NOVEL NEXT Chapter 509
Chapter 00509 – Dark Heaven Village
*Pa-at!*
The place that Choi Chi-won taught me about was the Seven Stars Altar located on Tamra Island. Miraculously, seven lights floated in a fixed orbit around the altar, and I managed to find the location of the altar from the edge of Tamra Island in just half a moment. The information Choi Chi-won provided me replayed in my mind.
[An island in the south of the peninsula, Tamra was once the kingdom of Tamra and an independent realm. The king of Tamra was called the Master of the Stars, and the first king of ancient Tamra could utilize the power of the Seven Stars constellation.]
*Step!*
I took a step toward the altar.
[The Tamra Master’s lineage has conducted ceremonies to accumulate their power at the Seven Stars Altar for generations. The accumulated spirit energy from the Seven Stars Altar opens a passage to the legendary Three Sacred Mountains, shows the surrounding sea roads, and stabilizes fishing, leading to prosperity. Seeking the secret of immortality from Qin Shi Huang, Seobok paid attention to this Tamra Master’s legend.]
[So, the Seven Stars Altar managed by the Tamra Master opens a passage to the Three Sacred Mountains.]
[Of course, Seobok had no choice but to come to this southern island to reach Mount Penglai. And after many negotiations, offering 2,000 men and treasure to the Tamra Master to open the altar, he probably managed to reach one of the Three Sacred Mountains, Mount Penglai. However, what he saw upon arrival there was truly hell…]
Choi Chi-won let out a heavy sigh.
[In my lifetime, while chasing after Seobok’s tracks, I discovered his techniques at the ruins of the Seven Stars Altar. The hell Seobok witnessed in Penglai Island was all recorded there. Furthermore, the miasma he unleashed when escaping from Penglai Mountain brought calamity to Tamra. This is why the people of Tamra tend to despise those from the mainland.]
[Hmm…]
[I will tell you the location and operation method of the Seven Stars Altar. But it requires a very strong spirit energy, so please prepare adequately.]
[Can’t I just ask the Tamra Master?]
Choi Chi-won wore a bitter smile at my question.
[Tamra was annexed to Goryeo after my death, and hundreds of years have passed since it became a subordinate state. In the meantime, the Tamra Master lost power and their bloodline went missing. At this point, I have no way of knowing where a legitimate Tamra Master even is, so you’ll have to open the altar by force.]
So, I gathered sufficient power.
As I finished reminiscing, I turned to Cheon Woo-jin, who stood beside me.
“Cheon Woo-jin, how do you feel?”
Cheon Woo-jin gazed at the wedge patterns and bizarre symbols around him, appearing to calculate something in his mind.
“… Amazing. This is a relic imbued with the power of the constellation. It’s stabilized with a very intricate technique. When was it built?”
“Isn’t it made by the first Master?”
“No, this isn’t a relic created by humans. Perhaps the first Master of Tamra…”
Muttering, Cheon Woo-jin brushed along the walls surrounding the altar.
“I think it can open the passage.”
“Good!”
*Woo-woo-woo!*
Cheon Woo-jin raised his power, filling the entire altar with spirit energy. After chanting for a long while, he reached forward and shouted.
“Gugugyeoryulryeong!”
*Pa-at!*
I felt myself being pulled into light as I found myself standing in an unfamiliar place.
‘Golden Crow Island?’
It felt similar to when I first arrived at Golden Crow Island. I stood at the edge of an incredibly high cliff, with the Cloud Sea sprawling below and bizarre rock formations surrounding me. Yet, I flinched at the powerful miasma creeping in from every direction.
“Hmm… Should I descend?”
With some apprehension, I used a spell to turn invisible and slowly began to descend Manjangan Cliff. After about forty steps down, the ground gradually came into view, but the world beneath the Cloud Sea was cloaked in a dark aura. Upon landing, I discovered the ground was like a muddy swamp, with the putrid stench of poison flowing in many places.
*Grrrr…*
A beast, incomprehensibly bizarre, with five arms and two tails, slithered with glistening skin. I could see similar beasts’ backs emerging from the swamp’s surface now and then. Given the massive size of this creature, it was evident to me that this place was a dangerous zone.
‘… I should get out of here.’
While I could handle taking down that monster, there was no reason to waste time unnecessarily. I employed the Soul Removal Technique to escape the swamp. Then, I began to wander around Penglai Island aimlessly, searching for any immortals or wise beings that might be present.
During my exploration, I spotted an ancient-style, enormous Taoist building in the distance and made my way toward it. From afar, it appeared to have a dignified exterior, but as I got closer, I noticed strange dried slime sticking to various parts of the building, and a sinister energy lingered heavily around it.
Upon entering the building’s interior, I gasped in shock at an atrocity that was almost unbearable to witness.
“……!!”
There were several figures who appeared to be immortals, tied to pillars, groaning or completely silent. Among them, some had wriggling eggs embedded in their skin, with insects crawling about. Nearby, there was a large collection of eggs, and what seemed to be tiny merfolk was crawling out of them.
‘The Sea God’s kin… little ones.’
So this place was the Hatching Grounds. Upon noticing a seemingly female immortal with a swollen belly, I frowned. Without speaking, it was clear she had endured long suffering at the hands of the Sea God’s kin. Once breathtakingly beautiful, her eyes were now empty as she released only soft, pitiful sounds. It’s not hard to imagine the horrors she had experienced.
The Sea God had invaded Penglai Island, using it as a hatching ground and a place for the brutal oppression of slaves. I realized that since the immortals were eternal beings, they couldn’t die, and had suffered for hundreds of years.
Surely, if a nation endured such a fate for centuries, they too would go insane. Biting my lip, I wielded my sword to slash down the nearby merfolk offspring.
*Shukwaah!*
*Screech!*
About a dozen offspring fell in an instant. I then crushed all the eggs beneath my feet, leaving none intact. Once I finished with the offspring, I cut away the sticky slime and ropes binding the immortals to free them.
“…….”
“Hello! Can you hear me?”
“……”
Yet, all the freed immortals stared blankly, responding with vacant eyes. Regardless of age or gender, they all seemed to have lost their minds. I attempted to converse with the twenty or so freed immortals, but with no response, I sighed and turned away.
At that moment, a thin voice reached me.
“Behind… behind… Cheongnyeongguan… Master of the Island…”
An aged-looking immortal mumbled, half-crazed. Upon hearing those words, I immediately recalled that there had been another building behind this one. I inquired about the situation, but it seemed their instinct had taken over, and he could no longer engage in logical conversation.
*Bang!*
As I stepped inside, I saw many remains of bone-like merfolk corpses. They appeared to have died a long time ago, but many recently dead merfolk were scattered about, making it feel as though I was walking through a corridor of corpses. After a moment, I spotted thousands of talismans floating in the dark interior.
*Crackle!*
*Crackle!*
As I neared, immense thunder energy erupted, launching attacks from each talisman. I swiftly evaded the thunder, recognizing that with ordinary skill, it could not be avoided or blocked. However, it wasn’t just a few dodges; eventually, the thunder amplified in power and continued to rain down upon me.
*Boom!*
*Boom!*
‘An automatic defensive barrier?’
Considering the amount of merfolk corpses piled outside, it seemed this barrier wouldn’t stop expelling thunder until every intruder was annihilated. Seeing that the merfolk struggled to breach this barrier for centuries hinted at the immense power of whoever cast it.
But I couldn’t afford to back down now.
I aimed the Flame Elemental Sword inward and shouted, packing all my internal power into my voice.
[I am Baek Woong, the Apostle of the Three Sovereigns Jeon Wook! I have come to save the survivors of Penglai Island, so do not attack me.]
*Crash!*
To my response, walls of thunder, akin to a supreme skill, surged toward me. I rushed to dodge with the Soul Removal Technique, but the attack was so immense and quick that avoiding it was barely possible, even with that. As the attacks intensified, I felt a chill running down my spine.
‘Damn it, I might die here.’
It appeared that the thunder from the barrier still had plenty of power left. It was not without reason that the merfolk had failed to breach it for hundreds of years. Torn between whether to brave the barrier or back away, I found myself at a loss.
Then, I heard it.
[You are an Apostle? Really?]
A burly voice resonated. I realized the master of the barrier was sending me a response, and I felt relieved.
[That’s right.]
[I am Lee Heung-pae, the Master of Penglai Island. Has the Apostle of the Three Sovereigns finally come to our rescue?]
His voice carried a hint of skepticism and shock. I felt like I had heard the name Lee Heung-pae before, racking my brain until I discovered answers buried in Ji-seon Mang-nyang’s memories and gasped in surprise, asking back.
[Lee Heung-pae, are you not the Four Saints of Gu-ryong Island?]
[That was the case during the Great Battle of the Gods. Later, I became a disciple of the Lantern Taoist and was appointed as the Master of Penglai Island.]
Lee Heung-pae, the Four Saints of Gu-ryong Island!
He was a revered immortal known for his outstanding martial name during the Great Battle of the Gods, and his current capabilities as the Great Immortal were surely formidable. As the Master of Penglai Island, he was undoubtedly a powerful presence comparable to any noted Taoist Master.
I asked him.
[Do you know what has been happening in the outside world? I have come to rescue Penglai Island as there is now a gap left by the Sea God’s death.]
[The Sea God has died…? The [Old Ruler]?]
[If that weren’t the case, would I boldly be on this island?]
The Master of Penglai Island seemed incredulous. After a moment, he said.
[Apostle, come here. I shall momentarily disable the barrier.]
*Woo!*
The air quivered as the thunder energy swirling around the floating talismans dissipated. I cautiously gazed at the talismans before stepping into the Cheongnyeongguan. When I beheld the brightly lit interior, I widened my eyes in amazement.
It was nearly skeletal in appearance!
That was the thought that struck me when I observed the current state of Lee Heung-pae, who looked emaciated, with skin pulled tight over bones. Considering he was an immortal, it was astonishing to see him resembling more of an ethereal being than a physical entity. He looked closer to those who have attained the state of the Buddha.
As I gazed at him in shock, he spoke.
[I resisted the Sea God with all my power to cast this barrier, but even as the Four Saints of Gu-ryong Island, confronting the Sea God’s might meant preparing for my own demise. I have already lost my form.]
He was honoring me with respectful speech. Acknowledging me as the Apostle brought him to respect me.
“Do you mean to say you cannot leave?”
[That’s right. I have devoted everything to this barrier. The moment it is disabled, I will shatter into pieces and vanish.]
“Hmm…”
[Apostle, tell me what has transpired in the outside world.]
I recounted the events surrounding the Sea God’s demise. After considering my words, Lee Heung-pae spoke.
[I have a request. Please rescue the remaining immortals of Penglai Island and take them to the Celestial Realm.]
“After enduring years of abuse and torture, all of them have lost their minds.”
[If it is the Heavenly Mysterious Woman, she can heal them and provide salvation… I implore you.]
“……”
I gazed at him with a heavy heart. Originally, as the Master of Penglai, he should be enjoying the full powers of the Great Immortal, but here he was, waiting for death in such a horrific state. It made it clear just how brutally the Sea God had rampaged.
“I have a question. The Three Sacred Mountains include not just Penglai Island, but also Yeongju Mountain and Bangjang Mountain. I can’t help but wonder if those places are…”
[I do not know. The Sea God and his kin invaded without warning. I have no knowledge of the outside.]
“Is that so?”
[Apostle Baek Woong, it seems you have not simply come to save us. What is it that you desire?]
I answered Lee Heung-pae’s question.
“I wish to head to the Ogo Sky Gate to meet my lord.”
[You were fortunate to discover that the entrance to Ogo Sky Gate is on Penglai Island…]
“Can you tell me where it is?”
[Very well. The location is…]
Lee Heung-pae detailed the location of the Ogo Sky Gate. He then stretched out his hands.
[Take this Half Yellow Pearl.]
“The Treasure…”
[In any case, I am fated to perish. I was holding back the Sea God from taking this treasure out of stubbornness. I trust you will find it useful.]
“Understood.”
I accepted the Half Yellow Pearl from Lee Heung-pae.
*Pasa-sasa!*
At that moment, his skeletal body crumbled into sand, scattering about, and the thousands of talismans lost their power, falling to the ground. He had been sustaining the barrier through the powers of the Half Yellow Pearl and the Great Immortal.
“Farewell.”
I looked sorrowfully at the remnants of Lee Heung-pae. Even at a glance, the Half Yellow Pearl was a powerful treasure that had played a vital role since the Great Battle of the Gods, contributing to the fame of the Four Saints of Gu-ryong Island. It was piteous that with such a treasure, he could merely protect himself from the Sea God!
‘Nevertheless, I obtained a treasure. Let’s make good use of it.’
I stored the immortals within my Wooden Armor and made my way out. As I traversed the wide expanse of Penglai Island, I noticed that many merfolk were withered and dying. Even without me seeking a fight, their exhausted expressions showed that they struggled to survive.
*Squeak! Squeak!*
Upon spotting me, the merfolk brandished tridents or other weapons, intent on pursuing me, but their resolve faltered as exhaustion overcame them. Given that the innate physical abilities of the merfolk surpassed those of humans, it was evident that they had weakened significantly.
‘It’s like a fish dying out of water.’
But that was understandable. This Penglai Island was originally a realm for immortals, but the Sea God had forcefully adapted it to suit the merfolk’s survival with his demonic power. However, now that the Sea God was dying, his powers waned, allowing the original spirit of Penglai Island to surge back forth, attacking the merfolk. It seemed the merfolk would be wiped out without me lifting a finger.
*Tydaht!*
Finally, I reached the northernmost part of Penglai Island. Unlike other areas, there were no signs of merfolk, horrific swamps, or moisture in the surroundings. Instead, a massive gate, about five zhang wide, radiating horrific ghostly energy loomed before me.
This was the entrance to the Ten Thousand Ghosts Palace, the Ogo Sky Gate!
Once I stepped inside, I would meet the Lord of the Sun and Moon. I swallowed hard, feeling anxious, and slowly pushed the Ogo Sky Gate open.
*Gugugu-gung…*
Despite its colossal size, the gate opened as if parting the air effortlessly. Once fully opened, I was met with a familiar face staring back at me.
[Surprising, indeed. What brings you here?]
“Yeol(?).”
Yeol, the high-ranking official of the Ten Thousand Ghosts Palace, and the overseer of the Ogo Sky Gate, looked at me with his dark, shadowy visage. Although he resembled a human shape, he was devoid of flesh and bone, a being solely composed of darkness, exuding an aura laden with malevolence.
[For five years, I’ve taught you the authority, warning you to reserve the power held by the Apostle and never to harm the majesty of the Ten Thousand Ghosts Palace… Yet here you are, purposefully coming to open the gates of Penglai Mountain. What are you playing at? If you were merely a mortal, I would have annihilated you right here.]
“What I want to ask first is why you left the Sea God kin unbothered at the gate itself?”
[What happens to celestial immortals is of no concern to the Ten Thousand Ghosts Palace. Furthermore, the Sea God dared not intrude here, fearing your lord. We’ve both ignored each other’s business.]
“I see.”
[So, Apostle Baek Woong, do you truly intend to pass through the gate into the Ten Thousand Ghosts Palace?]
Yeol glared at me, his intent palpable. He appeared to harbor malice.
*Gooo…*
I shuddered. Although I hadn’t noticed it during my training at the Ogo Sky Gate, now confronting him with my current self, I felt the pressure. Yeol, too, was a formidable force, a being of divine descent and the bloodline of a god, thus possessing immense power.
I steadied my resolve and said.
“I must meet Jeon Wook, for there’s something I must urgently inquire.”
[Then speak. I shall relay your words to my lord.]
“What’s with the restrictions on me? It feels like you’re deliberately obstructing me.”
[Even if you claim to be an Apostle, coming and going through the Ten Thousand Ghosts Palace as if it were your home isn’t acceptable. State your purpose and be on your way.]
Something felt off.
Yeol seemed to have a reason for obstructing my entry into the Ten Thousand Ghosts Palace.
‘Damn it… But I can’t press further…’
Regardless, Yeol was undoubtedly a being comparable to Pang Zuo or Emperor Changqie. He could potentially even rival Dalgi or the Demon King in strength. Going against him directly would be impossible at this moment.
Left with no choice, I said to Yeol.
“I recently conducted the Offering Ceremony, and an unfortunate incident occurred…”
I recounted the unexpected death I had experienced. Yeol nodded along, then spoke.
[Please wait a moment.]
*Pa-at!*
In an instant, Yeol vanished, then reappeared shortly after.
[My lord says the additional release of the Seven Luminaries has been prohibited under Nüwa’s command. The recent unfortunate incident was a wrath from Nüwa, aimed at those performing the Offering Ceremony to unleash the Seven Luminaries.]
“What, really?”
Nüwa is actually here?
Considering how negative her perspective was on the release of the Seven Luminaries, this certainly made sense. As I contemplated this, Yeol continued.
[From now on, mortal Offering Ceremonies are forbidden. Please keep this in mind.]
“… That makes no sense.”
[What do you mean?]
“I’m sure you’re well aware that the world is in chaos, Jeon Wook too, right? Shouldn’t I possess greater power and authority to protect Lord Jeon Wook’s legacy? I don’t understand why you’re prohibiting my release of the Seven Luminaries!?”
I protested, and Yeol replied matter-of-factly.
[That too was something my lord answered.]
“What did he say?”
[He instructed you to focus on your assigned task. The power you currently possess is already sufficient for the task at hand, while the release of the Seven Luminaries would be crossing a line. The release of the Seven Luminaries has already been decided as prohibited by the Three Sovereigns.]
“…….”
Assigned task.
That was certainly tracking the whereabouts of Changqie.
However, while I had traced the appearances of the Eight Divine Spirits, discovering their true forms was undoubtedly beyond my current capabilities! I was well aware of this, so I shouted back.
“I can’t do it! This way, I won’t be able to find the Eight Divine Spirits. I’m serious.”
[You’re whining.]
“Call it whining if you want. But I won’t back down until I receive additional power.”
[…….]
Yeol disappeared once again, only to promptly return.
[It has been dealt with, so you may go now.]
“What do you mean it’s been dealt with?”
Yeol employed a noticeably exasperated tone.
[After hearing your incessant murmurings, my lord granted one of your companions great power. Before you accomplish your task, avoid coming back.]