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The crew from Zhuge Sa finished their tale and stepped out to the Seven Stars Altar, located outside Mount Penglai. Waiting for them was Fengbaek, one of the Three Masters, who looked at Zhuge Sa and said, “I have a message from my lord. I’d like you to tell me what happened inside.”

Zhuge Sa chuckled, “Why should I?”

“Are you really refusing to tell me?”

“You guys didn’t do anything at the Five Demon Gate. If you want a story, how about paying the price?”

Fengbaek didn’t back down, replying, “Then hand over the Half Yellow Pearl immediately. We came all the way here to help you take down the Sea God Clan. We ain’t doing this for free.”

Zhuge Sa burst into laughter. “Haha! So you’re feeling stingy today, huh?”

“Think what you will.”

Fengbaek showed no signs of being affected. But contrary to his indifferent vibe, Zhuge Sa was secretly deducing the thoughts of the Master of the Twelve Joules.

‘A strong sense of fear… or maybe caution.’

That fear wasn’t directed at Zhuge Sa and his crew.

The Master of the Twelve Joules avoided this spot because there was a chance they might run into the Three Sovereigns or their underlings. Otherwise, it would have been easier to intimidate them into submission, so leaving only a single subordinate behind raised eyebrows.

Why was the Master of the Twelve Joules so scared of the Three Sovereigns?

Of course, considering that the essence of the Three Sovereigns is basically an Old Ruler, it’s not odd for a human sorcerer to feel fear.

But for someone as powerful as the Master of the Twelve Joules, who could hardly find an equal in the human realm, there seemed to be no reason to be so terrified. Thanks to the Law of Cause and Effect and contractual relationships, there were ways to confront them. Since it’s rare for their true bodies to manifest, even a top-tier sorcerer could handle things with magic and contracts.

But the fear exhibited by the Master of the Twelve Joules was puzzling. Zhuge Sa thought deeply and finally spoke up.

“I can hand over the Half Yellow Pearl. But I have some minor conditions of my own.”

“What kind of conditions?”

“I’d like to invite your special investigator, Miyamoto Musashi, to train me in martial arts. His teachings would surely enhance my strength.”

Fengbaek seemed to ponder for a moment, then used magic to communicate with someone. After a while, he got a response.

“He has agreed.”

“Excellent!”

After Fengbaek received the Half Yellow Pearl and vanished with magic, Geuk-ho, filled with concern, asked, “Are you sure it’s okay to just hand over that Half Yellow Pearl? It seems really powerful. Even without it, that guy wouldn’t have much to say…”

“For now, we have an alliance and we can’t afford to irritate the Master of the Twelve Joules too much. Besides, who among us would even benefit from holding onto the Half Yellow Pearl when a mass attack from the Eight Parts of the Divine is afoot? Even if Cheon Woo-jin got it, it wouldn’t matter—better to shake it up and get something else in return.”

Zhuge Sa glanced around at the martial artists nearby before turning to the Dharma Guardian, Han Baek-ryeong, and asked, “So, what do you think?”

“What are you getting at?”

“Do you really think I just let you hear all our secret plans without a reason? You’re not an idiot. Well, the foolish Elder Council self-destructing was just lucky for me, I suppose.”

“What do you want?”

Zhuge Sa opened his mouth, “You lack genuine loyalty to the Master of the White Lotus Sect. So, I’m offering you the chance to decide your future.”

Han Baek-ryeong’s gaze sharpened.

“Are you suggesting I betray the White Lotus Sect?”

“It’s not a betrayal; it’s a decision for the survival of the Fire Spirit Techniques.”

“What do you mean?”

“Don’t drag this out. You don’t know the true intentions of the Master of the White Lotus Sect or the identities of the Primordial Spirit and Heavenly Spirit Pill. You don’t even know what happening now or what our trip to the Five Demon Gate means. You’re practically a clueless infant.”

“What…?”

“In this situation, we can provide you with solid information and help ensure your survival. You ought to know that the Master sees the Fire Spirit Techniques merely as tools.”

Han Baek-ryeong was visibly shaken, overwhelmed by Zhuge Sa’s cutting clarity. Zhuge Sa spoke calmly, “Join us, and you will survive.”

“I want to hear the information first. Then I’ll decide.”

“Oh, I’d love to call that a cautious decision, but I know you’re weighing your options right now. You’re probably more likely to take our information and align with one of the three major forces.”

“Hmm.”

“Make up your mind quickly. We don’t need to team up with you.”

As Zhuge Sa pressured Han Baek-ryeong, she thought for a moment before reluctantly responding, “I’ll team up with you. Just keep your promise.”

“Deal!”

Zhuge Sa then summarized the information about the hidden world, the Master’s true intentions, and what was currently happening. Midway through, Han Baek-ryeong expressed disbelief, “I can’t believe… such a vast world existed?”

“Neither the Master of the White Lotus Sect nor the Master of the Twelve Joules can be the final victor. They are bound by the limitations of humanity. Yet our lord could transcend that. Therefore, it’s better for you to side with us.”

“Your lord… is that him?”

“Indeed.”

Han Baek-ryeong faintly understood Baek Woong’s presence. She couldn’t possibly forget the mysterious boy master who manipulated Jin So-cheong from behind the scenes. However, she also didn’t fully grasp why the Master of the White Lotus Sect had secretly and persistently pursued him down to the southern continent—until now, perhaps it all felt clearer.

This existence that commanded legendary figures and pierced through the secrets of the hidden world! That was Baek Woong, the reason the Master of the White Lotus Sect had been hunting him.

Han Baek-ryeong spoke firmly, “Fine. From now on, the Fire Spirit Techniques will assist you as allies.”

“An alliance forms then! Now, and for our first tasks…”

“What?”

“A few things I need you to do.”

Zhuge Sa whispered his plans, and Han Baek-ryeong accepted the proposal. They returned to the Main Hall of the White Lotus Sect and recounted everything that had transpired. They kept quiet about receiving the summoning ritual from Jeon Wook, leaving the Master disappointed.

[What a shame. After all that effort, they only got one treasure…]

“I’ll use the Half Yellow Pearl to strengthen the barrier of the World Tree, so it’s not a total loss. It wasn’t a waste of time.”

[So now we head to the Master of the Twelve Joules’ base?]

“Of course! Let’s meet at the Divine City in two days.”

[Understood.]

They weren’t planning to defend against the Eight Parts of the Divine at the Main Hall of the White Lotus Sect. No matter how many experts and weapons the Sect had, they’d be useless against divine beings and would be as defenseless as a barren plain. It made more sense to hold the line at the already established stronghold of the World Tree and the nearby Divine City.

While there was a chance the Main Hall of the White Lotus Sect could be destroyed, Zhuge Sa wasn’t particularly worried.

‘They’d only suffer losses from committing a massacre anyway. Such a waste of the Law of Cause and Effect wouldn’t make sense for them.’

The Eight Parts of the Divine intended to use treasures that negate the Law of Cause and Effect to actively interfere with the human realm, but those treasures wouldn’t be omnipotent. They could only last a finite time, and the more they wasted on unnecessary massacres, the faster the Law of Cause and Effect would drain away. Their target was the key figures of the human world, like the Master of the White Lotus Sect and the Master of the Twelve Joules, so they’d avoid useless slaughters.

Zhuge Sa led his crew towards Master Mangnyang’s village. Although being near Luoyang increased the risks, they had no choice but to take Cheon Woo-jin with them. Whether Cheon Woo-jin sensed their approach or not, he greeted them outside the village.

“Zhuge Sa. My older brother told me to continue with the plan.”

“Hmm, really? Then I can just take you along and leave Hyun behind.”

“Is there really any chance of winning? Given the level of the Eight Parts of the Divine, our chances might be slim.”

When Cheon Woo-jin expressed doubt, Zhuge Sa said, “Well, it’s not like we’re fighting to win. If they engage us properly, we’ll be no match for even a partnership between the Master of the White Lotus Sect and the Master of the Twelve Joules. Eight of them are like demon kings fighting us.”

“Then what’s the point of this absurdity?”

“Who knows? There must be something to gain, right? Some kind of meaning in this foolishness.”

“Ha!”

“Also, strategists seem to have more fun when in tough situations.”

Zhuge Sa casually replied while glancing at the mist hovering over the village. “But am I really unable to meet Master Mangnyang?”

“You’re aware of the past lives, right? The Master despises vile demon sorcerers like you.”

“Hmm.”

Something felt off, however.

Zhuge Sa muttered internally. It made sense if he thought of Master Mangnyang as the ancient god standing against the Old Ruler. He could very well dislike meeting a demon sorcerer like himself. Yet, Master Mangnyang was too enigmatic to simply classify as a powerful ancient god. Moreover, his reluctance to interact made it even more suspicious.

Was it just that he thought of him as a bug?

No, it didn’t feel like that.

Not only that, Zhuge Sa had spent his free time poring over the grimoire, seeking information related to Master Mangnyang, but there was no mention of a being even remotely like the Old Ruler. He had heard rumors of an ancient god protecting cats, but he never thought that this being could be akin to Master Mangnyang. Most importantly, in Baek Woong’s eyes, Master Mangnyang appeared as a cat, but according to the memories of the now-deceased Yeodong-bin, he originally possessed a body of formidable terror.

In other words, no demon sorcerer throughout history had ever understood what Master Mangnyang truly was. He couldn’t be found in any records of the Otherworld or the Constellation. According to the information Baek Woong had gathered thus far, Master Mangnyang was literally a being that dropped out of the sky!

Could it be that Master Mangnyang is—

“Aren’t you leaving?”

Cheon Woo-jin’s blunt comment jolted Zhuge Sa from his thoughts. He shook his head, “I’m just a fool, caught up in writing a story in my mind.”

“So, is that it? Is the story over?”

“You have your own tasks.”

“Damn it! After Baek Woong, are you trying to make me work like a dog without pay?”

Cheon Woo-jin’s face crumpled, prompting Zhuge Sa to smirk.

“Oh, so what? Just take me to the prophet.”

“How casually you assign tasks. If there’s no compensation, I won’t do it!”

“Compensation? Hmmm… After the attack from the Eight Parts of the Divine, I’ll teach you how to survive.”

“What?”

“After this attack is over, chances are everyone will be dead, and you’d have to help Baek Woong survive.”

“……”

Cheon Woo-jin shot Zhuge Sa a suspicious look, wondering if he was being teased. But Zhuge Sa’s eyes held sincerity. He was convinced that they had almost no chance of winning and would be utterly destroyed. Cheon Woo-jin sighed.

“You trashy demon sorcerer…”

“Hehe.”

Pa-at!

Cheon Woo-jin cast a spell and transported their group near the Divine City. Then, using a spatial movement technique, he headed toward the northern kingdom where the prophet resided. After entering the territory of the Arasa Empire and passing through some rough terrain, they finally arrived at the prophet’s domain. The two of them walked inside.

Creek…

Baek Woong felt like he was entering his own home every time he ventured here. However, the moment they stepped inside, both Cheon Woo-jin and Zhuge Sa felt a massive pressure enveloping them.

Gugugugu

[Who dares to invade my territory?]

The prophet’s words echoed. They had triggered a magical trap. Cheon Woo-jin quickly cast a spell to break free, but Zhuge Sa found himself unable to escape even with magic. He felt as though a great weight had pinned him to the floor.

‘The level of magic is extraordinary. Truly a Demon King…’

Once Cheon Woo-jin managed to escape, he placed a protective spell over himself—but eventually, he too spat out blood.

“Cough!!”

[Humans show potential, but it’s meaningless. Die already.]

Gugugugu

Cheon Woo-jin was also easily subdued, landing flat on the ground beside Zhuge Sa.

“Damn it… This is just absurd…”

Cheon Woo-jin was strongly incredulous that someone who reached the realm of a reincarnation spirit could be subdued so easily. Zhuge Sa, however, took it as a matter of course. A distant being known as the Demon King, referred to as the Old Ruler, had presumably lived for millions or even billions of years—an unfathomable force beyond the grasp of humanity.

Zhuge Sa suppressed his groans and said, “I’ve come to negotiate… with you, Demon King…”

Suddenly, the pressure lifted. As Zhuge Sa regained his footing, the prophet emerged from the shadows, speaking. [A negotiation…? What are you talking about?]

“We are associates of Baek Woong, who previously exchanged with you regarding the Nameless Ritual Book. We’ve come to make another proposal.”

The prophet’s response was arrogant and dismissive.

[You humans think you’re worthy of negotiating with me? You seem to possess nothing.]

“… You won’t know until you try.”

[Fine… I will listen to your story.]

Ssssss

Cheon Woo-jin’s restraint was also released, allowing them to stand normally. But as Cheon Woo-jin floundered, Zhuge Sa couldn’t help but smile wryly.

‘Well, this feels normal.’

Thus far, the prophet had shown excessive curiosity, interest, and favor towards Baek Woong. That being regarded even humans as akin to vermin or pets; he merely classified sorcerers and demon sorcerers capable of inflicting threats as pests. He would listen to ordinary human tales or consultations but would wipe out empowered individuals without hesitation.

Under normal circumstances, it was impossible for a human to negotiate properly or engage in equal conversation with such beings. Had Zhuge Sa not mentioned Baek Woong, he would likely have been treated like a fly and killed off. Baek Woong seemed oblivious, but this was the woeful bottom line of the pitiful human status within this world.

Zhuge Sa spoke up, “As a trade condition, I’d like to learn the summoning technique for Zhu Rong in exchange for the memory transfer technique.”

[Ohh… let’s see…]

The prophet’s tentacles twitched for a moment, and in that instant, Zhuge Sa felt like his head was being turned inside out. A horrific vision unfolded in his mind as the tentacle’s eye glimmered, as though locating the engraved spell. The prophet, having read Zhuge Sa’s mind through magic, said, [I see. The conditions for the deal are sufficiently established. But why do you want the memory transfer technique?]

“Let’s just call it a last will.”

[…Hmm, I see. It seems you plan on creating an external storage medium for reincarnators.]

Was this the wisdom of a prophet?

Zhuge Sa shrugged when the prophet figured out his intent in an instant.

“I won’t deny it.”

The prophet chuckled, [Hahaha… it’s funny. Even if the reincarnator’s kind is human, their essence is fundamentally different from you. Do you not realize how meaningless it is to dedicate your loyalty and labor to that being?…]

“I have an inkling of that, but isn’t it still tempting? Just considering my wretched position as a human.”

[Hahaha… This is amusing… I accept that condition.]

The prophet extended a tentacle and suddenly inscribed the memory transfer technique into Zhuge Sa’s mind. While Zhuge Sa savored the spell, the prophet turned his back and said, [Such desperation isn’t bad. I was even thinking of extracting the summoning spell from your brain, but I simply copied it… do make sure to enjoy flailing about.]

The prophet seemed all-knowing about what Zhu Rong was up to now and what was happening. Zhuge Sa knew he was akin to a dancing insect in the prophet’s eyes but disregarded it and chuckled.

“Just as you wish.”

 

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