Chapter 524
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The remaining Three Sovereigns were clearly troubled by Nüwa’s declaration. Especially Jeon Wook, who was openly making a distasteful face as he spoke, “You’re really going above and beyond.”
Nüwa looked at Jeon Wook with calm arrogance. “The release of the Seven Luminaries cannot happen. I’ve made that clear since the ancient times.”
“Our Sovereigns respect you, as you are one of the Three Sovereigns and a special being. Didn’t we just fulfill your request not long ago?”
Jeon Wook’s discomfort was exceedingly evident as he continued, “But this time it’s different. If the Evil God creates its Apostle in the Central Plains and starts expanding its influence, we’ll have to fight yet another war without the Emperor or Fuxi. Not to mention countless lowly beings will flood in from everywhere. Were we not forced to separate heaven and earth and create the Seven Luminaries because we were fed up with all those tedious battles?”
“So what do you propose?”
“Our Sovereigns’ will is as clear as day. Please make a wise decision.”
It was at that moment that I began to understand the relationship between Jeon Wook and Nüwa. On the surface, Nüwa was Jeon Wook’s superior due to her status as a creation deity, which is why they showed her respect. However, in reality, the status between the Three Sovereigns and the Five Sovereigns was on par with each other. They were all at a level where comparing power became meaningless.
At that moment, one of the Three Sovereigns slowly began to speak up. “What a banal meeting… I’m leaving.”
Jeon Wook laughed derisively and retorted, “Aren’t you already confined? Your opinion doesn’t matter anymore.”
“…”
“Be my guest, Yan Emperor.”
Whoosh!
The specter of the Yan Emperor vanished. It was the Yan Emperor Shennong, one of the Three Sovereigns, who had spoken just before. The rumors about him being confined somewhere, unable to exert his power, seemed to hold true.
Nüwa remarked, “If we destroy the mortal realm now, we’d have to start everything from scratch after thousands of years of efforts. But there’s no guarantee that those other beings will peacefully retreat even after they receive the revelation.”
“That’s just what we wanted. The amount of power we possess isn’t lacking. We simply dislike this mask.”
“That mask has its advantages as well.”
“The game is over.”
“Are you implying your patience has reached its limit?”
Nüwa continued, “My thoughts have not changed. The Seven Luminaries must not be released, and humankind must not face annihilation. Our duty is to adhere to the predetermined time.”
“You’re stubborn…”
The atmosphere grew tense, and it seemed that Jeon Wook and the other Four Sovereigns were beginning to harbor feelings of hostility towards Nüwa. No one knew if even Nüwa could triumph against the other Four of the Sovereigns.
Then, Shao Hao Jin Tian spoke up among the Five Sovereigns.
“It’s pointless for us to fight amongst ourselves. How about we ask the Emperor’s intention?”
“The Emperor…”
“Regardless, that person is our origin. This issue should appropriately involve the Emperor.”
I could feel the atmosphere growing even more uncomfortable. Jeon Wook responded to Shao Hao Jin Tian’s suggestion.
“You know the Emperor is hiding in the Divine Temple, refusing to show himself, so why make such a suggestion?”
“By chance, there happens to be the Avatar of Chi You present here. If he can summon Chi You, a passage to the Divine Temple could be obtained.”
“Hmm…”
“Wasn’t going to the Divine Temple our long-held desire?”
The gaze of the Three Sovereigns turned to Gin Nara, who was in a dreadful state.
“Be restored.”
Nüwa reached out her slender finger, healing Gin Nara’s curse, and he immediately returned to his original form. Nüwa’s powers appeared to be on par with or even exceed Jeon Wook’s. As Gin Nara gasped for breath, Nüwa instructed him, “Call Chi You. We must hear what he has to say.”
“O Three Sovereigns, do you seek to decide the fate of the world at your whim? You can’t involve my master in your farce!”
Though he was an enemy, his mental strength was remarkable. To be tortured to that extent yet still maintain his will? As Gin Nara struggled against them, Nüwa’s voice continued.
“If you persist in stubbornness, you won’t even get a chance to utter a word in that performance.”
“…”
Gin Nara seemed to sense something in Nüwa’s words and fell silent. It felt like he had realized that her words were the final warning. He quivered slightly and spoke quietly.
“You are the condemned great evil…”
Just at that moment, a thick darkness, like ink, surged forth from the misty land and swallowed the sun. The sun soon twisted into a chaotic sphere, gradually enlarging, from which moonlight began to emerge.
Descending from the moonlit path was something. Upon seeing this ‘something,’ Jeon Wook frowned.
“An insolent one! Even in this situation, you’re just an avatar?”
The entity referred to as ‘Chi You’ appeared like a small fiery serpent bubbling in chaos. According to Jeon Wook, that too must be an avatar or a servant rather than the true form. The serpent flicked its tongue, responding as if it represented Chi You’s will.
“How surprising that the Great Three Sovereigns are seeking me.”
It was a mocking tone. And based on the rankings from ancient mythology, Chi You was clearly beneath the Three Sovereigns, yet he did not seem to show them any respect.
“Open the door to the Emperor’s Divine Temple.”
Jeon Wook made a demand, but the serpent ignored him, merely speaking its own piece.
“I have no interest in what you do. Just do not torment my avatar any further. You must be aware of who my protector is.”
Swish!
“You lowly being!”
Jeon Wook, furious, threw a spear of darkness, but the dark serpent and Gin Nara, as its avatar, had already vanished. It seemed that Chi You had come not out of fear of the Sovereigns’ warning but to rescue his avatar. As Gin Nara’s spirit vanished, Zhuge Yulong’s physical form lay sprawled on the ground.
“Ugh, that guy…”
Jeon Wook, who had been chasing after the shadow, now felt an overwhelming rage rising up, attempting to unleash his powers.
At that moment, Yu Shun cautioned Jeon Wook as if to stop him. “Everything’s already been decided. Please handle what’s left well.”
“I would ask the same.”
Swish…
One by one, the apparitions of the Sovereigns began to disappear, leaving only Nüwa and Jeon Wook still in the hall, with Nüwa continuing to glare at him in the form of darkness, steadfast in her opposition to his intentions.
As Jeon Wook gazed at Nüwa, he remarked, “You say Yu Shun has fallen, but it seems to me you’re the one who has succumbed to human influences.”
“…”
“If you have no intention of helping, then go.”
Nüwa’s form began to grow hazy. She paused for a moment, looking down upon the Earth from Mount Tai, then spoke, “Even now, I feel we are all being manipulated by the Emperor. That is why I seek to protect humanity; to understand his true intentions.”
“You intend to argue that it’s not mere goodwill?”
“Jeon Wook, you are being too hasty.”
“Now you speak of conspiracies. I feel I’ve heard that line hundreds of times.”
Nüwa’s voice softened.
“No one in this world knows the intentions of Emperor Gong Sun Xuanwen. Not a single soul…”
“…”
“Since you initiated this, the outcome shall rest entirely on your shoulders, Jeon Wook.”
Bang!
As Nüwa’s darkness vanished, Jeon Wook grasped the powers of Xuyou and Huayo.
Whoosh, whoosh!
“A mission of fate has been bestowed upon me.”
Xuyou and Huayo resonated with each other, emitting an intangible wave. I realized that Jeon Wook’s immense divine power drew the full potential from the Seven Luminaries, demonstrating far greater strength than when it was wielded by mortals or even the Great Immortals.
A monumental harmony rocked the land. Even before Jeon Wook had fully unleashed his power, heaven and earth were already sensing impending doom.
The energy currently thrumming through Huayo was more than ten times what I could manage. It was the same with Xuyou, so when Huayo and Xuyou resonated, the destructive potential was unimaginable. Why? Because the amplification of this power was still ongoing!
I internally screamed, having sensed Jeon Wook’s intent.
“Stop!!”
“What do you mean by stop? Do you know what I’m about to do?”
I desperately shouted, “Please! I will do anything you ask, Jeon Wook! Just spare the human realm!”
“…”
If Xuyou and Huayo resonate further, the human world will face obliteration! The strength bound to the Seven Luminaries convinced me of this fact. If the already powerful Sovereign Jeon Wook resorts to using the powers of the Seven Luminaries, it would already spell a great calamity.
“I will absolutely apologize for attempting to destroy the Heavenly Altar for eternity. You may eat me alive. Just please…”
In that case, not only would my comrades on Mount Tai perish, but ninety percent of humans would face annihilation. Cities would perish through earthquakes and natural disasters. Humans would be reduced to hiding in caves, no different from beasts. I felt compelled to stop Jeon Wook, foreseeing that horrific outcome.
Jeon Wook seemed to be smirking.
“Do you really think I would destroy humanity over just one act?”
“…What?”
“This is an opportunity. A chance for me to shed this mask and regain my freedom… something I’ve long desired, but never achieved. Regardless of when, I would have dominated you to fulfill my will! Your actions are merely a catalyst, so don’t blame yourself, Baek Woong.”
Dammit!
I felt my insides burning with anxiety. Jeon Wook’s calm words made it evident that his resolve was unwavering. Furthermore, it was clear he held no significant resentment or anger toward me; he viewed me as a mere pet.
‘Should I compromise?’
In this scenario, should I negotiate just to save my comrades? Yet what would survival mean in a world where humanity was obliterated? As I hesitated, Jeon Wook quietly stated, “Your comrades have come to rescue you.”
My heart sank.
Zhuge Sa, Miho, Sword Demon, Mangnyang, Jin So-cheong, Cheon Woo-jin, Miyamoto Musashi…
Indeed, my comrades were approaching from the other side. Fortunately, it appeared they had not suffered too much harm from Gin Nara’s technique; they all seemed intact. However, their anxious expressions revealed that they likely sensed the gravity of Jeon Wook’s emergence as a Sovereign.
‘If they’ve noticed, run! How can we win against this?’
I screamed internally. The power of the Three Sovereigns was utterly insurmountable! Even if Jeon Wook was just an avatar channeling power through me, Gin Nara had been toyed with like an insect. In our current state, we could not stand against Jeon Wook. We would undoubtedly be slaughtered.
Jeon Wook chuckled, “Human affection and camaraderie… what a peculiar bunch you are.”
“Jeon Wook, please…”
As the laughter erupted, Jeon Wook continued, “Yes… it was just getting tedious to watch everything be destroyed. This level of amusement is warranted.”
At that moment, Miho knelt before Jeon Wook, stating, “Jeon Wook! I have a request.”
“Ah, the Celestial Fox. What do you wish?”
“We will all sacrifice our lives, so please spare Baek Woong.”
“…”
Jeon Wook wore an unmistakably surprised expression. Not just Miho, but everyone except Miyamoto Musashi was on their knees. Yet it seemed no one here felt shame in that situation. After all, the true Three Sovereigns were present.
Jeon Wook slowly scanned the gathered crowd before focusing on Musashi. “And you?”
“I… will kill the God. That is the duty of the Lunar Kill Technique.”
Miyamoto Musashi took his stance, determination flickering in his eyes. “O God! Accept this divine slash aimed at slaying you!”
Two Heavens One Style
Divine Kill Slash
Slash!
The blue blade that the Sea God had raised to defend pierced through time and space, flying directly towards me. There was no doubt; that was the ultimate technique Musashi could employ. I questioned if anyone could withstand it within the Absolute Realm.
However, Jeon Wook neither dodged nor blocked it; his body merely passed through the blade without a trace left behind.
“…?!”
Musashi staggered, his expression collapsing, clearly caught off guard that he hadn’t even grazed Jeon Wook. Jeon Wook then muttered as if annoyed, “How trivial. Here I am playing along to indulge in such foolishness…”
“W-What? I’ve cut through the dimensions of time!”
“How about this technique? It’s called Bug Slaughter.”
Thud!
The moment Jeon Wook’s fingertips met, Musashi turned to a mere splatter of blood, dead without a struggle.
It was unreal how decisively the outcome had been determined. Musashi simply hadn’t realized the massive gap between mortals and deities.
I tightly shut my eyes in response.
‘Damn it… How could he remain oblivious after facing the Sea God like that? Is he foolish?’
Yet, my ability to think this way arose from the numerous experiences I had with Jeon Wook’s divine power and the Rebirth Ability. For Musashi, the Sea God was merely akin to a strong demon beast. He had never properly experienced the power of a true divine being, leading him to be a frog in a well. Even the greatest warrior of Dongyoung crumbled before the might of a deity, reflecting the grim reality.
Jeon Wook then addressed the kneeling crowd around him. “Very well. You recognize your situation, and since you are the mortal pets of my avatar, I shall accept you into the Ten Thousand Ghosts Palace. Enjoy eternal life.”
A curious glimmer flickered in Zhuge Sa’s eyes. “You won’t consider retracting the extermination of humankind?”
“As long as the Emperor does not directly say so, such a thing shall not happen.”
“I see, Your Majesty. Then will you protect us from annihilation?”
“Just watch.”
Whoosh!
The Seven Luminaries in Jeon Wook’s hand shone brightly in an instant.
“I, Jeon Wook, declare the destruction of the Central Plains.”
The resonance erupted from the two Seven Luminaries. Then, beyond the horizon, the western sky ignited in flames. I was sharing in Jeon Wook and the God’s senses, so I realized that a single stroke had already wiped out the entire Sichuan region.
Grugrugrug!
The ground bubbled, and volcanoes erupted. The leylines and dragon veins hidden within the earth screamed as they turned the cities of humanity inside out. Ash and smoke clogged the skies, casting a devastating light of death across the land.
How many lives have been lost in this moment?
What I was certain of was that at least hundreds of thousands were being led to the Underworld. Jeon Wook could sense the souls of all who died, witnessing the spectacle of souls rising from the material bodies. Jeon Wook did not to witness the entire process of the souls parting, raising Xuyou and shouting.
“Your souls are mine.”
Shushushush!
From thousands of miles away, millions upon millions of souls began flying towards and being absorbed by Xuyou’s Divine Sword. The souls of all beings, both human and animal, who perished in Sichuan became the possessions of the Three Sovereigns. Light beams seemed to intensify around me, but it wasn’t an attack aimed at me. Instead, the Xuyou that had absorbed the souls of humanity radiated darkness.
Giggigig!
Xuyou seemed to awaken as if opening its eyes. I felt the entity connect with something that lay in the far northern realms. Jeon Wook chuckled softly as he spoke. “You’re still far from it if you wish to be the key to the end.”
Ka-blam!
Jeon Wook swung Xuyou once more. This time it was southward; as if Hunan and Hubei were completely wiped out. Once again, millions of souls fled towards Jeon Wook, amplifying his power. With every passing moment, his divine powers became increasingly unrestrained.
“It won’t be long now.”
At that moment, Zhuge Sa stepped a little forward, speaking. “It seems the more you unleash the Seven Luminaries, the closer the world gets to destruction?”
“How rude. How dare a mere human presume to know the secrets of the gods?”
“What do you plan to do once humanity has been slaughtered?”
“I’ll reveal that after the killing is done.”
In that moment, the atmosphere among our comrades shifted drastically. It seemed as if they had somehow exchanged glances, having a prearranged plan. Zhuge Sa grinned slyly as he stepped forward, asking, “Could I ask one more question?”
“Go ahead.”
“To say we belong to the Ten Thousand Ghosts Palace means we will all become its spirits? Does that not mean we will lose our lives?”
“Correct.”
All of a sudden, Zhuge Sa rose from his seat. Then he said, “In that case, it would make no difference whether I die like this or that. Wouldn’t you agree?”
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