760——————==

Dark Heaven Village

As the Yan Emperor Shennong was revived, Zhuge Yulong wore a faint smile.

“Judging by that reaction… the one who just came back is indeed Yan Emperor Shennong, right?”

No need to ask how I knew. Since I had already filled Zhuge Yulong in on everything up to this point, it would be strange for him not to see this coming.

Zhuge Sa spoke up.

“Brother, do you know anything about the Giant Clan or Chi You?”

“You’ve run out of questions to ask me. But if you insist, let’s say it’s an area unknown to me as well…”

As expected.

The war between gods and the Giants ended long before history properly started, and the imprisonment of Yan Emperor Shennong in the Southern Continent was an event from thousands of years ago. Even Zhuge Yulong wouldn’t know that much. It was a mystery that he couldn’t be expected to know unless it directly related to his goals.

Zhuge Sa glanced at me and said, “Baek Woong, let’s go.”

“Where to?”

“To where the Xuanyuan Sword is located…”

Huh?

What is he talking about?

The whereabouts of the Xuanyuan Sword were currently unclear, and we had decided to postpone that matter for now. But in that instant, I saw the look in Zhuge Sa’s eyes, and I quickly nodded.

“Ah, okay.”

As we turned to leave, Zhuge Yulong suddenly shouted.

“Wait!”

We stopped and looked back at Zhuge Yulong. He was staring at us with an unchanged expression.

“It’s a shallow scheme, but humor me. How much do you know about the Xuanyuan Sword?”

Zhuge Sa countered playfully, “Brother, we’ve run out of rights to ask questions, so why would we have to answer you?”

“I predicted you’d respond like that. It’s all too transparent.”

“Using such transparent tactics, that’s the true joy of a strategist—to manipulate the opponent as you wish.”

“Ha ha.”

Zhuge Yulong’s eyes glinted, and he said, “How about sharing the information we all have regarding just the topic of the Xuanyuan Sword?”

“You’re amazing as ever, brother. Even in a situation that’s practically at an end, you still haven’t lost your will… usually, when things get this dire, people just throw in the towel.”

Zhuge Sa muttered in admiration.

“Alright, then I’ll start with what I know. But you have to answer honestly.”

“Go ahead.”

“The Xuanyuan Sword is the legendary divine sword that Emperor Gongsun Xuanwen used against Chi You. It was bestowed upon humanity by the gods right after the Great Battle of Pancheon, and it’s the only being that allows direct communication without the Offering Ceremony.”

“Hmm… that’s correct.”

So Zhuge Yulong also knew about the Xuanyuan Sword?

As Zhuge Yulong confirmed, Zhuge Sa voiced a question.

“However, it’s quite strange. We were so tired of the Offering Ceremony that we went on a wild goose chase looking for Chi You and gathering the Seven Luminaries, but the Xuanyuan Sword just unexpectedly pops up. Isn’t it a bit odd for such a convenient item to appear so abruptly? It’s on a whole different level compared to the Seven Luminaries, yet there’s hardly a proper legacy, and almost no one knows its existence in this world.”

“Were you looking for the Xuanyuan Sword?”

“A little. But not enough to have gathered actual clues yet.”

“I suppose it will likely remain the same moving forward. It seems like a journey akin to searching for spring water in a desert.”

“Looks like you know something.”

Zhuge Yulong spoke slowly.

“I, of course, have also acquired and researched information about the Xuanyuan Sword. Can you guess the simplest and most powerful method I chose to obtain that information?”

“You asked the gods, didn’t you? With offerings and tributes.”

“Correct. However, the god behind the Demon Subduing Hall said it couldn’t be determined as ‘there’s none in this world.’ Which means it exists in another world.”

“… I see. So it requires interdimensional exploration. That means thousands of billions of times larger Great Universe requires thorough searching.”

“I think there’s effectively nothing.”

Zhuge Yulong was right. According to what I gathered from Gongsun Byeok and Ye Chuk, the true Xuanyuan Sword had likely vanished when the Divine Spirit of the Shang Dynasty committed suicide and the only clues were with the descendants. Furthermore, even when searching this world through the National Seal, it didn’t exist, so it would definitely be in another world.

“Then brother, I wish for a reunion after the world has found peace.”

“……”

We completely withdrew from Zhuge Yulong. After emerging from the ruins, I questioned Zhuge Sa.

“Zhuge Sa, wasn’t it just confirming that you already knew about the Xuanyuan Sword?”

“Different. Don’t you get a strong feeling?”

“What feeling?”

“Tsk… our dimwitted lord is sharp when he’s in a crisis, but he’s slow on the uptake during times like this.”

Zhuge Sa clicked his tongue.

“The true ability of the Xuanyuan Sword might be more than just direct communication with the emperor.”

“… What do you mean?”

“In fact, if we find the Xuanyuan Sword, we wouldn’t need to gather the Seven Luminaries at all. Right? If the goal is to humbly request salvation from the emperor, we can simply release the Xuanyuan Sword without having to bother with gathering the Seven Luminaries. In a way, it’s an item that could render our entire journey meaningless.”

“That’s true.”

“But then why is the Xuanyuan Sword absent from the material world? It was designed for feeble humans, yet it’s nowhere to be found? Even if the original document was lost, it should have at least scattered somewhere in this world, yet the deities unanimously claim it’s in another world. I just got a reassurance from Zhuge Yulong that leads me to believe something.”

“What’s that?”

“If the Xuanyuan Sword had powerful abilities to communicate directly with the emperor, then the Three Sovereigns would have worked harder to obtain it rather than the Seven Luminaries. But since they didn’t, it suggests there’s a reason the Three Sovereigns can’t use the Xuanyuan Sword.”

“Uh…”

“The Three Sovereigns, including the gods, probably can’t use the Xuanyuan Sword?”

“……!!”

Now that you mention it…

“The Xuanyuan Sword is meaningless to the gods but offers immense benefits solely to humans. So, it’s very likely someone found it distasteful and threw it out into the outer universe. It could be the Three Sovereigns or the ‘Old Ruler’… simply put, it’s not on humanity’s side. If we think that way, it likely has abilities beyond just direct communication with the emperor—at least something suited for human heroes or kings.”

“Hmm…”

Zhuge Sa’s assertion was quite persuasive.

At that moment, the Sorcerer Cheon Gong-pyo, who had been listening to our conversation, spoke up.

“Is the Xuanyuan Sword real?”

“What do you mean?”

“I’ve never heard of the Xuanyuan Sword’s existence. Back in my era, humans had their powers, yet there was no such entity anywhere. I wonder if you all are just speculating amongst yourselves.”

Cheon Gong-pyo’s words sounded reasonable.

Since it might not exist, it could logically not be in this world.

Suddenly, I realized Zhuge Sa’s intention.

“With the complete acquisition of the Seven Luminaries lying ahead, there might be hints about the Xuanyuan Sword that we don’t know yet. Perhaps it’s connected to the trial of the Sun…”

The reason Zhuge Sa mentioned a feeling like that must be to signify just that.

As I pondered, the Celestial Sage interjected.

“So, what’s the conclusion? Are we going to look for the Xuanyuan Sword?”

The last clue we had was about the descendant of the Overlay Technique possibly knowing something. I suddenly thought that with the current power we possess, we could force the descendant to spill the beans. Just as I was about to nod, Jin So-cheong stepped forward and said.

“No. We don’t know what kind of schemes this Jin person might be plotting. We don’t have the luxury of going on an endless journey looking for the whereabouts of the Xuanyuan Sword, which we may or may not find. Especially while the Three Sovereigns and Yan Emperor Shennong are resurrected, we don’t know when the world might meet its end.”

“Ah! Y-You’re right.”

Jin So-cheong’s words rang true. I could feel my mind clearing up. Indeed, searching for the Xuanyuan Sword was something we could do when we had ample time, but this wasn’t the time for that. The journey for the Seven Luminaries had reached a critical stage where enemies were blooming in every direction, and we couldn’t just leisurely head to the Celestial Realm to pressure the descendants. There was also the risk of the Queen Mother of the West or Jin launching a surprise attack at any moment.

Jin So-cheong turned to Zhuge Sa.

“Zhuge Sa, don’t only consider the big picture; give us instructions on what we must do immediately.”

“Tch… You’re smart and have good judgment, so sometimes you’re a nuisance. Typically, those who rely on strength should be dumb to have a charm to them.”

Zhuge Sa grumbled.

“First, based on the information we gathered from brother, we have Jin’s weakness secured. Using the puppet Zhuge Bu will allow us to reveal his weakness through the Eight Trigrams Formation. In that case, we should use a safe barrier to prevent him from ambushing us with his Time Stop ability, luring him in instead—that’s the best strategy.”

“Isn’t that a bit hard? Jin acts solo, so he can attack us any time he wants. The Celestial Sage can’t protect us indefinitely nor can he completely block all ambushes.”

“Then do we let time slip away just like this? No, the world is in upheaval, and chances are he feels it too. Before we can settle this amongst ourselves, the Giants might intervene, leading to the world’s downfall. He shouldn’t have much leeway.”

Zhuge Sa murmured.

“Same goes for us.”

“So what should we do?”

“We need to find a place safe enough to endure even when the Giants rampage, a fortress-like barrier. Eventually, Jin will come looking for us, and taking him down while prepared is the best course of action. And that place would be… Luoyang.”

“Because of the Battle Ground?”

“Correct. Thanks to Master Mangnyang’s Battle Ground, even if the Giants destroy the world, Luoyang will be the last location they target. That’s the only thing we can rely on.”

Zhuge Sa glanced at Cheon Woo-jin and Cheon Gong-pyo.

“Is it possible to create a barrier that can hold back a doll of a demon with Time Stop abilities?”

“… Honestly, I’m not sure.”

Cheon Woo-jin shook his head.

“If the fully realized Portrait Immortal’s abilities are as I think, I can’t block that. I might be able to hold him off, but complete preparedness is impossible. When it comes to controlling time, I might as well be no different from the ‘Old Ruler.'”

Cheon Gong-pyo also spoke.

“It could be possible, but I have no desire to exert myself that much for you!”

“What’s your problem?”

“If I help free the Seven Luminaries and have an audience with the emperor, humanity is already in a state akin to extinction, isn’t it? The few humans who survived on Chi You’s command barely make up even one percent of humanity. They are practically nothing. Why should I fight to the bitter end for such lowly beings?”

“……”

“Even if you ask the emperor to postpone the apocalypse, whether for a thousand years or ten thousand, will that be a solution?”

At Cheon Gong-pyo’s words, I quietly replied.

“It would be better than now. Since we’re already in this mess, we might as well do it.”

“Ha! You don’t seem pleased.”

Cheon Gong-pyo appeared disheartened. He seemed to be considering helping us since he had made promises but was doubtful about the liberation of the Seven Luminaries. Given that he wasn’t in charge, it was only natural he felt uneasy.

And then it happened.

Kuwakakwakawa

Woooooooh—

The southern sky was on fire. In the distance, flames like the Heavenly Fire spread across the horizon. Clearly, it was a massive natural disaster, and while everyone was astonished, Cheon Gong-pyo unleashed the Roar of the Sky.

Woooo

After Cheon Gong-pyo grasped the situation, he said, “Yan Emperor Shennong is facing off against the Sea God in the Southern Sea.”

“What?”

“Right now, he’s getting hit pretty hard…”

“The Sea God?”

“What’s the point in saying anything? The two aren’t even on the same level.”

Kugugugu

Kugugu….

The tremors rang out briefly before stopping. Cheon Gong-pyo spoke succinctly, “The Sea God is dead. His corpse has been completely incinerated by Yan Emperor’s flames.”

“……”

“The Yan Emperor is moving north.”

And only ten breaths of time passed?

Could one capture a deity that quickly?

At that, Zhuge Sa’s complexion turned a bit pale as he said, “Damn it. We need to hurry to Luoyang. If we linger…”

Whooaah—

In the next moment, the massive flow of Heavenly Fire shifted westward. It looked like a pillar of flames, and for a brief moment, the entire sky seemed to be engulfed in light. Again, there was an earth-shattering noise, and the heavens and earth shook.

Kugung!!

Cheon Gong-pyo softly said, “The world is burning….”

Woooooo—

Cheon Gong-pyo briefly shared our vision with sorcery. There, the Yan Emperor’s flames formed a gigantic ring surrounding the planet, wreaking havoc as it consumed everything in its path. From space, it must have looked like the world was engulfed in dozens of fiery rings.

Yan Emperor Shennong.

He was a fiery human shape draped in the robes of an ancient monarch. As Shennong extended his arm, the dark demon beasts near Aokigahara Life Sea were instantly vaporized.

Buhwaahhhhh

All demon beasts from the Living Sea, Death Sea, and Entering Sea were utterly incinerated, while those said to be comparable to the beasts around the Entering Sea screeched as they charged toward Yan Emperor Shennong.

Kyaaahhh!!

Originally, that figure instilled unparalleled fear, seeming as if all the beasts of the world were rushing toward Yan Emperor. However, Yan Emperor Shennong unleashed his will across the globe.

[Burn.]

As soon as Yan Emperor Shennong uttered those words, hundreds of demon beasts from the Entering Sea vanished without a trace in one blow. The immense entity that followed behind them faltered, suggesting it had taken a heavy hit from Shennong’s command.

‘Is that the King of the Life Sea?’

The giant being spoke to Shennong.

[Oh, Yan Emperor Shennong… I am merely a being here to do my duty! Do not recklessly involve the affairs of this world with the karma of another!]

Shennong retorted shortly.

[Don’t care… Soon, the Seven Luminaries will gather, so restrain yourself from showing your face in this world again! Before you seal that filthy hole!]

[What…?]

[Do you need me to spell it out for you?]

[Got it…]

The being, presumed to be the King of the Life Sea, abruptly vanished into the depths of the Life Sea. Simultaneously, the thick poison and demonic energy that had hung over the Life Sea dissipated, making it seem as if the entirety of Dongyoung’s land had been purified. At that moment, I felt a strange thought stir within me.

‘What is this…?’

Could it be that Yan Emperor Shennong…

As I pondered, Yan Emperor Shennong’s eyes suddenly turned towards me. It was as if he had already sensed that I was observing him through Cheon Gong-pyo’s sorcery. He was undoubtedly looking at me when he said:

[‘She’ said… that you are worth waiting for… that she will watch until you gather the Six Needs.]

Pa-at

In the next moment, Cheon Gong-pyo’s sorcery was forcibly dispelled. Cheon Gong-pyo, looking somewhat annoyed, said, “We need to get to Luoyang quickly. Shennong has noticed us.”

No, this can’t be.

As I zapped toward Luoyang with the sorcerers’ help, my emotions were in turmoil.

It was because of the strange feelings I detected from Yan Emperor Shennong’s actions and words.

‘No way…’

Dongyoung’s land was purified, and so was Goryeo.

Yan Emperor Shennong could certainly have carbonized both Goryeo and Dongyoung in an instant, yet he specifically chose to burn only the demonic beings. Normally, if the Three Sovereigns regarded humans as nothing but insects, they wouldn’t exert such control over their power. Moreover, the King of the Life Sea, which had continually precipitated calamity upon the eastern world, had also gone into hiding.

Unbelievable –

Yan Emperor Shennong genuinely likes humans.