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“This is more messed up than I thought.”

When I climbed up the extensively wrecked altar, I could feel the unease of the people walking alongside me. Han Baek-ryeong looked down from the lower part of the altar and remarked.

“… Over two thousand steps. Quite high, isn’t it? Can you really carve a mountain into something like this?”

The Master of the White Lotus Sect, walking ahead, spoke calmly.

[ This altar is also a prepared domain of demons. It appears to be in the material realm, but the laws are distorted just like in the Otherworld. ]

“Master, are we caught in a trap right now?”

[ Not exactly. Just a moment ago, Daji expanded the dimension with her demon power, causing the altar to rise as well. ]

Hong Gil-dong, who was walking in front, added, “We’re almost there.”

As he said, the dark altar began to slowly brighten, revealing the summit. Those climbing were careful not to rush up, scanning for traps or ambushes. And moments later, everyone stood on the flat and wide area of the altar.

Ku-gu-gu-gu…

Darkness hung low, and the light shimmered like starlight in the dark sky. It was an enchanting sight, but thinking of this being a carved mountain made it an impossible scene. The Master wasn’t wrong when he said it was a distorted Otherworld.

In the center of the altar’s darkness stood eight radiant spheres, and floating among them was a figure. Surrounding this figure, in their transformed states, were Dragon People and Demons, arms crossed as if guarding it.

However, the onlookers weren’t focused on those demon warriors. Instead, their gazes landed on a middle-aged man clad in the attire of an astrologer and a ritual object, reminiscent of the portrait of Zhuge Liang. This handsome and ethereal-looking man regarded the intruders with emotionally vacant eyes.

The Master of the White Lotus Sect locked eyes with him and stated, [ Zhuque. ]

At the Master’s call, Zhuque lowered his fan slightly and replied, “I knew you guys were coming to attack the mountain. I thought you’d take down the White Tiger and Xuanwu as well. But… I never expected you’d take down the Apostle of the God, Daji. I made assumptions, but I didn’t think it was possible.”

[ Even the Apostle has limits to their power. Even the demon king of ancient times will fall to the gathered strength of humans. ]

“I assessed your chances of winning at less than 20%. Yet, you’ve managed to arrive here with minimal casualties through your battle with the Apostle. That means… there’s an unforeseen entity manipulating the situation behind the scenes.”

[ …… ]

The Master of the White Lotus Sect neither scoffed nor mocked. Zhuque’s words provided him with food for thought. When silence enveloped them, Zhuque continued, “I sincerely commend you for taking down the Apostle as a human.”

Zhuque bowed respectfully. Then he added, “However, I have an unyielding desire for iron-blooded ambition, so all of you must die here.”

Pa-bat!

At that moment, the Dragon People and Demons, having hidden until now, surrounded the hall. It seemed to be a gathering of hundreds of their forces saved up. If all of them charged at once, it would be quite challenging, but given our current power, it was still manageable, creating a strong fighting spirit in the hall.

At that moment, the Master of the White Lotus Sect slowly said, [ One thing, I’m curious. ]

As Zhuque stared at him, the Master continued, [ You seem to have come to know the truth of this world through the path of demons like I did. Therefore, is your goal to enter under the God and have humanity persist even after the end? ]

“I have no reason to answer you.”

[ Regardless of which side wins, this battle will be the last. Was I fighting against a coward who can’t speak confidently about their ideals? ]

As the Master of the White Lotus Sect slightly mocked him, Zhuque remained silent with a firm expression. After a moment of silence, he broke it by saying, “For now, I will destroy the Heavenly Realm and kill the Jade Emperor. But that isn’t my ultimate goal. What I desire lies in the ‘next’…”

[ The next? ]

“The talk is over. Die.”

Pa-ba-ba-t!

At the moment Zhuque’s command rang out, the Dragon People and Demons rushed in madly from all directions. The gathered people here were the elite of the current martial world, with each individual’s capabilities on par with demon creatures, yet their overwhelming numbers momentarily instilled panic.

“Ga!”

As the Master shouted, more than a hundred Dragon People shrieked and flew back, tumbling like paper despite only being a spirit call. The power of their hardened bodies burst through like fragile paper, showcasing a chilling level of destruction.

The Dharma Guardians unleashed their limitless internal power, attacking everywhere. As the Master of the White Lotus Sect and the Dharma Guardians began to push back against the demon creatures, the remaining people calmly organized their formation to repel the enemies.

Kka-gang!

Puh-beu-ck!

Kwa-kwang!

Amidst all the tumultuous sounds, an epic battle unfolded. The Twelve Joule Sect Leaders unleashed their unique techniques, while the Zhuge Clan used incomprehensible but bizarre martial arts to immobilize the Demons. Meanwhile, the companions of the Bancheon Alliance formed their Seven Stars formation around Mangnyang, systematically driving back the foes.

Jin (眞) Royal Sword!

The Sword Demon scattered hundreds of strong qi currents, casting the mind control technique. The trajectory of the royal sword blossomed like petals, swiftly beheading three dragon men that charged from all directions. It was the first time a Bancheon Alliance expert had slayed a monster.

Extreme Tiger wasn’t lagging behind either. Using the Soul Removal Technique, he sent demon creatures flying, making it much easier for the others to fight.

Pa-bat!

Then, seizing an opening, a Demon unleashed dark qi at Extreme Tiger. Unlike the Dragon People, Demons held onto their demon creatures in their bodies without external modifications, allowing them to wield dark power directly. If hit by a Demon’s strong qi, Extreme Tiger’s self-defense wouldn’t hold.

“Odoilgwanji.”

Pa-ang!

It was a sudden ambush, but as the spell was chanted, Extreme Tiger seemed to evade the attack easily. Surrounded by blue light, he swung his spear and struck the Demon clear, bowing gratefully to the Taoist Master who had helped him.

“Thank you! But what was your name again…?”

A man, perhaps in his forties, donned in dirt-covered clothes, chuckled heartily.

“I am Jeon Woo-chi, and I’ve spent twenty years training in sorcery on Mount Jiri! I will pour all my strength into the victory of the Bancheon Alliance today.”

Ka-kang!

Extreme Tiger, clashing spears with the Dragon People, exclaimed in wonder, “You’re a Goryeo person, yet you’ve come to the Bancheon Alliance instead of joining the Twelve Joules?”

“I was touched by the Master’s righteousness.”

Jeon Woo-chi grinned widely.

“The Master of the Bancheon Alliance has expended lots of energy, so rest! I’ll give my comrades support through martial arts.”

“Thank you, Jeon Woo-chi.”

Indeed, Mangnyang looked utterly exhausted after the recent fight with Daji. Moreover, no one of Mangnyang’s caliber had been available, so Jeon Woo-chi stepped in as a substitute. Also, Jeon Woo-chi’s abilities far surpassed Mangnyang’s, who had acquired the Three Sovereigns’ Inner Gate technique, enough to quite adequately fill in for him.

Kwa-gwa-gwang!

As the furious fighting continued with thunderous sounds, Han Baek-ryeong unleashed the Twelve Ultimate Flame Technique, drawing a fiery character in the air. Dozens of Dragon People burst into flames, incinerating completely, but Han Baek-ryeong seemed displeased.

“It’s never-ending. How many are there?”

Indeed, even after half an hour of fighting, over seventy enemies had already fallen, yet countless demons continued to pour in from every direction. Their numbers were much greater than the forces faced earlier, estimated to be at least five hundred.

The endless onslaught of monsters possessing physical abilities comparable to Peak Experts instilled significant despair regardless of the allies’ strength. Although the Master of the White Lotus Sect and the Dharma Guardians launched massive attacks to sweep away monsters occasionally, it hardly altered the flow against an overwhelming horde. Finally, the Master spoke up.

[ Jin So-cheong. ]

Puh-beu-ck!

“What is it?”

Jin So-cheong, busy dispatching three monsters with his spear techniques, responded to the Master of the White Lotus Sect’s call. The two seemed exceptionally strong, evidenced by the monsters’ reluctance to approach them, leaving them in a vacant safe zone. The Master continued, [ We can no longer delay Zhuque’s intentions. I will open a path, so take him out. ]

“Understood.”

Ku-gu-gu-gu…

The Master of the White Lotus Sect accumulated pure chunks of power into the palm of his hand. It wasn’t for actual combat; he leisurely focused his energy, channeling the power of the Cosmic Origin.

As a massive ‘Qi’ began to swirl with tremendous might, all who could sense the aura turned to the Master of the White Lotus Sect. Even the monsters appeared to sense something was amiss, hesitating and backing away from the Master.

Moments later, the Master nonchalantly released the round energy from his palm forward.

Sue-aat!

Everyone’s vision turned white. A flash filled everyone’s sight, and for a brief moment, silence engulfed the battlefield. However, due to its overwhelming destructive power, all monsters in front were obliterated, while the barrier sustaining the area shattered, leaving a gaping hole in the void.

Amidst the night sky that opened wide, the only one agilely moving was Jin So-cheong. He utilized the Soul Removal Technique, darting somewhere with incredible speed, where Zhuque’s figure had been dodging all along. Zhuque raised his sword to counter Jin So-cheong’s charge.

Kka-gang!

[ Gongsun Sword Technique! ]

It was a sword technique I had encountered before, renowned as the finest! Had I not known the soaring uses of the Heavenly Contraction Sword among the Seven Great Techniques, I might have been slain without a chance. Zhuque, master of Gongsun Sword Technique, was celebrated as a top-tier expert of the Orthodox Sect.

“You’re weak.”

Pu-kong!

“Cough…!!”

Yet, in just two seconds of exchange, Jin So-cheong stabbed through Zhuque’s heart with his spear, swiftly beheading him. No matter how much of a Peak Expert and a Three Great Master Zhuque was, he was no match for Jin So-cheong at this moment!

Pa-ba-bat!

Jin So-cheong descended gracefully to the ground, his elegance signaling the conclusion of the battle at Mount Ye.

“Hah… Hah…”

“Well? Mangnyang.”

Following behind, Mangnyang panted heavily. Wiping away his sweat, he picked up Zhuque’s decapitated head and seemingly disappointed, remarked.

“Didn’t expect another decoy at this point…”

“So it was like that. I felt something was off.”

“Zhuque was performing a ritual here while secretly moving the Portrait Immortal elsewhere. The ceremony is likely being held somewhere else.”

“Giving up all altars on Mount Ye… you mean? The forces here were all genuine.”

“Indeed, as they were genuine, they could deceive us. Zhuque gave up all advantages of Mount Ye to complete the ultimate portrait immortal, even if it was half-baked.”

Jin So-cheong sighed.

“… Can we still catch Zhuque?”

“Realistically, that’s impossible. We’ve been completely duped. Even if we killed all the Dragon People here, it would be meaningless.”

With a grim expression, Mangnyang replied.

“Right… we’ve done all we could. We’re left with no choice but to rely on Uncle and Lee Cheong-un.”

Pah!

With that moment, the screen flickered off for a brief moment. Cheon Woo-jin, who interrupted the clairvoyance, looked at me and said, “It’s time for you to go.”

“Really… what kind of development is this…”

I was stunned, mouth agape. I had hoped against hope that something like this wouldn’t happen, but here it was, unfolding right before my eyes. Even when I listened to Zhuge Sa’s plan, I was dubious, but Zhuge Yulong had just pulled a mind-boggling trick on us.

Cheon Woo-jin snickered. “Those two are brothers. Once bitten, twice shy—Zhuge Sa’s pride, I guess.”

“Did they find it?”

At that moment, I heard Zhuge Sa’s voice through the suspicious fishhook in my possession.

[ Baek Woong. Bring your comrades to the location I’m about to mention immediately. It’s time to finish Zhuge Yulong. ]

[ Really? Where? ]

[ At the Heavenly Altar on Mount Heng. We’ve discovered Zhuge Yulong’s true body. They’re furiously trying to complete the portrait immortal, so hurry up! ]

[ Got it. ]

I let out a sigh of relief.

“Phew.”

Yes. Zhuge Sa had initially considered the possibility that the ritual at Mount Ye was a fake, sending the remaining resources there but binding himself and Lee Cheong-un together to find the ‘real’ ritual location. It was an improbable thought, but indeed, Zhuge Yulong had used Mount Ye’s altar as bait to backstab us, while Zhuge Sa had taken the entire day to locate the real ritual spot.

At this moment, Zhuge Sa had completely caught up with Zhuge Yulong’s scheme.

“Let’s go!”

Of course, this time I would only bring my companions from the Bancheon Alliance.

The White Lotus Sect and Twelve Joules were no longer necessary.

I would seize the ultimate portrait immortal and become the final victor!

 

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