1082——————==

Soul of the Evil God

Paa-at!

Moments later, I could feel my body gradually engulfed in light. The Asura opposite me was also surrounded by light, and with his chin resting on his hand, he fixed his gaze on me and said,

“Hey, Reborn Person Baek Woong. Mind if I give you a piece of advice?”

“What is it now? Something about martial arts?”

The Asura opened his mouth at my retort.

“You might think there’s still 17 years left, but things can escalate quickly. Always keep your guard up.”

Swish!

With that, the Asura vanished. The Cheon Woo-jin must have sent him back to the real world. At first, I thought his words felt a bit condescending.

“Damn it. What does he know? I’ve lived through 27 reincarnations…”

However, just as a wave of pride in my experience hit me, his advice suddenly struck a chord in my heart.

“…Hmm. There is something to think about.”

To be honest, I had been a little lax as he pointed out. I didn’t have much on my plate to challenge me at the moment, so I was planning to focus on perfecting the Nine Chambers of Thunder Technique and spend a few years smoothly sailing through.

But I had experienced sudden changes in events dozens of times before. Just because I had 17 years, it didn’t mean the world wouldn’t face a catastrophe that could end it all; tomorrow could be when things go sideways. Indeed, if it hadn’t been for my hasty handling of the incident triggered by the Reptilian Lord, that day might have turned into humanity’s extinction. The Asura likely intended to remind me of that.

As I pondered, Cheon Woo-jin said,

“On the surface, we’ll claim that Mephistopheles was defeated by you, and as a result, I’ve sealed myself away in this AI. No one will suspect that.”

“Do you think Sagong Lin or Cheon Woo-jin would fall for that?”

“You just need to truthfully recount events until you met Mephistopheles. Everything after can be treated as nonexistent, and it should be easy to spin a story. Plus, if you can edit the fragmented memories of the obsidian, it might just work.”

“Hmm.”

“And one more thing… take this.”

Cheon Woo-jin pulled something from his robe and handed it to me. It was a small golden necklace. I examined it, puzzled, and asked,

“What is this?”

“It’s a Hidden Piece. If you leave this virtual world, the Hidden Piece will be stored in your DNA storage device, and you can summon it later using the Quantum Craft device. When you summon the Yellow Dragon Demon God, you’ll understand what I mean.”

“A Hidden Piece?”

Cheon Woo-jin momentarily held up the raccoon doll nestled in his arms and said,

“Baek Woong, you remember, right? This form I’m in isn’t just something I made; it’s modeled after the real-life appearance of Dr. Faust’s daughter…”

I nodded, remembering Zhuge Bu saying that.

“…That’s right.”

“It’s no wonder that the moment I awakened as a strong AI, I realized there were unknown data within me. I had no recognition of it until then; it must have been something Dr. Faust embedded when he handed over the resources of the AI prototype to Zhuge Bu. Nobody else in the Great Bear Empire knows this fact besides me.”

“That unknown data is this Hidden Piece?”

“Exactly. It’s not just some dummy data. I need you to investigate the Hidden Piece.”

“……”

I stared blankly at the golden necklace. Then I retorted,

“You’re a strong AI. You possess abilities far beyond a human, so you wouldn’t ask me to investigate if you couldn’t decipher it yourself. How am I supposed to figure out the contents of this Hidden Piece?”

“True. But it’s not just a lack of ability; it’s a restriction that was in place from the beginning.”

“A restriction?”

“Dr. Faust set it up so that only a ‘human’ could interpret the Hidden Piece. I can’t break that restriction. Plus, I only awakened as a strong AI recently, so after Zhuge Bu’s death, there hasn’t been a capable human to make a request.”

“I see.”

Cheon Woo-jin must not have trusted Sagong Lin, so he wouldn’t have informed her or Cheon Woo-jin about the Hidden Piece. Furthermore, since Asura couldn’t be classified as a ‘human,’ it only made sense he would turn to me for help.

I examined the golden necklace closely. Then I realized something and said,

“This is closed. Isn’t there something inside?”

It looked like it had a mechanism that clicked open.

“Probably.”

“But why do I need to decipher this Hidden Piece? I don’t see any reason. What’s in it for me?”

In response to my question, Cheon Woo-jin replied,

“I have no idea what’s in it or why it was created. But if this data was secretly hidden by Faust in the resource modeled after his daughter, there’s a very high probability that it contains his true intent.”

“Hmm.”

I felt there was some truth to Cheon Woo-jin’s words.

“Fine. I’ll check it out.”

“…Then I’ll see you next time.”

Paa-at!

The next moment, I was back in reality. As I removed the Cheon Woo-jin device from my head and got up, Cheon Woo-jin, who was beside me, was taken aback.

“You!!”

“Cheon Woo-jin. How much time has passed?”

“……”

Cheon Woo-jin, who stared at me blankly, said,

“Did something happen?”

“Dammit. You wouldn’t believe the craziness that went down. Here, take this obsidian.”

Grumbling, I pulled out an obsidian from my robe, embedding the memories of what happened in the Cheon Woo-jin world, and sent it to Cheon Woo-jin. Of course, just as Cheon Woo-jin said, the entire bath of memories involving the Cheon Woo-jin and Asura was thoroughly edited, so Cheon Woo-jin could only see the scene where Mephistopheles tricked me into a decisive battle.

When Cheon Woo-jin received my memories, I elaborated.

“After defeating Mephistopheles, I lost consciousness and when I woke up, I was back in reality.”

“…Hmm. Is that so?”

Crossing his arms and contemplating something, Cheon Woo-jin said,

“But just in case, get a thorough medical examination.”

“Got it.”

“Mephistopheles… a strong AI, huh? It would be great if he just vanished peacefully.”

“Chances are he didn’t die.”

“Does that mean you didn’t receive the memories from 500 years?”

I casually replied,

“Yeah. Can’t you just explain it to me?”

“Ugh… Fine. I’ll have no choice but to rely on Cheon Woo-jin to send the memories. There’s so much to explain, and I’m too lazy to do it. I can’t use the Cheon Woo-jin device again in this situation.”

Cheon Woo-jin, who was frowning, eventually said,

“Let’s call it a day, and we’ll talk tomorrow. I think I need to recheck the Cheon Woo-jin setup and fix the system. I’ll inform the medical staff to examine your physical and mental state.”

“Understood.”

“Ha! It was simpler when the Demon King minions came at me. Everyone’s getting all riled up because the end is near.”

Eventually, I was examined by the best medical staff of the Great Bear Empire, utilizing all sorts of advanced equipment. It was a bit annoying, but I decided to endure, thinking in my mind.

“I was told to use the Yellow Dragon Demon God to extract the Hidden Piece using Quantum Craft, right?”

I subtly fiddled with the earrings hanging by my ear.

This earring was the Yellow Dragon Demon God, an artificial treasure received from Professor Sima Ling. I had yet to use it, but Professor Sima Ling claimed it was specially crafted for me and was more powerful than any previous artificial treasure. Also, since the Quantum Craft technology was applied here, I should be able to see the Hidden Piece in reality once I employed the Yellow Dragon Demon God.

“Right now, it’s not the time to use it with all these eyes around. I’ll quietly use it in a deserted place before I return to the training grounds.”

After wrapping up the three sessions of medical examinations, I returned to my lodging. After a good night’s sleep, I set out to find Sagong Lin the next day. Sagong Lin asked about what happened yesterday, and I spoke according to the plan I had prepped with the Cheon Woo-jin.

“I see…”

“Sagong Lin, I have a question for you.”

“Please, go ahead.”

“Was there anything unusual with the Cheon Woo-jin?”

“I still don’t know. We mobilized all the engineers and scientists of the Empire to find out.”

Sagong Lin, looking worried, continued,

“Baek Woong, how about conducting your training of the Nine Chambers of Thunder Technique within the capital of the Empire? I’ll summon Bang Ryong Lee Seol-pyo and Zhu Xian to prepare a proper training facility.”

“…Bang Ryong Lee Seol-pyo is a hardcore Thunder God martial artist. I doubt he’ll come just because you called.”

Once the Thunder God lineage gets stubborn, no one can persuade them. Regardless of strength, everyone possesses a fierce determination to stick with their will. Naturally, Sagong Lin seemed fully aware of this, as she nodded in understanding.

“While working under the Emperor, I earned the ire of the Thunder God lineage, so it might not be possible. Still, at the very least, I hope you stay in Luoyang for at least ten days.”

“Are you ordering me?”

“How could I possibly order you? But considering Mephistopheles isn’t an ordinary being, it’d be wise to be cautious with your mind and body.”

“Enough. I’m not someone who’ll fall for the tricks of that bastard. Don’t interfere.”

“…….”

“Why?”

Sagong Lin looked at me with concern.

“Baek Woong, are you angry?”

Ugh… Did it show a bit?

It seemed my subconscious worrying about whether or not to trust Sagong Lin leaked into my behavior.

I felt slightly flustered but decided to double down on my act of anger.

“Yeah! I came here to train, and this is what I get? If I had known it would end up like this, I wouldn’t have wasted my time coming to Luoyang! Damn it.”

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine. I’ll just hear stories from the past. What’s so difficult about sharing a few words? You can spend the whole day telling me stories from back then.”

“Sure, I can do that. Since Cheon Woo-jin is busy now, may I take over?”

“Don’t go into too many details. Just make sure to mention the significant incidents.”

“Of course.”

Sagong Lin nodded and led me to a separate room where she slowly began to recount the events.

“It all started after you disappeared, in a gathering of companions where we vowed to conquer the world for the Great Bear Empire…”

She explained what had happened during that time quite clearly and concisely. She made it easy to understand, capturing the main points without missing the significant events. Moreover, thanks to the vivid memories I experienced in the Cheon Woo-jin world, I could grasp her words even more easily.

The story went on for nearly two sessions before finally concluding. After finishing her explanation, Sagong Lin let out a sigh.

“In fact, the Cheon Woo-jin holds not just this general story, but the spirit, courage, and thoughts of comrades who fought with their lives at stake. I wanted you to see it. However, it seems that it’s impossible since there’s a risk of it being compromised by Mephistopheles…”

“……”

“Wei Zhi-hun, Zhuge Bu, Master of the White Lotus Sect… their battles for their lives were noble sacrifices that cannot be explained with just a few words.”

I knew that.

Because I witnessed it up close.

But since I had already decided to conceal the truth from her, I resolved to keep my expression neutral. I spoke curtly,

“Anyway, what I want to know now is whether you have a plan to stop the end. Is there some kind of scheme in place?”

“Actually, I’ve input that into the Cheon Woo-jin device, but the plan currently involves searching for the Three Sovereigns Fuxi and the reincarnation of the masters of the Absolute Realm. In essence, that plan could be said to encompass everything.”

“Is this the plan that Mangnyang is executing along with the Sword Demon and others?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

Sagong Lin began to speak slowly, following the story I had already received through the Cheon Woo-jin.

“The Three Sovereigns Fuxi, unlike the Yan Emperor Shennong, are not sealed but have fallen into madness, trapped in an unknown dimension. However, according to the information acquired through negotiations between the deposed Queen Mother of the West and the Heavenly Mysterious Woman of Nine Heavens, there exists a labyrinth in the abandoned palace of the Queen Mother of the West that leads to the dimension where Fuxi resides.”

“A labyrinth!”

Feigning surprise, I asked,

“Why would the Queen Mother of the West go to the trouble of creating such a labyrinth? If she wanted to meet Fuxi, wouldn’t it be easier to make a straight passage instead of a convoluted maze?”

“Being the Goddess Nüwa, she wouldn’t need a labyrinth at all. With the power of the Three Sovereigns, she could immediately move to that dimension. Perhaps the reason she crafted the labyrinth was to call upon Fuxi without consuming her cause-and-effect in emergencies.”

“A ploy? What do you mean?”

“In dire situations, she might have thought to awaken Fuxi from his madness and recruit him as her ally. However, if the Divine Being Nüwa were to awaken her brother Fuxi to strengthen her power, it would significantly impact the balance of the universe. Naturally, cause and effect would be consumed. But if she were to send her Apostle or the Great Immortal of the Celestial Realm to breach the labyrinth and awaken Fuxi… then almost no cause and effect would be expended.”

“Hmm…!!”

Sagong Lin continued.

“So far, Mangnyang has forcefully summoned the masters of the Absolute Realm before their lifespans expired, sending them to the Celestial Realm, organizing them into a reconnaissance team led by the Sword Demon to explore the labyrinth.”

“What’s the current situation?”

“It seems it’s been about fifteen years since we heard from the reconnaissance team.”

“…That’s not something to say lightly.”

I reacted in disbelief, and Sagong Lin said,

“No news is good news. If something had gone wrong, Mangnyang, who’s in charge of communications and supplies for the reconnaissance team, would have reported significant changes to the surface. The fact that Mangnyang hasn’t said anything indicates that the reconnaissance team is steadily making progress toward Fuxi.”

“Got it.”

If it’s Mangnyang, I can trust him.

As I nodded, Sagong Lin said,

“Once we reach the place where Fuxi is, we can awaken him from his madness and use his powers to devise humanity’s survival while responding to the End and Revelations… Besides, the strengthened forces of the Absolute Realm masters during the exploration will surely assist.”

“Sounds like a solid plan. But is there a guarantee that we can awaken Fuxi from his madness?”

“That purely depends on Mangnyang. He said it would be possible if he used the Corpse Dissolution Technique of the Heavenly Mysterious Woman.”

Having said this, Sagong Lin chuckled.

“If we can’t awaken him, then… the members of the reconnaissance team we sent might end up perishing.”

“………”

Hearing that made me think deeply. Then I said,

“I’ve made my decision.”

“What have you decided?”

“Starting today, I’ll level up my training in the Nine Chambers of Thunder Technique and Immortal Sword Technique. Once I feel confident in my strength, I’ll join the Celestial Realm reconnaissance team! That’s the best course of action for now.”

This wasn’t a half-hearted excuse to deceive Sagong Lin. Rather than just idling away in the world for an ambiguous 17 years, it would be far more beneficial for me to personally head to the Celestial Realm and participate in the search for Fuxi! Gaining experience would undoubtedly help enormously next cycle.

“……”

“Why the disapproving look?”

“To be honest, from my perspective, that’s not the best option. The labyrinth where the search for Fuxi takes place is the embodiment of chaos, carelessly created by the Goddess Nüwa using divine power, so it’s not going to be easy. If you were to perish there, all the time spent up to now would be wasted.”

“So I’m just supposed to stick to safely training on the ground, counting the days until the end comes?”

“That’s exactly right.”

“Don’t make me laugh!”

I exploded, my eyes blazing.

“The only ones putting their lives on the line are my comrades down here. If that’s the case, doesn’t it imply that the Sword Demon Seo Mun-dae-ryong has been risking his life exploring the Goddess’s labyrinth all this time? For almost 500 years! You expect me to just stay on the ground and focus solely on safety while he risks it all?”

“……”

“It doesn’t matter whether I join the reconnaissance team or not; I absolutely must meet the Sword Demon at least once. Don’t try to stop me.”

When I declared firmly, Sagong Lin slowly nodded.

“If that’s your will, then there’s no other choice… I’ll ensure everything is arranged according to your wishes. However.”

“However?”

“I’ll take on the role of judging whether your strength has improved or not. I can’t compromise on that.”

Sagong Lin’s eyes slowly glimmered.

“If I decide that you cannot survive in that realm, I won’t let you go.”

“Fine. There should be some difficulties to keep my motivation for training high.”

I grinned.

“Prepare yourself. I’ll take down the Heavenly Demon and climb to the Celestial Realm.”

Sagong Lin smiled back at me.

“I look forward to it, Baek Woong.”

This wasn’t just a casual promise.

The Master of the White Lotus Sect hadn’t even managed to leave a scratch on the Heavenly Demon Sagong Lin and had suffered defeat.

To earn her acknowledgment, I would need to achieve remarkable growth in either the Nine Chambers of Thunder Technique or Immortal Sword Technique. If I hoped to win, I’d need a level of power that was on a different plane altogether, which felt wholly unrealistic.

“Maybe in a year… or even three years, that might just be possible!”

After concluding my chat with her, I returned to my lodging, packed my things, and headed straight back to the training grounds. Upon my return, I greeted Bang Ryong Lee Seol-pyo and Zhu Xian.

“I’m back!”

“Oh, you’re back…”

I briefly shared what had happened in Luoyang. Then, I turned to the distant figure of the Sword Demon, Cho Mu-rin, who was leaning against a tree and paying attention.

“Cho Mu-rin, what do you think? Do I stand a chance at infiltrating Queen Mother of the West’s ancient labyrinth?”

He’s the originator of the Thunder God lineage and also an Immortal. So he likely had a better grasp of the inner workings of the Celestial Realm. After reflecting for a moment, Cho Mu-rin replied,

“Based on what you’re saying, I believe I know that abandoned palace. It was originally called the Heavenly Heaven Palace.”

“The Heavenly Heaven Palace?”

With the following words from Cho Mu-rin, my eyes widened.

“I had heard that it was the first palace constructed when the Primordial Heaven Master created the Celestial Realm in ancient times. However, after the disappearance of the Primordial Heaven Master, the Queen Mother of the West took ownership of the palace, and for some reason, at some point, it was turned into ruins and access was forbidden.”