Chapter 431
Chapter 431
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 431
Chapter Title: Heavenly Realm (天界)
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I rode the Four Divine Beasts Statue with my companions and arrived in Luoyang. Hovering in the skies above the city, I looked down and was overwhelmed by a sense of dismay.
"......!!"
A deep blue mist enveloped the surroundings. The fog was so thick that one could barely see a foot ahead. Moreover, blood-red mists rose sporadically from within, accompanied by human screams echoing from all directions. Shadowy monsters slithered about with hissing sounds.
Blood-red orbs like beads appeared here and there, emitting eerie cries. Those, too, were clearly not beings of this world. At the same time, dense demonic energy relentlessly devoured the air over the entire city, spewing upward.
A demonic realm swallowed by darkness!
While flames typically symbolized the destruction of a city, this hinted at something far more devastating. Any ordinary human would surely lose their mind within a single incense stick's time just from breathing in this place.
As I swallowed hard while gazing down, Mang Ryang, seated behind me, spoke up.
"Baek Woong. Let's withdraw for now."
"Withdraw?"
Mang Ryang nodded.
"It's confirmed that the Cult Leader has formed a formal contract with the [Ancient Ruler]. If I were the Cult Leader, I'd set up base in the imperial palace and conduct the main ritual there. The palace defenses will be tighter than ever. But we're the ones who have to assault that supreme fortress on the ground, and we're utterly unprepared."
I understood Mang Ryang's point.
"You mean we should come back with a proper plan?"
"Exactly."
Mang Ryang emphasized firmly.
"Our opponent is none other than the White Lotus Cult Leader. Even mobilizing our full strength might not be enough. Gather all available forces, starting with the Thunder God Style experts."
"Hmm!"
"For now, let's pull back and devise a cool-headed strategy..."
Mang Ryang's words were utterly reasonable and obvious. The Cult Leader was already powerful enough to erase three Great Spirit Immortals, and now that he'd formally accepted the [Ancient Ruler]'s demonic power, how much stronger would he become?
That was when Zhuge Sa spoke from within me.
[Hmph... Hyuni has little experience with demonic paths, so he's inexperienced. That judgment is wrong.]
[Zhuge Sa!]
He'd been silent until now, but suddenly chimed in. Zhuge Sa spoke irritably.
[For the Cult Leader, the worst moment is right now. Do you think it's a coincidence that he activated Luoyang's demonic ritual perfectly timed with the Offering Ritual? If you come back after properly organizing yourselves, it'll be hugely disadvantageous for him. He's desperately gambling everything on this all-or-nothing bet right now, praying no one interferes!]
[......]
[The weakest moment for a demonic cultivator is during the offering ritual. Strike the Cult Leader now. No choice but to go for the win immediately, even if it's risky.]
I hesitated for a moment before countering.
[Your point makes sense, but we have no plan right now. We're just here for reconnaissance. What if we charge in unprepared and get crushed by the Cult Leader?]
Zhuge Sa scoffed.
[Plan? What plan? The Cult Leader in his current state can't fight normally—why bother planning!]
[What?!]
[I said it's his weakest point! Even an invincible Cult Leader has no choice but to personally oversee the entire ritual with his full body and soul when performing the Great Offering to awaken Enkai. There's no sorcerer in the White Lotus Cult capable of handling it for him. Thus, the current Cult Leader is undoubtedly in the weakest state you've ever seen.]
[......!!]
Was this true?!
"Mang..."
As I opened my mouth to consult Mang Ryang, Zhuge Sa snapped irritably.
[Stop asking around! Even a genius like Mang Ryang can't give the right answer in this irregular situation without experience. That's not trusting your advisor—that's dumping all the burden on him like an idiot!]
[Ugh.]
[Mang Ryang is smarter than you in normal cases. But here, as a reincarnator, you have more experience than him, so you can make the right call.]
[But...]
Zhuge Sa growled more fiercely.
[I told you before to use your own head! This is that moment. Rely solely on your mind and judgment. Accept or reject based on that. Otherwise, screw off.]
[......]
I had to admit Zhuge Sa was right. Consulting Mang Ryang in such a critical moment made sense, but I couldn't rely on his wisdom forever. Ultimately, such major decisions had to come from my own will, and facing this choice was growth in itself.
'Think.'
I pondered deeply, over and over. I weighed Mang Ryang's opinion against Zhuge Sa's, examining each objectively to see what was best. Then I spoke.
"Everyone."
All eyes turned to me. Gritting my teeth, I said,
"Quickly gather only the Thunder God Style elites and strike the imperial palace in the shortest time possible!"
"Hmm!"
"Hit the Cult Leader head-on, no hesitation."
Everyone looked shocked. Understandably, since it was the complete opposite of Mang Ryang the strategist. Surprisingly, Mang Ryang didn't seem too fazed as he looked at me and said,
"Baek Woong. That's Zhuge Sa's opinion, isn't it?"
"Yes."
I added firmly.
"But I think it's right! Don't worry—I'm not being swayed by him."
Mang Ryang let out a short groan, then nodded vigorously.
"Then that's fine. I'll follow your lead."
"Thanks."
In that moment of reflection, I'd reviewed my experiences with the Cult Leader alongside Zhuge Sa's words. I couldn't be sure, but based on his behavioral patterns, striking now felt like it would be fatal. Normally I'd lean toward Mang Ryang, but in this reincarnation, Zhuge Sa's view seemed more correct.
Flash!
Soon after, I went to the Zhongnan Sect. There, I met the Thunder God Style warriors training there—Jin So-cheong, Lee Gwang, and Geuk Ho—and roughly explained the situation. They didn't seem to fully grasp it, but Lee Gwang chuckled and replied,
"Either way, we can kill the Cult Leader? Then we'll cooperate."
"That's all I need."
Once they agreed, I stored them in my spatial pouch. Then I asked Yi Cheong-un,
"If we all attack together, won't our moves get in each other's way?"
Yi Cheong-un immediately caught on, crossing his arms in thought. Then he said,
"Sword Immortal Yeo Dong-bin is far above me, so I'll have to match him. At least I'm confident I won't be a burden."
"That's a relief."
"But I can't guarantee victory. The Cult Leader's full power is immeasurable."
"I know."
Just then, Mang Ryang beside me said,
"Baek Woong. Then quickly take me to Grand General Hwang Yeon."
"To Grand General Hwang Yeon?"
"No matter what, this will end quickly, so I'll serve as his strategist. To stabilize the chaotic empire, we need to summon Hwang Yeon's army toward the capital. That way, the world can stabilize after Luoyang's fall."
"Fine."
As Mang Ryang suggested, I delivered him to Hwang Yeon and explained the situation. Hwang Yeon listened with a grave expression, then said,
"Baek Woong. Do you remember that the Sima Method bases itself on heavenly timing, geographical advantage, and human harmony?"
It felt out of left field, but I nodded.
"Yes. I've read the Sima Method."
Grand General Hwang Yeon had once given me the military text Sima Method. I'd read it whenever I had time and now knew it almost by heart. My foundation from reading Sun Tzu's Art of War had made it easier to understand.
"In the Sima Method, human harmony refers to benevolence. Sima Rangju, the Warring States genius strategist who authored it, defended Qi with his abilities. Knowing war's essence is slaughter, he still sought to govern it with compassion. Do you know why?"
"Hmm... I'm not sure."
Hwang Yeon looked at me with serious eyes.
"It's because humans are ultimately beings who can be governed by benevolence. Even without justice in human hearts, they are drawn to warmth. No matter how cruel humans become, fundamental compassion remains—that's what Sima Rangju knew. Preaching benevolence in the Warring States era was because defying that compassion and ruling harshly only breeds massive backlash."
"......?"
"I don't know the Cult Leader well, but I believe some benevolence remains in his heart. Baek Woong, the more you treat him as a monster, the more he'll show that side. But if your vessel can embrace him, you might see his other side."
"Hmm..."
I listened to Hwang Yeon and sighed.
"I hope that's the case."
Hwang Yeon's words revealed the values and character of the Great Ming Empire's supreme general. It also showed his mindset when giving me the Sima Method—he believed I could become great, so he gave it as a means to cultivate virtue. He was the type who fundamentally loved humanity.
But did any humanity remain in the current Cult Leader, who unhesitatingly sacrificed millions in Luoyang as offerings? Having encountered demonic offering rituals many times, I was skeptical. Still, Hwang Yeon's words were worth remembering.
"I'll become Hwang Yeon's strategist, move the army, and monitor Luoyang. If the situation there resolves, let me know."
"Got it."
Leaving Mang Ryang in Youzhou, I took the Thunder God Style warriors and Cheon Woo-jin back to Luoyang. Arms crossed, Cheon Woo-jin said to me,
"Baek Woong. You have the imperial palace coordinates, so you could take the Four Divine Beasts Statue straight to the throne room, but that's unwise. You heard from hyung already, right?"
I nodded.
"Mang Ryang said to split into two prongs to strike the Cult Leader."
"Right. Numbers mean nothing against the Cult Leader anyway. The rest would just die in vain. So you and Master Yi Cheong-un go for the Cult Leader, while the others draw attention and cause a commotion in Luoyang."
Jin So-cheong said regretfully,
"What a shame. One more year of training, and I could've gone too..."
"......"
I thought they were more than sufficient even now. Jin So-cheong's realm was invisible to me, proving he was in the Absolute Realm, yet he remained humble. Yi Cheong-un had told me beforehand that Jin So-cheong was the strongest of the three. I recalled his words.
[Baek Woong. Sorry, but exclude Jin So-cheong from the Cult Leader assault.]
[Why?]
[Jin So-cheong is sufficient with me and Yeo Dong-bin to land a blow. But he's the future of the Thunder God Style itself. If he dies, it's over for us. Please understand my selfish request.]
[But if we lose to the Cult Leader, there's no future.]
[I'll cover that. I'll stake everything to stop him.]
I understood Yi Cheong-un's thinking.
The current Jin So-cheong was the perfect pinnacle genius, forged by Yi Cheong-un—Thunder God Style's greatest master—using my obsidian to inherit the Seven Ultimate Arts' martial experiences and refine them to the utmost. As a warrior myself, I could empathize. In five years, Jin So-cheong would surely become the supreme of the martial world, perhaps even rivaling the Twelve Lords.
Jin So-cheong swung his spear and shouted,
"Then let's go."
The three Thunder God Style masters charged into Luoyang as the vanguard. A dense demonic barrier—like one created by the Cult Leader—blocked their path, but Cheon Woo-jin waved his hand, opening an entrance. Soon, they unleashed their qi, clashing loudly within the city walls.
Boom rumble crash!
Screeech!
Kreeech!!
Sounds of demons being torn and exploding rang out. In no time, the three had already slain hundreds. But the battle intensified, meaning Luoyang teemed with countless demons.
After watching for a while, Cheon Woo-jin's eyes gleamed.
"The barrier's center has shifted. Now!"
"Good!"
Flash!
I instantly headed to the imperial palace core with Cheon Woo-jin and Yi Cheong-un. Upon arrival, an astonishing sight unfolded.
Roooar—
Hundreds—no, thousands, tens of thousands of spirits floated in the air. These weren't natural deaths; they brimmed with evil qi and blood qi. Massive rage and resentment swirled, blanketing the space in gloomy yin skies.
Amid it all, the palace heart was utterly transformed from what I knew. Though nominally imperial architecture, the interior now exuded the twisted, bizarre otherworldly aura unique to the Yi Clan. In place of the palace stood a massive altar seven zhang tall.
At its peak stood a figure—the Cult Leader. Wearing his faceless mask, he silently gazed our way. From the altar below, five figures emerged stealthily. I gritted my teeth at the sight.
"The Dharma Protectors!"
Subordinate Style Dharma Protector Dokgo Jun, Fire God Style Dharma Protector Han Baek-ryeong, and three other Subordinate Style elders!
Considering all five possessed Heavenly Spirit Pills, making them peerless experts, they'd instantly blocked our path. If the Cult Leader was intact contrary to expectations, this could become our tomb.
Using Six Harmonies Divine Transmission, the Cult Leader spoke to me.
[Baek Woong, Vice Leader. Come here. Aren't you one of us?]
I glared fiercely and retorted,
"Over hundreds of thousands of Luoyang's people have been massacred, Cult Leader. What crime did they commit?"
[To think you'd bring up such trivial matters...]
The Cult Leader muttered, then said,
[More intimate allies than those strangers are being sacrificed here. Don't you know?]
"What..."
[Baek Woong. With your spirit power, you can sense it...]
At his suspicious words, I activated Heavenly Vision and closely examined the thousands upon thousands of spirits nearby. Moments later, my body shuddered.
"......!!"
No, it can't be!
In shock, I cried out,
"Cult Leader! No way! It can't be!!"
Soon, the Cult Leader replied, eyes blazing with blood light, madness barely contained.
[This altar is for directly offering sacrifices to the [Ancient Ruler]. All slaves from the slave market... and all Wind God Style slaves. Plus every imperial clansman and White Lotus cultist at once... totaling thirty thousand. Enough for Enkai's Sleeper to summon apostles.]
"Uwaaaaaah!!"
I felt like I was going mad. Not just from the symbolic weight of his words. With Heavenly Vision and White Tiger Vision, memories of this place flooded my mind.
All those people knelt before this altar, hearts carved out one by one, entrails ripped, slaughtered—even infants and frail elders among them! Rebels were struck by palm force, brains spilling as heads exploded. Thirty thousand of them!
This... this isn't human!!
In rage, I shouted at the Cult Leader,
"Cult Leader, why?! Must you gather the dharma gates like this?! Do you think sacrificing humanity in the name of saving it will be forgiven!!"
[If thirty thousand can save billions... isn't it a truly worthy sacrifice?]
Instead, the Cult Leader spoke as if it were absurd.
[Once Enkai's Sleeper wages total war against the Three Emperors and Five Sovereigns, igniting the great war's prelude, the laws of karma will fall into total chaos. That's when the hidden dharma gates of the world will reveal themselves at once. True Emptiness and Fragrant Home is at hand, Vice Leader Baek Woong.]
I realized words were pointless. Biting my lip, I summoned Wol Yo, drawing forth my power.
"Help me, Yeo Dong-bin!"
Roooar
A Possessed Immortal descended upon me.
As Wol Yo floated nearby, the Fire Dragon Divine Sword spat flames with a roar. Enraged, the Great Spirit Immortal and Possessed Immortal Yeo Dong-bin settled into my body. Half-closing his eyes briefly, he aimed the Fire Dragon Divine Sword at the Cult Leader.
[Cult Leader. Humanity cannot be saved by the demonic path.]
The Cult Leader sneered at Yeo Dong-bin's words.
[And so? Can your Heavenly Realm save them?]
[......]
[Come, Sword Immortal. And Thunder God Style Master.]
Strange chaos rippled from the Cult Leader's faceless mask.
[Only the victor shall speak of justice here!]
The Absolute Realm experts directed their intent at the Cult Leader.
Simultaneously, the Heavenly Spirit Pill bearers unleashed infinite inner power.
The battle to subjugate the Cult Leader had begun.