NOVEL NEXT Chapter 685
Dark Heaven Village
The Zhuge clan exited the building after finishing their discussion, stepping out to the Seven Stars Altar outside Mount Penglai. There, they found Wind Master, one of the Three Masters, waiting and immediately approached Zhuge Sa.
“I have a message from my lord. I’d like you to share what transpired inside,” he said.
Zhuge Sa chuckled mischievously. “Why should I?”
“Are you saying you don’t want to share?”
“You guys didn’t do anything at the Five Demon Gate, did you? If you want to know the story, then you’d better present an appropriate reward.”
Wind Master didn’t back down. “Then hand over the Half Yellow Pearl immediately. It’s our merit for coming all the way here to deal with the Sea God Clan. We didn’t work for free.”
“Hahaha! So the Joules leader has decided to whine after all,” Zhuge Sa teased.
“Think as you like.”
Wind Master showed no reaction, but contrary to his mocking demeanor, Zhuge Sa was analyzing the Wind Master’s deep inner thoughts.
‘A strong sense of fear… or perhaps vigilance.’
That emotion wasn’t directed at the Zhuge clan. The Joules’ avoidance of the encounter stemmed from the possibility of facing the Three Sovereigns or their subordinates. If that weren’t the case, they would have preferred to intimidate them with force, rather than leaving only a single subordinate behind and withdrawing their main forces.
Why was the Joules so afraid of the Three Sovereigns? Of course, considering that the essence of the Three Sovereigns is synonymous with the “Old Ruler,” it would make sense for a human sorcerer to feel fear.
However, when it came to powerful beings like the Joules, finding an opponent in the human realm shouldn’t be that daunting. Thanks to the Law of Cause and Effect and their contractual relations, there were ways to contend. Since it was rare for their true form to directly materialize, a top-tier sorcerer could easily handle the situation by effectively using contracts and sorcery.
The fear currently exhibited by the Joules was puzzling. Lost in thought, Zhuge Sa finally spoke.
“… I can hand over the Half Yellow Pearl. But I have a few minor conditions to present first.”
“What kind of conditions?”
“I’d like to invite your special investigator, Miyamoto Musashi, to serve as a martial arts instructor here. Learning in the Absolute Realm would surely enhance our strength.”
“……”
Wind Master seemed to make a call with some sorcery. After a while, he responded.
“He has agreed.”
“Great.”
After Wind Master received the Half Yellow Pearl, he vanished with a spell, and Extreme Tiger, his voice laced with concern, asked.
“Is it really okay to just give away that Half Yellow Pearl? Even if you don’t, that guy wouldn’t have much to say…”
“Anyway, we’re on an alliance front for a while, and if we overly offend the Joules, there won’t be much we can do. Plus, even if someone among us obtains the Half Yellow Pearl, it won’t hold significant meaning against the group attack of the Eight Parts of the Divine. If even Cheon Woo-jin were to obtain it, it’s better to hold onto it and negotiate for something else.”
After Zhuge Sa replied, he glanced around the comrades and then focused on Dharma Guardian Han Baek-ryeong, asking.
“So, what do you think?”
“……What do you mean?”
“Are you actually thinking that I let you overhear our secret plans for no reason? You’re not foolish, are you? Well, it seems that the stupid members of the Elder Council have committed self-destruction, which might be my luck after all.”
“What do you want?”
Zhuge Sa opened his mouth. “You don’t have much loyalty to the Master of the White Lotus Sect. So I’ll give you a chance to decide your future.”
Han Baek-ryeong’s gaze became sharp. “Are you telling me to betray the White Lotus Sect?”
“Not betrayal; let’s call it a crucial decision for the survival of the Fire Spirit Techniques.”
“What?”
“Don’t make me speak at length. You don’t know the true intentions of the Master of the White Lotus Sect nor the secrets behind the Primordial Spirit and Heavenly Spirit Pill. You don’t even grasp what we just signified by going to the Five Demon Gate; you’re but an infant in this matter. To put it bluntly, you don’t even know who the Eight Parts of the Divine are or why the sect leader targeted them, do you?”
“What…?”
“In this situation, if we offer you assured information and assist you for the survival of the Fire Spirit Techniques, you’re not going to refuse, are you? You must know that the sect leader sees the Fire Spirit Techniques merely as tools.”
“……”
Han Baek-ryeong appeared greatly taken aback and wavering. Zhuge Sa’s words were hitting the nail on the head regarding the uncomfortable points she had considered. Zhuge Sa calmly continued addressing Han Baek-ryeong.
“Let’s join forces. Then you can survive.”
“… I’d like to hear the information first. After that, I will decide.”
“Oh, I wish I could say that’s a careful decision, but I can’t. I know you’re weighing your options in your heart at this very moment. You’ll likely accept our information quickly and then stick with one of the three great powers.”
“Hmm…”
“Decide now. We don’t particularly need to ally with you.”
As Zhuge Sa pressed Han Baek-ryeong, after a long consideration, she reluctantly answered.
“I will ally with you. Keep your promise.”
“Done deal!”
After that, Zhuge Sa briefly shared information about the hidden world and the sect leader’s true motives, as well as what was currently happening. As she listened, Han Baek-ryeong appeared significantly perplexed.
“I can’t believe it… such an expansive world existed?”
“Neither the Master of the White Lotus Sect nor the Joules can become the ultimate victor. They are clearly bound by the limits of humanity. However, our lord can surpass those limits. So it’s better to side with us.”
“Your lord… is it him?”
“Correct.”
Han Baek-ryeong was vaguely aware of Baek Woong’s existence. After all, she couldn’t possibly be uninformed about the mysterious young martial artist controlling Jin So-cheong from the shadows. However, she had no knowledge of why the sect leader had secretly persistently chased him to the southern continent. Now, she felt she finally understood the reason.
Leading such heroes of the generation, he was a being that could penetrate through the secrets of the hidden world! That was why the Master of the White Lotus Sect had been pursuing him.
Han Baek-ryeong spoke with her mind firmly set. “Alright. From now on, the Fire Spirit Techniques will assist you as allies.”
“It’s an alliance, then. The first thing we need to do…”
“What is it?”
“There are several tasks you will have to carry out.”
Zhuge Sa whispered his plans. Han Baek-ryeong accepted those proposals.
Upon returning to the Main Hall of the White Lotus Sect, they recounted to the sect leader what had transpired. Naturally, they refrained from mentioning about receiving the summoning technique from Jeon Wook, and thus the sect leader was quite disappointed.
[That’s unfortunate. After all that, you only obtained one treasure…]
“I’ll strengthen the barrier of the World Tree with the Half Yellow Pearl, so it’s not entirely a loss. It wasn’t a waste of time.”
[So shall we head to the main base of the Joules now?]
“Of course. Let’s meet in the Divine City in two days.”
[Understood.]
They did not intend to withstand the Eight Parts of the Divine at the Main Hall of the White Lotus Sect. No matter how many experts or military tools the White Lotus Sect had, against a godly entity, they would be as useful as a barren field. Rather, it was right to defend at the World Tree, which was a powerful spiritual area, along with the nearby Divine City.
Of course, there was also a possibility that the Main Hall of the White Lotus Sect could be destroyed, but Zhuge Sa was nearly unconcerned.
‘After all, even if they commit a massacre, it would only harm them. Such a waste of the Law of Cause and Effect will not happen.’
Although the Eight Parts of the Divine would use treasure that counteracts the Law of Cause and Effect to interfere with the human realm, the power of that treasure was not omnipotent. It would naturally be consumable, and the more they killed or engaged in destructive acts, the more quickly the Law of Cause and Effect would be drained. The objective of the Eight Parts of the Divine was to assassinate key figures of the human realm, such as the Master of the White Lotus Sect or the Joules, so they wouldn’t engage in unnecessary massacres.
With that, Zhuge Sa led his group toward Master Mangnyang’s village. Since it was near Luoyang, the danger was high, but it couldn’t be helped as they needed to bring Cheon Woo-jin along. Perhaps sensing that the Zhuge clan had arrived, Cheon Woo-jin greeted them at the entrance of the village.
“Zhuge Sa. My older brother told me he would proceed with the plan.”
“Hmm, is that so? Then I’ll just take you and leave Hyun behind.”
“Is there really a chance of winning? Considering the Eight Parts of the Divine’s strength, the odds seem slim.”
When Cheon Woo-jin expressed his doubts, Zhuge Sa responded.
“Well, technically, we’re not fighting to win. If they come at us with full force, even with the combined strength of the Master and the Joules, we wouldn’t stand a chance. It’s as if several Demon Kings are attacking us at once.”
“Then what’s the point of this madness?”
“Who knows… but maybe it’ll yield something? It’s a so-called meaningful madness.”
“Hah!”
“And they say strategists enjoy difficult situations even more.”
Responding nonchalantly, Zhuge Sa glanced at the fog covering the village.
“By the way, can I really not meet Master Mangnyang?”
“Given your memories of your past life, you should already know. Master doesn’t like meeting evil sorcerers like you.”
“Hmm.”
That didn’t feel entirely accurate.
Zhuge Sa muttered to himself. Certainly, if one viewed Master Mangnyang as an ancient god standing at the opposite pole of the “Old Ruler,” it would be understandable that he wouldn’t want to meet a sorcerer like him. However, Master Mangnyang was far too enigmatic to simply categorize as a powerful ancient god. Moreover, the way he seemed to avoid even engaging in conversation with him raised uncertainties.
Did he merely consider him a mere bug?
That didn’t feel right.
It wasn’t just that. During the remaining time, Zhuge Sa had delved into research on the Demon Book while seeking material related to Master Mangnyang; however, he found none resembling the “Old Ruler.” He had heard rumors of an ancient god protecting cats, but he didn’t believe such a being could be akin to Master Mangnyang. Most importantly, to Baek Woong, he appeared merely as a cat, but according to Yeodong-bin’s memories, Master Mangnyang originally possessed a terrifying avatar.
Historically, not a single sorcerer had ever comprehended what kind of existence Master Mangnyang was. He was an entity that couldn’t be found in records of the otherworld or the constellations. Based on all the information Baek Woong had gathered so far, there was no doubt that Master Mangnyang was a being that had literally descended from the heavens!
Could it be that Master Mangnyang—
“… Are you not leaving?”
When Cheon Woo-jin bluntly remarked, Zhuge Sa snapped out of his thoughts and shook his head.
“I’m quite the fool, really. To be writing stories in my head.”
“So, is that it for your story?”
“You have your tasks to carry out.”
“Damn it! Am I to be your free labor after Baek Woong?”
As Cheon Woo-jin wrinkled his face, Zhuge Sa let out a sly smile.
“Ah, how about you take me to the prophet?”
“You nonchalantly throw work my way. If there’s no compensation, I won’t do it!”
“Compensation? Hmmm… after the assault from the Eight Parts of the Divine, I’ll teach you a method to survive.”
“What?”
“I’m saying that after this assault, practically everyone will die, but you’ll survive to assist Baek Woong.”
“……”
Cheon Woo-jin looked at Zhuge Sa, questioning if he was making fun of him, but the sincerity in Zhuge Sa’s eyes was evident. He was convinced there would be almost no chances of survival and that annihilation was imminent. With a heavy sigh, Cheon Woo-jin replied.
“You damn sorcerer…”
Hehe.
With a *Pa-at,* Cheon Woo-jin cast a spell to teleport himself and Zhuge Sa to a spot near the Divine City, then activated another technique to head north to the abode of the prophet. Upon entering territory of the Arasa Empire and navigating through some rough terrain, the domain of the prophet came into view, and the two stepped inside.
*Creeeak…*
It was a place that sounded oddly familiar to Baek Woong. However, as soon as they set foot inside, both Cheon Woo-jin and Zhuge Sa felt an immense pressure engulfing them.
*Kugugugu…*
[Who dares to invade my domain?]
The voice of the prophet reverberated. They had fallen into a type of magical trap. Cheon Woo-jin hastily used the ordered spell to escape, but Zhuge Sa found it impossible to break free even with magic. He felt as if a colossal weight had pinned him down, forcing him to the ground.
‘The level of this magic is different. Truly a Demon King…’
After Cheon Woo-jin escaped with his sorcery and cast a protection spell, he soon coughed up blood.
“Cough!!”
[For a human, rather impressive, but meaningless. Die here.]
*Kugugugu…*
Soon, Cheon Woo-jin was subdued and flattened to the ground.
“Damn… this is absurd…”
He harbored disbelief that he, having reached the state of divine embodiment, was subdued so easily. But Zhuge Sa felt it was only natural. If the far-off Demon King from the ancient realm could be referred to as a *Lowly Old Ruler*, he was undoubtedly a being that had lived for millions of years! An existence wielding overwhelmingly unimaginable power.
Suppressing a groan, Zhuge Sa spoke up.
“We came to… trade, oh Demon King…”
The pressure lifted suddenly. As Zhuge Sa sprung to his feet, the prophet appeared from the other side of the room, slightly revealing himself.
[Trade… what do you mean?]
“We are companions of Baek Woong, who traded with you involving the Nameless Ritual Book. We’ve come to propose an additional trade with you.”
In response came a reply steeped in haughty arrogance.
[How laughable… do you humans think you can barter with me? It seems you have nothing of worth.]
“… That’s something we’ll know only after we try.”
[Fine… I’ll hear your story.]
*Swish, swish…*
Cheon Woo-jin’s confinement was lifted, allowing them to stand normally. And as Cheon Woo-jin struggled to regain his composure, Zhuge Sa couldn’t help but smile bitterly.
‘Well, this is normal.’
After all this time, the prophet had only shown an excess of curiosity, interest, and favor toward Baek Woong. In reality, this entity regarded mere humans as bugs or pets, perceiving sorcerers or Magic Masters capable of posing a threat as pests. While he might entertain trivial human tales or discussions, he would exterminate those possessing abilities without hesitation.
Under normal circumstances, it would be impossible for a human to adequately negotiate or converse equally with such an existence. Had Zhuge Sa not mentioned Baek Woong, it would have probably led to summarily being slaughtered, like swatting a fly. Baek Woong evidently didn’t realize it, but this encapsulated the abysmal status of humans within this world—a brutal degradation!
Zhuge Sa spoke up again.
“I wish to obtain the memory transference technique in exchange for the summoning technique.”
[Oh… let’s see…]
The prophet’s tendrils wriggled for a moment, and in that instant, Zhuge Sa felt his mind completely unravel, as if it were being read. The horrifying sight of an eye on a tentacle gleaming brightly was seen as the spell for memory transference seemingly got imprinted in his mind.
[Indeed. The conditions for trading are satisfactory. But why do you want the memory transference technique?]
“Let’s just say it’s for a will.”
[… So, you plan on making it an external storage medium for the Reborn Person.]
Is he truly a prophet?
Zhuge Sa felt a shiver run through him as the prophet sharply discerned his intentions.
“I won’t deny it.”
Then the prophet chuckled.
[Hahaha… This is absurd… Even if a Reborn Person belongs to the human race, fundamentally, he is different from you. Do you not understand how meaningless it is to devote your loyalty and effort to that existence?]
“I gather some notion of it, but wouldn’t it still pique your interest? Given the position of a filthy human.”
[Chuckles… Now, that’s amusing… I accept the terms of your proposal.]
As the prophet extended a tentacle, the memory transference technique abruptly implanted itself into Zhuge Sa’s mind. As he basked in this new knowledge, the prophet turned away while saying.
[That’s quite the struggle… I considered extracting the summoning spell from your brain, but I merely copied it instead… Do enjoy your floundering.]
Evidently, the prophet seemed to know what Cheon Woo-jin was attempting, and what was currently happening. Zhuge Sa acknowledged that, from the prophet’s perspective, he was no different from a dancing insect, but he shrugged it off and smiled.
“Just as you wish.”