전생검신 86권 12화

The Portrait Immortal is already an incredibly powerful entity by itself. Just the base ability alone is strong enough that in a lightly awakened state, it could easily take down Zhuge Bu without a second thought. Plus, it can enhance its body as much as it likes. Depending on the materials used, the potential could vary widely. If Zhuge Yulong is to be believed, I can hardly imagine how strong it could become.

“I hypothesize that if we grant the Portrait Immortal high-level psychic abilities, it will advance to a new stage. To prove this, we have collaborated over the years, repeatedly endowing the Portrait Immortal with [Chaos Talent].”

I flinched at the mention of such a familiar term.

[Chaos Talent?]

“Right. When you think about it, the abilities of the Portrait Immortal are not that different from Chaos Talent. The Portrait Immortal is more similar to a human who awakened their talents in the primordial era, rather than a pure human. And I thought that by repeatedly granting the Chaos Talent, the nature of Chaos would activate the latent mental strength of the Portrait Immortal.”

[Hmm…….]

“And recently, we’ve had results.”

Zhuge Yulong slowly reached out toward the hovering Portrait Immortal.

“I’m going to infuse it with the power of Tydaht. Look here.”

The Portrait Immortal was a beautifully androgynous young boy with hair that was completely white, reminiscent of Jin from the past, though they looked quite different.

Kugugugu!!

Moments later, immense martial energy flowed from Zhuge Yulong’s fingertips and into the Portrait Immortal. The Portrait Immortal, who had been with its eyes closed, shuddered and emitted an overwhelming aura of vitality moments later.

Pazijik!!

What was emanating from the Portrait Immortal was a yellowish energy. This energy absorbed Zhuge Yulong’s power of Tydaht in an instant and magnified several times, wrapping around the Portrait Immortal as if to protect it. Zhuge Yulong grinned at the sight.

“Did you see? It responded to the energy of Tydaht, manifesting the earth’s essence into gold (土生金).”

[So what?]

“The Portrait Immortal can automatically cast the ability of the Primordial Spirit’s five transformations, which the Master of the White Lotus Sect could use, without even being aware of it. It can even use multiple at once. This being has already surpassed the Great Immortal in its elemental techniques.”

[……!!]

“Every time we granted it the Chaos Talent, it absorbed that talent for a moment, then suddenly dissipated it. It’s not that the talent is actually gone; it’s been engraved within its soul. As Chaos Talent strengthens the inner mental realm of the Portrait Immortal, it becomes vastly more powerful. It is indeed true that if its mind develops, it can break the limits of the Portrait Immortal.”

If that’s true, does that mean it’s already holding dozens of [Chaos Talents] within?

I gazed carefully at the Portrait Immortal, and even the potential I sensed right now was immense.

‘The arm of Oreycalcos is tingling…….’

That means there’s a powerful strength hidden within. If the vast magical power of the World Tree is reacting, I can well imagine the quality of that power. Realizing that once completed, it would become an incredible monster, I asked Zhuge Yulong.

[So why did you create this thing? What were you hoping to achieve by making the Ultimate Portrait Immortal?]

“It’s obvious. We’ll use it to confront strong enemies as a combat agent, and in the future, when its rank is elevated further, it could be offered as the ultimate sacrifice that even the God of All would drool over.”

[…….]

“The creation of this being involved none other than Saint Germain. His alchemy is certainly excellent and has been a great help.”

[Saint Germain, huh……]

“Also, within this Portrait Immortal, there are special materials included. Thus, this being will be much stronger than whatever the strongest Portrait Immortal you saw, Jin.”

[Special materials?]

“That is…….”

Zhuge Yulong spoke in a calm yet firm tone.

“It’s none other than the core of the Advanced Ship.”

[……?!]

What?!

I couldn’t help but be shocked.

[……Isn’t that a bit of a waste? Putting something so precious into just one Portrait Immortal…….]

The core of the Advanced Ship!

When Lee Hwan-woong transcended the outer universe, this ship was undoubtedly a culmination of futuristic science and technology from an era close to the end times. It possessed immense power that could freely lift vast steel masses into the sky and utilized unique abilities exclusive to the ship itself. Its value was immeasurable, and yet they were putting the core into a single Portrait Immortal!

“It was just wreckage left over from an explosion. We decided to salvage the core and invest it into new technology.”

[You’re insane…… but it’s impressive too.]

I felt I had made the right choice in gathering my former companions. Without even trying, they had created something amazing and brought it to me.

The greatest masterpiece created by the best sorcerers and alchemists among my former comrades!

Seeing that masterpiece in front of me sparked a fascinating thought.

Zhuge Yulong continued.

“And what we obtained from the wreckage of the Advanced Ship wasn’t just the core. Saint Germain managed to use the analysis of the core to successfully create low-level phlogiston through magical engineering.”

[……?]

Phlogiston? That rings a bell……

When it suddenly popped into my head, I tilted my head in confusion, but after a moment, I remembered and said.

[…… That, isn’t that the ‘treasure that nullifies the law of cause and effect’ held by the Eight Parts of the Divine? I think I saw it last when I was at the Life Sea.]

“Correct. The real phlogiston was shot off into the outer universe along with the Eight Parts of the Divine, but the alchemist Saint Germain, being a master of alchemy, drew inspiration from the excellent core of the Advanced Ship to create a new spirit core equivalent to phlogiston using the Crystal Stele and treasures.”

[…….]

“Low-level phlogiston is currently being mass-produced as artificial treasures and applied in various places. It has become an essential source of power for humanity now.”

Can that really happen?

I was in daze, realizing that Saint Germain was indeed a genius of the ages. Phlogiston is a top-level treasure that even the Eight Parts of the Divine would use as a secret weapon, and the fact that he could create something comparable only proves that Saint Germain’s genius is beyond human.

Zhuge Yulong hesitated for a moment, then spoke.

“Oh, and…… if you really are Baek Woong, there’s something else I want to tell you about the Advanced Ship. It’s a secret that cannot be casually disclosed to others……”

Curiosity piqued, I responded.

[What is it?]

“The Advanced Ship is a manifestation of future science and technology that came into being when the being known as Lee Hwan-woong appeared from another world. However, if you are Baek Woong, you would know that there’s actually another one like the Advanced Ship in this world. Do you know of it?”

It felt like he was testing me. Zhuge Yulong seemed to want to verify that I was indeed Baek Woong. I understood that and calmly replied.

[You mean the Ark? The vessel called Yi Seong-gye that was located thirty miles away from the Shaolin Temple?]

“Exactly. You certainly know your stuff.”

The Ark, Yi Seong-gye!

I couldn’t possibly forget that vessel, as I had made excellent use of it after discovering it. When I first saw Lee Hwan-woong’s Advanced Ship, I immediately compared it to the Ark Yi Seong-gye, and I had suspected that both were created from technology of the same era.

[Why bring up the Ark? You’re not telling me you put the core of the Ark into this Portrait Immortal, are you?]

Even then, that would be quite inefficient…….

Worried, I questioned, and Zhuge Yulong shook his head.

“I didn’t mention the Ark for that reason.”

[Then?]

“……The Ark had a sealing room, as you know. In that sealing room, something ‘unknown’ was sealed, continuously frozen to maintain the seal.”

[…….]

At his words, I was taken aback.

“The seal of that room attempted to break free at some point. We rushed to close it, but…”

[…… What?!]

Thinking of the sealing room in the Ark, I couldn’t help but be aghast. In that room, something unknown was sealed, and I had to consume energy constantly to keep it closed. While I didn’t know exactly what was inside, I was well aware it was very dangerous.

Yet, I was even more shocked by what he continued to say.

“At that very moment, the balance of heaven and earth collapsed, and the divine beings of Chaos emerged in droves near the Ark. Their mere presence disrupted the balance of power in the heavens and the earth. Even the Heavenly Mysterious Woman of Nine Heavens maintained a heightened state of vigilance day and night.”

[……!!]

“Baek Woong, do you have any idea what lies sealed within the Ark? No one knows its true nature, but…… one thing’s for certain: if that existence were to be released, the human race would be utterly powerless against it. We would have no choice but to leave everything to Jin So-cheong……”

[…….]

I fell silent before replying.

[I don’t really know what it is. But I intend to find out soon enough.]

I was the only one who could uncover it. No matter how strong it might be, I could at least see its face if I was ready to risk my life, and I alone could bear that risk.

‘Something feels off…….’

A gut feeling warns me.

I suspect the moment I contact the sealed entity in the Ark, I will face a tremendous turning point in my fate.

Just then, while I was conversing with Zhuge Yulong, a voice broke in.

“What kind of fascinating conversation are you having?”

Sararak

With a voice as clear as a rolling jade, a heavenly beauty dressed in elegant feathered attire appeared in the hall. As Zhuge Yulong and I shifted our gazes toward her, the celestial maiden smiled and said,

“If you’ve come, you could at least call for me. It’s disappointing that you’re just talking amongst yourselves.”

Who is she?

She seems to be a being of the Celestial Realm……?

I was puzzled, and while I was in thought, Zhuge Yulong coldly replied.

“Your assigned task was simply to repel the invaders. How dare you interrupt our conversation?”

His voice was icy and lethal, a complete contrast to how he spoke with me! The beautiful celestial maiden flinched slightly, then replied,

“Isn’t it you, Zhuge Yulong, who is overstepping? You are but a mere human. Are you not afraid of the disaster that will befall you when my task is complete?”

Though she feigned politeness, the summary of her words was a threat, hinting at ‘can you handle the consequences?’ Zuyge Yulong chuckled lightly.

“What do you think of the words of that Moon Palace Vessel?”

[…… Hang-a?]

“Correct.”

I tilted my head at Zhuge Yulong’s words.

[I killed that thing, didn’t I?]

“The soul of a demon that wandered the Great Thunder Valley was resurrected as the Moon Palace Vessel when Tsukuyomi’s [night] reversed the curse. I attempted to kill the revived Hang-a once more at the Great Thunder Valley, but Xiang Yu requested, and so I reluctantly brought it here, concealing it in Jeogok’s eyes in exchange for guarding this place.”

[Oh…… Something like that could happen.]

While I mused in wonder, the Moon Palace Vessel suddenly appeared shocked.

“B-Baek Woong? No way……”

Seeing the Moon Palace Vessel’s surprise, I thought it made sense. Right after I started my 30th life, I had rushed over and killed the Moon Palace Vessel in one go at the Great Thunder Valley. But now, my appearance and that of the Moon Palace Vessel are completely different, leading to her confusion.

I smiled and said.

[Hang-a. We’ve both changed completely. But my fist that can kill you remains intact; can you stay quiet?]

Flexing my iron fist as a threat made it seem like she was trembling. With a mix of anger and fear, the Moon Palace Vessel gritted her teeth.

“W-What grudge do you hold against me to kill me like this!!”

[The grudge from my past life runs deep.]

“Past life?! That’s nonsense……”

[It’s true. Just how deep that grudge runs, I’d need to kill you at least ten times to feel satisfied.]

Thinking about the suffering Hang-a caused me in my 28th life still grates on my nerves. If it weren’t for the fact that I had endured much more suffering in my 30th life, I’d have rushed out to kill her right then. I quickly suppressed the boiling anger inside me and said,

[I’ve heard that thanks to dying by my hand, you were reborn as a celestial maiden. Sounds like you benefitted from it. So now you’d best keep quiet and guard your home properly.]

“Y-You brat……!!”

As Hang-a trembled in rage, she suddenly raised her hand, forming a powerful seal, looking ready to attack me, but Zhuge Yulong frowned.

“Are you going to blatantly ignore the restrictions and attack us? How have you grown so strong, you ancient divine race…….”

Chwararak

Zhunge Yulong activated his Tydaht to nullify Hang-a’s attack. As the energy of her martial art was obliterated in the air due to Tydaht, Hang-a glared, gathering a whirlwind this time. Zhuge Yulong casually remarked,

“You, a celestial maiden who can only use martial arts, are foolishly throwing yourself against Tydaht. You’re the only one who will be at a loss if your casting gets nullified, do you not realize that you will accumulate cursed poison and weaken?”

“Shut your mouth!! How dare you filthy humans humiliate me to this extent!!”

Seeing Hang-a scream, her tremendous pride as a celestial maiden seemed to be steering her into irrational behavior.

‘If Hang-a keeps rampaging, could this research building collapse?’

I doubted it, considering we had Tydaht on our side, but then again, you can never be too sure. I pondered how I could quickly suppress Hang-a, when suddenly an idea struck me.

Swish

I extended my forearm to confirm [Name]. Then, I opened my mouth to call her [Name].

[This is Baek Woong speaking. [Hang-a], you are bound to me by your [Name].]

At my calm voice, Hang-a, who was about to deploy a potent maneuver, looked at me in disbelief.

“Y-You…… you can’t possibly be calling out my [Name]…….”

I fixed my gaze on Hang-a and continued.

[I will collect your essence and govern you directly!!]

Paaaah – !!

“AAAAAH – !!”

In the next instant, Hang-a’s spirit was swiftly absorbed into my arm, vanishing without a trace. It wasn’t so much that she had been destroyed as her essence was drawn into the [Name] inscribed on my arm. With this, Hang-a would no longer be able to rampage in this space, and from now on, I could summon her to work for me whenever I needed.

As I gazed at the spot where Hang-a had disappeared, Zhuge Yulong said,

“You indeed are the reincarnator who returns upon death, just as Zhuge Sa indicated.”

[I know you knew. But why did you pretend not to know earlier?]

“Regardless, I couldn’t receive my memories through obsidian. However, your rebirth abilities stem from the Heavenly Secret, and if the Heavenly Secret were to be lost now, wouldn’t that be problematic?”

[Honestly, I’ve faced this kind of situation multiple times. But every time, I’ve managed, so I’m not worried.]

“…….”

After a moment of silence, Zhuge Yulong suddenly struck a nerve.

“Your rebirth ability activates regardless of whether the Heavenly Secret is present or absent.”

[…… No, that’s…… um…….]

Being struck in that way made me ponder. Ultimately, I begrudgingly conceded a part of it.

[That might be true…… I’ve managed to recover the Heavenly Secret, but it seems it might not matter all that much.]

Even thinking of the worst-case scenario, I had always done my best to recover the Heavenly Secret, but for some reason, there seemed to be indications that my rebirth powers could activate even without it. It was a classic catch-22. Even so, my dedication to retrieving the Heavenly Secret was rooted in the uncertainty of what might happen if it fell into the wrong hands.

As Zhuge Yulong observed me with a contemplative expression, he said,

“Baek Woong, as one belonging to the magical arts, there’s something I want to tell you.”

[What is it?]

“If I were you…… I would consider the Heavenly Secret itself to be alive. And.”

Zhuge Yulong’s subsequent statement caught me off guard.

“You must always be prepared to converse with the Heavenly Secret itself.”

[…… Converse with the Heavenly Secret?]

“Yes. It has its own will and is a counterpart to your agreement. There’s no reason you shouldn’t be able to communicate with that grimoire.”

[But until now, I’ve never once conversed with the Heavenly Secret. It only issued commands or acted on its own…….]

“Simply put, that’s because the Heavenly Secret currently considers you unworthy of dialogue.”

[…….]

“One day, the Heavenly Secret will either reach out to you to talk…… or you will reach out to it……”

Zhuge Yulong’s statement seemed to spark a gut feeling in me that someday, that very event would manifest.

“That day will shape your destiny.”

I couldn’t help but sigh.

[…… It’s unlikely to be a pleasant day.]

“So until then, prepare for all you can. You may not be infinitely reborn either.”

[I’ll keep that in mind.]

I replied, slowly walking forward to observe the Portrait Immortal. Despite Hang-a’s sudden appearance and other distractions, I could finally focus on examining the Portrait Immortal.

‘Let’s see what this thing is made of.’

With this thought, I reached out to touch the Portrait Immortal’s cheek.

And that was the moment.

[Who are you?]

A voice echoed in my head. I turned to Zhuge Yulong, wondering if he had called me, but it didn’t seem to come from him. I could tell he was not the type for such pranks. I instinctively glanced back at the Portrait Immortal, and sure enough, it was sending a voice straight to my heart.

[Are you the one who will save us from this chaos? Answer!!]

[H-Huh? What do you mean? Are you the Portrait Immortal?]

I stammered in response to the voice, and the seemingly Portrait Immortal’s voice resonated strongly within me again.

[‘We’…… are trapped in this Abyss…… because of the chaos you’ve carelessly dumped, we are slowly regaining our reason…… yet we have forgotten our names and our existence…….]

[…….]

[Do you have the confidence to restore order to this chaos? If you believe so, take us out…… and grant us names so we may have a master!!]

[What do you mean chaos? Are you saying you were born from chaos?]

[…… This Abyss is…… endless death…… we have wandered for eons…… beyond even what the gods can imagine…… the two worlds…… overlap infinitely…….]

In the next moment, a colossal roar echoed throughout my mental realm.

[If you wish to stand against the one who possesses the greatest two powers first…… grant us names and strength!!]

Kuwung!!

A powerful pulse erupted from the Portrait Immortal, knocking me back against the wall. The wall dented, my iron body slightly buckled as Zhuge Yulong, who had been watching, was stunned.

“What…… what just happened? Are you alright?”

[…….]

I dusted myself off and tried to touch the Portrait Immortal again, but there was no response like before. From this, I could infer one thing.

‘That mental voice wasn’t demanding or forcing me; it was a plea for help.’

And the personality within the Portrait Immortal seemed to be a collective, not a singularity. It likely wasn’t just one being. Recognizing this, I shared my newfound insight with Zhuge Yulong.

His face went pale.

“It can’t be…… if that’s what you say, then this Portrait Immortal’s essence truly possesses personalities? But then why did it not show itself when we’ve handled it countless times, only responding when you touched it?”

[Perhaps there’s a reason behind it?]

“A reason…… right.”

After a moment, Zhuge Yulong seemed to have realized something.

“It must be that only you can bestow them with [Names].”