1201——————==

Soul of the Evil God…!!

When I arrived in the world 500 years later to find her, the current Master of the White Lotus Sect, Han Baek-ryeong, had proclaimed that her Absolute Realm was the Fire Spirit! Although I didn’t know the exact effects, I quickly recalled her explanation from that time.

The flames reached a realm of recognition beyond self and matter!

Feeling Han Baek-ryeong’s extraordinary confidence back then, I thought the power of the Fire Spirit would be on a completely different level from 500 years ago. However, despite knowing this, a feeling of skepticism wrapped around me.

Could the mighty power of the Fire Spirit really hold up in this situation?

At that moment, Emperor Gong Sun Xuanwen, the head of the Three Sovereigns, descended as the mighty Heavenly Demon! Would the power of the Fire Spirit be effective against someone who seemed even stronger than the Five Sovereigns?

My face darkened as Han Baek-ryeong stated flatly.

“Prepare yourself! There’s no time.”

“What am I supposed to prepare? What can we do now…?”

As I struggled to respond with a defeated tone, Han Baek-ryeong continued.

“Gather the power of the Nine Chambers of Thunder Technique at the Heavenly Spirit Pill with a unified focus!”

“…The Nine Chambers of Thunder Technique?! Why?”

“In just a moment, everything will be decided. You have to help!”

With a swish,

Han Baek-ryeong’s gaze sharpened further.

“Listen closely. The Nine Chambers of Thunder Technique is the strategy we all prepared under Zhuge Sa’s leadership for this very moment. Trust in me, Zhuge Sa, and the Thunder God Lineage!”

“……!!”

“Clear your mind! If you waver any further, you’ll have no right to be called the Grandmaster of the Thunder God Lineage!”

Grandmaster!

Hearing that command jolted my senses wide awake. Just moments ago I had been drowning in the pain of brutal deaths by the Heavenly Demon, but now my heart felt like it was leaping with life.

Right.

In this life, I hadn’t claimed to be the Grandmaster of the Thunder God Lineage in front of Lee Kwang, right?

There’s no way I could let the Grandmaster of the Fire Spirit say such things at the very end!

Focus like a true Grandmaster of the Thunder God Lineage!!

“Got it!”

Kuuuuuu

I clenched my fist, gathering all my internal power as I moved according to the essence of the Nine Chambers of Thunder Technique, concentrating my strength at the Heavenly Spirit Pill. At the same time, I felt the giant Thunder Orbs swirling around my eight extraordinary vessels beginning to spin faster.

Whir whir whir

As the energy of the Nine Chambers of Thunder reached its peak, the force of lightning gathered at my Heavenly Spirit Pill burst into light. It felt like electricity was crackling all over my body. However, I could hear Han Baek-ryeong murmuring in disappointment.

“Indeed, the training period for the Nine Chambers of Thunder Technique was too short; it lacks thunderous strength. It can’t be helped.”

Han Baek-ryeong shouted to someone next to her.

“It’s your turn!”

Boom!

At that moment, one of the people behind her jumped forward, and I was taken by surprise.

“…Lee Seol-pyo!!”

Swish!

The last inheritor of the Thunder God Lineage, the Pang Long, Lee Seol-pyo, swiftly struck towards my solar plexus with his left palm, creating a massive shockwave that resonated across the air. Surprisingly, it didn’t seem meant for an attack, as the techniques of repulsion and absorption both were applied simultaneously, pinning his left palm directly on my solar plexus, and soon after, he layered his right palm over it.

“Grandmaster! I will stake everything on this!”

Lee Seol-pyo channeled a current of thunder that rivaled mine, shouting.

“Show the pride of the Thunder God Lineage!!”

Tiiing!

Ting!

The next moment had my eyes wide in disbelief. An indescribable surge of power—so overwhelming it almost blinded me—exploded from Lee Seol-pyo, transforming his entire being into a state of Thunder Transference! Knowing what it was, a single character flashed in my mind.

Thunder Spirit?

…No! It looks like the Thunder Spirit, but it’s not! There are no traces of the numerous techniques that existed within the Thunder Spirit; it’s just pure essence congealed inside!

[Oooooh!!]

Crash!

With a cry from Lee Seol-pyo, the flash of the Thunder Spirit shone bright and then vanished. As I stood dumbfounded by the unexpected disappearance, I suddenly felt a burning sensation as if I were being ignited from within.

Hooowaaah

“Gah… Guhk!!”

It felt as if the entirety of my brain was on fire! The colossal pain that spread from my crown as if I were being pierced began to overwhelm me, making me stagger. As I struggled to comprehend the situation, I could hear Han Baek-ryeong yelling.

“The vessel of the Thunder God is expanding!! Don’t just rely on mental strength; redirect the energy to turn that Thunder Orb!!”

Redirect the Thunder Orb?

Right!

If it were any other time, I wouldn’t have understood what that meant, but curiously, my sense of enlightenment had enlarged enough at this moment that I instantly got it. I began to redirect the raging thunder energy erupting from my Heavenly Spirit Pill down to the Thunder Orb that was spinning in my eight extraordinary vessels.

Thrum thrum thrum

Chiri chiri chiri—

The rotation speed of the Thunder Orb began to increase rapidly. It was spinning so fast I almost felt like my flesh and blood vessels were being ripped apart! The sheer magnitude of the power was overwhelming, and I couldn’t help but scream.

“Ugh… Kahhh…!!”

Even with my internal power strong enough to cause an earthquake with a single blow, I could barely handle even a fraction of this power…?! How could such strength exist…?!

“Endure it!!”

Han Baek-ryeong shouted with an intensity that was palpable.

“The Soul of the Four Spirits will soon revive!”

Fire Spirit

Water Dragon Fusion

It felt as though the universe was being drawn into the entirety of Han Baek-ryeong’s body. Moments later, a giant aura of dusk radiated from her, enveloping her. Amid this, a massive Water Dragon began to rise from her left arm, merging with infinite darkness in a display of power like a mirage.

True Heavenly Spirit Pill!

And simultaneously, Han Baek-ryeong sliced down at my Heavenly Spirit Pill with her black blade, much like the basic technique of the Azure Dragon.

Boom!!

A tremendous explosion! The moment the force clashed with my Heavenly Spirit Pill, two gigantic energies erupted in a way that was inconceivable for anything human! I could feel my body lightening as the immense power that had been raging within my Heavenly Spirit Pill began to be suppressed by the energy extended from Han Baek-ryeong’s black blade.

Crackle…

The remnants of the thunder began to flow around me. I instinctively realized that I could wield the power of lightning, not through reason but as an innate sensation.

Han Baek-ryeong quietly said.

“The prices of life from two masters have now become part of you.”

“…….”

“Baek Woong. One of your Four Great Artifacts has now been revived.”

What?!

At her words, I hurriedly closed my eyes and concentrated to reach the mental space where I could see the Four Great Artifacts. And soon, I was shocked.

“……!!”

Only Varuna, the Water Spirit, remained, while the rest of the artifacts had all been consumed. However, now, a tremendous vitality surged as the Artifact of Lightning, Vajra, was resurrected!

And distinctly, in comparison to its usual state, its presence was remarkably powerful, evident even in the mental space! This was definitely not normal!

As I marveled, Han Baek-ryeong continued.

“Now it’s my turn. Unlike Dokgo Jun’s Water Dragon, if I receive my Fire Dragon barehanded, it will definitely explode, so summon the Water Artifact Varuna to block my attack.”

“Wait a moment.”

“Thanks to the Water Dragon, Varuna’s energy will be somewhat replenished.”

“What is happening right now? Where did Lee Seol-pyo disappear to?”

“He became the vessel of the Thunder God. The Nine Chambers of Thunder Technique was created with that intention from the beginning.”

“What?!”

I gasped in surprise, and Han Baek-ryeong paused for a moment. Then she glanced up at the sky.

Kugugugugu

The heavens were still enveloped in a terrifying heatwave. Miho and Zhuge Sa’s combined power was relentlessly raining down on the Heavenly Demon, with no sign of a counterattack. It seemed like time was running out, as Han Baek-ryeong said.

“I’m going.”

In the next moment, Han Baek-ryeong dashed toward me, crossing her twin swords. The black and white blades intertwined expertly, creating a sword path directly targeting my heart. At that moment, recalling what Han Baek-ryeong had just said, I immediately summoned Varuna from the mental realm.

Wooom

As the banner-like Varuna clashed against the white blade, the colossal energies of water and fire began to collide in mid-air, and I could feel the overwhelming force of the fire pushing Varuna back significantly.

Bubbling

Ugh… It felt like my bones and skin were boiling together! As I faltered from the intense heat of the flames, Han Baek-ryeong placed her black blade atop the white one, focusing her energy. It mirrored Lee Seol-pyo’s previous move perfectly.

Kuwaaah

A bright blaze erupted from Han Baek-ryeong’s entire being. The light shot straight toward me, piercing through my eyes and drilling down into my subconscious with overwhelming intensity.

“AAAHHH!!”

With a scream, I felt the colossal energy of the raging flames engulf my entire being, as if my consciousness was being whisked away to another realm. It felt as though molten lava was pouring into my heart, leaving me unable to regain my senses.

Hooosh…

When I finally snapped to, I realized I was standing before the Four Great Artifacts that I had seen in my mind. Additionally, I noticed that the void where the Fire Spirit Agni was inscribed had been reactivated with new energy.

‘Three of the Four Great Artifacts have been revived….’

As I stood dazed in this mental realm, I heard a voice.

“It’s not over yet.”

“Huh! Han Baek-ryeong!”

Turning around, I found Han Baek-ryeong standing there. She was staring at the Four Great Artifacts without even looking at me.

“If you look closely at the three, you’ll see that the Thunder Artifact Vajra and the Fire Artifact Agni have been immeasurably strengthened. That’s thanks to the energy received from their vessels.”

Just as she said, I had just witnessed Vajra grow stronger, and now I saw that Agni was fully activated, spewing forth fierce jade flames from its horn.

“Han Baek-ryeong, having revived the Four Great Artifacts, what’s the next step?”

Han Baek-ryeong didn’t respond immediately.

“…Let me tell you a story from before. When you arrived at the Main Hall of the White Lotus Sect in Gansu Province, there was something I didn’t tell you. It was about Mangnyang who came to find me.”

“…….”

Was this what Han Baek-ryeong wanted to say all along?

The flow of time in the mental realm is relatively slower, so it seemed like she was comfortable speaking here.

Han Baek-ryeong continued.

“Mangnyang said that in the end, the Four Great Artifacts would play the most pivotal role. Moreover, he placed everything he had upon those artifacts. I didn’t understand what that meant when I was training with the Primordial Spirit, but I realized his intent after achieving great accomplishments. He must have known this moment would come from then on.”

Her profound gaze fell on me, and she wore an expression that was almost ethereal.

“Baek Woong. For the past 500 years, I have followed the Sect Leader’s will. However, there’s also our pride as the last Dharma Guardian who led our final glory. The Water Dragon of Dokgo Jun is just that proof.”

“Han Baek-ryeong.”

“I don’t want to let that monster, the Emperor, toy with all of our hard work. You’re carrying the responsibility of the Four Great Families right now.”

Han Baek-ryeong smiled subtly.

“So, if you’re going to carry it, then carry it all out.”

“What?”

“Look closely at those artifacts. Which of the three possesses the mightiest aura?”

Following her instructions, I examined the Four Great Artifacts carefully. After feeling their power, I answered.

“…It’s Vajra.”

Han Baek-ryeong nodded and said.

“The panel holding the Four Great Artifacts can actually be rotated.”

“……?!”

“By utilizing the powerful propulsion of the artifacts, you can push aside the weaker artifacts and restore them. Normally, you would need the Wind Spirit to recover Varuna, but there are shortcuts available.”

“Seriously?!”

“Indeed. As the Master of the White Lotus Sect, I can attest to this.”

As I questioned her, Han Baek-ryeong pointed at Vajra with her finger.

“However, just because the Thunder Artifact Vajra is the strongest, you shouldn’t take hold of it and rotate the panel. That’s a particular circumstance where even if the other artifacts are activated, it could run wild.”

“…Then what should we do?”

“Thus, I came with the energies of the Primordial Spirit and Fire Spirit into your mental state.”

Han Baek-ryeong folded her arms.

“Temporarily boosting the Fire Spirit Agni to its peak, we can push Vajra aside while recovering the Wind Spirit! If we do that, all the Four Great Artifacts will be revived.”

“……!!”

“If you’re able to simultaneously activate the power of the Four Great Artifacts, we can overturn this panel.”

I was taken aback.

I can’t believe there was such a finely-tuned plan!

While I was still recovering from the shock, I said to Han Baek-ryeong.

“Sure… that sounds good. But why revive the Four Great Artifacts? Isn’t the important thing to move on to my next life?”

“Baek Woong. The Emperor calculated all the laws of causality from the start and arrived at this moment. Even if we put forth our mediocre skills, escaping through ‘death’ won’t work anymore. We are like trapped rats with no place to retreat.”

“…….”

“Now, change your mindset. The trapped rat….”

I see.

Everyone’s willing spirits are resting upon my shoulders…

I clenched my teeth as I realized this anew. Then I declared.

“We have to bite the cat to survive!”

“Right. Are you ready to take it down?”

“I’ll definitely tear his head off!”

If I could, I’d chew him up good!

In response to my answer, Han Baek-ryeong chuckled and walked forward. Crossing her twin blades with the momentum of Unity of Body and Sword, she declared.

“If you can trust until the very end, victory is yours!”

Primordial Spirit

Infinite Reason of Primordial Void

True Fire Spirit!

A twilight glow radiated from Han Baek-ryeong’s body, and then it vanished. Following that, a massive crimson light soared towards Agni.

Kugugung

As Agni was engulfed in the crimson light, it started to unleash an even fiercer brilliance, swelling up as though about to explode, summoning something forth.

Paah!

[O… Oh…!!]

Is that the spirit of fire Agni?!

The enormous spirit which emerged with a groan looked just like Agni from when I sealed the Four Great Spirits in the outer cosmos! The entity arising from the Artifact Agni seemed to let out a hellish roar for a moment before bellowing loudly.

[I, Agni, shall roll the contract of the artifact as per my pact with the Divine Maiden!!]

Boom!

Agni’s enormous arms began to push the panel of the Four Great Artifacts forcefully to one side. The massive artifact, which had been barely budging, suddenly stopped midway, as Agni glared at something before it.

[You scheming little brat!! Are you trying to obstruct the rightful execution of my contract with the White Lotus Sect?!!]

From the air, another voice was heard.

[I have yet to recognize that brat! I will not tolerate a mere human ordering me around! I’ll kill them all!]

[…….]

[I’d be damned if I’d just exist as an artifact; get lost right now!!]

[Don’t make me laugh. Thunder God.]

Seeming genuinely angry, Agni roared.

[That may be true for the original body, but I am now stronger with this vessel…!!]

Boom!

Something seemed to be screaming, and Agni appeared to relish the moment.

[Didn’t I tell you to clear out? Why are you butting in?]

Rumble!

After pushing the last portion of the panel, the Wind Spirit’s section finally appeared. Then, the dormant Wind Spirit Varuna began to manifest in reality, gradually coming into view as its spirit emerged from my mental realm.

[Ohh…. Baek Woong. Is it possible to rotate the Four Great Artifacts? I did not expect such talent from you; how can this be possible?! Even with divine power, it would be a tough job!]

The revived Varuna seemed genuinely astonished. Recognizing the reflections it had on my strength, I didn’t refute, simply addressing Varuna.

“Varuna, Agni, can I now use all the Four Great Artifacts in reality?”

[Of course.]

“Then please help me land a smack on that Emperor Gong Sun Xuanwen.”

[…….]

For a moment, it felt like the spirits were exchanging glances.

Then they answered.

[This sounds interesting. Give it a go.]

Han Baek-ryeong. Lee Seol-pyo.

Even though they vanished for my sake, the one thing they all wished for was the same.

No more running away or feeling small against the name Emperor Gong Sun Xuanwen.

I will fight back.

I will strike that bastard back hard!