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Four Spirits’ Soul

I felt a wave of darkness wash over me at Yeodong-bin’s words.

‘So it’s finally come…!!’

It seems that while I was entangled in that short fight in the [Knot], time in the real world had flown by. Maybe the curse shouted by Chi You at the end had affected my return to reality.

What should I do now?

In this unforeseen situation, I was somewhat flustered. Because when dealing with Hang-a’s betrayal, I was solely focused on whether to sever the [Knot], thinking I’d die at Xiang Yu’s hands right after reviving, and thus had no attachment to life. But with the [End] thrust upon me so unexpectedly, I sincerely started to deliberate on the choice between life and death.

To live or to die!

‘Considering that I might finally witness the [End] I’ve long awaited, I should hang on for even a moment longer…’

What bothered me was the presence of Emperor Gong Sun Xuanwen.

He is a being that reads the Law of Cause and Effect.

Could it be that he had anticipated my return at this moment and had laid out all the schemes?

What if trying to see the [End] would ensnare me into his wicked plot, leaving me unable to reincarnate ever again?

“……”

As I pondered, Yeodong-bin spoke up.

“I won’t ask where you’ve been. But right now, there is only one thing you must consider.”

“What is that?”

“Your companions.”

“……!!”

“If you cannot lift your sword for those who have fought for you all their lives, you cannot speak of righteousness.”

I felt a dull shock resonate through my head.

‘Right!! What the hell was I thinking?!’

Even if dying seems like the safer choice, my companions who have been waiting for me in this era still remain! Fighting for them, regardless of whether we can prevent the [End] or not, is also vital. I resolved to navigate this era thanks to Yeodong-bin’s words.

And then I asked Yeodong-bin, “What do you mean by the dread that my companions face in the Celestial Realm?”

“Look at the moon.”

As I shifted my gaze toward the moon, I gasped in shock.

“What is that?”

In the darkness, the moon had grown several times larger than usual, and behind it loomed an even larger crimson-yellow orb. It was chillingly overwhelming, almost surprising that I hadn’t realized it before.

That must be the dread lurking behind the moon.

“What is that crimson-yellow star?”

“Your companions called it Jupiter.”

“……!!”

What?! Jupiter has come this close to Earth?!

As I stood gaping in disbelief, Yeodong-bin continued.

“With Jupiter drawing near, the natural disasters are being held at bay by the Illusory God Cheon Woo-jin, but there is an endless stream of demons pouring forth from that star. So your companions are headed to the Jupiter from which billions of demon beasts are summoned.”

“Hmmm….”

I let out a low hum.

‘Damn…. the [End] is just beginning, and it starts with demon beasts pouring out of Jupiter?!’

The problem is that this is only the beginning. If this is how it starts from day one, then continual great calamities would be uncontrollable. I realized there was no glimmer of hope, but I gritted my teeth and said, “Yeodong-bin. Please help me. I will go to Jupiter to eradicate the calamities.”

“I refuse.”

“What?!”

Surprised by the unexpected reply, Yeodong-bin explained, “There is an [Old Ruler] rising from the North Pole. If he chants the incantation for world destruction, this Earth will perish within the timeframe of a half-moment. I will handle that.”

“…….”

“Go. There is no more time to talk.”

With that, Yeodong-bin used the Sword Flying Technique and vanished over the horizon. I watched his retreating figure, a wave of despair crashing over me.

‘Craziness…. It can’t get this bad.’

There was no time to question if Yeodong-bin could handle the [Old Ruler]. A calamity that could annihilate the world was erupting left and right, and that’s what the [End] meant. I shut my eyes tightly, took a moment to gather my thoughts, and shouted, “To the Jade Emperor’s throne!”

Instead of heading straight to Jupiter, I should first go to the Celestial Realm. From there, I must call for reinforcements to fight together! That would be much more helpful!

Whoosh!

When I invoked the Jade Emperor’s power and arrived at the throne in the Celestial Realm.

“……?”

Something felt off.

The throne looked the same, but the palace where the Jade Emperor resided was covered with teal thorns plastered all over the walls. The usual bright atmosphere and colorful clouds were gone, replaced by a chilling darkness beyond the passage.

I shouted loudly, “Is anyone there! I command in the name of the Jade Emperor!”

A dark voice echoed from across the passage.

[Strange. I didn’t hear of your kind arriving from my lord…]

Boom! Boom!

With the sound of enormous footsteps, a giant monster the size of a single palm emerged from the darkness. This creature had bat-like wings sprouting from its back, resembling a monstrous figure, but its face was that of a Black Panther. Holding a great sword in one hand, it tossed what was in its other hand towards me.

Thud!

What landed on the ground, turned to a bloody pulp, appeared to be one of the Earth Immortal servants from the Jade Emperor’s palace. The creature that threw the immortal said, [Since my lord has come to the Celestial Realm himself, you may no longer resist. Hand over your neck obediently!]

Whoosh!

In the next instant, the Black Panther monster unfurled its wings and swung the great sword at a terrifying speed and power, comparable to an Absolute Realm expert. But I managed to dodge the attack using the Three Treasure Technique and responded, “What do you mean? Your so-called lord has invaded the Celestial Realm?”

[Grrr…. Kraaak!!]

Crash!!

The Black Panther monster unleashed a jet-black beam from its mouth. With such terrifying magical power, it seemed impossible to block with my bare hands, so I hurriedly backed away, and from the amount of power it unleashed, I realized one thing.

‘That monster is also a Demon King-level existence!’

If that were the case, the “lord” it mentioned couldn’t possibly be…?

A bad feeling crept over me. I felt a rush of urgency, realizing there was no time to tussle with that creature, and I immediately summoned the Book of Life and Death.

Shhhew!

Just before the Black Panther charged at me, I scrawled its name in the Book. Suddenly, the light faded quickly from its eyes, and it collapsed like a lifeless doll onto the Jade Emperor’s palace floor.

Crash!

“Thankfully, the power of the Wheel King works…”

It was a relief that even in this [reality], it was effective. I realized it would be difficult to easily win against that bruiser of a Demon King in a head-on confrontation, so having the means of the Book of Life and Death in my arsenal felt like a blessing.

“First, I need to make my escape from the palace…”

Thud!

[Die!]

Before I could finish my thought, the Black Panther suddenly leaped back up, attacking me again. As I quickly dodged its assault, it seemed enraged as it shouted, [Kraaaah! My comrades! There’s a strong one here! Come help me!]

Thud! Thud!

“Damn!!”

In an instant, I sensed an overwhelming magical power surge from every direction as the Black Panther’s cries resonated. How could that creature spring back after being in the Book of Life and Death?! Is it possible that the Book does not affect it?

Grrr!

Ohhhh!!

As I used the Soul Removal Technique to escape outside the palace, majesty in various animal forms surrounded me, seeking to encircle me. Realizing each of them could rightfully be called Demon Kings sent chills down my spine.

‘What the hell is going on?!’

What on Earth is happening?!

[Kill him!!]

[That guy is the Jade Emperor!]

Bang! Bang! Bang!

From all directions, an onslaught of attacks began. I quickly realized that while every attack was immensely powerful, they were lacking finesse. I evaded them with the Three Treasure Technique and made my way out of the area. Just as I sprinted away, I noticed a bizarre light flickering down from the sky and looked up.

Whooooosh…

With a silvery flash, two forms began to rotate mid-air. Below those two forms loomed an enormous evil hand descending as if trying to grab them, and the two forms radiated light, seemingly engaging in battle.

I focused my energy to get a better look, and the next moment, I was stunned.

‘…Xiang Yu!! And that’s…. Queen Mother of the West?!’

To my surprise, the most powerful existences in the Celestial Realm were joining forces in battle!

Though Queen Mother of the West seemed unable to exhibit her full strength as before, it was apparent that Xiang Yu was directly engaging with the evil hand. Looking even closer, countless Immortals and warriors hovered in the skies around them, waging war against all sorts of demon beasts.

Bang!

As Xiang Yu struck the hand, it seemed like one of the enormous fingers snapped. Just then, I heard a voice resonating from high above.

[I thought you were merely a human, but you’re closer to a [Ruler] than I supposed…. Gong Sun Xuanwen truly hasn’t given me an easy task.]

Glaring red light radiated from Xiang Yu’s entire body. He emitted a fearsome killing intent as he shouted, “Die.”

[Hahahaha…. How amusing!!]

Whoosh!

In the next moment, it appeared as if the evil hand attempted to poke Xiang Yu, but he merely countered the attack nonchalantly. It seemed the two powers were equal, yet it felt clear that the being from beyond the heavens wasn’t expending itself fully.

‘What on Earth is that?’

That the great Xiang Yu would have such trouble against a being like that is…

“Indeed, you’ve returned, Baek Woong.”

Just then, a voice rang in my ear, and I turned around.

Once I recognized the figure, I was taken aback.

“Sword Demon!”

It was the Sword Demon, and behind him stood Dokgo Seong, Bright Dragon, and Master of Shadowless Sword. I was overjoyed to see them after such a long time, but seeing the determined expressions on all four faces left me speechless.

The Sword Demon asked, “Where have you been?”

“Um, well….”

The Sword Demon waved his hand, as if to say he understood.

“It’s fine if you can’t say. There’s no time.”

“……?”

Something felt off.

I hesitated to hand over the obsidian I had, then awkwardly said, “I heard from Yeodong-bin that the [End] has begun. I came to the Celestial Realm to get reinforcements to help my comrades on the ground, but what is happening now?”

“Forget it. The Celestial Realm is not in a position to aid right now.”

“What?”

The Sword Demon looked up at the battle happening at Xiang Yu’s side and said in a somber tone, “Fuxi has said that being is known as the God of Destruction from Tianzhu. Said to be the most aggressive of divine beings from Tianzhu, in truth… it is the [Old Ruler].

“……!!”

My speculation was correct!

A powerful existence among the [Old Rulers] has emerged, which probably explains why they seemed at ease even against Xiang Yu!

“Are those the minions summoned by the God of Destruction, fighting with the Celestial Realm warriors?”

“Indeed. That massive trident stuck in the ground opened a dimension door, allowing them to pour into the Celestial Realm.”

“Hmm.”

“Baek Woong. Right now, more than dealing with the calamities on the ground, you need to assist us. We must head somewhere urgent.”

“What’s going on?”

Considering the urgency, it seemed like we should be helping the warriors right away, yet the absolute realm experts were here. It suggested that something else was amiss. The Sword Demon said, “Someone has intruded where Fuxi is kept. Nüwa hurriedly ordered us to go there.”

“……!! You mean someone is trying to assassinate Fuxi?”

“Yeah. Whether we will be able to do it or not is uncertain, but we were headed to protect him. Assist us.”

“Understood.”

I surely have to help!

As I nodded affirmatively, the Sword Demon suddenly shouted, “Don’t be fooled!!”

Sword Spirit!

Master of Shadowless Sword!

WHACK!

“Huh?!”

A rough voice accompanied an attack from a single intent! The glowing sword, akin to a golden blade, struck and severed the heads of the Sword Demon and my other comrades in an instant!!

Stunned by this absurd situation, I stood with my mouth agape as someone fell from the sky exclaiming, “Baek Woong!! You didn’t hand over the obsidian, did you?!”

That rough voice shook me from my daze.

“Sword Demon?! How could this happen….”

Standing before me was unmistakably the Sword Demon.

Two Sword Demons?!

“Snap out of it! Look at the corpses of those guys!”

Thud! Thud!

As I turned to see the fallen Sword Demon and comrades, their flesh and blood began to morph into a black sludge and dissolve into the ground. Startled, I exclaimed, “What are you kidding?! Those guys…”

The Sword Demon, surveying the fallen Demons, replied, “You’re weak to those who mix truth and falsehood. Has that monster copied my form and read my memories using some special ability?”

“Regardless, that minion of the [Old Ruler] tried to tempt you into a trap! Still, it’s good to see you back!”

“W-Wait. What the fake Sword Demon just said….”

“We’ll talk later! For now, let’s fight!”

“…….”

As I stood awkwardly, the Sword Demon urged, “A somewhat accurate statement, but focus on helping against the battle in front of us! At this rate, Xiang Yu and the Celestial Sage will die soon! An overwhelmingly strong creature has appeared.”

“Is it that serious?!”

“This isn’t the time for us to be worried about Fuxi, nor is it the time to strategize big plans!!”

The Sword Demon appeared more anxious than I’d ever seen. That’s how serious this situation must be! I gazed up at the enormous evil hand suspended in the sky and bit my lip.

“Understood!!”

Less than a half-moment after the [End] began, I found myself fighting against the [Old Ruler].

 

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