1058——————==

True Martial Home

Just before the Master of the White Lotus Sect showed up in the battlefield where Asura was—

[Guess it’s time to move.]

The Master of the White Lotus Sect felt anxious.

He had just wiped out the Thief Gang with the power of chaos and was heading to another battlefield. After all, that was his mission in the full-scale war against the Eight Parts of the Divine. Currently, his strength was on par with or perhaps even exceeding that of the top-ranked Demon Kings of the Eight Parts of the Divine, but the strategists in his army assessed that pitting strong against strong would be strategically disadvantageous.

Because even if the Master of the White Lotus Sect was stronger than the Celestials or Garuda, it was impossible to achieve an overwhelming victory. While he stalled for time fighting a powerful Demon King, the probability of unpredictable variables from the many area-destruction techniques of the other Eight Parts of the Divine increased drastically. In actuality, while the Thief Gang’s direct combat ability was on the weaker side, their sonic spells could deal a tremendous amount of damage through brainwashing or disruption.

The strategists, having figured out the individual characteristics of the Eight Parts of the Divine, deemed that securing a decisive win was better than clashing against their opponent’s strengths.

‘I’ve taken out the Thief Gang, now it’s time to eliminate the rest one by one.’

It was a complete time battle. Knowing that the Thief Gang’s resistance was stronger than expected, the Master of the White Lotus Sect felt every second slip away like sand.

Woong!

As he shook off the power of darkness, the wave of energy spread over a radius of fifty miles. He sensed the general size and position of the power of anyone within that range. The Master of the White Lotus Sect grasped the battle situation.

‘Looks like the Asura is dealt with. The Celestial is well secured according to plan, and the Garuda… could it be that they’ve actually taken him down? Impressive.’

He was greatly surprised by his allies’ strength.

An incredible achievement!

In fact, despite deploying many high-level cultivators against Garuda, they hadn’t considered the odds to be good. He had also seriously debated whether he should directly confront Garuda himself until the very end. Garuda, known as the strongest among the Eight Parts of the Divine, possessed such overwhelming attack power that it was clear that the cost would be high for their allies.

However, during the war against the demons, it had been verified that the Absolute Realm spells, as well as Formless Poison, could somewhat slow down Garuda’s movements, and that gave him hope for buying time. If Garuda could be slowed down enough, they could draw out the fight without any casualties.

The fact that they managed to defeat Garuda using the strength of only the Absolute Realm surpassing his original expectations—

The Master of the White Lotus Sect felt something swell up inside him. It was an emotion named hope, something he hadn’t felt since entering the path of magic. He momentarily indulged in sentimentality before quickly making a rational decision.

‘Alright. If I ally with the Zhuge Clan to crush the Celestial, this war will be won.’

While the Five Elements Lineage neutralized the Celestial’s spells, all he had to do was attack to drain its life. The Master of the White Lotus Sect felt a surge of happiness at the thought that the long war against the demons was finally coming to an end.

Then, it happened.

[Ugh… Uhh… Uuu.]

He let out a groan from the immense pain surging through him. The Master of the White Lotus Sect, who had built a resistance to pain through diligent cultivation, found it unbearable due to its sheer horror. It felt like his heart was being pierced and stirred in agony!

Thud.

He collapsed right there.

‘What the hell is happening…’

Confused about what was happening to him, just then, a voice rang out as if it was piercing through his mind from the darkness.

[Do you recognize the contract linked by the spirit of the Ancient God, one who has thrown yourself into darkness?]

[……!!]

That voice harbored a formidable magical power beyond even the current Master of the White Lotus Sect’s imagination. He was well aware that beings of such a level existed in only one category throughout the universe.

[Old Ruler]!

‘So it has come…’

The Master of the White Lotus Sect felt an inner sense of bleak despair mixed with resignation.

That was true.

After Baek Woong’s disappearance, he had foreseen that all of his Philosopher’s Stone and all of the Dharma Protectors’ Heavenly Spirit Pill would be utterly annihilated. Initially, he intended to acquire the core of the Sea God and transfer the contract to another ruler, but the Sea God had perished, and Baek Woong had vanished, leaving no way out.

However, unexpectedly, the Philosopher’s Stone and Heavenly Spirit Pill operated without any issues, in fact seeming to connect even better than before. And soon, the Master of the White Lotus Sect would understand why.

No matter what Baek Woong had done, he had transferred the contract to another [Old Ruler].

The Master of the White Lotus Sect tried to uncover the reason, but he couldn’t identify who had taken part in the contract as an intermediary instead of the Sea God. Even when he tried to engage in conversation through the Demon Ritual, the other party continuously refused and wouldn’t even disclose a name. Moreover, it was clear that the [Old Ruler] had not interfered with the White Lotus Sect in the least.

As if to simply observe.

He felt uneasy about that fact, but the Master of the White Lotus Sect couldn’t force anything upon the [Old Ruler] and thus had to remain passive.

And finally, after more than several decades, the new intermediary of the contract finally made their appearance.

With all his willpower, the Master of the White Lotus Sect bore the increasing agony as he spoke.

[O Great Being. Why have you revealed yourself to the contractor after having not interfered until now?]

[I observed.]

After a brief silence, ‘that being’ continued.

[One of the great spirits that form the axis of the universe proposed a contract intermediary to me. I had neither reason to refuse nor reasons to accept. However, I eventually learned that a grand game among truly… truly great beings was unfolding, and I felt deeply intrigued.]

[…….]

[I have thoroughly confirmed over the years that the spirit cannot interfere with me. Now it is my turn to step forward.]

The Master of the White Lotus Sect could piece together the circumstances from that statement.

‘Baek Woong’s Four Great Spirit Deities…!! They used that power to transfer the contract, didn’t they? And the [Old Ruler], who became the intermediary of the contract, was wary that the spirits would interfere with him and has been observing the situation.’

And from that fact, one could discern that this being was a high-level existence far surpassing the likes of Sea Gods. The spirits sealed in the Four Great Spirit Deities were truly tremendous beings that formed the axis of the universe, and for an [Old Ruler] to be entrusted with a contract by such beings indicated that they were of a considerably higher rank among their kind. Moreover, the fact that they calmly and rationally read the cause and effect of the universe to detect the unfolding grand conspiracy around the reborn Baek Woong was indeed terrifying.

‘They aim to rule this world by enthralling me.’

The Master of the White Lotus Sect thought it unlikely that things would go that smoothly. If it had been possible, the Sea God would have already made him and his sect their subordinates ages ago. The contract created by the Master of the White Lotus Sect’s Philosopher’s Stone and Heavenly Spirit Pill was completely independent of the intermediary, ensuring that it wouldn’t be manipulated according to the desires of the [Old Ruler]. With this realization, the Master of the White Lotus Sect said:

[O Great Being. According to the contract, you cannot wield me as a vessel or servant. It may be possible for you to curse me to death, but ultimately, you will gain nothing.]

In response, the being retorted as if finding it ridiculous.

[Pathetic contractor. Do you think you can control an [Ruler] with mere human wisdom? Do you still not realize the reason why I have manifested at this moment? The flaws in the contract have already been laid bare.]

[What….]

Flaws in the contract?

Was there such a thing?

As the Master of the White Lotus Sect stood bewildered, an overwhelming amount of magical power began to erupt from his heart.

Kugugugu!!

It was impossible to endure even with his body transformed by chaos, and should this magical power overflow, it could destroy this planet in an instant. The Master of the White Lotus Sect strained with all his might to contain this power within himself, but he quickly realized it was beyond his capability.

[Kugh… ugh….]

The Master of the White Lotus Sect, unable to endure the pain, cried out in desperation without any care for the dignity he had owed to the [Old Ruler].

[This power… it comes directly from the most esteemed one… the throne of my FATHER!! This power is going to spill over and run rampant, and not only will this planet be destroyed, but you will be unable to escape it as well!! This Star Realm may very well meet its demise with this insane action….]

[Heh heh heh. That won’t happen.]

The mysterious being chuckled.

[If you wish to become my subordinate, I will control this magic on your behalf. You shall now become my Apostle for eternity, dedicating your body and soul to me.]

[You really think I’d consider that…!!]

[Do as you will. I won’t mind cleaning up the debris after you run rampant. But know that all your allies present in this battlefield will surely perish.]

[They are all prepared to face death. Such threats are meaningless. Even if we all perish, we won’t kneel to the likes of you.]

[Perhaps that’s true. You were always the madman. You won’t waver in your will for the sake of your allies. But do you not understand the reason why I’m targeting now?]

[…….]

Realizing the situation, the Master of the White Lotus Sect spoke.

[It’s because the moment I wield the Philosopher’s Stone to merge chaos and the primordial void is the moment I am most vulnerable to the overflow of chaos.]

[Controlling the primordial chaos with that speck of power called ‘primordial’ certainly has limitations. Now, how long do you think you can endure? And even without my interference, you will inevitably become corrupted by chaos and slaughter everything in sight.]

[…….]

[But if you offer me everything, I’ll spare your allies. Furthermore, I will allow the Great Bear Empire to dominate this world. I am more than capable of that.]

A sweet temptation…

The Master of the White Lotus Sect’s heart sank. The enigmatic being had precisely pinpointed his weakness. He found himself cornered into a complete dead end; choosing or not, it seemed like only destruction awaited. And the Master of the White Lotus Sect felt a creeping temptation.

‘If I were to take advantage of the formidable power of the [Old Ruler]… I could surely withstand until the end of the world, provided I accepted that offer….’

Yet, the Master of the White Lotus Sect straightened himself and stated firmly.

[I refuse…. You shall never claim my soul.]

[Very well…. Then the only option left is to corrupt you with primordial power.]

Kugugugu!!

The nonsensical chaos magic flooded through from the throne connected to his Philosopher’s Stone. The Master of the White Lotus Sect had previously drawn just the right amount needed through contracts and intermediaries, yet now the intermediary was unleashing power freely, overflowing beyond necessity.

Truly a cosmic scale of magic!

The Master of the White Lotus Sect began to lose his humanity and descend into madness due to that immeasurable mana.

[Ooooooh….]

He gripped his head with both hands, and soon he lost all sense of humanity.

‘Is this it for me….’

Having surpassed the limits of willpower he could endure, as his consciousness vanished like a candle’s flame, the dark energy began to descend upon his body.

Ssssss…

A silver light started to swirl in his eyes. That light sparkled ominously for a moment and then began to swiftly control the chaotic energy that was overflowing from the Master of the White Lotus Sect. The being that had taken over his body murmured.

[I’m glad I left a terminal here before returning to another dimension.]

Originally, this being, the Dark Lord, had once descended upon Earth and wreaked havoc, waging war against Dongyoung’s Kotoamatsukami. After truce with the Kotoamatsukami, it returned to its home dimension but, wishing to be able to return to this world at any time, it had left a terminal behind. And unexpectedly, a long way across the universe, the primordial spirit with whom it had a bond proposed a contract transfer. Assessing the situation carefully, it decided to accept that offer and began gradually transferring its power from the other dimension to the real world. This was possible because it had obtained the causal capacity necessary to intervene in this world under the pretext of the intermediary.

Kugugugu

All the power the Master of the White Lotus Sect had originally possessed through chaos vanished, returning him to his usual state of anonymity. This transformation occurred because he did not forcefully wield the technique that fused chaos and the primordial void, but instead became a purely chaotic entity that was mythologized.

This also signified that the being was moving with the power of chaos as the Dark Lord.

[Shall we begin? To serve ‘that one,’ I must first obtain the human race.]

A voice tinged with madness echoed.

He was Bi-ryu, the founder-king of Baekje, [The One Who Came from Heaven].

In truth, he was a seat of the [Old Ruler] worshipping the great chaos, and also a dark lord who engaged in war against the evil gods known as Kotoamatsukami during the ancient Three Kingdoms period. He had left the Celestial Realm, and in this lawless land without even the Three Sovereigns, he was firmly confident that he was indeed the absolute god.

Asura had been beaten into a stupor in two blows by the Master of the White Lotus Sect, but quickly assessed the situation.

‘No doubt about it. That’s [Old Ruler]…!’

Having been a Demon King, Asura had numerous opportunities to interface with the dimensional aspects of the world and had often encountered [Old Rulers]. He was well-versed in the power levels and magnitude of most [Old Rulers]. This Asura discerned that this being exuded power placing it among the upper tiers of [Old Rulers].

It might even be a creature on the level of the Three Sovereigns.

Fortunately, Asura hadn’t underestimated the Master of the White Lotus Sect and had fully unleashed his power, ensuring he didn’t sustain fatal injuries.

Asura thought inwardly.

‘Alright. Time to run….’

Challenging the strong can only go so far. That opponent was beyond the level that could be fought with life on the line; he could squash Asura like a bug. That wasn’t the struggle Asura sought; he would just be slaughtered. He was keenly aware of how utterly meaningless it was to fight against a true god.

With all the Eight Parts of the Divine banding together, they might stand a chance, but at this moment, all allies besides Asura were either dead or sealed. To enjoy the fight, he needed to be cautious for now.

Asura quickly restored his power with magic and retreated.

[Great God! Please don’t waste energy by killing me….]

Pa-at!

Asura attempted to escape with instantaneous movement. The [Old Ruler], Bi-ryu, who had been watching from afar, laughed derisively.

[You think I need to waste effort catching you? What a little bug. How dare you.]

Fwoosh

As if a wind had blown, Bi-ryu’s specialty was controlling the flowing current of the ancient universe.

Right now, he wasn’t even operating a normal avatar; he was using the body of the world’s strongest magician, indirectly linked to the [Throne]. The range of power available to Bi-ryu was consequently incredibly vast.

Shisssh!

[No, please!]

And just like that, the Asura who had vanished reappeared right before Bi-ryu, leaving him at a loss for words.

Asura was utterly alarmed.

‘What the hell…? Are you forcibly summoning my body, ignoring my power as a Demon King?!’

There was unquestionably a gap far exceeding what the Asura had anticipated.

Asura had thought he’d grown accustomed to the differences in power he had seen from lower and mid-tier [Rulers], having engaged with them in battles before and always managed to escape. He had held confidence this time too, but this was no ordinary foe—escaping now required a fight for his life.

An entirely different being of an absolute existence!

Right before him was a being unparalleled in its power compared to lesser [Old Rulers], whose strengths were not significantly different from that of top Demon Kings.

[Hah….]

Realizing this, Asura felt a wave of fear washing over him. The silvery gaze of the entity possessed in the Master of the White Lotus Sect was terrifyingly intimidating.

Bi-ryu chillingly smiled as he clenched his fists.

Creak!!!

In an instant, all six of Asura’s arms were shattered. Asura screamed in agony.

[Arghhh!!]

[You’re whining already? It’s just getting started.]

Swish

[Why do you have so many heads? It’s disgusting.]

Two enormous fingers materialized from thin air and slowly gripped Asura’s head. As one of his triune heads grasped between Bi-ryu’s fingers, despair settled on Asura’s face. Bi-ryu cruelly smirked and began to exert his grip.

Crack!

Pop!!

Shortly thereafter, one of Asura’s heads was torn away, bones and flesh being ripped apart live.

Asura could no longer scream from the overwhelming agony.

[Guahhh!! Aahh!!]

Bi-ryu muttered in a gentle tone.

[With three heads, what’s one less? A Demon King should have some patience.]

[Uugh… Ahk.]

[Seeing bugs like you makes me mad. How dare you run amok flaunting around like a Demon King—a mere creature of the God! In the primordial chaos, that’s absurd!]

Crack

One of Asura’s heads gradually began to be plucked off. Asura shook violently, writhing in pain, unable even to scream. It resembled Bi-ryu plucking the legs off a mere bug.

[Hahaha!! What if I pluck off four of your arms as well.]

Bi-ryu burst into gleeful laughter.

“……”

Watching from afar, Mangnyang eventually shut his eyes tightly.

‘It’s over…’

Now that the [Old Ruler] had descended through the body of the Master of the White Lotus Sect, no scheme would suffice. How was one to contend with a ruler who had even obtained the Philosopher’s Stone of the most powerful ally, the Master of the White Lotus Sect? There was no way to resolve this even if Baek Woong were present. In fact, their entire army was now exhausted and even Asura, who was now getting beheaded like a bug, was a tough opponent to face.

All that remained was slaughter.

The nature of the [Old Ruler] was predominantly cruel, and surely, he wouldn’t show mercy to mortals.

“Is this it…?”

Mangnyang did not want to acknowledge impending doom despite the struggles he had faced. But Baek Woong was nowhere to be found, and he had done everything possible. All that was left was to accept their fate.

Then, it happened.

“Hyun Ah. Open your eyes.”

Zhuge Bu’s voice reached Mangnyang’s ears.

Before long, Mangnyang was surprised to find Zhuge Bu standing right in front of him. He had seemed dead just moments before, but had instead played dead in front of Asura and transferred his consciousness back into a new body.

“I have grasped the entire situation.”

There was a deep shadow over Zhuge Bu’s face for some reason.

Yet Mangnyang couldn’t feel happiness over Zhuge Bu’s survival.

“Brother. That’s the [Old Ruler]. Even if we were in perfect condition without having engaged the Eight Parts of the Divine, we cannot defeat that being….”

“I know. There’s no way a strategist from the Zhuge Clan would be oblivious of that.”

“Running away is futile. Now we can only destroy ourselves to protect our minds from him.”

“…….”

“We must not allow that being to gain any information about the reborn Baek Woong.”

Zhuge Bu glanced back at Mangnyang, who sounded as if he had given up entirely, and then said:

“Hyun Ah. You’ve changed a lot since Baek Woong disappeared.”

“Changed?”

“Indeed. You’ve grown anxious and foolish.”

In essence, Zhuge Bu was criticizing Mangnyang harshly.

“Once, you were overflowing with a sense of justice and possessed a burning heart. Our father knew your nature well; that’s why he did not want to corrupt you with magic and deliberately neglected you, driving you into Jianghu. To keep you from knowing the harsh truths of this cruel world… He wanted to give you freedom in your destiny.”

“…….”

“Why do you carry the inauspicious name of Mangnyang? Is it just out of admiration for the Master Mangnyang? Surely that isn’t the only reason. You possess more than just the role of Baek Woong’s strategist; you have a heavenly destiny greater than that. I am convinced of it.”

“Brother… what are you trying to say?”

“You are indeed the hope of our Zhuge Clan. There are many with talent, but few with spirit. And only you can instill that spirit into the returning Baek Woong and travel alongside him until the end. Unfortunately, I do not possess such talent.”

Stomp.

Zhuge Bu straightened his shoulders, staring ahead as he walked onward.

He raised Baek Woong high.

“From now on, I will lead here. You will follow my orders.”

“…….”

“Pull yourself together. It’s not over yet.”

Mangnyang looked blankly.

Leading?

Did it even make sense to lead now?

The opponent might be the [Old Ruler], perhaps of the level of the Three Sovereigns.

Between them lay a vast chasm of strength—much more than that of mere humans and ants. No scheme could overturn that imbalance of power. To think that Zhuge Bu still clung to the hope of reversing things was simply an unrealistic nightmare!

Then, Zhuge Bu shouted.

“Dokgo Seong! Master of Zen! Bright Dragon! Han Baek-ryeong!!”

All eyes turned immediately to Zhuge Bu. He released a fervent cry.

“We’ll rescue Asura! Until the reinforcements arrive, if we can save Asura, we can win! Can you follow me!!”

Zhuge Bu’s words sounded utterly nonsensical. Even to the martial artists, it appeared so. The martial artists too were realizing something strange was going on with the Master of the White Lotus Sect, his body possibly possessed by something bizarre, and that the power he wielded was absolutely unprecedented.

And yet Zhuge Bu spoke about the odds!

It seemed less like strategy and more like madness.

However, Dokgo Seong momentarily caught a glimpse of a light in Zhuge Bu’s eyes. And thought:

‘That guy… he has peeled off a layer while traversing the border between life and death… the caliber has been notched up.’

There seemed to be no harm in believing someone with such a gaze.

With that thought, Dokgo Seong steeled his heart and bellowed.

“Alright then, Zhuge Bu!! I, Dokgo Seong of the Thunder God Lineage, pledge my life to you!!”

As Dokgo Seong’s despair was broken, did the three nearby also regain their will to fight? The last three, initially steeped in despair, unleashed their spirts. Then Zhuge Bu immediately began to unfold his technique.

Fallen Star’s Divine Barrier!

The space filled with talismans was summoned. Zhuge Bu encircled it with the Fallen Star’s Divine Barrier and laid out the strategy. This was done to avoid the divine eavesdropping.

“We have only one chance. I’ll create an opening, and you will surround me with the Fallen Star’s Divine Barrier, attacking the one who possesses the Master of the White Lotus Sect with all your might.”

“Can you really create an opening? That’s a God. Even breaking through the barrier a Demon King typically wields would require a deadly risk, and how would you plan to deal with the space-time distortion a God unleashes?”

“Trust me. I can do it.”

“Hah… that’s confidence that borders on absurdity.”

Dokgo Seong chuckled but ultimately shook his head and replied.

“Let’s try it.”

He seized any sword that had been stuck in the battlefield.

Then moments later, Zhuge Bu charged towards Bi-ryu, who possessed the Master of the White Lotus Sect.

“O Great God!! Cease your oppression!”

Asura had already been drenched in blood. Bi-ryu had already declared and torn off two of Asura’s heads, pulling four of his arms, and was toying with the now unconscious Asura. Seeing this, Bi-ryu’s expression turned to one of disbelief as he noticed Zhuge Bu approaching.

[How dare a mere fly…!]

With a gentle flick of two fingers, he smothered Zhuge Bu’s form in an instant.

Bam!

The rushing form of Zhuge Bu was crushed in a flash. As the blood rained down from the air, it looked as though Zhuge Bu had died a dog’s death.

Woong

But in the very next moment, the gory bits of Zhuge Bu’s body re-materialized in that same space. This piqued Bi-ryu’s interest.

[You used the Soft Stone.]

The complete life powers residing within the [Soft Stone]. Utilizing it meant that even being killed in one strike by a God’s power; one could instantly be resurrected. That was the might of the [Soft Stone], symbolizing eternal life.

“Take this!”

Zhuge Bu dismissed the [Soft Stone] from his hands. Then a blinding light flickered from that small stone, manifesting the ultimate embodiment of alchemy, capable of controlling all physical laws. The first genuine manifestation of the ultimate object called the Philosopher’s Stone had now stepped into the world.

Boom!!

The blue light emitted from the Philosopher’s Stone enveloped Zhuge Bu. This granted temporary immunity against all of Bi-ryu’s powers, compelling him to permit Zhuge Bu to approach within striking distance.

“Ugh!”

The next moment, Zhuge Bu thrust a blade into his heart. His current form wasn’t really his own but borrowed from the body of the Five Elements Lineage, so he hesitated not one moment in taking his own life.

Poof!

Zhuge Bu’s life force quickly waned. Simultaneously, as he met his end, something began to emerge from his chest. Upon witnessing this [something], Bi-ryu froze into a momentary panic.

[No… why is this here.]

A scroll-like object fluttered forth –

That object began to shine and unleash its powers.

Tydaht Eight Trigrams Diagram

Release the Seal!

Godly Power Seal!

Shining -!!

Zhuge Bu’s Five Elements Lineage dissipated, and Bi-ryu, now enveloped in the light of the Release Tydaht, staggered in disarray.

“Now!!”

And at that moment, all the surviving masters of the Absolute Realm surged forward to attack Bi-ryu. Attacks based on the Intent Heavenly Pill came simultaneously; this enraged Bi-ryu, howling in outrage.

[How dare you bugs!!]

Bi-ryu unleashed his powers to obliterate all humans at once, but the power didn’t manifest. To his utter surprise, he realized the power was not functioning properly.

[Ugh… what the…?]

With no choice left, Bi-ryu reluctantly had to bring forth the power of his original host. Instantly, he unleashed the chaos of the Master of the White Lotus Sect, erupting pillars of darkness all around him. The darkness seemed like it would divide heaven and earth in no time.

Kuooh

In the meanwhile, Asura fell from Bi-ryu’s hold, hitting the ground, and was cushioned by Mangnyang’s earth manipulation technique. After rescuing Asura, the now awakened Sagong Lin unleashed Absolute Supremacy to attack Bi-ryu. With Sagong Lin joining in, Bi-ryu was overwhelmed and could only focus on defense.

This whole turn of events transpired in the span of a mere ten breaths.

Mangnyang became aware of Zhuge Bu’s ingenious plan to temporarily seal Bi-ryu’s powers using the Release Tydaht, which Zhuge Bu had sealed within his heart using the Five Elements Lineage. Originally meant to stall for time against the Celestial, it had unexpectedly become useful against an actual God.

Moreover, it had successfully liberated the Tydaht; its original form revealed, allowing it to temporarily seal a deity’s powers.

This string of maneuvers was smooth and reflective of how Zhuge Bu operated, the perfectionist that he was.

“……”

However, Mangnyang still could not find faith. Mangnyang was capable of such maneuvers himself, but had hesitated because of a pressing question: what was supposed to happen next?

After rescuing Asura, then what?

What would come of sealing a God’s power?

Ultimately, they remained at a dichotomy, and the vast power gap between a tiger and an ant had changed nothing.

When the seal on Release Tydaht dissolved, the God would retaliate, mercilessly slaying them. Thus, Mangnyang thought it more rational to commit suicide than be tortured for the information regarding Baek Woong.

‘Brother… what are you thinking?’

Then, Zhuge Bu dashed towards the fallen Asura. He tossed the imperfect Philosopher’s Stone to him while shouting.

“Asura!! Recover quickly!”

[…….]

“While the God’s power is sealed, you are the only one who can inflict serious wounds on him!”

Asura faintly opened his eyes.

[What…?]

“Fight if you don’t want to die with us!”

Hearing those words, Mangnyang gasped in horror.

‘That’s reckless!’

It was true; here and now, the one with the ultimate attack power was none other than Asura. Even with an imperfect Philosopher’s Stone, its boons would allow him to recover and unleash his strengths in short order.

But would Asura, who just moments ago had fought for his life alongside the rest of them, truly accept this offer?

It was a gamble of the highest order!

Asura considered the Philosopher’s Stone thrown by Zhuge Bu, then swallowed it whole.

Woong

In an instant, the Philosopher’s Stone healed Asura. His wounds healed beyond half in a flash, and he slowly rose from his place, speaking.

[Just because I did this doesn’t mean I’m on your side.]

“I know that.”

[I will always repay my debts… I’ll deliver one blade to that bastard!]

Asura charged ahead.

Just before Asura lunged for Bi-ryu, Zhuge Bu turned to Mangnyang and yelled.

“Hyun Ah, now!”

At that moment, Mangnyang faced an unprecedented choice of his life.

“Use the Ta Shin-pyeon!!”

The only divine destruction artifact in the Celestial Realm capable of harming a god, Ta Shin-pyeon!

Mangnyang possessed the summoning rights for it.

Zhuge Bu planned to have Asura, empowered by the sealing of Bi-ryu’s powers, deal a killing blow while also using the Ta Shin-pyeon, a strategy he had devised.

‘Indeed!’

That was an absolutely correct strategy.

They had to follow Zhuge Bu’s words. Perhaps Mangnyang had been too exhausted, so when faced with the God, the fear had left his mind scrambled rather than clear.

Yet in that moment, Mangnyang finally realized—

It was a truth utterly disheartening.

‘The Celestial’s foresight… isn’t activating…’

Now was not the time for him to utilize Ta Shin-pyeon.

‘No way… not even now?!’

The foresight of the Celestial could only activate at that single moment of using Ta Shin-pyeon, and even now, it indicated that ‘this is not that time!’

“…Cough!!”

However.

Biting his lip, Mangnyang reached out his hand.

‘What of the foresight…!!’

It was better to lose an opportunity than have all our allies slaughtered!

He would endure somehow until Baek Woong arrives!

For the first time, Mangnyang resolved to break the fate of foresight and follow reality. This was the choice he made as a human.

And he shouted.

“Come forth, Ta Shin-pyeon!!”