[Awakening of the Talent of Chaos!]

At those words, Yu Mang’s eyebrows wiggled.

[What did you hear me say earlier? If you fail to awaken your talent here, you die, you know.]

“But I predict that you’ve never awakened an ordinary human and then awakened them again, have you? Right?”

[Well… that’s true, but…]

Yu Mang stroked his beard and said.

[If I treated you humans like toys, I might try it, but once a human successfully awakens their talent, they never try again. So, I’ve never bothered.]

“I figured as much.”

[Well, if you want to do it, I can help you…]

Swish

As Yu Mang raised his hand, dozens of glowing orbs flew from it. It was undoubtedly a manifestation of Yu Mang concentrating his divine power. I instinctively sensed that his divine power was at an incredibly high level.

Yumang looked at me with a skeptical expression and said.

[I’ve never tried it, but it’s definitely very dangerous. Do you have a reason to risk your life like this?]

“There is a reason.”

[Because you want to become stronger?]

“That too… but somehow I just don’t feel like I’m going to fail.”

[Why? I’d like to hear your reasoning.]

“My reason is…”

I smiled and said.

“Because I feel like my upper dantian is already developed.”

[Hmm… what do you mean by that…?]

“Anyway, that’s fine. Just start whenever you are ready.”

With that, Yu Mang nodded and said.

[Don’t die. You seem like an interesting fellow.]

Woo woo woo

As Yu Mang extended his hand, the flow of light began to spin ominously. When that flow hit my body, the Supreme Master would respond and stimulate my upper dantian.

Normally, I wouldn’t even think about attempting such a dangerous awakening where I could die instantly if I failed. But I had my reasons for taking this challenge.

‘The most important aspect of this [Talent of Chaos] awakening is my Upper Dantian!’

When the Primordial Heaven Master explained the principles of ability awakening to me, they emphasized the upper dantian the most. When I accepted the divine power of Amaterasu, I also received it through the upper dantian, and every time I accumulated spiritual capability, my upper dantian was strongly stimulated and got stronger. I could confidently say that my upper dantian was more developed than that of ordinary humans.

Moreover, according to what Yu Mang explained, instead of complicating things like the Eight Trigrams, it seemed that it was a simpler method based on divine power and resonance, which indicated a lower level of enhancement. So, I thought the danger might have decreased just because it was a poorly refined version of the original.

If I received the stimulation of awakening once more, now that the seeds of chaos had already sprouted, perhaps I could awaken an even more amazing [Talent of Chaos] than before?

I clenched my fist internally.

‘The talent I awakened was the ability to carve the illustrations of Yu Shun and Chang Yi into the Heavenly Secret… so I probably awakened the ability to seal them in a book or summon them. Thanks to that talent, I was able to acquire Chang Yi’s [Power of Commerce]!’

If one awakening produced such an overwhelming effect, how powerful would a second talent I gain be? After all, when I return to my original era, the Grand Cycle won’t even exist, so this is an opportunity!

I couldn’t help but chuckle darkly.

‘Yes. If I could obtain the [Resurrection Talent] of the Primordial Heaven Master or the [Universal Technique Talent] of Cheon Gong-pyo… hee hee hee…’

The talent of chaos was filled with powerful abilities that were unimaginable from the perspective of ordinary sorcerers. If I could acquire just one more of those legendary powers, my future journey would undoubtedly become much smoother.

I boldly shouted.

“I’m ready!”

[Alright! That’s a manly spirit! Here we go!]

Boom – !!

In the next moment, a flash of lightning-like divine energy erupted from Yu Mang’s hand, striking my chest. It was so instantaneous that there wasn’t even a moment to blink, and soon I felt the platform beneath me trembling in response to the divine energy.

Kugugugugu…….

“Come! Talent of Chaos!”

Boom

A moment later, I suddenly felt my entire body’s blood vessels swell up dramatically. Just like the embodiment of walking fire entering demons, I was momentarily thrown into confusion but soon sensed stability returning, allowing me to breathe a sigh of relief.

“Phew, what was that? That wasn’t anything special…”

At that moment, the temples on both sides of my head felt as if someone was stretching them out, causing them to swell greatly. I even felt my eyeballs rising as I writhed.

“……!!”

What, what?!

Booooo!!

In the next moment, my consciousness blurred, and I realized I was collapsing. Blood flowed from my head, and it was only a matter of time before my body was in ruins. As I found myself in a spirit form, staring blankly at my dead body, Yu Mang, who had noticed my spirit, said in disbelief.

[This guy… acting all confident and then…!]

Ugh, well…

Kikikikik—

Just as I was about to say something, a ghostly whisper brushed past my ear, and a dark door appeared before my eyes.

[The Underworld calls for you.]

Grab!

Ah, who are you?!

Suddenly, two underworld guards with horse heads appeared on either side of me and tightly locked their muscular arms around me. While I was in a daze, they grabbed my spirit and jumped straight into the dark door.

Whoooosh!!

After flying through the darkness for a while, I suddenly found myself in a massive palace-like place I couldn’t recognize. My body was bound by ropes, kneeling, and a presence radiating a sinister aura stood before me.

[Oh, Fallen One… your name is… Baek Woong… welcome to the Underworld…!]

The underworld guards and the judge’s voice amplified the eerie atmosphere. In a situation that would send shivers down the spine of an ordinary person, I stood firm and felt oddly intrigued.

Huh? This voice sounds familiar…

Looking up, I was astonished to see the being in front of me.

[It’s… the King of Hell!!]

Since I was dead, it seemed like my voice was more of a spiritual sound. However, whether my voice was actually heard or not, the King of Hell opened his third eye wide and glared at me.

[It seems you know me… ]

The Fifth King of the Ten Kings of Hell, the strongest among them!

How could I forget the being whose aura of death radiated with every glance?

‘In my twenty-eighth life, you were my subordinate when I gained the power of the Wheel King!’

But now, it was the past of the [Great Cycle], and since we were in different seasons, the chances of him knowing me were nonexistent. I never expected to meet the King of Hell, who was currently working in the Underworld.

I hurriedly spoke.

[Um… that is… bring me the Book of Life and Death!!]

[……?]

The King of Hell looked at me in confusion. Then, with a bemused expression, he lifted the book in his hand and laughed.

[Heh heh. Are you referring to the Book of Life and Death in my hand, O deceased? That belongs to me! It can’t possibly fall into the hands of a mere deceased like you.]

Swish!

Plop

Suddenly, the Book of Life and Death disappeared right before my eyes and fell to my knees. I let out a loud shout.

[Good! Summon success!]

[……]

[……]

An awkward silence fell.

Then the King of Hell walked over, picked up the Book of Life and Death, and moved far away. After about thirty pages fell, he suddenly shouted solemnly.

[Fallen One, listen! I will judge the crimes you committed in life… ]

[Come forth, Book of Life and Death!]

Swish – Thud

[Ah… no!]

As the Book of Life and Death fell before me, the King of Hell looked extremely startled. With pleading eyes, I spoke to the King of Hell.

[King of Hell! Please revive me! Just once, I beg you!]

[You! How dare a deceased ask to be revived, thinking the underworld’s rules are lenient!]

Damn it! Is it that I can’t speak politely?

I yelled out.

[Keep it up, and I’ll throw the Book of Life and Death far out into space!!]

[What?!]

[Do you think I can’t?! This is life or death!!]

[……!!]

I squirmed on the ground, bound by the aura, earnestly begging.

[I accidentally died~! Just once! Please revive me!]

[……]

While I felt like I was being pathetic, now was not the time to consider such things!

[Just once~!!]

[This is such an absurd request…]

The King of Hell looked at me as if I were a bug when suddenly he seemed to start a conversation with someone.

[Is that so… O Saint… indeed… the laws of the universe… here, you are merely passing through… ]

[Who are you talking to?]

[I understand. As the will of the great one dictates… ]

Bowing to an invisible presence, the King of Hell suddenly looked at me. Then, looking down at me as if I were a bug, he spoke.

[Deceased! Do you think that administering a just death and guiding souls to the underworld would bring disgrace to you? It is through the mercy of the King that we prevent your souls from being subjected to cruel torture by the [Old Rulers]… you are quite audacious indeed!]

[I know! So please, just revive me once… I’ve learned my lesson!]

The King of Hell sighed.

[Hah… I will grant you life once more. However, first, you must meet someone.]

[Huh?]

[Be sure not to offend them.]

Swish!

The next moment, as the King of Hell waved his hand, I found myself sitting in a completely different location. The trial chamber of the King of Hell had vanished, and I felt like I had stepped into the cozy interior of a mansion.

‘Even the King of Hell has become invisible, huh?’

This was an incredibly vast and expansive space, reminiscent of a palace.

Treasures were piled high all around, and furnaces and pits were making sounds of flames everywhere.

Yet this place felt strangely familiar. I muttered unconsciously.

“Is this the Wheel King’s chamber…?”

Huh? I can hear my voice?

I was astonished by the unexpected event. Then I realized that I had somehow returned to a physical state, properly dressed instead of being in a spirit state. As I pinched my skin to feel the reality of my body, a voice reached my ears.

“You have the face of Fuxi.”

BAM!

With that voice, eight humans appeared before me. A man sat on a giant throne, surrounded in a guardian-like manner by seven people of all ages.

And when I looked at the man on the throne, I was stunned.

“Wha… My original look?!”

Indeed, the person sitting on the throne in my original form was my true self—

My original ugly face before transforming into Taihao Fuxi!

How can I transform into that?!

The entity resembling [Baek Woong], who had taken my original form, lifted a cup and took a sip of it, saying.

“Through the Mirror of Clarity, you can see the essence of one’s existence. Regardless of the artificial form you assume, your essence does not change.”

“In human terms, your face is indeed hideous. Is that why you’ve followed Fuxi’s extreme beauty?”

At the other’s question, I was momentarily dumbfounded before shaking my head vigorously.

“Not at all! I just wanted to experience being handsome for once!”

“Is that so…”

“Then kill me if you must, great being.”

Unbeknownst to me, I was already resigned. This was because I realized who the other party was. Unlike the King of Hell I had just encountered, the being before me was someone I couldn’t even dare to compare to.

Tap-tap

However, the individual resembling [Baek Woong] merely took his time sipping from his cup and quietly gazed into the fire. After a long silence, he finally spoke.

“Just as I am not you, you are not me.”

His gaze slowly turned towards me.

In that gaze, there was no trace of humanity whatsoever—the fragrance of cosmic death radiated. The overwhelming stare, which felt as if it condensed the death of the universe, indicated that looking into it could drain the vitality of all living things at once.

Because— I had once indirectly experienced the power of that being.

“Yet, even so, you have reached the essence of my soul… hence you are here.”

The ruler of death, the Wheel King, and seven treasures were before me.

I could understand the meaning behind the Wheel King’s words.

‘I indeed gained the power of the Wheel King in my twenty-eighth life!’

This was something orchestrated by my comrade, Mangnyang. Long ago, the Wheel King was defeated by the emperor and perished, leading to chaos in the Underworld, and Mangnyang had been attempting for over 500 years to grant me the Wheel King’s power so that I could counter the emperor by restoring the Underworld.

Many events happened, but in any case, through that effort, I managed to acquire the Wheel King’s powers and also rights over the Dragon Wheel of Seven Treasures and the Book of Life and Death— as well as the capability of the three-eyed power.

However, perhaps because that was a scheme from Hang-a, and it occurred in a [dream], upon waking up, the Wheel King’s power had indeed been inherited, but it almost never activated and became incomplete. Two lives had passed since then, and yet I still had not uncovered the reason why.

Regardless, the fact that I had once wielded the powerful Wheel King’s power enough to be recognized by the King of Hell remained undeniable. The Wheel King before me must have sensed that too, and that was why he appeared before me!

‘What should I do?’

I was completely at a loss for what to say to the Wheel King in front of me. Even if I explained the circumstances of how I came upon the Wheel King’s powers, would it be appropriate to discuss crossing the [Great Cycle]?

After a while, the Wheel King, still resembling [Baek Woong], spoke to one of the seven treasures behind him.

“Yinlun, why are you trembling?”

With a benevolent voice, the silver-haired beauty known as Yinlun flinched and shivered. She wore glasses and had an extremely intelligent look, but at the Wheel King’s words, her face turned deep red, and she bowed her head in embarrassment.

“I apologize, O Wheel King…”

“There is no need for apology. Baek Woong also possesses rights over your Seven Treasures. Like me…”

“…….”

“Your seven treasures were created when I, [Death], first formed a persona and descended into this world. They are beings very close to my incarnation. Thus, it is truly against the laws of the universe for another being to possess what belongs to me. It is indeed intriguing.”

Then the Wheel King glanced over at me.

“Baek Woong, are you perhaps an apostle who descended in accordance with the will of the Great [Father]?”

I gasped and answered.

“Th-there’s no way that could be true! How could I be such a magnificent being?”

The Wheel King smiled faintly.

“Is that so? My insight as the deity of death tells me otherwise…”

“No way!”

“If that is the case, there would only be one answer left.”

The Wheel King’s following words only confused me further.

“You must be the one who drives the [Great Cycle]. Is that not so?”

“!!”

Could it be that the Wheel King already knew of the existence of Reborn Persons?!

I was bewildered by the sudden development, unable to adapt emotionally, and just then the Wheel King seemed to read my thoughts and spoke.

“That’s right. I know it all, so there’s no need to worry, Reborn Person Baek Woong.”

“Uh…!”

As I gaped in astonishment, the Wheel King waved the empty cup he was holding, saying.

“You already know this is my chamber. While you have seen it empty without a master, it was originally a world unique to me, akin to my source dimension. Outside of this room, you could hide your thoughts even from the [Old Rulers].”

“So that means you’ve known my thoughts from the beginning…?”

“That’s right. It’s the first time I’ve seen a human who has died thirty times and come back to life. It’s also intriguing to know that this human was once my successor trying to revive the Underworld.”

“!!”

Did everything end the moment I stepped into this place? Did he read all my nonsensical thoughts?

I felt as if the walls were closing in on me when the Wheel King continued.

“Do you know this? I am now pondering something.”

“W-what is it?”

What the Wheel King said next was unexpected.

“Whether to kill Yuso or not.”

Yuso?!

I was taken aback and asked the Wheel King.

“Why are you suddenly considering killing Yuso? She can only predict things…”

“Baek Woong, you seem to have experienced Emperor Gong Sun Xuanwen already. His ability to calculate causalities is superb, but it has a single constraint you already know, right?”

At that, my face hardened. Even though it was a foolish nation, I had experienced the emperor’s prowess greatly, and it was impossible not to know that fact.

“The constraint that if an oracle intervenes, calculating causalities becomes meaningless…”

“Right. Put simply, all predictive abilities hinge on the presence or absence of [the Predictor’s intervention]. When the act of prophecy itself influences the future, the causality becomes convoluted. Therefore, most predictive abilities are adjusted so as not to cross the line based on the laws of causation.”

“What does that have to do with wanting to kill Yuso?”

“Yuso’s abilities are beyond that realm. She intentionally spoke humbly to you, but her predictive power is a type of foresight where [the Predictor can intervene]. In other words, the moment she predicts, I am also trapped within her foresight.”

“?!”

“Yuso likely knew this exact moment we’re talking right now. And by knowing that, it means I am merely one of the characters from her foresight.”

I was flabbergasted and responded.

“C-can such a thing be possible? You, the Wheel King, are one of the mightiest deities in the entire universe…”

“Fuxi dabbled where he should not have. In the name of taking care of humans, he granted the [Talent of Chaos] to you mortals, and that power has grown too great. It may even pose a threat to the gods…”

I felt the sincerity in the Wheel King’s words, and a slight chill went down my spine.

‘I see!! The primitive humans, unsealed from the [Talent of Chaos], were once extraordinarily powerful beings that threatened even the gods!’

I felt I finally understood why I felt pressured by Yuso. If her predictive abilities were on par with the Wheel King—worthy of his consideration to kill her—then she likely shouldn’t exist on the earthly realm.

Kigii

With a peculiar sound, a twisting ball of thread symbolizing Yuso’s fate and life manifested above the Wheel King’s palm.

He shifted his gaze towards the fire before him.

“Should this be thrown into the flames of the Underworld, Yuso will never reach the Underworld and will be eternally extinguished alongside her soul.”

“Gah!”

“I can directly see the laws of causation. I can clearly see the threads of causation that flow constrained by Yuso’s [Observation]. She must be punished for daring to challenge the realm of the gods.”

The Wheel King posed a riddle.

“However, what do you think? Did Yuso deliberately lead you out of Takrok Village knowing that she would perish doing so? She likely understood that if she set you free, there was a good chance she would die.”

“That is…”

It was a profound question, but I comprehended what the Wheel King was implying.

If the level of Yuso’s predictive power suggested by the Wheel King was true, she shouldn’t have let me leave Takrok Village. This in itself questioned whether her predictive abilities were truly flawless.

After contemplating for a moment, I responded.

“I believe she knew.”

“If she knew and still let you go, that suggests she predicted that due to your persuasion, I would not be able to kill her, thereby allowing my authority to decline, so I must kill her.”

“…Do as you wish. But I believe it wouldn’t matter to her either way.”

“It wouldn’t matter?”

“Yes. From my experience with people, I get a sense that…”

I spoke sincerely.

“Yuso was someone searching for a way to die. A person like that wouldn’t obsess over the method of their death nor desire to live long. What matters to her is whether she can enjoy the moment right now.”

“Oh….”

“I suppose that’s what it means to see into the future.”

Swish

Then, as the Wheel King drew forth the threads of fate, he burst into a smile.

“I liked that answer.”

“…What? I just spoke what came to mind…”

The Wheel King, with an emotionless gaze, continued to stare into the fire.

“That is what is important. Those who handle fate should not handle death in terms of good and evil. Death is simply just death… Your answer reflected that truth back to me with clarity.”

“I figured as much, but indeed, Reborn Persons are beings who align well with my philosophy.”

It seemed that the Wheel King truly didn’t intend to kill Yuso. It appeared he merely posed a riddle to test me.

Tentatively, I asked the Wheel King.

“…You are not surprised to know about Reborn Persons. Did you already know?”

“I’ve heard of such tales since my days on the divine seat. The [Father]’s desired reincarnation could not solely be achieved by our children of chaos, and there must exist another wheel of destiny.”

“Um…”

“Reborn one. If you drive the [Great Cycle], how is it that you came to this era?”

Huh? Why is he asking that?

If he reads my thoughts, doesn’t he already know?

‘Something feels strange…’

Could it be just a question to test me? But that seemed too serious for that. After all, information about the [Great Cycle] was something that even the highest being shouldn’t leak.

But I couldn’t just remain silent. So, I thought it best to respond honestly.

“Honestly, I didn’t know how. I simply thought that turning the [Great Cycle] was my only way to escape as I evaded formidable foes. I intended to hold out until the time flowed back to the original time.”

“Is that so.”

“Wheel King! I apologize for begging for my life. Just consider this life a failure and end it.”

I resigned myself, kneeling before the Wheel King. After coming this far, it felt too petty to plead for the Wheel King’s mercy. I was under no illusion that even the Wheel King would spare a being like me.

However, the Wheel King disregarded my kneeling and spoke to a robust warrior near him.

“Jinglun. I feel you have something to say.”

Jinglun, who was called so, hesitated and said.

“O Wheel King, I have just received word from the King of the First Hell, Qin Guangwang. The Yan Emperor Shennong is currently besieging the gates of the Underworld with his giant race army.”

What?!

Is that really true?!

I was shocked by the sudden turn of events.

“Hmm… Shennong…”

“Qin Guangwang said that he felt overwhelmed on his own and requested urgent assistance…”

“I will speak to him directly.”

The Wheel King waved his hand toward the void. Then, the Mirror of Clarity appeared in front of him, projecting the image of Shennong, who was revealing his true form.

The Yan Emperor Shennong, equipped with a colossal axe and armor, was genuinely coming in force.

“….”

The Wheel King did not respond, but I couldn’t believe my ears watching the scene.

‘For heaven’s sake… the great Yan Emperor Shennong has led an entire army to the Underworld just for a mere oracle!’

This was something I never envisioned, and as I remained stunned, the Wheel King spoke with no emotion.

“Ambitious, Shennong. Do you intend to utilize Yuso’s prophetic abilities to gain an advantage in the upcoming battle against Emperor Gong Sun Xuanwen?”

What?

As I widened my eyes at the unexpected words, Shennong seemed to readily agree.

[Correct, O Wheel King. In any case, we all must unite to combat the emperor, so there is no harm in granting you aid. As such, bestow upon us the mercy befitting the ruler of death.]

“…Haha.”

The Wheel King continued his emotionless smile before speaking.

“It appears you are regretting that the maiden was taken from you by the emperor.”

The maiden!

‘I’ve heard of her…’

While I have never directly encountered that existence during my rebirths, she frequently appears in ancient tales regarding the Three Sovereigns, and to any scholar or practitioner who studies history, she would be well known.

That existence was said to have counselled Emperor Gong Sun Xuanwen on matters of sexual arts and aided in establishing the early human civilization. While many lewd imaginations surrounded the techniques of sexual arts, Mangnyang once taught me that the techniques of the maiden were actually the ultimate method of true Qi manipulation, leading the Daoist schools to derive their breathing techniques from her teachings. Fundamentally, it was a secret art meant for benefiting humanity and creating life.

It was alarming to mention the legendary maiden in the presence of the Wheel King and Shennong!

‘Could it be that the maiden truly existed?’

Then again, I had encountered Qi Bai Chen, a being known as the Apostle of Qi Bai Chen, so there was nothing strange about the maiden appearing.

As I was dazed, Shennong responded to the Wheel King’s words.

[It seems you know everything. Indeed, Yuso possesses talent comparable to that of the maiden… The emperor will certainly attempt to exploit her abilities, and to combat that, Yuso is indispensable.]

The Wheel King replied in his typical unbothered tone.

[Shennong, regardless of how formidable Yuso’s and the maiden’s talents may be, they cannot pose a significant risk to sacred beings like us. Therefore, by using the pretext of opposing the emperor, must you walk the same path as him?]

[…….]

[You cannot deny that.]

This led Shennong to respond with a somewhat dissatisfied tone.

[So what are you suggesting? It’s true that the emperor has become stronger with the maiden’s addition to his forces. Yet succeeding in killing the oracle without any plan is highly nonsensical.]

[Is there any need to delve into the worth of each? Whether the emperor triumphs or you do, in the end, we all retreat to the embrace of the [Father]. To seek benefits while defying predetermined destinies is merely the struggles of mortals.]

[Hah… Being born from the very essence of [Death] does not authorize you to sound like the [Father]. The arrogance of denying that sentient beings strive to live their lives to the utmost is simply unacceptable.]

[Is that so.]

While the Wheel King and Shennong were quarreling, he soon appeared to contemplate something while resting his chin on his hand. Then he turned to me and asked.

“Baek Woong, do you see that?”

“Yes?”

What am I supposed to see?

I concentrated my eyesight, hoping to view what lay beyond the mirror, but no matter how I looked, all I saw were Shennong and the giant army, leaving me blinking in confusion. Then the Wheel King spoke.

“It seems you’ve piled your powers tumultuously. Ordinarily, someone of your caliber should be able to see what lurks behind that fellow.”

“That fellow?”

Swish

As the Wheel King approached me, he placed his fingertip on my forehead.

“At times like this, a turn of the wheel would clarify your power’s purity.”

BOOM!!

“……!!”

In that moment, I felt a tremendous rupture as if my upper dantian was breaking apart. At the same time, an overwhelming force whirled through my limbs, threatening to tear my skin apart, sending me spinning into a vortex—the pressure made me scream.

“AHHHHHHH!”

Is the Wheel King attacking me?!

Cough!

‘Damn! Am I going to die at the hands of the Wheel King in this life?!’

Woo woo woo

But a moment later, I realized my entire body felt light and refreshed. For some reason, after spitting up blood, a brilliant white light erupted from my entire body, creating a distinctly holy wave of power. I was astonished by the feeling of fulfillment I had never felt, even when expending my internal power to the fullest.

“Woah! This…!”

“The flow of your power has stabilized for a moment, focus your mind and open the three-eyed vision.”

“Oh… Right.”

I realized the Wheel King had done something to me and immediately concentrated on summoning one of the powers I had previously acquired from him—the three-eyed vision. Pouring energy into my forehead to invoke the power, moments later another eye emerged.

That three-eyed vision was indeed one of the top abilities possessed by the Wheel King and the King of Hell within the Underworld.

“It seems I haven’t been able to use the three-eyed vision all this time, but it works perfectly now.”

Swoosh

After a while, as I activated the three-eyed vision, I noticed something that had been translucent all along. As I recognized what it was, I shouted.

“It’s the Apostle of the Emperor, Qi Bai Chen!!”

I could never forget that grotesque form! The multiple eyes, several pairs of wings, and ominous crimson shoulder blades embodied the cosmic horror within. The Apostle of the Emperor, who was one of the powerful divine beings, had made an appearance.

The Wheel King calmly spoke.

“At this moment, that being is fully focused on camouflage, so Shennong is unaware of his presence. Additionally, this phenomenon is being relayed to the emperor via the eyes of Qi Bai Chen.”

“……!!”

“However, no matter how excellent his camouflage may be, he cannot avoid the three-eyed vision. Now that your divine power has been stabilized, be sure to utilize the three-eyed vision moving forward.”

“Yes, understood.”

I recognized that the Wheel King had granted me favor. I blankly nodded when I suddenly realized.

“Could it be that the reason you’re acting like you’re about to kill Yuso is…”

“Correct. If the emperor observes that I blatantly deliver Yuso into Shennong’s hands, she will undoubtedly fall into a far more perilous situation than before. Just as Shennong proposed, she will be crucial for us against the emperor, so we must conceal her identity.”

“So what will you do?”

“I have to coordinate with Shennong. Similarly, I must deceive Qi Bai Chen as well.”

Muttering such, the Wheel King glanced over at me.

“So you must step forth as the great warrior.”

“Me?”

Grab!

The Wheel King suddenly clasped my face with his hand.

“Do well.”

Whoosh!!

The next moment, I was unexpectedly transported from the Wheel King’s chamber to the gates of the Underworld. Before the massive gates, which resembled an empty expanse, numerous military forces had gathered, and I recognized that Shennong’s giant body was standing among them.

“…….”

I had instantly arrived directly in front of Shennong’s giant army surging into the Underworld!

As realization struck, my mind felt blank, and I staggered back as my face turned white with fear. Watching me, Shennong raised his voice fiercely.

[Who are you!!]

His roar was filled with the killing intent of an enraged being—it was immediately apparent how furious he was. It suddenly dawned on me that I would not last a single strike if I were to be targeted by him.

“Uh… th-that’s…”

Why in the world did this sudden situation occur?!

As I floundered in shock and terror, the voice of the Wheel King echoed from above me.

[Shennong. As the great Emperor of the Underworld, I cannot flex the principles of life and death so easily. And you don’t wish to give up Yuso, nor would she wish to be handed over to you. Even so, if we were to all fight with our full strengths against one another, it would only benefit the emperor.]

[So?]

[Let’s send out our champions and settle matters through single combat. The winning side gets what they wish.]

Surprisingly, Shennong chuckled.

[Ha ha ha! That’s music to my ears. However, do you mean to say this small human is your champion?]

[Indeed. You must send forth your strongest warrior except for yourself.]

[Then of course, my choice has been made.]

Boom…….

The imposing giant donned in bronze armor with horns slowly stepped forward. His skin flared with a bright crimson hue and he wielded a gigantic axe overflowing with immense divine power.

The moment I laid eyes on that being, I lost all fighting spirit. The reason was simple— I already knew who he was.

“T-the Giant King, [Burning Man]…!”

Why on earth am I supposed to face such a monstrous foe?!

At first glance, he was several hundred times stronger than me!

Just as I silently screamed inside, the Wheel King spoke monotonously.

[The Burning Man will not suffice. Though he possesses an independent will, he is essentially a divine manifestation of Shennong; thus, he is not truly separate from him.]

[Hmm.]

[If you must send forth the Burning Man, I, too, shall appoint the King of Hell to support!]

[That is unacceptable. However, it is clear that the Burning Man could be more of a burden rather than a gift to your champion.]

[Indeed, too weak to engage in this battle.]

As the Burning Man sheepishly stepped back, Shennong conversed with him.

[Burning Man! You may choose from the remaining strongest warriors apart from yourself!]

[In that case, I would suggest one of the three great warriors.]

[Then I’ll leave it to you.]

Swoosh

After surveying the lined-up giant warriors around, the Burning Man selected one of them, who wielded a whip, and said.

[Zhu Rong! Will you fight?]

Wha… Zhu Rong?!

I was startled by that name and turned to observe the giant warrior. As expected, he closely resembled the Zhu Rong I knew. The difference being, instead of the dark power held by Li, he was saturated in pure flame.

‘That’s him, Zhu Rong, before the betrayal during the Mythological Age!’

Of course, this version of Zhu Rong didn’t even know me, and even without the history, he had been an adversary standing against me and blocking my path for leisure, making him an annoying character that I involuntarily glared at.

Zhu Rong then responded to the Burning Man.

[You seem too weak for a human. I don’t feel like fighting someone like you.]

[Fine.]

The Burning Man seemed to have expected this, nodding as he turned to the others.

[Two out of the three great warriors have declined, so there’s only one left to choose.]

[Hmm. Considering that one is fine regardless of the opponent, I’d say we’re good.]

[We’ll bring him to you.]

Whoosh

Moments later, a dimension door opened to reveal them being pulled through. Dragged by the nape, the remaining giant appeared, confused.

[O King! If it’s a single combat, then why am I in this situation? You don’t really mean I am to fight that tiny human, do you?]

[That’s correct. Are you displeased?]

[…Well, hmm.]

The giant hesitated and grabbed his lance.

[If it’s a command, I shall obey it. I never thought I would be ordered to perform such a task… but…]

[…….]

[Burning Man, Zhu Rong! You also have your orders, so quit complaining!]

Faced with let downs, the giant retorted back.

[You were late and got assigned the short straw!]

[What?!]

Hearing this, the giant glared back at Zhu Rong with a disgruntled expression.

[Once this is over, I’ll settle this score back with you!]

Zhu Rong flinched for a moment, but when he noticed Shennong and the Burning Man’s gazes upon him, he quickly quieted down.

Zhu Rong slowly walked to stand about three feet away from me, and upon seeing the mask I was wearing, he said.

[I can’t see your true nature through that mask. So you are the champion of the Wheel King, the ruler of the Underworld, are you?]

Huh? A mask?

I instinctively touched my face, realizing a pitch-black mask had been laid across it.

Panicking, I exclaimed.

“…Yes.”

[In that case, shall we personally introduce ourselves before we start? What is your name?]

“……”

I was at a loss for what to do. But then, I made up my mind to tell a lie.

‘Can’t see through my essence, he doesn’t seem to know who I am…’

Perhaps the Wheel King deliberately placed that mask over me to conceal my identity. I decided to trust the mask’s effectiveness and lied.

“My name is… Heuk Woong!”

I had to lie.

Because the being before me was someone I already knew.

[Is that so? Your name sounds familiar.]

Hwa!

The giant warrior pointed his spear toward me with a smile.

[My name is Yu Mang!]

Yu Mang appeared at the very scene!

‘The high-ranking warrior from the Giant Clan was actually one of the three great warriors!’

I had not received full clarity about the status of the great warriors from the Thief Gang. However, I had enough wit to deduce from the conversation between Shennong and the Burning Man about the standing of the warriors.

The title of the three great warriors must refer to the most formidable commanders and fighters among all the gigantic beings, excluding the deity Shennong and his divine manifestation, the Burning Man.

It didn’t take much to realize that being one of the three great warriors meant that Yu Mang had to be on par with the strongest subordinates of the Three Sovereigns!

And knowing Yu Mang’s strength only made me tenser. For observing their conversation, Yu Mang seemed even more powerful than Zhu Rong. He appeared to be exceptionally close to a high-tier divine status, whence absurdity blossomed in my mind.

‘A being that powerful only guarding Takrok?!’

As I found this situation bewildering, I compelled myself to steady my composure and slowly reached for my sword, remembering that I was missing one of my arms.

“Before we fight, I have a question, Yu Mang.”

It appeared that the black mask placed over me also had the capability to modify my voice. Otherwise, Yu Mang would have instantly recognized me as Baek Woong. Accordingly, Yu Mang, too, seemed to answer without any suspicion.

[You seem to look like someone with a lot to say. Go ahead and ask.]

“Since you have so many weapons, what is your primary weapon?”

Yu Mang was uniquely an ancient warrior and was equipped with more than one weapon. First, he had a bow slung over his back, an axe at his waist, a long saber sheathed on one side, and now wielded a spear.

At first glance, he had four weapons on display!

It was uncommon for a warrior from a medieval era to be so heavily armed since they would likely wear a solid armor instead, so it sparked my curiosity about his go-to weapon.

[Oh… ]

Yu Mang scratched his chin and said.

[That’s a curious thing to say. As a warrior, it’s natural to be proficient with all the weapons they carry, right?]

“So you’re saying you’re proficient with the bow, axe, saber, and spear?”

[Hah—what a joke. If I can’t do that, how can I call myself a warrior?]

“Then if you master all, wouldn’t it come at the cost of mastering one?”

[Hmm?]

I casually posed a question that any martial artist would consider fundamentally sound, and Yu Mang’s eyebrows jiggled in response. After thinking for a while, he smiled.

[Oh ho, so you’re a warrior who follows “Sanzhu”]

Huh?

What’s that?

Perceiving some deeper knowledge within Yu Mang’s words, I found things growing tense. I casually asked about weapon training, but he seemed aware of the practices around martial arts.

At that moment, Zhu Rong, who had been quietly observing, interjected, sounding annoyed.

[Yumang! How long do you plan to exchange verbal jabs with that flea? At this rate, I’ll be going out myself!]

[Oi, this kid… ]

Yu Mang, displaying dissatisfaction with Zhu Rong’s words, suddenly turned, hurling his axe straight at him.

Swish!

The axe flew neither too fast nor too slow, but Zhu Rong seemed trapped as if held immobile by its trajectory. He appeared somewhat startled by the oncoming axe yet soon swung his whip made of dark flames to counter it.

Crash!

However, the axe sliced through his whip, piercing straight to threaten Zhu Rong’s chest, pushing him back a staggering five steps; this alone demonstrated the gulf of their power.

The unexpected surprise ignited Zhu Rong’s ire, and he exclaimed in fury.

[You crazy fool!]

Yu Mang mocked back at him.

[You’re the one going mad, you fool. It’s a life-and-death duel with the will of the great Shennong behind it, yet here you are cursing your own ally!]

[Ugh… ]

Sensing the fury directed at him, Zhu Rong trembled slightly, but upon meeting the gazes of Shennong and the Burning Man, he suddenly seemed to resolve himself.

As Yu Mang directed the returned axe towards me, he declared.

[Look! No one uses the axe better than I do!]

“……”

I couldn’t help but glance at the axe before responding.

“That impressive axe trick relies on your divine power, so it can’t count as pure skill and martial talent, now can it?”

[Hah! I figured you’d say something like this. Warriors adhering to the path of “Sanzhu” would always tangle upon those words.]

With a hearty laugh, Yu Mang articulated, before asserting with a glint of killing intent.

[But what is purity worth? Is it pure to stand weak and accept defeat, rather than use divine power for that? Seeking only the purest power raises the question of whether such ‘purity’ calls you a warrior.]

“That’s because wielding divine power allows you to alter physical laws at will, so that constitutes cheating.”

[In a life-and-death decision, where do you assert such “cheating”? In truth, I find the concept of purity per se a point of mockery. What, do you become satisfied because you’re weak?]

“……”

[Such an interesting topic. Since you are the champion of the mighty Wheel King of the Underworld, I expected you would send Yama or the Seven Treasures instead of this weak human warrior… but if we’re going to waste time talking, that no longer makes you a warrior.]

With hands back in action, Yu Mang rested the spear, now held with both hands, against me.

Whoosh!

Pointing the spear at me, Yu Mang softly stated.

[I define strength only as power. I’m not interested in your concepts of purity. Fight to the fullest!]

I took a breath while realizing that this would be Yu Mang’s ultimatum. Now that he was finished bantering, any action I took would signal the beginning of our battle, leaving no chance for me to exit without defeat. With absolutely no way to overcome Yu Mang, I thought instead of relying on the Four Great Spirit Deities.

However, would that even work?

Despite the pressure of panicking fears, I calmly replied to Yu Mang.

“I understand. Then, as you said, I’ll fight to the utmost! But promise me this: If I win, you’ll tell me what you mean by ‘Sanzhu’!”

I figured I might as well secure this promise, considering the situation. Yu Mang smiled as if he saw it coming.

[I expected that from your race! You’re all yearning for truths you can’t understand…]

“Promise me.”

[It’s a promise.]

Woo woo woo

The air around us thickened ominously just before the battle. Strangely enough, despite my current anxiety, I felt my thoughts were strikingly clear, and my limbs felt as light as air. This state of heightened focus was familiar to me, but this time, it was different because I wasn’t concentrating knowingly.

What was this strange tranquility?

Objectively, I understood that without pouring in my spirit to summon the Four Great Spirit Deities, there was no chance to win. However, I found that I wasn’t afraid in front of Yu Mang at all. Instead, I sensed a growing eagerness, coldly coursing through my blood.

Eagerness?

Why on earth did I feel this way?

Before I could figure out the workings of my own heart, it began—the upper dantian started to stir as if awakening from a dream. My mind was buzzing while that small universe within me began revealing itself piece by piece.

Shhh…….

The formerly dark and foggy interior of the cosmos began to illuminate, and within that infinite space, I felt my spirit diving headlong into an epiphany. While I faltered in the past, now I grasped fully that this change was no longer something I needed to struggle against.

‘So it is…’

This was merely the beginning.

You could comprehend how hard I had fought to reach this point, yet it hadn’t been in vain when my path led me here.

I was confident it was thanks to the fortune of the Wheel King stabilizing my divine power along with my past efforts.

Boom!

The first circle whipped within, linking from point to point in endless flow.

Upon forming the first circle, the second circle dutifully followed onto the vertical axis without a hitch. Ultimately, the third circle developed into a great divide of heaven and earth, while I felt the function of the three circles in my upper dantian gradually transition into my middle dantian.

Of all these movements, they were driven by the intent of my mind.

The world of imagination moved reality.

Some indescribable line of thought echoed through my mind. Such lines were something I’d heard numerous times before, but somehow they bore profound meaning and nurtured an awakening within me.

Boom!!

That massive force directed through my mid-dantian thrummed, eventually penetrating downwards to my lower dantian, where stunning sensations washed over me anew, much like the first time I passed through the Gates of Life and Death. Despite my blood being fully purified this time, it felt different; this time, unseen forces within me were being unblocked, enhancing my life force.

Whoooosh…

A brief moment passed, and I felt a halo ignite behind my head while I sensed the trifold of silence gathering within my mind. As my upper dantian completed its preparations, a familiar voice emerged from the depths of my consciousness.

It was the figure dressed in government cloth cloaked in dark black mist.

[Welcome back, my master’s spirit. I thought it would take a long time, but in the end, you’ve achieved the stabilization of your power.]

Here you are.

It feels good to see you again after such a long time.

[As your master, at this moment, you hold the power required to equal that of the giant before you. I shall assist you with the utmost strength.]

No. That isn’t how it is now.

Now that my divine power had stabilized, I could undeniably recognize this fact.

At this moment, you wield far greater strength than I do in using ‘this power.’

[If so… ]

Then I’m leaving it to you.

Right now is the time to learn how to manage this power—it’s time to learn from you.

Besides, Yu Mang had already told me to tap into my full potential, and that was only courteous.

[Understood.]

Slowly and ominously, the being shrouded in black mist approached and was seemingly drawn towards the peak of the three circles. My consciousness began to venture there, and soon the power was unleashed, wrapping around my body in immense waves of energy as it rhythmically pulsed within me.

Boom!!

It felt as if my entire being had transformed into a sacrificial offering, but this wasn’t the case. What had been previously unified within my body had now returned, absorbing itself back in pure unity. My awareness receded to make way for the encroaching dark entity that spoke.

[I have come to uphold our covenant.]

“`

 

---