1247——————==

Soul of the Evil God

Zhuge appeared?

“Uh… wait a sec… deep breath.”

“…….”

I waved my hand at those words and sat down, taking a long breath.

‘Ugh… it’s been too chaotic since earlier…’

Instead of being surprised or shocked, my head was spinning. Naturally, I should be horrified that Zhuge, one of the Three Sovereigns, showed up in this remote otherworldly realm, but I was too exhausted to even feel that kind of mental anguish.

When did it start?

Was it from the beginning of this life? Or was it from the end of my twenty-eighth life?

Initially, I felt a shiver of fear from the uncomfortable feeling of the unpredictable flow of fate shaking me around, but now it was turning into irritation. I tried to rationalize it by thinking of the enormous chaos caused by Emperor Gong Sun Xuanwen’s sealing, but my mental stamina was draining away, leaving me tired.

The limit was approaching. With my eyes closed, I sat still for a while before speaking.

“Asura. What if Zhuge attacks right now?”

Asura had returned to his human form and replied with a human voice.

“Of course, I’ll fight to the end.”

“You know you’ll lose no matter what, right? From the memories of my previous life, you suffered a brutal fate at the hands of the [Old Ruler] Bi-ryu. The same situation is going to happen again.”

“I know. But I will still fight.”

“……”

I was at a loss for words due to Asura’s determined reply when he spoke seriously.

“I’m finally starting to reflect a little. When I only saw your memories as memories, I couldn’t let go of my own arrogance… But after fighting with the top experts and getting beaten, I’m coming to my senses.”

“Is fighting a form of reflection? Seems like the same actions lead to the same results.”

“Different. Now, I want to shed my arrogance and focus solely on martial skills. I’ve decided to trust the choices I made in past lives.”

“Until now, you couldn’t trust them?”

“If you were in my shoes, would you trust easily? Relying solely on martial arts while sealing over 70% of my power is like throwing away my trump card.”

“……”

“The memory transmission of the obsidian isn’t a cure-all. I needed a reason to change my mind.”

With that, Asura spoke in a voice that seemed like he was letting something down.

“I know why you asked that question. It’s because the constant swinging of the situation is making you irritated, right?”

“…Yeah.”

With a sigh at Asura’s pinpoint words, I replied.

“It’s exhausting. I needed some time to rest, but with my magical power running wild, I don’t even have the leisure for that…”

“It’s a simple problem… then just rest.”

“Rest?”

I felt Asura shrug his shoulders.

“Thanks to the emperor being sealed, the guys who would manipulate and read your future, have disappeared, right? Up until now, you had to flee due to the emperor, but now you can do as you please.”

“Do as I please…”

“Even if you have to fight hard for a couple of lives, once you figure out the context, it should be okay to take it easy. Being a reborn person, you can treat this world a bit like an online game.”

“Hey. This world isn’t a game.”

I heard Asura mumble sincerely.

“I wish it were a game. I could fight without sparing my life or pain, as much as I wanted until I got sick of it…”

I couldn’t help but chuckle at Asura’s advice.

“Ha… who wasn’t a gaming fanatic in their past life? If I were a strategist, I would have never given such advice.”

“Isn’t it obvious? You’re the only reborn person who can save the world, and they wouldn’t just tell you to have fun. The smarter they are, the more ability they have, causing their sense of duty to swell.”

“Hmm.”

“But from my perspective, whether you ultimately save the world or not, it’s none of my concern, Baek Woong. Even if the world is saved somewhere I don’t know, I won’t feel anything.”

…That’s true.

No matter how neutral he is, Asura is the Demon King and one of the Seven Godly Protectors, after all. Ideally, he should be blocking my path.

Asura slowly started building his spirit and spoke in a teasing tone.

“Just keep creating battlefields where you can grow by fighting against me in your future lives. Do what you want.”

“Alright. I’m starting to feel a bit better.”

I felt a bit of the burdens in my heart lift from my conversation with Asura. This was a much-needed sense of release, something I couldn’t feel when I talked with the strategists. This might not be entirely correct, but at least I felt a little mental ease returning to me now.

After regaining my composure, I said.

“Head toward the coordinates of Zhuge Sa.”

[Yiseong-gyeham, moving begins.]

Woong

The Ark started moving. The massive iron ship of the future slowly began to rise through the clouds, climbing the enormous dark tree. It was definitely a tall tree if I couldn’t see the peak even while flying in the Ark.

‘Hmm… my vision still hasn’t recovered.’

While the intense pain in my eyes had lessened compared to before, not being able to see at all was still bad. I realized that not being able to verify the situation on the screen was a significant disadvantage.

“Is there a quick way to restore my vision?”

[Abnormalities detected in the user’s vision. Would you like to start nano-machine treatment?]

“…Nano-machine? Ah, that…”

I remembered that it was a technology in which tiny machines invisible to the naked eye treated a person’s body. Nodding my head, I replied.

“Do it.”

[Nano-machine treatment begins.]

Swoosh!!

Suddenly, a spray-like substance was applied to my eyes, causing a stinging sensation to intensify. I endured the itching while gritting my teeth for a while, and then a voice came from the screen.

[Confirmed no abnormal connection to the optic nerve. However, cataract phenomenon detected. Initiating recovery with nano-machines.]

After closing my eyes for a while, I could slowly feel my eyes opening. And I was shocked to see blurred scenery around me.

‘So the treatment really works…’

Once I could see a bit, I caught another voice on the line.

[Arrived at the coordinates of Zhuge Sa.]

Woong….

The Ark began to land on a small platform halfway up the tree. And I realized an unexpected figure was standing in front of that platform. As soon as I saw the individual’s form, I exclaimed in shock.

“Huh?! Why are you here?!”

Why are you here?!

I haven’t even met up with you in this life?!

I was dumbfounded, but since this person wasn’t exactly a hostile figure to me, I stepped off the Ark with Asura. As soon as I stepped off, I carefully said to him.

“I, uh… I meet you, the great martial artist and towering figure of the Jianghu.”

Should I greet him according to the etiquette of Jianghu, perhaps?

Then the other person seemed to chuckle and spoke in a tone enveloped in the Six Harmonies Assembly.

[Stop it. How can we apply the codes and seniority of the Jianghu in such a nightmare-like otherworld? It’s quite embarrassing given the thousands of tentacles rampaging around here… ]

“……”

A violet cloak with golden embroidery.

And a crown and mask on his head.

Having met him dozens of times before, I already grasped his identity, and it seemed he recognized me as well.

[And I’ve heard everything about Zhuge Sa. You are indeed the hero who can resolve the turmoil of this world, someone who has truly inherited the teachings of the White Lotus Sect.]

Wait, didn’t what you just say sound more embarrassing?!

I grumbled inwardly and said.

“Hmph, so you understand my situation then. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Baek Woong, and this is Asura.”

[Asura… the one who can contest for the strongest among the Eight Parts of the Divine, and the supreme martial artist, Pasun from Tianzhu…?]

The other person’s eyes lit with interest, and then he extended his martial authority towards me.

[You already know this, but let me introduce myself again. I am Dokgo Uncheon, the Master of the White Lotus Sect.]

That’s right.

What appeared from Zhuge Sa’s dwelling was none other than Dokgo Uncheon, the Master of the White Lotus Sect!

I couldn’t believe that a person supposed to be training in martial arts quietly at the serene White Lotus Sect would suddenly appear in such a remote otherworldly realm. It would be understandable if he had become my ally through my memories, but we had no connections in this life, so how could this happen?

I asked in a dazed voice.

“Can you tell me why the sect leader is here?”

[It’s a simple story. Zhuge Sa is fighting against the Nine Lotus Sect, and the White Lotus Sect is also participating, having joined him in the Western regions to subdue their bishops. Of course, the fact that he told me about you, Baek Woong, and presented undeniable evidence helped a lot… ]

“……!!”

So Zhuge Sa had already allied with the White Lotus Sect while I was away!

Realizing the situation was shifting, my eyes widened, and the Master of the White Lotus Sect continued.

[Zhuge Sa mentioned that the bishops were still at a fetal level and weakest, but it was indeed quite strong. The vanguard squad was having a lot of trouble, but thanks to Zhuge Sa appearing through dimensional movement, we successfully subdued the Nine Lotus Bishop.]

“…Hmm. Is that so?”

I could roughly discern the situation. Zhuge Sa must have initially sent human forces to suppress the Nine Lotus Bishop as a vanguard, attempting to become Jeon Wook’s subordinate. After acquiring powers from Jeon Wook, he made a dimensional door appear straight away at the Five Demon Gate to annihilate the bishops.

[However, the conclusion didn’t go well. The large dimensional door created as the guy was dying pulled the entire suppression squad here.]

“They got sucked into the dimensional door? So, what’s this gigantic dark tree?”

[Zhuge Sa mentioned it was an artifact from the primordial universe sealed in the Primordial Age, a world tree that misgrew. Originally, it should have grown more, but it became a dead tree, trapped by the chaos… ]

“…….”

[Our suppression squad was trying to find a way out while taking refuge at the trunk of this world tree.]

As I thought, this dark behemoth also turned out to be a world tree, similar to the Sacred Altar Tree.

Listening to the sect leader’s explanation, I remarked.

“Thanks for the explanation. How did you end up separated from Seo Mun-hye?”

[Seo Mun-hye was scouting the upper layers of the world tree on orders from Zhuge Sa when the contact was cut off. Seeing you ask such a question, do you happen to know her location?]

“…Hmm… Please let me meet with Zhuge Sa first. I need to talk to him.”

[Follow me.]

Step by step,

Asura and I followed the Master of the White Lotus Sect into a large cave in the world tree. I could see some familiar faces inside the cave.

‘Cheon Woo-jin, Dokgo Jun, Han Baek-ryeong!!’

The Dharma Protectors are all here!

Well, for a Nine Lotus Bishop, it made sense they would all come to fight. Additionally, I spotted about ten of the White Lotus Sect’s Elder Council experts. I didn’t expect to see any more human figures, but then I spotted an unexpected face.

‘Huh?’

When I saw him, I couldn’t help but speak in a flabbergasted voice.

“…Miyamoto Musashi?!”

The strongest warrior and swordsman of the Absolute Realm, Miyamoto Musashi was casually mingling with the others, warming himself by the fire! He was another unexpected figure appearing after the Master of the White Lotus Sect, leaving me dumbfounded. Miyamoto Musashi glanced my way and said.

“Looks like some strong fighters here… Should I stretch my muscles a bit?”

Step by step,

Miyamoto Musashi started walking toward me. With his fierce intent radiating, it was clear he wanted to fight.

Hold on, you little punk!

What the hell, you get all fired up for a sword fight right after we meet?

I was dumbfounded, just standing there in shock, when Asura slowly drew his sword and stepped forward to block him.

“……!!”

Miyamoto Musashi halted and froze when he faced Asura, while Asura flashed a bright smile.

“Glad to see you. I was about to warm up too.”

“……”

“Step in.”

Chirin –

Asura and Musashi faced off, clashing their wills from a distance. Both were battle maniacs in their own right, but Miyamoto Musashi clearly seemed to be the one more on edge. I understood why he was cautious, leading me to smirk.

‘After all, Asura’s martial prowess is higher than Musashi’s…. Asura is all fired up now, having been defeated in successive battles. No matter how much of a fighter Musashi is with his demon mask, he’s not going to be a match for Asura’s ferocity.’

In other words, Asura was currently in a state of readiness to take anyone out!

Normally, even as powerful as Asura was, he wouldn’t fall prey to Musashi in an instant unless he used the Nirvana of the Absolute. However, in this case, even that couldn’t be guaranteed because Asura was practically a coiled blade, just waiting to strike.

Musashi seemed to sense the shift in energy and took a step back hesitantly.

I debated intervening, but the one who halted their intense standoff was none other than the Master of the White Lotus Sect.

[Stop.]

As the Master of the White Lotus Sect released his Heart of Heaven’s Abundance, the two masters ceased their aggressive stances. The Master of the White Lotus Sect spoke quietly.

[We are not strong beings or predators in this realm; we’re more akin to mere insects. Even if we unite, surviving this will still be difficult. To squabble with trivial martial skills is the height of foolishness.]

“……”

“Hmph…”

Since his words were profoundly true, both Asura and Musashi sheathed their swords and stepped back. Once the situation was settled, the Master of the White Lotus Sect guided me deeper into the cave.

[As you can see, this is the state of Zhuge Sa.]

When Zhuge Sa’s condition finally became clear, I couldn’t help but let out a low groan.

“Zhuge Sa…”

Inside the translucent orb, Zhuge Sa had transformed into a blend of demon and human, resembling what could only be described as a demon. It seemed fitting to call him a Demon Man, and I’d seen something like it before.

The demon of the Landlord Doctrines!

Reborn as an Artificial Demon by the Demon King Simon Magus, he was now able to wield incredible sorcery. It meant that Zhuge Sa had abandoned his human form and transformed into another race. Naturally, Zhuge Sa was now several times stronger than in human form and could wield terrifying magical powers, but he could never revert to being human again.

I watched Zhuge Sa’s closed eyes and asked.

“Is he unconscious right now?”

[In the last battle, he spent too much magical power, so he can hardly stay awake even for half a moment. It would be wise to wait until he regains consciousness before talking to him.]

“…Of course, we’ll have to wait.”

I sat there, waiting for Zhuge Sa to awaken. After about seven moments, Zhuge Sa slowly opened his eyes within the orb, and I spoke to him.

“Zhuge Sa. Are you okay?”

He grinned and, despite appearing like a demon, replied with a human voice.

“Kuk… You came back sooner than I expected. I thought I’d be out for a year.”

“Zhuge Sa. Can you receive the obsidian?”

“Give it here. I can manage now.”

Woong

Zhuge Sa received the obsidian and accepted the memory transmission. Then he spoke.

“I noticed you’ve become much gentler than before. There was a reason behind it. The Four Great Spirit Deities deleted some of my magic power. While it didn’t help me recover at all.”

“Zhuge Sa. What’s going on right now? How did you end up leading the White Lotus Sect and Musashi to subdue the Nine Lotus Sect in just a year and three months? And what about the blood calamity you started in the human world, and where is Seo Mun-hye right now…”

“Don’t rush. I’ll explain everything.”

Zhuge Sa raised his hand to cut off my question and spoke slowly.

“Baek Woong. The first thing you need to understand is where you are.”

“This is the ruins of the dead world tree, right? The Master of the White Lotus Sect explained that to me.”

“I thought so when I first arrived too. However, while recovering in a state of lethargy, I accessed the consciousness of this tree and learned something new.”

“What is it?”

Zhuge Sa twisted his mouth into a somewhat grotesque smile.

“This place… as you might already guess, is the Sacred Land of the Evil God.”

“……”

“Being a sacred land, it must be crawling with high-ranking priests who can take on even a decent [Old Ruler]!”

Just as Zhuge Sa said, I had some inkling of it myself.

Evil God!!

The horrific being was indeed lurking behind those priests. But since it wasn’t directly mentioned, I hesitated to make any overly confident statements. Since those priests were also under the Evil God’s command, it made sense they were strong.

I calmly responded to Zhuge Sa’s words.

“So, the sacred land means this world tree is an important place for the Evil God?”

“Important isn’t even the word. It’s become a place where a new world is being constructed. The Nine Lotus Bishop sending us here isn’t a coincidence, either.”

I tilted my head in confusion.

“A construction site?”

“Exactly… This sacred place is where the balance of Heaven and Earth is being altered.”

With Zhuge Sa’s continued explanation, I instinctively felt that the fate of the world was once again hanging by a thread.

“The Evil God is currently using this dead world tree as a sacrificial offering to shorten the time until his resurrection.”