1301——————==

Soul of the Evil God

As I finally stood before the Master of the White Lotus Sect, I couldn’t help but scrutinize him, wondering if he had changed from what I remembered. The thought of him being drastically different made my heart sink. Thankfully, he looked exactly like I recalled.

Did he perceive my intense gaze as a prelude to a scouting match between absolute realms? The Master slowly spoke.

[Soeul Village Chief. I haven’t come to fight.]

With such a clear-cut statement, it was evident he had no intention of conflict. After all, if he truly wanted a fight, he wouldn’t have shown up with just the three of us. Yet, I knew the Master wasn’t someone to take lightly, so I kept my guard up and replied.

“Then what brings you here?”

[You are a Divine Being.]

“……”

There was a divine glow in the Master’s eyes.

[Since learning of your existence, I have humbly employed all means to dig into your past and uncover who you truly are. The fact that you claim to be the disciple of Lee Gang-ryong, the Dharma Guardian of the Thunder God lineage… it’s downright absurd.]

Huh?!

I had shared the story of Lee Gang-ryong only with the Thunder God martial artists, so how the heck did it get to the Master? But then, if he had set his mind on investigating, it made sense he could discover at least that much. My concern now shifted to how he was processing his suspicions.

Maintaining my composure, I responded.

“Before joining the Thunder God lineage, Lee Gang-ryong was merely a young bookworm from the Dokgo clan. What basis do you have to call it absurd?”

His next words jolted me.

[Before leaving the Thunder God lineage, Lee Gang-ryong rummaged through the library looking for the Four Great Spirit Deities. I helped him during his search, and he vowed not to return until he found them.]

“What the….”

He actually met with Lee Gang-ryong?!

[If we take your claim at face value, you’re saying Lee Gang-ryong was ambushed by lowly minions while heading west, suffered serious injuries, and took you as his disciple? Would someone whose goal was to retrieve the Four Great Spirit Deities engage in a foolish fight with such rabble? Not to mention he was the absolute being of the martial world.]

“That’s unfounded speculation.”

[If you want to call it speculation, then tell me the names of the expert warriors of the Barren Lands and the Western Commanders whom Lee Gang-ryong holds a grudge against. Even if you say you have avenged yourself, I could find out what they’ve done whenever.]

“……”

Ah!! Caught red-handed!

That was an impromptu lie, yet it turns out the Master had indeed met Lee Gang-ryong during his quest for the Four Great Spirit Deities. I realized it was only a matter of time before my lie would be exposed, causing cold sweat to drip as I spoke.

“I don’t see why you’re so interested in the affairs of a stranger. So if what I said turns out to be false, why call a liar a Divine Being?”

[Because it’s rather impressive.]

“Impressive?”

[You achieved the unparalleled divine technique of the Thunder God lineage and attained the Absolute Realm. No one else within the last 150 years could possibly be your master besides Lee Gang-ryong. But if Lee Gang-ryong isn’t your teacher, then you must be an absolute master who fell from the heavens. All this while, you were just a filthy boy cleaning cow dung in a village—how can such an improbable tale even be true?]

“…Umm.”

[Those who fell for your lie probably found the truth even harder to believe, so they had no choice but to accept it.]

Hearing that, I realized just how improbable my story was….

‘Is this some downside that comes with being a reborn person?’

Unknowingly, I nodded my head and spoke.

“So… you came to this village to speak with a Divine Being?”

[That’s correct.]

“What is it that you want?”

[You seem to have invaded Luoyang recently, and I’ve confirmed that it was you who annihilated the Golden Eagle Guard of the Imperial Palace. It’s clear that you don’t have a friendly relationship with the palace. Our White Lotus Sect also does not align with them.]

“……”

[Soeul Village Chief, let us form an alliance.]

With a slow motion, the Master extended his hand. He added,

[Soeul will be treated as an equal ally of the White Lotus Sect. From your standing, you are qualified to join my blood alliance.]

Looking at that hand, I fell into a deep dilemma.

‘I’d thought this might happen.’

In truth, I suspected the Master wouldn’t come to kill me or launch an attack. He was far too shrewd and not someone prone to hastiness; instead, he would seek to utilize any potential benefit. If a sudden absolute master appeared, it was clear he would try to form an alliance rather than consume his own strength in combat. So, I instructed Mangnyang to bring the Master here, thinking they wouldn’t harm Soeul Village.

Moreover, the Master’s words were a captivating offer.

‘If I ally with the White Lotus Sect, monitoring the Imperial Palace would become much easier. There would be no need to tiptoe around the Master’s preferences, and I would gain a great deal of freedom….’

Under normal circumstances, I would have gladly accepted that hand and welcomed the alliance.

However, I didn’t—

“……”

I remained silent for a while before speaking up.

“Master. You are not the only one pursuing the True Martial Home.”

[……!!]

At that moment, it seemed the Master couldn’t hide his agitation. The two Dharma Protectors beside him also reacted; Han Baek-ryeong seemed baffled, while Dokgo Jun appeared slightly hostile, as if he had some inkling of my intentions.

The Master spoke.

[What do you mean…? Are you suggesting that a self-proclaimed disciple of the Thunder God lineage understands the true meaning of the True Martial Home and chooses to align with it?]

He sounded like he was trying to feign ignorance, which made sense. If Han Baek-ryeong hadn’t fully sided with him yet, openly acknowledging that the goal was the destruction of the world would surely make Han Baek-ryeong turn against him.

Understanding that situation, I nodded.

“Of course. Like you, my ultimate goal is the True Martial Home. The destruction of all divine beings and the annihilation of this world! And if you follow the path of Dharma, then perhaps… I am also moving in search of my own salvation.”

Maybe that’s how it was.

Considering the possibility of infinite rebirth, it occurred to me that subconsciously I might have been trying to save myself rather than the world.

[…….]

“One question. If you answer it, you might become my ally.”

[…Ask away.]

I hesitated for a moment before speaking.

“Master of the White Lotus Sect, if you pursue the True Martial Home without gathering all the teachings of the Non-Birth Mother, would you join me in my ambitions?”

[Uh… Hmm…!!]

Twisting.

The Master could no longer maintain his composure and staggered slightly. An absolute master yielding to such immense emotional turmoil was quite the shock. He stood there contemplating for a long time before he finally spoke.

[Could it be that you intend to become a practitioner aiming to reach the Divine Realm through the choice of the Martial God?]

“Close. Just still hesitating.”

[Hesitating?]

“Whether I gather all the teachings of the Non-Birth Mother or reach a level beyond the Divine Realm seems utterly unrealistic and impossible to me at this moment. However, if the latter proves more challenging… I might just gather all the teachings before exceeding the Divine Realm.”

[…….]

“I have been contemplating that scenario in the cave…. And I’ve reached a conclusion about what choice I’ll make.”

[What conclusion?]

“I could gather everything, but I won’t carry out the ritual like the Dharma. I’ll pursue the True Martial Home in my own way.”

I said this while staring intently at the Master.

“I don’t know how long it will take, but the path of overcoming everything as the very essence of martial arts. Leaving behind the comfortable path of utilizing power, will you follow me down this road?”

[…….]

“I can’t guarantee I’ll succeed. But at least I don’t want to wander indefinitely as I have until now, so I’m organizing my direction….”

[Oh… Ohhh…. So you are indeed….]

The Master appeared to have lost some strength in his limbs. After a while, he fixed his gaze on the Mask of Anonymity, letting out a deep sigh.

[…I must have underestimated you greatly. I thought you were just a deluded superhuman attempting to dominate the human realm, but I never expected… you would be this magnificent a being.]

“If you think you have too much on your mind, feel free to come back another day.”

[No. My answer has been decided.]

With a forceful grip!

The Master clenched his fist and declared.

[I accept. Your existence is like a lifeline of salvation to me. I hope to work as your hands and feet in the endeavors you undertake!]

There was a sincerity in that shout. Maybe that’s why, before I could even react, Han Baek-ryeong, who stood beside me, slightly removed her Fox Mask and, with a chilling gaze, said,

“Master. Are you out of your mind? To be so easily influenced by that guy’s silver tongue and decide to bind the entire White Lotus Sect to that little village?”

Dokgo Jun beside her also cautiously added.

[Master… It’s surprising that this guy knows about the True Martial Home, but this is not right. You’re overly excited; calm yourself for a moment.]

However, despite the Dharma Protectors’ objections, the Master retorted coldly.

[What are you blabbering about? How much did you grasp from the conversation between him and me?]

“I don’t quite understand. Was it such an important topic that it would risk the fate of the White Lotus Sect to an outsider?”

[Absolutely, Han Baek-ryeong. I felt that what we discussed was merely the tip of the iceberg. He is truly a Divine Being of the White Lotus Sect who knows the secrets of the universe! I have finally met a proper guide while wandering in an endless desert.]

“……”

Realizing the gravity of his sincerity, Han Baek-ryeong was taken aback. Then she shook her head.

“Master…. I knew you were insane, but this is going too far. You are the supreme being of the White Lotus Sect and the king leading millions of followers, so please reconsider.”

[Don’t attempt to convince me any further.]

Step by step,

The Master walked over and proclaimed.

[If you seek the position of sect leader, I will happily hand it over immediately.]

“Whoah. Master, that’s not what I—”

I sighed and replied.

“What I want to say is… I beg for your forgiveness.”

[Forgiveness? Why on earth should you seek my forgiveness?]

Swiftly,

I handed the Master the Obsidian. This was something I crafted this morning, anticipating this very day. I spoke slowly.

“Earlier, I didn’t intend to express my lofty ambitions of pursuing the path of the Martial God. Rather, I was simply asking that you not judge me too harshly while I struggle and wander in the process.”

[……?]

“This is an Obsidian filled with my memories. Will you accept the transmission of memories?”

[Fine, I’ll accept it.]

The moment the Master grasped the Obsidian, I began transmitting my memories.

Vroom!!

And as he consumed all memories, he literally froze in place. The rigidity prolonged, and Dokgo Jun exploded with rage.

[You bastard!! Did you toy with the Supreme Being with your silver tongue, and now you’ve harmed him with some evil arts?!]

Boom!!

The massive Water Dragon summoned by Dokgo Jun appeared in the air. Beside him, Han Baek-ryeong also wore her Fox Mask again and grasped her Twin Swords, erupting with immense power. Facing a combined assault from the two Dharma Protectors, I found myself in an unprecedented panic.

“Wait, hold on….”

And then it happened.

[Stop!]

Boom!

The moment the Master’s command echoed, Dokgo Jun’s Water Dragon and Han Baek-ryeong’s energy simultaneously dissipated. Furthermore, Dokgo Jun was mid-summon, charging at me when it felt as if gravity had increased many times over, slamming him straight into the ground. He quickly raised his head, shouting.

[Master! Are you alright?!]

[…….]

The Master stared at me without uttering a word. Then he finally spoke.

[As one who has staked my life and soul to pursue the True Martial Home, I didn’t want to understand your lost and wandering state. However, it seems I have no choice but to understand, Baek Woong.]

From those words, I realized that the Master had grasped my entire memory and understood my plight. I bitterly replied.

“I’m sorry. I should have gone and shared my memories sooner.”

[You are quite cowardly. The words you recently spoke in front of me should have been uttered after transmitting your memories.]

“……”

[There’s a big difference between listening while knowing the truth and listening without understanding it….”]

Muttering almost absently, the Master continued.

[So what will you do? Do you wish to continue this oddly deviant life in Soeul Village?]

“I wanted to. But you know as well as I do that the longer it goes on, sustaining peace in this world all on my own….”

Gahaha….

The Master let out a low laugh.

[Baek Woong… You have experienced enough and still don’t grasp the essence of this world…. There has never been true peace, even for a moment. Humans are children of chaos and ignorance, establishing their own order while always being ready to revert to destruction and violence…. Why force fish living in the water of chaos onto land?]

“……”

[If humanity were truly deserving of peace, even with an evil deity intervening, the world would not have reached this state…. You’ve always wanted to believe that humanity’s essence is inherently good.]

“I wouldn’t need to save the world through the True Martial Home like the Dharma if I didn’t think that way.”

[You have yet to escape the influence of that guy.]

With a glance,

The Master’s gaze shifted sharply toward Mangnyang, seemingly sending out intent to kill as Mangnyang flinched, as if on the verge of a heart attack.

“Gah….”

“What are you doing?!”

Startled, I neutralized the Master’s energy and shot my Thunder Energy into the air, piercing through Mangnyang’s heart. As the energy devoid of physical destruction inhabited his heart, I saw it resume beating and breathing again. I glared at the Master.

“What’s the meaning of this?”

[Baek Woong. I’m certain that even I, in my 28th life, or even before, if I looked at the current you, I’d say the same thing.]

Moments passed, and the Master gazed at me.

[Clear the mangnyang within you. Abandon the young hero who burdens the reborn and focus purely on the greater good to be reborn as the true king of humanity.]

“What?! Where is this coming from all of a sudden….”

[It’s not out of nowhere. Do you think your current life’s wandering came without purpose?]

Following the Master’s words, I froze momentarily.

[The reason you’re exhausted after merely 30 lives is because of that very burden.]