938——————==

True Martial Home

Then, Dharma showed interest.

[What method is it…]

” ……”

After taking a deep breath, I spoke.

“I know you might think it’s crazy, but please hear me out till the end.”

[Go ahead.]

“If we offer a sacrifice equivalent to one hundred million lives, doesn’t that mean we shouldn’t have to do one hundred million human sacrifices?”

[That’s right…]

“I’ve been thinking about it a lot, and there’s something like that in this world.”

[What are you talking about? Those treasures or Seven Luminaries you mentioned don’t exist in this world, and even if they did, they wouldn’t be valued at one hundred million lives…]

“Something even greater than the Seven Luminaries.”

I continued slowly.

“[Old Ruler].”

Dharma stared at me blankly. I met his gaze directly as I said, “Let’s capture the [Old Ruler] and offer their soul as a sacrifice for the True Martial Home ritual!”

[……]

Dharma looked incredulous.

[Hmm… Are you suggesting we directly defeat and capture the [Old Ruler] with my power…?]

“Exactly! Offering the [Old Ruler] to [Father] would far exceed the value of one hundred million lives, right? They’re cosmic beings, the greatest treasures with intrinsic worth!”

I shouted with determination. Dharma then spoke, sounding disappointed.

[Surprising… I didn’t expect you to seriously suggest such a foolish method…]

” ……”

[I too have considered this path countless times after obtaining the seal of 666, but why do you think I couldn’t defeat the [Old Ruler]?]

“I don’t know. That’s what I’ve been pondering for a month.”

Dharma looked up at the sky and said,

[Defeating a weak [Old Ruler] should be well within my capabilities… but what would be the point? To use them as a [sacrifice], I need their body or soul, and once they attain cosmic divine status, they become immortal. It’s impossible to capture or offer their soul.]

“Hmm…”

I understood Dharma’s words.

It was because of the knowledge I heard from Zhuge Sa in the past.

[[Old Rulers] can be categorized into two groups: those born in the material world and those born in the distant divine seat… The Sea God is of the former, making his rank quite low among the [Old Rulers]. This is because being born in the material world means possessing a divine soul but a mortal body.]

[However, even with a divine soul, if the Sea God dies, he will be resurrected after thousands of years. But because he’s such an incomplete [Old Ruler], he cannot escape physical death. This is a weakness shared by many [Old Rulers] born in the material world, not just the Sea God.]

According to Zhuge Sa, [Old Rulers] are gods and don’t die even when attempted. Their souls are immortal, making the concept of killing them moot. It might be possible to achieve physical death, but since one needs the soul for a [sacrifice], it’s futile just to eliminate the body. I might be able to obtain a divine body, but it would be filled with malevolent Qi and wouldn’t hold value to replace one hundred million souls.

[I too have thought of this method hundreds of times… but it’s impossible, so forget it… We have no choice but to advance to the next stage on the backs of sacrifices.]

” … If it were just you, it would probably be impossible.”

[What do you mean?]

I sharpened my gaze and replied.

“If we can capture or steal a god’s [soul], wouldn’t that make it possible?”

[……!!]

Dharma looked bewildered for the first time. Just moments ago, he treated me like a child, but now he clearly had a different reaction. After pondering for a moment, he spoke.

[No way… Are you suggesting you would attempt to steal a god’s soul using your abilities with the Divine Thief?]

“Yes.”

I nodded.

“If I use the Technique of All Things, it might be possible.”

The Technique of All Things allows one to steal what cannot be stolen.

With this ability, I could steal Qi and even metaphysical beings constrained by concepts. In fact, the Divine Thief had trained me in the Technique of All Things for such purposes.

So, what about a god’s soul?

Doesn’t that also fall under things that cannot be stolen?

For a month, I reflected on whether that could be possible. I considered how Qi and souls differ and practiced stealing the souls of nearby plants and animals with the Technique of All Things. Initially, I couldn’t capture the soul, but after some trial and error, I eventually succeeded.

My mastery of the Technique of All Things was still developing, but the top thief, the Divine Thief, might indeed make it possible.

Dharma still couldn’t hide his astonishment as he spoke.

[I don’t know what martial arts and intent are, but… is it really possible to do that? No one has ever thought about stealing a god’s soul.]

“I can’t be sure. I don’t know if it will work. But…”

I stared Dharma in the eye and said, “Isn’t it worth a shot? It’s better to gamble on the chance of success than to massacre innocent beings to collect one hundred million souls!”

[……]

“Please, think seriously about it.”

After considering, Dharma spoke.

[In theory… if you actually want to steal a god’s soul… you must wait for the moment they meet their material [death]. When I defeat the [Old Ruler] and their soul returns to the distant universe, or their own dimensional realm, that fleeting moment will be the first and last opportunity.]

“That makes sense.”

[If I fail in that fleeting moment, my plan will face significant setbacks. Even if I obtain the soul, if I earn the [Old Ruler]’s wrath, that being could use their vast powers to disrupt my plan. This is far riskier than quietly proceeding with the plan.]

“……”

That would be the case. Even if the god doesn’t manifest in the phenomenal realm, they are still a god. Just invoking curses from a distant dimension can bring about a tremendous calamity. The [Old Ruler], a cosmic being, was that kind of existence.

[Yet you suggest we take this risk to prevent the sacrifice of one hundred million lives…]

“Yes! It’s about trying a better method.”

[Hmm…]

Dharma sighed. After a moment, he spoke.

[I need to summon the Divine Thief for a moment.]

Pa-at!!

A short while later, Dharma drew a magic circle in the air, and through it, the Divine Thief emerged from my body. The Divine Thief glanced between me and Dharma and grinned.

“Looks like you summoned me to plot something devious.”

[Divine Thief. I have a question.]

“What do you want to ask?”

[Do you think you can steal the [Old Ruler]’s soul with the Technique of All Things?]

” ……”

As soon as the Divine Thief heard my crazy idea, his expression changed. Seeing that face, which looked like mine, felt slightly off. He furrowed his brow and replied, “You must have a lot of questions about the situation… So you’re proposing to sacrifice the [Old Ruler]’s soul instead of one hundred million?”

[I’d like to know if it’s possible.]

“Thinking of such crazy things should ring a bell, right? Tsk tsk.”

The Divine Thief chuckled before falling into thought. After a while, he finally spoke.

“It’s possible. I could pull it off. The problem lies with you.”

” ……!!”

“Only if the [limitations] are lifted, though.”

Limitations?

I felt intrigued by the Divine Thief’s words. After a moment, I grasped his meaning.

“Ah… So, you’re planning to use Divine Skill!”

“Ugh…”

The Divine Thief gave me an uncomfortable look, clearly not liking the idea.

“Looks like my counterpart has been ranting about all sorts of things. I don’t understand how you could like someone like that.”

That’s right.

Divine Skill!

[You can use it while seated. They’ll have their own Divine Skill.]

[But I can’t use it.]

[Because of the Law of Cause and Effect and the limitations of the non-divine. My main body as the Divine Thief could use the Absolute Realm’s skills once back in the human realm, but I wouldn’t be able to cast the Divine Skill, One Hand Take Heart, used on you.]

The Divine Thief had previously given me information about Divine Skills while seated. He had once defeated me with the technique One Hand Take Heart, and it was revealed that such incredible power could not be used in the human realm. The reason for this lay with the Law of Cause and Effect and the limitations of the non-divine.

‘That must be what the Divine Thief was referring to as the [limitations].’

It was a contradiction.

Even if one knows Divine Skills, the one who possesses that ability cannot use them in the human realm? I couldn’t comprehend why such immense power was unusable. With a slightly excited voice, I asked the Divine Thief.

“If I use One Hand Take Heart, can I steal even a god’s soul? Really?”

The Divine Thief made a strange expression.

“… by mentioning that name, it seems you’ve experienced its power firsthand?”

” ……”

I flinched at the memory of having my heart stolen, prompting a chuckle from the Divine Thief.

“It’s possible. Regardless of the god’s soul, if it involves the ultimate technique of the divine, I can surely steal it.”

“Awesome! Then how can we lift that [limitation]?”

“I can’t tell you~”

“… Huh?”

The Divine Thief replied brusquely.

“I can’t say.”

“Why!”

“If it could be resolved so easily, it wouldn’t be called a [limitation]. Besides, those who reach the divine can’t disclose the secrets except to the one who opened the [Gate].”

“What happens if you do?”

“You lose your [Seat] and your Divine Skill.”

He continued in a languid tone.

“That’s why it can never be revealed~ It’s already hard enough to ascend to the Absolute Realm. Do you think reaching the [Seat] is a usual affair? It’s a miracle to be in the top 100 in the entire universe. Hence, it must not be disclosed.”

The moment one reveals it, wouldn’t they lose the non-divine [Seat]?

However, while listening to the Divine Thief’s explanation, a strange thought crossed my mind.

“What does that even mean?”

“Huh?”

“If you could use Divine Skills in the human realm, you’d wield unparalleled power. You could easily take down the Demon King. But if you can only use that power once you’re back in your reclusive space… isn’t that just a beautiful trap?”

Isn’t the essence of power its timely application?

Understanding Divine Skills but being unable to utilize them when necessary seems pointless!

I questioned, and the Divine Thief smirked.

“Well… why would it matter if you, a nobody, comprehend its significance? It seems you can’t see that it’s not just about [power].”

“What do you mean!”

“Honestly, if you think of Divine Skills merely as a [weapon], you’ll never grasp it. It’s a realm beyond mere talent and effort.”

” ……”

The Divine Thief, who had been mocking me, turned to Dharma and said.

“Dharma. You’ve heard this, but that brat’s idea is theoretically plausible, but I won’t help to that extent. I can’t assist you. I think it’s better to let it go.”

[… Is it currently impossible for Baek Woong’s [steal] ability?]

“Hmm… to be honest, there is slight potential. That brat’s thieving skills are almost equal to mine. But can you stake all your future plans on theirs? I can’t believe you would have such faith in Baek Woong.]

[That’s right…]

The Divine Thief’s comments were wholly objective, causing Dharma to coolly consider the matter.

So, it really might not work.

I thought I had come up with a good idea, but now the thought of making a futile attempt at saving one hundred million lives was bleak. I started contemplating whether I should continue watching innocent lives perish or break free from Dharma’s grasp to find alternate solutions.

And then it happened.

[I’ll follow Baek Woong’s suggestion.]

Hwaek!

The gazes of both the Divine Thief and I turned towards Dharma. He stood up, eyes gleaming, and clenched his fists.

[Starting now, in a month, I will capture the Sea God. Do not miss the moment he meets his death, and the two of you shall seize the god’s soul!]

” ……!!”

“Awesome!”

Seeing Dharma follow my lead made me feel ecstatic. I shouted in elation, but the Divine Thief standing next to me seemed truly flabbergasted, stumbling over his words.

“Y-you’re serious? I thought you were sane…”

[Perhaps I’m insane.]

“Even giving one hundred credits to steal a god’s soul, how will you contain that soul? No matter how powerful you are, it’s impossible to keep a god’s soul bound by mere energy.”

[I have a separate means for that. If you can just make the thieving possible, the issue won’t be a problem.]

“… You’ve truly gone mad. Are you really serious?”

[Yes.]

Dharma crossed his arms and responded.

[If there’s a way to reduce the sacrifices of sentient beings, I’ll also choose that path.]

The Divine Thief seemed slightly anxious. Then he added,

“It appears… you are quite different from what I’ve heard about in legends, Dharma.”

[Is that so?]

He mumbled for a moment before nodding as if conceding.

“Ha-ha… fine. I’ll assist you accordingly.”

[Of course, aside from this plan, I want you to continue executing my directives until the month is over…]

“Understood.”

In that instant, I realized Dharma’s will had shifted greatly.

‘I did it!’

I’ve avoided the future where one hundred million lives would be sacrificed!

I spent the next month honing my martial arts while diligently instructing my four disciples. With the intent skill refining my internal power, I reached a level where I was no longer lacking.

And the day of the decisive battle against the Sea God dawned.