985——————==

Soul of the Evil God (사신지혼)

Work?

“What is that?”

I asked the Sword Demon, who gazed at me blankly and then said.

“Baek Woong. What do you think is the most important thing to reach the Absolute Realm? You should have the qualification to speak now that you’ve become one.”

“……”

That’s a tough question. I pondered for a moment and replied.

“… First and foremost, talent. But everything else is necessary too.”

Talent is the most crucial. Without it, you’d never reach the Absolute Realm. However, the world is vast, and there are many talented individuals, with some achieving peak expertise at a young age. Among those geniuses, only a select few can reach the level of the Absolute Realm, so something other than talent is required from there. Of course, we might consider Jin So-cheong as a special case…

In that sense, my reaching the Absolute Realm without any talent is nothing short of a miracle. It’s like achieving the impossible using my Rebirth Ability.

The Sword Demon said.

“That’s the correct answer. Natural talent is a given, but hard work is essential, and luck plays its part too. In that sense, your passing on your martial arts memories and experiences to your companions using Obsidian is indeed a heavenly opportunity. Those who already have talent can significantly shorten the time for the other elements.”

“Hmm…”

“However, do you know that your companions who accepted the Obsidian and reached the Absolute Realm have one advantage and disadvantage?”

Huh?

Hearing that for the first time, I widened my eyes in surprise, having no clue what he meant.

“Is there such a thing?”

“Indeed. While training and absorbing your memories, I realized this. Perhaps the comrades before me felt it to some degree but didn’t find the need to tell you… It wasn’t a big issue to mention.”

“……”

“However, if you’re aiming for the Absolute Realm’s nurturing, I think it should be mentioned.”

“What on earth does that mean…?”

“It means… because your experiences provide martial artists with overwhelming convenience, the Obsidian companions do not reach the Absolute Realm by purely forging their own path.”

“……?”

What does that mean?

But I soon began to understand what he meant.

“… Since they are learning the Seven Great Techniques, Eight Immortals Divine Art, and Thunder God Martial Arts, they lack the opportunity to forge their own martial way?”

“That’s right. Those who were once the supreme masters in the martial world like Jang Sam-bong, Yeodong-bin, and those in the Thunder God lineage easily reach the Absolute Realm and acquire the Intent Heavenly Pillar with their exceptional talent. However, they’re merely sprinting down the path you’ve created, leaving little room to carve out their journey.”

“……”

“There has never been someone like you who passes on martial arts experiences, making this a rather unfamiliar issue for us martial artists.”

I started contemplating the Sword Demon’s words.

‘Is that really a disadvantage?’

Most martial artists below the level of genius toil painfully through their efforts only to die never having risen a single step in their realm. Even if they attain incredible opportunities, it’s common not to reach the Absolute Realm. So now, to say that easily reaching the Absolute Realm is both an advantage and a disadvantage…?

As I pondered, the Sword Demon continued.

“And in my judgment, I think that can be called ‘work’ (업).”

“Work…”

“The Absolute Realm is the ultimate level accumulated from a person’s entire life and martial experiences. In other words, isn’t it the essence of [life]? The process through which one reaches the Absolute Realm is crucial. The journey to become the ultimate martial artist can be expressed as ‘karmic retribution,’ and that karma is what creates the power of the Absolute Realm.”

The Sword Demon’s eyes gleamed as he spoke.

“And from the perspective of this karma, except for Jin So-cheong, none of the others at the Absolute Realm will be able to break the Intent Heavenly Pillar.”

“……!!”

Intent Heavenly Pillar!

At the sound of that term, I trembled. That realm would undoubtedly be the biggest obstacle in my quest to dominate the human realm.

“As someone who has been reborn, you probably understand it better than others. That Intent Heavenly Pillar is a special Absolute Realm built on an unfathomable karmic debt that is impossible for any human to achieve. To break that terrifying state of formlessness would require a corresponding debt.”

“I…I hadn’t thought of that.”

The Sword Demon gave a wry smile.

“How could you? You’ve never produced a true master of the Absolute Realm, so you would not have had the luxury to think of such things. Every time you were fighting gods or demon kings, it was a constant struggle, so why would your companions discuss such matters? It’s simply a luxurious worry.”

“Hmm.”

That’s true. When battling the earthly Thunder God or Demon Kings, how could one ponder the potential of the Absolute Realm when losing even one comrade was a greater concern…?

“Anyway, I shouldn’t be discussing this since I haven’t even reached the Absolute Realm myself… Just remember that Wuwei and martial principles are different matters.”

I bowed my head to the Sword Demon.

“No, this was truly a big help.”

“Hehe. What are you saying…”

I sincerely felt grateful to the Sword Demon. True, he hasn’t yet reached the Absolute Realm, but his experiences and insights as a supreme master of the Heretical Sect provided me with valuable advice! This was a matter I had never considered before, so it was worth serious contemplation.

‘So… what now?’

In other words, passing on my martial arts experiences through Obsidian is akin to giving wings to those struggling to climb the difficult heights of the high mountain cliffs, allowing them to soar effortlessly instead. Naturally, they would scramble up the mountain by gripping the harsh rocks and wandering the rugged paths. By enabling them to fly up, those already talented could reach the peak easily. Now that I’ve reached the Absolute Realm, those who receive my memories should find it easier to ascend than before.

Yet, as a trade-off, the time they have to carve their own experiences and paths is diminished, making it difficult for them to become true masters who have accumulated their Absolute Realms. Of course, if they’re geniuses, they could still recreate their martial way and advance, but there’d necessarily be fundamental differences compared to those who overcame hardships on their own.

This is because the act of absorbing my memories to learn the supreme techniques is no different from learning the Baek Woong school that I created.

‘… But I can’t just not give them my memories. Obviously, if I can promote their growth quickly, isn’t that better?’

I recognized the contradiction. It was essential to give them the Obsidian but achieving rapid success through it might ultimately hinder their potential growth. I pondered this and said to the Sword Demon.

“The problem is ultimately finding a way to break the Intent Heavenly Pillar. Do you think there’s any Absolute Realm I’ve encountered that could accomplish such a feat?”

“Hmm… Don’t call me elder.”

“Huh?”

“Your real age is already more than twice mine. Hearing you call me elder is quite awkward, hehe.”

“……”

Embarrassed, I scratched my head, and the Sword Demon continued.

“That’s not entirely the case. The Primordial Spirit of the Master of the White Lotus definitely seems powerful against the Intent Heavenly Pillar. The Master of the Twelve Joules also seemed hesitant to clash with the Master of the White Lotus. However, it’s unclear whether that’s due to the strength of the Primordial Spirit itself or the overall power possessed by the Master of the White Lotus… Plus, you’re not in a position to obtain the Primordial Spirit anyway.”

“Hmm.”

“It’s also uncertain whether the Primordial Spirit itself is the Absolute Realm or a mix of martial and demonic ways.”

“That may be true… but what else?”

“The Formless Poison of the Poison King Tang San… If it’s poison, there’s potential there.”

“What about Jin So-cheong?”

“He’s the most reliable alternative. However, the issue is that his Absolute Realm, the Jing Tian, is unknown. Only Jin So-cheong himself would know… That’s something you’d only understand by clashing with him.”

“The Soul of the Evil God from Yong Junil…”

“From what I see, it doesn’t seem promising.”

The Sword Demon looked at me and said.

“Well, there’s no need to take it too seriously. Anyway, since you possess the Peerless Technique, you ought to be able to keep up with the Master of the Twelve Joules to some extent. Prioritize your path as a king.”

“Got it.”

But I couldn’t be too optimistic. The Peerless Technique and Intent Heavenly Pillar might appear even, but the Peerless Technique has significant weaknesses, making it likely that I’d be at a disadvantage instead of gaining superiority against the Master of the Twelve Joules.

“What I recommend is to gather talents and have everyone train together. The synergy from great talents cooperating and clashing should yield improvement.”

I see.

So far, I had been identifying geniuses throughout the Central Plains, but with no time to spare, I left them to improve gradually on their own. It seemed advantageous to give them the chance to train together. I thought the Sword Demon was right.

“Let’s create a place using the Emperor’s authority.”

“And one more thing. Just acknowledge that I’m an underling compared to you. It would be best to hear superior advice from a true master of the Absolute Realm.”

After receiving the Sword Demon’s guidance, I left the Shadowless Gate. Then, I immediately went to Aokigahara Life Sea to rescue Cheongwol and brought Yeon Jong-hwi along as well. I also visited the young Tang San to take him with me. Up until now, I had refrained from disturbing their fates for fear of how the play of karma would unfold, but now that I’ve decided to gather talented individuals, I would spare no effort.

After that, I made my way to Dokgo Seong. Upon seeing me, Dokgo Seong appeared quite wary, but I managed to warm him up with my words and brought him back through the Shadowless Gate.

‘Considering what the Sword Demon said, it’s wise to be cautious about giving out Obsidian…’

I asked the Sword Demon to teach them the Seven Great Techniques. Despite concerns about the adverse effects of passing my cultivation experience through Obsidian, if it was pure transmission, that worry might be lessened.

Then I decided to consult with the Master of the White Lotus about this matter. According to the Sword Demon, there was no one among my circle besides the Master who could provide advice about the masters of the Absolute Realm.

The Master of the White Lotus listened to my story intently and then pondered for a moment before speaking.

[… I see… The Sword Demon is indeed a genius of his time.]

“Master, do you think using Obsidian to accelerate growth could hinder their potential?”

[Of course… It’s only natural… As the Sword Demon expressed, how one attains the Absolute Realm is a matter that’s profoundly connected to life itself… In a way, the strength of your Absolute Realm might very well stem from this… It’s the principle of ‘after suffering comes sweetness.’]

“Hmm… What to do? It would be difficult to cultivate the Absolute Realm without the aid of Obsidian quickly.”

Teaching them directly through the Seven Great Techniques and Eight Immortals Divine Art could work, but it would still be slower than through Obsidian. Considering the collision with the Twelve Joules was just around the corner, I wondered if I was being too leisurely. The Master of the White Lotus then spoke.

[It would be wise to revisit the essence of Obsidian…]

“The essence of Obsidian? What do you mean?”

[The technique of Obsidian… It originates from the abilities you received from the [Great Clan]… Tracing back its source, it’s akin to the exquisite magic of an otherworldly race… Yes, you’re essentially borrowing the power of magic indirectly. Isn’t that right?]

“Hmm… That’s true.”

[The existence of the Martial God seems to abhor being influenced by other races and magic… Hence, using the powers of Obsidian for the transmission of martial arts would naturally have limitations…]

“So what do you mean? Should I just give up on Obsidian?”

[That’s not what I’m saying… It’s just that… given that it’s magic from another realm, you have to be clear about its nature.]

The Master of the White Lotus crossed his arms.

[It would be a good idea to study the characteristics of Obsidian’s technique further… and figure out ways to apply it without affecting your martial arts karma.]

“Are you suggesting I go visit a prophet?”

[Yes… In fact, that’s what I wanted to recommend…]

The Master of the White Lotus pointed at me with a finger.

[You must ask the prophet about the Obsidian… the one that belonged to the Guardian of the Moon Sovereign. It surely contains significant secrets.]