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“I felt confused by Cheongyang’s words. And I couldn’t help but feel a bit regretful.”

‘Damn… Should I not have pushed myself in the duel against Yu Mang?’

But back then, I was confident in my choice. Now, realizing that regretting it further was pointless, I pressed my forehead and said, “Cheongyang. So, is Shennong currently at war with the Emperor?”

“No.”

“Hmm… That’s a relief.”

Really, it was. If a showdown had occurred between the Emperor and Shennong, I would have been completely helpless. Breathing a sigh of relief, I continued, “Alright. It doesn’t matter what verdict the underworld gives you. I’ll bring you back right away.”

I reached out to operate the wheel of rebirth, intending to utilize the power of the Wheel King and resurrect Cheongyang.

Swish.

“Please wait.”

Just as I was about to resurrect Cheongyang, he stopped me.

“Huh?”

As I looked at him, Cheongyang had a deeply melancholic expression on his face. He bowed to me and said, “I don’t want to be resurrected. Just let me go to the better afterlife!”

“…?! W-What?”

Slightly taken aback, I thought he was joking, but his earnest gaze left me speechless. “Cheongyang, why don’t you want to be resurrected? Please tell me the reason.”

“I’ve worked tirelessly and dedicated myself to training to become stronger in this human body. I believed that if I persevered in this harsh world, I would one day find my own path. But when faced with the high-ranking demon that invaded Takrok Village, I couldn’t even withstand three moves and died instantly.”

“…”

Cheongyang’s skills were above those of a celestial being based on my future standards, so that demon must have been incredibly powerful.

“I felt the absolute limitations that one cannot surpass in a human body at that moment. I no longer want to suffer through the painful trials of life; I just want to rest without the threat of survival.”

“No, that’s…”

I almost asked Cheongyang why he was giving up so easily. But at that moment, I found myself at a loss for words.

The absolute limits of humans against deities.

Wasn’t that something I had experienced countless times and despaired over? While I had the opportunity to transcend those limits using my rebirth ability, for those without such power, facing countless deities in heaven and earth was nothing short of despair. Knowing this, I couldn’t tell Cheongyang to strive to overcome those limits.

Suddenly, I glanced at the King of Hell, who was silently observing. He met my gaze, smiled lightly, and said, “Whatever choice you make, I respect it. Feel free to proceed.”

I muttered somewhat gruffly, “…I knew it would come to this from the start.”

“Lord Baek Woong. The afterlife is not a system meant to belittle souls. Rather, it is a paradise created to protect poor souls from the evil gods’ grasp and relieve them from suffering.”

The King of Hell’s gaze flickered to Cheongyang for a moment.

“Not just for him. Countless mortals living in this era prefer to accept the afterlife instead of being resurrected. They know that if they cross paths with the evil gods in this chaotic time, they would endure even worse suffering than the hells of the underworld.”

“…”

“Death is also an act of kindness. To convince Cheongyang why he should continue to live, you must guarantee a better outcome than that kindness.”

Death as kindness…

Having experienced so many deaths, those words were hard to resonate with for me. Yet, I also understood the desire to seek comfort after having died once, leaving me unable to respond readily.

‘…Isn’t that opposite?’

Why am I so hell-bent on pursuing life and seeking a conclusion?

Shouldn’t I be the one striving to find comfort more than anyone else?

After a brief inner turmoil, I finally spoke to Cheongyang. “Cheongyang. If you’re resurrected, your friends will be thrilled. Isn’t that enough of a reason to live?”

“Human deaths are ultimately forgotten. If I am resurrected this time, I’ll only have to keep coming back, which is more of a burden. What sense does it make to say I could be brought back once and then not again?”

“Hmm.”

“Also, while I was lucky this time and didn’t suffer long before dying, I cannot imagine how horrific the pain would be if I encountered demons or divine beings. I’d rather die peacefully this time and finish my story.”

“…”

He’s right. Every single word Cheongyang spoke was something I had often thought about, making it hard for me to counter. The real agony lay not in death itself but in the pain accompanying it; it’s human instinct to prepare every possible means to escape that pain. Cheongyang’s choice of death over life was entirely rational, leaving me speechless.

So should I convince him that life is beautiful?

No, I don’t even believe life is beautiful; how can I persuade Cheongyang in that state?

After mulling it over for some time, I eventually said, “Cheongyang. I’m sorry for causing trouble by suddenly dying and inconveniencing you. I plan to leave this realm soon and rejoin Takrok Village.”

“…”

“Would you give me a chance to make up for my mistake? If you choose resurrection, I’ll do everything in my power to help you become stronger. You’re a crucial talent for Takrok Village.”

This was no empty promise. Cheongyang’s innate skills were exceptional; if he had just a bit more training time, he would certainly contribute greatly to opening up a future for humanity. As long as he avoided direct confrontation with powerful gods or demons, Cheongyang could become a formidable force, which made it hard for me to let go of his resurrection.

“What I felt was a gap that could never be filled by that kind of training. No matter how you persuade me, my mind won’t change.”

“Ugh… Is there truly no way? My heart feels uncomfortable.”

As I earnestly spoke, Cheongyang stood there thinking deeply, then suddenly opened his mouth. “…But if you are saying it so adamantly, please help me become a god.”

I blinked in surprise at his unexpected statement.

“A god?”

“Yes. If I become a god, I would no longer suffer from the pain of human weaknesses. Lord Baek Woong can surely help me with this.”

“…”

Help him become a god?

I had grown accustomed to being considered a god myself, but the thought of turning someone else into a god had never crossed my mind, leaving me utterly flabbergasted. I had seen many people I met during my past lives trying to become gods, but this was the first time someone directly asked me.

I turned to Heuk Woong, who was standing behind me. “Heuk Woong. Can I make Cheongyang a god?”

Heuk Woong replied to my question. “If it’s your power, it’s possible and even surplus. That Cheongyang possesses latent talents in his blood, so you could easily elevate him to the rank of a lower god without expending much effort.”

“Oh?! Really?! ”

Heuk Woong’s gaze sharpened momentarily. “But you must think carefully, Master. Chi You has also approached the ranks of higher gods, and while he could elevate his subordinates’ rank, consider why he didn’t do so deliberately… Why many divine beings across the universe refrain from haphazardly elevating their subordinates.”

“…”

“I wouldn’t recommend it. However, it’s not something to be utterly opposed to, so I leave it to your choice.”

Contemplating Heuk Woong’s words, I finally said, “Alright. Cheongyang, I’ll bring you back to life. And when you’re resurrected, I’ll do my utmost to help you become a god!”

To my statement, Cheongyang widened his eyes in astonishment, seemingly unable to believe it. “R-Really? I didn’t expect this at all…”

“Heuk Woong is saying it, so it’s legit! Think of it as me taking responsibility for my mistake.”

“I’m… going to become a god…”

Cheongyang started muttering in a daze, losing his sense of reality.

“Yes. I will help you.”

Boom!

As soon as I finished speaking, Cheongyang knelt down and bowed deeply, unable to contain his joy as he exclaimed, “Thank you! Thank you! Really, thank you…!!”

“…?!”

“I will never forget this grace!!”

Why is he reacting so intensely? Is this really such a big deal?

I didn’t understand, but seeing things go well, I positioned Cheongyang in front of the wheel of rebirth. I then swiftly spun the wheel and reached out towards Cheongyang’s soul.

Fwoosh!

Cheongyang’s soul suddenly transformed into a bluish hue like a goblin fire and began swirling into the revolving wheel. Within the spinning wheel, I sensed I could manipulate the outcome at will and hastily selected one from the Six Realms.

The human realm!

Swoosh—

Moments later, a pillar of light shot up from the wheel, and I could see Cheongyang’s soul heading towards the human realm. Choosing the plate of the human realm allowed me to either reincarnate or directly resurrect the soul, depending on my will. I planned for Cheongyang to come back with his original human body intact; he would likely return to Takrok Village in good shape.

Observing this, the King of Hell remarked with a hint of surprise, “Was he really such a worthy recipient?”

“What do you mean?”

“Allow me to offer you a piece of advice.”

The King of Hell continued, wearing a peculiar expression, “The entities of the underworld gradually elevate from lower ones to higher ones through extensive training and strict evaluation. They rise in position, becoming various ranks like jade soldiers, training officers, spirit soldiers, and eventually reaching judges or generals of the underworld. It’s not that the Wheel King or I cannot instantly elevate them to divine status.”

“Then?”

“Suddenly becoming an entity of high rank might… not be good for either party. Keep that in mind.”

“…”

“Now, I’ll bring in the next soul.”

Wooosh!

Shortly after, another soul appeared before me. I couldn’t help but be surprised once more. “Princess Yonggil?!”

The ancient Great Immortal, known as a noble among the Celestial Realm, who existed since its foundation! Legendary for becoming the Blood Pillar and being sealed with Taoist Master of Moral and Nan Gu Xianong, I had never expected to encounter Princess Yonggil in the underworld, leaving me momentarily dazed.

‘So Princess Yonggil is over tens of thousands of years old…’

Princess Yonggil was the very embodiment of celestial beauty draped in winged attire. Surrounded by the three treasures representing her power—the Azure Dragon, Red Dragon, and Yellow Dragon—her eyes shimmered with brilliance as she spoke, “Truly, you are the remarkable being that Fuxi mentioned. You recognized my identity at a glance. And I wonder why you resemble Fuxi in human form so perfectly…”

“…”

“As you might have guessed, I’m not dead. I’ve come as a heavenly messenger to convey Fuxi’s words.”

“To me?”

Upon my inquiry, Princess Yonggil nodded.

“Lord Fuxi is not pleased with your confinement in the underworld. He wished to know if I could assist you in escaping from it.”

“…”

I cast a sidelong glance at the King of Hell. No matter how much Princess Yonggil was a heavenly messenger and envoy of Fuxi, it didn’t seem wise to make such bold remarks in front of the second-in-command of the underworld. Yet the King of Hell showed no sign of emotional disturbance, and I realized that the underworld was also watching to see how I would choose.

I addressed Princess Yonggil, “I’m curious, how does Fuxi plan to deal with the inevitable clash between Shennong and the Emperor?”

Princess Yonggil chuckled softly, “That isn’t something I can disclose here. Furthermore, I cannot speculate recklessly about my master’s intentions.”

“Then doesn’t extracting me from the underworld contradict the Wheel King’s will? What’s your plan?”

“I will share that information if you agree to my proposal.”

“Hmm.”

Although Fuxi is formidable, could it really be that bold to openly declare an intention to extract me from the Wheel King’s domain?

Unsure of Fuxi’s true intentions, I found myself lost in thought.

‘Certainly, escaping the underworld as Fuxi suggests might be the easiest path…’

But I also felt that after completing the tasks, including the wheel of rebirth, the Wheel King might allow me to leave. I was conflicted about whether to accept Fuxi’s proposal to escape immediately or to observe the situation for the time being.

Then it happened.

CRACK!

Suddenly, a gigantic bolt of dark lightning struck, and I felt an overwhelming presence descending into the hall. The being that formed in the space between Princess Yonggil and the King of Hell gradually took shape, transforming into a divine figure clad in official robes.

The King of Hell whispered ominously, “…Could it be that the Emperor has come?”

The divine figure turned its gaze toward me and spoke.

[Are you Baek Woong?]

Having seen that divine figure countless times, I recognized its identity. However, I maintained a calm demeanor and responded, “Yes, who might you be?”

[…]

After a brief pause, dark light emanated from the divine figure’s eyes, and a resonant voice boomed across the hall.

[I am Jeon Wook! I have come into your presence at the command of the Emperor to invite you to a banquet.]

 

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