909——————==

True Martial Home

We headed straight to the British Empire where Peng Zuo would be waiting. As we arrived near the capital of the British Empire, a familiar-looking man stood waiting for us.

“Welcome.”

It was Dr. Faust, dressed in Western academic attire, with a top hat and a crow-like mask of a plague doctor. Next to him stood Berus and another human.

‘ Who is that?’

A man as peculiar as Dr. Faust. He was a typical Western general clad in full armor, but his helmet resembled a ram’s head, and he held a massive flail in one hand. Definitely an eccentric, so I shot Dr. Faust a questioning look, and he spoke up.

“I’ll introduce you. I am Faust, this is Berus, and over there is Charlemagne.”

“Charlemagne?”

Upon my bewildered utterance, the giant in silver armor, Charlemagne, spoke in a gruff voice.

“Eastern genius, I am the forgotten one. Through the grace of the Guardian, I have been granted immortality.”

“Hmph.”

He seemed to possess remarkable strength. My instincts as a martial arts master were telling me he was extremely powerful. It felt like he was someone with great accomplishments in his past life, reborn as a transcendent being thanks to the Guardian’s will.

In any case, I had no need to pursue his identity further, so I got to the main point.

“The Zhuge Clan has successfully allied with you, and they’ve agreed to coordinate our attack on Peng Zuo today. Is that correct?”

“Indeed.”

During the past period, the Zhuge Clan had utilized Faust’s knowledge to research future technologies while making contact with the Western powers. It seemed they had reaped some results by now.

“Whether you’re aware or not, there are numerous powerful demon sorcerers encamped inside the British Empire’s capital, and Peng Zuo is an extremely powerful Great Immortal. Do we have a strategy in place for how to strike?”

“The Zhuge Clan will be the first to attack.”

Kugugugugu!!

In an instant, a surge of dark power rushed forth as a shadowy wind poured toward the walls of the British Empire’s capital. The formidable wind pressure seemed to momentarily hold the walls, but then they shattered like glass, and a living, dark whirlwind began to ravage the capital.

Swoooosh

Cruuuuur

It felt like the force of a giant wind unleashed by Cheon Woo-jin! Watching from afar, I was surprised to think, is that really the power of the Zhuge Clan?

‘ When did they get such strength?’

But with Mangnyang’s quiet murmur beside me, I quickly understood the situation.

“That shadowy wind’s essence is Demon King Simon Magus.”

“……!!”

“It seems he’s agreed to fulfill a request from a disciple.”

Demon King Simon Magus!

He was the leader of landlord doctrines and the true founder of the Baehwa Sect, currently elevated from a human to a legendary demon sorcerer. Additionally, he was the Zhuge Clan’s demon master, now plotting all sorts of sinister schemes to prepare for the end. That being had manifested to strike the forces of Peng Zuo in the British Empire!

An unexpected ally, yet I couldn’t feel entirely good about it.

‘ Simon Magus is a Demon King. A being of pure evil, he won’t act without a price! Zhuge Clan, what on earth did you offer him…’

There was no doubt the Zhuge Clan had paid a hefty price to bring Simon Magus to their side. Feeling frustrated, I watched as the dark shape flickered beyond the colossal wind, and figures of various bizarre demon creatures and golems emerged from the Governor’s Office to resist.

Kukukung!

Kukung!!

[ %&^@&$*!!!]

[ #%&@&$*@&$!!!]

The language of demons spilled forth like terrifying screams.

On the enemy’s side, forces burst forth from their base, beginning to clash with Simon Magus. Since the other side was also composed of demon sorcerers, all sorts of mythical beings erupted forth with gruesome shrieks, unleashing indescribable evil spells into the air to assault Simon.

Simon Magus emitted a laugh of madness.

[ Bwahahahaha… Creator of matter, that wickedness… The doctrine that leads to eternity! Release your anima.]

Chuk!

As Simon Magus’s strange incantation echoed through the storm of darkness, the enemy sorcerers hovering in the air suddenly shriveled and turned into blood water. A few seemed to attempt resistance, but soon, as white spirit energy gushed from their mouths, they transformed into mummies and were crushed by the black wind.

Boom!

In less than a moment after Simon Magus struck the British Governor’s Office, half of the hundreds of sorcerers had been horrifically slaughtered. Watching that scene, I realized just how vast the gap was between a Demon King and a Grand Sorcerer.

‘ Uh-oh. Is there even anything left for us to do…?’

I pondered if I could just watch from the sidelines. But just then, a dark sword suddenly streaked through the air, piercing through the black wind.

Thwack!!

[ Gyaaa…]

Simon Magus screamed as the black whirlwind abruptly stopped, and his human form was sent tumbling far away. As Simon Magus vanished beyond the horizon, Mangnyang frowned.

” Peng Zuo must be channeling the power of the Divine Sword, Blue Cloud Sword, to launch a strike at Simon’s weakness. Even a Demon King would fall to that.”

” Hmph! Is it even possible to repel a Demon King with just one treasure?”

” Peng Zuo is also a descendent of the Divine. In terms of rank, he is not inferior, so it could very well be possible.”

Uuuuuu

Then, in the distance, the main body of Peng Zuo revealed itself. Wielding both divine and magical powers, Peng Zuo was fiercely waving the Eight Trigrams Garment. Around him, over a hundred surviving sorcerers gathered, continuously summoning otherworldly creatures, and after a moment, Peng Zuo found us and shouted.

[ So you brats are here too! Attack!]

Kyaaaaa

The terrifying summoned creatures from another world began to fly towards us, who were still a fair distance away. Although we were at least a mile apart, it was no big deal since both sides possessed abilities beyond human. Realizing a serious battle against Peng Zuo was beginning, I drew the Divine Sword, ready to engage.

” Let’s go!”

As I finished speaking, Faust, Berus, Charlemagne, and others surged ahead to confront the otherworldly summons. Brandishing the Divine Sword, I charged straight for Peng Zuo, delivering a strike of my sword.

” Peng Zuo!! Take this!”

Clang!!

[ Gurk!!]

The moment the Blue Cloud Sword clashed with my Divine Sword, Peng Zuo’s arm jerked with pain and he staggered back.

‘ Ha!’

In my previous life, when I battled Peng Zuo, I was always the one getting pushed back in direct confrontations. No matter how strong my sword arts were, the defensive power of the Eight Trigrams Garment wrapped around him was too tough for my sword to penetrate, and when he launched his attacks, it was hard to preserve my life.

But this time, I knew for sure.

In a direct confrontation, I could win!

Peng Zuo gasped in astonishment.

[ Wh- Who are you?! And what is that sword? To be able to overpower the ancient treasure, Blue Cloud Sword, without breaking its seal!]

I replied confidently.

” It’s the Divine Sword!! You’re dead!”

[ Divine Sword? Never heard of it… Oh.]

Peng Zuo seemed to realize something, and grinned.

[ Ah, I see… hehehe… So it’s the Divine Sword. If I have that in my possession, I’d be invincible!]

” Greedy much! Let’s see you try!”

[ Hmph, you only talk big.]

I’m winning this!

That strong intuition surged through me. As Peng Zuo lunged towards me again and swung his sword, I sensed the signs of him manipulating time and space.

‘ I didn’t feel such signs before… Is it because of Spirit Power?’

Swoooosh

Time in front of me wavered.

It was just like before. Since Peng Zuo could use divine power, he could manipulate time and space to his advantage. For an average martial artist, fighting him would be impossible, and unless one could transcend his movements, they would be toyed with and die. In my previous life, I nearly met my end from his time manipulation that suppressed my skills.

But the moment I sensed that energy, I focused my power and emitted my Spirit Power as well.

‘ Hah!’

Bang!!

The clash of divine powers in the air neutralized each other! Suddenly, Peng Zuo froze in place, and I seized the opportunity to channel my Divine Sword’s sword energy directly at his neck. Although he was an exceptional martial artist, he narrowly evaded my attack.

However, I composed myself with a cold expression. Maintaining my stance in such a situation was thanks to the techniques I had already mastered.

Twin Sword Technique!

A basic skill, but I had indeed learned it well. Immediately, I used the reaction to swing the Divine Sword in my other hand.

Swack!

[ Ugh…]

With a sound like splitting wood, I inflicted a significant wound on Peng Zuo’s throat, and he staggered back, spewing blood. The Divine Sword had certainly penetrated the defense of the Eight Trigrams Garment, meaning Peng Zuo was struck with a blow that wasn’t just superficial. But even though I couldn’t sever his head in one strike, it showed that his natural defenses exceeded those of human armor.

Swoosh

I continued to unleash sword energy like starlight, wielding the Immortal Sword in one hand and the Divine Sword in the other as I pressed my attack on Peng Zuo. I didn’t focus on any specific sword techniques but sensed this battle resembled a contest of treasures and powers rather than martial skills, making it vital to find opportunities to leverage the strength of my Divine Sword. My strategy seemed to hit, and soon Peng Zuo began staggering, covered in fifteen large and small wounds.

Panting, Peng Zuo cried out.

[ I… I can’t believe… I’m being bested by a mere human!!]

” Is that all you’ve got to say? Die already!”

With a final strike, I thrust the Divine Sword into Peng Zuo’s abdomen using the Sword Flying Technique.

[ This puny attack!]

Peng Zuo swung the Divine Sword to deflect mine, but in that instant, I closed in and jabbed my Immortal Sword into the wound once more. When he attempted to defend himself, a significant opening appeared, allowing me to slip through easily.

Thwack!

[ Gyaaa!!]

” Easy to pierce!”

No matter how robust the Eight Trigrams Garment was, it couldn’t immediately heal a gaping wound created by the Divine Sword. And where the weak spot lay, striking with both the Immortal Sword and the sword energy guaranteed a successful hit. The Immortal Sword, charged with lightning, pierced through his shoulder, causing Peng Zuo to shake in a dazed state.

I smirked and then diagonally cleaved through Peng Zuo’s body.

Crack!

Kuuung

As Peng Zuo fell, he writhed in agony for a moment. Then Mangnyang swung the Sky-Destruction Sun and Moon Fan.

” Stop.”

As smoke poured from Peng Zuo’s body, it looked like he might vanish at any moment, yet at that moment, it seemed only his time had come to a halt. It was undoubtedly the Apostle’s Power that had frozen Peng Zuo’s demise.

” Ugh…”

I held my aching head and temples. Having rushed here after unsealing my Divine Sword, I felt the exhaustion of intense stamina drain. The nosebleed showed no signs of stopping either. I felt like I had used up all my energy.

Mangnyang approached me.

” Amazing job, Baek Woong! You took down Peng Zuo all by yourself…”

The reason Mangnyang had just helped finish him off and not engaged in the entire fight was that his Sky-Destruction Sun and Moon Fan was a consumable item. He’d need to use his powerful blessings for more significant matters in the future, and wasting them on a minor character like Peng Zuo was ill-advised, so he let me handle it alone.

” Huff… Huff… What’s so amazing about it… How many stronger foes are out there…?”

That was the truth.

There were truly too many monsters in this world.

Muttering in a rather cynical tone, Mangnyang shook his head.

” You’re still under two hundred in real age. Yet, through countless adventures, you’ve accumulated power and, despite your humble talent, have defeated the legendary Great Immortal, Peng Zuo, who fused divine and magical powers.”

” ……”

” Aside from someone like the Celestial Sage, even the strongest can’t contend against Peng Zuo, who you just faced. This truly counts as an achievement.”

” … Th-thank you.”

Caught off guard by the unexpected praise, my mood brightened as Faust dealt with the remaining sorcerers and spoke.

” Thank you, Eastern geniuses. By eradicating these evil beings today, you’ve provided us with great assistance.”

” Dr. Faust. Now that we’ve captured Peng Zuo, we need to get him to spill the information he has. We need to interrogate him, do you happen to have any mechanisms capable of holding a divine being?”

” Hmmm… Not particularly, but… I don’t think we need anything like that.”

” What do you mean?”

” You’re also someone who can use divine power. I think you could seal him using that divine power.”

Is that even possible?

I decided to give it a shot and activated my Spirit Power over Peng Zuo’s unconscious body. The next moment, it transformed like a rope, and suddenly, Mangnyang screamed in panic.

” Stop it, Baek Woong!”

Halting abruptly,

I quickly ceased the deployment of my Spirit Power. Turning back to Mangnyang, he said.

” That was too strong. If you seize Peng Zuo with that level of force, he’ll shatter like a sand pillar and die.”

” Should I tone it down…?”

” … That seems impossible, so let’s give up. There’s no way to control an unruly divine power like that with human senses. Without Heuk Woong here, precise maneuvers or transitions seem out of reach.”

” Ugh.”

I let out a groan. It seemed I needed Heuk Woong to handle my powerful Spirit Power properly. Mangnyang spoke with resignation.

” Let’s quickly head to the Central Plains and request Gu Ryuson to bind him. The Grand Elder should be able to contain him… But this means we’re running short on time.”

Pa-at!

We took Peng Zuo back to the Central Plains and used Gu Ryuson’s treasure, the Kunlun’s Twelve Great Masters, to bind him. Looking at the bound Peng Zuo, I rolled up my sleeves and muttered.

” Good, let the interrogation begin…”

Mangnyang shook his head.

” … No! We don’t have time to torture this scumbag, Baek Woong. We need to move quickly.”

” Seriously?! Right now?!”

” Yes!”

Are we roasting beans over a fire?

I was surprised at how rushed he sounded. Mangnyang continued, showing a worried expression.

” It took half a day to defeat Peng Zuo and seize his treasures. We’ve wasted quite a bit of time already. We must move right now.”

” B-but I really hit my limit…”

I felt as if all my stamina, energy, and divine power had plunged to the bottom. I managed to deal with Peng Zuo, but now I truly needed a break. Then Mangnyang pointed the Sky-Destruction Sun and Moon Fan at me and exclaimed.

” Recovery!”

Pah!

In that instant, my mind cleared, and I felt my strength return to normal. Mangnyang had used his blessing to fully restore my health! With all my injuries healed, I looked at my body in shock, and Mangnyang commented.

” Next is Mount Penglai, then the Underworld. You’ll need all your strength to explore the outer dimensions, so we’re short on time…”

Mangnyang’s eyes burned with urgency.

” We’ve got a long way to go, so let’s get going!”