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“I found the words of the Mercenary King, Ajidahaka, quite peculiar.”

‘What’s going on? Didn’t he just say he had no such memories? So why does it seem like he does now?’

While I was tilting my head in confusion, Ajidahaka paused for a moment before speaking.

[… I can’t just ignore what you said. For now, I’ll acknowledge that you are Baek Woong.]

[See? Told you.]

[However, that’s unrelated to accepting the request. You are still incapable of defeating Gum Cheon-jae, the contractor of the Heavenly Mysterious Woman.]

[…….]

Having swiftly pinpointed the crux of the issue, I found myself at a loss for words. Honestly, I had come here urgently seeking a mercenary because that very problem remained unsolved. Just then, the Sword Demon beside me chimed in.

“If Gum Cheon-jae truly wanted to kill us, we’d have been dead long ago. The fact that he merely expelled us proves he’s actually quite rational.”

[Hmm…]

“We just wish to go meet Gum Cheon-jae and have another conversation. Hiring mercenaries was merely a means to fend off his subordinates who would no doubt try to stop us.”

[Didn’t you just refer to it as suppression earlier?]

“I was just saying that could be the worst-case scenario.”

[Oh…….]

In that moment, it felt like Ajidahaka’s aura had sharpened.

[You seem to think that if you are indeed Baek Woong, you might be able to suppress Gum Cheon-jae.]

“… I won’t deny it.”

[Interesting… Then I have a condition before I accept your request.]

“What is it?”

[There’s a rumor that you have gained special powers and knowledge as Baek Woong’s companions. I want you to let me gain such powers from Baek Woong as well.]

“……”

[If you can’t accept this condition, then this ends here.]

The Sword Demon glanced at me briefly. I thought for a moment about Ajidahaka’s request.

‘… He’s referring to the obsidian that my past companions received that rapidly strengthened them.’

If that’s the case, fulfilling Ajidahaka’s request would be simple. I could just transfer those memories to him using the obsidian. It would be kill two birds with one stone since I would gain a powerful ally who could use Divine Skills.

But as luck would have it, I couldn’t use the obsidian right now. Convincing a third party of my status as a reborn person with mere words would be nearly impossible, just like when I tried to persuade the Sword Demon and Zhuge Sa.

After a long pause, I nodded reluctantly.

[Alright. Just know it’ll take some time to do that, so please be patient.]

[Time? How long?]

[Until I regain my complete form in this world…]

[Hmm. As long as you can promise, it will suffice.]

[I promise.]

[The contract has been established.]

Finishing the conversation, the Mercenary King Ajidahaka smoothly got up from his seat and added.

[Come, I will introduce you to my two cherished disciples.]

[Who are they?]

[One is the most outstanding disciple in martial arts, and the other is proficient in sorcery.]

Boom –

As we took the elevator embedded with red gemstones to a higher floor, we entered a vast training ground where two figures were practicing something. The overwhelming aura of powerful energy emanating from them indicated they were no ordinary experts.

Ajidahaka looked at the two figures in the training ground and shouted,

[Duheiton! Gyuon!]

[Yes!]

[Master!]

Whap!

In an instant, the two beings flew towards Ajidahaka, both bowing in reverence. They were otherworldly beings. Duheiton was a rocky human composed entirely of stone, while Gyuon was a strange entity resembling swirling black gas, maintaining a human shape. The only commonality was that they both wore Daoist robes adorned with special patterns, unmistakable proof of their status as Ajidahaka’s disciples.

[From now on, your mission is to escort these humans to Gum Cheon-jae, the Master of the Castle.]

[……!!]

[Will you go?]

At those words, Duheiton and Gyuon exchanged glances, nodded deeply, and replied.

[Of course!]

[We accept your command.]

Ajidahaka seemed satisfied with their response and said to the Sword Demon,

[These two are my most cherished disciples. You should know one of them, right?]

The Sword Demon gave a slight nod.

“Duheiton’s martial arts were quite helpful during the Demon King subjugation.”

[Hehe. If Gyuon were to assist as well, I don’t think we’d fear any ordinary immortal.]

“Then let’s move quickly.”

Rumble…

We took the elevator again, heading back to ground level. However, instead of returning to the alley we entered, we found ourselves on the rooftop of a notably tall building. As Ajidahaka stepped onto the roof, he glanced at Gyuon beside him.

[Gyuon, can you infiltrate the inner city?]

[If it’s Master’s order, then of course.]

Flicker…

Gyuon, who seemed to be made of gas, momentarily undulated, and a powerful aura emanated from him. He extended a gas-like hand before him and declared,

[Will of the Nebula, pierce through all obstacles and carve out my path!]

Swish!

The next moment, a passageway shrouded in black gas appeared in the air, rapidly extending cylindrical into the depths of the inner city. Gyuon beckoned us to follow and entered the passageway first as we all stepped in.

Thud.

In no time, we stood inside Gum Cheon-jae’s inner city, a space warp technique that was all too familiar. Yu Jeong, who had been watching, was utterly stunned.

“I can’t believe it… There are numerous protective techniques from the Great Immortals in this inner city, and for one to easily infiltrate despite the Heavenly Mysterious Woman’s energy disrupting supernatural powers is astonishing!! Just who is that Gyuon?”

Seeing Yu Jeong bewildered, Ajidahaka appeared rather pleased, his expression gleaming.

[Gyuon is a genius recognized as the greatest sorcerer in the Narhalpa Star Realm. Furthermore, that child’s ability has blessed him by five divine beings.]

“……”

[Being one of the top sorcerers in the entire galaxy, do you really think breaking through the Great Immortal’s techniques would be difficult?]

As I listened to Ajidahaka’s boasts, Gyuon looked a bit shy.

[Master, I wish to be acknowledged for my martial arts now…]

[……]

Ajidahaka momentarily diverted his gaze, feeling a bit embarrassed. After all, Gyuon had reached the peak in sorcery but desired to pursue martial arts, so being acknowledged for sorcery instead wasn’t exactly gratifying.

I found myself somewhat dumbfounded.

[This is just ridiculous; with aliens involved, why do I suddenly feel out of my league…?!]

Now we’ve even got a gas-generating alien sorcerer from a far-off galaxy!

The Sword Demon couldn’t help but chuckle.

“When hasn’t that been the case? You’ve fought against the [Old Rulers] and now you’re surprised at this?”

[Well… Anyway, we need to head back to Gum Cheon-jae, but where do we go?]

“First, we must ascend. I know the direct passage to Gum Cheon-jae’s audience chamber.”

Boom!

About half a meal’s time passed as we headed upward. Just when we thought we were nearly there, someone suddenly blocked our path.

“Hmph… What nonsense are you all up to?”

[Miho!!]

Swish!

Miho appeared in her half-human, half-fox form. Everyone reflexively assumed a combat posture upon seeing Miho, as an unmistakable killing intent radiated from her. In stark contrast, her expression was calm, indicating she was controlling her emotions.

With piercing eyes, Miho glared at the Sword Demon and proclaimed,

“Gum Cheon-jae has ordered all intruders to be expelled. He mentioned sparing lives if possible, so if you leave now, I might let you live.”

“Miho, there’s something I was unable to say last time, but it seems unavoidable now.”

“What do you mean?”

The Sword Demon gestured towards me.

“Baek Woong has returned, using this iron body.”

“……?!”

Seeing Miho’s startled expression, I sensed the moment had come. Dropping my playful demeanor, I spoke to her quite seriously.

[Miho, it’s true. I am Baek Woong.]

Miho stared at me, her expression showing disbelief for a moment before she replied,

“… I think you’re just spouting nonsense, but let’s go with it for now. Then hand over the obsidian!”

[I’m sorry, but there’s a restriction on using the obsidian. But…]

“How can I trust you are Baek Woong if you can’t use the obsidian? Would you believe me in my shoes?”

[I can tell you memories from our time together.]

Miho scoffed.

“Hmph… How ridiculous. What’re the odds a vile person kidnapped the real Baek Woong and extracted that information only to implant it in this tin can? Would you believe it?”

[…….]

Ah, this won’t do.

It’s clear I can’t convince anyone I’m Baek Woong that easily…!!

Realizing this, I felt incredibly frustrated.

‘Damn it! Who knew not being able to use the obsidian would be this much of a hassle…’

Normally, I’d use secret information acquired through my reincarnations to convince them I’m a reborn person while gaining their trust at the same time. The problem was, Miho had already received the obsidian from me, meaning convincing her verbally would be practically useless!

‘… But fighting Miho is not an option.’

I was frustrated, but I knew throwing a tantrum wouldn’t help. Instead, I pondered about avoiding conflict with Miho and finally said.

[Miho, can you tell me why you are following Gum Cheon-jae right now? You could live freely without following him, so what’s keeping you here in Nanjing?]

“Hmph… Do you think I’d just freely share that with some unidentified tin can?”

[Just tell me!]

As I earnestly implored, Miho hesitated for a moment.

“……?!”

She appeared caught off guard, her expression reflecting something she sensed before shaking her head.

“… I am the Three Sovereigns.”

[Huh? The Three Sovereigns?]

“… Urrgh!!”

Miho stomped her foot, struggling to suppress her emotions. It looked more like a manifestation of her difficulty controlling herself rather than aggressive intent towards us.

“If you don’t want to step back, then fight my tail!!”

Out of nowhere, Miho shouted and vanished from sight.

Swish!!

In the next moment, from where Miho had stood, eight half-human, half-fox figures appeared, all identical in appearance to Miho.

‘They don’t look too intimidating to me.’

To me, the energy from those half-human, half-fox clones was weak compared to the fierce aura Miho had emanated earlier. However, seeing them caused Yu Jeong’s expression to darken.

“This… Miho split her soul to create clones with her tail. This is dangerous.”

“Clones from her tail? Wouldn’t that mean they’re weaker than Miho herself?”

“Not at all…”

At Yu Jeong’s words, everyone breathed in shock.

“Miho’s tail is far more powerful than many immortals.”

Boom!

In the next moment, the Miho tail clones charged at our group. The Sword Demon, Duheiton, and Ajidahaka each drew their weapons, unleashing their intents to battle while Yu Jeong and Gyuon seemed to be using defensive techniques. I was a bit slow to engage with the intensely unfolding battle and was struck by a clone’s body slam.

Smash!

[Kek.]

I was sent flying three meters back by the body slam of the tail clone and managed to land back on my feet, but I was momentarily startled by the force of Miho’s tail.

‘I had already enhanced this body using the power of the World Tree. It had strength that wouldn’t be harmed by any moderate qi…’

As I looked down at the dent imprinted on my chest, I ran out of words. I could gauge just how powerful that tail clone was.

Even one single clone would likely pose a challenge for any upper-tier immortal in the celestial realm!

‘Miho, you’ve really grown stronger.’

If the tail’s strength was this formidable, then Miho’s true form might already be on par with the [Ruler] status!

Bang bang bang!

Our group continued to clash fiercely against Miho’s eight tails. Fortunately, the skills of Ajidahaka, the Sword Demon, and Duheiton were significantly superior to those of the clones, so we could maintain the upper hand, but taking them down wouldn’t be easy. Yu Jeong and Gyuon used their exceptional sorcery to support us, while I infused my energy into melee combat to match Miho’s tail at least somewhat.

In the midst of the heated battle, I suddenly shouted in frustration.

[Damn it. What a waste of time! Is it really that hard to acknowledge that I am Baek Woong?!]

What on earth is happening here?!

Returning to the original world was fine and all, but why do I have to go through all this trouble just to gain my companions’ recognition?!!

As I voiced my grievances, an unexpected voice echoed from a previously empty place.

“Why do you think this is a waste of time? Proving that you are Baek Woong is a matter of utmost significance.”

Such a… familiar voice.

Suddenly, upon hearing the voice, the eight tails of Miho, which had been lunging at us fervently, came to a complete stop. It was the first time I’d seen those monstrous creatures freeze like that, despite absolute realm experts using their intents to slice through them. All eyes in the room turned towards the source of that voice.

[……!!]

And among those most surprised by the voice was probably me. I instinctively looked towards the source, and the figure that appeared wore the distinguished garb of an upper immortal, indicative of their status, as they gently fanned themselves with their fan.

“The memory transfer of the obsidian has been sealed… Unlike Miho, I understand such situations could occur. After all, the adventures of a reborn person are as unpredictable as they come, so it’s not unthinkable for there to be no cases at all.”

[…….]

“However, Miho’s observation holds water as well. Is it not like the ancient androids of the Great Bear Empire? How is it possible to ascertain whether you are truly Baek Woong or merely an android that thinks he is Baek Woong? That is a perilous matter that you yourself could easily fall into.”

Swish!

He snapped the Seven Fires, Seven Golds Line into his palm, declaring,

“You must prove yourself immediately. That you are indeed Baek Woong…”

[…….]

“That’s why I didn’t stop Miho.”

I stared blankly at the figure.

And after a while, still in disbelief, I spoke in a trembling voice.

[Mangnyang.]

 

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