900——————==

True Martial Home

First on the scene was the ghost legion of the Ten Thousand Ghosts Palace. Each ghost possessed strength rivaling even the Great Immortal, and they could also wield Spirit Power. It was a chilling sight as these primordial ghosts, far exceeding the earth’s Great Demons, screeched into Ghost Valley in their thousands.

Kiaaaaaak!!

Ghostly winds surged fiercely from all directions around Nüwa. Yet, Nüwa remained unfazed, and with a crisp sound, a blue curtain flung the ghosts away.

Woooon

With a sound resembling a mirage dispersing, a mist enveloped the area for a brief moment. It seemed the ghosts had been annihilated, but rather, they appeared to have retreated due to the sudden barrier surrounding Nüwa.

Zhu Rong of the Ten Thousand Ghosts Palace swung his whip forward. Despite his summoned appearance remaining unchanged, the big difference was that he was encased in dull, non-reflective black armor. The giant Zhu Rong summoned flames around him and shouted.

[Ha ha, Nüwa! I can’t express how thrilled I am that the day has come when I can sever your neck!]

Swoosh

Zhu Rong’s whip sliced through time and space, suddenly branching out into tens of thousands in the air. It wasn’t a martial arts technique but rather a trick of separating his whip with divine might to launch an attack. At the same time, the tip of Zhu Rong’s whip ravaged Nüwa’s protective barrier at an unimaginable speed, creating a thunderous roar.

Bang bang bang!!

Perhaps because Zhu Rong’s power was unmatched in the Ten Thousand Ghosts Palace? Nüwa’s barrier began to crack under Zhu Rong’s full-force attack. After Zhu Rong unleashed his first strike, the nearby Ye (噎) opened his mouth wide in shock.

Kugugugu –

Ye’s body started to morph into a Black Dragon. No, it was more reminiscent of an otherworldly illusionary beast than a dragon.

Crash -!!

Simultaneously, the dimension shattered like glass, penetrating Nüwa’s barrier in a singular point. Not just puncturing, a black flash shot out like a heavenly pillar, threatening to pierce through the entire planet.

Wooooo

However, Nüwa lightly warded off the attack with a mere outstretched hand. She seemed impressed, saying.

[ Truly a formidable divine status that the Ten Thousand Ghosts Palace prides itself on. You two are doing quite well.]

[ If there’s nothing we can do, we won’t even lay a finger on the master.]

[ Is that so? Then allow me to expel you two first.]

[ Nonsense…]

At that moment, Nüwa extended a finger, activating her divine power.

[ I command, let the world take shape!]

The Finger of Creation

Nüwa pointed her finger at Zhu Rong, who, sensing the crisis in that moment, swung his whip with all his might, summoning a storm of flame that could burn the world. The storm was so vast it seemed to cover the entire sky, and we were about to be caught in its breadth. However, as the storm spread, Zhu Rong’s form unexpectedly vanished.

[Aaaah.]

Zhu Rong’s panicked scream echoed.

Boom

At the moment Zhu Rong vanished, Ye unleashed more dark energy, yet Nüwa, unfazed, provocatively remarked towards Jeon Wook, who was some distance away.

[ What say you, Jeon Wook? If you cherish your subordinate, you’ll come to rescue him, right?]

Jeon Wook responded, arms crossed.

[ No amount of tricks will sway me to engage with that level of provocation.]

[ You seem to not even realize what she just did.]

Jeon Wook spoke languidly.

[ Of course I do. She forcibly created a new world to shove Zhu Rong inside, just like the Three Sovereigns would.]

[ If you don’t hurry, you won’t be able to rescue him.]

[ Nüwa, what are you waiting for? You seem eager to drag this out!]

[ ……]

The two Three Sovereigns stared each other down in a tense standoff. I could sense how the situation was playing out.

‘ They’re testing each other!’

It wasn’t escalating into a full-blown battle; instead, Nüwa and Jeon Wook were sizing each other up in an endgame of strategy. Jeon Wook was trying to expend Nüwa’s energy with his subordinates while Nüwa kept Zhu Rong hostage, trying to wear down Jeon Wook in return. I assessed the situation and thought.

‘ This is getting dull.’

Both were colossal beings, and recklessness on my part could lead to an instant defeat. They were engaged in a grand chess game on a stage unimaginable to mere mortals, leaving me feeling somewhat frustrated as a bystander.

At that moment, Mangnyang stepped forward, shouting at Jeon Wook.

” Jeon Wook! I know Nüwa’s trump card! We can block it, so please attack Nüwa!”

All eyes turned to Mangnyang. Nüwa feigned indifference, but Jeon Wook sensed the tension and curiosity radiating from him. Jeon Wook glanced at Mangnyang.

[ What is that card?]

” It’s the Fragment of Souls!”

[ … Oh? I see.]

Jeon Wook seemed to understand immediately. With that, he raised his hand and began to chant an incantation.

[ Be destroyed, O world.]

Smash!!

At that moment, Zhu Rong, who had been sucked into the new world created by Nüwa, reappeared with the sound of shattering glass. Jeon Wook had used his power to rescue Zhu Rong.

[ I should eliminate these pesky insects first.]

In response, Nüwa extended her finger once more, manifesting a white domain that spread across the world. This time, her finger targeted my companions.

Whiiiiing

“Aah.”

“This can’t be…”

In an instant, most of my comrades were drawn into the Finger of Creation and vanished. This included Zhuge Yulong and Zhuge Sa from the Zhuge Clan, as well as Miho and Seo Mun-hye, who seemed utterly unable to resist. Only Mangnyang remained unharmed, though I had no clue why.

‘Damn it! What the hell…’

I was left stunned by the might of Nüwa, the Three Sovereigns.

In an instant, my allies were annihilated without so much as a chance to resist!

No matter the gap in power, could such a thing even happen? Queen Mother of the West, too, was strong, but this was a completely different situation where a battle could not even begin. It felt as if I was witnessing the true essence of divinity.

Nüwa’s creation techniques could transcend time and space, crafting a new world and trapping everything inside, even sealing away the Demon King for eons.

Seeing that only Mangnyang remained, Jeon Wook seemed unfazed and said to him.

[ With just you here, you should be able to block Nüwa’s abilities. Work for my victory.]

“Keh!”

Mangnyang bit his lip until it bled, seemingly overcoming despair. He then faced Jeon Wook and shouted.

” That’s not possible! Please save my comrades from Nüwa’s spell!”

[ I already discerned your intentions. I know I can corner Nüwa without your help.]

” But the difficulty of that endeavor is worlds apart! Please, I beg for your mercy in this moment!”

[ Insolent…]

Jeon Wook glared at Mangnyang. When a Sovereign stares with killing intent, no human can resist, and their soul would be ripped apart. I instinctively sensed Mangnyang was about to be killed and shouted at Jeon Wook.

[ Jeon Wook, please!!]

But what I feared did not come to pass.

” I cannot concede!”

Mangnyang, refusing to look away from Jeon Wook’s gaze, stood against it, augmenting his momentum instead! It looked as if they were having a staring contest.

‘ Huh?!’

What’s happening?! I was shocked as I observed the situation, and soon after, Jeon Wook spoke unexpectedly.

[ Fine… I shall grant your request. But that means you owe this debt to me by the Law of Cause and Effect.]

Mangnyang cried tears of blood. It was evident he was burdened by the direct pressure from Jeon Wook. Nonetheless, he stood firm and shouted.

” I cannot accept that. This is not a matter I can judge.”

[ I can respect your courage. You certainly have merit for a chosen human… ]

Jeon Wook, seemingly impressed, waved his hand.

Whoosh!

At that moment, the comrades who were annihilated by Nüwa’s Finger of Creation returned. Jeon Wook did not stop at merely retrieving them; he also enveloped them in a dark protective barrier, likely to prevent them from falling victim to the same trap again. Mangnyang sighed with relief.

” Thank you, Jeon Wook.”

[ If you prove unhelpful in this battle, be prepared to pay the price.]

” Very well, we shall prepare ourselves.”

Jeon Wook issued a warning, but Mangnyang appeared unfazed as they began conspiring with our other allies inside the barrier. Nüwa watched them, sneering at Jeon Wook.

[ You think you can defeat me just by trusting in human words? The dignity of the Three Sovereigns has fallen to the ground, Jeon Wook.]

[ It’s not just any human. That kid is a worthy match. You know this fact as well.]

[ Ridiculous.]

[ There’s no need to tremble in fear, Nüwa. I am already assured of my victory.]

[ Keep babbling, brat!]

In a fit of rage, Nüwa directly attacked Jeon Wook.

[ I, born of the cosmos, command! I shall seize your divine name!]

The Word of Usurpation

With her command unleashed, a flash burst across the world, plunging everything into darkness. In that darkness, Jeon Wook’s form shrank, undergoing a transformation that was unspeakably metaphysical. I could barely discern my vision.

Yet, being fused with Jeon Wook at this moment, I was able to perceive the nature of the attack through divine power.

‘ She’s attempting to steal the Divine Status!’

The most efficient method of attack in a battle of powers! An effort to forcibly seize the divine status Jeon Wook possessed. Naturally, countless abilities intertwined to distort time and space, making it a matter impossible for even Jeon Wook to withstand with his bare body.

The scenario was different from when Chi You and the Three Sovereigns clashed in the past. Back then, Chi You merely twisted through the material world without contemplating the Law of Cause and Effect, resulting in mere overwriting. However, such a method of theft could not be so simply restored.

Nüwa was undoubtedly a skilled fighter familiar with the battles of high-ranking divinities. Were a lower divine being to receive this attack, they would instantly be obliterated.

[ Ugh…]

Jeon Wook let out a soft groan as if struggling for a moment before abruptly tightening his right arm and swinging with force.

[ What a pathetic trick!]

Bang!

[ Take this!]

Overcoming Nüwa’s pressure, Jeon Wook summarily summoned a dark spear and hurled it toward her. Nüwa could not evade the spear slicing through time and space and was hit square in the back with a grunt.

Thunk!

[ You little…!!]

Nüwa let out a wail, a blend of scream and fury.

[ Ughh.]

After hitting Nüwa with that spear, Jeon Wook seemed a bit drained, clearly struggling against Nüwa’s all-out assault. He muttered.

[ This is more than I anticipated. I’ll have to deal with this more thoroughly.]

Jeon Wook then extended his arms to the skies, beginning to chant something. Unlike the earlier fight with Chi You, both were now exchanging potent attacks, prompting my curiosity about what was to come.

However, I eventually realized from Jeon Wook’s thoughts what he intended to do.

‘ Oh no!’

Can he really do that?!

Is the world going to be okay?

But regardless of my worries, Jeon Wook finished his incantation, and after a moment, two other forms appeared around him.

Swoosh swoosh swoosh

There were two figures in total, both dressed in regal attire. However, only shadowy outlines were visible; their true faces obscured, yet their overwhelming presence conveyed their immense power. The ruler on the left, appearing somewhat irked, spoke.

[ What’s going on? Why are you tussling with Nüwa?]

The ruler on the right, arms crossed, chimed in.

[ I’ve been watching the situation, Jeon Wook. I have no intention of getting involved in this battle.]

Jeon Wook turned to the two, addressing them.

[ Shao Hao Jin Tian and Jeogok. I need your assistance to bring down Nüwa. If we combine our strengths, it can be done.]

Indeed.

Jeon Wook had summoned the other Two Sovereigns, Shao Hao Jin Tian and Jeogok! Given that Yu Shun was now erased from existence, this marked the emergence of all Three Sovereigns in this affair. Jeogok snapped back contemptuously.

[ I said I had no intention of joining. I don’t see why I should fight Nüwa.]

Shao Hao Jin Tian responded in a similarly bored tone.

[ This is tedious. Really tedious… Though Nüwa’s temperament is quite terrible, what purpose is there in tormenting an elderly lady? It’s better to respect our elders.]

[ This isn’t the time for jokes.]

Jeon Wook glared at Nüwa, pressing on.

[ If we leave Nüwa be, we’ll never be able to shed our masks. She’s opposing the very scenario where we could do so at the risk of our lives. Let us eliminate Nüwa and cast off our masks!]

Shao Hao Jin Tian shot back.

[ While that is tempting, is it really necessary? This mask is merely an inconvenience; it’s just a brief change of our chaotic essence, after all. Killing Nüwa isn’t enough motivation!]

[ I once thought the same. However… ]

Jeon Wook continued.

[ The Emperor plans to use our masks to sacrifice us to ascend to the heavenly throne. If we remain masked, our existences will be exploited. We must take appropriate action!]

[ ……]

[ Really?]

The two Sovereigns looked at Jeon Wook with suspicion, but his next words were convincing enough to assure them.

[ I swear by the name of Jeon Wook, the Emperor surely intends to sacrifice us to gain power. We must rebel and seize the throne!]

[ You’re betting your name on this?]

[ It seems true.]

Betting one’s name meant wagered existence. The weight of that promise could be observed in the past through the suicide of Nüwa’s avatar, Queen Mother of the West, and Gong Gong’s incapacitation. Even Three Sovereigns could not break a vow once made, and Jeon Wook had thus convinced his peers of his genuine intent.

After a moment of silence, Shao Hao Jin Tian finally said.

[ Well… there’s no other way… I’m not into senior abuse, but sometimes you have to do what you have to!]

Jeogok nodded in agreement.

[ Very well. After taking down Nüwa, let’s divide her divine essence among the three of us. It’s an opportunity to grow stronger.]

[ Things seem to be falling into place. Let’s make our true forms manifest.]

[ And let’s summon our subordinates while we’re at it.]

Boom!!

Shortly after, Shao Hao Jin Tian and Jeogok’s true forms materialized beside Jeon Wook.

As soon as Shao Hao Jin Tian appeared, the entire sky became enveloped in wings, and his massive eyes looked down knowingly at the realm below. Shao Hao Jin Tian’s form was that of a colossal cosmic phoenix, large enough to encircle the planet itself.

Jeogok’s true form resembled the white-winged giant from before, but this time, the unit of power he radiated was different; even Nüwa seemed taken aback by Jeogok’s impressive stature.

As the three Sovereigns revealed their true forms to oppose Nüwa, she too lost her composure. Irritated, she exclaimed.

[ You fools! You’re dreaming something foolish. Did you think your attempt to drop your masks would go unnoticed by the Emperor?]

[ The mask is a significant restraint that alters existence. To stand by and await your doom would be foolish. No matter how great the Emperor may be, he cannot easily handle all three of us at once, and this will be a grand revolution.]

[ The Emperor… will never let it end that way. He’s a cunning beast, the likes of which terrify even the cosmos. Do you not realize that such actions only serve to benefit him?]

[ It’s rich coming from one who imprisoned even our own brother, Fuxi.]

[ ……]

[ Well, it suits me just fine. I’ll tear you apart and consume Fuxi as well.]

[ You dopes…]

Wooooo

Moments later, Shao Hao Jin Tian swung his wings and excitedly proclaimed.

[ Shall we begin the assault on the elder?]

Starfall

Here come the Three Sovereigns, Shao Hao Jin Tian.

His moniker was the cosmic phoenix that devours the galaxy. When Emperor Gong Sun Xuanwen created the Sovereigns, he made one from the unidentified chaotic phoenix that devoured thousands of stars at the center of the galaxy.

Whoooooo

Countless feathers began to scatter across the void. As those hundreds of millions of feathers fell, each became a terrifying explosion, erupting as if rays of light were coming from the farthest reaches of the universe, raining down upon the earth. It was a summoning of the vast starlight generated from the heart of the galaxy.

Flash!!

As Starfall rained down, the screams of countless beings echoed in the divine perception.

[ Kyaaaaaaa!!]

[ What on earth is happening…]

[ Galactic Alliance!! [Old Ruler] is commencing destruction! Help our planet…!]

[ Noooo!! Save me!!]

Kaboom

Countless extraterrestrial beings and civilizations disappeared in a single flash, their fading cries crashing down. Strangely enough, aliens were being slaughtered. When the Starfall was cast, it drew from spatial power, resulting in calamity across other galaxies and clusters.

With the light of innumerable constellations disappearing, radiance gathered on Shao Hao Jin Tian’s feathers, revealing how his power was wreaking havoc across the entire galaxy.

The earth was already half-destroyed, and I could feel the continents being ravaged in real-time. Thankfully, they focused and contained their destructive range through their fight; otherwise, our planet would have been shattered already. Half of the Central Plains had perished, turning into wasteland.

In the meantime, our allies nearby seemed safe thanks to Jeon Wook’s protective barrier.

As Nüwa was blocking the Starfall, Jeon Wook dashed forward and thrust a spear into Nüwa’s throat. Nüwa evaded Jeon Wook’s lance, but in that moment, Jeogok shouted fiercely, momentarily halting her movements.

[ Ugh!]

Nüwa seemed furious, particularly with the combined effort of the Three Sovereigns. Seeing the chance, I called out to Jeon Wook.

[ Jeon Wook! What should I do?!]

[ ……]

[ Jeon Wook!]

Jeon Wook was about to hurl the spear at Nüwa but paused, replying.

[ … You should just cheer us on.]

[ ……]