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Pa-at!

We all entered the Heart of the Great Dragon Hall, which was paralyzed by an earlier attack from Mangnyang. Normally, you wouldn’t casually step into a place that looked like it could collapse at any moment. But this very spot was why the Zhuge Clan had set their sights on attacking the Imperial Palace. Dokgo Seong glanced around at the dim surroundings and remarked, “It’s dark.”

Silently pondering something, Mangnyang raised the Seven Fires, Seven Golds Line and aimed at a patch of air. Without hesitation, he unleashed a powerful flame.

Ka-boom!

“Whoa…!!”

We couldn’t help but be surprised. There were no walls or anything in sight, yet where Mangnyang’s attack struck, the air itself seemed to shatter, enveloping us in a sudden blaze of light. It felt like the very space we stood in had transformed into some sort of bizarre labyrinth.

“We don’t have time; I forced open the barrier. It won’t hold for long, so we must hurry to find the Zhuge Clan.” Mangnyang declared.

“What do you mean?”

“This is the seal of the National Seal, which dates back to the Former Emperor Huang. It’s the ultimate barrier. The National Seal is at the end of this labyrinth.”

I looked at him with confusion. So, the barrier wasn’t made by a contemporary sorcerer like Zhuge Bu? What on earth was the National Seal? Mangnyang sighed deeply.

“I’d love to explain, but we don’t have the time. Just follow me closely.”

With a flick of his hand, a gigantic bird made of shimmering light manifested. Mangnyang quickly hopped onto it, soaring into the labyrinth, leaving a trail of rainbow-colored feathers behind.

The Sword Demon ordered, “Hurry! Just follow the feathers.”

“Got it.”

We activated our Light Body Technique and followed Mangnyang. The maze was far larger than it seemed, and even moving quickly, we had to stick together for quite a while. Eventually, we reached a vast chamber where Mangnyang and the Zhuge Clan faced each other.

This time, Zhuge Sa wore a rather irritated expression. He glared at Mangnyang and said, “What a nuisance. I didn’t expect you to stand in my way…”

“This is merely coincidence. But your intention to bring destruction upon the world isn’t.” Mangnyang retorted quietly.

“Everyone knows that my uncle despaired over his destined fate and turned to evil sorcery and witchcraft.” Mangnyang continued, “My father could have killed you, but he chose to only strip away your magical power.”

“……”

“Stop this now. It will only bring misfortune to everyone involved.”

Zhuge Sa chuckled darkly, “What do you know? What makes you think you can mouth off about saving the world?”

“What?”

“Yes. I began dabbling in sorcery out of despair over my fate of dying at 30. I just wanted to live longer.”

As he spoke, the golden box before him shone even brighter.

“But after learning the secrets of the Evil God and the mysteries of the world, my thoughts changed. I was utterly disappointed by the oft fickle beings that underlie mankind through the twisted myths of this world – a mere pawn in the deals between the Old Ruler and the Three Sovereigns.” Zhuge Sa said, a bitter smile on his face.

“Disappointed?”

“If you presume the ancient history of this world fits into the span of twelve hours, then the human realm amounts to a fleeting moment – just a tick of the clock. Countless races greater and more powerful than humans exist, and even they fear and serve the Ancient Gods.”

Looking up, Zhuge Sa said, “In the near future, when the stars in the sky align, Le Rue will rise, and humans will eventually face extinction. Before that, I seek powerful strength to fulfill my desires and then die; this is an excellent opportunity.”

“The contract between the Three Sovereigns and the Old Ruler can be renewed. A destined end exists, yet it is accelerated due to those such as you, who has fallen to the Demon Path!” Mangnyang shouted angrily.

“What do I care? If the result is the same, it doesn’t matter. The Heavenly Realm is the one looting its profits under the guise of saving humanity.” Zhuge Sa bantered back at us.

Though things had become awkward, I could still see that I couldn’t just take Mangnyang’s word for it while taking Zhuge Sa at face value.

The Sword Demon stepped forward and said, “Zhuge Sa, they say there is something called the National Seal here. Why didn’t you explain to me why you would attack the Imperial Palace for it?”

Zhuge Sa looked caught off guard, unable to respond for a while.

“The National Seal is merely a side benefit. What you desired and commanded of me was simply the destruction of the Imperial Palace. Once that task is complete, the rest is up to me to handle.”

“You’re thinking only of yourself.”

With a cold glare, the Sword Demon pressed on, “I’m not a sorcerer, but if the National Seal belongs to the Imperial Palace, you should hand it over. That’s the rightful loot of this clan.”

“Hahaha… impressive.”

“What’s the matter? Is there a reason you can’t give it to me?”

“Even if you wanted it, you wouldn’t have a use for it. The National Seal is just a decorative stamp.”

The Sword Demon chuckled, “Sounds like you’re feeling the pressure. What a flimsy excuse.”

“If it truly is just a stamp, then you wouldn’t be desperately trying to hide it. Did you think I had no knowledge of the National Seal? It’s a mark proving the authority of the emperors, spanning multiple dynasties, and blending mystical powers into one. The fact that it is sealed behind such a strong barrier indicates it holds power.”

I could hear Zhuge Sa clench his teeth. The Sword Demon continued coolly, “I’ll tell you now, if you give it up, I’ll show leniency.”

“That’s impossible.”

“I assumed so. Then it looks like we must part ways here.”

Shick!

“Ugh!!”

Zhuge Sa staggered and vanished, leaving a pool of blood behind. The Sword Demon had instantly drawn his Invincible Sword targeting Zhuge Sa. I asked, “Did you get him?”

“No, his barrier is a pain.”

“The one holding the golden box is immortality incarnate. He can teleport and use his barrier unlimitedly, so be careful!” Mangnyang warned.

“Where did he go?”

“He’s still in this space. He hasn’t managed to extract the National Seal yet.”

As we spoke, the chamber began to glow with an otherworldly white light. What had once felt like an ominous cave now transformed into a sense of vast emptiness. Mangnyang’s expression grew grim as he realized, “The barrier is being restored. If it continues like this, we will all be trapped…”

At that moment, Zhuge Sa’s voice echoed through the chamber. He must have been hiding somewhere, waiting for an opportunity.

[As you say, this is a sealing barrier created by gods, not humans. If it stays like this, it’s straightforward that we will all die; so let’s extract the National Seal first.]

“Crazy talk!” Mangnyang shouted.

“The National Seal proves the authority over the Nine Regions. Now that heaven and earth have broken, it’s an unparalleled treasure! If someone like you were to take it, the world would plunge into chaos!”

Zhuge Sa laughed boisterously, [Ha ha ha… that’s true. Zhuge Bu threw himself upon the Imperial Palace because of the National Seal’s symbolic authority. Proof that someone can conquer the world! But what does it matter if emperors or alchemists can’t use it properly, leaving it sealed?]

“Don’t be deceived. Zhuge Sa currently holds the golden box. If he activates the power of the irregular polyhedron, he can use the National Seal.” Mangnyang shouted.

Curious, I asked Mangnyang, “What happens if the National Seal is activated?”

“He will gain the ability to survey the Nine Regions at will, seize control over them, and immediately gain divine power. Plus, he’ll get the rights to use the [Gates] constructed all over the realm by the Purification Expedition.”

“……!!”

“Don’t be fooled. You must never allow the National Seal to fall into his hands, even if it costs you your life.”

At that moment, Zhuge Sa whispered to me, [The owner of Xuyou, Baek Woong. I will continue to assist you and the Sword Demon. If you obtain the power of the National Seal, not only could you conquer the Martial World, but it would also greatly aid you in your search for the other Seven Luminaries. What Mangnyang has said is all his stance from the Heavenly Realm’s perspective. He’s not considering our viewpoint at all.]

“……”

[Let’s walk the path of the bandit together. You know perfectly well that gaining power isn’t a bad thing.]

Zhuge Sa’s words did have some merit. Certainly, after he obtained the National Seal, as long as he didn’t betray us, he could become a colossal asset. I cast a glance at the Sword Demon and Dokgo Seong, who seemed to be focusing on finding Zhuge Sa using their instincts.

I pondered.

And then I made a decision.

“Haap!”

As I swung the Water Element Divine Sword with all my might, a crack formed in the space. At the same moment, the illumination from the barrier stopped, causing Zhuge Sa to ricochet through the air.

“Cough…”

Zhuge Sa hurried to conceal himself again, but the Sword Demon and Dokgo Seong closed in on him and successfully restrained him. Zhuge Sa knelt with a look of despair, and Mangnyang let out a genuine sigh of relief.

“Thank you. If it had just been me, I would never have captured Zhuge Sa.”

Zhuge Sa said, “Foolish choice… The Heavenly Realm is never on your side.”

“Better than stopping you from rampaging.” I replied quietly.

“You don’t seem to understand what I mean. Yes, you will have to take responsibility for your choice.”

“Rest assured; I’m already taking responsibility.”

“……”

Zhuge Sa seemingly didn’t care to respond any longer and turned to the Sword Demon, “Honorable Sect Leader, I will now speak. I won’t ask to spare my life, but please, swiftly strike down Mangnyang.”

“Why?”

“If it continues like this, the Heavenly Realm will never allow the Shadowless Sect to live peacefully. If we don’t kill Mangnyang, we cannot prevent future repercussions.”

“……”

“It seems you don’t believe what I’m saying, but I was sincere in my cooperation with the Shadowless Sect. This is the last piece of advice I can offer as a soldier of the Shadowless Sect.”

The Sword Demon remained silent, arms crossed. I looked at Zhuge Sa in disbelief.

‘What nonsense is he spouting? There’s no way to kill Mangnyang!’

It was without a doubt a desperate ploy to escape death by tying Mangnyang into the situation. Anyone would think that way. After a long pause, the Sword Demon stared intently at Zhuge Sa and said, “White Dharma Protector, dispose of Zhuge Sa.”

“What?”

“Killing him won’t yield any benefits for you. Use him as a sacrifice for your Water Element Divine Sword.”

“Understood.”

Armed with my sword, I stood before Zhuge Sa.

“I will do my best to lessen your pain.”

“Heh heh… you fool.”

Shick!

Without another word, Zhuge Sa’s head flew into the air with a quick slash. I’d cut it cleanly without a moment of agony. Although he was annoying, he had indeed helped tidy up the Imperial Palace.

At that moment, the golden box once belonging to Zhuge Sa began to tremble violently, melting into a liquid-like form. The liquid then adhered to the blade of my Water Element Divine Sword, and, in that instant, I felt an overwhelming power coursing through me.

“Ughh…!!”

It was an incomprehensible surge of energy!

But it felt different from internal power. I experienced an incredible sense of enlightenment, as if I was about to reach a profound state of understanding. A chill of spiritual energy filled my entire body with a formidable sensation.

This invigorating feeling easily surpassed even the satisfaction I felt after slaying hundreds of spirits in Aokigahara Life Sea. Could it really be that taking down Zhuge Sa had such a highly beneficial effect on my spirit?

‘At this moment, I feel I can do anything!’

“Let’s get out of here.” Mangnyang stated.

Pa-at!

We utilized the Golden Eagle to exit the Imperial Palace. With the water spirits, demons, and summoned creatures that had swarmed the place now gone, an eerie calm settled in.

It felt strange walking amidst that desolation and tranquility.

Then Mangnyang turned to me and said, “Baek Woong, let’s head to Mount Kunlun.”

“What do you mean?”

“Now that the threat to the Imperial Palace is over, the otherworldly races should no longer pose a danger for a while. So, I wish to seal the water element divine sword you possess in the Heavenly Realm.”

“……!!”

I flinched in surprise. I never expected Mangnyang to suggest such a thing.

At that moment, the Sword Demon interjected, “We agreed to your terms, but now you’re stabbing us in the back?”

“No, it’s not like that. Naturally, I’ll give you blessings or treasures equivalent to the water element divine sword.” Mangnyang replied calmly.

“Zhuge Sa spoke in extremes, but if you cooperate sincerely, it wouldn’t come to that.”

“Yes, but…”

I began to respond, but just then, the Sword Demon’s crimson aura split the space apart. I had no choice but to hastily dodge away from it while trying to offer the sword to Mangnyang. That energy could easily kill me if I miscalculated.

“Sect Leader?!”

Sword Demon Seo Mun-dae-ryong glared at me fiercely. Then he declared, “Baek Woong, you’re still far from understanding.”

“Wha—?”

“That Mangnyang isn’t the Mangnyang you knew. He’s the apostle of the Heavenly Realm who has endured trials and tribulations for seven or eight years and soared to the heights of power. He’s now an entirely different being than the ‘human’ Mangnyang you once knew.”

“That can’t be true.”

“No matter how nicely you put it, theft is theft. You have no reason to let the Heavenly Realm take your Xuyou.”

The Sword Demon sighed deeply, “I miscalculated. You shouldn’t have killed Zhuge Sa.”

“What do you mean…”

The Sword Demon glared at Mangnyang and said, “How about introducing your friend who’s been protecting you from my mind control technique?”

It seemed like the Sword Demon had tried to secretly eliminate Mangnyang with his mind control technique several times but something or someone was protecting him.

“… I see. I didn’t intend to take things this far.”

Mangnyang held up his hand. “Show yourself.”

With a swish, a Daoist-robed immortal appeared behind Mangnyang. He had a somewhat sharp appearance and carried a sword on his back. The Sword Demon and Dokgo Seong looked at him with blank expressions, confused, but I was struck with horror.

How on Earth did he end up here?!

“This is your last warning. If you don’t hand over the Xuyou divine sword, I’ll have no choice but to restrain you.”

Dokgo Seong snorted. “I don’t know who that is, but even if the Dharma Guardian came, he wouldn’t have an easy time dealing with us.”

I spoke in a trembling voice, “N-No, that’s not true.”

“What?”

“It’s dangerous.”

Then Mangnyang revealed a glint in his eyes, “You know who this person is.”

“……”

I had no words to respond.

Suddenly, an incredible formidable foe appeared out of nowhere.

“Who is he?” the Sword Demon curiously asked, and I could do nothing but answer him. The Sword Demon could only read my memories and wouldn’t directly see this being’s form. Only I was aware of their true identity.

“Sword Saint Yeodong-bin!”

Celebrated as an Immortal of the Eight Immortals and the strongest of the fighting immortals, the one who once trained the Fire Dragon!

I had witnessed him several times while in possession of another’s body! Now he was present before me in true form, standing as an adversary!

 

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