전생검신 90권 10화

As I figured out the conditions for victory, another problem popped up.

‘It’d be tough to take down Tsukuyomi all by myself… My power is way too weak right now…’

That’s right. Tsukuyomi is one of Dongyoung’s Three Great Gods, meaning he’s definitely a high-ranking deity! I don’t know how strong he is, but it’s clear he could easily deal with any average Demon King. Considering the power level of Amaterasu and Susanoo, even if Tsukuyomi is a bit weaker, there’s no way I could take him on with my current strength.

Sure, I can use my internal power and divine power, but compared to what my original body was capable of, it’s laughable. Even if I put my abilities and wits to the test, I’d still struggle against a top-tier Demon King, let alone a real god. Plus, I’m not exactly in a friendly situation surrounded by allies; I’d be marching straight into enemy territory.

‘I need someone to help me fight.’

I glanced around. Then I spoke to Shiva, Vishnu, and the Three Great Divine Beasts.

[Hey. Follow me to take down Tsukuyomi…]

[Hold on, Baek Woong.]

[Vishnu?]

As I looked at Vishnu, who suddenly interrupted me, he closed his eyes and put his hands together.

[The power of order has grown too overwhelming, making the situation too unfavorable. If we all charge after Tsukuyomi, it won’t take long for the formation of the chaos-driven Zhuge Clan to collapse, leading to severe damage.]

Kaboom!!

Just as he finished speaking, a huge iron flail from Shennong smashed the [Old Ruler] in one go. Since Shennong was already a powerhouse as a divine monarch of the Giant Race, he now looked like a tiger among sheep with this boosted strength.

I quickly replied.

[Then let’s take out Tsukuyomi first!]

[How can you guarantee we can take him out in time? You’ve been lucky with your gambles, but don’t forget this moment is still a gamble.]

[Hmm!]

Vishnu had a point. As I pondered, he continued.

[I have a suggestion. Leave the Three Divine Beasts here to hold off Shennong and Jeon Wook. Then, choose either me or Shiva to go take down Tsukuyomi.]

[What? Why can’t you both come along?]

[Can’t you see the Queen Mother of the West over there?]

Creeeak……

[…….]

[She’s a being with immense power. If one of our Three Great Gods doesn’t stay back to counter her, she could tilt the battle in her favor.]

[R-Right… I guess that makes sense…]

I had no choice but to agree with Vishnu. Looking at that fierce aura, it seemed like the Queen Mother of the West, in her beastly form, was also empowered by the effects of order. Right now, her strength would probably rival that of the Three Sovereigns; if things went south, many divine beings could get slaughtered by her heavenly might.

But I had to voice my concern.

[Can one of you really win against Tsukuyomi?]

[Heh heh… You were brimful of confidence until a moment ago. Why the sudden doubt? Didn’t you think you could pull through somehow?]

[Damn it. I can’t lose this fight. The more of an advantage I have, the better.]

As I angrily barked back, Vishnu opened his eyes a little and glanced at the celestial beings hovering up in the sky.

[Then take those guys with you.]

[What…?!]

[They are survivors even from the darkness of the Primordial Void Ruler. They should have enough strength to assist in the fight against Tsukuyomi.]

[……!!]

[You can handle the persuasion on your own, right?]

I nodded in agreement with Vishnu’s suggestion.

[Of course! Just hang tight.]

Boom!

I darted off towards the celestial beings, flying like the wind. When I reached them, I struck a pose and said.

[Long time no see! I’m Baek Woong, and although there are familiar and new faces here, I need your help!]

The first to reply was the Celestial Sage, who chuckled.

“Wow~ What’s with the sudden chaos? I honestly didn’t think you’d bring hundreds of gods together to wage war against the Three Sovereigns and even make the Queen Mother of the West disappear.”

[…….]

“Hey, what’s with the face? I’m genuinely impressed! Last time we met, I thought you were just some strange guy, but you’re something else entirely~”

The Celestial Sage’s grin had no hint of malice, likely because he never felt entirely aligned with the Celestial Realm and already had some rapport with me. I cautiously said.

[Sorry for sealing all of you up like that! I promise I’ll set you free after this, but please help me!]

“I’ll help!”

The Celestial Sage raised his hand immediately. Then he glanced back at his companions.

“But what about those guys? You’re clearly facing a great evil.”

[…….]

Right now, the ones who were alive included Xiang Yu, Yi, Lee Rang-jin-gun, and other top-tier warriors, along with Jang Sam-bong, Yeodong-bin. Aside from those, one or two from the Ten Great Immortals of the Kunlun survived, but the Eight Immortals of China had been wiped out except for Yeodong-bin. A few unfamiliar celestial beings remained, but they appeared to be undamaged and radiated strong power—likely hidden strongholds of the Celestial Realm.

Those guys were the last elite forces of the Celestial Realm!

And just as the Celestial Sage said, everyone who didn’t already know me was openly radiating distrust and animosity. After all, how could they like the guy who teamed up with the ultimate traitor, the Primordial Void Ruler, to wipe out the Celestial Realm and obliterate the Heavenly Mysterious Woman?

‘Ugh… Damn it. But it can’t be helped.’

Normally, succeeding in persuasion during such a situation would be insane, but I decided to boldly give it a shot.

[Do you think Tsukuyomi and the Heavenly Mysterious Woman were in their right minds? If they were, could they lead hundreds of [Old Rulers] against the Celestial Realm? Wouldn’t it be better to avoid annihilation of the Celestial Realm this way?]

Lee Rang-jin-gun, filled with rage, yelled back.

[You twisted demon! Are you trying to deceive us with sweet words now? We’re not afraid of annihilation!]

But Xiang Yu coolly interrupted Lee Rang-jin-gun’s outburst.

“I believe the king has a point.”

[Xiang Yu!!]

Ignoring Lee Rang-jin-gun’s fury, Xiang Yu continued.

“Did you say Baek Woong? What you want is to defeat Tsukuyomi and seize control of the world, correct?”

That was such a direct hit question. I hesitated on how to respond, but I chose to be honest.

[That’s right.]

“Sounds fair enough, but what I want is for you to deal with the Primordial Void Ruler without any resistance. Can you agree to those terms?”

…Well, seems we’re moving in a tough direction!

I realized why Xiang Yu referenced the Primordial Void Ruler’s assassination. Unlike his reputation for being arrogant and brawny, he was actually quite sharp-witted, and had likely deduced that the Primordial Void Ruler was really [Black Mask] and the same person who previously toyed with Liu Bang. It seemed he wanted to use this opportunity to get revenge against Yu Ji through me.

‘Making a promise is going to be tricky…’

The Primordial Void Ruler was an almost final shadowy figure, so even if I brought my real power from Takrok, there was no guarantee I could catch him. Plus, considering how mercurial the Primordial Void Ruler is, he could jump ship to my side any moment. Given that Xiang Yu set such squirmy conditions, I felt stuck, but I eventually nodded.

[Yeah!! I will definitely make sure to kill the Primordial Void Ruler!!]

“How can you assure that? You’re the one borrowing our hands while lacking strength to get anything done on your own.”

Damn it, whatever will be will be!

[Watch closely!]

I called out and spoke to the Primordial Void Ruler.

[Primordial Void Ruler!! After this, you’re going to die at the hands of Xiang Yu. Promise me!!]

“Ha ha?”

“What, what do you mean…?”

The Primordial Void Ruler, along with most of the celestial beings, seemed shocked at my bold command. Nobody expected me to outright order him to die.

The Primordial Void Ruler looked at me with disdain.

“Hmph. You really think I’d be in a position to entertain such a demand? Who do you think you’re speaking to?”

[If you don’t comply, I’ll rip off your mask!!]

“……?!”

He froze up as if struck by fear. He opened his mouth, almost ready to argue, but then it seemed he realized something.

“…No way…!!”

[Did you figure it out? How I acquired Hong Meng.]

“That’s absurd… It’s impossible!”

Pointing at him threateningly, I declared.

[Of course! I stole Hong Gyun Do-in’s mask and pulled out Hong Meng from it! Do you want to end up like that?]

“Do you think that’s possible? Can’t you feel the difference between an ant and an elephant, the disparity between our powers!!”

Whaaaam……!!

The Primordial Void Ruler emanated a chilling aura of power. I could feel that this monster was powerful enough to absorb the Celestial Realm, and as he gave it his all, he rivaled the highest gates of divinity, yet I didn’t cower and brazenly responded.

[Who’s stronger, a Hong Gyun Do-in who gained Hong Meng or you? I’ve already stripped away that mask from the Hong Gyun Do-in! Can you measure my capabilities?]

“……!!”

The Primordial Void Ruler looked utterly shocked. He probably understood better than I expected the gap between himself and Hong Gyun Do-in.

I was internally worried as I observed his reaction.

‘Oh crap… I need him to be intimidated…’

Truthfully, even if my current power level could remove the Primordial Void Ruler’s mask, the chance of succeeding in such a daring challenge was slim to none. How in the world would I disable his defenses with just martial prowess when my divine power was running low? Even with all my past companions helping me, I wouldn’t really bet on success. After all, he was the ultimate and most powerful dark figure of the Celestial Realm.

Yet still, boasting that I had defeated Hong Gyun Do-in before, I aimed to scare the Primordial Void Ruler with my bravado.

If the Primordial Void Ruler didn’t get scared and simply brushed off my words, all my plans would be for naught!

I would likely have to give up on recruiting the Celestial Realm’s sages and just go for Tsukuyomi directly.

Then, after a brief moment, the Primordial Void Ruler sighed as if resigned.

“…I can’t help it. But don’t expect me to just agree to die; how about simply taking a hit from Xiang Yu without resisting?”

[Hmmm.]

I kept a stoic face but felt relieved inside.

He took the bait!

“That’s a pretty good deal, right? Who would willingly take a hit from Xiang Yu without opposing it?”

Although the Primordial Void Ruler sought to negotiate, I smirked and shook my head.

[Nope. You’re going to keep taking hits until Xiang Yu decides he’s done.]

“……!! That kind of thing….”

[Are you in or out? Let me remind you, I can simply eliminate you as a troublesome factor.]

I pointed to the five divine beings behind me, ready to gang up on him if needed. So it was that the Primordial Void Ruler begrudgingly nodded, caught in the tight spot.

“…Ugh… Fine…”

[You can’t back out of this; just remember, I’ll never forget my grudges, no matter how many times I die!!]

“……”

The Primordial Void Ruler flinched, turning pale.

With that, he now owed Xiang Yu an endless debt of beatings.

Seeing the results of the negotiations, Xiang Yu seemed satisfied and grinned.

“That’s excellent. I’ll stand by your side.”

[Thank you.]

“It seems you’ve gone through a lot, so I’ll assist you as well.”

As Xiang Yu spoke, he looked over to the celestial beings behind him.

“You all better help Baek Woong! If you don’t, I’ll beat you all into the ground.”

[What the…?]

“I’m not repeating myself. We need to save the Celestial Realm, so is there any other option?”

Ugh!!

Yi and Lee Rang-jin-gun seemed reluctantly persuaded by Xiang Yu. With the hierarchy of the Celestial Realm in collapse, it was quite likely that Xiang Yu wouldn’t face any restraints stepping in.

Looking at Yeodong-bin and Jang Sam-bong behind me, I felt apologetic and said.

[I’m sorry, true immortals. But if we fail in this battle, everything is over; it can’t be helped.]

“Ha ha. Don’t worry about it. We knew the Celestial Realm isn’t an absolute good, so… I’ll assist you to the utmost.”

Jang Sam-bong chuckled. And then Yeodong-bin added.

“Baek Woong, when facing Tsukuyomi, don’t rely on tricks; examine his essence clearly.”

[What do you mean?]

“Your martial discipline will be the key to resolving the situation.”

[…….]

Did Yeodong-bin know something? But there wasn’t time to pry, nor was he someone to divulge hints easily.

[Understood.]

I had successfully recruited all the celestial sages. Turning to the Primordial Void Ruler, he mentioned with a bitter expression.

“I can’t join you. Even now, I’m expending most of my power suppressing the Red Moon.”

[While you’re suppressing it, will Tsukuyomi weaken?]

“I can’t say for sure, but he won’t be able to shift from the Red Moon to the Blue Moon. Unless you hold Tsukuyomi down, you won’t even see his face.”

[…….]

“Tsukuyomi’s power to alter the color of the moon is highly threatening. Use your time wisely while I keep him constrained.”

That might very well be true. Remembering the intel provided by the Primordial Void Ruler, I told Vishnu who had been waiting.

[Vishnu. I’ll take Shiva with me.]

[Heh heh, sounds good. Shiva is way better in combat than I am, so he’ll be a big help.]

With a bright laugh, Vishnu suddenly changed to a serious tone.

[But don’t let your guard down. Tsukuyomi is a strange being even I can’t identify…]

[Got it.]

[Then go!]

Zoom!!!

In the next moment, with Vishnu’s divine power unleashed, we all instantly jumped through space to the Red Moon where Tsukuyomi was located.

Upon arrival, the first to speak up was the Celestial Sage.

“Is that guy Tsukuyomi?”

The moon’s surface shimmered a fierce red.

Standing there was a woman wearing a [mask].