전생검신 97권 07화

파앗

I utilized the Floating Technique to head toward the Kyoto Imperial Palace where Miho was. As I was walking along the road near the palace, Mangnyang suddenly spoke to me.

“Baek Woong, how similar do you think this is to the early stages of Round 30?”

“Um? Why the sudden question…?”

“I’ve heard your explanation, but I guess that the condensed stories were no match for your personal experience. I want to hear your honest thoughts.”

That’s true. No matter how I explained the reincarnation stories up until Round 30, I couldn’t convey every detail in such a short time. I pondered Mangnyang’s words and replied.

“So far, there’s not much different. I’d say it’s almost the same.”

“I see. Then, do you feel the presence of a powerful divine being here in Kyoto?”

“……!”

It was then I realized what Mangnyang was getting at. I unconsciously uttered.

“Is it the divine energy of Dongyoung’s Three Divine Characters, Susanoo?”

Dongyoung’s divine status and ancient god! Susanoo had indeed resurrected in Kyoto during Rounds 29 and 30.

“That’s right.”

“Um… I don’t sense it. Besides, if he had already rampaged in Kyoto, I wouldn’t have been able to just use the Floating Technique to enter.”

“That’s true. But it’s still uncertain.”

“What do you mean by uncertain?”

“If we follow your logic, his original seal isn’t in Kyoto. He was originally sealed deep in Mount Fuji, but suddenly broke free and came to Kyoto, correct? Moreover, that moment was just after you began your reincarnation, so his seal might not have been broken yet.”

“Ah! I see.”

As I understood Mangnyang’s words, something suddenly clicked in my mind.

“So you’re saying if we go find Seimei now while waiting at Mount Fuji, we might encounter Susanoo?”

“Exactly. However, more than that, we need to consider the circumstances behind Susanoo’s release.”

“Circumstances?”

“The reason why Susanoo is being freed is, as you said, because the power of the great divine being that sealed him in ancient times has diminished. In simpler terms, it’s because Emperor Gong Sun Xuanwen was sealed due to you.”

“……!”

“Depending on whether Susanoo resurrects or not, you can indirectly know whether the emperor’s seal is still intact. But for now, it’s not urgent to join forces with Susanoo; you can simply ask Seimei later about his resurrection.”

“I see.”

“One more thing. This is truly important…”

Mangnyang glanced at me and continued.

“Susanoo is closely related to his fellow Three Divine Characters, Tsukuyomi. If it turns out that Yuso, who was possessed by the emperor, indeed perished, then Susanoo might exhibit strange behaviors this time around.”

“Hmm!”

As Mangnyang pointed out something I hadn’t considered, I let out a thoughtful hum.

“Right. That could be possible…”

The truth I uncovered about Tsukuyomi in Round 30 was something he had mentioned himself during our confrontation.

[At the beginning, Izanagi was merely one of the Old Rulers. However, he discovered that there existed a being called the ancient god Izanami, born as his counterpart, and attempted to merge with her.]

[Indeed, the unprecedented occurrence of the union between an Old Ruler and an ancient god took place. When their powers merged, Izanagi temporarily obtained the strength to rival the top ten in the entire universe.]

[However, that attempt lasted only a few thousand years. He didn’t foresee that the power of the ancient god Izanami, who embodied order, would be stronger than the entirety of the Amatsukami… As a result, Izanagi had no choice but to release the powers of ancient god Izanami in the form of ‘offspring.’]

[Izanami’s essence became the Sun God Amaterasu, while her ‘body’ transformed into the Fighting Spirit Susanoo. The unrefined void generated during their fusion became me, Tsukuyomi, and permeated the world of ‘dreams.’]

[Thus, the Three Divine Characters of Dongyoung are all in fact the offspring, or rather, they aren’t even true children. We are all merely fragments of the ancient god Izanami!]

The three divine statuses—Amaterasu, Susanoo, and Tsukuyomi—all being fragments of the ancient god Izanami was a shocking truth!

The reincarnate known as Tsukuyomi had merely connected with Tsukuyomi’s hidden soul in the dream world and usurped the divine seat, claiming that place for itself.

As I recalled that truth, I asked Mangnyang.

“If that’s the case, does it mean he could turn into my enemy?”

“I can’t say for certain. However, if the soul formerly known as Yuso truly vanished because of you… then the Tsukuyomi that Yuso had once claimed as his own would remain intact, right? And if Tsukuyomi is not whole, can we expect his twin Susanoo to be?”

“……!”

“In the worst-case scenario, the Three Great Gods of Dongyoung might not even exist in history anymore.”

“W-What about Amaterasu…?”

“I cannot say.”

“…….”

I realized the situation was more severe than I thought. Yuso’s deep connection to Tsukuyomi meant that Yuso’s demise could have a consequential impact on the existence of all Three Divine Characters! I had never considered that issue, so I could only find myself flustered.

Mangnyang shrugged.

“Well, it’s just a risk that could happen. If not, you can just form an ordinary alliance with the Three Divine Characters.”

“Why are you trying to scare me unnecessarily?”

“If you think ahead about the worst chances, it seems you’d be less flustered if unexpected crises arise. From what I hear, you seem to panic significantly when unexpected crises pop up.”

“…….”

“By the way, do you believe Yuso’s disappearance is certain?”

“……I don’t know.”

I could only respond with a sigh. Because I truly didn’t know.

It was clear that Yuso, who had once been Tsukuyomi, had self-destructed at the end of Round 30, but whether he would appear in this 31st round was something I had no way of discerning.

Mangnyang chuckled.

“Don’t worry too much. From your words, it seems he’s likely perished.”

“Why do you think that?”

“The reason Yuso existed was merely because you reverted your ‘Great Cycle’ to the past and came to Takrok. However, your past in Takrok is not reflected in this 31st round. In other words, the very existence of Yuso is a contradiction. If Yuso indeed exists, then all of history should be different since your reincarnation began.”

“Ah…!”

“However… since unexpected events occur in your journeys, don’t let your guard down. If he reappears, make sure you’re powerful enough to overcome him.”

“I understand.”

As Mangnyang summarized matters regarding Yuso and Susanoo, I found my thoughts becoming clearer. If I had wandered alone, I would have been stifled by complicated thoughts and suddenly panicked when unexpected events occurred. Thus, making these preemptive arrangements really held significant meaning.

As I chatted with Mangnyang, I found myself approaching the place where Miho was located.

I knew roughly where Miho was, so I called out to her.

“Miho! Come out.”

Whiiing!

In response, a gust of forceful wind magic revealed Miho standing in the hall. With a fierce look in her eyes, she glared at me.

“Who are you to invade this place?”

“…….”

No idea how many times I’ve seen Miho already, but it still felt nostalgic.

Holding back the urge to cry, I spoke to Miho.

“Don’t you want to return to the Celestial Realm?”

“……!”

“If you sincerely wish to return to the Celestial Realm, make a wish to me. Then I can grant it.”

In response, Miho became even more wary and retorted.

“How can you fulfill that? Who are you?”

“I’m Baek Woong, and this is Mangnyang. And I’m currently experiencing reincarnation.”

“……?”

I didn’t tell Miho everything right away but briefly shared a secret I knew about her. That alone was enough to gain her trust. Sure enough, after I mentioned Queen Mother and Nüwa, her mouth dropped open in disbelief, and I calmly said.

“If it’s me, I can definitely make you return to the Celestial Realm. So, make a wish.”

“A wish…?”

“Yes. If you make a heartfelt wish, I’ll fulfill it for sure. Trust me.”

“…….”

Miho gazed at me suspiciously, and finally gave in.

“Well, I might as well take my chances… okay, return me to the side of the Queen Mother of the West! I sincerely wish for that.”

“Great!”

With that, the conditions for the wish were set!

I smiled, and Mangnyang said.

“Miho, since you’re still wary of us, I will explain the actual operation. I hope this helps you trust us a little more.”

Mangnyang detailed the plan to send Miho back to the Celestial Realm. Hearing the plan, Miho appeared flustered.

“Even if that works, what do you two gain from it? Why are you showing such kindness to someone you just met?”

“It’s not the first time we’ve met. I’m currently experiencing reincarnation.”

“What did you say?”

After I explained reincarnation to Miho, she seemed dazed. Then she laughed in disbelief.

“Are you asking me to believe that? But seeing you act this way makes it hard to disbelieve!”

“What will you do?”

“…….”

Miho briefly pondered and finally nodded.

“Fine, I’ll follow you.”

“Alright, let’s move!”

파앗

Once again, I used the Floating Technique with my party to head directly to Xuyou’s ruins.

‘Honestly, I avoided bringing Xuyou last time because I hate time limits.’

I picked up the Xuyou sitting back in its original place. Just then, Mangnyang said.

“I wish for one wish.”

“Hmm?”

Mangnyang smiled slyly.

“Please grant me the treasure of the Daoist, the Three Sovereigns’ Inner Gate.”

“……Ah!”

I realized Mangnyang’s intention and quickly nodded.

“I grant that wish!”

파앗

I went to the communal mountain, acquired the Three Sovereigns’ Inner Gate, and handed it to Mangnyang. The moment he gained it, I sensed a warm energy flowing from the infinite dot and line within me. It’s basically just a simple recovery of the existing treasure, but by fulfilling the other’s wish, I gained a small advantage in the law of cause and effect!

Mangnyang tucked the Three Sovereigns’ Inner Gate into his belongings and said.

“Thank you. Now, let’s go.”

Finally, I, Mangnyang, and Miho headed to the shrine in Mangnyang’s village. While on our way to the shrine, I asked Mangnyang.

“Mangnyang, what kind of blessing do you think would be good to receive this time?”

“Hm… Do whatever you want. In truth, I don’t know your memories, so based on just what I’ve heard, I can’t determine what plans would be good.”

“Is that so….”

“But if I had to speculate based on what I’ve heard… how about trying something you’ve never experienced before? The greater the new experience, the better it will be.”

“Oh.”

The moment I heard Mangnyang’s words, something suddenly flicked through my mind.

Shall I properly receive the blessing of that existence this time?

As soon as we arrived at the shrine, I felt enveloped by the intoxication of spirit.

‘Ugh, as expected….’

*

Swoosh……

As the familiar winding path emerged, I found myself sitting on a wall in my dream, where a black cat, Master Mangnyang, stared at me.

“I don’t get it. No matter what I do, I simply can’t overcome this sleep…”

At my grumbling, Master Mangnyang glanced at me intently and said.

[You’ve become the World Tree.]

“……! How do you know that right away?”

[Moreover, you possess the seed of transcendence…]

Master Mangnyang fell silent for a moment and then stated.

[Do you know why the World Tree grants wishes?]

“I thought it was because it could grow by fulfilling wishes.”

[Do you know why the World Tree grows?]

“……?”

Huh?

That was something Sophia hadn’t told me… I stammered for a reply, taken aback by Mangnyang’s unexpected question.

“W-Well, the World Tree must be a plant… so, it’s alive and trying to grow, right?”

[Correct. What happens when a plant grows?]

“…….”

[If you chose an external method among possible external methods, you’d need to clearly understand the causes and effects of that choice, but you seem unclear on those… ]

“What does that mean?”

[Thanks to you, I’ve regained a little of my memory.]

I was puzzled, but it felt like Mangnyang was staring through me for some reason.

[Alright.]

“Uh?”

[As a reward for reviving my memory, I’ve enhanced one of your potentials.]

“……!”

Whaat?! This is great!

This crazy cat that hadn’t done anything but spout nonsense until now was acting up for real?

“What potential?!”

[I don’t know. It’s random.]

“…….”

[Come back to me once you’ve grown sufficiently as the World Tree.]

After some time, Master Mangnyang’s eyes glimmered as he announced.

[By then, I will also have words for you.]

For some reason, I felt a chill run down my spine at that moment looking at Master Mangnyang.

*

Boom!

I opened my eyes. Upon awakening, I noticed that Cheon Woo-jin and Mangnyang were diligently preparing the altar, while Miho looked down at me with concern.

“You’ve been asleep for a while. Are you alright?”

I groaned as I raised my body, frowning.

“……Did I sleep for a long time?”

“Yeah. You slept through five half moments.”

“Phew.”

This crazy cat has it out for me, huh?

Feeling annoyed, I shook my head and said.

“I’m alright.”

Now isn’t the time to ponder what the cat’s intentions are.

I can just visit it later.

A moment later, Cheon Woo-jin’s cheerful voice rang out.

“Then, we will now commence the ritual of Xuyou’s Seven Luminary Offering Ceremony.”

Upon hearing that, Mangnyang came over to my side and asked worriedly.

“Did you memorize it all?”

“Uh… it’s a bit jumbled…”

“I’ll explain the plan again. Since timing is crucial, make sure you remember.”

I rehearsed the plan Mangnyang laid out from the start.

Woosh!

As Cheon Woo-jin recited the ritual text, mysterious spirit energy immediately began to rise from the altar, and I stepped forward. At that moment, I felt a tremendous force burst forth and it was as if the Heavenly Spirits were invoking Cheon Woo-jin.

[The offering has been well received, mortals.]

A moment later, the stern voice of the Primordial Void Ruler rang out.

[But it’s strange. I wish to bless you and the one presiding over the rite… but…]

I cut off the Primordial Void Ruler’s words.

“The bloodline of the Three Sovereigns is not involved!”

[Hmm… This brat…?]

“Besides that, please bring forth the Queen Mother!”

I have nothing to say to you right now!

[…….]

The Primordial Void Ruler appeared perplexed and pouted his lips.

[Cough… got it…]

Swoosh!

Moments later, it seemed that the spirit of the Queen Mother had descended upon Cheon Woo-jin. With a glint in her eyes, the Queen Mother spoke.

“Who are you to summon me?”

“Queen Mother! I am Baek Woong. As payment for the offering ceremony, please allow this Miho to return to the Celestial Realm.”

[…….]

“Miho has already regretted her sins sufficiently.”

The Queen Mother seemed to steal a glance at Miho, before she continued.

[I will grant that wish. But this is not a request pertaining to the offering ceremony. I will entrust your task to another divine being.]

As expected…

I recalled a similar event from the past. The difference then was that Miho hadn’t been present. However, I knew that if this continued, I would be needlessly burdened with a task by granting the Queen Mother’s request, so I didn’t fully accept her words.

“Are you considering laying another trial upon Miho? But that wouldn’t do her any good.”

[What… ?]

As I thought of the plan Mangnyang had mentioned earlier, I continued.

“Think about it. The Demon King Daji may break free from Golden Crow Island at any time, right? If she happens to get gobbled up by that guy, it could be quite troublesome.”

[Hmm… You have a point. But how do you know this fact?]

“Mangnyang’s details were passed on to me.”

[…… Really? Hmm…]

By using Mangnyang as an excuse, the Queen Mother seemed shocked and no longer questioned me. Understandably, Mangnyang was someone no one could recklessly provoke, so she couldn’t probe the details behind my words. Feeling that things had turned out alright, I spoke in a measured tone.

“Just allow Miho to return to the Celestial Realm, and at the same time, why not bestow a position upon her and give her the task to hunt down Daji? I’d help Miho take down Daji.”

[You…?]

“If you simply grant me a wish, I’ll definitely make it happen.”

[…… Fine.]

The Queen Mother, residing within Cheon Woo-jin, looked at Miho with warmth in her eyes.

[My child, your sins have been absolved and you shall return to the Celestial Realm, and I shall give you the position of a divine general. Additionally, you shall aid that mortal in subduing Daji.]

Miho, eyes filled with tears, spoke with disbelief.

“Th-thank you! Huuh…”

Woosh!

At that moment, I felt the law of cause and effect surging within me and smiled triumphantly.

‘It really worked just as Mangnyang had suggested!’

This plan of granting Miho’s wishes during the offering ceremony!

Originally, the Queen Mother would impose additional trials on Miho, but I would use Daji’s subjugation as a pretext for an additional task, allowing me to utilize Miho as a companion on the surface. Mangnyang’s plan was free of waste, and I felt like I had gained a lot right now.

‘In doing so, I can also request support from the Celestial Realm when the time comes to deal with Daji, so it’s a win-win situation!’

All I had to do now was finish the ceremony for receiving the Celestial Realm’s offering!

Just when I was feeling good and smiling, the Queen Mother unexpectedly spoke.

[However, I feel like I have put too much burden upon you alone, mortal.]

“Uh?”

With an unprecedentedly warm expression, the Queen Mother continued.

[I will consider your appeal. I will leave you with the right to receive blessings from other celestial beings, so continue the ceremony.]

“……!”

What the heck is going on?!

Did that stingy Queen Mother just show such generosity?!

Since she basically granted Miho’s wish for free, it felt like an unexpected windfall. I thought the offering ritual for the Celestial Realm had reached its end, but instead, I could get one more blessing from a celestial being!

‘Yay!’

Even Mangnyang seemed caught off guard by this unexpected turn of events. I turned to Mangnyang and asked.

“Mangnyang! Whose blessing should I receive?”

“Um… I’m not sure… Just choose according to your own preferences. From now on, this is all within your domain.”

“Hmm… sounds good!”

What comes to my mind?

‘Oh!’

In that moment, a brilliant idea popped into my head.

I’d been thinking about the offering ceremony and had yet to perform this action even once.

“Queen Mother! Please announce the next step.”

[Understood… Come forth, Southern Flower Immortal.]

파앗

As soon as the Southern Flower Immortal of the Celestial Realm was summoned, he looked at me with a somewhat disdainful expression and arrogantly uttered.

“Ahem… It would seem I have caught the attention of the Queen Mother. I shall grant you the Great Balance of the Celestial Realm.”

“How about no!”

[……?!]

I don’t need the Great Balance right now!

I waved my hand at him, signaling him to leave.

“Next!”

[What did you say?! You insolent brat!…]

“Next!”

[Hmph!]

The Southern Flower Immortal, visibly trembling in anger, reluctantly said.

“Next, the Sword Master Yeodong-bin will arrive.”

파앗

The moment Yeodong-bin was summoned, I became enveloped in a different kind of emotion.

‘Yeodong-bin…’

Did he realize that I had used his past body to duel with the Great Dragon during the reincarnation?

Although I had encountered Yeodong-bin countless times, meeting him directly after having possessed him felt uniquely different. I stared at him for a long moment before finally speaking up.

“Yeodong-bin, I have a question.”

[What is it?]

“…….”

I hesitated for a moment before finally asking.

“Is there a being known as the True Martial Emperor in the Celestial Realm?”

[I know that there exists a divine being revered in the Celestial Realm.]

“Can you summon him?”

[He is a vacuous divine being residing in the shrine of the Primordial Heaven Master, so I cannot verify if he truly exists.]

“Vacuous divine being?”

What does that even mean?

As I tilted my head in confusion, Mangnyang explained.

“Vacuous divine beings refer to those whose names exist as divine statuses, but it remains ambiguous whether their spirit forms truly exist. There are very few such divine beings even in the Celestial Realm, and they are mostly involved with ancient shrines.”

“A vacuous divine being, huh… I see.”

While I conversed with Mangnyang, Yeodong-bin interjected.

[I cannot summon the True Martial Emperor. Let’s move on to the next.]

파앗

As Cheon Woo-jin’s complexion changed, the summoned spirit opened his mouth.

[I am Yuan Yuanzi….]

The figure of the Supreme Master Jang Sam-bong appeared.

But rather than feeling delighted to see him again, I found myself feeling uneasy.

‘Is the True Martial Emperor a vacuous divine being?’

I had last seen him in the company of Pangu, a formidable figure, yet he seems to be classified as just a vague divine status here!

Does this mean the True Martial Emperor must hold some secret?

I shook my head in disapproval.

“Um… Let’s move on.”

[Hoh, understood.]

While I felt happy to see Jang Sam-bong, I had things that intrigued me other than his martial arts.

파앗

[I am Peng Zuo.]

At the moment I heard that voice, I jolted.

“Wow, it’s been ages…”

[What?]

“Uh, I didn’t mean anything! Just thought of an old friend!”

[…….]

Seeing Peng Zuo appear made me flabbergasted, and he seemed annoyed as he glared at me.

‘Now that I think about it, I overlooked the fact that he would also show up during the ritual assembly! I had long forgotten about during my last participation in the offering ceremony…’

Anyway, that guy is currently up to no good in the western regions, right? He’s allied with Chi You, stealing treasures from the Celestial Realm!

As I looked at him with intrigue, he spoke.

[I still live, so I cannot bless you… Next, I shall pass on the turn.]

“You’d better hurry and die already.”

[What did you say?]

“Nothing! Just thinking of an old friend!”

[Hmph! If it weren’t for Queen Mother…]

Peng Zuo gritted his teeth reluctantly and switched turns.

파앗

[I am Yi (羿).]

“…….”

Ah… Great, of all the times…

This guy again…

[I shall grant you the abilities of a sharpshooter….]

I waved my hands dismissively.

“No! I don’t need that… I’m really sorry!”

[……? It’s rather odd how sorry you are…].

“……”

I avoided the gaze of the descendant of Hou Yi.

‘Sorry!’

I was reminded of how the descendant had killed the colossal toad on Golden Crow Island. Although it had been to test the risk of memory transmission, it was still something I felt guilty about.

[It’s fine. Let’s just move to the next person.]

파앗

The next summoned spirit spoke curtly.

“Are you the arrogant brat who dares to choose the divine beings?”

A young man shrouded in ancient black armor and helmet.

Yet, the endless aura of malice radiating from this presence was something I couldn’t ignore.

I cautiously replied, carefully choosing my words to avoid angering Xiang Yu.

“Sorry, but… let’s move on…”

[Hmph, you insolent brat…]

He scoffed, appearing to lose interest immediately.

But I instinctively knew that right now, avoiding him was better. If I got tangled with Xiang Yu, I would need to deal with matters regarding Wu He, and that would lead to events spiraling out of control.

파앗

Finally, Cheon Woo-jin’s gaze turned to the divine light, and he spoke.

[I am the Primordial Void Ruler.]

Tai Gong-mang!

As Tai Gong-mang was summoned, I realized we were nearly done. Tai Gong-mang examined me from head to toe and spoke.

[Throughout history, there has never been such a multitude of great divine beings summoned at once… ]

“…….”

[Will you receive my blessing?]

I pondered briefly before saying.

“No.”

[…… What did you say?]

“I said no.”

[…….]

The Primordial Void Ruler appeared utterly shocked by my rejection.

“Why would you refuse the blessings of so many great divine beings?”

“Just tell me what wish you want instead! I am certain all the celestial beings are perplexed by what you’ve just done!”

“Um… that might be… hard to fulfill.”

[Do tell.]

I could tell by the tone of his voice that I had stirred their curiosity, and I wondered if it was worth the wait to keep them hanging any longer.

“Just wait a moment.”

[Hmm…?]

Swoosh!

Just then, Tai Gong-mang’s body wobbled as if about to collapse. Suddenly, he knelt down on the ground.

“Oh no! The life force of this invoker might be flickering due to excess celestial energy!”

Awesome!

I realized the time had finally come and pumped my energy with excitement.

“Let’s go, Cheon Woo-jin!”

[What…?]

Woosh!

I pressed my palm against Cheon Woo-jin’s heart and sent my energy into him.

Boom!

Simultaneously, a colossal oscillation resonated, like two massive currents colliding. Cheon Woo-jin braced himself for the shock while blood began pouring from him as a sign of his dwindling life.

I navigated the energy’s disturbance based on my past experience, and then, vocally guided by one resounding tone, I declared.

“Yah!”

Thunder!

Boom!

Suddenly, light erupted from all over Cheon Woo-jin!

In that moment, the divine light in his eyes sparked bright, bringing him back to his senses. He clenched his jaw and shouted.

“You bastard! I almost died!”

“Hey, focus! You know this isn’t over yet!”

“Gah…!”

Cheon Woo-jin grunted, seemingly struggling to synchronize the energy I was pouring and the latent divine energy in his body. Managing the two energies with delicate balance was akin to harmonizing Yin and Yang, and I sensed him reorganizing it effectively.

As the brilliance started to fade from Cheon Woo-jin’s body, he managed to stand there, and then Tai Gong-mang’s voice echoed from his mouth.

[Remarkable. Did you actually employ this offering ceremony to elevate the power of this invoker?]

“That’s correct.”

[…….]

Indeed.

After every offering ceremony, Cheon Woo-jin would be left bedridden from the surge of divine energy!

I thought that, if a strong external source of energy could be injected and harmonized, his power would skyrocket. This would undoubtedly be far more efficient than his natural absorption rate.

‘If I enhance Cheon Woo-jin early on, it makes things easier further down the line!’

I smiled at Cheon Woo-jin, who was currently bleeding from his head.

“Can you do more?”

“Crack… Damn it…”

Cheon Woo-jin gritted his teeth, yet begrudgingly nodded.

“I can do it.”

Alright!

With that, I extended the number of invocations for the offering ceremony!

Since Cheon Woo-jin had grown stronger, there were no longer concerns about him collapsing!

After checking Cheon Woo-jin’s condition, I finally broached the main topic with Tai Gong-mang.

“Now that we’re at it, I’d like to receive the blessing from the highest being.”

[Whom are you trying to summon?]

“Please summon the Queen Mother again.”

[…….]

Swoosh!

A while later, it seemed that the Queen Mother descended upon Cheon Woo-jin once more. With an intrigued expression, she regarded me and asked.

[It is fascinating that you’ve leveraged the offering ceremony to acquire the invoker’s power. But why do you wish to summon me again?]

“I just wanted you to become earnest this time.”

[Earnest…?]

“I mean, if I simply ask for a blessing, you’d probably give me the longevity blessing using the peach of immortality, right? But I know that the true extent of your power does not lie in such peaches.”

Reflecting back on my previous experiences, I realized that saying the longevity blessing felt deceitful when considering the true power of the Queen Mother.

I had been contemplating getting a “proper” blessing from her since my conversation with Mangnyang.

[…….]

“Given that I also need to thwart the Demon King Daji… if you grant me a genuine blessing, I would like to know to what extent it would be.”

[Heh heh… You have quite the skill for amusing people… ]

Soon, the Queen Mother chuckled lightly and stated.

[Alright… Though it was initially to avoid the invoker’s demise, at this rate, I assume you can endure. I will bestow the genuine blessing of the Queen Mother upon you…!]

Swoosh!

At that moment, a radiant light burst forth, and for an instant, it felt as if the true figure of Nüwa appeared alongside her own!

This symbolized that the Queen Mother was focusing to the extent of summoning her own true powers to grant me the blessing.

Moments later, a sacred radiance illuminated from above, and the majestic voice of the Queen Mother filled the air.

[After eradicating Daji, return and I shall reward you generously.]

Woosh!

With those parting words, the Queen Mother’s presence vanished, and the energy of the celestial immortals was washed away as if all tension had been released.

Plop!

Cheon Woo-jin collapsed, clearly drained of strength. He then glowered at me with a look of disapproval.

“Just wait until I get back at you for your recklessness.”

“…….”

It’s only natural for him to provide such a look after I impulsively risked his life without telling him beforehand. I awkwardly apologized again.

“Sorry! But, if I had told you beforehand, I knew you wouldn’t agree.”

Cheon Woo-jin’s eyes were sparkling with anger.

“You owe me, you bastard… If it hadn’t been for that older brother of mine, I’d have settled this right here with you!”

“Gah.”

I can see that he’s really enraged… Honestly, I’d be furious too.

Seeing me being at a loss, Mangnyang casually intervened.

“Master! How about this then? Since this is clearly a matter that cannot be solved through words, and we can’t settle it with a duel, Baek Woong could formally grant you a reward instead.”

“An older brother. What are you implying?”

“I think it would make sense for Baek Woong to fulfill a wish within the range of what you desire, considering the mistakes he’s made.”

Cheon Woo-jin seemed to find a semblance of calm and began to contemplate.

“Hmmm… A wish, huh…?”

Ah!

I couldn’t help but admire how quickly Mangnyang had come up with a scheme.

Not only does it help to cool down Cheon Woo-jin’s anger, but it also aligns with the “wish” that benefits me.

‘Cheon Woo-jin is a smart guy. If he agrees too easily, he might end up growing suspicious instead.’

I pretended to act clueless.

“M-Mangnyang, what if I can’t do it with my power?”

“Hey! Don’t you have any sense of shame? If that’s how you’re going to handle it, I’ll stop being your strategist.”

“Gah! I can’t avoid this… Whatever Cheon Woo-jin proposes, I’ll definitely fulfill it.”

Having witnessed our little act, Cheon Woo-jin quietly assessed me and uttered.

“Give me the law of cause and effect!”

“……?!”

Huh?!

I was taken aback by Cheon Woo-jin’s unexpected wish. My initial thought was to promptly grant him a treasure or gold, but he suddenly asked for the law of cause and effect?! Moreover, at this point, the law of cause and effect is probably my most precious resource!

It felt like he struck right at the core, and I reacted by genuinely panicking.

“W-WHY the law of cause and effect out of the blue?”

“You felt the strange change in the law of cause and effect when you made that wish for the fox. It signifies that the law of cause and effect has begun to consolidate for you. How can a mere human accrue the law of cause and effect directly? That just shows how crucial it is for you right now.”

“…….”

“Now, hand over the law of cause and effect you obtained by fulfilling that fox’s wish. I have uses for the law of cause and effect too.”

Cheon Woo-jin’s tone reflected a trace of grievance. It was evident that he didn’t want this out of need but instead sought to trouble me.

“Ugh… Fine.”

The moment I consented, a warm energy surged within me and flowed into Cheon Woo-jin. He quickly wrapped that essence around himself and was shocked.

“……What?! Why is there so much?! H-How did this happen…?!”

Huh?

I didn’t think it would be that substantial!

Noticing his reaction, I raised an eyebrow, and Mangnyang finally smiled.

“Master. Unintentionally, you’ve become a crucial foundation for Baek Woong’s early-stage endeavors. If you’ve obtained that level of power, you should no longer turn a blind eye to the disasters facing this world. I know that with your celestial principles, you have the capacity to intensify your power through the law of cause and effect.”

Cheon Woo-jin was astonished.

“What’s this guy’s identity? How can he not only accumulate the law of cause and effect but also have such overwhelming might…?”

“I’ll explain everything in due time. You’re involved in this too. More importantly…”

Mangnyang suddenly darted a glance at me.

“Baek Woong, do you know what sort of blessing you just received from the Queen Mother? It’s rather rude to go off without providing an explanation.”

“Hmm… I’m not exactly sure. But I have a hunch it might become clearer once I activate it.”

“Give it a try.”

“I will.”

I sensed the blessing from the Queen Mother residing on my right arm. Focusing on activating the blessing, I found the luminous energy emanating from my arm.

Crackle…!

It looked as if white flame were igniting.

But my arm wasn’t genuinely aflame; the intensity of the blessing was simply that formidable. When the white flame erupted, I comprehended the essence of this force and was thoroughly stunned.

“……!”

No way!

Did the Queen Mother seriously grant me this ability?!

‘She’s playing for keeps this time!’

I had never imagined I would receive this during this life!

Noticing my shock, Mangnyang recognized what I understood about the blessing.

“Baek Woong. It appears you’ve figured out the nature of the blessing from your previous life. Do you know what it is?”

“This… This is probably….”

I spoke in a shaking voice.

“It must be the Heavenly Fury Five Remnants!”

The Heavenly Fury Five Remnants!

A technique that sent the public into panic and annihilated the Eight Parts of the Divine’s Mahuraga with a single strike, even injuring the Fighting Spirit Shiva of the Celestial Realm!

A lethal technique that could inflict wounds even gods cannot recover from—the ultimate attack used by the Queen Mother, which had been feared by countless divine beings in the universe—this power had now been bestowed upon me as a blessing!

“`

 

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