1160——————==

Soul of the Evil God

The Jade Emperor, and the Wheel King?!

‘What, what the heck! This plot twist is way too sudden to wrap my head around…’

I was utterly bewildered. Sure, Mangnyang popping up out of nowhere was one thing, but I couldn’t grasp what he was on about. I understood that it had to do with diverting attention from the Coming Chaos, but how on earth did that link to me being the Jade Emperor and Wheel King?

Then Fuxi, holding his tobacco pipe, shot a glance at Mangnyang and said, “You seem awfully anxious. Skipping the preliminaries and jumping straight to the point like that.”

Mangnyang replied, sounding a bit worn out. “I can’t hold out for long…. We have to do something while I still have strength left.”

“That makes sense, the duties of the Wheel King are no small feat.”

What?

I yelled at Mangnyang, “Wait, you’re saying you’re the Wheel King?!”

To my shock, he nodded firmly. “Indeed. I am currently the Wheel King, ruler of the Underworld, and master of the Seven Treasures!”

“……!!”

Ruler of the Underworld!

That made sense why Mangnyang had been giving off that strange aura and power—it was the yellow energy swirling around him. But the concept of the Wheel King itself had never been clear to me, so I pressed Mangnyang.

“So far, I’ve only known that the Wheel King was the lord ruling over the Ten Kings of Hell and master of the Mirror of Clarity. All I knew was that he laid traps across the 7 Great Mandalas and sealed all kinds of treasures… But now you’re claiming you’re the Wheel King and ruler of the Underworld? This is all too sudden.”

Mangnyang looked at me intently before responding, “There’s so much to discuss…. Our time in this space is limited.”

“Hmm!”

“But I can say for certain that the title of Wheel King isn’t something one can just gain each reincarnation. It’s a fortuitous encounter I obtained through the Corpse Dissolution Technique, and now I intend to pass that power onto you.”

“Passing the power of the Wheel King to me?”

Mangnyang nodded slowly. “It’s what I intended from the start. So, shall I explain the plan to you?”

“…Please do.”

From Mangnyang’s tone, it seemed that our time in Fuxi’s sealed space was indeed limited. There was no time to waste; I needed to reach a conclusion.

Mangnyang continued, “After your return from the Land and Earth Diagram and the provocations of the Coming Chaos, I had a scheme to deal with it through Nüwa. Only Reborn Person Baek Woong can be the answer; I proposed making Baek Woong the king of the Three Realms, gathering the attention of the entire universe…. To that end, I suggested utilizing the trials of the Celestial Realm’s tower.”

“Utilizing the tower’s trials?”

“Originally, Fuxi and Nüwa had little interest in the Celestial Exploration Team. They merely offered blessings to promising martial artists out of sheer curiosity. Until your return, it was no more than a pastime for the gods. Had you not appeared, they would have simply gone through the usual trials up to the 99th floor at a mediocre difficulty level.”

“…….”

“But reinforcing those trials, and placing formidable Trial Towers means we can offer exceptional rewards in return. It was all about utilizing the Law of Cause and Effect.”

I began to see the connection. “Are you saying you elevated the difficulty of the trials to provide us with rewards that couldn’t be given out for free?”

“Exactly. No matter how powerful Nüwa and Fuxi are as creators of the world and Three Sovereigns, they cannot ignore the laws of cause and effect. The stronger the blessing or power they provide, the more the law dissipates. However, given their role in maintaining order, if they overly deplete the laws, it only hastens the world’s destruction. In such tight circumstances, they could not afford to sacrifice their own essence.”

Mangnyang’s gaze sharpened.

“While the trials you faced from Hou Yi or Xiang Yu may have been tremendously difficult, that intensity allowed us to provide you powerful strength without any drawbacks. Nüwa’s obsession with Xiang Yu’s trials was precisely for this reason.”

“While I vaguely understand, why was Nüwa so angry when you bypassed Xiang Yu’s trial through underhanded means? Surely getting there by any route works.”

“It’s the same principle. Ultimately, because you didn’t genuinely pass the trial, the related rewards for the cause and effect are diminished. Using Hidden Pieces to summon the multiverse’s space-time was a brilliant tactic, but it also limited how much power we could pass on to you freely.”

“…….”

“Of course, the power and blessings we can transfer to you now will still be sufficient for you to become the ruler of the Three Realms. However, from Nüwa’s perspective, entrusting her fate and Fuxi’s fate to you would severely limit the range of blessings she can provide. It’s an unbearably anxious factor for her.”

“Is that so….”

Was it Nüwa’s perfectionism that had made her irritable?

As I nodded along, Fuxi smiled wryly. “You need to understand, Baek Woong. Nüwa cared so much about us that she even brokered a deal with the Emperor on my behalf.”

“What?”

“The curse contained in that book of curses your mate, Zhuge Liang, possesses—the Yin Fu Classic.”

“……!!”

At my sudden gasp, Fuxi hurried on. “The Yin Fu Classic was written by Guang Chengzi, one of the Emperor’s subordinates and a member of the Divine Temple. He left behind a powerful curse within that classic, connecting its practitioners to my own flesh and soul with a karmic link. That was at Nüwa’s request.”

“That matches what I know. But why on earth would Nüwa do something like that…?”

“I was trapped in this sealed space, cut off from all connections to the world, unable to receive any power or support from it. In other words, I was facing starvation and the prospect of dying of hunger. No matter how powerful my divine essence, without sustenance, I’d self-destruct.”

“…….”

“Because of that, Nüwa secretly extracted immortals from the Celestial Realm to feed me, transferring the essence of those gods to sustain me. That too wasn’t enough to keep me alive, thus she attempted to broker a deal with the Emperor to supply the souls of sorcerers. The Emperor’s techniques recorded in the Yin Fu Classic would surely make the souls of powerful sorcerers quite a meal.”

“That’s…an awful lot.”

“Everything was to save her blood relative.”

In an instant, I realized two of the burning questions I’d had all this time had been resolved.

Nüwa’s food-of-the-immortal-soul massacre.

The curse of Fuxi as marked within the Yin Fu Classic.

Both were part of Nüwa’s plan to keep her blood relative Fuxi from starving to death in the sealed space. I felt as if I’d been struck by a hammer, stunned for a moment, before I regained my bearings and spoke up.

“If Nüwa is using the Yin Fu Classic to broker a deal with the Emperor, isn’t that dangerous? The Emperor could use that contract as a pretext to get involved….”

“The Emperor isn’t one to be petty and resort to miserable tactics over such trivial contracts. It was more of a mocking mercy towards a defeated rival from the past. A human sorcerer intended for my sustenance is hardly worth more than a bug to him.”

“…….”

“In any case, yes. Try not to view Nüwa too negatively.”

I shot back rather bluntly, “Regardless, Nüwa has committed murder against another being, and offered you as human sacrifice, hasn’t she? Any human perspective will inevitably harbor ill feelings.”

“Hm. That is certainly the case. So feel free to continue hating her.”

“…….”

“Failing to transcend imperfection, taking lives and pillaging other beings is simply a part of being. Nüwa has no choice but to seek your forgiveness.”

In a rather detached tone, Fuxi’s words left me feeling drained of hostility. It seemed he had merely made a comment as a blood relative, not imposing his will upon me. After a brief pause, I said, “…Forgiveness is not something I can offer.”

“Of course not. Let’s continue the conversation.”

Fuxi seemed to shift the topic, expecting the development. Mangnyang promptly jumped back in.

“Baek Woong. In any case, I will transfer the power of the Wheel King to you, and once Fuxi and Nüwa bestow the twin divine blessings upon you, you will become the Jade Emperor of the Celestial Realm. I’ve already spoken with the Heavenly Mysterious Woman of Nine Heavens; she won’t oppose this at all.”

“Hmm.”

“And once you become the ruler of the Three Realms, you will head to the Underworld and restore reincarnation.”

“Restore reincarnation?”

Mangnyang replied to my inquiry confidently.

“You know how this world is broken now, where human souls no longer reincarnate but enter the belly of the Old Ruler? Yet once you become the new Wheel King and revive the Underworld, the reincarnation system will be restored. This way, the unfortunate fate of humans who perish will be greatly improved, and a substantial spirit power will gather in the human realm.”

“……!!”

“Since reincarnation is a cycle, if the flow of the Three Realms reintegrates, all beings within the realms will possess stronger powers and cause-effect than before. Consequently, you will command the mightiest forces of all time.”

“But….”

I was intrigued by Mangnyang’s proposal, but cautiously inquired. “Isn’t that artificially broken reincarnation system upheld by the Three Sovereigns and some ascendent ‘Old Ruler’? All souls instead go into the belly of that one, who creates new souls to sustain the world? How can this plan succeed?”

“Indeed. But presently, the main actors of that contract—the Three Sovereigns—are largely absent.”

“Wait, what?”

“The priest among the Sovereigns is missing, and all the Three Sovereigns are in seclusion. The effectiveness of the contract has nearly faded, and if all Three Sovereigns oppose its renewal and favor its dissolution, the contract will automatically be void. Majority consent is needed.”

“Ohhh!”

“Persuading Shennong will be a task, but since Nüwa has agreed to support us, unsealing Shennong will be no issue at all. Besides, Shennong will undoubtedly back us in these circumstances.”

“That’s true.”

Most of Shennong’s seals lie with Nüwa. Given that I had no means to handle her, raising Shennong was going to be a major hassle. With Nüwa as an ally, there’s no problem at all.

“Once we restore reincarnation…”

As Mangnyang began to continue his explanation, a sudden tremor rumbled through the entire hexagonal pavilion.

A look of distress crossed both Fuxi and Mangnyang’s faces. “Faster than expected. They’re already sending assassins.” Fuxi murmured.

I widened my eyes. “Assassins? What are you talking about?”

“Think from the Emperor’s perspective. That person, who can read the laws of cause and effect, surely hasn’t failed to anticipate our next move, has he? If he’s aware we intend to restore reincarnation and elevate you, the simplest method to thwart our plans is…”

He pointed a finger at himself.

“By eliminating me. Removing me is not only the simplest action but can nullify the entire plan.”

“……!!”

“You and Mangnyang are difficult targets for a being who can read the laws, but I’m merely a massive dragon stripped of all divine essence. Just one henchman could easily wipe me out.”

I shouted in disbelief, “Is this really the time to say something like that?! We need to summon Nüwa immediately and thwart this!”

“Hmm, too late. They’ve arrived.”

Suddenly, amidst the foggy space, a dark dimensional door appeared. Something slowly began to emerge from that door—it was a giant, pure and simple.

The entire body of the giant was engulfed in azure flames.

The giant’s gaze fell upon Fuxi, who was perched on the hexagonal pavilion.

[Fuxi… what are you doing here?]

Fuxi didn’t shy away from the gaze, taking a drag from his cigarette before responding. “It’s been a while. Looks like today is a reunion of familiar faces.”

[…….]

Vroom!

The blue flames flickered as if it were a serpent’s tongue. Wielding the formidable Zhu Rong’s Whip, emanating overwhelming flame power, I recognized the entity before me.

“…Zhu Rong?!”

No mistake about it. That was the Giant Zhu Rong!

The second-in-command of the Ten Thousand Ghosts Palace and originally of the Giant Race had revealed himself before us!

‘Why?!’

I had thought Zhu Rong was lost when Jeon Wook was annihilated by the curse of the Evil God, so why was he showing up here of all places?! The scenario where the second-in-command of the Ten Thousand Ghosts Palace was now the Emperor’s assassin was utterly baffling, but I quickly regained my composure and shouted, “Fuxi! No matter how powerful Zhu Rong is, he’ll be no match for Nüwa! Summon her and repel him!”

Truth be told, with Fuxi’s original abilities, there’d be no need to summon Nüwa. But couldn’t Nüwa still arrive in this space? With her power, even a figure as formidable as Zhu Rong could be swiftly dispatched!

Then Fuxi answered, “Nüwa has been here all along while we talked. She’s crafted an invisible avatar. However, I sense that aura has vanished.”

“Wait, what?”

“I suspect she’s sent a being stronger than Zhu Rong to assist us. Isn’t that right, Zhu Rong?”

The giant floating in the void responded.

[That’s correct, Fuxi. To thwart Nüwa, Guang Chengzi has intervened. He’s currently contesting the boundaries of this sealed space.]

“……!!”

[No matter how powerful Nüwa may be, she would surely struggle against him. While Guang Chengzi grapples with her, I will tear you apart!]

Vroom!

Zhu Rong’s azure whip surged in the air like an animated being. I gulped nervously at the sight of the blue whip.

‘Damn it…. Do I really have to fight that thing?’

Though Zhu Rong couldn’t compare with the Three Sovereigns, he was no trivial foe. The monster had once single-handedly overwhelmed the Demon King, understanding his level as an upper-tier warrior. Given that he was a divine being next only to Jeon Wook, he could be classified as part of the old ruler’s faction. It would be impossible for a mere mortal level being to take him on.

I stepped forward and shouted, “Zhu Rong!! Aren’t you a loyal subordinate of Jeon Wook?! Why are you taking orders from the Emperor?!”

[So you’re the Reborn Person Baek Woong I’ve only heard of?]

“That’s me!”

Zhu Rong glanced at me and said, [The Emperor has promised my lord’s revival. To eliminate Fuxi is the only means by which my lord can be resurrected.]

“……?!”

[Although I harbor no grudge, you must all perish!!]

Vroom!!!

Moments later, Zhu Rong’s blue whip soared through the air, and the Small Cycle was twirling towards us with no causation whatsoever.

‘Son of a—! That peculiar manipulation of cause and effect….’

Even though I recognized it as an attack manipulating the Small Cycle, I had no way to prepare for it at the moment, only able to observe the imminent attack closing in.

For a martial artist in the material realm, it was a nightmare of an attack.

‘Fuxi likely wouldn’t be able to muster any power either. It’s up to me to block it.’

Whoosh!

A gut feeling rushed over me; I needed to stake my life here. Immediately, I gathered all my strength to cast the Great Destruction—if I used the strength of all Seven Luminaries, I should be able to hold my ground against Zhu Rong!

‘If I amplify my strength with the Great Destruction, I might just make it…’

If death came, there’d be nothing to be done, so I’d have to shoot for the next node without fail.

But at that moment, an unusual power flowed from Mangnyang, stopping my attempt to unleash the Great Destruction.

Crack!!

[What?!]

Zhu Rong let out a startled exclamation as Mangnyang, clad in his black and yellow attire, tightly gripped Zhu Rong’s blue whip in his hand. Standing motionless, Mangnyang held the whip by its handle.

He slowly spoke, and his voice had transformed from a mortal one to an otherworldly tone.

[Do not waste your life on such rabble.]

Time seemed to freeze at such an unexpected turn of events.

Who would have thought that at this juncture, Mangnyang would block Zhu Rong’s strike? However, right from the start, the only one maintaining composure was Fuxi, who remained as calm as could be, as if he had anticipated this.

Crunch!

Zhu Rong attempted to pull his whip back, but it remained completely still in Mangnyang’s grip. Enraged, Zhu Rong enveloped his entire body in azure flames.

[Arrogant, are we?]

Roar!

A massive surge of blue flames erupted from Zhu Rong’s whip. In an instant, the flames engulfed Mangnyang, and it felt as if the entire foggy world around us was igniting in flames.

Mangnyang’s form was obscured by the azure flames, and Zhu Rong let out a boisterous laugh.

[Ha ha ha!! Even that legendary elder Gong Gong couldn’t withstand this blow! How could you hope to endure against my world-incinerating whip?!]

Swish!

Swish!

[……?!]

Slowly, however, the azure flames surrounding us began siphoning into Mangnyang’s body. The flames wreaking havoc across the entire world did not harm our trio within the hexagonal pavilion; instead, a peculiar black-and-yellow aura emerged from within Mangnyang, simply absorbing the flames.

Mangnyang calmly stated, “So you’ve slipped through the gaps in Guang Chengzi’s barrier? In that case, we have to wrap this up before Guang Chengzi arrives. I’ll handle you first.”

[How dare you call me a rabble!]

Grrr

The yellow energy surrounding Mangnyang intensified.

[I, Mangnyang, decree in the name of the Wheel King.]

Mangnyang raised one hand to point at Zhu Rong.

[Seven Treasures’ Wheel. Bind this one in the cycle of reincarnation!]

Boom!

In that moment, the yellow artifacts swirling around Mangnyang rushed towards Zhu Rong. Zhu Rong tried to use his power to destroy the artifacts; however, those artifacts transformed into gigantic wheels, closing in on him.

[No?!]

At that moment, Zhu Rong seemed to realize something had gone wrong, but it was too late. Under Mangnyang’s direction, the immense wheels began to sever Zhu Rong’s limbs, expanding infinitely in the air while continuously grinding at his body.

Wiiiing!!!

Zhu Rong ultimately became unrecognizable, unable to even let out a scream as he was reduced to mere pieces of meat. From his remains, his blue soul erupted and flew into the air. Mangnyang locked that soul within the wheel and softly murmured, “Giant Zhu Rong. In the name of the powers of the Wheel King that dominates the Underworld, I demote your soul to that of a human. Live to the best of your abilities until the very end!”

Fwoosh!

The blue soul promptly disappeared. But it was clear to me that this wasn’t some complete destruction. Gazing at Mangnyang, who had just unleashed such terrifying power, I said, “Mangnyang. You just….”

“I reincarnated him as a human….” Cough!

Now speaking in his normal voice rather than the otherworldly tone, Mangnyang coughed up blood as he wiped his mouth. “I’m sorry. I meant to transfer this power without expending any energy, but… I had to channel a significant part of my strength to deal with Zhu Rong…. Cough.”

“…….”

Hearing Mangnyang’s words, I was finally able to understand.

‘So this is the power of the Underworld’s Ruler, the Wheel King…!!’

The Seven Treasures’ Wheel!

A power that can forcibly demote even a god and bind them into the cycle of reincarnation!

As I gazed in shock, Fuxi said, “It seems Nüwa is facing difficulties outside. Guang Chengzi has likely grown powerful thanks to the Emperor feeding him cause and effect over time.”

“Seriously…?”

“The gap between the Divine Temple and the laws of cause and effect cannot be ignored.”

While I knew Guang Chengzi was strong, would he really have grown potent enough to challenge the Three Sovereigns?

“Baek Woong. Only your determination and choices remain.”

Fuxi looked at me seriously. “Following this plan, regardless of how things unfold, you’ll inevitably confront the avatar of Coming Chaos, the Primordial Void Ruler. Honestly, I can’t predict what trials await you. However, are you prepared to face the hardships, even if it means sacrificing everything?”

“…….”

“Perhaps it would be better to give up midway and just kill yourself instead.”

I mulled over this. Glancing briefly at Mangnyang, who was still on the ground coughing blood, I then resolutely stated, “I will proceed.”

With everything that’s happened, how could I back out now?

Whether it turns to dust or to meal… I have to kick the butt of the Coming Chaos to the very end!

“Excellent.”

Fuxi started walking toward me slowly.

“Reborn Person Baek Woong. From this moment on, in accordance with the promises made to Mangnyang, I shall transfer our powers… the ability of Pangu’s Summon and the title of Jade Emperor. This transference requires no separate cost due to the achieved laws of cause and effect from clearing the Tower’s Trials!”