1290——————==

사신지혼(四神之魂)

When I arrived in Henan, I suddenly realized that this wasn’t the place where the auctions used to be held.

‘This is Zhengzhou in Henan. It’s not too far from Kaifeng where the auctions were held, but it’s still at least dozens of li away.’

The fact that there was such a subtle distance indicates a high probability that, just as Asura said, there’s a trap waiting ahead. If I didn’t have any past life experiences, I probably wouldn’t have caught onto it. With that thought, I spoke to Asura at the entrance of Zhengzhou City along the mountain path.

“Asura. I’m starting to get the feeling this might be a trap. How did you sense it even before we set off?”

Asura replied while standing on one leg on a branch.

“I’ve been active in the martial world for at least over 2,000 years. Even a thousand years ago, before Dharma came to the Central Plains, I was already battling practitioners and summoned demons on the Tianzhu Snow Mountain. Don’t you think I’ve encountered a few traps from martial artists during that time?”

“……”

“At my level, I can get a vibe just from a letter. I can’t pinpoint exactly why, but it felt like a trap.”

Uh… I had nothing to say…

The truth is, it was just an intuition born from being a supreme martial artist, but even that instinct carried a tremendous credibility after surviving countless ambushes over thousands of years. As I looked at Asura in awe, he said,

“If you keep living the life of the martial world with killing and being killed for another 200 years, you’ll get the hang of it to the point where you might be bored with it. But before that, I need to warn you.”

“What is it?”

“If the main enemy lurking in the trap is from the Wind Spirit Sect, keep your distance. If they’re from the Otherworldly Race, don’t spare a single one—finish them off in one swift stroke!”

“……!!”

I flinched in surprise. It was because I sensed a killing intent in Asura’s voice and it was too firm. I was astonished that Asura was expressing emotions like this, so I asked him back.

“Why? Is there a reason for that?”

“It’s good for experts to maintain leisure, but if those who have set the trap are from the Old Race, then cruelty and a lack of leisure is better. Because if you accidentally fall for their magic or curse, it can become quite troublesome.”

“Hmmm…”

“Still don’t understand what I’m saying?”

Asura continued,

“When fighting, don’t stupidly insist on defeating the otherworldly beings purely with martial arts. If you’re going to use Spirit Power, use it proactively.”

“Oh. Is that what you meant?”

“Looking at your memories, I can see you have a strange stubbornness. You’re stubbornly refusing to rely on powers at critical moments and want to gamble with martial arts.”

“……”

That was accurate, so I felt a bit embarrassed. Asura sighed for a moment.

“There were times when I faced high-ranking otherworldly beings, and if I felt overwhelmed, I’d just transform into the Demon King and smash them with my magic. Because getting hit by magic can be really annoying. Moreover, since I sealed away the power of the Demon King right now, I’m vulnerable to magic, so you need to take care of all those beings.”

“I understand what you mean.”

I clenched my fist tightly and replied.

“I won’t hold onto my pride when facing otherworldly beings. I’ll dedicate myself to killing them as quickly as possible by any means necessary.”

“Good, that’s all I need to hear.”

Uwoong

‘That must be the pond.’

Eventually, upon arriving at the location indicated in the letter, I raised a symbol and tossed it into the little pond at the mountain’s foot, just as the letter instructed me to do.

Ssss…

Suddenly, a space of darkness opened up in the center of the pond, and stone-like objects made of darkness surged up like stepping stones. It was clearly a summon spell for a dimension door, and stepping through that portal would undoubtedly take me to another space. Just as I was about to step through, Asura stopped me.

“Wait a minute.”

“Why?”

“You came here knowing it’s a trap; going in there unguarded is foolish. Draw out your Spirit Power and wrap it around your body for protection.”

“Oh! Got it.”

Following Asura’s advice, I drew out my Spirit Power and temporarily created a defensive barrier around myself, then I leaped into the dimension door.

Kwakwaqqw!!

“Ugh!”

Ahh, my face hurts!!

Moments later, a thunderous explosion echoed and the dimension door burst apart in a colossal blast amidst the thick smoke. I wrinkled my face at the smoke and stepped back, while Asura, who was waiting, chuckled.

“As expected. It was a trap.”

I shouted in irritation.

“Damn!! If this was the case, I could have just destroyed the dimension door from a distance without rushing in!”

“It might not have been a trap! Since it was a trap, it’s fine.”

“……”

At that moment.

[Oh… You came here knowing it was a trap? You’re quite confident…]

Shushushh…

A group of about five slave trader beings appeared nearby. Among them, the one in the center was the leader of the slave traders that I had previously threatened, so I recognized him immediately. With a scowl, I confronted him.

“You must be insane. Aren’t you afraid of me?”

[Hehehe… Cut the bravado.]

“What?”

The leader of the slave traders sneered with a grotesque grin typical of the otherworldly race.

[Keuhuhuh, Baek Woong! We have mobilized all our information networks to investigate you… And we have confirmed that you are merely a powerful human, not an apostle or manifestation! We have also found a way to seal your Divine Power; soon, you will become our slave!]

“……”

If it were the old me, I would have fired back immediately and attacked without thinking. However, with the experiences I’ve accumulated over time, I became slightly calmer and soon realized one fact.

‘There’s no way those beings would show themselves so closely if they knew my abilities. No matter how they are, even at this distance, they wouldn’t be able to withstand an ambush from the Absolute Realm. If that’s the case…’

This must be an illusion, not a real entity.

Having thought that, I quickly activated the Fire Eye Golden Spirit ability.

Uwoong!

‘Just as I thought.’

It became clear that the figures in front of me were illusions, and I saw them scattering in some distant parts of this forest. They were dispersed into at least five locations centered around where I stood.

‘Five points… In this direction… Could it be…?’

I quietly pulled out the Suspicious Fishhook and mentally communicated with Asura about the enemy’s positions I had figured out. Asura then responded through the Suspicious Fishhook.

[It’s the Five Stars of the Path of Demons. It’s too late to move now to block them or escape. The entire mountain has become a magic circle, so if that guy twitches a finger or mutters a spell, it’s activated.]

[What? So what should I do?]

[The simplest method is to just fire your eye beams right now. That way, they’re all finished off. Can’t be any easier than that, but….]

[…] No way. I don’t want to be entangled with Shao Hao.

[I knew that would be the case. Then just use the Four Great Spirit Deities instead.]

[Okay!]

I quickly closed my eyes. Then, I headed towards the space of the Four Great Spirit Deities, but this action curiously didn’t seem to advance reality’s time. A moment later, I shouted to the receiver Varuna.

“Varuna! Help me shatter this magic that has trapped me with the power of the Spirit!”

As Varuna’s spirit appeared, he crossed his arms.

[Hmm. Shattering is not my specialty. Defense and healing are my essence. Should I create a barrier to protect you from the magic?]

I grumbled, feeling disappointed.

“Uh… that’s a bit weak. Isn’t it too petty for a Four Great Spirit Deity? Can’t you even get rid of this little trap created by those otherworldly beings?”

A sinister glint shone in Varuna’s eyes.

[What? So you think you can just speak to the spirit of the Four Great Spirit Deity like that, just because I’ve been nice to you?]

“……”

Um… It seems Varuna is a bit irritated…

I flinched and quickly added,

“Uh… I mean, the beings in front of me are not a big deal, that’s true. I just want to show the power of the Four Great Spirit Deities…”

[Hmm. That’s valid.]

Varuna, more lenient now, said,

[Take that up with Agni.]

Agni?

Hoooh

A moment later, Varuna disappeared, and a new spirit engulfed in flames appeared right beside me. The moment I recognized that form, I was shocked and blurted out,

“Han Baek-ryeong?!”

I couldn’t believe it. It was truly the form of the fire spirit Dharma Guardian, Han Baek-ryeong!! Though her entire form was engulfed in flames, the clear outline manifested her appearance. The figure of the black-haired beautiful young woman swayed amidst the fire, radiating beauty.

[Hmm?]

Hearing my exclamation, the fire spirit Agni paused for a moment, then grinned, taking on the face of Han Baek-ryeong.

[I didn’t intend to intentionally take on a certain form, but it seems that I changed into the form that’s been ‘remembered’. If you don’t like this look, I can change it.]

“What are you talking about?”

[It’s just the effect of being ‘connected’ over there… Should I change it?]

“……”

I didn’t understand what they were saying. But a moment later, regaining my composure, I said,

“…No. I think it would be easier to talk like this. Let’s keep it like this.”

[If that’s the case.]

Earlier, Agni mentioned that she’d been ‘remembered’. That implied that some secret about the Four Great Spirit Deities was hidden in Han Baek-ryeong’s current appearance. Until I figured out that secret, I knew it was best to keep her like this.

I cautiously spoke up.

“Agni. Why are you suddenly showing up in a humanoid form?”

[I judged that you made contributions to the stability of the world.]

“What?”

[You played a part in Emperor Gong Sun Xuanwen’s sealing, didn’t you? While others may not know, I regard that act as a significant merit. So while I didn’t want to see your face until now, I’m considering meeting you slowly because I acknowledge your contributions.]

“Wait… When you helped me before, you didn’t even show yourself.”

[That way, I couldn’t bestow you with all of my power. Now, I’m thinking of cooperating properly with you.]

I was flabbergasted.

“Wait a minute… Then doesn’t that mean you could have come out in my 29th life instead of this one?!”

[Don’t be mistaken. I haven’t fully acknowledged you yet. Right now, I’m just coming forth because Varuna asked nicely.]

“Ugh.”

Wow, arrogant…

As I lost my words to Agni’s high-and-mighty demeanor, Agni crossed her arms and said,

[Keep in mind. You are still being tested by everyone. But if you make more contributions, I promise to cooperate with you more.]

I exclaimed in incredulity.

“A test? Isn’t the power of the Four Great Spirit Deities only wielded by those who are reincarnated to save the world? What exactly are you testing for?”

[How ridiculous… The reincarnated are not our choice. Naturally, we, too, are one of the ancient gods, the four pillars of destiny in the universe, so we have the right to test your qualifications. We won’t grant power to someone unworthy.]

“……”

[If you don’t want to be tested, that’s fine. I won’t stop you from giving up the Four Great Spirit Deities.]

Damn it… This is complicated…

I was annoyed but took a deep breath to calm myself.

“…Alright. Anyway, what I need now is to wipe out the trap set by these otherworldly beings in one fell swoop.”

[It’s definitely possible. But you understand that enough compensation is necessary for extermination, right?]

“Use my magical power. Take as much as you need for destruction.”

[Good… I hereby announce that the basic contract of borrowing the power of the Flame God, Agni, has been established!]

Whoosh!!

The next moment, when I opened my eyes, I found the weapon of the Flame God Agni in my hand. The form of the Four Great Spirit Deity was identical to what I had seen in Dharma’s outer dimension before, and then, Agni’s voice echoed in my head.

[There’s an interesting form in the memories of the future world.]

“Eh?”

[This form is derived from an ancient war. From now on, I’ll make it easier for you to shoot more.]

Ziiiing

Soon after, the form of the Four Great Spirit Deity Agni changed into something very unfamiliar for this era, even though it was familiar to me. I was taken aback, seeing the weapon’s black, long, smooth body and circular edges that fit perfectly in one hand.

“This, this is….”

[Is it not to your liking?]

“No, not that now is the time to nitpick!”

Click!

I pulled the trigger of the lean metal at the back of the weapon’s rear with my thumb. At that moment, the leader of the slave traders in front of me laughed as if mocking me.

[Haha!! The Divine Barrier created using the visions of our clan! Your Divine Power has been sealed! Regardless of what kind of supernatural power it is, you won’t be able to solve the curse that’s about to come upon you!]

I heard those words, but I didn’t think to test whether my Spirit Power was moving or not. Because, contrary to what that guy thought, all I needed was for the Four Great Spirit Deity to activate, and everything else didn’t matter. I pointed the weapon at him and said,

“You… don’t you know what this weapon is?”

[Hehe. What’s it to you?]

“This is…”

I casually continued.

“It’s a gun.”

Ka-boom!

The next moment—Agni was triggered, and everything in front of me went flying. A massive wave of destruction surged forth, obliterating not only the slave trader but also whatever he was hiding behind. Since I could see their approximate locations with the Fire Eye Golden Spirit beforehand, I could eliminate them swiftly. Following that, a loud crash reverberated as if the heavens and earth were being shattered.

Kuwaqwaq!

Agni’s bullet not only obliterated the hills but soared high, changing trajectory as it began to rush toward where the other beings were hiding. As Asura, who watched from the side, exclaimed.

“It’s a guided missile!”

Kwahwaq!

Kwahwaqwaq!

Moments later, all the positions of the Five Stars were crushed, and I felt every single one of the slave trader beings had been wiped out. Once the destructive spectacle ended, I felt the unpleasant, damp energy that had enveloped me fade away.

‘Without realizing it… They really placed some curse on me that prevented me from using my powers, it seems.’

By eliminating all the culprits, the curse must have lifted. And as I wiped out all my enemies, Agni’s weapon began to dissipate into smoke, and Agni’s voice echoed in my mind.

[It seems I’ve taken quite a bit of magic power from you. Make sure to take care of yourself now.]

Huh?

Moments later, I started feeling dizzy and stumbled to the ground. A sense of emptiness spread throughout my entire body, and I began to feel nauseous.

“Khuwaaa.”

What the hell.

This unpleasant void felt like my arms were completely hollow?!

Reflexively glancing at my wrist, which had [Name] engraved on it, I noticed that my whole wrist had turned as white as the hands of Choi Yeol. Not only that, it felt like my entire body was now a desolate white. As I repeatedly gagged, Asura, standing next to me, looked shocked.

“It seems you really drained out all your magic… To the point where even your inner strength and vitality are depleted; a normal human would have died thousands of times over by now.”

“Huff… huff… ugh.”

Swoosh

Asura extended his hand and continued.

“Hand over your wooden armor. I’ve figured out the spatial position of the auction house; I’ll go deal with the other experts and wipe them all out.”

“…Please.”

I handed the wooden armor to Asura, and shortly after, he went to where the dimension door had just burst, suddenly slashing the space with his sword. With a slicing sound, the dimension door, which I thought had been destroyed, reappeared.

“Huh?! You can do that?!”

“They were arrogant; they intended to wipe you out and turn you into a ‘merchandise’ for the auction in no time. Once that trap is lifted, it was genuinely a door to the real auction house.”

“……”

“Then I’ll see you soon.”

Swish

Asura jumped into the dimension door and disappeared. I watched his figure in astonishment, but when I tried to follow, I felt no strength left in my entire body.

Zapper

“Kgh….”

The side effects were too severe. I had aimed to minimize [Name]’s magic by using the power of the Four Great Spirit Deities, achieving my goal, but it seemed too inefficient. Reducing magical power was fine, but if every time I used the Deity, I expended all my strength or sacrificed powerful spiritual energy, I wouldn’t have anything left to stand on.

And as that realization dawned on me, I understood my future task.

‘…I can’t repeatedly use the power of the Four Great Spirit Deities…’

When facing a formidable [Old Ruler], I might need to use the powers of the Four Great Spirit Deities dozens of times. In such a scenario, fighting in this manner would render me utterly exhausted after just one or two uses. How would I be able to apply it in actual combat?

‘I need to have both.’

If I don’t figure out how to improve the efficiency of the Four Great Spirit Deities, there’s no way around it.

I must raise both magical energy and divine power to their utmost levels.