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It was then.

I felt like my brain was tangled up, and something “else” had taken residence in a corner of my mind. It was a nauseating sensation, as if a tiny tumor was curled up in the shadow of my brain. Just as I swayed for a moment, all eyes turned towards me.

“What… is going on?”

This feeling lingered for a while, causing my mind to swirl. It was a strange queasiness, as if a butterfly was flapping around in my head, making me dizzy. I staggered, and Yong Junil asked, “What’s wrong?”

I couldn’t respond. At that moment, a grim voice echoed in my head.

[Damn it… How did I end up in this mess?]

The raspy, lurid voice was one I knew all too well. Startled, I opened my eyes wide as the voice continued.

[You idiot! Of course, you need to tell them. Why are you hiding the existence of the Seven Luminaries? What do you plan to gain from it?]

Before I could even think of a retort, the voice sliced through my mind.

[Shut up and tell the Master of the Twelve Joules about the Seven Luminaries! If you screw up, I won’t be innocent either, so just do as I say!]

[How can I trust you?]

I gritted my teeth.

[Zhuge Sa, how can I trust you?]

Right! The fact that a chunk of a soul was talking to me – that was Zhuge Sa’s spirit and voice. Knowing Zhuge Sa’s mad and sinister nature, I couldn’t just follow his advice without question. Why he was in my head was one thing, but blindly obeying his sudden commands could lead to who-knows-what!

Then Zhuge Sa spoke, sounding frustrated.

[You dumbass! Do you think he’ll come around after 19 deaths? You’re incorrigible!]

[What…]

How does he even know that?!

As I was taken aback, Zhuge Sa shouted in anger.

[You need to get the Heavenly Spirit Pill, right? You can’t even perform the Offering Ceremony yourself, and yet you’re fixated on Xuyou? If you can come back to life after you die, focus on getting the Heavenly Spirit Pill! Don’t be a fool and miss your chance to earn the Sect Leader of the White Lotus Sect’s trust!]

I knew everything!

[Um… How do you know that…]

[There’s no time! I’ll explain later, just do as I say, you dumbass!]

[If the Sect Leader of the White Lotus Sect kills me…]

[So what if I die?! You’re a Reborn Person, so why are you scared?]

Even though there were constant harsh words, I managed to regain my focus. Zhuge Sa’s words were sorting through the chaos in my mind. Without him, I would’ve continued getting lost and missed my opportunity.

I cleared my throat and said, “I have something to tell Master of the Twelve Joules!”

The Master of the Twelve Joules tilted his head in confusion.

“A strange fellow. Why do you carry another’s soul with you? It doesn’t seem like spirit summoning…”

I felt a chill run down my spine. It seemed the Master of the Twelve Joules had figured out that Zhuge Sa’s soul was inhabiting my mind. But I decided to just stick to what needed to be said.

“The Seven Luminaries you mentioned can be brought right now. If I do so, will you accept our requests?”

“……”

The Master of the Twelve Joules fell silent, staring at me. Yong Bi-cheon and Yong Junil shared shocked glances at my words. After a heavy silence that felt like an eternity, the Master finally spoke.

“What was said before will be kept. If you bring the Seven Luminaries, think of the Non-aggression Pact positively.”

“You think about it? You should make it happen.”

The Master of the Twelve Joules, trying to weasel his way out, made my teeth grind in frustration. No matter how you looked at it, this person in front of me was a crafty raccoon. I politely offered the concept of Martial Authority and then said, “Please wait half a moment. I will bring it within that time.”

“I will wait. But if this is a trick, I won’t let it slide.”

“Of course.”

The moment I finished speaking, I summoned Spirit Beast Zhuge Sa. Suddenly, Zhuge Sa appeared before me, and before the collective gaze could fully focus on him, I conveyed my intentions.

[Go to the main base of the White Lotus Sect, to the Hall of the Sect Leader.]

[Understood.]

Boom!

As I leapt onto Zhuge Sa’s back, I instantly arrived at the Hall of the Sect Leader of the White Lotus Sect. There, I felt the presence of formidable experts, each of them peak experts of the Elder Council. Realizing that they were about to attack, I hastily let out a Lion’s Roar.

[I am Baek Woong, Dharma Guardian of the Thunder God Lineage! I wish to see the Sect Leader urgently.]

Suddenly, an Elder Council expert appeared silently before me, saying, “Baek Woong. The Sect Leader is not someone you can visit at any time.”

“This is very urgent. Can you inform the Sect Leader that I wish to have an audience?”

“You brat, barging in so rudely without formal procedures, what do you intend to achieve?”

“Please…”

Looking at me with desperation, the Elder Council experts exchanged glances, and reluctantly, one of them darted away using Light Body Technique. A short while later, he returned.

“Follow me.”

I followed the Elder Council expert to the Sect Leader’s audience chamber. Upon entering, the Sect Leader looked at me curiously.

[Baek Woong. Did you not go to Liaoning? Have you traveled thousands of miles already?]

I took a breath to compose myself and replied calmly, “I possess the Spirit Beast Zhuge Sa, allowing me to traverse the world swiftly.”

[Oh, I see… Then the others are still in Liaoning?]

“That’s right.”

[Good. State why you abruptly returned.]

I swallowed hard and said, “Sect Leader, the Master of the Twelve Joules demands the Seven Luminaries as a price for the Non-aggression Pact, disregarding any other prices. Therefore, I came to collect the Seven Luminaries you possess.”

[You say I hold the Seven Luminaries…?]

After a moment, the Sect Leader seemed to realize something.

[I see. You obtained the Seven Luminaries. And you have some of them with you.]

“Yes. The ancient sword you hold is the Water Luminary, Makya, which is what the Master of the Twelve Joules is after.”

[Is it this?]

Whoosh!

The Sect Leader unleashed the Invincible Sword Technique, causing the Water Luminary, Makya, to float in the air. I nodded.

“Yes, that is the Water Luminary.”

While the Sect Leader admired the Water Luminary for a moment, he continued, [Master of the Twelve Joules… Quite an audacious character. To make impossible demands without knowing if we even possess the legendary Seven Luminaries, is he testing my abilities?]

“……”

[But I can’t help it. It’s too early to confront the Master of the Twelve Joules. We must cooperate.]

With that, the Sect Leader rose from his seat and said, [Baek Woong. Why didn’t you inform me about the Water Luminary’s identity?]

This was it. One wrong answer and I would surely end up as mincemeat. I felt my pulse quicken as I carefully chose my words and finally responded.

“I mentioned it was a sword I acquired by chance because I couldn’t bring myself to trust you yet.”

[Oh…]

“You have taken all my treasures, yet haven’t given any indication of what you intend to use them for. It felt reckless to mention the Water Luminary in that situation, so I planned to ascertain your thoughts a little first.”

[……]

The Sect Leader seemed deep in thought. However, just because he didn’t show immediate murderous intent, I couldn’t let my guard down. The Sect Leader could effortlessly kill me with just a flick of his fingers, after all.

After a while, the Sect Leader muttered, [I can’t believe it. If the Master of the Twelve Joules hadn’t suggested the Seven Luminaries, you would never have mentioned it to me. Because you must have thought of reclaiming your treasures from me at any moment.]

“That’s…”

[But even so, you revealing the existence of the Seven Luminaries… That means your yearning for the Heavenly Spirit Pill is quite strong.]

I felt like I had been hit right in the gut. As I fell silent, the Sect Leader chuckled slightly.

[Hehe… In that sense, you’ve offered to exchange the Seven Luminaries for the Heavenly Spirit Pill.]

“Are you going to kill me?”

[No. It would be too easy to kill someone as entertaining as you. I like your guts.]

Swish

The Sect Leader of the White Lotus Sect emerged from behind with a mask on. The anonymity exuded a ghostly aura, sending chills down my spine.

[I won’t reprimand you for hiding the existence of the Water Luminary. It’s time to speak directly with the Master of the Twelve Joules.]

I could have very well been killed on the spot due to the crime of concealing a secret. Knowing the nature of the Sect Leader, that was a plausible outcome. I felt cold sweat trickling down my back as I managed to respond.

“Shall I call Zhuge Sa?”

[Right now.]

As expected, the Sect Leader felt that discussions couldn’t be held with Yong Bi-cheon, and he wanted to go directly.

Boom!

I rode Zhuge Sa together with the Sect Leader toward the meeting place.

Suddenly, the atmosphere shifted as the Sect Leader and I appeared at the meeting place. All eyes were on us.

Grrrr…

Until now, it seemed the Master of the Twelve Joules and the Three Masters had been dominating the Wind Spirit Sect, but the mere presence of the Sect Leader of the White Lotus Sect felt like a clash of equal pressures in the center. It was as if the aura of the Sect Leader and the Master of the Twelve Joules were pushing away all other chaotic energies.

What a ridiculous torrent of Formless Qi!

Upon seeing the Sect Leader, the Three Masters were startled and each commented.

“Is that the Sect Leader of the White Lotus Sect…”

“As expected, just like I heard.”

The Master of the Twelve Joules was also staring at the Sect Leader, as if he was starting to guess his true identity. No, from the moment the Sect Leader arrived, both he and the Master of the Twelve Joules had been watching each other intensely. Their gazes implied how the absolute beings of this era would engage in combat.

It felt like a massive Mandala was clashing.

I felt so uneasy from the pressure that I almost flinched.

Finally, the Sect Leader was the first to speak, introducing himself with the Six Harmonies Assembly.

[Master of the Twelve Joules. It’s my first time seeing you in person.]

The Master of the Twelve Joules smirked in response.

“Sect Leader of the White Lotus Sect, I’ve heard many things. It was indeed true that you interpreted the secrets of the ancient beings.”

[……]

The Sect Leader seemed somewhat displeased by this remark. That could be because he had been hit where it hurt, or it could have been that the Master of the Twelve Joules possessed a skill level higher than he had expected. It was clear that both the Sect Leader and the Master of the Twelve Joules recognized each other as somehow equals.

Before the Sect Leader could say anything, the Master of the Twelve Joules looked at me and asked, “You ride the Spirit Beast freely? An upper-tier immortal would be needed for that… what exactly are you?”

“It’s just a fortuitous encounter I came across.”

“Is that so~”

The Master of the Twelve Joules seemed curious about me. I, too, felt uncomfortable and turned my head, as the Sect Leader pulled out the Water Luminary from his cloak and presented it.

[Yulju. This must be the Makya you mentioned.]

The Master of the Twelve Joules’ eyes shone with interest.

“Really?”

[Handing it over is easy, but I can’t know how you will verify its authenticity.]

The Sect Leader was subtly testing the Master of the Twelve Joules. As if reading his intentions, the Master of the Twelve Joules chuckled and said, “I swear by the names of the Master of the Twelve Joules and Dangun: If it’s genuine, I’ll accept it without question, and I won’t lie.”

[Very well.]

Whoosh!

At an incredible speed, the Sect Leader tossed the Water Luminary to the Master of the Twelve Joules. Despite the tremendous speed, the latter caught it without effort and began inspecting it from all angles. After examining it carefully, he exclaimed, “Indeed, it’s still sealed, but this is one of the Seven Luminaries. There’s the aura of the History Emperor Changhil… It’s genuine.”

[Then, as promised…]

“I want to ask one more thing.”

The Master of the Twelve Joules’ expression sharpened.

“Do you know how to unseal it?”

Whoooo!

Suddenly, I felt a shiver run through my entire body. A cold hand seemed to grip me, sending goosebumps all over. This was a sign that the Master of the Twelve Joules was exuding a power beyond the ordinary, absolute level. It was clear that it wouldn’t be easy for someone with my level of internal power, just beneath the Dharma Guardian, to stand before him like a frog in front of a snake.

It wasn’t just me feeling the pressure; Yong Bi-cheon and Yong Junil looked as if they were folding in on themselves. Just then, the Sect Leader lightly waved his hand, and that strange force was released. With a somewhat grim aura, the Sect Leader said, [What reason do I have to tell you that?]

“That’s only natural. You possess the abilities to interpret the Grimoire, so how can that not be suspicious? If you touch the seal of the Seven Luminaries without knowing, it could be dangerous; I can’t help but ask.”

[I cannot tell you. It isn’t something I can disclose.]

“Hmm…”

For a moment, the Sect Leader and the Master of the Twelve Joules faced off in silence. In that silence, I felt the intense pressure and realized my position.

So high!

Those two absolute beings had transcended humanity. To even catch a glimpse of their level, it was clear I would need an unreal amount of training and effort. While trembling at their overwhelming strength, the Sect Leader spoke up.

[Master of the Twelve Joules. While I’ve handed over the Water Luminary, we can’t end the conversation here.]

“What do you mean?”

[As you know, that’s one of the most precious treasures in the world. To take it and pretend a Non-aggression Pact is enough would be a bit too easy, don’t you think?]

The Sect Leader continued subtly.

[I would like to receive consideration commensurate with the value of the Seven Luminaries.]

“……”

No doubt about it, the Sect Leader wasn’t someone to be trifled with. He understood the significance of handing over the Water Luminary and realized he was at a disadvantage, thus demanding additional terms. The Master of the Twelve Joules crossed his arms, saying, “If I were to say, ‘Go to hell,’ what would you say?”

[I could still make you scream.]

Rumble!

Suddenly, a Mandala began to soar around the Sect Leader’s body. Upon seeing this, the Three Masters almost simultaneously withdrew their treasures, and even the Master of the Twelve Joules grabbed the Cosmic Fragment in his hand. It was only natural since the Sect Leader was preparing his heart for a confrontation using his ultimate technique.

[Heart of Heaven’s Abundance! I refuse to be disrespected after a thousand years as the Sect Leader of the White Lotus Sect.]

Was it just a trick of the imagination, or did a colossal microcosm shine for a brief moment?

It seemed the Sect Leader was ready to settle matters right then and there. The Master of the Twelve Joules, with a wry smile, replied, “Indeed, simple tricks won’t work. I’ll accept your proposition.”

[What can you offer me?]

As the Sect Leader calmed his aura, the combat atmosphere in the hall dissipated. The Master of the Twelve Joules responded by putting the Cosmic Fragment away at his waist.

“This will be enough.”

Suddenly, the Master of the Twelve Joules launched a massive halberd into the air toward the Sect Leader. Knowing it was a toss and not an attack, the Sect Leader grabbed the halberd without hesitation. As the Sect Leader looked at the halberd, the Master explained.

[Self-Controlled Moon Blade. I imagine you can appreciate its value.]

[……]

The Sect Leader stared at the Self-Controlled Moon Blade for a long while before saying, [Is it a Demon Artifact?]

[It suits you much better than the Seven Luminaries.]

[I will accept it.]

Even though the exchange happened nonchalantly, I felt my heart racing.

Self-Controlled Moon Blade!

‘That… That’s…’

Past memories flooded back. Seo Mun-hye’s voice echoed in my head.

[I was trying to acquire the Self-Controlled Moon Blade. I have secured the secret that the number one martial skill in the world is hidden within it.]

[The current owner of the Self-Controlled Moon Blade is the previous champion of the Dark Realm Martial Arts Tournament, known as the greatest in the outskirts.]

[Master of the Twelve Joules. He possesses the Self-Controlled Moon Blade.]

And also, I recalled the information the Sword Demon had provided.

[They say the Self-Controlled Moon Blade can manipulate time and space.]

[Rumor has it that if you uncover the black cloth wrapped around it, time and space will go wild. Tuma probably thought that was the unique application of Unique Artifacts of Inner Strength, but there were many who considered that a martial skill of its own. It’s no wonder rumors circulate about the absolute martial skill capable of manipulating time and space.]

Back then, when I heard the Sword Demon speak, I thought it was just an incredible treasure. However, having encountered numerous treasures and Demon Artifacts throughout my adventures, the fact that the Self-Controlled Moon Blade is, in fact, a Demon Artifact holds profound significance.

A Demon Artifact capable of manipulating time and space!

If the Self-Controlled Moon Blade is indeed real, this trade is anything but absurd. In return for establishing the Non-aggression Pact and giving up the Water Luminary, receiving the Self-Controlled Moon Blade is a perfectly sound exchange. After all, the fact that the Master of the Twelve Joules took part in the Dark Realm Martial Arts Tournament to reclaim it indicates its enormous power.

‘The Master of the Twelve Joules is desperate to acquire the Self-Controlled Moon Blade.’

This changed everything. It wasn’t merely about reclaiming my treasure from the Sect Leader; it became essential to gather information about the power of the Self-Controlled Moon Blade through the Sect Leader.

After that, things unfolded like water flowing downstream. Yong Bi-cheon and Yong Junil hastily took out the writing brush, ink, and paper they had prepared in advance, and together with the Master of the Twelve Joules, they recorded the terms of the pact and stamped it with a seal. Immediately after, both parties took one copy, sealed it, and stored it in the form of a scroll, establishing the Non-aggression Pact completely.

Before we set off to return, the Master of the Twelve Joules glanced at me with a meaningful look and suddenly spoke to the preparing Sect Leader.

“Sect Leader, I’d like to have a word with Baek Woong.”

The Sect Leader shot a glance at the Master of the Twelve Joules before saying, [What are you plotting?]

For a moment, their gazes locked; I realized they weren’t just exchanging pleasantries but were communicating through some kind of high-level Secret Transmission that I couldn’t understand.

After a moment, the Sect Leader replied, [Just one day. After that, send him back.]

“I’ll do just that.”

Huh?!

I couldn’t believe it when I heard I was to spend a day away from the Sect Leader with the Master of the Twelve Joules. I shouted, “Sect Leader, what do you mean?”

[Stay as a friendly envoy for a day. Do not act rudely around the Master.]

“But that’s…”

[Baek Woong, Dharma Guardian. Do you intend to defy the Sect Leader’s command?]

“……”

Feeling like crying now, I thought about what that creepy Master of the Twelve Joules might do to me for a whole day. Perhaps I would end up in a state of being neither alive nor dead due to his tricks. Yet, I had no choice but to nod.

“Understood.”

 

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