---

The task of popularizing the novel was taken care of by Mangnyang and Zhuge Sa. It seemed that the Master of the Twelve Joules was genuinely assisting us, as Mangnyang mentioned that the surveillance network of the White Lotus Sect had loosened across various regions. It appeared that he had personally begun to keep the White Lotus Sect in check.

I gazed out from a corner of the octagonal pavilion in Luoyang’s cityscape. Disguised, I had no fear of being discovered. A strange scene unfolded outside.

‘Books are being sold…’

Additionally, the clothing of the people had changed. This was due to Zhuge Sa propagating upper-tier technology—including steam engines—within the Ming Empire, which greatly boosted the textile industry and markedly improved the quality of metals. The innovation of book manufacturing techniques alongside the distribution of the duplex printing press made access to books incredibly easy for the general public. Although it was still in the early stages, Zhuge Sa anticipated that if this trend continued, both the economy and industry would advance to unprecedented levels.

I asked Zhuge Sa, who was seated across from me, “Why hasn’t Zhuge Yulong reacted at all?”

This was my biggest curiosity. Despite Zhuge Sa subtly enhancing printing technology and spreading steam engines and advanced technologies in the Central Plains, Zhuge Yulong showed no particular response. It was as if he were dead, and the Imperial Palace Forces were eerily quiet. Zhuge Sa took a sip of tea and replied, “My actions must align with his interests.”

“What? Are you saying Zhuge Yulong would want technological advancements too?”

After a moment of contemplation, Zhuge Sa responded, “He possesses technology superior to the current Central Plains. However, his hesitance until now likely stems from fear of sudden civilizational development drawing the attention of Celestials or the Otherworldly Race.”

“Will he remain passive in the future?”

“It’s hard to say, but the probability seems high. In a way, he benefits by letting others do the work for him.”

“Hmm…”

“We’ll quietly observe for a few months. Already, the novel ‘Tripitaka’ is gaining immense popularity in Luoyang, so it’ll soon attract attention in the provinces as well.”

As Zhuge Sa said, ‘Tripitaka’ was selling thousands of copies, even tens of thousands, in Luoyang alone, and it was being widely read by the wealthy, scholars, and common folks alike. After three months, numerous copies were printed across various provinces, ushering in an era of unprecedented popularity for novels.

By this time, there were signs that theater troupes and Peking opera companies were preparing to stage performances based on the novel. I watched these developments from the shadows, pondering, ‘Is the time finally right?’

However, the very next day, something unexpected happened.

Whoosh.

While I was aimlessly honing my skills at the base in the southern continent, a fierce wind suddenly blew. As I looked toward the swirling gusts, I spotted a figure gradually walking out from within the tumultuous wind.

‘…What is that?’

Something felt off. There was a strange sense of silence and darkness that made me uneasy.

As I mulled over this discomfort, the figure spoke. “The Tripitaka is quite interesting… I am a reader deeply moved by the novel. The content truly touched my heart.”

The figure was astonishingly handsome. If I had to compare, only Han Jin-seong of the Han Clan could match such refined features; he had a flawless complexion and clear, sparkling eyes. His height was striking and exuded a charming demeanor. It could be said that just looking at him might captivate any woman’s heart.

Yet, despite this stunning appearance, he wore a decidedly old-fashioned monk’s robe. This showed that the handsome man before me was evidently a high-ranking monk. Of course, anyone who would come to me so suddenly couldn’t be an ordinary person, causing me to tense up significantly.

Moreover, I recognized that face—I had seen it before. I quickly sealed my lips; any slip could turn this into my grave.

“Who are you?”

I questioned, though deep down, I already knew the answer. It was imperative not to give away my knowledge.

The handsome monk chuckled softly, “Just a passing monk.”

“…That’s not plausible.”

He continued, “As a fan, I met the author, Oh Seung-eun, and he mentioned you had commissioned him. So, I came a long way to discover your identity as the one who had ‘Tripitaka’ written. Quite the trek indeed…”

The handsome monk grumbled, but I was now tightly wound, replying, “You met Oh Seung-eun? That can’t be… he no longer exists in this world.”

Having once lost Oh Seung-eun, I had immediately tucked away his completed work the moment it was published. There was no safer place than my wooden armor, after all. Thus, meeting Oh Seung-eun was impossible, so what was this guy rambling about?

But with a wicked grin, he said, “I know you trapped Oh Seung-eun’s spirit in your demon artifact. So I merely projected his soul using my magic and asked him.”

“…Is that even possible?”

I retorted, but he simply continued to smile.

However, one fact was becoming increasingly clear. The prowess of this monk before me was anything but human. Projecting the soul of someone imprisoned in an artifact from a distance of thousands of li was undoubtedly beyond the capabilities of any sorcerer.

‘Damn, he’s truly a monster…’

As I fell silent, the handsome monk spoke again. “Don’t be anxious. I’m just curious why that novel was written and popularized…”

“If I answer, will you leave me in peace?”

“Depending on your answer.”

I calmly replied, “It was a promise with the Celestial Sage.”

“Oh?”

“We vowed to publish his travel experiences into a book and spread it widely.”

“Why make such a promise?”

“That’s none of your concern?”

“…”

The monk paused to contemplate before saying, “Would you not make a promise with me?”

“It’s our first meeting; what would you want to promise?”

“If you write my story as a novel and spread it to the world, I shall grant you ample rewards. It will likely be conditions similar to those of the Celestial Sage. What do you say?”

“So who exactly are you?”

The monk chuckled, “I am the Celestial Sage Tripitaka.”

As expected. While a typical person might scoff at such claims, I was not just anyone. I had seen that face when all eight divine guardians had gathered before, and judging by his words, he was indeed intimately linked to Tripitaka—a powerful being who had existed for ages.

What stood before me was one of the most powerful among the eight divine guardians—a Celestial being!

An entity comparable to the Dragon of the Apocalypse, a being of immense strength beyond human comprehension.

Still, I feigned ignorance, saying, “Celestial Sage? Who cares? You’re awfully suspicious. Why ask me to write your story? Why don’t you write it yourself?”

“Hahaha, is that so? You’re dismissing an opportunity.”

“Stop the nonsense.”

“Then relay my words to the Celestial Sage.”

In an instant, the eyes of the Celestial Sage Tripitaka glimmered.

“Do not forget the truth of the Seven Luminaries…”

With that, as soon as the words left his mouth, the presence of the Celestial Sage Tripitaka vanished from the hall as if he had never been there.

Whoosh.

And a moment later, I understood the discomfort I felt when the Celestial Sage appeared.

‘…Time had stopped!’

I felt something was awry earlier; all the movements of humans and animals around me seemed as if time had frozen. I hadn’t realized due to the overwhelming presence of the Sage, but it seemed he had created a void space where time was still. Additionally, I sensed he was stacking various powers simultaneously.

Truly incredible sorcery!

‘What a monster…’

I swallowed hard. Could I really win against someone who wielded such devastating sorcery like merely breathing?

Just then, when I still couldn’t let my guard down, Cheon Woo-jin appeared beside me, saying, “He seems to have noticed my hiding spot.”

“Indeed,” I agreed.

As if to confirm Cheon Woo-jin’s words, Jin So-cheong stepped into the light. He appeared to be trembling with fear.

“I was ready to protect Baek Woong if it came to that, but I don’t feel confident against that man…”

Cheon Woo-jin replied, “To shake off the effects of the Time-Space Barrier using your intent is truly impressive. But as expected… it seems the powers of the Eight Divine Guardians exceed that of the Great Immortal.”

Since my death would mean the end of everything, my companions rotated their defense around me. Now, Cheon Woo-jin and Jin So-cheong were secretly guarding me, and unexpectedly confronting a Celestial Guardian.

I voiced my concerns, “I wonder if he’ll meddle in our affairs from now on?”

“I don’t think so.”

“Why?”

“Each member of the Eight Divine Guardians is a demon-level existence, but they are bound by the law of cause and effect. They can’t recklessly provoke a fight to annihilate us. As long as we don’t give them a reason, this Tripitaka fellow should be manageable.”

Cheon Woo-jin’s reasoning sounded plausible. Indeed, there were many restrictions, which is why he had been hiding his true form. In the past, when he threatened the White Lotus Sect, he had also hesitated to wield much power.

I shared the tale of the Celestial Sage Tripitaka with all my companions. Zhuge Sa stated, “The time has ripened. Let us meet the Celestial Sage.”

Fwooosh.

I offered my twin broadswords and ceremonial feast to the Celestial Sage. After receiving the offerings, the Celestial Sage flew to the altar atop his Divine Beast.

“Oh! What brings this gift to me? Am I being showered with excessive bribes?”

Though he spoke those words, the Celestial Sage appeared to be quite pleased as he beamed with a smile. As Mangnyang had advised, it was good to offer praise and bribes continuously to keep him in goodwill. I rubbed my hands together, “Hehe! I’ve prepared yet another amazing gift.”

“A gift? What else is there?”

“Come with me to Luoyang.”

Fwoosh.

As I transported to Luoyang via my Golden Lamp, the Celestial Sage followed behind on his divine steed. I had appeared in a place bustling with a festival celebrating the immensely popular novel ‘Tripitaka’.

Amidst the lively music, the Peking Opera performance commenced, and the Celestial Sage behind me was left in a daze, mouth agape.

“……”

“We successfully spread the novel ‘Tripitaka’ far and wide. It’s a hit throughout the Central Plains!”

“T-the Tripitaka?”

Flipping through the pages, the Celestial Sage seemed engaged for quite a while before finally speaking up, “The title is lackluster, but the content isn’t bad.”

“R-right?!”

Originally, it featured a touching story about how the mischievous monkey, Sun Wukong, was reformed by the Celestial Sage. However, given the original plot might ignite resistance from the Celestial Sage, Mangnyang and Sa Ma-gyeong had completely revamped it. As I quietly sighed in relief, the Celestial Sage declared, “Great! I’m feeling generous! I’ll give you a special gift.”

Wuuu—

From the Celestial Sage’s hand shot forth a massive light resembling a radiant brand. As it marked my forehead, I realized I had become spiritually connected with the Celestial Sage. The Sage grinned, “I forgot to mention what the divine protection I previously gave you was: It is the Fire Eye Golden Spirit, a ‘gaze’ to see through all evil entities.”

“The Fire Eye Golden Spirit? But it didn’t seem to manifest much…”

“There are instructions for using the Fire Eye Golden Spirit. I neglected to tell you before.”

He instructed me on the mantra and hand seals needed before activating the Fire Eye Golden Spirit. As I followed the Celestial Sage’s guidance, I immediately felt a radiant light illuminate my eyes, signaling the activation of the Fire Eye Golden Spirit.

Whuuu—!!

“……!!”

Utilizing the power of the Fire Eye Golden Spirit allowed me to distinctly see the Yin and Yang energies harbored within others, even the balance of five elemental energies they contained! It also felt like I could perceive the potential for chaos within them, and with this gaze, I believed I could withstand any illusion or transformation techniques. It was akin to an artifact for a sorcerer.

I was secretly delighted. ‘Sure, it devours a lot of sorcery energy, but this ability will be invaluable in my next rebirth!’

The Celestial Sage continued, “As a token of today’s gratitude, I shall grant you another divine blessing in addition to the Fire Eye Golden Spirit.”

“What is it?”

The Celestial Sage chuckled, “I shall allow you to wield this.”

He presented a small, hand-sized rod. I looked at him quizzically, and the Celestial Sage burst into hysterical laughter.

“Hahaha!! It’s the first time in my life that I’ve lent out my Ruyi Staff!”

 

---