1265——————==

Soul of the Evil God

When Tuma died, I addressed his followers.

“Did you all clearly witness your master’s death?”

“Ugh… just spare us.”

“Make sure to inform the Wind Spirit Sect that this was an unavoidable consequence due to Tuma’s numerous grudges. If you disturb or harass the innocents because of this, you will not escape my wrath! And if we end this with Tuma, there shouldn’t be further conflict with the Wind Spirit Sect.”

“Ah, understood.”

The Shura Sect’s minions fled with Tuma’s corpse. Since it would be tough to subdue the Shura Sect, under the Wind Spirit Sect, I found it better that Jin So-cheong killed Tuma. With this intimidation, Long Bi-cheon, the leader of the Wind Spirit Sect wouldn’t dare to attack me recklessly.

‘Even pretending to be tough, he’s secretly scared and cautious, after all.’

If I were Long Bi-cheon, I’d feel uneasy confronting a mysterious expert who could suddenly turn into a dragon. Especially not in a world filled with disasters. It would be foolish to clash with a strong opponent and risk my influence.

At that moment, the Sword Demon approached me and said,

“Baek Woong. Quite the skill you’ve demonstrated.”

“Huh? The dragon was caught by three others, I didn’t do anything.”

“I’m not talking about martial prowess. I already know your martial arts are beyond heaven. What I’m referring to is your capability to maneuver the grand situation.”

“……?”

Huh?

When I was caught off-guard by his unexpected compliment, the Sword Demon continued,

“It may seem like you’re meddling everywhere and causing trouble, but your earlier intimidation displays an understanding of the core of the situation. You instinctively dampened your opponent’s spirit while appropriately marking boundaries to avoid major collisions.”

“……”

“You certainly seem to be a Half-Transition Master. Care to share where you acquired such experience?”

I felt flattered by the Sword Demon’s praise. He recognized me not merely for my martial arts but for my strategy. It felt entirely different from how I’d only been regarded as a Half-Transition Master for my strength until now, making me feel slightly sheepish.

“…Truly, I’ve been through a lot. And I merely suppress situations with overwhelming strength; genuine wisdom is something I lack.”

“Many struggle to utilize their strength properly.”

“That’s true. I’ve tried my best to avoid such criticism…”

I closed my eyes for a moment, recalling the hardships I faced trying to resolve everything with words amidst powerful forces. One thing became glaringly clear.

‘…Having strength is really convenient.’

If I gain more power, wouldn’t it be even better?

Is that why everyone desperately seeks strength?

I shook off those distracting thoughts and pulled something out from my magical artifact to hand to the Sword Demon.

“I’ll reward you for your cooperation in this matter.”

“No, this is….”

“It’s the Black and White Lotus. Eating this will greatly enhance your internal power. I should’ve given it to you sooner but I’m late in doing so.”

“Thank you.”

Currently, the Sword Demon hasn’t joined Soeul Village, so I can’t help him enhance his martial arts directly. However, even providing him a couple of spiritual pills will significantly improve his skills.

‘Hmm. Since I’m here, maybe I should recruit three more people into the village?’

Hu Woong

As I returned to Soeul Village, I first headed toward Sichuan and flew along the route to remember the way to the capital. I barely remembered the terrain of the unnamed canyon I visited before and managed to find a thin young man.

“Are you Bai Li Jeong-woon?”

“Ugh. Who are you to know my name?!”

Great, I found him. I nodded to Bai Li Jeong-woon.

“Hmm. I’ll help you become a greater expert, so follow me.”

I’m still grateful to him for helping me find Dokgo Seong.

Without waiting for Bai Li Jeong-woon’s response, I promptly struck his bloodline to subdue him and stuffed him into my magical artifact. Then I headed toward the next place.

“Dokgo Seong! Are you here?!”

Crash!!

Upon arriving at Dragon King’s Valley, I shouted out loudly, and suddenly, a Thunder Sword shot towards me in the form of the Invincible Sword.

Clang

I quickly blocked Dokgo Seong’s Invincible Sword and said,

“Let’s talk for a moment. Charging in to attack first without greeting is quite hasty, Brother.”

“…Why do you claim to be my disciple?”

With a crack, Dokgo Seong revealed himself on the steep rocks of the Dragon King’s Valley. I smiled at the very cautious Dokgo Seong.

“Greetings. I am Baek Woong, the disciple of the Grand Master Lee Gang-ryong.”

“W-what…!! I can’t believe it.”

“You’ll find it hard to believe as I’m but a disciple who was taken in during my master’s later years. However….”

Crash…!!

As I unleashed the Thunder Light from the Nine Chambers of Thunder Technique, Dokgo Seong seemed startled by the fierce energy. The overwhelming thunderous aura illuminated Dragon King’s Valley for a long time, and after a while, I spoke while gathering the energy.

“As you can see, I have acquired a strength surpassing the previous Thunder God Lineage techniques.”

“What technique is that?”

“Nine Chambers of Thunder Technique! Undoubtedly the greatest technique in Thunder God Lineage’s history.”

“……”

“I would like you to help me, Dokgo Seong. Don’t stay cooped up in Dragon King’s Valley any longer, come with me.”

While I’d build up other experts, Dokgo Seong is among those who could reach the Absolute Realm in the shortest time and could help me without escalating tensions unnecessarily. It’s definitely better to secure him now for later convenience.

‘Plus, he fought for the Great Bear Empire for 500 years in my 28th life.’

Dokgo Seong looked at me warily and said,

“I also want to leave but it’s hard to readily agree.”

“Could it be that Dokgo-jun from Su Shin Sect is pressuring you to stay hidden?”

“Ugh! How do you know that? You aren’t affiliated with Su Shin Sect, are you?”

“No. I recently defeated the Eight Demons of Martial Daos and took over their intelligence network, which allowed me to learn of Dokgo-jun’s activities. While tracking his movements, I found out where you were located.”

“…….”

Although I lied, Dokgo Seong had no way to know; the only falsehood was the process while the fact that he was under pressure was true.

“Most likely, they pressured you to hide, using your mixed blood from the Su Shin Sect.”

“Hmm… you’re a formidable individual.”

Dokgo Seong seemed lost in thought, biting his lips hard. Finally, he said,

“Fine. But you must take me to the tomb of Master Lee Gang-ryong.”

“……?!”

“I failed to fulfill my duty as a disciple when my master departed unexpectedly. I wish to make an offering at his grave.”

Oh?!

Thinking about it, that makes sense!

‘As a direct disciple, Dokgo Seong would naturally want to pay respects at his master’s grave! I didn’t even consider that!’

I slightly regretted coming to find Dokgo Seong so hastily. Who knows where Lee Gang-ryong died? I had just pieced together the story using the steps learned from Lee Cheong-un regarding the history of Thunder God Lineage, but when facing the actual person, there are bound to be oversights.

Feigning calm, I replied,

“Okay. But not right now; first, let’s ensure peace in the village, and I’ll definitely take you there later.”

Perhaps I’ll even create a fake grave!

“The village? Which village do you mean?”

“I’m the Village Chief of Soeul. Right now, I’m tirelessly working to develop the village.”

“……”

Dokgo Seong seemed terribly shocked, as if his eyes were spinning.

“A village chief? Are you not trying to become the Grand Master of Thunder God Lineage? Why would such an absolute expert like you engage in such a lowly….”

I clenched my fists and insisted.

“Hey!! Don’t speak carelessly, Brother. I’m operating Soeul Village to turn it into a new base for the Thunder God Lineage!! The Thunder God Lineage needs some rest, you see.”

“Ah, that’s nonsense….”

“Have I ever asked you to contribute to building the village? I’ll allow you to say one word if you do in the future, Brother!”

As I raised my voice firmly, Dokgo Seong appeared speechless, scratching his head. Then he said in a somewhat awkward tone,

“…Alright. I’ll follow you.”

Hu Woong

After persuading Dokgo Seong and stuffing him into my magical artifact, I sighed.

“Phew.”

I had to consider the possibility of a speedy confrontation with the White Lotus Sect, so bringing Dokgo Seong on board was a bit of a gamble. However, given Dokgo Seong’s character, he didn’t seem particularly fond of Lee Kwang, so he probably wouldn’t obstruct my plans to pressure Lee Kwang.

‘On the contrary, he might even assist me…’

I tried not to dwell on Dokgo Seong any longer and moved forward with my thoughts.

“Alright. So now, should I recruit just one more person for the village?”

Whooosh

This next destination was quite a trek. I diligently flew and flew, crossing the Barren Lands until I reached the outskirts of the Western Continent. Venturing further inland brought me to one of the nations of the Western lands I had visited years ago.

‘The city of Holland, Haarlem, is my next stop.’

And within this Holland, I would find the central figure I aim to meet. I recalled the place named with the national seal in my mind and steadily sought the secret research facility. Since I’d moved at a brisk pace before, finding the entrance from outside again was rather tedious.

Utilizing the Fire Eye Golden Spirit, I discovered a suspicious magical barrier near a church in Haarlem. Recognizing its significance as my destination, I mentally prepared myself and boldly stepped through the barrier.

Boom

As I crashed through the door into the research facility, an old Western man was seen studying diligently inside the dusty room. I planned to converse with him, using the Heavenly Secret Technique to capture the spirit of a nearby Holland person and spoke to him in Dutch.

“You are the Alchemist Saint Germain, correct?”

“Ugh! Who are you?”

“Many years ago, you created a homunculus in an attempt to make a Philosopher’s Stone. However, one of your failed experiments has been causing trouble in Luoyang, the capital of the Eastern Ming Empire.”

“……?!”

“That villain found out he was your creation and made his way from the Ming dynasty to Holland, you fool.”

The Alchemist Saint Germain looked utterly flabbergasted. His eyes displayed more curiosity than fear concerning the intruder. He stuttered,

“W-who are you?”

“I’m Baek Woong. I’m currently fighting those who serve heretical sects and demon sorcerers.”

Saint Germain gasped.

“Ugh, the Inquisitors from Byzantium… Are there such demon hunters in the East…?”

“Anyway, you need to lend me your power. Your homunculus is now plotting in collaboration with the emperor of the Ming dynasty by creating portrait immortals. You should be the one to reap the seeds you’ve sown.”

“Hmmm… How do you even know all this? How could you be so accurately aware of the situation?”

I figured he wouldn’t know the Twelve Sovereigns’ Apostle, and if I were about to bring him to the village for alchemical research, I should just come up with a random lie.

“I am a friend of Behemoth, the Archbishop of the Eastern Orthodox Church. He defends the West while I safeguard the East!”

“……?! You mean, you are of equal status with ‘He who Raises Lives’!!”

“Oh? You know Behemoth’s identity too?”

“……”

The old alchemist became deeply contemplative. Finally, he nodded firmly and said,

“Alright. Your words seem truthful. Then I will risk my life to assist you in stopping the misdeeds of my homunculus!”

“Good. Then get inside this magical artifact.”

“What’s this?”

“Do you not understand? It’s a magical artifact that can hold anything.”

As he examined the artifact, Saint Germain suddenly exclaimed,

“Divine Being! This magical artifact has a ‘great cost’ set within it! You know this and are using it?!”

I was greatly startled by his words.

“…What?”

What’s going on here?!

I’ve never heard this after thirty lives!

“Hmmm… There are no issues using it immediately, but as an alchemist, it’s concerning. A magical artifact cannot contain advantageous conditions solely for the user; it’s an evil relic.”

“Great cost? What does that mean? Explain it now!”

Saint Germain shook his head.

“Sorry, but I can only intuit that there are specific conditions set within this magical artifact using the alchemical mystique. I must dissect the artifact to find the details.”

“How long will that take?”

“I’ll know after examining it, but to preserve this top-grade magical artifact against damage… it’ll take at least two or three years.”

“…Alright. I’ll allow your support. Find out whatever you can.”

“Understood. Then help me place all my research materials and equipment into this magical artifact.”

“Sure.”

Hu Woong

I whisked Saint Germain’s entire research facility into my magical artifact along with him and sighed.

“Phew. What an unexpected harvest.”

When dealing with the alchemist from the Imperial Palace, it seemed I might need the original alchemist after all. I didn’t expect to learn more about the magical artifact.

I felt like this life would be different from the previous ones. I flew back to the Eastern Continent, and upon arriving at Soeul Village, I introduced the new members I brought to the villagers.

Mangnyang examined each of them while touching his temple.

“I never would have guessed you’d venture all the way to Holland… Your thoughts are truly impossible to read.”

“Do you happen to speak Hollandish?”

“I can manage the basics. I’ll assist with the alchemist’s research going forward.”

With that, Mangnyang passed by me and said,

“Baek Woong, I’ve been pondering something lately and will have a request for you soon.”

“……? You could ask now.”

“It’s a request for later. Promise me you’ll definitely give it your attention.”

“Alright.”

Whatever this promise is, if Mangnyang asks, I’ll have to oblige!

Then, I took Dokgo Seong to Lee Kwang, and Dokgo Seong looked surprised, saying,

“…Is that kid Lee Kwang?”

“That’s right. You recognize him, Brother.”

“I vaguely remember him from his childhood. But why is he wielding the techniques ‘Ran,’ ‘Na,’ and ‘Chal’…?”

Boom Boom

Sweat beaded on my brow as I watched Lee Kwang swinging around. I smiled and said,

“One day, he’ll be able to do it a hundred thousand times.”

“……”