1336——————==

Soul of the Evil God

I felt momentarily breathless.

“Damn it. That was just a bluff…”

I never expected to be kidnapped into the Void Space and face all three of them!

While I felt a haze come over me, I managed to calm down quickly, having faced enough crises in my life.

“Shit! Still, I need to say something, or I’m dead…”

In a split second, my head spun as I felt my mouth move against my will.

“Now that all Six Needs have gathered, the one who gathered them can choose between two paths, right? One is to challenge the Emperor’s Seven Luminaries trial to become the king of humans, and the other is to postpone the apocalypse.”

[Indeed.]

“What I want to say is, the moment I gather the Six Needs, I’ll choose the latter.”

[Why?]

In response to Shao Hao’s query, I continued.

“Because, in order to postpone the apocalypse, all Three Sovereigns must appear. This obviously means that Emperor Gong Sun Xuanwen has no choice but to show up, right?”

[…….]

“If they’re great figures, they should have already caught on to what I’m aiming for.”

The three remained silent, seemingly deep in thought. After a moment, Jeon Wook was the first to speak.

[So you plan to assassinate the Emperor right there, using all of our powers.]

“That’s correct.”

[What a foolish idea…!!]

Jeon Wook responded with a slightly agitated voice.

[Do you think the Emperor is that easy to sidestep? After all, he created the spirit for his own manifestation. His essence is merely projected; why would he send his real body? The Emperor, known for his cunning and meticulousness, is unlikely to show himself directly.]

“……”

[Another thing. You’re overlooking something critical. Do you know what you’re overlooking?]

“I’m not sure, but….”

[The fact that all Three Sovereigns have perished.]

A chilling darkness radiated from Jeon Wook’s eyes.

[With the Three Sovereigns gone, the Seven Luminaries have long been rendered null and void, and now, you’re suggesting that the remaining five should agree to postpone the apocalypse? How ridiculous! If that was the case, the Emperor would definitely not show up in person!!]

“……!!”

[If the target of the assassination isn’t coming, what good is the assassination?!]

Under Jeon Wook’s fierce lecture, I was momentarily at a loss for words. He had penetrated the glaring shortcomings in my impromptu scheme so thoroughly. He was proving that he was not just a violent tyrant but also an exceptionally clever loser.

“Uh… that is to say….”

No, this won’t do.

My mind was blank, and I didn’t know how to respond.

Words that usually flowed easily were suddenly blocked, and I floundered, desperately trying to think. I hadn’t anticipated being stuck like this, and it felt like a great crisis.

‘Damn… what am I going to do…?’

Just as I was feeling overwhelmed—

[I think it’s worth a try.]

[Jeogok!]

Suddenly, it was Jeogok who agreed with me. He struck a pose with his arms crossed, standing tall in the body of a pure white giant.

[As Jeon Wook said, the current plan of Baek Woong, Fuxi’s disciple, is utterly absurd. However, it’s true that we have no other way to rebel against the Emperor than assassination at this point.]

[Hmm.]

[Moreover, in that space created by the Emperor, the high deities of the Divine Temple, who always shadow him, do not accompany him. Since it’s not within the Divine Temple, there’s a high likelihood that the Emperor’s powerful abilities will be weakened. There’s definitely a chance of victory.]

Shao Hao tilted his head in confusion.

[Hey, Jeogok. Didn’t you just hear Jeon Wook? Regardless of the chances, you said there’s no feasibility.]

[That’s not true. If the three of us help, then there’s a way to succeed with this plan.]

[What?]

[What’s crucial is whether the Emperor shows up there or not, isn’t it?]

Jeogok looked at me with an ominous glint in his eye.

[If you’re going to throw out such a bold idea, you better be ready to sacrifice yourself, Baek Woong.]

“…….”

I realized Jeogok must have devised some kind of dangerous scheme, and I felt a shiver run down my spine. But I forced a shaky smile, not wanting to reveal my fear.

“Ha… haha. What do you mean by that? You’re not suggesting you’d use me as bait, are you?”

[Very clever! To understand without explanation.]

“…….”

I received a compliment but couldn’t feel any joy, only a bitter expression on my face.

[Using Baek Woong’s very existence as bait is my plan. If we push that brat into the position of a shared Apostle, it’s more than doable.]

[What do you mean? What will you do by pushing him?]

[We’ll gather the Six Needs and perform a ceremony before re-entering the contract.]

Upon hearing that, Jeon Wook seemed to think for a moment before his eyes lit up.

[Got it. Instead of the ones who’ve already broken their contracts, you’re looking for a new benefactor? And with the power of a new contract, we’ll maximize the power of the Seven Luminaries again.]

[Exactly what I mean. Even without the Sun, that strength is enough to compel the Emperor to show himself.]

[How about draining the planet’s magical energy while we’re at it?]

[That’s a good idea. At that level, the Emperor wouldn’t be able to resist.]

Shao Hao, who had been listening from the side, chimed in with an irritated voice.

[Hey. You guys are being reckless. If we fail, there’s no going back, are you seriously going to stake our fate on that jerk?]

[…….]

I felt the need to jump into that rapidly advancing conversation, so I shouted.

“Wait a minute! What exactly are you talking about… How do you plan to use me as bait?!”

[Disciple of Fuxi, think carefully with your cleverness. If we are to use you as bait, we must offer the Emperor the most tempting morsel. We must ensure he brings his real body no matter what.]

“That makes sense.”

[Then to make sure the bait known as you is as plump and irresistibly delicious as possible, you need to possess incredible magical power and the Law of Cause and Effect.]

Jeogok looked down at me with his unsettling gaze.

[Thus, we’ll establish a pseudo-contract for the Seven Luminaries and recruit a new six ‘Old Rulers.’]

“What? What do you mean?”

[Can’t you understand? Since the existing rulers have severed their contracts, we must recruit new ones to strengthen the Seven Luminaries and revive it as a symbol of the apocalypse. And at the same time, you, the master of the Six Needs, will receive commensurate immense power.]

“……?”

[And the moment the Emperor sees you, now bolstered with power, he won’t be able to help but grow greedy. By devouring you, he would easily prevail without waiting for the apocalypse… He’ll have no choice but to send his real body! Hahaha!!]

Jeogok burst into maniacal laughter.

But I was too confused to comprehend, my eyes blinking rapidly.

“……”

[…….]

“……”

[…Hmm. Ahem….]

A moment of silence passed, and Jeogok’s expression turned slightly flustered. Observing this, Shao Hao delivered a cutting remark.

[The disciple of Fuxi really is a blockhead compared to his master!]

I couldn’t believe I was being called that by Shao Hao of all people!

“No, damn it!! That’s not it…. Damn! The conversation is just so sudden I can’t follow!”

I hastily yelled, trying to hide my lack of understanding, pointing at Jeogok.

“So basically, you’re saying you want to funnel everything onto me to turn me into a sacrifice! Right?! That’s how you draw out the Emperor’s real body.”

[I’ve been saying that from the start.]

“Oh… no, I was just pretending to be dumb to see your reactions. I already knew!”

I smiled smoothly, trying to act nonchalant.

“You’ve all fallen for me!”

Will this work?

[……]

[……]

Jeon Wook, who had been staring blankly, suddenly sighed.

[How did I end up in such a situation!!]

[Hmm. We need to muster our strength. We must take down the Emperor, after all.]

[…Indeed.]

While an enormous event unfolded before my eyes, I couldn’t say a word out of sheer embarrassment. I realized I had overestimated my acting skills and acted without conscience.

At that moment, Jeogok said.

[Now that I’ve laid out the plan, let’s unify our opinions first. I support this plan. What about you?]

Jeon Wook and Shao Hao briefly deliberated before answering simultaneously.

[I agree.]

[It’s a tough call, but we can’t back down now.]

Jeogok nodded, evidently satisfied.

[Alright… Then let’s make Baek Woong our shared Apostle and simultaneously search for the new pseudo-contract with all ‘Old Rulers’ on the planet.]

I inquired of Jeogok.

“Jeogok! But why are we doing a pseudo-contract instead of a formal one?”

[A formal contract can only be made with the First Character. We know of its existence, but we cannot use the First Character as a signature on the contract. So we’ll establish a temporary contract through magical power, enabling the momentary revival of the Seven Luminaries’ power.]

“You can’t use it as a signature? Isn’t that a resource for attacking Chi You or the Eight Parts of the Divine?”

[…How do you know that?]

“Uh, well, I learned it from the future that Lord Fuxi showed me…”

[Hmph. Using it as a mere command is fine. But only two individuals in the world can adapt it to be used as a signature on a contract: that’s the Emperor himself and the one who created the First Character, Chi You.]

“……”

[By the way, I also have a question for you.]

At Jeogok’s abrupt inquiry, I tensed up and replied.

“Go ahead.”

[I invited Yu Shun to this space in advance, but he hasn’t shown up. And I understand you summoned Yu Shun at the Heavenly Altar to perform some kind of ceremony.]

Jeogok glared at me with suspicion.

[What did you do to Yu Shun? Why did you only release half of him as a sacrifice?]

“……?”

Half of him? Sacrifice?

I had no idea what he meant, but one thing was certain—Jeogok was suspicious about Yu Shun’s whereabouts. I realized I needed to resolve this suspicion and replied, this time thoroughly masking my emotions.

“I originally intended to summon Lord Yu Shun as his apostle, but then he suddenly disappeared.”

[Suddenly disappeared? Are you asking me to believe that?]

“I have nothing to say. I don’t know what happened either. Do you really think I could have eliminated Lord Yu Shun?”

[…….]

As I mumbled, Jeogok fell silent, seemingly begrudgingly accepting my statement.

[…Could Chi You have attacked him? For now, just know that if you find Yu Shun, report immediately.]

“Understood.”

[Then let’s begin the ceremony.]

A moment later, I felt Shao Hao, Jeon Wook, and Jeogok’s simultaneous gazes upon me.

Whoooom

The cosmic beings emitted brilliant light as they enveloped me in overwhelming divine power. Suddenly, my entire body felt like it was being set ablaze with pain.

Crackle!!

“Gaaaah!!”

I experienced excruciating pain all over my body, as if every inch of my skin was being singed. I felt an impulse to pluck the veins from my temples with my fingers. After a while, that pain gradually subsided, revealing three patterns swirling around my palm, as if they were alive with energy.

Whoooom….

These three distinct symbols seemed unmistakably to represent Shao Hao, Jeon Wook, and Jeogok. Finally, Shao Hao spoke first.

[I, Shao Hao, take Baek Woong as my Apostle, and I share the Mask of Deception.]

Chime!

As if a pearl was ringing, a blue mask appeared next to me.

‘What is this?’

While I was puzzled, Jeon Wook also spoke.

[I, Jeon Wook, take Baek Woong as my Apostle and share the Mask of Rampage.]

Chime!

[I, Jeogok, take Baek Woong as my Apostle and share the Mask of Conspiracy.]

Chime!!

Three masks of different colors surrounded my face. For a moment, I couldn’t see anything around me. Being surrounded by masks filled me with an eerie feeling, and I instinctively sensed that this was not a good sign. I quickly tried to shake them off, but in the next moment, Jeogok’s maniacal laughter erupted.

[Hahaha… In receiving such immense power, we must also bear the restrictions placed on us by the Emperor, Apostle!]

“What are you saying!”

[Don’t worry! That mask has its own powers, too.]

Splat!!

“Gaaaah!”

I screamed momentarily. The three masks suddenly attached to my skin with an almost penetrating force. They burrowed into my face like they intended to pierce through, ultimately merging with my skin, leaving me dizzy from the unnatural sensation.

‘What the hell?!’

I shouted at the three Sovereigns.

“What the hell is going on! Are you forcing me to wear a mask?!”

[If you don’t betray us, you’ll have to do this much. If you betray us, the restrictions will be applied, and your body and soul will be destroyed.]

“Damn it!!”

How can this be happening!

I never imagined they’d force those masks they were wearing onto me!

“Shit!!”

I sensed that this mask was something seriously bad!

‘I have to get it off quickly!!’

Without thinking, I used the Intent Heavenly Pillar to execute the Ultimate Technique.

Technique of All Things

Get this mask off!

Swish!

As I swept my face with the Technique of All Things, just like that, the Mask of Deception was caught in my hands.

Crackle

‘Eeeeeek…?! It hurts!!’

The tip of my finger throbbed painfully, to the point that I felt like I would lose it. Tears welled from my eyes involuntarily, yet I gritted my teeth through the piercing pain, desperately holding onto the mask.

Whoooom

Simultaneously, I felt an enormous amount of divine power ebbing away. The energy I used against aliens couldn’t even compare; it felt as though all my physical strength was being drained away, giving me a sense of vertigo.

Originally, ‘this was’ impossible.

It might be feasible with the Technique of All Things, but too many requirements were needed.

That feeling was vividly clear.

But I gritted my teeth and mentally shouted as if I were screaming.

No!!! If useless restrictions pile on top, I’ll become a burden to my companions!!

Please…!!

I would do anything!!

At that moment, I felt a girl’s voice echo in my head.

[You must keep that promise.]

Splat!

The ominous pain temporarily ceased as my Technique of All Things continued to unfold.

Before I knew it, I held the mask in my hand.

‘I did it…!!’

I quickly tossed the glowing Mask of Deception, dripping with sticky magic, into the air and cast it off two more times to remove the Masks of Rampage and Conspiracy as well.

Splat

Pop!

“Gaaah!”

I had no choice but to let out an embarrassing scream. At first, it didn’t hurt much, but by the time I removed the last mask, I felt the skin on my face being torn off painfully. Regardless, I succeeded in getting them all off and breathed heavily.

“Ha… Ha…. The Three Sovereigns of the world… would go this far to stab someone in the back!!! The great rulers of the world!!!”

I glared with bloodshot eyes, forgetting even the pain of death in my outrage, but the reaction was somehow strange.

[…….]

[What…?]

[How is this possible.]

But it seemed the Three Sovereigns were even more surprised.

They stood stock still, completely shocked, as if they were experiencing an unreal nightmare.

The first to react was Jeon Wook.

He was so shocked that he lost his usual grandeur, stuttering as he spoke.

[H-How could you possibly remove the mask placed by the Emperor?]