---

“Dark Heaven Village,” said Great Monk Seo San.

“Bin Seung won’t agree to awaken the Guardian. If it’s as they say, the Guardian’s strength has reached a level that no mere human can contend with. How could we possibly capture them with just the four of us? Moreover, the Dharma Guardian will soon break the barrier.”

Seo San’s words made sense. But Miho, folding her arms, retorted, “So you propose we just sit here and wait to die? You can’t seriously believe that the Dharma Guardian will just turn back if they can’t find the relic on the surface?”

“Well…”

“If pushed, they would even attempt to flatten a mountain. We are far from safe. Instead of giving up on what’s impossible, we should think of how to survive.”

“You’re right.”

She was correct.

Logically, it seemed absurd for a human to single-handedly flatten the considerable terrain of over 150 hills, but if the Dharma Guardian could manipulate natural energies, it was not out of the question. Plus, given that Mount Muni was already a relic site, we had to consider that a massive shock from above could cause the entire relic to collapse. We could very well be trapped and buried beneath it.

Until then, the quiet monk Yu Jeong spoke up, “How about this approach?”

“Do you have a plan?”

“Using the enemy against the enemy.”

Miho frowned. “That might be our only option. However, there’s no guarantee it’ll go as we think. We must devise a solid plan.”

I turned to Yu Jeong and asked, “So, you mean to have the Dharma Guardian and the Guardian fight each other?”

“Yes. That way, we could aim for mutual destruction, and whichever side survives will be weakened, making it easier for us to strike.”

“It aligns with Miho’s words, but it sounds challenging.”

I exhaled deeply. To pit the Dharma Guardian against the Guardian!

That would be the absolute ideal scenario for us, but creating that situation was the problem. Luring the Dharma Guardian here and spilling blood on the altar to make them confront each other might work, but there was also a chance that the Dharma Guardian would just leisurely head back if they didn’t engage with the Guardian. Not to mention, they could ignore the Guardian and simply kill us instead. We had no guarantee the Dharma Guardian would play along and actually battle the Guardian.

While continuing his chanting, Great Monk Seo San said, “…I’d like to confirm one thing, nine-tailed fox.”

“What?”

“If you were to gain the Moon Sovereign’s power, what would you do?”

“Hmph, why would you care?”

“It’s important, so please answer.”

Seo San didn’t seem to be asking idly. Miho, catching onto his intent, pondered for a moment before responding, “This maiden used to serve the Queen Mother of the West. I plan to ascend and journey to the Celestial Realm using the power of the Moon Sovereign. I have no desires beyond that.”

“Indeed… then there is a way.”

“What?”

“Let’s proceed as such.”

And thus, the operation began.

I sat cross-legged in the darkness, collecting my energy in silence. This space was comfortable enough for me to focus entirely on gathering strength. My gaze remained fixed ahead.

Silence reigned.

Thud. Thud.

The sound of footsteps echoed through the relic. But these footsteps were clearly deliberate, meant to instill fear in listeners. In reality, the person could leap a hundred yards without making a sound, owing to their light body technique.

As the footsteps drew near, their owner seemed to scan the surroundings. Then murmurs began to emerge.

“Are they hiding? Pathetic creatures.”

It appeared he had already sensed we were hidden. Feeling overconfident, he began inspecting the altar with interest. This relic seemed quite unique to him, as he scrutinized every detail.

“Oh… how intriguing.”

Suddenly, Miho’s illusion appeared from the shadows. As the Dharma Guardian realized it was an illusion, he didn’t attack but merely glared.

“Do you think hiding will do you any good? You’ve already walked into a trap.”

“Well, perhaps. But first, I’d like to ask you something.”

“What?”

“Do you know the legend of the Seven Luminaries?”

The Dharma Guardian went silent at Miho’s question. He seemed to catch on to something and looked shocked. Glancing at the altar, he finally spoke.

“So, the Seven Luminaries are here, huh?”

“That’s right. They’re treasures sealed since the Divine Age.”

“I’ll be sure to kill you all and seize the Seven Luminaries.”

“I’ll see if you can achieve that!”

Miho cackled.

At that moment, Miho unleashed a vessel from the void. A moment later, a clanging noise resounded as a viscous stream of blood flowed onto the altar. The Dharma Guardian, standing directly in front of it, felt the massive tremor beneath his feet and became flustered.

Grrr!

“No…”

BOOM!!

Darkness erupted from underground. The vast darkness surged, releasing hundreds to thousands of spirits, whom swirled around and charged toward the Dharma Guardian. Despite utilizing his martial skills to fend off the spirits, he seemed to sense the overwhelming presence being summoned to this spot.

CRRRASH!!

The darkness, escalating to engulf the entirety of the underground relic, eventually broke through the ceiling. It soared into the sky, forming a distinct shape as if it were alive.

Glorious darkness shimmered as it absorbed the moonlight. The Dharma Guardian attempted to escape through the hole he just created but it seemed that the darkness had recognized him as an enemy. Tending tendrils shot out from the dark mist and targeted him.

WHAM!

“Ugh… you beast!!”

Once the Guardian recognized that the darkness was indeed attacking him, he lost his cool. After regaining some composure, he bellowed, shaking Mount Muni to its very foundation.

“You fools!! Do you think I would battle such a creature? First, I’ll eliminate all of you and then I’ll leave this island!”

No response came. The Dharma Guardian dodged the dark entity and ascended into the sky using his light body technique. But just as he made a sudden evasive maneuver, he twisted in the air and landed back on the ground.

He appeared to be in utter confusion.

“What…? Who are you, and why are you speaking to me?”

He then shouted as if electrified, “Shut it! Don’t try to control me! I won’t be devoured by you!”

CRACK!

In the next moment, an immense whirlwind engulfed the Dharma Guardian, conjuring a powerful dragon storm. He began to strike at the form that loomed before him—a creature that was the embodiment of darkness.

THUNDERING BOOM!!

My heart raced as I witnessed the titanic clash of forces. It felt like the world was breaking apart as the dark presence slowly morphed, revealing an otherworldly monster the likes of which I had never seen before. It was so bizarre and horrifying that the previous demon beasts summoned by the Golden Eagle Guard seemed like gentle creatures in comparison.

A monstrous tree, black as night, rooted in the earth with branches and leaves sprouting downwards—each leaf possessed an eye, and at its core, a massive eye exuded a chilling presence, its dark tendrils bearing ominous voices.

As moonlight was swallowed by the void, the form reacted to the Dharma Guardian’s attacks.

AUM—

The very fabric of space wavered. Demonic energy rained down upon the earth.

From the skies, an unknown divine force gathered and began shooting down beams of light towards the ground. Explosions erupted, shockwaves rang out as the Dharma Guardian faced off against the entity in a violent confrontation.

As Miho observed from a distance, she called her own tail back. Clearly frightened, she trembled.

“W-What kind of creature is that?”

“The Dharma Guardian is no joke. They wield nature like that… “

As I considered, Miho paled, “What are you saying?! I’m talking about that Izanagi no Mikoto! To think such a beast exists… can’t you feel its power?!”

“……?”

I turned to look around. It wasn’t just Miho; even Great Monk Seo San and Yu Jeong appeared pale and shaken. They too sensed the immense power of the Guardian Izanagi no Mikoto rather than focusing on the Dharma Guardian.

Our plan was set.

We would deliberately open the relic doors to draw in the Dharma Guardian, ensuring they entered before combining our strength to perform a displacement technique, making our escape. Miho would use her tail to create clones, dropping vessels filled with my blood onto the altar.

The pivotal point rested on whether the Dharma Guardian would engage with the Guardian. Yet, even if they didn’t, we were presently concealed in the barrier created by Great Monk Seo San, hidden so well that even the Dharma Guardian would find it difficult to detect us in a short period.

Now, we were connected through the clairvoyance technique, eagerly watching the epic clash unfold between the Dharma Guardian and the Izanagi no Mikoto.

This raised a question in my mind. Although I was entertained by the spectacle, both Miho and the others seemed engulfed in terror just by observing.

‘Why do they react like this?’ I thought.

This wasn’t my first encounter with such otherworldly monsters, but to those unaccustomed, it must seem an overwhelming nightmare. But I thought of nothing; Yu Jeong turned to me, his face pale, “What is with you? How can you stay so calm even sensing such overwhelming demonic energy?”

“Umm…”

Something felt off.

Watching their reactions, it seemed perfectly rational for anyone else to go mad or die in this setting. I felt no fear, only thoughts of how to defeat the [one from the Moon], Izanagi no Mikoto. I even found myself chuckling at the Dharma Guardian’s misfortune. But in this moment, both Miho and the formidable monks trembled with fear while here I was, composed. I certainly felt something was wrong with me right then.

I was convinced that I was the most rational being in this situation. So I spoke up, “Everyone, relax. For now, let’s just watch and see how this unfolds.”

“We have no option but to do that. I wouldn’t dare leave this barrier.”

“Hmm… can the Dharma Guardian win against that monster?”

My gaze migrated to the sky. The sheer size of Izanagi no Mikoto was unsurpassed, visible even without clairvoyance. I could also clearly see the Dharma Guardian unleashing wind spirits, engaged in a fearsome battle. While observing, Miho sighed.

“I genuinely can’t tell. They’re both monsters, making it impossible to gauge. But we might need to help the Dharma Guardian.”

“What?! Are you serious?”

“…If we leave the Moon Sovereign’s Guardian unchecked, I feel everything will fall into ruin. We can’t let it simply be.”

Upon hearing Miho’s words, Great Monk Seo San nodded in agreement.

“Let’s keep an attentive watch.”

Conflicted thoughts whirled in my mind. Could this Izanagi no Mikoto truly be such a fearsome entity? This wasn’t a matter of whether I was courageous or timid. The pressure and force emanating from Izanagi no Mikoto were immense for others, yet here I stood, unyielding.

WHAM!

Suddenly the sky exploded in flames, with colossal shockwaves erupting. The Dharma Guardian seemed to be exhausting every ounce of power; simultaneously summoning dozens of whirlwinds to collide with Izanagi no Mikoto. The dark entity erupted in a primal cry, and black blood began to spew forth from the trunk.

ROAR!

The Dharma Guardian’s lion’s roar echoed, “AAAAAHH!!! Wind King Heaven Blade!!”

At that moment, he summoned a massive sword, infused with the energy of the wind, glowing radiantly—a feat symbolizing the height of martial mastery!

My voice erupted instinctively, “True Power Realm!”

This was an ecstatic achievement exclusive to those who reached the pinnacle of martial prowess! Furthermore, the ability to intertwine pure wind energy to manifest form was unimaginable. Seizing the Wind King Heaven Blade, the Dharma Guardian descended with incredible force upon Izanagi no Mikoto.

BOOM!

“UHHH…!”

This explosion was unlike any we had witnessed before, shaking the very ground, making the tremors feel like light earthquakes. The Wind King Heaven Blade struck directly at Izanagi no Mikoto’s enormous eye. The eye burst, scattering crimson blood across the land, but at the same time Izanagi no Mikoto seemed enraged, gathering its tendrils to conjure something spherical in mid-air.

Rumble, rumble.

Moments later, the sphere exploded, unleashing bizarre creatures resembling a mix of dogs and bees. They rushed en masse toward the Dharma Guardian, who pushed back with desperation.

CRACK!

……

I stood flabbergasted, trying to comprehend the monstrosity of it all. Was this truly a human being? As I felt instinctively that defeating Izanagi no Mikoto in the next life would require far more than mere efforts. Even the Dharma Guardian struggled against such a divine monster; other means had to be pursued.

So, approximately half a moment passed. The cosmic clash intensified, as Izanagi no Mikoto began to weaken, its black blood staining the ground. The Dharma Guardian pressed on, utilizing wind spirit techniques relentlessly. With the power of the Heavenly Spirit Pill, his internal strength was continuously replenished, allowing him to remain airborne with an unyielding resolve.

As the end approached, the Dharma Guardian cried out in desperation, “[Wind Spirit Sect’s Decisive Enlightenment: Divine Wind!!]”

He seemed willing to finish the fight using the ultimate technique. Unlike the Thunder God lineage, this ultimate technique summoned physical clones—each exerting multiplied strength. The Duality of illusion and reality simultaneously struck with might against Izanagi no Mikoto.

“Take this! Ultimate Technique of the Thunder God Lineage: Heavenly Approach Divine Wind!”

CRACK!

The darkness shattered. This attack seemed like it would certainly deliver a lethal blow.

“KRAAA…AAHH…!!”

Izanagi no Mikoto let out a horrifying scream. Around its form, a brilliant white light began to bubble over its body, and soon the essence of [the One from the Moon] began to explode with that luminescence. We all looked away in an attempt to shield our eyes from the intense brightness.

KA-BOOM!

The white flash surged across the area. We rushed to distance ourselves just in time, ready to escape from the explosion’s radius, but were nearly caught in its devastating wake. I quickly grabbed Yu Jeong, Seo San, and Miho to dash away.

HUH!

As the aftermath faded, I turned to Miho, “Are you okay?”

“Ugh… I hoped against hope that no one would take down Izanagi no Mikoto alone.”

Miho’s gaze remained fixated on the wreckage of Mount Muni, seemingly worried. It wasn’t just Yu Jeong and Seo San; every one of us felt the weight of what transpired. Seo San sighed deeply, “Hah… to think humans could become so formidable, it’s truly awakening.”

“Do you think he’s dead?”

“Uncertain. We need to investigate.”

Moments passed, where Miho and Seo San summoned their spirit puppets and enchantment techniques to scout the area. After searching for half a moment, it became clear that the creature’s presence had vanished from the area. As we stood idly and with no new leads, we decided to return to the relic.

We arrived at the desolated site of the relic and discovered the traces that Izanagi no Mikoto had left behind. The aura lingering still felt ominous. We carefully navigated through the ruins, but strangely, the altar remained untouched.

‘Did Izanagi no Mikoto deliberately refrain from targeting the altar?’

The walls were already cracked; it appeared they had opened after the Guardian fell. As we prepared to cross over to the other side, I felt a sense of foreboding and halted just before the bridge.

“Wait!”

“Why?”

“Hold on a second.”

CRACK!

Seconds later, a massive spider ascended from the depths of the abyss. I was utterly flabbergasted by its appearance.

‘What? What? Is that thing just a surprise minion that pops up at the end of trials?’

If that was the case, it suggested that the relic of Xuyou had some form of [Guardian] as well. But for some reason, it had remained hidden, and I concluded that its presence was merely a surprise meant to intimidate intruders, represented now by the giant spider.

As I felt deflated, Miho confidently chimed in, “That level is something we can handle.”

“Let’s finish it off quickly.”

There was no doubt I’d have no trouble taking down the spider alone, so relying on the others was unnecessary. Miho executed a technique while Seo San and Yu Jeong employed enchantments to bind the spider in place. I then rushed in to strike it down, unleashing my Thunderclap technique.

SKREEEE!

“Hang tight.”

As the massive spider fell, leaving a web in its wake, Miho utilized her transmission technique, crossing to the other side only to return moments later. In her hands, she held an ancient sword that emitted a radiant glow, while in the other, she clutched a mirror and jade. My curiosity piqued.

“What’s that? Didn’t we only retrieve the Heavenly Gathering Cloud Sword?”

“It appears that all three items collectively belong to the Moon Sovereign.”

“Interesting…”

Essentially indicating that the entire Dongyoung’s Three Divine Tools could be referred to as the Moon Sovereign. The Heavenly Gathering Cloud Sword was simply the most potent item among them. Miho, beaming, tucked the Moon Sovereign’s treasures into her robes.

“Ahaha, then let’s make our exit.”

I grumbled almost sourly, “Must be nice, heading up to the Celestial Realm.”

“Hehe, wouldn’t that be wonderful?”

As Miho stepped out of the relic’s chamber, she stated, “Once we return to the Celestial Realm, this time around, I won’t commit any evil deeds and will faithfully serve Lady Queen Mother. We’ll reflect on all that has happened and strive to do good…”

But back then, suddenly—

CRASH!

A sudden Wind Bullet shot through Miho’s chest. She looked at the gaping hole with disbelief and slowly crumpled to the side. Seo San and Yu Jeong scrambled to cast a shield, but I stood aghast watching the scene unfold.

“No way!!”

I rushed to Miho, gathering her into my arms. Her wound was grievous—there would be no hope of even the Great Immortal reaching her in time to save her. Miho coughed up blood and whispered, “Hah… hah… do… not worry… my life is nine… I won’t die… yet…”

“Damn it…!!”

Clenching my teeth, I cast my eyes upon the ruins.

There stood the Dharma Guardian, resembling a horror show, scarred and burnt all over except for one arm. Worse yet, his black tiger mask was gone, revealing a rugged, good-looking middle-aged man with a cross-shaped scar tracing across his face—a visage that had burned itself into my memory.

The Dharma Guardian sneered, “Thanks for taking care of my dirty work. Now it’s your turn to die.”

I could feel the flames of fury surging through me. It was clear he had lost his mind.

“You’re joking, right? You’re the one who’s a corpse! I’m going to kill you!”

“Heh… Fated to be a corpse, huh… Perhaps.”

RUMBLE!

“……!!”

“You all shall soon be corpses.”

As the Dharma Guardian raised an enormous Wind Bullet the size of ten men above his head, I felt breath catch in my throat. He still had power left to unleash?! Seo San and Yu Jeong seemed aghast as their faces grew pale. If we were hit by something so immense, there would be no chance of escape.

Even casting any techniques would be too late.

In desperation, we all squeezed our eyes shut.

WHOOSH!

“AAAHHH…!!”

I couldn’t believe my eyes. The silver fox emerged to confront the Wind Bullet head-on. However, the shields and barriers she employed were being utterly shattered. Soon after, she collapsed, drenched in blood.

“No!!!”

For God’s sake.

For the love of everything, please don’t do this!!

Even after intercepting the attack, Miho had exhausted her last moments. The remainder of her nine lives had been spent preserving a shape, but her escape from death was no longer within reach. I hastily scooped Miho into my arms as her voice dimmed, “[Baek Woong…]”

“Miho!!”

She seemed to smile faintly.

“This time… it was fun…”

And then the silver nine-tailed fox lay still.

With Miho’s body collapsed on the ground, the relic was enveloped in silence.

“……”

Why did Miho save us?

Had she used her displacement technique to escape alone, wouldn’t she have been able to use the power of the Moon Sovereign to survive?

‘No…’

I had to dismiss the thought. She didn’t perish because of me. Even if I wrestled with the notion, it shouldn’t be what I feared. I was already carrying so much. I had not repaid that debt, and now a new one had emerged.

No.

Regardless of how I thought, I couldn’t accept it.

“Ah…”

In the emptiness of my eyes, tears began to leak. Even witnessing hundreds die before me had never pricked at my resolve like this. I knelt, dazed, cradling Miho’s lifeless form, while the Dharma Guardian scowled.

“A monster such as you is a nuisance, obstructing my task. With my energy dwindling, I’ll kill you myself.”

“Kill me…?”

The Guardian’s words nearly drove me mad.

I felt my head might burst.

That bastard.

I stumbled to my feet. Wiping my tears away, I declared, “You want to kill me? Fine… go ahead—what’s it to you…?”

A sardonic laugh escaped me.

“Hehehe… Haha!”

But this was the issue.

If I were to die, it wouldn’t change a damn thing. I’d end up right back in the same cycle – and here I stood, knowing there were those who laid their lives down in protection of someone like me. They were worth preserving, yet there they were choosing to sacrifice themselves. The memories of Mangnyang and Miho flooded my thoughts.

I may be the one left to languish in solitary pain from bygone memories eternally. However, no matter how I felt, I couldn’t articulate the emotions that welled up inside me now.

Survival could come at a price.

This lifetime—I had resolved to live long.

To dwell and cultivate strength toward my ultimate objective.

But what good would that do at this moment?

A person who sacrificed themselves for my sake lies before me.

Fueled by emotions rather than reason, Miho had perished.

“So, starting now, I’d rather perish than take this tribute without paying it back…”

If I didn’t repay this enmity with my life…

I am not a man.

With a single droplet of spit, I placed a prepared needle upon the vital point of my martial technique with unwavering resolve. The secret technique, the ultimate backup of the Guangming Divine Doctor, was the Hua’s 108 Needles, which only the clan leader and direct lineage were entrusted with as the harshest methods known to Hua Clan.

“I will execute the Great Destruction!”

Simultaneously, the intensity of my Thunderclap surged far beyond anything I had previously experienced.

One gate opened.

My body felt as though it were morphing into rays of light.

CRACK!

A punch that exceeded the speed of sound pounded into the Dharma Guardian’s chest. Blood sprayed like arrows as the Dharma Guardian’s figure flew away. I shattered his protective essence in an instant, causing blood to erupt from every orifice.

I had no intention of using weapons.

I wanted nothing more than to beat that bastard like a dog.

Since I was already slated for death, I sought to humiliate him.

BOOM!

“Cough….!! This bastard….!!”

The technique of Great Destruction was also referred to as the “Light of Sure Death.” It generated a singular flash for an instant, sacrificing one’s life to invoke that radiance. It initiated when the Eight Gates were opened.

The Second and Third Gates erupted simultaneously.

Vital energy surged, the speed of my mysterious energy soared several times, expanding tremendously.

Woooooow!

Dozens of clones the Dharma Guardian cast lunged at me, executing the Extreme Blood Wind Divine Art like before. However, I perceived it all in slow motion. I could now even observe the subtle qualities of my energy as a human.

‘I see it.’

True and False could not deceive me. I stood my ground, employing the Thunder Shadow Palm to crush the necks of the clones effortlessly. Sinister motions ripped through the air with lightning speed.

“No!”

The Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Gates opened at once.

Blood poured from my nose.

Verging on coughing blood from my mouth, I no longer entertained thoughts of survival. My energy surged beyond previous limits. Golden light surged in my right hand, charged with thunderous energy, dyeing everything in brightness as I thrust it forward.

CRACK!

“Keugh…”

The Dharma Guardian seemed momentarily dazed. With the divine thunder crashing down, it was no wonder.

This was the state of the Seventh Gate open, resonating with the essence of Heaven and Earth. My eyes teared red with blood, I tightened my fist with resolve.

I had to endure just a bit longer.

As my internal power whittled away, once plentiful and overflowing, wore thin. The fusion of the Great Destruction and Thunderclap drained my energy intensely.

I could feel my nails and teeth loosening, as though my body could no longer sustain the vessel of life while being crushed beneath the weight of the Eight Gates’ energy. Despite the searing pain gnawing away at me like a parasite, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. It was like that I could finally atone to Miho.

I spat blood.

“AHHH…!”

The Dharma Guardian stumbled back in shock, but I lunged forward even faster, delivering a final strike.

Eight Gates. Opened!

Thunder God Lineage’s true fist, unleashed!

BOOM!

The blood-splattered figure shattered into pieces upon impact. The Dharma Guardian’s body morphed into an explosion of butchered remains, a cacophony of gore spewed forth. It seemed like disbelief crossed his face as he perished, his mouth agape in his final moments.

CRACK!

Suddenly, a blast rippled through the area. The tremendous hill nearby was sent skidding away. I dropped into a fighting stance, unable to move further.

“……”

As I rained down blood, I thought, ‘Am I truly an idiot…?’

This wasn’t necessary. Merely merging the acupuncture techniques previously prepared along with the Thunderclaps would have sufficed to doggedly fight while gauging the capabilities of the Wind Spirit techniques. Instead, I’d employed the binding technique of Great Destruction due to the grief over Miho’s passing.

But perhaps, it was out of necessity.

I needed to experience death of the soul; abandoning my body was the only path forward.

That might be the survival instinct of a being reborn like me.

With heavy eyelids, I dimly looked upon Great Monk Seo San and Yu Jeong. I murmured, “Next time… let’s make… a better connection…”

Staring with solemn expressions, Seo San and Yu Jeong clasped their palms together. With joined hands, they began to chant.

“Amitabha.”

I closed my eyes.

My life force waned.

That was my tenth death.

 

---