전생검신 85권 18화

Master Mangnyang didn’t seem to have changed at all compared to the past. Twenty years had passed, yet he looked just as I remembered, which meant he hadn’t aged one bit. Of course, as the direct disciple of the Heavenly Mysterious Woman, he’d be exempt from aging, but I felt an inexplicable strangeness about him.

‘For some reason, he seems to have distanced himself from humanity.’

It wasn’t just a simple change in existence or race; there was a palpable gap. Why did I feel so alienated?

‘… Ever since I came to this world, I’ve fought too many enemies. It’s just unnecessary thinking.’

But I shook my head. I sensed no hostility from Mangnyang, and my instincts felt unnecessarily on edge. After all, having fought repeatedly without understanding why, it’s normal for me to be suspicious of everything I encounter.

As I lost myself in thought, Mangnyang spoke up.

“Baek Woong. You must be curious why I summoned you here.”

[Indeed. If you had been there, I could have discussed things with my companions at once.]

Besides, this was near Luoyang, where it was likely I’d run into the Master of the White Lotus Sect, who still had unresolved conflicts. It was puzzling why Mangnyang had brought us here, knowing that.

“Of course, but I wanted to meet you one-on-one for something specific. That’s why I ensured others wouldn’t interfere.”

[…….]

I glanced at the thick fog. I had suspected it, but the mist enveloping us was indeed contrived by Mangnyang. Curiosity got the better of me, and I asked him.

[Are you trying to say something you can’t in front of others? If you have something to say, just speak openly.]

“Hmm, openly…”

With a somewhat bitter smile, Mangnyang replied.

“Baek Woong, I have something I want to state first.”

[Go ahead.]

“The bond among our reincarnated comrades isn’t very solid. These were people who led totally unrelated lives before gathering around you as a focal point. Take the Master of the White Lotus Sect and Miho, for instance; they were people who could have easily spent centuries without meeting. Thus, since we all think very differently, there’s a lot of conflict. The friction between Luoyang and Nanjing is just one example.”

[…… Hmm.]

“Because the conflict is so pronounced, I can’t predict how my words will be interpreted. Therefore, I wanted to call you privately to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings.”

[What on earth are you trying to say? They can’t be so intolerant that we can’t bridge differences.]

At this, Mangnyang dropped a bombshell.

“Baek Woong. I am… planning to destroy the world with the power of my master.”

[……?!]

“At least until you return, it was my plan.”

What?!

I was stunned, unable to believe what Mangnyang was saying. This was the very person who had worked tirelessly to save the world and cherished great ideals!

It was thanks to Mangnyang’s convictions that I had managed to stay on the right path during my own reincarnations. His words were enough to leave me flabbergasted.

To think that he was contemplating the destruction of the world!

But gradually, I regained my senses and replied.

[That’s hard to believe. Why would you think like that? The human world hasn’t been that disastrous since I returned.]

“Hmm, that’s true. Thanks to you, humanity has had an unexpectedly easy time surviving.”

Mangnyang then continued slowly.

“However, we haven’t even located the culprit of this disaster, the Moon God Tsukuyomi. Moreover, the heavenly deities have shown a troubling attitude toward humanity’s survival. If things keep going like this, humanity will suffer a terrible demise, so I thought maybe it would be better for me to tidy things up before that happened.”

[What do you mean by ‘tidy up’?]

“Just like how priests did in the past. When you returned to the real world from the Dream World at the end of the 28th cycle, the priests inserted all of humanity into the realm of dreams.”

[Ah…!!]

That’s right. In the 28th cycle, when Mangnyang’s priest Cheon Woo-jin saw that doom was unavoidable, he used his dream powers to shove all of humanity into the Dream World. Remembering that, I couldn’t help but exclaim.

“After sealing humanity in the Dream World, I would hide with the help of my master until you returned. Saving everyone was too difficult, so I thought that would be easier.”

[… But about that, I have a question.]

“What is it?”

[Once humanity is sealed in the Dream World, can they be freed? If that’s the case, then it doesn’t seem too concerning… ]

At that, Mangnyang shook his head.

“Impossible. Only a very special being or an apostle who wields the powers of the Dream World can go back and forth freely. An ordinary human can’t escape once they enter.”

[Hmm.]

“So it’s a last resort; although devoid of suffering, refer to it as humanity’s destruction. I thought it would be better for my comrades not to know that I had such thoughts.”

[So you decided to tell me separately.]

“Indeed. Because I couldn’t hide it from you.”

[…….]

I would have never imagined that Mangnyang was thinkin’ of sealing humans in the Dream World.

But on some level, it also seemed to suit him. He valued human life while pursuing the greater good, yet perhaps sought the path that would minimize suffering. Given the brutal fate dealt by the Old Ruler, I couldn’t condemn Mangnyang.

After a moment’s reflection, I spoke to Mangnyang.

[But telling me this means you’ve set that thought aside, right?]

“It’s fifty-fifty.”

[Fifty-fifty?]

Mangnyang gave me a somewhat piercing look.

“I still haven’t heard what experiences you had in this world and how you returned. If you also have no idea how to save this world, my thoughts won’t change. Perhaps sealing away the troublesome human race and letting my fellow reincarnated warriors fight the deities by themselves would cause less trouble.”

[Hmm!]

“Then tell me, Baek Woong. I know you can’t use the Obsidian right now.”

[How do you know that?]

“Because I have many spells to keep an eye on Nanjing Castle.”

[Alright. It might be a long story, but can you sit and listen?]

“Of course.”

With that, a table and chair appeared through Mangnyang’s spells, and I settled down to calmly share my tale. It was the most I had talked since the Zhuge Sect since my return.

How long had passed? After listening to my entire story, Mangnyang suddenly summoned a wine bottle with sorcery and poured a cup. Once the cup was half full, he handed it to me.

“It’s brewed tea. Have a sip.”

[I’m basically a mechanical being.]

“Even a metal man mimics humans, so it shouldn’t be an issue for you to drink.”

Mangnyang was right. As I took a sip, I felt like a human again, getting the sensation of drinking alcohol. Of course, I was completely sober due to my mechanical nature.

‘Brewed tea…’

It brought back distant memories. I think I had drunk brewed tea given to me by Mangnyang just before facing death.

As I drank, Mangnyang remarked.

“Your story has brought forth hope.”

[So does that mean you’re considering canceling your plan to destroy humanity?]

Mangnyang vigorously nodded.

“I see a sufficient way to save humanity, so I will cancel it. But I need your resolve.”

[My resolve?]

Mangnyang stared through me with seriousness and then said something unexpected.

“Baek Woong. Are you able to become a god?”

… Huh?

What on earth is this?

I was more shocked than I had been by the former plan to destroy humanity, staring wide-eyed and uttering.

[You mean you want me to regain my divine power quickly?]

“No. Of course, that too, but… I’m talking about the literal meaning. Can you become a god for humanity?”

[……!!]

“From now on, your path depends on that. If not, you wouldn’t be able to reunite your scattered reincarnated comrades or stand against the deities.”

I thought Mangnyang was rambling.

He’s asking me to become a god?!

Even though I had wielded divine power, it never felt like I commanded authority as a deity; it felt more like I had gained a useful power. However, I had never considered becoming a god myself.

But Mangnyang’s eyes showed he was sincere.

Realizing this, I was taken aback and exclaimed.

[You want me to become a being that is worshipped like a Buddha or the Old Ruler? To be revered as a living human god?]

Mangnyang replied nonchalantly.

“Sure. Since you’ve experienced being the Emperor of the Great Bear Empire, you should be able to handle it!”

[Oh, but… gods are a bit different. An emperor has a long history, where thousands have called themselves emperors. And I’ve played it off casually. But to become a god is to place myself alongside Buddhas… doesn’t that sound absurd?]

Is that even possible?

Mangnyang gazed at me seriously.

“You undervalue yourself too much. In my view, you possess qualifications beyond measure.”

[What do you mean…?]

“You are a reborn individual who can go toe to toe against the Old Ruler or the celestial beings. You’ve smashed their plots and even sealed them at times. Moreover, humanity’s survival hinges on your abilities and knowledge as a reincarnator. If it weren’t for you, not only would humanity have faced Tsukuyomi’s calamity, but just the chaotic monsters beforehand would have easily led to the downfall of the Great Ming Empire. Even now, the Subjugation Squad is defeating the Demon King and apostles, and without you, they wouldn’t have dared engage.”

[…….]

“And as you said, during the time of Takrok, weren’t you the one overwhelming the gods? Even the lesser gods from that era would be terrifying in the current world; you tossed them aside and safeguarded the ancient empires.”

Laying it all out, Mangnyang clenched his fist.

“Baek Woong, you are worthy of becoming a god. In fact, no one else can claim that title!”

[…….]

“That’s why Zhuge Sa referred to you as the one to be served. He too must have shared the same thought as I.”

To be served…!!

Hearing that made me feel a strange mix of pride and unease.

‘I’m… a god?’

I couldn’t believe it, yet somehow it made me anxious.

Is it truly okay to become a god?

Even with the instincts of a reincarnator, things felt awry. My gut didn’t clearly tell me if this choice was right or wrong.

In short… that choice entirely rests on me.

Whatever decision I make, I’ll bear the consequences.

[…….]

After pondering for a while, I spoke to Mangnyang.

[I don’t know.]

His response was a look of surprise.

“…You don’t know even after all this? You must be realizing that your abilities are far closer to god than to mere humans.”

[And that’s precisely why.]

“…?”

[Somehow, this choice feels… familiar.]

It felt known to me.

I swallowed those words hard. It was a bizarre instinct that didn’t make sense even to me. When something felt familiar, it suggested to me that I shouldn’t choose it hastily. How could Mangnyang understand such an idea?

Suddenly, a single phrase clouded my thoughts.

The Start and the End Always Rest With Them.

[…….]

Why does that one line come to mind?

Instead of revealing my confused state, I deflected the conversation.

[Anyway… I need a bit more time to think. Zhuge Sa isn’t awake yet, so I’d like to discuss things with him too.]

“So, if you talk with Zhuge Sa and reach a conclusion, you’re saying you’re thinking about becoming a god?”

[Of course. If Zhuge Sa agrees, I have no reason to oppose it.]

“Hohoho. If others could become gods, they would embrace it eagerly and enjoy the title of the supreme being… but you are truly unique. After all, you’ve treated the position of emperor merely as an exotic experience…”

Mangnyang chuckled, as if he found my situation amusing, and summoned his own cup to take a sip of brewed tea.

After savoring the brew, he said,

“I want to tell you about my past, but there’s a more pressing matter right now. Let’s share cups properly when we go to Nanjing Castle.”

[More pressing matter…?]

“Your master wishes to see you.”

[What…?!]

“I’ll deal with the Master of the White Lotus Sect, so handle your business and come to Nanjing Castle.”

Swish!!

In the next moment, Mangnyang vanished into the fog, taking everything he summoned with him. I stood up awkwardly, looking around, only to see a single path cleared through the dense mist.

It led to a hut.

[…….]

I walked slowly down that path, almost entranced. Once I stepped fully into the path, the surrounding fog cleared significantly, allowing me to see the scenery around me. I didn’t know how many times I had traveled this path before, but seeing it again felt oddly nostalgic.

And just as I got halfway down the path, a black cat suddenly blocked my way.

The black cat perked its ears and said,

[You’ve broken through the boundary.]

It was Master Mangnyang.

I had anticipated that Mangnyang would appear, so I chuckled softly and said, “You’re speaking in riddles again… Huh?”

Why wasn’t this in the mechanical voice?

I was caught off guard and immediately looked down at myself, gasping in surprise.

“Oh?!”

A human body!!

And not just any body, but the one right after my reincarnation!

It should have been a steel body; how could I have one like this?!

As I recoiled in shock, Mangnyang said,

[This is the Dream World. You know by now that anything is possible in a dream, right?]

“Ah… Right, dreams work that way.”

I quickly calmed myself, remembering countless tales of how dreams worked while battling alongside Zhuge Sa. Still, I felt a bit disappointed.

“A steel body was quite inconvenient. I wouldn’t just want to regain my body here; I wish I could have it back in reality as well.”

[That’s possible. But it goes against the natural order of the world.]

“What?”

As I looked dumfounded, Mangnyang gazed at me thoughtfully and then spoke.

[You’re hungry.]

“……”

[Hurry and offer me some snacks.]

Somehow, this felt reminiscent of a previous encounter.

But it was clear that if I didn’t bring snacks to Mangnyang, I wouldn’t get any information in return.

‘Ah… Right now, I have neither the Heavenly Secret nor the Wooden Armor!!’

I obviously had nothing! In the past, I’d have offered any snack I had hoarded in the Wooden Armor!

Feeling hopeless, I grasped at a solution and raised my blade.

“W-Would you like to taste my hand?”

It would hurt, but if I cut my hand to mince the meat…

Thud.

Mangnyang knocked my hand away with his paw. As I staggered from the sting, Mangnyang spoke with obvious irritation.

[You ignorant fool. That body is merely a fragment of the dream. I demand offerings that pertain to the dream.]

“Ugh…!! It hasn’t been long since I returned and I don’t have a thing!”

[Hmm… if you have nothing, then I have nothing to share with you.]

Just as Mangnyang seemed disappointed and was about to turn away.

Swish!!

An unknown vapor suddenly whirled into the area. The vapor flared up, and something akin to an aura of brilliance emerged.

[Great Master Mangnyang, I am Relcrobous! According to the law of cause and effect, I wish to offer an offering on behalf of Baek Woong.]

With that, a particularly delicious-looking piece of beef was summoned and laid before Master Mangnyang.

[I shall offer this on behalf of Baek Woong.]

[…….]

“…”

Who the heck is that?

Both Mangnyang and I stared at the sudden presence in perplexity. That vapor was likely a spirit, but its true form was surely completely different.

‘Relcrobous?’

What… what was that? It’s a name I feel I’ve heard before…

It felt oddly familiar!

Caught off guard by the sudden situation, I desperately turned my mind, yet all I could do was watch as Mangnyang stared at Relcrobous.

[You were warned not to show yourself recklessly.]

At that, Relcrobous flinched and replied,

[We have something to say only if the story progresses, don’t we? Please don’t take offense, great one.]

[…….]

Mangnyang chomped down on the beef and munched on it. After consuming a satisfactory amount, he finally said,

[This is happening because the boundaries have collapsed. It’s all due to your past deeds, Baek Woong.]

“What are you suddenly saying? What are you talking about? Why are you offering on my behalf?”

Relcrobous seemed to hesitate when trying to answer, glancing at Mangnyang.

[That’s… ]

Mangnyang continued munching on the beef, and after a bit, it appeared he finished.

As he licked his paw clean, he said,

[Now that I’ve had my fill, you can all come out.]

[Thank you. Then… ]

Boom!!

“……!!”

In the next instant, I was left speechless from shock.

Behind Master Mangnyang appeared hundreds of spirits!

And Relcrobous, at the forefront of them, looked at me with a desperate voice.

[Chairman. We seem to have waited a long time… What a coincidence that it is just before the world is on the brink of destruction… ]

After a moment, Relcrobous cautiously added,

[What about the distribution…?]