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“The Celestial Sage hasn’t shown his true self yet.”

In his human form as ‘Oh Seung-eun’, he only revealed his Fire Eye Golden Spirit and said to me, “So, do you want to just hand over the Fire Spirit and Water Spirit, or are you being stubborn?”

“……”

That’s way too straightforward. But I’ve been through countless threats like this throughout my life, so I stayed calm. Instead of retorting right away, I responded coolly, “If we just hand them over, will you spare our lives?”

At my words, Miho and Musashi shot me a quick glance. At this moment, the Seven Luminaries were something we absolutely could not give up. When I asked, the Celestial Sage replied, “Honestly, I can’t kill you.”

“What do you mean?”

“You’re an apostle of the Three Sovereigns. If I kill you, Jeon Wook will go berserk and storm the Celestial Realm, so that’s out of the question. No matter what choice you make, you’re not going to die.”

He added with a grin, “So feel free to choose.”

At first glance, it sounded like a decent offer. But I knew well that in this world, there were plenty of ways to make someone wish they were dead, even if you didn’t actually kill them. Just imagining what might happen if the powerful Celestial Sage Mi-hu King decided to make my life miserable sent shivers down my spine.

Moreover, saying he couldn’t just kill me meant he had no qualms about the lives of others—Miho and Musashi were sure to meet their end at the hands of the Celestial Sage.

‘Plus, the way he worded that definitely shows it’s not just a simple threat.’

His tone indicated a firm resolve to do as he pleased, ready to take me out without a moment’s hesitation. From my experience, folks who proposed things like that were usually seasoned thugs.

I asked again, “I asked the wrong question. If I hand over the Seven Luminaries, will you let us go safely and never attack us again?”

“Heh, sounds like you really want to survive here, huh? And you’ve heard of my reputation, I see?”

“You’ve got quite the fame, that’s for sure.”

Then the Celestial Sage chuckled and said, “Compliments won’t get you anywhere! I’d love to quit and have some fun, but this isn’t the usual boring affair, so I can’t back down.”

“I have my doubts.”

“So many questions!”

“I’m thinking of calmly handing over the Seven Luminaries. So tell me, what’s your plan with them in the Celestial Realm?”

“……”

I began to recount the “words” Zhuge Sa had given me. He had provided a possible clue to persuade the Celestial Sage before I succumbed to sleep.

‘Will this work?’

Anxiety crept in. I took a gamble, but Celestial Sage Mi-hu King’s combat prowess was overwhelming. If he decided communication was a waste of time and attacked us instead, there’d be no point to any of this.

“You know, I had something to ask you too, but could you answer that first?”

The Celestial Sage, lost in thought, crossed his arms and continued, “In my original temperament, I would’ve killed you all the moment you arrived in the Divine City, but I had purposely waited to see who the legendary apostle of the Three Sovereigns was.”

“……”

He seemed genuinely serious. I nodded.

“Ask away.”

“Why did you capture the Sea God?”

“Why? He’s a bad dude causing harm in this world.”

“Heh.”

The Celestial Sage appeared intrigued by my response. Then he asked again, “And what about the Demon King?”

“He established blood circles and massacred the Jianghu Martial World. Besides, he could destroy the Battle Ground in Luoyang.”

“So you know of the Battle Ground. But why do you guys want to protect it?”

“What…? If it gets destroyed, the worst demons in history would be released in Luoyang.”

“Was that what Master Mangnyang told you?”

“……”

As I fell silent, the Celestial Sage’s Fire Eye Golden Spirit shifted, and he began to scrutinize me closely.

‘Those piercing eyes…’

At first glance, they seemed dull, but they radiated immense power, even containing the aura of the legendary serpent Bashe. After observing me keenly for a moment, he spoke.

“So, you wish to take on the Old Ruler or the Otherworldly Races?”

“Yes.”

“Hahaha.”

The Celestial Sage laughed as if he found it absurd. He cackled for a while before saying, “Look, even if you’re an apostle of the Three Sovereigns, there’s a limit to what you can do. Besides, even if you were the real Three Sovereigns, there’s only so much you could manage against the Old Ruler. That’s why the Seven Luminaries were created. What are you counting on as a mere human to act so recklessly?”

I replied without backing down, “I’m doing this simply because I can. And even if I get reckless and end up dead, it’s my choice, right?”

“……”

The Celestial Sage looked at me blankly before suddenly bursting into laughter.

“Hahaha, hehe, hohoho!”

His laughter escalated, mixing with a monkey-like squeak, rolling on the ground in hilarity. Although it was gaping wide open, I had no room to attack, because that was clearly an intentional opening.

After he finished laughing and wiped the tears from his eyes, he said, “It’s been so boring for a thousand years, and finally, some fun!”

“Why are you laughing? Is it because you’re so superior at mocking the dreams of others?”

When I grumbled, the Celestial Sage arrogantly replied, “If I weren’t remarkable, I wouldn’t be called the Celestial Sage! I am amazing.”

“……”

What the heck? Is this guy just showing off?

Miho, who had been watching the situation unfold, chimed in, “Yeah, good for you on being so remarkable. But I have to ask, this isn’t ordered by the Queen Mother, is it?”

“Why? What if it is?”

“Well…”

When Miho failed to respond, the Celestial Sage calmly said, “Fox, wake up. You’re not some pet of the Queen Mother. You’re important enough not to be discarded, so stop wandering and go back to the Celestial Realm.”

“What… a pet…”

“I’ll take you in now if you want.”

Miho flared up, her anger rising.

Suddenly, I felt completely awake. Miho’s Spirit Power spread, breaking through the Celestial Sage’s techniques. Musashi seemed to stabilize a bit more, benefiting greatly from her presence.

‘Incredible Spirit Energy!’

I had thought about this before, but if Miho’s powers became even stronger, she might rival Daji. Perhaps our group’s strongest member is Miho.

But the Celestial Sage wore an unimpressed expression, unaffected by her immense energy. He lazily said, “Fox, don’t you think it’s odd that you only received an exile from the Celestial Realm for a grave crime? Since the Celestial Realm opened, there’s hardly been a more significant sinner than you. Normally, you’d be obliterated, or locked away in the Celestial Realm’s prison, suffering for eternity or become the prey of the Old Ruler. A regular immortal would’ve faced that fate. You got an enormous privilege back then.”

Suddenly, Miho’s energy waned. Looking flustered, she asked, “Privilege?”

“Yes. The Queen Mother cherishes and favors you above all in the Celestial Realm.”

The Celestial Sage laughed softly. “That power must’ve come to you for a reason, right?”

“……”

Miho fell silent. I sensed something meaningful in those words, though I couldn’t quite grasp their significance. With Miho quieted down, the Celestial Sage turned his gaze toward me.

“So, Baek Woong, you plan to gather all the Seven Luminaries to gain the power to take down the Old Ruler, correct?”

“That’s right.”

“Nope, not gonna happen.”

“……?!”

Swish!

Suddenly, a giant staff-like object floated from the Celestial Sage’s right hand.

‘Is that a staff?’

Wham!

With a flick of his wrist, the Celestial Sage aimed it at me, stating, “No matter the commands I receive in the Celestial Realm, it’s better to just get it done. But that doesn’t mean I’m just a lapdog of the Celestial Realm. I submit to it of my own will, but I owe no loyalty to the Jade Emperor or any of the Three Pure Ones.”

“You want to say you live by your own principles?”

“Exactly.”

For a moment, I felt a surge of energy from the Celestial Sage, with golden light streaming from his eyes.

“And I believe that freeing the Seven Luminaries must never happen. That’s my will and judgment.”

“……”

“As long as I’m here, you will never be able to free the Seven Luminaries. I will stop you, no matter what.”

I felt a headache coming on.

“Why must it not be freed? Don’t you want to defeat the Old Ruler?”

“Ha! That’s laughable. Sure, maybe I could take down the Old Ruler, but only after humanity gets wiped out.”

“……!!”

“The Three Sutras informed me of that in Tianzhu.”

The Celestial Sage mumbled that and put his staff away.

“For now, I’ll withdraw. Thanks to you taking down the Demon King, it bought me some time.”

“What? Do you think it’ll be easy to take the Seven Luminaries from me next time?”

I was dumbfounded at his unexpected remark.

But the Celestial Sage nodded as if it was obvious. “You’d better double your power before you even think about challenging me. Otherwise, you don’t stand a chance against my Ruyi Staff.”

“……”

“I was a bit tense thinking you took down the Demon King, but truly, you’re underwhelming. I could take you out easily with no use of my true form or treasures.”

Could he really be looking down on us that much?

This felt like a first-class expert looking down on a third-rate loser.

‘No way. There can’t be such a difference in capability.’

Until now, I’d only witnessed his techniques. I thought maybe I should risk everything right here and confront the Celestial Sage to see what techniques and martial arts he possessed. That would help me develop strategies for our next encounter.

Then, Musashi stepped forward confidently.

“My sword can defeat you.”

“M-Miyamoto!”

“I want to compare the Sea God with the strongest in the Celestial Realm.”

Are you crazy?!

In this situation, you’re challenging the strongest Celestial Sage?!

Has he completely lost it?

Then, the Celestial Sage’s eyes lit up.

“Oh? You’re not believing in yourself, huh? You really want to drink punishment wine?”

Yikes!

And then it happened.

Technique of Duelers.

Monkey King’s Dance.

Quack!

“Gah!”

All of a sudden, my body moved at breakneck speed, and Musashi had to leap back five steps, sword drawn. Miho also let out a short scream and stumbled sideways, collapsing to her knees.

Musashi, leaving his Japanese sword stuck in the ground, looked horrified. He muttered:

“…Beyond Heaven…”

I wasn’t harmed. Because at that moment, Jang Sam-bong invoked his martial arts to protect me as I sensed the danger.

The Celestial Sage possessed both Spirit Power and Magical Power, indicating he could easily step in with a fierceness.

‘What just happened…’

I had no clue what kind of attack I just dodged. One thing was certain: I was struck by fantastic speed; Musashi coughed blood as if punched in the gut, while Miho staggered, unable to withstand the shock.

Jang Sam-bong said gravely, “[King Mi-hu.]”

“Uncle, I keep telling you, I’m Celestial Sage!”

Despite the Celestial Sage complaining, Jang Sam-bong continued, “[You should leave this place. This human is far beneath you, and my protector is not a match for you yet.]”

The Celestial Sage seemed displeased, saying it out loud.

“Why are you saying something so obvious? Do you think you can match me?”

[…Not a chance. You are the strongest in the Celestial Realm.]

I was shocked to overhear that exchange inside me.

Could it be that Jang Sam-bong admitted he was content being an underling?!

Based on the martial arts Jang Sam-bong had displayed before, it was hard to believe. Just how powerful is this seemingly arrogant guy? Jang Sam-bong gradually took a stance, preparing to unleash the Tai Chi set.

[But I’m not alone, and as long as I can hold on, I can manage.]

“Hmph… How boring. I don’t get why you’d study that martial art. Winning a fight is what you gotta do! Such extreme principles are meaningless.”

[You know about the essence of the Peerless Technique, then.]

“We fought in the Celestial Realm last time. Just so you know, I won’t learn from you, even if you teach me. Boring martial arts.”

The Celestial Sage murmured something as if he was simply grumbling.

“Is there something the Fire Dragon Incarnate wants to say to me?”

His voice was teasing.

But the Fire Dragon Incarnate began to take form slowly from the Fire Spirit behind him in response to his words.

[Mi-hu King, it’s been a thousand years.]

The Celestial Sage scratched his head.

“I’m telling you, I’m the Celestial Sage!!”

[If you’re a man, you should keep your promises. You agreed to let me go.]

The Celestial Sage glared with wide eyes and snarled. He seemed a bit angry.

“I want to, but that human wanted to fight me! Accepting any fight is my principle.”

[Humans are foolish creatures who cannot see the power of higher beings. They often make foolish choices. You know this much, right?]

If Musashi were to fight, I couldn’t just let him die without trying to stop the Celestial Sage. To let him die for a foolish choice would be unthinkable, especially with Musashi being an incredible fighter from the Absolute Realm.

I didn’t want to face the risk of getting killed by the Celestial Sage in the process, so the Fire Dragon Incarnate had intervened to mediate.

“Heh, so even the most noble and majestic Fire Dragon Incarnate has someone to cover. But your disciple was a pretty decent human.”

The Celestial Sage reflected on the past with a distant look.

“Yeodong-bin, was it? He was definitely someone worth keeping around. In three hundred years or so, not even I can guarantee anything. My condolences.”

[That talk is irrelevant. Are you going to let us go or not?]

“Hmm…”

The Celestial Sage scrutinized me from head to toe before suddenly redirecting his attention to Musashi.

“That sword-wielding punk seems to want to learn a thing or two from me. Want to take a crack at it? Just lightly, mind you.”

Then Miyamoto Musashi took a stance, ready to give it his all.

“The glory of a warrior…”

Ka-zhak!!

In the blink of an eye, Musashi froze in stance as, before he knew it, his sword snapped in half, flying through the air. With a thunderous crash, Musashi stumbled back, appearing as if he’d been hit dozens of times in the chest and abdomen, yet somehow did not fall.

“Cough…”

The Celestial Sage stood on the other side, glancing at his hand. A long trail of blood was imprinted on his palm. He chuckled in surprise.

“Wow. You landed a hit on me… for a human, you’re pretty good! Seems like you know how to handle a sword.”

Only then did Musashi seem to grasp the strength of his opponent, muttering with a hint of fear, “…Monster…”

“You’ve earned the right to use my Ruyi Staff.”

With a huge boom, the Celestial Sage summoned his staff.

“……!!”

He obviously meant to kill.

Though my level was vastly inferior compared to them, the instinct washed over me. I sensed that if I confronted the Celestial Sage, Musashi would be mercilessly murdered in an instant. Recognizing this, the Fire Dragon Incarnate shouted loudly, “[Stop now!]”

“Fire Dragon Incarnate, don’t you dare order me around. No matter how much of a manifestation of Shenglong you are, you can’t command me.”

He coldly continued, “I was the one who landed a hit on the Jade Emperor himself. If you want to stop me, it’ll take the Three Sovereigns to come in person.”

Boom!

The Ruyi Staff emitted an eerie sound.

Crash!!

[Hahhh!!]

The next moment, the three of us—Musashi, Miho, and I—formed the Three Talents Formation, attempting to block the Celestial Sage’s Ruyi Staff. At the front, Jang Sam-bong and the Fire Dragon Incarnate possessed me as we created the initial defense, Miho infused the Spirit Energy of the Six Beauties to erect a protective barrier, while Musashi counterattacked with his Two Heavens One Style.

Ka-baaam!

“Cough!”

“Ugh…”

[Umm.]

Still, none of us were fine afterward. A staff that had grown the size of a mountain came crashing down on the place we had been standing, resulting in a deafening blast as tremendous physical power fell upon us. It seemed Musashi had ruptured something inside, blood spilling from his mouth as he collapsed. Miho also coughed up blood. While Jang Sam-bong appeared to fare slightly better, there was no avoiding retreat.

“Gah!”

Ultimately, Musashi could no longer hold on with just mental strength and fainted, collapsing forward.

Three of the strongest on Earth protecting each other, and it still ended up like this!

And that was just a casual swing of the Ruyi Staff!

The Celestial Sage chuckled, “Haha, what’s wrong? I haven’t even gone all out yet, and you’re already whining? Want me to go all out, then?”

[Stop making me mad.]

“Hmph.”

Snapping his fingers, a multi-colored cloud appeared before him. The Celestial Sage rose onto it, casting me a cold, unsettling stare.

“Baek Woong, I commend you for fighting for humanity. However, you remain a mere human, even as an apostle. With your level of power, you won’t even scratch the surface in the fight against a divine being.”

“Cough.”

“For now, you seem interesting, so I’ll keep an eye on you. But if you dare act rashly and allow the Seven Luminaries to be taken by the Old Ruler, you will certainly pay.”

That was the Celestial Sage’s warning.

“Don’t say things carelessly!!”

I shouted in protest, but the Celestial Sage ignored me and looked skyward.

“Let’s go, Gendou.”

Whoosh!

In that instant, the Celestial Sage vanished into a beam of light, disappearing beyond the heavens with the Gendou cloud. That cloud seemed to be a mode of travel technique or treasure. With speed like that, he could traverse space with ease.

Jang Sam-bong let out a sigh.

[That was a close one.]

Our first encounter with the strongest Celestial Sage, the legendary Sun Wukong, had come to an end.

 

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