Chapter 778
Chapter 778
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 778
Chapter Title: Path of Radiant Ascension
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We arrived at the Silver Sorcerer's abode.
A cabin nestled deep in the forest. If you ignored everything else, it had a fairly convincing rustic charm.
"Come on in. It's been ages since I've had visitors. Ten years... no, maybe twelve...."
I followed the Silver Sorcerer into the cabin. The interior was spotlessly tidy. It was surprisingly spacious, with even a second floor. He ducked into the storage room and hauled out an old table and chairs to set up a seating area.
"Sit."
I took a seat. His eyes scanned each of us in turn.
"Mortal. Nangong family daughter. Strange one. Quite the entertaining mix."
Mortal was me, and the strange one was Shin Jong-woo.
I shrugged it off. Hearing crap like that at this point barely annoyed me anymore. If it'd been some weakling mouthing off, I'd have cracked his skull.
'...Wait. Mortal?'
Something felt off. My talent was mortal-tier, true. Hell, even worse—I was a total dullard. But my current level was beyond what most geniuses could dream of reaching. Manifestation 8th dan at my age. Sure, it was thanks to the Heavenly Strong Star system's buffs and steady elixir grinding, but it was plenty to earn the "genius" label.
'No way he can't read my power level.'
Doubt crept in just as Nangong Lin, seated beside me, narrowed her eyes sharply.
"Silver Sorcerer. I can't accept that. Young Master Sung is no mortal."
Subtle fury laced her voice. The Silver Sorcerer glanced at her and smirked.
"I know the man's strength. I meant his talent for sorcery. Bluntly put, he's sub-mortal. But with his skills, I bumped him up to mortal."
"Don't judge people on a whim. And there's no way you can spot talent just by looking."
"Maybe not others, but I can. You've got solid talent for sorcery yourself."
"I have zero interest in learning it."
"Who asked you to? I'm just calling it like I see it."
Nangong Lin shot him a glare. The Silver Sorcerer didn't rise to the bait. Clearly no interest in picking a fight with the Nangong family. His gaze soon shifted to Shin Jong-woo.
"You're the odd one."
"...What's so odd about me?"
Shin Jong-woo shot back.
"No talent. More than him, sure, but still mortal-tier. Though the deeper I look... you might edge out the Nangong girl. Tough call."
"......"
Shin Jong-woo stayed silent.
"Before we get into the real talk, tea for our guests."
The Silver Sorcerer clapped twice. Fluttering wings echoed from the back of the cabin. Moments later, five pigeons waddled in, teacups and teapot in beak. The biggest one gripped the pot's handle and poured steaming tea into the cups.
"My own carefully grown leaves. Drink up."
"......"
I lifted the cup. Clear green liquid, piping hot. But as I brought it to my lips, my stomach turned.
'Fuck. Drink tea fetched and poured by pigeons?'
Forget taste—hygiene was a nightmare. Pigeons were filthy as hell.
I faked a sip without touching it to my mouth.
"One warning."
We all looked his way.
"You showing up shattered my peace. Wasted my energy, earned me an enemy in Black Dragon Star. If this chat bores me, fails to hook me... you won't leave alive."
His killing intent was the real deal.
"...Daring to slight the Nangong family?"
"Think I fear them?"
"Guess the Nangong look like a joke in your eyes."
"Couldn't take them alone. Fact. But kill you and vanish into this vast world? They won't find me—no revenge. Nangong daughter, this is my turf. Don't forget it if you value your life."
"......"
Nangong Lin clamped her mouth shut, fuming.
I sized things up quietly. Attack now—could I take him? Seemed doable, but I'd barely fought sorcerers before. Same for the others.
'And this bastard's on high alert. Only reason to wear blood-and-brains-crusted Irin Black Armor in a spotless house like this.'
"Understood. Now, about other worlds."
"Know the universe?"
"Yes. The heavens above, right?"
"The universe is everything. Worlds we live in. Ones we don't. Ones out there somewhere. All of it."
"...Ones 'out there'—you mean other worlds?"
"Heh. This universe holds multiple worlds. I know four: Heavenly Realm, Underworld, Phantom Beast Realm, Material Realm. Heavenly's also Immortal Realm; Hell's the Underworld."
"Material Realm's our world?"
"Right. Or Middle Realm. Cocky humans call it Human Realm. Your world in my list?"
"No. The other world I mean..."
"Another universe's world, yeah? Universe is vast. Immense beyond measure—we're less than dust. And it's not alone. Dig deeper, it's mind-numbingly endless."
The Silver Sorcerer clucked his tongue and shook his head.
"......How do we reach other worlds?"
"Why the obsession?"
"......"
"Answer. We're talking, aren't we? Try hoarding my knowledge, and you die here."
Pressure rolled off him. Shin Jong-woo glanced at Nangong Lin, then spoke.
"I came from another world. I want... to go back."
Nangong Lin didn't freak much. She'd half-guessed it already.
The Silver Sorcerer twisted his lips in a grin. His eyes lit up like a kid hearing the best story ever.
"Knew it. You're an outsider. No other explanation for that vibe. Heh heh heh."
"Tell me how to get back."
"Don't know."
"...You're kidding."
Shin Jong-woo's brows furrowed deep.
"Big misunderstanding. Knowing other worlds doesn't mean I know the way there. Tons know the Heavenly Realm—why can't they ascend?"
Shin Jong-woo reined in his rising agitation.
"...I've met renowned sorcerers, talked it out. None even knew other worlds existed. How'd you learn?"
"Old book, ages ago. That's all it said."
"Where's the book?!"
Shin Jong-woo couldn't mask his excitement. The word "book," probably—his arrival tied to the Heavenly Demon Divine Art manual.
"My master's got it, I suppose."
"Where's your master now?"
"Split 200 years back. Whatever."
"......You truly don't know a way to other worlds?"
"Nope. Even if I did... think a Material Realm sorcerer like me could cast a spell there?"
Shin Jong-woo squeezed his eyes shut. His face twisted—rare for him.
"...A clue, then. Anything. Please...!"
He bowed his head low.
"Clue... The book's name: Heavenly Secret Chronicles. Want other worlds? Track him down for help. Heh, if you can."
"Who's the author?"
"Cheonseongja. Immortal born in the heavens, raised on earth."
"Where is he?!"
"Ancient records say he ascended Kunlun. Became a full immortal. Meet him? Head to the Heavenly Realm. If you can. Ha ha ha."
"......"
Shin Jong-woo dropped his gaze. Despair flickered in his eyes, but he lifted his head casually.
"Thanks for the valuable info."
"......What? Abandoning your homecoming?"
"No. New goal: ascend to the Heavenly Realm, find Cheonseongja. I know some ascension methods—no need from you. We're leaving."
Shin Jong-woo stood. Nangong Lin and I rose with him.
"Hold it. Info for free? Thieves, the lot of you. Talk was decent, I'll grant—but pay up for what you heard."
"Already paid."
Shin Jong-woo's tone was even. So flat it puzzled even me. Paid how?
"Paid?"
"You helped against the Black Dragon Star goons."
"You punk...! They chased you into my barrier!"
"I didn't invite them. They barged into your barrier on their own. And you snagged the Irin Black Armor. Payment settled."
"Spinning bullshit like a pro. Fine—I'll claim my own fee. Heh heh heh. Otherworlder... perfect research subject."
The Silver Sorcerer rose, radiating malice. Nangong Lin and I drew swords in sync; Shin Jong-woo channeled his qi, poised.
"You... knew I'd snap like this?"
"...You never asked details. How I got here. What my world was like. Skipped it all. You never planned to let me walk. Right?"
"Sharp one. Yeah. Catch you first, grill later. So why're you fine? Know they skipped the tea—but you downed over half. Poison should've dropped you cold."
"Burned it off while sipping. ...Spotted it when Lin faked her drink."
"...I skipped 'cause Young Master Sung did."
Nangong Lin shook her head. All eyes turned to me.
Poison in the tea? News to me.
"......"
Best to stay shut. I tightened my grip on the hilt.
"...Hah. The dimmest-looking one's sharpest. Stamina and qi half-recovered... I'll crush you myself."
Right then, a massive hawk plummeted from the ceiling, diving at Shin Jong-woo. He dodged fluidly, like he'd anticipated it, and executed the Heavenly Demon Overlord Step.
"Tch! No ordinary footwork!"
Nangong Lin and I charged the hawk; Shin Jong-woo took the Silver Sorcerer.
"Execution! I'll flank him!"
"Your Nan... Young Master!"
Ambush for quick win, but bad call. The hawk snagged in the cabin, movements hampered.
Nangong Lin swung. Emperor Swordsmanship's signature: heavy yet swift, carving the hawk's front.
"Kieeeek!"
The hawk screeched. No way I'd sit idle.
Crackle.
Lightning and sword qi infused my blade—I whipped it at the hawk's rear skull. It jerked aside, but I severed its shoulder. Screaming, it rolled across the floor and out the cabin door. I tumbled with it, clinging to its back.
"Young Master Sung!"
Nangong Lin rushed over. I stabbed deep before it could fly. She joined, shredding it with slashes.
The hawk thrashed its huge wings desperately. It gained maybe five meters before crashing down, still.
"Young Master Sung! You okay?!"
"Ah... Yeah. Fine."
I stood. Big, but not tough. No sorcerous backup, probably. Glanced inside: Shin Jong-woo and the Silver Sorcerer locked in internal energy clash.
Perfect setup.
I slung an arm over Nangong Lin's shoulder as she approached, grabbed her ample breast firmly, and yanked her into my embrace.
"Eek, Young Master Sung...?"
"Listen close. Silver Sorcerer and Shin Jong-woo. Kill 'em both here. I'll handle Silver. You take Shin. He trusts you deeper than me. Won't suspect you closing in."
"Wh-what...? Kill Young Master Shin...? Mmph!"
I seized her head and kissed her. Short, but my tongue slathered her mouth sloppy.
"That's an order, Lin."
A thin silver thread bridged our lips. Her breath hitched, eyes glazing faintly. She stared into mine alone.
"......Yes. Young Master."