1064——————==

The Soul of the Four Gods

Upon seeing Simon Magus, Cheon Woo-jin immediately cast an illusion spell.

‘What a bum. Did he really get eaten by the Demon King in the end, Zhuge Sa?’

Cheon Woo-jin frowned but didn’t even consider the idea of losing.

Illusory God

Heavenly Demon Surpassing

Cheon Woo-jin, the Illusory God, didn’t even need to practice any specific techniques when using illusion spells. Being a genius, he had already figured out a way to cast spells without incantations since he was 5 years old, unlike ordinary sorcerers. Usually, humans struggle to cast spells solely with their concentration, relying on incantations for power, but Cheon Woo-jin instinctively grasped the fundamental system of magic when he became aware, which made incantations unnecessary. It was a level that typical sorcerers could only dream of even after decades of training.

Back when Cheon Woo-jin was taken by Mangnyang to be entrusted to Master Mangnyang, he could manifest all spells just with his will. By that time, he had already possessed skills that could overwhelm most human sorcerers on the continent.

From then on, all that was left for Cheon Woo-jin was to improve the source of magical power itself, which was a tedious and repetitive training. So much free time did he have that he farmed, and he even felt his skills rising while doing so. Given his understanding of magic that surpassed ordinary humans, there was no need for separate training. The incantation for the spell he frequently used, the Rapid Rate Command, was merely added to avoid boredom.

However, even genius Cheon Woo-jin realized the gap between himself and Master Mangnyang when he received the title of Illusory God. No matter how brilliant Cheon Woo-jin was, he was nothing but a bug compared to those truly called gods. He pondered how to close that gap and concluded he had no choice but to reach the Void Record.

Now, hundreds of years after Baek Woong’s disappearance.

In order to keep the Master of the White Lotus Sect in check as he attained the level of the Demon King, Cheon Woo-jin had honed his abilities to their peak. It had long been since he surpassed the realm of human illusion.

He hadn’t practiced any separate techniques, but he had elevated the dimension of illusory arts to the point where even the Demon King could be included. And perhaps the Heavenly Demon Surpassing was merely a means to cover the world with an illusion—he believed he could contest the Demon King with just this technique.

Whoosh!

In that instant, the illusion cast by Cheon Woo-jin enveloped Simon Magus, who felt his arms and legs severing and his entire body being shredded by a storm, but he simply smirked.

[The Eye Concealing the Abyss.]

Like Cheon Woo-jin, Simon Magus didn’t need incantations or any magical elements. As a contracted Demon King, he could distort order using just magical power. However, since Cheon Woo-jin’s attack operated on a metaphysical level that altered the structure of the world and enveloped space, mere magical power couldn’t counter it. Thus, he had no choice but to expend one of the powerful spells he received when aligning with the Outer God.

Swish!

The moment a Blood Eye appeared above Simon Magus’s head, the illusion that was shredding Simon Magus vanished. However, he couldn’t immediately retaliate against Cheon Woo-jin but merely maintained a standoff. When Cheon Woo-jin gazed at him expressionlessly, Simon Magus spoke.

“It’s impressive that you’ve refined your sorcery to this point as a human. I assume you’ve placed a few stepping stones toward the [Record of the World].”

Realizing Simon Magus had seen through his method of achieving growth made Cheon Woo-jin feel both awe and discomfort. He knew the opponent was an objectively brilliant genius, yet he was also an atrocious entity of the Demon Path.

“I don’t want to discuss sorcery with you. Are you Simon Magus, not Zhuge Sa?”

“Yes.”

“What happened to Zhuge Sa?”

“He won’t ever return. I’ve consumed him.”

“……”

“You seem skeptical, hehe.”

As Simon Magus chuckled ominously, Sagong Lin spoke.

“Simon Magus. Just a moment ago, you said you would challenge us. Does that mean you have the will to challenge this Aiternum Mundi?”

Despite Sagong Lin’s cold words, Simon Magus’s eyes glinted with interest.

“You’ve found your composure sooner than expected. I thought you’d be causing a ruckus over Zhuge Sa’s whereabouts.”

“Not at all. None of my companions are particularly worried about him. Worrying about Zhuge Sa would be a pointless task.”

Simon Magus laughed as if he couldn’t believe it.

“…Hahaha. My disciple indeed. Such a lackluster reputation.”

“Explain why you’ve appeared here. And also why you’re choosing to wait in the Seal Chamber instead of challenging the Six Realms.”

As Sagong Lin coldly pressed for necessary details, Cheon Woo-jin grew irritated.

“Sagong Lin! We have no reason to cooperate with this guy. Just killing him would be more than enough!”

“Didn’t you come all this way to penetrate the Aiternum Mundi? If you don’t borrow the strength of the one who summons the King of Destruction, there’s no way to even start a conversation.”

“Are you saying that as if I didn’t know? You trust a Demon King who has sacrificed millions of people and contracts with Outer Gods? I’d rather resolve things here by either living or dying!”

Cheon Woo-jin wasn’t merely being irritating; he was not wasting animosity like Baek Woong. The Demon King Simon Magus was dangerous. An entity of the Demon Path beyond Cheon Woo-jin’s ability should never be considered an ally.

Just moments ago, Cheon Woo-jin had cast an illusion with all his strength, capable of killing even the Master of the White Lotus Sect. Yet, the Demon King Simon Magus had easily nullified it with a single spell using the power of the Outer God. This meant Cheon Woo-jin could easily face the Demon King right before his eyes, and entrusting his back to such a dangerous demonic entity was utterly unacceptable.

Getting backstabbed and becoming the Demon King’s slave would lead to a fate so torturous that death would be preferable. Cheon Woo-jin fully understood the gruesomeness of those who belong to the Demon Path, exceeding what an ordinary person could imagine.

The Demon King Simon Magus said.

“You two need to calm down and hear me out. No, first, look at this contract.”

Swish!

Simon Magus tossed a parchment made of animal skin at Cheon Woo-jin. As he caught it telekinetically, Cheon Woo-jin began reading it but soon scrunched his brow.

“Kugh.”

“Got the gist of the situation? Now can we talk?”

“What’s going on? That contract…”

As Sagong Lin questioned, Cheon Woo-jin replied.

“Zhuge Sa has agreed to give his body to Simon Magus for 100 years in exchange for Simon Magus’s demand to attack the Aiternum Mundi as the summoner of the [Old Ruler], King of Destruction Carphadok. That guy is here because of that contract.”

“……!!”

“Damn it. What a mess…”

As Cheon Woo-jin mumbled, Simon Magus smiled slyly.

“I am the Demon King, so I keep my contracts. I would appreciate your cooperation in the assault on the Aiternum Mundi. Your lives depend on it…”

“Don’t kid around. I’ll never trust a guy like you. It’d be foolish to trust a villain who’s been lying and deceiving countless times.”

“You’ve reached the limits of sorcery yet seem to misunderstand magic? Indeed, for sorcerers and Demon Kings, lying comes as naturally as breathing, but contracts override all demonic strategies. Since I am a high-ranking Demon King, I must adhere strictly to the agreement.”

“……”

“We cannot break the contract. Once set, it must be honored until the end of the universe.”

As Simon Magus continued when Cheon Woo-jin quieted down.

“First, to answer Sagong Lin’s question: I’ve come here for the attack on the Aiternum Mundi due to the contract… and the reason for waiting in the Seal Chamber is that I must utilize the spell of the Outer God.”

“An Outer God’s spell?”

“Kukukuk…”

As Simon Magus laughed sardonically, he continued.

“If I were to enter and summon the King of Destruction in this place, do you think he could handle the guardians of the Aiternum Mundi? Isn’t that a bit naïve?”

“……”

Both Cheon Woo-jin and Sagong Lin knew the truth. However, trusting the King of Destruction was the only option, given the circumstances, and above all, Cheon Woo-jin’s goal wasn’t so much to conquer the Aiternum Mundi but to merely extract information and escape if possible.

While Cheon Woo-jin was thinking of how annoying this guy was, Simon Magus continued.

“Zhuge Sa was aware of that and had methods to counter it. Yet, contrary to his plans, his magical abilities would fail to keep up with his wisdom… hence he willingly gave himself over to me.”

“I’m not interested in that. Just tell me how.”

Cheon Woo-jin replied curtly, feeling his mood souring. He hated to admit that he had to rely on the help of the Demon King Simon Magus right before him. However, since Zhuge Sa seemed to have sacrificed everything by writing that contract, Cheon Woo-jin had no choice but to go along with it.

After all, the guy in front of him definitely had some strategy in mind.

Simon Magus said.

“The key is to make the King of Destruction fight at full power. Moreover, while ensuring he can finish it swiftly, a bit of trickery will be necessary—specifically, the incantation that only I can use in the world.”

“An Outer God’s incantation… something like what you just used.”

“Crack, it’s a big incantation that requires a long time and procedure. That’s why I’ve stopped here.”

“Indeed.”

Cheon Woo-jin instantly grasped the situation.

‘Using a shortcut for a quick fight. And the shortcut, the [Outer God’s incantation], needs to buy time here in the central Seal Chamber. Once the time limit begins, I won’t be able to use it.’

But even now, he had yet to be informed about what exactly the critical ‘shortcut’ of the [Outer God’s incantation] was. Cheon Woo-jin, remaining vigilant, said to Simon Magus.

“Precisely explain how you plan to attack Aiternum Mundi using the Outer God’s incantation. I won’t talk until then.”

“I can vouch for at least that much.”

Simon Magus began explaining, and after hearing it, both Cheon Woo-jin and Sagong Lin thought it made sense. If the Outer God’s incantation truly had that effect, it could indeed be a viable strategy. However, Cheon Woo-jin still spoke with the same stoic attitude.

“No matter how much of borrower’s magic you have, that alone cannot yield the level of effect you just mentioned. That’s why you’re asking us for help.”

“Correct. Illusory God Cheon Woo-jin, you must assist me with all your power.”

“……”

“To face a Demon King with sorcery, you could alleviate the burden I would face while the Outer God’s incantation progresses. If you do not help, I will never complete the incantation.”

“You’re lying. I cannot trust you.”

“Crack, the choice is yours, so handle it as you wish.”

Just then, Sagong Lin spoke.

“Simon Magus. You could have rejected Zhuge Sa’s contract, yet you accepted it—why?”

“Crack, crack!!! The reason? Because it’s a no-brainer…”

“A no-brainer?”

“Zhuge Sa has been attempting to take control of my body endlessly with his Soul Exchange Technique. The Soul Exchange Technique he can use, I can use too, leading to this drawn-out battle of body theft. Eventually, he offered a century’s worth of lending rights in exchange for this contract.”

Simon Magus chuckled.

“He made a mistake. With a century on the clock, Zhuge Sa could never reclaim his body from me. Originally, whether it’s the Soul Exchange Technique or magical power, I was far superior! In the end, he’s just lost to me while handing over a Dharma fragment… heh.”

“……”

“Even now, Zhuge Sa’s spirit is being absorbed inside me, growing smaller. Is this not free gain? Moreover, following his strategy, the attack on Aiternum Mundi could very well have potential.”

Ah, I see.

Zhuge Sa had been engaged in an equally matched fight all along. Sagong Lin inferred the circumstances from Simon Magus’s words. The mention of “gaining for free” indicated that Zhuge Sa had managed to lead an evenly matched battle against the Demon King Simon Magus. If Simon Magus couldn’t think of continuing a prolonged battle and had willingly taken the bait Zhuge Sa offered, there was no way he would agree to perilous propositions like assaulting Aiternum Mundi.

“But as I’ve just heard, that contract is fundamentally an unfair contract. It’s entirely unfavorable to Zhuge Sa… Is it possible to reverse things here? No way…”

As Simon Magus stated, he had always been much stronger to begin with. With the capture of Zhuge Sa’s spirit for a century, Zhuge Sa had already lost. Even the greatest sorcerer would find it impossible to turn the situation around in this context. Surely, Simon Magus had considered it from all angles before agreeing.

‘…Then Zhuge Sa is practically dead. Here, I have no choice but to proceed as Zhuge Sa intended.’

Thus, Sagong Lin thought that Zhuge Sa had sacrificed his spirit for the assault on Aiternum Mundi. She felt a twinge of bitterness and spoke.

“Alright. Let’s join forces.”

“While I and Cheon Woo-jin complete the Outer God’s incantation, you will take on the role of blocking any interruptions from outside this Seal Chamber.”

“Understood.”

Then Simon Magus began the incantation.

For seven straight nights, the ceremony involved continuous chanting of the incantation!

While Cheon Woo-jin sat opposite Simon Magus, who was seated in meditation, he mostly just closed his eyes. Yet somehow, Sagong Lin felt that there was something only top-tier sorcerers could understand while this was happening.

Additionally, during the continuity of Simon Magus’s incantation, she felt the wicked forces trying to invade the Seal Chamber as he warned.

Ripple…

The space twisted. Something black and white, looping like liquid surrounded by stripes, surged up and rushed in. In that instant, Sagong Lin, standing guard, unleashed her Absolute Supremacy against the “something.”

Bounce!

The space bounced back, and the darkness was absorbed in waves, as if peering into reality through a swamp, revealing countless hundreds of eyes. Such “attacks” were incessant, something any ordinary human would have gone mad and died from long ago.

‘…Has it been over three days and ten moments?’

Sagong Lin was almost out of stamina and energy, dragging herself with sheer will. She figured she couldn’t survive seven days in this state. No matter how skilled she was in Absolute Realm and had trained internal power for over several decades, there were still limits. As Sagong Lin stood up properly to perform moving meditation, a mysterious voice echoed in her ears.

[Abandon humanity… and in that moment, you shall gain everything.]

The voice grew more distinct.

This unidentified voice had continuously tempted Sagong Lin every time she faced peril. It melted her mind like a slowly peeled eggshell, leaving her increasingly destitute.

However, wiping her nosebleed, Sagong Lin muttered.

“What I want to gain is myself.”

As soon as she made that resolve, the voice ceased to be heard.

Sagong Lin barely fought off another temptation but realized it was becoming harder to resist. The ‘voice’ felt like it was choking her very soul. Enduring with sheer will would reach a breaking point.

Could it be that Cheon Woo-jin, who was sitting silently in meditation, sensed her state?

“Sagong Lin. Why did you challenge this Living Hell? Because of you, I might die here.”

“The reason was said before.”

“I get the feeling you sought a place to die as a human. Something is calling out to you.”

“……”

“I wonder if you can see who it is that calls you?”

“I can’t see. Just a distant place… a very distant place where I can only hear the voice.”

“Typical. Hmph. It’s a conventional trick used by gods to corrupt humans.”

Cheon Woo-jin sneered and said.

“Sagong Lin. If you truly wish to die as a human, just tell me whenever. I could grant you a painless death by providing you with Illusory Kill.”

“Illusory Kill?”

“What was your happiest memory? I can repeat that moment infinitely with an illusion. It’s better than being a puppet of the gods, experiencing despair and sorrow.”

He was sincere.

Sagong Lin realized that Cheon Woo-jin wasn’t mocking or provoking her; he genuinely offered to end her life. Since Cheon Woo-jin was a disciple of the gods, he understood the immense suffering one endures when gods corrupt humans, realizing that death could be salvation. Also, if Cheon Woo-jin himself ended the suffering for Sagong Lin, it would lessen the shock for Baek Woong. Feeling a mix of compassion and sympathy, Sagong Lin was tempted.

But she immediately shook her head.

“I decline.”

“Why?”

“There hasn’t been a time in my life where I was truly happy.”

“Suit yourself.”

And once again, silence followed.

‘I can understand Baek Woong’s feelings now.’

The feeling that death could be salvation.

Especially a reincarnated person with rebirth abilities would likely face an immense temptation.

However, Baek Woong had struggled to endure through even worse circumstances than Sagong Lin is currently facing, refusing to take his own life. Sagong Lin realized the heavy burden Baek Woong carried on his back.

‘Is this what life is?’

A short time later.

Simon Magus completed the incantation. As he finished, he extended his hands forward.

[In the name of the great parent, the Black Goat, I call forth the five elements of the world here.

O spirit born of Monad, your name is Initium.

O mystery called by Sophia, your name is Fulmine.

O book that hopes for resolution, your name is Silentium.

O librarian recording accumulated wisdom, your name is Pudor.

O worshipper of false gods, your name is Plenitudo!]

Whoosh!

In that moment, the ‘skin’ of Zhuge Sa that Simon Magus wore completely flew away. The true form of the Demon King, the master of landlord doctrines, emerged, and it looked like a horrifying monster made of countless sand-like demonic substances, just as Baek Woong had seen before.

Near this grotesque mass from the otherworld, something resembling a book floated, and dark incantations supported the majesty of the Demon King.

[I, Simon Magus, summon the might of the great Outer God based on these five elements!]

Blood light erupted from Simon Magus’s eyes as he chanted the final incantation.

[Demiurge! Please merge all worlds that exist in Aiternum Mundi!!]

Kugugugu!!

In that moment, the six worlds surrounding the Seal Chamber and the doors leading to them all fused into one. More accurately, the seals of the [Ancient Race] had disappeared entirely due to the magic.

This was the spell of the Outer God, [Union of the Demiurge]!

A spell that only the Demon King Simon Magus, who had contracted with the Outer God, could cast, and its effect was to shatter the boundaries of all worlds and unify them.

The reason for casting this spell was due to the time constraint. It was easier to break them all down at once rather than to take them down one by one, so a simple strategy was to trust the King of Destruction’s power and deal with them in one go!

Zing!!

Suddenly, the sky brightened.

[Come forth, King of Destruction.]

And Simon Magus summoned the King of Destruction. Once summoned, the King of Destruction exclaimed in surprise.

[What on earth… where is this?]

[Aiternum Mundi.]

[What… This cannot be. This is entirely different from what I heard from my followers.]

At that moment, the massive Black Dragon looked bewildered, and as this otherworld turned into a dark universe seemingly filled with starry constellations, something began to slowly emerge.

That something was a grotesque creature that stretched across dozens of pages.

The grotesque creature extended a pair of tentacle-like eyes toward this side and conveyed its intention.

[You seek the [Old Ruler]… to acquire the incantation of world destruction, do you dare to challenge Aiternum Mundi yourself to the point of appearing in your main body?]

[You are….]

The King of Destruction recoiled in caution upon seeing the grotesque creature. Though it looked ludicrous, it was no opponent to underestimate. The formidable magical aura it emitted clearly surpassed that of a Demon King.

[It seems like a burdensome opponent for us now, but since I’m bound by a contract with the Elder, I have no choice but to fight.]

[What…!!]

[Regardless of where you exist in the universe, I must acknowledge your audacity….]

Swish!

Slowly, five additional cracks opened up around them. As the otherworldly monsters began to reveal themselves one by one, the King of Destruction appeared more tense than ever.

[I am “The One Climbing the Sorrow.” I have come all the way from across the galaxy to prevent the destruction of the universe.]

The grotesque creature wiggled its tentacle eyes and continued.

[We acknowledge that the incantation has powers of world destruction and have gathered under the advice of the Elder of the [Ancient Race] to protect that incantation. I wonder if you will be able to defeat the six rulers, foolish one!]

[……!!]

The King of Destruction concentrated its magical power, exuding formidable killing intent.

[You wretches!! Do you think mere numbers matter? Not one of you can match me.]

However, despite the overwhelming magical power of the King of Destruction, the six beings surrounding him showed neither fear nor signs of pressure.

[It seems you are not an opponent who could overcome mere numbers.]

[…….]

[Let’s see how you fare.]

Contrarily, the guardians of Aiternum Mundi slowly advanced toward the King of Destruction. He appeared tense as he felt the pressure of being encircled.

Cheon Woo-jin watched the scene from afar and muttered in disbelief.

“Crazy. This is a truly insane seal.”

“Cheon Woo-jin. What’s going on?”

“Can’t you see? Our worst-case scenario has become a reality. We wanted the guardians of Aiternum Mundi to be mere embodiments or apostles of the [Old Ruler]….”

Cheon Woo-jin unconsciously lowered his head.

“All of those guys are [Old Rulers]. Damn…!!”

“……!!”

Indeed, the essence of Aiternum Mundi was an absolute seal guarded by six [Old Rulers]!

Unlike the trials of the Seven Luminaries, it had been designed from the onset so that no being could come and take the fragment of magic. No matter how powerful the King of Destruction was, with that many [Old Rulers] in opposition, the odds of winning were slim.

Truly a steep slope of despair!

It was questionable whether Baek Woong could even succeed in breaking through Aiternum Mundi in his next life. Just when Cheon Woo-jin was feeling dejected and lowering his head, Sagong Lin muttered.

“However, it doesn’t seem like they’re at full power. Based on the level of their strength, they seem to be less than half their full potential. Perhaps we might have a chance…”

At her words, Cheon Woo-jin looked at Sagong Lin.

“What? What are you talking about? Obviously, their main bodies are not fully restored, but they seem to be at least summoning true forms as half-spirits, right? The same goes for the King of Destruction, so there’s hardly a difference.”

The King of Destruction wasn’t fully summoned either. Cheon Woo-jin certainly wasn’t unaware of this fact and thus felt disappointed.

“True. What remains is a battle of the Law of Cause and Effect. And I doubt that cunning Simon Magus hasn’t accounted for this situation. There must be a method.”

“…You see ‘something else,’ don’t you?”

“……”

In that moment, Cheon Woo-jin realized something remarkable.

How did Sagong Lin know that the [Old Rulers] were not at full capacity?

As a human, it should be standard to either go mad or barely hold on upon seeing the [Old Rulers], yet Sagong Lin had gauged the exact [size] of the potential and power the [Old Rulers] possessed. At that moment, Cheon Woo-jin looked at Sagong Lin with surprise.

The Demon King Simon Magus, quietly speaking to the summoned King of Destruction, said.

[Oh god, this space is integrated through the spell known as [Union of the Demiurge]. This incantation is bestowed with the grace of the Black Goat, so within this realm, both the spellcaster and summoned beings inherit its grace.]

Upon hearing that, the King of Destruction’s interest was piqued.

[Is that so? I can feel the flow of cause and effect rushing toward me.]

[It is worth a try. With the support of the Law of Cause and Effect, we can overcome the disadvantage of mere numbers.]

The King of Destruction, with a voice filled with rage, stated.

[Heh… However, the danger of risking my existence remains unchanged. Once this fight is over, I’ll devour you, summoner.]

[Best say that after you win. I’ll assist you.]

As for the Demon King Simon Magus, he was more than capable of surviving among the fierce battles of the [Old Rulers], assisting the divine battle. Being skilled in forbidden laws made it easier to handle divine powers. This was the fundamental difference between having Zhuge Sa as the sorcerer and being an actual Demon King, and the only reason they could discuss odds at all.

In fact, it was something Simon Magus didn’t even want to consider—the worst-case scenario where all the guardians were [Old Rulers]. While he spoke confidently, Simon Magus himself started to brace for the worst possible outcome. It was the greatest scale of demonic war in his life.

[Good! Let’s fight!!]

Boom!!!

At that moment, a blinding flash as if the sky were collapsing erupted, and the King of Destruction along with the six rulers began battling simultaneously. The powers of the [Old Rulers] were unleashed relentlessly, warping time and space, and Cheon Woo-jin and Sagong Lin, previously far away, nearly got caught up in the conflict.

Kugugugu…!!

Cheon Woo-jin used the Heavenly Law Illusory God Technique to protect himself and Sagong Lin, but it became increasingly impossible to withstand the disintegrating flow of time and space. He clenched his teeth.

‘Damn it…. At this level of mortal skill, I can no longer elevate my illusion powers… I have no choice!’

Cheon Woo-jin glanced back at Sagong Lin, who was standing behind him and shouted.

“I’m going to utilize the grace I received from my master, but don’t blame me if you die!”

“I won’t blame you; just hurry up.”

“…Huh?”

She seemed too calm, making Cheon Woo-jin feel rather flabbergasted. Sagong Lin urged him.

“There’s no time to waste.”

“Oh, I see.”

Why did it feel like he was being pushed around by Sagong Lin?

Despite his confusion, Cheon Woo-jin stretched both hands forward with all his might.

It was time to use the grace given to him by Master Mangnyang.

‘When I use this, at least I shouldn’t die caught up in divine powers…’

However, there were still chances of falling into the world of probability and dying. This felt like a risk in life and death; Cheon Woo-jin closed his eyes tightly.

The Hook of Nonaction

In the next moment, in the realm of speculation that transcended dimensions, a chaotic line started to move irregularly around, wrapping around the bodies of Cheon Woo-jin and Sagong Lin.

The hook of chaos that entwined the real and the non-linear was summoned.