1150——————==

Soul of the Evil God

I can’t believe I’m seeing Jin So-cheong after 500 years. It’s both surprising and pleasant.

Jin So-cheong stared at me and said, “I never thought the prophecy itself would be used in such a way.”

“I had no choice in the matter.”

That was true.

The prophecy about dying tomorrow and the one about Jin So-cheong appearing before my death. Considering both, it made perfect sense that Jin So-cheong would show up right before I faced death in front of Xiang Yu. That’s the most logical fulfillment of the prophecy. So, I deliberately gambled on Jin So-cheong’s appearance without using up the great spirit deities’ power.

As I wore a bittersweet expression, Jin So-cheong spoke again. “So much has happened in the meantime.”

“Are you going to tell me the story of the last 500 years?”

“There’s no particular need. What I’ve experienced won’t help you much, and managing what you have now would be overwhelming enough.”

Speaking flatly, Jin So-cheong walked over to the window. “You already carry the stories of too many people.”

Swish—

The sound of the sea reached my ears. The cries of seagulls confirmed that we were indeed on the coast. Jin So-cheong, who had been silently gazing at the horizon, broke the silence.

“To put it simply, the apocalypse cannot be avoided. Even if you defeat Xiang Yu, who has become stronger than the Queen Mother of the West, and reach level 100.”

“What…? Xiang Yu has become that strong? Isn’t he at the level of the Old Ruler?”

“Indeed. The seals placed by the Ancient Ones on him were completely broken by Nüwa, and she has fully supported his strength. You could say he’s on par with transcendents.”

“……”

It wasn’t strange to think that he felt overwhelmingly powerful.

I let out a low murmur. “Hmm… You’re so certain we can’t stop the apocalypse. Why is that?”

“It’s too late to rely on Nüwa and Fuxi to overcome the apocalypse. If you wanted to do that, it should have been done much earlier… By now, it’s simply impossible.”

Suddenly, curiosity struck me, and I asked, “It sounds like you’re saying it was definitely possible in the past. Do you know when that was?”

“……”

“Would it have been possible back when I was reborn?”

“I wouldn’t know. How could I measure the limits of a reborn person? But at least 500 years ago, it wouldn’t have been possible.”

“Hmm.”

I tilted my head. “This is really hard to grasp. Jin So-cheong, what exactly were you doing when you sent that clue about the Heavenly Secret? What’s your purpose?”

Jin So-cheong answered slowly, “I’m traveling to delve into the [dream]. To find my own identity.”

“…Dream?”

What kind of nonsense is that? It sounded absurd, but Jin So-cheong calmly continued. “This is also the mission given to me by Master Mangnyang.”

“A mission…? Have you become an apostle of Master Mangnyang?”

I asked, half doubting, but the response was entirely unexpected.

“If I complete this mission, that might become true. Master Mangnyang will provide such a reward.”

“……!!”

So, if I complete the mission of delving into the [dream], will I truly become an apostle!

Recalling how Cheon Woo-jin, the former apostle of Master Mangnyang, had exhibited such strength to confront the interference of the Three Sovereigns directly, this was astonishing. I couldn’t help but express my admiration to Jin So-cheong.

“That’s impressive, Jin So-cheong. So, what exactly is this [dream]?”

“Baek Woong. You know that the world is wider than you think. You’ve always explored new worlds beyond your limits.”

“Well, I do know that.”

“[Dream] is a world beyond the one you perceive. It’s the past and the future, and it’s nothing at all—it is the dream itself.”

“……”

I had no clue what he was talking about. As I listened blankly, Jin So-cheong said, “It’s just like when you met Fuxi in the Land and Earth Diagram… Baek Woong, can you confidently say whether that was the past or the future?”

“What!!”

I was taken aback.

‘How does he know about that?!’

For all I knew, my earthly companions sharing with the obsidian and the Celestial Exploration Team or Miho were aware of it, but that was limited to those who shared with me and the obsidian. Jin So-cheong hadn’t met me since 500 years back, and this was our first meeting since then! How could he even know?

‘Um… The mission of delving into the [dream]… Does that mean he looked into the Land and Earth Diagram…? If that’s the case…’

Suddenly, I grasped something and spoke.

“Are you saying the Land and Earth Diagram is [dream]?”

“Master Mangnyang must have told you from the start—that it was just a dream.”

“How can a dream become a world beyond the real world? And why are you so obsessed with something that isn’t even reality in the first place?!”

I was perplexed by my lack of understanding, and Jin So-cheong remarked.

“Then how did you bring back the achievements or techniques you gained in a dream into reality?”

“…That’s…”

“You gained the foundation of divine arts, Tai Chi, from the Land and Earth Diagram, and simultaneously acquired the potential of various divine powers. If all that was just a dream, then you should have lost everything the moment you came out of the Land and Earth Diagram. However, you hold on to everything just fine.”

“……”

I became fearful upon hearing Jin So-cheong’s words.

“Are you saying the Land and Earth Diagram isn’t a dream, but another reality…? Are you saying it’s some kind of parallel world?!”

“Not at all. A parallel world is an illusion created by those who can’t distinguish between reality and dreams, a mere yardstick for them deceiving themselves. It’s a delusion for those bound by laws.”

Jin So-cheong continued, unwavering.

“I’ll say it once more: A dream is a dream. Everything inside the Land and Earth Diagram is merely a dream. But it’s a dream indistinguishable from reality.”

“It’s getting more confusing… So, are you saying the place I’m at now is reality?”

“Do you know of Zhuang Zhou’s dream?”

“Of course, I do.”

“It doesn’t matter whether you think you’re a butterfly or Zhuang Zhou… because someone who removes the boundary of dreams can be both.”

“……?”

“That’s also how to properly use the Blessing of the Sky…”

What is he talking about?!

Feeling utterly confused by the high-level discussion, eventually, Jin So-cheong said, “Saving the great spirit deities for the confrontation with Xiang Yu was a wise decision. But it won’t be enough to breach Xiang Yu’s defenses.”

“Are you going to tell me how to assault Xiang Yu?”

I frowned and said earnestly to Jin So-cheong, “Forget about that; just come help me. You seem to have reached an incredible level; if it’s you, you could probably defeat Xiang Yu!”

“Do you understand now why I said I couldn’t stop the apocalypse in the first place?”

“Um?”

“Nüwa and Fuxi are beings who cannot stop the apocalypse. They’ve already lost the justification and the strength to do so. The reason they are trying to draw you in has nothing to do with you; it just means you don’t have to cling to the tower’s trials.”

“……”

“There might be rewards, but those won’t be directly helpful in staving off the apocalypse.”

Jin So-cheong stood by the window with a serene expression. “Go down the tower right now. Instead of pouring everything into the tower’s trials, it would be far better to engage in actions that would yield greater benefits in a day.”

I was aghast and said to Jin So-cheong, “Do you think that makes any sense? Do you have any idea how many sacrifices it took to make it this far?! The Sword Demon, Dokgo Seong, Kamizumi Nobutsuna, Hou Yi—they’ve all died! You think I could just back away in front of Xiang Yu like this?!”

“If you’re dying tomorrow anyway, it makes no difference. Those who died a day earlier are no different from you; they will all be lost with billions of lives throughout the universe. What’s the difference? Is it the satisfaction of revenge for your companions that you need right now?”

“Um…”

“The justification of doing it for your companions is a wonderful way to maintain your humanity. But right now, it’s a different story. You’ve become a very dangerous existence.”

Dangerous?

I looked at Jin So-cheong, bewildered, and he continued, “I can see it now.”

“What do you see?”

“You are now bound as part of the Great Cycle. No… calling it a [knot] is more appropriate. How this is possible, I do not know, but because of it, you have become an existence that no one can predict its future.”

“I don’t get what you mean. I have a vague idea that if I die, the [Great Cycle] turns, but what do you mean by being tied to some part of a knot?”

“…Next time we meet, I might lose the memory of having met you. The ability to confirm that knot with you was not my power but Master Mangnyang’s.”

“Huh?”

What the heck is he saying?

Jin So-cheong then said, “Let’s step outside for a moment.”

Swish—

I followed Jin So-cheong out of the shabby building and walked along the coastline. The coast was so clear and blue, and the white sand seemed incredibly fine. As I thought that I could live well in such a place, Jin So-cheong said, “I’m sorry.”

“Where did that come from?”

“I’ve been trying to enhance my power over the years while simultaneously attempting to lift the curse that your Heavenly Secret holds. Regardless of the situation, you have bestowed a favor upon me this life, and it’s only right that I repay it. However, no matter how hard I tried, it proved impossible to unravel the essence of the Heavenly Secret. I picked up a few clues, but that’s hardly enough…”

“……”

“It exists beyond the dream. It resembles a grimoire, yet it is absolutely not a grimoire. I believe it shouldn’t exist in the first place.”

“Beyond the dream? What does that even mean?”

“A place where reincarnation and harmony coexist. It’s something even deities would consider a nightmare…”

After a brief silence, Jin So-cheong said, “Anyway, I’m sorry.”

I curtly replied, “If you’re truly sorry, then help me out. After 500 years of training, you should be immensely strong, but saying you can’t help me doesn’t sound right.”

“If you want my help, you’ll need to pay a price.”

“A price?”

“I’ve also become a being constrained by the law of cause and effect. Keep that in mind for the next knot.”

“What do you mean by that…?”

As I questioned, Jin So-cheong fixed his gaze straight ahead.

“You have arrived.”

Whoosh

“……!!”

A moment later, when I saw the being appear before me, my heart sank. It was someone completely unexpected.

“M-Master Mangnyang!!”

The familiar black cat I encountered every time was right before me!

I panicked and shouted, “Weren’t you blended with the battle ground and disappeared?!”

[Jin So-cheong learned techniques that surpass the dreams, allowing him to appear freely here, disregarding those restrictions.]

“……”

Master Mangnyang licked his front paw momentarily, then spoke. [The victor of this life is already determined to be Emperor Gong Sun Xuanwen. What you’re doing now is nothing more than trying to leave as few scars as possible on him. Climbing the tower, as Jin So-cheong says, is pointless.]

“Determined? Why?”

[It was already settled when the Heavenly Demon descended. It’s a bit late to talk about it now.]

Master Mangnyang moved his paws slowly toward me and sat right in front of me, looking up as he spoke.

[Baek Woong. Do you realize my memory is starting to return?]

“What? It’s returning?”

[It’s like a distant memory, but I was once at the highest place in the universe. I had some sort of resolve when I fell from there, but… I can’t remember what that resolve was. I had made a vow with some companions.]

“……”

[My memory returning must have something to do with you.]

“No, even if you say that, I know nothing….”

Master Mangnyang stared at me intently and said, [I don’t know what you’re going to experience from now on, but if that book ever acts tyrannically, call my name. I will help prevent you from being trapped in the [knot].]

“Huh? Trapped in the knot?”

[Remember this well. If you don’t reach a conclusion, then neither will I.]

Whoosh

A moment later, Master Mangnyang and Jin So-cheong’s figures began to fade and gradually drift away. Everything around me transformed into mist, like a dream. I hastily reached out to them.

“Wait!! Are you really saying I should give up on the trial of Xiang Yu?! That I shouldn’t meet Nüwa and Fuxi and instead go down the tower!!”

No answer came, and the mist thickened, but I shouted until my voice almost broke.

“I can’t accept that!! What about the hundreds of years of suffering my companions endured until now?! The Sword Demon, Dokgo Seong, Kamizumi Nobutsuna, Hou Yi—they all died! You think I can just turn back now in front of Xiang Yu?!”

“If you’re dying tomorrow anyway, what’s the difference? Those others just died a day earlier; now, billions upon billions of lives in the universe will be lost. What’s the difference? Is it your own satisfaction from avenging your comrades that you need right now?”

“That… that’s…”

“The justification of doing it for your companions is convenient for preserving your humanity. However, this is a different matter. You’ve become a very dangerous being at this moment.”

Dangerous?

Feeling puzzled, I looked at Jin So-cheong, who said, “I can see it now.”

“What do you mean you can see?”

“You are bound as a part of the Great Cycle. No… it would be more accurate to say you’ve tied yourself in a [knot]. I don’t know how this is possible, but because of it, you have become an entity whose future cannot be predicted by anyone.”

“I don’t get it. I have a vague grasp that if I die, the [Great Cycle] will turn, but what does it mean to be tied to some knot?”

“…The next time I meet you, I’ll lose the memory of having encountered you. The ability to verify this knot wasn’t my power; it was Master Mangnyang’s.”

“Huh?”

What on earth is he talking about?

Jin So-cheong said, “Let’s step outside for a moment.”

Swish—

I followed Jin So-cheong out of the shabby building and walked along the coastline. The sea was very clear and blue, and the sands on the beach were incredibly fine. I briefly thought it’d be nice to live in such a place, when Jin So-cheong suddenly said, “I’m sorry.”

“That came out of the blue.”

“For all these past years, as I’ve sought to enhance my own power, I also attempted to break the curse tied to your Heavenly Secret. Regardless, you’ve done me a favor this life, and it’s only right that I repay it… but no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t bring the essence of the Heavenly Secret to light. I picked up some clues, but that’s far from enough…”

“……”

“It lies beyond the dream. It’s akin to a grimoire, but it’s definitely not a grimoire. It should never have existed in the first place.”

“Beyond the dream? What does that mean?”

“A place where reincarnation and perfect harmony converge. Something that even deities would deem a nightmare…”

After a brief silence, Jin So-cheong added, “Anyway, I’m sorry.”

I replied brusquely, “If you’re truly sorry, then help me out. After 500 years of training, you should be incredibly strong; it doesn’t make sense that you can’t even help me.”

“You’ll have to give something up to gain my assistance.”

“What do you mean by something?”

“I’m also bound by the law of cause and effect now. Remember that for the next time we meet.”

“What’s that supposed to mean…?”

Before I could inquire further, Jin So-cheong focused his attention ahead.

“You’ve arrived.”

Whoosh

“……!!”

A moment later, when I looked to the front, my heart dropped. It was an unexpected presence.

“M-Master Mangnyang!!”

The black cat I always met appeared right in front of me!

I panicked and yelled, “Weren’t you in the battle ground, now fading away?!”

[Jin So-cheong has learned techniques that transcend dreams, allowing him the freedom to appear here, defying those restrictions.]

“……”

Master Mangnyang licked his paw briefly, then stated, [In this life, the victor has been decided to be Emperor Gong Sun Xuanwen. What you are doing now is merely striving to leave as few scratches upon him as possible. Climbing the tower, as Jin So-cheong said, is pointless.]

“Decided? Why?”

[When the Heavenly Demon descended, it was already predetermined. It feels a bit late to bring that up now.]

Master Mangnyang moved his paws carefully and sat down before me, gazing upward as he spoke.

[Baek Woong, are you aware that my memory is gradually returning?]

“What? It’s coming back?”

[It resembles a very distant time, but I was once at the pinnacle of the universe. I had something I resolved before I fell from there, but… that resolution has slipped my mind. I had made a vow with comrades.]

“……”

[My memory returning must connect with you somehow.]

“No, I don’t know anything….”

Master Mangnyang stared at me intently and conveyed, [Although I don’t know what you will experience henceforth, if that grimoire steps out of line, call my name. I will help prevent you from being ensnared by the [knot].]

“Huh? Trapped in a knot?”

[Remember this well. If you don’t reach a conclusion, neither will I.]

Whoosh

A moment later, Master Mangnyang and Jin So-cheong began to fade, slowly drifting farther away. Everything around me morphed into mist, much like a dream. I rushed to reach toward them.

“Wait!! Are you seriously telling me to give up on the Xiang Yu trial?! That I shouldn’t meet Nüwa and Fuxi and should just descend from the tower instead?!”

No response came, and the mist thickened, but I shouted as loud as I could.

“I can’t allow that!! What about all my companions’ countless struggles over the years?! Sword Demon, Dokgo Seong, Kamizumi Nobutsuna, Hou Yi—all of them are dead! Do you think I could just turn my back now in front of Xiang Yu?!”

“If you’re destined to die tomorrow, what difference does it make? They died a day earlier; ultimately, billions of lives across the universe will fade. What’s the actual difference? Is the satisfaction of revenge for your comrades what you need right now?”

“That… that is…”

“Having the justification of doing this for your companions is a convenient reason to protect your humanity. But currently, that reasoning veers into a different discussion. Right now, you’ve become an exceedingly dangerous existence.”

Dangerous?

Feeling dazed, I gazed at Jin So-cheong, who remarked, “I can see it now.”

“What do you mean you can see?”

“You find yourself tied to the Great Cycle. No… I would say you’ve knotted yourself up. I don’t know how this happened, but it makes you an entity whose future becomes unpredictable to everyone else.”

“I don’t understand. I have a vague impression that dying causes the [Great Cycle] to shift, but being confined to a knot, what does that mean?”

“…The next time we meet, I will lose the memory of having encountered you. The ability to witness this knot with you came not from my power but Master Mangnyang’s.”

“Huh?”

What the heck is he babbling about?

Jin So-cheong then said, “Let’s step outside for a moment.”

Swish—

I followed Jin So-cheong from the shabby building and walked along the coast. The sea was incredibly clear and blue, and the sand on the beach seemed exceptionally fine. As I contemplated living in such a place, Jin So-cheong said, “I’m sorry.”

“That came out of nowhere.”

“In the years I’ve worked on building my own power, I’ve also tried to break the curse tied to your Heavenly Secret. Regardless, you provided me a great favor this life, and it’s only right to repay it… But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t unveil the true essence of the Heavenly Secret. I gathered a few clues, but that’s insufficient…”

“……”

“It exists beyond the dream. It’s similar to a grimoire but is certainly not one. I believe it shouldn’t exist in the first place.”

“Beyond the dream? What does that even mean?”

“A place where reincarnation and perfect harmony coexist. Something even deities would label as a nightmare…”

After brief silence, Jin So-cheong reaffirmed, “Anyway, I’m sorry.”

I replied bluntly, “If you’re genuinely sorry, then support me. You’ve trained for 500 years; it’s hard to believe that you cannot assist me.”

“You’ll have to provide a price in exchange for my aid.”

“What kind of price?”

“I, too, have become bound by the law of cause and effect. Keep that in mind for our next encounter.”

“What’s that supposed to mean…?”

Before I could ask, Jin So-cheong focused ahead.

“You have arrived.”

Whoosh

“……!!”

A moment later, upon seeing who stood before me, my heart plummeted. It was someone entirely unexpected.

“M-Master Mangnyang!!”

That familiar black cat, always showing up at unexpected times, stood before me!

I exclaimed in shock, “Weren’t you merged with the battle ground and vanished?!”

[Jin So-cheong has acquired techniques transcending dreams, affording him the freedom to be here, disregarding his previous restrictions.]

“……”

Master Mangnyang nonchalantly licked his paw for a second and then stated, [The victor of this life has been designated as Emperor Gong Sun Xuanwen. What you are currently doing is merely attempting to leave as few scars as possible on him. Climbing the tower, as Jin So-cheong said, is pointless.]

“Designated? How so?”

[When the Heavenly Demon descended, the outcome was already forged. It’s rather late to be discussing it now.]

Master Mangnyang took a few steps closer, gradually sitting before me. Looking up, he addressed me.

[Baek Woong, do you recognize that my memories are gradually returning?]

“What? Returning?”

[Somewhere, a long time ago, I occupied the most elevated position in the universe. I had resolved something before my fall, but… I can’t recall that resolution now. I had made a pact with my comrades.]

“……”

[The resurgence of my memories has something to do with you.]

“No, even if you say so, I’m unaware of anything….”

Master Mangnyang stared at me intently and said, [I’m not certain what experiences await you from this point forward, but should that book cause a stir, invoke my name. I shall assist in preventing you from entrapment by the [knot].]

“Huh? Entrapment in a knot?”

[Bear this in mind: If you can’t draw a conclusion, neither shall I.]

Whoosh

Before long, the images of Master Mangnyang and Jin So-cheong began to shimmer, gradually fading away. Everything around me morphed into mist, reminiscent of a dream. I hastily extended my hand towards them.

“Please wait!! Are you truly advocating that I abandon the Xiang Yu trial?! That I should refrain from meeting Nüwa and Fuxi and instead just descend from the tower?!”

No response echoed back, and the mist thickened, compelling me to shout at the top of my lungs.

“I cannot concede this!! What of all the burdens my comrades have shouldered for centuries?! The Sword Demon, Dokgo Seong, Kamizumi Nobutsuna, Hou Yi—they’ve all perished! Can you expect me to just retreat in front of Xiang Yu like this?!”

“If you are to die tomorrow, what difference does it make? Those who died a mere day earlier are inconsequential, as ultimately billions across the universe will perish. What’s the difference? Is the satisfaction from avenging your companions what you presently need?”

“That… that is…”

“Utilizing the justification of fighting for your companions works well to preserve your humanity. However, that sentiment diverges from the current discussion. At this moment, you have turned into a dangerously volatile being.”

Volatile?

Turning bewildered eyes toward Jin So-cheong, I sensed confusion.

“You cannot comprehend it now.”

“Comprehend what?”

“You’ve become inextricably linked to the Grand Cycle. No… rather, I would say you are trapped in this [knot]. I cannot discern how this occurred, but as a consequence, you are now an entity whose future is utterly unpredictable, even to your own.”

“I’m struggling to grasp that notion. I vaguely gather that if I perish, the [Great Cycle] continues onward, but what does it mean to be confined in a specific knot?”

“…When I confront you once more, I might lose the memory of our prior encounter. The force that helped me confirm this knot was not my own, but Master Mangnyang’s.”

“Huh?”

What nonsense is this?

Jin So-cheong, with a renewed focus, declared, “Let’s step outside again.”

Swish—

Immediately after, I followed Jin So-cheong from the rundown structure and along the coastal path. The beach stretched out with vivid clarity, and the sands felt exquisitely soft beneath my feet. While I lent my thoughts to what life might be like here, Jin So-cheong unexpectedly blurted out, “I’m sorry.”

“Out of the blue, huh?”

“As I pursued my own growth over the years, I concurrently worked to nullify the intertwining curse of your Heavenly Secret. Regardless, you’ve done me a favor this life, and it’s only fitting that I repay it… But despite my efforts, I could not unveil the deep-layered essence of the Heavenly Secret. Retrieved a few clues but hardly worth a mention…”

“……”

“It exists on a plane beyond the dream. Though it resembles a grimoire in form, it is unequivocally not. I reckon it should not rightfully exist at all.”

“Beyond the dream? What does that entail?”

“A zone where reincarnation and perfect convergence blend. It’s something that imposes upon even deities as a dreadful nightmare…”

Following a moment of pensive silence, Jin So-cheong resumed speaking. “In any case, I sincerely apologize.”

I curtly retorted, “If you’re genuinely sorry, lend me a hand. After 500 years of honing your craft, it’s hard to believe you wouldn’t assist me.”

“In exchange for my assistance, you’ll need to pay a price.”

“A price?”

“I now share the constraints of the law of cause and effect. Bear this in mind until we cross paths again.”

“What is that supposed to imply….”

My inquiry remained unresolved as Jin So-cheong turned his focus elsewhere.

“Your arrival is signaled.”

Swoosh

“……!!”

Afterwards, the being that materialized before me sent chills running down my spine; it was someone entirely unforeseen.

“M-Master Mangnyang!!”

The familiar black cat I encountered every time was right there!

I was taken aback and exclaimed, “Didn’t you blend in with the battle ground and vanish?!”

[Jin So-cheong has tapped into techniques that transcend dreams, permitting you to appear here without restrictions.]

“……”

Master Mangnyang paused, licked his paw briskly, and continued speaking. [This life’s victor has already been decided to be Emperor Gong Sun Xuanwen. Everything you set out to accomplish now is merely aiming to inflict as little damage to him as possible. Therefore, as Jin So-cheong indicated, scaling the tower holds no reason.]

“Decided? How can that be so?”

[It had been declared when the Heavenly Demon manifested. Discussing this ground now feels remarkably late.]

Master Mangnyang stepped forward gently. Coming to rest directly in front of me, he met my gaze with a calm demeanor.

[Baek Woong, do you grasp that my remembrance is gradually returning?]

“What? It’s returning?”

[Just like an echo from aeons ago, I was once in the highest locale of the universe. When I plummeted from that ascent, I had a specific resolve, yet… that decision eludes me. I once vowed something with my comrades.]

“……”

[Most likely, my recollections returning has a connection to you.]

“No, I have no notion….”

Master Mangnyang looked intently at me and stated, [I possess no forecast of what trials you’ll face moving forward, but should that tome enact any troubles, just speak my name. I shall assist in preventing you from being ensnared in the [knot].]

“Huh? Trapped in a knot?”

[Make sure you remember this. If you cannot produce a conclusion, then neither will I.]

Swoosh

Shortly afterward, the silhouettes of Master Mangnyang and Jin So-cheong faded into nothingness, like shadows evaporating. Everything transitioned into a fog, akin to a fleeting dream. I urgently reached out in desperation.

“Wait!! Are you truly advising me to forgo the trials of Xiang Yu?! You want me not to meet Nüwa and Fuxi and instead descend from the tower?!”

No reply echoed back, and the mist thickened further, compelled to shout until my voice grew hoarse.

“I cannot simply allow that!! What of all the efforts my friends have endured for eons?! The Sword Demon, Dokgo Seong, Kamizumi Nobutsuna, Hou Yi—they have all fallen! You believe I can merely retreat before Xiang Yu like this?!”

“Given you are fated to perish tomorrow, what differing result exists? Those who passed just a day prior are unimportant; indeed, billions of souls across the cosmos are fated for extinction. What’s the actual difference? Is your need for satisfaction against those comrades what drives you now?”

“That… is…”

“The justification for defending your comrades serves you well in preserving your humanity. Yet presently, we navigate a different discourse. You have transformed into a dangerously volatile entity at this time.”

Volatile?

Finding myself bewildered, I gazed at Jin So-cheong, who remarked, “I can clearly perceive it now.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“You are now bound as a part of the Grand Cycle. No… more precisely, you’ve tied yourself in a [knot]. However this is occurring, it has made you an existence whose future defies prediction, not even by your own accord.”

“I’m at a loss. I vaguely recognize that should I face death, the [Grand Cycle] continues onward, yet what does it signify to be anchored within a knot?”

“…When next we meet, I may lose the memory of our previous encounter. The ability to ascertain this knot stemmed not from my own being but from Master Mangnyang’s agency.”

“Huh?”

What in the world is he spouting?

Jin So-cheong continued, “Let us rapidly step outside.”

Swoosh—

After immediately doing so, I followed Jin So-cheong, traversing along the coastal pathway. The beach extended forth with clarity, while the sands beneath me felt exquisitely soft. The thought crossed my mind of how peaceful life could be in such a place, when unexpectedly, Jin So-cheong remarked, “I apologize.”

“Huh? Where did that come from?”

“While honing my abilities over these years, I also endeavored to relieve you of the curse afflicting your Heavenly Secret. For you have provided me with a significant boon this lifetime, and it seems only correct to repay it. However, despite my extensive efforts, I couldn’t illuminate the essence of the Heavenly Secret. I accumulated a handful of clues, yet they proved scant…”

“……”

“It exists beyond dreams—a being akin to a grimoire, although it is fundamentally unlike one. I suspect that it should never have partaken in existence at all.”

“Beyond a dream? What is that supposed to mean?”

“A domain wherein reincarnation converges with true harmony. It constitutes the sort of dread that even deities would ascribe as a nightmare…”

Following a moment of reflective silence, Jin So-cheong concluded, “Nonetheless, my apologies.”

I retorted brusquely, “If you’re truly sorry, then lend me assistance. You’ve trained for 500 years; it’s hard to believe you are unable to aid me.”

“In return for my present aid, you must pay a price.”

“A price?”

“I, too, have been ensnared by metaphorical laws at play. Bear that in mind until our next encounter.”

“What does that mean…?”

Before I could further engage this turn of conversation, Jin So-cheong’s attention shifted again.

“Your presence has been confirmed.”

Swoosh

“……!!”

Having seen the figure materialize before me, I felt my heart plummet; it was someone entirely unanticipated.

“M-Master Mangnyang!!”

That familiar black cat I continuously encountered appeared before me once again!

I stammered, “Didn’t you merge with the battle ground and disappear?!”

[Jin So-cheong learned techniques beyond the dream, allowing him to appear here freely, disregarding imposed restrictions.]

“……”

Master Mangnyang paused, licked his paw momentarily, and then elaborated, [In this realm, the presiding victor has been determined to be Emperor Gong Sun Xuanwen. Your current endeavor is merely to inflict as limited damage upon him as possible. Therefore, as Jin So-cheong correctly articulated, pursuing ascendance to the tower is without point.]

“Determined? What obligations does that hold?”

[When the Heavenly Demon manifested, it was already rendered void of further significance. The time for deliberation on this matter has passed.]

Master Mangnyang took steps forward and settled before me, casting his perspective upward with steady resolve.

[Baek Woong, comprehend this: My memories sustain a gradual return.]

“What? They’re returning?”

[Like echoes from antiquity, I once graced the highest position within the universe. I maintained a resolve before my descent, yet… the precise nature of that resolve has grown faint. My comrades and I bore a promise.]

“……”

[The rekindling of my recollections likely possesses a connection to your essence.]

“No, your suggesting retains no merit… I know nothing of it….”

Master Mangnyang observed me intently before declaring, [While I harbor uncertainties regarding what you will face hereafter, should that document engage itself unruly, call upon my name. I shall aid in your endeavor to liberate from this [knot].]

“Huh? What do you mean, entrapment in a knot?”

[Bear in thy mind: A failure to draw resolutions means neither can I.]

Swoosh

Soon, the ethereal forms of Master Mangnyang and Jin So-cheong began to withdraw and gradually receded, as mist encircled them like fading shadows. I reached out dearly toward them.

“Hold on!! Are you cavalierly instructing me to relinquish the Xiang Yu trials?! You’re severely suggesting I forgo Nüwa and Fuxi and descend back down the tower instead?!”

Silence prevailed without response, yet I shouted desperately at the top of my lungs.

“I won’t stand for that!! What of the collective years of agony endured by my comrades?! The Sword Demon, Dokgo Seong, Kamizumi Nobutsuna, Hou Yi—they all met ruin! Do you assume I can abandon my path at the foot of Xiang Yu?!”

“If you are to perish come dawn, the distinction holds minimal significance. Those felled but a day prior are inconsequential, as countless souls spanning the universe are destined for annihilation. What distinction remains? Is it the provision of satisfaction for avenging your fellows that fuels your desire?”

“That… that cannot be….”

“The very rationale to act in defense of your comrades serves well to uphold your humanity. Yet, at this moment, you embody a different narrative altogether. You have morphed into a perpetually perilous being.”

Perilous?

Though `bewildered` I turned my gaze toward Jin So-cheong, he expressed, “I can perceive it distinctly.”

“What do you mean?”

“You’ve become intricately tied to the Grand Cycle. More accurately, you have ensnared yourself within a [knot]. The means by which this transpired eludes my grasp, yet it has fashioned you into an existence devoid of predictability in the future—a situation unique even to yourself.”

“I struggle to grasp this notion. I possess the faint understanding that should I face death, the [Grand Cycle] persists; what, then, does it entail being shackled within a singular knot?”

“…Should I reconnect with you again, I will likely lose recollection of encountering you previously. To identify this knot, my abilities did not contribute; I was reliant on Master Mangnyang’s prowess.”

“Huh?”

What baffling remarks are these?

At that moment, Jin So-cheong redirected his focus, stating, “Let’s step outside once more.”

Swish—

I obediently followed Jin So-cheong from the dilapidated building alongside the shoreline. The vista of the beach inspired awe in its clarity, while the sands felt fine and inviting beneath my feet. Contemplating the tranquility of living in such a location, Jin So-cheong unexpectedly divulged, “I sincerely apologize.”

“Huh? That’s unexpected.”

“For the years spent enhancing my own strength and concurrently attempting to lift the curse molded into the Heavenly Secret bestowed upon you. Regardless, you’ve rendered me a significant favor in this life, and it’s only proper to reciprocate… however, notably, my endeavors have failed to illuminate the underlying reality of the Heavenly Secret. A few chips of clues remain, though insufficient by comparison…”

“……”

“It resides beyond the dream—a being like a grimoire, but absolutely not a grimoire. It appears to me as something that ought not to exist in the first place.”

“Beyond the dream? What does this imply?”

“A realm where reincarnation intermingles with harmony into a singular unit. Something even deities would deem a horrifying nightmare…”

Moments of silence passed abruptly, and Jin So-cheong spoke. “Anyway, I apologize once more.”

I replied coolly, “If you are truly regretful, then please offer assistance. After 500 years of training, it feels hard to believe that you wouldn’t help me.”

“To procure my help, a price shall be levied upon you.”

“A price…?”

“I, too, have fallen prey to the laws of causality. Be sure to recall this until our next meeting.”

“What does that even mean…?”

Inquiring further, my attention was snatched by Jin So-cheong, “Your arrival has been affirmed.”

Swoosh

“……!!”

Soon after, upon gazing upon the figure emerging before me, an unexpected chill crept down my spine; it was nobody less than someone quite dissimilar.

“M-Master Mangnyang!!”

That ever-familiar black cat came back into view!

I was filled with shock as I stammered, “Didn’t you meld with the battlefield and vanish?!”

[Jin So-cheong has grasped techniques that transcend the dream, allowing him freedom to appear here without restrictions.]

“……”

Master Mangnyang paused, licked his paw absently, before stating, [Currently, this life’s victor is identified as Emperor Gong Sun Xuanwen. What you’re engaged in now is merely an effort to leave his presence as unblemished as feasible. Therefore, as Jin So-cheong elucidated, climbing the tower bears no significance.]

“Identified? What does that mean?”

[When the Heavenly Demon arrived, it had been established conclusively in advance. It feels excessively tardy to discuss it now.]

Master Mangnyang moved gracefully, settling down before me and gazing into my eyes directly.

[Baek Woong, do you realize my memory is filtering back into clarity?]

“What? It’s returning?”

[Through echoes of antiquity, I rested once amongst the highest realms of existence. I clasped some intent regarding my descent, yet… I cannot recall the nature of that desire. I had forged agreements alongside my comrades.]

“……”

[This resurgence of memory likely harbors ties to you.]

“Even if you say this, I remain unaware of anything….”

Master Mangnyang scrutinized me intensely and then proclaimed, [I possess no forewarnings regarding the trials you’ll face in the impending moments, but should that tome enact tyranny, invoke my name. I shall intervene to liberate you from being entrapped by the [knot].]

“Huh? Entrapped by a knot?”

[Make sure to keep this knowledge close: If you fail to arrive at conclusions, then nor will I.]

Swoosh

Before long, the specters of Master Mangnyang and Jin So-cheong began to dissolve and gradually retreat. Everything around me transformed into fog, reminiscent of a dream. Desperately, I reached out toward them.

“Wait!! Are you genuinely insisting I forfeit the challenges posed by Xiang Yu?! You’re seriously advising I forgo meeting Nüwa and Fuxi and instead descend from the tower?!”

No reply reached my ears, and the mist thickened further, compelling me to shout with all my might.

“I cannot accept this!! What of the burden my comrades have borne for centuries?! The Sword Demon, Dokgo Seong, Kamizumi Nobutsuna, Hou Yi—they’ve all perished! You really think I can simply withdraw before Xiang Yu?!”

“If your destiny involves death tomorrow, what difference remains? Though those who died just a day earlier matter less; ultimately, billions of lives across this universe are foreseen to be extinguished. What truly differentiates? Shall your desire now pivot solely around avenging your companions instead?”

“That… I cannot contend with… ….”

“The assertion that you stand for your comrades supplies a relevant justification to safeguard your humanity. However, this now entails an entirely unique discourse. At this moment, you have walking astride along a path of danger yourself.”

Dangerous?

Finding myself perplexed, I turned to Jin So-cheong, who noted, “I can perceive it intuitively now.”

“What do you mean you perceive?”

“You find yourself intricately entangled within the Great Cycle. I’d say more accurately that you are ensnared within a [knot]. Although I cannot discern how this happened, it has rendered you an entity whose future remains unpredictably concealed from all including yourself.”

“I’m bewildered. I grasp vaguely that dying allows the [Great Cycle] to rotate onward; what does it mean to be fixed within some [knot]?”

“…When next we cross paths, I shall likely forget our prior meetings. The ability to validate this knot did not originate from my strength but rather from Master Mangnyang’s agency.”

“Huh?”

What hodgepodge are you even referring to?!

In this instance, Jin So-cheong redirected his contemplations, indicating, “Let’s step outside for just a moment.”

Swoosh—

I obliged, trailing behind Jin So-cheong as we strolled along the coastline. The beach glittered brilliantly, offering a wondrous view, with exceedingly fine sand tickling my feet. Pondering how delightful life might be here, Jin So-cheong boldly proclaimed, “Please, accept my apology.”

“Huh? That’s quite random.”

“Throughout the years spent amplifying my abilities, I also strived to relieve the curse enshrined within your Heavenly Secret. Regardless, you have unwittingly bestowed upon me significant favors, and thus it feels right to repay those to you… suspicions loom amid my insignificance, however, as I could not unveil the profound essence of the Heavenly Secret. There exist minor clues embraced, yet hardly represent full contracts….”

“……”

“We reside beyond mere dreams; an entity paralleling a grimoire exists, yet differs altogether. I suspect, philosophically speaking, it should never grace existence at all.”

“Beyond a dream? What are you alluding to?”

“A realm in which reincarnation swirls harmoniously together. It materializes as a concept that even celestial bards would label a tremendous nightmare…”

Following a moment’s reflection upon silence, Jin So-cheong declared, “Nonetheless, I earnestly apologize.”

I retorted coolly, “If you are indeed remorseful, then lend me a helping hand. Having undergone training for the past 500 years, I find it difficult to believe you cannot assist me.”

“My help requires recompense from you.”

“Recompense?”

“I now partake in the consequences of the prevailing laws of cause-and-effect. Remember this until our next encounter.”

“What does that even mean…?”

As I ventured to inquire, my attention regained focus, directed by Jin So-cheong, who calmly remarked, “Your arrival approaches.”

Swish

“……!!”

Soon after, the figure that emerged before me sent shivers through my nerves, as it proved to be someone utterly unexpected.

“M-Master Mangnyang!!”

That black cat I had consistently encountered was right in front of me again!

I gasped, “Didn’t you merge with the battle ground and vanish?!”

[Jin So-cheong has learned techniques transcending dreams, permitting him the freedom to appear freely here, breaking him free from previous hindrances.]

“……”

Master Mangnyang nonchalantly licked his paw and continued, [In this life, the victor is already confirmed to be Emperor Gong Sun Xuanwen. Everything you are doing now is simply an attempt to inflict as little damage upon him as can be helped. Climbing the tower, as Jin So-cheong posited, is of no use.]

“Confirmed? How is that even possible?”

[When the Heavenly Demon emerged, it was already decided. We’re speaking rather too late on the matter, are we not?]

Master Mangnyang slowly approached me, taking root in front of me. He looked up and stated, [Baek Woong. Do you comprehend that my memories gradually trickle back?]

“What? They’re coming back?”

[Long ago, I was nestled within the highest spaces of the universe. When I plummeted, I harbored some resolve, yet… the essence of that resolve has faded. I once positioned agreements with my comrades.]

“……”

[The fact that my recollections are returning is likely tied to you.]

“No, I don’t hold a clue… ….”

Master Mangnyang stared at me intently, saying, [Whatever awaits you in traversing the future, should that volume screw with its power, thereafter, invoke my name. I will lend my strength to liberate you from entrapment in the [knot].]

“Huh? Trapped within a knot?”

[Keep this close to heart: If you cannot reach a conclusion, neither will I.]

Swoosh

As time passed, the specters of Master Mangnyang and Jin So-cheong began to fade away, as mist ascended gracefully. I eagerly extended my hand toward them.

“Pause!! Are you genuinely suggesting I forfeit the Xiang Yu trials?! Would you really counsel that I abstain from meeting Nüwa and Fuxi and retreat back down the tower?!”

No acknowledgment was given, yet the mist swelled further, compelling me to shout aloud.

“I can’t concede this!! What about the enduring hardships my comrades have borne through centuries?! Sword Demon, Dokgo Seong, Kamizumi Nobutsuna, Hou Yi—they’ve all fallen! Do you assume that I would simply abandon hope before Xiang Yu?!”

“If you are to perish tomorrow, what difference does it make? Those who fell just a day earlier are no longer significant, for soon the vast multitudes across the universe shall face extinction. Is there any tangible difference? At the moment, do you need to engage in satisfaction through revenge for your companions?”

“That… I cannot grasp…”

“Deploying the reasoning that your actions are for your comrades is acceptable in preserving your humanity. But at this instance, we tread upon contrary discourse. You have transitioned into an exceedingly dangerous existence.”

Dangerous?

Confused, I gazed back at Jin So-cheong, who continued, “I see it rather clearly now.”

“What do you mean?”

“You are now an interwoven part of the Great Cycle. Rest assured, what I intend to declare is you are ensnared in a [knot]. How this came about evades my knowledge, but it has bound you to a future devoid of predictability, even for oneself.”

“I’m at an impasse. I have a scant impression that if I depart from this world, the [Great Cycle] proceeds; what signifies being bundled within a particular knot?”

“…If I meet you again, I will lose the recollection of our prior encounter. The energy with which I verify this knot is not my own but rather, attributable to Master Mangnyang’s will.”

“Huh?”

What mumbles are these?!

At this moment, Jin So-cheong stated, “Allow us to trek outside presently.”

Swoosh—

I followed suit, exiting together with Jin So-cheong as we wandered the coastline. The panorama of the ocean entranced me with its beauty, feeling the soft grains of sand beneath my feet caressingly. Contemplating whether life deserves such tranquility, Jin So-cheong abruptly declared, “For this, I apologize deeply.”

“Huh? Out of nowhere?”

“For the elapsed time invested concertedly in bolstering my strength whilst striving to alleviate the curse anchored to your Heavenly Secrets. Regardless of the implications, your assistance to me through this life remains profound, which I must repay… Alas, while I have struggled, the essence of the Heavenly Secret remains obscured. A few bits of information might remain, yet they’ll never suffice for the entirety…”

“……”

“It rests beyond mere dreams—a being akin to an obsolete grimoire may dwell there, yet it is not one. It shouldn’t have been in existence, not at all.”

“Exactly what does it mean, beyond dreaming?”

“Inhabiting the domain where reincarnation meets perfect convergence together. It’s an unspeakable concept that even deities branded as nightmares…”

A pregnant pause came as Jin So-cheong gathered his thoughts, summing up, “Nonetheless, I extend my sincere apologies.”

I returned, “If you are genuinely remorseful, then offer assistance. Having trained for 500 years, it feels implausible that you could provide me no aid.”

“For my help to come, a compensation will be necessary.”

“Compensation? What kind?”

“I now too fall victim under the laws that govern cause and effect. Keep this firmly in remembrance until we reunite.”

“What in the world does that mean…?”

Before I could delve into further inquiries, Jin So-cheong abruptly shifted his focus back, “Your time of arrival has been confirmed.”

Swoosh

“……!!”

The moment the figure came into view before me, a chill coursed through me; the revelation procured was thoroughly unforeseen.

“M-Master Mangnyang!!”

That same familiar black cat returned to view once more!

Startled, I remarked, “Didn’t you meld into the battlefield and disperse?!”

[Jin So-cheong transcended visions; the skills he possesses offer him the freedom to occupy this space without restrictions.]

“……”

Master Mangnyang halted briefly, licking his paw before he confirmed, [In this realm, the living victor resumes the role of Emperor Gong Sun Xuanwen. What you mark should closely align as a minimum of impact onto him. Climbing the tower, as Jin So-cheong articulated, holds no significance.]

“Confirmed? How can we be so certain?”

[When the Heavenly Demon descended, matters had already set into place. We venture too late to discuss this now.]

With magnanimous grace, Master Mangnyang inched closer, settling beside me. Raising his gaze towards me, he queried.

[Baek Woong, do you recognize my memories slowly returning?]

“What? They are returning?”

[Long ago, I inhabited the very sanctuary of the universe. My presence here emerged from a specific intent prior to my fall; sadly, the identity of that resolve has escaped my grip. I forged promises with comrades long past.]

“……”

[The ebbing of recollections, it seems, nests complexity connected with you.]

“Even if that’s accurate, it eludes my understanding….”

Staring deep into my eyes, Master Mangnyang posed an inquiry. [You might possess no foresight regarding what unfolds ahead, but should that volume rewind on its whims, invoke my name, and I will assist you in slipping free from being ensnared in the [knot].]

“Huh? Entrapment in a knot?”

[Fold this into your intellect: Without conclusions to draw, I, too, shall find myself hindered.]

Swoosh

Before long, the forms of Master Mangnyang and Jin So-cheong began to dissolve slowly, drifting away as mist enveloped the air like a dissipating dream. Desperately, I extended my hand toward them.

“Hold on!! You want me to truly forfeit the Xiang Yu trials?! You genuinely wish for me to refrain from meeting Nüwa and Fuxi, and instead tell me to just go down the tower?!”

No reply came forth, only thickening mist, compelling me to raise my voice to the highest point of volume.

“I cannot concede that!! What about all the sacrifices my fellows have made through centuries?! Sword Demon, Dokgo Seong, Kamizumi Nobutsuna, Hou Yi—they have all succumbed! And you assume I can just withdraw in front of Xiang Yu?!”

“If you are set to die tomorrow, does it ultimately matter? Those who fell just a day before are no different; soon mere billions of lives throughout the universe will succumb. What stands distinctly here? Are you truly seeking self-satisfaction on behalf of your comrades’ revenge right now?”

“That… I can’t seem to figure out…”

“Declaiming that you bid for your comrades solidifies justification for maintaining your humanity intact. But at this point, it conjoins into significantly different conversations. Right now, you’ve morphed into a very dangerous entity.”

Dangerous?

Struck with bewilderment, I turned back again toward Jin So-cheong, who persisted with clarity, “I can see it distinctly now.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“You embed yourself intricately entwined in the Great Cycle. To characterize succinctly, you have entangled yourself within a [knot]. The method of how this arrived baffles me, yet it’s configured you into an existence predictably unknowable, even in your own lenses.”

“I’m stumbling with the facts here. I have the swell of knowledge that my demise could bring the [Great Cycle] into motion, yet what does it mean to be fundamentally interwoven in a particular knot?”

“When I share our next encounters once again, I too could become struck from the depths of understanding shared before. The determination of this crucial [knot] was never of my ability, but rather bound to Master Mangnyang’s inherent nature.”

“Huh?”

What drivel is this?!

In the midst of this confusion, Jin So-cheong resumed. “Let us venture outside.”

Swoosh—

I complied, shadowing Jin So-cheong as we meandered toward the coast. The distant waves played like a gentle symphony against the backdrop of softly curling shores. A moment’s distraction from the vivid life weighed heavily on both of us. In an unexpected twist, Jin So-cheong softly declared, “Forgive me.”

“Huh? That wasn’t expected.”

“For the countless seasons spent perfecting my craft while working to unbind you from the challenge that the Heavenly Secret brings. Regardless, the favors you’ve unwittingly planted in my life will not go unacknowledged. But effort yeilded has not sufficed to unveil the truth behind your Heavenly Secret. Upon gathering clues, I found them insufficient to wield meaning…”

“……”

“It lies beyond mere dreams, resembling a grimoire yet absolutely not one. In truth, I suspect that this essence ought not to exist at all.”

“What does that signify, this beyond dreaming?”

“A realm where reincarnation mingles with the essence of perfect union. It’s a hard pill even deities would swallow—a nightmarish fiction they endure…”

After a rather weighty silence, Jin So-cheong concluded, “In any event, my apologies ring earnest.”

I replied coolly, “If you’re genuinely sorry, assist me. You’ve honed your strength these past 500 years; I find disbelief that you’d stand idle.”

“Forthcoming aid bears a due tribute.”

“A tribute? What kind of tribute?”

“I, too, am subject to the consequences created by the cycles—bear this in mind until we reconvene.”

“What the hell does any of that mean…?”

Just before I could seek clarification, his narrative took subtle twists revealing Jin So-cheong’s tone, resonating “You’re confirmed to arrive.”

Swoosh

“……!!”

Shortly thereupon I saw a figure emerge, and an unnatural chill filled the space; it was utterly unpredicted.

“M-Master Mangnyang!!”

The black cat I had grown to recognize staggered back into view!

I exclaimed, “Didn’t you meld with the battleground and fade away?!”

[Jin So-cheong has mastered techniques transcending dreams, allowing him unrestricted presence here, thus buried unbound.]

“……”

Master Mangnyang paused to lick his paw, punctuating before clarifying, [In this realm, the victor has already been established to be Emperor Gong Sun Xuanwen. What you invest your efforts to do now only leaves scars—those shall not hold purpose. Climbing the tower, as Jin So-cheong establishes, returns nothing worthwhile.]

“Established? How can that be so?”

[When the Heavenly Demon emerged, everything already had its fate sealed. Our words now come far too late to dress that aspect.]

Master Mangnyang stepped closer, indirectly settling his form down before me, his gaze meeting mine with impactful resolve.

[Baek Woong, comprehend—my memories are slowly resurfacing.]

“What? It’s returning?”

[From times gone, I occupied the highest realm existing. When I fell from heights, I cradled ambitions borne from resolve that seem now unreal—but that remains lost to me. An agreement formed alongside my comrades… were born from promises exchanged.]

“……”

[The restoration of these memories lies intricately connected to your existence.]

“Even if you credit me, I hold no understanding….”

Master Mangnyang regarded me with intensity, stating, [In terms of how you face forward allows no guarantee, yet should that tome engage malice, utter my name, and I shall free you from the holds of the [knot].]

“Huh? Trapped in a knot?”

[Keep this wisdom keenly close: Should conclusions evade you, they, too, elude me.]

Swoosh

Time slipped forward, and the figures of Master Mangnyang and Jin So-cheong began to take flight fading into nothingness, surrounded by swirling mist that echoed dreams long past. Urgently, I stretched out towards them.

“Halt!! Are you advocating giving up on the trials of Xiang Yu? You sincerely wish for me to yield, to retreat from meeting Nüwa and Fuxi, to abandon the tower?!”

No retort emerged as the vapor enveloped me, promoting me to utter with fervent urgency.

“Impossible! What of every sacrifice my comrades have shouldered over these eons?! The Sword Demon, the great Dokgo Seong, Kamizumi Nobutsuna—all laid to waste! You reckon I can simply forsake my hope before Xiang Yu?!”

“If you’re to perish by dawn, does it make a single iota of difference? The ones lost a day prior receive no reprieve, billions across the cosmos are all set to meet their endings. Where lies the difference, truly? Is saving face avenging your comrades what you clutch now?”

“That… has me frazzled….”

“Justifying to fight for your comrades nurtures your humanity intact, nevertheless, now traverses diverted discussions altogether. You have emerged into an unwieldy danger.”

Dangerous?

Lost in confusion, I lingered over Jin So-cheong, who saw things more clearly. “My perception sharpened,” he pronounced.

“What of this new clarity?”

“Understand, you have become intertwined within the Great Cycle. Henceforth, I convey you have tied yourself to a specific [knot]. A method to this exists, veiled in secrecy, but observably out there blurs into uncertainty, akin to your future invisible to others.”

“I’m swimming in confusion. I have an inkling that should I fade away, the [Great Cycle] moves on—yet count me lost in seeing myself embraced in one such knot?”

“…If I cross paths with you again, the memory of our earlier meeting would be likely expunged. The capacity to witness this knot has emerged not from my own endowment, but harkens to Master Mangnyang’s authority.”

“Huh?”

What nonsense stands before me?

As I weathered all these charged thoughts, Jin So-cheong firmly issued, “We must clarify; allow us outside.”

Swoosh—

I followed obediently closely on his back toward the pristine shoreline again. The beach glimmered radiantly under a bright sky, while the silken sands slipped through my toes. A brief pause from the picturesque surroundings weighed on my simple idea.

Unexpectedly, Jin So-cheong softened, “I find myself deeply regretful.”

“Huh? Where are you headed with that?”

“I’ve weathered years towards fostering my strength, gathering phantasmal strands while vowing to untangle this evenly placed truth within your Heavenly Secret. Although compellingly true, you have left others’ footprints upon my life that require retelling… A return of aid eludes me, as many hours lost only return value-learning scarcely complete…”

“……”

“It shall remain residing beyond the vale of dreams, weaving potentially akin to a grimoire, yet divine in disbelieving credence; it unleashed and frowned upon. No, indeed— it ought not tread upon existence in any realm; my thoughts linger at best not forming unto this thread woven by definition alone—”

“What would you call that which lies beyond mere dreaming?”

“A paradigm where reincarnation cascades in symbiotic harmonization. It adheres so divinely that a juror of cosmic stature ought to address it like a thread of fear… a waking nightmare suspended within glimpses of waking from tangled endeavors…”

Cautious wonder laid in silence until the moment where Jin So-cheong whispered, “Apologies linger still.”

My response bore finality, “Shouldering regret for desires once abandoned couldn’t tender help. Wielding trained effort denotes deep belief in your providence shall empower this”

“In providing assistance, I require you share retribution.”

“Retaliation to what allowance?”

“Even unto me fabric is now borne upon those laws that govern physical motions. Exercise this thought till next our fates may entwine together.”

“But what exactly does that pertain to…?”

Just as I sought clarity, Jin So-cheong shot glances, declaring, “You have arrived.”

Swoosh

“……!!”

Soon thereafter, the forms converged toward me proceeded, and a chilling veil blanketed my senses; it’s indeed unpredicted presence I embarked upon.

“M-Master Mangnyang!!”

The black cat I encountered stood within proximity yet again!

I snapped, “Were you not to blend within the fray and dissolve into mystery?!”

[Jin So-cheong bears reasoned technique through the dreams’ veil, and thus holds a faculty uncurbed by the season’s change, rising worthy here within brightness unbound.]

“……”

Master Mangnyang instantly poised, cleaned himself off swiftly, and offered, [As the victor, the chosen form assumes the character of Emperor Gong Sun Xuanwen. Your struggle shall tastefully fashion traces whilst born ignorant of the consequences and further surrounding hidden truths. Aiming for the tower, Jin So-cheong avowed, remains pointless to your cited reason.]

“Firmly determined? How does that fit within this narrative?”

[It has spoken when the heavenly danger rose and thus command bore fate unwrought. We speak much too late for this contention.]

Master Mangnyang approached unhurriedly, laying down at length beside me, gazing upward in calm repose.

[Baek Woong, can you discern the matter of memories returning gently?]

“What? Is it truly returning?”

[From epochs long past resented, I occupied heights presently nearing divinity untold. In those realms upon which I relied, there lay the intent forthcoming length—but the definition soon escaped beyond grasp. I bore promises exchanged beneath my companions as my vow.]

“……”

[The return of rememberable connections seems to tether meaning to existence alongside you.]

“Even if I support crowding around you, it eludes my senses… ….”

Staring at me intentionally, Master Mangnyang spoke directly. [Your foretelling seems uncertain; yet, should the volume provoke tyranny, utter my name, and I”ll grant you freedom from that embrace within the [knot].]

“Huh? Trapped in knots?”

[Heed this insight—if you cannot yield conclusions derived, I, too, shall face hindrance.]

Swoosh

Not long passed before the images of Master Mangnyang and Jin So-cheong faded gradually, shifting into nothingness, cascaded within mist like dream’s contour. Desperately, I outstretched my hand trying to grab toward.

“Halt! You hope to suggest I abandon the trials meant for Xiang Yu! You advocate, wait out Nüwa and Fuxi? Return into doubts haunting the tower?!”

The mist suffocated all retorts; thus I found myself yelling endlessly.

“I simply cannot accept! What of so many sacrifices my comrades weave over eternity?! The Sword Demon, the unyielding Dokgo Seong, Kamizumi Nobutsuna, Hou Yi—they have withered away! Do you aim for me to retreat still before Xiang Yu on fear alone?!”

“When fate sends you toward demise come morning, who accounts any scraps? The losses born by souls anew do their toll since the universe hints still, with billions set for fate’s ending. No difference banners borne, do you confess to push forth your facing towards reconciled revenge for comrades past?”

“That…I cannot abide….”

“Lamenting about for possessions on account of your comrades cultivates reasons just allowing you this— your humanity as it might hold back now forlorn among complexities unfitting your mortal plight troubling reality.”

Dangers painted the room disconcertingly between us; how clarity and vision escaped evermore I gazed toward Jin So-cheong and pressed.

“I cannot navigate through this!”

“Clear consequence rounds beneath you beckon structure for limits extended forth reflectively!”

“You become part of a cycle! Do note that in this moment perceived lie with dense probability, be heard! This [knot] becomes ensnaring binds or frees in entangled fates akin brought a characterization deemed uncertainty in stability intertwined woe burdens upon who!”

“I’m adrift in confusion! You offer performance—if I break, the chain loosens; chained with contradictions in forgotten strands awake to our fates lay unspoken. You became a piece of meaning part of this there unyielding connected—what did you mean amidst the presence once?”

Jin So-cheong accounted readily! “What chapter do you intend to enact beyond the dream? Let’s seek… a way to contribute actively!”

Swoosh—

Craig thus further unfolded the realms of bounds past wearied tales of once known while I merely heeded Jin So-cheong aloft with gentle holds striving unkept care lingering deeply torn against unseen tumult of the thread unwoven; beckoning light to resolve within currents swirling before.

“Tell this toward Master Mangnyang who awaits lips to part undisgraced in temporary realms once spun; may they hold to where reconciliation completed lend themselves boundlessly—but toward our ally trailed by… endless distinct chords.”