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Chapter 777: Dark Heaven Village

“I heard about Zhuge Bu’s strategy.”

Given how things turned out, I felt it was right to trust Zhuge Bu’s tactics this lifetime. Soon enough, I received an explanation from the Heavenly Mysterious Woman of Nine Heavens regarding the opening of royal power.

[The method to unleash royal power is simple. First, grasp the cyclical structure of this world and recognize the Law of Cause and Effect. In this space, one must firmly believe they possess the divine authority, and connect with beings that have loyalty towards oneself.]

“Hmm….”

I tilted my head in confusion. Was that really all there was to it?

Of course, I had never been certain that I wielded divine power until now. However, it didn’t require any special incantations or hand signs, nor an offering; it was merely a matter of will. So, it felt odd that I hadn’t been able to use it until now.

Then Zhuge Bu spoke to the Heavenly Mysterious Woman.

“You didn’t mention how to recognize the Law of Cause and Effect.”

[The Law of Cause and Effect is largely conceptual and falls under metaphysics, and the way it is recognized can differ for each existence. However, I am certain to teach you the method, so let me share the technique.]

With that, the Heavenly Mysterious Woman extended her hand in front of us.

[Time and space are inherently independent. However, time can be trained according to perception, and it can even influence the reality of space. From the moment civilizations acknowledged the laws of the lunar month and the ecliptic, the time and perception within their bodies adjusted accordingly. Likewise, the space and laws perceived by mortals changed as well. While it’s true in the real world, the variability caused by perception in this space has reached its peak.]

“……?”

[The moment you wish to recognize it, the Law of Cause and Effect will take shape in the manner you envision. You can eliminate the cause and leave only the effect.]

What does that even mean?

As I stood there baffled by the Heavenly Mysterious Woman’s explanation, Zhuge Bu asked, “Is the heart included in this?”

[It would be one of the elements to strengthen.]

“Can the king solely focus on becoming strong, aside from the relationship with the subjects?”

[It’s possible, but it’s nearly impossible to harbor loyalty towards oneself.]

“That makes sense. Only an overlord like Qin Shi Huang could do it.”

Zhuge Bu glanced at me, seeming to understand something.

“Baek Woong. Revive Mangnyang.”

“What? If I bring him back now, he’ll die again because of the pressure of daylight.”

Even if he accessed the true realm and entered the body of the Celestial Dragon, the pressure wouldn’t disappear. The pressure had never vanished; those present merely endured it with overwhelming force. Even if I had some mastery over martial arts, summoning a mere human like Mangnyang would only lead to him being unable to speak and panic-stricken, ultimately dying from fear.

In response to my words, Zhuge Bu said, “You just need to apply what you’ve heard. In this space, Baek Woong, you are a god, and in your mind, Mangnyang is unaffected by the pressure in this space. Do not let that fact be just a thought, but solidify it with unwavering certainty in your mind.”

“Umm… I understand.”

It was a challenging command, but it seemed that ‘believing’ was a crucial element. As I summoned Mangnyang with the rights of a king, I concentrated my mind as Zhuge Bu instructed.

Splash!

But as expected, the moment Mangnyang was summoned, he turned pale from the overwhelming pressure.

‘Huh? This isn’t working?’

Panic washed over me, and Zhuge Bu spoke irritably.

“Concentrating your mind is not the same. Don’t deceive yourself or entertain rationality and principles. You do not need a reason for your belief; just believe in that fact.”

“…….”

“As long as you are the king, Mangnyang is sound in this space. There is no reason. Do not doubt this fact.”

I was unsure but gradually began to grasp what Zhuge Bu meant through my martial arts experiences.

Transcending life and death in martial training!

Having experienced the void where ‘self’ and ‘non-self’ disappear multiple times, I could easily recognize the sensation close to baseless conviction.

‘This is different from concentration. So that’s why it’s impossible to use it unconsciously…’

Whooooo—

After a moment, upon successfully internalizing my certainty, Mangnyang’s complexion gradually returned to normal. He looked confused by the absence of pressure but was startled when he spotted Zhuge Bu.

Zhuge Bu regarded Mangnyang and said, “We have entered the body of the Celestial Dragon through the attainment of the true realm. The opening of royal power performs miracles by controlling the Law of Cause and Effect. I have revived you to practice the royal power within Baek Woong.”

“…I see.”

It seemed Mangnyang quickly grasped the situation. I swiftly handed him the obsidian, and he appeared to understand the overall scenario. After a brief thought, he said, “The reason you revived me isn’t solely for practicing royal authority. Since we cannot surpass this situation through regular means, I am considering focusing on blessings.”

“Huh…. You’ve seen through my plan.”

“It’s a clever plan. A unique plan, and even I can’t think of anything beyond that method. But will it work?”

“What if it doesn’t? Ultimately, your value lies there.”

“That’s dismal.”

Mangnyang replied bitterly. Then he turned to Zhuge Bu, saying, “Brother. Are you sure of the continuity of this wheel we live in? The reason I and Zhuge Sa harbor doubts about newcomers while discussing loyalty towards Baek Woong is always because of this. No matter what the current will is, the will of the later generations may differ.”

“I understand what you mean. Whether or not it continues is crucial in determining whether one becomes a reincarnated companion. Your concern and doubt regarding me is perfectly natural. As a strategist harboring loyalty, you’re quite remarkable.”

Zhuge Bu replied calmly and continued, “However… I think the continuity of this wheel might not be a good thing. Frankly, the ideals you mention sound like illusions and I don’t empathize with them, but that doesn’t matter. I only choose the reality before me. There is no more powerful card in this world than a reincarnated person.”

“You give me the answer I most dislike.”

“Haha, you must have known I’m like this since childhood, right? And you already know the meaning of ‘that doesn’t matter’. It’s likely that you all are coercing Baek Woong into the role of a savior.”

“…….”

Mangnyang fell silent, only letting out a sigh. I couldn’t fully comprehend what they were saying, but I could sense Mangnyang’s discomfort towards Zhuge Bu. It felt more like an unease than a visceral disgust.

Zhuge Bu then turned to me and said, “Baek Woong. This time, try to amplify your Yin Spirit Power infinitely.”

“With royal authority?”

“Yes.”

Can that even work?

I decided to perceive the Yin Spirit Power accumulated within me, trying to believe that it overflowed infinitely. Once that thought emerged, it felt like something was possible.

‘Whoa!’

However, shortly after, I was hit with a dizziness in my head and staggered greatly.

“Ugh….”

This is bad.

I was able to expand the power to some degree, but the moment I tried to think beyond that, an overwhelming fatigue washed over my body, leaving me breathless. As I gasped and sank to my knees, the Heavenly Mysterious Woman spoke.

[Yin Spirit Power is the transformation of the chaotic essence originally possessed by Jeon Wook, so its essence is part of chaos. Therefore, to amplify Yin Spirit Power infinitely is not much different from containing chaos infinitely. Additionally, if you can realize the infinite Yin Spirit Power, mortals could gain the power of the Three Sovereigns. Even with royal authority, that’s not permitted.]

“Is it because it’s divine power?”

[Even for an Old Ruler or an external deity, possessing chaos infinitely isn’t possible. The only being capable of that exists in this universe… ]

“Hmm.”

[Also, since just now, with no one to harbor loyalty to, you focused only on self-enhancement, the constraints of royal authority have intensified.]

Strong power, but with restrictions.

Understanding the Heavenly Mysterious Woman’s words, I replied, “The reason royal authority easily brings about miracles is because the king and subjects share the restrictions.”

[Correct. That’s due to the interaction.]

Now, I could understand how to use royal authority and how it operated. As I was organizing the things I just learned, Zhuge Bu spoke again.

“Heavenly Sage, then sealing the constellation of the Seven Luminaries with royal authority would also be possible, right?”

[Of course, it is possible.]

“So it was a trial that could only be tackled with royal authority from the beginning.”

[Yes. However, the royal authority conferred to you is finite. Once the total amount of cause and effect possessed by the king runs out, you won’t be able to perform miracles anymore.]

Ultimately, the trial with the Seven Luminaries was to strategically use royal authority while enhancing allies if necessary to tackle the spirits of the Seven Luminaries. Since we were unaware of the initial condition of the existence of royal authority, we had no choice but to feel extreme difficulty.

Once the explanation of royal authority ended, the Celestial Sage suddenly assumed a sorrowful expression. I looked at him in confusion, and he shook his head.

“…No. I was just thinking about old subordinates and friends.”

“…….”

“I can’t call them to this place.”

Something seemed to be troubling him.

Zhuge Bu said, “Now, show me all the Seven Luminaries you have. It’s about time we began.”

“Is that really the only way?”

Cheon Gong-pyo stepped forward with an objection. As everyone’s eyes turned towards her, she trembled slightly, as if distressed.

“…To sacrifice everything to a reincarnated person while risking the present… Isn’t this only beneficial to me?”

“You’re not wrong. To be honest, I can’t even say whether my life after the wheel and my post-life self can be called ‘me’ anymore.”

Zhuge Bu subtly acknowledged Cheon Gong-pyo’s words and continued, “However, even if it’s just a mental victory, haven’t you considered the scenario where the reincarnated person doesn’t have those abilities? Watching the despair of an unbearable future isn’t appealing. If circumstances were normal, we would be dying in despair without even a moment to look forward to the future.”

“…….”

“If I were you, I would rather make a request of the reincarnated person. If the later generations take you in as an ally, wouldn’t they be obliged to grant you some requests? In that perspective, Tang San seems far more clever.”

“Huh….”

I was slightly taken aback by Zhuge Bu’s sudden remark. What the heck was he talking about?

Then Cheon Gong-pyo wore a look of resignation and said, “Then it’s settled. Reborn person Baek Woong, please grant my request.”

“Ah, no, I didn’t say I would agree….”

I tried to say something but quickly shut my mouth. Thinking it over, Cheon Gong-pyo had once been a great being, akin to the Heavenly Ruler of Tai Xu or the Primordial Heavenly Venerable. I could understand the weight of her request, given that someone like her was humbling herself to ask for something. If I were to refuse her, it would drastically limit my chances of recruiting other allies in the future.

Reluctantly, I nodded my head.

“Go ahead.”

“There are three great techniques within the Celestial Realm: the Absolute Teachings’ Spirit Summoning Technique, the Celestial Teachings’ Corpse Dissolution Technique, and lastly, the Heavenly Ruler’s Tai Chi.”

Cheon Gong-pyo seemed to want to say more but soon fell silent and continued, “The defining of these three great techniques was done by my master, the late Heavenly Ruler and the Primordial Heavenly Venerable. If they wished for me to oppose the Old Ruler, the only clues lie within those three great techniques. Initially, I thought the Spirit Summoning Technique was the most powerful, but now that I know the truth of the Corpse Dissolution Technique, I can’t help but think there are immense secrets in the last great technique, the Tai Chi.”

“Hmm….”

“To go back to the end of the Great War in the Celestial Realm, I was captured by the combined efforts of the Heavenly Ruler and Primordial Heavenly Venerable. They suppressed me as they united their strengths, and at that time, even using the Spirit Summoning Technique, I couldn’t handle the Tai Chi.”

“……!!”

“Furthermore, all techniques from the Absolute Teachings didn’t work on me.”

I was taken aback. I knew that the former power of Cheon Gong-pyo’s Spirit Summoning Technique was capable of tearing apart low-level Old Rulers. Moreover, this was vastly different from what I knew, making it impossible not to question her.

“I also heard of the Tai Chi, but wasn’t it more of a treasure rather than a technique?”

“No, it’s a technique, not a treasure.”

Cheon Gong-pyo stated firmly and glanced at the Heavenly Mysterious Woman.

“You might know something about the Tai Chi, Heavenly Mysterious Woman.”

[I also do not know what Tai Chi is. Furthermore, I have never heard of the Heavenly Ruler using Tai Chi against someone other than you.]

“Regardless, Baek Woong, what I want you to do is find the technique of Tai Chi and bring it to me. With that technique, I would become several times stronger.”

“…Alright.”

“If you bring me the Tai Chi, I promise to teach you the Spirit Summoning Technique.”

Before I knew it, I had agreed to a promise.

The three great techniques of the Celestial Realm, the Tai Chi of the Heavenly Ruler!

From the memories of Ji-seon Mang-nyang, it seemed the Tai Chi was remembered as a powerful treasure, but it appeared it was actually a technique. Both the Celestial Sage and the Heavenly Mysterious Woman, who were leaders of the Celestial Realm, seemed to be unaware of its true nature.

‘Should I also consider reviving the Heavenly Ruler in the future…?’

Once I finished my thoughts, I gathered the Seven Luminaries and piled them in one spot. Then Zhuge Bu began chanting some incantation towards the liberated Seven Luminaries and turned to Mangnyang.

“Are you prepared?”

“Of course.”

“The method is up to you. If you take the lead, you won’t be outright rejected. If you do get a rejection, then it can’t be helped.”

“…There’s no need to dirty my hands.”

What kind of nonsense was this?

I looked at the two brothers in confusion, and soon enough, Mangnyang approached the liberated Seven Luminaries and said, “O great being. I, Mangnyang, humbly request. I offer all these liberated Seven Luminaries. I devote all souls and pay the price….”

Mangnyang knelt down as if wishing fervently, clasping his hands together.

At his following words, I widened my eyes.

“I hope you grant Baek Woong your great blessing!!”

Kugugugu!!!

In that moment, the inside of the Celestial Dragon erupted loudly. The Heavenly Mysterious Woman wore a bewildered expression.

[Even though we’ve removed the barrier of interference, to think ‘that’ could shake even the Celestial Dragon!]

And shortly after, a deep voice echoed through the hall.

“Not enough.”

As that voice rang out, Zhuge Bu glanced towards the Celestial Sage and Cheon Gong-pyo. They exchanged looks as if they realized something from Zhuge Bu’s gaze. Then, they slowly walked towards where Mangnyang stood.

Oh no….

“I also have to contribute.”

But as I saw Zhuge Bu approaching Mangnyang, I realized my suspicions were becoming reality. Zhuge Bu’s voice pierced my ears.

“What are you doing? Summon Zhuge Sa or Seo Mun-hye. Hurry. Summon anyone you can.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Whether you pretend not to understand or genuinely don’t understand, I can’t tell.”

Zhuge Bu’s eyes sharpened.

“I said, there’s not enough offerings for the blessing of the Great Creation.”