전생검신 88권 09화

Are you telling me that even talking about this right now is being read by Yuso?

I couldn’t believe it, so I said, “No way. I’m currently flipping between the [Great Cycle]. You’re saying you can read all that? Even with omniscience…”

“That’s exactly what omniscience means. It’s based on the assumption of knowing everything, so if there’s something you don’t know, what’s the point?”

“……”

“But in fact, Yuso’s powers aren’t perfect. Your very existence makes her power incomplete.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“Think about it. You turned the [Great Cycle] and came to the Takrok Era thousands of years ago, but does the history of this era connect to the future where Baek Woong lives now?”

“No….”

That’s impossible. Because if it were, everything I did in the past gathering humans and going on all sorts of adventures should be reflected in history, and the Three Sovereigns should know my name.

As I shook my head in denial, Lee Hwan-woong smiled.

“That’s exactly it. Normally, future predictions are supposed to predict the future, but right now, you are controlling the cause and effect of history. So even if someone reads your actions, there’s a chance that their future predictions are being denied in either the past or the future. Unlike those living in just one era, just returning to the [Great Cycle] itself can be a huge counterattack.”

“Okay, I don’t quite get it. Can you explain it easier?”

“To put it simply, the history of this era and the Great Ming Empire’s age is disconnected. Therefore, even if Yuso reads the causality and predicts the [future], if you just cause a big event once or twice in the past or the future, that alone can mess up the future.”

“Ah…!!”

So that’s how it is!!

Once I finally understood what Lee Hwan-woong meant, he continued.

“However, there’s one problem.”

“If Yuso’s omniscience is incomplete, isn’t that good enough? What’s the issue?”

“Baek Woong. I once asked you to tell me carefully about the conversation you had with Yuso during your first meeting, remember?”

“Ah… I did.”

Since I couldn’t use obsidian, it was actually hard to relay all my memories to Lee Hwan-woong. I mean, how could I remember every single detail of the conversations? So I had to explain the big picture, and then when the other person asked questions, I’d recall and elaborate. But when I explained the incidents I faced before, Lee Hwan-woong had asked me to detail the conversation we had when I first met Yuso in Takrok Village.

Lee Hwan-woong’s gaze sharpened.

“Yuso mentioned that at that time, you would make a critical choice on whether [to connect causality or not]. And that prediction turned out to be true when you chose to connect with the help of Master Mangnyang. Yuso claimed that she didn’t know what would happen afterward, but I think that was a lie.”

“If it was a lie…….”

“Yuso knew from the very beginning that you would connect the past and future of the Takrok Era. Do you remember what she said afterward?”

“Uh… that….”

“She asked you an unexpected question about why a prophet would predict their own past.”

“Oh, right. So that had some meaning, huh?”

“That was a statement directed at us in the present.”

“……Huh? Now?”

What does that even mean?

As I was bewildered, Lee Hwan-woong made a shocking remark.

“Yuso knew we would be having this conversation right now. So at this moment, responding to my suspicious prediction was something she had already anticipated. Why would a prophet predict their own past? Of course, that’s because Yuso herself is in the future, and the Takrok Era is her past, so predicting the causality of her past is entirely for her own ambition.”

“……?!”

“In order to set her future, she must predict the causality of the Takrok Era.”

As Lee Hwan-woong said that, he smiled wryly.

“That’s why I said earlier that Yuso would have even foreseen this conversation of ours. Her prediction skills aren’t perfect, but it’s definitely not something to underestimate.”

“……!!”

“I hoped you’d be a bit wary.”

What on earth…….

At that moment when we first met in Takrok Village…… she had already known about our future planning and mischievously answered in advance?

What kind of nonsensical prediction power was that……

‘Now that I think about it, it feels like I had a similar conversation with the Wheel King…’

Just then, Yuman, who had been listening beside us, suddenly spoke up.

“Lee Hwan-woong. You seem smart, but before you voiced that fact, you must have already predicted it. If so, couldn’t you have just kept that fact to yourself to trick Yuso’s prediction? Why did you have to play along with her prediction abilities?”

Yuman’s question made sense. Lee Hwan-woong said that Yuso predicted our conversation, but if Lee Hwan-woong had kept the truth in his head and stayed quiet, then that prediction wouldn’t come true.

Lee Hwan-woong said calmly, “It’s not that simple to evade prediction abilities. Even if I don’t tell Baek Woong now, eventually there will come a time when I must explain to him how terrifying Yuso’s abilities are. And that will clearly be in a far more dangerous and urgent moment. Karma is predetermined, but dharma isn’t; it’s like that. Ultimately, prediction will become reality, so avoiding it isn’t the solution.”

“Hmm. So if the outcome is predetermined, then the process is flexible? That’s pretty scary for omniscience…”

“Yes. I just figured it’d be better to remind Baek Woong of the danger when there’s still time and leisure. Although that woman would have predicted even this pattern of mine.”

Listening to Lee Hwan-woong’s self-deprecating words made me feel frustrated, and I blurted out, “Damn… So what am I supposed to do to overcome Yuso’s future prediction? Should I run wild in both the Takrok Era and the future era to make it difficult for her to calculate?”

“No. It’s not like that. Whatever we do, we can’t escape the scope of future prediction. You saw how Gong Sun Xuanwen uses that ability, right?”

“……”

“In the end, you couldn’t even resist at all, let alone defeat the emperor that time. That’s what future prediction is. In reality, Yuso, when treated as weak, appeared to take your protection against the Wheel King and nearly wiped her out, but when it comes to the time when she needs to kill her, she immediately hides, doesn’t she?”

“Ah.”

“If I were to join you, I would go straight to the Wheel King and throw Yuso into the hellfire. This wasn’t a coincidence; it was all because she predicted her future and chose one that was advantageous to her.”

I was left speechless by Lee Hwan-woong’s words. Because it was definitely true.

Future prediction!

It seems like it doesn’t hold much direct power, but if used by someone with overwhelming strength to shape the world as they intend, there’s hardly any way for opponents to resist. In fact, during the 28th round, Emperor Gong Sun Xuanwen could incapacitate everything my companions and I tried, no matter what we pulled out.

And Lee Hwan-woong gave a confident smirk.

“But I believe you can fight equally against Yuso even without any special preparations. In fact, I think it’s more likely that Yuso will desperately cling to you. So don’t worry.”

“……? Why do you say we’re equal when she can read everything?”

“No matter how much she reads the future, Yuso has no victory conditions. In truth, she’s not even as good as the emperor. I believe that someone who has even overcome my master cannot lose to someone like her.”

“……?”

No victory conditions?

What does that even mean……?

While I was still confused, Yuman said, “I think I understand what you mean. Well, if what you say is true, as long as Baek Woong doesn’t get too complacent, it should be fine.”

“Indeed, you’re sharp.”

Leaning back with a smile, Lee Hwan-woong continued, “Now, moving on to the next point… there’s one thing you must do, Baek Woong.”

“What is it?”

“Wait.”

“Huh? Wait?”

“You requested that Dark Sun revive the divine being Quetzalcoatl in the Lemuria Empire. It won’t be long until the results of that petition come out, so let’s just wait for a bit and see what happens first.”

“And during those few days I should…….”

“Nothing in particular. If you’re feeling a bit antsy, there’s not much you can accomplish in just a few days, so just waiting will be it.”

“……”

“If you’re bored, just chat with the people in Takrok Village.”

That sounds way too boring…

Feeling a bit antsy, I decided to follow Lee Hwan-woong’s advice and just waited for a few days. I spent my time leisurely chatting with people in Takrok Village and helping with training.

After a few days had passed, Lee Hwan-woong and I headed towards the Lemuria Continent.

Pa-at!

Woosh!

The gigantic and complex machine in the center of the room started moving. The machine, symbolizing the Twelve Palaces of the Yellow Emperor, moved ever so slightly, and at one moment, you could hear a precise sound as if the machine had finally combined perfectly.

When I heard that sound, the figure of Emperor Lemuria I, who was standing with us, trembled.

[Ohhh…!! Dark Sun appears.]

It was as if the constellations of the Twelve Palaces were swirling and moving in a circle. And at the end of the Twelve Palaces, a dark hole appeared, gradually growing larger as it started to change into something that absorbed everything.

‘Is that Dark Sun…?’

It was a majestic sight, but having seen so many great beings, it didn’t evoke much awe in me. But as I rather apathetically watched the Twelve Palaces, I suddenly felt something and was taken aback.

Right in front of the machine was the [Navel of the Sun God].

From that artifact, where the Demon God Tezcatlipoca was sealed, a voice began to resonate.

[…… No…….]

What is it saying no to?

Just as I found that strange, a massive earthquake reverberated, shaking heaven and earth violently.

Kum!

I felt the entire building shake. Emperor Lemuria I, who was clinging to the nearby structure to steady himself, spoke up.

[Ohhh… The entire Lemuria Continent… No… The axis of this Earth is shaking.]

At Emperor Lemuria I’s words, Lee Hwan-woong flinched.

“What? That’s a big deal then…”

[It seems that the power of Dark Sun… her will has made contact with this solar system for a moment. There’s no need to worry.]

“…Whoa, wow… What the hell, just simply having her will touching is enough to put a planet at risk of destruction?”

Lee Hwan-woong appeared momentarily stunned. I found his expression bewildering and tilted my head.

“Uh? Why are you like this all of a sudden? You already knew Dark Sun was a terrifying being.”

“Whew… whew…”

Lee Hwan-woong took a deep breath and seemed to gradually calm himself. He shook his head vigorously and said,

“How could it be okay? Malicious evil is sweeping through this entire space… If I hadn’t been the master of Mephisto, I would’ve surely gone mad and died by now. This is insane…”

“Uh? But you didn’t even flinch against most [Old Rulers]…”

“Cough… Ugh… Mind-blowing. It’s a different dimension of magical power… Does that mean it’s no longer a concern for you? Can’t you see that Lemuria I is half-collapsed and gasping for air?”

As Lee Hwan-woong chuckled hollowly, I noticed that Lemuria I, looking half-woozy, was obviously feeling a significant mental strain.

‘Emperor Lemuria I must’ve upgraded his body to that of a magical lifeform, but if he’s struggling this much…’

This dark energy swirling around due to Dark Sun’s emergence seemed tremendous.

But… when I saw the two beside me struggling greatly, a strange thought crossed my mind.

‘Hmm… Is this difficult? It just feels like breathing is a bit annoying.’

I truly felt nothing.

While I was in confusion, Heuk Woong, who was standing beside me with his arms crossed, remarked,

[Master. It seems your abilities have risen a bit more. Even in the [Abyssal Wave], you seem unfazed… Your resistance to chaos has deepened further. I, too, have been indirectly influenced by your increase in ability.]

“Oh really? When did that happen?”

[I don’t know. But master, you can no longer be described as just a human. It seems that soon your name will be found more readily in martial arts books than in human history.]

“……”

Is that a compliment or an insult?

While I was puzzled, suddenly the Dark Sun began sucking in all the constellations in the middle of the Twelve Palaces.

Swoosh…!!

And then, darkness arrived!

That darkness was literally an ominous calm, as if it would swallow everything in this world. I noticed that the presence of everyone who had just been beside me, like Heuk Woong and Lee Hwan-woong, had vanished without a trace. And it became clear that this was not some specific technique or spell, but the power of Dark Sun itself.

This darkness felt oddly familiar…

Trying to recall where I sensed this darkness prior, I finally realized what it was.

‘Ah.’

That time when I fought Dharma inside the Heavenly Secret…

While I was rummaging through the horrifying memory of that battle, a faint voice resonated within my mind.

[Old one. Have you come to seek your memories?]

Wrrrrr…

From the distant Original Night, behind the dim twilight clouds, a horrifying illusion spread out with dreadful tentacles.

I felt an overwhelming presence that was different from the ‘then,’ and I shivered greatly.

Brrrrr

‘Ugh… No… !’

That dreadful being that once made me acknowledge that my chaos resistance was far from perfect!

The Outer God!!

Although its form was different, that existence was once again manifesting in front of me through my petition!

My mind dulled, and my thoughts began to swirl chaotically.

I found it increasingly difficult to think rationally and felt my breath quicken. I realized that all the resources I had, like my divine power, were being dismantled, causing my whole body to numb.

‘Hah… Hah… Ugh…’

However, it felt slightly less oppressive than the first time. Might it be because, as Heuk Woong said, my resistance had increased somewhat?

While I barely tied together the threads of reason and knelt, staring at the floor, an echoing voice came from that illusion.

[I was intrigued by the unexpected anomaly when you swung your sword at the dancing musicians.]

[And thus, the musicians rewarded you for bringing them joy.]

[To the Golden Moon, a gift has been left behind for you.]

……

Golden Moon…?

Could it be… the reward for surviving that time…?

While my fading rationality couldn’t muster a response, the words of that presence began to confuse my mind even further.

[There are those who will be your friends and those who will become your subordinates.]

[Choose whom to resurrect.]

“……!!”

What the hell…!!

Coming here to face a riddle?!

How am I supposed to know who the divine being Quetzalcoatl is if I don’t get any hints…?

Ugh.

I briefly fainted and suddenly realized what I was doing in a panic. Even though I tried to think of something, holding onto my sense of reason was barely possible, making it impossible to think clearly. I instinctively felt that if I continued like this, I wouldn’t even be able to stay conscious, let alone make a choice.

‘What should I do? How…?’

After a moment, I decided.

“I… will awaken my friend…”

Surely it wouldn’t be wrong to resurrect a friend, right?!

With that thought, I slowly felt the presence of the [Black Goat], Dark Sun, retreating while a phrase slipped into my ear.

[The trivial fragment of omniscience is bewildered by your choice……….]

Bam!!

In the next moment, the darkness vanished as if it had been washed away, and I realized everything had returned to normal.

Looking beside me, I saw Lee Hwan-woong and Emperor Lemuria I standing just fine.

But they were staring intently at something nearby and had no leisure to share their thoughts about the vanished Dark Sun, forcing me to do the same.

Where the [Navel of the Sun God] had been broken.

There lay a coiled teal serpent glowing with a radiant light.

The winged teal serpent exuded overwhelming magical power, leaving no room for anyone to remain calm.

Clearly, it had the power of an [Old Ruler]!

[Kekekek… Who would have thought I would meet once again, after breaking my head and crossing past the [Great Cycle]……….]

Moments later, the winged teal serpent flapped its wings and flashed its eyes.

[Very good to see you……!!]

Kuwahh

Boom!!

In the next instant, the massive power of the water serpent exploded, devastating the area, and both Heuk Woong and I frantically created a defensive barrier with our divine power to fend it off. However, even though we blocked it together, we couldn’t afford to feel relaxed; it was quite challenging, leaving me no choice but to feel tense.

‘Whoa, that’s incredibly strong.’

But… had it been this strong when I last saw it?!

While I grew increasingly flustered from the confusion in my memory, the water serpent hovered in the air and spoke.

[What was your intention in resurrecting me?]

Indeed.

This [Old Ruler] standing before me was, in fact, the Demon God Tezcatlipoca that I had encountered in my 27th life.