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“The Demon King.”

That was the truth about the Black Goat I had heard from Zhuge Sa. The Black Goat stared at me without any change in expression, making me feel a chill from its gaze. I hadn’t realized it before, but I could now see the overpowering urge of the five desires and seven emotions swirling in those eyes. It was as if it had completely stripped away emotion, merely surveying the phenomena before it.

The gaze of an Absolute Being!

The entity known as the “Black Goat” slowly opened its mouth.

“The coexistence of souls is quite uncomfortable. Provide a temporary body.”

“What?”

As the Black Goat pointed at a spot in the air with its finger, I felt a shift within me, and white spiritual energy escaped. The muddy ground began to churn, rising and forming into a doll-like figure. As the clay slowly morphed into a specific shape, it eventually revealed Zhuge Sa’s appearance, with mud falling away to astonishingly unveil human skin.

“……!!”

Finally, Zhuge Sa opened his eyes in this temporary body. He had emerged from the mud, becoming human all at once.

I was left gaping in disbelief. No matter how I looked at it, this truly was a human form, but wasn’t it just the ground clay fashioned into this human shape? It was a bizarre technique that defied all human logic. Zhuge Sa grinned and said to the Black Goat,

“Can I really use this power? Seems wasteful.”

“What I’m witnessing is an oddity like nothing I’ve seen before. This much is nothing…”

The Black Goat lightly replied and then turned to me.

“Indeed. I am the first sect leader of the Baehwa Sect.”

“Hmm.”

“A Demon King… I quite like that expression.”

The true identity of the Black Goat had been revealed.

According to Zhuge Sa, the “Tao King Black Goat” was merely a human shell used for appearances. Its true form was that of the first sect leader of the Baehwa Sect, the one who taught Zhuge Sa the forbidden arts. Furthermore, it was a being from a distant ancient time that ascended using a grand Offering Ceremony, becoming the Lower Demon God, the Demon King.

It was said to be an incredibly famous figure in the Western Regions. Particularly, within the demon arts, its true name was almost legendary.

Yet, even seeing it with my own eyes, I couldn’t believe such a fact. While it might be a powerful technique to easily extract Zhuge Sa’s soul and create a new body, the thought that what stood before me was a monster that had lived for over two thousand years, existing since the dawn of civilization, was hard to digest.

No matter what I thought, the Black Goat continued to speak monotonously.

“The fact that you’ve come this far means you intend to continue the contract with me.”

Contract!

Upon hearing that, Zhuge Sa responded.

“What matters is the form it takes. If you can make this temporary body permanent, it would be best to proceed with the current method, but that might not be the case.”

“Correct. That body will fade in no more than a day. After that, the souls will share once again.”

Zhuge Sa muttered bitterly.

“Heh… With your power, permanent sustenance should be possible. Making you a miser.”

The Black Goat calmly replied, sending a chill down my spine.

[Offer a sacrifice. That’s fundamental.]

It was something demanded by all gods, including Master Mangnyang. It was the offering procedure! When receiving blessings or protection from the gods, that was the essential process. Conversely, not being able to do so meant you weren’t a god. I could instinctively feel that the Black Goat before me was a divine being or something very close to one.

Zhuge Sa said,

“The sacrifice is settled. I can always create an alternative body. But I want to change the contract.”

“How?”

“The current position of Baehwa Sect leader, grant it to this Baek Woong.”

“Huh?”

At that sudden statement, I looked at Zhuge Sa in surprise.

“What do you mean? Weren’t you to serve as the Baehwa Sect leader under the Black Goat after your death? Why give that to me?”

Indeed, Zhuge Sa claimed that the contract he made with the Black Goat stated he would serve under it after his death. The confirmation of this contract was tied to the next New Year’s festival.

If I didn’t reach a certain transformation, the contract would be deemed void, and the Black Goat would instantly come for my life. If the will to fulfill the contract was absent, the Black Goat would eliminate the Baehwa Sect leader and reclaim the power it had bestowed upon him.

Having endured all this undeserved suffering to avoid death, now, Zhuge Sa wants to hand over the position of Baehwa Sect leader to me? My head spun at the thought that Zhuge Sa had backstabbed me.

“You foolish man. Do you have the gall to question such a generous offer?”

“What?”

“Becoming the Baehwa Sect leader would grant you the privileges to rapidly train in the Soul Exchange Technique. Were you truly intending to cultivate that technique with your own talent…?”

“……”

Rage bubbled up inside me, but I managed to regain my composure.

“Privileges?”

Zhuge Sa suddenly began to treat the Black Goat with respect.

“Since the contract executor has changed, please explain the details to Baek Woong.”

“You seem serious.”

The Black Goat shot me a sideways glance and spoke.

“Baek Woong. The contents of the contract are as follows. As the next Baehwa Sect leader, you will wield my powers and magical abilities and will enhance your talents in the demon arts and techniques. Additionally, you will have access to secret techniques exclusive to the Baehwa Sect leader. However, after the death of the Baehwa Sect leader, that soul will be mine to command.”

“Ugh…”

I frowned. No matter how I thought about it, this seemed like a nasty contract that offered powerful strength and authority in this life, but turned your soul into a slave of an evil god after death. Just as I was about to shout something, Zhuge Sa chimed in.

“Let’s change the contract a bit. The soul that becomes bound will be mine, not yours.”

“Is that okay?”

Zhuge Sa grinned.

“Of course. After all, your goal is to create your own divine temple that can stand against the higher ‘Old Rulers’, right? I would be far more useful than an idiot like you.”

“That’s true.”

Even though they treated me like a fool, I couldn’t find a way to interrupt. Zhuge Sa was transferring the good conditions to me while choosing to become a slave of the evil god after death. I stared at Zhuge Sa in disbelief.

“Zhuge Sa. What are you thinking?”

“What do you mean?”

“You’re not the type to do something just for my benefit. What’s your scheme?”

When I shouted, Zhuge Sa shrugged.

“Frankly, I had no attachment to life or death. After reading your memories, I realized even more that this life holds no meaning. So, I’m just considering leaving a debt of the heart with you, so don’t get the wrong idea.”

I suddenly had an epiphany. So I carefully asked back.

“Debt, huh… What if I ignore that?”

Zhuge Sa chuckled.

“If you were that cunning, you wouldn’t have made it this far. You would’ve become a puppet for some overlord and enjoyed wealth and fame long ago! I know that your identity is built on that ridiculous principle of giving back what you’ve received, whether good or bad…”

“……”

“The choice is yours. What will it be, Baek Woong?”

I pondered. The gazes of the Black Goat and Zhuge Sa were upon me. After a lengthy consideration, I finally said,

“I can’t proceed with the contract this way!”

The Black Goat’s dry, emotionless gaze met mine.

“What do you mean?”

“I can’t believe you are the being known as the Demon King. If you truly possess that kind of power, show me your strength! Only then will I believe it.”

With those words, the Black Goat crossed its arms.

“It’s not difficult. What would you like to see?”

“Well…”

Just as I was about to say something, Zhuge Sa urgently sent a transmission.

[You foolish child! Stop it!]

[What?]

[Do you think that being in the presence of that existence is a friendly god-like being? The head of corrupt landlord doctrines feared even the wandering Jews? A monster that massacred millions as the king of heretics?]

Zhuge Sa expressed his determination fiercely.

[The being before you has reached the limits of what a human can achieve in demon arts. Every single action and word you utter requires a dreadful price! If you make an incompetent remark, stop it now! You might end up eternally as a slave!!]

“……”

[You’ve triggered the Law of Cause and Effect now!]

A chill ran down my spine. It seemed the true form of the Black Goat was that of a terrifying evil god. If I spoke incorrectly, the chances of losing everything were eminent. I waved my hands, saying,

“… No, that’s not necessary.”

“Shall we proceed with the contract?”

“That would be preferable.”

For the time being, I decided to follow Zhuge Sa’s words. While I felt somewhat manipulated, a horrifying premonition told me that misjudging the presence of the Black Goat would spell disaster. If Zhuge Sa was a minor evil, the Black Goat resembled a great evil that was beyond description. The Black Goat then said with an unusual smile,

“Disbelieving is quite an unpleasant thing. If you truly wish, I can provide evidence of my existence.”

Zhuge Sa hurriedly shouted,

“Stop! Please, don’t!”

Suddenly, the form of the Black Goat shattered. It was as if it was never a human to begin with, breaking apart and disintegrating without a trace left behind. Instead, the black particles that had made up its body began flowing like a dark river towards the altar.

Irreverent darkness poured out like the cries of beasts. I instinctively sensed that this language was derived from something no human could utter but rather resembled the language of anotherworldly beings.

Slowly, the darkness deepened, as the dense magical energy began to seep into the space. Amidst that darkness, the presence once referred to as the Black Goat could be heard muttering.

[O mighty black female goat, mother of the forest and her young! … hear my plea…]

The ominous chant continued.

Though it was a clear incantation of anotherworldly beings, oddly enough, I found myself comprehending the meaning clearly.

[Grant the power of fertility and abundance to this land.]

Shwoooooosh –

A massive burst of dark light swirled, spreading outside the temple. Moments later, the darkness subsided, and I unexpectedly felt someone’s gaze shared with me. It was a divine power that transcended my will.

Oh-oh-oh-oh

I could see from a high sky as the vast land known as the “Transformation” began to be devoured by the Original Night. Darkness settled upon the desolate plateau, birthing dark sprouts of malevolence. Each one greedily consumed the energy of the earth.

The world was falling into darkness.

In the terrifying dark sky, an irreverent curse spilled forth.

Rumble, rumble

I could sense the tectonic shifts settling across the affected territory. The vast expanses stretching thousands of lee were roaring in the territory of magical energies. The darkness’s followers even spontaneously sprouted and grew.

This place was no longer land for humans. The great nature was losing its strength and being absorbed into something great.

As I witnessed the scene, Zhuge Sa yelled at me in irritation.

“Cursed bastard! Do you think what you see is all there is? How can a human cast a spell to summon the Outer God?! That is the Demon King, a being who has reached the extremes of demon arts!”

Before I could respond, Zhuge Sa suddenly shouted,

“@&$^&@! Pass on the Goat’s chant! Otherwise, I will summon the Lord of the Great Abyss!!”

His strange term referring to the Black Goat seemed to be its true name. And it looked like that threat worked, as the shared vision began to fade, and I could feel the towering darkness returning. It was nearly simultaneous with the Original Night retreating from devouring the vast territory of “Transformation.”

Swish…

Before my eyes, the Black Goat’s human visage reappeared. It retained its expressionless cool beauty, yet I could no longer consider what stood before me as human. It was merely something disguised in human form.

Indeed.

It had only created a human vessel for amusement; its essence was already that of the King of Demon Arts, closely approaching an [Old Ruler]. Neither the Master of the White Lotus Sect nor the Master of the Twelve Joules could guarantee defeating the monster before me. I gulped audibly as the Black Goat said,

“You’re quite bold. To dare invoke ancient gods in my presence.”

At some point, Zhuge Sa had drawn the mark of the ancient deity, the Five Stars, with blood on his palm. Possibly sensing this, the Black Goat halted the unfolding incantation. Zhuge Sa appeared unusually tense, gritting his teeth as he said,

“You should be the one to fear. If other rulers learn about their domains being infringed upon, they won’t remain quiet.”

“There are few beings capable of challenging the authority of the Outer God, the Black Goat. If you do not speak so arrogantly about ancient gods, of course.”

“Hehehe! Pretending to serve the Fire Flame Spirit and switching sides, how entertaining…”

The Black Goat ignored Zhuge Sa’s mockery and stared at me expressionlessly.

“What will you do? Will you form the contract?”

“I shall.”

I realized I had no choice.

‘ Refusal means death.’

By not forming a contract, both Zhuge Sa and I became worthless humans to the Demon King, Black Goat. Moreover, if we disturbed its actions, we would be subjected to terrifying curses and magical tortures.

Unless I gathered the Seven Luminaries, I wouldn’t have a way to resist the Lower [Old Ruler] capable of wielding the power of the Outer Gods. If I didn’t want to die a miserable death, I had no option but to create a mutually beneficial relationship with it.

Shortly after, the Black Goat finalized the contract and turned its head, saying,

“I’ll see you later.”

Swish!

The Black Goat dispersed into black powder, vanishing once more. That was definitely not a technique of divine law or light body techniques but perceived as the magic of the otherworldly beings. It was certainly not human.

‘ Later… Means after death, right?’

It was an unsettling farewell in many ways. After the Black Goat disappeared, Zhuge Sa sighed and spoke to me.

“Soon, this body will also fade. Before that, let’s check if you truly received the sect leader’s blessings.”

“I received the blessing, but it doesn’t feel real.”

Zhuge Sa then pressed his forehead against mine and said,

“Pull out your spirit.”

I tried to use the method to extract my spirit as he instructed. This time, unlike previously stuttering, it smoothly popped out. It felt vastly improved, and while I was inwardly surprised, Zhuge Sa remarked.

“All past leaders of the Baehwa Sect were their puppets. That’s why they needed to grow stronger quickly, gather followers, and collect sacrifices to receive the blessings that enhance their talents.”

“I see.”

It started making sense. The Black Goat was a demon sorcerer that had existed since the primordial era, creating the heretical Baehwa Sect and propagating plausible doctrines.

‘ The epitome of evil itself.’

And as the Baehwa Sect leaders attract followers with sweet words, the Black Goat probably offered tributes to the [Old Rulers] without raising a finger to build up its strength. By accumulating thousands of years of power, it undoubtedly contracted with the Outer God, abandoning its humanity to rise to the ranks of an evil deity. The Black Goat truly was the embodiment of nameless great evil.

“Now your pathetic talent should have improved a bit.”

While I was about to retort, an idea suddenly struck me.

“That Black Goat became a Demon God as a human, right? So, is it on par with Qin Shi Huang or Empress Wu Zetian who crossed over to the Dark Heaven Village through the Offering Ceremony?”

“In a sense, yes. The only difference is the stature of the contracted [Old Ruler].”

Suddenly, Zhuge Sa’s body began to lose vitality, gradually turning back into mud. Finally, his form scattered, and his soul began to re-enter me, coexisting once again.

[With this, practicing the Soul Exchange Technique will take me roughly thirty years instead of two hundred. If we offer a sacrifice at the Offering Ceremony, I could reduce it down to ten years.]

“……”

Though it didn’t seem like a joke, it irritated me. However, before I could voice my frustration, Zhuge Sa said.

[What are you doing? There’s no time to waste. Call for the Four Great Spirits and head to Seven Kills Village immediately.]

“What?”

His following words were so on point that I had nothing to counter.

[You have to resurrect Lee Cheong-un, don’t you?]

 

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