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00358 Celestial Realm (天界) ————————————————————————

Zhuge Sa staggered and chuckled as he spoke.

“I am the Lord of Jangryeong Valley, Zhuge Sa, and this place is called Jangryeong Valley. But who might you be?”

[Jangryeong Valley? Never heard of it.]

“Well, considering it’s a rural area, it’s no surprise you wouldn’t know…”

As Zhuge Sa muttered, Master of the White Lotus Sect looked at him with a steady gaze.

[If you dared to threaten my life, you must be prepared to face the consequences.]

With that, Zhuge Sa quickly waved his hands.

“No! Allow me to explain what’s going on. Just hold on a moment…”

Boom!

“……!!”

Before Zhuge Sa could say anything else, a sudden boom echoed as his left arm flew off. It seemed Master of the White Lotus Sect had fired a strike, but it was all happening so fast that I could barely comprehend it.

Even with flesh and blood splattered everywhere, Zhuge Sa was forcing himself to endure the pain. With a pale face, he said,

“You seem quite angry. But do you really wish to kill me without knowing the truth?”

To that, Master of the White Lotus Sect looked intrigued.

[You’re quite the formidable one. Not your average man.]

It appears he wanted to cut Zhuge Sa down a peg out of anger. However, since Zhuge Sa remained calm, Master of the White Lotus Sect seemed to have calmed down as well.

“Hehe, that’s supposed to be my line… It seems you’ve brought a tremendous burden along with you.”

Zhuge Sa shot me a sideways glance. I couldn’t help but snicker at his expression, relishing the fact that he wanted to needle me.

‘What will you do now, Zhuge Sa? Either way, you’re going to die.’

Master of the White Lotus Sect was not the type to leave anyone alive who threatened his life. Especially not someone suspicious like Zhuge Sa. Even now, he was just curious about what Zhuge Sa had to say, but once that was over, he wouldn’t hesitate to kill him. I had seen just how cold and ruthless Master of the White Lotus Sect was during the past battles against the Imperial Palace.

Zhuge Sa said,

“I am Zhuge Sa, the current leader of the Heretical Sect. Just a moment ago, I subdued that man named Baek Woong, but I accidentally caused some trouble over there with my soul exchange technique.”

[Heretical Sect? Is it the Baehwa Sect?]

“Yes, that’s right.”

[…So that man is just a toy of yours.]

A toy?

I couldn’t quite grasp what Master of the White Lotus Sect was talking about. However, Zhuge Sa tensed up and, with his gaze duller, replied,

“You certainly know a lot. Are you perhaps Master of the White Lotus Sect?”

[What makes you think that?]

“That man Baek Woong is a master of martial arts, capable of temporarily repelling the Ten Heavenly Generals. In such a vast Jianghu, there are few who could subdue such a being in an instant. Yet you seem too powerful to merely be a Dharma Guardian.”

Master of the White Lotus Sect pondered for a moment before responding.

[That’s not all there is. You likely heard my name from him.]

“I won’t deny it.”

[What did he say about me?]

“He said I should never treat you as an enemy.”

Zhuge Sa swayed as he spoke. Clearly, enduring the pain of his severed arm and a massive loss of blood was taking its toll. Master of the White Lotus Sect, observing him coolly, spoke.

[I have no interest in the Heretical Sect. However, since you’ve involved me, you must take responsibility.]

“Heh… Hehe. Well, I was already destined to die, so it’s an honor to die at the hands of Master of the White Lotus Sect.”

[State your terms. If there’s a condition for sparing your life, I might consider it.]

I was taken aback. That statement meant Master of the White Lotus Sect was actually considering sparing Zhuge Sa! I quickly interjected.

“Master! Just kill us both. That guy is dangerous as he uses the Soul Exchange Technique to control people.”

Upon hearing that, the Master turned his gaze to me and said,

[Killing the likes of you is something I can do anytime. If you keep talking back, I’ll rip you apart and bring what’s left to the sect.]

“……”

[Answer me, Zhuge Sa.]

Zhuge Sa seem to finish his thoughts and replied,

“I’ve never really clung to life. But that Baek Woong intrigues me too much to just die like this.”

[Intrigues you? What’s so intriguing?]

“That… cough!”

Zhuge Sa seemingly couldn’t withstand the blood loss anymore and collapsed forward. It was only expected, considering he was enduring a life-threatening injury that would incapacitate most people. Suddenly, Master of the White Lotus Sect stretched out his hand, and what followed was astonishing.

Swoosh!

Zhuge Sa’s severed arm shot back and began glowing. Soon after, it attached itself back in mid-air, and it didn’t take long for his bleeding to stop, leaving only faint traces.

“……!!”

Zhuge Sa stared at his arm in disbelief and said,

“Master’s martial arts have indeed reached a divine level.”

[I don’t want to waste time chatting. Answer me quickly.]

“Baek Woong is under the influence of my Soul Exchange Technique, yet he still retains his consciousness. The Soul Exchange Technique pulls a person’s soul, and you, Master, should understand how contrary this is to common sense.”

[…Is that really so?]

“If you’re skeptical, then just kill me. It’s the truth.”

Master looked at me and walked closer. After staring at my face for a while, he commented,

[If Zhuge Sa’s words are true, it means your soul differs from that of a living being. As far as I know, such beings are unique to the Otherworldly Race.]

Otherworldly Race?!

I was so bewildered that I forgot my fear of dying and shouted.

“You crazy… I’m human!”

[We’ll see about that.]

Mumbling that, Master of the White Lotus Sect suddenly grabbed my head. I felt his rough palm, which seemed oddly different from that of an ordinary human. Master said,

[By coincidence, I had some business with the Thunder God Lineage. If you swear loyalty to the White Lotus Sect, I’ll spare your life.]

“I don’t need it. Just kill me.”

[You’re quite the absurd one. Are you begging for your life, yet asking to die instead?]

I responded defiantly while he held my head.

“Since I’m affected by the Soul Exchange Technique, living would be no different than death. Also, how could you let someone like me live, knowing I could be controlled by Zhuge Sa? If it were me, I’d kill you neatly in one hit.”

[Oh… you’ve got guts, huh?]

The gleam in Master of the White Lotus Sect’s eyes looked like it was ready to explode beneath his mask.

[You’re not afraid of dying?]

“I am afraid, but…”

[No, your gaze suggests you’re not scared at all, just a bit annoyed.]

Master of the White Lotus Sect suddenly appeared to be enjoying himself.

[You’re quite the entertaining fellow…]

Whoosh!

He tossed me towards Zhuge Sa and said,

[Zhuge Sa. Release the Soul Exchange Technique on this fellow. You can see if Baek is under control or not, so don’t pull any tricks.]

“If I do that, will you spare me?”

[Just do it.]

“Understood.”

Whoosh!

Zhuge Sa performed the technique to return control as he did before. However, I was hesitant since I had just witnessed him possibly striking me while pretending to release the Soul Exchange Technique. He might say he was releasing it but keep me under control instead.

“All done.”

Finally, Master of the White Lotus Sect inspected me and said,

[Very good. Then die, Zhuge Sa.]

Boom!

In the next moment, Zhuge Sa was ripped apart into pieces. I was taken aback, staring at the gruesome scene as Master of the White Lotus Sect spoke nonchalantly from amidst the blood mist.

[Did you think I wouldn’t notice the trick when you tried to deceive me? I’m not blind; of course, I saw the thin line of your spirit tied to the soul exchange.]

I asked him in a trembling voice,

“M-Master. Can you really see the soul?”

[Indeed. Especially after hearing the principles of the Soul Exchange Technique, I can predict what methods to use.]

“……”

[If I kill the user, the Soul Exchange Technique can be safely undone, so it’s killing two birds with one stone, isn’t it?]

As I understood what had just transpired, chills ran down my spine. Zhuge Sa had pretended to completely undo the Soul Exchange Technique earlier, but in reality, he had created a connection to maintain it at any given time. And then, Master, seeing through that thin line, had executed him.

However, that meant—Master could see the essence of souls, not just the physical forms of humans but also the fundamental state of souls. This was far beyond what a sorcerer could perceive with the Eye of the Spirit. It was a power that transcended humanity, most likely gained through the Primordial Spirit.

‘Just how far can this monster go?!’

The Master spoke softly.

[Baek Woong. You’re going to have to tell me everything you know.]

I gulped. Then I firmly stated,

“I’m sorry. I’ll just die.”

Puff!

In the next moment, I burst all my internal pathways. I felt the immense energy previously condensed within me pour out like a gushing river, and blood spewed from my seven orifices. This was the most efficient method of suicide I knew; it hurt but allowed me to escape greater torment.

The Master observed me, his expression cool.

[You’re quite the reckless one. Yet, I find that appealing.]

Swoosh!

The Master reached out towards my meridian and suddenly began to channel a tremendous amount of energy. The volume was so massive compared to my internal power that I felt like my veins were about to burst from the pressure.

“Ahhhhh!!”

As pain surged through my limbs, sharp like being sliced with a knife, I could no longer contain my screams. Despite my struggling in agony, the Master’s energy forcibly restored my vitality, and I slowly began to feel my body recovering.

‘No… this is insane!’

I had just declared my pathways broken! It was said that even the Great Immortal couldn’t save someone in such a state. It meant that I had shattered the vessel that contained and protected my internal energy, making it impossible to live. However, the Master was effectively nullifying that damage by discarding it into the ocean, leaving me horrified!

As the destroyed pathways reconnected and my blood began to flow normally again, half an hour had already passed. The extreme pain had left my head spinning and my vision blurred. The Master extended his hand with the abilities of a peak combatant, lifting me off the ground.

[You said it was called Jangryeong Valley? I think I’ll be dwelling there for a while.]

“Ugh… ah…”

[I’ll let this slide as a minor annoyance. But if you try to take your own life again, I’ll hunt you to the ends of the earth and make you die a painful death.]

With that last word, I blacked out.

“……”

My throat was parched.

When I awoke again, I found myself lying on a bed, and the sunset was casting its glow through the window. As I looked around, a Sibi approached me. She gazed at me with fearful eyes and said,

“The Lord said to come see him as soon as you awaken. Please follow me.”

“The Lord? The one who brought me here has become the Lord?”

At my question, the Sibi nodded.

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“How long has it been since I got here?”

“Ten days have passed.”

Ten days!

It was a short time, yet it felt both long and short. As I swept my hand through my hair to wake myself up, I queried,

“I had a book and wooden armor with me. Where are they?”

“They were taken by the Lord.”

“Ugh… damn it…!!”

My vision darkened. As I feared, Master of the White Lotus Sect had taken the Heavenly Secret and wooden armor!

‘What should I do? Should I commit suicide now?’

In this moment, I could still choose to end it all. I could summon the spirit beast and escape. The urge to give up everything and start afresh overwhelmed me because I didn’t want to spend torturous days completely stripped by Master of the White Lotus Sect.

However, I knew that without uncovering what happened, even reincarnation would mean a loss. So I set my jaw, determined to extract information from Master of the White Lotus Sect, even if I had to endure the pain tearing through me.

“Got it. Lead the way.”

And there was another reason I couldn’t commit suicide right now—

“Yes…”

I gathered up my clothes and followed the Sibi as we walked towards the manor in Jangryeong Valley. During our walk, I noticed a bizarre scene unfolding.

“Who are those people?”

A group of martial artists appeared to be kneeling in front of the building, bowing their heads in reverence. The astounding part was that, judging by their energy, they appeared to be quite strong and skilled fighters. The Sibi glanced at them and said,

“They are martial artists who have surrendered to the Lord. They are bowing and pleading for mercy on behalf of their sect.”

“C-Can it be that the Lord has made a move in the martial world?”

“That’s correct.”

I realized then that Master of the White Lotus Sect had been wreaking havoc among the martial forces in the area for his own amusement. No one had dared to resist him.

Moments later, as I approached the Lord of Jangryeong Valley, just as I had anticipated, Master of the White Lotus Sect was sitting in the Lord’s chair. He lounged back in apparent boredom, then spoke.

[Wooden armor… Golden Lamp… A spiritual flower much like the sect’s Sacred Lotus… and the Grimoire, along with the treasures. Fascinating artifacts, Baek Woong.]

I gritted my teeth.

“Those items now belong to you, Master. Congratulations. What will you do with them?”

Challenged, Master of the White Lotus Sect replied with a seemingly amused tone.

[Looking at the faces of those in the wooden armor, you seem to be quite the chivalrous character.]

The prisoners I had rescued from Pirate Island and the abused women from the Namgung Clan had been placed in Shadowless Gate before I left. So what he was talking about now were likely the prisoners from Great Thunder Valley I hadn’t decided what to do with yet. Among them was General Hwang Yeon, the most important figure.

“What will you do with them?”

[They are the Achilles’ heel of the Imperial Palace, so I’ve taken them under my wing. General Hwang Yeon will soon gain my support and become active.]

“……”

[You intrigue me as a person. Why don’t you tell me how you came to possess those treasures?]

I responded in a blunt tone.

“What will change if I tell you that?”

[Hehe… yes. Given that you’re here despite being unafraid of death, it looks like you want something from me. How about this?]

With his next statement, I couldn’t help but be taken aback.

[I will grant you the Heavenly Spirit Pill and appoint you as a Dharma Guardian. Furthermore, if you show loyalty to the sect, I might consider making you my successor.]

An outrageous offer!

I thought for a moment before speaking.

“As a Dharma Guardian, I must refuse.”

[Why is that?]

“Because I suspect you’ll tell me to gather the Thunder God Lineage. I coincidentally came across them, but I want no further entanglement with them.”

To my words, the Master propped his chin, clearly entertained.

[How amusing. Have you read my mind? You don’t look that smart…]

“……”

[Alright. I’ll accept you as a Dharma Guardian, but the mission will be assigned to someone else. Would you then accept it?]

“I will accept.”

For now, this was the best choice.

I never expected that Master of the White Lotus Sect would strip me of all my treasures, but obtaining the Heavenly Spirit Pill would suffice. If I manage to get the Heavenly Spirit Pill, then in essence, I would still come out ahead.

However, his next words weighed heavy on my heart.

[Whatever the case, the world will soon be ours. So, don’t fret.]

Indeed.

Since everything I owned had been taken away by Master, it was certain that would be the case. Each one was an artifact of immense power. And there was another significant issue at hand.

‘What should I do?’

Without the Heavenly Secret, I couldn’t reincarnate.

That made it imperative to recover the Heavenly Secret from Master of the White Lotus Sect!

That became my absolute mission.

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