전생검신 81권 2화

I chose the flow of the Thunder Spirit during this Rebirth of the Evil God. Sure, the order was a matter of my own decision, but what really mattered was which attribute I selected at the end of the reincarnation; that would determine the power of the technique after the cycle of rebirth was complete.

‘The attribute that can unleash the Technique of All Things like lightning is definitely Thunder God.’

Actually, it’s my first time mixing the Technique of All Things with the Thunder Spirit. The power of the Thunder Spirit alone was plenty strong, so there hadn’t been a need to enhance the Technique with it.

But what if I used the Thunder Spirit’s power to enhance the Technique of All Things just this once? Maybe I could steal with a power much greater than I’ve used before!

At that very moment, the ‘vessel’ spun loudly, and I felt the refined power crystallizing at my fingertips.

Zap!

My hand transformed into a ball of lightning, moving at an incomparably faster speed!

‘Whoa!!’

I’m not sure how powerful it is, but it feels absolutely awesome!

Thinking that, I aimed for Cheon Woo-jin’s heart with the Technique of All Things.

‘I’ll steal the Law of Cause and Effect!’

But wait, what even is the Law of Cause and Effect? It’s not something you can see, so how am I supposed to steal it?

Can I even steal something as abstract as this?

In the blink of an eye, all sorts of thoughts and illusions drifted through my mind, and I froze all my thoughts in one instant.

Ugh.

The thoughts were entangling and restraining me.

Honestly, did I ever need to think when executing the true Technique of All Things?

‘I’m stealing it!’

Fainter than any rational thought was a simple will, and that will seemed to move my body on its own. It felt like I was observing myself from a third-person perspective as I simply reached out my hand, and in the next moment, I made contact with something.

Is this touch? Or am I just imagining it?

The answer to that fleeting question came to me all at once as an avalanche of information flooded my mind.

Swoosh – !!

“……!!”

As the Technique of All Things infused with the Thunder Spirit touched ‘something,’ a massive flood of images, conversations, and past events poured into my brain! It felt like I was briefly experiencing decades’ worth of events.

What the hell is this?

Boom –

Lightning roars. At the same time, it feels like the lightning is surging upward, reversing the flow of time, and it seems my soul is moving along with it. Countless memories and pieces of information cling to me like mud.

Ahhh……

In that moment, I realized what executing the Technique of All Things with the Thunder Spirit could do.

‘Time……!!’

Could the power of the Thunder Spirit allow me to ascend against the axis of time?

Is that the power of lightning?!

Chichiching……!!

The fingertips of the Technique of All Things seemed to transform into a mass of white characters. I intuitively understood that all the phenomena occurring right now indicated one thing.

‘My Technique of All Things is stealing time!!’

What that means, I couldn’t say. Doubts about whether I was indeed stealing the Law of Cause and Effect filled my mind, and I couldn’t help being overwhelmed. But once I draw my sword, I can’t just put it back, so I resolved to stick it out to the end.

Another flood of information rushed into my brain. I desperately tried to let it flow through me as I matched the rhythm of the wave and pushed my fingers into the Technique of All Things. Once I made contact, everything else would be taken from the opponent— that’s how it worked.

…… This is it!!

Boom!!

A sensation like something bouncing back hard hit me, and I realized I was holding onto something formless. It felt like I was grasping air; outwardly, there seemed to be nothing, but I recognized it was already stolen. It was my first time stealing something formless on this scale, and I could only shudder.

I’ve reached another level!

Swipe……

The formless something in my grip vanished. I understood that was a sign of completing the theft, and then I turned to look at Cheon Woo-jin.

‘Did I steal the Law of Cause and Effect?’

But something felt off.

Because in order to steal something, I have to ‘recognize’ its existence. Yet I wasn’t sure I had sufficiently recognized the Law of Cause and Effect. Maybe I’ve stolen something completely off the mark.

Fizz……

Cheon Woo-jin, who was hit by the Technique of All Things, stood still, releasing the Thunder Spirit’s flow from his entire body. After a while, he finally spoke.

“Baek Woong…… you might have already surpassed the Divine Thief.”

“Cheon Woo-jin.”

He spoke with a hint of surprise he couldn’t hide.

“Could it be…… that you’ve swapped the major core inside me, forcing the time of the Sun and Moon Spirit to stretch with the Thunder Spirit? I never expected the Thunder Spirit to have the power of time reversal…”

I grinned at Cheon Woo-jin’s words.

“What the hell!! Then it’s true, I’m revived, right?”

“…….”

“So, I stole the Law of Cause and Effect?”

Cheon Woo-jin gazed at me, lost in thought.

“No.”

My heart raced!

As soon as I met Cheon Woo-jin’s gaze, my heart pounded, and, like before, it felt like I couldn’t move my body at all. Realizing what was happening, I shouted.

“Cheon Woo-jin!! Not again with the nanobots paralyzing me…”

“…… I’m always surprised by you. Although you didn’t steal the Law of Cause and Effect, what you just did was a miracle of equal merit.”

“Damn it!! Release the paralysis now!! If I can’t do it once, I’ll just try again!!”

As I yelled, Cheon Woo-jin replied.

“You’ve already succeeded in stealing [time]. You performed the miracle closest to the objective of ‘saving me.’ If you do it once more, you could suffer the backlash of the Law of Cause and Effect.”

“……!!”

“If you promise to calm down and listen to me, I’ll release the paralysis. Can you make that promise?”

That guy anticipated I’d want to try the Technique of All Things again!

Crunch

I strained to break free from the constraints placed on me by Cheon Woo-jin’s nanobots, but this time, I could feel a level of pressure unlike before. Naturally, it was because the previous restraint from Cheon Woo-jin was weak, but having lifted him up now meant that the nanobot’s power was boosted.

With Cheon Woo-jin strengthened, he could compete with Nailatop, the opponent I’d just fought. Realizing I had dug my own grave, I nodded in resignation.

“Got it.”

Swish

Cheon Woo-jin released the paralysis of the nanobots, but I still didn’t charge at him as promised. I needed to keep my word. Then Cheon Woo-jin smiled brightly.

“Thanks to you, I might not be annihilated.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. Regardless, by swapping the core with time, I’ve revived to a certain extent, so I might be able to recover somehow. So don’t worry.”

I let out a sigh of relief.

“Phew.”

Thank goodness! I might not have stolen the Law of Cause and Effect, but it seems I’ve managed to save Cheon Woo-jin!

While I was breathing a sigh of relief, Cheon Woo-jin turned his gaze toward the door.

“More importantly, we should check what’s inside that [door].”

“Wait? They said if you enter the Reborn One’s door, you’ll immediately face the trial that ends your reincarnation, right? No need for extreme choices like last time.”

I tilted my head, but Cheon Woo-jin replied firmly.

“No. Thanks to the strengthened powers you gave me, I can help scout inside that door and bring you out safely.”

“……!! Are you serious?”

“Absolutely. Since I blew time to restore my core, I can use maximum computational power to manage that much.”

“Hmm……”

I was intrigued. This final trial that lies at the end of this dream! It goes without saying that discovering what lies inside would hold great significance for the future. As I pondered, Cheon Woo-jin spoke.

“Besides, it’s going to be hard to come back here again. I can’t normally come this far, and I’ve only fought up to this point because Nailatop invaded. Now is a rare opportunity, so I suggest taking it.”

That made sense. In other words, unless a formidable foe like Nailatop invaded, the journey here would be unimaginably difficult. Cheon Woo-jin’s words convinced me, and I hesitated before asking.

“Is it really okay now?”

Cheon Woo-jin adopted a pose as if ready to throw a stuffed raccoon doll.

“I don’t know why you’re still worrying. If you’re that worried, you can immediately return to the Training World. You could suffer through dozens of cycles just to come back here again!”

“…… Come on, stop being so rude.”

I rolled my eyes in disbelief, but I thought Cheon Woo-jin must be alright. If he were truly on the verge of annihilation, he wouldn’t be so composed.

‘Alright. Should I take the plunge?’

So I said to Cheon Woo-jin.

“Fine. Let’s check out what’s behind that door.”

The depths of the Heavenly Secret, which initiated my Rebirth— what could possibly be there? I’ve never once uncovered who or what granted me that power. Perhaps by peering into the depths of that door, I might discover the truth.

Chiming!

Cheon Woo-jin’s eyes gleamed as he summoned a golden pocket watch onto his palm. As the Hidden Piece appeared, he began to speak.

“I, Cheon Woo-jin, as the terminal of the Heavenly Secret, request permission to exercise power inside the door as a supporter of the True Quest for the Truth.”

Hooosh……

After a moment, I saw a dark mist descend upon Cheon Woo-jin. That darkness seemed powerful enough to evoke the colossal force I had just witnessed, leading me to flinch uncontrollably. Having seen many superior beings in my life, it was clear that the power blanketing Cheon Woo-jin was on a completely different level.

“Are, are you alright?”

Cheon Woo-jin responded.

“Don’t worry. It’s just a power granted by the Book. Now that I have the right to help you, all we need to do is open the door and step through.”

“Hmm…… Sure.”

I put my strength into the massive door. With my monstrous strength applied, the heavy door slowly swung open with a resounding noise.

Creeeakkk……

As I opened the door halfway, a pitch-black darkness lay beyond, void of even an inch of visibility. Naturally, it was terrifying to step into such an abyss, so I hesitated. Behind me, Cheon Woo-jin urged me on.

“That darkness is the chaos that enveloped the omnipotent king during the genesis of the universe. The chaos of the Primordial has a vicious toxicity, but it can’t harm you, so rest easy.”

“What? You said it was the most vicious toxicity; why can’t it harm me?”

“Because the source of that toxicity is karma. All the evil deeds and the will of those who perished created karma during the destruction of the previous world, hence the Primordial Chaos being the most toxic…… Even emperors and evil gods won’t be unscathed by that chaos. But you’ve embodied that karma so many times, you’re the only being immune to it.”

“……?”

“It seems that the effects of the Sun and Moon Spirit have completely worn off. You don’t seem to understand what I’m saying.”

“Anyway, it’s okay then?”

“Yeah. Just go in.”

Step

I took a few cautious steps forward, and the mysterious ground supported my weight while the inky darkness felt strangely comforting, causing me no harm. This level of safety was pampered compared to the countless horrors I had faced before, so I felt reassured.

Step…….

I walked for quite a while, only sensing darkness around me with nothing else in sight. Having been through similar experiences many times before, I didn’t feel fear and kept walking, until I noticed someone grasping my hand beside me.

“Cheon Woo-jin?”

The delicate hand gripping my hand belonged to Cheon Woo-jin. His small hand couldn’t fully grasp mine, just managing to hold two or three of my fingers instead. Having followed me into the door, Cheon Woo-jin looked up at me while holding my hand.

“Can’t we even hold hands now?”

“Well, it’s not that we can’t… but if it’s such a vicious chaos, is it safe for you to be here too?”

“Precisely. I received immunity after being granted permission earlier. Just remember this method when challenging with fellow companions next time.”

“Got it.”

Comprehending the situation, I grinned and opened my hand wider to clasp Cheon Woo-jin’s handshake.

“Alright. You can hold my hand as much as you want, you cheeky little fellow.”

“…….”

For a moment, Cheon Woo-jin’s expression shifted, unsure if he was smiling or crying, but quickly returned to his usual cold demeanor.

Step

Step

How much longer could this go on? I began to see light glimmering in the distance, and a strange landscape came into view.

“Is that……?”

It was a bright and vast space. I found myself in a peaceful hill filled with sun-drenched greenery, and at a nearby little pond, flowers were in full bloom.

‘Those flowers in the pond……’

Are white lotuses.

I was engulfed in the illusion that I was wandering through the backyard of the White Lotus Sect and found myself gazing at the lotuses for quite some time.

After a while, Cheon Woo-jin, still holding my hand, spoke.

“Look over there.”

“…….”

Suddenly, around ten figures appeared before us. They must have appeared out of nowhere, as I hadn’t sensed anything prior.

The figure in front was draped in what looked like a cloak.

‘Huh……? I feel like I’ve seen that guy somewhere.’

I couldn’t shake off the feeling of deja vu from the presence, sensing someone I knew might be concealed inside that cloak. That figure, too, seemed to have found me, firmly encountering me while leaning on a stone staff, and I cautiously spoke.

“Who are you?”

Silence stretched between us for a while. After an extended silence on their part, they responded in a bizarre language that resembled the dialect of an otherworldly race.

[Reborn One. Have you come, understanding the karma of life and death?]

“……?”

[If not, I advise you to turn back. You can’t win against me with the power you have now.]

What?

My pride sparked as the mysterious being casually belittled me, implying their superiority. Naturally, any martial artist would be enraged. I retorted bluntly.

“Damn it! I came knowing this was the final trial of the Heavenly Secret! But where’s your guarantee that you’re stronger than me? And state your identity!”

The cloaked figure appeared to be impressed instead.

[Oh? You truly came to find out, huh…… Then…… I must say you have done quite well to reach this point. You might be the fastest challenger to arrive here…….]

“What?”

What’s with this arrogant guy’s mindset?

Clearly, he was basing it on the assumption that I was weak, right?

‘Am I that underestimated?’

As I was feeling baffled, the figure slammed their staff onto the ground loudly and declared.

[As a fellow traveler, I kindly advise you to turn back. This trial doesn’t suit your level.]

“…….”

[The ones waiting for you after me are so powerful that I wouldn’t stand a chance against them…… don’t take my warning lightly.]

I was boiling with frustration over the figure’s dismissive remarks, but I managed to stay calm, having gleaned critical info from their words.

“If what you’re saying is true, if I defeat you, then the next enemies might wait after, right? So all I have to do is defeat them?”

[If you can.]

Fueled by competitive spirit, I created a sword with my divine power and lifted it. It seemed that divine power worked perfectly fine even in this domain.

“……Let’s see if your bravado holds up. I’ll show you how tough I really am!!”

[…….]

“Before we spar, reveal your name. My name is Baek Woong.”

After a moment, the figure seemed to lament.

[Karma indeed…… I heard your echo from beyond the Great Cycle, knowing you are a righteous being, and I advised you to turn back! But if you’ve declared your intention to challenge, as one bound by this karma, I must respond to your challenge with my full power…….]

“How verbose can you get? Just tell me your name already.”

Ssssss

As the figure laid down their stone staff, it hovered in mid-air. Then they clasped their hands together, their strange form intertwining with that of the otherworldly race. With their face illuminated under the cloak, they spoke.

[Do you not yet understand my true identity?]

“…….”

[The flow of cause whispers our meeting to me…… Although I never met you directly…… the ties from the Greater Universe connect me to you, Reborn One, and now that the cycle has ended, these whispers resonate clearly in my ears.]

Greater Universe?

Uh…… wait a minute…… now that I think about it…….

I felt a sense of deja vu blend with insight. The long-forgotten past suddenly surged back to my mind, and I immediately realized the identity of the figure standing before me.

Gulp!

I couldn’t believe I was finally catching on, and I widened my eyes in astonishment.

Then, shaky, I said.

“Y-You are, could it be……?”

The figure replied in a somewhat heartfelt tone.

[I met my fate in the distant past, before you emerged as the new Reborn One. However, my disciples have crossed fates with you, and how joyous that is! Yet that joy will vanish forever if you lose in this trial…….]

“…….”

[Now, let’s start this battle.]

Creeeakkk…….

Surrounding the figure, hundreds of gigantic mandalas began to float. They seemed different from that of the White Lotus Sect’s Master, but it was evident they wielded infinite internal power. Moreover, as they began to exert their strength, an extraordinary divine power spread through the air like paint, manipulating the space around them.

That figure hadn’t even exhausted their strength yet, yet their presence warped the fabric of time and space. I had a foreboding feeling that my potential would hardly match their power, and that instinct was likely true.

I now understood who I was facing.

‘Could it be…… this is the final trial of the Heavenly Secret?’

And as if to affirm my guess, the figure said.

[Baek Woong, the Reborn One, the Master of the White Lotus Sect, will face me, Dharma.]