1061——————==

True Martial Home

At the words of Zhuge Sa, the Master of the White Lotus Sect spoke.

[So the teachings of the Non-Birth Mother are located in a place called ‘World’s Despair’?]

“That’s right.”

For a brief moment, the Master of the White Lotus Sect’s gaze seemed to darken. Though it was just a fleeting moment, Zhuge Sa didn’t miss the change and seemed to smile faintly, as it symbolized something significant.

[Explain in more detail. Zhuge Sa, you often vanish irregularly, and it seems you haven’t been giving proper explanations for anything lately.]

“Hmm, fine. I’ll explain two things.”

Zhuge Sa sat down at a gathering of his past companions, tapping his fingers on the table.

“First, let’s talk about my current condition. The battle with Simon Magus is nearing its end, and I am finally at a point where I can discuss victory. However, the energy and mental strength consumed have increased, making it hard to focus on ‘this world’.”

[That explanation is insufficient. How did you gain the upper hand?]

“Kekeke… It was just a back-and-forth struggle for our bodies and souls. However, I slipped in a favorable rule for myself along the way.”

[And the other thing?]

“Right. I should explain how I discovered the teachings of the Non-Birth Mother.”

Zhuge Sa continued with a grin.

“I’ve been wandering through the hidden world looking for information on the teachings since recently. During a transaction with the [Ancient Race], I got a clue that the teachings are sealed in Antarctica.”

[Antarctica you say… are you talking about the continent of glaciers appearing at the southern end?]

“Exactly. I’m sure it’s there.”

[Then why not simply say it’s in Antarctica? Why refer to it as ‘World’s Despair’?]

“Because it’s a separate place.”

[…Could it be?]

Having sensed something, Zhuge Bu, who was listening with arms crossed, spoke bluntly.

“It’s referring to another dimension, isn’t it? That the dimension existing in Antarctica is called ‘World’s Despair’?”

“Of course, being surrounded by geniuses makes the exchange swift. It is indeed what I gathered from the information obtained from the elder of the [Ancient Race]. According to them, it is ‘World’s Despair’, and its formal name is Aiternum Mundi. The teachings of the Non-Birth Mother were sealed there after the disappearance of Dalma.”

“Aiternum Mundi… A name derived from Latin often used in the Western Martial World. It’s probably a name the Demon Sorcerers use; the names in the hidden races would differ.”

“Kekeke, what’s the point in thinking about that? No way those otherworldly beings could even pronounce it right.”

“True enough.”

Listening in on their conversation, the Master of the White Lotus Sect interjected.

[Whatever name we call it is irrelevant. The key point is that the teachings are located at that site. If Zhuge Sa, your information is true, we should prioritize launching an all-out effort to retrieve the teachings immediately.]

“Indeed, Master. Very realistic.”

[Zhuge Sa. Provide information on that location or guide us to Aiternum Mundi. I will dispatch the retrieval team for the teachings.]

However, in the next moment, Zhuge Sa shook his head.

“No.”

An unexpected response!

The Master of the White Lotus Sect’s mask twitched as his gaze blazed.

[Why not? Could it be, Zhuge Sa, that you have another intention?]

“…Hmph, if that were the case, I wouldn’t bother coming here to drop such breadcrumbs. Can you guess why I said no?]

[I can’t say for sure… is it that entering Aiternum Mundi requires some special artifact?]

“That’s part of it. A key is needed to pass through the [Main Gate] of Aiternum Mundi. But that’s only a minor issue, the real reason is…”

Zhuge Sa continued, and the atmosphere in the room grew tense.

“If we proceed as we are now, we will all die. Our current power is far too weak to challenge Aiternum Mundi.”

[……!!]

Boom!

The Master of the White Lotus Sect slammed the table, an unusual display of emotion for him.

[This is nonsense! I’m confident I can defeat any of the Eight Parts of the Divine with my current abilities.]

“Oh? Have you been practicing the fusion of chaos and the primordial void a bit more? Have you recovered from your old wounds? From what I see, the cracks are still visible…”

The mention of cracks made the Master of the White Lotus Sect flinch.

[…….]

“Even if you were right, it wouldn’t change a thing. As it stands, we are nowhere near the conditions needed to challenge Aiternum Mundi. We need to be at least ten times stronger than our current power to even think about it.”

[What…?]

“Just as you guessed. We need a level of power capable of subduing the [Old Ruler].”

A chilling silence fell over the room.

[Old Ruler] subjugation!

No matter how strong the top forces of the Great Bear Empire are at present, reaching the level of a Demon King is a tall order. Even the Eight Parts of the Divine, who risked the fate of the Great Bear Empire, were powerful Demon Kings, but against the [Old Ruler], they’d be little more than insects. No, the very reason why they built strength while collaborating with Baek Woong during his past life was to subjugate the [Old Ruler]. In this situation, purpose and means had entirely flipped.

Eventually, the Master of the White Lotus Sect regained his composure and spoke.

[I want to hear more details. What kind of place is Aiternum Mundi, and why is such a level of challenge required?]

“The details, as it stands, are something I don’t fully know myself. It’s merely conclusions drawn from the information obtained through dealings with the [Ancient Race].”

Zhuge Sa paused for a moment before continuing.

“After Dalma’s disappearance, it’s known that the teachings of the Non-Birth Mother scattered throughout the world. One of those teachings was ejected into the hidden world, and numerous otherworldly races engaged in war to claim it as their own. Since the teachings contain unimaginable magical power, it was only natural that any capable otherworldly being obtaining them could seize dominance or ascend to the level of an [Old Ruler].”

[I suspected as much. So what happened then?]

“In ancient times, the ruling race of this earth, the [Ancient Race], stepped in to end the battle for the teachings. With their superior wisdom and experience, they quickly realized that no other race in the hidden world could control the teachings. They claimed that the teachings couldn’t belong to anyone and summoned the great sorcerers of numerous other races to make contracts with six [Old Rulers] simultaneously, creating a world of taboos and sealing the teachings inside.”

[Hmm, I can hardly believe they would take such action… the first ruling race…!!]

At Zhuge Sa’s explanation, the Master of the White Lotus Sect murmured. Being an extraordinary sorcerer, he immediately grasped how complicated the situation had become. The [Ancient Race] was notorious among otherworldly beings for their strength and wielded a form of magic and sorcery that was on an entirely different dimension from humans. The Master of the White Lotus Sect contemplated.

‘If they were determined to seal it, then it’s the worst scenario. Humans can’t breach it with their magic…’

Even the infants of the [Ancient Race] were said to possess potential surpassing human great sorcerers. No matter how much they may have declined, they were not beings that could be matched with human magic.

As the Master of the White Lotus Sect remained silent, Zhuge Sa continued.

“That world of taboos is what’s known as ‘World’s Despair’, Aiternum Mundi. Countless otherworldly sorcerers and human sorcerers have ventured to search for the teachings discarded in Aiternum Mundi, yet none have returned alive. Even those at the level of a Demon King were swallowed by Aiternum Mundi.”

[…….]

“It’s only natural. Aiternum Mundi isn’t your average hidden world; it was created with the life and soul of the first elder of the [Ancient Race]. If a being of that caliber put their life on the line to seal it, it’s not going to be easy.”

[It baffles me. The [Ancient Race] could have easily won the battles for the teachings and could recover their lost dominance over the surface, so why such sacrifices to seal the teachings?]

“Even I don’t know the answer to that. However, it seems that the elder of the [Ancient Race] who will eventually become a part of Aiternum Mundi… must have sensed something different. That the teachings are not merely a convenient tool.”

[Hmm….]

Everyone was lost in thought.

It could very well be that they finally obtained information on the teachings, which might be the ultimate goal of Baek Woong’s journey into his past life. However, to acquire those teachings, they had to penetrate Aiternum Mundi, a world sealed by a powerful sorcerous race, and the difficulty level was astronomical. Would it even be possible to challenge Aiternum Mundi to retrieve those teachings?

Zhuge Bu couldn’t help but smile bitterly.

‘The disparity between a reborn individual and a mortal feels overwhelmingly real….’

When Baek Woong was around, there was nothing to worry about. He’d just dash straight into Aiternum Mundi, prepared to die countless times. Sure, he might die the moment he stepped in, but with his knack for bending every rule, he could find a way inside somehow.

After all, if Baek Woong died several dozen times while breaking through Aiternum Mundi, strategies would be established, and they could eventually obtain the teachings without significant losses or casualties.

But – for the human companions without a reborn individual, the issue was huge. There might be beings stronger than Baek Woong among them, but diving into danger with the intent of securing the teachings was far too risky. They had the obligation to retrieve the teachings, but they also had the duty to pass on any information and achievements they obtained to Baek Woong upon his return. It was not just a matter of risking their lives; the losses caused by pointless deaths could be staggering. The structure of difficulty spiked sharply even with a slight increase in challenge.

The Master of the White Lotus Sect finally spoke.

[Understood, Zhuge Sa. For now, let’s focus on setting up a Transference Gate in Antarctica. We can’t challenge it immediately.]

“Transference Gates might be tough. There’s a large presence of otherworldly beings in Antarctica, and magical constructs could provoke them. I recommend finding another way to enter.”

[Another way? There’s no other way to teleport several thousand miles than through a Transference Gate. Our Elder’s Spirit Furnace operates on the same principles, after all…]

At that moment, Zhuge Bu chimed in.

“There is a method. We can use Portrait Immortals.”

[How do you mean to apply that?]

“Master, our technology for crafting Portrait Immortals has reached its peak. The fact that our Portrait Immortal crafting craft has reached its peak means we can evolve homunculi as we wish. If we significantly increase the purity of the Portrait Immortal, we might be able to create a Portrait Immortal specialized in a single ability.”

[…You mean, we could make a Portrait Immortal specialized in the abilities of [Teleportation]?]

“In theory, yes. It’s something I’d never dared to imagine before, but since the creation of the Five Elements Lineage, the technology for crafting Portrait Immortals has progressed significantly… Also, besides [Teleportation], I think we could create specializations for other abilities as well.”

[Interesting. I’ll provide an unlimited budget, so give it a try.]

Muttering that, the Master of the White Lotus Sect leaned back a bit and continued.

[It feels like the field of science is advancing at a rapid pace. We need to adapt our capabilities to match the rapid growth of science.]

“That’s a correct judgment. Dr. Faust has already reached a level of physics beyond quantum mechanics, so it won’t be easy to catch up. Though we’re in contact….”

Just then, Sagong Lin, who had been listening intently, spoke up.

“Zhuge Sa. Where are you planning to go again?”

A fleeting moment of discomfort.

It was the first time Sagong Lin had noticed Zhuge Sa, who always vanished without a trace. As Zhuge Sa flinched at Sagong Lin’s words, he replied.

“The realm of the gospel cannot be discerned with mere absolute martial prowess… I’m gradually surpassing it.”

“I don’t understand what you’re saying.”

“Perhaps… it really is possible. Kekeke.”

Swish.

With that, Zhuge Sa vanished. This time, no one, including Sagong Lin, could perceive his departure. Everyone was taken aback by Zhuge Sa’s sudden exit. Cheon Woo-jin bluntly stated.

“Hmph! It’s just a technique showcasing remnants by overlapping dimensions, yet he phrases it like it’s grand… Anyway, I’m leaving. I’ll be training, don’t look for me.”

“Training, you say?”

At Zhuge Bu’s retort, Cheon Woo-jin shot back.

“I hardly had any time to train because of that damn sealing. If you disturb me, I won’t hold back.”

Woosh!

And just like that, Cheon Woo-jin vanished as well. Watching the sudden disappearance of those figures, Zhuge Bu sighed.

“Phew, how on earth did Baek Woong manage to control such weirdos?”

[That’s precisely the difference between a reborn individual and a mortal… Zhuge Bu, I’m counting on you.]

“Leave it to me, Master.”

And from that day forth, the Great Bear Empire began to devote itself to technological advancements, aiming to recover its national strength and create [New Portrait Immortals]. The focus on developing a Portrait Immortal stemmed from the necessity to create specialized versions, and in truth, it had become increasingly challenging to elevate the levels of their reborn companions any further.

Except for exceptions like Cheon Woo-jin, most had reached a limit on what they could accomplish through training, and individuals like Seo Mun-hye might go berserk if their bloodline was further awakened. If the development of the human body had hit a ceiling, then the only remaining option was to advance the ‘tools’.

Kugugugugu!!

Around 20 years later—without warning, the heavens turned upside down, and a wave of dark energy spread throughout the world. A colossal mass of black clouds loomed over the skies for a staggering six days, during which the world became engulfed in darkness.

The Master of the White Lotus Sect convened an emergency meeting, and shortly thereafter, the reason for the unusual phenomenon was revealed through Zhuge Yulong.

Zhuge Yulong, having completed the Offering Ceremony by presenting treasures to God as a priest, emerged from the altar with a grim expression. Through the ceremony, he discerned the reason behind the unusual phenomenon from God.

He then told his companions from past lives.

“Not long ago, the [Old Ruler] descended upon the real world. The location of the descent is the old capital of the British Empire, London.”

[The descent of the Old Ruler]!

When such a monumental event was revealed, the faces of all the companions stiffened, and Zhuge Yulong’s words continued.

“The being’s name is the Tyrant King, Carpathoc. It has destroyed a hundred stars and can burn them with a single breath…. A black dragon that incinerates constellations has appeared.”

[That being is no way…!!]

“Yes. It is indeed the [Old Ruler] that you summoned with the human sacrifice ceremony, Master of the White Lotus Sect, when targeting the World Tree of the Twelve Joules during Baek Woong’s past life.”

[…….]

Could it merely be a coincidence?

There were hundreds of entities within the [Old Ruler], and how could it just so happen that the one linked to Baek Woong’s past life would descend? As everyone’s minds were tangled in complexity, Zhuge Yulong spoke up again.

“And the Tyrant King was summoned by the Blackwish Cult, a heretical sect that worships the Coming Chaos. It seems to be an organization formed by the surviving sorcerers of the Great British Empire.”

[So we couldn’t eradicate them last time…?]

“Whatever price was paid remains unknown, but the Tyrant King was summoned through proper channels. It could be regarded as the worst possible foe we’ve faced.”

[…How does it compare to the Eight Parts of the Divine?]

In response to the Master of the White Lotus Sect’s question, Zhuge Yulong smiled wryly.

“You already know the answer. Gods and Demon Kings exist on a different level… Direct confrontation is absolutely impossible, and if we want to discuss winning, we must exploit the loopholes in the contract to send the Tyrant King back.”

[…….]

“Although its full body isn’t summoned, it is free to unleash avatars or apostles from its dimension. This alone poses the possibility of facing multiple avatars on par with Xiang Yu’s Fighting Spirit.”

An oppressive atmosphere enveloped the room as silence reigned.

A little later, the Master of the White Lotus Sect finally spoke.

[The longer we wait, the stronger the [Old Ruler] Tyrant King will become, as it will receive numerous human sacrifices in the West. We must act quickly. To do that, we need the power of a relic equivalent to the Tyrant King.]

God is not a being that can be handled by human capacity.

Just as they couldn’t confront the Tyrant King directly like they did with the Eight Parts of the Divine, another alternative was necessary.

Reading the Master of the White Lotus Sect’s thoughts, Zhuge Yulong flinched.

“Do you really intend to do it?”

[Indeed. There’s no other choice.]

Eventually, the Master of the White Lotus Sect declared.

[Soon, the Great Bear Empire will mobilize all of its forces and embark on an expedition to Antarctica. We will obtain the teachings of the Non-Birth Mother residing in Aiternum Mundi and use that power to expel the Tyrant King from this world.]