Chapter 1175
“So, the Soul of the Evil God is back with a vengeance.”
The Fire Dragon Incarnate stood beside Yeodong-bin, looking just as she always had: an ancient woman draped in stunning garments!
The Fire Dragon Incarnate spoke up.
“Why are there so many visitors from the Celestial Realm?”
“Fire Dragon Incarnate, have you regained the power of the Fire Dragon Sword?”
“Ah, so you’re the human that Yeodong-bin handed me earlier. What was your name again? Baek Woong, was it?”
The Fire Dragon Incarnate seemed to remember me vaguely.
“Yes, that’s right.”
“Yeodong-bin had been restoring my power using the dragon veins of Baekdu Mountain’s Heavenly Lake. Thanks to the tremendous heat stored in the dragon veins, I’ve regained a lot of my strength.”
“Hmm.”
I turned to Yeodong-bin and asked,
“Please tell me you didn’t join forces with the Master of the Twelve Joules. This place is the heart of the Twelve Joules. Without his permission, using the energy of the dragon veins to restore your power…”
Yeodong-bin nodded slowly.
“I got his permission.”
“…!!”
I knew it!
I glared at Yeodong-bin and said, “He didn’t just let you do it for free, did he?”
“Correct.”
“What price did he demand?”
Yeodong-bin’s response surprised me.
“He asked for a sparring match.”
“…Huh?”
“I agreed to spar with him and the others he put forward. We had been at it until a few days ago.”
“T-that’s…”
This was ridiculous. The Master of the Twelve Joules sparring with the Sword Saint Yeodong-bin?
But as ridiculous as it sounded, I found myself curious about the outcome, so I asked Yeodong-bin,
“What was the outcome after fighting him?”
Everyone in the exploration team seemed to lean in, curious. If it was a martial artist, the results were bound to be noteworthy. Yeodong-bin replied,
“It was always a draw.”
“…!! So, does that mean the Master of the Twelve Joules is equal to the Sword Saint?”
“Not at all. If it were a Life and Death Decision, I could definitely win.”
Yeodong-bin appeared slightly annoyed at this.
“He just wanted to keep sparring with me, using me as a practice dummy for his Heavenly Unrestrained Technique.”
“…?”
“He was trying to pry into the Realm of the Divine Domain through me.”
I see. I could finally grasp the Master of the Twelve Joules’ intentions for accepting Yeodong-bin. I subtly spoke to Yeodong-bin,
“Yeodong-bin. The world is about to end tomorrow because of Nüwa. Please lend me your strength to defeat the sentry, Xiang Yu.”
I explained the whole situation to Yeodong-bin. He replied,
“You sound like you lack confidence in your voice. Are you afraid of him?”
“…If I said I wasn’t, it’d be a lie. How can I not fear someone with infinite power backed by Nüwa?”
“Even if I assist you, it doesn’t guarantee victory.”
“No, it does. I glanced at Asura next to me and said, “One of the strongest martial artists I know, you, can take on Xiang Yu.”
“……”
Yeodong-bin looked pensive. After a moment, he said,
“Fine. If you’re in a hurry, I will gladly help.”
“Thank you!!”
Just then, a voice interrupted.
“Oh dear, Yeodong-bin. What then of your promise with my lord?”
A voice came from somewhere, belonging to a young man leaning against a tree near the Heavenly Lake. He appeared to be in his twenties, with a unique silver streak in his hair. Dressed in a suit and wearing glasses, he continued,
“The energy from the dragon veins isn’t free, you know.”
Yeodong-bin stared at the young man blankly before responding,
“I will return. If the world doesn’t end tomorrow.”
“Hahaha, you’ve really left me speechless.”
The young man smiled and adjusted his glasses.
“Then I shall accompany you. As a member of the Dan clan, shouldn’t I lend a hand in preventing the apocalypse?”
I was taken aback.
“The Dan clan?! You’ve been alive since 500 years ago?”
“No, I’m only 33 years old. I just recently joined the Dan clan.”
“……”
“I am King Baek Woong, the first emperor of the ancient Great Bear Empire. Allow me to formally introduce myself.”
The young man bowed slightly.
“I am Jeong Do-ryeong, a member of the Three-Legged Crow clan, having led the Gyeryongsan clan before joining the Dan clan. Nice to meet you.”
Jeong Do-ryeong. That name tickled a part of my memory from the Goryeo era.
I narrowed my eyes at him.
“I never agreed to your involvement. And isn’t there an enmity between us and your Twelve Joules? You must bear a significant grudge against me after I took down your elder, Hong Gil-dong.”
“You say the world is going to end tomorrow? How’s that relevant? When the world falls, the Twelve Joules won’t escape it either. Besides, Hong Gil-dong’s death happened 500 years ago. That has nothing to do with me.”
“That’s true, but…”
“Not everyone in the Dan clan is a subordinate to the Master of the Twelve Joules. I follow the greater good, but I cannot forsake my free will. Especially since I am a reborn person.”
Huh? What did he just say?
Jeong Do-ryeong smiled.
“Take me with you. I assure you, I have my own unique abilities.”
“……”
After some thought, I responded,
“Fine. But you must provide me with information about the Master of the Twelve Joules and the Twelve Joules.”
“That’s no problem.”
We joined forces with Yeodong-bin, the Fire Dragon Incarnate, and Jeong Do-ryeong, and then returned to the Imperial Palace. Sagong Lin took out the Tydaht stored in the palace and spoke,
“Baek Woong, what about bringing Cheon Gong-pyo into the team?”
“Hmm. That might be a good idea…”
Then Zhuge Liang firmly stated,
“No. There’s no time to unseal Cheon Gong-pyo for persuasion. He’s too stubborn and foolish, and if you give him obsidian without communicating the past, you’ll fail no matter how many times you try.”
“…That does make sense.”
The Celestial Sage also couldn’t help me due to restrictions placed on him in the Twin Star Realm. I had no choice but to give up on including them.
It seemed our forces were finally taking shape. Zhuge Liang gathered all the allies and asked me,
“Baek Woong, are you ready?”
“Yes. I have everything set.”
“Then let’s begin.”
Zhuge Liang lifted the Hidden Piece into the air and stretched it towards me, saying,
“Use the Heavenly Secret Technique to summon any nearby souls and exhaust their numbers. Then have them wait near the Hidden Piece.”
WooOOO!!
I followed Zhuge Liang’s instructions. Soon, numerous souls were summoned by the Heavenly Secret Technique, all of whom had been renowned heroes or generals in their lifetimes. I still didn’t fully understand, so I asked,
“Will this really solve our problem?”
“You’ll see. Now make a wish to the summoned ones.”
Zhuge Liang’s eyes suddenly gleamed coldly.
“Tell them to enter the Hidden Piece.”
“……?!”
“Hurry.”
Not fully grasping what was going on, I did as instructed.
“Ancient souls! I, through the Heavenly Secret Technique, wish for you to all enter the Hidden Piece.”
WooOOO…
As the souls entered the golden pocket watch, Zhuge Liang immediately handed it to me, saying,
“Now! Control the clock’s hour hand as I instruct you.”
ChkChing! ChkChing!
I moved the hour hand according to Zhuge Liang’s commands. Once it began to move according to some rhythm, a brilliant golden light suddenly burst from the Hidden Piece.
Whoooooosh!
The golden light soared into the sky, creating a massive pillar connecting heaven and earth. I was at a loss for words, but Zhuge Liang commented,
“I fed the souls of the summoned heroes to the Hidden Piece. That summoned a pillar connecting the time and space of the Multiverse using their souls. Even I am amazed… How could a mere human create something like this? Can staying at the boundaries of the Primordial Universe really produce such effects?”
“No…?! Are you saying this is Human Sacrifice?!”
I gasped in horror, and Zhuge Liang replied calmly,
“Will the dead die again? Anyway, agreeing to the Heavenly Secret’s offer meant you’re prepared to accept such situations. It means you sold the future of your soul to reach divinity. You, being the servant, should have no reason to feel guilty.”
“Damn it! I can’t believe you tricked me…”
I hadn’t anticipated this. Zhuge Liang had led me along with his smooth tactics, and I’d followed blindly until now. Nevertheless, his reaction appeared remarkably calm.
“If I deceived you, then you can just blame me. Just don’t let it happen again, alright?”
“……”
“When the fighting starts to become unfavorable, get inside that pillar. It can help turn the tide.”
“…Fine. I understand.”
There was no turning back. Whatever this plan was, I decided to just roll with it since it was for my benefit. Although I didn’t fully understand Zhuge Liang’s strategies, I decided to kick off the preparations. I told everyone,
“Let’s head to the 98th floor. I’ll follow shortly.”
WooOOO!!
In the next moment, all our allies headed toward the trial of the 98th floor. I didn’t follow and instead made my way toward the God, using the Hidden Piece.
“Oh God! I wish to make a request.”
“What is your request…?”
I presented the Ta Shin-pyeon to the god.
“Create this in Xiang Yu while in an ‘absent’ state.”
“Hmm… This presents quite the challenge…? Moving floors isn’t involved.”
“But…”
“Don’t bother me with such trivial matters… Nüwa…”
“……!!”
Unlike before, the divine being seemed irritated, yet didn’t yield to Nüwa’s illusion. Moments later, God announced,
“Your wish has been granted…”
Whoooom!
I was promptly returned to the 98th floor trial. Right on the verge of confronting Xiang Yu, I locked eyes with him and softly spoke,
“I’m sorry, but I can’t afford to hold back. Please don’t curse me for it.”
Xiang Yu seemed to sense something entering his body, his brows furrowed.
“You bastard…”
“Here I come!”
I had received training in the Tai Chi from the Taishang Laojun within the Land and Earth Diagram, and had learned the activation method of the Ta Shin-pyeon then as well. I quickly formed seals and shouted,
“Treasure, Ta Shin-pyeon! Shatter his divine nature!!”
Crash!!!
In the next moment, the Ta Shin-pyeon, summoned within Xiang Yu, began radiating light, shattering the constellation within him. Waves of colored light burst forth from Xiang Yu’s body, and he released a fierce, beastly roar.
WHOAAAAAAA!!
Was it due to the violent impact? The divine nature inside Xiang Yu exploded in a chain reaction, yet was now even more intensified, shining brighter. In that instant, however, our ancient allies encircled Xiang Yu in a Three Talents Formation, summoning a Blood Pillar.
Chirrring!
Princess Yonggil chanted a spell, saying,
“O talents of chaos and the seals of the constellation that have been passed down through the ages…”
Zhuge Liang joined in, reciting a spell as well.
“Let this powerful blood pillar that spread throughout the realm be inscribed solely upon you, Xiang Yu.”
Lastly, Nan Gu Xianong shouted,
“Forever shall we seal this power!!”
Crackle, crackle!
The Blood Pillar glowed, and the three sages’ divine energies were sucked into the Blood Pillar. In the next moment, it exploded along with it.
Boom!
The light was proof that the three sages sacrificed their lives to complete the blood pillar’s seal. Sure enough, Xiang Yu, who had just been roaring with blood light, stumbled and appeared to be greatly weakened beneath the light that descended upon him.
Thud!
“…Ugh…”
Xiang Yu knelt on one knee. I shouted, unable to take my eyes off him,
“Everyone, attack together!”
With the Ta Shin-pyeon from the inside shattered and the ancient blood pillar seal applied simultaneously, I had never seen such a combination for weakening and sealing an opponent before. It was ridiculous to lose against Xiang Yu after all this!!
The next moment, all my gathered power charged at Xiang Yu in a single assault. Following me, the Hou Yi, Asura, Yeodong-bin, Sagong Lin, and even the ancient beings gifted with chaos talents, along with the Celestial exploration team, Jeong Do-ryeong, and Cheon Woo-jin, all aimed to take down Xiang Yu!
Boom!!
The first attack, initiated by Hou Yi, resulted in an enormous explosion. Already, Xiang Yu was struggling to withstand the power of his former strength.
Next came crashing waves of supernatural abilities, sorcery, martial arts, and intent, whirling like a typhoon. Within that tempest of chaos, Xiang Yu was continuously bombarded, slashed by swords and tossed around by spells. He was like a sailboat caught up in a raging storm, simply getting battered without any chance to retaliate.
Yet, I still felt uneasy, waiting for an opening before shouting to my allies,
“It’s time for the Seven Luminaries!”
“Is it really necessary…?”
“If Xiang Yu isn’t dead yet, it suggests that Nüwa is intervening!!”
I shouted in frustration.
“Let’s go!!”
WooOOO!
Including my Great Liberation Dual Wield, the Moon Sovereign and Tydaht were handed off to Asura and Cheon Woo-jin, and all four Seven Luminaries activated simultaneously, concentrating their might onto Xiang Yu. The cross scar created by the dual wield was etched in the center of Xiang Yu’s chest.
Crack!!
I hit him!
If he doesn’t die after this… that’s just ridiculous!!
I felt the delightful sensation of the blade meeting flesh, wearing a satisfied grin. At this point, couldn’t I say I had easily overcome Xiang Yu’s trial?
However, Xiang Yu’s body was still bleeding, hovering in the air unscathed. And from his entire being, I felt a power that was terrifyingly reminiscent of the moon.
Shhhhhh!
That power gradually formalized into a round protective barrier, and as I gazed at it, I felt a wave of drowsiness wash over me.
“Shit….”
Nüwa…!! Why did she have to intervene like this?!
“I can’t believe you couldn’t finish him off with all this power!?”
I felt despondent, my spirit drooping as I watched the scene unfold before me, when Zhuge Liang calmly remarked beside me,
“I expected it. My initial plan was to claim a decisive victory, but factoring in Nüwa’s intent, it was unavoidable. Nüwa watched over to ensure that Xiang Yu would never go down easily. She was keenly interested in how you would withstand absolute power and despised any tricks.”
“Zhuge Liang!! If I’d known you were useless, why didn’t you warn me…?”
“Didn’t you say you disliked Human Sacrifice? This alternative strategy was an idea post-Emperor Summoning, so don’t complain. The intention was to gather your strength enough to potentially take down Xiang Yu with a fair strategy. And…the Hidden Piece is still at play. This, my friend, was the true tactic left behind by Dr. Faust.”
“Hidden Piece?”
BOOM!!
At that moment, Xiang Yu, glowing with blood light, charged at us with a punch, and the Heavenly Demon Sagong Lin intercepted it, radiating golden light. Following that, Yeodong-bin’s Formless Sword flew in, slashing Xiang Yu’s side, but surprisingly, he seemed taken aback by the attack.
“You…!”
For a moment, Xiang Yu seemed to regain himself, staring at Yeodong-bin. Was the power of his Formless Sword secretly powerful enough to disrupt his rampage?
The Sword Saint, holding the Fire Dragon Sword, looked somewhat saddened.
“Overlord! Please collect yourself.”
“…Uh, agh…”
Xiang Yu shook his head, attempting to resist Nüwa’s influence.
While the battlefield slipped into a lull, Zhuge Liang said,
“Baek Woong, when Nüwa acts up, enter that golden pillar summoned by the Hidden Piece.”
“Why?”
“You can serve her a real surprise. After all, we weakened Xiang Yu early, and it won’t be easy for us to be fully defeated.”
“How can that be possible?”
Zhuge Liang grinned smugly.
“Listen carefully. Achieving what the enemy asks you not to do to the very end is the joy of strategists.”
Crackle!
Moments later, silvery energy radiated from Xiang Yu’s body, as Nüwa began to descend upon him. Witnessing that incredible force, most of our allies’ spirit visibly dwindled, yet the top-tier fighters began preparing to face Xiang Yu.
I hurried toward the golden pillar of the Hidden Piece before Nüwa could intrude.
‘Whatever! I don’t care!!’
“Anything is better than this situation!”
BAM!
As I leaped into the interior of the golden pillar, a familiar scene unfolded before me, revealing countless clocks in a dazzling display. The only difference was that the clocks, unlike before, radiated golden light, twisting like waves of gold flowed through them.
SWISH!
Before me appeared the golden apparition of Faust.
“Summoning the time and space of the Multiverse… As per Zhuge Liang’s design, I’m relocating you to the 99th floor of the Celestial Tower.”
WooOOO!
My body became ensnared within the golden current. A silver hand reached out from within the currents, flailing to grasp me.
“You!! How dare you… to manipulate my trials this way! How can a mortal command the things of the Multiverse?!”
“Ugh, get away from me!”
Swoosh, swoosh!
I desperately dodged, sensing lethal danger impending with every touch. Suddenly, I realized the true identity of that hand.
“Nüwa?”
BAM!
“……?!”
In the next moment, I found myself in an entirely unfamiliar place.
And I noticed someone standing before me.
“Welcome.”
As I saw the figure, I muttered, dumbfounded.
“…Mangnyang?”
Mangnyang was standing there, looking exactly the same as when we parted ways. I couldn’t understand this current situation and stared at Mangnyang in confusion. After a brief pause, Mangnyang slowly approached Baek Woong and spoke,
“Congratulations on passing all of the Heavenly Trials. The true test of strength was against Xiang Yu; if you can surpass me, you’ll meet Nüwa and Fuxi.”
Whoosh!
Surrounding Mangnyang were ancient relics glowing with a yellow light. I eyed those artifacts with suspicion as I asked,
“You can’t be…?”
“Indeed.”
Mangnyang looked at me with emotionless eyes.
“The Trial Tower on the 99th floor is me.”
“W-what…?”
I exclaimed in disbelief.
“This is so unexpected!?”
Why on earth was Mangnyang the Trial Tower on the 99th floor?
Flustered, I yelled, “This makes no sense?! Aren’t you supposed to be the Soul of the Evil God?”
Mangnyang spoke calmly,
“This was discussed when I served as the Lord Hyunheogung. During the trials at the tower, I came into contact with Nüwa, and she recognized my qualifications to be appointed as a trial master…”
“……!!”
“As for those qualifications… let’s finish talking about the trial first.”
Mangnyang took a moment to gather himself and continued,
“If Xiang Yu’s trial was a test of strength, then mine will be a test of wisdom. I will directly ask you the true intentions of Nüwa and Fuxi. If you can answer this question, you will gain support from them.”
I was at a loss about what to say.
Had Mangnyang betrayed me? Or maybe not?
After a brief silence, Mangnyang continued,
“Baek Woong. The Coming Chaos will forcibly break the seal of Master Mangnyang exactly one year from now, escaping from Luoyang. How do you plan to confront this outer god?”
