전생검신 98권 09화

I found myself thinking about the Asura’s words and realized they felt quite fresh.

‘Now that you mention it?’

Indeed, the Outer God Pangu had pressed Al Karda using the True Martial Emperor and the forces of Heaven and Earth, and even the True Martial Emperor couldn’t help but sneer at such personal exploitation of the powers of the Divine Master. Of course, it’s worth noting that while Pangu had the strength to overwhelm three entities from the Outer God, this was still a remarkable feat considering that it marked the first instance of the Martial Gods, who previously appeared independent, actually coordinating with each other. The Asura’s claim of ‘factionalism’ was undeniably true, leading one to question whether a Martial God that tolerates such personal actions even exists. I might as well say that it could be seen as Pangu running rampant because there was either a vacancy in the Martial God position or it was a mere Scarecrow.

Reflecting on the Asura’s words, I finally spoke up.

“Honestly, whether the Martial God exists or not, I have no clue right now. Even if I found out, it wouldn’t change a thing. I’ve got way too many things I still need to get from the Divine Realm, so I was being indifferent.”

The Asura’s eyes lit up at my words.

“Impressive. Have you really maintained your original intentions even after reaching such heights?”

“Original intentions? More like…”

I trailed off, hesitant to continue. It felt like saying it out loud might disrupt the meaning, which I wasn’t too fond of.

But one thing was certain.

As long as I had my own meaning as the Sword God, I didn’t particularly want to care about the Martial God.

I didn’t want to drag this conversation on further, so I asked the Asura.

“Asura, you’ll become a companion, right?”

The Asura nodded enthusiastically.

“Of course. I’ve got no reason to refuse.”

“Good to know… The Eight Parts of the Divine have been showing some suspicious movements, and it’s been a headache, so at least you joining me is a relief.”

“Huh? What do you mean?”

I explained to the Asura that the Eight Parts of the Divine were hastening to pressure the Imperial Palace to quickly cultivate the Divine Blood and the Portrait Immortal amidst the strange changes happening in the universe. The Asura replied:

“I hadn’t heard of that. The folks who usually use me like a mercenary didn’t share that info with me.”

“Anyway, for that reason, I was planning to put Jin So-cheong on the throne to keep the Eight Parts of the Divine in check.”

“…Hmm, can I say something?”

“What is it?”

The Asura tilted his head in confusion.

“Why not just defeat the Eight Parts of the Divine and recruit them as your subordinates? Honestly, you have enough strength to take them on all at once.”

“No, that would be hasty… If we strike them and the situation worsens, it would put our companions at risk.”

“Is that so? I don’t see it that way…”

“What do you mean it’s not?”

The Asura stroked his chin.

“As you said, the Lord Chi You is absent and chaotic right now, but Yacha and the strategist Gin Nara are surprisingly acting as a pivot here. The Eight Parts of the Divine follow those two not for any substantial reason, but simply because, as a secret organization, they need a leader, and since those two are the most capable in organization management, they’ve temporarily taken on that role.”

“…?”

“In other words, if you can fill in the void left by Lord Chi You, some of the Eight Parts of the Divine might follow you. Excluding the devoted Yacha and the sly Gin Nara, who might have their own ulterior motives.”

“…!”

“And even if you just recruit two or three from the Eight Parts of the Divine, you won’t need to worry too much about their threat. With me, the strongest of the Eight Parts of the Divine, on your side, we could manage even a halved faction with just our human forces.”

Huh?!

The Asura’s unique perspective was astonishing. I had thought it was just about vanquishing everyone, but he was thinking much deeper. Given that the Asura was originally part of the Eight Parts of the Divine and had minimal loyalty to Lord Chi You, his words held a certain credibility.

I told the Asura,

“Wait… The Eight Parts of the Divine I’ve seen didn’t seem that disloyal to Chi You. They were actually pretty loyal, as far as I knew. A mere persuasion wouldn’t work with them.”

“Is that so? From what you told me earlier, when you went to the Takrok Era, at least the Thief Gang became your subordinates.”

“That’s true.”

The Asura held up two fingers.

“Listen closely. The core of their loyalty to Chi You runs on two things. First, the awe and gratitude they feel for having received the Divine Power that once belonged to an ordinary human hero. Second, after learning about the world’s inevitable doom, they believe that only their lord Chi You and the powerful Eight Parts of the Divine can keep humanity from being enslaved and thus, they themselves can become true rulers of both gods and humans. So, while it’s distorted affection, the Eight Parts of the Divine certainly don’t wish for humanity’s destruction.”

“……?!”

“In fact, when true doom for humanity approaches, the Eight Parts of the Divine will likely rise to stop it. That’s the deep-seated feeling I’ve often heard from their gatherings.”

Huh?!

My eyes widened at this unexpected revelation. How could I easily believe that the very Demon Kings that would launch massacres wanted to protect humanity? But thinking about the notion of distorted affection made it seem plausible.

‘…Yeah. Just like humans raising pigs and dogs out of necessity… So if they think they need to coexist, they wouldn’t want to wipe each other out… It’s quite a conceivable perspective.’

Besides, that explanation also connected several actions of the Eight Parts of the Divine that had seemed overly hesitant until now. The odd obsession some of them had with the righteous cause fit nicely into this narrative.

As I pondered, the Asura continued.

“That means you already have the conditions to lift the Eight Parts of the Divine’s curse. First, if you can prove that the power bestowed by Chi You, the Demon King’s strength, was actually a slavery contract, that would arouse skepticism among most of the Eight Parts of the Divine. Secondly, you need to prove that you can replace Chi You.”

The Asura grinned.

“The second part would be easier for you.”

“……”

True. If I could just overwhelm him with power that surpasses that of Chi You…

I felt that the Asura had a point. So, after thinking it through, I said to him,

“I still want to talk to Mangnyang about this. Shall we head back to our main base?”

“Of course. Let’s go right away.”

Together with the Asura, I returned to the Shadowless Gate and consulted with Mangnyang. Upon hearing the Asura’s words, Mangnyang looked quite shocked, looking at us wide-eyed. After a moment of thought, he said,

“If what the Asura said is true, then there’s no better plan. Being an active member of the Eight Parts of the Divine gives him valuable insights.”

“So what do we need to do?”

“It’s crucial to recruit them quietly, one by one.”

Mangnyang waved his fan.

“Seek out the Thief Gang. Baek Woong is their second-most closely connected member, making him easier to persuade. Plus, being the former envoy of the Takrok Era, he can approach without making it too awkward in the Martial World. Of course, you must do so without raising too much suspicion.”

The Asura took up Mangnyang’s story.

“I’ll summon the Thief Gang. According to what I hear, he’s worried about the Southern Buddhist Martial World invading the Central Plains, so I can act like we’re discussing that while keeping company with Baek Woong.”

At that moment, something occurred to me, and I slapped my forehead.

“Oh, right! Shiva and Vishnu… the Three Great Gods are manipulating the Brahman Church to unify the Southern Buddhist Martial World into an invasion!”

I recalled it was during the 30th battle that I encountered this. Why hadn’t I thought of it sooner? After all, I had been on good terms with both Shiva and Vishnu, and no major wars had broken out. The Asura, looking at me with an inquisitive gaze, asked.

“Those gods are incredibly powerful. Do you think it’s possible to persuade them this time? You mentioned the Divine Power Trimurti being a solid avenue for convincing them, but there’s no Trimurti anymore.”

“……”

He was right. The mere act of showcasing the Trimurti had been the easiest way to rally the Three Great Gods as allies and gain their trust. Yet, with that avenue blocked, persuading one of the most revered beings in the Heaven and Earth realm purely with words would be remarkably challenging.

I thought it over but then shook my head.

“I’ll think about that later. For now, let’s focus on persuading the Thief Gang.”

“Understood. Let’s move.”

The Asura and I used our Light Body Technique to travel towards the western border between Hunan and Guangxi. It was quite a southern area in the Central Plains, so we occasionally spotted Southern Barbs’ artifacts and food. Both of us donned straw hats and cloaks as we entered an inn where the Asura showed an incredibly red token to the innkeeper. The innkeeper was startled and promptly handed us a bright red key.

With the key in hand, the Asura led us deeper into the inn, where we soon entered a peculiarly long hall with a sinister ambiance. I glanced around, musing,

‘A dimensional space summoned through sorcery. This collectively summoned the Blood Realm.’

Most likely, this was an orchestrated secret meeting place among the Eight Parts of the Divine. It’s probable there were many such sites scattered throughout the Central Plains Martial World.

Before long, the Asura unlocked the door at the end of the hall with the blood-red key and entered a spacious, extravagant room. I sat there quietly in meditation as I waited, and after about two moments, the door creaked open.

“Asura, you calling for me is quite the turn of events. When I mentioned my worries last time, you barely acknowledged my presence, and I felt half-disappointed.”

“Oh, you’ve arrived.”

What appeared was the Thief Gang’s human form, the Martial God Gandal. He looked at me, bewildered, as he noticed my presence beside the Asura.

“Who’s this little guy? Your disciple?”

“Heh. A disciple? Haha.”

The Asura chuckled heartily, finding the situation amusing.

“Anyway, let’s get to the point. You said the Brahman Church is about to invade the Central Plains?”

“That’s right, Asura. The momentum surrounding the leader, Parvati, is quite alarming. It seems a god is backing them. Thus, their core members are also formidable.”

“……”

“You were the Supreme Being of the Southern Buddhist Martial World, so it’s crucial you return to contain them. You’re the only one who can handle this…”

The Asura cut off Gandal’s sentence.

“I’m curious. You’re more of a Demon King than a mere mortal; why do you even care about the affairs of the humans?”

“What?”

“Answer me. With Lord Chi You gone, isn’t this all just a waste of energy? What does the Martial World even mean?”

“…Hmm.”

Gandal sighed thoughtfully at the Asura’s inquiry before speaking softly.

“To me, the Martial World is not something I can easily abandon. Regardless, I originated as a Martial Artist and have been active in the Martial World even after becoming a Demon King. Furthermore, there’s nothing I must specifically do as a Demon King.”

“So it’s just a pastime, huh? But there’s something more, isn’t there?”

“……”

The Asura stared at the void with a bittersweet expression.

“We’re both contradictions—yourself and me.”

“What do you want to say, Asura?”

“Baek Woong.”

The Asura called out to me, and I knew it was my moment to step up. I stood and faced Gandal.

“Gandal, my name is Baek Woong. I’ll protect the Martial World and fill in Lord Chi You’s void. Are you willing to become my subordinate?”

“……What?”

Gandal gawked at me as if I were out of my mind, then burst into laughter.

“Haha! Asura has brought a rather bold one. What nonsense are you spouting?”

In that very moment, I subtly summoned the energy of the Thunder Soul, recalling the power of the original Gandal I had faced before, and released an amount of energy that was approximately twice his own.

‘Will this suffice?’

Ka-boom!

In the next instant, the summoned dimensional space erupted, obliterating everything within. The dimensional collapse left behind only a pitch-black void, as a pillar of darkness suddenly burst out of the inn, reaching high into the sky.

Kugugugu…!

In the center of the darkness, I stood with my arms crossed, and two Demon Kings had reverted back into their original forms next to me. The Asura, visibly overwhelmed by the energy I radiated, was trembling alongside Gandal, who was shivering even as he returned to his original form.

‘Hmm. I thought I was only doubling the power, but maybe I pulled out too much.’

I addressed Gandal, who was being crushed under my aura.

“Do you still think this is nonsense?”

[Hah… Gah… Huh…!]

Gandal seemed dazed, almost out of it under the pressure of the energy. The might of the Thunder Soul was akin to unrestrained violence, overpowering even the original Demon King. After a moment, he collected himself and asked,

[W-who are you… to exert such power in a human body…? Could it be that you’re an Apostle of the Three Sovereigns?]

“You’re underestimating me.”

I muttered, raising my energy even higher.

Kugugu!

[Huh!]

Once again, more power erupted, and Gandal struggled like a human crushed under a boulder, unable to regain his senses. The mere act of augmenting the density of my aura probably made the disparity in power feel overwhelming for him.

The Asura, now transformed into a Demon King, appeared to still be standing unwaveringly, though he too was showing signs of strain, trembling slightly. He seemed to be impressed.

[What a monstrous being. It’s no exaggeration to say you could probably contend with the Three Sovereigns.]

“Hmm. So you’re not weaker than Gandal then.”

[Don’t insult me. No one can truly match my raw physical strength within the Eight Parts of the Divine.]

“That’s true.”

The title of the strongest among the Eight Parts was rightly held by Gandal, as he would defeat anyone in pure hand-to-hand combat. All others required special abilities just to be worthy of facing the Asura. It was evident that there was a minimum twofold gap in power between someone like Gandal and Asura in a proper fight.

I turned to Gandal.

“Gandal, do you know that the Eight Parts of the Divine have been deceived by Chi You? You’ve merely assimilated the power imparted by the gods after receiving their flesh; the strength itself wasn’t bestowed upon you by Chi You. In fact, it’s a predatory relationship where, if needed in the end, Chi You can absorb you all through the contractual obligations.”

[……!]

“Chi You has perished eternally, and now you are no different from a prisoner unshackled but devoid of destination or purpose, merely being prey to Yacha and others.”

[What are you trying to say…?]

I extended my hand towards Gandal.

“Follow me.”

[…….]

“I will provide you with new purpose and tasks. You’ll have far more meaningful battles ahead, not as a Demon King, but as a hero of humanity.”

[Who are you…?]

I smiled broadly.

“Baek Woong. A Reborn One.”

Though it was a secret I shouldn’t be revealing directly, I sensed from Gandal’s reaction that he couldn’t refuse my invitation any longer.

As expected, after a while of consideration, Gandal dropped to his knees in submission.

[I, Gandal, shall submit and serve you as my lord…]

I realized that, surprisingly easily, I had brought Gandal into obedience, confirming that the Asura’s scheme was indeed sound. By not simply approaching through raw power, I had discerned the elements capable of fracturing Gandal’s heart, allowing me to gain his loyalty without combat.

After bringing Gandal aboard, I shared my story of reincarnation with him. Once he had heard the core of my tale, Gandal appeared contemplative.

“If what you said is true, then I have already become one of your subordinates from the Takrok Era…”

“That’s right. You agreed to the ten signatures of the shareholders.”

“Shareholder signatures…?”

I briefly shared the corporation’s tales with Gandal, but his expression made it clear he struggled to comprehend. Yet, after a moment, he surprisingly stated,

“Could it be that…?”

“Hmm?”

“If the corporation you built still has its nominal ties, doesn’t it mean you could summon your allies from the Takrok Era through that signature? Since it is also part of the Law of Cause and Effect.”

“……!”

“Then perhaps I could also inherit the memories of having served you during the Takrok Era.”

Huh?!

Could that really happen?!

I was caught off guard but quickly dismissed it as nonsense and shook my head.

“The corporation was established based on commercial authority. We sacrificed that to the Outer God, so it doesn’t make sense to uphold that now.”

“I see… However, if you ever regain that authority, it could be something to consider.”

“…….”

Would regaining that even be possible?

Against the Outer God?

Of course, I’d left the possibility open by using the external celestial sect, but I had no idea how long it’d take until such a thing could materialize.

As I fell into silence, Gandal spoke again.

“Then it’s my turn to recommend the next member of the Eight Parts of the Divine for recruitment.”

“Alright. Tell me someone you have in mind. We need to move quickly.”

“Then…”

Gandal continued,

“Go to Gin Nara. I believe that would be the right approach. It might save the most time in dismantling the Eight Parts of the Divine.”

Both Asura and I were astonished by that statement.

“……?”

“Hmm?”

Gin Nara?

Naturally, being Chi You’s most loyal and smartest strategist, he was among the toughest figures to recruit in the entire Eight Parts of the Divine, often standing shoulder to shoulder with the likes of Yacha. I found it implausible that we could recruit someone who had persistently resisted against the Three Sovereigns.

In disbelief, I questioned Gandal about this, yet surprisingly, he shook his head.

“I think you don’t understand Gin Nara’s true nature. From what I’ve seen, he is the one who loves humanity the most among the Eight Parts of the Divine.”