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“I was momentarily dumbfounded by Fuxi’s words.”

‘W-What…?’

Why on earth is Fuxi saying that?

Fuxi had always given me every kind of support and assistance… Was he not someone close to being a comrade? I mean, I had even shared thoughts I had kept bottled up because I thought he was somewhat trustworthy…!!

‘Fuxi helped me a lot during the Takrok Era, and now he’s betraying me… huh?!’

But it was like a bucket of cold water poured over my head, bringing instant clarity. The countless experiences I had gone through had suddenly united in my mind, giving me insights I had never had before. I can’t really explain it, but it felt like I was viewing a massive flow of events all coming together in my head.

I hesitated for a moment, then replied to him.

[… Fuxi. Do you perhaps have memories from the Takrok Era?]

“……”

Fuxi stared at me with an expressionless gaze. Unlike the warm emotions I usually felt from human-like Fuxi, I could see that he had entirely suppressed his emotions and was observing me purely as a divine being. After a moment, he replied.

“You possess an insight that pierces through ignorance… It’s an instinct beyond intelligence. But where does that instinct come from?”

[……]

“Perhaps that instinct could be your most terrifying ability.”

Fuxi muttered this, then flicked his fan and continued speaking.

“That was a very good question to clarify the situation. I may not be the Fuxi you met, but I do possess those memories.”

[W-What?]

I was taken aback by Fuxi’s words.

‘What on Earth does that mean?!’

Not quite grasping his words, I nonetheless calmed my mind even further. After ruminating a bit, I said.

[… Whatever the case, you have memories of traveling with me during the Takrok Era… and knowing everything… you’re saying you led me into a trap.]

“Correct.”

[Why? Why did you gather the Three Sovereigns to trap me?]

Fuxi responded readily to my words.

“As I just stated, this is our only opportunity to rise against you, the Reborn Person.”

[Then why exactly would you want to oppose me? What harm have I done to the Three Sovereigns… ]

Feeling wronged, I protested. Fuxi just smirked and pointed his fan at me.

“What harm have you done? How many times have you used the Reborn Person’s abilities to toy with the Three Sovereigns during each rebirth? The fact that Emperor Gong Sun Xuanwen was sealed is all thanks to you, and because of the Law of Cause and Effect, Yushun faced oblivion due to you as well. Moreover, the other Three Sovereigns have also been heavily influenced by you and toyed with in various ways.”

[……!!]

“In other words, is there anyone who has harmed the Three Sovereigns more than you? Search the entire universe, and you won’t find a single one.”

I momentarily turned into a mute, realizing that Fuxi had a point. I couldn’t rebut him as he spoke the truth to some extent.

But squeezing and wracking my brain, I shouted.

[W-Wait! Isn’t it because I sealed Emperor Gong Sun Xuanwen that you are in that position? Isn’t it the same as avenging the enemy who drove you insane and confined you? How could you be so ungrateful!?]

“That isn’t wrong. If it weren’t for you… [in the original history], I wouldn’t be in this position as the Supreme Being of the Three Sovereigns.”

[Then even now, drop this trap… ]

“No, I cannot do that. I have to settle this with you today, no matter what.”

Fuxi flatly rejected my suggestion. His tone was serious, not a joke, leaving me utterly dumbfounded. At that moment, I could no longer avoid the truth.

That Fuxi is not being manipulated or brainwashed by someone else.

He was attacking me purely on his own volition!

As I felt my anger gradually cooling down, I glared at Fuxi.

[… Tell me the real reason. For now… I can dismiss it as your transgression.]

Fuxi burst into laughter.

“Heh, a transgression, huh!! You can claim such arrogance against me, Fuxi… Have you ever thought about the arrogance you think you possess?”

[Arrogant?]

“Yes… Now, be honest with me. ‘Now that I know everything,’ I despise the existence of Reborn People more than anything else in this world. Even more than Emperor Gong Sun Xuanwen.”

[……!!]

What?!

As I looked bewildered, Fuxi calmly continued.

“In ancient times, being sealed by Emperor Gong Sun Xuanwen was a bitter experience for me, but that was a failure on my part. I had no choice but to resign myself as I was overpowered in the battle of emperors vying for supremacy in this world. I accepted all the results arising from my defeat. But what in the world is a Reborn Person?”

Fuxi glared at me with an emotionless, icy gaze.

“Now, while you’re still a shaky and weak Reborn Person feigning respect for us, as your cycles accumulate, you’ll start to see us merely as playthings. Isn’t that the natural occurrence as the Reborn Person grows stronger? Moreover, even your grand ideals are obscured as you blunder around carelessly, causing the order of the world to become increasingly chaotic, with everything falling into chaos due to your whims. As the inheritor of order, I cannot possibly look favorably on someone like you.”

[……]

“You look shocked.”

[Does it show?]

“If it doesn’t, then what?”

Feeling overwhelmed, I maintained my gaze at Fuxi.

[Do you think I would treat the Three Sovereigns as mere playthings? If I truly wished for that, I would’ve been much more malicious about it. You of all people should grasp the meaning of my words.]

“……”

[Thus, even if what you say is sincere, I can’t believe you’ve been pretending this whole time. The real reason you’re striking against me is that someone has prompted you to do so, isn’t it?]

“…… Hmm……”

A brief flash of embarrassment crossed Fuxi’s face for a fleeting moment. I didn’t miss it. However, he quickly reverted back to his original expression and replied.

“Regardless, nothing has changed. I will do my utmost to capture and seal you, and you can attempt to escape from this spot. If you can, that is.”

I grinned at Fuxi’s words.

[Hah… Fuxi, have you lost your mind?]

“Hmm?”

[The Reborn Person’s greatest weapon is… death!]

If I die, I can escape this place!

The moment I finished speaking, I gathered all my power to strike my own head.

Sure, I had the powers of the Wheel King, but if I simply accepted my death, I’d probably perish right away.

Halt!

But just as I was about to commit suicide, I abruptly stopped. Because Fuxi and countless divine beings were watching my every move, and not a single one of them attempted to stop me.

‘There’s something going on…?!’

As I froze, Fuxi shrugged and said,

“Why the hesitation? I won’t stop you, so go on and die.”

[…… You plotted something. Regardless of whether I commit suicide or am killed, you must have a way to prevent my rebirth.]

Fuxi admitted what I had suspected as he nodded casually.

“That’s right. Do you think I would have dug this pit without a plan?”

This was no bluster.

If I could truly die and be reborn, it would essentially spell the end for the Three Sovereigns.

[What trick have you played?]

“Hehe. Do you think I would tell you?”

[…… Up until now, no one has been able to prevent my death and rebirth. No matter how divine you are, is there really a way to do that?]

My voice was laden with suspicions. It’s understandable considering countless enemies have tried every possible means to stop my rebirth, but somehow I managed to die and be reborn. The reason I clung to life with everything I had was merely to avoid wasting my chances of rebirth, but had I not fixated on information, my death count would have surpassed triple digits by now.

So why was Fuxi and the other Three Sovereigns acting like they could easily stop my rebirth?

‘What on Earth…’

At that moment, while the situation unfolded, Tezcatlipoca discreetly sent a divine message to me.

[I think I understand, Baek Woong.]

What?

When I looked at Tezcatlipoca, he continued.

[Beyond that is another enemy, not Fuxi. It isn’t Fuxi’s powers, but that guy must be using some method to block your rebirth, so unless you take him out, you probably won’t be able to be reborn.]

[W-What?!]

[But it’s strange. I’ve been trying to sense that guy since earlier, but there’s only a faint trace; it’s like he doesn’t even exist. If I can’t detect him with my divine powers, how could such a being exist…?]

Tezcatlipoca mumbled under suspicion.

[Anyway, you can’t avoid combat. Brace yourself, Baek Woong.]

[…… Got it!]

As I replied, I felt a sense of relief wash over me.

‘Damn it… Such a thorough trap. If I had brought other companions here to face Susanoo in a conventional manner, they would all be dead or held hostage.’

Choosing to bring Dongfang Sak and Tezcatlipoca turned out to be the right choice. Both of them not only had the ability to take care of themselves but also had fewer numbers, meaning less chance to be restrained. Had I dragged a larger number of companions that day to fight Susanoo, it would have ended terribly.

Rumble rumble…

In the next moment, Tezcatlipoca slowly began to emanate power, making his presence clear. All divine beings in the nearby area turned their attention to him, and Fuxi also paused fanning himself to watch him. Tezcatlipoca spoke to Fuxi.

[Fuxi, you appear to hold a strong dislike for the Reborn Person.]

“Are you complaining about that?”

[Of course not… Actually, I dislike the guy Baek Woong over there. He’s the one who took my head.]

“Oh?”

[I plan to secretly beat him later.]

What the!! This guy is planning that?!

As I looked up at Tezcatlipoca in shock, he gave a sly grin.

[… But the brat is interesting. He’ll keep me entertained moving forward, so there’s no need to forcibly eliminate someone who might bring me joy.]

“By force? Are you saying we, the Three Sovereigns, are doing this by force?”

[Hoo hoo. Looks like I chose my words poorly. Instead of force, should I call it a puppet dance?]

Tezcatlipoca chuckled heartily.

[Do you genuinely think you can take down the Reborn Person and take that position? You want to follow someone else’s wishes, while you and your kind are merely puppets and tools for them.]

“……”

[Come on, Fuxi the Tydragon… show your strength. I can feel your itch to display your overwhelming power and seize the heavens!]

Provoked by Tezcatlipoca, Fuxi chuckled.

“You are indeed an extraordinary being. You caught onto that, huh… If you wish, I will gladly demonstrate.”

Whoooosh – !!

In the next moment, the fabric of time and space rippled around Fuxi. Moments later, a gigantic axe appeared before Fuxi, exceeding the size of a single palm!

“And I must adjust the situation accordingly.”

Grabbing hold of the axe, Fuxi chanted incantations, declaring loudly to the skies.

[I, Fuxi, as the master of the Divine Temple, command all followers to gather here!]

Zing

Zing

Along with that, golden circular summoning formations emerged across the sky, exuding powerful divine energy starting to pour down. Watching from the ground, the Rainbow Snake let out an astonished sound.

[The followers of the Divine Temple…? Are you telling me Fuxi has taken control of Emperor Gong Sun Xuanwen’s Divine Temple?]

Not just the Rainbow Snake, but the Zhuge Clan members watching the summoned divine beings were all showing signs of panic.

[Th-That’s Shenglong.]

[The Qilin is here too!]

[Eungui as well!]

[The Four Divine Beasts have taken the side of the Divine Temple…]

Whoooosh…….

It was as they said. Among the Three Divine Beasts I was familiar with, three of them appeared in the venue in an instant! They were beings nearly as legendary as the Ancient God, worthy of ranking alongside the Old Ruler with great renown throughout the universe.

Moreover, a considerable number of divine beings from the Divine Temple were also being summoned one by one. Watching the Spirit Beasts and Demon Kings belonging to other Sovereigns start to materialize left me grinding my teeth.

‘Damn it!! If this continues, the numerical advantage…’

The Zhuge Clan now appeared close to two hundred members; though our numbers were still vastly superior, it wouldn’t take long for the Three Sovereigns to call forth fifty or so members, tipping the scales effectively in their favor.

And the reason I was genuinely startled was due to the identity of the axe Fuxi had summoned. I couldn’t help but gasp.

[Pangu’s Axe…!!]

The legendary axe guarded by the Qilin during the Takrok Era, one that I had helped Fuxi obtain.

To think Fuxi possessed that now!!

‘How on earth?’

Even now, I was struggling to wrap my head around the situation. Sure, with the Qilin already on that side, one could interpret it as the Qilin handing it over to Fuxi. But when did Fuxi ever recuperate and quietly rally the Four Divine Beasts to obtain the axe? How could he…

As I was reeling in confusion, Fuxi nodded with the Pangu Axe in hand, glancing over at Tezcatlipoca.

“I’m sorry, but I won’t give you first strike. If I did, I’d be the one likely to lose.”

Boom!!

The next moment, Fuxi swung the axe and struck Tezcatlipoca’s hefty body in an instant. True to his title, Fuxi’s movements transcended time and space and only the result of the swing remained, a hallmark of divine authority.

Crackle…!!

The scales that blocked Fuxi’s axe shattered into countless shards. Tezcatlipoca barely avoided the direct hit, but perhaps from the grazing, he soon began writhing in anguish.

[A peak of chaos coupled with the divine power of Pangu in its prime! Who uses such a fraudulent weapon!?]

… Dammit!

Was Tezcatlipoca really going to be defeated like that?!

“……”

However, it appeared that the upper hand was not solely in Fuxi’s favor, as he seemed taken aback after that one attack. He exclaimed, distinctly flustered.

“This is insane… A divine being with such absurd durability… After exceeding the cycle several times, can such a monster be born? I’ll have to hold out until the main body is summoned…”

Boom!!

No sooner had he finished speaking than a multitude of dark suns summoned by Tezcatlipoca slammed into Fuxi. Fuxi managed to defend using his techniques, but he appeared to be scorched as the exchanges went on. Tezcatlipoca casually added,

[Kakaha, well… I had to act a bit fragile. I’ll have to put in my best with that weapon!]

Bang bang bang.

Finally, I found myself speechless, witnessing the energetic clash between Tezcatlipoca fiercely attacking Fuxi while he repetitively defended and counterattacked.

[Fuxi! I’ll help you!]

As it seemed Fuxi was getting more cornered, Nüwa jumped in to assist Fuxi. As Nüwa’s divine powers spread out, it allowed Fuxi to swing the axe more easily and attack Tezcatlipoca.

‘Oh my goodness!’

It was then that I grasped the true balance of power in the venue.

Initially, both Fuxi and Nüwa, having been summoned incompletely, could not hope to go toe-to-toe with the now-empowered Tezcatlipoca! In fact, Fuxi was barely managing to hold his ground like a hero catching a monster using only Pangu’s Axe.

And as two of the Three Sovereigns closed in on Tezcatlipoca, an ominous aura began to swirl, signaling that a massive confrontation between the Divine Temple and the Zhuge Clan was about to escalate.

‘… Wait!’

In that fleeting moment, I realized what I could do and called out to two of the divine beings floating in the Divine Temple.

[Shiva! Vishnu!!]

They flinched!

Both turned to me in surprise. I figured there was no need to persuade them more and smiled, giving a thumbs up.

[Aren’t we friends! Hah!]

With my words, Shiva responded loudly.

[Got it!]

[Phew, looks like this is happening… ]

Whoosh…!!

Immediately, Shiva and Vishnu left the Divine Temple’s side and came straight to me.

They had just become my allies.

[……]

[……]

In the blink of an eye, the incredible turn of events left the Zhuge Clan and the divine beings from the Divine Temple, as well as Shennong and Jeon Wook who were currently in battle, stunned as they stared at me in daze.

After a moment of silence, Shennong chuckled, saying,

[I’ve lived long, but never have I seen someone with so many connections… .]

 

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