사신지혼(四神之魂)

I caught sight of Shao Hao and couldn’t help but let out a sound of contemplation.

‘Mmm…’

The enormous bird-like figure that could encircle a planet was originally Shao Hao, but it seemed to have shrunk considerably—perhaps because it was on its own throne now. Yet, the overwhelming absolute power it emitted remained undiminished, and just gazing upon its form left me feeling tinglingly oppressed.

With each movement of Shao Hao’s wings, a vibrant rainbow light would scatter through the void, causing an odd sensation as if the very fabric of dimensions trembled. I was struck by the sheer scale of this phenomenon, and it hit me in an instant.

‘It’s immense.’

This was a true cosmic entity!

Unlike back when I was entirely clueless and powerless, I had gained some strength now, allowing me to genuinely grasp Shao Hao’s true might.

The confidence I felt after recently holding my ground against the Sea God came rushing back. I realized in that moment of confronting Shao Hao’s true self just how powerful I had become, strong enough to wield a blade against the “gods” of this realm.

The level of distinction was palpable.

In my previous life, I had fought monumental wars, which led me to misconceive the Three Sovereigns’ might as trivial, but that was far from the truth. Even now, my power was nothing but a flick of the toenail compared to one of the Three Sovereigns. I had clashed with a mere lower-tier Sea God in the divine lineage, and yet here I was, standing before Shao Hao, whose stature was in an entirely different realm of existence.

…Unlike the Sea God, there’s no way I could face Shao Hao with my current ability one-on-one. Even if I gathered all of my companions’ strengths, it would still be impossible right away; I’d need to dedicate at least a few hundred years to grow my power relentlessly.

At this rate, when would I ever reach the Emperor?

As I bit my lip in frustration, Shao Hao’s piercing gaze landed on me.

[Your response is delayed. However, you intrigue me, so I’ll overlook your rudeness this once.]

“……”

[I asked whether you are the one who recklessly used my power.]

That statement jolted me back to reality. It all felt a bit sudden and my situational awareness was still catching up, yet the facts were unmistakable.

The eye beams, a power I obtained from Shao Hao back in my previous life at the “Knot,” had never been given to me in this life. However, due to the connection of cause and effect, only Shao Hao’s power had leaked out. So, Shao Hao must have summoned me to question why I so carelessly wielded powers connected to him.

‘Damn it. Get a grip…’

This wasn’t the time to dwell on the Emperor Gong Sun Xuanwen’s illusion. If I didn’t persuade Shao Hao right away, I might end up tormented by this divine being for thousands of years right here. Unlike mortals, immortals can toy with a soul forever, and if I messed around carelessly, the consequences would be dire.

I bowed respectfully and addressed Shao Hao.

“Yes, I am Baek Woong. It’s an honor to stand before the great Shao Hao.”

Shao Hao rolled its avian eyes and replied.

[It’s as if you already know it’s our first encounter. You recognize me as Shao Hao.]

Was that a jab at me?

Under normal circumstances, this would warrant a sense of impending doom, but oddly enough, I felt relaxed and responded nonchalantly.

“Hail Shao Hao! How else could one borrow the powers of such a great being without knowing their identity? Meeting the universe’s greatest lord fills my heart with indescribable joy!”

Perhaps a bit flattering might work!

[Hmmm… I see. I’ll let that slip this time.]

Shao Hao seemed in good spirits, as it stirred its beak lightly, appearing to enjoy my words.

[You speak well.]

“Hehe.”

[But the relationship with causality is a separate matter.]

“……”

My expression stiffened slightly, and Shao Hao continued.

[No matter how you think of it, it’s hard to comprehend that the causality of my techniques is already in play without my permission or consent. Especially since that eye beam isn’t a technique I’ve ever created.]

I was taken aback by those unexpected words.

“…Wait? You’ve never created it?”

This came as a surprise!

Does that mean such a thing doesn’t exist in reality?

That eye beam was a power Shao Hao had spontaneously granted me inside the “Knot,” so there’s no guarantee such a thing exists in the real world…!!

[Hehe… Does it amuse you?]

Shao Hao fluffed one wing and emitted a bright light.

[To have gained causality with a technique I’ve never formed and to draw upon the power of the Three Sovereigns, there has never been a being like you!]

“…….”

[Alright… then let’s move on to the next question. Why did you engage the Sea God with that power?]

“…Well…”

I paused for a moment as I considered Shao Hao’s question.

‘The Sea God’s sudden assault was far stronger and swifter than I had anticipated, leaving me no choice but to resort to my instinct to use my most potent power…. Damn, this was really my fault for not bouncing back quickly enough.’

Initially, I had planned to play around and then jump ship immediately using the technique. However, the enraged Sea God ambushed me, blocking all my teleportation abilities in an instant. Underestimating the Sea God’s prowess had clearly been a blunder on my part.

Yet, if I rambled on about this personal misfortune, there was no way Shao Hao would find it interesting. What he was really interested in wasn’t my private woes but the end result. Understanding this, I rubbed my hands and decided to speak.

“I heard that the Sea God was acting recklessly, and I wanted to eliminate it to gain some renown.”

[Oh ho. Recklessly, you say? Where did you hear that?]

“I can’t say I’m entirely uncouth when it comes to picking up rumors in the world of the gods. I’ve heard tales of the Sea God running wild with the Evil God at his back, and I happened to acquire this technique, thinking I could help the world by subduing him with your brilliance, oh Shao Hao.”

Of course, that was a complete lie. Rambling about my personal issues would just make Shao Hao dig deeper, so I opted to keep the flattery going!

And it seemed that my words had resonated with Shao Hao, who appeared amused.

[Renown, huh? So that’s how it turned out. Everyone is curious about what kind of person you are and wants to come here!]

“……Wait? They want to come?”

[Hehe…]

Shao Hao chuckled lightly, but my back instantly crawled with chills.

‘The Five Emperors—no, the Three Emperors! My existence has spread wide amongst them! They’re sending an avatar here to meet me directly!!’

‘Everyone’ must be referring to Jeon Wook and Jeok Gok!

I was flustered as I inadvertently fabricated a lie that became reality, and Shao Hao continued.

[Worry not. The fact that you’re interesting is true, and it would be a waste to easily show you to others.]

“Does that mean…?”

[I won’t tell the others about you. However, they will inevitably learn of your identity through investigation, so stay cautious.]

“Yes, yes sir!”

It seemed Shao Hao had chosen to conceal my identity. I thought I’d dodged a bullet, and Shao Hao added.

[In that case, I shall require you to be my Apostle.]

“W-What?!”

[Do you refuse? If so…]

As I watched the gleam in Shao Hao’s eye and its beak slowly opening, I immediately knelt down and exclaimed.

“Long live Shao Hao! Long live! I shall be your Apostle! Please induct me at once!”

There was no room for negotiation; refusing would mean instant death right here and a reset to my thirtieth life!

[Hmm. You’re quite the enigma. Though your thoughts may be intricate, you display such foolishness outwardly. Were those in the human world truly so?]

“…….”

[Fine. I hereby appoint you, Baek Woong, as my Apostle.]

As Shao Hao scattered its wing, a single silver feather floated down and pierced my arm. While it wasn’t fast, it soon absorbed into my flesh and vanished.

‘What just happened? Was that the ceremony for appointing an Apostle?’

As I stared in bewilderment at my arm, Shao Hao commented with intrigue.

[Oh? I granted you some power necessary for your role as an Apostle, and it seems it left no visible mark. Were you human, you would have instantly transformed into a far stronger sorcerer.]

“……!!”

[How interesting… are you already a mass of magical power? Hehe… it seems you’re not an ordinary human after all.]

Oh damn! Did something go wrong again?

I froze with tension as Shao Hao stated.

[There’s no need to be anxious. The first task is not difficult at all.]

“T-Task? I have to work?!”

[Is that a problem…?]

“I understood Shao Hao preferred to lounge around and not work…”

Shao Hao tilted its head as if asking what I was implying.

[That may be true for me. But shouldn’t my subordinates do the work in my stead?]

“……”

[Serve me.]

What a sly little hen…

As I mentally cursed, Shao Hao continued.

[Your first task is to track down the whereabouts of Yu Shun and report back to me.]

“Yu Shun? The one from the Sovereign’s Legends?”

[You’re well-informed. Yu Shun has currently gone missing.]

“Hmm…”

[I have sensed that unimaginable events have begun occurring in this realm lately. The more allies we have to respond to these anomalies, the better. However, the Divine Temple of Yu Shun is sealed away, and no one can enter, so I need you to find him.]

From Shao Hao’s words, I realized the circumstance.

‘You’re asking me to locate Yu Shun…. But Yu Shun had transformed into the Jade Emperor before disappearing due to my Heavenly Secret.’

Recently, I had appeared alongside Chi You in the Heavenly Secret, but I had no idea why. So for now, I assumed Yu Shun was within the Heavenly Secret, but there was no way I could just boldly state that. If I admitted it, wouldn’t I just be seen as someone trying to seize the Heavenly Secret?

On the flip side, the fact that I already knew their whereabouts and was merely pretending to search made it a relatively easy task to bide my time under Shao Hao. Cautiously, I spoke while bowing my head.

“Understood. I will certainly locate him.”

[Good… then the Five-Color Bird. Bring him to the surface.]

Just as that command was finished, the Five-Color Bird flitted over to me. I suddenly felt something odd and spoke.

“Aren’t you the queen of Jeok Gok? Why are you here with Lord Shao Hao?”

[…….]

The Five-Color Bird remained silent, and it was Shao Hao who answered from behind.

[I am currently in a temporary secret alliance with Jeok Gok. The Five-Color Bird is quite capable, so I’ve exchanged services for a while. That’s all you need to know.]

“Exchange, you say….”

I tried to say something more, but the moment I felt the Five-Color Bird’s piercing gaze, I was taken aback. Then, her words resonated vividly in my head.

[Do not cross Shao Hao’s mood. Though you may be viewed favorably, it only takes an instant for him to annihilate you!]

“…….”

If I continued to pry for more information here, the one who’d truly be in danger wouldn’t be the Five-Color Bird but Shao Hao instead. As I tightened my lips, the Five-Color Bird spread her wings.

[Then I shall take my leave.]

Paaah—

In the next moment, I returned to reality. It was the ruins of Pirate Island, left devastated from the battle, where now only the corpses of the Sea God Clan bobbed in the shallows; an eerie silence enveloped the area. The Five-Color Bird floated before me and spoke.

[You know quite a bit about the secrets of the gods. I acknowledge your capability, but it’d be wise to keep your mouth shut.]

“Uh, that’s….”

[All the great divine beings are on high alert, feeling something amiss. If you flaunt your meager talents, you won’t escape retribution.]

Paaah!!

The moment the Five-Color Bird’s warning concluded, she disappeared. Though her warning had a sharp edge to it, I couldn’t help but find it valid.

‘Something is off…?’

It definitely felt like this life was different from the rest. I hadn’t even made significant progress in the recovery of treasures, yet circumstances were shifting rapidly. To maintain balance amidst this turbulent change, I’d have to navigate a perilous tightrope.

“Baek Woong!!!”

At that moment, I spotted Seo Mun-hye sprinting towards me from a distance. I explained the situation to her, and after hearing everything, she replied.

“So that’s what happened. I never would’ve guessed you’d become an Apostle of Shao Hao…”

“I was too reckless. My apologies.”

“No, it’s possible this could’ve been an inevitable event in what’s been an expansive life for you. Besides, this could lead to more benefits.”

“Benefits?”

At my question, Seo Mun-hye nodded, continuing.

“Your purpose in this life was to ascertain whether the Emperor Gong Sun Xuanwen could be unsealed. And now that you’re an Apostle of Shao Hao, you’ve nearly found a shortcut to that goal.”

“Ah…!!”

I realized then!

‘It’s a fortuitous stroke of luck, but…’

By becoming an Apostle of the Three Sovereigns and fostering their trust, I could quickly learn about Emperor Gong Sun Xuanwen’s secrets!

“Details should be discussed with the more intelligent strategists, but I don’t see it as a bad turn of events.”

“Indeed.”

“Baek Woong. What will you do now?”

“…….”

I pondered briefly before responding.

“Due to Xuyou’s Water Ritual, a flood will occur shortly.”

“Yes, that’s right. Originally, that’s why the Water Ritual was to be offered to the Celestial Realm.”

“So I’m considering going to see Mangnyang…”

However, Seo Mun-hye shook her head.

“No, you can’t.”

“Even if Mangnyang can’t hand over the memories, a conversation could persuade him…”

“It’s Cheon Woo-jin that’s the problem.”

“Cheon Woo-jin?”

I was taken aback by Seo Mun-hye’s next remark.

“Given your magical powers right now, he would go all out to subdue you. In that scenario, Master Mangnyang would surely be observing from the sidelines—do you really think you could handle that?”

“……!! Cheon Woo-jin has… sworn allegiance to me…”

“That was in your past life. While handing over the Obsidian might enhance that allegiance, do you think Cheon Woo-jin would now accept the current Obsidian? Regardless, your magical power is far beyond that of a human….”

Oh no. Was that an issue I hadn’t considered?

‘Back then, I thought Cheon Woo-jin had pledged allegiance at the end of my previous life, but I hadn’t anticipated this…’

There’s no way I could overpower Cheon Woo-jin from 500 years in the future. I’d be able to seal the entirety of humanity’s illusion with one sweep and could never withstand Master Mangnyang, who could endure facing Emperor Gong Sun Xuanwen.

However, it didn’t mean I couldn’t defeat the current Cheon Woo-jin. While his Techniques were annoying, I could deal with him easily as long as I stayed wary of his unexpectedly powerful illusions. Naturally, while Mangnyang would be at his side, if I miscalculated, I might find myself being pursued by Mangnyang while he defended his disciple.

No way….

Wouldn’t Mangnyang watch me and attempt to kill me right away?

“…….”

Realizing things were more tangled than I thought, I found myself lost for words. As I stood there dazed, Seo Mun-hye said.

“However, we must address the situation concerning Xuyou’s Water Ritual. We cannot let innocent people suffer.”

“Should I reach out to the Celestial Realm in another way?”

“No. Any approach to the Celestial Realm may lead them to become wary or hostile against you. The fact that you’re the Apostle of the Three Sovereigns and possess immense power would come off like a burglar trying to extort them with a knife.”

“…….”

It was an accurate assessment, and I found myself speechless.

“With things already having gathered complexity, escalating matters further would be ill-advised.”

“Indeed… They might send the guild of overlays after me.”

“…….”

Seo Mun-hye cautiously weighed my reaction before speaking again.

“Baek Woong. Given the situation, it might be best to abandon the offering to the Celestial Realm and instead absorb the power directly.”

“Absorb directly?”

Nodding, Seo Mun-hye explained.

“Absorb the power and offer it to the water artifact, Baruna. Doing so will dissipate Baruna’s ire.”