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Soul of the Evil God

“Susanowo?”

I feel like I’ve heard that name before, but it just isn’t coming back to me.

“What’s that?”

“……”

When I asked back, Abe no Seimei looked at me with a bitter expression.

“Folks from the continent might not know well, but he is the creator god of this Dongyoung archipelago and one of the prominent heavenly gods. He was active during the Mythological Age alongside Amaterasu and is one of the three major deities.”

“Hmm…”

Even after that explanation, I was still lost, so my confusion caught the attention of Zhuge Sa, who chimed in.

“Baek Woong, didn’t you hear about his past from Musashi? When he was younger, his father performed human sacrifices to gain divine swordsmanship as written in an ancient book, and one of the shrines where those sacrifices were made belonged to Susanowo.”

“……Ah!!”

“Well, Musashi ultimately got killed by a servant of Amatsu Kami.”

“I remember.”

Maybe it’s because I have so many memories? It was only after hearing that that I could recall those past events from a corner of my mind. Still, Dracula looked like he was hearing it for the first time, completely blank.

However, Abe no Seimei, who had been listening to our conversation, suddenly tensed up.

“…How do you know about that event? Could it be that you know Miyamoto Musashi?”

“Ah….”

Upon hearing that, it struck me that Abe no Seimei had emerged to suppress the servant of Amatsu Kami when that incident took place. For me, it was just one of many memories, but for Abe no Seimei, it was something he had vividly experienced decades ago.

I figured there was no need to explain in detail and told Abe no Seimei, “I’m no enemy of humans. I’ll talk with Musashi soon.”

“……”

“Anyway, let’s get back to the point. Why did Susanowo suddenly resurrect? And how is that related to reviving Amaterasu?”

Abe no Seimei began to speak.

“The ancient god, Susanowo, just resurrected a few days ago. He had been sealed deep within the earth beneath Mount Fuji, but suddenly regained his divinity and surged upwards, escaping from this sealed place and now he’s in Kyoto.”

“A few days ago?”

“Yes. We have no idea why he resurrected, but my guess is that some entity that sealed Susanowo during the ancient era has disappeared, which triggered this event.”

“……”

I instantly caught on to that.

‘…Susanowo must be the ancient god who was suppressed by Emperor Gong Sun Xuanwen.’

Just like how the King Gun woke up due to the unsealing of Emperor Gong Sun Xuanwen, it seems the god Susanowo was also released at the same time.

Abe no Seimei continued, “And … Susanowo is currently in Kyoto, declaring himself the god king of Dongyoung and gathering the Hundred Ghosts for a night march. If we leave him alone, Dongyoung is doomed.”

“Hmm. That sounds unfortunate…. But why can’t Amaterasu be revived? What does this rampaging Susanowo have to do with it?”

In response to my question, Abe no Seimei answered with a serious face.

“Because of the dragon veins.”

“Dragon veins?”

“Yes. They are the blood vessels of the earth and the center of surging spiritual power. The reason Susanowo has gone to Kyoto is…”

Before Abe no Seimei could finish, Zhuge Sa interrupted.

“There must be forgotten ancient dragon veins in Kyoto. Susanowo is trying to use those veins to recover his strength, but due to the distortion in the veins, the spiritual energy has been tainted, making it dangerous to conduct Amaterasu’s resurrection ceremony.”

“……!!”

Abe no Seimei seemed shocked by this and nodded his head.

“…Exactly. All the dragon veins in Dongyoung have become tangled. By forcibly reviving the great dragon vein in Kyoto, the circulation of power has fallen into chaos. Given the massive otherworldy passage already exposed due to the flood, it might lead to the destruction of the whole world, starting with Dongyoung.”

“Hmm….”

“Naturally, we can’t conduct the resurrection of Amaterasu either. For that ritual to occur, stable spiritual energy is essential, but at this rate, the altar would explode during the process.”

“You’re beating around the bush, but the conclusion is straightforward.”

I stared sharply at Abe no Seimei and said, “You want me to take down the Susanowo who has taken over Kyoto, right?”

“I would appreciate it if you did.”

“Hmm….”

I fell deep into thought. It seemed absurd that taking down the revived ancient god Susanowo would somehow tie me into a method of controlling magical power! Then, I suddenly realized something and shouted.

“Wait, Kyoto?! If that’s the case, Miho is there!!”

“You know that nine-tailed fox?”

“…Damn!!”

I clenched my teeth.

‘Miho is in danger!!’

Usually, Miho disguised herself as an empress in the imperial palace of Kyoto, pretending to be human. But if that Susanowo was taken over Kyoto, then surely Miho in Kyoto would also be in peril!

When I glanced at Zhuge Sa, he chuckled.

“Hehe! Unlike Mangnyang, I won’t try to stop you. If you want to deal with Susanowo to save Miho, by all means, go ahead. Just….”

“Just?”

“Make sure you’re certain about whether you want to talk to Susanowo. I don’t think it’s someone you can just charge at with blind rage.”

“…Hmmm.”

Zhuge Sa’s words made me feel a bit calmer.

‘Right. I should at least understand what Susanowo is thinking and what the root cause of his actions is…. I need to keep a cool head!’

After collecting my thoughts, I said, “If there’s a chance to talk, I will. But if he has harmed Miho, I won’t spare him!”

“Good. Then shall we head straight over?”

“Straight?”

“Of course. If the weakened ancient god is devouring the energy from the dragon veins, there’s no reason to dawdle. The longer we wait, the harder it will be to subdue him.”

Zhuge Sa replied while casting a sidelong glance at Abe no Seimei with a sly grin.

“And you, old raccoon, I’ll let you off this time considering your position, but if you ever try to manipulate us again, I won’t hold back. I’ll make an art piece out of your clan.”

“……”

It seemed Abe no Seimei realized that Zhuge Sa meant it seriously, as his face turned rigid. The ‘art piece’ Zhuge Sa mentioned must be something horrific that one couldn’t bear to witness.

“Remember this, hehe. There’s no reason to spare you if you aren’t truly our ally.”

“I understand.”

“Good, then tell me everything you know about Susanowo.”

“I will.”

For about half a moment, we heard a detailed explanation about Susanowo. We decided to leave Abe no Seimei behind because taking him along could unseal the flood seal due to the boiling dragon veins throughout Dongyoung.

Pa-at!

I arrived in Kyoto with Zhuge Sa and Dracula. I cautiously said,

“Zhuge Sa, don’t you think that was a bit harsh? While he pushed us to deal with Susanowo, Seimei isn’t a bad guy.”

“Hehe. He’s no saint either. That guy can do anything as long as it protects the humanity of Dongyoung. Do you think a millennium-old grand sorcerer is just some easy snake? If I don’t say this much now, there’s always the possibility he might betray us later.”

“Hmm….”

“It’s a bigger restriction than you think that he can’t use obsidian. This current Seimei is not the same as the one you knew from 500 years later in your 28th cycle. He’s a figure to be wary of.”

“Got it.”

I felt like I was hit with a realization. Zhuge Sa likely noticed I was recalling the Seimei who sacrificed himself for me in my 28th cycle. Also, Zhuge Sa was reminding me that the two Seimeis are entirely different beings, thus needing to stay vigilant.

“Anyway, he is not lying.”

Zhuge Sa continued while glancing over the outskirts of Kyoto from a high hill.

“Seems like quite the bothersome character.”

Woooooo—

As I activated the Fire Eye Golden Spirit technique, I could see it too.

A massive, god-like figure radiating light, towering like a mountain! Dressed in ancient armor and sporting the two-headed characteristics typical of ancient Dongyoung beings, this existence wielded a grand sword. It was standing still, eyes closed, seemingly concentrating, and ordinary humans in Kyoto didn’t appear to notice the luminescent deity at all.

I asked Dracula, “Can we strike it down right now?”

“That’s not the main body but a manifestation of its power. It’s a mirage that appeared while it was trying to gather strength from the dragon veins. The real body is somewhere else.”

“Hmm. Is that so?”

“I’d be sure that a well-prepared fortress is in place. It would be dangerous to go in directly. Let’s scout first.”

“Scout?”

“I’ll send some subordinates.”

Swish Swish Swish

Dracula conjured a magic circle on his palm, and dozens of bats appeared above it. Dracula stretched out his hand and commanded, “Go!”

Hisssssss

As the bats flew toward the urban area, Dracula said, “If a bat bites a human, that human will become my subordinate. I’ll use that subordinate to scout the interior.”

I suddenly thought of something and asked him, “…Is the human okay after being bitten?”

“They become quite useful. Their physical abilities also increase, and they don’t feel fear or pain, plus they can explode…”

“No, I mean can they go back to being human?”

“Huh? There’s no reason for that…”

So, anyone bitten by a bat is doomed to be Dracula’s slave until they die.

“Damn…. Even with all this, this guy’s still an evil dragon.”

I sighed deeply at Dracula’s words and said, “Recall the bats. There’s no need to unnecessarily sacrifice humans.”

“Understood.”

As Dracula summoned back the bats, I turned to Zhuge Sa and said, “I don’t like tiptoeing around. I’m just going to fight Susanowo.”

“Hehe. Not the worst choice, but you sure are a bit foolish. But I suppose that’s just how Baek Woong is as a reborn person.”

“Damn it. It’s better than wasting time.”

“At least you know what the worst-case scenario is, so that’s good, hehe.”

Zhuge Sa chuckled.

“Then let’s exchange the Soul Exchange Technique. I’ll assist you when it’s time for you to make a choice.”

“Got it.”

Buzz!

I linked with Zhuge Sa through the Soul Exchange Technique, meaning I didn’t need to use any other techniques; I could connect with him purely by thought.

“Let’s go.”

Finally, Dracula and I entered the interior of Kyoto. As we got inside, Dracula looked around and said, “Looks like there are a lot of low-level yōkai in the streets. They say they’re gathering the Hundred Ghosts; perhaps they intend to turn these creatures into subordinates.”

“…I see. Lots of those who’ve transformed into humans.”

Though on the surface it appeared to be a vibrant daytime street, there were plenty of yōkai lurking in the shadows of the alleyways. It seemed the average humans were oblivious to this.

“We’re almost there. That seems to be the base.”

Zhuge Sa pointed towards the place where the Emperor of Kyoto resides—the imperial palace. Right there was the foot of the luminescent deity, and I could feel its power pouring inside. As my gloomy predictions came true, I gritted my teeth and said, “Let’s go.”

Miho must be safe.

Ta-dat!

As Dracula and I entered the palace, we felt a barrier. Dracula transformed one of his arms into a dragon-like limb and swung it forcefully.

Riptide!!

With that stroke, the barrier splintered like a piece of paper, and screams erupted everywhere.

“Krah.”

“Ugh.”

It seemed that the human sorcerers inside the palace had collapsed due to the backlash of the barrier breaking. Not long after rushing inside, we were confronted by someone.

[We have some powerful beings here. What business do you have?]

Tsuzuzuzu

A strange beast, spewing intense flames, appeared before us. The power emanating from that spirit was leagues above mere yōkai, and I could see even Dracula hesitating in the presence of the beast.

I figured it wasn’t time to draw my sword, so I opened my mouth and said, “I am Baek Woong, apostle of So Hao Jin Tian from the Three Sovereigns. You should introduce yourself too.”

[……!! So Hao Jin Tian!! Incredible.]

“Look here.”

Woong

As I extended my arm, the emblem So Hao Jin Tian had given me began to glow momentarily. At the sight of that symbol, the flame spirit flinched and soon responded.

[…I am Hinokakutsuchi, the spirit beast of Kagu-tsuchi. It’s a pleasure to meet a great being.]

He spoke very politely. It was proof that he acknowledged my status.

“Kagu-tsuchi? He must have also been one of the heavenly gods in the beginning. But what’s your relationship with Susanowo?”

[…….]

The blaze spirit hesitated before saying, [Are you here to eliminate us?]

“It could be that, depending on the situation. However, if our mutual interests align, I’d rather not go that route.”

[Oh….]

“I wish to speak with that guy Susanowo. Where can I find him?”

In the next instant, a booming voice echoed throughout the entire palace.

[Are you looking for me, apostle of the Three Sovereigns?!]

Ku-wuuuuu!!

In the next moment, the form of the luminescent deity I had seen outside of Kyoto transformed to that of an ordinary human right before my eyes. Clad in ancient garb and holding a great sword, he spoke to me, directing the tip downwards.

[I am Susanowo no Mikoto. A being of freedom that has escaped the clutches of the arrogant Emperor Gong Sun Xuanwen!]

I gave Susanowo a once-over. I couldn’t help but let out a low whistle.

‘…He seems pretty strong.’

At least I could feel that he was much stronger than Dracula. More than anything, the overwhelming aura radiating from his form proved that he was indeed a battle-hardened god.

Considering he had just recently been unsealed and was still recovering, once he regained all his strength, he would undoubtedly become a monster that an ordinary mortal could never hope to face.

‘Eventually, he would awaken to the presence of beings like Amaterasu. To take him down, I must strike now. But….’

After a moment’s thought, I spoke.

“Firstly, I want to know if Miho is safe. I came here to rescue her.”

[Miho? That nine-tailed fox, disguised as the empress?]

“Yeah. You didn’t kill her or anything, right?”

[Oh, fox! Come out here!]

Shwink

At Susanowo’s command, something appeared over the distance near the pillars, teleporting in. I quickly recognized it as Miho and called out happily.

“Miho! You’re safe!”

The fox, having taken on the guise of an empress, looked back at me with a terrified expression and said, “Wh-what can I do for you, apostle of the Three Sovereigns?”

“I’m glad you’re safe! Are you hurt?”

“Ugh…”

Miho squeaked in horror, hiding behind a pillar. Seeing this made me bewildered, and just as I was trying to process it, I heard a voice in my head.

[Hehe, Miho doesn’t even know you. Just the thought of an apostle radiating magical power showing her interest must strike fear in her as a mere great yōkai.]

“……”

[Don’t be too shocked; just compose yourself.]

Staying calm after Zhuge Sa’s words, I said, “Susanowo, it seems you haven’t harmed the people in this palace.”

[There’s no reason to do that. I actually have a fondness for humans.]

“That’s a relief.”

[…You’re quite an interesting one. Apostles of the Three Sovereigns are usually arrogant and look at humans like bugs, yet here you are, caring about their lives.]

Susanowo chuckled, seeming more amused than afraid of me. I addressed him, “As long as you don’t harm Miho or humans, I don’t intend to fight you. However, I do have some questions.”

[Then I will do the same. Speak away.]

“Why were you sealed beneath the volcano of Mount Fuji? By the hands of Emperor Gong Sun Xuanwen, no less.”

[Because of the flood.]

“A flood?”

At my question, Susanowo smirked coldly.

[The global great flood that the Three Sovereigns conspired with the [Old Ruler] of the western lands to annihilate humanity. I ended up being sealed by the hands of the Three Sovereigns when I tried to prevent it.]

“……!!”

[The record of me defeating the monster Yamata-no-Orochi was actually twisted history of my attempts to save humans during the flood… Hahaha!]

Is that so?

Taken aback, I asked Susanowo, “You really fought against Emperor Gong Sun Xuanwen? You must be incredibly strong!”

[…….]

As soon as I said that, I felt the atmosphere in the hall become tense. Hinokakutsuchi beside me looked distinctly anxious, and Dracula seemed to feel it too. The very subject of our discussion, Susanowo, laughed casually.

[Hahaha. I didn’t fight the Emperor. It was Zhuanxu and Di Ku who attacked me and sealed me with the Emperor’s magic.]

“Zhuanxu and Di Ku….”

[They seem to be still going strong, but the Emperor must’ve faced some calamity. Heh.]

Unlike Gon’s case, which bore some similarities, the sorcerers Zhuanxu and Di Ku managed to survive, whereas the Emperor’s demise had freed me from my seals. Realizing this filled me with dread.

‘Damn….’

That would mean not just Susanowo, but all the ancient deities sealed away by the Emperor’s magic are now resurrected?!

[That’s probably not the past you want to discuss. Let’s get to the main topic, shall we?]

“To put it bluntly, I aim to resurrect Amaterasu.”

[……]

It was clearly unexpected, and Susanowo appeared rather surprised. I pressed on without pause.

“But you’re currently sucking up the dragon veins here, preventing the resurrection ceremony. Can’t you just stop?”

[That’s hard to believe. The apostle of the Three Sovereigns claims he’ll bring my blood back to life? Are you pulling my leg here?]

“If I had that intent, I wouldn’t be calmly talking to you like this. I’m serious.”

[Hmm…. It’s hard to trust that.]

I strode forward to Susanowo and extended my hand, saying, “If you’re suspicious, check if I have Amaterasu’s body. I intend to use this to involve Abe no Seimei, the overseer of the flood.”

“…….”

Without a word, Susanowo seized my wrist. He then exclaimed in shock, [What?! This is unbelievable! How can this be….]

“Does it seem possible?”

[You are truly a bizarre being! Phew.]

Susanowo took a moment to marvel before he finally said, [But still, that won’t work. If it’s not urgent, please wait three years. By then I’ll fully cooperate with you.]

I was taken aback by his words and shouted.

“…Are you kidding me? You want to fight, don’t you?!”

[No. That’s not it.]

What followed was a shocking proclamation from Susanowo.

[Another great flood is coming to the entire world soon. To stop it, I need strength.]