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Five years ago on that day.

After Baek Woong immediately dashed off to Dark Heaven Village, the leftovers decided to return to the Southern Continent. They had clumsily poked the White Lotus Sect and brought trouble upon themselves, but there was nothing more they could do about it.

“But this martial arts training facility is just a pity.”

As Guk Ho smacked his lips, reminiscing about the artificial training ground in Shaolin Temple, Mangnyang replied with a bitter smile.

“It can’t be helped. Let’s just be satisfied that we’ve significantly boosted our internal power in the meantime.”

“If the White Lotus Sect finds out, it’ll be a disaster.”

“Don’t worry; I’ll stay in the Central Plains to tie up loose ends. My disciple will conceal this facility, and I’ll move the Bancheon Alliance to maintain a foothold in the Central Plains.”

“Isn’t that dangerous? If you get caught, it’ll be a bigger problem than if Shin Seung or Myung Ryong gets caught.”

Then Mangnyang said, “I always carry poison that allows me to die on my own if necessary due to my past life experience. It’s tucked under my molars, so I can die painlessly in an instant. So, no worries. I can create a moment’s distraction to use my techniques and take myself out.”

“……”

“No need to look at me that way. When weighing the risk of memories accepted through obsidian, this level of preparedness is only natural.”

Guk Ho frowned. He was not one to like the thought of having a suicide poison at the ready. At that moment, Myung Ryong chimed in.

“Isn’t the chance of that Baek Woong guy dying after leaving Dark Heaven Village way too high?”

“What are you getting at?”

“Your current movements seem to imply you’re looking far into the future based on the premise that he’ll return. It’s not very rational for someone who claims to be a strategist.”

Mangnyang chuckled at Myung Ryong’s query.

“It’s not unusual. In fact, there’s no premise he won’t return. Whatever the odds may be.”

“What?”

“Right now, that’s the rational situation. I understand if it’s hard for you to grasp, but… that’s why Jin So-cheong waited 50 years for Baek Woong with her life on the line.”

After a witty remark, Mangnyang glanced at Jin So-cheong. Having understood his words, she merely nodded silently.

“Let’s move soon. With my magic and Cheon Woo-jin’s techniques combined, we can reach the base in two days at most.”

With dual magic and techniques, crossing the continent became quite feasible. After all, both Zhuge Sa and Cheon Woo-jin were at the top in their respective fields, and their collaboration made it work. As soon as they arrived at the base, Zhuge Sa remarked.

“So, what do you think about using these indigenous folks as test subjects and offerings? Sacrificing ten little lambs’ hearts to the spirits would really lighten the load.”

“……”

“Just kidding. Since ‘Baek Woong is returning’ is the premise, we can’t do that just yet.”

Zhuge Sa grinned mischievously, brushing off his own comment, but nobody in the group thought it was a mere joke. Everyone was relieved that Zhuge Sa was suppressing his true nature, considering Baek Woong’s lingering influence.

Jin So-cheong spoke up. “Baek Woong has imparted enlightening insights, and we’ve rapidly advanced in our powers, so I believe soon we’ll all reach a higher realm.”

“Just to check, can someone who’s reached a higher realm pull up those lagging behind?”

“Are you talking about the gap between the Absolute Realm and Peak Expert?”

“Exactly. At this point, anything lower than the Absolute Realm is meaningless. You all need to become Peak Experts. I bet Jin So-cheong, you’ll likely reach the Absolute Realm first.”

“… Hmm.”

After a thoughtful hum, Jin So-cheong replied, “I can’t guarantee that. The gap is very fine yet absolute… Even if I do my utmost to share, there’s no assurance that someone will breach that wall.”

“Baek Woong’s failure to reach the Absolute Realm isn’t just a matter of talent, is it?”

“Correct. ‘Enlightenment’ is an abstract term, but what it truly comes down to is whether you can extend your will to grasp the laws of this world. Reaching the ‘world’ with your martial arts is akin to getting closer to shedding your humanity once you hit the Absolute Realm. It’s not something I can guarantee.”

“You sure do ramble on about your lack of confidence…”

Zhuge Sa grumbled. “It can’t be helped. Right now, let’s focus on boosting our capabilities. The White Lotus Sect will unify the Jianghu, and once the Central Plains get chaotic, there won’t be a chance for us to intervene.”

For nearly a year, each of them dedicated themselves to honing their martial arts and techniques. Jin So-cheong soon reached the Absolute Realm, while the Sword Demon and Guk Ho seemed to be on the brink of it. Myung Ryong and Cheongwol also made rapid progress due to having received the obsidian.

The two with the most impressive growth were Tang San and Seo Mun-hye. Their growth was visually striking due to their originally low levels, especially Tang San, who dazzled with brilliance, quickly surpassing the threshold of Peak Expert and mastering the Thunder God Lineage’s techniques at will. Seo Mun-hye wasn’t a genius like Tang San, but she possessed talents of her own, and the constant sparring and advice from the experts around her allowed for rapid growth.

However, just when the year mark approached, something unexpected happened.

Whoosh—

It was a day of torrential rain.

“I am the messenger of the Master of the White Lotus Sect, Han Baek-ryeong, of the Fire Spirit Techniques.”

A woman wearing a fox mask suddenly appeared in front of the base. Baek Woong’s companions had been observing her from the lush forest, and Han Baek-ryeong, folding her arms, said, “I’ve come to relay the sect leader’s words.”

No one dared to ask how she had found this place. It was clear she wouldn’t divulge any answers, and the atmosphere was ominously tense considering she had come all this way.

Zhuge Sa, the group’s representative, leisurely stepped forward and asked, “What is it?”

“I wish to join forces with you.”

“Why? Why would the renowned White Lotus Sect come all the way to this backwater territory in the south to say such a thing to us?”

In response to Zhuge Sa’s very logical counter, Han Baek-ryeong bit her lip before replying, “I know you killed the Wind Spirit’s Yong Bi-cheon, but still, we need your help.”

“What’s happened? Spell it out.”

“Recently, mysterious divine beings attacked the sect leader and injured him. The sect leader foresaw that you were the only ones who could assist him, which is why I have come personally to summon you.”

“……”

“Please assist the White Lotus Sect. The sect leader has said he will accept all your conditions and even forget that you killed the Wind Spirit’s Yong Bi-cheon.”

Zhuge Sa quickly pieced the situation together. ‘It’s the Eight Parts of the Divine.’

The reason for the assault on the White Lotus Sect was likely due to a potential alliance between the Imperial Palace and the Eight Parts of the Divine. The specifics of any underlying agreements remain unclear, but it was evident that Zhuge Yulong of the Imperial Palace sought to wipe out the White Lotus Sect with the help of the Eight Parts of the Divine.

But one thing didn’t add up: ‘Why now?’ Up until now, Zhuge Yulong had always viewed the White Lotus Sect as a thorn in his side but had never mobilized the Eight Parts of the Divine directly. Considering his character, he hadn’t been unable to deploy their power, it could only mean he had refrained from using such formidable pawns until now.

In the following moment, Zhuge Sa confirmed the relationship between the Imperial Palace and the Eight Parts of the Divine. ‘The Eight Parts of the Divine are aligned with the Old Ruler of the Imperial Palace and operate on equal terms with them. Though they are priests, they are merely pawns under the command of Zhuge Yulong.’ Thus, this situation…

Is it a unilateral decision from the Eight Parts of the Divine?

‘No… it can’t be.’

However, it was improbable that the avatar of the Eight Parts of the Divine would act unilaterally. Even for the Eight Parts of the Divine, it would be impossible to injure the sect leader alone, so at least two or three of them must have teamed up. The only conclusion possible here was that.

‘Only the main body can mobilize the avatar. This must be the will of the hidden god, Chi You.’

The emperor’s closest aide.

The inventor of words.

Once the ruler of the Central Plains as a human king.

A figure hidden within history.

Now having traveled to the moon of Dark Heaven Village, he had become a god in his own right.

Indeed, Chi You had resolved to utilize his avatar to interfere with history. The moment Zhuge Sa realized this, he felt a deep sense of impending danger.

‘This isn’t good. They likely have treasures that can nullify the Law of Cause and Effect.’

Previously, he suspected Chi You’s subordinate, Gin Nara, had facilitated transferring such treasures to the Demon King, Fengshen War, through behind-the-scenes operations. The Chi You side, albeit limited, possessed opportunities allowing them to intervene in history without fearing the Law of Cause and Effect. If they were to utilize that ability for intrusion, the situation would become excessively complicated.

Having finished his thoughts, Zhuge Sa said, “How badly is the sect leader hurt? What were the attackers like?”

“He lost an arm, but he’s still alive. The assailants attacked in a trio: one flapped new wings, another was the orthodox master Geol-seon, and the last was a hefty guy. The sect leader fought with all his might and repelled them.”

Zhuge Sa’s expression remained unchanged as he internally sneered at Han Baek-ryeong. Though she acted as if she were deeply loyal to the sect leader, it was apparent that she was putting up a shield for the sake of balance, fearing that the Eight Parts of the Divine would strike the sect leader and the avatars at the same time.

“Hmmm, didn’t they transform? They were human forms, right?”

“Correct.”

Upon hearing those words, Zhuge Sa immediately recognized the assailants as being from the Eight Parts of the Divine: Garuda, Thief Gang, and Gin Nara.

‘What strength…’

He couldn’t help but let out a quiet sound of contemplation. If even a mere human form possessed such might, then if all of the Eight Parts of the Divine revealed their true selves, they could easily take down a sect leader. Despite their combined efforts, the trio still had enough power collectively. The moment the Eight Parts of the Divine revealed their main bodies and unleashed their assault on Baek Woong and company, he couldn’t even fathom a means of countering it.

Zhuge Sa stated, “Alright. I’ll speak with the sect leader. But you need to bring one of them to the Main Hall of the White Lotus Sect.”

“Who are you referring to?”

“Yong Junil.”

And so, Zhuge Sa packed his belongings with the group and followed Han Baek-ryeong directly to the White Lotus Sect.

Zhuge Sa calculated that the Southern Continent was already no longer a safe place. The Celestial Sage Tripitaka had previously used sorcery to locate and pursue Baek Woong, so they had effectively been exposed. It would be easy to track him down wherever they fled in the Southern Continent. If they couldn’t escape, then teaming up with the sect leader to find some way to survive was the prudent course of action.

Upon their arrival at the harbor in the Central Plains, Zhuge Sa instructed Tang San, “You go to the Kingdom of Duke Du and rent a powerful sorcerer. You know who I’m referring to, right?”

Tang San, unlike Baek Woong, was sharp and quickly understood.

“Got it. The most powerful sorcerer of the Jesuits, whom Baek Woong tried to borrow in his past life but failed. Hmm… if I want to negotiate, I need something to offer.”

“How about some gold?”

“I’ll give it a shot. But don’t blame me if it doesn’t work out.”

“If it doesn’t, then just borrow someone wielding a sword instead.”

Before long, the group, using the Avatar of Flame from the Fire Spirit Techniques, arrived at the Main Hall of the White Lotus Sect in Gansu Province. Shortly after, they found themselves face to face with the sect leader. It seemed the rumors of the sect leader losing an arm were true; his left arm had indeed vanished. As Zhuge Sa saw this, he asked, “Isn’t your body supposed to be in the form of an Otherworldly Race? Why can’t you recover with your regeneration ability?”

The sect leader replied flatly.

[The flames spewed forth from Garuda are called the Extinguishing Flames, and they possess the power to obliterate all magical energy. Since my arm was burnt by the Extinguishing Flames, it cannot regenerate. It seems even divine beings can be directly struck by that flame.]

“I see.”

[I am aware that you possess mysterious capabilities and backing. Please assist me and the White Lotus Sect.]

Zhuge Sa narrowed his eyes coldly and replied, “Dokgo Uncheon, you are the sect leader and a descendant of the divine maiden, right? That’s why you performed divination to summon us?”

[……]

“I want to know if you possess any avatar abilities.”

[You seem well-informed…]

The sect leader rose with killing intent toward Zhuge Sa, but Zhuge Sa merely smiled calmly.

“Sorry, but I’m not in a position to pick and choose my methods right now. You probably expect it, but the ones who attacked you are subordinates of Chi You and beings on par with the Demon King. To face them, we need at least ten times the power of our current alliance, so sharing information is necessary.”

Zhuge Sa was contemplating the worst-case scenario. If the Eight Parts of the Divine were to transcend (神化) and reveal their true bodies, launching a simultaneous attack!

Even so, due to the Law of Cause and Effect, it wouldn’t be possible to go that far, but considering that one or two could potentially expose their main bodies, the brink of annihilation was looming dangerously close.

[Sharing information… Consenting to share information just on our side does not constitute sharing.]

“Understood. We’ll also provide proper information.”

Finally, the sect leader replied.

[That’s fair. There’s a faint remnant of the ability to glimpse the future through divination in my bloodline. However, my power has weakened over time, and I’ve only managed to utilize it after exhausting almost all my strength.]

“Got it. So, why did the Eight Parts of the Divine attack you?”

[They claimed they came to assist Zhuge Yulong.]

“……”

If they spoke as such on their behalf, Chi You likely desired to disrupt the current balance among the Three Great Powers, allowing Zhuge Yulong to easily seize control of the Central Plains. Yet given the past actions of Baek Woong –

‘Such behavior would likely be burdensome even for Chi You himself.’

No, there was no doubt about it.

Chi You, who was probably waiting for his turn and reserving his strength, shouldn’t be engaging in senseless power wastage. So why would he choose this exact moment, soon after Baek Woong traveled to Dark Heaven Village, to exert such tremendous influence on the mortal realm?

As Zhuge Sa sorted through his thoughts, he unexpectedly broke into a grin.

[Why are you smiling?]

“Oh, just because.”

Baek Woong must have accomplished something in Dark Heaven Village.

Exactly what he did was unclear, but clearly, Chi You should be sowing the seeds of influence to either use or keep Baek Woong in check to the point of needing to interfere with history!

‘You’re handling this well, my lord.’

Zhuge Sa realized what he needed to do and turned to the sect leader.

“I have a plan.”

[Really?]

Zhuge Sa nodded.

“From now on, use everything the White Lotus Sect has to support us. That way, even if the Eight Parts of the Divine launch a simultaneous attack, we can fend them off somehow!”

 

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