NOVEL NEXT Chapter 678
Chapter 8: The Deal of Destiny
“Where on earth are we?”
As soon as we landed, the Heavenly Mysterious Woman of Nine Heavens turned to Cheon Gong-pyo and said, “Wait. I have something to say.”
“Zing…”
The two of us, having fallen from the sky, touched down on the mysterious ground, and it felt far from the Central Plains based on the unfamiliar trees surrounding us. At least the oppressive, dark magical energy of Dark Heaven Village wasn’t lingering here, which was a relief.
Cheon Gong-pyo spoke up. “My promise with Baek Woong is over. Are you planning to ask for a renewal?”
Shaking her head at the mocking tone of Cheon Gong-pyo, the Heavenly Mysterious Woman replied, “Not at all. But Baek Woong has something he wants to say, so just listen to him.”
“Hmph… What new scheme is this?”
With an incredulous smirk, Cheon Gong-pyo nodded, and I felt the tension ease as the Heavenly Mysterious Woman released her control over my body. As soon as I regained my autonomy, I turned sharply to Cheon Gong-pyo and declared,
“Cheon Gong-pyo! Let’s strike a deal!”
“I knew you would say that. Did you really think I’d be waiting for it?”
“Ack…”
“Pa-lun-in.”
Zing!
Suddenly, a bizarre white seal appeared above my head and exploded. It all happened so fast that I couldn’t dodge in time, but it felt like the Heavenly Mysterious Woman’s spirit had shielded me in that instant. She hovered in her spirit form and glared at Cheon Gong-pyo.
“Are you out of your mind, using deadly treasures without even hearing me out?”
“Were you planning to stick around?”
“Enough! If you keep this up, I will unleash all my Corpse Dissolution Techniques to seal you away for an eternity!”
Yikes!
Cheon Gong-pyo seemed taken aback by her menacing threat, laughing incredulously as if he never expected her to say such a thing.
“Are you joking? With your body restored, do you have really nothing else to do but threaten me?”
“You know very well I don’t joke.”
“……”
“I warned you.”
The expression on Cheon Gong-pyo’s face darkened. It appeared that she didn’t take the idea of being sealed away lightly. With resignation, she turned to me and said, “Fine, state your deal. I’ll hear you out.”
Finally, we reached a point of dialogue. However, thinking about the challenges I’d faced to get here left me feeling somewhat deflated.
“To please the Celestial Sage, I had to write a novel to popularize it, which meant I brought a top-notch printing press from the Western Regions to unseal the Ruyi Staff in Dark Heaven Village, expending my Yin Spirit Power to offer to the Heavenly Mysterious Woman… And now, I can finally talk business with Cheon Gong-pyo?”
Could I replicate all this in my next life?
…No way. Although I could roughly follow the process, I couldn’t guarantee my control over Cheon Gong-pyo. This time, thanks to the Heavenly Mysterious Woman’s influence, it worked out, but it was not a choice I could typically make. I just got lucky, and replicating it again would be incredibly difficult. Not to mention, I had exhausted my Yin Spirit Power permanently.
Therefore, I had to suppress my worries and focus all my attention on this negotiation. No matter what, I was determined to gain something.
“Cheon Gong-pyo, listen closely. Do you realize what it means that the needs of the Heavenly Mysterious Woman are in a state of liberation? You released this need in Dark Heaven Village.”
“… Hmm, I see.”
As a Grand Sorcerer, Cheon Gong-pyo grasped my implications right away.
“Are you suggesting that Jeon Wook, sovereign of the Three Sovereigns, or some associated master will intervene in this world under the pretense of liberation?”
“Exactly. You’re getting it.”
This was the biggest predicament we were facing in this reality.
Liberation of the Seven Luminaries!
There were originally three methods for liberating them.
The first involved the Offering Ceremony, the second required deliberately feeding blood and performing killings to recharge their powers, and the last involved a powerful divine being artificially inflating their powers to break their seals. I had attempted the first two methods throughout my previous life, while the last method was tried by Gong Gong, so I was practically an expert in the liberation of the Seven Luminaries.
However, those liberated through methods not involving standard Offering Ceremonies would inevitably suffer side effects. Those released after being fed blood and offerings experienced the Old Ruler’s descent, taking over my body, while forcibly breaking the seal would trigger chaos as the Three Sovereigns, particularly Nüwa, would sense it.
Now, since Cheon Gong-pyo had broken the seal forcibly without going through the regular process, it fell under the third scenario. In this case, a high probability existed that the Three Sovereigns would obtain the Law of Cause and Effect and intervene, putting us in a dangerous situation upon returning to reality. It was only a matter of time before Jeon Wook or the Old Ruler of the North Pole, both closely linked to this need, would make their move.
Seeing Cheon Gong-pyo’s interest piqued, I continued.
“The Heavenly Mysterious Woman is currently utilizing her Corpse Dissolution Techniques to hide the signs of the liberated need. But she can’t keep it concealed forever. Eventually, she’ll be caught by Jeon Wook or another of the Three Sovereigns.”
“What are you trying to say?”
“Right now, we’re riding a tiger. We either ride it to the end or fall off halfway.”
“… You’re asking me to cooperate in acquiring the Seven Luminaries.”
“Exactly.”
I nodded, pressing further. “This isn’t merely your business. Even if you gain your body back and are liberated from your seal, the ultimate enemy you’ll need to confront is the Three Sovereigns, right? If you have to fight them eventually, it’s wise to think ahead on how to resist.”
“You’ve got some nerve, deciding my purpose.”
“What then? Were you planning to run away from us? Going to Golden Crow Island in the Otherworld to unseal Dalgi and gather the Ten Heavenly Generals to recover your prestige?”
“……”
“But do you honestly believe that you can muster the strength to defeat even one of the Three Sovereigns by rallying the remnants? It would be like throwing eggs against a rock!”
“Stop twisting my words and say what you really mean.”
Cheon Gong-pyo declared with an irritated expression.
“Are you asking me to ally with you?”
“Yes. What do you think?”
“… Depends on the conditions of this alliance. The foremost prerequisite is the whereabouts of the Seven Luminaries.”
With a haughty look, she gazed down at me.
“Do you know the whereabouts of the other Seven Luminaries? If not, I wouldn’t even consider this talk.”
I grinned and confidently replied, “I do!”
“If you lie, there will be hell to pay.”
“Do you really think there’s anyone out there who knows more about the Seven Luminaries than me? I traveled all the way to Dark Heaven Village to track down the whereabouts of the Earth Star!”
“… Hmm.”
As I boasted, Cheon Gong-pyo seemed to find my confidence convincing, nodding thoughtfully. I pressed my advantage further.
“Let’s gather the Seven Luminaries while they’re still unliberated. Then, at the right moment, we’ll release their seals all at once and use that liberation to rise to the Imperial Palace!”
“You mean you intend to meet Emperor Gong Sun Xuanwen?”
“What’s wrong with that? Think about it, it’s much easier than battling the Three Sovereigns.”
“True enough.”
I stepped closer.
“Hey!”
Cheon Gong-pyo flinched, and I reached out a hand to her.
“Let’s shake on it. There’s only so much one can do alone, and now is the time to pool our strengths against the Three Sovereigns. You’ve experienced it yourself, having to wage wars for reasons beyond comprehension.”
“……”
Cheon Gong-pyo remained silent for a while.
Then she shook her head and said, “I still refuse.”
“Why not?”
With a sigh, she answered, “Your judgement and thoughts seem reasonable, but how can I trust someone whose abilities are so weak? The Heavenly Mysterious Woman right now possesses tremendous power, but she will soon return to the Celestial Realm. Relying on the Fire Dragon Incarnate and Dragon King’s powers, how do you intend to match even a mere overlay?”
“Ugh…”
“It seems you and the Heavenly Mysterious Woman are not even coordinating.”
“Doesn’t it just take aligned intentions?”
“Absolutely not. Just talk and pretty words won’t suffice; this world is all about power and violence.”
Cheon Gong-pyo turned with a flick, continuing her thoughts.
“However, you’re beginning to sound worth listening to.”
“What are you saying?”
She pointed a finger at me.
“Let’s talk again in seven nights. If you can showcase strength worthy of having me as an ally, I might just consider it. Of course, excluding the Heavenly Mysterious Woman’s power.”
“Are you planning to come to my base?”
“I can manage that.”
Vwooom!
“Until next time. I relinquished control of the Ruyi Staff to you.”
With a shimmer, Cheon Gong-pyo vanished as if she had melted into the air. It seemed she had decided not to engage in a fight with the Heavenly Mysterious Woman. The spirit of the Heavenly Mysterious Woman appeared next to me and spoke.
“Baek Woong. By letting you have back the Ruyi Staff, it seems Cheon Gong-pyo is slightly inclined toward the alliance.”
That could be true, but I also guessed Cheon Gong-pyo possessed such might that the Ruyi Staff no longer had significant meaning to her. If she regained control of the Ten Heavenly Generals and restored her position, she’d easily wield countless treasures, and perhaps this is merely her showing off a touch of generosity.
It felt like such a waste.
“Sigh… Convincing her wasn’t easy. She could have been a powerful ally in unsealing the Flame Elemental Sword and Golden Eagle Guards.”
I sighed in disappointment. I had intended to persuade Cheon Gong-pyo to go unseal the other Seven Luminaries immediately. If she cooperated, I was certain we could gather the Seven Luminaries as swiftly as during the days of Gong Gong, but it seemed that straightforward action was out of reach. Naturally, I would have to discuss this with my strategists, but this was the best plan I could think of for now.
The Heavenly Mysterious Woman spoke, “Baek Woong. Will you follow me to the Celestial Realm?”
“What?”
“According to Cheon Gong-pyo, though you are strong for a human, you are still weak by Heavenly standards. Perhaps I can lend you my strength to make you stronger.”
“Oh!”
My face lit up as I exclaimed.
“I’ll go right away! Please lend me your power…”
But in the next moment, as if she had suddenly remembered something, the Heavenly Mysterious Woman said, “Ah… That’s not going to work. It takes a lot of energy to hide the signs of the liberated need, and if I hastily give you my power, I’ll be detected by the Queen Mother of the West.”
“……”
Then why say it at all?!
I felt puzzled but quickly thought of something and told her, “Then… could you at least let me use the Divine Sword Technique freely? Until now, I’ve been too cautious to activate it because of you.”
The Heavenly Mysterious Woman nodded.
“That much is feasible… Baek Woong, do you know what abilities the Divine Sword Technique possesses?”
“I understand it can forge an Immortal into a singular sword, severing ties with the Celestial Realm to evade observation.”
Additionally, while it seemed that the Fire Dragon Incarnate had never taught the Divine Sword Technique to Yeodong-bin, I knew he had learned it from her.
Another piece of sensitive information hovered on the tip of my tongue, but I refrained from saying it to avoid arousing suspicion.
“Impressive… How did you come to know that? The Divine Sword Technique is my unique technique.”
“Please, let that question slide.”
As I awkwardly replied, the Heavenly Mysterious Woman seemed satisfied and remarked, “I hope that one day you reveal it yourself.”
“My apologies.”
I still couldn’t share my memories with the Heavenly Mysterious Woman. After all, I had to consider the possibility that she’d be captured by someone after a defeat. I had already experienced my Zen Master and Bright Dragon almost spilling sensitive information to the White Lotus Sect, so I had to be cautious.
“In addition to what you know, the Divine Sword Technique has another capability.”
“What is it?”
“The accumulation of Cause and Effect.”
“Accumulation of Cause and Effect?”
As I tilted my head, the Heavenly Mysterious Woman explained, “The Divine Sword Technique can gather all of the practitioner’s Causes and Effects and condense them into a Divine Sword. This includes techniques and experiences. Thus, it acts as a vessel that allows the Great Immortal to store their power separately while converting their essence into ‘sword.'”
“Ah…”
“In other words, the Divine Sword allows the Great Immortal to have their own means of storing strength. By using the Divine Sword Technique, one can create their unique sword and accumulate Causes and Effects within it.”
I realized then, “So that’s why I was able to utilize Yeodong-bin’s Moon-Style Defense Technique when using the Divine Sword Technique!”
It was because the combat experiences had been condensed into that sword. However, since Yeodong-bin had transformed into the sword itself, it had been possible. My current Divine Sword did not contain such clear Causes and Effects, so I clearly couldn’t draw upon that power separately.
“So the more Causes and Effects one accumulates, the stronger they become?”
“Theoretically, yes. However…”
The Heavenly Mysterious Woman smiled bitterly.
“I passed on the technique I created, but he is undoubtedly a different breed.”
“Why’s that?”
“Theoretically, it’s a method for a limited Great Immortal to break through their bounds, but to truly accumulate Causes and Effects and demonstrate remarkable growth with the Divine Sword requires an immense amount of time. For instance, to gain a power one tier above his, Yeodong-bin would need at least four to five hundred years of relentless training, and to reach the pinnacle of Great Immortal status, it would need over three thousand years…”
“……”
“I know that even Yeodong-bin is aware he has less than five hundred years left to live. That’s why, despite being a Great Immortal, he’s willing to exhaust himself for training—he understands the dire nature of our time limit. In light of the imminent end, he practices as if he was going against the odds.”
Truly perplexing.
To grow one step further would require four to five hundred years, and to reach the peak of Great Immortal status, over three thousand years! To one who appeared to possess an essentially endless lifespan, that time didn’t seem overly long, but the real issue was that this world was poised to face an era of destruction. And even if Yeodong-bin managed to grow to the next tier, it was clear that nothing would change. Yet, he continued to accumulate combat experiences in the Divine Sword Technique.
What was Yeodong-bin thinking?
“Huh? Something feels off…”
There was an oddity in the Heavenly Mysterious Woman’s forecast. Perhaps it diverged from the information I had gathered. However, I couldn’t quite recall what. So I decided to push past it for now and said to the Heavenly Mysterious Woman,
“Regardless, please lift the constraints on the Divine Sword.”
“Very well. From now on, you will wield the Divine Sword freely, and you will be able to accumulate combat experiences within it. This is a blessing from me, the Heavenly Mysterious Woman.”
Whoosh!
And then, a rush of light enveloped my entire body, and I felt the pressure of the Divine Sword, previously stuck in my heart like a thorn, dissipate.
“With this, have I truly become a user of the Divine Sword Technique?”
Since the Heavenly Mysterious Woman herself had granted me this blessing, I wouldn’t need to worry about her getting irritable when I employed the technique. Due to the principles of Cause and Effect, she could not interfere or cause disturbance. Additionally, the thought of possessing my unique version of the Divine Sword Technique made my heart race.
The Heavenly Mysterious Woman said, “Baek Woong. You should return to your companions. I too will need your help to confront the Queen Mother of the West.”
“I understand.”
An interim alliance with the Heavenly Mysterious Woman!
Having lost the National Seal and Yin Spirit Power in this life, I had gained an equally significant ally in return.