1083——————==

Soul of the Evil God (四神之魂)

So it was the palace of the Primordial Heaven Master?

Curiosity got the better of me, and I asked Cho Mu-rin, “Cho Mu-rin, have you ever been to that palace?”

With a gruff tone, Cho Mu-rin replied, “Respect for investigation seems to have been thrown out the window. Back then, you at least acted courteous.”

“No, have you been there or not?”

“Just to the entrance. I went to patrol because I was worried something might leak out of the abandoned palace, but nothing major happened. But to think that place was a labyrinth leading to where Fuxi was sealed…”

“Didn’t you know our Great Bear Empire was searching for Fuxi?”

“Not at all. Lord Hyunheogung controlled everything, so no information must have leaked out.”

Muttering to himself, Cho Mu-rin added, “You guys really seem determined to fight against the end of days. I never thought you’d be trying to find Fuxi.”

“Cho Mu-rin, you seem to think our attempts to fight against the end are pointless.”

A wry smile crossed Cho Mu-rin’s face. “Hmph… If I had any hopes of that sort, would I be living in such a withdrawn way?”

“…….”

True enough…

Cho Mu-rin continued, “By the way, if you want to join that Fuxi exploration team, you’ll need to step up your game.”

“Hm… You mean my skills are lower compared to the others who’ve reached the heavenly realm?”

“Not at all. You’re undoubtedly one of the top experts in the world. You could showcase impressive martial prowess even in the Celestial Realm right now. But that’s separate from survival.”

“…Survival, huh.”

“Once, I heard rumors in the Celestial Realm about those exploration teams. Even they, all above the Absolute Realm, faced annihilation several times, and it’s never easy.” He paused, “As the head of the Great Bear Empire, you need at least average skills to ensure your survival.”

That made sense. While it’s unlikely there’s someone stronger than me among those who’ve reached the heavenly realm, that doesn’t guarantee I’m strong enough right now. I won’t achieve anything in the Celestial Realm unless I get one or two levels stronger than I am now.

As I pondered, Bang Ryong Lee Seol-pyo, who was next to me, exclaimed, “Worrying pointlessly is meaningless! Ultimately, you must train to get stronger, Grand Master!”

“True words!!”

Bang Ryong Lee Seol-pyo was right! Just overthinking this won’t enhance my skills at all.

So, which should I focus on first, the Nine Chambers of Thunder Technique or the Immortal Sword Technique?

I could train in both at the same time, but both are quite challenging disciplines, and I had a hunch that trying to pursue both would leave me with nothing at all. To achieve results quickly and join the Celestial exploration team, I need to focus on one.

When I expressed my dilemma, Zhu Xian suggested, “Originally, His Majesty was training in the Nine Chambers of Thunder Technique because the progress was too slow, and he started focusing on the Immortal Sword Technique as a solution. Wouldn’t it be better to continue with the Immortal Sword Technique as usual?”

“That’s true, but actually…”

I hesitated before speaking. “That last task Yeodong-bin gave me… understanding the difference between the Spirit Sword and Spirit Blade is still beyond me. I even went to Sagong Lin to find clues, but it didn’t go well.”

That is the problem. While I’ve made considerable progress with the Immortal Sword Technique thanks to Yeodong-bin’s help, I’m still stuck on that task. There has to be some profound principle behind distinguishing the heart’s sword from the blade; otherwise, I might find myself pondering it for decades.

What if I spend years contemplating this task but never realize the answer?

That’s a lot of wasted time, and in the worst case, I could throw away seventeen years!

Just then, Bang Ryong Lee Seol-pyo stroked his chin, contemplating. “Grand Master, you’re so talented that sometimes you say something silly… that’s how geniuses are.”

“…….”

What a bothersome remark without any malice…

I shot a glare at Cho Mu-rin, who was snickering beside me, but Seol-pyo spoke up.

“Didn’t Yeodong-bin mention that genuine Spirit Sword can achieve ‘Saving the Living’? Then you should follow that hint.”

“…Huh? What do you mean by that…?”

“Try to save a person with your sword!”

I thought Seol-pyo was logically right, but his idea was utterly absurd. Save a person!?

Swords were ultimately made to stab and kill; how on earth could you use one to save someone?

‘Sure, you could argue that vanquishing a strong person who bullies the weak could count as saving lives… but that’s not what Yeodong-bin meant. He meant saving lives in the purest sense—bringing life back with a blade.’

That’s why the task seemed so challenging that I even sought Sagong Lin’s help. Speechless, I fell into thought as Cho Mu-rin, who had been standing arms crossed, remarked.

“Following the exact logic, doesn’t the concept of medical techniques fit right in?”

“Medical techniques?”

“Using a blade to perform surgery to save a person.”

“…Are you messing with me? You know that’s not what Yeodong-bin meant. It’s not even a play on words.”

“Ha ha ha. Heh.”

“Are you laughing?”

Cho Mu-rin burst into laughter.

“Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha… Hee hee hee.”

Seeing Cho Mu-rin reveling in making fun of me made my expression sour. What kind of immortal has such a broken personality? He must have lost his humanity somewhere.

Frustrated, I frowned until Zhu Xian interrupted with a suggestion. “Your Majesty, it might be best to keep up with a daily training regimen and take some time to think during your spare hours. As I mentioned before, we lack the skills to provide direct solutions to your tasks…”

“Got it. I’ll do that.”

Reluctantly, starting that day, I began to consistently train in the Immortal Sword Technique while also practicing the Nine Chambers of Thunder Technique. Realizing I couldn’t seek help from anyone made me spend more and more time meditating alone beneath the waterfall.

Grrrr…

I pondered while feeling the waterfall’s spray.

‘How can I save someone using a sword?’

How could I invoke the meaning as it is…

‘Yeodong-bin once cut through Han Baek-ryeong’s spirit with his Spirit Sword without leaving a physical wound, and his Spirit Sword has successfully achieved ‘Saving the Living’ multiple times… earning that kind of mastery isn’t something you can achieve through mere play.’

In fact, throughout my life, I had encountered countless experts, but only one had ever fully invoked the Spirit Sword’s power—Yeodong-bin. Other martial artists could only destroy; they lacked the ability to use destructive power to save.

As I continued to contemplate, a sudden idea struck me, and I fiddled with my earrings.

“Come forth, Yellow Dragon Demon God.”

I finally recalled that I had meant to test this somewhere deserted.

Grrrr!!

In the next moment, my entire body was enveloped in golden armor, transforming me into a fully armored warrior. I resembled a western knight, and my reflection in the pond looked incredibly cool, as if a golden dragon itself were shining in the sunlight.

“Oooh…?!”

I was impressed!

Even the long sword at my waist dazzled with a glorious golden light. I wondered if this was real gold, and when I bit it lightly, it left no trace of my teeth.

“Is this not gold…?!”

I felt slightly disappointed, but reflecting again, this is a combat treasure, so if it were soft enough to leave a bite mark, it wouldn’t serve its purpose. While I was examining the armor of the Yellow Dragon Demon God, a voice suddenly echoed in my head.

[OS Yellow Dragon Demon God. Additional input detected in the user’s DNA storage. Would you like to access the contents named Hidden Piece?]

The Yellow Dragon Demon God seemed to be the latest artificial treasure equipped with an OS, rather than an AI. I nodded and replied.

“I’ll access it.”

[Quantum Craft activated.]

Swishhhh…

Suddenly, my veins began to bulge, and I felt something pushing out of my palm. Eventually, a few droplets of blood lifted off the palm, emitting a soft white light, revealing a golden necklace before me.

Shwing!

As I touched the golden necklace, Hidden Piece, reality felt incredibly surreal. What kind of principle allows neural data to be touchable in reality? It seems science and technology have significantly advanced in the future.

“Hm. Hidden Piece… let’s see what’s inside.”

Crunch.

“Gah! No way.”

As I tried to exert force to open it, I suddenly heard a crunching noise inside, startling me. Then I realized that forcing it open would ruin its delicate mechanism, meaning I wouldn’t be able to see the contents inside. I had seen enough gadgets like this to know how they worked.

“Looks like I’ll have to figure out how to open it using a specific method… Yellow Dragon Demon God! Can I summon Hidden Piece again with Quantum Craft?”

[Duplicate manifestation is impossible if the original exists in reality.]

“Eh? Why can’t I duplicate it?”

[Due to the law of dual existence.]

“……? Oh, you mean I must destroy the original to summon something new.”

[The user’s perception is crucial.]

“Meaning my understanding of having destroyed it is important.”

Boom!!

With tremendous strength, I smashed the Hidden Piece to pieces. Then, convinced that the original was gone, I infused my consciousness with intent and, after a moment, summoned Hidden Piece once more using Quantum Craft.

Whoosh!

“Summoning anew makes the existing one vanish.”

As the new Hidden Piece appeared, the broken pieces of the old Hidden Piece vanished like smoke. What had been manifested through Quantum Craft seems to have no remnants because it was never a tangible existence in reality.

I realized I couldn’t figure out Hidden Piece on my own and decided to think up a way.

‘Should I ask Zhu Xian? He’s smart and familiar with modern artifacts… No, Zhu Xian is loyal to Sagong Lin, so if I ask him about Hidden Piece, Sagong Lin will learn about it too. I doubt Cho Mu-rin or Bang Ryong Lee Seol-pyo would know anything about such high-tech items either…’

I suddenly felt the realization that I had depended entirely on Sagong Lin and the Great Bear Empire since coming to this era. Except for a few helpers, I noticed I didn’t know anyone familiar or close in this age.

“Aah… This is going to be tougher than I thought.”

Finally, I called upon the spirit of the National Seal to ask, “National Seal! Do you know anything about this golden necklace?”

Whirrr…

After a moment, the spirit of the National Seal replied to my question.

[It is a necklace, and at the same time, a pocket watch. Based on its style, it seems to be a Heilig style that was popular among watchmakers in Munich, Germany, in the 15th century.]

“A pocket watch? What is that?”

[It is a portable timepiece that originated during the development of clocks, primarily in the West. The closed inside typically houses the clock or possibly a portrait or photograph as well.]

“A timepiece, huh. A portable watch… why is it filled with portraits or pictures?”

[It was used to remember close friends and family.]

“…….”

A hint of understanding began to dawn.

‘Dr. Faust had given Zhuge Bu resources containing the image of his deceased daughter. And this resource, Hidden Piece, is a pocket watch for keeping memories…’

Then this golden pocket watch probably contains not just a clock but also a picture.

If I could view that picture or contents, I might uncover Dr. Faust’s true intentions, right?

Somebody like him wouldn’t casually conceal such hidden data within resources capable of growing strong enough to be classified as AI. Knowing Faust’s intent could significantly aid me on my journey in my previous life.

“Is there a way to open this pocket watch?”

[Unknown.]

Ah, right. Asking it in this way makes it reluctant to answer.

Thinking quickly, I changed my question. “Search for the most advanced workshop capable of opening the watch. The best in the world.”

[One location found.]

Seems it easily picked up the clue that leads to the best in the world.

“Where is it?”

[Quartz Agentur, the top workshop in Switzerland. I will mark the location on the coordinates.]

Whirrr!

I could catch a glimpse of the workshop on the high mountain in the west. It appeared active with numerous advanced machines in the factory. But upon seeing the rooftop of the Quartz Agentur, I frowned.

“…Isn’t that the Five Stars?”

The Five Stars.

It is a symbol frequently used by sorcerers and has significant meaning in sorcery. Moreover, upon careful inspection, I noticed that Quartz Agentur has a building in each of the five directions, all connected by distribution paths, making the overall view resemble the Five Stars. It was clearly intentional, and I firmly concluded within myself.

‘There must be sorcerers or demon sorcerers there….’

I murmured to myself and, without hesitation, used the Golden Lamp Technique to head straight to the Quartz Agentur headquarters, clad in the Yellow Dragon Demon God armor.

Whoosh!

As I entered, I saw several scientists and researchers bustling around. Being already invisible, I managed to blend in seamlessly, delving deeper without being noticed. I could become invisible infinitely by recasting the invisibility technique as it neared its end.

Upon reaching the innermost workshop, it became eerily silent, and before a massive chamber, I saw a woman in white, wearing glasses, murmuring something and weaving magic.

Swish…

“……!!”

As I dispelled my invisibility, the blonde-haired, blue-eyed young woman flinched and gazed at me, and I crossed my arms, stating, “I’ve come to request an analysis of a pocket watch. I heard you are the world’s best workshop.”

The blonde beauty looked around, and seeing no one else, she eventually asked, “A figure in golden armor, who are you? Why are you speaking in Medieval Chinese?”

“And you quickly understood and are speaking in Ming Dynasty language. Did you cast a translation spell?”

“No, I simply learned it since I’m the CEO. I studied the ancient and medieval languages of the Great Bear Empire among 27 languages.”

“…….”

“Identify your status.”

“You identify yourself first, Demon Sorceress.”

“That’s quite an accusation… And I’m not an evil demon sorceress, but a sorceress.”

She said, dumbfounded. “I am Bathory Erzsebet, the CEO of Quartz Agentur and the Grand Witch of the Western Magical Association. I’ll make you regret this invasion.”

Bam!

“Blood of the Constellation, dance!”

Swishhhh….

The moment she snapped her fingers, the spacetime I stood in warped and distorted completely. Suddenly, I felt like I was drowning in a sea of blood, on the brink of drowning.

“Ugh….”

I tried to draw my sword, but the illusion soon dominated my senses with bewildering speed. This was a level of control far beyond ordinary sorcery!

‘She’s a powerful sorceress!’

She must be at least at the Great Immortal Level!

I hadn’t anticipated she’d be this strong. Surely, she’s not on par with the Eight Immortals? This wasn’t just some trivial sorcery—a force that could quickly dominate all senses and even reshape space!

Realizing this was magic rarely seen among humans, I unleashed my Spirit Power fiercely from my entire being.

Whooosh!!

In that moment, my Spirit Power disrupted the controlling force of spacetime, nullifying Bathory’s blood-red domain. It manifested as a clash of energy waves, but it had a significant impact—Bathory staggered and retreated, collapsing to the ground.

“Ha, ha… Spirit power… Could you be an apostle….”

Bathory appeared to tremble with fear. Realizing I may have been too aggressive, I said to her, “I apologize for my rudeness. But due to circumstances, I can’t disclose my identity; I’ve come here to make a secret request. I am human, not an apostle.”

“…….”

“If you accept my request, I’ll offer a substantial reward.”

Bathory studied me cautiously before finally dropping her hostility and standing up. “What is the request, and what reward?”

“It’s simple. I need you to open this pocket watch for me.”

Swish!

As I handed her the pocket watch, Bathory accepted it and examined it for a moment, suddenly gasping. “This, this is an Artifact…!! How did you acquire such a powerful magic item?!”

“So, it’s a magic item?”

“Yes. Given its precision and magic power, this seems to be among the top in the Chrono factor… probably something that belonged to the Grandmaster of the former Alchemist Guild…”

Bathory, who was excitedly exclaiming, paused and said, “Is it just a matter of opening it?”

“Yeah, that’s all.”

“Alright. I’ll accept your request. If the reward is sufficient, I won’t ask for your identity.”

What a relief.

I had to pressure her into it, but it seemed to work out. As I considered what reward to offer, I solidified my choice.

“If you can do that… I’ll give you this.”

I pulled out the Holy Lance from my wooden armor to show Bathory. Her expression turned to one of shock at the sight of the lance.

“…That, that’s… No way…!!”

“You recognize this lance’s identity?”

“Get that away!! That cursed lance….”

Bathory stepped back, trembling as if overwhelmed by the lance’s power.

“The Lance of Longinus…!!”