1244——————==

Soul of the Evil God

I thought I had no chance in this fight. This place is the Ten Thousand Ghosts Palace, and among the Three Sovereigns, Jeon Wook is notoriously strong and aggressive, even free from the constraints of the Law of Cause and Effect. How can I possibly defeat Jeon Wook, who is on a different level than Zhu Rong?

Naturally, the next thought that crossed my mind was the word “death.” For an ordinary human, this word signifies despair, but not for me. I can use death itself as a weapon to spin a new cycle, so sometimes, giving up quickly is the wisest choice.

“I’d rather give up this life than torment my companions in a hopeless fight. Besides, this life has barely begun.”

After this thought, I silently communicated with Heuk Woong.

“Heuk Woong, give me control of the body. I’ll handle this.”

However, Heuk Woong replied firmly.

[Suicide is not permitted, Master.]

‘……’

I was about to attempt suicide the moment I regained control over my body, but how quick is he to catch on?

[It’s not time to give up yet. Trust me.]

“Damn it. If I get caught by Jeon Wook, I won’t even have the chance to kill myself. You think you’d leave room for me to rely on your power to end it all?”

Then Heuk Woong said something rather surprising.

[Master, have you ever used all the power you’ve possessed since your 28th reincarnation? Have you fought using all your potential?]

“What?”

[If you haven’t, just watch. This is going to be a very important fight.]

Grrr…

The cracks forming on the armor made from Spirit Power that Heuk Woong summoned ceased. Though pressed by Jeon Wook’s strength, it meant I was at least holding on with the minimum physical integrity. At the same time, as Heuk Woong tightened his grip on the spear and began to release his fighting spirit, I found myself unable to communicate with him any longer.

Extreme concentration!

Speaking to him in a state surpassing the focus needed for the Unity of Body and Sword would be akin to pushing for destruction. While I had no choice but to watch Heuk Woong’s battle, my heart raced.

“What are you planning to do…?”

The opponent is Jeon Wook. It’s really him. Although his stature seemed to diminish slightly from facing the colossal Emperor Gong Sun Xuanwen, that was merely an illusion created by the average level of power skyrocketing over 500 years. At this moment, Jeon Wook undoubtedly ranks among the most formidable [Old Rulers] in the universe, with only a handful of beings surpassing him, excluding outer gods. Naturally, attempting to win against him at the beginning of a previous life is sheer nonsense.

Heuk Woong knows this. Since Heuk Woong is born from Jeon Wook’s Spirit Power being spiritualized, he’d know Jeon Wook’s strength better than I ever could. Yet, I couldn’t fathom why he was so fixated on this reckless challenge.

Heuk Woong lowered his spear and assumed a basic stance of Thunder God Lineage spear techniques known as “Jo.” That stance can’t be considered a basic technique; it’s merely one of the various forms of the teaching style. It just defines how any fundamental techniques could begin. Thus, it’s normal that no purpose could be interpreted from Jo, but at that moment, I felt an odd sensation.

Derivation.

The spear wriggled as if it were alive, becoming one with Heuk Woong, and countless future branches of techniques began to burst forth. The countless variations of basic techniques that Heuk Woong could potentially employ appeared as a translucent image before my eyes.

In the blink of an eye, that image vanished from my sight. I questioned whether that derived form I just saw had been my imagination, but it was too vivid to be simply that. I swallowed involuntarily, struck by an odd phenomenon that I hadn’t even felt upon reaching the Absolute Realm.

A long silence—

It was broken by the mighty punch of the dark giant, Jeon Wook.

Whoosh

Jeon Wook’s punch didn’t carry any basic techniques or Qi; it simply soared slowly and naturally, like the sun and moon moving across the heavens. Yet, I felt an undeniable panic wash over me, knowing I could not avoid it despite perceiving the punch’s trajectory with the senses granted by the Absolute Realm.

“This feels different from Zhu Rong’s attack!”

If I thought of it as an attack manipulating a [Small Cycle] like Zhu Rong would, Heuk Woong has resistance to powers manipulating cycles, so naturally, he could endure. Yet, as a martial artist, my instincts screamed that this strike from Jeon Wook was fundamentally different.

The defensive ability of my armor was rendered meaningless. If I tried to block with my arm like a whip strike, it would likely be shattered instantly, resulting in my death with a single punch.

[…Looks like using brute force won’t work.]

At that moment, Heuk Woong, who was heavily focused, muttered something.

[I have no choice but to use powers.]

Then, he unleashed his power with a dark gleam bursting from between his helmet’s gaps.

Star Net Surrounding Heaven

Simultaneously, I felt an overwhelming momentum as immense spiritual energy was consumed. Heuk Woong was depleting his spiritual energy in exchange for manifesting this power. At the same time, an unknown energy began to envelop Heuk Woong’s body.

Recurrence

Great Luck Overlap

Suddenly, it felt like Heuk Woong’s body was bursting. He seemed unable to block or evade Jeon Wook’s powerful punch, and I watched helplessly as he likely met his end. Since I had granted Heuk Woong control over my body, I thought I would definitely die alongside him in an instant.

“Ugh… Well, at least it’s better this way. My 30th life could be better… Huh?”

But after a brief moment, I didn’t hear the cry of the Golden Eagle Guard. Instead, I noticed my gauntlets lifted above my head and extended forward. Those gauntlets were exerting astounding power, pushing away the giant’s fist!

Boom!!

Did I just block Jeon Wook’s punch with my arms?!

“No way, even Heuk Woong could do that?!”

I was astonished by this unbelievable potential when an unknown voice echoed from my mouth.

[Star Net Surrounding Heaven, Second Link.]

Recurrence

Guaranteed Hit

Recurrence

Red Bow, White Arrow

Ting!!

At the same time, the Red Bow and White Arrow was summoned around Heuk Woong, starting to load intangible arrows. Jeon Wook observed the Red Bow floating as if suspended in the air and remarked.

[It’s one of the Zhuge Clan’s hidden weapons…. The new hunter’s bow?]

[Let’s see how it holds up.]

[Sure thing.]

Whoosh!!

The first shot from the Red Bow zipped through the air, heading straight for Jeon Wook’s solar plexus. Jeon Wook, knowing he couldn’t dodge due to the guaranteed hit aura, simply extended his forearm to block the arrow. The flurry of seven arrows struck him in rapid succession, yet Jeon Wook’s body neither collapsed nor twitched.

“I can’t believe the Red Bow and White Arrow looks so weak like that.”

Different from other divine beings. Jeon Wook seemed to have erected an intangible barrier around him, completely blocking out any damage. Like this, even if Yi himself came and shot, he’d only be able to inflict damage with the last, ninth arrow.

It seemed Jeon Wook understood this too, as he spoke with a sneering tone.

[What do you plan to achieve by sticking that toothpick into me?]

[…It’s the last shot.]

Kwang!!

The ninth and final arrow, compressed with thousands of times the power, flew and struck Jeon Wook’s arm. However, in that moment, Jeon Wook summoned a steel-like defense and easily absorbed the impact, merely staggering as if pushed lightly.

Seeing that unfold made my mind spin.

Crackle

Thunder God Lineage

Throwing Spear Technique

Heaven-Piercing Thunder!

Heuk Woong created a hidden weapon once more and hurled it into the air. The throwing technique was unmistakably the one I had used in the Thunder God Lineage, infused with the might of a fatal strike, yet against such an opponent, it appeared no better than a fragile toothpick.

[Hehe. Is that all you’ve got?]

Then Jeon Wook, with a mocking smile, reached out to grab the spear and crush it. But then, something bizarre occurred.

Zing!!

Pock

[……!!]

Even Jeon Wook, the mighty, couldn’t foresee this. The thrown spear completely ignored Jeon Wook’s defenses and pierced straight through to hit his solar plexus. Jeon Wook blinked in disbelief, staring at his solar plexus, his expression distorting in shock.

[Water dripping through a stone.]

Heuk Woong landed firmly, saying,

[Jeon Wook! The combination of Guaranteed Hit and Great Luck is something even you can’t dodge.]

[And so? What do you plan to do with this toothpick stuck in me?]

[Let me clarify. If this doesn’t work, I have no further options left. With my current capacity, I don’t possess the potential to defeat the Three Sovereigns with any strategy.]

After saying this, Heuk Woong slowly extended his hand forward.

[But you won’t easily receive this.]

Star Net Surrounding Heaven

Recurrence

Divine Treasure Summon

Whoosh

Suddenly, the semi-translucent Divine Treasure, the Divine Punishment, revealed itself where Heuk Woong pointed. The divine-grade treasure of the Celestial Realm, the Divine Punishment, appeared at his summon! Realizing that the spear was summoned to the same coordinates as the one piercing Jeon Wook’s solar plexus, Jeon Wook exclaimed in surprise.

[This is a divine-grade treasure….]

[Activate.]

Krrrghhhh

The next moment, an explosion of sanctity erupted, and white flames radiated from Jeon Wook’s upper body. This phenomenon occurred as the Divine Punishment reacted to Jeon Wook’s power, and as the explosion expanded, Jeon Wook staggered as if he had swallowed a pearl of light, barely managing to maintain his balance.

[Ugh…!!]

It looked as if the Divine Punishment was forcing its way to destroy his body.

Watching this take place, Heuk Woong murmured,

[Master, this was my best shot.]

I was dazed, watching the battle when I asked,

‘…What is the power of Star Net Surrounding Heaven?’

[You’ve likely guessed; I’m drawing forth the blessings of the past lodged in your memories. It consumes a tremendous amount of the spiritual energy you’ve gathered through your reincarnations to do so.]

‘……!!’

[What makes this possible is utilizing powers to re-establish the Law of Cause and Effect by force.]

This is absurdly overpowered!!

I exclaimed, my voice trembling.

‘Incredible…!! If you get stronger just a bit more, defeating the Three Sovereigns will be a piece of cake!’

[Not quite. The powers manifest weaker than their original blessings; if the combination isn’t well-structured, it will recklessly drain your spiritual energy. You should think of it as only half the original might.]

‘Half….’

Even if it’s only half the original power, if the combinations are optimized, it could lead to astonishing results. What I witnessed right before my eyes was indeed that result. While marveling at the greatness of the Star Net Surrounding Heaven, a strange thought suddenly struck me, prompting me to ask,

‘Wait… You’re saying Jeon Wook isn’t dead, are you?’

[That’s correct.]

‘Why not?’

[The Divine Punishment doesn’t normally activate that way…. His resistance is currently acting, so Jeon Wook is merely grazed, as if brushed by a dagger.]

As Heuk Woong answered me, he once again activated his power.

[Recovery of the Small Cycle!]

Suddenly, my battered body restored to its original form, Heuk Woong summoned armor for himself once more.

[But I still need to resist until the end. He must recover his strength before then.]

Tydaht!

Then, Heuk Woong leaped forward, producing a thrust aimed at Jeon Wook’s forehead, while Jeon Wook didn’t evade but instead charged forward with a headbutt.

[How dare you!!]

Just as Heuk Woong had predicted, Jeon Wook was only momentarily taken by surprise and hadn’t sustained any significant injury.

Bam!!

The headbutt caused Heuk Woong’s spear to shatter, and his armor collapsed entirely. Despite this, I felt no pain, indicating that Heuk Woong was taking in the damage on my behalf. Having already witnessed an insurmountable gap in strength with my own eyes, I shouted at Heuk Woong.

“Heuk Woong! Stop! There’s no way out!”

Swoosh

Before I knew it, Jeon Wook’s silver spear moved on its own and landed back in his hand. With that spear in hand, it was clear he was now intent on killing us for real.

There’s no way we can withstand this.

I need to take action now!

But Heuk Woong staggered but managed to stand up. Despite his armor being completely shattered, he showed no intent to give up.

[The time is approaching.]

Murmuring as if resolved, he summoned another hidden weapon and took his position without budging an inch. Heuk Woong, having expended much of his power, looked like he couldn’t summon the Star Net Surrounding Heaven any further.

Once he stood, he faced Jeon Wook.

[Jeon Wook, you won’t be able to kill me in one blow.]

[Is it due to that paltry luck? I know very well that its volatility is nearly spent.]

[The fact that you humor my words indicates you aren’t as angry as I’d expected.]

[…….]

Heuk Woong’s next words took me completely by surprise.

[I will surrender and become your subordinate in exchange for your mercy.]

…Huh?

[Cancel Summon.]

Pa-at

In the next moment, as Heuk Woong snapped his fingers, the summoned Divine Punishment vanished along with the sanctity dismantled. He had recklessly discarded the means to resist! Just like that, he’d let Jeon Wook bind him when he was so close?!

Shortly after, Jeon Wook’s reaction also exceeded my expectations.

Jeon Wook burst into loud laughter.

[Heh… Hahaha!! I knew you had one more trick up your sleeve. But are you really backing down just to prove your power to me?]

One more trick?

While I was left dumbfounded, Heuk Woong merely knelt down, bowing his head.

[If Jeon Wook truly wished to kill me, there wouldn’t be time for these tricks. You showed mercy to hold back, proving you are a true ruler. If I were to repay such generosity, I wouldn’t merely be a commoner but a person unworthy of the title of a warrior, thus, I acknowledge my defeat here.]

[Hehehe…. Asking so brazenly for your life.]

[If it were just my life, I would never surrender. There are conditions for my submission.]

At that, Jeon Wook’s eyes sparkled with intrigue.

[Conditions?]

[Appoint my master Baek Woong as your Apostle, and you shall shield him with your name unconditionally.]

[…….]

Jeon Wook appeared to contemplate for a moment. Then he spoke.

[You’re being clever. It’s clear you’re heavily drained of power. Am I to believe you that you’ll fill in the gaps in my power at your own expense?]

[This is my utmost sincerity.]

[Very well. I swear by my name, Jeon Wook, that I shall protect Baek Woong, who shall become my Apostle, until the end. If I gain a subordinate of your caliber, it’s worth the risk.]

[Thank you. And one more thing, please protect me from the backlash of Great Luck Overlap.]

[Such an audacious request. Very well, I shall do so.]

[Thank you….]

Whoosh

In a moment, the black armor that had enveloped me dissipated, and control of my body began to return to normal. I sensed Heuk Woong entering my consciousness and spoke to him.

“Heuk Woong! What was that hidden trick you mentioned?”

[You could have either used Great Destruction or forced the Tai Chi technique in the earlier situation to enhance your state.]

‘Ah! You could’ve used the Four Great Spirit Deities!’

[That one isn’t possible.]

‘Huh?’

[Master, don’t you still understand?]

Heuk Woong crossed his arms within my consciousness, remarking.

[What I can do, in truth, you can accomplish as well. I merely drew out your potential to its limits. Only the Star Net Surrounding Heaven is my unique ability as a spirit; everything else should be within your realm of potential….]

‘……!!’

[Except for the Four Great Spirit Deities, which only the recognized master can utilize.]

I see, is that the case?

As I finally grasped the earlier situation, Heuk Woong’s figure began to fade gradually. He grew more transparent as he spoke.

[…Master, I’m going to take a short nap…. I’ve consumed far too much power in a short time….]

“Wait?!”

[If you train the command, you’ll see me again soon. It’s not a long sleep…. Just… don’t fall too far into the temptations of the demonic….]

‘Demonic temptations?’

[Inscribing names… is dangerous…. My absence was due to the stacking of demonic power….]

Swish

In the next moment, Heuk Woong vanished completely. I could do nothing but feel a sense of panic.

“Heuk Woong!!!”

As I called out his name, Jeon Wook spoke up.

[Stay still.]

“What?”

Jeon Wook’s colossal hand rested atop my head. As I stiffened in shock, a strange intangible energy was drawn into Jeon Wook’s hand, and he shook it off in distaste, saying.

[With this, the backlash from Great Luck Overlap has been nullified.]

“Oh….”

So that was what Heuk Woong had asked for!

If the backlash from Great Luck Overlap continued, I’d certainly die!

‘That’s the flaw of Star Net Surrounding Heaven.’

He could call forth powerful blessings like Great Luck Overlap, but if there’s no way to balance the backlash, nothing but misfortune would pile up. That means in the future, even if I could wield Heuk Woong’s strength, I must tread carefully in my strategy.

While I pondered this, Jeon Wook resumed speaking.

[Earlier, I reached an agreement with Shao Hao Jin Tian. You are now jointly my Apostle alongside that man.]

“Is that… alright?”

[If we are satisfied with it, it matters not.]

With that, Jeon Wook continued.

[Now, as my Apostle, I shall assign you your first task. This mission should be of utmost importance to you.]

“What is it?”

At his following words, I sensed I was finally taking a significant step in this reincarnation.

[The Zhuge Clan has been on a mission to investigate the Evil God under my command for some time now. Currently, they seem to be engaging in battle against the Nine Lotus Sect, which has recently resurrected in the Western Regions, so go to assist the Zhuge Clan.]