1071——————==

Soul of the Evil God

Over ten million demon soldiers.

Though they were called demon soldiers, in reality, they were a mixed bag of different races or magical beasts summoned from other realms. Sagong Lin, who had faced these demon soldiers directly, had sensed their power but also felt something odd.

What kind of “cost” could create such a massive army?

Demon summoning is a thoroughly contractual affair, often exceedingly unfavorable for mortals. No matter how powerful a great demon sorcerer may be, there are still limits. Especially summoning a unit of ten million soldiers would be impossible.

“Could it be that the [Old Ruler] has already been summoned?”

That might be conceivable, yet Sagong Lin hadn’t received any reports indicating such a situation recently. Currently, Zhuge Yulong and Zhuge Bu were broadening their reconnaissance networks worldwide to collect information; had something as significant as the [Old Ruler]’s descent occurred, they would have known long ago. After pondering this, Sagong Lin wrapped up that day’s meeting and called for an executive meeting.

“Han Baek-ryeong. It’s been a while.”

Upon greeting Han Baek-ryeong, who had just joined the executive meeting, Sagong Lin was met with a bow and a respectful nod.

“Your Majesty.”

“And how is the sect master?”

“His condition isn’t good.”

“…….”

“I’m here to announce that I’ve taken up the position of interim leader of the White Lotus Sect as of today.”

Everyone looked surprised at Han Baek-ryeong’s words. For the Dharma Guardian to hand over the reins of the White Lotus Sect!? Zhuge Yulong, in particular, seemed quite astonished and addressed Han Baek-ryeong.

“Could it be… his Primordial Spirit has started going wild?”

“No. The Primordial Spirit has stabilized. However, it occasionally falls silent for days or even weeks at a time.”

Han Baek-ryeong spoke plainly, and no one dared object. After all, she held that level of standing. Zhuge Yulong responded to her remarks.

“I see. As he had predicted, he has entered an uncharted domain.”

“But that isn’t the topic of our meeting, is it? And though we’re companions, this is a matter concerning the main sect, so I’d appreciate it if we could refrain from excessive discussion.”

Sagong Lin nodded at Han Baek-ryeong’s blunt words.

“Indeed. We’ll discuss the state of the White Lotus Leader later. Right now, responding to this new empire called Nazi is our priority.”

“First, a report regarding the ten million demon soldiers….”

“Go ahead, Zhuge Bu.”

The report that the Chancellor had relayed to Sagong Lin was now passed through Zhuge Bu; in other words, it would be an unofficial report—the real details gathered by Zhuge Bu.

“It is said that the demon soldiers were summoned from an ancient relic discovered by the Elector of the Kingdom of Prussia, the precursor to Nazi Germany.”

“…An ancient relic? What kind of ancient relic could possess the power to summon an army of ten million?”

“The actual nature of the relic hasn’t yet been confirmed, but it was originally protected by druids and pure sorcerers in the West. It had been preserved since the Mythological Age, but I’ve heard the Nazis have taken that power.”

“……”

“That power is certainly enough to alter the course of history….”

A little while later, Sagong Lin asked,

“First, we need to ascertain their true intentions and identities. If what you say is true, then the leaders of Nazi Germany are ex-royalty from Prussia?”

“Not quite.”

“Weren’t those who discovered the ancient relic said to be the Prussian royals?”

“After discovering it, they made a pact with the spirits of the ancient relic to gain immortality, but it seems they never thought to use that power. However, it appears that Nazi Germany tortured and threatened them into gaining the relic’s power before massacring the Prussian royals.”

It was a gruesome affair, yet Sagong Lin didn’t flinch. Torture and massacre were common occurrences in this world. Instead, he sharpened his focus, piecing together the key points, and reached a conclusion.

“A third force eliminated the royals who originally ruled Germany. So, they are the true leaders of Nazi Germany, right? Who are they?”

“…We sent reconnaissance to gather as much capability as possible, but we have never managed to catch a glimpse of their leader. Currently, we have commissioned all three of Dongyoung’s ninja clans, but I wouldn’t place high hopes in them either.”

“It seems it’s difficult to uncover their identities.”

“I apologize. However… all indications point to these leaders being powerful possessors of magical energy. It’s certain that they are beings no human could contend with. Approaching them recklessly would only result in us being tortured and revealing our information.”

“……!!”

“If we are to take on Nazi Germany, only the cream of the crop can handle the reconnaissance.”

Zhuge Bu’s assertion caught Sagong Lin off guard!

He immediately sensed that the magical energy of each enemy leader was astonishingly high. And if they were indeed beyond the level of humans, then it was clear they could be considered true otherworldly beings! It could be said that the true otherworldly races had now revealed themselves.

“Given the high likelihood of the [Old Ruler] being behind this, we need to approach this cautiously.”

“However, with ten million demon soldiers already known to exist, prolonging the wait won’t yield any benefits for us.”

“That is true, but….”

As Zhuge Bu wore a troubled expression, Zhuge Yulong interjected.

“The [Old Ruler] has already been summoned. We must operate under that pretext, so we need to be careful.”

“Can you be certain?”

“I have no hard evidence, but the ten million demon soldiers are undeniable proof. There’s no other scenario that could explain it. However, this situation is unlike any typical summon of the [Old Ruler]. Something beyond our common understanding is occurring.”

Zhuge Bu hesitated to make definitive claims, yet Zhuge Yulong seemed willing to push the meeting forward despite the risks.

“What makes it different?”

“There are three main types of beings that can summon the [Old Ruler]. The first is a demon sorcerer, the second includes the subservient races or slave tribes that follow the [Old Ruler], and the last consists of the avatar or apostle sent down by the [Old Ruler] himself. However, it seems Nazi Germany doesn’t fall into any of these categories.”

“Then just what in the world are the leaders of Nazi Germany?”

“I consulted with the deity in the palace as a priest to learn about their identities. The answer I received was that they are ‘mercenaries.'”

Mercenaries!

The very thought of mercenaries felt completely out of place in the context of demon summoning, leaving everyone with stunned expressions. Could anything as mundane as mercenaries really intertwine with the dark dealings and summons involving the [Old Ruler], acts shrouded in complete mystery?

Zhuge Yulong continued speaking.

“We don’t know where they originate from, but they do not follow the [Old Ruler] they are attempting to summon, nor are they summoning him for any wishes. They are simply professional mercenaries executing their operations mechanically for their own purposes.”

“Mercenaries, huh… interesting.”

Sagong Lin’s expression shifted to one of mild interest. He then glanced sideways and addressed the company.

“Like Han Baek-ryeong, it seems this is the first time you’ve attended an executive meeting in a while as well. If you have any thoughts, please share.”

“…….”

Caught under Sagong Lin’s gaze, one individual fell silent for a moment before suddenly speaking up.

“Are mercenaries not individuals who work in exchange for compensation? In that case, we need to uncover what benefits the client is offering and for what purpose. Should we determine that, we could instead use Nazi Germany to our advantage.”

“Indeed, that’s a good point, Mangnyang.”

The speaker turned out to be Mangnyang. He had been greatly weakened following Yacha’s sealing and had recently barely recovered his consciousness after a lengthy illness. However, due to the prolonged illness, his complexion appeared pale and frail.

Mangnyang continued his thoughts.

“However, I believe what we need to consider right now isn’t just a preemptive strike against Nazi Germany or information gathering. No matter how many troops they amass, as long as we possess a demon king-level force, those numbers are no more than puffed-up figures, and we can utilize strategies involving divine beings on our side. This isn’t an immediate concern.”

“Oh? Then what should we be considering?”

“Ultimately, it’s about accumulating our power in preparation for an endgame scenario, as well as the plan for locating Fuxi. I’m here to report the progress of that plan.”

“……!! Could it be you’ve finally found Fuxi?”

Sagong Lin, typically composed, spoke with a hint of excitement. However, Mangnyang shook his head as he replied.

“The Sword Demon Seo Mun-dae-ryong has led the remaining group and progressed about 30% of the journey, but it’s still far from complete. However, it seems the Sword Demon has gained significant insights along the way, resulting in newfound strength.”

“You mean he has reached the Divine Skill level?”

“No. He didn’t detail it well. However, it appeared he had found a method to further enhance his power within the Absolute Realm.”

With that, Mangnyang seemed to have something else to convey.

“Additionally, I anticipate I will die within three months. When I do, I shall ascend to the celestial realm, so I leave the remaining tasks in your hands.”

“…….”

“…….”

It was an unexpected announcement of impending death. However, neither Zhuge Bu nor Zhuge Yulong appeared overly shocked, as if they had already heard such news. Sagong Lin looked at Mangnyang and said,

“I’ll handle what remains, but this is a sudden surprise. Why will you die?”

“This curse engraved upon me. I managed to endure the golden seal curse cast while sealing Yacha with my father’s help, but I’m reaching my limit now. Before the curse destroys my soul, it would be better to meet my physical death promptly, allowing me to find a solution in the celestial realm.”

“…I see. Then I wish you a smooth resolution.”

“And before I die, I’m considering modifying the Heavenly Altar to allow the smooth ascent of high-level experts within the Absolute Realm….”

They then concluded the executive meeting after discussing a few more points.

Once outside, Zhuge Yulong approached Mangnyang.

“Hyun Ah. What’s on your mind?”

“What do you mean? I said all that needed to be said in the executive meeting.”

“That’s not it. You promised to use your father’s help to delay the progress of that curse. That’s why we refrained from performing the demon rituals.”

With the power of the Heavenly Demon, even the golden curse of the underworld could have its effects mitigated. Yet Mangnyang shook his head.

“No. I think it’s better to die sooner rather than later. To be honest, I have squandered far too much time until now.”

“Hyun Ah.”

“I must hastily rise to the position of Great Immortal in the celestial realm and become the Palace Master. Only then can the plans proceed as intended. In this scheme, the existence of the celestial palace is paramount.”

“……”

“I am no longer needed on the earthly plane. There are an abundance of candidates for the adviser position. Therefore, I will do what I can.”

Zhuge Yulong sensed a sense of foreboding. Every word out of Mangnyang’s mouth made total sense, but an inexplicable anxiety, reminiscent of what only a parent could feel, crawled up within him. It felt as though allowing Mangnyang free rein could unleash some monumental disaster.

“Hmm. That can’t possibly be the case.”

But Zhuge Yulong soon brushed aside that thought. For someone who lived their life rationally, relying solely on feelings would be out of the question. After becoming a companion of Baek Woong, the desire to support his child had risen above the unease.

What should he even say?

“Alright…. Then… do as you wish.”

Zhuge Yulong felt a drain on his spirit for having to utter those words, even knowing it was merely about physical death. After becoming companions with Baek Woong, he realized that the long-dry despondency of his mind had regained a bit of humanity. Could it be that the mere fact of a reincarnated person had healed the mind that had led to his own demise?

And several months later — Mangnyang Zhuge Hyun passed away. He left behind nothing of substance. Quite literally, he left only his physical form and ascended to the celestial realm.

Not long after Zhuge Hyun’s death, a messenger from Nazi Germany arrived at the Great Bear Empire.

The messenger was a middle-aged man with blond hair, neatly dressed in a German military uniform. Arriving alone, without a retinue, he humbly bowed and introduced himself as the envoy from Nazi Germany.

[I am Heinrich Wolff, head of the SS (Schutzstaffel) of the Nazis. It is an honor to meet you, Your Majesty the Emperor. No… oh, glorious being of the celestial realm.]

Though he bore a human form, he spoke in the language of otherworldly races. The oddity of his speech hinted strongly that the middle-aged man was anything but human. Upon hearing his words, Sagong Lin replied stiffly.

“Why the ruse of pretending to be human? Heinrich Wolff isn’t your true name.”

[Ha ha ha… While the real Heinrich Wolff, the Grand Commander of Prussia, is trapped within me, I have learned that you despise beings that aren’t human. Please consider it a token of our respect.]

“Then why not just speak as a human? This language of others is unpleasant to me.”

[Ha ha. My apologies. Creating vocal cords to mimic humans is quite difficult.]

Heinrich Wolff chuckled. Meanwhile, from afar, Zhuge Bu, who was keeping watch through divine sight, murmured to himself.

“Good grief….”

Boom!

“…Incredible magical energy. Damn it.”

The reports from the reconnaissance teams had been no exaggeration. Even as Heinrich Wolff suppressed his magical energy, the measuring device set up by Zhuge Bu had already exceeded limits and exploded. This indicated that he was something incomprehensible even to high-level experts. Zhuge Bu couldn’t help but sigh.

“Having already toppled the Eight Parts of the Divine, how can such monstrous beings keep appearing…? Indeed, in comparison to the world of darkness, humanity is utterly insignificant!”

He began to empathize with Zhuge Yulong and the Master of the White Lotus Sect. In the past, he had been puzzled by why those absolute beings were so obsessed with divine power, but now he could feel it earnestly. Exceeding humans in the true darkness of the world was not something to brag about at all.

Heinrich Wolff narrowed his eyes as he spoke.

[O mighty celestial being! I bow in reverence to your greatness once again. My master has a message for you.]

“A message, you say?”

[O celestial being, you are the ultimate pawn in the face of impending doom. However, we cannot allow your ascension to be recognized as it stands. We shall assemble our own mercenaries as your adversaries. …That is all.]

“……”

Sagong Lin didn’t respond immediately, resting his elbows on his throne as he fell into thought. A moment later, he spoke.

“Your own mercenaries, you say? Then just how many are we speaking of?”

[No need for concealment. Including my master, a total of five illustrious rulers are sending their mercenaries to join, and we intend to summon another mercenary to replace the [Old Ruler].]

“How very confident of you. You mean to divulge your plans?”

[Hehe, to be honest, this is our first time getting so involved in the affairs of the little human world… Moreover, to think we can face a being called powerful in the celestial realm is genuinely thrilling as descendants of the darkness.]

Heinrich Wolff wore a genuinely excited expression. Watching this, Sagong Lin recognized that he was dealing with an utterly extraordinary being. This was no ordinary otherworldly race but a high-level existence from a far-off realm.

“Hmm.”

Sagong Lin spoke.

“I don’t understand. Summoning a being of your caliber necessitates an enormous amount of karma. How could you possibly achieve a summoning without any trace of it?”

[Ha ha. Honestly, it wasn’t easy. Yet, fortunately, we stumbled upon an ancient immortal, and he happened to possess countless treasures. So, by desperately dealing with him, it became easier to summon other agents. I was the first to be summoned and had no confidence at all, so it was purely fortunate timing.]

“……”

A while later, for some reason, clarity dawned on Sagong Lin, and he pressed his temple with his fingers.

“…You caught Peng Zuo… whoa….”

[Looks like you’ve already found out. Ha ha… Couldn’t you have captured him earlier?]

“I wouldn’t have guessed he was so foolish as to get caught by you lot.”

After exhaling a sigh, Sagong Lin finally said,

“Very well, so the war has truly begun.”

[Indeed, O Heavenly Demon.]

“I’ll sound the trumpet for war.”

[Huh?]

Boom-boom

Crack!

Crack!

[AAAAAAAH!!]

“Ugh, AAAAAHH.”

The officials present fell into madness in an instant upon witnessing Sagong Lin lunge at Heinrich Wolff, his golden energy surging as he began to devour him. The powers emanating from them were too overwhelming for any ordinary being to withstand. In a desperate attempt to face Sagong Lin, Heinrich Wolff hurriedly tried to revert to his true form, but he couldn’t hold on.

Boom! BANG!!

Sagong Lin’s golden energy transformed into fangs that pierced through Heinrich Wolff’s form. Despite Wolff unleashing tremendous magical energy like the former Simon Magus to hold his ground, all of it was swiftly consumed.

[Ugh… This is insane…. After living for thousands of years, to think someone could devour magic itself… this madness….]

Gripping Wolff’s nape, Sagong Lin sneered.

“You thought you were confident in your strength, but it seems you truly didn’t understand mine. Farewell.”

[NOOOOOO!!]

CRUNCH!!

In the end, Sagong Lin devoured Heinrich Wolff, the SS head and high-level existence from a distant realm, and with a cold gaze, surveyed the scene before him as he declared,

“Zhuge Bu! Come and clean up the madmen. Surely you can use the technique of recovery from madness with your apostolic powers?”

With a swoosh

Zhuge Bu, who had been observing the situation through divine insight, approached Sagong Lin and bowed respectfully.

“Your command.”

“And at this time, we shall commence war against Nazi Germany.”

“Isn’t that a bit sudden?”

“If it’s a war that we’ll have to wage sooner or later, it’s better to get it done swiftly.”

“……”

“Please open the Transference Gate towards their capital.”

At Sagong Lin’s unabated request, Zhuge Bu looked flustered.

“That’s a bit… even if it’s just until we gather our forces….”

“No. That’s unnecessary.”

Sagong Lin, appearing rather bored, his golden eyes glinting, replied.

“If the rest of them are at this level, there’s no need to think twice. It would be better for me to take them all down myself.”

Thus began the war between the Great Bear Empire and Nazi Germany.