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Yeodong-bin slowly came to his senses, almost like he was waking from a faint. After two shijins had passed, he finally managed to react with the reflexes typical of a peak expert.

In truth, Yeodong-bin’s level was such that he could react to surprise attacks even in a deep sleep, but this time, the fatigue was so overwhelming that he had been utterly unresponsive.

As he transitioned from deep sleep to lighter sleep, he subconsciously began a breathing exercise, and the recovery from his fatigue sped up.

By the end of three shijins, Yeodong-bin felt he had returned to peak condition. Of course, the Fire Dragon Incarnate had aided this recovery, but there was also a lingering influence from something he had gained when meeting the Martial God.

Sitting in the resting area set up within the White Lotus Sect, he pondered, ‘What exactly was that?’

As soon as he touched the spiral, a torrent of information and experiences flooded in, but he couldn’t articulate what that was. The correct expression would be that he couldn’t define it. Yeodong-bin found it absurd that, despite gaining insight, he couldn’t use it and didn’t even know what it was.

At that moment, outside, Master of the White Lotus Sect Lee Gun-ak and a woman who was referred to as a priestess entered together.

“You’ve recovered now,” she said.

“Thank you for your help,” Yeodong-bin replied.

“I have some questions as well, why don’t we discuss them over a meal?”

“Understood,” he said.

Yeodong-bin then headed to the prepared lunch with them. The spread wasn’t extravagant but he quickly realized that everything on the table was made from the rarest ingredients in the world.

Without showing any sign of reaction, he quietly picked up his chopsticks and began eating. Watching him, Lee Gun-ak raised an eyebrow.

“You’re eating pretty easily. Don’t you think this food might be poisoned or tricked out?”

Yeodong-bin responded coldly to that question.

“If you meant to kill me, you would’ve done it already. I don’t think you’re that kind of person.”

“Haha! How do you know what kind of person I am?”

Lee Gun-ak let out a hearty laugh, prompting Yeodong-bin to set his chopsticks down.

“You’re a person who would help me. As long as the Sincere Master vouches for you, I won’t suspect you indiscriminately.”

“……!!”

This made Lee Gun-ak visibly flinch. He then sighed, as if to lay something to rest.

“…How bold to say such things inside the Main Hall of the White Lotus Sect! I never thought that boy would grow into such an extraordinary figure. Sword Saint, you are indeed a hero of the world.”

It wasn’t said sarcastically. Lee Gun-ak genuinely recognized and acknowledged his prowess. As a fellow Absolute Being of the martial world, he could tell that Yeodong-bin was at least on par with him, if not superior, after only a few exchanges of words.

“I’m sure you have tales to tell. Please go ahead and ask your questions.”

“Alright,” Lee Gun-ak nodded and asked, “What exactly is the Dragon of the Apocalypse that we are to fight against? If even the Eight Immortals’ strength isn’t enough to handle it, I can’t even begin to imagine its power.”

“Honestly, I don’t know much about that existence either. However… the Sincere Master has already acknowledged that it surpasses the strength of the Eight Immortals. That’s precisely why we are having this bold discussion.”

“By Sincere Master, I presume you mean the being supporting you?”

“Do you have any further questions?”

“Do you know why that existence is appearing?”

Yeodong-bin answered Lee Gun-ak’s query.

“There’s a group of demon sorcerers plotting behind Empress Wu Zetian. They serve the evil ‘Ruler,’ and they’re a group that does not hesitate to commit human sacrifice and murder. I know they are trying to summon the Dragon of the Apocalypse.”

“Hmm… those guys, huh?”

“You’re aware of them?”

Lee Gun-ak nodded solemnly.

“Our sect has had several contacts with them. However, each time we realized they were beings that could not be accepted by human decency, we severed connections. I’ve even heard from our former sect leader that we must eventually eradicate that group.”

“Hmmm… Are you aware of the demon sorcerers and the Ruler?”

“Of course. They are deeply linked to the origins of our sect.”

Lee Gun-ak looked to the priestess beside him.

“I’m actually a martial artist of the Celestial Realm, so I’m not well-versed in these matters. From now on, our priestess will ask you questions.”

“Sure.”

Stepping forward was the woman referred to as a priestess. When Yeodong-bin met her gaze, he saw she was a breathtaking beauty with an elegance that made her seem almost unattainable. Moreover, there was an intimidating aura surrounding her, confirming that she was indeed the priestess of the White Lotus Sect. He also realized that her mysterious power was rivaling that of the Eight Immortals.

She asked in a clear voice, “Yeodong-bin, while you were resting, I used divination to find out when that existence would descend.”

“……!! Really?!”

Yeodong-bin was taken aback because no one had known concrete information about the ‘Dragon of the Apocalypse’ until now. The most skilled among the Taoists and Immortals currently active could only scratch their heads trying to figure it out. And here was a mere priestess managing to uncover such information?

With a faint smile, she continued, “It’s true. I divined that the being will descend at Mount Ye in three years.”

“Our Eight Immortals can also use sorcery and divination, but we couldn’t find out what you have. Even the most skilled among us, Jang Gwa-ro, couldn’t manage that…”

“My divination is special because it stems from my innate prophetic ability.”

“Innate prophetic ability…?”

As Yeodong-bin tilted his head at this unfamiliar concept, Lee Gun-ak explained, “It’s said that among the bloodlines of our sect’s priestesses, there are occasionally those born with unique latent powers. The ability she possesses is to foresee the future, and our sect has greatly benefited from it.”

“What?”

“It was her divination that led us to meet at Mount Ye because the King of Overlords’ sword technique is said to be there as well. The prophecy predicting it would be difficult to acquire was also accurate…”

Lee Gun-ak chuckled bitterly. Yeodong-bin pondered for a moment and then countered, “Does having this prophetic ability mean it surpasses regular sorcery?”

“At least that’s how we understand it. We consider it a third form of power distinct from martial prowess or sorcery. She has also refined her prophetic ability to become a master who combines sorcery with divination.”

“……”

Yeodong-bin couldn’t easily believe this. Sorcery, a divine gift passed down from Fuxi, was the very foundation of human civilization. Humanity could not have advanced civilization or overcome natural disasters by their own strength. Moreover, throughout his thousand-plus attempts at magical practice, he had neither heard nor seen the concept of prophetic powers.

But then, Yeodong-bin shifted his mindset. ‘Indeed. My understanding of this world is merely fragmentary and lacking.’

As he delved into the realm of the Martial God, Yeodong-bin’s mental world broadened and became more flexible. He acknowledged that there were things in this world beyond his imagination and he was determined to advance further. Yeodong-bin quickly regained his composure and spoke.

“Alright then. If that’s the case, could you also foretell the possibility of winning against that being?”

“Actually, I’ve already tried to divine that.”

“What was the outcome?”

“……”

The priestess hesitated at length. When she remained silent and couldn’t reply, Lee Gun-ak turned to Yeodong-bin and said, “She sees only a future where we are utterly destroyed.”

“Hmm.”

“I’ve seen that the Dragon of the Apocalypse is an absolute force that cannot be defeated by human strength.”

So that’s why their faces had been so dark when they entered to eat.

Although Yeodong-bin now grasped the situation, he remained calm. He figured that if they were too frightened to assist, there was nothing he could do about it. Instead, he said, “Priestess, you mentioned wanting to ask me something. I kindly ask that you pose your question.”

“Understood.”

The priestess took a deep breath and continued.

“Yeodong-bin, if there is a way that doesn’t involve fighting the Dragon of the Apocalypse, could you execute that approach?”

“Is that really possible?”

“Yes.”

Yeodong-bin looked into the priestess’s eyes. His trained intuition, developed through immense practice, immediately recognized she was speaking sincerely. He completely wiped away any doubts about her and answered honestly.

“If it is possible, then I will follow that method.”

“That’s good to hear….”

She paused for a moment, then continued, “The method to avoid fighting the Dragon of the Apocalypse is quite simple. The reason why that dragon is summoned is deeply linked to Empress Wu Zetian. You must immediately join forces with our Dharma Guardians and the Sect Master to head to the Imperial Palace. If you can kill Empress Wu Zetian, you will surely prevent the summoning of the dragon.”

“……”

The priestess’s words were clear.

Assassinate Empress Wu Zetian!

But this also implied that Yeodong-bin would have to confront an obstacle he couldn’t even begin to imagine.

Who exactly was Empress Wu Zetian? She was the being wielding the entirety of the immense power within the Great Tang Empire and was referred to as a living deity. While it may seem absurd for a human power broker to hold such a divine title, it was a matter of course. From the time former Emperor Gaozong fell gravely ill, she seized absolute power, moving an army of a million with just a flick of her finger, and reduced small nations to ruin overnight by her will. Every inhabitant across thousands of miles of Tang territory have venerated her, let alone the fact that she inherited the throne with the title of Emperor from the late Emperor Yingzong.

Currently, all scholars and intellectuals in the Tang Empire were cautiously suggesting that she might be the most powerful ruler in Chinese history. Countless emperors have come and gone, yet none wielded authority without bounds like her.

Comparisons were even made between the Three Sovereigns and Empress Wu Zetian in praises by some scholars.

Moreover, the very possibility of successfully assassinating her seemed impossible to gauge. Even if the Eight Immortals and the White Lotus Sect united their strength, it wouldn’t be a simple task to sever the head of the Empress. Right now, Luoyang, the capital of the Tang Empire, was crammed with martial experts from all over the world, while prominent clan leaders served as personal guards to Empress Wu Zetian. Those elite guards were known as the Six Heroes, all of whom were among the top ten experts in the martial world.

Killing Empress Wu Zetian would mean destroying the brain of the Tang Empire.

Simultaneously, it would imply that the Eight Immortals, heroes acting for the common people, were intervening in mortal affairs, twisting history as they saw fit. If, by any chance, they were to fail, the consequences would be unimaginable.

This was such a considerable gamble that Yeodong-bin couldn’t help but question, “I don’t understand. Why must we kill Empress Wu Zetian to stop the dragon?”

“That’s….”

“To simply assert it is based on your divination is not enough reason. Our Eight Immortals are those who receive decrees from the Celestial Realm to bring peace to the mortal realm, and thus would be subjected to severe punishment for meddling in the human realm’s politics.”

Upon hearing Yeodong-bin’s words, the priestess replied, “Then it cannot be done.”

At that, Yeodong-bin was baffled.

“Is your only basis the prophetic ability?”

“That is correct….”

“……”

If a divination expert said to assassinate Empress Wu Zetian and the Eight Immortals all rushed into such an assassination, it would be something even a child passing by could not believe. To put it bluntly, it would be laughable. Just as Yeodong-bin was shaken by this absurdity, Lee Gun-ak chimed in.

“That’s merely the perspective of the priestess; it doesn’t reflect the overall stance of the sect, so don’t be too disappointed.”

“Master of the White Lotus Sect Lee Gun-ak, what are you planning to do?”

“Before I met you, I, too, found it difficult to accept what the priestess said. Nevertheless, the fact remains that I must help you. Therefore, I would like to make a request.”

Lee Gun-ak crossed his arms and continued, “We would like you Eight Immortals to investigate Empress Wu Zetian. If she is indeed connected to the dark forces, you would also have justification to take her down, wouldn’t you? In that case, we will mobilize all our strength to support you.”

“Hmm!”

Yeodong-bin let out a hum as he realized the ball had rolled back to him again.

‘Investigating the most powerful authority in the human world, Empress Wu Zetian, wouldn’t contradict the decrees of the Celestial Realm, would it?’

Yeodong-bin couldn’t escape thinking about it. While it might be one thing for him alone, his actions would always bring the responsibility of the Fire Dragon Incarnate along with them. If he were to rashly violate the decrees of the Celestial Realm, it would also burden his master.

As if sensing Yeodong-bin’s dilemma, the Fire Dragon Incarnate spoke to him mentally.

[Yeodong-bin! Don’t hesitate, just accept it.]

[Master.]

[I am essentially an outsider in the Celestial Realm anyway. It would be impossible for me to impede my disciple, who is eager to do righteous deeds, because of my circumstance! No need to worry, even if I’m expelled from the Celestial Realm, I’d just return to the Divine Temple.]

Yeodong-bin understood this wasn’t a simple issue. The Fire Dragon Incarnate returning to the temple— that meant being absorbed by the true essence of Shenglong. Whether or not Shenglong would retain any semblance of the Fire Dragon Incarnate’s persona and memories was uncertain, and could very well lead to death in the truest sense.

[…Understood.]

Even so, Yeodong-bin accepted his master’s will. He had wielded a sword and navigated through the chaos of the Jianghu all because of the noble stance his master exemplified. To him, the Fire Dragon Incarnate was a greater being than parents he had never known. There could be no disappointment brought upon her.

Before departing, Yeodong-bin heard Lee Gun-ak speak.

“Sword Saint. I have one thing to tell you…”

“What is it?”

“You must have heard that after the esteemed Gongsun Clan was wiped out, a new top family has emerged to take its place.”

Being well-informed about the martial world, Yeodong-bin nodded.

“I have heard. The Han Clan, right?”

Originally, the Gongsun Clan had reigned as the most powerful family, boasting the unparalleled Gongsun Sword Technique, but their clan leader, Gongsun Byeok, got embroiled in a fight to find the King of Overlords’ swordsmanship and ended up dead. The problem was, Gongsun Byeok had passed away suddenly without passing down much of the secret techniques of the Gongsun Sword Technique, causing a significant weakening of the clan’s martial arts foundation. The strength of the peak expert Gongsun Byeok had been the pillar supporting the Gongsun Clan.

Thus, the Gongsun Clan hurriedly diminished their influence in anticipation of the future. Though they still had quite a few peak experts, they were merely practicing self-restraint due to a dwindling future. However, they had roused many grudges during their attempt to expand, and so they were ultimately wiped out by a coalition of several martial forces and disappeared from martial history before the span of a decade.

Taking their place as a rising powerhouse in the heart of the martial world, Luoyang, was none other than the Han Clan. Claiming descent from Han Feizi of the Warring States period, they had originally been a family of scholars but had steadily developed their martial arts over generations, evolving into a formidable martial lineage. The Han Clan also boasted immense wealth and high esteem in the martial world, naturally replacing the position formerly held by the Gongsun Clan.

Lee Gun-ak, who had mentioned the Han Clan, continued.

“If you Eight Immortals are to investigate Empress Wu Zetian, it would be wise to seek the aid of the Han Clan. Their clan leader used to be a close aide of hers, but he abruptly distanced himself from that position, so the chances are high that he knows something.”

“Thank you.”

After hearing Lee Gun-ak’s advice, Yeodong-bin returned immediately to where his fellow Eight Immortals were gathered to relay all the information he had obtained until then. When he requested they investigate Empress Wu Zetian, Zhongli Quan spoke as if he were in a bind.

“Yeodong-bin! We can’t recklessly investigate such a towering figure in the human realm based solely on the speculations of a White Lotus sect diviner.”

“I am aware of that.”

“Don’t speak of frivolous things and focus on your fight against the demons in the mortal realm…”

Kugugu! Just then, the Fire Dragon Incarnate’s image suddenly appeared, glaring at Zhongli Quan, making his voice trail off.

“…Don’t say whether or not to do it, I mean…?”

[Don’t worry.]

“Why do I always have to deal with this… ugh…”

Zhongli Quan was looking dejected, and watching from the side, Lee Cheol-goei clicked his tongue and said, “Hehe. Regardless, some things just can’t be.”

“Even now, the reason we can freely use ancient sorcery in the mortal realm is due to the significant presence of demon beasts. If we were to rashly touch upon a figure of power, while entangling history and destiny, who will bear the consequences of such cause and effect?”

Yeodong-bin firmly replied, “I will take responsibility. And you need not worry because Master Mangnyang will oversee this matter.”

“Yikes! That, that…”

“If the Dragon of the Apocalypse descends as is, we are bound to face inevitable defeat. And if Empress Wu Zetian is indeed an accomplice to the dark forces, wouldn’t that be an immense calamity? No matter how many demon beasts we defeat, if we do not eliminate the root cause, the same outcomes will repeat endlessly.”

“Hmm…”

“Please trust me.”

Yeodong-bin persisted with a steadfast and passionate attitude, urging the remaining Eight Immortals.

“Understood.”

“Let’s give it a try.”

In the end, the Eight Immortals agreed with Yeodong-bin’s intention, resolving to pool their strength to investigate Empress Wu Zetian.

About ten days after the investigation into Empress Wu Zetian began?

As the demon forces in the mortal realm quieted down, one of the Eight Immortals, Jang Gwa-ro, called everyone in with a look of shock.

“Holy smokes, can this really be happening….”

“Jang Gwa-ro, what’s wrong?”

He let out a low hum before speaking.

“I’ve been observing Empress Wu Zetian with my Heavenly Sight the whole time… yet my treasure has been destroyed in such a way this dawn.”

Jang Gwa-ro held up his treasure, the Tong Hyun Rod. Attached to the tip of the rod was a white ornament amplifying his sorcery, which was now horrifically shattered.

Gazing intently at the devastation, the female Immortal Han Sang-ja remarked, “If the curse power is enough to damage even the source point of your sorcery treasure, it must belong to someone of the Great Immortal Level.”

“Haha… the one guarding Empress Wu Zetian is quite the formidable individual. How can such a being possess this kind of sorcery?”

“Could they be an otherworldly race?”

“That shouldn’t be the case. If a high-level otherworldly being descended with the powers of the Great Immortal Level, the cause and effect would have already triggered a joint attack.”

“What’s going on…!!”

All the Eight Immortals were equally bewildered. This was understandable, as it was beyond imagination that someone wielding the power of a Great Immortal would guard a mere human empire. No matter how powerful the human emperor might be, he would be insignificant in comparison to a being with such strength, making the situation utterly incomprehensible.

Yeodong-bin observed and thought, ‘It would be futile to continue observing indirectly.’

Having made up his mind, Yeodong-bin told the other Eight Immortals, “I will go directly to Luoyang, meet with the clan leader of the Han Clan, and investigate Empress Wu Zetian.”

 

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