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“Odin?”

It was the first time I’d ever heard that name. I tilted my head, realizing the conversation might go on for a while, so I created a comfortable space for us to talk beneath the water.

Then Lee Gang-ryong explained.

“If it’s you, then you probably know there are factions among the ancient gods, known as divine beings of order. To put it simply, Odin is the king of the faction called the Aesir.”

“Ah, I see.”

If I hadn’t turned the Great Cycle back to the past this time, I wouldn’t have understood what they were saying, but since I had encountered the Divine Temple in the Spirit Realm led by Osiris, it suddenly made sense.

‘Huh?’

Thinking of Osiris’ Divine Temple in the Spirit Realm struck me as strange. So, I spoke to Lee Gang-ryong.

“As I mentioned before, I turned the Great Cycle back and have been active on Earth for thousands of years. However, as far as I know, the three great deities of Tianzhu lead a faction, and Fuxi along with the Three Sovereigns are another faction, while the Divine Temple of the Spirit Realm exists as well. That’s what I know about the larger factions of the ancient gods. But…”

Lee Gang-ryong seemed to read my thoughts ahead of time.

“You’re saying the Aesir don’t belong to any of the ancient god factions from the Takrok Era that you know of. Also, you haven’t heard of them.”

“…Correct.”

“Hmm. The Aesir would likely have already been on Earth during the Takrok Era… So, there’s a good chance they’re hiding their true identity for a reason.”

“Hiding their true identity? Why would they do that?”

“That, I don’t know. But from what I heard from an ancient spirit, I can guess…”

Lee Gang-ryong stroked his chin and continued.

“They’re said to be a clan that descended from the roots of the World Tree. That must have some connection.”

“The roots of the World Tree?”

“The World Tree, known as Yggdrasil, which supposedly has branches extending to nine worlds. The Aesir are peculiar beings who arrived in this world via those roots. They aren’t even of the same bloodline as the existing ancient gods.”

“…….”

Uh…?

Nine worlds… the roots…?

‘I feel like I’ve heard that somewhere before.’

I racked my brain, and after a moment, I recalled words from Kwon Seong-i Hon, whom I met in the outer cosmos.

[Who made that tree?]

[I heard that the space was created by the pioneers of another realm who reached this world using the nine roots. And this space appeared in Antarctica roughly 500,000 years ago, or so Dr. Faust says… It’s a time vastly older than human history.]

[Well, the tree wasn’t created by those pioneers. It was able to manifest in a desired location, and that just so happened to be our world. The pioneers merely came to this world looking for that tree.]

The World Tree at the Antarctic base that Kwon Seong-i Hon showed me! I think I heard a similar story when he explained the tree’s history.

‘For sure… it was like that. I remember now that they made some kind of seal around the tree when it appeared.’

Then another thought crossed my mind.

[The incarnated World Tree appears as if it has substance on the surface, but in reality, it has no physical form. It’s merely a projection formed using tremendous magical power. The World Tree actually exists in a higher dimension, and the roots stretch beyond the boundaries of the worlds, siphoning the magical energy that exists in the nine worlds.]

[The ancient world created alongside the genesis of the universe. We alchemists call those nine ancient worlds Asgard, Midgard, Jotunheim, Hel, and Alfheim among others. It’s also the homeland of some elders.]

[[The nine worlds] are merely a figurative expression. You can’t just draw power from those nine ancient worlds.]

[Drawing infinite magical energy from infinite parallel worlds means that a passage was created connecting those parallel worlds to the real world through the roots. But if you can summon not just magical energy but also other materials or beings from those parallel worlds through those roots…?]

That was what Saint Germain said while explaining the sudden split in the Twelve Joules.

‘Saint Germain speculated that another Joule was summoned through the World Tree. That guess is likely correct.’

As I sorted through my memories, I could come to one conclusion.

“So, the Aesir are the [pioneers] who manage the World Tree, Yggdrasil.”

“Huh? What do you mean?”

I relayed the information I had heard in the past to Lee Gang-ryong. Then I continued.

“If the Aesir are foreigners from another realm, like Asgard or Midgard, they wouldn’t openly flaunt their existence in this world. Because that other realm would be closer to outer space, rather than just a simple secondary dimension.”

“……!!”

Lee Gang-ryong seemed to have caught onto something.

“I see… So what you’re saying is, even though the Aesir came to this world through the World Tree, they need to protect the World Tree, which could be their base, to return to their homeland at any time?”

“Exactly. They’d be in trouble if their retreat was cut off, right? The Three Sovereigns or the ancient gods at the Divine Temple might not care since this is their homeland, but for them, if the World Tree is attacked, it would put them in a precarious situation, so they likely didn’t participate in the conflict of the gods.”

“Hmm… That’s an interesting theory. In that case, it makes sense that the Aesir started their activities relatively late. The end of the Takrok Era likely brought about some calm in the chaos on Earth after a treaty was made between the Three Sovereigns and the [Old Ruler].”

“Heh.”

I couldn’t help but grin, feeling proud that I had come up with this theory.

‘How about that! I can put my thinking cap on too!!’

Who would have thought I’d uncover the identity of the [pioneers] like this!

After hearing my words, Lee Gang-ryong said thoughtfully.

“Then we must secure these divine soldiers. Only then will bargaining with the Aesir be possible.”

“Heh, I was a bit flustered just a moment ago, but now that I’ve broken the seals, can’t I just take them?”

As I said this, I suddenly flew over to grab Gungnir in my hand.

Ku-gu-gu-gu!

At that moment, I felt an electric shock and pain in the hand that was holding the spear. My arms felt unusually heavy and tough, causing a slight agony, and I was startled enough to let go of Gungnir.

“What?! What’s going on? Is there a curse on this again?”

Seeing me panicking, Lee Gang-ryong spoke as if he expected it.

“It seems that spear doesn’t recognize you as its master. In fact, it’s extremely hostile, so how can you handle a sentient divine weapon?”

“…I think I could swing it if I applied force.”

Whoosh!

As I grabbed Gungnir’s spearhead again, I found that I could indeed suppress it with my divine power. No weapon, no matter how amazing, could compare to my true strength. Then Lee Gang-ryong shook his head.

“Stop. You know that’s not the answer, right? A weapon is just another life for a warrior. If you can’t harmonize with that weapon in body and mind, it’s no better than a regular iron stick.”

“…….”

He’s right.

As I slowly released Gungnir from my grip, Lee Gang-ryong said,

“It seems Gungnir’s consciousness is mistaking you for Loki. That’s why it’s hostile.”

“And who is this Loki?”

“As far as I know, he’s the god of schemes and betrayal among the Aesir. It seems Gungnir’s original owner, Odin, was betrayed and killed by Loki.”

“…Seriously, what made it think I’m that guy? It makes no sense.”

As I grumbled with a frown, Lee Gang-ryong looked at me thoughtfully.

“Didn’t you mention your appearance was a replication of Fuxi?”

“Yes.”

“Then it wouldn’t be a mistake based on your looks. It’s more likely that the powers you wield remind it of Loki.”

“……?”

My abilities?

Is it the Trimurti?

‘Hmm… Did Loki have the ability to combine several divine powers?’

That must be it. With that thought, I became a little intrigued.

‘…Okay. Maybe I should eventually contact the Aesir and look for this Loki.’

I thought to myself and then said,

“It seems all the divine soldiers here are mistaking me, so for now, I might not be able to use them properly. For now, you should keep hold of them, Lee Gang-ryong.”

“Let’s do that.”

Together, Lee Gang-ryong and I retrieved all three divine soldiers and exited the lake. Then I asked Lee Gang-ryong,

“Each one is a hammer, a spear, and a magic sword. Which one do you like the most?”

“Haha! Isn’t the answer already clear?”

With that, Lee Gang-ryong picked up Gungnir.

“In fact, I like this one the most. No doubt it’s the best spear.”

“Phew… I thought so. Our Thunder God lineage is also based on spear techniques.”

“You know well. There’s been a lot to train and do, but how about we set aside the trivial matters and have a proper spar? I’ll use this Gungnir.”

“Sounds good.”

Swish!

I faced Lee Gang-ryong, preparing for a spar. I effortlessly summoned any iron sword and gripped it, while Lee Gang-ryong seemed to have already gotten used to Gungnir, displaying a very steady Qi. Seeing him made me feel a bit envious.

‘Damn that Gungnir… Why can’t I use it?!’

I really wanted to try that legendary spear too!

While I was lost in thought, Lee Gang-ryong slowly moved his spear and initiated an attack.

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

‘Is that the Thunder Spirit Eight Forms?’

It was a very orthodox spear technique of the Thunder God lineage! A simple fundamental technique, but the intensity behind it was anything but simple.

‘The spear body and the user being one… and the precision is also unrivaled.’

As I realized his skill surpassed the Heavenly Thunder level, I couldn’t help but let out a soft sigh. The strong Qi swirling around the tip of his spear was clearly a crystallization of the combat energy he had accumulated from countless real fights. Lee Gang-ryong was undoubtedly a martial arts master who had repeatedly danced on the brink of life and death against strong opponents.

If he had stayed in the Central Plains, he may have been a notch above the peak Lee Cheong-un. Speaking strictly without the Thunder Spirit, Lee Gang-ryong’s martial arts level was definitely a bit higher than Lee Cheong-un’s. It was a razor-thin margin, but it made a huge difference in real combat.

Truly a grandmaster of the Thunder God lineage!

BAM!

I took a direct hit from Lee Gang-ryong’s blow imbued with his essence. Naturally, even though Lee Gang-ryong was that powerful, I was already at a level where I could defeat the Sword Saint Ajidahaka using only my techniques. There was no reason for me to shrink back in the realm of mere mortals anymore.

In that split second of engagement, Lee Gang-ryong stepped back, eyes wide in surprise. After a moment, he spoke, breathless but impressed.

“Indeed…!! This is a completely different level. I can’t quite express it, but it feels like you always hold the upper hand!”

I rotated my sore wrist to relieve some of the stiffness and grumbled.

“And you’re just ridiculously strong. Honestly, that was me trying to give it my all, and still, my arms are aching. What kind of spear technique is that?”

It was no lie; I had genuinely exerted myself in an attempt to press against him, deflecting his spear. I hadn’t used my maximum potential, but I had certainly held nothing back. Nonetheless, in pure power, I had been slightly outmatched, which explained why my arm was sore. At this rate, the might of Lee Gang-ryong wielding Gungnir could easily tear through the Protection Energy Technique of the Master of the White Lotus Sect.

What that implies is that Lee Gang-ryong, using Gungnir, was clearly at the level of the strongest martial artist in the mortal realm and could easily match the upper echelons of fighters.

Then Lee Gang-ryong chuckled sheepishly.

“I assure you, my pure strength is not all of it. This spear has a tremendous power.”

“As expected.”

Looking up at the spear’s blade, Lee Gang-ryong continued.

“Once I become familiar with it, it’s bound to feel overwhelmingly good. I suspect the spear would be at its strongest when thrown.”

“Thrown? Let’s give it a try!”

“Well… I still have the feeling that the spear’s not quite responding to me, but let me give it a shot.”

With that, Lee Gang-ryong used the Thunder God lineage’s throwing spear technique and quickly hurled Gungnir toward me.

WHAM!

“Guh, gggghhh.”

COUGH!

I tried to take it head-on, but a wave of pain surged through my body, causing me to spit blood.

Trembling uncontrollably, I was relieved I didn’t drop to my knees.

‘W-what is this?’

It was an incredible amount of destructive power.

It contrasted sharply with what I had originally assumed was the typical power of martial arts, resembling the power of an unbelievable cataclysm! It was as if I had taken a not-so-welcome greeting from a renowned deity without any preparation. The fact that I merely spat blood was a testament to how formidable my own divine power was—if I had relied solely on my internal strength and intent, I would have been utterly shredded.

As I forced myself to endure, it seemed even Lee Gang-ryong was astonished.

“…You really are a transcendent being. Did you really just take that head-on?!”

“Huff… Heh… So Gungnir really doesn’t acknowledge me, huh?”

“Indeed. The spirit of the weapon doesn’t resonate with me. However, it’s not exactly hostile either.”

“…….”

Even in this vague state, you could unleash this kind of power?

‘What if… I actually gained Gungnir’s recognition and threw it?’

How incredibly strong would that be?!

Suddenly, I felt a surge of desire rise within me. Lee Gang-ryong noticed my expression and said,

“Baek Woong. I’ll also try out the other weapons, so let’s measure their power too.”

BAM!

SLAM!

I met Lee Gang-ryong’s attacks with my own, and confirmed the significant power behind the other two weapons as well. After a while, Lee Gang-ryong finished the spar, attentively examining the weapons’ blades before saying,

“The lightning hammer is called Mjolnir, while the ice magic sword is Mistilteinn.”

I was sitting down to rest, my eyes widening in surprise.

“Huh?! How did you know that?”

“The blade had its name inscribed in the ancient tongue of the Aesir. It was so small I only discovered it now.”

“Ah, but how do you know the ancient language of the gods?”

“That’s part of the blessing I received from the ancient gods. I can decipher all ancient languages from the gods who visited Earth.”

“……”

What the hell?! How is he so knowledgeable?!

I was left speechless.

“…Why didn’t you just quit your mercenary work and return to the White Lotus Sect? If you had been there, Dokgo Uncheon couldn’t have taken over the sect.”

That wasn’t just empty words. With Lee Gang-ryong’s level of skill, he could take on the sect master who had obtained the Primordial Spirit and would likely stand a chance against him. Plus, with the blessing of the ancient gods, he could easily smash the Great Immortal.

“Hmm, is that so? But if I had, your adventures would have gotten complicated.”

“What do you mean?”

“From what I’ve gathered, Dokgo Uncheon committed great evil as the sect master, but at the same time, he also became a significant catalyst for your growth. If you had attacked the White Lotus Sect, with its four great divisions balanced, you likely wouldn’t have grown like you have now. Isn’t that something humanity would term ‘the will of heaven’?”

For a moment, I chuckled wryly and said,

“The will of heaven…? In this world where evil gods run rampant and justice is nonexistent, do you believe in that sort of thing?”

“Why wouldn’t it exist? Throughout the history of our White Lotus Sect, although we were branded as a heretical sect, all practitioners have believed in their own sense of justice and lived in virtue.”

“…….”

Lee Gang-ryong continued slowly.

“At the very least, you shouldn’t say such things. So please refrain from expressing negative sentiments recklessly.”

“Why shouldn’t I?”

He looked deeply at me and said,

“Perhaps you yourself are the very will of heaven…”

 

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