---

00417 Celestial Realm ————————————————————————

The answer came surprisingly easily.

[I don’t think we should strike the Master of the White Lotus Sect.]

[Why is that?]

In response to Yeodong-bin’s question, I answered calmly.

[It’s because the Sword Master is hesitating.]

[……]

[The Sword Master is the protector of humanity. Once hesitation sets in, hasn’t the justification already vanished?]

I’d like to sound more convincing, but I’m not very eloquent, so that’s all I could manage. However, it seemed Yeodong-bin understood my words, and he gazed at the Fire Dragon Sword for a moment, lost in thought. Then he spoke.

[So, if I let go of my hesitation, it means we can strike?]

[Um… that…]

At a loss for words, I hesitated, and the Sword Master spoke calmly.

[Yeongja, I’m grateful for your assistance in locating the Fire Dragon Sword. However, what meaning does it hold if the Divine Sword is in my hands yet justice cannot be found?]

[Hmm…]

[You are the one with whom I have formed the greatest connection in a thousand years. I want to hear more of your thoughts.]

Yeodong-bin seemed somewhat at a loss, and I felt an unexpected sense of humanity in his expression. It made me think that the secular theory that Great Immortals transcend human emotions was actually wrong.

After some thought, I spoke.

[Please help me convince the Master of the White Lotus Sect.]

[What do you mean by convince?]

[The reason the Celestial Realm intends to send a decree is that the current situation of the White Lotus Sect occupying Luoyang is perilous. As the deputy sect leader of the White Lotus Sect, I will persuade the sect master to retreat. I believe that will lead to a smooth resolution without using force.]

This was something I had discussed in advance with Zhuge Sa. In truth, it was something I had prepared to say from the very beginning, but since Yeodong-bin had swiftly seized the atmosphere of the hall, I had only just managed to speak up.

[Isn’t your eloquence sufficient for this?]

[The sect leader reveres power. We need the help of the Sword Master.]

[… Is that so?]

Shiriling

[The Four Great Spirits!]

Yeodong-bin sheathed the Fire Dragon Sword and suddenly called upon the Four Great Spirits. As the summoned Four Great Spirits silently stared at Yeodong-bin, he gently stroked the neck of one and continued.

[It seems I am once again indebted to you since a thousand years ago.]

Then, surprisingly, the Four Great Spirits, who had only been performing their duties until now without much talk, abruptly responded.

[You do talk well, Yeodong-bin. You made me work hard when you were alive.]

I felt the piercing gaze of the Four Great Spirits, as if its Kirin-like eyes were shining brightly.

[Is that so?]

[If there is work to be done, move quickly. I too am just fulfilling my own duties.]

Pak!

Riding on the Four Great Spirits, Yeodong-bin soon arrived at the location where the sect master was undergoing closed room training. Suddenly appearing in the hall, Yeodong-bin’s presence triggered the reaction of the elders and experts from the Elder Council who hurriedly flocked towards him. Yilo looked at me and spoke.

“Deputy Sect Leader! I told you the sect master is in closed room training, didn’t I? How dare you invade recklessly!”

The elders were more alert and filled with killing intent than ever. This was because the sect master’s current closed room training was of utmost importance, and they had to risk their lives to block intruders. Even I, as the deputy sect leader who often had one-on-one meetings with the sect master, was no exception.

“Baek Woong, Deputy Sect Leader! Speak your reasons for intrusion and leave! If not…”

Yilo and the other peak masters of the Elder Council looked as if they would attack me at any moment. They typically possessed sincere loyalty to the sect leader.

[Yeodong-bin! Please lend me your body. I can explain to them…]

[No need.]

Yeodong-bin flatly rejected me, raising his Fire Dragon Sword as he shouted at them.

[I have something to say to the sect master. If I can defeat your joint attack in three seconds, then clear the way!!]

Kugururung

It seemed Yeodong-bin had drawn upon a significant amount of my latent potential, as a massive storm of energy surged forth in an instant. However, the experts of the Elder Council were no slouches when it came to internal power, and they stumbled slightly before shaking their heads in derision.

“You crazy fool!”

“Without the Heavenly Spirit Pill, you must be out of your mind!!”

[Will you accept?]

Then Yilo, the leader, stepped forward with a voice brimming with malice.

“Of course! Deputy Sect Leader, your head will be the first to roll!”

Watching their reaction, I felt a bit bitter. Although I thought I had made significant progress in the White Lotus Sect, especially having risen through the ranks to the role of deputy sect leader, it was clear that the Elder Council hardly recognized me without the Heavenly Spirit Pill. It’s not surprising, considering I held neither the sect’s influence nor the Heavenly Spirit Pill, but still, seeing their response was frustrating.

Kugugugu

The eight experts of the Elder Council positioned in front all amplified their energy and invoked their vital essence techniques. Although some hailed from the Four Great Families, more than half were top-tier champions renowned across the Central Plains. They had dared to plunge into the White Lotus Sect lured by its reputation, getting selected by the sect leader and enhancing their martial arts under his guidance. Thus, it was safe to say that most of the Elder Council were indeed disciples of the sect leader.

‘Damn!’

Seeing that spectacle was driving me to madness. The eight individuals before me were peak masters whose strength could rival that of the leaders of the Nine Great Sects without question. No matter how high my internal power was, if I did not summon the Moon Sovereign’s Moonlight, there was no hope of winning. So, I urgently shouted at Yeodong-bin.

[Yeodong-bin! Use the Moon Sovereign. If you use the Moon Sovereign, we can easily…]

[I won’t use a cleaver to catch a chicken.]

Yeodong-bin responded succinctly, brandishing the Fire Dragon Sword as he charged forward.

Kuwakuwakuwakwang!!

Moments later, the eight peak masters of the Elder Council unleashed torrential assaults with their vital essence techniques, creating a cascading waterfall of dazzling light. Even the Dharma Guardian would have needed to defend against such an attack. The strength and reputation of the Elder Council were by no means empty boasts.

However, at that very moment—time seemed to freeze as Yeodong-bin’s sword danced.

Heavenly Escape Sword Technique.

Six Intent Saintly Heaven Diagram.

Resolution.

Like a giant wave crashing, the space enveloped in Sword Shadow. One single Sword Shadow could not withstand the waterfall of Sword Strength, but for some reason, it seemed as if every martial technique along the path of the Six Intent Saintly Heaven Resolution was being erased. The overwhelming force of nature itself thrashed and surged from the depths of the sword technique.

Kuwung!

A blue light sliced through the Protection Energy Technique like the sea wind.

“Graaaah!”

“Uwaah!”

In an instant, the eight peak masters were sent flying backward, reduced to mere scraps of flesh. Even Yeodong-bin seemed to have held back slightly, as there were no deaths, only heavily injured. The spectacle unfolded in a heartbeat, leaving me dumbfounded.

‘Was he… this strong?’

I knew Yeodong-bin was originally the ultimate master of the Overlay Technique, and I had witnessed his prowess countless times. I had seen the peerless Divine Position that could defeat a Demon God and observed how effortlessly he could take down the Master of Shadowless Sword. Yet the strength I felt from Yeodong-bin now was on an entirely different level. So immensely powerful that it felt utterly insurmountable.

Yilo shouted as I charged in, my voice rising in desperation.

“Everyone, attack!!”

Paah!

The moment that shout echoed, nearly thirty members of the Elder Council leapt into the air. These were likely the maximum fighting force of the Elder Council, and it was unheard of for them to unite in such a manner in the history of the White Lotus Sect. However, Yilo’s command indicated they regarded Yeodong-bin as a tremendous threat without hesitation.

Heavenly Escape Sword Technique.

Six Intent Saintly Heaven Diagram.

Yeodong-bin took a light step forward and fused his Sword Form.

Earth Rain Technique.

Unity.

It was as if a downpour intersected with the heavens. Such was the brilliance of the Sword Light that it stretched out in myriad directions, soaring from the ground to the sky. In an instant, several among the peak masters of the Elder Council wilted under the impact of the Sword Form, losing consciousness, and the rest could not withstand the barrage of Sword Light streaming toward them, beginning to plummet toward the ground.

Thud thud

“Uhh…”

“Grah…”

Within just two seconds, the fate was sealed, and the Elder Council experts were obliterated, with even Yilo collapsing in a faint. Shockingly, there were no deaths amidst the chaos.

Yeodong-bin stared expressionless at the scene before him and silently walked inside. His demeanor suggested that such events were hardly worth boasting about. However, I felt such intense awe from the monumental level of his martial arts that I could not bring myself to speak.

Heavenly Escape Sword Technique! Six Intent Saintly Heaven Diagram!

The sword techniques of an immortal without basic skill differed fundamentally from human martial arts. The Six Intent Saintly Heaven Diagram represented an absolutely superior level of martial arts, honed over hundreds of years; thus, it was impossible for any crude martial arts on the ground to oppose it.

I now understood the tremendous awe I was feeling.

‘My level has risen.’

It sounds absurd, but that’s the only explanation. When I knew nothing, I was merely astonished at the flashes of Sword Light and bursts of energy flying around, but in this life, I’ve come into contact with absolute levels of martial arts more often than ever and learned their theories and experiences. Particularly while training the Three Treasure Technique and learning from the sect leader’s Heart of Heaven’s Abundance, I could vaguely picture that level. That’s why the strength of the Sword Master Yeodong-bin felt more pressing than ever.

He took a step into the sect master’s closed room.

As Yeodong-bin stepped into the darkness of the closed room, candles flickered to life one by one, gradually multiplying into hundreds. It was as if flame had caught on all the candles that had long been set up.

And in the very center of the closed room stood the Master of the White Lotus Sect, already waiting for Yeodong-bin. The Master gazed intently at Yeodong-bin and then spoke.

[Stranger, you have found your way here well.]

[Who do you think I am?]

[Although you appear as a deputy sect leader, the power flowing from within you is that of an absolute master. And the absolute brilliance displayed when you subdued the Elder Council was truly celestial skill. I have hardly ever met someone like you in my lifetime.]

It appeared the sect master had sensed the signs of battle from the outside while undergoing closed room training.

[……]

[Could it be that you are the Overlay Master of the Celestial Realm?]

At the sect master’s candid remark, Yeodong-bin answered calmly.

[Indeed. I am Sword Master Yeodong-bin.]

He flinched!

The sect master looked somewhat taken aback. It was no surprise; who would easily believe that one of the legendary Eight Immortals worshipped by the people was standing before them? However, given the sect master’s current situation of direct hostility with the Celestial Realm, he seemed to have accepted it readily.

With a slightly somber expression, the sect master continued.

[What a pity. I wanted to train a bit longer…]

[I haven’t come to kill you. I have come to talk.]

The sect master’s expression shifted sharply at Yeodong-bin’s words.

[What do you mean? Aren’t you here to hunt down the traitor of the Celestial Realm?]

[Normally, that would indeed be the case.]

Yeodong-bin remained silent for a moment before speaking.

[My disciple intends to persuade you, so I have decided to trust him.]

Sssss…

Finally, Yeodong-bin relaxed his intended spirit and turned his body towards me. As I regained my full senses, it seemed the sect master quickly caught onto this change in atmosphere. The sect master stared at me intently, and I sighed before speaking.

“Master, you must abandon Luoyang.”

I then explained everything that had happened to the sect master. After hearing everything from start to finish, he seemed to contemplate for a while in silence. Then he spoke.

[I don’t understand.]

“What?”

[Baek Woong. I know that you have subtly wanted to eliminate me all along. However, I thought it was merely risky to do so. If you had sought the strength of the Sword Master Yeodong-bin, it would have been easy to eliminate me and reclaim the treasures. Why take the risk to persuade the Sword Master instead?]

“……”

Scratching my head, I replied.

“Because we are in an alliance.”

[Are you serious?]

“Yes. And as you mentioned earlier… I am curious about the future you will see.”

With that, I continued.

“Master, is this enough? I don’t know what the Celestial Realm is afraid of, but provoking them into open conflict at this time is ill-timed. It would be best to withdraw from Luoyang. If you do so, I will do my utmost to persuade the Celestial Realm and prevent the decree from being issued.”

[……]

“Master.”

I could feel that the sect master’s emotions were greatly shaken. At this rate, it seemed possible to persuade him.

The sect master spoke.

[I don’t know why the Celestial Realm is so wary of me. I wish to speak again with Yeodong-bin.]

I nodded and, at his request, summoned Yeodong-bin. As the sect master exchanged glances with Yeodong-bin, he seemed to ponder deeply before finally speaking.

[Yeodong-bin. Please tell me one thing. Is it merely Luoyang that must be spared?]

[That would be it.]

[Why is that?]

[It is a matter of heavenly secrets that cannot be disclosed. Let alone to you.]

[As I thought…]

The sect master muttered bitterly and continued.

[Understood. I shall immediately withdraw all my forces from Luoyang and will never return. That should suffice to persuade the Celestial Realm, right?]

[I cannot guarantee that. It might have low chances of success.]

[Heh… So you’re grasping at straws, are you?]

Then Yeodong-bin firmly stated.

[If the decree is established, not only will innocent lives be lost, but a far greater catastrophe will surely follow! I will do my utmost to prevent that from happening.]

[Thank you.]

Ohhhh

At that moment, a Mandala of the Heart of Heaven’s Abundance began to gently rise around the sect master. As Yeodong-bin gazed at him intently, the sect master extended one hand forward and said.

[Before you go, I ask that you enlighten my disciple.]

[Do you not know that it’s not the time for that?]

[The gravitas of being a Martial God weighs heavily upon me. I would regret retreating without this chance to learn a technique.]

The sparring application of the Master of the White Lotus Sect!

However, Yeodong-bin replied in a disinclined tone.

[Now is not the time. Any energy wasted during our duel will be your disciple’s. I cannot afford to choose a scenario where my disciple’s life is threatened.]

[I promise we will only spar to understand the essence of martial arts. I will not use the abilities of the Primordial Spirit.]

[… Even if that is the case.]

Yeodong-bin pondered for a while, then aimed his Fire Dragon Sword and said.

[Very well.]

[Thank you.]

As the two absolute masters took their stances, Yeodong-bin murmured.

[Has it been a thousand years since I fought the Four Great Families of the White Lotus Sect…]

And although it felt like an eternity, precisely three seconds of exchanges began.