1266——————==

Soul of the Evil God

I had been roaming around quite a bit, so I decided to take a longer break in the village. It felt mentally draining, considering that making the round trip to Holland was practically like circling the Earth. Sure, flying is pleasant, but staring at nothing but the glaring sun and clouds can get old real quick.

‘Not that I need sleep, but maybe I’ll take a nap.’

My internal power had reached an unprecedented peak, making sleep unnecessary, but I consciously decided to try snoozing. I entered the village chief’s house and sprawled out in the great hall, succumbing to slumber. I felt a slight presence nearby, but it quickly faded away, as if whoever it was didn’t want to disturb my rest.

In a brief dream, I saw two figures facing each other in a standoff.

One was clad in dark robes reminiscent of a wizard, and the other wore a crisp, white lab coat. The wizard spoke to the scientist.

[Nyarlathotep. This time, I’ve won.]

The voice didn’t sound human; it was akin to the eerie language of an otherworldly race. In other words, it felt like his very words had become a curse.

[…….]

Around the scientist’s body floated a massive magic circle, identical to the sealing magic Emperor Gong Sun Xuanwen cast upon Nyarlathotep in the end. As Nyarlathotep glanced around, the Demon Emperor pointed at him with fingers formed into a seal.

[Now that the spell has been established, you cannot escape while the [Great Cycle] persists. All actions of the [Mask] lurking throughout the universe will soon cease as well.]

I had seen Nyarlathotep’s human form when he was released during the ‘end’ of my 28th life, and the face of the scientist mirrored that very image. The only difference was that he had silver hair and glasses, looking rather intelligent.

The scientist known as ‘Nyarlathotep’ smirked and shrugged his shoulders.

[Yes, I concede. I never expected such a foolish spell to be created. Aren’t the [Old Rulers] quite pitiable?]

[…….]

[Indeed, the Demon Emperor. Impressive.]

Demon Emperor.

Come to think of it, that outfit looks familiar. Wait a minute, isn’t that the same guy I saw on the [Throne]?

‘What does his face look like?’

Even in my hazy dream consciousness, the desire to know crept in. I strained to catch a glimpse of his face, but the angle I was at made it impossible. While I struggled, the Demon Emperor spoke.

[How ridiculous. You must have predicted this possibility when you first taught me the path of demons.]

[Huh? Really?]

[Don’t play dumb. You can read the law of cause and effect; you would’ve known the flow from the moment you became my master. Why did you dig your own grave?]

At the Demon Emperor’s words, Nyarlathotep grinned slyly.

[You already know my answer, don’t you? To me, winning or losing isn’t important. As long as you delight me, I wouldn’t mind you growing up to be my adversary. That’s why I shared all of my best sorcery with you.]

[Is that really all? Are you just pure chaos?]

[What more are you asking, hee hee hee.]

[No. There’s something more.]

[…….]

[Let me ask you, my master.]

The words of the Demon Emperor pierced through my ear.

[Before the first [Great Cycle]… In the primordial time when no sentient being existed, what were you then?]

[Hee hee hee. Curious about that, are you? Knowing that would reveal all the secrets of the universe, wouldn’t it?]

[I am the first being to seal you. I should have the right to ask.]

[No, I can’t tell you that.]

[What?]

Nyarlathotep opened his mouth.

[Unfortunately, it is not you who can end my amusement….]

Bang

“……!!”

What was that just now?!

Is this a bad dream?! But it feels too vivid for that….

“Gah!!”

As I yelled, the villagers from Soeul Village rushed toward me. The one who arrived first was Gum Cheon-jae from the same house, trembling as he spoke.

“C-council chief, what’s wrong?”

“Nah… um… slurp.”

I was about to say something when suddenly I lost my appetite.

‘Damn it. I didn’t think I’d have no one to consult for something like this.’

I never expected it to be so inconvenient not having any comrades who received the obsidian. It was clear others would dismiss it as nonsense if I brought it up. Even sharing my past life experiences would get scoffed at, but who could I even tell about Nyarlathotep and the Demon Emperor?

In the end, I had no choice but to maneuver through that memory and the current dream without truly discerning if it was a bad dream or not. I licked my lips and called out to Gum Cheon-jae.

“Hey! I’m thirsty; get me some water.”

“Coming right up.”

After gulping down the cool water, I grumbled to Gum Cheon-jae.

“I woke up just for this. Want to have a heart-to-heart chat after so long?”

“…….”

Gum Cheon-jae stood frozen, so I set my chin on my knee, looking at him.

“Would you believe me if I said I was killed by you through an assassination scheme and am now taking revenge like this?”

“Wh-what?! I-I never…”

“Really? If I threatened you and made off with all the valuables from the hidden vault in your secret passage, wouldn’t that be something?”

“…That could be… No, I didn’t.”

“Ha ha ha.”

As he unconsciously nodded and then panicked, I couldn’t help but chuckle. Perhaps it was the wakefulness that inspired me to take another big gulp of water and say.

“Actually, I already took care of my grudge. Right now, it’s just spite. You get that?”

“…N-no way…”

“Just like how it is.”

I stood up and patted the village chief’s shoulder.

“I don’t think of myself as just. I merely act based on my whims, and you have accidentally ended up intertwined with me. Got it?”

“Oh… I understand…”

“Understanding? What do you know? Even the divine beings wouldn’t know what I’m thinking.”

I spat out casually as I walked outside.

Ah… I feel like the outlines of a knot that had been stuck in my heart are finally coming to light.

‘Fate… whether good or bad, once tied, cannot be severed like a sword. The emotions wrapped up in that knot are no different.’

I think I’ve sorted out hidden grudges against the village chief’s family, but a third party might see it differently. Naturally, I think I acted a bit selfishly. However, separate from that, the connections of fate that have gnarly twists and the emotional ups and downs born from them aren’t something calculable or moldable. Ultimately, I can only remain true to my present feelings and live in ambiguity.

Could this be life?

As I ponder many thoughts, a bewildering thought crossed my mind. During my first life, I had my fair share of hellish experiences, yet I had never thought this much. I suppose it’s because I’ve seen, learned, and heard so much.

Just then, while I was strolling through the village.

“Master.”

Breathing heavily and drenched in sweat, Lee Kwang stood at the training ground. He was trembling all over, evidently reaching his limit in both physical strength and energy. Staring blankly at him, he forcefully declared with bloodshot eyes.

“I-I’ve done the thrusting technique ten thousand times.”

“……”

I glanced at Jin So-cheong, who was sitting on a nearby rock, and he nodded.

“It’s true. It was from early morning, right?”

“Hmm….”

So he really did do it all since he started at dawn. I looked at Lee Kwang for a moment before saying.

“Lee Kwang, do you think I’m making you do something foolish?”

“No, not at all.”

“Don’t assume so quickly. If you were in my shoes, you might’ve done something similar. I could even be doing less than I should.”

“……”

“Anyway, good job. You should go rest.”

“Understood.”

As I watched Lee Kwang head back to his lodgings, I frowned.

‘See that?’

Even though he reinforced his internal power with the Black and White Lotus, I didn’t think Lee Kwang could manage it all. After all, doing the thrusting technique ten thousand times means he’d have practiced movements over thirty thousand times. If each move was to be executed accurately, the physical and mental toll would be immense. The Black and White Lotus is a good spiritual pill, but it falls short compared to Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng, so I thought there was no way he could handle it. Yet, it was impressive that he pulled it off.

‘Alright. Let’s see how far he can go.’

Why is it so enjoyable to just make him do basic exercises ten thousand times? Probably because it’s a return of favor for what I received.

While I was wandering around, I bumped into Seo Mun-hye, who greeted me enthusiastically.

“Chief, you’re here.”

“How’s your martial arts training going?”

“Quite well. I’m receiving guidance from Jin So-cheong; he teaches so well. It’s surprising to see someone my age be that strong.”

“That’s true. Jin So-cheong is quite commendable.”

I nodded and then asked, “Are you considering joining the Thunder God Lineage? If you do, I can teach you all our techniques without missing a beat.”

“Well… I can’t decide that by myself. Can I ask my father?”

“Do that.”

While I was talking with Seo Mun-hye, Dokgo Seong wandered over as if it were perfect timing.

“Master!! When will you teach me the Nine Chambers of Thunder Technique you learned?”

Damn. I knew Dokgo Seong had been coveting the technique, but wasn’t he being too blatant?

I inwardly grumbled at his words but replied.

“That would be….”

“You said after the village developed, but what are your standards? This village has grown larger than most already. If we build a few more houses, it could easily pass for a small city.”

“The appearance of the village isn’t all that needs deciding. I have other goals.”

“Other goals? What are those?”

I crossed my arms and said, “At the very least, I want the Thunder God Lineage to have enough skilled practitioners who can handle the Wind Spirit Sect and Fire Spirit Techniques alone! That’s when I’ll teach you the Nine Chambers of Thunder Technique.”

“……!! Do you think you can handle two Dharma Guardians by yourself?”

“Of course I know they can wield Infinite Slash!”

“Are you saying you can take down two Dharma Guardians…!!”

“I might be able to, but I mean when my other disciples from the Thunder God Lineage can take care of it on their own.”

“…….”

“I’m thinking about situations where at least two skilled people, apart from my older brother, will emerge.”

Dokgo Seong seemed to be at a loss for words. His mouth hung open for a moment before he clenched his fist and trembled.

“Ugh… It’s hard to tell if you’re speaking nonsense or if this is real…. You’re not trying to deny me the Nine Chambers of Thunder Technique, are you…?”

I felt a jolt but replied firmly.

“My older brother isn’t that petty! No, that’s secondary. For the revival of the Thunder God Lineage, that’s just how it should be!”

“That’s true, but I don’t get how that relates to postponing the Nine Chambers of Thunder Technique.”

I made a sad face and quickly came up with an excuse.

“It’s crucially related. The Nine Chambers of Thunder Technique is a form of martial arts that can stir the Heart Demon if not practiced properly, so only exceptional experts can serve as guardians while one trains. If it runs wild, it could become ten times stronger, and I’d struggle to handle my older brother in such a state.”

“Oh… is that so…?”

That was obviously a lie, but I nodded.

“Powerful martial arts require significant sacrifices to master! My master Lee Gang-ryong also imparted the wisdom that we should cultivate many exceptional disciples, which is precisely why I’m gathering people like my older brother and Lee Kwang in the martial world.”

“I see…”

“Then, can you go teach Bangil and Gum Manjae for me?”

“Bangil? That kid is already being taught by the masters; you want me to teach him directly?”

“The masters also need time to cultivate their martial arts, so give him a hand. He’s a child destined to be a pillar of the Thunder God Lineage.”

“Hmm. Understood.”

After casually brushing Dokgo Seong off, I spent some aimless time wandering near the village. I didn’t feel like practicing martial arts, nor did I have the drive to do anything fervently, so I let time pass like this.

About ten days later.

“Come here!!”

The resounding Lion’s Roar echoed throughout the village. I had been thoroughly enjoying training Lee Kwang in the thrusting technique when I was startled awake from a nap at Gum Cheon-jae’s house and rushed outside.

Upon exiting, I spotted three experts standing there. The one in the center—the middle-aged man clad in a blacksmith’s outfit—growled with a booming voice.

“Who is that Baek Woong, the village chief!?”

I, of course, knew the middle-aged man’s identity. However, the two flanking him were new to me, and I tilted my head slightly.

“That would be me, but might you be Muyeong Swordmaster Namgung Jo?”

To my surprise, Muyeong Swordmaster looked shocked.

“How on earth did you recognize me at first glance?!”

“Hmm. Did Namgung Hwan send you because I’m the one who decimated your clan?”

“Exactly!! So it’s true what you did!!”

“Where is Namgung Hwan?”

“Why would I tell you?!”

Rumble

As Muyeong Swordmaster unleashed his intent through the Mind Control Technique, I couldn’t help but exhale deeply.

‘I didn’t kill Namgung Hwan because it was a hassle, but did he come seeking revenge for Muyeong Swordmaster?’

I could easily imagine that much of the situation, but the question remained regarding the two experts accompanying Muyeong Swordmaster. So, I asked him.

“I did bring the Namgung clan to the brink of ruin. But I have one question.”

Using brute force to overpower Muyeong Swordmaster was certainly possible, but first, I wanted to play it cleverly and unsettle his mental state. That way, when I assimilate Muyeong Swordmaster, he’d resist less.

“What is it?!”

“If I were to tell you that I am the disciple of the previous Lord of the Shadowless Gate, Seo Mun-hwi, how would you respond?”

“…….”

Muyeong Swordmaster looked bewildered, as if I were spouting nonsense, but at the same time, he didn’t expect to hear the name Seo Mun-hwi, and it visibly stirred something in him. Seo Mun-hwi was the very figure closely tied to Muyeong Swordmaster’s past, and to bring him up now was something Muyeong Swordmaster couldn’t overlook.

Perhaps that was why he momentarily reined in his fury and cautiously replied.

“That’s nonsense…. What does being his disciple have to do with me?”

I had intended to poke around for information, but that wasn’t what I wanted; I inwardly chuckled because I was also eager to shake Muyeong Swordmaster’s confidence.

“Oh, how shameless you are!”

“What?”

“Did you really think I wouldn’t know that you learned the Shadowless Soul-Removing Sword Technique, not the techniques of the Namgung clan, and that your real master is the previous Lord of the Shadowless Gate, Seo Mun-geol? Claiming vengeance against the Namgung clan while using an art from the Shadowless Gate? What gall you have!”

“……!!”

“You even had the audacity to ask Seo Mun-hwi for the position of the Lord of the Shadowless Gate, only to run off with your tail between your legs after losing at the sparring match. And now here you are, pretending to be Seoljo the blacksmith… and how sad!”

With the information I gathered in my past life, I pressed down on Muyeong Swordmaster, and his face turned ashen.

“Huh… huh….”

He seemed completely dazed, knowing that a secret he had kept his whole life was being unraveled by a foe he had never met before. Particularly, the two experts by his sides glanced at him with eyes full of disbelief, asking him ‘Is that true?’ as his face turned beet red in shame.

“This… this is false accusation. How does he know…”

“Muyeong Swordmaster, do you realize who has come to this village and started a fight?!”

“Who the hell came?”

“That would be the daughter of the current Lord of the Shadowless Gate, Demon Master Seo Mun-dae-ryong, and she’s currently deep into martial arts training.”

“…….”

“You probably didn’t come with just the three of you after hearing my name; I’d wager other martial world forces are preparing to join in. If this Soeul Village were to become a battleground, and if anything happened to Seo Mun-hye, you’d have a heavy debt to repay to your heart.”

Muyeong Swordmaster stammered nervously.

“J-just a moment… is it really true?”

“On my name, it is. If Seo Mun-hye is put in danger as is, you’d be needing to pay a bill to the Shadowless Gate that would never be repaid.”

“…….”

Muyeong Swordmaster looked increasingly agitated. Then he turned to the middle-aged man in red beside him.

“Let’s retreat for today. I really need to investigate further.”

The red-clad man’s eyes darkened.

“Muyeong Swordmaster. Are you kidding? If you pull this again, we won’t be gentle with you.”

“Damn it! I’m sorry. But really….”

“Can you believe we came all this way with our entire clan just to be met with such ungratefulness? There’s a reason the title of the Greatest Sword under Heaven has been taken from you by Master Hyuncheon.”

“Ugh… how dare you insult me?”

As the red-clad man rebuked him, Muyeong Swordmaster could no longer hold back his anger and yelled back.

“How dare you blaspheme me, you filthy monk! Do you take me for a fool from the Small Thunder Temple?!”

In an instant, Muyeong Swordmaster launched an all-out attack with his sword technique, and the elderly man in red responded as if he had expected that.

Mind Control Technique!

Extreme Bliss Great Handprint!

Boom!

As the techniques of two peak experts collided, a tremendous sound echoed, creating waves like a natural disaster. Muyeong Swordmaster’s technique appeared stronger, as the red-clad elder stumbled back two steps, and beside him, the blue-clad elder revealed his fierce intent, pulling out a whip from his waist.

Whoosh!

Mind Control Technique!

Azure Magic Slaughter Whip!

Swish!

The whip’s sharp end sharpened like an arrow of light aimed at Muyeong Swordmaster’s vital spots, leaving him unable to attack and leaping back instinctively. Observing that scene, I could immediately gauge their abilities.

‘Muyeong Swordmaster is the strongest. But the red-clad man and the blue-clad man are just a step behind, practically on the same level.’

In other words, all three are at the top-tier of peak experts!

If the other two ambush Muyeong Swordmaster, I have no doubt he wouldn’t survive.

While I was interestingly watching their internal conflict, a gruff voice emerged from inside the village.

“What’s going on here, Master?”

With that, most who were vigorously training in martial arts throughout the village came out to see what was happening.

I couldn’t help but smile as I saw the villagers wandering outside.

“Dokgo Seong, it looks like we’ll be having ourselves a lively show today.”