1240——————==

Soul of the Evil God (四神之魂)

After testing the enhancement levels of the combat training room, it was clear that level 10 felt a bit overboard.

‘Level 1 enhances physical abilities and internal power by 10 percent, level 2 boosts it by 20 percent. From there, it seems to increase by 10 percent until the enhancement of intent starts at level 5?’

And then infinite intent is set at level 8, while levels 9 and 10 feel like they blow past the limits for physical abilities and internal power as well. In essence, levels 5 and 8 form major inflection points.

The issue is that due to the characteristics of a master in the Absolute Realm, even just setting infinite intent would normally triplicate one’s power and broaden the tactical options significantly. Dharma Guardians are a prime example, using their endless internal power to sustain immense intent consumption.

And if both intent and internal power become infinite, they contain far more overwhelming potential than just having one of them boundless. This is because the constraints that existed when one reached the peak of either would vanish.

Plus, amplifying physical abilities isn’t to be underestimated either. Seo Mun-hye might not have an exceptional intent or internal power, but due to her extraordinary attributes, she could overwhelm most peerless masters in the Jianghu with sheer physical prowess, suggesting that absolute physical strength can sometimes overlook the synergies of intent or internal power. Not every peerless master is strong against the powerful demons or demon kings of the shadow realm, hence that’s why.

‘With 100 times amplified physical abilities, it could become so fast that hitting Nirvana of the Absolute would feel impossible…’

And the fact that internal intent is also infinite is a level of difficulty that defies common sense. While I was confident that an Asura can win if transformed into a Demon King, I also felt uncertain if that was truly the case.

‘There will surely be a victory declared when the ark is destroyed, but is that even a win…’

In truth, it seems that after transforming into a Demon King and deploying full power, the ark would be wrecked along with the combat training avatar, leading to a victory declaration. But under the assumption that such a being does exist, even the Asura that became a Demon King would probably struggle against them two to one. A being with this much power wouldn’t be so easily injured just because the ark exploded.

As I diligently observed the system of the combat training room, I spoke to the Asura.

“It’s about time. Let’s go out to find the Divine Treasure, Gecheonju.”

“Hm. I actually want to train.”

“I have no idea what might be outside.”

The next moment, the Asura and I arrived at the peak of the Qilin Mountain, where, as Lee Heung-pae had said, there was only one spot shining with moonlight. I then layered my intent over the nearby area and scooped out the soil in a semicircular shape, casting it into the void.

Zziing….

“This is Gecheonju.”

The Divine Treasure, Gecheonju. This was the divine treasure of Wang Ma, the war hero of the Divine Sage War and a four-star being from the Nine Dragons Island, just like Lee Heung-pae. Naturally, it was a high-grade divine treasure equivalent to Lee Heung-pae’s Half Yellow Pearl, possessing tremendous power. I could tell that the pearl treasure, Gecheonju, was a connection of three invisible pearls strung together by an unseen thread, and I was about to head straight into the ark with Gecheonju in hand.

[…Whoever has obtained my Divine Treasure…. Who are you?]

At that moment, the phantom of a certain immortal obstructed my view and spoke. I didn’t need to say who I was because I knew already, so I calmly replied.

“Wang Ma. I am Baek Woong, the Apostle of Shao Hao Jin Tian. Lee Heung-pae recommended that I acquire Gecheonju.”

[…I see…. Is the world still troubled by war….]

What stood before me was likely the remnant thought of Wang Ma, rather than his true form. I had heard that Wang Ma had perished fighting against a powerful demon in later years. The lingering thought of Wang Ma spoke.

[You…. Our four treasures were originally one…. The great former Sect Leader, who crafted our treasures, divided one unique treasure into four pieces, though I don’t know what its name is…. I only know that it was created around the same time as the Primordial Void.]

“What?”

[If you are gathering power to prepare against the disasters of the world…. combine all four treasures and move to Nabudong, and they will merge into one.]

Pa-at

Wang Ma’s lingering thought vanished after that statement, leaving me in surprise at the sudden information.

‘Nabudong?’

It seemed that collecting all four pearl treasures from the four divine sages of Nine Dragons Island and heading to Nabudong would change them into the highest-grade treasure. I couldn’t help but feel delighted, and I turned to Asura.

“Asura, do you know where Nabudong is?”

“It should be in the heavenly realm’s Emei Mountain. I’ve only heard about it, never been there myself. Why do you ask?”

I recounted to Asura what I had learned from Wang Ma’s lingering thought. Asura crossed his arms and said.

“From what I’ve heard, Nabudong is a place independent from the Celestial Realm called the Dragon Pool Tiger Hole. It’s said that ancient practitioners of absolute teachings have established a stronghold there, so it’s best to prepare mentally before you go. Especially, the owner of Nabudong is not someone to take lightly, even for me.”

“Hm…. Guess we’ll check it out later.”

I nodded and returned to the ark, inserting Gecheonju into the energy impeller. The ark seemed to change in response to Gecheonju once again, but soon a warning sound echoed.

[Due to continuous updates, the power has dropped below 50 percent. User attention is required.]

“What? Power? Can’t we refill it?”

[If you make contact with a medium containing pure energy, it will switch to refill mode.]

In other words, it meant to produce more treasures or artifacts.

Although I had absorbed Gecheonju to enhance the ark, it seemed that the consumption of power could not be avoided. As I frowned, the Asura beside me spoke up.

“Baek Woong. So what are you going to do? It seems like we’ve obtained everything we can from this Mount Penglai, and now we either charge into the Ten Thousand Ghosts Palace, or we can wait for Zhuge Sa’s contact.”

“……”

“I don’t think waiting for Zhuge Sa’s contact is a bad idea…”

“Are you saying it’s reckless to go to the Ten Thousand Ghosts Palace, knowing I might die?”

“Of course not. Just because your one science artifact got enhanced doesn’t guarantee you’ll defeat hellish beasts. We should consider ourselves lucky to have figured out Zhuge Sa’s location.”

“……”

I fell silent for a moment at Asura’s words. His reasoning was undoubtedly rational.

‘Seo Mun-hye….’

But at the same time, I thought of Seo Mun-hye.

Seo Mun-hye was originally supposed to be taken care of by Zhuge Sa, but I hadn’t sensed any trace of her in Jangryeong Valley. This meant that it was most likely Zhuge Sa who had taken Seo Mun-hye, and I had always thought that locating Zhuge Sa meant potentially finding her as well. If I had to think about retrieving Seo Mun-hye, I couldn’t just sit here and wait.

‘Finding Zhuge Sa might clarify Seo Mun-hye’s whereabouts, but I need to confirm this more definitely.’

To firmly verify my instincts, I commanded the screen.

“Find Seo Mun-hye’s location from the current position.”

[Searching….]

And indeed, I could confirm that my instincts were right.

[The probability of Seo Mun-hye’s location matching Zhuge Sa’s secondary relay point is 99.7 percent. Please head to the secondary relay point.]

No doubt about it. This means Seo Mun-hye has entered the Ten Thousand Ghosts Palace with Zhuge Sa. After contemplating for a while, I spoke to Asura.

“Let’s head to the Ten Thousand Ghosts Palace.”

“Are you serious? You might die!”

“I really have no choice. I can’t just sit here and wait.”

Thinking about how the pain of my insides was gnawing at me and wanting to move quickly, there was no reason to hesitate here. I clenched my fists and declared.

“Even if it’s reckless, I’d rather rush to death than lose my companions stupidly and start over!”

It would be like a nightmare if I remained waiting forever with no news from Zhuge Sa and Seo Mun-hye. Better to take the risk of death and act sooner!

“Ha ha…. You really are a reborn person. Then let’s go!”

“Let’s head to the Five Demon Gate!”

[Destination. Moving to the Five Demon Gate.]

Whoosh

The ark surged with a heavy sound and flew toward the Five Demon Gate. After a while, when we reached a sight of the Five Demon Gate, the ark halted due to an unseen force. Then, a voice came into our heads from the control room of the ark.

[Who are you? If you don’t reveal your identities, I’ll tear you apart right here.]

The voice’s owner must have been Yeol. I thought the moment had come and calmly shouted.

“Wait! In the name of the great Jeon Wook, we will explain the situation directly to you.”

[…….]

“Let us disembark.”

[Very well….]

Whoosh

The mysterious force surrounding the ark dissipated, and the ark was able to move again. I ordered the ark to descend in front of the Five Demon Gate and stepped outside, only to see Yeol waiting there.

Yeol (噎).

A figure dressed in dark clouds that looked like a robe, with his entire form swirling with ominous energy.

He was a high bureaucrat of the Ten Thousand Ghosts Palace, wielding powers comparable to the Old Ruler, a truly high-level existence. With him before me, I felt my tension rise, especially since he displayed a significantly hostile attitude compared to up until now.

‘Yeol is already in a combat posture….’

If I say even one wrong word, he would attack immediately. Not relaxing my tension, I extended my forearm towards Yeol and stated.

“Yeol of the Ten Thousand Ghosts Palace! I am Baek Woong, the Apostle of Shao Hao Jin Tian.”

Yeol glanced at my outstretched forearm before replying.

[I see. But who is the guy beside you?]

“He’s my subordinate. No need to worry, he’s not suspicious.”

[All of you seem suspicious.]

Yeol sharply stated while extending a hand of dark clouds towards me.

[State your business for visiting this place immediately, or I swear even if you are the Apostle of Shao Hao, you won’t leave here alive!]

His attitude was even more hostile than I expected. The weight of being the Apostle of Shao Hao didn’t seem to faze Yeol, who was likely in a similar position to Jeon Wook. This was a foe where the authority of an Apostle does not hold sway.

I delivered the prepared reply.

“I am currently on a special mission per the command of Shao Hao Jin Tian and acquired human allies along the way. However, I unexpectedly fell into Dark Heaven Village, resulting in a gap in my activities. During that time, I confirmed my allies crossed into the Ten Thousand Ghosts Palace through the Five Demon Gate.”

[So?]

“Please allow me to seek my human allies. I have no intentions of invading the Ten Thousand Ghosts Palace whatsoever.”

[…….]

Yeol paused for a moment, seemingly contemplating. Then, he lowered his hand which had been filled with hostility and stated.

[Follow me, Apostle of Shao Hao! The Lord wishes to see you.]

“Very well. What should I do with my ark?”

[Our Ten Thousand Ghosts Palace does not covet mere worldly possessions. Leave it here.]

“Understood.”

I attempted to slowly enter the Five Demon Gate. However, Asura, who was trying to follow behind, was suddenly stopped by Yeol.

[You can’t come.]

“What? Why can’t I?”

Yeol’s sharp gaze glared at him as he spoke.

[I am aware of your identity because Baek Woong fumbled his words! Asura of the Eight Parts of the Divine.]

“……!!”

Asura flinched at the revelation of his identity. Yeol continued.

[Originally, you should have been obliterated the moment you caught sight of us. But considering you are the Apostle’s subordinate, I will let you go, so remain silent and don’t make a sound.]

“Damn it…. Is there any way I can even put my sword against Jeon Wook? Can’t you just let me through?”

[Impudent fool. Even if Jeon Wook wanted to, he could tear you apart like an insect, and I do not wish to irritate him by showing him a mere bug. What, are you looking for death?]

“…….”

[I warn you. Don’t make a sound and stay still. You’re just a minion of Chi You.]

“Not happening.”

Finally, Asura couldn’t suppress his displeasure anymore and transformed into his true form.

Kuhwaat

[I tried to hold back, but you’re really ignoring me! Not even Jeon Wook would dare treat me, Asura, like this!]

[Oh? And what will you do about it?]

[Let’s have a fair fight then!!]

It seemed I had triggered Yeol’s pride enough to dispel the implicit fear I felt toward him. Asura, now in his true form, immediately armed himself with weapons in all six arms and unleashed a heroic strike toward Yeol.

Nirvana of the Absolute (寂滅無極)!!

‘Asura!!’

Why is that punk acting like such a badass and then going berserk here?!

I was shocked, but there was no way I could stop Asura. So far, he had been obedient to me, yet I still lacked the power to control him. And then, something astounding happened shortly after.

[Even if I am but Jeon Wook’s dog, I am still stronger than you….]

Sun and Moon Yin God Sect (日月陰神宗)

Boom

Yeol clapped his hands together. At that moment, incomprehensible spirit powers surged throughout Yeol’s body, creating a sudden mist cloud. This mist spread over the world in the blink of an eye, filling it completely. From within the mist, Yeol’s true form emerged, and the sun and moon revolved around him.

Whoosh

In the next moment, Asura’s Nirvana of the Absolute was instantly consumed by the moon’s form. Almost simultaneously, the sun’s form unleashed ominous darkness, shining brightly.

Zzzzhh!

[Kahh!!]

Asura screamed painfully and was sent reeling back as the sunlight’s seal burned into his chest. Seemingly in shock, Asura gasped.

[Yin spirit power!! You can manipulate the universe’s sun and moon properties freely using… umm, how can you, a mere Ruler, do this….]

[That’s power you cannot use, half-baked Divine Race. Now die.]

As Yeol extended his palm, Asura’s body became immobilized, unable to move any further. Yeol’s power had overwhelmed him.

Zzzzhh

The sun and moon revolving around Yeol started to flicker again. Realizing that if I left it as it was, Asura would be killed in this hit, I hurriedly intervened, shouting between them.

“Wait!! Stop!”

[It’s already too late. For the offense against the Ten Thousand Ghosts Palace, you must pay with your life!]

Boom!!

The sun and moon forms flew transparently toward Asura, and I was left grappling with despair. I had no means to block this powerful ability. Though I thought Yeol was strong, I never expected him to be this formidable.

‘How the hell will I survive Asura’s elimination with his powers…’

Should I resist with the Peerless Technique?

But somehow it felt like that sun and moon could effortlessly neutralize the Peerless Technique. Perhaps that power might even be the bane of the Peerless Technique itself.

‘Hmm? I feel like I’ve learned something…’

Just as I pondered this, a realization struck me.

‘Ah… I get it…!!’

It felt like something was emerging from underneath the earth, where mud scattered. Remembering that feeling, I began to understand how to handle the current situation. I unconsciously initiated a different response instead of unleashing the light beam, which I felt was the most effective.

Yin Spirit Power (陰神之力)

Sun and Moon Reverse (日月反側)

‘This is how you do it!’

I swiftly extracted the properties of the Yin Spirit Power hidden within me to use it while simultaneously creating a small sun and moon in the air. Though it was a tiny sun and moon, not even half the size of Yeol’s, I believed it would be sufficient as I quickly narrowed the gap and began to make it revolve.

‘Now!’

As the rotation sped up, it collided directly with the incoming sun and moon of Yeol.

Zzzzzt!!

In that moment, a pair of suns and moons bent the trajectory of my small sun and moon, obliterating it while simultaneously flying off into the distant sky.

[……!!]

“It’s working!”

I felt tremors in my voice as my unexpected success filled me with shock. I hesitated to try this possibly reckless approach, but it had worked! Yeol, who had been dazed, then spoke.

[Baek Woong, the Apostle of Shao Hao! How do you know the method of manipulating the sun and moon!!]

“……”

I couldn’t answer.

‘Because I learned it from you…’

During the five years I spent in the Five Demon Gate, I had learned the Apostle power manipulation directly from Yeol himself, and that included foundational techniques of the Sun and Moon Yin God Sect that could be considered his personal technique. But how could I explain that I had forgotten its more advanced applications, like using the Sun and Moon Spirit in this situation, amid trying to revolve a simple small one?

At that moment, a voice echoed majestically throughout the sky.

[Ah, this is interesting…. Yeol. Bring them before me immediately.]

Three Sovereigns (三皇五帝) Jeon Wook’s voice resonated through the sky.