1176——————==

Soul of the Evil God

After wrapping up my business with the prophet, I returned to the Imperial Palace. Then Zhuge Liang chimed in.

“Well, the conclusion is that we’ve got the Compass of Guiding, but we still haven’t found the remaining body parts of Chi You. Jeogok simply sealed the Compass on Mount Yeongju and nothing else.”

“Hmm… So what should we do now?”

“First, it’ll take some time for your subordinates to gather information related to Chi You. In the meantime, you should focus on training.”

“Training?”

“You have plenty to choose from, like the Immortal Sword Technique or the Nine Chambers of Thunder Technique.”

“True… But thinking about how little time we have until the end makes me anxious.”

Zhuge Liang glanced at my face and said, “Don’t be impatient. Given you are a Reborn Person, it’s normal to think you have everything under control. The fact that there’s a next chance to challenge means you can act more rationally than anyone else.”

“Mm.”

“And even if you want to stay idle, something will happen soon. It’s like the calm before a storm.”

“Are you sure?”

Though I was skeptical of Zhuge Liang’s words, I decided to follow his advice for now.

Crack!

I returned to the Divine Temple where Asura resided. Since Asura had already come back from the Great Bear Empire’s Imperial Palace, I relayed the events to him. Asura, sitting on a rock, said, “Baek Woong, I have a favor to ask.”

“Sure?”

“Bring Zhu Xian and Lee Seol-pyo to me. I will train them for the remaining time.”

I was slightly surprised by Asura’s request. “Why them?”

“They seem to have the potential to reach the level I desire. If there’s potential, I want to nurture even one more until the end.”

“…I hate to say this, but does that even matter?”

“What do you mean?”

I cautiously replied to Asura. “The power of a Martial Artist has weakened too much to contend with the end. There’s no doubt the masters of the Absolute Realm, including you, Jang Sam-bong, and Yeodong-bin, are unable to stand against the Old Rulers. Yet, in these final days, it wouldn’t be shocking if hundreds of Old Rulers emerged…”

“And so?”

“It’d be more beneficial to train alongside those who can use Divine Skills…”

Asura calmly retorted, “No? I don’t think like that at all. I believe in nurturing Martial Artists purely for efficiency. I hope to gain something while teaching them.”

“But the likelihood of reaching Divine Realm skills…”

“Stop it. Don’t you realize Divine Skills aren’t tools to achieve your desired goal?”

“……”

“It seems that you’ve lost some capacity for understanding the essence from gaining inappropriate power through connections. I don’t want to argue with you at your current state.”

From Asura’s sharp words, I sensed he was a bit angry. I stammered, “Asura.”

“Quit the chatter and comply with my request. Regardless of what you say, I will walk my own path.”

“…Fine.”

I couldn’t shake off the feeling that my conversation with Asura was off. Reluctantly, I nodded and left the room.

Crack!

I sought out Cheon Woo-jin and asked him to track down Zhu Xian and Lee Seol-pyo. Cheon Woo-jin promptly provided the answer in just one second.

[Zhu Xian and Lee Seol-pyo are currently participating in a hardcore battle royale at an underground fighting arena in America while wandering as Martial Artists.]

“…What on earth?”

[It’s a tournament that gathers the strongest fighters until only one remains. Fighters, Martial Artists, Sorcerers, and Supernatural Beings from all over the world gather to fight.]

I frowned. “Damn. If they are up against Supernatural Beings, those two could be in serious danger…”

Given Zhu Xian and Lee Seol-pyo’s martial prowess, no fighter on Earth could easily rival them. However, facing off against Supernatural Powers or Sorcery posed a different problem. While they might boost their resistance with Qi, against powerful Sorcerers, they could easily find themselves at a loss.

Muttering my worries, Cheon Woo-jin suggested, [If you’re really concerned, how about participating directly to bring them back? That’s the best way to avoid attracting suspicion.]

“Huh?”

Suddenly, a strange sound echoed, and a golden ticket appeared before me. As I picked it up, Cheon Woo-jin said, [I swapped you in as one of the contestants through brain manipulation. I’ve set the coordinates, so just head to the venue and join in the event.]

“Got it. Thanks.”

[Since I’ve adjusted the match lineup, you’ll be able to meet them right away.]

Crack!

I immediately moved to the coordinates Cheon Woo-jin provided and found myself in a waiting room, all alone. Moments later, with a rumbling noise, the heavy door of the waiting room swung open, and I stepped into what resembled a colossal arena.

[The Round of 16 begins!!]

The booming voice of the giant announcer filled the air.

Spotting someone approaching from across the arena, I opened my mouth. “Bang Ryong Lee Seol-pyo!”

He flinched.

My call surprised the opponent standing across from me. He stammered, “Ah, uh, what brings the Grand Master here? When did you come to America…?”

“I’d like to ask you the same. What on earth are you wearing?”

Lee Seol-pyo wasn’t in his usual training gear but had instead donned an outfit that looked like it was made from ripped leather and chain décor, with a tee featuring a demon design underneath. To top it all off, he also sported dark sunglasses and a scarf wrapped around his head.

My disbelief at his outrageous attire prompted Lee Seol-pyo to clear his throat. “Sometimes, one just wants to switch it up! And this attire is recognized here!”

“Whatever. Did you come here for training?”

“Yes, I’m participating in this tournament alongside Zhu Xian, aiming for first place.”

“And what do you get for winning?”

“10 million dollars and the position of leader of the Antarctic Expedition Team.”

I didn’t care about the money. However, the following words piqued my curiosity. “Antarctic Expedition Team? What’s that about?”

“America discovered ruins from an ultra-ancient civilization a hundred million years ago in Antarctica, and that expedition will…”

Suddenly, a loud alarm blared, flooding the area with a red light.

[Warning! Contestants, please commence battle. If no fight begins within 10 seconds, all will be disqualified.]

Hoping to somehow avoid the impending chaos, Lee Seol-pyo tightened his grip on his spear and declared, “Grand Master! Let’s clash our skills!”

“What? You really want to compete in this ridiculous tournament for real?”

“It’s you who barged in! I’d love to have 10 million dollars!”

“We don’t have time for this nonsense. Let’s just go to Asura.”

Ignoring my suggestion, Lee Seol-pyo shouted, “Did you know? I’ve always wanted to land a hit on you, Grand Master!!”

Thunder God Lineage

Nine Chambers of Thunder Technique

Application Technique

Gathering Thunder

“……!!”

I felt the overwhelming pressure and electric energy swirling around Lee Seol-pyo’s spear. The power was so immense that I couldn’t just brush it off. Previously, I wouldn’t have believed he could generate such thunderous energy.

‘Incredible potential! Did he condense the thunder multiple times to achieve such destructive power…’

The issue was that I had no knowledge of this technique. In the next moment, the spear in his hands vanished with a wham, and I was once again taken aback.

‘…No!’

Boom!!

A strike hit me right in the solar plexus! I managed to dodge Lee Seol-pyo’s attack, but a small scratch formed on my waist. As I stepped back to regain my balance, he said, “As expected of the Grand Master. Your skills are still formidable.”

I gazed at him in disbelief. “Lee Seol-pyo, what just happened? What you just used was the Thunder Spirit!”

Indeed, it was the Thunder Spirit!

Though only for a brief moment, I had seen Lee Seol-pyo’s entire form transform with thunder, and the thunderous speed inherent to the Thunder Spirit combined with the power of Gathering Thunder created a strike that I could barely evade.

At this, Lee Seol-pyo stated, “You may have trained in various techniques, but we have absolutely focused solely on the Nine Chambers of Thunder Technique. We recognized several true properties of the Nine Chambers of Thunder.”

“What are those?”

“That thing I just used wasn’t the Thunder Spirit at all. However, by mastering the Nine Chambers of Thunder, one can use a semblance of it temporarily.”

“……!!”

What did he just say?!

He didn’t even learn the Thunder Spirit separately?!

Lee Seol-pyo chimed in, “I’ve heard remarkable stories of your adventures in the Celestial Realm. But I’m not one to be underestimated!”

“Is that so?”

I seemed to have grasped why Asura had high hopes for these two.

‘Genius Martial Artists who’ve spent several years under my guidance learning the World-Class Martial Skill, the Nine Chambers of Thunder Technique, signify they’ve internalized the essence of the Thunder God Lineage.’

Moreover, if they were evolving it based on their practical experience while wandering, their accomplishments would be undoubtedly…

I calmly assessed my opponent, confirming that Intent Heavenly Pillar was quietly swirling around him. “Lee Seol-pyo, you’ve reached the Absolute Realm.”

However, something about it was still unclear. This meant that Lee Seol-pyo was still in a developing phase, implying that the properties of the Absolute Realm hadn’t become fixed yet. The fact that someone so young still had tremendous potential was truly astonishing.

“Thank you for the compliment. But I’m not satisfied with stopping here,” Lee Seol-pyo announced, thrusting his spear forward. “I will grow stronger and one day surpass you, Grand Master!”

“……”

Spurred by his ambition, I slowly unsheathed my sword and grinned. “Let’s see how far you can go.”

Hiss-

As I faced Lee Seol-pyo, I summoned my Qi, pulling it throughout my body to manifest the Thunder Energy. I began to move the Thunder Energy with Intent, feeling it vibrate as it swirled around me. My proficiency was quite high, and I could feel the energy coiling around.

Whirr

Heavenly Thunder Divine Art awakened the soul of thunder, generating tremendous electrical force. Preparing to unleash the Nine Chambers of Thunder, I noticed Lee Seol-pyo mirroring my actions, readying his own thunderous maneuver.

Crackle!

With blinding lightning consuming our weapons, the arena was lit up to a degree that was blinding.

‘Lee Seol-pyo has far surpassed me in his accomplishment of the Heavenly Thunder Divine Art.’

Though I had managed to reach the Sixth Level in a short time, making strides due to my talent, Lee Seol-pyo’s experience from lifelong dedication to his craft had delivered him to a place of excellence long ago. If, in this state, he had reached a phenomenal breakthrough, it was entirely possible he might be at a level that I wasn’t aware of.

Against someone like Lee Seol-pyo, I would face trouble using the Nine Chambers of Thunder.

While using other techniques or strengths would guarantee my victory, I felt the urge not to do so. Something deep within my martial intuition insisted that battling in the realm of our Nine Chambers of Thunder was meaningful, win or lose.

Lee Seol-pyo’s gaze sharpened, and a moment later, a shout escaped him.

“TAHAT!”

I too let out a battle cry.

“HAAT!”

The Nine Chambers of Thunder Technique, deployed through the connection from One Hundred to the next stages – this technique was terrifying precisely because the sequence would undergo an overwhelming amplification with each strike.

As Lee Seol-pyo unleashed the first strike, which was One Hundred, I recalled the first time I had met him completely. It was evident that he was intending to invoke the same attack again.

‘Back then, I tried to deflect his Heavenly Thunder using the Three Treasure Technique but failed.’

In that light, it was only logical to deploy a different strategy this time.

‘This time, I’ll succeed!’

But in that very second, a surge of competitiveness boiled, and just like that time, I unleashed the Heavenly Thunder attack.

Flash!

The clash of One Hundred techniques erupted in brilliant sparks. Could it be that this battle, achieved at a completely different level from back then? Or was it due to the clash of the Nine Chambers of Thunder? The brilliance spread throughout the arena, even extending outside, alongside an alarm that screamed in warning.

[Match stopped! Viewer casualties reported! Cease immediately….]

Crack!

However, due to the aftermath of the lightning flash, even the alarm blared into silence as I used the fusion of Three Treasure Technique to slice through Lee Seol-pyo’s Heavenly Thunder. The Thunder energy seemed to twist in an attempt to dodge my attack, but I pressed on stubbornly, determined to cut through to the very end.

Infinite Slash!

Having used Infinite Slash extensively, I felt a thrilling sensation that coursed through me, further amplifying the intensity of my attack. If the clash of techniques was going to yield victory, just then, Lee Seol-pyo, too, broke my strike off as he pulled his attack towards his shoulder and released the second stage move.

Secret Art

Heavenly Thunder Sovereign’s Aura!

WHOOSH!

‘What? What the hell is that…’

What Lee Seol-pyo executed was neither offense nor defense. Instead, he summoned a veil of azure thunder all over his body, emitting a deep blue hue. I could not fully grasp what technique he was using but soon realized…

‘…That’s… a self-enhancement technique!’

Purely enhancing oneself like thunder roar!

Such techniques, while rare, exist among elite sects to maximize one’s offensive and defensive capabilities or vitality.

Yet even a thunder roar would not compare to anything else. It was an absolute martial skill in its own right, surpassing any support skills to be found. I never would have anticipated that he would use a different technique instead of the previously established thunder roar.

‘Does that mean Heavenly Thunder Sovereign’s Aura is superior to the thunder roar? Just what is that technique…’

As I was taken aback by the unexpected technique, I remembered my experience through long bouts of actual combat. After all, fights must always face the unknowable; if I allowed myself to be flustered by my opponent’s techniques, I could only meet defeat.

Instead, I remained calm and began considering how I could utilize the Nine Chambers of Thunder.

‘The last time I unleashed the Nine Chambers of Thunder, my limit was at the Fourth Stage.’

Based on the utmost training of my Heavenly Thunder Divine Art, I had reached the recent accomplishment of the Eighth Stage. Perhaps if I stretched it, I could manage the Fifth Stage? Still, taking into account that the consumption of Thunder Soul would be doubled from the Sixth onwards, I was far from reaching that goal. I began to think this collision would allow me to utilize the two remaining clashes to finish things.

Moments later, I made my decision in my heart and cast the technique of the Nine Chambers of Thunder’s Fifth Stage.

Thunder Roar!!

Crackle!!

Unlike the ordinarily used Thunder Roar, this was fortified with Thunder Soul. I felt completely electrified throughout my body. It dawned on me that my physical capabilities had soared to an incredible level. The Thunder Soul had given additional effects to the Thunder Roar.

‘Lee Seol-pyo, if you’re using enhancement techniques, I’ll match you blow for blow!’

Understanding each other’s techniques through One Hundred and using additional techniques at the Fifth Stage; let’s settle this with the Third Stage!

It seemed Lee Seol-pyo realized my intention too and focused his spirit before charging at me.

Third Stage

Soul of the Yellow Dragon

A form resembling the Yellow Dragon emerged from Lee Seol-pyo’s spear through his Intent. Then I saw him experience a thunder outbreak similar to earlier, and my teeth clenched.

‘I see. He’s speeding up like the Thunder Spirit and aiming to land a hit in my blind spot…’

I realized that to counter this technique, I would have to sense that fleeting moment and strike back. At the instant I concentrated my Intent, Lee Seol-pyo’s form vanished and in a flash, his blade shot at me, resembling a keen spear!

Bang!!

Since I had been prepared, I sensed Lee Seol-pyo’s assault and weakened the pressure of his attack using my Full Body Internal Power, before immediately leaping into my counterattack.

Third Stage

Infinite Slash!

This was my first attempt utilizing Infinite Slash as part of the Nine Chambers of Thunder Technique, but unlike before, it appeared to be on an entirely different level. It seemed that the extension of my Thunder Soul altered the properties of my strike.

Chirriri!

Accompanied by a sound reminiscent of a pearl, my Infinite Slash fiercely pushed against Lee Seol-pyo’s thunder spear imbued with the Soul of the Yellow Dragon.

‘I’ve won!’

It seems that no matter what, the innate differences in our martial understanding couldn’t be ignored!

As Lee Seol-pyo’s Infinite Slash crashed forward, he swiftly moved to block with his spear and, at that moment, the azure Heavenly Thunder Sovereign’s Aura began swirling around him.

Fourth Stage

True Martial Seven Cuts Classic

Resonance

The Heavenly Thunder Sovereign’s Aura combined with the True Martial Seven Cuts Classic’s genuine defensive technique to absorb the thunderous power.

“……?!”

Boom!

Even with the fusion of Heavenly Thunder Sovereign’s Aura and the True Martial Seven Cuts Classic, perhaps due to the brute strength of my Infinite Slash, Lee Seol-pyo coughed up a bit of blood and was knocked back several steps, creating a massive shockwave in the arena.

Crash!

Lee Seol-pyo, unlike a seasoned practitioner, couldn’t even fall to the ground properly, twisting in the aftermath. This was clearly my victory.

However, I couldn’t find joy in my lead. The fact that the combination of Thunder Roar and Thunder Soul could not finish Lee Seol-pyo left a nagging sensation. While it felt like a victory in the tournament, I knew better than anyone that in an actual fight, we still had uncertainties.

“W-What happened?”

Taken aback, I heard Jeon Woo-jin say, “Grand Master! The Heavenly Thunder Sovereign’s Aura isn’t a technique that boosts overall attack power like Thunder Roar. It maximizes the Thunder Soul, temporarily enhancing all defensive techniques based on it. It’s a support technique that can only be used with the Nine Chambers of Thunder.”

“……!!”

“But doing that now would be futile… I thought we’d at least tie, but losing is still a shock. Your martial skills are indeed the best.”

But I couldn’t feel happiness at that recognition. I mindlessly muttered, “Heavenly Thunder Sovereign’s Aura… That technique exists, and yet why didn’t you tell me about it?”

His next answer hit me like a brick.

“It was created a month ago!”

“……!!”

“It’s a new creation, so I regret not being able to tell you in time. If you wish, I can share it with you soon.”

“……”

He created a new technique from the Nine Chambers of Thunder…?

In that moment, I felt a bone-deep sense of the gap in talent. Here I was, barely managing to learn, while geniuses came up with new concepts in the short span of time.

‘If only Lee Seol-pyo had the same martial energy as me… I would’ve lost instead.’

I had aimed to break through purely with attack power, but my opponent had also been preparing a counter-strategy based on maximizing their Thunder Soul. While tactically, this had been a fight I had lost, my sheer overwhelming energy allowed me to overcome the tactical disadvantage just a bit.

Woosh! Woosh!

The alarms continued ringing as I finally grounded myself and pulled out my smartphone to ask Cheon Woo-jin, “Hey, where’s Zhu Xian?”

With a ding, the location, coordinates, and current status of Zhu Xian blinked on my screen. After scanning Zhu Xian’s position, I turned to Lee Seol-pyo.

“Let’s head back. As a winner, I should be allowed this much, right?”

“A loser has no excuse! I will accept my defeat today.”

Soon, I used the expansion of thunder and we arrived at Zhu Xian’s waiting room, where Zhu Xian was taken by surprise.

“No way… all of a sudden.”

“Let’s go together.”

Crack!

I brought both Lee Seol-pyo and Zhu Xian back to Asura. Upon their arrival, Asura took a thorough look at them, and suddenly turned to me with a sly smile.

“Seems like you’ve gained some enlightenment.”

“……”

I remained silent before replying, “Let’s train.”

I still had much room for improvement. Even discussing martial strength to resist the end felt vain given that I hadn’t even reached the limits of martial arts. With my understanding of Lee Seol-pyo’s limitations still vague, how could I even discuss Divine Realm techniques or Martial Gods?

‘Let me fill the gaps as much as I can.’

It seemed I had learned a bit of humility through this experience.

I began training alongside both of them under Asura’s guidance. Asura increased his focus on my Immortal Sword Technique while seemingly teaching the other two their respective techniques. About a month passed this way.

However, about a month later, I received a message from Cheon Woo-jin.

[I have found a clue regarding the body part of Chi You’s arm.]

“Where is it?”

[I received a request from the Jesuits to trade the information, but Sa Gong-rin is having difficulty negotiating it. The negotiations are ongoing.]

“Is it going poorly?”

[It seems you’ll need to go in person.]

“What do you mean…?”

Upon hearing Cheon Woo-jin’s continuation, I felt a resolve growing within me.

[You’ll need to go directly to the location where all 13 members of the Jesuit Zodiac have gathered to persuade them.]