1144——————==

Soul of the Evil God

I decided to go to the Celestial Realm this time to find the location of the Moon Palace Vessel.

‘The one who can easily answer about this would be the Heavenly Mysterious Woman of Nine Heavens.’

Hmm.

I moved to the Celestial Realm through the Heavenly Altar. After that, I immediately showed Doubang to the Heavenly Mysterious Woman and spoke.

“Heavenly Mysterious Woman, I have obtained Doubang, the weakness of the Reborn One.”

[Indeed… Where did you acquire it?]

“I found its location while exploring the material world.”

I looked her straight in the eye and said.

“I want to know about the Moon Palace Vessel, which is another weakness of the Reborn One. I heard she was confined by the Queen Mother of the West in the past. Do you happen to know where she is now?”

[……]

“Now that the Queen Mother of the West is gone with Nüwa, very few know her whereabouts. Please tell me, as you are the one ruling the Celestial Realm.”

Then the Heavenly Mysterious Woman spoke.

[I need to explain the incident regarding the confinement of the Moon Palace Vessel. How much do you know?]

“I know that the Moon Palace Vessel and the Reborn One tried to consume the elixir of immortality but incurred the wrath of the Queen Mother of the West, resulting in the Vessel being confined in the Moon Palace.”

[Right after the elixir incident, the Vessel was led by the Queen Mother of the West to her creator, Jeogok. Only Jeogok knows what happened to the Moon Palace Vessel afterward. All I know is that she is trapped somewhere in the Moon Palace, one of Jeogok’s palaces, and has been cursed to become a Giant Toad by Jeogok.]

At that moment, I realized something strange and raised my eyebrow.

“Jeogok…? The one who cast that curse wasn’t the Queen Mother of the West, but the Three Sovereigns Jeogok?”

[That’s correct. The curse of the Giant Toad was not cast by the Queen Mother of the West. She cherished the Vessel dearly, but Jeogok was enraged by the Vessel, whose dignity was tarnished, and had no choice but to hand her over.]

“……”

Surprising. That cruel and oppressive Queen Mother of the West cherished the Vessel? I had no choice but to believe it, as it was said by none other than the Heavenly Mysterious Woman herself. She continued.

[If you wish to gain the Moon Palace Vessel as a weakness of the Reborn One, it would make sense to first locate her in the Banwang Hall.]

“…That’s what I’m talking about.”

[Do you have any more questions?]

I organized my thoughts and posed a real question to the Heavenly Mysterious Woman.

“I heard that not long ago, the moon was occupied by an alien force called the Reptilians, and the Banwang Hall had disappeared, with the Humanoids becoming slaves to the Reptilians. But to my surprise, the Banwang Hall remains intact, and the Humanoids have returned, along with the Shabi God and the Five-Color Bird.”

[Hmm….]

“Do you know what this is all about? Why has the Banwang Hall returned without a trace?”

[Baek Woong. The reason the Banwang Hall has returned to the moon is likely because the alien force known as the Reptilians has been annihilated. And that also signifies another critical fact….]

The Heavenly Mysterious Woman appeared lost in thought. Then she spoke.

[Baek Woong, have you perhaps already contacted the Banwang Hall? I suspect so, given that you have acquired Doubang….]

“Yes.”

[It seems that the Banwang Hall has little intention of hiding their existence. They likely think the end is near.]

With that, the Heavenly Mysterious Woman reached out toward me and said.

[Then that’s settled. I will go as the representative of the Celestial Realm and negotiate with the Banwang Hall.]

“Negotiate? What kind of negotiation?”

[Your meeting with Nüwa and Fuxi is a matter of the world’s fate. You’ll have no choice but to roll up your sleeves and break through the trials of the Tower. Therefore, I will negotiate with the Banwang Hall to bring back the confined Moon Palace Vessel.]

“……!!”

What?! The Heavenly Mysterious Woman is taking the lead this actively!

I felt relieved by her unexpected proactive stance, yet still harbored a sliver of doubt as I spoke to her.

“Is it okay? Wouldn’t this action possibly conflict with the Law of Cause and Effect….”

[Both the Banwang Hall and the Celestial Realm have maintained considerable isolation from the material world. Actions of this level are unlikely to impact the Law of Cause and Effect.]

“Hmm…. I’ll count on you.”

Hmm.

Suddenly, the Heavenly Mysterious Woman vanished in a divine light from the Great Palace. I thought she probably went to the Banwang Hall, considering.

‘What is this? I thought I’d have to struggle for a long time to find the Vessel, but this is surprising.’

Why is the Heavenly Mysterious Woman being this proactive? Is she merely making every effort to reach Nüwa quickly? Normally, I could think that, but I had difficulty simplifying the situation.

Because in the past, due to the Trial of the Seven Luminaries, I had learned about the true identity of the Heavenly Mysterious Woman.

The Heavenly Mysterious Woman is the guardian of the Sun!

The primal Spirit King!

Because of another hidden identity, I can’t help but be vigilant regarding her intentions in front of the impending end. However, for now, I had to rely on the Heavenly Mysterious Woman’s help, so I decided to see how things would unfold.

‘…After all, we’re both in a position of utilising each other right now.’

After waiting a while, the Heavenly Mysterious Woman reappeared in the palace. Then she spoke.

[Baek Woong. I’ve heard that the Moon Palace Vessel was summoned into the human world through summoning techniques after being cursed into a Giant Toad.]

“Huh? Are you sure?”

[This is certain as it comes from the Five-Color Bird.]

The Heavenly Mysterious Woman then held my hand. A soft golden light began to swirl around my hand, forming into a small ancient pattern, and when I glanced at it, she said.

[This pattern is the talisman of the Five-Color Bird, the elixir of the Moon Bunny, which will guide you to the Vessel. Depending on the Law of Cause and Effect, this will naturally lead you to her.]

“So you want me to find her in the material world relying on this pattern.”

[Currently, that’s the only method. This was gained thanks to significant concessions from the Celestial Realm to form an alliance with the Banwang Hall.]

“I understand. Thank you for your help. Please send me back to the material world.”

I expressed my gratitude to the Heavenly Mysterious Woman, and soon descended back to the material world.

Pa-at.

Buzzing.

‘The talisman of the Moon Bunny shows the way.’

It was not vague; the golden light emanating from the pattern literally formed a solid line in mid-air, guiding me. I began to move swiftly, confident that even if it meant circling the globe, my light body technique would not take long.

Tatadadad.

I crossed mountains and rivers. I mobilized all my internal powers, running continuously along the pattern of the Moon Bunny. However, I felt as if the distance was not decreasing despite going and going. I thought it must be a trick of my mind, and after running for a full day, I started to sense something strange.

“……?!”

Something’s odd. If I ran all day with my light body technique, I should’ve already circled halfway around the globe. Yet how is it possible that I still don’t see any trace of the Vessel? I tried running for another half a day just in case, but the golden pattern continued to cast the remaining road beyond the horizon without showing any signs of lessening.

Feeling something was amiss, I returned to the Great Bear Empire’s Imperial Palace. When I consulted Sagong Lin about this matter, she listened and then spoke.

“Baek Woong, can I resonate with that Moon Bunny pattern?”

“Resonate? What’s that?”

“If I attune my divine power, I can gain a deeper understanding of the pattern.”

“Go ahead.”

Hmm.

Sagong Lin’s delicate fingers rested atop my palm. After a moment of closing her eyes, she murmured.

“Ah…. I see.”

“What is it?”

“Baek Woong, the reason the distance isn’t decreasing is…. because the target, the Moon Palace Vessel, is constantly moving around the earth. As you move, the Moon Palace Vessel is also incessantly wandering, which is why the distance doesn’t lessen.”

“……”

What nonsense is this?!

I stared at Sagong Lin in disbelief.

“Are you saying that the Moon Palace Vessel, now a Giant Toad, is endlessly wandering around?! Where is that possible?! This is absurd….”

“…Baek Woong. I only have one guess. This is just my speculation, but the true identity of the Vessel is probably what I think it is.”

“What is that?!”

After hearing Sagong Lin’s ‘speculation,’ I widened my eyes.

No way!

However, her serious gaze forced me to think earnestly. If her speculation were indeed true, the ‘truth’ would be utterly ridiculous. I pressed my forehead and spoke with a pained expression.

“This can’t be…. No way.”

“Baek Woong. I’ve also obtained most of your past life memories. Based on those memories, the answer must be that. That’s why the Reborn One dislikes you.”

“……”

“In this current time, there is no one in the material realm who could subdue that existence alone without Miho. That’s why I’ll also accompany you on this undertaking to assist you.”

“Understood. Anyway, I want to resolve this quickly.”

Zzsh.

Shortly after, I instantaneously moved toward the final location pointed to by the Moon Bunny pattern, now resonating with Sagong Lin. The issue was that even in the moment of teleportation, the target was constantly moving, making it difficult to arrive precisely.

Zzshh.

I appeared in mid-air over the Great Ocean. Sagong Lin pulled out electronic equipment and muttered.

“This is in the archipelago region of the Atlantic Ocean. I can see it up ahead.”

“…Is that really it… the Moon Palace Vessel?”

“Yes. You should try talking to her first.”

“Uhhh.”

I clenched my teeth and activated the Heavenly Destruction Step to shoot forward. As I approached the being, enhanced by my prowess, I could feel the immense force of the ocean’s howling winds swirling around her. It was literally a natural typhoon, casting a colossal darkness over the clear sea.

Crash!

I pierced through the darkness of the typhoon and got closer to the being. As I neared, she glanced at me, momentarily halting her movement and bellowed.

[Do you dare trouble me again?!]

Kugugugugu.

What oppressive force! The spiritual energy radiating from her was so intense that I could hardly breathe for a moment. I used the Great Liberation’s Seven Luminaries to withstand that pressure and screamed like a demon.

“I just want to talk! I’m not here to fight!”

[Shut up. I will kill you right here….]

“Wait! I know your true identity!”

She froze for a moment, about to unleash the tremendous storm. A sight to behold, the gigantic figure looming over me, encircled by dozens of whirlwinds—truly frightening. She spoke.

[You say you know my true identity?]

“Yes. You are….. the legendary fairy known as the Moon Palace Vessel!!”

[……]

Wheeeeeee.

Whooooosh.

The immense storm surged around in silence.

The gigantic Giant Toad, bigger than Mount Tai, gazed at me with overwhelming pressure in the eye of the storm. In this awkward silence, I defiantly held my head high and stared back, and the being eventually spoke.

[I faintly have memories of coming from the moon, but labeling me as the Moon Palace Vessel is utterly preposterous.]

“I can’t believe it either! But look at this.”

I extended my hand to show her the Moon Bunny pattern.

“This talisman from the Five-Color Bird can only respond to the Moon Palace Vessel. And right now, aren’t you the destination of that pattern?”

[……]

“Do you understand? You are the fairy!”

[……]

“Say something!! Don’t leave it hanging!”

As I shouted, the being replied.

[Let’s say I am the Moon Palace Vessel. But what does that even mean?]

“What do you mean?”

[I have no memory of it, and there’s currently no method to restore the power and form of the Moon Palace Vessel. It seems you’ve come just to tease me.]

“No! There’s a way to restore it! So listen closely.”

With all my determination, I spoke to her.

“If you meet your beloved from the Celestial Realm, the Reborn One, your lost memories will return!”

[Are you sure?]

“Y-yes!”

Of course, I’m not entirely sure, but I’m just trying to use it as leverage!

I’ll take you there to either threaten the Reborn One or gain some advantage if he flusters!

[…That pattern makes me feel something familiar…. My memory is stirring slightly….]

To my surprise, the being seemed a bit flustered. After a while, she halted the howling aura surrounding her and spoke.

[Alright. I’ll let you con me this once.]

“Really?”

[If you’re wrong, I have conditions.]

“What are they?”

[You must surrender all of your power, life, and name to me. If you’re confident, you would accept this proposal, right?]

“……”

Uh… that’s a bit much….

Is it wise to wager everything just to grab one weakness of the Reborn One?

‘What a gamble…’

While I hesitated to respond, Sagong Lin, who had approached, suddenly exclaimed.

“Baek Woong agrees!”

[Really?]

“Yes.”

[Okay…. Let’s head to the Celestial Realm.]

Zzaaaap.

Shortly after, the being transformed into a breathtaking beauty with flowing black hair. However, instead of appearing as a fairy, she wore ripped clothing resembling that of a motley servant, reflecting her inner turmoil with blood-red attire. Using her demonic power to transform, she glared at me and said.

[I will take everything from you….]

Her eyes were filled with spite.

“……”

I shot a resentful glance at Sagong Lin, who just patted my shoulder.

“It will be fine.”

“It better be….”

“Baek Woong, listen carefully. According to theory, the curse placed on the Moon Palace Vessel is that of the Three Sovereigns, and to lift that curse, you will need equivalent power. Even I can’t lift such a curse at this moment.”

“What then?”

“There’s only one possible method….”

After hearing the way from Sagong Lin, I nodded. Having come this far, I had no choice but to follow her advice.

“F-First, stay inside the Wooden Armor. I’ll release you when facing Yi.”

[I can break out of this flimsy demon artifact anytime. If you try to seal me, it will cost you your life.]

“Okay….”

Reluctantly, I trapped her inside the Wooden Armor and rose back to the Celestial Realm. I went to meet the Heavenly Mysterious Woman again, but to my surprise, she was not present. When I asked other Great Immortals she was mentoring, they replied.

[The Heavenly Mysterious Woman has urgent matters and is currently unavailable.]

“When will she return?”

[There is no set time.]

What in the world is happening now?

I was perplexed but decided to leave it for now and headed to the training ground on the 92nd floor. The martial artists training under Jang Sam-bong seemed to be learning to uncover the hidden powers in the Infinite Circle today as well.

I shared with the Sword Demon the memories of meeting the Asura, excluding the most recent memories. After glimpsing through my memories, the Sword Demon said.

“This is somewhat absurd. The supposed Moon Palace Vessel is the legendary fairy, said to possess the highest beauty in the world….”

“……”

“Just cancel the deal with her and send the Asura down to the ground. It’s quite unreasonable to hold the Asura as a hostage. Frankly, it’s ridiculous.”

“Ugh.”

I couldn’t respond since the Sword Demon’s words made too much sense. I realized how much I was pushing my boundaries.

‘Then, I must face the Reborn One with just the weakness of the Vessel.’

Can I truly win against the Reborn One with just one weakness?

Somehow, that felt unlikely.

After a moment of deep thought, I shook my head.

“No. Anyway, I’ll see this through.”

“Are you serious? If you lose everything to the Asura, it will mean the end of your reincarnation. Are you genuinely willing to let this round slip by without witnessing the end?”

“I’ve seen the strength of the Reborn One, and it’s no joke. Honestly, I don’t think we can win with the [Small Cycle] even if we find a way to resist.”

In terms of raw strength, he might even outmatch the Celestial Sage. The Sword Demon seemed displeased, his eyebrows twitching at my words.

“Hmph. You’re giving up too quickly.”

He looked disappointed at my lack of faith in the potential of power, trying to sidestep the practical path. I understood his feelings but was already set on my path.

“My apologies. However, getting to Fuxi takes precedence for me. My priorities are different.”

“I see you’re anxiously seeking resolution since Mangnyang vanished. Really, you should reconsider. Even if it takes ten years, it should suffice if we can defeat the Reborn One.”

Finally, I couldn’t help but shout my frustration.

“After the Reborn One comes Xiang Yu! How many years must we train to win against Xiang Yu? Ten years? Twenty years? A hundred years? There’s no guarantee!”

“…….”

“It’s unsustainable this way. The trials of the Tower were not meant to be broken with brute strength.”

“Are you serious?”

“Yes. I have plans too. As the expedition leader, please follow me.”

Seeing that, the Sword Demon let out a resigned sigh and nodded.

“If you put it that way… but I have one thing I’m not willing to concede.”

“What is it?”

“It seems one of us will soon gain the ability to resist the [Small Cycle]. I don’t know who it will be…. Just wait till then.”

“Okay. I will train alongside you.”

Thus, we began our rigorous training under Jang Sam-bong. I intended to join him in the training to resist the Divine Weapon, but Jang Sam-bong stopped me.

“Baek Woong, you were originally training in the Immortal Sword Technique, correct?”

“Yes.”

“Then it’s meaningless to force yourself into this training. You should cultivate as you learned from Yeodong-bin.”

“……”

Learned from Yeodong-bin?

I realized what that meant immediately.

‘Training in circles!’

Was that simple yet absurd training the most fitting for me? It didn’t quite make sense, but regardless, it sounded like he was saying our forms of training would be different. Following Jang Sam-bong’s words, I separated from the group and began drawing circles as part of my Immortal Sword Technique every day.

Bzzz.

While drawing with the Immortal Sword Technique, I pondered.

‘The last task Yeodong-bin gave me was to acquire the ability to perceive the Mind Sword.’

I had begged Yeodong-bin for clues on how to distinguish between the Mind Sword and Mind Spirit, realizing I was at a loss again. If I couldn’t even solve this, Yeodong-bin wouldn’t have anything else to teach me. I exerted continuous effort, striving to discover how to see the Mind Sword as mentioned by Yeodong-bin.

Some time passed. About two months later, it happened.

Zzeng!

“Indeed. Excellent.”

Jang Sam-bong ceased deploying the immortal technique and marveled.

“Sword Demon. And Dokgo Seong…. You both have mastered the method to resist the [Small Cycle] first.”

They were maintaining their balance unshaken against the divine weapon’s summons. Strangely enough, a pure white circle floated around their bodies, looking perfectly continuous in starting and ending positions.

“Ah… it’s just mere skills; we haven’t truly stepped into the realm yet.”

“That alone is remarkable.”

“Hah…”

The Sword Demon smiled wryly.

“If it weren’t for this divine training of the divine weapon, we would have never comprehended this even in a hundred years.”

“Ahh. There’s no need to belittle yourself….”

“Belittlement it is not. We were chosen not to grasp such heights. Regardless, Jang Sam-bong sacrificed his energy to teach us.”

“……”

“I will surely repay this favor.”

Jang Sam-bong smiled warmly. Seeing that, I contemplated whether I could reach the level of resisting the [Small Cycle], but I realized again I had learned nothing despite all my continuous training.

I suddenly recognized the grim reality.

‘…It would’ve been right to use underhanded methods.’

Even if I tried to prolong my time practicing under Jang Sam-bong for a few years, I still wouldn’t learn anything. That was my innate talent. I wondered how many more years it would take for me to reach that level, but soon understood it would be meaningless.

I have no moment of insight.

I bitterly smiled and said.

“Sword Demon. As promised, let’s challenge the Reborn One on the 93rd floor.”

“Are you sure? Today could be your last day. You could do it later.”

“…It’s necessary. And delaying further would only waste time.”

“Why do you think that?”

“I don’t know… but it feels like something truly special must happen to gain the ability to see the Mind Sword.”

Even Yeodong-bin didn’t seem to have much hope when giving me that clue. It seems the level I gain through ordinary training isn’t achievable. It’s not guaranteed that with daily honing, it might take several years or even require a foundation of hundreds of years of training. Now, training itself was a waste of time.

I was ready to face death this time!

These trials are just stalling for time now!

Confirming my intent, the Sword Demon nodded.

“Alright then. If that’s your stance, it seems having more people won’t matter before the Reborn One. Only the two of us who can resist the [Small Cycle] will accompany you.”

“That works.”

Zzsh!

We ascended to the 93rd floor. As we arrived, we spotted the Reborn One standing across from us.

With piercing eyes, the Reborn One glared at us and said.

[You dare come here with just that number? Are you looking down on me?]

“That’s not the case. This is the best we can do.”

[Very well…. I will fill every pore in your body with arrows.]

Creeeeeak.

The Reborn One slowly began loading arrows into his Red Bow.

At that moment, I rapidly took out the Wooden Armor and shouted.

“Reborn One! The Moon Palace Vessel is here!”

Zzsh!

The Vessel was released from the Wooden Armor, and upon recognizing the elegant beauty of the black-haired Moon Palace Vessel, the Reborn One suddenly froze with his arrows.

I yelled continuously.

“You don’t need to fulfill your wish anymore! Your wife, the Vessel, is right here, so just back off!”

[What?!]

“The proposal from Nüwa was to resurrect you, right? If the Vessel is here, you have no reason or necessity to harbor anger against us!”

[……]

It was evident that the Reborn One’s expression was wavering heavily.

Great!

If the necessity to fulfill Nüwa’s proposal is gone, then the Reborn One too won’t have any reason to fight us!

After a brief moment, the gazes of the Vessel and the Reborn One met.

It seemed we were about to witness a heartwarming reunion between a husband and wife after thousands of years.

[……]

[……]

They stared at each other for what felt like an eternity. Then, at once, both opened their mouths.

[Who is this?]

[Who are you?]

“……”

Uh?

This isn’t how it’s supposed to go!

While I stood rigid and stunned, the Reborn One, looking irritated, said.

[My wife, the Vessel, is much more beautiful and noble. She may look somewhat similar, but isn’t she merely a monster? How dare you bring such a thing, claiming it’s the Vessel….]

In response, the Vessel glared angrily.

[Who are you to judge someone’s beauty when you’ve never met me before?]

[Have you never heard the name of the Celestial being and the Divine Warrior, the Reborn One? You’re nothing but a lowly demon.]

[That’s ridiculous! I’d rather take a lump of soybeans as my husband than to have you!]

The Reborn One’s pride was clearly hurt.

[What did you say? How dare a demon insult me?]

The Vessel raised her middle finger.

[Insult? You haven’t the right to even speak of me. You look like a pathetic idiot with misplaced pride; better go scratch yourself against a wall until the world ends.]

[Ahhhhh…. You dare to speak to me like that.]

“……”

Seeing the Moon Palace Vessel and Reborn One escalating their anger toward each other left me pale.

‘Something’s very off….’

The Moon Bunny pattern had clearly pointed to the Vessel, she must indeed be the Moon Palace Vessel. Though I had doubts, all evidence pointed to that truth. However, who would’ve thought that the world-famous couple wouldn’t recognize each other?!

‘Could it be that the curse of the Giant Toad imposed by Jeogok is so strong that it has that effect?’

If I’d known this, I should have brainstormed ways to remove the Vessel’s curse beforehand!

As expected, the Vessel turned to me with a glare.

[Baek Woong, you were wrong. According to our promise, I will take all your powers and your name!]

“Wait! Not yet!”

[Are you begging for your life now?]

“Not that… just hold on….”

In that moment, I remembered what Sagong Lin had told me.

So, I shouted out.

“I am the one who named you, Moon Palace Vessel. I shall revert your name back to Han’e (姮娥)! If nothing happens afterward, only then will I admit defeat! What do you say?”

As the namer, my authority might transcend even the Three Sovereigns’ authority, as Sagong Lin predicted. I had no choice but to roll with Sagong Lin’s lead this time.

[…Fine. This is your last chance.]

The Vessel looked at me in disbelief, arms crossed.

[I doubt it, but go ahead. There’s no way I could be the Vessel!]

Even the Reborn One seemed to have lost his will to fight, merely watching us in a dazed manner.

[…What are you two doing? Are you idiots?]

[Shut up for a moment.]

[Seriously….]

The Reborn One, who was criticized, didn’t flare up in anger but simply turned away. Their absurd interaction seemed to sap both of their will to fight. Such confidence in winning likely played a role in his demeanor.

“Let’s just give it a try!”

I pointed at the Vessel with my finger.

“I, Baek Woong, rename you as Han’e (姮娥)!! Descendant of Jeogok!”

In that instant.

Krrrrrr.

[Uoohhhh….]

A blinding light erupted from the Vessel’s entire being, as if a solid shell was cracking open. The immense spiritual energy that had encompassed her began to shed, and with each fragment that touched the ground, the earth quaked with pure spiritual energy, bubbling like a swamp.

Kugugugu.

Light burst forth from inside the Vessel. After a significant amount of time, the streams of light radiating from her glowed brighter, swelling until the entire atmosphere was engulfed in brilliance. Suddenly, it felt as though white radiance erupted all around us.

Crash!

At that moment, I sensed an unfathomable dark voice emerging from the Heavenly Secret I held.

Fool, you rejoice in the faults of that day.

The phantom of a being crowned with a divine crown appeared, tears of blood streaming down. The apparition seemed to writhe in captivity, but as if deeply engrossed in crimson, it abruptly faded away.

Wondering if others had heard that voice, I looked around, but no one had a clue. At that moment, an ominous dark energy flowed into the cracked heavens. I reached out to that energy, but I couldn’t touch it at all.

‘What?! This is….’

And when that fleeting moment came to an end—

In front of me stood an existence many would call a pinnacle of beauty, one who bore the title of the most sacred since ancient times. I had seen countless beauties before, yet none possessed the profound nobility that stood before me now.

This was – Han’e.

The legendary fairy famed since the Mythological Age and the direct descendant of Jeogok.

“……!!”

Thud.

And simultaneously, I noticed the Reborn One, standing opposite me, kneeling and gazing at her in utter disbelief. The Reborn One cried out in tears, unable to comprehend reality.

[H-Han’e!! Is that truly you!!]

[……]

The Reborn One staggered forward, approaching Han’e.

[I… I did everything to bring you back… no matter what it took. Even amidst Jeogok creating my weaknesses and waging chaos, I did everything…. I endured the humiliation of having my powers sealed to believe and follow you till the end, but….]

[……]

[Everyone said that I needed to follow Nüwa’s words to regain you, yet… it turns out that my wish can come true this easily.]

[……]

[Forget about trials and such, let’s leave together now.]

Upon hearing those words, I felt relieved inwardly.

‘Phew, that’s a relief.’

It appeared as if the Reborn One had abandoned the idea of facing trials. Would this mean we could sidestep the arduous trials that were the muscle of Nüwa’s conditions?

As I felt a wave of euphoria and a smile crept onto my face, the Vessel spoke.

[Reborn One.]

As the Reborn One approached, Han’e stared at him expressionlessly before slowly clenching her fist.

[Huh?]

[Brace yourself.]

Puh-raaa.

[Khrrrgh!]

In that moment, Han’e’s fist landed squarely on the Reborn One, sending him crashing to the ground, having caught him completely off-guard.

The power behind that fist—bursting with divine energy—was unexpected, and the Reborn One found himself sprawled on the ground in utter confusion.

He cried out in shock.

[W-what’s the meaning of this?]

[Reborn One. I am sorry, but I can’t follow you.]

[What….]

As Han’e slowly approached me, her delicate fingers gently caressed my cheek.

Her next words left everyone dumbfounded.

[This person is now my master.]