Chapter 294
Chapter 294
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 294
Chapter Title: Heavenly Realm
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After concluding the deal with the Prophet, I returned to Jinrang Valley with the three of them. We then began discussing our strategy moving forward.
"We need to open the Heavenly Emperor Altar to obtain a countermeasure against Changhil's divine utterances from the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors."
"That's obviously the prerequisite."
Zhuge Sa, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, chuckled as he spoke.
"But realistically, shouldn't we compare our forces with those of the Imperial Palace?"
"What are you talking about?"
"I see our side as lacking in strength."
Zhuge Sa glanced at me indifferently as he said this.
"With our current numbers, it's not even worth discussing. We need more allies."
"Lacking in strength? With my martial arts and Jin So-cheong's, we could take on more than five companies of Golden Guards. And with your shamanic arts and Cheon Woo-jin's sorcery, that should be enough."
"Ugh... Are you really that stupid, or just pretending? That's before performing the Immortal Summoning Ritual."
"What..."
Why was he suddenly being snide?
As I glared at Zhuge Sa, Cheon Woo-jin spoke up from the side.
"I agree with that assessment. The Imperial Palace is now stronger than ever before. Even my sorcery might not be enough to handle it."
"Stronger how?"
"First off, the Emperor has likely summoned all sorts of spirit beasts to the palace and bolstered his dominion over them. That means the Golden Guards and Imperial Army stationed there might have gained the power of the two-legged ones."
"Ah!"
"Moreover, regardless of anything else, that Mount Tai Old Man's power might be on the level of a Dharma Protector Guardian. Having contracted with Changhil through the Immortal Summoning Ritual, they could borrow divine authority. They might have become transcendent beings not just in divine utterances but in overall combat prowess."
"But Jin So-cheong was pushing back the Mount Tai Old Man one-on-one."
As I protested, Cheon Woo-jin shook his head.
"The Mount Tai Old Man was pouring all his power into maintaining the Eight Array Formation on Mount Tai. Facing a super peak expert like Jin So-cheong in that state, he had no choice but to lose. However, it's impossible to predict how strong the Mount Tai Old Man will be now that he's withdrawn the Eight Array Formation and focused on his own capabilities."
"......"
That serious?
Jin So-cheong, who had been listening quietly, spoke up.
"It seems Zhuge Division and the Mount Tai Old Man can't use Changhil's divine utterances. If they could, they would have already. For now, let's assume only the Emperor can use them."
"That makes sense."
He coldly assessed the situation, then lifted his sunken eyes to glare at Zhuge Sa.
"And stop treating Baek Woong like an idiot, all of you. He may lack finesse, but his grasp of the big picture is better than anyone here."
Zhuge Sa looked embarrassed at Jin So-cheong's sharp remark. He seemed to have it out for me, always looking for chances to poke fun. I felt the same about him and didn't hide my discomfort. Cheon Woo-jin turned his head away.
Both of them were notoriously prickly and prideful men in the world, so they wouldn't easily acknowledge me. Jin So-cheong had read the mood and stepped in to let me lead the discussion. I felt grateful inside.
Jin So-cheong turned to me and said.
"Baek Woong. You could build up as much influence as you need. Give us your directives as they come to mind."
"Hmm..."
Influence.
I racked my brain. Indeed, I had planted several seeds across the martial world. One was the Sword Demon's faction, another the Thunder God School's. On top of that, through the Incarnation School's recommendation, I could become a disciple of the White Lotus Cult Leader, so my influence was stronger than I thought. Even just having the Sword Demon's experts and Thunder God School experts join us would be a huge help. The karmic ties and connections I'd gathered over a dozen reincarnations weren't to be trifled with.
The problem, however, was the path forward.
'I promised the Thunder God School I'd assassinate the White Lotus Cult Leader with the Reversal Authority. That's the issue.'
At the time, it seemed the best option. I couldn't just leave a slippery, untouchable existence like the White Lotus Cult Leader alone. But now that the Emperor had emerged as an unexpected powerhouse, I needed to reconsider.
Wouldn't it be better to just assassinate the Emperor with the Reversal Authority?
Now that he'd become an immortal powerhouse through the Immortal Summoning Ritual, was there any need to kill him with mortal power by force? Wouldn't it be easier and safer to erase him with divine might?
The White Lotus Cult Leader was quite passive anyway. Unless the Black White Lotus entered the White Lotus Cult separately, he rarely took proactive action. Plus, considering I might become his disciple, killing the Emperor seemed far better than killing the Cult Leader.
But if I needed to kill the White Lotus Cult Leader later, I'd regret wasting the assassination right. There was no guarantee the [Ancient Ruler] would grant me multiple favors, making it a precious asset.
I had to choose.
Between the White Lotus Cult and the Imperial Palace—the two massive pillars—which one to topple?
'Tricky...'
I wanted to discuss this with my comrades here, but looking around, none seemed suitable for an open talk. Zhuge Sa was too self-willed to guarantee advice for my sake, and Cheon Woo-jin was cold to my circumstances, likely telling me to handle it myself. Especially, he'd probably say to kill the Emperor first rather than deal with an unknown face like the White Lotus Cult Leader.
Consulting Jin So-cheong was tricky too, since he belonged to the Thunder God School. He might prioritize them, lacking objectivity.
In that case, consulting the Sword Demon would be best.
A moment later, I said.
"I'll explain my situation first."
Hiding too much from comrades could damage trust. Moreover, these three had the highest potential to be my greatest allies this life, so it was better they knew. It took about an incense stick's time to lay out everything I'd done this life. When I finished, Zhuge Sa said in disbelief.
"The Shadowless Gate's Sword Demon and the Thunder God School's hidden experts... You're really insane? Is your goal to become the supreme ruler of the martial world?"
"Supreme ruler? No. I've just been stockpiling power for any eventuality."
"Same difference. If all the ones you've gathered become allies, you could overturn the entire martial world. You're more dangerous than you look."
Zhuge Sa, looking queasy, continued.
"Anyway, that's perfect. Select super peak experts like Dugoseong, the Sword Demon, Jin So-cheong, etc., infiltrate the innermost depths via flight, and we have a solid chance. The top priority is preparing a counter to the divine utterances."
"Before that, we need to secure one of the remaining four Heavenly Emperor Altars on the Five Peaks. Which one do you think is best?"
Zhuge Sa and Cheon Woo-jin said almost simultaneously.
"Mount Hua!"
They glared at each other when their thoughts aligned, like a village comedy. Puzzled, I asked.
"Mount Hua? I thought Mount Song, the safest, would be best."
Indeed, I'd even gotten a promise of aid from the Shaolin's top expert, the Divine Monk. Performing the Immortal Summoning Ritual at the Heavenly Emperor Altar with Shaolin high monks as guards would be the safest. So I'd asked half-expecting agreement, but surprisingly, both sorcerers mentioned Mount Hua.
Zhuge Sa scratched his cheek and explained.
"If the Immortal Summoning Ritual were just an offering rite, Mount Song would be best, as you say. But it requires absolute secrecy and is completely different from ordinary rites. Looks like Hyun-i didn't explain that far."
"What do you mean? Different from ordinary offering rites?"
Cheon Woo-jin, listening beside, said sharply.
"Think about the essence of the Immortal Summoning Ritual. It's summoning the [Ancient Ruler] or something close directly. In other words, a transcendent divinity that can affect the world's laws just by existing is summoned there, and its aftermath will inevitably impact the material realm."
"Hmm!"
"You can tell from how baleful stars grow stronger and constellations lose light in their years. The descent of a super-dimensional divinity greatly influences earthly things."
Muttering, Cheon Woo-jin continued.
"If unlucky and a foul evil god plays around, disaster will strike that place. Mount Tai's Heavenly Emperor Altar has been the main site for generations because the Emperor Gongsun Heonwon's barriers minimize such risks. Performing the ritual at the other four peaks' altars makes it unpredictable what chaos the summoned divinity might cause."
I racked my brain at Cheon Woo-jin's detailed explanation and soon understood.
"So performing the ritual on Mount Hua carries the least burden?"
"Yes. Doing it on Mount Song risks unknown damage to Shaolin from the ritual."
"I see."
"It's awkward to say, but Mount Hua is currently ownerless since the Mount Hua Sect is destroyed. Even if something happens nearby, civilian casualties would be low. The sect's fall is tragic, but given that, Mount Hua is the better choice for the ritual."
"......"
I understood and accepted their reasoning, but felt uneasy. It was hard to follow the sorcerers' mechanical, coldly rational mindset even in the face of great tragedy. Then Jin So-cheong, who had been listening, spoke.
"Baek Woong. Isn't it about time to return to the Incarnation School to become the White Lotus Cult Leader's disciple?"
"By the timeline, yes."
"I think it would be best to get the White Lotus Cult's help for this matter."
".....!!"
Surprised, I looked at Jin So-cheong.
Of course, I'd considered it. In this situation, it was a solid plan. Backed by the White Lotus Cult's power to check the Imperial Palace, I could then absorb all their forces. But for Jin So-cheong, affiliated with the Thunder God School and disciple of Lee Gwang, it was an awkward choice. That's why his suggestion caught me off guard.
Jin So-cheong smiled faintly.
"No need to feel uneasy. Right or wrong, I intend to follow you to the end. To save Mangnyang and claim ultimate victory, we must make the best choices."
"Thank you."
I felt ashamed toward Jin So-cheong. Just moments ago, I'd hesitated to fully trust him due to awkwardness, but his capacity was several times broader than mine. He possessed包容 and magnanimity beyond what I imagined—truly the demeanor of a great man. As expected, Jin So-cheong was a hero brimming with heroic qualities.
At the same time, I realized why I'd kept my distance from him until now. His Thunder God School discipleship or being Lee Gwang's disciple were mere excuses; unconsciously, I'd distanced myself out of jealousy and fear of his immense talent. That's why sharing memories and accepting him as a comrade had been delayed.
'Get it together, Baek Woong.'
I steeled my resolve. This wouldn't do. I had to train myself to catch up to heroes like Jin So-cheong and the Sword Demon, expanding my own capacity. As I vowed this, Cheon Woo-jin spoke.
"The biggest variable right now is that fox, of course."
"You mean Miho?"
"You said it would take time for Miho to obtain Wol Yo, but that's unpredictable. If she's getting full support from the Queen Mother of the West as predicted, it means all the great heavenly immortals could lend her power. Being originally from the Heavenly Realm, karmic constraints on receiving divine possession would be much looser. If the heavenly immortals peer into the mortal world like their backyard for intel, she'll quickly find Wol Yo's seal."
"......!!"
"Temples, graves, monasteries, sects across the continent—all places that gather information. Summoning land gods or sharing followers' intel would yield massive amounts."
I groaned at Cheon Woo-jin's calm analysis. Zhuge Sa, listening beside, snickered.
"Kekeke... The lofty immortals who despised yokai are pouring power into a lowly fox yokai? Hilarious."
"Not something to laugh off. The Heavenly Realm surely knows the Immortal Summoning Ritual is complete and that Emperor Ming presided. To secure the Seven Desires and check the Emperor, they'll intervene in the human world by any means."
"So what are you going to do about it, Baek Woong?"
"......"
I thought for a moment before replying.
"I'll handle that myself. Don't worry."
"The ones who say 'don't worry' always pull every crazy stunt."
Talking to this guy made me feel like my lifespan was shortening. I couldn't help snapping.
"Shut up. Is sarcasm all you're good for?"
"Hah? I'm already doing more than enough just listening. Unlike Hyun-i, I have no reason to spill all my secrets to help you."
Shrugging nonchalantly, Zhuge Sa continued.
"Besides, whether this succeeds or fails has little to do with my goals. I won't betray you, but don't expect active help. Giving you the Great Separation Technique was already a huge loss."
It suddenly occurred to me, so I asked.
"What exactly is the Great Separation Technique? A demonic sorcery tome?"
"Kekeke... That's why it's a huge loss. Handing my sect's ultimate secret to someone who doesn't know shit from shinola... If the Great Separation Technique leaks to the martial world, thousands would kill each other for it."
Grumbling, Zhuge Sa scowled.
"If you're going to half-ass the training, quit. Master it properly, and it's the world's best manual; otherwise, it's poison."
"Thanks for the advice."
Afterward, I gave directives to Zhuge Sa and Cheon Woo-jin.
"I'll sort things out with the Sword Demon and Thunder God School alongside Jin So-cheong, then return to Jinrang Valley. Until then, Cheon Woo-jin, go to Mount Hua, scout and secure the Heavenly Emperor Altar. Zhuge Sa, assist him."
"Got it."
"Understood."
Flash!
I headed to the Sword Demon's Shadowless Gate with Jin So-cheong. The Sword Demon looked quite surprised to see me with him. I immediately briefed him briefly on the situation and revealed that Jin So-cheong had also shared the black obsidian, making him an ally.
The Sword Demon said admiringly.
"I see... He's progressed several times beyond the Jin So-cheong I knew, which surprised me. You've also received Jang Sambong's ultimate arts from Baek Woong, I presume."
Jin So-cheong nodded.
"Yes. You've achieved remarkable progress yourself, Sect Leader."
"Haha, nothing compared to you... Soon the entire martial world will quake."
Sighing in admiration, the Sword Demon said.
"So, can you explain the details?"
"Yes."
I told the Sword Demon everything up to now. When the story of Mangnyang's abduction came up, his expression darkened. After pondering my tale for a while, the Sword Demon said.
"If the Mount Tai Old Man was the Imperial Palace's Emissary Zhuque, he's now a Dharma Protector Guardian-level being. Consider him the worst obstacle after the Emperor."
"Is rescuing Mangnyang possible?"
"Impossible to say now. I can't judge without clashing with them myself."
The Sword Demon continued.
"And I oppose joining with the Thunder God School experts for now. I want to go solo for the time being."
"Yes?"
"Dugoseong shares your interests, but Lee Gwang does not. He holds a very delicate and unstable perspective on this matter. Taking in such an unreliable element would be poison! As long as Lee Gwang exists, I cannot ally with the Thunder God School."
"......"
I groaned. I understood the Sword Demon's point. He was magnanimous and inclusive, but as the supreme demonic lord, he strictly distinguished friend from foe. With his patriotic loyalty mixed with self-contradictions, he couldn't accept a sinister, fierce warrior like Lee Gwang as an ally.
At a loss for words, Jin So-cheong stepped forward.
"Sword Demon. I understand speaking ill of my master is inevitable. In Baek Woong's past life, he deceived him narrowly and arrogantly, and he's not much help this time either. But please don't judge my entire master by that alone."
"I'm sorry to his prized disciple, but I believe I know all there is about Lee Gwang. He's undoubtedly an exceptional warrior, but his convictions are incomplete. Moreover, he'd rather be a chicken's head than a cow's tail."
Jin So-cheong fell silent, then continued.
"My master just needs the right trigger. Like me, he's been suppressed by fate's shackles all this time. And I believe Baek Woong can provide that trigger."
"What do you mean?"
"I've seen sides of my master you haven't. If he resolves his self-contradictions, he'll be the staunchest ally of all. Trust him once."
"......"
The Sword Demon sighed deeply.
"I'll leave it to Baek Woong's judgment. What do you intend?"
After agonizing, I replied.
"This will be a world-overturning great war, so we need Lee Gwang's help too. I'll trust Jin So-cheong's word."
"Hmm... Then no choice. I'll prepare to join the Thunder God School soon."
"Yes, thank you."
I trusted not Lee Gwang, but Jin So-cheong. Thus, I substituted trust in Lee Gwang with trust in Jin So-cheong. That was the most appropriate way to manage comrades, I thought.
'Trust is truly difficult.'
Harder than seeking the world's greatest martial art was building and leveraging trust between people. I newly realized how thorny ties between people were. No matter how many reincarnations, the answer wasn't easy to see.
Moments later, the Sword Demon advised me.
"My thought is to first unseal the Demands, become the White Lotus Cult Leader's disciple, then negotiate with him directly. Best to use everything available."
"That would be best, right?"
"And if you enter the White Lotus Cult, there's one thing you must find out."
"What is it?"
"Heavenly Spirit Pill's creation method."
"Hmm...!!"
"You must uncover it by any means this time."
The Sword Demon's words weighed heavily on me.
"As long as the White Lotus Cult monopolizes the Heavenly Spirit Pill, no matter how many times you reincarnate, the power balance won't flip."