전생검신 79권 20화

I was reminded of something Shim Su-ryeok said in the past.

[My last memory… was heading to the Demon Sorcery Pillar to destroy it at the command of Howol.]

[You said finding the Demon Sorcery Pillar would restore your lost memories?]

[That’s right. I’m certain of it.]

Indeed, Shim Su-ryeok had found the Demon Sorcery Pillar and regained his memories!

Realizing this, I spoke to Shim Su-ryeok.

“So you’ve even retrieved memories of your battle when you approached the Demon Sorcery Pillar!! Have you regained all your memories?”

At my question, Shim Su-ryeok replied bitterly.

“No… I don’t recall the last moments well. But everything up to that point is clear.”

“Tell me what happened. You went to destroy the Demon Sorcery Pillar, but why was there a point where you couldn’t break Chi You’s heart?”

“It’s simple. That mechanical monster I saw earlier… was it called the Equalizer? I had smashed it before in the past. After breaking it, I hit the Demon Sorcery Pillar but couldn’t destroy it at all.”

“……!!”

“I couldn’t even scratch it.”

I flinched at those words.

“You were already a mastery-level expert at the Absolute Realm back then, yet you couldn’t even leave a mark? Even wielding your intent with the Intent Heavenly Pillar?”

“That’s right. Hmm… it seems I need to elaborate on that story. This is something that someone like you—the Master of the White Lotus Sect—should know the full context of.”

And thus, Shim Su-ryeok’s tale from the past began.

*

Chirp, chirp, chirp…….

A loud shouting echoed through the green woods.

“Master Howol! What are you searching for in the northeastern barbarian lands?!”

Huang Ha Shenlong, one of Master Howol’s four great disciples and a former top martial artist in the Central Plains, grumbled. He had been a formidable opponent to Shim Su-ryeok, but was defeated and became a disciple under Master Howol in the span of a split second.

In response to Huang Ha Shenlong’s grumbling, Howol, walking ahead on the path, replied.

“The lord of this place cannot simply be called a barbarian. He might just be the oldest and strongest human, so I have ample reason to come here.”

“…… You mean the lord of the northeastern martial world is just the king of Goguryeo? There’s no need for you to overrate him like that…”

“The king of Goguryeo is merely his puppet. Perhaps even the emperor of the Central Plains is as well. He is a being who prepares for the last moments in the world behind the scenes.”

“……”

“Stay alert. We’re now entering the tiger’s den.”

As Howol spoke, Huang Ha Shenlong realized that his thought process was on an entirely different level, and he fell silent. While he was only considering the leader of Goguryeo’s martial world, Howol was referring to the shadowy force lurking ‘outside’ the martial world. Huang Ha Shenlong was perplexed.

‘What? There’s someone that great among the Dongyi tribe? I’ve never heard of that…’

Just then, one of the four great disciples in front, the Sword Saint Kang Yu-chan, shouted. He was also a former top martial artist in the world, famed for his extraordinary sword techniques.

“Master! Something is approaching!”

“I know.”

With an expression devoid of any emotional disturbance, Howol gazed intently ahead.

“A guest has arrived. Given that we are at the borders of Baekdu Mountain, it makes sense.”

Ssssss

As dense fog began to roll in, a mysterious figure appeared before Howol and the four great disciples. It was an old immortal with an ethereal aura, leaning on a staff as he approached Howol.

“…… A being that is human yet not human… You are far too powerful to be a martial artist. Who are you?”

“I am Howol, the Master of the White Lotus Sect. And these are my disciples.”

“Ooh… If it’s the White Lotus Sect… then that means… the great being Dalma…”

The old immortal, who had looked astonished, bowed his head and then spoke.

“I am the Mountain Spirit of Baekdu Mountain.”

“The Mountain Spirit… a spirit formed from the energy of this mountain accumulated over eons. What business does a divine being like you have with me?”

“…… I’ve come to ask for a favor.”

“A favor?”

“There are four demonic sorcery Pillars in this Baekdu Mountain. Please destroy the Demon Sorcery Pillar!”

At those words, Howol’s eyebrows twitched.

“The Demon Sorcery Pillar? Is that for real?”

“Yes…”

“Who on earth created the Demon Sorcery Pillar?!”

Kugugugugu!!

Howol expressed significant anger, and just that much was enough to let out a powerful aura. But the next moment, the four disciples near Howol all collectively collapsed to their knees.

Stagger

‘W-What…’

‘Could he have grown stronger again?’

Konggangwon Wang Sim Su-ryeok felt both reverence and fear. No matter how capable he felt, they had attained the Absolute Realm, but now found their legs giving way under just an angry aura! Howol’s power felt even more divine than before, as if he had transcended humanity itself.

The Mountain Spirit sighed heavily.

“…… It was the Dan clan… and their leader who created the Pillars. Although it hasn’t been long since it was made, at this rate, I will be consumed by that evil energy.”

“You say it hasn’t been long? Could it be…?”

Howol mumbled as if he had deduced something before turning to the Mountain Spirit.

“O Mountain Spirit! With whatever strength you have left, grant us your blessing. The Demon Sorcery Pillar cannot be destroyed by ordinary means; at the very least, grant us a protection that shields us from demon ki.”

“…… Very well. You seem to have a good grasp of the Demon Sorcery Pillar.”

“We don’t have time for chit-chat. We need to act quickly to smash it.”

Woosh!!

With that, the Mountain Spirit vanished, and divine energy surrounded the five of them. One of the four great disciples, the Heavenly Demon Lady Im So-young, looked at the energy enveloping her body and said.

“It seems we’ve received a blessing that resists magical power.”

“…….”

Howol reached his hand to the sky, suddenly emitting a massive energy like a column.

Kugugugugugu!!

In an instant, the enormous energies released from Howol split and flew off in some direction. Howol withdrew his hand and addressed his disciples.

“There exists the Demon Sorcery Pillar where my energy is now directed. You all must destroy the Demon Sorcery Pillar before the effect of that blessing diminishes.”

“Yes!”

“Understood.”

And just then, as the four great disciples were about to leave, Wang Sim Su-ryeok, who was first out the door, suddenly sensed an overwhelmingly fast and massive killing strike heading his way and deployed his defense technique with the Intent Heavenly Pillar, deflecting the attack.

Konggangwon (金鋼拳)

Seojindongrak (西振東落)!

With a whoosh, Wang Sim Su-ryeok felt the powerful energy coming from the enemy’s weapon tremble on his fingertips. He swiftly redirected that tremendous force through his shoulder and into his opposite arm, unfolding the highest transformation of energy. Thus, the enormous weight embedded in the weapon flowed down through his feet to the ground, significantly reducing the impact.

Boom!!

Even so, the remaining force was so intense that Wang Sim Su-ryeok had no choice but to unleash several more powerful strikes to suppress the residual force. His forearm bled, but upon confirming he wasn’t seriously injured, the mysterious expert who had ambushed him was astonished.

“What! An ordinary disciple has reached the Absolute Realm? The successor of Dalma is truly formidable!”

With a clear voice, a figure stepped forth from the mist, capturing the attention of Howol and his disciples. This figure was cloaked in an animal disguise, holding a silver fragment, and appeared to be a dog.

‘What the heck is that guy?!’

As Wang Sim Su-ryeok frowned, Howol spoke up.

“Are you the king of the Manha Spiritual Gate governing the Dan clan?”

“Hm? It seems you’ve done your homework. Quite meticulous, aren’t you?”

The cloaked figure chuckled and nodded.

“Yes, I am the lord of the Manha Spiritual Gate and the Dan-gun. Currently, I’m serving as the royal advisor of Goguryeo.”

“What does that imply?”

“Hmm?”

“I know that you controlled history from the ancient times of the land and Liaodong in the dark, well before the Silver Pill. The title of royal advisor is merely a title for this era. What exactly are you scheming by manipulating history?”

“……”

The cloaked figure’s expression turned serious. Until now, he seemed to be joking around, but now it felt as if he was getting somewhat sincere as he let his cloak fall.

“I didn’t expect Dalma to have dug up so much information about me. But given that you didn’t pull me in or eliminate me during the True Martial Home incident, it’s not likely you’re a threat. Well, anyway…”

“……”

“Master of the White Lotus Sect Howol. You are worthy of hearing my name.”

“What?!”

He politely bowed his head and introduced himself.

“My name is Ha Eun-cheon. The Heavenly Gate Master of the Great Korean Empire who has crossed nine worlds to arrive here. As for my reason for manipulating history… perhaps because I, too, would love to see the Great Korean Empire unite Northeast Asia?”

“……!!”

“There’s no one who doesn’t appreciate historical treasures, especially if I’m the protagonist.”

The four great disciples exchanged expressions of disbelief at Ha Eun-cheon’s introduction, but Howol remained unfazed. He stared at Ha Eun-cheon with an increasingly tense gaze before finally saying.

“Sure enough, the Sacred Altar Tree is the World Tree! What are you plotting with the Demon Sorcery Pillar?”

“Haha, revealing that would ruin the fun… but Howol, you didn’t come here just for that reason, I believe?”

“…….”

“Do your best. Our clan will do our utmost to defend against your attacks.”

“I’ve taken too long to speak. I could just kill you right here and now.”

Howol’s eyes gleamed menacingly.

“Excuse me?”

Boom!!

In the next moment, Ha Eun-cheon was sent flying high into the sky.

Howol unleashed an attack that surpassed even light.

“……!!”

Ha Eun-cheon shot up, his chest exploding, while he coughed up blood, but in an instant, he vanished into thin air.

Flash

The four great disciples rushed over in shock.

“Master!!”

“Are you okay?”

Step

After repelling Ha Eun-cheon and landing, Howol let out a sigh.

“That technique is quite peculiar. Even with such a massive gap in strength and speed, to read my actions deeply enough to minimize damage…Is this the most precise martial art in existence? It’s frustrating I couldn’t finish him with one blow.”

“What should we do now? It seems the enemy’s leader has caught on to our plan…”

“Our course of action remains unchanged. It’s impossible to bring in a stronger force than this right now, so we must do our best to destroy the Demon Sorcery Pillar.”

Howol turned his head sharply.

“Instead, let’s change the strategy. Instead of attacking separately, we’ll all go together and make sure to smash at least one.”

“Yes!”

Tydaht

Howol and his disciples raced toward the nearby Demon Sorcery Pillar. They neared the pillar, repelling the attacks of the white mechanical monsters that appeared around it. The sword saint Kang Yu-chan and the Heavenly Demon Lady Im So-young bore slight injuries and spoke in disbelief.

“A living steel fortress. I never imagined it would repel my strikes…”

“This is far more vicious than the zombie techniques I had in the Demon Sect. The Demon Sect’s soul-manipulating zombies couldn’t compare to the steel fortress we just shattered, nor could they shoot beams or anything…”

To their remarks, Howol replied.

“What we faced a moment ago wasn’t a zombie. It’s likely a new weapon humanity will produce with the power of science in the future. It’s made to deal with aliens, so it shouldn’t be compared to any zombies created with our era’s sorcery techniques.”

“Really?”

“What do you mean by that…?”

“…… Forget I said anything.”

Muttering bitterly, Howol added.

“Still, destroying the Demon Sorcery Pillar won’t be easy.”

“Master! Leave it to me. I’ll smash it in one blow.”

Thud –

Konggangwon Wang Sim Su-ryeok charged in, unleashing his strongest strike filled with intent from the Absolute Realm against the Demon Sorcery Pillar.

Bang!!

“……?!”

However, Wang Sim Su-ryeok’s all-out attack was absorbed and disappeared in an instant, as if all the physical impact and energy had vanished. Wang Sim Su-ryeok was staring blankly at the Demon Sorcery Pillar with clenched fists, feeling emptiness like never before when Huang Ha Shenlong, his rival, boasted.

“Haha, Wang Sim Su-ryeok you fool! I’ll smash it to bits!”

Bang!!

Huang Ha Shenlong’s attack similarly vanished into thin air, as if flailing in the air. Wang Sim Su-ryeok, watching from behind, taunted.

“If I’m a fool, then you’re a spawn of a dead parent.”

“What did you say!!”

The moment they were about to engage, Howol intervened.

“Stop it. Recklessly attacking will yield no results.”

“Master. Why isn’t our attack working?”

“The Demon Sorcery Pillar is connected to something below the ground. Any attack on the pillar is directly absorbed by the being beneath it. If we’re not careful, we could actually be benefiting the enemy.”

“That means….”

Howol raised his palms and pointed at the ground.

“Let’s destroy everything from underground.”

Kukwachangk!!

In the next moment, a massive force emitted from Howol shook the ground violently, causing the earth itself to explode as a gigantic facility emerged, resembling a city. The disciples gasped in shock.

“What on earth!”

“How can there be something like this underground…?”

After a moment, they began rushing into the underground city, but the last to enter, Wang Sim Su-ryeok, became puzzled when Howol hadn’t followed.

“Master, why aren’t you coming?”

“…… Go ahead.”

“What do you mean…?”

Wang Sim Su-ryeok peeked outside, and his eyes widened in shock.

Thud

‘W-What is this?!’

Outside were countless human figures along with the steel monsters he had seen earlier, filling the hills. The few humans at the front were radiating immense energy, making Wang Sim Su-ryeok immediately aware of their level.

Absolute Realm experts!

At least four or five of them seemed to be that strong, and there were others lined up behind them, who, while not quite at the Absolute Realm, appeared to be top-tier martial artists based on martial world standards. But that was not the most astonishing part.

Tzztztztz

Three eerily glowing beings surrounded by divine energy.

They looked even more ominous than the Absolute Realm experts.

Howol murmured quietly.

“I didn’t expect all three of the masters of the Manha Spiritual Gate to come out just to face me.”

“Master of the White Lotus Sect Howol! I am Pungbaek. You are undoubtedly the mightiest among Dalma’s disciples, so we will never underestimate you.”

Pungbaek, one of the three masters who responded, continued speaking.

“So, we shall seek help from the true lord of this land.”

Woosh!!

A sound resembling a wailing cry echoed throughout the hall, and Wang Sim Su-ryeok felt his mind blurring at that instant. The next moment, Howol, who had been in front of him, quickly pricked Wang Sim Su-ryeok’s heart with his index finger.

“I will activate your Upper Dantian! Accept my intent.”

“Ugh, yes.”

Woosh

Thanks to Howol’s sorcery, Wang Sim Su-ryeok regained his senses, and Howol continued.

“Worry not, for the Divine Maiden shall assist you. But from now on, never engage with them head-on! Focus solely on your mission.”

“Cough… Master. Who exactly is that figure that just appeared?”

“A being of great divine nature has emerged. It’s powerful enough to pierce even the blessings cast upon you, so stay away from my side.”

Boom

Wang Sim Su-ryeok was hurled underground. In his ears, he vaguely heard Pungbaek’ call.

[Master of the White Lotus Sect Howol! No matter how formidable you are, you cannot withstand the combined assault of the entire Dan clan and the River God!]