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“The World Tree?!

I looked at Seimei in shock when I heard those words and blurted out, “The World Tree? How can we even recognize it?”

“The Amaterasu Ohkami residing within me is responding to this seed. Can you see it?”

As Seimei extended his hand, a bizarre pattern of sunlight shimmered, bubbling like a liquid. It radiated an unsettling power, unmistakably a manifestation of divine energy.

“You’ve become one with her? Didn’t you summon Amaterasu to save Dongyoung in the past?”

“Summoning alone was not enough to stop the King of the Life Sea. I had to discard my human traits and fully accept her. Only then could I harness the power of a legendary being.”

Seimei laughed self-deprecatingly. “Half of my body belongs to her. She essentially devoured me at that time. Because she’s consuming the summoner’s body, Amaterasu can remain descended without worrying about the law of cause and effect.”

“…”

“So, I’m immortal yet mortal. One day, she’ll completely consume me.”

I stared at Seimei, my eyes widening. There was a reason this guy, who neither aged nor died, could completely empathize with humans.

“And that’s why I know this seed is definitely the World Tree. The only true proof of whether it is or not lies in divine status.”

The World Tree. I repeated the term in my mind.

Originally, I didn’t know much about the World Tree. The Sacred Altar Tree in the northern part of Goryeo was said to exist across nine worlds, serving a powerful barrier and being the most perfect life born from chaos, yet I didn’t really grasp what that meant until I learned about the Demon Path from the Zhuge Sect.

I recalled the explanation about the World Tree I had received from the Zhuge Sect in the past.

[There exists a universe filled with a source referred to as ‘chaos’ beyond this world, and its expanse is infinite. Every planet, galaxy, and realm belongs to chaos.]

[Chaos gives birth to countless lives and creates innumerable civilizations. As chaos gestates all things and expands the universe, the density of chaos shifts, and destruction occurs alongside it. Amidst this turbulence, beings transcending life were born, and many civilizations rose and fell in ancient times, venerating them, hence they are referred to as the Old Rulers.]

[However, chaos also gives rise to beings at a similar density as the Old Rulers, who lack will and merely reach fruition as life.]

[The most perfect purification of chaos, born through miraculous probabilities over infinite time—this is the World Tree.]

[You could call it an unhatched Old Ruler.]

[That’s why the World Tree can serve as a powerful barrier to even keep the Old Rulers in check and is a beacon of hope that creates the minimum probability for countless mortals to survive.]

At the same time, recalling Zhuge Sa’s unsettling words, I voiced my concern. “But… Seimei. Isn’t the World Tree normally nearly impossible to find in the material world? I’ve been told it’s tough to find one even by searching through this star or the Star Realm.”

That’s right. Zhuge Sa had said that the chance of finding a World Tree within a light-year radius is nearly nonexistent in that vast cosmic space. They exist in multiple dimensions and can move through dimensions at will, making it nearly impossible to discover one in the material realm. Even high-level otherworldly beings traveling through the universe regarded finding a World Tree as an exceedingly rare event. Hence, it was truly a miracle that it existed in the northern part of Goryeo.

That’s why I had long abandoned any hopes of finding another World Tree after breaking the Sacred Altar Tree. Therefore, Zhuge Sa must have strained to obtain this unhatched seed hidden at the base of the Sacred Altar Tree, even if it meant risking his life to fight Zhuge Yulong.

But who would have thought that the seed of the Dragon Flower Tree next to Hwayo would actually be the World Tree?

Seimei said, “I don’t know about that. But if Mangnyang, your side’s strategist, insisted I take this, it seems he suspected that the seed of the Dragon Flower Tree is the World Tree.”

“Hmm…”

“This could definitely be a solution. No, it will be for sure. Will you really give this to me?”

“Yeah. I’ll give it.”

When I replied firmly, Seimei suddenly gave me a look of awe and grasped my hand.

“Thank you, Baek Woong. The fact that you chose to hand over the seed of the World Tree means you are a benefactor to Dongyoung.”

“…”

I didn’t know how to respond. Setting aside the value of the Dragon Flower Tree seed, I was inevitably confronted with the sequence of events.

‘We broke the World Tree, yet…’

Though it was Zhuge Sa’s scheme and Cheon Woo-jin executed the core destruction, I couldn’t totally distance myself from the responsibility. No, with my goal in this rebirth being to defeat the god, I cannot escape that responsibility. Ultimately, my companions took those actions for my sake.

So, in a situation where I could be considered the primary instigator, it was hard to simply accept Seimei’s gratitude.

“I… don’t deserve gratitude.”

I managed to open my mouth with difficulty, and Seimei replied, “I know your group is related to the destruction of the World Tree in Goryeo. I observed the Grand Hall during that time as a spirit puppet, so I got a rough idea of what happened.”

“…!!”

“That’s why at first I held a great grudge against you, thinking I’d take my revenge someday… but when Dongyoung was in danger, I put aside all pride and resentment and came here. I confirmed with my own eyes that you’re still considering the greater good (大義). I assume you had your own circumstances.”

“Seimei.”

“I will forget my grudge against you.”

Abe no Seimei slowly rose from his seat.

“And I will surely repay the debt for the seed of the World Tree.”

To be able to say that after releasing his grudge, it was clear Seimei was a person of great stature. Suddenly curious, I asked him, “Seimei, the Zhuge Sect said that an immense amount of time and conditions are required for the World Tree to grow. Even if the Sea God is silent for now, it seems impossible in the short term to cultivate the World Tree, right? I believe it takes at least a millennium.”

“I will take care of that.”

Seimei’s brief answer came as he began to slowly fade away. It seemed like he was using a technique of yin-yang arts to transform into paper to move.

“Baek Woong… I wish you good fortune.”

Whoosh!

As Seimei vanished, the lake, which had been glowing silver and resonating softly until now, began to tremble violently.

Woooooooooong!

The space shook. More accurately, the entire fabric of time and space before my eyes felt like it was quaking. And then, a vision of Mangnyang was summoned atop the lake, seated with the Mirror of Clarity beside him. His expression was solemn, making me instinctively look at him as he slowly opened his mouth.

[Baek Woong. It was good that you eliminated the Twelve Joules with the Black Pale.]

“Is it okay now?”

[…]

Mangnyang didn’t answer. Feeling an odd sense of foreboding, I stared at him, but Mangnyang spoke with a calm expression.

[I will now transfer all recorded images, memories, and experiences stored in the Mirror of Clarity to you, Baek Woong. Simultaneously, I will use the power of the Mirror of Clarity to send your uncle over there.]

“…What do you mean? You’re not coming with us?”

I started to say something but realized something and fell silent. I had noticed that what was depicted in Mangnyang’s expression was not merely solemnity but determination.

A moment later, I suddenly yelled crazily, “No! Stop it. No matter what, there’s bound to be a way for all of us to come back!”

[… there is no longer a way.]

Mangnyang let out a hollow laugh and continued, [Just now, when the Twelve Joules suddenly collapsed, two of the Seven Luminaries resonated, causing a tremendous shock that obliterated the Wheel King’s palace. All of the executive officers and prison guards attacking the Twelve Joules have been completely annihilated, and the palace will soon crumble.]

“Mangnyang!!”

[This place won’t hold out for long. However, there is a way to safely escape with your uncle using this Mirror of Clarity, so I will do what I can.]

“Damn it!! Don’t say things like that!”

I gritted my teeth and shouted, “I’ll find some way to save you!”

[It’s not that there isn’t a way. But if that way requires the Demon Path, then I will refuse flat out.]

“Mangnyang.”

[Baek Woong, remember this. For the sake of your ultimate victory… you must not lose your humanity. Even if it means giving up efficiency, maintaining your humanity is the true royal road. I’ve always thought that way.]

“What the hell… is this all…”

[Your uncle used to say. We are but strategists and pawns for our lord who possesses infinite qi. And if I carelessly miss a chance here and lead us all to our deaths, that would just be dying like a dog.]

Suddenly, Mangnyang smiled.

[It feels good to finally unburden myself… I’m sorry for not being of help to you for so long.]

Whoosh!

In that moment, I lost consciousness. As my eyes slowly began to close, an immense amount of information surged into my mind, and I saw Zhuge Sa’s body being summoned to this side through the lake as the last image.

[Your fate… will ultimately… flow towards…]

I heard someone’s voice. It was the specter of the Ancient High Priest. Although the face was obscured, chaos seemed to swirl around it.

As my head throbbed, I felt the voice rise in volume, almost forcing me to listen.

[Why… did you make such an irrational choice at that time…? The most comfortable and certain way to victory was right in front of you…]

[You must also wish to become a king…]

[But… I will give you another chance…]

Another chance? As I pondered the meaning of that statement, the voice said, [Think simply… to fight and win on your own is an illusion…]

[Stick with the strong… you will gain a position above all…]

[Even the end, which everyone fears… will become nothing to be afraid of…]

[After the end, enjoy immortality and the Peaceful Millennium Kingdom…]

[With the simplest answer… move towards it…]

What on earth is this guy talking about?

I found myself questioning. Suddenly, a feeling of temptation washed over me. The visions brought about by the voice showcased immense riches and beautiful women, along with overwhelming pleasures. I realized I could attain everything I desired and enjoy a lavish lifestyle that would make the Emperor of the Great Ming Empire envious. For someone who had been distanced from pleasure until now, it was an incredible temptation.

But then in that moment,

[Baek Woong.]

I heard a voice calling me. Unlike the voice that had been tempting me until now, this one felt extremely familiar and almost comforting. Thanks to that familiarity, I could shake off the allure and turn my eyes toward the voice’s owner.

[I wanted to see you again in life; however, this is how we meet again.]

I found myself at a loss for words. I wanted to respond, but nothing came out, and no thoughts formed. Yet, an overwhelming sadness took over me, and I began to cry uncontrollably.

Why am I like this?

Why do I cry just by seeing that person’s figure?

… I see.

Yes.

I also wanted to see that person once more during my previous life.

[Why do you cry? Haha, at this rate, I can’t leave my daughter in the hands of a crybaby.]

[Stop. If you cry too much, people will think you’re shallow.]

He was smiling wryly, and when I finally stopped crying, he spoke again.

[… My father enjoyed studying martial arts theories from across generations and cultures. He significantly transformed swordsmanship by actively reflecting on the concepts of the Why Sword. That father once told me -]

Pausing for a moment, he continued.

[There exists an ultimate realm that returns to the essence of all martial arts (萬武萬式) somewhere in this world… He said he had heard that it’s a theoretical realm and those who achieve it will dominate the world.]

[I was able to witness a person who reached that realm during the battle against the Twelve Joules.]

[That is the Absolute Realm, Heavenly Unrestrained Technique (天衣無縫).]

Woooooong!

In that moment, a transparent sword appeared between us. He lightly grasped the handle of the sword, pointing it towards me, and spoke slowly.

[In the moment we stand facing each other, instinctively we are bound to feel fear towards one another. This is especially the case when we cannot gauge the difference in skill, or when we don’t know each other. The reason we ‘stare down’ our opponents is undoubtedly because of this. That’s not just the sword master’s fate; it’s the fate of all warriors.]

[But if there’s someone who doesn’t need to glare at their opponent?]

[That person is free from fear. Because they know everything, they do not feel the fear of the unknown. Furthermore, they can foresee all circumstances in a relationship where both are sharing destruction.]

[But conversely, whoever is facing such a person will inevitably feel boundless fear. The more they fall into the type of warrior that seeks to end matters quickly, the more so. Miyamoto Musashi was exactly that kind of person.]

Feeling no fear? Knowing everything?

[Remember this. Heavenly Unrestrained Technique is not a power of foresight.]

[But – it is always able to suppress the first strike after the opponent’s delayed attack. You will understand what this distinction means someday when you face off against him in martial arts.]

[If you fight directly, you won’t make even a single blunder from a thousand thoughts, let alone a single carelessness.]

[Actually, most believe it to be a realm unattainable by humans… but it seems the Twelve Joules has built their martial arts in a rather peculiar way.]

[If we think of the Absolute Realm as reflecting human life, then the life of the Twelve Joules is utterly beyond imagination.]

One by one, his words etched themselves into my mind.

Actually, to say they were engraved would be more accurate.

My Five Insights in martial arts might obviously be extremely lacking, yet the words he spoke surpassed mere explanations; they simultaneously conveyed vibrant physical sensations. In truth, all the sensations he experienced as he faced the Heavenly Unrestrained Technique flowed into me.

At the same time, the Absolute Realm he had attained coalesced and was transmitted intact. As if the gaps during my absence from Dark Heaven Village never existed, that realization spoke to me. I felt as if I was experiencing the life of a Sword Demon, and I could tell that small determination was being nurtured inside of me.

I think I understand now.

I can take a step forward.

As I was reflecting on that realization, he suddenly crossed his arms and looked at the specter behind me.

[That is the web binding you.]

Do you even know what that is?

[I don’t know either. What is it?]

[In reality, I must be dead by now, so I can’t comment about what my remnants can or can’t do.]

[But don’t let it bother you. Worrying about what you don’t understand will only bring trouble.]

I couldn’t help but be concerned.

Thinking that it might play with my fate…

[If it tries to rattle you, it means that it can’t do a thing if you don’t waver. Isn’t that right?]

Ah.

[Someday, you’re a man who would want to slay even gods. A man meant to kill even gods shouldn’t be afraid of something like that.]

In that moment, I almost burst out laughing. The calm demeanor of my opponent brought me immense comfort and courage.

And I felt the pressure and strange allure experienced in this space wash away from my mind in an instant. Meanwhile, the illusion that had been tempting me diminished into nothingness, and I could feel my consciousness rising to the surface.

I opened my eyes.

And I discovered that there was yet another figure standing there, someone other than the one who had been imparting Muwak’s realization to me until now. The newly appeared figure fanned a folding fan and spoke.

[Baek Woong. The reason you’re constantly swaying in this life isn’t due to your own will.]

[There will still be countless hardships ahead, but the ones you’re facing now are largely artificial.]

[But prevail.]

He smiled warmly.

[Won’t this pass too?]

The figure beside him flinched slightly.

[Oh ho. This friend… is repeating my words.]

[I apologize. It’s such a famous line…]

[Hahaha. I’ll take my leave now.]

[Indeed.]

They chuckled as they began to slowly fade away from me.

I watched their backs, filled with thoughts.

Don’t go.

Why leave me behind?

I bit my lip in resentment and wiped away my tears.

… No, I know I will meet them again someday.

However, knowing the significance of this farewell only makes me feel even sadder.

How many times must I go through this torment?

How many times must I feel this sorrow? While rage is the only reason I walk this path of Asura, can I truly make it to the end with just that?

“… I’ll win. Somehow, I’ll win.”

The words came out first.

I slowly opened my eyes and stood up. I could see Zhuge Sa, who was in a trance, and my companions, who were looking at me with concern.

There’s no time to lie down.

I ignited my spirit with determination and shouted

“Let’s go! We’re going to recover the lost Moon and Wood elements!”

Now that I can see a way to win, I won’t hesitate any longer. I will definitely emerge victorious in this rebirth, if only to honor the wills of the Sword Demon and Mangnyang!

That is my repayment to them!

 

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