1114——————==

Soul of the Evil God

Jeon Wook and Shao Hao lunged at Fuxi first. Although their physical sizes were no match for the colossal Fuxi, in this throne’s space, their divine stature resembled that of the Giant Race. Jeon Wook had already unleashed a hidden weapon from his hand, while Shao Hao’s silver feathers surged towards Fuxi’s entire being.

Fuxi first blocked Shao Hao’s attack. His powers instantly created a chaos of hundreds of thousands of Tai Chi and Eight Trigrams, entangling countless winged masses that would soon vanish. Simultaneously, the laws of time and space distorted, momentarily transforming Fuxi into a foggy figure, followed by a roaring sound.

Kuwahh!

Shao Hao dodged Fuxi’s retaliatory strike, having learned from Jeogok’s unfortunate fate of being banished for boldly confronting. Taking advantage of Fuxi’s moment of vulnerability, Jeon Wook charged forward with his hidden weapon.

Thwack!

Jeon Wook’s weapon, transformed into a spear, collided fiercely against Fuxi’s defensive formation. Fuxi gazed at the charging Jeon Wook and remarked,

[You’re hesitating, Jeon Wook.]

[Hmph….]

Screee!

Without responding, Jeon Wook transformed the darkness into a scythe and swung with all his might towards Fuxi’s head. I thought for sure Fuxi would stand firm against it, but surprisingly, he evaded Jeon Wook’s attack, shifting to a much farther space.

‘Jeon Wook really is powerful…!!’

Jeon Wook was originally one of the most combative among the Three Sovereigns. Even Fuxi, in his current state, would find it arduous to endure Jeon Wook’s relentless assault unscathed.

[Your opponent is me!]

As they exchanged blows, Nüwa jumped in to pursue Shao Hao.

Swish!

From Nüwa’s palm, the energy of darkness mingled with azure light, forming a barrier of light around Shao Hao. Shao Hao, looking bewildered, said,

[Is this because you called me an old hag last time?]

[Shut your mouth!]

Boom!!

Meanwhile, Yan Emperor Shennong summoned a massive silver sword and charged at Jeon Wook. When their weapons clashed directly, the two giants faced off, struggling against each other with their weapons at the center. Their strengths seemed evenly matched, but soon Shennong’s massive sword began to overpower Jeon Wook, forcing his weapon down to his shoulder level.

Crack….

Gaining the upper hand with ease, Shennong smirked.

[Even if it’s tough when you’re outnumbered, one-on-one, you’ll find it ends up like this, won’t it?]

Creeeak!

Jeon Wook tightened his grip on the chain of his weapon, lifting it slightly, retorting bluntly,

[Don’t get too cocky when the outcome isn’t clear yet.]

[Hahaha. I’m just repaying you for that earlier debt.]

Boom!!

Once again, Shennong and Jeon Wook swung their weapons, creating a storm of blue flames that filled the area.

“Ugh…!!”

Despite using the Fire Eye Golden Spirit to protect my vision and observe, all I could see was flashes and explosions! If this were in the real world, entire planets could have been obliterated already; I was in awe of the magnitude of this battle.

‘Damn…. I have to take down guys like them later!’

Is there really a way through martial prowess? Doubts flooded my mind, but I quickly pushed those thoughts aside to focus on watching. Right now, I felt like nothing more than a speck in this battlefield, yet if I timed my entry right, I could perhaps gain unexpected benefits.

And as I examined the situation, it became clear that the most critical battle was the duel between Fuxi and the Emperor. Jeon Wook and Shao Hao were rushing Fuxi, and it was precisely because Fuxi was the only one capable of contending with the Emperor that Nüwa and Shennong separated the two.

The fate of all lay in the showdown between Fuxi and the Emperor.

Grrrrr

As expected, Fuxi and the Emperor faced each other without moving an inch. The Emperor was gathering golden energy, preparing something, while Fuxi was also chanting incantations to counter.

‘Is this going to be a one-hit battle?’

Although it seemed like nothing was happening, both were already in a combat state. From my experience viewing countless life and death decisions, this kind of stand-off often resolves in an instant. A long wait renders the outcome swift and overwhelming. This is because each player has staked a lot in this encounter, leading to drastic results.

So it was clear what I needed to do.

Help Fuxi!

‘If Fuxi wins, I can live!’

If the Emperor and Fuxi were evenly matched, even a small assist from me could help Fuxi achieve a crushing victory. And even though Emperor Gong Sun Xuanwen would be my opponent, I could disrupt his concentration without hesitation. I began to contemplate how I could support Fuxi.

From experience, minor variables can significantly influence such battles, but be careful; sometimes, the one who interrupts ends up getting hurt. If too clumsily executed, I might end up dead like a bug, so I needed to figure out a decisive way to strike the Emperor.

Then it happened.

[Baek Woong. Don’t meddle.]

[What?!]

Fuxi unexpectedly conveyed these words to me. I was in disbelief and countered.

[What do you mean? If I do my best, even the Emperor cannot…!]

[That’s probably true. I know you possess that level of ability. But still, it’s not allowed.]

[Why not?]

Fuxi continued:

[I’ll explain simply. If this world is a lie as you say, that means I lost to the Emperor in the ‘real’ history. So, no matter how this battle ends, it’s ultimately meaningless, right?]

[…….]

[So even if I win this struggle for peace, it would be nothing more than self-soothing.]

With a harsh tone, Fuxi added:

[The reason I challenged the Emperor was for another gain. What you should gain now isn’t a self-soothing victory.]

[Then what is it I need to gain?]

[You must hide your existence to the end. And wait until the Emperor reveals his hidden cards!]

Fuxi urged me, adding:

[If your claims are true, my loss in the real world suggests there’s another reason for it. Until the Emperor reveals that variable, you must avoid drawing attention.]

[…Understood.]

[Win or lose, you must accept the outcome. That is the best course of action.]

I realized I had to follow Fuxi’s words. Temporary victory wouldn’t help in the grand scheme, so my strategy was to gain benefits as a reborn person! It was something I hadn’t anticipated.

‘Impressive.’

While I originally thought I just needed to win this moment by any means necessary, Fuxi was considering the entire situation, far surpassing my short-sighted thoughts. I had rarely encountered such an intelligent being.

Just then, the Emperor unexpectedly addressed Fuxi.

[Fuxi, what if you reconsider?]

His sudden remark before the clash was suspicious. Perhaps because of that, Fuxi didn’t respond and continued preparing the incantation, but the Emperor spoke again.

[If we fight like this, the Evil God will be the only one to profit. I may not be the one to trust, but we must avoid such wasteful combat.]

[Fuxi. Saying meaningless things when you’ve lost trust will only make it hurt for you!]

[Just moments ago you guessed that I know the truth of the apocalypse; that’s correct.]

The Emperor then delivered a shocking statement.

[The same applies to the Evil God.]

[What?]

Was it because of the unexpected nature of his words? For the first time, Fuxi showed a sign of disturbance after encountering him. This was the first time I had seen that expression from him. And the Emperor gradually continued.

[He and I are competitors. The difference is I focused on the board, while he focused on the procedure. We won’t know who will win until the end, but it is true there can only be one victor.]

[…….]

[From now on, I won’t hide anything anymore. Let’s return to square one.]

[What do you mean?]

[I’m saying I’ll reveal everything.]

The Emperor spread his arms boldly.

[If you stop this meaningless fight, I’ll reveal the truth of the apocalypse to all of you. And we can each become challengers to the apocalypse and stand against the Evil God.]

[Hmm….]

[Whoever ascends can compete separately afterwards. But since the Evil God is a formidable opponent, perhaps we should collaborat until we defeat him? It’ll just be a tough decision for me as it means more competitors.]

An unexpected proposal!

While Fuxi remained unchanged, I was internally panicking over their conversation.

‘If only I could find out that!’

I vaguely knew what happened after the apocalypse, but not why it happened. If the Emperor could clearly explain that, it would be a massive advantage!

‘Fuxi, please!’

I naturally thought Fuxi would agree to the Emperor’s proposal for my sake, but his following answer was surprising.

[I refuse.]

[Why? It doesn’t seem like a bad proposal.]

Fuxi scoffed.

[You didn’t mention the masks at all, did you? To discuss the truthfulness of that statement, you’d first need to remove the masks we were all wearing.]

[…….]

The Emperor had no response to Fuxi’s words. It was at that moment I had a moment of clarity.

‘Huh! Now that I think about it…’

When Fuxi acutely pointed out the vital element of the masks, the Emperor fell silent. So that meant this proposal could also be a deception? I felt like I was slapped awake from Fuxi’s cold criticism, having almost been lured by the Emperor’s suggestion.

The Emperor chuckled.

[Heh. What a pity. It’s a shame you’re my enemy.]

[Shut up and take this.]

Whoooom

A white pearl appeared in Fuxi’s mouth.

‘That’s the Five Elements Spirit Stone that was used earlier?!’

Could it be that it didn’t simply get consumed when the throne’s wall was breached, but rather was absorbed so Fuxi could manipulate it freely?

As I was in shock, Fuxi’s angered voice echoed.

[Return to the order of the Primordial!]

Soul of Pangu

Genesis

The pearl shone brightly. In an instant, it seemed a phantom of the giant Pangu arose behind Fuxi. Pangu’s hand gradually rose above the Emperor’s head, and the Emperor responded by raising his hand as if to refuse it. He muttered scornfully.

[As long as this world has an apocalypse, the outcome between chaos and order is predetermined…. It’s pointless!]

At the moment their hands collided, the Emperor’s body was enveloped in light.

Kuuuuuu…!!

“Ugh!”

I couldn’t see a thing!

I clenched my teeth, unable to discern whether it was a victory or a loss; it was miraculous that I was still alive. But I soon realized why.

Grrr

A massive barrier of Eight Trigrams encircled my body. It seemed Fuxi was ensuring I wouldn’t die. In the brilliance filling the space between heaven and earth, I had to rely solely on this barrier and endure, and I had no idea when this battle would end.

When would this end? Who’s winning exactly?

As I waited anxiously,

[Baek Woong.]

The voice I heard was not Fuxi’s, but Jeon Wook’s. I was surprised and responded to his words.

“Jeon Wook! What’s going on?”

[I’m going to lend you my power.]

What?

Fwoooom!!

Before I could react to his unexpected words, I felt a tremendous power seep into my body. It was divine power, but it was so perfectly refined that I could tell it was a different level compared to the residual divine energy left behind during normal summoning. I quickly realized the source of this divine energy and was shocked.

‘This is the power that exists within Jeon Wook’s true body!’

I didn’t know how much power he had transferred, but this was no mere generosity like a servant might show. Such pure divine energy could only be given if one of the Three Sovereigns was ready to risk losing his own strength.

In an instant, I gained immense power and was bewildered, but then Jeon Wook spoke again.

[The conclusion is near. Use that power to launch a surprise attack.]

Here it comes.

There had to be a reason for this level of power being granted.

I steeled myself and clenched my teeth.

“…I’m sorry. I can’t do that.”

[You can’t do it?]

“I can’t betray my master, Fuxi!”

[Oh? You’re getting bold for the borrowed strength, huh?]

“It’s not that! It’s a matter of loyalty! Please understand!”

Jeon Wook retorted coldly.

[Your words are different from earlier…. You’re a bat of a guy.]

“I-I’m sorry! But…!”

I thought with Fuxi’s barrier, I could somehow endure no matter what Jeon Wook planned to do! Cheating to align with Jeon Wook’s might would not be possible. I felt clarifying my stance was essential.

[…….]

Jeon Wook paused for a moment. Then he said,

[So be it…. That’s good. You mean it’s fine as long as it isn’t Fuxi.]

Huh?

What does that mean?

As soon as that phrase ended, the blinding light that filled the space vanished. With a little space to breathe in the battle between the Emperor and Fuxi, the image of the Heavenly Demon floating behind the Emperor had grown massively, and Fuxi’s pearl continued to radiate flames. The duel of these two colossal beings emanated overwhelming divine energy, and despite my own divine power, I felt like I was suffocating.

[Fuxi, impressive indeed. I didn’t expect you to fight this hard.]

[Don’t be so boastful.]

It seemed like they were evenly matched.

With a shattering motion, one corner of the universe broke, and the booming screams of chaos resounded.

Massive objects were sucked into the enormous hole in space, and clusters of stars shrunk, swirling like grains of sand.

“……!!”

They’re monsters.

With the incredible potential divine power I possessed combined with Jeon Wook’s strength, breathing became a struggle! This meant the current powers held by the Emperor and Fuxi had surpassed that of the Three Sovereigns by several times!

‘Please…. Fuxi must win against the Emperor!’

Fuxi had said that the outcome of this fight was meaningless, but it majorly impacted my survival odds. I wanted to take the easier path if possible!

As I desperately wished and watched,

Woooom!!

Suddenly, my wooden armor glimmered, and my hands moved instinctively, pulling out Xuyou and Huayo from inside the armor.

“Wait?!”

As I was confused by the actions occurring without my volition, Jeon Wook’s voice echoed in my mind.

[Those are some fine weapons. Especially, why does this sword hold my power within?]

“Jeon Wook!!”

By the causal law of the Apostle, Jeon Wook must have taken control of my body! I struggled desperately to resist his control, and for a brief moment, I managed to break free of his influence. But I wasn’t entirely successful, as I was inevitably forced to hold Xuyou and Huayo in both hands.

“Don’t do this! I have no intention of attacking Fuxi….”

[So it only isn’t Fuxi that you can target? How many times do I have to repeat myself?]

“Ummm….”

What are you trying to say?

After a moment, Jeon Wook spoke in a voice that seemed to delight in this situation.

[The base material isn’t shabby. Should I tweak it a bit?]

Kuguguguh!!

Chhaaaa

In an instant, Jeon Wook’s divine energy flowed into my upper body, and my physical abilities began to blossom. It was a release akin to unleashing the Great Destruction, accompanied by an intense sense of liberation as if Jeon Wook was forcefully pulling up all the myriad divine energies within me like stirring mud. I was overflowing with radiant light from the seven apertures of my body.

Kwahkawh!

With Xuyou and Huayo engulfed in potent divine energy, the energies condensed into small forms. The compressed energies compressed again and grew larger!

‘Jeon Wook is manipulating the divine energy!’

As I stood in disbelief, Shao Hao Jin Tian’s voice rang out.

[Jeon Wook. Don’t just play with him. He’s also my apostle.]

[If we both manipulate him, things will get complicated, Shao Hao.]

[Fine. I’ll have Baek Woong unleash destructive beams. If he spits them out too, that’d be amusing.]

[You really love your beams.]

Listening to their exchange, I stood there with my mouth agape.

“…….”

Do these guys think I’m just a toy?!

[Now, from this moment, you’re my sword. I’ll guide you, so give it all you’ve got.]

“Wait a moment….”

[Go!]

Tydaht

In an instant, Jeon Wook forced my body to leap forward, and I couldn’t resist the command. With Jeon Wook alone, I might’ve had a chance to counter, but with Shao Hao Jin Tian involved, I lost all control over my body.

I felt despair as I thought everything was over.

‘Ah! I’m about to ambush Fuxi…!!’

The thought of having to betray Fuxi left me gloomy, but then I realized my body had passed by Fuxi.

Pabababab!

Before I knew it, I was right by the Emperor, and the Xuyou and Huayo in my hands began to resonate strongly.

I felt Emperor Gong Sun Xuanwen’s dragon mask suddenly focus on me.

‘…Huh?’

Before I could register the oddity, the power within Xuyou and Huayo burst into flames, and I swung the sword with all my might.

What in the world is happening?!

[Kuhahahahaha!!]

Jeon Wook’s ecstatic laughter echoed in my mind.

[Baek Woong, kill the Emperor!]

Dual Luminary Resonance

It was the moment the first of the Seven Luminaries’ Divine Killing Techniques was unleashed.