1304——————==

Soul of the Evil God

After meeting the Master of the White Lotus Sect, he said he would return to the White Lotus Sect.

[Baek Woong. You shouldn’t be late in recruiting Zhuge Yulong and Zhuge Bu, even if you don’t know about Zhuge Sha. You know that Zhuge Sha, who is engaged in the Path of Demons, is in a situation where he can take responsibility for himself, but the latter two are different. If you push them too hard without knowing their limits, they’ll cross the line.]

“I know.”

[Fortunately, it seems that you’ve been careful enough until now to prevent them from crossing that line. Keep an eye on the situation and act accordingly.]

That was sound advice. I nodded and asked the Master of the White Lotus Sect.

“What are you planning to do next?”

[I will also train in martial arts, just like you. By using the memory of the obsidian you gave me, I can reach a higher level. As long as we can eliminate the Eight Parts of the Divine according to Mangnyang’s plan, there shouldn’t be any major upheavals for a while….]

The Master of the White Lotus Sect continued, gazing up at the sky.

[Actually, I have something personal regarding the ‘Guardian of the Throne.’]

“What?! What is it?!”

[I need to reach a higher level in martial arts to confirm whether my guess is correct.]

“Why can’t you just tell me now?”

[At the very least, this is something I need to investigate as the successor of Da Mo. And rummaging through the Su Shin Sect’s library is something only I can do… But just so you know.]

The Master of the White Lotus Sect said.

[The ‘Lost History’ of the White Lotus Sect… At that time, Howol did something. I will investigate that.]

“Hmm. I don’t know what you mean, but don’t die by the time we meet again.”

[Hahaha… You might be the only one in the whole world worrying about the life of the Master of the White Lotus Sect.]

After laughing, the Master of the White Lotus Sect took the black and white lotus from me and left. Using the black and white lotus would stabilize the Young Master’s spirit energy and prevent the Old Ruler’s descent. Afterwards, I called both Mangnyang and Jin So-cheong to discuss matters.

“Jin So-cheong. Although I’m unintentionally deceiving the Thunder God Lineage, I hope you understand. Especially, please do not tell Lee Kwang about this.”

“Why not?”

“Uh?”

Jin So-cheong stared at me intently.

“The strategist, Mangnyang, suggested giving obsidian to everyone to recruit them as companions. Naturally, there have been various connections to the Grand Master, and there might be some karmic ties with the current members of the Thunder God Lineage. Don’t those karmic ties conflict with my master, Lee Kwang?”

“…….”

I had no idea how to respond to such a reasonable point. Just as I was fumbling, Mangnyang, who had been listening, spoke.

“I’ll explain that instead. If the person concerned talks directly, things can get tangled.”

As our gazes shifted to Mangnyang, he opened his mouth.

“Jin So-cheong. As you might surmise, Baek Woong actually harbors a grudge against Lee Kwang. That grudge was caused by Lee Kwang himself and had been a significant burden throughout Baek Woong’s life. The root of the grudge stemmed from Lee Kwang’s petty actions that were unbecoming of a master of the clan. Of course, the lack of trust between them also played a significant role….”

“I see.”

“However, Baek Woong decided to resolve that grudge to some extent in this life. Initially, it was because you, Lee Kwang’s direct disciple, kept dissuading him, causing him to try to forget. But after experiencing excessive adventures this time, Baek Woong’s mental strength reached its limit, and he fell into the early stages of Heart Demon. He likely sensed this depletion of mental strength, prompting him to be honest and not postpone his intentions any further.”

“…….”

“To be frank, as a third party, I cannot ascertain whether the grudge between Baek Woong and Lee Kwang has been completely resolved. But one thing is clear: the 100,000 times he offered the Ranna Chul to Lee Kwang is not excessive.”

Upon hearing this, Jin So-cheong nodded and said.

“It seems easier to wrap things up now. I believe it just takes one promise from the Grand Master.”

“What promise?”

In response to my question, Jin So-cheong calmly replied while exerting martial authority.

“Please give Lee Kwang obsidian in this life to facilitate the end of this connection. I hope you won’t pass this task to future generations.”

“……!!”

“If you promise me this, then I, Jin So-cheong, will follow the Grand Master without harboring the slightest doubt until my dying breath.”

I was momentarily dumbfounded by Jin So-cheong’s words, while Mangnyang beside me chuckled behind his fan.

“Indeed, this is Jin So-cheong. Even without receiving any memories, he accurately grasps the essence of the matter.”

“Th-that’s….”

“Accept it. As Jin So-cheong said, your relationship with Lee Kwang cannot simply be resolved superficially. At the very least, there must be an equal exchange of information so that, if things don’t go well, you can finish it with a proper fight, as expected from the Thunder God Lineage.”

“Um….”

I contemplated. This was indeed the moment I had been most worried about when considering accepting Lee Kwang in this life.

‘I really don’t want to do this…’

Why must I resolve this connection? I still felt unsatisfied. I wanted revenge, not to conclude it with the Ranna Chul 100,000 times. The humiliation and beatings I endured over the years weren’t trivial matters. I would need to manipulate Lee Kwang for several more years to feel satisfied.

As I hesitated, Mangnyang reprimanded me.

“Look here. Isn’t this why everyone you meet keeps saying you have a petty demeanor? Of course, it’s true that in terms of sheer grievances, you’d feel wronged. But if every human relationship were to be resolved by keeping score, the world would never run dry of bloodshed from blades. As a reincarnator, you know this better than anyone, right? You’ve even recognized the sincerity behind Zhuge King and Zhuge Yulong as you needed them at one point, despite your previous animosity.”

“…….”

Bang! Mangnyang lightly tapped my head with his folded fan.

“Take it easy. Having reincarnated 30 times, you’re already an existence on a level that Lee Kwang cannot reach, a reincarnator, and quite possibly a savior destined to save the world. Isn’t it beneath you to engage in a petty rivalry over old grievances with Lee Kwang, who doesn’t even have memories of his previous life?”

I began to see Mangnyang’s point. Nodding, I replied.

“Okay. Jin So-cheong, I promise.”

“Thank you.”

It was odd that Jin So-cheong didn’t seek a specific date for when I would give him the obsidian, but I realized that was part of his wisdom. He didn’t want to provoke me by asking for deadlines since he already guessed that, due to his and Mangnyang’s presence, I wouldn’t act too recklessly toward Lee Kwang anyway. While I felt a bit bittersweet that I wouldn’t be able to treat Lee Kwang casually anymore, on the other hand, I felt a bit relieved at having competent companions.

“Well then, let’s conclude that for the time being, obsidian will be off-limits to Lee Kwang and the members of the Thunder God Lineage. Once my mastery of the Nine Chambers of Thunder Technique reaches a certain level, we’ll reconsider.”

At Mangnyang’s words, I jolted.

“Nine Chambers of Thunder Technique? What does that have to do with forbidding obsidian?”

“Quite a bit. In fact, it’s not just Jin So-cheong but all the martial artists of the Thunder God Lineage who have potential to master the Nine Chambers of Thunder Technique, so we have no choice but to ban obsidian for now.”

“Why is that?”

“Accepting obsidian means you would also transfer the essence of the Heart Demon, which you are currently experiencing, to them. While they might overcome it with their exceptional talent, they will still face limitations in growth….”

Mangnyang continued.

“Moving on, we now need sorcerers, so I’d like to train sorcerers in Soeul Village.”

I opened my eyes wide in surprise at the unexpected proposal.

“Uh? Sorcerers? Why out of the blue….”

Mangnyang shook his head.

“It’s not out of the blue. Throughout your reincarnations, you’ve relied entirely on my disciple for sorcery-related matters, haven’t you? But my disciple possesses immense potential, and if he keeps getting involved in your affairs, he won’t have time to train himself, meaning everyone else will lose out too. Additionally, he’s brilliant enough not to need your obsidian to grow on his own. To become strong in the future, they must have sufficient sorcery skills to handle mundane matters in Soeul Village.”

“Hmm! But if the enemies are the Demon King or the Old Ruler, isn’t that kind of pointless….”

“…it’s not. Because the premise is that you shouldn’t elevate the enemies to such levels at all. And having a solid foundation enables powerful companions to focus on dealing with major threats.”

“Uh-huh.”

“You seem to have only faced opponents of an exceptionally high level in your past lives, so you might not get the gist, but just do as I say. If you get too fixated on powers beyond human capabilities, you risk neglecting the strength of the organization.”

“Understood. How do we train the sorcerers?”

“First, subdue the Maoshan Sect, then invite the apprentices of the Maoshan Sect to teach sorcery to talented individuals from Soeul Village. By establishing this foundation initially, we can later bring in Earth Immortals or Great Immortals from the Celestial Realm to train them as advanced sorcerers.”

“…….”

“If we do this, we can recycle the idle villagers of Soeul Village while also developing a powerful force several years down the line.”

I was taken aback by Mangnyang’s suggestion and stuttered.

“W-well, sure, but how on earth do we bring in the Great Immortals of the Celestial Realm?”

“Just as I said earlier, by successfully offering to Fuxi, you’ll be able to have the Celestial Realm at your command. No matter what, pulling the Great Immortals of the Celestial Realm directly will come at a high price, so it would be better to invite them as mentors to facilitate the growth of humans, minimizing the losses in cause and effect.”

“But there’s no guarantee we can restore Fuxi….”

“Not necessarily impossible, but don’t be too pessimistic. With your abilities, can you not achieve that? I believe it’s more than achievable, so let’s have faith.”

“…….”

I stood there in a daze and then turned to Mangnyang.

“Something… something has changed. The previous Mangnyang didn’t act like this….”

Then Mangnyang chuckled softly.

“Was I such a sighing wet blanket with a sour face back then? Looks like I am indeed different from the Mangnyangs of past lives.”

“…not that far….”

“It’s not that I’m anything special; it’s just the surrounding circumstances have changed. If I can’t achieve anything with all the major obstacles sealed away, I’m not fit to be the strategist of the Zhuge Clan, so of course, I need to forcibly drum up some confidence.”

“Hmm?”

“Heh. Just know that my brains help me adapt to the situation quickly.”

Mangnyang spread his hands wide.

“Now, I apologize for taking away your training time, but go quickly! Bring back as many outstanding sorcerers from the Maoshan Sect as you can!”

“Understood.”

Ta-da!

I heeded Mangnyang’s advice and went to the Maoshan Sect, where I met Taoist Master Dosan, the Grand Master of the Maoshan Sect. After explaining my purpose for visiting, he nodded.

“Of course, I must assist you. I will dispatch the elders of our sect.”

“Thank you.”

Taoist Master Dosan brought five elders and the top disciple under them, claiming the best aptitude, to me. After placing them in the wooden armor, I brought them to Soeul Village. Upon their arrival, Mangnyang selected over a hundred villagers with considerable sorcery talent and assigned them as disciples.

However, one of the elders among the Maoshan Sect seemed to strongly oppose this.

“Even if it is the command of the Grand Master, asking folks from the outside to give sorcery lessons without any compensation seems unreasonable!”

Then Mangnyang stepped forward and replied.

“If you teach them, I will also teach you. That would make for equal negotiations, wouldn’t it?”

“What?! Who do you think you are, a mere scholar, to question the elders of the Maoshan Sect?”

As the elder from the Maoshan Sect flung his weapon in anger, a huge bundle of ropes suddenly appeared in the air, enveloping Mangnyang. It seemed as if Mangnyang stood still to take it, but moments later, the elder found himself bound tightly by the ropes he created. Surprised, he exclaimed.

“Wha….”

“Sorcery Reversal. Simple enough, wouldn’t you say?”

“No way…. How could someone as inexperienced as you counter my sorcery so easily without even a spell or chant?”

Mangnyang crouched down and pressed his fan against the elder’s forehead.

“You, who even fall short of the Earth Immortal, listen closely. While I would love to instruct the villagers directly, the sorcery I’ve learned is too unique for mere mortals to comprehend. I’m only asking for the groundwork—was that really too hard to grant?”

“…….”

“If you handle your duties well, I’ll even provide a bit of guidance to enhance your sorcery expertise. Think it over.”

“Ugh… I will comply….”

And so, the elders of the Maoshan Sect and the top disciples hurriedly went to teach the villagers without further argument. I watched in amazement and remarked.

“How could they improve so rapidly despite only recently receiving the Three Sovereigns’ Teachings and a fortuitous encounter?”

“It’s thanks to your memories. The moment I received the obsidian, my strength multiplied severalfold.”

“Really?”

“Your memories contained how my past self operated the Corpse Dissolution Technique, nearly perfected 500 years later. Just by observing that, my skill level could increase three or four times. This is because Corpse Dissolution Technique summons the power of the Heavenly Mysterious Woman of Nine Heavens; once you know how to use it properly, that in itself becomes skill.”

“……!!”

“I’d say my current level of sorcery lies somewhere between Earth Immortal and Great Immortal, not counting pure sorcery power. In just a few years, I may even be able to contend with the Eight Immortals.”

Is that even possible?!

Mangnyang smirked.

“Among our companions, I might have the highest rate of improvement thanks to your memories.”

“T-that’s a relief.”

“However, this means I have one more task to address.”

“What task?”

Mangnyang looked up at the sky and said.

“The reason my innate genius rivals that of my master in the Corpse Dissolution Technique has yet to be clarified in any of your past lives. Even the Mangnyang of 500 years later couldn’t uncover that reason.”

“……!!”

“It’s probably… a puzzle that can only be solved when you progress to the next stage of your work as a reincarnator.”

With that, Mangnyang pointed his fan at me.

“Got it? In this life, you’re meant to enjoy and have fun. You need to allow yourself time to grow and expand your base, all while keeping calm. When you steadily approach the heavens, a mystery will surely unveil itself at that time.”

“Understood.”

In that moment, I began to understand the mysterious confidence and fighting spirit that Mangnyang had always displayed.

While he might be battling fears and distress internally, he also recognized that this life was an unparalleled opportunity. To seize that opportunity, he couldn’t let despair swallow him; he had to press on with determination.

‘…Damn. What am I doing?’

While Mangnyang was striving so hard, I was still holding onto my past injuries, struggling with my Heart Demon?

‘But… feelings of resentment alone won’t help me overcome this.’

I realized that I had to create a change within myself, something fundamental in this life. To do that, I couldn’t abandon Soeul Village, nor could I neglect the little beings around me. I needed to cultivate them one by one. I was starting to see that there were issues that could not be solved solely by individual abilities.

As time began to pass, I began to teach the Nine Chambers of Thunder Technique not only to Lee Kwang but also to Dokgo Seong. In my remaining time, I either taught others or worked on refining my martial arts skills using the Moon-Style Defense Technique with Yeodong-bin.

Under Mangnyang’s suggestion, I also granted obsidian to the Sword Demon and the Master of Shadowless Sword. When I asked why they were included, Mangnyang simply answered.

“They are far more likely to reach the peak through their own martial techniques rather than the Nine Chambers of Thunder Technique, and with the help of obsidian, they will benefit immensely. Besides, the Sword Demon won’t experience that Heart Demon issue, so it’s fine to give it to him.”

Whoosh!!

When I called the two separately and shared my memories, both the Sword Demon and the Master of Shadowless Sword couldn’t hide their astonishment for quite a while. While the Master of Shadowless Sword stood there dazed, the Sword Demon quickly regained his composure and said.

“…No way. This is unbelievable.”

“I apologize for not being able to give you the obsidian sooner. But this life has worn me out….”

“Of course, I understand. Moreover, I appreciate you trusting me and sharing your memories even now.”

The Sword Demon said, seemingly moved.

“Truly, this life feels worth it. Whatever it takes, I will make it happen! I will do my utmost to develop my skills.”

The Master of Shadowless Sword, who was standing beside him, also nodded.

“I will completely immerse myself in practicing the martial arts within the memories, without holding back against the Thunder God Lineage.”

“…….”

I sensed something was off and turned back to the Sword Demon.

“What do you mean this life seems worth it? What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Hmm? You really don’t know?”

“I’m not sure….”

“Mangnyang probably didn’t tell you everything so you wouldn’t feel pressured, but if you’re curious, I’ll explain.”

As the Sword Demon spoke, I felt a bit surprised.

“The Emperor Gong Sun Xuanwen, a monster adept at reading cause and effect, has been sealed away. Furthermore, due to the treaty with you, the Evil God has also been sealed. If the Emperor were around, he would have been able to see the future by reading cause and effect, and no matter how many plots strategists devised on your behalf, they would merely be used by the Emperor. As indicated in your memories, no matter how high one’s intelligence, one would still be unable to compete with a being capable of reading cause and effect. Moreover, the Evil God would always manipulate the Sea God or the Nine Lotus Sect to make life difficult for you.”

“……!!”

“However, now that they have all been sealed, the strategist can finally stretch his limbs, while the powerful external Evil God has also fallen silent, creating the best environment possible. Even more so, the Evil God will resurrect next round, so….”

“So this round is crucial.”

“Exactly.”

The Sword Demon stroked his chin thoughtfully.

“Building Soeul Village was ultimately a good decision. If you had seized the Imperial Palace and established the Great Bear Empire, your power would increase rapidly, but the enemies’ levels would also rise sharply, leading to the immediate emergence of the Three Sovereigns or Apostles. Yet, by leaving the Imperial Palace and opting for the secluded village chief, you’ve suppressed the enemies’ levels while also allowing our side invaluable time to grow. It’s almost like an act of divine wisdom, even if it was unintentional.”

“…….”

“But don’t feel pressured. The journey ahead isn’t particularly difficult; it’s just about executing a plan that you already know the outcome of. What matters now isn’t making brilliant moves to turn the tide but performing simple moves steadily and without mistakes.”

“So… that’s why Mangnyang said that.”

Finally, I understood why Mangnyang suggested I be more at ease. While the board may look blatantly obvious and easy, if I didn’t take the time to enjoy the game and remain calm, it could easily flip upside down at any moment.

And then the Sword Demon added.

“While I’m at it, it might be a good idea to bring the Ark into the village.”

“The Ark?”

“Yeah. I discovered there’s a training ground for martial artists within the Ark. Utilizing that could significantly enhance skill development.”

“I had considered it, but breaking into the Ark’s interior would require putting my life on the line, even using the Technique of All Things….”

“Do you have to risk life and limb? Just take him along.”

Ta-da!

Following the Sword Demon’s advice, I grabbed someone from the village and quickly headed to the secret location of the Ark in Songshan. Upon entering the Ark’s interior, I revealed the person in front of the blocked secret entrance.

“Hmm! It looks like the entrance requires a fingerprint scan. Pretty impressive.”

As he examined the secret entrance carefully, he spoke.

“It appears to be a ruin that completely removes mysticism from our vision of alchemy, advancing only repairs and science. Is it technology utilizing electrons? Yet, it seems advanced for its time. Who exactly could have created this?”

“It belonged to someone called the Master of the Twelve Joules.”

“…….”

“I could forcibly pass through using the Absolute Realm technique, but that would risk my life as well. I’d prefer not to, so I brought you here; is it possible?”

Swipe.

Moments later, Saint Germain raised his face and opened his mouth.

“If I have ample tools and support, I can breach it in fifteen days.”