1174——————==

Soul of the Evil God

I was about to descend to the last tenth floor with Sagong Lin. However, I needed to check on the two sprawled out on the floor, so I took a glance at Jeong Do-ryeong and Hong Gil-dong. Then, I decided to utilize my immense internal power for some qi healing.

Whooosh!

But soon, I frowned at the healing results.

‘Jeong Do-ryeong’s color is returning as I infuse him with internal power. As expected from a peerless master, he’s recovering on his own… But Hong Gil-dong’s soul is seriously weakened.’

If it was just a physical injury, it wouldn’t have mattered if Hong Gil-dong lost a limb or two. But that cursed tentacle monster summoned earlier hit his soul directly with a powerful sorcery command. Since Jeong Do-ryeong was in good physical and mental shape, he could resist that outburst. However, Hong Gil-dong, being a reborn person and having only half a soul from the Soul Exchange Technique, took a serious hit.

‘Damn it. I still have more to ask Hong Gil-dong.’

If I left it like this, Hong Gil-dong’s half-soul would be done for in no time. However, healing a soul was incredibly tricky, and I didn’t have any methods available. The Soul Exchange Technique itself had barely any healing capability.

When I mentioned my dilemma to Sagong Lin, she replied, “Take him to the Celestial Realm and ask the Heavenly Mysterious Woman of Nine Heavens for help. Her Corpse Dissolution Technique should do the trick.”

“Oh, good idea!”

Whoosh

I swiftly requested the Heavenly Mysterious Woman to restore Hong Gil-dong’s soul, and she accepted, as if it were a matter of course.

[To restore the soul, I will need to take care of it and use sorcery for 100 days.]

“Please do that.”

After entrusting Hong Gil-dong’s soul to the Heavenly Mysterious Woman, I returned to the Tomb of King Tang. By then, Jeong Do-ryeong had somewhat regained his senses and stood up, and we all headed towards the end of the tomb.

I walked along a path lined with dim torches, deep in an abyss-like darkness. Strangely, this place didn’t have the typical spiral staircase associated with the Otherworldly Realm and felt somewhat more human-like.

Step… Step…

‘Is this the end?’

At the path’s end lay a large altar stained in blood, with a cart sitting on top. Uniquely, a wooden statue of an immortal adorned the cart, with one hand outstretched, pointing in a direction.

“It’s the figure of the Compass of Guiding. Is that it?”

No doubt about it; it resembled the depiction of the Compass from the legends of the Takrok Battle. As I boldly strode towards the Compass, Sagong Lin called out.

“Baek Woong! Stop.”

“Huh?”

“There’s something there.”

Something there?

I quickly went into a defensive posture at those words. But as I felt nothing, I looked puzzled, and Sagong Lin said, “I have a bad feeling. It’s dangerous if you get any closer.”

“I can’t feel anything…”

“It’s not something of this material world. Try abandoning your qi sense and draw out divine power to detect it.”

Divine power?

Following her advice, I focused, raising my divine energy and closing my eyes. Soon, I felt a wave, as if a drop of water fell on a surface from a distant place.

Ting –

“……!!”

What is that?! This feels nothing like the superhuman sensation of a peerless master!

It was an alien sensation, as if an echo was flying from across the mountains, brushing against my body while something incredible loomed in the distance! It was an extraordinary feeling that defied explanation by human intuition.

As I stood there, stunned by the unfamiliar sensation, Sagong Lin calmly said, “Unlike me, you haven’t been handling divine power for long, so you’re still too accustomed to the laws of this world. Your divine perception allows you to feel dimensional waves directly because you’re touching rules far beyond ordinary qi.”

“Uh, that doesn’t really make sense….”

“Clear your mind and think of rising to the same level as that wave. It’s about matching wavelengths.”

Swoosh –

I tried to match the wavelengths as Sagong Lin suggested. I couldn’t quite grasp what it meant to rise to the same level, but I focused on not going against the wave.

Grrr…

After a moment, I realized the presence was manifesting in reality. The moment the waves collided, its form became crystal clear. Just as I was taken aback, ‘the being’ revealed itself before me and spoke.

[My name is Neith. Are you the new Wheel King?]

Neith?

The name was unfamiliar, but I could tell right away this was no ordinary being. It had a face with no features, like an egg person, its body emanating a gentle white light with starlight swirling around it. Though it appeared only as an avatar, the intense pressure it radiated was far greater than that of the tentacle monster.

In other words – this being is a god!

I had no idea where this entity suddenly popped up from, but since it didn’t make any aggressive moves, it seemed less hostile. I responded to Neith.

“Indeed. Have you appeared before me to block my path to the Compass?”

[No… That doesn’t matter to me anymore. After all, who cares? You’re just an emperor’s tool, after all.]

Neith replied dismissively and then continued.

[I simply came to see the reborn person I heard about. What a curious existence you are.]

“…”

[You possess divine power while maintaining your human essence…]

What the hell? Is everyone in the neighborhood aware that I’m a reborn person?

I stared wide-eyed at Neith, surprised.

“You’ve got to be kidding me! Are there others besides you who know I’m a reborn person?”

[At least everyone in the Divine Temple is aware.]

I jumped at Neith’s answer.

“The Divine Temple!! You’re one of the divine beings affiliated with the temple?”

[Yes.]

“You’re just like the Old Ruler or Ancient God, what do you want from siding with the Emperor?”

[I led the ultra-ancient civilization of Memphis… The Emperor and I decided to collaborate to revive my civilization after its demise.]

“…Hmm.”

Neith gave off an aura reminiscent of Guang Chengzi.

Simultaneously, seeing the way they freely divulged information, I figured they weren’t particularly hostile and examined them with a suspicious gaze.

“Really just came to observe, huh? You don’t have ulterior motives?”

[I have a proposal.]

“Ugh, figured as much…”

Gods seem to always want something in return for their interest!

I grumbled internally, but I had no choice but to focus and try and get something good out of this. Neith then said,

[While observing your journey covertly in the Divine Temple, I learned you obtained the divine body hidden within the Guardian of the Moon Sovereign.]

“Seriously?”

[That’s the item I need. If you wouldn’t mind, can you hand it over to me? In exchange, I’ll grant you one of my offspring to use as a subordinate. My offspring are fairly capable divine beings.]

“……”

What are you even saying? I looked at Sagong Lin beside me for guidance. She responded, “Baek Woong. She’s referring to the obsidian. The one you gained after subduing the Guardian of the Moon…”

“……Ah!!”

Finally, I understood what Neith was suggesting. But at the same time, I remembered the fate of the obsidian, and with an apologetic expression, I told Neith.

“Sorry, but I offered it to Master Mangnyang.”

Neith flinched, clearly shocked.

[……!! Really?]

“I can’t give it even if I want to. So please leave.”

Neith wore an expression of disbelief.

[Was that why you sought the blessing of such a cosmic entity…? Even so, to simply offer it… Such a waste. Are you truly an embodiment of detachment?]

“……?”

[Sorry for the trouble. Then I shall take my leave….]

“Wait, hold on, what does that mean….”

Whoosh!

In an instant, Neith’s divine presence and aura vanished. A faint wave, only perceivable to divine beings, reverberated behind. As Sagong Lin stated, I could now catch glimpses of elusive divine entities, but that realization didn’t bring me joy. Because Neith had left behind some unsettling words.

“Damn it…!! The divine body obsidian! What the hell! Am I really an embodiment of detachment?!”

Ah…. was it something really valuable?!

“Ugh… Damn it….”

As I stomped my feet in regret, Sagong Lin said, “Baek Woong. It’s not something you can reclaim from Master Mangnyang, so it’s best to forget about it quickly. We have things we need to do…”

“Y-Yeah.”

With a rather bitter expression, I approached the Compass and reached for the cart. As I lifted it, the weight felt as light as a piece of paper. It was just enough to carry one person, yet felt as light as a feather.

“It doesn’t look like much. How do I use it?”

“I think it would be best to ask the Heavenly Mysterious Woman how the Compass was utilized. She participated directly in the battlefield where it was deployed.”

“Oh, good point.”

“Then I need to go handle state affairs for the Empire. I hope for a good outcome for you.”

“Thanks. Sorry for dragging you into this out of the blue.”

Whoosh

After dropping Jeong Do-ryeong off at the Imperial Palace of the Great Bear Empire, I parted ways with Sagong Lin. I then went to the Heavenly Mysterious Woman of the Celestial Realm with the Compass. Upon seeing it, she remarked,

[Indeed, I remember during the Takrok Battle, the Emperor had Qi Bai Chen direct the Compass towards Chi You.]

I was intrigued by the Heavenly Mysterious Woman’s words.

“So, you’re saying that operating the Compass involves getting on it and pointing the immortal’s finger at the enemy?”

[That’s correct. I believe so.]

“I want to try it, but is there anyone to test it on? I need someone of merit for a trial and don’t want to act rashly.”

[Perhaps the Four Fierce Beasts imprisoned in the Celestial Realm after the Murungdo was released would be a suitable target.]

“That’s a great idea.”

I then commanded the Celestial Officers.

“Bring all the Four Fierce Beasts to the Jade Emperor’s throne.”

[As you command.]

The officers bustled about, and soon, a few celestial officers flew in. Alongside them were the Great Immortal and several others, bringing the Four Fierce Beasts. They had already been subdued, but caution was necessary since they were chaotic beasts existing since ancient times.

Among the Four Fierce Beasts, Qiongqi growled at me.

[Jade Emperor! Do you intend to kill us?]

“I might or might not. Do you really think you lot, who’ve slaughtered countless humans, immortals, and monsters for ages, deserve any mercy?”

[Grrr… The previous Jade Emperor locked us up, warning us that our power might be needed someday. Are you now turning against that?]

Are they talking about Yu Shun?

‘Looks like the Three Sovereigns, especially Yu Shun, was plotting something. They probably planned to use the Four Fierce Beasts in the event of a crisis…’

When I thought about it, there weren’t many who could be used for dirty work like the Four Fierce Beasts. Well, Yu Shun was long gone, so it wasn’t a big deal. I shook my head and spoke to Qiongqi.

“Shut your mouth and stand there.”

[What are you planning to do….]

“Compass!! Go!”

I climbed atop the Compass and pointed the immortal statue’s finger toward the Four Fierce Beasts.

But nothing happened!

“……”

[…….]

What the hell? I scratched my head awkwardly as everyone stared at me, glancing sideways at Qiongqi.

“Hey, doing anything strange, like feeling dizzy, or like your insides are about to burst?”

[Shut up…]

“If you’re feeling unwell, just say so.”

[I’m not your patient!]

I grumbled internally, but no matter how I used the Compass, it refused to activate. The Four Fierce Beasts seemed entirely unfazed, raising my suspicions.

‘What’s going on? This was supposed to be a trump card designed to engage a powerful god like Chi You. Why isn’t it having any effect on the Four Fierce Beasts? Is it not meant to trigger against weaker foes?’

But the Four Fierce Beasts were more than strong enough in the earthly realm!

As I was perplexed, a Celestial Officer suggested, [Your Majesty, it would be wise to summon the highest-ranking Celestial Masters of the Golden Summit. Have them study the workings of the Compass.]

“Yeah. Call them right away.”

When the Golden Summit Masters gathered, I showed them the Compass and asked how to use it. They appeared quite fascinated.

Then, the Burning Lamp Taoist spoke up.

[Jade Emperor! From what I can see, this Compass does not appear to be a treasure.]

“Why?”

[It lacks the concepts engraved that would typically define a treasure. It was not originally crafted to serve as one.]

The Burning Lamp Taoist was the most knowledgeable regarding treasures in the Celestial Realm. Being a treasure expert, he could handle up to 33 treasures simultaneously—a true artisan in his own right. With his opinion, I had to take it seriously and asked, “If it’s not a treasure, what is it?”

[…I have something I wish to test. Would you indulge me?]

“Sure.”

[Bring me those who have taken on the form of abominations.]

It sounded as if he was referring to those who had transformed into some eerie creatures from another realm.

“Got it. Bring them here.”

I commanded my officers to have Celestial Officers capture about ten of the abomination-class beings. They moved swiftly and soon returned with the abominations bound.

The abominations looked utterly aggrieved as they unleashed their cries.

[Jade Emperor! Are you persecuting us because we appear strange? We only adopted this shape because we moved further away from human realms!]

Glancing at the Burning Lamp Taoist, he climbed atop the Compass. Pointing it at the abominations, he stated,

[Abominations. We will determine whether you retain the essence of Celestial beings with this.]

Moments later, a shocking scene unfolded.

Sizzle!!

Shshshh

[Ku, Kuaaaaaak.]

[Aaaaah….]

The abominations suddenly began to melt completely. They writhed in agony as if they were snails hitting salt, unable to offer even the slightest resistance against the sorcery.

“……!!”

W-What on earth is that?

In an instant, the Burning Lamp Taoist eradicated more than a dozen abominations with the Compass, then aimed it toward the crowd of gathered Golden Summit Masters, then pointed it directly at me.

“……”

No event transpired, but it felt awful knowing he was aiming it at me, causing me to grimace.

[Jade Emperor! Do you now understand the Compass’s effects?]

“What’s it supposed to do?”

While the Burning Lamp Taoist continued, I couldn’t help but be surprised.

[It appears to be a weapon capable of obliterating or manipulating beings that possess cosmic power.]