전생검신 82권 17화

What kind of ability is that?!

I couldn’t help but be surprised by Fuxi’s words. I had seen countless supernatural abilities and powers during my rebirth, but I had never encountered such a unique one before. And it was specialized for escape rather than combat! I was momentarily baffled and turned to Fuxi.

“What exactly is this talent of chaos?”

“Hmm?”

“Both the girl and Yuso, and now Dongfang Sak… they have such incredible supernatural powers for humans. Powers so strong that even gods can’t handle them…”

“Is it strange that an ordinary human has such abilities? You’ve seen many ability users with chaos talent in the future world, haven’t you?”

I shook my head vigorously.

“None of them even come close to the chaos talent I’ve encountered in this era.”

I could say that with certainty. While the supernatural ability users in the Great Bear Empire were strong compared to regular humans, none could surpass the level of the Great Immortal. If counting combat strength mixed with artificial treasures, they might have managed to keep up, but in terms of raw ability, they weren’t that great.

I doubted whether even Qin Shi Huang, who resurrected with the body of the Portrait Immortal, could compare to the talent levels of the girl, Yuso, or Dongfang Sak. The Portrait Immortal, a fusion of formidable sorcery and supernatural abilities, was powerful, but their abilities alone weren’t threatening enough to challenge divine status.

If there were any chaos talents to compare with those of this era, it would only be Cheon Gong-pyo, the master of the Sabre Sword and one of the strongest in the Celestial Realm. However, even Cheon Gong-pyo had been sealed and forgotten by the world for quite some time, so he wasn’t exactly a visible existence.

Why were the ability users from tens of thousands of years ago during humanity’s infancy so incredibly powerful?

As I pondered this, Fuxi opened his mouth, gazing at me intently.

“Baek Woong. The chaos talent is proof that humans are special even in the entire universe. Didn’t you know that?”

“Really?”

“…No, you might not know. It’s possible that because you are a reborn person, you don’t.”

After some thought, Fuxi continued.

“The ones who created humans were the [Old Ruler]. It wasn’t those gods you refer to as the Three Sovereigns. The [Old Ruler] used genetic engineering and sorcery to create humans for their slaves, food, and lower warriors. Furthermore, they held great resentment against the Giant Race and deliberately engineered humans to resemble them to insult the Giant Race. Do you understand this much?”

“Yes. I know that.”

Humans resembling Giants isn’t coincidence.

The [Old Ruler] intentionally created them to insult the Giants.

“Truthfully, the Giant Emperor and divine being Shennong shouldn’t have come down to this insignificant corner of the universe. But due to this blatant insult, he personally came and attacked the Giant Warrior group, killing the king of the [Old Ruler] himself. Shennong’s coming to Earth feels more like an obligation rather than a revelation.”

“…”

Did something like that actually happen?

I was shocked at this unexpected secret when Fuxi continued.

“And after the fall of the [Old Ruler], we selected the scattered human races around the world as the ruling race of this land, liberating them from their bonds and modifying them. However, during this modification process, an unexpected event occurred.”

“An unexpected event? Let me guess…?”

“[Chaos talent]. For reasons unknown, humans awakened unexplored potential the moment they were modified and gradually began to manifest chaos talent. In other words, the chaos talent is not an ability bestowed upon humans by our gods, but a power they originally possessed.”

“…!!”

“Our ancient gods and the imperial faction were startled. This is because, traveling through the vastness of the universe for billions of years and witnessing billions of civilizations, we had never seen a case like this. Without a doubt, no civilization or race has ever operated and voluntarily awakened [chaos talent] like humans.”

The inherent capability of humans…!!

Fuxi’s eyes sharpened suddenly.

“Do you know why we call it chaos talent? It might be a power closer to the essence than divine power.”

“Pardon? What does that mean?”

“…Those who display chaos talent don’t use divine power, yet still can freely disrupt the laws of the world. They are more liberated from the law of cause and effect. And like fish swimming in chaos, we know what kind of meaning that holds.”

“What meaning?”

“…”

Fuxi fell silent. He gazed at me with a tranquil eye, yet I could feel no humanity in that gaze, making me shiver. It was literally the gaze of a [god], a piercing stare that penetrated the principles of law.

After a long while of looking at me, Fuxi spoke.

“Baek Woong. One thing I must tell you.”

With Fuxi’s continued words, I realized I had another issue I needed to ponder over.

“The meaning of being [the King of Humans] might be greater than you think.”

The King of Humans…

Could it mean something deeper than what my companions or enemies casually mentioned?

As I was lost in thought, Heuk Woong spoke.

[Forget about chaos talent. The important thing is how to tackle the task at hand, which is ‘capturing Dongfang Sak’. I have a plan for that.]

“What is it?”

[Have Fuxi summon Dongfang Sak again. Then my master can use the Technique of All Things to steal his absence and prevent him from escaping.]

“Whoa! So you want to challenge his chaos talent with the Technique of All Things?”

Fuxi found this intriguing. Heuk Woong turned to me and said.

[Master, I think this is a challenge worth trying. What do you say?]

“……”

The Technique of All Things, huh…

Heuk Woong’s proposal was undeniably appealing. In fact, it was something I should have thought of myself, though I regretted not doing so sooner. Considering the formidable might of the Technique of All Things, I believed we could have a decent chance against Dongfang Sak’s absence.

But after some consideration, I answered.

“No. I won’t use the Technique of All Things.”

[……!! Why not?]

Heuk Woong seemed shocked by my refusal, as if he hadn’t expected it. I calmly explained to the flustered Heuk Woong.

“I once suffered a severe setback using the Technique of All Things in the Training World. I vowed to myself not to rely solely on it. I don’t want to break that vow just yet.”

[Hmm… what happened that made you suffer so badly?]

“It’s just something that happened. Anyway, I don’t want to use the Technique of All Things.”

[I don’t understand. My master, it seems you are deliberately choosing a difficult path when you could take the easier one.]

“…I sometimes don’t get myself either.”

After wearing a wry smile, I spoke to Fuxi.

“But still, Fuxi, please summon Dongfang Sak again.”

“Hmm? Without the Technique of All Things, you don’t have any special way of catching Dongfang Sak, do you? What are you hoping to do?”

I answered calmly.

“Dialogue.”

“Whoa… that sounds interesting.”

Fuxi nodded and stretched out his hand.

[Dongfang Sak, I command you by my name to appear!]

Whoosh!

Once again, the blue-eyed and golden-haired Dongfang Sak was summoned into the hall. He grumbled, appearing irritated.

“Damn it! What are you up to this time?! Are you going to roast me like the last time with hidden weapons? Enough with this nonsense, you bunch of bastards!”

I glanced sideways at Heuk Woong, knowing he was the prime suspect.

Seemingly embarrassed, Heuk Woong muttered.

[I did think about killing him and sealing him up, so…].

I yelled at Dongfang Sak, who was about to bolt.

“Hey, Dongfang Sak!! I’m Baek Woong!”

Dongfang Sak shot me a glance, replying with a snarky tone.

“Oh, we meet again only to part ways, Baek Woong!”

Whoosh!

As Dongfang Sak vanished using his absence talent, I immediately ordered Fuxi to summon him again.

“Summon him once more.”

“Sure thing.”

Zing!

When Dongfang Sak was summoned again, he looked taken aback. I grinned and declared.

“You can’t end the conversation on your own, Dongfang Sak!”

Dongfang Sak shot me an angry glare.

“What’s your problem? Why do you keep calling me back?!”

“Listen up! For now, those here won’t attack or seal you.”

I hurriedly spoke, but Dongfang Sak sneered.

“Who do you think you are? A nobody like you calling to stop me? Think the likes of Fuxi would listen to you?”

“Who am I, huh…”

What should I say? I feel like just saying I’m a reborn person won’t really cut it.

How do I flaunt how amazing I am to keep him around?

‘With how much he looks down on the Three Sovereigns, saying I’m close to Fuxi might not budge him…’

Should I evoke a presence greater than the Three Sovereigns?

After a moment of thought, I declared.

“I, Baek Woong, have inflicted a strike on the Outer Gods!”

“…Uh? What did you say?”

“I swear it’s true by my name.”

Dongfang Sak looked at me with a confused expression, but the ones who reacted not just were Dongfang Sak but also the two nearby.

“…!!”

[…!!]

Fuxi and Heuk Woong stared at me with wide eyes. After all, I hadn’t told them about the story of me striking the Outer Gods with the desires of the Great Bear Empire.

Dongfang Sak, sensing the atmosphere around him, showed intrigue.

“Whoa, if what you say is true, you might be something special? I find the reactions of those two amusing.”

“Yeah, I’m a big deal, right? So please, listen to me.”

“Hmmm…”

Dongfang Sak crossed his arms and nodded.

“Alright. If you have anything to say, go ahead.”

“Thank you.”

I took a deep breath and declared to Dongfang Sak.

“Become my companion.”

“C… companion?”

He tilted his head, as if the concept was unfamiliar.

“I’ll be honest. I received a commission from the Wheel King to deliver you to the Underworld.”

Dongfang Sak chuckled.

“Ha, I knew it. I thought they’d be chasing me since I broke free from the Book of Life and Death, yet I haven’t been caught even once.”

I decided to offer Dongfang Sak an enticing proposal.

“If you become my companion, I might just apprehend you for now to take you to the Underworld, but I’ll ensure you are released immediately and unbound. I can promise that too by my name.”

“…”

“Isn’t it better for you to use me to negotiate rather than be chased by the Wheel King for thousands of years? It would be much more comfortable for you.”

“Hmmm.”

Dongfang Sak glanced at me suspiciously.

“Even if you are a big deal, you think you can negotiate with the Wheel King? The ruler of the Underworld is so powerful that even the kings of heaven and earth don’t dare to defy him.”

“I can do it. I’ve faced the Emperor, so why should I fear the Wheel King?”

At that, Dongfang Sak flinched.

“Eh?! You fought Emperor Gong Sun Xuanwen?! Are you human?!”

“Yeah. While I might not have the powers, I’ve won at swordplay against the Emperor.”

Dongfang Sak frowned as if looking at a fool.

“…Why would the king of kings, the god of gods, fight in a duel? Are you a fool?”

“…”

“Your boasting is a bit much.”

But I’m telling the truth…

Just as I was about to protest, Dongfang Sak crossed his arms and spoke.

“I acknowledge you might be impressive and your promises seem reliable, but that alone isn’t enough for me to trust you. If you want me to accept you as a companion and take me away to the Underworld, how about we make a wager?”

“What wager?”

Dongfang Sak smirked, continuing.

“I’m currently at the Memphis ruins on the southern continent of Earth. I’m searching for the ultimate treasure, the [Navel of the Sun God]. If you can find it before me, I’ll be your companion. Take me to the Underworld or wherever you like.”

“The Navel of the Sun God?”

“Yeah. Are you up for the challenge?”

“……”

Treasure hunting, huh?

I couldn’t help but feel exasperated and replied to Dongfang Sak.

“Is a treasure hunt really necessary? With Fuxi’s sorcery right here, we could find it instantly, think before you challenge me.”

“Kekeke. Give it a shot. I can bet because I can’t find it using my powers either.”

“What?!”

“Make your choice—accept or decline.”

What’s with this guy’s confidence?

Fuxi’s sorcery can find even a prophet’s hideout beyond the galaxy!

Confused, I eventually nodded.

“Alright. Let’s do it.”

“The bet is on. I’ll go on ahead to search; if you’re late, there won’t be any leftovers.”

Whoosh!

Once Dongfang Sak disappeared, I immediately approached Fuxi.

“Fuxi, please use the Galactic Overview to find the [Navel of the Sun God].”

The same sorcery that can uncover the lies of prophets beyond the galaxy!

With it, I’ve practically won the wager against Dongfang Sak!

“Understood.”

After a moment, Fuxi began to perform the sorcery, but soon let out a disheartened noise.

“Hmm… it won’t work. There’s a reason Dongfang Sak said he can’t find it using his powers.”

“Really?!”

He can’t find it with Fuxi’s sorcery?!

Fuxi continued.

“First, we need to go there to explain why we can’t find it.”

Whoosh!

In no time, we used Fuxi’s sorcery to transport ourselves and arrived at Maya on the southern continent. We found ourselves in a dense, primeval jungle, and before us was an unexpectedly gigantic object.

Kuuoo…

Upon seeing the massive floating structure, I was flabbergasted.

“W-Wait, a pyramid?!”

That triangular structure was something I learned about from Professor Sima Ling, referring to the future as a pyramid. I had thought they were mainly located in Egypt and the Middle East, so what was it doing in this primeval jungle of South America?

‘Isn’t it… bigger than Luoyang?!’

What stunned me wasn’t just the existence of the pyramid. It was the sheer size; it could fill half the horizon, nearly a massive city on its own, and it was floating in mid-air rather than resting on the ground.

Kuuoo…

Moreover, from the pinnacle of the pyramid, a strikingly colorful pillar stretched toward the heavens, resonating a strange and thunderous noise that echoed in all directions.

And it wasn’t just one or two, but hundreds of these pyramids floated in the sky. It felt like it filled the entire continent’s sky.

An unmistakable super-ancient surreal relic!

As I was gawking in disbelief, Heuk Woong exclaimed, seeming to admire it.

[This is one of the relics of the super-ancient civilization known as Memphis… equal to the fortress city Kalpa. Things like this probably won’t last a few thousand years. I wonder if Babylon has something similar, I’d love to see it.]

“No, well… it’s impressive but… are you saying this Memphis relic is grander than Fuxi’s sorcery? I find that hard to swallow.”

No matter how magnificent a super-ancient civilization or scienced sorcery, the sorcery of Fuxi, one of the oldest beings, surely outclassed it.

Glancing at Fuxi beside me, I saw him calmly gazing up at the pyramid.

“Those are the results of advanced sorcery and science combined. It’s undeniably a pinnacle hard to achieve through human skill. But Baek Woong, as you said, that alone wouldn’t help you hide from my sorcery, the Galactic Overview.”

“Then is there another reason?”

“Indeed. The pyramid is integrated with the [Old Ruler].”

“…?!”

“Each pyramid could be seen as a divine body. So even I can’t explore within them with just sorcery alone.”

W-What?

Are you saying the pyramid is almost like the divine body of the [Old Ruler]?!

Taken aback by this unexpected revelation, Heuk Woong crossed his arms and added.

[That’s hard to believe. Those divine beings who twist the universe would settle for merging with mere pyramids?]

“There’s no other choice.”

[Do you know something?]

Fuxi calmly replied.

“Memphis is a civilization chosen by the ancient god alliance. They came together from beyond the universe, eyeing the [revelation] led by Osiris. They avoided conflict and maintained a defensive stance, but I never expected they would establish a system to this degree.”

[A system, you say?]

“By conserving their strength, they entered a dormant state, merging with those pyramids to maximize defense. Thanks to their advanced technology, the pyramids can create barriers linked to their divine power. With dozens of rulers sealed and linked together, how could they not be powerful? If someone tries to forcibly breach that seal, Osiris’ divine council of rulers would awaken and combine their might against us.”

[So each pyramid is essentially a seal for an ancient god.]

“Something like that. I hadn’t been concerned about those opposing me, but I didn’t think they could strategize this way.”

I couldn’t help but be shocked by Fuxi’s explanation.

“So… does that mean there are dozens of ancient gods sleeping inside that thing?”

“Of course. You can’t breach that with mere sorcery.”

“What… then what was Dongfang Sak thinking, sneaking in there while ancient gods might awaken?”

“Such audacity! It’s like poking a sleeping lion’s whiskers.”

“…”

“After all, he ignores the Wheel King’s summons.”

Isn’t that ridiculous? If I continue exploring within the pyramids trying to find the [Navel of the Sun God], I might accidentally collide with the ancient gods or the ancient rulers residing in Memphis!

Realizing this was a more challenging wager than I anticipated, I momentarily zoned out, and Heuk Woong worriedly commented.

[Master, do you think this is wise? It might be better to simply summon Dongfang Sak and deal with him with the Technique of All Things…]

I shook my head.

“…No, I have to keep my promise. Besides, I have a gut feeling he’ll pull his weight if he becomes my companion.”

[That’s another one of your premonitions as a reborn? Oddly enough, I can’t comprehend that foreboding you have…].

As Heuk Woong marveled at me, he soon added.

[So, how do you suggest we check hundreds of pyramids one by one? That seems like quite a task.]

“Hmmm…”

How can I uncover the [Navel of the Sun God] among so many pyramids?

Then I suddenly had a brilliant idea.

“…I’ve got it.”

I looked up at the pyramid with a grin.

“There’s a great method I learned in the Training World!”

Snap!

The moment I finished speaking, I yanked my hair hard. Feeling the sensation of a handful of hair in my grip sent a chill down my spine, but I steeled myself and roared.

“Kyahhh!”

Snap, snap, snap!

In an instant, I pulled out a bunch of hair, and as I tore it out, I screamed in pain.

“Ugh!”

But hey, this much is bearable, right?

I blew at the clump of hair in my hand.

Mosu Bunshin (Hair Clone Technique)

Poof!

Moments later, dozens of ‘me’ appeared with a puff of smoke. These many duplicates looked at me in unison, and I pointed towards the pyramid, commanding them.

“Each of you enter a different pyramid!”

We’ll overwhelm and find the [Navel of the Sun God] with the number of my clones!