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True Martial Home

I glared at that guy at the Jade Emperor’s words.

“Are you trying to toy with me with such nonsense?”

[It’s not nonsense.]

The Jade Emperor shot a glance at the Kunlun Twelve Sages beside him. Then, one of the sages, Gu Ryuson, stepped forward, unfolded a scroll, and began to read slowly.

[You, Baek Woong, O trace of the Great Being! We Kunlun Twelve Sages have finally understood our roles and destinies, for which we are eternally grateful. Therefore, with the agreement of all but one of our members, we recognize your rightful place as the Jade Emperor. Additionally, we humbly request that you soon rise above the Celestial Realm.]

“…!!”

[Please accept our intentions.]

Thud.

And Gu Ryuson kneeled before me. It was utterly surreal to see Gu Ryuson, one of the greatest immortals in the Celestial Realm and the master of the Eight Immortals, kneeling before me and offering a scroll with both hands. What on earth was happening for the Kunlun Twelve Sages to plead for me to become the Jade Emperor?

Confused, I stared at Gu Ryuson, but in that instant, I sensed something from his expression. I seized on that discomfort and spoke to him.

“Gu Ryuson, what do you mean by saying you’ve come to know your roles and destinies?”

[…….]

“Please answer me. If not, I absolutely will not accept it.”

Finally, Gu Ryuson reluctantly opened his mouth.

[…]Everything we called “martial law” was not the heavenly principle, and everything we claimed to obey was merely part of reverse order. We have come to realize that we are no longer the adjusters of heaven and earth, but just relics of Taihao Fuxi.]

“……?”

What on earth is this?

His words were so convoluted and tangled that I couldn’t grasp the meaning at first. But I could read ‘fear’ in his eyes through the Fire Eye Golden Spirit and begin to understand the situation.

‘The Kunlun Twelve Sages have been powerless before the Jade Emperor, Queen Mother of the West, and Primordial Void Ruler!’

I didn’t know the full details, but it wasn’t surprising that the Kunlun Twelve Sages showed such humiliation when they were on the brink of annihilation. They must have prioritized their own survival over upholding the Celestial Realm, preventing total chaos as they faced death. With a complicated expression, I looked at Gu Ryuson and said.

“Gwang Chengzi is missing. Where is he?”

[He has never resided in the Celestial Realm….]

“Gwang Chengzi is the Emperor’s Avatar?”

“…….”

Neither Gu Ryuson nor any of the Twelve Sages replied, instead bowing their heads in silence. It seemed they were already past the point of expecting free will. I gritted my teeth and addressed the Jade Emperor.

“Fine, if you grant me the Jade Emperor’s position, what happens to you? Are you wiped out?”

[Hehe…, I suppose so… at least this ‘me’ here would.]

That was a suspicious smile.

‘Damn it. There’s definitely something going on.’

And the reason he appeared so open about his intentions was likely because he felt confident he could control me freely. After all, there were three divine beings present in this room; what couldn’t they do? I turned to the Queen Mother of the West.

“Queen Mother, or should I say Nüwa! Why did you partner up with the Primordial Void Ruler?”

[…….]

“What the heck is that guy’s true nature?!”

I yelled, and Nüwa, after a moment’s pause, replied.

[In the beginning, there was chaos. Even the Ruler did not exist in that chaos; it wasn’t even darkness. Eventually, all that chaos became the universe. We [Old Rulers] are the legitimate heirs of chaos and the eldest sons of this world. I long to guide the ignorant in this land through the duty of the firstborn.]

“What…?”

[The Emperor has deceived all Three Sovereigns. Thus, I must prepare for the end in my own way….]

As she spoke, Nüwa slowly pointed at me.

[Reborn person, I shall grant you the Celestial Realm, so join our side. The Jade Emperor’s position is the greatest favor we can offer you.]

“Favor? You want me to become the Jade Emperor and conspire with you?”

[If you continue struggling in the realm of mortals aimlessly, you will achieve nothing even after dying a hundred times…. But if we support you…, you will surely attain a pivotal role in the prophecy within three tries. With the power of the reborn, you can eliminate all competitors at the end.]

“Hmm….”

[The moment you become the Jade Emperor, you’ll possess divine power. You’ll even have enough power to suppress the Eight Parts of the Divine by yourself.]

At that moment, I felt an overwhelming temptation.

Divine power!

I had seen countless mortals die at the hands of divine power, which had also been the object of my longing and admiration. If I reached that cosmic realm, there would be no way to resist! But if that divine power were to become mine…?

‘There’s a possibility…’

Nüwa’s claims weren’t baseless. If I could obtain divine power three times, I would be on par with or surpass the [Old Rulers]. Considering Nüwa’s standing among rulers, her offer was more valuable than getting an army of celestial beings.

As a shortcut was laid before me, I hesitated greatly. But then, I sensed an oddity in their proposal.

‘Primordial Void Ruler…, saying nothing at all?’

Only the Jade Emperor and Nüwa actively engaged, while the Primordial Void Ruler remained silent, merely observing me. His gaze felt eerily emotionless, almost reminiscent of a beast; it was genuinely devoid of feeling, manifesting chaos that couldn’t be contained.

He was different from usual. This wasn’t the same Primordial Void Ruler who used to be unsettled by my words. It felt as if something mineral-like hovered in the space, watching the world.

Chaos was staring at me.

As if testing me…

Somehow, I had an inkling that if I chose hastily in this situation, I would regret it. Yet, the temptation of instantly acquiring divine power was immense. So I cautiously asked Nüwa.

“If I gain divine power, can I also kill the Three Sovereigns?”

[It is entirely possible…. However, I can’t explain the specifics as divine battles are beyond what you mortals can comprehend.]

“What do you want in return? What do you want me to do on the day of the end?”

[Finding that out will be your task….]

Her response was ambiguous, yet at that moment, I had the insight and intuition of a reborn person.

‘Nüwa doesn’t know anything!’

If she had precise knowledge about the end, she wouldn’t be speaking so casually. Therefore, the Jade Emperor and Nüwa wanted me to investigate the end, but could that really be called a shortcut in my journey?

‘No! It is now clear!’

I made up my mind and drew my sword. Then I declared,

“Well, goodbye everyone! See you next time!!”

Let’s commit suicide!

Phew!

I stabbed the sword into my forehead. However, the moment I drove it into my brain, time and space suddenly twisted, and I found myself thrown back to the past. I hadn’t even drawn the sword out yet.

In front of me was the coldly smiling figure of the Queen Mother of the West, also Nüwa.

[Did you think you could commit suicide before a god…? Since you’ve rejected our proposal, from now on, you shall face endless torment.]

So it was true; being a god meant they could rewind time!

I had anticipated this. After all, Zhuge Sa had taken all situations into account when formulating suicide techniques. I chuckled at Nüwa’s statement and replied.

“Is that so? How about this?”

Swish swish!

“Go back!!”

At the same time, I raised my Spirit Power and used the power granted by Jeon Wook as an Apostle. The [Small Cycle] began to revolve, quickly reversing my movements while Nüwa muttered displeasedly as time rewound.

[Such pointless actions….]

Boom!!

As the scenery around me distorted into shimmering rainbow lines, a thunderous voice echoed like thunder.

[So, you are the reborn one!! I understand why you can use Apostle’s powers even though I have not officially appointed an Apostle.]

“Jeon Wook.”

And before my eyes, a giant, surrounded by dark flames, emerged wearing a ritual object. The Three Sovereigns’ Jeon Wook laughed from within the distortion of time.

[Ha ha ha…. Rejecting Nüwa’s offer and using my power means you’ve resolved to join my side…. Welcome, Reborn Person Baek Woong.]

“……”

[I shall formally appoint you as my Apostle and give you great power. Acquire all the Seven Luminaries and become the king of this world, and perfectly pass the trials!!]

I stared at Jeon Wook, dazed, and said,

“Jeon Wook, this is lame.”

At my words, Jeon Wook stopped smiling and looked at me. I grinned and continued.

“Until when do you plan to just follow the Emperor’s backside? The trials of the Seven Luminaries are nothing!”

As I said that, I began to chant the demonic summons that I had once used before self destruction.

Kuo o o o –

[Ugh…! Th-this is…!]

Jeon Wook reached out to grab me as I was engulfed in the demonic energy, but staggered back as the energy overwhelmed my entire body. Even amidst the power filling my being, I felt the call of the demonic entity echoing in my mind.

This was Zhuge Sa’s suicide method, a way to escape when surrounded by divine beings!

If the divine beings cast death curses or time rewinds, I would first use Jeon Wook’s Apostle’s powers to escape, and if Jeon Wook intervened, I’d cast the demonic summons over my body, shrugging off even his interference! I didn’t know what to do after summoning the demon, but I still felt relaxed.

Then, the words of the demonic entity resounded in my head.

[Reborn one…. To use this spell and dedicate everything, you understand well….]

I growled, annoyed.

“Shut it! If you keep talking like that, I’ll just surrender my soul to whoever!”

Of course, if that happened, based on my past experience, the world would immediately collapse. This was also a trick within Zhuge Sa’s suicide method. As long as I followed the orders in the correct sequence, no divine being could force me.

[…….]

The demonic entity remained silent. It clearly understood what I was trying to say.

But after a moment, it slowly conveyed its will.

[I cannot comprehend…. Whether it’s Nüwa, Jeon Wook, or myself…, regardless of who’s hand you join, your rebirth will reach its end at that moment…. The most powerful chaotic beings under heaven, the [Old Rulers] have extended their favors, yet why do you persist in seeking hardships?]

“I’m not seeking hardships. I’m dodging traps.”

I gritted my teeth.

“No matter how much I borrow your power to become a cosmic entity, I’ll never surpass you guys. Even if I become a god, there will always be a greater force above me. Having my hope tortured endlessly with no end in sight is what truly terrifies me.”

[…….]

“I will never give up, no matter how slim the chances are… I refuse to choose the path of compromising my morals for convenience!”

This was the solemn oath of a reborn person.

Guilt for Mangnyang, who had died because of my foolishness, the responsibility I felt towards Zhuge Sa, who had sacrificed everything to open my path, and the sense of obligation towards Jin So-cheong, who had waited for years and given me clues about the gods…

The deaths and pasts of all my companions layered in my life. They had lived and died as humans. How could I explain to a demon that I lived to uphold their pride? How could I make it understand my stubbornness as an insignificant human in this universe?

[…Is there hope?]

The words of Master Hyuncheon came to mind. In this reality, where we were dominated and humiliated by chaos, humans, like delicate weeds scattered in the wind, seemed trivial. But someday, I wanted to respond to Master Hyuncheon.

“There is hope!”

Boom!!

At that moment, I was shot out with a flash of light. Just like when the demon was summoned and fought Jeon Wook, the collision between the divine beings began, causing only the divine beings to be ejected from the shockwave.

Boom boom!

I crashed into a rocky mountain, rolling several times, and finally stood up, dusting myself off. I looked around and realized I was still in the Celestial Realm, which seemed to hold the Heavenly Palace.

“Cough.”

This wasn’t the time for that. I still had the chance to commit suicide, so I needed to decide whether to keep living or end it now. Not yet knowing the true identity of the Jade Emperor or the true motives of the divine beings made dying feel a waste.

‘…Not yet. It isn’t over yet…’

I mentally repeated this while gritting my teeth.

Then suddenly, in the western sky, the Queen Mother of the West’s transformed form revealed itself in a massive silhouette, followed by a long roar, and I could see the Heavenly Mysterious Woman of Nine Heavens transforming into a shape of vibrant clouds to face her.

Boom boom boom!!

‘The Heavenly Mysterious Woman has found the Queen Mother and begun to fight.’

Normally, the Queen Mother would be the likely winner, but the Heavenly Mysterious Woman had received my memories and awakened her essence, making her much stronger. This was akin to a battle of the [Old Rulers], so who would win was impossible to predict. And as if it were planned, countless doppelgängers of the Celestial Sage materialized in the air and began to wage war against the Great Immortals of the Celestial Realm.

Yeah, that’s right!

I quickly dashed to the Celestial Sage being assaulted by the Great Immortals. Leaping into the air with celestial agility, I called out.

“Dear Sage!! Can I borrow the Ruyi Staff for a moment?!”

“…Hey, you know I can’t be held responsible, right?! That guy is temperamental…”

“I know!”

“Alright, you get that! Well then, unseal it!!”

Swish!

As the Celestial Sage tossed the Ruyi Staff to me, I gathered the Spirit Power I had significantly developed and channeled it into the staff. I felt much quicker and smoother unsealing of the Ruyi Staff compared to before, and with one mighty push, I released the final seal.

Whoooosh!!

With a powerful gust of wind, the Cheon Gong-pyo appeared at that spot.

[What the…? What’s happening!]

Looking dazed and bewildered, the Cheon Gong-pyo couldn’t process the current situation, so I shouted, “Cheon Gong-pyo!! I’ve unsealed you, so take this!”

I flung the obsidian toward Cheon Gong-pyo, who angrily unleashed telekinesis to destroy it. Stumbling back, I heard Cheon Gong-pyo scold me with an annoyed expression.

[What are you playing at?!]

“Ugh, damn it! I don’t know, just help me out, alright?!”

[What the hell?! Explain the situation!]

“…I was going to, but you broke the obsidian!”

Splash!

Just then, one of the Kunlun Twelve Sages used the Yin-Yang Mirror treasure to attack both me and Cheon Gong-pyo, but Cheon Gong-pyo effortlessly blocked the attack with a defensive barrier. Then, casually, Cheon Gong-pyo glanced at the Sage, who looked like they had just been hit by lightning.

[W-what?! Cheon Gong-pyo!? How?!]

All the Great Immortals around us gasped in shock. It made sense, since this person was once the biggest rival of the Sect Master of Absolute Teachings in ancient times! Cheon Gong-pyo narrowed her cold eyes at the Kunlun Twelve Sages and grinned cruelly.

[Well then, no need for any explanations. Monkey, I’ll help you take care of those bastards.]

“Wow, you’re so simple-minded, it’s great〜 Let’s do this!”

Though the Celestial Sage grumbled, as the two of them stood side by side, the Celestial forces seemed to have halted their one-sided assault. No matter how many Celestial beings gathered here, it would be risky to confront those two!

‘Alright…, time to take off.’

Since I had just lent my power to the Celestial Sage, it was now time to move elsewhere.

Just then…

[Cheon Gong-pyo…. So it seems, the abilities of the Reborn one are impressive…. Who would have thought I’d see you again.]

Cheon Gong-pyo’s gaze turned towards a voice echoing in the air. There stood the Jade Emperor, who had obscured himself earlier, radiating a golden glow from his entire body. I thought Cheon Gong-pyo might know the Jade Emperor by his words, but what followed took a turn I didn’t expect.

[Who the hell are you to act familiar with me? A stranger dons a dragon robe and shows off!]

A stranger claims not to have seen him?!

Come to think of it, I had heard that the Jade Emperor only appeared after the ancient Celestial War. So, it wasn’t strange for the Sect Master of Absolute Teachings not to recognize the Jade Emperor, but the fact that the Jade Emperor pretended to know him was a different story.

[Hahaha….]

The Jade Emperor let out a low laugh, then raised his hand. In his grasp was a sword that felt oddly familiar. When I tilted my head, trying to recall where I saw it, the Jade Emperor pointed it towards Cheon Gong-pyo and said,

[This time, I can finally take you for myself….]

As soon as he finished his sentence, the Jade Emperor lost his human form and crumbled apart. From the fragments, a pale, viscous light bubbled up, resembling white sap, as it quivered and suddenly surged toward Cheon Gong-pyo.

[Graah!]

Cheon Gong-pyo used her powers to repel the form once, but even just diverting its rush made her stagger. Thinking about her ability competing at the top in the Celestial Realm, this was utterly unbelievable, and Cheon Gong-pyo soon wore an expression of horror as if she had realized something.

[You, you wouldn’t….]

Swish!

The Celestial Sage dashed toward Cheon Gong-pyo to aid her, but the sword that had been summoned earlier blocked his way as if it were alive, preventing him from getting in. Even with all the doppelgängers rushing in, its destructive force capable of tearing through dimensions was anything but ordinary. Again, the pale, viscous form lunged toward Cheon Gong-pyo, who tried to escape by teleporting, but even that was followed.

Gloop gloop…

With slippery sounds, the white sap surrounding Cheon Gong-pyo slowly began absorbing into her body. She screamed in agony.

[Aaahhh!!!]

What on earth is happening?!

Is there a possession technique that even her infinite powers cannot resist?!

As I stood confused, watching the events unfold, Cheon Gong-pyo’s struggling came to a halt. The Jade Emperor, now occupying her body, slowly lifted his head and murmured.

[After thousands of years, I have finally obtained the body I marked long ago….]

In that moment, with the information I had accumulated up to now, I pieced together the identity of my opponent.

And trembling, I whispered that name.

“…Yu Shun.”