….]

Perhaps feeling offended, the Master of the White Lotus Sect’s mask twitched.

[You’ve become arrogant, Thief Gang! This is no time for you to underestimate my ability.]

[What?]

Swoosh!

Wearing the Emperor’s robe, the Master of the White Lotus Sect instantly transformed into a being of colossal chaos. Unlike before, when he had to concentrate, this change occurred in the blink of an eye.

[You will soon understand what I mean.]

Swoosh!

The Thief Gang was hit squarely by the Master’s single punch, crashing into the ground. He couldn’t comprehend what had happened until his head was buried in the dirt. Thanks to his unique resilience, he wasn’t gravely injured, but an immense sense of alarm surged through him. The Master of the White Lotus Sect’s strength exceeded his expectations considerably.

‘What… is this?’

In an instant, feeling a life-threatening crisis, the Thief Gang quickly unleashed his divine ability.

From thousands of years ago, when he was the greatest hero of the Tianzhu continent, this was his ultimate self-defense technique and one of the most powerful yogas on the continent.

Vinashe Clan Secret Technique.

Madhu-Shanti-Gana!

Three round symbols appeared on the Thief Gang’s forehead.

Swoosh!

Boom!

[Cough…!!]

The Thief Gang screamed as he felt his upper body tearing apart from overwhelming pain. This was because the next moment, the chaos-infused Master of the White Lotus Sect ripped apart his chest using a hand claw strike. Despite being a mere technique without any martial arts prowess, the overwhelming power easily shattered the chaos barrier enveloping the Thief Gang.

‘Too late.’

Incredibly, he had taken a hit before activating his ancient technique! Just then, the Thief Gang realized the vast difference in strength between himself and the Master of the White Lotus Sect.

Wiiiiing!

[Huh?]

However, the Thief Gang, covered in blood, soon became blurry, and his entire body turned semi-transparent. When another attack from the Master of the White Lotus Sect came flying, it passed right through him as if he were an illusion, leaving him unharmed. The Thief Gang seized the moment and quickly retreated.

Seeing the Thief Gang avoid his attack, the Master of the White Lotus Sect unleashed chaos throughout his being and crossed his arms.

[Is that the yoga of Tianzhu representing absolute evasion? I’ve read about that powerful technique bestowed upon human heroes in the grimoire.]

[…You’re quite knowledgeable, Sect Leader. It is indeed one of Tianzhu’s greatest yogas!]

Swoosh.

The Thief Gang adjusted the symbols on his forehead. One of the three circles faded away, leaving behind a double symbol. He gazed at the Master of the White Lotus Sect and said,

[This technique is incredibly powerful but can only be used in its true form and only once every few hundred years. Since becoming an Asura, I’ve barely used it, but against you, I have no choice.]

The three symbols on his forehead represented three chances of absolute evasion up to the heavens!

Even with the power of the [Old Ruler], the Thief Gang could not be killed within those three chances, and could nullify all attacks in the world. It was a true divine art, arguably the strongest blessing among the millions of yogas existing in the capital of Tianzhu.

Even the injury inflicted upon him by the Master of the White Lotus Sect earlier quickly healed, and it served to enhance his instantaneous recovery. The very existence of this blessing made other Asuras wary to fight him.

However, witnessing the power behind the spell, the Master of the White Lotus Sect merely scoffed.

[Hahaha. Do you think having two chances is too much?]

[……]

Crunch!

With a single hand, the Master of the White Lotus Sect cracked open the chaos-infused jade and its form warped like chaos itself as a twisted white light emitted from his eyes, giving the impression he was smiling.

[I’ll make sure you die painfully, Thief Gang…]

This was neither bluffing nor theatrics.

Once the Master declared it, he was one to follow through with his words.

[Dokgo Uncheon… ugh…]

The Thief Gang groaned. Memories of his human-like past with the Master of the White Lotus Sect flashed by. They had a certain camaraderie, without any real animosity between them. In fact, when the fragile Dokgo Uncheon struggled to survive in the brutal White Lotus sect, the Thief Gang had helped him. Their relationship couldn’t be summed up in a few words.

However, now facing opposition due to opposing ideologies, the Thief Gang felt complicated emotions.

Furthermore, he could clearly understand the unease coursing through him. He stammered, trying to suppress his terror.

‘During these two chances, I’ll try to hold him as long as possible…. In the meantime, the Celestial and Garuda will take care of the others.’

Plans formulated in his mind.

But could he really endure?

The currently chaotic Master of the White Lotus Sect was too strong. It couldn’t be compared to the past.

Above all, the disparity in the Power of Chaos and its density was overwhelming.

The difference between entities within the realm of chaos was like heaven and earth. When there’s a difference in the density of chaos, the difference in offensive and defensive ability becomes extreme.

To make matters worse, the Master of the White Lotus Sect had substantial combat experience, making it possible for him to wield chaos like an extension of his limbs. The Thief Gang, even as the Great Demon Asura showcasing his true form, was no match for him. Regardless of having come from the elite ranks of the Asuras, the Master had stepped into that realm long ago, rendering such pride meaningless.

It didn’t make sense.

In less than a hundred years, how could a mere human grow so strong?

‘My lord. I might never see you again.’

As he reminisced about Chi You for a moment, the Thief Gang realized he could not defeat the Master of the White Lotus Sect; however, he still could not retreat. If he backed down, the other Asuras would fall victim to the Master. At the very least, he was someone who upheld loyalty toward his comrades.

Finally, the Thief Gang locked eyes with the Master.

In that moment he looked into the emotionless eyes radiating white light, devoid of any human-like feature, he smiled eerily. The figure pursuing only paths of conquest reminded him of the Dokgo Uncheon he once knew.

[My friend, you’ve also become a Great Demon.]

Just like us.

Bang!

In the next instant, the Master of the White Lotus Sect emitted a chilling aura and attacked the Thief Gang.

The merciless slaughter had begun, as the outcome was already determined.

[Thief Gang!]

The Celestial Sage Tripitaka shouted anxiously. It was a fleeting moment, but he sensed the immense mana radiating from the Master of the White Lotus Sect. As the so-called strongest of the Asuras, the Celestial understood the moment he detected the power.

This mana belonged to a tremendous powerhouse!

If he did not step in, even among the Asuras, they would fall.

“Well, that’s rather leisurely. Though….”

While standing on the battlefield holding Baek Woong, Zhuge Yulong chuckled.

“Despite pouring in so much power, it seems we can’t even bring you down.”

The Celestial was quickly surrounded after the war began. Specifically, when the Thief Gang rushed toward the Master of the White Lotus Sect, the Great Bear Empire initiated an otherworldly trap, isolating him. It was a blatant ambush.

[You little….]

The Celestial Sage Tripitaka trembled with rage as he performed his spell.

Whirring!

Suddenly, time stopped, and dozens of chaotic spheres rose around the Celestial. Each of these spheres contained enough power to obliterate a dragon. The Celestial shouted toward his assailants surrounding him.

[Die!]

Law Wheel Mantra!

Super Magic Laceration Wave!

The Celestial had once massacred over a hundred thousand humans with this spell back in ancient times.

Puruburubook!

Among the young men surrounding the Celestial, three perished. The chaotic spheres summoned expanded like pillars, ripping through their bodies in an instant. The gruesome sight of them shredded beyond recognition was horrendous.

Thud!

However, the chaotic spheres mutated chaotically and began a massacre before ultimately being firmly captured.

[No?]

The Celestial Sage Tripitaka became displeased as the unfolding of his spell was halted. In his line of sight stood two expressionless young men, each brandishing weapons in a crossover point. The intangible force emanating from weapons had unknowingly bound the Super Magic Laceration Wave.

Fzzzt!

[…….]

The time stop was effective, yet why were they still moving around freely?

And this Super Magic Laceration Wave was a devastating area attack typically reserved for battling Great Demons; what sort of mysterious technique could nullify its trajectory?

While Tripitaka was in stunned silence, Zhuge Yulong pointed toward a corner with his Baek Woong. That was the spot where the Super Magic Laceration Wave had previously unleashed its massacre, and three young men lay torn apart like rags. Zhuge Yulong opened his mouth.

“Rise again, Five Elements Lineage.”

[……?!]

“For you, death is not an option.”

Next moment, the corpses of the young men transformed into representations of the five elements: water, fire, wood, etc., and quickly soared into the air. They reverted to human forms in mere seconds, regaining their weapons.

All five young men displayed an emotionless expression.

There was no trace of human emotion.

The sight fascinated the Celestial Sage Tripitaka, as the wicked sorcerer recognized the five elements’ resurgence immediately.

[You’ve crossed over from the homunculus the alchemist longed for into true forbidden arts.]

“I had no intention of making it all the way here. If Baek Woong had been present, I wouldn’t have had to produce mere lineages. The Portrait Immortal alone would have sufficed. I can’t deny the forbidden arts either.”

Zhuge Yulong spoke sharply.

“However, without him present, I had no choice but to face the Great Demon…. The Five Elements Lineage that has come forth today is fundamentally different from the demon and dragon soldiers I previously tossed your way; you can expect much from them.”

[What’s different?]

“You’ll find out through confrontation.”

[Regardless, you are mortals. A combat doll made by mortals is nothing more than a toy for a true Great Demon!]

Roooaaar!

[This time, you will not escape my techniques. I will shower you with spells endlessly!]

The Celestial Sage Tripitaka roared as a colossal glacier crashed down, shrouding the area in captivating mist, causing the ground to quake and tremble. The Tripitaka, as a being capable of executing spells that ordinary wizards would struggle with in a lifetime, could use such abilities at will without incantations or divine beasts. In normal circumstances, a mortal would never be able to defeat him.

However, Zhuge Yulong remained unfazed.

‘Things are moving as planned.’

At that moment, one of the girl homunculi glowed pale.

Portrait Ability!

Thousandfold Strength!

Keening—

As the abilities of the Upper Dantian awakened, the Five Elements Lineage simultaneously gained power. Since they shared one mind, that was a possibility. Furthermore, the stiffness of their bodies suddenly melted into grace, and the Evil Spirit Pills they had inside erupted from the Dantian, quickly replenishing their immense inner power.

Portrait Ability!

Telekinetic Restraint!

Babaabab!

Each of the five pairs of eyes of the Five Elements Lineage unleashed azure light. Each had an exquisite telekinetic power, and as each allied member joined in with the shared consciousness, the power of their telekinesis doubled. Thus, the amplified telekinesis surged like chains, binding the Celestial.

Bang!

All the Lineage members joined hands and rushed toward the Celestial simultaneously. The Celestial sneered at the unexpected charge and raised his spell’s might.

‘No matter how strong I become, a human body is flimsy. My spells can erase mountains, so you’ll all perish!’

GooOOoooo!

Weirdly enough, the bodies of the Elements Lineage altered instantly, shifting through the cycles of harmony and conflict of the five elements. Even with the formidable power of the Celestial’s spells, when they began to control the foundational alterations, it rendered their might nearly irrelevant.

[No, no.]

The Celestial was astonished.

How could he not know this? The Five Elements Lineage was a result of pure combat-ready Portrait Immortals, reinforced by all the mastery of martial arts knowledge the Master of the White Lotus Sect had poured into them.

Adding to this, he had implemented foreign metallic techniques and artificial treasure technology to equip them with a new power source known as the Heart of the Five Elements, giving them the ability to manipulate all five elements freely.

Swiftly breaking through the spell domain that the Celestial had cast, the Elements Lineage charged simultaneously. With a tremendous clang, their assaults struck against the Celestial’s barrier.

Crash! Crash!

Crash!

[……!!]

A power that was nothing short of formidable! It was like the Dharma Protectors slamming their fists down with endless inner force, overwhelming the situation. The augmented might of the Portrait Ability combined with the superior physicality of the Elements Lineage surpassed human standards.

The resistance against spells was leagues beyond human capabilities, exceeding even that of Great Demons, causing the Celestial to flinch. None of his usual curses or dark spellcraft had any effect!

‘These humans… They look human but have crafted beings closer to chaos incarnate.’

Jang!

At that moment, the barrier of the Celestial shattered, and the Lineage’s blade pierced the Celestial’s chest. However, the Celestial rapidly adapted his spell to teleport away hundreds of paces, snapping his finger to unleash a beam of light.

Fzzzt!

To an average martial artist, that would have decapitated them in a single blow, but the Elements Lineage only flinched slightly upon being struck by the beam from a distance. Their innate resilience had exceeded human limitations. In the next moment, Zhuge Yulong swung his Baek Woong.

“You won’t escape. Eight Trigrams Formation!”

Swoosh!

In an instant, the Celestial found himself standing right in front of Zhuge Yulong and the Elements Lineage. Being within the range of the Eight Trigrams Formation meant Zhuge Yulong had full control over the positioning of the foes inside it. The Celestial stared in shock.

[How can you—?]

Even while his barrier was broken, how could the body of an Asura be caught in the formation’s influence?

Even the Great Immortal of the Celestial Realm would have found it difficult to achieve such a feat.

“Of course, I cannot reach the power level of a Great Immortal in under a hundred years. But right now, I’m not alone.”

Swish, swish, swish!

Two figures appeared behind Zhuge Yulong. They were the warriors Mangnyang Zhuge Hyun and his brother Zhuge Bu. After looking at his sons for a moment, Zhuge Yulong spoke.

“Knowing the battlefield allows a sorcerer to gain infinite advantage. With Hyun’s Corpse Dissolution Technique and Bu’s Falling Star Slash augmenting my Eight Trigrams Formation, I am at least ten times stronger than usual.”

[So?]

Zhuge Yulong raised a finger.

Fsss!

Suddenly, countless Portrait Immortals emerged from nowhere, dozens flooding in, surrounding the Celestial within the Eight Trigrams Formation. The frontline was the Elements Lineage, while the remaining Portrait Immortals were to bombard the Celestial.

“You won’t escape this battlefield.”

[Escape? In the end, you all will die!]

However, Zhuge Yulong’s words didn’t phase the Celestial; instead, he emitted an aura of fury. Though it appeared there might be a slight retreat from the Great Bear side due to Zhuge Yulong, each individual’s prowess still heavily leaned toward the Great Celestial.

Grrrr!

The Celestial’s aura caused Zhuge Hyun and Zhuge Bu to flinch.

“Hmmm…”

“That’s monstrous.”

Though they had dedicated years to enhancing their spellcraft and martial arts, facing a Great Demon showed their inadequacy as mere individuals. Normally, any human would feel a profound sense of hopelessness from such overwhelming strength and despair.

But none among the three entertained thoughts of fleeing. Instead, the strategists resonated with the same icy calculation.

‘As long as we proceed according to plan, victory is ours.’

Corpse Dissolution Technique, Eight Trigrams Formation, Portrait Immortals, Divine Arts, Eight Trigrams Technique.

While none of their individual abilities could match the Celestial’s might, if they synchronized them effectively, the combination could very well hold their own.

This was the realm of meticulous strategy! And the three of them were geniuses capable of calculating those connections a hundred moves ahead!

‘Surely….’

‘If we implement our tactics without fear, we win!’

They were the Zhuge family, the most tactically astute in the world, heir to the blood of the Zhuge Wuhou!

Meanwhile.

“……”

A man arrived at the final battlefield of the Great Demon War.

He observed the fierce combat taking place from afar, murmuring quietly.

“Shall I join the fun?”

As a human, his name was Pasun.

His true identity was Asura of the Eight Parts of the Divine.

For decades, he had roamed alone without collaborating with any of his Asura peers; today, it was the first time he would join the fray in battle.

 

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