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I was able to hear more about the current situation from Mangnyang for about half a moment. Zhuge Sa disappeared into his laboratory, saying he would prepare something, and Jin So-cheong left saying that I should come find her after I heard Mangnyang’s story, leaving just the two of us.

“… Miho went to ask for help from the Celestial Realm and then went silent.”

“Is that so…”

Fifty years of history couldn’t possibly be summed up in just half a moment, but at least I gathered some idea of how much had transpired through Mangnyang’s words. Deep in thought, I finally spoke up.

“Mangnyang, could this… be the techniques of Chi You?”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean… everything I currently perceive as reality.”

Then, Mangnyang let out a chuckle.

“Hah. You’re suggesting that what you see as reality after emerging from fifty years’ passage could indeed be an illusion shown by Chi You, and we might also be fakes.”

“……”

“It’s a reasonable suspicion. According to the information we’ve gathered, Chi You is Emperor Gong Sun Xuanwen’s most trusted aide, on par with the Three Sovereigns in divinity. If someone of Chi You’s caliber can create an illusion indistinguishable from reality, it’s not beyond reason.”

However, Mangnyang continued,

“But I believe the likelihood of that is low.”

“Why is that?”

“No matter the illusion technique, it can only create a semblance of what exists in your mind—your unconsciousness and experiences. If new information accumulates continuously, creating new laws of causality, then it wouldn’t be an illusion anymore; it would be another reality altogether.”

“That’s a bit complex; could you explain it simply?”

“If this were an illusion, the moment you gain new information and grow within it, you effectively twist causality. Once an illusion intertwines with reality, not even a god would be free from its laws. While it isn’t impossible for Chi You to create such an extravagant miracle, risking the laws of causality just to deceive you seems rather absurd.”

“I see…”

I understood Mangnyang’s reasoning because I was familiar with the principles of causality and techniques. It was feasible to deceive me, but the effort required for that was simply too ridiculous.

In fact, I had already obtained information about the Nine Lotus Bishop’s existence and the future direction of the Nine Lotus Sect in this reality, and I was soon to inherit knowledge and abilities from Mangnyang, Zhuge Sa, and Jin So-cheong. Even if this were an illusion, once it began to affect reality through me, distinguishing between the two became meaningless. Whether something was fake or not wasn’t something I needed to worry about right now.

Suddenly, I recalled Baek Woong and pointed out, “But in Baek Woong’s future predictions, I obtained a clue about the Archbishop or powerful beings of the Nine Lotus Sect, right?”

“That’s a probable scenario; Baek Woong’s advanced future predictions drew conclusions from all your accumulated experiences. However, those predictions didn’t grant you any new abilities or techniques. Besides, since Baek Woong acknowledges post-observation changes in a casual manner, it doesn’t violate causality.”

“Ah.”

“I’ll have to quickly convey something to you to prove that.”

As he mumbled that, Mangnyang reached out his hand.

Whoosh!

A white spirit energy burst from his hand and connected with me. Realizing what this technique was, I was taken aback.

“Soul Exchange Technique! You’ve been practicing it all this time?!”

“Indeed. I also learned the Soul Exchange Technique from my uncle and reached the level of a Great Achiever.”

Mangnyang linked our souls using the Soul Exchange Technique and suddenly focused intensely, veins bulging on his forehead as he infused power.

Oooooo—

Crack!

Something was seeping in! As I realized knowledge and experience were pouring into me at breakneck speed via the thread connecting me to Mangnyang, my body began to tremble. After a short while, the transmission of knowledge concluded, and Mangnyang collapsed, seeming utterly drained, then sighed.

“Huh…”

“What did you do?”

“Through the Soul Exchange Technique, I transferred useful techniques I know directly into your memory. Unlike Mangnyang’s recollections, you can use what I’ve understood immediately.”

“……!!”

Just as Mangnyang said, I realized I was now capable of freely using multiple mid-tier and high-tier techniques. Remarkably, they had been transferred with proficiency! I spoke to Mangnyang,

“I can’t believe this is possible…”

Mangnyang collected himself and rose to his feet.

“It’s only possible because fifty years have passed. During that time, my uncle Zhuge Sa refined and developed the Soul Exchange Technique even further, and I researched the results together with him. Normally, it takes an ordinary person a lifetime to grasp the Soul Exchange Technique, but I’ve shortened that timeframe and enhanced my technique’s capabilities.”

“Then right now, Mangnyang, you can be called a Grand Sorcerer…”

“Maybe. Right now, I’ve likely reached the level of a priest in your previous life.”

Mangnyang smacked his lips.

“Unfortunately, this advanced Soul Exchange Technique is based on principles so complex that I can’t readily share it with you. If I’m not careful, it might confuse you even more.”

“I understand.”

It was already complex and difficult to grasp; now, if the geniuses of the Zhuge Clan spent decades refining this technique, there was no way I could comprehend it all at once. I’d have to wait until later to receive some explanation before accepting it.

“Hmm. Speaking of which, you haven’t mentioned Cheon Woo-jin at all.”

Although Mangnyang had narrated some past events over the half a moment, he deliberately skipped Cheon Woo-jin’s story. I was curious as to why and decided to ask since the topic had come up. Mangnyang then spoke with a bitter expression.

“After sensing the powers of the Evil God, Cheon Woo-jin transformed into half a recluse and lost his motivation to fight, yet, he later changed his mind and decided to scout for information from the Celestial Realm.”

“I see.”

“He quickly rose to the position of the Thirty-Six Generals of the Celestial Realm and easily became a Great Immortal. But…”

“But?”

“At some point, communication was cut off.”

Mangnyang looked up at the sky, seemingly anguished.

“If he returns to the Central Plains, I hope he’ll definitely seek out news of the priest…”

“Understood.”

After talking a bit more with Mangnyang, I headed to Jin So-cheong next.

Jin So-cheong stood with a spear in a completely ruined clearing. Meeting Jin So-cheong’s gaze, I opened my mouth.

“Zhuge Sa and Mangnyang have aged, but you’re just the same…”

“It was necessary for me to remain unchanged.”

Slowly, the sunset was deepening. Jin So-cheong continued, receiving the sunset glow on his expressionless face.

“Baek Woong, as you know, Half-Transition Master is part of Rebirth of Flesh. Once the body undergoes Rebirth of Flesh awakening, it can either become younger through Half-Transition Master or maintain a prime condition through Plain Body.”

“So, you’ve chosen Plain Body in Rebirth of Flesh.”

When a martial artist reaches the extreme of their body to achieve Rebirth of Flesh, there are indeed two paths to take. One is Half-Transition Master, while the other is Plain Body, which means maintaining one’s original physique. Jin So-cheong seemed to have chosen Plain Body, finding himself unchanged for over 50 years.

After a moment of silence, Jin So-cheong spoke.

“In fact, opting for Half-Transition Master usually leads to significantly increased potential lifespan and internal power capacity, as transitioning allows you to slowly grow and break through physical limitations over the years. Therefore, those pursuing the ultimate in martial arts often choose Half-Transition Master.”

Perhaps Han Baek-ryeong had chosen it for a similar reason.

“Yet, your reason for choosing Plain Body is…”

“If I choose Half-Transition Master, my battle power would inevitably decline even if my potential and lifespan expand. No matter how outstanding the skills, if I were to lose my accustomed body that I’ve utilized for decades, limitations would apply. I’ve been too burdened with battles since fifty years ago to have leisure for Half-Transition Master.”

“……”

I see now.

Curiosity spurred me to ask, “What governs the criteria for Rebirth of Flesh? I’ve challenged countless martial artists with this question over the years, yet no one could provide a definitive answer.”

Indeed.

Both Bright Dragon who practiced Half-Transition Master and Han Baek-ryeong, as well as previous leaders like the Master of the White Lotus Sect and Dharma Guardians, and even the likes of Lee Cheong-un and Sword Demon—they all fell short of a clear answer. I was desperate to understand what conditions brought forth Rebirth of Flesh.

However, none among them seemed to truly comprehend it. While they vaguely speculated it would occur naturally upon reaching the limits of internal power or body, Zhuge King and Lee Cheong-un didn’t have a concrete grasp of the criteria.

After all, Rebirth of Flesh itself was originally a legendary state, and those who reached such heights rarely engaged in discussions or studies among themselves. Most answers were like mystical experiences: those who simply did it found it to have happened.

In response to my question, Jin So-cheong replied.

“In the past, Bright Dragon described Rebirth of Flesh as a phenomenon where one’s energy reaches its peak, and their body transforms into the optimum condition. However, that’s only half true.”

“Wait, you actually know the exact criteria for Rebirth of Flesh?”

“I do.”

Continuing, Jin So-cheong added, “The reason your internal power has reached the upper echelons among humans, excluding Dharma Guardians, and yet you have not achieved Rebirth of Flesh naturally is likely the real question you ponder.”

“That’s right.”

That indeed was the main question. Despite having consumed countless spiritual pills like Black and White Lotus, Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng, and so forth to possess supreme internal power, I felt nothing even close to Rebirth of Flesh. I wondered if, fifty years later, Jin So-cheong might indeed possess the answer for this inexplicable phenomenon.

As I concentrated on his words, Jin So-cheong slowly opened his mouth.

“Reaching elite status is merely a basic requirement for Rebirth of Flesh. The real prerequisites are necessity and will. These two factors are paramount.”

“Necessity? Will?”

“Necessity means that Baek Woong, you must feel the limits and desperately wish for change. Just as a parched person craves muscle, you must fervently hope for your body’s transformation.”

I tilted my head, puzzled.

“So is necessity not the same as will? Can’t it just be a matter of wishing?”

“Will means something else altogether.”

Jin So-cheong’s gaze sharpened toward me.

“It refers to the will of the body itself.”

“……?”

“This means you’re not yet entirely in control of your own body.”

Swish!

“……!!”

At that instant, I froze, momentarily stunned by a phantom akin to my throat being pierced. I felt truly struck by Jin So-cheong’s spear as if he were mocking me. However, I calmed down after realizing he had merely utilized the Mind Control Technique.

Jin So-cheong stated, “You couldn’t even feel a fraction of my spiritual spear’s consciousness. No matter how absolute your realm ownership is, given the accumulation of your cultivation, you should be able to endure at least ten moments. This proves you haven’t mastered complete control over your body.”

I was aghast.

“No one’s ever…”

“Those with lower martial arts levels simply couldn’t discern your condition. Moreover, your vast internal power obscured this flaw from sight.”

Mind Control Spear!

Hundred Flower Dance!

Thud thud thud!

As Jin So-cheong finished speaking, I felt my whole body going full of holes. He hadn’t moved at all, yet his Mind Control Spear had attacked me first. Terrifyingly, that spear was clearly a technique of mind control that I simply couldn’t evade or block.

If his Mind Control Spear had carried killing intent, I would’ve died over a hundred times.

‘W… what kind of martial arts is this…’

The speed of Thunder Spirit was remarkable, but this was on another level entirely; it was beyond speed. I instantly realized it had to be something far less reasonable than mere speed. And it dawned on me—a ridiculous thought, but if Jin So-cheong were using the Mind Control Spear now, he could possibly suppress the Thunder Spirit.

“What I’ve felt while continuously breaking through the walls of the absolute realm is that our bodies also possess an individual will.”

“What do you mean? The body is controlled by the mind…”

“Not so in the world of Muwak. The martial deeds you’ve accumulated manifest within the body, allowing the very essence of martial arts to surface. This, in turn, supports the world of the mind. But you…”

As Jin So-cheong relaxed his stance, he continued, “A Reborn Person. The mental buildup and the physical experiences don’t correspond, causing contradiction. Why? Because your mind is that of a master with hundreds of years of martial training, yet your body is that of a teenager.”

Such contradiction results, preventing your body from responding to the proficiency gained from your martial practice, meaning Rebirth of Flesh becomes impossible.

“……”

“You are unique among all the martial artists in the world, experiencing this dissonance. It’s a weakness exclusive to Reborn Persons.”

Finally, I comprehended Jin So-cheong’s insight.

The dissonance between the body and the mind!

That had long been a point of worry, but now I knew it was a true obstacle to Rebirth of Flesh. I cautiously probed Jin So-cheong, “Is it necessary to achieve Rebirth of Flesh? Must one reach that to attain the absolute realm?”

“Not necessarily. However, for your case, it might indeed be so.”

“Why is that?”

“The reason you remain unusually stagnant for so long at the peak of absolute realm and cannot easily ascend to the next level is not solely due to lack of talent. The dissonance between your body and mind that I just spoke of also holds you back.”

He regarded me with a calm gaze. “The absolute realm is reached through the absence of thought, forming the Heavenly Pillar. This absolute mental state must harmonize with the Mind, Qi, and Body in some way.”

“……!!”

“I believe what you need more than talent is a fresh understanding to resolve your inner conflicts, as well as a firm conviction about your own absolute realm.”

“Belief…”

While I pondered his words, Jin So-cheong added, “I want to calmly impart my insights to you, but time is pressing. You must prepare to return home immediately.”

“… Understood.”

I agreed with Jin So-cheong.

Regardless of what the world had become, staying in the Kingdom of Duke Du while inheriting martial arts from Jin So-cheong and Mangnyang might work, but I wasn’t so sure. If the Nine Lotus Bishop defeated the Celestial Realm, a great descent of the Evil God would surely follow, and at that moment, mankind would truly face extinction. It would then be impossible to hide and preserve my life.

‘Will it be possible? … Even if not, I must try.’

I clenched my teeth.

Using every means at my disposal, I had to either kill or seal the Nine Lotus Bishop.

After a while, the four of us, including me, gathered at the stronghold of the Kingdom of Duke Du.

Zhuge Sa said, “A rather unfavorable news from the homeland just came in.”

“What is it?”

“It appears the Celestial Realm lost to the Nine Lotus Bishop. Over twenty Great Immortals were annihilated in Luoyang.”

“……”

“Many were slain in the overlay as well.”

Before even beginning, being told of a defeat took me by surprise, as Zhuge Sa continued.

“This is our last chance. Soon, the Nine Lotus Bishop will use himself as a medium to summon the Evil God, intending to collapse the battle ground.”

Zhuge Sa declared, “Assassinating the Nine Lotus Bishop while he performs his ceremony is humanity’s only lifeline.”

“Is that even feasible?”

“Heh heh. Truthfully speaking, without a miracle, it would be impossible. The objective difference in power is far too great. Not only the Nine Lotus Bishop but even the bishops would be too much to handle.”

Zhuge Sa chuckled bitterly.

“So please create a miracle, our foolish king.”

 

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