910——————==

True Martial Home

Boom!

I headed to the Seven Stars Altar on Tamra Island, the entrance to Mount Penglai. Mangnyang told me how to unlock the altar’s door.

“Manifest the Power of the Constellation.”

“What if I don’t have Cheon Woo-jin?”

“Doesn’t matter. This Seven Stars Altar is built and stabilized with the Power of the Constellation. It’ll activate just fine as long as it’s the same type of power.”

Vroom!!

I summoned the Power of the Constellation that I received from Xiang Yu and fueled it into the altar. I frowned, realizing that it had depleted more than I expected.

‘Damn it, I saw this coming…’

The power delivered by Xiang Yu was being absorbed by the Spirit Power, swirling around my heart like a double-edged sword. Thanks to that, my Spirit Power was temporarily amplified, but the two distinctly different powers didn’t mix well. I couldn’t extract both Spirit Power and the Constellation’s power at the same time; instead, I felt the Constellation’s power waning every time I used Spirit Power. It was clear that the Power of the Constellation had dropped below half of what I initially received.

Vroom!

As light filled the Seven Stars Altar, the altar sprung to life, but my expression remained unchanged. Noticing something was off, Mangnyang asked.

“Baek Woong, what’s wrong?”

“To be honest…”

I explained that the current balance between Spirit Power and the Constellation’s power was offsetting each other. Mangnyang pondered for a moment and then replied.

“That’s just how it is. Spirit Power is Jeon Wook’s strength, while the Constellation’s power is entirely different.”

“Is it impossible to absorb the Constellation into Spirit Power, like with Amaterasu?”

“It’s not impossible, but I doubt it’ll work.”

“Why is that?”

“The Power of the Constellation given by Xiang Yu is a sort of terminal. Originally, it’s a connection to the distant Star Realm that one can’t obtain even if they died and resurrected. It’s not just a pure lump of power; you could say it’s more like a ‘gateway.’ Absorbing it wouldn’t have any meaning and might attract interference from the true master of the Constellation.”

“True master of the Constellation?”

Mangnyang sighed.

“You mean the ‘Old Ruler.’ The monsters that rule the galaxy…”

“Ah…”

“Naturally, a being born with the innate ability of the Constellation only draws power from a massive source. Compared to the true master’s divine powers, it’s negligible, which makes it unbothered. However, if the Spirit Power merges with the Constellation through absorption and strengthens that terminal, the master of power would take a great interest in you.”

I flinched at Mangnyang’s words.

‘That sounds pretty bad.’

If the master of the distant Star Realm—‘Old Ruler’—is as unfathomable as I imagined, they’re a being almost impossible for a mortal to comprehend. They could very well be on par with, or even greater than, those terrifying monsters I saw during the end of the universe, like ‘Relcrobaus.’ If such beings decide to put a “calling” in my head or try to interfere with me like evil gods, it would be nothing but a nuisance and danger.

I suddenly remembered something and said.

“So what about Xiang Yu? He uses the power from twelve Constellations without getting such interference.”

“Xiang Yu is the only human born with that much overlap of the Constellation in the history of the universe. In other words, he was human in form but infinitely closer to the domain of a ‘Ruler’… His very nature was different.”

“……”

“I understand your concerns. It’s frustrating to see the power of the two Constellations dwindle after just receiving them from Xiang Yu.”

“Honestly, that’s true.”

“You shouldn’t be worried about the reduction. As long as you manage your Spirit Power, your strength will overflow… That Constellation can be used for many purposes later, apart from battle.”

After saying that, Mangnyang boldly walked forward into the Seven Stars Altar.

“Now, let’s go. We must rescue the poor immortals.”

Vroom!

After entering Mount Penglai through the Seven Stars Altar, we quickly engaged and defeated the Sea God Clan that ruled Mount Penglai, commencing the rescue of the immortals. Seo Mun-hye led the charge, slaying the Sea God Clan with ferocity.

Boom, boom!!

[ Kkiieee… Huh?!]

Boom!!

Seo Mun-hye caught the foot of a gigantic Sea God and hurled it towards a distant peak, causing blood to splatter and the mountain to crumble. It was such outrageous strength that the thousands of Sea God warriors surrounding us suddenly turned pale and retreated. I couldn’t help but let out a low whistle watching Seo Mun-hye.

“Uhh…”

She’s really strong.

At present, Seo Mun-hye’s strength and speed seemed to surpass those of humans and even Taoist Masters. She was already powerful before, but now it seemed like she had only grown stronger since the Grand Hall Battle. Mangnyang stood beside me, smirking.

“With Yan Emperor’s seal lifted, the bloodline of the Sea Gods can only grow stronger… Plus, she learned how to efficiently use her power in fierce battles during the Grand Hall.”

“……”

“Our strongest member right now is undoubtedly Seo Mun-hye.”

Brrr!

Boom!

“That seems right.”

I couldn’t refute Mangnyang’s words after witnessing Seo Mun-hye turn five hundred of the Sea Gods into tears of blood within the blink of an eye. Her single punch could obliterate a mountain. The Sea God warriors, now terrified, couldn’t even think of charging at her and diverted their attention to the rest of the group; however, as I swung my Thunder Sword at the incoming enemies, I felt utterly safe.

[ Kkiieeeek!!]

Eventually, the Sea God warriors lowered their tails and fled. We hadn’t wiped them all out yet, but thousands had been annihilated in just a matter of a day, so they must’ve lost their will to fight. Exhaling a sigh, Seo Mun-hye said,

“Let’s go.”

I could have brought Miho along, but she was tasked with something crucial, so I only had Seo Mun-hye. Mangnyang’s assertion that Seo Mun-hye sufficed was completely accurate. We released the immortals we had captured and headed toward the location of Lee Heung-pae, the lord of Mount Penglai.

Creak!!

Lee Heung-pae’s treasure reacted on its own, trying to incinerate the intruders, but I countered with Spirit Power, erecting a massive barrier. Though it didn’t seem like I could control the power well, a humongous barrier unexpectedly formed, creating an ominous black curtain hundreds of times wider in mere moments.

‘Ugh.’

I really need Heuk Woong here…

While I was bewildered, I could hear Lee Heung-pae’s fearful voice from inside.

[ … Is that the Apostle of Jeon Wook…? That incredible power… Did you come to collect our souls and take us to the Ten Thousand Ghosts Palace?]

I walked into view until Lee Heung-pae was just in sight and responded.

“Seems there’s been a misunderstanding. It’s true I’m Jeon Wook’s Apostle, but I have no intentions of that, Lee Heung-pae.”

[ What brings you here?]

“I’m Baek Woong. I know that the Celestial Realm has perished and the Queen Mother of the West has been dethroned?”

[ ……!!]

I briefly explained the situation to Lee Heung-pae. After absorbing all the information, Lee Heung-pae gathered himself and spoke.

[ I see… The Law of Cause and Effect for the descent of the Three Sovereigns, and he’s gathering treasures from various locations to accommodate that.]

“To be frank, you should hand over that treasure you have, the Half Yellow Pearl.”

[ ……]

Lee Heung-pae gazed at me, seemingly contemplative, and then said.

[ How curious… You talk as if it’s no big deal, yet the one orchestrating all this is none other than you, Baek Woong… The source of that immense knowledge and information is beyond my guesses…]

” ……”

[ Very well… But you must promise to take the immortals with you to serve the Eight Immortals. If you promise me that, I’ll give you the Half Yellow Pearl.]

“Alright…”

Just as I was about to agree to Lee Heung-pae’s terms, Mangnyang interrupted.

“Wait, Lee Heung-pae. I have a question.”

[ What is it…?]

“About Mount Kunlun.”

[ What do you want to know?]

“Please tell me how to get to the other Mount Kunlun, Yeongju Mountain and Bangjang Mountain. I need to visit those places too.”

[ Hmm… There’s no direct way from Mount Penglai. As you know, there’s the Ten Thousand Ghosts Palace here, which poses a risk of intruding upon the other Mount Kunlun if we’re not careful. However… there is an entrance in the mortal realm.]

“Where is that?”

[ Yeongju Mountain is on the Taebaek Mountain Peninsula, while Bangjang Mountain is on Baekdu Mountain in the peninsula. The dimensions overlap there, and like this Mount Penglai, the Guardian Star should have been managing the entrance to Mount Kunlun throughout generations.]

” ……”

In that moment, Mangnyang’s expression shifted; he seemed to realize something. He was deep in thought before breaking into a smile.

“Thank you for such terrific information. So, can we find out who the leaders of Yeongju Mountain and Bangjang Mountain are?”

[ I’m afraid I don’t know that… ]

“Hasn’t anyone from the other Nine Dragons been appointed there?”

[ The personnel management was utterly confidential, so even I wouldn’t know.]

“Got it.”

[ Hehe… Well then, farewell…]

Whoosh!!

Moments later, Lee Heung-pae chuckled quietly and engulfed himself in spiritual fire, disappearing from sight. Where he vanished, the Half Yellow Pearl rolled to the ground. It seemed Lee Heung-pae was merely waiting for the day of death.

As Mangnyang picked up the Half Yellow Pearl, he handed it to me.

“Here you go.”

“With this, the objective’s achieved. But how do we go to the Underworld?”

“The Underworld can be accessed using the Sky-Destruction Sun and Moon Fan. We can open a passage right now. I won’t be able to take you directly to the innermost part, but I can initiate a search from the Heart of the Forest.”

Swish!

Mangnyang opened the Sky-Destruction Sun and Moon Fan but quickly folded it back, continuing.

“Of course, this place is a den of Sea Gods, and with the Ten Thousand Ghosts Palace nearby, opening a portal here would be suicide. Let’s head back for now.”

“Understood.”

With the Half Yellow Pearl and the rescued immortals in tow, we returned to the mortal realm. Then we went to entrust the devastated immortals of Mount Penglai to the Eight Immortals.

“By the way, Baek Woong, you must have the seed from the Dragon Flower Tree.”

“Ah. I do.”

As I rummaged through my Wooden Armor for the seed, Mangnyang stopped me with a hand.

“Not right now. Keep it secure and maintain the awareness that you have it. You’ll need it soon.”

“Come to think of it, couldn’t I offer this seed from the Dragon Flower Tree as a treasure for the Law of Cause and Effect of the Three Sovereigns? This alone should do the trick…”

It’s the World Tree seed, so it should be plenty!

At my suggestion, Mangnyang shook his head.

“It could work, but there’s no need for that.”

“……?”

“The principle and reality are different. You’re not just acting to fulfill Jeon Wook’s wishes right now.”

“…Got it.”

I understood Mangnyang’s point. In truth, just gathering the treasures I currently possess would be more than enough to end the life of the Supreme Goddess Nüwa through the Law of Cause and Effect.

However, the main reason for roaming around, citing treasure collection as an excuse, was to gather the strength to explore the life sea steadily.

Mangnyang spoke.

“It would be best if you went alone to the Underworld, Baek Woong.”

“Seo Mun-hye and yourself won’t accompany me?”

“If you remember, exploring the Underworld is unique and dangerous. Regardless of power, it’s packed with traps that could suck you in and lead to annihilation. It wouldn’t matter if you brought a lot of companions; going alone is for the best.”

Mangnyang scratched his chin.

“… The more important reason is that my Sky-Destruction Sun and Moon Fan only has enough power left to transport one person back to the current world. Frankly speaking, if you hadn’t become this strong, you wouldn’t even dream of entering the Underworld.”

“But I don’t really know where the innermost chamber is.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll guide you using the Sky-Destruction Sun and Moon Fan.”

Boom!!

As soon as Mangnyang finished speaking, I found myself standing on some unknown land of the Underworld. Using the Sky-Destruction Sun and Moon Fan, Mangnyang had effortlessly sent me to the Underworld.

“……”

Swish, swish…

‘So, I just need to follow that light?’

I realized that the ground was lit with faint, shimmering white light leading the way, which must have been the “guidance” Mangnyang referred to. I was curious how Mangnyang could exert such incredible power, but I could only think that the Blessing of the Sky assigned to the Sky-Destruction Sun and Moon Fan was nearly omnipotent.

“Alright, let’s go!”

Tydaht!

I dashed forward following Mangnyang’s guidance, cutting swiftly through the land of the Underworld. I had expected ghostly wails to echo around me, but instead, it was a calm and quiet earth shrouded in dark clouds. Oddly enough, I felt less presence of spirits here than in the mortal realm, which left me perplexed.

After a moment, I came across a massive and dark mountain and let out a low whistle. I murmured.

“Is that Mount Yama?”

According to Mangnyang’s memory, if one didn’t enter the Underworld by the proper means, they’d have to navigate the peaks of the Underworld without crossing the Sanzu River. The inner valleys of that mountain were practically entry points for outside forces, so all the spirits and soldiers of the Underworld would be on high alert, defending around the central castle. Moreover, the mountain itself towered ten times higher than any mountain in the human realm, hence the name, Mount Yama.

Atop Mount Yama dwelled tens of thousands of Yama Ghosts and Yama Spirits.

Beyond Mount Yama lay the Yama Hall ruled by King Yama. After traveling about three hundred li further inside, I would finally reach the chamber where the Mirror of Clarity is sealed, belonging to the Wheel King.

Today, I will cross Mount Yama and enter the Yama Hall to seize the Mirror of Clarity!

It was a considerable challenge, something utterly impossible for a human, but I steeled myself and clenched my fists.

I’m supposed to fight a god, I can’t be whining like this!

“I’m going!”

I prepared to charge with my Immortal Sword, ready to confront the tens of thousands of Yama Ghosts.

Sling!!

It felt as if the shadow of a crescent moon flickered across the scene.

“……?!”

In that instant, I watched as the huge Mount Yama was sliced diagonally and began to topple slowly to the side. The mountain was so colossal that when it fell, the heaven and earth seemed to invert.

Rumble…

What just happened?

I didn’t grasp what was going on, but when I enhanced my vision with the Fire Eye Golden Spirit, I saw someone surrounded by Yama Ghosts nearby. I immediately dropped my jaw.

“……!!”

It was him!

The Hat Warrior!

Despite being surrounded by countless ghostly soldiers, he stood elegantly with his arms crossed, exuding an air of nonchalance as if he felt no fear. He must have been the one who just sliced Mount Yama with one strike.

‘W-why is he here?’

I pondered my next move.

The distance was quite far, so he hadn’t noticed me yet. However, could this also be an opportunity to finally unveil the identity of that mysterious figure? If I could sneak up on the Hat Warrior while he was distracted and subdue him, it could yield incredible benefits.

That guy is extremely suspicious.

Why is he in the Underworld instead of fighting that monster in the Life Sea?

“……”

But is there truly any chance I could defeat someone capable of slicing Mount Yama in one strike…?

Approaching him felt daunting, almost as if the way he could cut through Kunlun was merely a tiny segment of what he was capable of. Perhaps it would be best to focus on completing my mission without attracting attention.

Now, I must make a choice.

Should I attack or remain hidden?