NOVEL NEXT Chapter 742
Chapter 742: Dark Heaven Village
“It might be a hasty conclusion.”
If Master Hyuncheon is indeed the malicious Demon God who assaulted the Three Sovereigns and annihilated the Sanqing, then practically, he is the one holding all the strings behind this world’s shadows. Talking to him face-to-face could be digging my own grave in this life. Theoretically, the best strategy would be to quietly grow my power while he remains unaware, then strike back. That’s why until now, the books have warned me not to carelessly borrow his strength.
But that’s not the case anymore.
‘ In this life, I am closer than ever to fully acquiring the Seven Luminaries.’
There are still many unresolved secrets, but that will be a problem for later. Ever since I first learned of the existence and power of the Seven Luminaries, I’ve focused solely on gathering them—not just for their mighty power, but also to uncover the secrets that arise when all of them are united. Without understanding that, I’d be utterly helpless.
How many more chances will I have in the future to gather the Oyo again and challenge the Six Luminaries?
Considering the immense power and luck required, it could take hundreds of years. Even if my strength and combat prowess improved dozens of times over, I might never again approach the acquisition of the Seven Luminaries like I have in this life. No matter how powerful I become, the world is filled with dimensions beyond dimensions, and things will not proceed as I wish.
In that case, I can’t afford to leisurely aim for greatness, lest I find myself facing the ultimate shadow. If I go that far, the lack of memory capacity I’m already suffering from could lead to my mind collapsing. Time alone doesn’t guarantee good things. Perhaps if I were a madman incessantly pursuing the path of martial arts, it might work, but I can’t become such a person.
If I can obtain the Earth Star, the passage to the Moon Sovereign opens, and if I can overcome the challenges of the Moon Sovereign, then my goals will be achieved. Rather than worrying about losing all my cards while being cautious around the shadow, it might be more beneficial to negotiate with him to tilt the overall board in my favor.
‘ I must not get confused about my goals.’
Defeating all the enemies surrounding me is not the objective.
I can’t become invincible; that’s practically impossible.
So, the best course for me is to swiftly bring this tale of reincarnation to a conclusion. Once I achieve my goal, I can think about what to do next.
Cheon Woo-jin spoke next to me.
“That’s all good, but what do you plan to say when you summon him? If he’s the shadow, what can we even say to him? ‘Please don’t plot any conspiracies’?”
“Indeed, Master Hyuncheon might not even give my words the slightest heed. Normally, that would be the case, but the circumstances are different now.”
I replied while looking at the Moon Sovereign’s essence in my hand.
“We currently possess five of the seven Luminaries. That fact is known to both the Celestial Realm and that guy. If our actions can decide the fate of the world, he must approach us with caution.”
“Are you thinking of negotiating using the Seven Luminaries?”
“Exactly.”
Then, the Celestial Sage, who had been listening, made a sound of contemplation.
“It seems that the Public Uncle has had a displeased expression for a while. Do you have something to say?”
[ Of course… Why must we cross such a dangerous bridge?]
The Public huffed in a growl.
[ Baek Woong, if it’s true we hold five of the Seven Luminaries and have the greatest control, shouldn’t other forces be the ones getting anxious? If we have the cards to lead the situation as we please, why push ourselves to take the initiative?]
I responded coolly to the Public’s words.
“As of now, we’ve always struck first while hidden in the shadows. Even with relatively lacking power, since we’ve always been unknown, our attacks have consistently found success. But now we’ve openly confronted Changhil and Jeogok and have the Liberation Seven Luminaries gathered here; surely the Celestial Realm would know that.”
[ ……]
“Those who are revealed are no longer scary. We’ve become the ones receiving attacks now. And if Changhil or the Celestial Realm starts scheming, we may find ourselves easily falling into traps.”
[ But what does that have to do with meeting Master Hyuncheon?]
“We need to reshuffle the deck according to our wills. Being exposed can’t become a weakness.”
I prepared for the summoning with Cheon Woo-jin. While he gathered the flags for the summoning ritual, I gathered Hu Dae-seong, the Heavenly Mysterious Woman of Nine Heavens, the Public, and Cheon Gong-pyo and posed a question.
“There are currently three Oyo that have been liberated: the Moon Sovereign, Water Element, and Wood Essence. The one not liberated is the Fire Element, which I possess, and the Gold Element, which you hold.”
[ I see.]
“So I’d like to ask, how can we forcibly liberate the Seven Luminaries? I want to know the exact method.”
I suspected it wouldn’t be as simple as just squeezing it out with strength. If the seals on the Luminaries could be broken by mere brute force, there would have been no reason to seal them in the first place. From the past when the Public freed the Luminaries, I suspected he might have a particular method for this.
The Public, who had been listening, spoke up.
“What do you mean by ‘not detached from the Three Sovereigns’?”
[ We giants look similar to you humans, but fundamentally, we are a top-tier race comparable to the “Old Rulers.” We were once travelers across dimensions, showcasing a mighty civilization. In contrast, humans can be considered a degenerate version created by mimicking the form of giants. That’s why you humans and giants resemble each other.]
“……”
[ The Yan Emperor Shennong is a member of the Three Sovereigns, and he has mentioned that the emperor isn’t that distantly related to him. Our divine energy is relatively familiar to the Three Sovereigns.]
“I see.”
It seems that the original “Old Rulers,” who first created humanity, had modeled the human form after powerful divine beings. Moreover, the fact that the Public could artificially liberate the Seven Luminaries suggests it was not merely due to his strength but rather a unique ability of the giant race.
The Celestial Sage chimed in,
“Unfortunately, I don’t know a specific method to liberate the Luminaries.”
“So, you merely hindered others from gathering the Seven Luminaries.”
“Why does your tone sound so disdainful? Anyway, I may not know, but it seems that the Three Sovereigns or their bloodline have somewhat informal ways of freeing them.”
Finally, the Heavenly Mysterious Woman of Nine Heavens spoke.
[ Using the Corpse Dissolution Technique makes it possible.]
“……”
[ Baek Woong, it seems you have something you wish to say.]
“I’ve been curious for a while: what exactly is the Corpse Dissolution Technique? It’s so versatile, allowing healing, movement, attack, sealing, barriers, and defense… it’s far too powerful. Can I learn it too?”
In response to my inquiry, the Heavenly Mysterious Woman answered.
[ This technique would be hard to learn even for a genius. Among the countless Great Immortals I’ve taught, none have truly mastered the Corpse Dissolution Technique. This is because it’s more akin to my own unique ability than just a technique.]
“An ability?”
[ That’s right. Unlike all other techniques in this world, the Corpse Dissolution Technique is not based on the Three Sovereigns’ power. Its system is entirely different, designed specifically to activate at my convenience. Thus, as powerful as it is, it is difficult to pass it on to others.]
“……”
That was an unexpected revelation.
‘ Wait a second. Does that mean the Corpse Dissolution Technique isn’t a technique at all?’
The definition of a technique is a system of sorcery bestowed upon humanity at the dawn of time by the Three Sovereigns. According to Master Hyuncheon, the transmission of techniques is often likened to fire. So even when creating a new technique, the power to activate it ultimately comes from Fuxi.
This differences are monumental.
If the Three Sovereigns were to perish and all sorcerers on earth lost their abilities, those possessing the Corpse Dissolution Technique wouldn’t lose theirs, because they aren’t receiving power from Fuxi. In a fundamental sense, the Corpse Dissolution Technique could not even be classified as a technique, but rather as a form of supernatural ability.
Even so, the direct disciples of the Heavenly Mysterious Woman among the Great Immortals were capable of imitating the Corpse Dissolution Technique, and the Ji-seon Mang-nyang I encountered in my past life also used it to transfer his memories and experiences. Thus, it could be seen less as pure supernatural ability and more as an unfamiliar system that some might replicate based on their talent.
Thump!
At that moment, one of my latent memories within me surged rapidly to the surface.
Brrrrrr
‘ This… is…’
The Seal of the Supreme King!
I hadn’t initiated the Seal of the Supreme King, but its strange resonance was puzzling. Soon, I realized this was a latent auxiliary function of the Seal.
Enhanced memory retention and comprehension!
The Prophet race, distinguished for traversing the universe, required intellect far beyond humans, thus their brainpower and memory developed to extreme degrees, not to mention their mental faculties. The blessing of the Seal of the Supreme King, directly granted by a ruler of such a race, manifests significant auxiliary effects on the mind.
Simultaneously, I felt the unexpected reservoir of knowledge from Ji-seon Mang-nyang, which had remained buried in my mind until now, start to flow and unbind. It felt as though incomprehensibly advanced sorcery knowledge, far beyond my skills or intellect, was dissolving within me. While I was unable to bring over all of Ji-seon Mang-nyang’s two centuries of training experience, I seemed to have gleaned about 30% of it.
I could feel it.
From now on, sorcery training seems to be within reach!
‘ Unbelievable…’
I finally understood what Ji-seon Mang-nyang had represented when he faced me in my 16th reincarnation. Although nominally positioned as a subordinate of the Great Immortal level, the truth was that Mang-nyang had been a genius who had learned over 90% of the Corpse Dissolution Technique from the Heavenly Mysterious Woman. Thus, in reality, when he had stood in my way during the assault on the Imperial Palace, he possessed the combat capability of a Great Immortal.
In the 16th reincarnation, Zhuge Clan had acquired the powerful Demon Sorcerer’s treasure, the Golden Box, making them incredibly formidable. Yet, I had felt something was off as I fell too easily to someone like Ji-seon Mang-nyang. Now, the mystery was clarified: the techniques he employed, such as the Seven Fires, Seven Golds Line or the Ngumwa Method, were not typical techniques but rather utilized the foundation of the Corpse Dissolution Technique. Contrary to his nominal rank, Mang-nyang had been a direct disciple of the celestial highest great Immortal opportunity, Heavenly Mysterious Woman.
‘ How could Mang-nyang, despite possessing little ordinary sorcery, achieve tremendous success through the Corpse Dissolution Technique of the Heavenly Mysterious Woman?’
Back in Ji-seon Mang-nyang’s memories, even the Heavenly Mysterious Woman regarded his accomplishments as unprecedented in the history of the Celestial Realm. According to her description, even the genius Cheon Woo-jin would struggle to properly master the Corpse Dissolution Technique—so how had Mang-nyang done it?
I found myself pondering this oddity, but anyway, it became clear why Mang-nyang had relentlessly clung to the Celestial Recruitment throughout his reincarnations. This genius realized he had a great affinity for the Corpse Dissolution Technique upon simply using Obsidian to read my memories and instinctively concluded that becoming a disciple of the Heavenly Mysterious Woman was his only route to achieving greatness.
I sighed inwardly, contemplating,
‘ Mang-nyang! From the next life onward, I’ll do whatever it takes to make you a disciple of the Heavenly Mysterious Woman!’
Until now, I had left Mang-nyang to fend for himself, but that ends now. Having caught a glimpse of solid potential, I’ll also make it my mission to support Mang-nyang. A Mang-nyang who masters the Corpse Dissolution Technique is sure to become a powerful force.
As I organized the sorcery knowledge I had gained thanks to the Seal of the Supreme King, I asked Cheon Gong-pyo.
“Cheon Gong-pyo, how did you liberate the Water Element?”
[ I…]
“Do you have to use that Lingual Power? Can’t you give me a taste of your voice?”
“… I momentarily interpreted the formation of the Luminaries with my chaotic talent.”
“I see, so it was talent-based.”
I sighed deeply as I heard Cheon Gong-pyo’s words.
‘ Damn it. The divine beings have various methods, but as an ordinary human, I have no way to liberate the Seven Luminaries at will…’
Though it seemed that among my powerful allies, three of them could liberate the Luminaries independently, that wasn’t at all the case. The Public was inherently a giant closely related to the Three Sovereigns, as an ultra-advanced divine race, and the Heavenly Mysterious Woman’s mastery of the Corpse Dissolution Technique was unfathomable. Cheon Gong-pyo was born with extraordinary chaotic talent distinguishing him among ancient humans, embodying a legendary status themselves.
For an ordinary human like me to liberate the Seven Luminaries, I must resort to the either generic liberation or receive approval from the Three Sovereigns. The Celestial Sage, as a disciple of the Great Master Stone, could freely employ the 72 techniques of sorcery, yet lacked the technique to liberate the Luminaries—pointing to the difficulty.
No matter how I think about it, from the next life onward, I absolutely must solve the Offering Ceremony.
“Then liberating the Seven Luminaries should be quite feasible. Both the Heavenly Mysterious Woman and the Public should be able to handle it, leaving us with the task of obtaining the Earth Star.”
“Is it true you plan to summon Master Hyuncheon?”
“Yes.”
“If that guy shows up and starts messing around, I’ll protect you, so do your best.”
I felt strengthened by the encouragement from the Celestial Sage.
And just a bit later, Cheon Woo-jin completed the summoning circle, and I made the offering of the food to the altar.
Brrrr
The altar quaked as Master Hyuncheon began to be summoned within Cheon Woo-jin’s form.
Eventually, Master Hyuncheon slowly opened his eyes within Cheon Woo-jin’s body, speaking,
[ I am Master Hyuncheon. What do you want from me?]
Normally, I’d be sick to death of hearing such a simple line after so many times during offerings. But this time, knowing the hidden essence behind Master Hyuncheon stirred a strange feeling in me.
After a moment, I finally spoke.
“Please mobilize all the forces of the Celestial Realm immediately and attack Changhil.”
[ …What?]
“Either eliminate the Eight Parts of the Divine or at least make it so Changhil retreats into Dark Heaven Village.”
Master Hyuncheon looked astonished at what he heard and replied.
[ Don’t spout nonsense. I have no authority over that, and even if I did, I couldn’t deal with such causality from such offerings.]
“Furthermore.”
Ignoring his response, I continued.
“Please eliminate the magical powers binding Zhuge Sa’s soul and restore him.”
[ What is this… It isn’t worth the price.]
“Another thing.”
[ Hey, listen to me.]
“Tell the Jade Emperor and Queen Mother of the West to stay out of my way.”
[ ……]
“One more thing.”
Master Hyuncheon looked as if he were utterly dumbfounded.
I smirked and said,
“You, stop interfering in this world and fade away from the Celestial Realm. If you don’t fulfill my demands, I will liberate all the Seven Luminaries I possess and show you what happens when Nüwa freaks out.”