전생검신 85권 16화

When Mangnyang showed up, I felt both ecstatic and a bit let down. I thought he’d recognize me as I am without a second thought, but now I had to go through this test—it was disappointing. But considering all the help Mangnyang had given me, I couldn’t really dislike him, so I quickly steadied my mind.

‘Right. I’d be suspicious too.’

Once I calmed my emotions a bit, I spoke to Mangnyang.

[Mangnyang, how can I prove to you that I’m really Baek Woong?]

His eyes brightened at my words.

“Are you asking me that?”

I replied calmly to Mangnyang’s question.

[Of course. You’ve stopped Miho’s clones with your techniques, and you came to talk to us. If your goal is to confirm my true identity, then you should just tell me how to prove it.]

“…….”

Mangnyang fell silent for a moment, then chuckled brightly.

“……Haha! If you’re really Baek Woong, then you must have gone through a lot during your time in the other world. Your words have a maturity that’s more pronounced than before.”

[What could I do in a state where I have no body? I don’t want to waste time like this, so let’s get to the point.]

“Hmm. To confirm your identity, it’s simple. You just have to prove something only you can do in front of us. You can’t rely on mere memory transfer to prove you’re Baek Woong.”

I tilted my head.

[Something only I can do?]

“Will you do it if I ask?”

[Of course.]

“Good.”

With my answer, Mangnyang grinned and said, “Can you use the Technique of All Things?”

I hesitated at the unexpected request.

[Um. Do I really have to?]

“According to Baek Woong’s memory, only the Divine Thief and Baek Woong himself can use the Technique of All Things. Just being able to use it would make most people acknowledge you as Baek Woong.”

[…….]

“Do you not want to use it, or can’t you? If you can’t, just say so. There are other ways to prove yourself.”

Feeling a bit bitter, I replied.

[I don’t want to use it. But if I have no choice…….]

I had sworn not to use the Technique of All Things if I could help it, but after returning to this world, I found myself having to use it like a lifeline to survive Mangnyang’s grip. Even though I didn’t show it on the surface, my taste was bitter then, and now I was in a situation where I’d have to prove myself to my comrades again.

‘Tch, it can’t be helped.’

I thought, striding forward to Mangnyang. As he stared at me, I cast the Technique of All Things right outside the hall.

Technique of All Things!

Swish

In that moment, Mangnyang’s Seven Fires, Seven Golds Line was in my hands. I took it smoothly, devoid of a trace, and thought to myself that I had done a remarkable job.

“……!!”

Mangnyang’s eyes widened as he realized his Seven Fires, Seven Golds Line had been taken.

“Indeed.”

[Oh.]

[Impressive…….]

It seemed not only Mangnyang was stunned by my Technique of All Things; even the Sword Demon and other comrades were in awe. They were astonished because they couldn’t see how I had stolen the items instantly the moment I cast the technique. Even if the Technique of All Things had a rapid nature, the act of stealing was something that couldn’t be perceived physically. In most cases, one wouldn’t know how my Technique of All Things played out unless it was against another user’s technique like in my duel with the Divine Thief.

[Here. Take it.]

I tossed the Seven Fires, Seven Golds Line to Mangnyang, who was bewildered but caught it again.

Mangnyang couldn’t hide his admiration as he spoke.

“Terrific. You managed to steal it effortlessly, ignoring several layers of defenses laid by the Great Immortal…… Well, you did succeed in using the Technique of All Things on Emperor Gong Sun Xuanwen, so this test does seem unnecessary.”

[…….]

“By the way, why are you so reluctant to use the Technique of All Things?”

I scratched my chin, feeling a bit bitter.

[After going to the other world, I once used the Technique of All Things against a truly great being and got utterly wrecked. I vowed to myself that I wouldn’t rely on it ever again. But I’ve broken that vow now, and I’m feeling disillusioned with myself.]

“…….”

Mangnyang looked as if he realized something and was struck with horror. A moment later, he spoke with a trembling voice.

“Y-you don’t mean the Divine Thief?”

[…….]

“Haha! Seriously…… if there’s one thing I’m dying to know right now, it’s your memories!”

Mangnyang then burst into a hearty laugh. He looked to the side, which was empty.

“Miho, wouldn’t you agree that at this point, he must be Baek Woong? Who else could steal the Technique of All Things while holding Baek Woong’s memories?”

Whoosh!

As soon as he finished speaking, Miho appeared, and her eight tails transformed into golden rays of light, absorbed by her. With a complex expression, Miho looked at me and said,

“Surely…… there’s no real point in doubting any longer.”

I responded enthusiastically to Miho’s words.

[Miho! Do you believe I’m Baek Woong?]

“……Why have you returned to this world in such a mechanical body? It’s too outlandish for me to easily accept you.”

[Let me explain. What happened was…….]

Just as I was about to explain, Mangnyang raised the Seven Fires, Seven Golds Line to interrupt me.

“Wait. We have an intruder…… Please close your mouth for a moment.”

Boom!!

In the next moment, no fewer than 16 Immortals and 32 Divine Generals emerged around us. The spiritual energy they emanated was extremely hostile, and it was clear they weren’t showing up for friendly purposes.

‘What are those Immortals doing?’

As I pondered, one of the Immortals spoke in a voice that carried deep authority.

[Divine Sky Master Mangnyang. You were dispatched to assist Miho in driving off the intruder, yet why have you hesitated to deal with them?]

At this, Mangnyang shrugged his shoulders and said, “You appear after observing quietly. Here I was, prioritizing whether or not this guy is really Baek Woong.”

[That is not the intent of Gum Cheon-jae.]

“An envoy of the Celestial Realm, having descended as a disciple of the Heavenly Mysterious Woman. I’m sorry, but I do not follow Gum Cheon-jae. Until now, I have merely cooperated with Nanjing for the sake of balance……”

[What?!]

The Immortal growled, clearly upset, but Mangnyang was unfazed and turned his gaze back to Miho.

“Miho, what’s your stance? Is it Gum Cheon-jae first or Baek Woong first?”

“Tch, such ridiculous talk.”

With a sneer, Miho puffed up her eight tails and spread them wide. At the same time, a brilliant golden light spilled from her eyes.

[Baek Woong first!!]

Bang!!

As sacred light spread out, countless Immortals and Divine Generals surrounding us were instantly swept away by a gust of wind. They seemed to struggle to keep their balance, clearly indicating that Miho far outweighed them in power.

[Ugh.]

[These wretches…….]

Swish

However, as they crumbled, even more Immortals and Divine Generals began to appear. The mercenary king Ajidahaka frowned at that sight.

[It looks like they mean business. All the Immortals from the Celestial Realm are gathering.]

“Ho ho, that’s saying something. After the collapse of the Celestial Realm, about 40% of the Immortals ended up here in Nanjing, and yet still, they dared to raid this top-notch fortress.”

Laughing as if it was amusing, Mangnyang swiftly unfolded his Seven Fires, Seven Golds Line.

“So let’s avoid direct confrontation.”

Whoosh

As Mangnyang’s words finished, an enormous wall of flames formed around our group. I felt nostalgia for having seen something similar in the past, but I quickly realized the sheer power was incomparable to before.

‘In an instant, the Immortals’ spiritual energy has been blocked off. This means that this flame barrier is even stronger than bringing together all the Immortals outside!’

With this level of technique, Mangnyang’s martial arts skills must be above the Eight Immortals, right?

Just as I was silently amazed, Mangnyang said, “Baek Woong. In truth, if we gave it our all, exterminating the Immortals outside wouldn’t be that tough. But is that your goal? To wipe out the Immortals of Nanjing?”

I shook my head at Mangnyang’s words.

[No. I’m simply here to meet Gum Cheon-jae and gain his cooperation.]

“What kind of cooperation?”

[Actually, I…….]

I didn’t have time to explain everything that had happened in the other realm, so I briefly described what had transpired since I started receiving Zhuge Sa’s assistance. Mangnyang listened attentively for a short while and then nodded.

“I see. Indeed, if you’re going to retrieve the Mirror of Clarity from the Underworld, Gum Cheon-jae’s assistance will be essential. After all, all paths to the Underworld have been blocked, and we’ll need his formidable power to forcibly twist open a route.”

[Correct. Once I reveal to Gum Cheon-jae that I am Baek Woong, he should be willing to cooperate.]

“But that won’t be the case.”

[Huh?]

What on Earth does that mean?

As confusion washed over me, Mangnyang gave a wry smile.

“Gum Cheon-jae won’t readily cooperate, even if he knows you’re Baek Woong. For some time now, he has developed a rebellious spirit and has grown to despise our past comrades, slacking off in all matters.”

[……Is that so? Then what should I do to gain Gum Cheon-jae’s cooperation?]

“…….”

Mangnyang stared intensely at me and then said, “Baek Woong. Just how much do you dislike Gum Cheon-jae?”

[I’ve always disliked him immensely…… To be honest, he’s one of my enemies, but because he’s so insignificant, I thought I might just bother him a bit this lifetime to settle my grudge.]

“But you don’t dislike him as much as you do the Emperor or Master of the Twelve Joules. Isn’t that right?”

[Well…… those guys I’d love to kill. The Village Chief isn’t quite at that level. More like an annoying friend from the neighborhood. I don’t even feel like killing him anymore.]

I’d rather dislike Lee Kwang a hundred times more…….

I swallowed that thought.

“Well then, that’s enough.”

Mangnyang smiled and said, “I’ll share a plan with you; use this strategy to persuade Gum Cheon-jae. Then you should be good.”

[What plan?]

“That’s…….”

I was stunned for a moment by the plan Mangnyang shared with me, and then I panicked.

[Uh…… this means…… so that’s why Gum Cheon-jae has been acting like this.]

“How about it? Will you give it a shot?”

[Got it. I’ll try.]

“Now I’ll dispel the techniques and open a route straight to Gum Cheon-jae. You’ll go alone to settle the matter, and after that, come to the shrine of Yeodong-bin.”

I expressed my concern to Mangnyang.

[That guy will surely try to expel me again.]

Mangnyang let out a chuckle and tapped my shoulder with the Seven Fires, Seven Golds Line.

“I’m the Direct Disciple of the Heavenly Mysterious Woman and hold the title of Archangel. Once I use my techniques, he won’t be able to do anything.”

Boom!!

Following Mangnyang’s words, I stepped through the dimensional passage he created, and as I emerged, the Peach Blossom Garden where Gum Cheon-jae had been was right in front of me. The smell of meat that had filled the garden was gone, and all the beautiful faces that had adorned it had vanished, replaced only by warm sunlight and a fresh peach scent.

Pitter-patter……

Pitter-patter……

I walked slowly toward the inner part of the Peach Blossom Garden. There, I saw Gum Cheon-jae lounging in a large chair with a drunken look and a wine bottle in hand, glaring at me.

“You’re back again, you tin can.”

[Village Chief, I told you I am Baek Woong.]

“Ugh…… hearing that nonsense is getting tiresome. Get lost.”

Whoosh

Gum Cheon-jae waved his hand. Normally, I would have been swiftly teleported away by the immense power of the Heavenly Mysterious Woman.

…….

But Gum Cheon-jae’s power didn’t take effect at all. When he realized his abilities didn’t work, he looked a bit bewildered and adjusted himself in his seat.

“What?! Why isn’t it working?”

Tsutsutsu

I could see ancient hieroglyphs glowing on the front of my body.

‘Corpse Dissolution Technique!’

It was definitely the protective technique Mangnyang had cast on me just moments ago! No matter how divine of a contractor Gum Cheon-jae is, he couldn’t disregard the technique set by Mangnyang, the master of the Corpse Dissolution Technique. Moreover, since it was a similar attribute, nullifying it was even easier.

Now I was confident that Gum Cheon-jae couldn’t expel me, so I spoke up.

[Village Chief…… I didn’t want Gum Man-jae to die.]

In that moment, Gum Cheon-jae’s face turned pale as a sheet. After a moment, he trembled and erupted in anger.

“How dare you mention my son!!”

Boom!

At that moment, the entire Peach Blossom Garden was ripped apart. Truly, the dimension was torn apart by Gum Cheon-jae’s command, plunging time and space into chaos. Such actions were beyond the capabilities of a regular Demon King, and I realized what it meant for Gum Cheon-jae to wield the power of the Heavenly Mysterious Woman.

‘Damn it…… he’s just like the Old Ruler…….’

In the midst of the chaos, I steadied my body using my magical power and stared directly at Gum Cheon-jae as I spoke.

[Your son, Gum Man-jae, is dead because of me. Isn’t that right?]

“……!!”

Gum Cheon-jae’s face was flushed red. Even though it was filled with the markings of aging, I could sense the despair of unpleasant memories surfacing within him.

Indeed.

Gum Cheon-jae’s son, Gum Man-jae—the one who tormented me during my childhood—was dead.

During the twenty years I was away!

I took another step closer to Gum Cheon-jae and spoke.

[I haven’t heard the details from Mangnyang. But I hear he fought for justice and lost his life.]

“…….”

[I understand you hold me and my comrades responsible for his death. Is it because you believe we let Gum Man-jae die?]

After a brief silence, Gum Cheon-jae replied with a cold, yet murderous tone.

“You’re speaking as if you’re really Baek Woong, you tin can. But whether you are Baek Woong or not, I cannot forgive you.”

[Why not?]

“Even if you are the real Baek Woong, what does that matter? Just knowing that won’t bring back my son. You’ve come here to take my position and power, haven’t you? That’s even more reason for me not to allow it!”

Koooh

Multiple swirling Tai Chi symbols formed around Gum Cheon-jae. I sensed an immense power emanating from them and involuntarily let out a low whistle.

‘Those might look like Tai Chi, but they are actually highly condensed Divine Power! This jerk doesn’t know how to use any techniques, so he’s just recklessly wielding the power of the Heavenly Mysterious Woman.’

But perhaps that simple attack might be scarier than even the real Corpse Dissolution Technique. Because it was so straightforward, it was a mass of power capable of penetrating through any form of martial arts resistance. At least in my current iron-like body, there was no way I could withstand that attack.

Just as Gum Cheon-jae was about to unleash his attack, I suddenly interrupted.

[Could I resurrect him?]

Pause!

In that instant, Gum Cheon-jae’s expression sharply shifted to confusion.

“What…… what did you say?”

[I haven’t fully explained my reason for coming here. I’m here because I need your assistance in finding the Mirror of Clarity in the Underworld.]

“…….”

[As you know, if we can go to the Underworld, we can also locate and revive your son, Gum Man-jae.]

“Wh-what do you mean……?”

[What do you mean what? If you help me, Gum Man-jae can come back to life!]

“……!!”

Gum Cheon-jae became visibly flustered. Perhaps as a result, the Tai Chi he summoned was losing its color. It was obvious that his will to attack was tied to his readiness to carry on. I noticed that Gum Cheon-jae had no real combat experience, so I relaxed further.

[Gum Cheon-jae. Did I not cause you a lot of trouble in this lifetime? But you must also acknowledge that you were due for some karma for your actions, right? As I hold no major grudge against you, understand that I have no intent to take your position or cause you harm.]

“…….”

After a while in silence, Gum Cheon-jae finally managed to murmur.

“Really…… is it you, Cow Dung…… I mean Baek Woong?”

[Yes, Village Chief.]

At that moment, I exchanged glances with Gum Cheon-jae.

In that gaze, I felt a mixture of emotions.

After all this, the Village Chief is the one I always run into first every time I reincarnate, even before Mangnyang.

“……Heh.”

Gum Cheon-jae suddenly looked old, laughing hollowly.

“You should have come a little earlier…… Khuh.”

I scratched my head.

[I’m sorry. But the fact that I showed up counts, right?]

“Phew…… I don’t even know what to do now.”

Surprisingly, Gum Cheon-jae said after a brief moment.

“Shennong said he would resurrect my son, but who should I trust more, you or Shennong?”