978——————==

Soul of the Evil God

Honestly, comparing my strength to Jin So-cheong’s at this point is pointless. I mean, I already defeated the early version of her a while back and have been training to reach the Absolute Realm for 28 sessions now.

There’s really no reason for me to seriously fight against Jin So-cheong. Beating someone who knows nothing and doesn’t even feel satisfied is just meaningless.

Yet, in Jin So-cheong’s gaze, I sensed something different. That wasn’t just a pure look of competitiveness stemming from a spar.

‘What’s she thinking?’

Is she planning to assassinate me or something?

But from what I’ve seen, even if it’s under Lee Kwang’s orders, Jin So-cheong isn’t the kind of person to attempt an assassination. If she was going to follow orders to that extent, she’d be nothing more than a puppet. So, from my perspective, I accepted her request for a spar to figure out what her true intentions were.

I stepped into the training ground and faced Jin So-cheong. I also dismissed all my guards, like the Golden Eagle Guards, and removed any prying eyes. The only ones left observing from a distance were Zhuge Bu and Mangnyang.

I spoke to Jin So-cheong.

“I’ll be using a spear.”

Clank.

As I pulled out a well-crafted silver spear from a nearby weapons rack, I noticed Jin So-cheong’s eyes gleaming with interest.

“But I thought you were a swordsman, Your Majesty?”

“I wanted to see your spear techniques properly.”

“I understand.”

Fighting with swords would be too easy, so I thought using a spear would be a nice change. Plus, if I wanted to gauge my opponent’s skills, it’d be better to use the same type of weapon. I hadn’t practiced spearmanship much, but once you reach my level, even minor refinements lose their significance.

Swoosh.

I settled into the Thunder God Lineage’s spear stance and faced Jin So-cheong. Despite the difference in our physiques since I was still in a child’s body, our postures mirrored each other perfectly, like reflections in a mirror. Standing like this in front of her felt strangely nostalgic.

‘How long has it been since I sparred with Jin So-cheong using a spear?’

In the silence, our thoughts clashed against each other. I could tell that Jin So-cheong was either as strong as Dokgo Seong, or just a hair stronger. Up until this point, this was the Jin So-cheong I had figured out, but the next moment, I was taken aback as she made the first move.

Piying!!

‘A thrust!’

It was such a straightforward and simple jab.

She surely knows that I’m the superior expert here, so why is she attacking me so simply? I thought she’d try to probe for weaknesses with some feints, which honestly felt refreshing. Naturally, I deflected her jab with my own Na technique and redirected her attack.

Clash clang!

As we collided several times with our spears, a clear, resonant sound filled the air. With my superior internal power, I felt Jin So-cheong’s fatigue growing more evident. Even without pushing my enlightenment and techniques, the difference in internal power was just too much for her to overcome.

Boom –

‘Another jab?’

Jin So-cheong seemed to gather herself and once more attempted her simple thrust. But ultimately, it’s just the basics of spear techniques, so I flicked it away again. Lanachal was such a simple spear technique that it naturally led to a circular exchange. Thrusts like this can easily be negated or deflected by anyone who has practiced spear techniques for less than a year.

Thud.

However, after using her thrust to recover from my flick, she launched her third attack. I squinted, confused about what she was trying to achieve.

‘Is she really thinking that such a simple attack would work against someone at the Absolute Realm?’

Throwing the same attack three times straight is practically insulting. I felt a bit annoyed and got swept up in the idea of counterattacking to bring her down. Just as I was planning to jab her chest with a follow-up move after my Na technique—

Piying –

“……!!”

Swoosh.

I felt something unbelievably fast grazing my cheek and shivered. I had to halt my attack aimed at her chest and retreat.

‘W-What was that?’

It was clear that Jin So-cheong had left herself wide open after her jab. For even the strongest experts, covering such a gap is almost impossible, so I confidently counterattacked. Yet, just as I launched my counter, an incredible jabbing move that seemed to defy the speed of light shot toward me! I had never seen or heard of a technique like this, and my heart sank.

“Huff… huff…”

Jin So-cheong seemed to be panting heavily after her counter. She lowered her spear and said,

“… This is my answer, Your Majesty…”

“Are you suggesting that you might take me down?”

“That wouldn’t be possible. My jab just now lacked ‘two steps.’ To take you down would mean going through five close calls with death… So, you have won.”

“……”

Jin So-cheong was absolutely right. Though my heart sank for a moment just now, it wasn’t a true crisis for me. If her counter had been two levels stronger, my life might have been in danger, but she’s not at the level where she could show me her fangs—yet. But just the fact she could threaten the Absolute Realm already marks her spear skills as extraordinary for her age.

‘Well, that makes sense.’

But I wasn’t surprised.

After all, it’s Jin So-cheong, isn’t it?

Even if she reached the Absolute Realm in just a year, I wouldn’t be shocked.

Jin So-cheong said,

“This jab of mine is not of the Thunder God Lineage. It was taught to me by my temporary master.”

So we’ve finally gotten to the main point.

‘She must have asked me for this spar to show it to me.’

I nodded.

“That is definitely world-class martial skill, but it isn’t from the Thunder God Lineage.”

“This jab is known as Satya-dharata, a secret transmission from Kalari. I have received a total of 36 such jabs, but since my training period was short, I can only properly employ about five of them.”

“……?”

Satya-dharata?

I couldn’t help but tilt my head at the unfamiliar name that wasn’t in the Central Plains language. Memories of when I studied Sanskrit emerged, and I spoke.

“Was that individual from Tianzhu?”

“Correct.”

“I can’t believe there was a Tianzhu person in the Twelve Joules…”

That’s genuinely surprising. Moreover, considering he taught Jin So-cheong, he must be a master on the level of the Absolute Realm, right? The world is vast, so it wouldn’t be strange to have another master of that level, but to think there’d be a Tianzhu master within the ranks of the Twelve Joules!

But Jin So-cheong shook her head at my words.

“No, it’s not like that.”

“What do you mean? You, Lee Kwang, and Extreme Tiger all gained significant power in a short time because of the support of the Twelve Joules, didn’t you?”

Extreme Tiger was currently unconscious from severe internal injuries, so it would take him some time to regain consciousness. Other than Jin So-cheong, there was no one left to learn the truth. Then Jin So-cheong spoke.

“Teaming up with the Twelve Joules only happened recently. My master visited before that, and the reason he taught us was to adjust the Law of Cause and Effect.”

“……?”

What does that even mean?

I couldn’t quite grasp the implications of what Jin So-cheong was saying. Just then, Mangnyang, who had been listening from a distance, approached and spoke to Jin So-cheong.

“So what you’re saying is your master came to visit first and taught you, and he’s not actually affiliated with the Twelve Joules?”

“Exactly, Chancellor.”

“The Law of Cause and Effect! Is it true that you were taught to kill the Emperor?”

Jin So-cheong shook her head at Mangnyang’s question.

“When observing the heavenly mysteries, he said he came to the Central Plains due to concerns about a powerful force swirling and rapidly unifying. He said that if too much power accumulates, it would disrupt the Law of Cause and Effect and cause mortals to fall into utter ruin… Additionally, it concerned him that a friend who had lost their lord might recklessly massacre people in the Central Plains, which is why he chose our Thunder God Lineage martial artists to halt that individual’s tyranny.”

“……”

Mangnyang and I exchanged glances. The implications of what Jin So-cheong was saying sparked unexpected circumstances.

The unanticipated emergence of a third-party figure!

This third-party figure is a master from Tianzhu, unrelated to the Twelve Joules. Furthermore, considering their motivations, they mentioned the Law of Cause and Effect and mortals, indicating they must be a being more than half-ascended.

I could no longer hold back and asked Jin So-cheong.

“What is that individual’s name?”

“My master’s name is Krishna.”

“……”

Krishna?

That name rings a bell…

Just as I was struggling to remember, Mangnyang seemed to realize something and moved on.

“I see. So, during your teachings, the Twelve Joules proposed an alliance?”

“Yes.”

“Did that Krishna set up the meeting between you and the Twelve Joules?”

“Not at all. He only taught us for a little over three months and then abruptly left. Later, the former Azure Dragon, Lee Kwang, formed an alliance with the Twelve Joules.”

“Lee Kwang… Hm.”

As Mangnyang pondered, he spoke.

“Was that Krishna able to utilize sorcery?”

“Yes. He also rode a divine beast.”

“The entire situation is becoming clearer.”

Muttering that to himself, Mangnyang then said to me.

“Your Majesty, you really need to ask him something important.”

“That’s right.”

I could understand without needing further explanation from Mangnyang. If I asked everything, I’d look bad, so he was subtly hinting to me. I thought I’d gleaned enough information, so I locked eyes with Jin So-cheong and asked.

“Jin So-cheong, what made you decide to be so candid about all this?”

“……”

“I know someone like you. Someone who won’t bow to any physical or mental threat and stays loyal until the end, one who can’t be broken even through torture. Yet, you’ve laid bare the full extent of this behind-the-scenes setup out of loyalty to me?”

“That’s not it. You must know that, Your Majesty.”

“Well… that’s true…”

Jin So-cheong’s tone was so resolute that I had to reconsider my words. Then, in a sincere voice, she continued.

“I do not believe teaming up with the Twelve Joules is the path to saving the Thunder God Lineage or exacting revenge against the White Lotus Sect. It’s clearly a misguided path; however, I can’t bring myself to directly oppose the choice of the former Azure Dragon, my master.”

“……”

“It was said that the Twelve Joules would provide me protection to confidently infiltrate and assume the Azure Dragon’s position, but I wanted to sever my master’s obsession.”

I could see the reasoning.

Lee Kwang would have likely done anything, crossing any line, driven by the single-minded desire for revenge against the White Lotus Sect. With Krishna’s support, his confidence would have swelled. But now, having seen the rampaging side of Lee Kwang, Jin So-cheong had a gut feeling it was the wrong path, and she was honestly laying it all on the table with me.

‘At this point, wouldn’t a piece of obsidian be in order?’

I felt a compelling urge, but Mangnyang subtly held me back with a glance. He then spoke.

“The Krishna who taught the Thunder God Lineage martial artists isn’t just any person; he’s a divine being. Do you know why he vanished after only teaching you for about three months?”

“He said he was going to stop a friend.”

“What sort of friend?”

“He didn’t elaborate on that.”

“Well, I can kinda guess, but…”

Mangnyang continued.

“Jin So-cheong! There’s a possibility that you’re under surveillance with spells from the Twelve Joules. Therefore, are you willing to agree to a thorough inspection?”

“I agree. But there’s something I wish to say to Your Majesty.”

“What is it?”

Jin So-cheong looked me straight in the eye and said,

“If you are indeed a member of the Thunder God Lineage… please do not spare the Master of the White Lotus Sect.”

“What?!”

Thud.

Jin So-cheong knelt as she spoke.

“The spirits of the Thunder God Lineage desire this more than anything. That individual is a monster who massacred the thousands of warriors and innocent common folk of the Thunder God Lineage. Please punish him. If you firmly assure me of this, I, Jin So-cheong, will dedicate my body and soul to Your Majesty.”

“……”

At her unexpected words, I paused and Mangnyang swiftly fanned himself, speaking for me.

“Of course, that would be the case! From now on, you will focus all your efforts on aiding the Emperor in curbing the misguided path of your master.”

“I understand.”

“Follow me.”

Finally, Jin So-cheong was led away by Mangnyang and Zhuge Bu. They were likely going for a thorough inspection of the Twelve Joules’ monitoring spells. However, I couldn’t help but dwell on the resonance of Jin So-cheong’s words.

‘To punish the Master of the White Lotus Sect…’

Indeed, for the Thunder God Lineage, the Master of the White Lotus Sect is a mortal enemy. Even if I consider him an ally, it doesn’t erase the sins he has accumulated in the past. It’s a fact that he slaughtered many experts and even innocent common people of the Thunder God Lineage when he exiled them.

Yet, the Master of the White Lotus Sect is currently a powerful ally of mine in this life and is someone diligently working towards True Martial Home. There’s no way I can abandon him. His presence as an ally has already greatly shortened the time it would take for me to accomplish my goals by years.

Normally, the ultimate villain one would have to hunt down is the Master of the White Lotus Sect, but as it stands now, he’s also a valuable ally, which is a contradiction.

Realistically speaking, there’s no option to cast away the Master of the White Lotus Sect now.

But—do I have the right to forgive him for his sins?

“……”

Suddenly it dawned on me.

Whether or not to forgive is secondary—the only ones who can address this cause and effect are the people of that era.

I am but an observer, an outsider.

As a reincarnator, I cannot hastily voice my opinions on the fates of mortals.

‘Am I just using the Master of the White Lotus Sect for my own purposes…?’

At that moment—

Krrr—!!

Suddenly, from the direction where Jin So-cheong had been taken, a massive explosion of heat and light erupted. As I hastily activated the Soul Removal Technique toward that location, I saw Jin So-cheong floating in the air, surrounded by a brilliant light barrier while Mangnyang and Zhuge Bu cast protective spells around her. Additionally, Zhuge Yulong arrived late, as did the Master of the White Lotus Sect.

“Mangnyang, what’s happening?!”

“… Baek Woong. It’s your task to gauge this situation best. Use the Fire Eye Golden Spirit.”

Crash!

Prompted by those words, I quickly infused my energy into the Fire Eye Golden Spirit and began observing Jin So-cheong. In the light barrier, something was wriggling around her, its form resembling a massive bird curled up.

But what was odd was that this bird was shining with seven colors and had three claws. After I relayed what I observed to Mangnyang, he exclaimed.

“… Damn it. So that was the meaning of the protection… The Master of the Twelve Joules is truly something else…”

“Do you have any inkling of what’s happening, Mangnyang?”

“I had a rough idea from the Corpse Dissolution Technique.”

A moment later, with gritted teeth, Mangnyang shouted.

“Baek Woong! That… is the blessing of the Phoenix and its Avatar!!”

What?!

The moment those words left his lips, the brilliant light surrounding Jin So-cheong seemed to flap as if it had wings. The light barrier began to disintegrate, and seeing this, Zhuge Yulong hastily chanted his spell.

“Western Heaven Dark Dragon Talisman! Restrict the divine beast’s movements!”

Whiiing.

Zhuge Bu also put forth all his effort to cast his spell.

“Soul Severance Talisman!”

Papabak!

The combined power of the two top sorcerers’ talismans expanded rapidly, enveloping the world in a blinding white light. Just when it seemed like the light orb encased in the talismans had become motionless—

Weeeeee—

The phoenix emitted a sound resembling a haunting flute melody.

Brrrrrrg!

Kaboom!!

“Cough!”

“Ugh.”

The explosion of divine power!

Zhuge Yulong’s arms burst apart, and his skin peeled away, exposing blood vessels beneath. Zhuge Bu also seemed to have injuries, as he spat blood and collapsed. Blood-soaked and barely holding on, Zhuge Yulong groaned.

“… Even if it’s the Kunlun Great Immortal’s spell, the familiar is simply out of their league… Huh… huh…”

Thud.

With Zhuge Yulong collapsing, as if waiting for this moment, the Master of the White Lotus Sect stepped forward, saying,

[Baek Woong. I’ll buy you time… Find a method.]

Kaboom!!

[Oooooo…]

The Master of the White Lotus’s primordial spirit focused its massive internal power to restrain the Phoenix’s light barrier. Yet, despite the pressure, the Phoenix slowly seemed to flap its wings and rise again, and the Master of the White Lotus Sect appeared to be receiving immense strain just holding it back.

I spoke calmly.

“Mangnyang. What’s the situation here?”

“Logically, if Lee Kwang sent his most treasured disciple into enemy territory, he must have had a plan. Rather than an inadequate guard, he would have imbued Jin So-cheong with the protection of the supreme divine beast, the Phoenix… which was probably suggested by the Twelve Joules.”

“…….!!”

The Twelve Joules can control the Phoenix to such an extent?

“If we leave that be, we’ll lose Jin So-cheong right in front of our eyes… No doubt the Phoenix’s Avatar will deliver her straight to the home base of the Twelve Joules.”

I was astounded.

“Ugh… This isn’t even the Phoenix’s true form, but just its Avatar, and it’s this strong?”

“If you can command the Phoenix, you could even confront the Sea God. It’s not strange at all.”

With that conclusion, Mangnyang spoke as if he had made up his mind.

“Baek Woong! There are two methods… Either cut down Jin So-cheong along with that light orb—doing so would damage the true Phoenix and give us an advantage, since it wouldn’t be able to exert as much power without direct energy from its true form.”

“And the other?”

“The other option is to just let it go…”

“……”

“You need to choose wisely. The Twelve Joules might leverage this Avatar to wreak even more havoc in the Imperial Palace.”

Either cut it down or let it go.

“Huh…”

At that moment, I had to make a decision.

‘Yeah… I have no choice but to take this route.’

I walked forward slowly with my sword in hand and placed my hand on the Master of the White Lotus Sect’s shoulder.

“Step back.”

[Understood.]

The moment he stepped aside, I extended my sword to cut through the Phoenix’s light barrier. Of course, I paid attention to ensure Jin So-cheong wasn’t harmed in the slightest. Given my level, cutting a waterfall would be easy; controlling my strength like this was only natural.

Swoosh!!

The Intent Heavenly Pillar activated, dissipating the divine energy circling the Phoenix’s light barrier, and the barrier fell away, much like an eggshell breaking apart. Simultaneously, the Phoenix’s blessing released a mysterious sound, attempting to bounce up towards the heavens.

Kiiiii—

‘Of course.’

Simply slicing through the barrier isn’t enough. The Phoenix’s blessing began to entirely envelop Jin So-cheong, turning into a mass of light. It appeared ready to merge into a beam and fly away.

This was a genuine crisis! However, I had anticipated this scenario, so I clenched my teeth and focused my entire being.

‘Can I do it…? I have to!!’

Waiting…

Until they merged.

Whuuuuum.

‘Here it comes!’

Absolute Technique.

Technique of All Things.

At the moment Jin So-cheong and the Phoenix’s blessing merged, I employed the Technique of All Things to solidify the Intent Heavenly Pillar. And the Intent Heavenly Pillar was configured solely to steal the [Jin So-cheong] from the Phoenix.

The moment my hand vanished into thin air, Jin So-cheong fell away from the Phoenix and came to my side.

‘I got it!’

The Technique of All Things was a success!

Whoooosh—

After a brief moment, the Phoenix’s blessing transformed into light and disappeared beyond the sky. I looked up at the spectacle below, exhaling a sigh.

‘Huh…’

It was a moment so fleeting. If the timing of the Technique of All Things had been off by even a hair, I would have lost Jin So-cheong, and my hand would have been crushed by the Phoenix’s blessing, leaving it useless. Without the Technique of All Things, I would never have been able to prevent losing her.

I gazed down at the unconscious Jin So-cheong for a moment and muttered,

“Sorry, but I can’t afford to grant the Thunder God Lineage’s wish.”

Swish.

I stood up and spoke to Mangnyang.

“Mangnyang. Clean this up. And once Jin So-cheong and Extreme Tiger recover, extract all their martial arts energy from them. Make sure to gather intel on this Krishna character too.”

“Understood.”

“Also… gather the Great Army of the Great Ming Empire at the Liaodong border.”

Mangnyang flinched at that but slowly nodded.

“I will prepare.”

“I don’t intend to initiate an all-out war. But…”

“I know what you’re hinting at. Whatever choice you make, we will follow.”

“Thanks.”

For now, I didn’t intend to start a war.

However, just displaying strength and placing pressure on the nations of Liaodong and Goryeo might be enough to threaten the position of the Twelve Joules. I didn’t want to resort to such extremes, but now that I’ve confirmed the Twelve Joules don’t play by the rules either, I have no choice but to respond in kind.

“The Twelve Joules…”

I gritted my teeth hard.

“Alright, bring it on.”

Now, I’m determined to take down those bastards by whatever means necessary.

If this flow of reincarnation expects me to become the overlord of this world… then I will have no choice but to fulfill that expectation.