Chapter 1426
“Trimurti?”
As yet another suspicious technique appeared, I frowned, and Brahma seemed to notice my discomfort.
“Is it that you dislike it because it’s not a martial art? If so, there’s nothing I can do about it.”
“… Just tell me what it is.”
Even though it seemed dubious, I had no choice but to listen because the prowess of the Martial God Council I might face next was unknown. Besides, it didn’t seem like a time for jokes.
Brahma then spoke.
“Though it’s not a martial art, Trimurti is a divine skill you can use like one.”
“Divine skill?”
“Gods generally don’t need to train any skills or abilities, but this one is a bit special. It’s a power only I can use in this world, and I’ve put in a ridiculous amount of time to train it as a skill.”
“So, it’s a skill not a power, is that what you mean?”
“Exactly! The prerequisite for Trimurti is the divine power of the Three Great Gods you received from me, and once that basic condition is met, you can train Trimurti.”
Brahma continued, “Did you see when I summoned the bow to fight Gonshin Jo Hwan-ryong?”
Whoosh!
Brahma summoned that bow once again into his hand as he spoke. I glanced at it and asked, “Is that bow your personal weapon?”
“No. The bow is merely a manifestation; look beyond its essence.”
……
I carefully observed his bow at his prompting. After a moment, I noticed three different colored lights entangled together beyond the physical bow. I exclaimed in surprise, “So, the divine powers of three attributes are bundled together…!!”
Is that even possible?
Seeing my reaction, Brahma held the bow up and said, “The creation of this bow was my power, and the ability to prevent damage to it comes from Vishnu’s power. It can also shoot with Shiva’s destructive authority, so I’ll demonstrate again; be sure to watch closely.”
Thwump!
Crack!
Brahma’s intangible arrow pierced the corridor wall, creating a hole wide enough for a human head. The reason I had to use the term ‘pierced’ was that beyond the wall it went through, the hole continued to expand, and the intangible arrow was extending infinitely forward. It was bizarre that there was no sound or shockwave at all.
“Oh!”
I hadn’t realized how much power he had as Gonshin Jo Hwan-ryong had easily blocked my earlier effort!
As I was shocked by the arrow’s piercing capability, Brahma spoke again, “Generally, it’s impossible to use divine powers of different attributes simultaneously. There are some gods who can, but usually, it’s only those born with multiple attributes that can do so. But since Trimurti is a skill, you can fuse or combine divine powers of different attributes regardless of whether I had them right from the start.”
“What’s the benefit of that?”
“While I combined my powers with those of my brothers, when you use Trimurti, you can mix the powers of Amaterasu, Jeon Wook, and Wheel King.”
“……!!”
“When you combine powers, new special effects that didn’t exist before can emerge. If used well, Trimurti can easily unravel divine powers of strong beings such as immortality!”
Such possibilities could become a reality? I was intrigued by the unexpected effects Trimurti might offer. However, my skepticism still lingered, and I replied curtly, “If that’s the case, what good is it? You, the master of Trimurti, just had your full-power attack easily blocked by Gonshin Jo Hwan-ryong.”
“Well, I can’t argue there. It seems that anything which isn’t a martial art loses its power drastically in this Palace of Martial Gods. But what I want to convey is, when I was outside in the world, I never lost a one-on-one fight against any divine being just with combinations of Trimurti.”
“Did you lose in war, then?”
“I was only outnumbered. In one-on-one situations, I’ve never been defeated!”
“Hmm…”
Suddenly, Brahma spoke in a somewhat twisted voice, “If you dislike it that much, I won’t share it then. Despite appearances, countless sages and exceptional beings from Tianzhu have offered me all sorts of sacrifices to inherit this Trimurti, while powerful divine beings and constellations in the universe have also tried to impress me… So there’s no way I’d want to pass it on to someone who finds it as trivial as a unique skill from their martial world.”
…… This seems serious?
It seemed Brahma was slightly wounded in pride from the earlier loss and might have felt disgruntled that I treated him so harshly while maintaining a humble posture. I decided to change my approach.
‘Right. What’s wrong with learning whatever I get the chance to learn.’
Brahma had shown weakness earlier when using Trimurti, but I thought he could have performed significantly better against Gonshin if he’d applied a different method. And if it’s closer to a skill rather than pure divine power, there might be room for improvements in the future!
I smiled and cheerily said to Brahma, “I was only testing waters. I would be grateful to learn if you’d teach me.”
“Phew… I’m relieved you can at least keep up some minimal decorum.”
With a sigh, Brahma continued, “Using Trimurti is simple. Earlier, when you organized your divine power, a large gemstone will have formed in the center, which would have segregated your power into three types.”
“I see.”
“Put one type of divine power into each of those three areas you saw. Once you combine them, that’s all! However, the results will vary based on the amounts of divine power involved, so subtly adjusting that quantity is the actual skill and essence.”
“Hmm…”
It really sounded simple! I felt like I could follow along just by hearing it, leaving me quite dumbfounded.
“It sounds like a straightforward principle, yet it took you billions of years to train?”
Hehe! “You’ll understand why it’s a difficult skill once you try it yourself.”
“Fine. But why hadn’t you shared such a simple principle with anyone else?”
“To use Trimurti, you need your inner divine power structurally organized like yours, along with the condition that you can utilize ‘creation’ attribute divine power. You’ve met both requirements, haven’t you?”
“That’s true.”
As soon as my words finished, I closed my eyes and concentrated.
‘Trimurti!’
Shiiiing!
Following Brahma’s instructions, I became aware of the three divided domains of divine power and placed a different type of divine power into each one. After a moment of waiting, sure enough, different colored powers spread out from each domain, and I could feel them converging into the central gemstone.
Bubble bubble!
“Something’s boiling up…”
“It’s the process where divine powers merge, leaving only the essence. All you have to do now is use the creation power to move it into a designated form.”
Then naturally, it had to be a sword!
Chiiing…!!
Moments later, as I created the sword, the merged divine power was instantly absorbed into it, and I noticed the blade beginning to glow with a natural essence. Awed, I stared at the sword and said, “So, I just fight with this sword now?”
“Be cautious.”
“Cautious about what?”
Brahma chuckled softly.
“I mentioned earlier that the effects added depend on the quantity of divine power infused… right now, no one in this world has any idea what effect your sword holds. If you aren’t careful, you may end up being at a disadvantage while using it.”
“……?! No, why would such a ridiculous ability exist…”
“That’s why it takes billions of years to master the technique. Given the multitude of combinations, delicate time differences, and varying amounts, there are countless outcomes, and it’s challenging to ensure you manage all those correctly. So, you memorize and use a combination that suits you.”
“Hmmm… that’s kind of like alchemy.”
Despite saying that, I couldn’t just toss aside the sword infused with Trimurti power. It was too bothersome to create another one.
“Anyway, that’s how Trimurti works. You can create a weapon and imbue it with properties, but you can also strengthen yourself with it, and the possibilities are endless. You might even combine it with your martial arts.”
As Brahma spoke, he gazed at the far end of the corridor.
“It’s time to go. This has been quite a fruitful session.”
Step step.
We began walking down the corridor for quite a while. During our walk, I suddenly struck up a conversation with Brahma.
“I have a question.”
“What’s on your mind?”
“You embarked on such a risky adventure just to defeat hundreds of the ‘Old Rulers’—why go to such lengths to win the war? I’ve heard that war between gods isn’t necessarily unavoidable, so what is it about this planet Earth that you’re so obsessed with?”
“……”
“Give me at least that reason.”
Upon Brahma’s sudden question, I flinched.
“If you tell me, will you save my brothers from their fateful doom?”
“……?!”
What? Will you save Vishnu and Shiva?
I’d never once thought that obtaining beings as powerful as the Three Sovereigns was even a possibility, leaving me dazed by Brahma’s words. While I panicked, I eventually regained my composure and replied.
“Those two are too strong for me to save….”
Even now, I wouldn’t guarantee that I could win in a one-on-one fight against Vishnu outside the Martial God Palace. No, considering the amazing display of power he showed at the end of the world, I might still lose. After all, Vishnu is the legendary ultimate god of Tianzhu—how could I, as a human, even think I could take him on? It felt absurd to be asking me to save either Vishnu or Shiva.
“No. You absolutely can. You fully understand that innate strength isn’t what matters in front of a Reborn Person.”
“Well, those two have often made a mess for me when trying to hinder me…”
“Haven’t your current reborn companions once been your enemies in the past? My brothers can also become allies!”
“No, that’s not the point… what kind of god is in need of saving?”
“It could be possible to be saved. After all, at this rate, the fate of destruction is something that no one can evade.”
Brahma murmured, releasing a short sigh.
“Sorry for my obsession. The truth is, the reason I waged war was to avoid the predetermined fate of destruction for this world. We fought with all our power to gain a more leading position on the day of the prophecy, yet we ended up losing and being defeated.”
“……What do you mean?”
“All the ‘Old Rulers’ are aware that the prophecy for the end ultimately will descend upon this planet Earth. My brothers and I knew this fact, and on that day of prophecy, we struggled fiercely to gain a more dominant position. However, it was a mistake to inadvertently make hundreds of enemies in the process.”
“So knowing the prophecy gives you a chance to escape the doom?”
“Exactly. You may already suspect, but we aimed for ascension. Safeguarding human civilization was just an added bonus.”
“Ascension? Were you trying to become an Outer God?”
“That’s right.”
“But there’s something I’ve been curious about for a while—what is this prophecy that makes you think ascension is a viable hope? No one’s willing to give me a clear explanation…”
“……You made it this far without knowing?”
Brahma looked at me in disbelief.
“On the day of the [Prophecy], the King of All Knowledge is destined to descend upon Earth. And it’s said that this King will identify who can achieve ascension.”
“Of course, whoever is acknowledged as an ascendant will undoubtedly overcome the [Great Cycle] and become an Outer God.”
“……!!”
“Think about it. Regardless of who might be able to ascend… wouldn’t everyone strive to be at the front to raise their chances of being chosen?”
“So, that’s how it is….”
I felt as though I had just been struck in the head.
Up until now, I had always found it strange that so many powerful divine beings were crawling all over this cramped planet Earth; but now it made sense that, due to the descent of the Outer God Void Record, they were vying to be the next chosen ascendant! As Brahma had said, the chaotic fights among the gods on Earth were perfectly comprehendible now.
‘Hmm… but something still seems off…’
At that moment, I felt discomfort in Brahma’s earlier statement. While his explanation clarified the conduct of the ‘Old Rulers,’ it also felt like there were bizarre incidents from my past life experience that couldn’t be explained by just that. But for some reason, I couldn’t quite remember what exactly felt anywhere near odd.
As I pondered, Brahma said, “The reason I’m trying to move the Great Cycle is linked to that. I had a chance to eliminate the enemy’s leader right from the beginning of this war, but I’m considering giving it another shot. Otherwise, I’d rather not start a war at all.”
“That’s strange. Even though the war has already begun, wouldn’t it be enough if you all just left Earth? There wouldn’t be any reason for you to take such risks.”
“We have our ambitions, you know. There’s no way we can simply give up the chance to become Outer Gods.”
“……”
So that’s how it was….
As I began to understand Brahma’s plight to a degree, he looked at the brightly lit exit of the corridor and said, “We’ve arrived.”
Chirp chirp…
It was a beautifully vibrant and peaceful garden. This garden felt different from the White Lotus Garden where Dharma had been; it resembled a quaint yet lively valley, much like an ordinary human world. I recalled frequently encountering such scenery in renowned spots of the Central Plains, which filled me with fond memories of home.
‘What a wonderful view.’
I glanced around for a moment and noticed a substantial thatched house in the distance. I signaled to Brahma before walking towards the small house, and soon we arrived at its entrance, where I shouted.
“I, Baek Woong, challenge the Palace of Martial Gods!”
Creak….
Then the door of the thatched house slowly opened, and out stepped a slender woman dressed in white robes. She wasn’t even holding a sword, yet her attire resembled the garments from the Tang Dynasty. The unique aspect was that, despite her delicate appearance, her posture was exceptionally stable, giving no impression of weakness. Moreover, her beauty was such that it could leave anyone awestruck.
The woman in white slowly stepped forward out of the house, took a careful look at me, and finally spoke.
“You must be the one that Yeodong-bin mentioned.”
Ah, “the one”?
Feeling slightly baffled by being addressed like a child by the woman, I ended up more concerned about the mention of Yeodong-bin. So, I respectfully bowed and inquired again.
“I am Baek Woong. What is your relationship with the Sword Master Yeodong-bin?”
She responded in a calm voice, devoid of any rising emotions.
“I saved him a few times when he was just a novice.”
“……!!”
“After Yeodong-bin slew the Great Dragon, I sometimes spar with him at this White Lotus sanctuary.”
She has existed since Yeodong-bin was a novice?!
At that remark, I glanced at her body and spoke after a brief moment.
“You said you spar with him, but you don’t have a sword.”
“What can be seen is not the only sword.”
“What do you mean?”
When I focused on her words, despite trying to detect any intangible sword strength, I couldn’t see anything resembling a weapon or martial skill. It felt as though she entirely lacked even internal power.
“Are you still bound by concrete forms? Even after gaining many insights, your qualities are so poor that stepping into the realm of the heart remains a challenge…”
After muttering these unintelligible words, she pointed her hand at me and stated, “Since it seems you can use my sword techniques, let’s have a simple match.”
Feeling a prickly sensation all over my body, I suddenly felt goosebumps.
I couldn’t comprehend it, but every sensation in my body, along with the newly developed Qi Sense, was screaming a powerful warning. Normally, I would never have detected that single move, but in that instant, I was so compelled that instead of using the Sanbo Ultimate Technique, I resorted to the Soul Removal Technique and fled in any direction.
Piying – !!
Crash!
“Cough!”
In a split second, I evaded, flying dozens of miles away, but I realized my arm was pierced into a tree behind me. What had shot towards me like a wedge and forcibly lodged my arm into the tree was none other than a wooden stick.
A wooden stick…?!
Not a sword, but a stick?
However, the moment I looked at that stick, visions of a sword path surged in my mind, and I realized it was the single martial art that had so easily penetrated my defensive techniques despite my earlier attempt to counterattack the incoming attack: it was incredibly familiar, leading me to unwittingly exclaim the name of the technique with a trembling voice.
“The… Gongsun Sword Technique!!”
Whoosh!
Suddenly, the wooden stick that had pierced my arm was pulled back and flew into the hands of the woman in white as if attracted. Gazing at the blood-stained stick, she casually tossed it behind her before again pointing at me without any change in her unperturbed tone.
“Yeodong-bin had asked me to teach you the Mind-Control Sword Technique.”
“……”
“However, if your capabilities don’t measure up, this place will not be a dojo, but rather your grave.”
Though I detected no killing intent in her calm voice, a shiver ran down my spine.
That’s because I realized this opponent was a master beyond what Gonshin Jo Hwan-ryong could even compare!
Recognizing her identity, I trembled as I spoke.
“You… could it be… are you Gongsun Da-rang?”
The woman in white nodded slowly.
Gongsun Da-rang!!
One of the greatest sword deities of the Tang dynasty, who reportedly attained the realm of the Great Immortal by mastering Gongsun Swordplay to the level of a divine being—this legendary master was right before my eyes!
