1226——————==

Soul of the Evil God

As soon as Zhuge Sa finished speaking, Simon Magus ignited a bloodlust in his eyes and spoke in his ominous voice.

[You’ve got some grounds for claiming Zhuge Sa has gone senile, huh?]

A rather bizarre way of speaking. I sensed a hint of rage mixed with a maturity that made his anger seem justified. Even though he’d transformed to appear as a human woman, at his core, he was a vile, ancient sorcerer under a sinister contract. Zhuge Sa chuckled lightly and replied.

“Rather than teaming up with the weakened Three Sovereigns, Master intended to collaborate with the ‘outside’ to conquer the Eastern world. I acknowledge the efficiency of that strategy, but isn’t there one thing you’re forgetting?”

[What am I forgetting?]

“It’s the fundamental cause of the Three Sovereigns’ weakening… If we don’t uncover that first, a hundred plans could be rendered useless by a single variable. And that person seems quite connected to the cause.”

At that, Simon Magus glanced my way as if he were responding.

[Are you referring to that person?]

“I haven’t heard a single thing about humanoid apostles while in the Central Plains. They’ve literally appeared like day goblins. Their very existence is a huge variable compared to the Three Sovereigns.”

[…So you’re saying I’m senile for just kicking out that variable without probing into it.]

“Precisely.”

After a moment of silent contemplation, Simon Magus chuckled.

[Heh heh heh… It’s audacious of you to know I was just gauging the waters. But I suppose that’s what it means to be Zhuge Sa.]

“It seems those folks over here are eagerly awaiting a response from you. How about you start giving them one?”

[No. I’ll leave this task to you.]

Swish…

Simon Magus’s shadowy form began to dissipate. His bloodshot eyes remained fixated on me as he left one final remark.

[Shao Hao Jin Tian’s apostle, Baek Woong, Zhuge Sa’s intent is also mine… Well then.]

Pop!

Simon Magus vanished suddenly. I was left dumbfounded by his abrupt behavior, but Zhuge Sa, in his relaxed tone, turned to me.

“Let’s take this positively. In exchange for helping you with the Soul Exchange Technique, I have one condition.”

I moved to sit in the chair opposite him, with Seo Mun-hye standing at my side. I questioned Zhuge Sa’s statement.

“A condition, you say?”

Swish…

Zhuge Sa extended a long paper made of human skin with a gracious smile.

“Let’s draft a simple contract. It’ll be very easy if you read while I explain.”

“……”

A, a contract?!

“Oh! There’s no need to look at it suspiciously. I’m just a lowly human sorcerer, so there’s no way I’d con any apostle of the Three Sovereigns.”

…Sounds like you totally would.

Zhuge Sa’s cheeky yet warm smile almost had me charmed, and I snapped back to reality. Had I come here oblivious to his true nature, I might have unconsciously agreed. But I cleared my throat without holding the writing brush made from human fingers.

“Ahem. Lord of Jangryeong Valley Zhuge Sa, before that, there’s something I want to be absolutely clear.”

“What is it?”

“Is what you’re seeing and hearing right now leaking to Simon Magus? If you can swear by your name on this, I’ll put mine on that contract.”

“…Oh.”

Zhuge Sa’s gaze sharpened a bit. He glanced at me and declared.

“Not at all. My senses are entirely independent. He may want to monitor my perceptions, but I’m no sloppy human. You can rest assured on that front.”

“That’s strange. Then why did Simon Magus entrust everything to you? That suspicious Demon King.”

“Ha ha. It’s like a mind game amongst crafty types. Those who only scheme tend not to quarrel over trivial matters.”

“Hmm?”

“Looks like writing that contract will be difficult.”

With a flick, Zhuge Sa tossed the parchment behind him.

“You seem quite suspicious of me. Where exactly did you hear rumors about me?”

Oops. Zhuge Sa must have noticed my suspicion. He wouldn’t have brought up his slyness otherwise.

‘Could Zhuge Sa turn against me?’

I sensed the atmosphere becoming tense, yet I kept my cool.

“I genuinely need your cooperation. And for that to happen, a strong trust and information-sharing are essential… I can’t hastily share info with Simon Magus, even if I trust you.”

“……”

“That’s what this verification process was about. I apologize if it upset you.”

Just then, Zhuge Sa, with hands clasped, seemed to consider something and abruptly remarked.

“Do you possess a technique for transferring memories?”

“……?!”

Not only I, but Seo Mun-hye beside me couldn’t hide our shock. Zhuge Sa’s guess hit too close to the mark. I hastily masked my expression but was still flummoxed.

‘What?! Was there a clue in what I said that led to that?!’

No way! What on earth did he piece together to jump to that?

While I was bewildered by his intellect, Zhuge Sa continued to ponder before speaking.

“You’re an intriguing bunch. I thought I was lucky to meet someone remarkable, only to find a petty spirit within this minor detail…”

“Ugh, sorry about that. But how did you…?”

“I just took a shot in the dark.”

“……”

That wasn’t just a shot in the dark.

He must have compared countless possibilities to apply intuition, which led him dangerously close to the truth.

“Here’s another one. Your purpose doesn’t seem to be to search for Yu Shun, could it be that convincing me is your actual goal for being here?”

“Th-That…”

Zhuge Sa’s detective skills and intuition were off the charts!

I hadn’t given any leads that stood out, and judging by his demeanor, it didn’t seem like he had assumed my memories already. Yet within those few words, he pinpointed everything concisely. I felt drained trying to keep up, while Seo Mun-hye coolly interjected.

“Zhuge Sa. Indeed, we came here to make you our companion.”

“Just as I thought. Yu Shun was merely an excuse. You seem worried about Simon Magus?”

“Even if it could slip our minds, the fact that you hit the nail on the head means you’ve been gambling a bit on your end.”

“Ha ha ha…”

As he chuckled mischievously, Zhuge Sa gave me a scrutinizing look.

“You certainly have a unique presence. Now, do show me the means to persuade me.”

“Hmph… This.”

Thud!

I placed the obsidian containing my memories atop the table. Zhuge Sa’s eyes brightened at the sight.

“That’s incredibly powerful magic.”

“…I propose this serves as a medium to send you my memories. Thus, I can immediately clarify why you must be my ally.”

“Ha ha. Just like that, you want me to accept your memories without question… So you’re quite an experienced and long-lived entity, aren’t you? You’ve probably come through a realm of madness that’s hard to describe?”

“Indeed.”

“How amusing. That memories themselves could become a weapon… You said your name was Baek Woong? Then explain.”

Zhuge Sa leaned back slightly. Seo Mun-hye had slipped behind him, taking position.

“Why this entity is standing behind me.”

“You might have a guess, but the memories contained within this obsidian are extraordinary. We believe that you’d be unable to withstand them mentally if you accepted the obsidian directly, no matter how strong a sorcerer you are.”

“Indeed. I wouldn’t be able to.”

“That’s why Seo Mun-hye will draw the memory intent herself to minimize the burden on you. She has that capability.”

“……”

Zhuge Sa displayed a glimmer of realization. He then grinned widely.

“How fascinating… Really fascinating… Let’s give it a try.”

“Then I’ll begin.”

Whoosh!!

Memory transmission!!

Shortly after, memories began to flow into Zhuge Sa via the obsidian. When about half had transferred, dark flames flared around Zhuge Sa’s body. For a moment, it clearly felt like magical energy was spiraling out of control. Seo Mun-hye, who had been waiting, promptly placed her palms against Zhuge Sa’s back.

Thud!

A pure white aura erupted from Seo Mun-hye, encasing her like glowing grains of light. Massive dark currents flowed from Zhuge Sa, through Seo Mun-hye’s arms. As she absorbed the dark energy, it continued for the duration of taking about ten breaths before Zhuge Sa’s complexion showed visible relief.

Whoosh

Gulp!!

“……!!”

I jumped up, startled. Blood spilled from Seo Mun-hye’s eyes and mouth. It meant she was under significant strain, even starting to incur internal injuries.

“Seo Mun-hye!”

“Stay still!”

When I hesitated, she gritted her teeth and spoke.

“It’s more powerful than I anticipated… It’s… getting stronger…”

“Stronger?”

“…Definitely…. This dark energy is… a force of will…”

What?

“If Baek Woong intervenes… it’ll become even more perilous… Just… trust and wait for me!”

“Understood…!!”

Whoosh

A moment later, it seemed the transmission was complete as the dark energy calmed.

“Cough…!!”

Concurrently, Seo Mun-hye withdrew her hands from Zhuge Sa’s back, suddenly coughing up blood. Dark, visible blood poured from her.

I hurried to stabilize her pulse and infused my internal power while simultaneously shuddering at the force I sensed within her.

Rumble

It felt as if a microcosm drenched entirely in darkness had taken root within her. The sheer fact that Seo Mun-hye could control this much power astonished me. This energy was so dark, I couldn’t even grasp its essence with my senses.

Wh-What on earth is this memory?!

Yet, thanks to my powerful internal power, Seo Mun-hye’s breathing gradually stabilized. As I continued to guide her meridian pathways with the technique of infusing my power, she eventually closed her eyes and fainted.

‘Is she going to be okay…’

As I looked at the fainted Seo Mun-hye with concern, a voice came from behind me.

“So it was true, Baek Woong.”

“Zhuge Sa.”

“Ha ha ha… I’m utterly flabbergasted.”

Zhuge Sa held his head, his eyes glimmering with a hint of madness.

“I’ve received all the memories… And I understand the situation now.”

I felt an unprecedented sense of relief at his words. I had finally accepted Zhuge Sa as my comrade in this lifetime!

“Zhuge Sa! Right now, Seo Mun-hye’s condition is…”

“You cannot remedy this with some internal power. Infuse your divine power directly into her.”

“Divine power?”

“Hurry. If you delay, she will die.”

Whoosh!!

I quickly channeled divine power into Seo Mun-hye’s body. Since I was still untrained in divine power control, I couldn’t refine it, and it remained pure force, which typically would guarantee death for any ordinary human. Thus, I initially intended to treat Seo Mun-hye with internal power, but Zhuge Sa claimed that method wouldn’t work.

Gulp!

Seo Mun-hye, lying down, suddenly coughed up more blood.

“Seo Mun-hye!”

“I’m fine. Unlike before, it’s pure blood this time.”

“Oh, I see. So it’s improved.”

“I’m using your divine power to neutralize the memory energy invading her body. A crude method, but it was the only option left.”

Zhuge Sa said this and gestured.

“Bring her here. We need to lay her on a bed so she can recover.”

I lifted Seo Mun-hye and laid her down on the bed. After covering her with blankets, I turned to Zhuge Sa.

“Zhuge Sa. You know the memory in this obsidian is far too potent for you, including the strategists…”

“Right. Good choice. Not just Hyun, but even the Master of the White Lotus Sect couldn’t accept your memories right now. I’d wager Abe no Seimei or Seongjing would likely have been corrupted with this kind of power. You made a rather exquisite choice here.”

“…Do you have any idea of what’s going on?”

Cautiously, I inquired, and Zhuge Sa replied.

“Only that at this moment, there’s nothing for sure. The only firm conclusion is that you now have a task ahead of you.”

“A task?”

“Baek Woong. At the end of your previous life, Emperor Gong Sun Xuanwen had high hopes for you. If there’s something for you to do, it’s to resolve the task laid out by the Emperor.”

“……?”

Zhuge Sa provided a sly grin.

“Firstly, become as strong as possible during the time given by the Emperor. And the other is…”

At Zhuge Sa’s continue, my eyes widened.

“…To return to the time of the Battle of Takrok.”

“Battle of Takrok?!”

I blurted out in shock.

“That’s the great battle where the Emperor and Chi You wagered everything and it happened in the mythological age!”

“Correct.”

“You actually want me to use the [Small Cycle] thousands of years later to reverse that time?”

“No, that’s impossible.”

Zhuge Sa settled into a chair nearby, fiddling with his glasses.

“The amount of depleted divine power needed to reverse the [Small Cycle] to that extent is beyond measure. Even if you were to reverse it, that time period coincides with a critical event observed by all gods. The Old Ruler and ancient gods would surely restore the [Small Cycle] you manipulated. Naturally, the Three Sovereigns won’t sit idle.”

“……”

“Honestly, Nüwa might just show up and smite you in one hit.”

“…Then what do you want me to do?”

“Ha ha… Think carefully.”

Zhuge Sa chuckled, shaking his shoulders. Then he spoke.

“The reason Emperor Gong Sun Xuanwen intentionally sealed himself, granting you a grace period, is that he found it advantageous for himself. He realized at that moment he couldn’t possibly defeat Nyarlathotep in this manner and joined hands with you.”

“……? Why…”

“Consider the last battle scene. The supreme mask, Nyarlathotep, told the Emperor why his efforts to resist would inevitably fail.”

“……”

“It was the moment his greatest blunder in reaching ascension was revealed.”

The memory from back then vividly flashed in my mind.

And I hardened my expression.

“Wait…”

“That’s exactly what Emperor Gong Sun Xuanwen laid out as an assignment for sending you to your next reincarnation. Ha ha ha… This should prove terribly challenging. Do you understand what it means to alter the result of the Battle of Takrok without using the [Small Cycle]?”

“I… I don’t know.”

“Ha ha ha…”

Zhuge Sa’s maniacal laughter echoed in the room.

“Ha ha ha… It means you need to use the [Great Cycle] to resurrect Chi You.”