1118——————==

Soul of the Evil God

I pressed for Taishang Laojun’s response.

“Please give me an answer!”

Taishang Laojun spoke.

“What does memory mean?”

“It means precisely what it says. This world is the land and earth diagram within a Divine Treasure, and Master Mangnyang is the place where memories are sealed. But there’s no guarantee that these memories belong to Master Mangnyang.”

“…”

As Taishang Laojun fell silent, I continued.

“Fuxi asked me to find the ‘Observer.’ Excluding Nüwa, Fuxi, and the Thunder God described in the land and earth diagram… a third figure who observed their battle. I thought it had to be none other than Master Mangnyang but then I realized there were others present.”

“Us?”

“Exactly. Weren’t you already in the thick of the fight with the Thunder God? You, the Primordial Heaven Master, and Taishang Laojun could also be considered observers of that event.”

“Hmm… interesting.”

Taishang Laojun stroked his chin and said.

“If we assume that this world is merely a memory sealed within one Divine Treasure, and let’s say your words are true. Then couldn’t the observer be Primordial Heaven Master instead of me?”

“Yes. That’s the problem… actually…”

I spoke slowly.

“I come from the ‘outside,’ and during my adventures there, I heard you named Master Mangnyang.”

“I named the God known as Master Mangnyang?”

“Yes. You may not realize it now, but Cheon Woo-jin definitely said so.”

I was certain I had heard this from Cheon Woo-jin in the past. It was during a discussion about Master Mangnyang’s memory loss, and I remember it clearly.

[Before that, I want to figure out my master’s identity. Becoming a god is merely a means to that end.]

[Master has once spoken to me and my elder brother. He said he was suffering from memory loss.]

[Master said he could not recall his origin. The earliest memory he holds is of meeting the Jade Emperor and conversing with him. Yet even the Jade Emperor did not know of Master’s true identity, where he came from, or what he was. Instead, the Jade Emperor persuaded Master to take on the position of guardian of Taoism, and since then he has been living on Earth.]

[But Master Mangnyang is now called Master Mangnyang. Thus, doesn’t that mean a name exists?]

[That name, Mangnyang, was temporarily given by Taishang Laojun. The title of the Master of the Borderlands, I do not know why it is called that, but perhaps it is something the Jade Emperor sensed from him, who holds the greatest power in the Celestial Realm. Thus, it could merely be a nickname, not a true name.]

Indeed.

The name of Master Mangnyang, Mangnyang, was given by the Taoist Three Sovereigns, Taishang Laojun!

Perhaps the title Master of the Borderlands was inspired by the name Mangnyang given by the Jade Emperor. As I recalled that memory, I continued speaking.

“For a god, a ‘name’ holds tremendous significance. Furthermore, Taishang Laojun, who gave the name Mangnyang to Master Mangnyang, must have known something about it. Naturally, he would be closely related.”

“That alone seems a weak basis.”

When Taishang Laojun casually countered, I flinched awkwardly. Honestly, I wasn’t entirely convinced by what I was saying.

“A-and another thing. If we assume these memories belong to Master Mangnyang, then it becomes problematic that he doesn’t exist in this age. Master Mangnyang fell from heaven to earth several thousand years later, during the Era of Great Yu. Is it strange to have memories of a time that didn’t even exist?”

“…”

“Lastly… Taishang Laojun, your face appears too vague to me. That haziness is suspicious!”

In truth, that last point was the most crucial. Upon my statement, Taishang Laojun tilted his head.

“Vague? What do you mean?”

“Well… At first, I could see you clearly, but now I greatly struggle to see your features, nose, and ears. Maybe it’s just my eyes, but it’s definitely the case.”

“Your eyesight might have failed you.”

I shook my head vehemently.

“I possess the Fire Eye Golden Spirit of the Celestial Sage. That shouldn’t be the issue. I initially thought that you were using some defensive techniques to protect yourself, but the closer I look, the less that seems plausible.”

“…Hmm.”

“You are the master of these memories!”

How about that!

As I confidently pointed my finger at Taishang Laojun, he crossed his arms. Then, he suddenly said.

“You’re really piecing things together, huh? In conclusion, saying that my hazy face is suspicious leads you to TRY to apply logic. How logical could that be, especially when you’ve concluded based on a suspect? Anyone could deduce that. Even a country bumpkin could interrogate just like you.”

“…”

Taishang Laojun shook his head.

“In fact, your reasoning is weak, with over 70% being mere assumptions and doubts. Whether Master Mangnyang exists in this world is still uncertain. Is it not based on searching the entire planet to gain certainty?”

“Ugh…!!”

“If I were not the culprit from the start, what was your plan? Were you just planning to knock me out and escape this world? If that’s the case, you should not have confronted me head-on but rather performed a surprise attack. After all, you and I are on completely different planes of power. If we fought directly, you’d never win, even if you beat me to death.”

“Um… that’s…”

It really would be. No matter how much I utilize the strength of the Sword God through Xuyou and Huayou, I have no confidence in defeating the supreme Taoist masters, the Three Sovereigns, in a one-on-one battle. Even using the Great Destruction would still end poorly if caught by the Tai Chi. I barely escaped before at the cost of Heuk Woong’s sacrifice; if I were caught this time, I wouldn’t survive.

“You are terribly impulsive. Simple-minded yet sharp and earnest.”

I had no rebuttal. Standing there dazed as Taishang Laojun pointed out my weakness with precision, he seemed to smirk.

“But that’s the truth.”

Huh?!

Woosh!!

In the next moment, the surrounding scenery transformed completely into a pitch-black cosmic vista. The figure of Taishang Laojun in front of me gradually shifted, becoming the ethereal, aged figure of the transcendent who had left a message on the Ruyi Staff. Just like then, the hazy contours of his face became completely invisible, becoming a featureless visage.

From behind Taishang Laojun’s featureless visage, I felt a faint halo glowing. He spoke in an otherworldly voice.

[I’ve been watching you the whole time, Reborn Person.]

I trembled and replied.

“Taishang Laojun! So, you really are the observer?”

[…….]

Taishang Laojun didn’t answer and instead glanced at the Primordial Heaven Master who was watching nearby.

‘Huh? Now that I think about it…’

If it were the Primordial Heaven Master, he would likely react to this shocking situation, yet he was completely unfazed. Upon closer inspection, he stood as if time had stopped, frozen in that expression. As I looked at the still Primordial Heaven Master, Taishang Laojun said.

[Did you say Baek Woong? You called me Taishang Laojun, but that description is incorrect. I am merely an ‘Observer.’ ]

“Pardon? What do you mean?”

[The true Taishang Laojun must have faced consequences in the real world. What I mean to say is that I am separate from those results. I merely exist as the subject observing the memories, not as Taishang Laojun. However, I do possess Taishang Laojun’s power and memories.]

“……?”

[The reason my face appears vague… is likely due to the characteristics of the observer. I cannot observe myself, as I am the subject of the memory. Thus, the reason your view of Taishang Laojun’s face was hazy in the past is also influenced by Master Mangnyang’s power.]

What the heck does that mean?

As I wore a confused expression, Taishang Laojun continued.

[If you’re confused, just call me Taishang Laojun. It would be easier for us both.]

“Ah… okay… But why is the Primordial Heaven Master frozen?”

[That’s a privilege of the ‘Observer.’ I have the right to halt the progression of this world. It’s not the concept of stopping time but merely reverting it to its original 2D ‘picture’ state. Think of it as pausing the playback of a memory.]

“Were you worried the Primordial Heaven Master would respond differently?”

[For the same reason you considered the Primordial Heaven Master. The only one who could remain composed upon realizing that he is nothing but an illusion is probably Fuxi. No matter how often we call ourselves the Three Sovereigns of the Celestial Realm, it’s not something we can easily accept.]

“Hmm…”

[I honestly thought it over.]

“What were you considering?”

At Taishang Laojun’s subsequent words, I was shocked.

[Just because you figured out I am the observer doesn’t mean I need to reveal my identity to you or halt the world’s progression. This is merely a sealed memory world, and Master Mangnyang has imposed no obligations on me. So it would be more comfortable for me to just ignore it.]

“……!!”

[From what I’ve observed, you seem genuinely dull-witted, so I thought it might be fine not revealing anything… No matter how long you dwell in this world, it might be best to refrain from interjecting.]

“W-what is that supposed to mean…?”

[However, your desperate efforts to think and rely on instinct and memory and find me is commendable. That’s why I decided to converse with you.]

“……”

Oh come on, either compliment me or insult me, just pick one!

As I secretly grumbled, Taishang Laojun asked.

[Baek Woong. Is your desire to leave this world?]

I almost immediately chimed in with a ‘yes.’

However, I realized from Taishang Laojun’s expression that this was not the case.

‘Taishang Laojun is the type who would kick me out without hesitation. He’ll expel me the moment my sentence finishes!’

I swallowed hard.

‘Then immediately asking to leave is a bad move!’

I may not have another chance to come back to the land and earth diagram. If there’s a chance to entangle further, I should gather information about this place as much as possible! I cautiously said.

“Could you answer a few questions for me?”

[As I said, I don’t have to answer those questions. I am just the observer of this memory and the one who maintains it.]

After saying this, Taishang Laojun continued after a moment.

[But since I have no obligation, it’s my freedom to answer. Ask away.]

I composurely inquired my doubts.

“…Is this world truly an illusion and fake? But even so, the powers I saw, like those of the Thunder God and Fuxi, were real…”

That’s the biggest question. Just dismissing this place as a memory world would be easy, but the powers and authority of the divine beings I encountered here were undeniably real. Even the liberated Seven Luminaries retained their liberated state. Is it possible to create such a vivid experience simply by constructing a fake world?

Then, Taishang Laojun replied.

[Do you think this world can simply be categorized as real or fake? This world is the memory-sealed domain of Master Mangnyang, so you cannot definitively say it is a false world. Yeah, Master Mangnyang was involved, after all…]

I was momentarily dumbfounded and responded.

“……? What do you mean? Your earlier statement contradicts this one. Nonetheless, this isn’t the actual world, is it?”

[Then let me ask. What basis do you have for considering this world as real?]

…

What a philosophical and complex question. I struggled to reply and merely mumbled.

“Well… because it’s real, it’s real…”

[You think distinguishing between external and internal is as simple as your thoughts? Reborn Person, the word ‘real’ is much more nebulous than you think.]

“……”

[The way is inherently nameless (道常無名) and existed even before names were made.]

What is that supposed to mean?

[As you said, the powers of Fuxi and the other Three Sovereigns in this world are materialized just like reality. Life and soul also exist. If you live in this world, history will unfold as if it were reality, and both death and life clearly exist.]

Taishang Laojun continued.

[Do you hold the right to deny this world simply because you came from the ‘outside’? This world would continue indefinitely in repetition unless you intervene. Still, it’s also true that it possesses continuity with a sense of reality.]

I responded incredulously to Taishang Laojun.

“…That’s sheer nonsense. A ‘real world’ undeniably exists, so what does it matter…?”

[It is not nonsense. Nobody can definitively state what ‘real’ means. Because reality is constantly changing even now. Hence the existence of infinite universes.]

“……?”

[The reason the manager of this world is the ‘Observer’ aligns with this contemplation. Observation and perception itself affect the Way (道) and nature (自然).]

Having said that, Taishang Laojun seemed to be staring straight at me.

[You jumped into the surface of memory and intended to make a significant impact, yet even without directly diving in, simply observing would cause a massive change in the world’s causality. This is why neither mortals nor immortals can easily manipulate causality.]

“Uh…um. It’s too deep; I can’t quite wrap my mind around it. So is this world real or not?”

[If you believe it’s real, it will be real. However, neither you nor I hold that right, so let us define it as infinitely close to being real rather than false.]

“…….”

[Consider that this world may indeed become real.]

I’m going crazy. What on earth is he talking about? I got so frustrated trying to grasp Taishang Laojun’s words that I could only sigh.

“Ha, fine. Still, you are Taishang Laojun, right?”

[At least in this world.]

“Ah, so whether it’s real or not…”

[The one who can decide that is someone else.]

I figured there wouldn’t be much point in trying to push for more clarity on the nature of reality if I’d only continue to get similar responses.

‘What’s the point of even debating? Real or fake, as long as I get what I want, that’s all that matters!’

Realizing that any questions were pointless, I decided to pivot to a more crucial inquiry.

“Why did Master Mangnyang lie? When he gave Cheon Woo-jin the land and earth diagram, he said it was Nüwa’s memory. Yet, the truth is, it was your memory…”

[Ask him about that later. The only thing I can share is one detail.]

“What is it?”

[The reason this memory is sealed is because of the Thunder God. That much is certain.]

I was taken aback by this unexpected revelation.

“Because of the Thunder God? Up until now, that bastard hasn’t shown his face at all…”

[That’s because this world has been observed in a way that aligns with your desires.]

“What do you mean?”

[I haven’t involved myself, but from the moment you dove into this world, you became the most potent observer. Naturally, all events in this world would flow centered around you. Didn’t you feel that atmosphere?]

“…It certainly felt that way.”

[However, the starting point of this memory is the Thunder God, and the incident where he clashed with Nüwa and Fuxi was historically significant.]

“Why is it significant?”

[In this world, while you became involved in the battle with the Thunder God, it led to Fuxi unwittingly taking you as his disciple, creating a ripple in causality. Yet, the actual history diverged heavily from this, resulting in an unexpected outcome and a series of chaotic events. Taishang Laojun felt a pressing need to preserve that memory, so I understand he collaborated with Master Mangnyang afterwards. Beyond that, I suggest asking Master Mangnyang.]

“Looks like Taishang Laojun really teamed up with Master Mangnyang!”

Feeling like my speculation had somewhat hit the mark, I cheered, to which Taishang Laojun responded with a hint of skepticism.

[Well… At any rate, the notion of Nüwa’s memory is not entirely a lie. The memory of Taishang Laojun alone has its limits, so it did involve Nüwa’s help as well.]

“You mean that both of their memories are reflected together?”

[Correct. There’s no need for multiple managers; I exist merely as an observer.]

With that said, I could hardly claim it was a lie.

‘This land and earth diagram is an artifact and a memory-sealing space created in collaboration by Master Mangnyang, Nüwa, and Taishang Laojun…’

However, Taishang Laojun seemed unable to discuss ‘why’ this space was created. The one who could likely explain that would be Master Mangnyang, who genuinely took part in crafting this artifact. But, as Master Mangnyang stated, he couldn’t assist me in this life, which meant I wouldn’t have the opportunity to question him.

I continued to probe with my queries.

“What’s the deal with the power of ‘Coming Chaos’? Does that overwhelming strength that wiped out the Three Sovereigns really exist?”

If such a terrifying entity really exists as an adversary, that’d be pure despair. How am I supposed to defeat a beast even the Three Sovereigns couldn’t conquer?

Half-resigned, I asked this, but the response was unexpected.

[I don’t know.]

“What do you mean you don’t know? Neither Nüwa nor Taishang Laojun directly witnessed it?”

[Correct.]

“……?!”

What the hell is this nonsense?!

I exclaimed in disbelief again.

“How is that possible?! If this is a world of memories, it should certainly reflect the experiences recognized!”

[Not necessarily. The memories of Nüwa and I form the backbone of this world; yet Master Mangnyang also holds significant shares. As far as I know, what Taishang Laojun witnessed regarding the power of ‘Coming Chaos’ was the awakening of Hong Gyun Do-in, or rather, Spirit Treasure Heaven Master, but even that wasn’t as overwhelming as you saw.]

“Then Nüwa must have witnessed it, right?”

[That’s uncertain, but ‘Coming Chaos’ has never displayed any strength in this world of memories. Although countless variables existed, ‘Coming Chaos’ only focused on schemes and subterfuge. That event was something even I had never seen as an observer.]

“…….”

[Perhaps… your subconscious provided some unexpected clues within that dream. A being who might have truly seen ‘that’ offered you a hint. You might be formidable for creating a scenario where the Three Sovereigns simultaneously challenged the Emperor.]

A dream? Subconscious?

As I struggled to comprehend these unfamiliar terms, Taishang Laojun asked.

[Do you have any further questions?]

“Speaking of which, I remember hearing that Taishang Laojun died after being attacked by Hong Gyun Do-in. It seems the Primordial Heaven Master also fell to Hong Gyun Do-in, but isn’t that Spirit Treasure Heaven Master?”

[That’s right.]

“I didn’t think Spirit Treasure Heaven Master was that strong, yet he eliminated two of the Three Sovereigns. What the hell happened?”

[I’m not sure, but perhaps it was a transformation induced by the ‘Coming Chaos’ mask. Taishang Laojun likely didn’t know the detailed circumstances until his vanishing, but as an observer in this world, I can confidently state that.]

“A mask? So if one awakens it, they transform into ‘Coming Chaos’?”

[…….]

Taishang Laojun seemed reluctant to address that subject. Picking up on his hesitation, I pivoted and asked another question.

“Why did you grant a name to Master Mangnyang?”

[Because he asked me to do so first.]

“Pardon? Master Mangnyang did?”

[Yes. The first one to discover Master Mangnyang after he fell from the heavens was none other than Taishang Laojun, and upon discovering him, Master Mangnyang requested a name.]

So that cat actually asked Taishang Laojun first?

It felt like vital information, but I still didn’t understand its significance. Ultimately, I felt like I hadn’t really gained anything worthwhile, leading me to grumble.

“To be honest, it seems you haven’t taught me anything important. Why the stinginess?”

As I complained, Taishang Laojun retorted.

[By teaching you something, there’s a risk it could disrupt the maintenance of this world. I have no obligation to inform you. Yet, it’d be nice to feel gratitude for my willingness to provide answers.]

When Taishang Laojun’s tone turned colder, I flinched and scratched my head sheepishly.

“Oh, well, it’s just how it is… Anyway, thank you. Now, please let me go.”

[Very well.]

Taishang Laojun raised his hand and extended it towards me. Slowly gathering mystical energy in his palm, he spoke.

[I can’t ascertain what effects the bonds formed here will have, but I do wish for you to seek the truth…]

In that moment.

Crack!!

Suddenly, Taishang Laojun’s whole being tore apart!

“Gah?!”

I felt his body burst into pieces and scatter while ‘something’ murky and dark extended in all directions, and I simultaneously became aware that an aura of nightmarish energy filled the space between heaven and earth.

Rumbling…

A foreboding sensation engulfed me. I sensed the air of this space was steeped in dreadful malice. Staying here for even a minute longer would certainly increase my likelihood of a horrendous death.

‘Shit! I need to escape….’

I tried to flee swiftly, but chaos spread too quickly, leaving me no path to evade. In an instant, I became engulfed in the dark chaos, and all light faded, making me feel as if I had plunged beneath the sea.

Gurgle

Strength drained from my body. I attempted to pull out my divine powers to escape, but it wouldn’t work. No, rather, I felt chaos rapidly consuming the divine powers within me.

Swish swish swish

I felt the massive chunks of divine energy, which had been piled up so mightily, being sucked away at a frightening speed. The first to be devoured were the energies granted by Jeon Wook and Shao Hao, and I sensed I would die once this energy was entirely consumed.

“……!!”

What in the world is happening…!!

A dark force devouring my divine energy!?

Am I going to die like this?!

‘Damn it!! If I die, everything will be lost! No way!’

Desperately, I racked my brain for a solution. I tried to exert the intent of the Absolute Realm, but it seemed ineffective against this darkness, and no matter how I swung my sword, it yielded no response. In that moment, I was engulfed in terror, feeling utterly helpless.

Strength weakens.

‘Ah… no….’

Gurgle

Like tentacles, something from the void gathered together with the darkness, slithering toward me. Moments later, the tentacles appeared to be reaching out to me.

[Where did my mask go…?]

“……!!”

What is this? It feels strangely familiar.

I definitely met ‘this thing’ before.

Yes, it was undoubtedly when I wandered into the outer universe and encountered Dharma Master, just as everything was heading for its end, when I took the body of the Divine Thief…

As I connected those thoughts, I instinctively reached out my hand.

Technique of All Things

Imagining that the tentacle held the [mask], I instantly tried to steal it. If I am correct about its identity, something will react when I snatch the mask. The moment the Technique of All Things initiated and touched the tentacle, I felt my hand grasp ‘something’ with a pop.

Crash!

As I caught the mask, the darkness, which had clung to me like mud, started to fall away. The viscous darkness withdrew all at once and scattered in every direction.

‘Alright! This is it!’

Just as I pulled the mask out like freeing it from water, I was shocked by the subsequent sight.

Splash splash splash splash

“W-what?! The mask is infinite…”

Tugging the mask summoned an uncountable number of masks that clung onto it, similar to a centipede. Amazed by that grotesque and fearsome sight, I oddly felt at ease. Any ordinary human would likely go mad, but all I felt was irritation.

‘This bastard!’

If there are infinite numbers, I should have been unable to steal it!

‘Now that I’ve grabbed the mask, my body moves with certainty! Then….’

Splash

Using the Technique of All Things, I attempted to cut away the space I occupy to steal it. As I pulled away the space I was in, the connection to the mask naturally severed, and I swiftly shot backward. As the masks flew off with a swishing sound, I clenched my teeth and sharpened my gaze.

“Yah! Light Beam!!”

Boom!

A destructive beam shot from my eyes, demolishing the clumps of masks. I felt I could finally take a breather, and I realized that the divine energies that had been siphoned away moments before were now no longer leaking. I gripped Xuyou and Huayou tightly, igniting the fire of battle within me.

“Alright, let’s do this!”

Now that things have reached this point, there’s no hiding, I’ll fight to the end!

Rumbling…

Roar!

“……”

However, soon the omnipresent chaos expanded massively, growing to the point where it swallowed every universe in sight, rendering me speechless. The scales of a creature that dwarf even Fuxi appeared akin to a baby dragon, creating a profound sense of insignificance that made it impossible to even engage in combat. It felt as though all the martial arts I had mastered drifted breathlessly from my mind.

‘Ah… no way….’

I felt despair wash over me.

[Daydreams lasted far too long.]

Woosh

I heard a voice and perceived the surrounding landscape blurring as it began to dissolve into a dreamlike state.

Roar

The endlessly vast darkness roared as if emitting a scream, swinging its limbs in every direction, and even this darkness seemed to fade away like a dream. It continuously shrunk until it became specks of dust before vanishing in the cosmos of countless starlight.

Woosh

An unimaginable number of starlights twinkled in the vastness above. I sensed that these lights symbolized something significant, yet in the next moment, I felt my entire being get pulled into one of the stars.

Bang!

Pathway….

I found myself lying on a pathway.

“Gah, gah…”

But since I had been drained by the overpowering darkness, my breath quickened, leaving me unable to think of anything else. I had pulled everything out, but I had reached the limit. Lying half-conscious in the middle of the pathway, I heard a familiar voice.

[So you finally got involved. You’re quite a nuisance, peeking into someone else’s dream.]

I spotted a familiar black cat sitting across from me, and knowing the identity of the cat made it difficult for me to speak.

“Master Mangnyang…”

[No matter how many seals I placed on this dream, the divine power responds to the lock. If it weren’t the end of days, I wouldn’t have allowed you to enter the inner sanctum of the land and earth diagram.]

Master Mangnyang clearly knew something.

The truth of that sealed memory crafted by Nüwa, Taishang Laojun, and Master Mangnyang.

‘Ugh… damn….’

I tried desperately to push out a question to Master Mangnyang, but my mouth wouldn’t move. I was so drained of energy that it seemed odd I hadn’t passed out yet. As I just looked up at Master Mangnyang, the black cat started gradually walking toward me.

When I squinted at him in protest, it was as if Master Mangnyang read my mind and said.

[It would be better to forget. [_That being_] can even creep into the terminals of dreams, and that dream has already become contaminated. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to make use of those memories again.]

“……?”

[We must fully close the door so his mask cannot escape.]

What does that mean?

Could it be that the darkness I just encountered…

Having walked softly, Master Mangnyang stopped.

Finally, he lifted a paw and slowly closed my eyelids.

[Forget. It was merely a fleeting dream.]

Bang!!

When I regained consciousness, I found myself face down on the ground. I also felt that the fatigue that had once weighed me down like mud had vanished completely.

Also, I could see the shocked face of Cheon Woo-jin. Cheon Woo-jin spoke.

“…What on earth did you do in there?”

“Huh?”

After a moment, Cheon Woo-jin brandished the land and earth diagram in front of me, shouting frantically.

“It says ‘废’ (waste) emblazoned on it!! What the hell did you do?!”

As he said, the scenery of the land and earth diagram had vanished entirely, replaced instead by the elegant characters writing ‘废’ at its center.

“…….”

Master Mangnyang had eternally sealed the land and earth diagram.