With a swift motion, I plunged a sword into the preparatory body of Zhuge Yulong and began to carve out his heart. I placed the heart on the altar and knelt, replicating what Zhuge Clan had done before. Moments later, the heart evaporated, turned to dust, and was drawn into the abyss like it was nothing.

Receiving my offering, Nüwa spoke.

[Human Baek Woong, how dare you recklessly break the Moon Sovereign’s seal?]

Did she already know that I’d broken the seal on Mount Muni? I was surprised but hoped for Zhuge’s guidance. Strangely, though, he had been silent since this all began. With no other choice but to think for myself, I responded to Nüwa’s questioning.

“The power of the White Lotus Sect and the Twelve Joules has surpassed the Great Immortal. If they are not kept in check, they will gather all Seven Luminaries for themselves, hence I took the initiative.”

[How did you come to know about the Offering Ceremony and the liberation?]

“I gathered fixed clues and researched ancient records.”

[How much do you know?]

“If the Seven Luminaries are not liberated normally through the Three Sovereigns, it will allow the [Old Ruler] to descend upon the Central Plains. And I know that the Offering Ceremony is the only way.”

As I answered Nüwa’s continuous questions, I started to feel something odd.

Why was she asking such things? Was this an interrogation?

After a moment, Nüwa spoke again.

[Baek Woong.]

“Yes?”

[I cannot permit the release of the Moon Sovereign at this time.]

“……!!”

What on Earth?!

I stared at Nüwa in shock. When I called upon the Sovereign Jeon Wook for the Offering Ceremony for the Water Sovereign, he allowed it with enthusiasm after accepting the offering. Now, suddenly Nüwa refuses to unseal it, and things have just gotten extremely tangled.

In my frantic state, not even recalling I stood before someone believed to be the creator of the universe, I exclaimed, “Nüwa! Why is that?”

Nüwa, her tail resembling that of a serpent, curled and responded.

[The seal of the Moon Sovereign has already been broken among the Seven Luminaries. And soon the Water Sovereign will also be unsealed. If I were to grant your request, the seal of the Four Luminaries would be released, which is a perilous situation. The risk of breaking the pact with the [Old Ruler] cannot be overlooked.]

Perhaps the Earth Spirit residing in Dark Heaven Village had already been unsealed.

“Hmm!”

I let out a noise of frustration. The unexpected information weighed heavily upon me.

‘The Moon Sovereign has already been unsealed?’

Currently, the Water and Moon Sovereigns are under the Twelve Joules’ control. I hadn’t worried too much about it since I thought I couldn’t interfere right now; after all, even with the immense power of the Twelve Joules, there was no way they could freely unbind the Seven Luminaries, right?

But hearing Nüwa, it was clear the Moon Sovereign was already unsealed, and the Water Sovereign was on the verge of the same. That meant the Twelve Joules certainly knew how to release the Seven Luminaries, and were probably quite adept at it as well.

At the same time, I realized something crucial.

‘Giving the Seven Luminaries to the Twelve Joules would be dangerous!!’

Until now, I had thought the Twelve Joules were nervously watching from afar, but perhaps they were actually waiting for the perfect opportunity to snatch away the Seven Luminaries? Or maybe they already possessed unimaginable power by now.

That was why she had asked me if I knew anything about releasing the Seven Luminaries—it was because ‘she herself was aware’! I suppressed my panic and spoke to Nüwa.

“Nüwa! That just won’t do. I absolutely must obtain the Moon Sovereign.”

[Human Baek Woong, do not covet the powers of the gods.]

I felt frustration creeping in from Nüwa’s uncompromising stance.

‘What’s wrong with the deities? Their logic is all over the place!’

Naturally, Yeodong-bin had said I would be granted the right to carry out the Offering Ceremony for the Moon Sovereign, empowering me to act as a messenger of the Celestial Realm. Shouldn’t it make sense for me to gain Nüwa’s approval during the ceremony for the release of the Moon Sovereign? Yet, something about it felt off, as while I was given rights by the Celestial Realm, Nüwa seemed to arbitrarily deny my request for the release of the Seven Luminaries!

After briefly considering, I said, “Nüwa, if what you say stands, then the Twelve Joules have already obtained power from two of the Seven Luminaries. Is there any mortal who could withstand that power?”

[Extremely rare.]

“That’s precisely why I need to gain the power of the Moon Sovereign to stop them. Does that not make sense?”

[It does not.]

Nüwa lightly retorted and continued.

[The Twelve Joules are not part of the [Old Ruler]’s forces. Therefore, whatever they do with the Seven Luminaries is not our concern. Even if you don’t stop them, they cannot escape the fate of mortals, so why risk unsealing the Moon Sovereign and breaking the pact?]

“……”

This response felt loaded with hidden meanings. Something was off, but it was clear that Nüwa had no intention of allowing the Moon Sovereign’s liberation no matter what. I silently clenched my teeth.

‘Damn it… what do I do…’

If I couldn’t gain the power of the Moon Sovereign here, I would completely lose the chance of breaking free from the influence of the White Lotus Sect. While I planned to observe the developments of the White Lotus Sect in this life, with the Heavenly Spirit Pill hanging over me like a time bomb, I couldn’t just follow along endlessly.

Nüwa stated firmly, [I cannot release the Moon Sovereign. Then…]

“Wait a moment!”

I shouted, my voice laced with urgency. I had no particular plan, but the thought of losing the chance for the Offering Ceremony felt absolutely ludicrous. But just as I was anxiously trying to figure out what to do…

[…Hey, idiot.]

A voice broke through my thoughts; it was Zhuge Sha coming to his senses.

[Zhuge Sha!]

[What are you panicking for? We’ve only confirmed our positions.]

[Then…]

[It’s not over yet.]

With newfound confidence, Zhuge Sha declared.

[Let’s give it another shot. We can convince even Nüwa.]

Right. I couldn’t give up here.

I carefully processed Zhuge Sha’s advice in my mind. Then, calmly choosing my words, I began, “Nüwa, I have a question to confirm.”

I had already received direction from Zhuge Sha, but he couldn’t say everything for me. I had my experiences as a reincarnated person, and I needed to steer the conversation favorably with Nüwa. So, I focused my thoughts.

[What is it?]

“It’s understood that the Three Sovereigns are beings that transcend ordinary divine status and have known the beginning and end of the universe since the creation. So, why do you obsess over the maintenance of treaties?”

[……]

“The rise and fall of humanity is merely the emperor’s whim; it shouldn’t directly relate to the lives of the Three Sovereigns.”

Cheon Woo-jin looked at me in shock. He was likely not expecting me to press Nüwa so hard over the Moon Sovereign. After a moment, Nüwa replied after a brief pause,

[It’s a matter of governance.]

“Governance?”

[The pact made with the [Old Ruler] via the Seven Luminaries is a non-aggression treaty, and the Seven Luminaries are the tokens of that agreement. As long as the Seven Luminaries exist unbroken, the [Old Ruler] cannot recklessly manifest in the mortal world nor extend his influence to swallow the human race. This is also why your civilization was able to flourish independently for thousands of years without the ruler’s interference.]

“A non-aggression treaty!”

Nüwa continued after that statement. [The deadline is until the promised day… The treaty is significant not only for you humans but also for the Heavenly Emperor. The greater beings must do everything to prevent unnecessary conflict among themselves.]

“Hmm…”

As I grasped the nature of the non-aggression treaty concerning the Seven Luminaries, I let out a sound of understanding.

That’s right. The Seven Luminaries were established as the sign of a non-aggression treaty created by the Three Sovereigns to protect humanity from the [Old Ruler]! As Nüwa said, if all Seven Luminaries are freed, that moment would provide the [Old Ruler] a legitimate reason to seize and devour humanity. I continued to press, following Zhuge Sha’s instructions.

[During the reign of the Three Sovereigns, they protected the [Old Rulers] directly. However, during Jeon Wook’s era, the communication between heaven and earth was severed, and the Heavenly Ladder ceased to exist. Over time, the influence of the Three Sovereigns faded into history; can you tell me why this happened?]

[Are you asking why the connection between heaven and earth was severed?]

“Exactly.”

I nodded before continuing, “If the Three Sovereigns had continued their rule directly, there would have been no need to intricately bind a contract with the Seven Luminaries. Yet, they made those Seven Luminaries anyway; I wish to know the reason for the disruption between heaven and earth.”

[It’s simple.]

Nüwa answered monotonously, [It’s due to the Yan Emperor Shennong’s faction.]

“What did Shennong do?”

[Since the great war of the first Huangdi and Yan, the two mighty factions clashed throughout the Mythological Age. Gong Gong, a descendant of the Yan Emperor, once again went to war with Jeon Wook, leading to catastrophic destruction, all culminating in Chi You.]

“……?”

[Chi You, a descendant of the Yan Emperor, advocated for human autonomy. Although the Huangdi subdued Chi You, it left a significant emotional mark, and on that day, he desired to withdraw from the human world. Until the end of its time, humanity was left to develop on its own.]

The Yan Emperor Shennong and his descendant Chi You!

Nüwa’s story aligned distinctly with the legendary Great War of Takrok. Although most bards knew the myth, Nüwa’s tone was notably different. It implied that the Takrok War was indeed fought over the autonomy of humanity.

After some thought, I responded, “So the severing of heaven and earth was the will of Emperor Gong Sun Xuanwen? Are you implying that Jeon Wook was merely executing the Emperor’s orders?”

[You’ve understood well.]

Now it seemed I grasped the situation broadly. Even the Three Sovereigns didn’t share an entirely amicable relationship; conflicts and clashes existed among them as well. This particular conflict was between the faction led by the Emperor and that of the Yan Emperor Shennong. The long-standing clashes ultimately led to the decision to grant humans autonomy, causing the deities to withdraw from the human realm. Simultaneously, this led to a treaty with the Seven Luminaries to protect humanity from the [Old Ruler].

I said, “Nüwa, if that is the case, then I must obtain the power of the Moon Sovereign even more.”

[Human Baek Woong, do you still not comprehend?]

“I can explain plenty.”

Nüwa’s voice had a hint of anger in it as she warned.

[Very well. If your reasoning is inadequate, you shall suffer the punishment of the gods.]

Gulping my saliva, I felt a chill run down my spine. The curse of Nüwa, considered one of the supreme deities, could very well be on par with the [Old Ruler]! The price I might have to pay could be devastating enough to prevent my reincarnation! Having experienced the might of divine curses firsthand, I felt the urgency settle in.

‘What the hell? Is death all I have left?’

With my mindset solidifying, I calmly spoke as instructed by Zhuge Sha. “… The non-aggression treaty on the Seven Luminaries doesn’t apply worldwide, right?”

Surprised by my question, Nüwa replied.

[Correct.]

“Specifically, how far does it extend?”

[It’s probably about 70% of this world.]

Hearing Zhuge Sha’s prediction come true, I felt triumphant. I illuminated my gaze, declaring, “Anywhere the non-aggression treaty does not apply, the [Old Ruler] could infiltrate and foster heretical sects. And in this modern age, they have grown exponentially by utilizing divine power.”

[What are you saying?]

“The West is already a region subjugated by the [Old Ruler]. Their rapid civilization development far exceeds their duration of growth, and before long, they will invade the East. When that time comes, the non-aggression treaty of the Seven Luminaries will lose its significance.”

There was foundation behind Zhuge Sha’s caution. The power of guns used by the British Empire was vastly superior to anything found in the East. In just a few decades, the gap would become so significant that military clashes would become meaningless. Zhuge Sha had already surmised that the [Old Ruler] was the force behind that civilization.

[……]

Nüwa fell silent. I pressed on, undeterred.

“The forces behind the rapid development of the West are undoubtedly manipulating humans to achieve the Seven Luminaries for themselves, correct? If that were to happen, would it not mock the will of the Three Sovereigns long before the appointed time?”

[What do you wish to convey?]

“I’m saying humans will resolve their own issues.”

After a quick breath, I added, “Whether it’s the White Lotus Sect or the Twelve Joules, the victors will gain dominion over civilization. But in this time of external threats, they too are a necessary evil. Thus, I intend to become the master of the Moon Sovereign to keep them in check from the shadows.”

[That is utter nonsense.]

“Suspicious movements are occurring even within the internal hierarchy of the Celestial Realm. If you do not trust me, everything could come crashing down like a house of cards.”

Nüwa, floating in the air, turned into a calm silver glow without responding. I looked up at her nervously, but her goddess demeanor betrayed no signs of emotion. Not only that, she radiated an overwhelmingly powerful divine aura, far beyond that of the Great Immortal.

A while later, Nüwa spoke.

[Human Baek Woong, you seem to be quite a unique being.]

“Huh?”

[In fact, from our first meeting, I felt a considerable affinity toward you. It’s a feeling close to compassion and yearning for the origin. But as you are undeniably a pure human, you stand out amongst all I’ve witnessed throughout history.]

After muttering that, Nüwa declared, [Fine. I will trust you and unseal the Moon Sovereign.]

Pa-at!!

In an instant, silvery starlight showered down in a swirling vortex at the heart of the moonlit sky. Bathed in the silver celestial light, I felt a burning sensation throughout my body, but instead of pain, it resembled the blissful sensation of my very soul being sublimated.

As the world around me focused once more, the sky over Mount Tai returned to normal, and Nüwa’s presence had vanished completely.

Cheon Woo-jin beside me let out a sigh, saying, “That was terrifying… Are you really human?”

“Huh?”

“To persuade the Founding Goddess Nüwa to liberate the Seven Luminaries… There may never have been anyone like you in history.”

Wiying!

I suddenly became aware that a silver aura swirled around me, reminiscent of the phenomena I had seen when Miho used her powers. I even felt the continuous flow of boundless energy from the Moon Sovereign within me.

That’s right. I had truly become the rightful master of the Moon Sovereign among the Seven Luminaries.