1236——————==

Soul of the Evil God

The appearance of the Eight Immortals of China, including Yeodong-bin!

I muttered while surveying the four figures behind Yeodong-bin.

‘…Han Sang-ja. Zhongli Quan. Jang Gwa-ro. Lee Cheol-goei.’

Each one was a renowned Great Immortal and a master of exceptional techniques. Naturally, I had met and conversed with the Eight Immortals several times in my previous life, so there was some familiarity, but at the same time, they were seeing me for the first time.

However, the Four Immortals are not to be taken lightly. They rank just below the Twelve Great Immortals, so for them to appear like this?

I noticed the word “blood calamity” had just come up.

‘Zhuge Sa has stirred up quite a commotion…!! So the Eight Immortals have descended to Earth.’

I had no clue what was going on.

But I knew that starting a fight with the Eight Immortals here would be pure folly, so I tried to remain calm and said,

“What do you mean? The Heretical Sect Master initiated a blood calamity… and do we have any evidence that we are his companions?”

[Would any being emitting magical power from their whole body still be considered human? To our eyes, you all appear as monsters clad in human shells.]

“…….”

[Reveal your true identities.]

Upon closer inspection, I realized not only Yeodong-bin but also the other Eight Immortals had already taken out their treasures and were watching us with caution. When it comes to the Eight Immortals, they’ve had so much real combat experience that they would never let their guard down or look down on us.

Kugugu

I was taken aback when I sensed a powerful evil spirit rising from Asura’s body.

‘Wait, this guy is ready to fight!!’

If a fight breaks out here, everything will go sideways! I panicked and quickly spoke to Asura.

“Hold on! Let’s talk this out first.”

Asura flashed a sinister grin. It indicated he wouldn’t back down if provoked.

“What do you mean ‘talk’? Are you suggesting I should bow down to the Eight Immortals of Heaven?”

“No, that’s not it….”

“Khkhkhk… Just watch me take down Yeodong-bin.”

I sensed something was off with Asura’s intentions; it felt like he wanted to defeat Yeodong-bin to showcase his power. I realized if I let this continue, the situation would spiral out of control.

‘Ugh… This life’s Asura is completely different from the one I met in the 28th round!’

Could he really be the Demon King and the arrogant supreme martial artist?

He couldn’t possibly be the same Asura who had attained enlightenment and transformed into a pure seeker!

‘There’s no helping it!’

I decided to take a step forward and called out to Yeodong-bin.

“Come here, Yeodong-bin!”

[Huh?]

Yeodong-bin looked puzzled, yet my move had already begun.

Paat

In the next moment, I felt Yeodong-bin’s essence separating from his body, shooting toward me. Instantly, I felt the sensation of a spirit being layered onto me, and my terminal was strongly reacting.

I had already recovered my connection with Yeodong-bin in my previous life!

If he consciously resisted, I might have a tough time, but if the summon called him without him realizing it, even the great Great Immortal would have weak points! Especially since I was using the Soul Exchange Technique to pull him in!

Shushush

And then it looked like Yeodong-bin was already possessed by someone else, and the body that had appeared to be Yeodong-bin transformed into some Taoist, slowly losing its balance and crumbling.

At that moment, Lee Cheol-goei shot out a sharp expression and yelled.

[Borrowing a Corpse to Return the Soul!]

Sizzle

Suddenly, I felt Yeodong-bin’s spirit being drawn back toward its original body, and realized the power of the Borrowing a Corpse to Return the Soul was way stronger than my terminal’s summon. No matter how connected our fates were, it seemed that even the Great Immortal couldn’t match his specialty in martial techniques, and Yeodong-bin had a sudden reluctance to heed the call.

‘Ugh.’

Soul Exchange Technique

One Technique

Soul Hooking

I quickly used one of the techniques from the Soul Exchange to launch an invisible ring infused with my abilities toward Yeodong-bin’s spirit, hooking onto it like a fishing line.

‘Damn it… I’ve mastered the Soul Exchange Technique, but I can’t use high-level techniques or Qi at all… can I do this with a basic technique?’

And just like being sucked in, the ring of Soul Hooking snatched at Yeodong-bin’s essence and began to pull him toward me, to the point where it seemed as if Yeodong-bin’s spirit was being slightly drawn in as well.

Piying

In an instant, Lee Cheol-goei and I found ourselves locked in a struggle of soul techniques!

Borrowing a Corpse to Return the Soul

Essence

Grasp of the Eldritch Spirit

Suddenly, the pulling force intensified multiple times.

‘Ugh….’

As soon as I saw Lee Cheol-goei’s eyes gleaming with power as he activated the essence of Borrowing a Corpse to Return the Soul, I staggered, realizing my Soul Exchange Technique was slipping away.

It was as simple as an adult overpowering a child; I could instantly see the difference in our martial capabilities through this exchange! If Lee Cheol-goei was a sword master who had honed his skills for decades, I could only be likened to a novice who had just held a sword for a year. Lee Cheol-goei was someone who could surpass even the Heretical Sect Master Zhuge Sa when it came to handling souls.

But just because the level of technical skill was heaven and earth apart doesn’t mean there’s nothing I could do.

“Ha!”

I activated the Fire Eye Golden Spirit, simply amplifying the magical energy I infused into the Soul Hooking and, with all my strength, managed to momentarily resist Lee Cheol-goei’s flashy essence of Borrowing a Corpse to Return the Soul.

It was an attempt to flip the technical discrepancies through sheer power!

Normally, that wouldn’t work because of the nature of martial arts, but due to how exceptionally high the enhancement from the Fire Eye Golden Spirit was on my divine powers, it was feasible. Of course, while my divine power couldn’t directly strengthen the Soul Exchange Technique.

Wdook

[Ugh…!!]

I saw Lee Cheol-goei’s borrowed body’s arm visibly break. It was clear he couldn’t handle the unexpected strength of my Soul Exchange Technique. But being one of the Eight Immortals, he quickly detected the vulnerability of my Soul Hooking and easily created a hook of Borrowing a Corpse to Return the Soul to free himself from my grasp.

Thud

With Lee Cheol-goei winning the soul struggle, Yeodong-bin’s body returned to normal. As Yeodong-bin’s noble appearance once again possessed his body, Lee Cheol-goei grumbled as he re-adjusted his broken arm.

[Yeodong-bin. This isn’t right, is it? No matter how that guy called you through the terminal, if you had truly resisted with all your strength, I wouldn’t have to use my essence of Borrowing a Corpse to Return the Soul. Why didn’t you resist?]

Huh?! Was it really like that?!

It makes no sense that it was so easy to suppress Yeodong-bin…

Then, Yeodong-bin quietly replied.

[I wanted to see that guy’s martial capabilities. I realized his ability to handle souls wasn’t any less than that of the Immortals.]

[Ahh…The technique may be quite lacking, but the force infused into the soul hook is impressive.]

Zhebeg

Yeodong-bin stepped forward and spoke to me.

[Who are you? It’s strange how you can subdue humans without killing them, and why do you have a connection with my soul?]

“……”

[You emit evil magical energy, yet your actions seem quite benign; how curious.]

I felt Yeodong-bin’s fighting spirit transforming into clear curiosity.

“Cough…”

As the atmosphere shifted strangely, Asura, who had seemed ready to pounce at any moment, hesitated. I thought my unexpected move to keep Asura in check had worked and sighed with relief. I then responded to Yeodong-bin.

“I am Baek Woong, an apostle of Shao Hao Jin Tian of the Three Sovereigns.”

[……!!]

[What did you say!!]

[Of the Three Sovereigns?!]

Yeodong-bin was expressionless, but I could see the other Eight Immortals behind him were utterly flabbergasted. They looked utterly incredulous, so to avoid any unnecessary chatter, I extended my arm and said,

“See for yourself. Here’s proof that I’m an apostle!”

Uwoong

For a moment, the insignia of the apostle given to me by Shao Hao resonated. The Eight Immortals, upon witnessing it, exchanged glances, looking unsure of how to react.

[Hmm….]

[How could that figure who had been so quiet since the Mythological Age suddenly show up….]

[This is completely unexpected.]

The only one who remained calm was Yeodong-bin. He looked at me with a chilling gaze and replied.

[So, what do you intend to do?]

“…If you put it that way, I’m at a loss for words. However, as far as I know, the Three Sovereigns are not enemies of the Celestial Realm. If it’s a matter of dominance, your pride may be hurt, so it’s safe to say we’re more allies than anything else.”

[…….]

“I don’t particularly want to fight with the Celestial Realm. That’s why I mentioned earlier that I’m an apostle.”

[Is that so…. Then why are you here, and how are you connected with me? Do tell.]

“I’m here looking for my old colleague, the Lord of Jangryeong Valley, Zhuge Sa.”

[Old colleague?]

I instinctively knew I had to weave a story to navigate this situation. So while mixing truth with falsehood, I explained roughly.

“As you might have guessed, this friend of mine was a colleague of Zhuge Sa. However, it’s been years since we’ve been active separately, and I only came to check on how he has been. Since we’ve never been in touch, I don’t know what you mean by blood calamity or anything of the sort.”

[Your words make it sound as if you weren’t involved in the blood calamity.]

“Honestly, I’d rather hear your side of the story regarding the blood calamity.”

Yeodong-bin seemed to glance at Jang Gwa-ro beside him. Then Jang Gwa-ro lowered his long staff, signaling peace, and said,

[Apostle Baek Woong. We can explain the blood calamity. If you don’t mind, could you lend us your assistance?]

“Assistance? What kind of assistance are you talking about?”

[Not long ago, the Heretical Sect Collaborated with the Demon King to summon the forces of evil into this world, resulting in a blood calamity across the realm. Consequently, the unstable balance of the Eastern Continent was severely disrupted… and that individual is trying to summon more powerful disasters while hiding his identity, which is why we, the Eight Immortals, have been ordered to scout the world.]

“…Are you asking me to help take down Zhuge Sa?”

[That would be ideal.]

“…….”

[Of course, if you choose not to accept, that’s entirely up to you… but at least, tell me why your soul is connected to Yeodong-bin.]

I simply replied to his request.

“I’d prefer to discuss that directly with Yeodong-bin at a later time. It’s not something I can share with you all.”

[Alright. I understand. At least it seems you’re genuinely trying to communicate that you’re not an enemy.]

Then Jang Gwa-ro spoke, his tone slightly more intense.

[However, please promise that you won’t assist the Heretical Sect Master… and don’t hinder us either.]

“Hmph…”

From their perspective, that was only natural. They must know that I and Asura are strong, so if we were to obstruct them, taking down Zhuge Sa would become nearly impossible. I could have reacted with provoking remarks, but I wanted to smoothly get through this situation, so I slowly replied.

“I do have my own mission. As long as it doesn’t interfere with my mission, I won’t stand in your way.”

[Hehe… You’re quite the slippery one. Though you seem like a child, you’re surely an apostle….]

“More importantly, could you give me more specific details about the blood calamity? What exactly happened? Usually, a blood calamity stirred in the martial arts world wouldn’t reach the Celestial Realm so easily, would it?”

[Hmm… It seems you really have been out of touch with this world.]

Jang Gwa-ro continued and my eyes widened.

[The Heretical Sect Master teamed up with sorcerers worldwide to attack the Phantom Realm and massacred the Western Regions and the Demon King’s kingdoms. Even in other continents, blood calamities occurred that we haven’t grasped yet, and the primary culprit behind those massacres is none other than the Heretical Sect Master.]

“……!!”

[Currently, he’s the most vicious sorcerer in this world, definitely on track to become the Demon King. If he gets aid, the Celestial Realm won’t sit idly by, even if we go against the Three Sovereigns.]

Jang Gwa-ro’s last statement felt like a subtle pressure, but I didn’t have the luxury to dwell over such words.

‘What the heck?! Why is Zhuge Sa doing such things…?’

Though Jang Gwa-ro gave a rough explanation, if it was at that level of blood calamity, the lives lost or beings of the Phantom Realm would surely surpass hundreds of thousands. Naturally, the Eight Immortals would have no choice but to roll up their sleeves and take action.

[Well then, I shall take my leave…. I will report your existence above.]

The Eight Immortals slowly began to vanish. It seemed they couldn’t stay too long in a human body, but Yeodong-bin didn’t disappear.

Yeodong-bin looked at me and said,

[Explain why our souls are connected.]

I paused for a moment, wondering if I could give Yeodong-bin the obsidian.

Despite Master Mangnyang helping me erase a significant part of it, it still felt too dangerous. If I slipped up and harmed Yeodong-bin, it would be a deep wound on my conscience, so I sighed and said.

“I’m sorry, but as long as you belong to the Celestial Realm and the information you obtain is reported back to them, I can’t share. Even though I might trust you, I cannot trust the upper echelons of the Celestial Realm.”

[I see…. So, do you intend to summon me through the terminal?]

“Of course. If you help me, I’ll likely meet Zhuge Sa soon.”

[Alright. I’ll comply with your summons from now on….]

Paat!

Yeodong-bin also returned to the Celestial Realm. I immediately unbound the blood ties placed by the Kunlun Sect’s Taoists and quickly placed them into a sleep, then exited the Jangryeong Valley.

As I wrapped up the entire process, Asura, who had been watching from the side, commented.

“…You really pulled that off.”

“Now, this is easy enough.”

“It didn’t feel real recalling it, but you sure have some incredible verbal skills. Beating the Eight Immortals with just words, huh?”

I replied curtly.

“Why don’t you try talking your way out of lives and deaths during the tens of times you’ve died? You could do it too, damn it.”

“Hehe. I wouldn’t mind….”

As Asura chuckled, he said, “Anyway, it seems Zhuge Sa has gotten himself into some serious trouble. I wonder why he did it?”

“Well…. For now, I need to find that guy quickly…. Coolerrrrgh.”

I collapsed on the spot as I felt sick and vomited blood. Judging by the streaming crimson, it seemed my insides had ruptured again.

Ugh…. I feel like I’m going to die….

Asura glanced at me and remarked,

“Most normal people would’ve died ten times over. I need to find a way to recover faster than rashly moving.”

“Cough…. This isn’t a wound you heal in a day.”

“Fortunately, I have a good method.”

Those words caught my attention, making me look at Asura.

“What is it?”

“It’s to go to the Shaolin Temple.”

Asura smiled slyly and said, “We just need to meet Master Myung-ho and receive the Daehwandan for treatment, right? Judging by the recovery effect of the Daehwandan, it would be far superior to Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng or the Black and White Lotus.”

“……!! Sounds good, let’s go…. Kuraaaak.”

As I felt another tear in my wound, I screamed in pain. Asura, who looked troubled watching me, said,

“Transforming into the Demon King again would be a nuisance. I think restrictions will soon kick in….”

“Damn it… but I’m going…”

I pushed myself along, using my spatial skills and divine techniques, forcing myself to run as best as I could. The distance from Jangryeong Valley to the Shaolin Temple in Henan was considerable, causing me to faint several times along the way, yet with sheer determination, I finally arrived at the Shaolin Temple.

And when I got there, I wore a blank expression.

Blood Incident.

The Shaolin Temple’s main gate was drenched in blood to the extent that it seemed like a red gate, and nearby lay the shredded corpses of monks. Seeing flies buzzing around the rotten bodies made me frown.

‘They’ve been dead for a while….’

It must have been at least several dozen days.

Feeling uneasy, I cautiously entered toward the Great Hero Hall and was met with an even more shocking scene.

“Ah….”

A monk dead with his head speared into the forehead of the Buddha statue in the Great Hero Hall.

And on the ground, a child with his neck and arms severed, kneeling and lifeless.

They were known in life as the Three Great Masters: Master Myung-ho and Master Myung-ryong of the Wudang Sect.