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Celestial Realm

As I stepped away from the Leader of the White Lotus Sect, I found myself pondering,

‘Convincing the Thunder God Lineage…?’

Even with five days, it seemed like a tall order. Definitely a tall order. Even the most moderate among them, Dokgo Seong, held a fierce antagonism towards the White Lotus Sect, as evidenced by his firm orders to assassinate the sect leader. In fact, it would not be an exaggeration to say that not a single one among the successors of the Thunder God Lineage could ever compromise with the White Lotus Sect. The notion of ‘cleansing’ stemmed from the fact that their sect had been shattered, and the masters of their order had been unjustly slain.

For someone like me, who didn’t have any personal grievances, it made me wonder whether I really had to bring down the White Lotus Sect; compromise and utilizing connections could be an option. However, for the other Thunder God Warriors, the kind of choice I could consider was entirely infeasible.

As I sank into thought, Han Baek-ryeong, who was walking beside me, spoke up,

“The Leader said five days, but I know this isn’t a grudge that can be resolved overnight.”

When I turned to look at her, she continued,

“Have some confidence. I will help you.”

Han Baek-ryeong was one of the few who understood the bitter relationship between the Thunder God Lineage and the White Lotus Sect. Unlike the Leader, she had a degree of understanding and empathy toward the Thunder God Lineage’s position. If she was this supportive, it would certainly ease my heart as we moved forward.

“Understood.”

We returned to the Han clan estate using the Flame Spirit technique. I followed Han Jin-seong as he opened the door to a certain room. Inside, there lay an ancient sword resting atop a white jade pedestal, quietly glowing with an immense power.

“This sword is Yongyeon (Dragon Abyss). Please take it.”

“……”

This was my second time hearing those words. I had received the Yongyeon sword from Han Jin-seong once before, as a heartfelt gift when I had refused to marry Han Ji-hwa. But the circumstances were different now, so I stared at Han Jin-seong and asked,

“Why are you giving me such a treasured sword?”

“Firstly, to strengthen the bond between you and the Huashan Sect, and secondly, because I want you to grow stronger.”

“What do you mean by that?”

Han Jin-seong chuckled softly,

“There aren’t many swords in the world that are better than Yongyeon. This sword is imbued with spiritual energy, making it practically unbreakable and maintaining its edge for eternity. You surely know how crucial the quality of a weapon is for a swordsman.”

“… Hmm.”

“When you face opponents of equal or higher caliber in the future, the weapon will matter a lot.”

As he spoke, Han Jin-seong’s gaze drifted toward the sword at my waist, a rusty iron sword I had casually picked up from the Great Dragon Merchant Association during my ascent. It had seen better days, thanks to the intense battles.

Certainly, if two skilled fighters were evenly matched, the one wielding Yongyeon wouldn’t be easily defeated by someone using an iron sword. After all, no matter how much one might seek to refine their technique, the advantage of a named sword could not be underestimated—its required inner strength would vastly differ, along with its durability and the unexpected advantages a treasured sword could bring in battle. Unless one was a sword demon wielding an unparalleled sword, better weaponry always held the advantage.

I nodded,

“Then I’ll gratefully accept it.”

“Oh, and one more thing.”

“What is it?”

“The issue you previously requested regarding the Huashan Sect members has been passed on to the Tian Zheng Alliance. Wei Zhi-hun will take care of it.”

I frowned at Han Jin-seong’s answer,

“Isn’t that a bit irresponsible? After all, these are those who sought refuge with the Huashan Sect!”

Han Jin-seong shrugged his shoulders,

“I thought the same, but we’re at a very important juncture now. We can’t risk exposing the secrets of the Huashan Sect to outsiders. Furthermore, the extermination of the Huashan Sect is ultimately the responsibility of the Tian Zheng Alliance.”

“… Will they really not suffer any harm?”

“Of course not. Wei Zhi-hun is very powerful and scrupulously fair. If he has declared his protection, then no sect in the world would dare to touch the masters of the Huashan Sect.”

“That’s a relief.”

“However, if staying with the Tian Zheng Alliance, they’ll have to endure some keen eyes, but that’s a fate those who were exterminated must bear.”

“Hmm.”

Han Jin-seong’s words seemed heartless but were realistic. There was no reason for either of us to go out of our way to provide for the Huashan Sect’s masters.

“If you wish, I can arrange a meeting with Wei Zhi-hun.”

I waved my hand,

“No, I don’t have the time to worry about that right now.”

“You’ve made a wise choice.”

After discussing several important matters with Han Jin-seong, I exited the Huashan Sect. While I could have immediately moved to the Cheongryong Military Camp using boiling flames, I instead headed to the ruins where the Black and White Lotus were previously found.

Swoosh!

Upon reaching the pond atop the ruins, I confirmed that the half-full space from the Black and White Lotus had indeed grown. Perhaps it was due to the time that had passed, as the Black and White Lotus had started to thrive. Even so, it was surprisingly fast for a lotus, and I felt a sense of wonder.

‘It hasn’t bloomed yet, but it sure has grown quite a bit. Could it take about three years to fully mature?’

It might even take longer, but seeing its considerable growth made me think that it was possible to cultivate the Black and White Lotus continuously. I shook off my distracting thoughts and moved down to beneath the pond.

I had thought I had taken everything I needed, including the gold bars, from this ruins. However, given how things had progressed, I felt I had missed something important and made my way back to find it myself. I ventured deep into the ruins and discovered a statue of Zhuanxu in the dark cave.

As I recalled from what Mangnyang had told me before, the interpretation of the inscription on this Zhuanxu statue was as follows:

[Ah, has the passage between heaven and earth in the north collapsed?

The divine offspring, Gao Yang, heeds the Huangdi’s summons and returns.

Leaving behind the method of controlling water, to respond to human pleas.

Thus, he leaves behind the mark of Mo Ya.]

Mangnyang posited that Zhuanxu had returned due to the northern passage and theorized that the power hidden within Mo Ya pertained to water control. Additionally, by correlating clues from the ruins, he figured out that the secondary seal of Mo Ya was to be found in the north. At this point, it seemed that Zhuanxu’s inscription was almost of no use.

I absentmindedly fiddled with the statue, muttering,

“This statue itself has its own value.”

I felt quite certain that I would need this statue. To summon the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors, a corresponding medium was essential. However, it would be a waste to sacrifice Mo Ya as a tribute, and I didn’t have other offerings suitable for sacrifice either. Thus, the need for artifacts related to the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors arose, and this statue of Zhuanxu from my memories fit that role perfectly.

Yes.

If I used this statue as a medium, there was a high chance the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors would be summoned.

And since he was one of the Three Sovereigns, he held a higher status than Changxi! Not only would I gain knowledge of ancient secrets, but I would also find a way to oppose the commands of Changxi. I slipped the statue into my pocket and sat on the dark cave floor.

“I need to search for artifacts of the other Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors as well.”

Thinking back, even after all this time in my reincarnation, I hardly knew anything about the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors. I didn’t need mere legends of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors found in ancient texts. I needed to uncover the true nature of these divine beings who were capable of forming contracts on par with the [Ancient Rulers]. To achieve this, I had to gather the remnants, including those from the ruins and the Seven Luminaries, and acquire any artifacts left behind by the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors.

A thought suddenly crossed my mind,

‘What if the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors become my enemies?’

Would I then have to fight and defeat them? But just how? It seemed improbable that I’d stand a chance against an entity like the [Ancient Rulers]’s apostle, Dal Gi, let alone the Creator God of China! Even though there were many actions I could take as a human, if I considered that my enemy was a god, I felt as though all my options would dwindle away.

No, before that, I didn’t even know the relationship between the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors and the [Ancient Rulers]. Why they made the Seven Luminaries and had to engage in such complex contracts was a mystery to me. The difference between the historical Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors and their divine counterparts was immense.

And at the same time, I began to understand why Mangnyang had been so fixated on this ritual.

To face beings of divine nature, one had to unravel their secrets and reach their level of power. While I could somehow eliminate figures like the Leader of the White Lotus Sect or the Emperor during my reincarnation, to actually confront a god, one could only acquire divine power. Mangnyang likely wanted to gain godly authority through the offerings ritual and empower me in the process.

I clenched my fists tightly,

“Right. No matter what, I must topple the Imperial Palace and save Mangnyang!”

First and foremost, I needed Mangnyang to progress. I took a deep breath and steeled my resolve. I might be thrown into an absurd slaughterhouse from here on out, but it had to be done. If I faltered midway, Mangnyang would truly fall victim to unwarranted death.

Swoosh!

I set my course towards the volcano. I hadn’t discovered the location of the Heavenly Altar during my previous visit, so I scoured the volcano’s peak to find it. While leaping across the mountains using the techniques of Myolwangbo, I suddenly heard Cheon Woo-jin’s voice echoing with his spell, “Heavenly Voice of a Thousand Miles.”

[Come this way! Over here!]

Following Cheon Woo-jin’s call, I found him standing there with Zhuge Li. So this was the Heavenly Altar of Huashan, with the remnants of the altar still intact. Unexpectedly, there stood three Divine Portraits as well.

“What…?”

Surprised, I stared at the Divine Portraits, and Zhuge Li chuckled softly,

“I made them using crystal stone. Pretty good, huh?”

“Why create Divine Portraits? For sacrifices?”

“You’re quite sharp. Since the offerings ritual is also a ritual of devotion, a sacrifice is essential. So these are a must.”

“But why are all three female?”

Indeed, all three Divine Portraits standing there were beautiful women with stunning features. Their waists were slender like willows, hinting at Zhuge Li’s taste in women.

‘He likes beautiful women.’

As I wore a shocked expression, Zhuge Li let out a strange laughter,

“I don’t want to create a handsome man.”

“……”

“The important thing in the offerings ritual isn’t the harmony of Yin and Yang or anything like that, so no need to worry.”

Leaning against a nearby tree, Cheon Woo-jin added,

“What matters are the sequence, rights, qualifications, and celestial timing.”

“I hold the rights. But what about the rest?”

“I received the details regarding the sequence of the offerings ritual from my elder. So you don’t have to worry about that. Celestial timing just involves choosing a time when the energies of heaven and earth are strongest, which I can manipulate with the heavenly law as well.”

Having explained all that, Cheon Woo-jin turned his sharp gaze toward me.

“What’s most crucial is, of course, the qualifications…”

“Qualifications? How is that different from rights?”

“Qualifications refer to the minimum eligibility. You’ve been granted the right to perform the offerings ritual, but whether the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors will grant you their power after being summoned is another issue.”

“……”

I pondered Cheon Woo-jin’s words and found them absurd.

“Wait a minute… So you’re saying that the current emperor has the qualifications to receive divine authority?”

“Ultimately, that seems to be the case. The Four Sovereigns must have judged him as such, which is why he was able to receive the gifts of immortality and commands.”

“Damn it!!”

I erupted in anger.

“This so-called ‘great’ emperor killed his own kin for power, spread calamity across the realm, and is nothing more than a villain who conspires with thugs and traitors! Are you telling me such a scoundrel has the qualifications to receive divine authority?!”

“Don’t take your anger out on me. The outcome speaks volumes, what am I supposed to do?”

Cheon Woo-jin replied bluntly.

“And don’t evaluate the eyes of the gods with human standards. Gods are precisely that—gods. To them, whether a rightful person is politically adept or possesses good character is a secondary issue. Why should the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors care about how well a human governs?”

“Ugh…”

That was true.

“There must be criteria that only gods possess.”

“And what might that criteria be?”

“I don’t know. Even Mangnyang said she couldn’t discern that standard. What’s certain is that the emperor somehow satisfied that criterion.”

“……”

“Even with the Prohibition Law, I couldn’t glean the heavenly secrets, as the Celestial Realm has been extremely wary.”

Meanwhile, Zhuge Li, who had been listening at the side, chuckled softly.

“Don’t scare him too much. Even if we mess this up, we’ve got these sacrifices prepared to pacify him, right? Gods are much like spoiled children and can be easier to deal with than you think.”

“You’re pretty easygoing about this. If things go wrong, we might all die here.”

“So what if we die? We all end up the same, right? Well, for you though, knowing the truth about the afterlife might make you more reluctant to go.”

Chiming in, Zhuge Li patted me on the shoulder.

“The crux of it is whether you’re worthy enough for the gods to recognize you. That’s not something we can influence, so just take it easy.”

“I got it.”

“Hehe. This is why I like you. That look of yours is one that has accepted death, which I find very appealing.”

“There’s no time, so let’s get started quickly.”

Regardless of Zhuge Li’s chitchat, I slowly walked toward the Heavenly Altar and came to a halt. Cheon Woo-jin glanced at my hand before speaking,

“Is that the statue of Zhuanxu? You wish to summon him?”

“Of course.”

“Quite a good choice.”

As soon as Cheon Woo-jin stated that, he slowly began channeling energy into a flag he had set up in advance, while Zhuge Li arranged the three Divine Portraits in the formation of the Three Talents near the altar. With two remarkable spellcasters assisting the ritual, the altar began to respond swiftly.

Whoooooooom

Soon, azure spiritual energy flowed from the altar and began manifesting a dark sphere. This dark sphere briefly resonated with the statue I held, starting to draw the Eight Trigrams in the air.

Rumble…

As the Eight Trigrams descended gradually onto the altar, the ominous dark clouds in the sky thickened. It was as if the clouds were swallowing every ounce of sunlight, blotting out the sky completely. Just as the world became engulfed in darkness,

“Do’ol(禱?)…”

Cheon Woo-jin muttered softly. Sure enough, from the void appeared a strange monster with a vague light, leaping into view—it was Doo-all, the legendary creature. With a human face and a body reminiscent of a tiger, yet larger than an actual tiger, it had tiger-like legs, making it an utterly bizarre sight. Known for its love of conflict, I couldn’t help but feel tense.

No, Doo-all wasn’t the only phenomenon. Soon after, legendary creatures like Mangnyang Ghost, Hakui, and Little Ghost, all seen in the Classic of Mountains and Seas, revealed themselves one by one. Each brought their own hordes of spirits along, filling the air to the point of thousands of them.

Roar!

After the monstrous appearances, deific lights fluttered into view. These were likely the lower deities, such as Labor, Taizhi Zhangqin, and Palace Fairy. They could be identified since their divine energy was almost on par with Sword Master Yeodong-bin. They too appeared as deific beings.

Rather than causing chaos after their summoning, the monsters and deities aligned themselves, forming a formation in the air. It seemed as if they were organizing a procession. With that, steps began to materialize in the void, as the light twisted in the darkness.

It felt as though a primordial fusion of tremendous spiritual, demonic, and divine energies had manifested here.

Moments later, the heavens opened.

With the sound of reality tearing apart, a massive figure extended its hand. As it gradually shrank, something wearing a crown descended from the sky. Though not overly large compared to the monsters or deities, the overwhelming pressure almost made me stop breathing for a moment.

‘… Gasp…’

It felt the same as when I first faced the [Ancient Ruler]!

I could barely raise my eyes to gaze upon that dark presence, which revealed itself amidst the celestial majesty.

[I am Zhuanxu, the Five Emperor, son of the Emperor. Who has summoned me?]

The offerings ritual had begun.