전생검신 86권 7화

I was checking out Roland’s collapsed body, and not even thirty breaths after he fell, I could see his flesh regenerating at a mind-blowing speed. His piercing wounds were also healing up quick, and it took him about half a meal to fully recover.

“……Huh!”

[Is he coming to?]

When Roland regained consciousness, he looked at me in disbelief. Then he went down on one knee with a thud.

“Please forgive me!”

[……? What’s with the sudden apology?]

“I sincerely apologize for the disrespectful provocation earlier. I wanted to witness your true strength, which is why I acted so rudely.”

I let out a small laugh at Roland’s heartfelt apology.

[I kind of figured. You’re not really the type to pick fights, are you?]

Knowing that Roland was genuinely good-natured, I didn’t take his provocation too seriously. He scratched the back of his head sheepishly as he stood up.

“You have more than enough qualifications to stand before Jin So-cheong. If you can bring me down with a single blow, then so be it.”

[Hmm, but Roland… haven’t you gotten weaker? You used to recover in a flash even when your body was in pieces, but now it seems like you take way longer to heal from just a hole in your body.]

When I voiced my doubts, Roland replied with a bitter smile.

“Originally, I served a deity that wasn’t Behemoth. A powerful benevolent spirit sealed away in a far ancient time. But when Tsukuyomi’s calamity spread, my connection was severed, and I was temporarily appointed as Behemoth’s apostle.”

[So becoming Behemoth’s apostle made you weaker?]

“The nature of the blessings I received differs from that of the deity I originally served. My vitality is definitely dozens of times weaker than before. But I gained other powers, so I’m not completely out of the game…”

[I see.]

Perhaps Roland’s desperation to train in the Eastern martial arts was due to this? With his life force—which he regarded as infinite—diminished, he realized he couldn’t just tank every attack from his enemies and needed to dodge instead.

As I pondered this, I suddenly felt a wave of realizations about the sheer amount of stuff that happened in the past twenty years I was gone. And while I was lost in thought, Roland spoke up.

“Baek Woong, I have a question for you.”

[What is it?]

“How were you able to accurately counterattack my strike without using intent? This isn’t even about provocation… I just can’t wrap my head around it.”

[…….]

Roland’s curiosity was justified. Every peerless master on the ground utilizes intent and intent pillars in battle, and hardly anyone is an exception. Since intent allows one to freely alter physical ability and reality according to their imagination, fighting without it is a serious disadvantage.

I responded to Roland’s question.

[Roland, I once heard advice that the limits of martial arts are not determined by intent. I just put that advice into practice this time.]

“Are you saying reaching the limits of intent isn’t the same as reaching the limits of martial arts?”

[If I haven’t reached my limits, how can I discuss limits? Likewise, assuming one can only reach the peak of martial arts through intent alone is also a form of arrogance.]

“That makes sense.”

Roland nodded, then suddenly looked thoughtful.

“……So what is the realm you reached? You’re not going to say how you countered, are you?”

[Dark Night.]

“Dark Night?”

[You can’t see it……]

I pointed to just above my head with my finger. Roland looked confused, not getting the meaning behind it, but I thought that would suffice.

[Roland, this isn’t the time for you to be curious about my realm. You need to realize you’ve strayed onto the wrong path and start cultivating yourself.]

“Ugh, that’s a harsh truth. But you’re not wrong…”

Roland cracked a wry smile before adding, “Then let me ask one last thing. Are you saying you’re stronger than someone who uses intent without using it yourself?”

[Probably not.]

“……That goes against what you just said.”

At Roland’s words, I clenched my blood-soaked hand, now marked with his blood.

[Since I don’t have intent, I just read the flow and countered right away. Your attack had gaps because you didn’t fully achieve mind, technique, and body harmony. So, I was able to counter it easily. But if I were to face a perfected ultimate technique without flaws, I wouldn’t win unscathed like before.]

“Are you saying it’s a technique you can only use to a limited extent?”

[That’s how it seems.]

As I said to Roland, I realized what Dark Night was, and while I might be able to use Dark Night Slash with a different level of completion now, that doesn’t necessarily mean I’m several times stronger than before.

‘For Dark Night to have meaning, the opponent can’t acquire intent from the void. This is a significantly limiting technique.’

I think I understand why Asura didn’t recklessly start using Dark Night Slash before. ‘Dark Night’ is emptiness; if one can’t realize existence, it gains no power at all. I can see what Asura meant when he rambling about nonsense before.

Even now, facing top-tier experts would be highly risky. Even if I could read [the flow] and defuse the opponent’s aggression with Dark Night, their mind-body state at its peak could just as easily counter it. Dark Night Slash is not an invulnerable secret technique.

‘But… conversely, once conditions are met, I won’t lose to anyone.’

That’s why Asura was so insistent on teaching me Dark Night Slash.

Having escaped intent, I’ve also shed the limits of its techniques!

Someday, if I regain my body, I’ll truly put the power of Dark Night to the test!

I said to Roland, [Roland, as I said earlier, I came here to meet Zhuge Yulong from the subjugation squad. I have to meet him within a month, so I can’t afford to waste time. Isn’t there a quicker way to meet than just waiting around?]

“Hmmm….”

Roland thought for a moment before saying, “Then instead of waiting here, we can head straight to the subjugation squad’s expedition site.”

[Oh, that could work.]

“But that might be a bit….”

[Is there a problem?]

He sighed and said, “The current expedition site for the subjugation squad is the Earth’s inner core. Without knowing the current situation of the squad, rushing in there could put you in unforeseen danger. Given the place, we’re not even receiving real-time reports on the squad’s situation from here.”

[……?! The, the inner core?]

The Earth’s inner core?!

I felt my mind go blank from the unexpected information.

The inner core!

It’s the innermost region of the planet known as Earth, a center where unimaginable heat and immense pressure boil! I learned about the Earth’s science back in the Great Bear Empire and knew what the inner core was, but truthfully, that place was not for humans. Not even the Great Bear Empire’s technology could properly explore the outer core, let alone the inner core.

I exclaimed in disbelief, [Why in the world would the subjugation squad go there? I could understand if they went to Dark Heaven Village, but this seems way too out of the blue.]

“The subjugation squad’s goal is to defeat divine beings that threaten human survival. It’s a pretty straightforward purpose.”

Upon hearing Roland’s words, I suddenly realized something. [……Are you saying there’s an [Old Ruler] at the Earth’s inner core?]

“That’s correct.”

[Why would they be there?]

“That’s a reasonable question. When we first received information about the situation, we were equally alarmed. From what the subjugation squad says, there’s an enormous [rift] at the inner core that’s actively sucking in souls from the underworld.”

[Souls from the underworld…?!]

“If we let the rift continue absorbing souls like this, the underworld will face destruction, and due to the law of cause and effect, the destruction of the underworld will directly affect the reality world. To stop that, the subjugation squad is currently targeting the [rift] to meet the mysterious [Old Ruler] residing there.”

[…….]

What the… I feel like I’ve heard about the Earth’s inner core somewhere before…

But I couldn’t recall right away, so as I was rummaging through my memories, Roland spoke.

“No matter how great you are, heading to the front lines without prior information is dangerous. I’ve heard the subjugation squad isn’t advancing by directly charging towards the rift but rather minimizing conflicts with enemies as they advance. If you chase after them, you could end up in unimaginable danger. That place is the stronghold of the [Old Ruler], akin to another dimension.”

[Hmm….]

That was a reasonable statement. If even the strongest force of humanity, the subjugation squad, isn’t charging headfirst into danger, aiming for minimal contact just to reach their goal, then the level of the demon realm must be viciously brutal.

‘If it were my original power, it wouldn’t be difficult at all… but right now, I’ve lost almost all my strength. If I just trust my vast magical power and charge in blindly, I’d be in big trouble.’

The good thing is that I could possibly regain my original strength once I gain faith and accumulate divine power! I decided not to recklessly venture forth right now and nodded my head.

[Alright. For now, I’ll wait. But if the subjugation squad takes too long to return, I’ll consider going there myself.]

“You can do as you please. For now, let’s head back to where our companions are.”

[Yeah, let’s go.]

“Before that, take this.”

With a swift motion, Roland threw something at me.

[Huh?]

I caught it on the fly and quickly realized it was the holy sword Durandal. Surprised, I exclaimed, [Hey, this is definitely one of the top ten famous swords in the world! Why are you giving it to me?]

“After hearing your advice, I felt like it was an overabundance for me. I think you’d handle that sword much better than I would.”

After saying that, Roland gazed at the distant sky and said, “I’ll take it from the beginning again. It’ll take time to forget the wrong path. But even so, if I could just get back on track now, why would I regret twenty years? I’m just grateful to you.”

[…….]

In that moment, I felt something like a halo emanating from Roland.

‘By forsaking the holy sword Durandal, Roland is shedding his internal confusion.’

Roland’s path will be a rough one. As he said, forgetting the wrong path and pioneering a new one is no easy task. It could take not just twenty years, but even a hundred years without accomplishments. Yet, Roland was willing to bear it all, showing a remarkable spirit as a martial artist.

Roland is surely going to grow even stronger.

I stared at Roland for a moment and then said, [Is what Yeodong-bin told the Master of the White Lotus Sect referring to this… ?]

“What do you mean?”

[Just something. Anyway, make good use of the sword.]

Roland smiled brightly. “Wishing you success.”

Just filling in the gaps isn’t always the answer.

Sometimes, you gain by letting go.

I headed toward the place where my companions were alongside Roland. When Roland explained the situation to everyone again, Mangnyang fanned herself and said, “How interesting. Six months ago, I heard the subjugation squad was exploring the North Pole, and now their target has changed to the Earth’s inner core?”

It seems Mangnyang had heard the recent update about the subjugation squad six months prior, and this news about the Earth’s inner core was the first she’d heard of it. Then, Roland said to Mangnyang, “It seems they learned the reason for the abnormalities in the underworld due to some info obtained from the North Pole. I heard there was a deal with the [Ancient Race].”

“I see.”

“If Zhuge Yulong is the brains of the subjugation squad, then you, Mangnyang, are their chief strategist. I’d like to hear your opinion.”

“…….”

Mangnyang waved the Seven Fires, Seven Golds Line and pondered for a moment. Then she turned to me and said, “Baek Woong. Instead of wasting time waiting in Constantinople, let’s get to the underworld right away.”

I widened my eyes in surprise at her unexpected words.

[To the underworld?]

“Exactly. Somehow, a secondary goal has emerged to double your territory; I came here to meet Zhuge Yulong for that, but actually, your main goal was to go to the underworld to retrieve the Mirror of Clarity, right?”

[That’s right.]

“Moreover, the subjugation squad’s goal is also to thwart the [Old Ruler] trying to destroy the underworld. If we don’t head to the underworld and retrieve the Mirror of Clarity soon, there is a risk it might become lost or destroyed. We need to recover it fast. In comparison, meeting Zhuge Yulong isn’t really that important.”

[……!! You’ve got a point.]

Mangnyang, as expected, had a sharp mind and the ability to clear up situations. While I admired her internally, she muttered, “But we need to prepare for going to the underworld.”

[What kind of preparation is needed?]

“First, we need to receive blessings from Behemoth, the lord of this Constantinople. I’ll donate a few celestial treasures I have for that. We’ll need at least that level of blessing to safely navigate the chaotic underworld. And…”

Mangnyang stared at me intently and then said, “Baek Woong, can you currently wield the power of the Wheel King? That’s the most important thing.”

[…….]

I silently tried to summon the Book of Life and Death to see if I could invoke it.

Crackle!

But the Book of Life and Death seemed to shimmer transparently but suddenly flickered out like smoke and vanished. I waved my hands dismissively.

[As you can see, I have divine power, but it’s too weak to even manifest the Book of Life and Death. It seems I can’t use the power of the Wheel King yet.]

“I see… I thought it would be easy with the power of the Wheel King, but it seems we’ll have to go without it.”

Mangnyang stood up and said to Roland, “You should also join us. More strength is always better when exploring the Mirror of Clarity.”

“Understood. Leave it to me.”

“I’ll negotiate with Behemoth to receive the blessing. Get ready.”

A moment later, Mangnyang, who had disappeared somewhere, returned holding a small holy statue resembling a tiny fish. It looked like a shabby antique, and my curiosity got the better of me, so I said,

[That tiny statue holds remarkably strong divine power.]

Upon hearing my comment, Mangnyang’s eyes glittered with surprise. “You can sense that? Most sorcerers wouldn’t even feel its presence…”

[Must be because it’s divine power.]

“Just as you say. This statue, given by Behemoth, will sacrifice itself in case we’re in danger and help us.”

[But is it really necessary to prepare this much just to go to the underworld? I don’t remember needing this much preparation before… ]

“The subjugation squad isn’t after the underworld for no reason. The current underworld has transformed into a completely different demon realm from what you saw before, and even the Great Immortal could easily face destruction.”

[Hmm.]

“Now, let’s go.”

Swoooooosh—!!

Shortly after, the holy statue Mangnyang held began to glow with a clear light, creating a dimensional passageway. We followed Mangnyang into the depths of the underworld.

Kuwuuuu…

[……!! What’s that hole?]

As soon as we arrived, I gasped at the sight of a colossal chasm made of darkness stretching beyond the horizon. Certainly, I had never seen anything like this before when I was in the underworld! Mangnyang frowned and said, “As the cause and effect in the underworld has destabilized, the center of the dimension has collapsed. Simultaneously, the laws are disintegrating, creating absurd phenomena that suck everything out and fling it into the universe.”

[Are you saying that if we enter there, we’ll be propelled out of the universe?]

“Not just any universe. It’s another abyss of the deep cosmos directly linked to the underworld… if we enter there, even a god would find it hard to survive.”

The deep cosmos is a place even Fuxi would be shocked to learn about—it’s inhabited by incomprehensible entities. Many unimaginable beings exist there. I understood Mangnyang’s warnings and asked, [So, where’s the Mirror of Clarity? If it’s already been swallowed by that abyss, that’s a serious problem!]

“Do you see that building at the end of the horizon?”

[That is…?]

“That was originally the palace of the King of Hell and his aides in the underworld. But seeing as the dimensional collapse has reached this close, we need to hurry.”

Swaaaash!

“Corpse Dissolution Technique, create a bridge to halt the Crumbling and Destruction!!”