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“What a bizarre sight!”

Jeon Wook, the entity in front of me, was wearing an odd blue robe that fluttered as if alive, while his hands hung down, engulfed in darkness. His face resembled chaos itself, making him look nothing like a human. It was clear that he was something more—something that felt all too alien.

The pressure of his presence was overwhelming for a mere human. Sure enough, Cheon Woo-jin looked distressed, and Jeong-gal Sa was mumbling a protective chant with his eyes shut tight. Even the best sorcerers find it hard to keep their sanity before a divine entity. All I felt was an annoying pressure, so I spoke up slowly.

“Jeon Wook! I’ve come with two requests.”

Silence hung in the air, suffused with a strange pressure, causing the lurking monsters to shiver. Finally, Jeon Wook spoke.

“You have yet to offer your sacrifice.”

Sacrifice?

While I was taken aback, Jeong-gal Sa opened his eyes and stepped forward. He moved the Portrait Immortals onto the altar and raised the dagger he held high.

“Jeon Wook! Will you accept this offering?”

Jeon Wook craned his neck to examine the Portrait Immortals. After a long glance, he finally said, “Very well.”

“May you be pleased!”

Without a hint of hesitation, Jeong-gal Sa carved out the hearts of the Portrait Immortals, placing them on the altar before kneeling down. Moments later, the hearts disintegrated into dust and were swallowed by the abyss.

Jeon Wook, satisfied with the offering, raised his right hand. “Speak. The conditions for the Offering Ceremony are met.”

Watching this unfold, I thought, ‘Is he going to get what he wanted and still retain his composure?’ Even a god wouldn’t want to make a bad deal, it seems. I couldn’t help but find it somewhat amusing, focusing my gaze back on Jeon Wook.

“There are two requests! Can you grant them?”

“Speak.”

“First, please allow the unsealing of this water spirit!”

As I held up the water spirit, a brilliant blue light flashed from it. The mysterious aura that emanated enveloped the area like mist, startling the monsters and divine beings surrounding Jeon Wook.

“Kraaaak!!”

“Isn’t that the Seven Luminaries?!”

“How could such a dreadful thing appear…?”

The monsters twitched and took to the air, while the lesser divine beings panicked in chaos. Just facing the Seven Luminaries seemed to instill sheer terror. As the sky teetered on the edge of chaos, Jeon Wook waved his hand.

“Silence.”

It was astonishing. The instant Jeon Wook waved, countless monsters and divine beings fell silent as if obeying a king’s wrath.

Jeon Wook leaned forward, peering down at me. “Master of the Water Spirit, you understand the truth of the Seven Luminaries, do you not?”

“Indeed.”

“How much do you know?”

“Through the Three Sovereigns, I understand that failing to release the Seven Luminaries would allow the Old Ruler to descend upon the Central Plains.”

Jeon Wook appeared deep in thought for a moment. Then, suddenly he exclaimed, “Impressive! You’ve discovered that much as a mere human?”

At that moment, I inferred one critical fact.

The Three Sovereigns clearly did not wish for humans to know the truth of the Seven Luminaries!

It was exceedingly clear from Jeon Wook’s words just how intent they were to keep this secret. If I were to challenge Jeon Wook about the lies of the Primordial Void Ruler now, it would yield little benefit. While I mulled this over, Jeon Wook continued.

“Human, you are no ordinary being.”

“Who among mortals is ordinary before a god?”

“Even we who created the Seven Luminaries never expected there would be a need to unseal them before the age of law came. The ancient pact was made to delay the inevitable end.”

What was that supposed to mean? I, as well as Jeong-gal Sa and Cheon Woo-jin, could only tilt our heads in confusion, not comprehending the deeper meaning behind Jeon Wook’s words. There seemed to be an enormous secret hidden within the Seven Luminaries, which was hinted at in his speech—great but beyond our understanding.

Jeon Wook continued, “You, of all beings, are worthy of being the Master of the Water Spirit. In the name of me, the Three Sovereigns, Jeon Wook, I grant you this title.”

At that moment, the Oracle Bone Script engraved upon the altar shimmered in silver before bursting into flame. As it burned, the letters soon disappeared, and the blade of the Water Element Divine Sword grew longer, pulling an immense force directly into me.

“……!!”

This felt different than the forced possession by Itaka. Back then, it felt like a colossal divine entity, cramming its power into me, but now it felt as if the Water Element Divine Sword was transforming into a divine sword, channeling the power of heaven and earth directly to me. Any swordsman in the world would find it impossible to hide their longing upon encountering this great sword.

As I swallowed hard, Jeon Wook said, “Speak the second request.”

Realizing that the unsealing of the Water Spirit had gone surprisingly smoothly, I was still in shock. Overwhelmed by Jeon Wook’s words, I snapped back to attention and said.

“Not long ago, the Emperor of the Ming Nation received the command to dominate and gain immortality from History Emperor Changhil. Please enable me to break that command and teach me how to eliminate his dominion. I want to take down the Emperor.”

“……”

If Jeon Wook granted this as well, it would mean I gained everything from today’s offering ceremony. With anticipation in my heart, I clenched my fists while silence filled the air. Jeon Wook seemed in no hurry, floating mid-air as if lost in thought.

‘No answer…’

How long did that peculiar silence linger?

Finally, Jeon Wook spoke up.

“Do you not desire immortality or divine status?”

“Huh? What do you mean…”

“Few have performed the Offering Ceremony throughout history. They were bestowed with the chance to become gods. While it would be simple to fulfill your wish, why would you throw away the opportunity to become divine?”

“……”

Jeon Wook’s question caught me off guard.

‘Immortality? God?’

It was something I hadn’t considered before. All I cared about was rescuing Mangnyang and taking down the Emperor. I didn’t think I needed to consider such options. Jeon Wook’s words made me ponder immortality for a moment.

Becoming immortal would, of course, bring many benefits. No more dying easily whenever I turned around! However, that also meant I’d lose the opportunity for rebirth through the Heavenly Secret. Realization dawned on me that immortality was not all that beneficial for me.

And to become a god?

How was that any different from immortality?

‘Meaningless!’

According to Miho, attaining divine status would grant a feeling of transcendence beyond the material world. I had no idea what that felt like, but I certainly didn’t feel compelled to experience it. I still didn’t want to be a god. Life as a human was challenging enough; why bother with godhood?

After a moment of thought, I addressed Jeon Wook.

“I have no need for them.”

“Your heart is sincere. It’s the first time since existence that I’ve encountered a human like you… to disregard both immortality and divinity as trivial.”

“……”

“Very well. I shall grant your request.”

Jeon Wook’s arms seemed to dissolve into the darkness. After a brief moment, they reappeared, colossal in form, attempting to rip reality apart. Then, from the air, Jeon Wook drew something and lowered it toward me.

“The divine essence of the Emperor shall accompany you!”

A strange force was bestowed upon me. It felt like being draped in yellow fabric, disappearing the moment it enveloped me. It appeared to be a kind of divine blessing. I sensed the aura but couldn’t feel any significant change in myself, so I moved around a bit. It didn’t feel like something that directly empowered me.

After conferring this blessing, Jeon Wook gazed at me and said, “You, for some reason, feel familiar. It’s as if I am greatly invigorated by encountering your immense essence. Therefore, I shall grant you one more of your requests.”

Suddenly, a scream echoed.

“Huh!!”

“No way! My goodness…”

Jeon Wook’s revelation shocked both Cheon Woo-jin and Jeong-gal Sa beside me. Clearly, it was unexpected, their expressions betraying the loss of control.

‘What’s with the fuss?’

Despite their commotion, I pondered what additional request I could make. Having unsealed the Water Spirit and acquired a blessing to confront the Emperor, my primary objectives were all more or less achieved. Now that Jeon Wook offered to fulfill one more request, I should ideally ask something beneficial for myself.

As Mangnyang’s words echoed in my mind, I recalled, “Baek Woong, be sure to successfully complete the Offering Ceremony this time to uncover the secret and identity of the Three Sovereigns. If we can discover what they truly desire, it may lead us to a way to take them down.”

Yes, finding out the secrets and desires of the Three Sovereigns was crucial.

That was undoubtedly Mangnyang’s wish.

Resolving myself, I spoke, “Jeon Wook! Why did the Three Sovereigns create the Seven Luminaries? And what is the relationship between you and the Old Ruler?”

“Baek Woong!!”

Suddenly, Cheon Woo-jin, looking panic-stricken, grabbed my collar. Sweat rolled down his forehead as he implored, “Stop! How could you breach such a crucial secret of the heavens…”

I shrugged off his hand and countered, “If I must perish, then so be it. This is not your concern.”

Cheon Woo-jin, flustered, retorted fiercely, “Damn it…!! What you mentioned is a secret from primordial times! Do you think they’d so readily divulge that? If you oppose the Creator God’s authority, you’ll die!”

“Die?”

I chuckled, finding his fear amusing. “That sounds nice.”

Having lived through countless rebirths, his threats meant nothing to me. Stifling his words, Jeong-gal Sa interjected with a stern gaze, “Listen, Cheon Woo-jin. When it comes to a guy like him, threats of death won’t work. He’s already embraced death as part of his existence.”

“Good point.”

“But I agree with Cheon Woo-jin. It’s reckless to continue. It’s only self-destruction now.”

I glanced at Jeong-gal Sa and said, “Whatever self-destruction it be, I’m the one doing it. You can just sit back and enjoy the show of my demise, can’t you?”

Jeong-gal Sa grimaced.

“Promise me you’ll just be the one to die.”

“Fine.”

With unwavering resolve, I gazed up at Jeon Wook and proclaimed, “Jeon Wook! If my question was indeed presumptuous, then kill me alone. These others are innocent.”

[ ……]

Jeon Wook’s gaze trailed towards the earth. Though his form lacked eyes, nose, or mouth, I felt as if he could see me. We all held our breath and looked up, and after a brief pause, Jeon Wook finally responded.

“I will answer.”

After a moment of hesitation, he began to speak.

“In the primordial void, we were birthed during a time long forgotten. We transcended the cycles of time and causation to come into existence. It was also clear to us that we knew the birth of heaven, earth, and the universe. And we knew instinctively that we would be granted dominion over this world, for no living being could even touch our feet, the apex of which was held by Emperor Gong Sun Xuanwen, our source. He united us and conferred upon us the positions we deserved.”

He seemed to elaborate on the birth of the Three Sovereigns.

‘We?’

That phrase piqued my curiosity. As I soaked in every word, Jeon Wook continued.

“Simultaneously, we also understood when the end of this world would come. The harbingers of this end are the Evil Gods, but those orchestrating it are the Great Beings that are even greater. Therefore, we chose to delay rather than to prevent the end.”

“Delay the end?”

The postponement of calamity. The Sword Master Yeodong-bin had mentioned something similar. It’s clear the Three Sovereigns and the Heavenly Realm are aware of the world’s destruction and are presenting ‘delay’ as a countermeasure.

“Indeed. Therefore, we sought to foster human civilization while encapsulating their hopes within the Seven Luminaries. With the Old Ruler dwelling within the Seven Luminaries, the needless bloodshed ceased, allowing for a cessation of hostilities. The Seven Luminaries became a symbol. You gained thousands of years of peace.”

Once Jeon Wook concluded that thought, he added, “Even after humanity perishes, we will continue to exist. The Seven Luminaries are mere whims of the Emperor and simple favors. It should suffice to understand our relationship with the Old Ruler in such a context. I believe I have provided you with enough answers.”

“……”

Reflecting deeply, I then asked, “So the Three Sovereigns are currently in the Heavenly Realm?”

“We are not there.”

“Huh?”

“No, you could say we are both there and not there.”

That was a baffling response, but I thought Mangnyang could interpret this dialogue. Although I didn’t fully grasp the meaning, I had successfully obtained a significant lead. I bowed my head to Jeon Wook.

“Thank you.”

“The day I see you again, I wish to make you one of my kin. Farewell!”

In the blink of an eye, the array of monsters and divine beings vanished, and the ominous darkness lifted. The figure of Jeon Wook also abruptly disappeared. Realizing the Offering Ceremony had concluded, I let out a sigh of relief.

“Phew.”

I turned to Cheon Woo-jin and Jeong-gal Sa, declaring, “It seems the Offering Ceremony has come to a close! Let’s move.”

Cheon Woo-jin sighed. “Baek Woong. I must consult my master soon to uncover your true identity, for you are the most mysterious being I’ve ever laid eyes on.”

“Mysterious, you say?”

“Jeon Wook is renowned as the fiercest and cruelest among the Three Sovereigns. How did you manage to win his favor and receive additional blessings? A being like you must have never existed throughout history.”

Pausing, Cheon Woo-jin added, “I must ask you seriously. Are you even human?”

“Do I not look human? Am I an otherworldly race?”

I shot back with a hint of annoyance, waving my hands dramatically.

“Unfortunately, I can’t sprout tentacles!”

“……”

Jeong-gal Sa quietly chuckled beside us. “Hahaha, fools.”

In unison, Cheon Woo-jin and I shouted, “Shut up!”

After cleaning up the Heavenly Altar, we made our way out of Mount Hua.

With our preparations in place, I decided to ask Jeong-gal Sa and Cheon Woo-jin, “There are issues arising due to the White Lotus Sect. What should we do about that?”

Upon hearing about the involvement of the White Lotus Sect, Jeong-gal Sa and Cheon Woo-jin seemed to fall into thought. Finally, Cheon Woo-jin spoke first.

“That’s not my concern. Handle it yourself.”

I knew he would say that.

Gritting my teeth, I heard Jeong-gal Sa chime in, “It’s not impossible to win them over. If you’re clever enough, you can sweet-talk them. The Thunder God Lineage is a bunch of stubborn blockheads.”

“What kind of cleverness are you talking about?”

“Hmm… try this approach.”

He then shared his strategy with me. After listening, I thought it sounded plausible and was impressed.

“I see. It’s worth a try.”

“It’s platinum-grade advice, so take it to heart.”

“If only it weren’t for the constant self-praise, it would be perfect.”

As I grumbled, Jeong-gal Sa warned, “But be wary of one particular individual. That one is completely unpredictable.”

I had a pretty good idea of who he meant.

But what can you do?

“I know.”

 

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