NOVEL NEXT Chapter 766
Dark Heaven Village
The moment the battle commenced, the companions wielding the Seven Luminaries rushed forward to attack the Wood Element. The Wood Element manifested as both a humanoid beauty and a gigantic tree, making it unclear which form to target first.
Yet, it seemed everyone instinctively understood that attacking the humanoid form was the right choice as they all began their assault.
*Pa-at!*
As the Seven Luminaries attacked, the humanoid avatar vanished immediately, leaving only the massive tree behind. The spirit of the tree started to spread its intent throughout the surroundings in a booming voice.
[Challengers, do not blame me for the harshness!]
*Shuaaaak!*
In that instant, the roots buried throughout the area began to tremble and rise, causing a tremor as if they were overwhelming the land for miles around. They exuded a grotesque life force, almost like the blood vessels of the earth.
From the writhing roots, a dark water-like substance splashed out and thrashed wildly.
“What is this?”
My group was baffled, having no idea what kind of trick the Wood Element was pulling. However, the sorcerer, Cheon Gong-pyo, seemed to recognize the Wood Element’s technique immediately and shouted to our allies.
[It’s the Wood Element’s unique technique. Its roots will consume the life force in this area and amplify the gravity of anything touched by the black water a thousandfold! Prepare yourselves, it will surge soon.]
“……!!”
He must have discerned the technique with his chaotic talent right after hearing its name. I, meanwhile, felt a sense of lightheadedness from the backline.
‘Damn it!! The Seven Luminaries are getting more outrageous by the moment.’
It was a dreadful technique. It meant that everything above the roots would instantly become desiccated corpses like withered trees while the thrashing black water below would pull anything it touched with a thousand times more gravity.
I had seen countless spells and destructions on my adventures, but I had rarely encountered such a malicious technique. The real problem was that whether I was in the front or back line, it made no difference.
The Wood Element clearly intended to wipe us out in one sweep. It was evident that it had a clear desire to kill me.
What on earth should I do?
I could think of only one method and shouted.
“Everyone, gather inside the Eight Trigrams Formation! And let’s hold out with the Six Luminary Resonance.”
“There’s no other choice.”
*Tydaht!*
Once everyone entered the Eight Trigrams Formation set out by Zhuge Bu, they began to resonate. As the Wood Element twisted its roots and began demonstrating its power, the life force from the outside world diminished at a horrifying speed.
Also, the thrashing black water erupted like an active volcano, starting to sway around like a raging sea.
*Kururur…*
The whirlwind of black water completely filled outside the Eight Trigrams Formation barrier. Although the Eight Trigrams was effectively blocking the invasion of the black water, the barrier’s caster, Zhuge Bu, had veins popping on his forehead and blood began to flow from his lips.
*Juuruk…*
The burden looked immense. Even though the Eight Trigrams was a powerful spell, it couldn’t handle the Wood Element’s unique technique alone. Naturally, it should have sunk with the formation. I immediately activated the Six Luminary Resonance to subdue the ocean of black water.
*Kiing – !!*
Indeed, as the Six Luminary Resonance commenced, the Wood Element’s great technique lost its potency, and the black water began to flow back beneath its roots.
‘Got it! This might just work.’
Once we narrowly escaped annihilation, we re-emerged from the barrier to attack the Wood Element.
*Kwa-kwa-kwang!!*
Countless clones of the Celestial Sage, alongside Cheon Gong-pyo’s Sabre Sword, plunged into the Wood Element. However, it seemed the Wood Element possessed durability comparable to the Moon Element, showing no signs of major injury.
It must have felt like merely being pricked by a needle, as the Wood Element wriggled its massive form and spoke again.
[Devourer of corpses, attack them!]
What the hell is that thing babbling about?
*Shuuk!*
Suddenly, from the heavens above, something resembling a gigantic white eagle was summoned, seemingly answering the Wood Element’s request. It probably was the “Devourer of Corpses.” The creature appeared to be about five times larger than a regular eagle and briefly flapped its wings before opening its mouth to unleash a massive wave of cold air towards us.
*Saaaaa!*
“Kuhh…!!”
In that moment, it felt like the entire world froze. Just by breathing out cold air, an astonishingly wide area was enveloped in absolute ice at a terrifying speed! It was an attack too broad to evade with martial arts, leaving even the Sword Demon unable to escape and groaning in distress.
Moreover, everyone in the party felt their bodies covered with a thin layer of frost.
“Ugh!”
As the Sword Demon’s body froze in the blink of an eye, Jin So-cheong swiftly activated the Spirit of the Sea, thawing the Sword Demon. However, as soon as the Sword Demon recovered, his eyes lost their luster and he slumped his head.
The cold was so powerful that all his life force extinguished in that brief moment.
What in the world is that?!
The white eagle known as the “Devourer of Corpses” had almost wiped out our allies, beginning to circle protectively around the Wood Element. That beast must also be at least a Demon King-level entity. The Wood Element gazed down at us, its voice resounding.
[I will release the mocking slaughterer soon. These two are my retainers and fitting for the final trial.]
Is that creep summoning another one?
I shouted in disbelief.
“What?! Summoning something like that during the Wood Element’s trial is cheating, isn’t it?!”
[I was initially merely the Wood Element’s seal, but I have long since merged with the World Tree. Hence, I have acquired the nature and power of the World Tree that will bloom in the end, making this my innate ability—it’s not cheating.]
“Kugh….”
The Wood Element’s voice became somewhat colder.
[And you all are the ones who destroyed the World Tree on the surface. I have no intention of sparing you.]
This is bad.
So, the grudge against Ha Eun-cheon’s defeat and the destruction of the World Tree are both piling up?
Unlike the Moon Element, who approached the trials with indifference, the Wood Element was now trying to kill us with determination. It seemed everyone felt the pressure and wore tense expressions.
Then, Mangnyang spoke.
“The one who must be the backbone of this fight is the Priest Cheon Woo-jin. Focus the Seven Luminaries on him.”
All eyes turned to Cheon Woo-jin.
He stood quietly for a moment before addressing Mangnyang.
“Older brother, this Wood Element is undoubtedly the most difficult trial of the Seven Luminaries.”
“I agree. If it has gained the innate properties of the World Tree, it can only be stronger than the ordinary Seven Luminaries. If we’re not careful, we might suffer a total defeat here.”
“That guy won’t give Baek Woong’s allies a chance to resurrect. If we fail, there will be no resurrection left. Can you trust me?”
“The Priest is a genius. Moreover, he is the only one who can exploit the Wood Element’s weakness.”
Mangnyang’s tone remained emotionless as he continued.
“Do your best. If the Priest fails, I will retreat no matter the cost.”
“…Don’t do anything reckless, older brother.”
Cheon Woo-jin sighed deeply and looked around. After picking up the Moon Element’s three divine tools dropped when the Sword Demon fell, he received the Haedong from Cheon Gong-pyo. Originally possessing the Golden Crow, he effectively acquired all three of the Seven Luminaries at once.
*Jeok!*
Cheon Woo-jin began to walk forward slowly.
He lifted the Moon, Wood, and Golden Crows into the air in the form of the Three Talents while chanting something. Soon, the circle of the Three Talents began to glow a brilliant white flame. Seeing this, I turned to Mangnyang and asked.
“Mangnyang! Does that mean Cheon Woo-jin can exploit its weaknesses…?”
“The Priest was the one to ignite the core of the Sacred Altar Tree in the last grand battle, enveloping himself in that power. The force from the core should help him resist the Wood Element’s formidable power.”
I see!
In Zhuge Sa’s plan, Cheon Woo-jin had directly played the role of detonating the Sacred Altar Tree’s core.
Since he absorbed the force unleashed upon detonation, it had become easier for him to resist the Wood Element’s power. I watched Cheon Woo-jin’s back and asked.
“What did you mean by ‘retreating with reckless abandon’?”
“…I’m talking about the method that only you can try.”
Listening to Mangnyang’s strategy, I was startled. It was uncertain and decidedly dangerous. Mangnyang seemed to sense my worry and spoke softly.
“All we can do is hope for the Priest’s success….”
*Whooooosh…*
The circle of the Seven Luminaries created by Cheon Woo-jin loomed imposing before the Wood Element. The Wood Element too seemed threatened, as the summoned “Devourer of Corpses” once again unleashed an overwhelming cold gust upon the world.
In that moment, Cheon Woo-jin’s eyes widened as he shouted.
“Forging the Spirit of the Dreams!!”
With the following incantation, the entire world was engulfed in overwhelming darkness.
“I, Cheon Woo-jin, entangle this world with dreams!!”
*Kururur…*
“……!!”
Cheon Woo-jin had grown massive.
Not just any size, but far beyond the scale of the Apostle Dalgi. He was colossal enough to cover the entire world with just a palm!! Gazing up at the now huge Cheon Woo-jin, the Wood Element spoke.
[Are you planning to trap me in the world of dreams, Divine Apprentice?]
[That’s right.]
Cheon Woo-jin looked down at the Wood Element.
[Now, dissolve into dreams.]
Cheon Woo-jin, now instilling fear in those who beheld him, extended his hand towards the Wood Element, which had shrunk to the size of a mere finger.
*Crack!*
Then he spread his palm wide, capturing the Wood Element and began to squeeze.
Inside his palm, sounds of the Wood Element crumbling echoed, but soon Cheon Woo-jin grimaced as he brushed his hand.
*Juuruk…*
Blood flowed from Cheon Woo-jin’s hand. The tiny Wood Element began to grow, reaching a size that touched Cheon Woo-jin’s shoulder, alongside the “Devourer of Corpses” also growing to a similar size.
‘Did He fail to subdue the Wood Element?’
I couldn’t quite grasp what was happening.
[Hmmm….]
Cheon Woo-jin, not one to give up, stretched out both hands once again, while the Wood Element started to shrink down again, only to fall into Cheon Woo-jin’s clasp. Cheon Woo-jin rubbed his palms together, seemingly trying to obliterate the Wood Element while grimacing in agony.
*Boom!*
In the next instant, the metaphysical battle that had unfolded before us halted, and Cheon Woo-jin returned to his original size. His hands were bloodied, and he looked utterly drained, drenched in sweat.
“Hah…ha….”
Cheon Woo-jin gasped for breath, and it seemed difficult for him to even speak. Witnessing this, Cheon Gong-pyo appeared somewhat astonished.
“Impressive. Though the Grand Release of the Three Luminaries was invoked, the fact that you managed to weave illusions around even the spirit of the Seven Luminaries… But your realms are lacking; you couldn’t imprison it within dreams.”
“…….”
“However, casting illusions on a spirit was supposed to be impossible. You can’t defeat it that way.”
Hearing this, Cheon Woo-jin didn’t respond but looked over at me.
“We should run for it.”
“What? It looks like you’ve managed to deal a severe blow to it….”
Indeed, it seemed that through Cheon Woo-jin’s recent illusion, the Wood Element’s arrogance had diminished, and the “Devourer of Corpses” had shattered into pieces, turning into a puddle of blood. It almost seemed like we had won.
But Cheon Woo-jin shook his head and said.
“It’s merely asleep, intoxicated by my dreams…. It will recover its strength before long. We have about one meal’s worth of time.”
“Then use the Three Luminaries and finish it off this time; you won’t ascend just from that, right?”
“…You didn’t understand my words. That thing contains limitless magical power from the World Tree, and we have no means to sever its life force like this. Even if I wield the Three Luminaries, it will only extend the time it sleeps. Whatever we do, we cannot kill the Wood Element. The moment we poke it, we’re just repeating a nightmare of battle.”
“……!!”
“Damn it….”
Cheon Woo-jin groaned and spoke.
“I don’t know. The decision is yours.”
“Hmm….”
“One thing is certain: no matter how strong the Celestial Sage and Cheon Gong-pyo are, it won’t work. The World Tree is the most perfect embodiment of chaos; it cannot be slain by any power tied to chaos—it’s the same as trying to cut water with a sword.”
The confidence had vanished from his voice. Which merely underscored how formidable the Wood Element truly was. I regretted that we might miss this golden opportunity while the Wood Element was asleep, but Cheon Woo-jin was saying that there was simply no way to eliminate it.
‘But escaping now would be meaningless….’
We’re running out of time. In fact, if we failed to defeat the Seven Luminaries within half a moment, all that awaited us was ruin. Even if it meant total annihilation, we couldn’t afford to let the Wood Element escape.
But what should we do?
What power is not tainted by chaos?
Any technique or magic must inherently stem from chaos!
That’s when Jin So-cheong spoke to me.
“Baek Woong. I have a plan. Quickly revive the Sword Demon.”
“Got it.”
*Pa-at!*
Using the power of fate, I summoned the Sword Demon back. Jin So-cheong then spoke again.
“And summon Yong Junil, Extreme Tiger, and Sagong Lin.”
“……? Understood.”
Though I was puzzled, I complied with Jin So-cheong’s request.
*Sweeeeee…*
As a result, only Extreme Tiger appeared, while Yong Junil and Sagong Lin did not manifest.
Extreme Tiger, now wearing the garments of Goryeo, had changed considerably. One eye was missing, and his entire body was covered with wounds. Yet he bore a strangely potent red halberd upon his back.
“……!!”
Extreme Tiger, appearing startled upon summoning, took a moment to glance around before fixing his gaze on me.
“Baek Woong, you’re alive! Where is this? What kind of battlefield have you called me to?”
“This is the trial of the Seven Luminaries. If we win this fight, we shall become kings of humanity and meet Emperor Gong Sun Xuanwen.”
“…….”
As I transmitted the memories to Extreme Tiger, it didn’t take long for him to grasp the situation. After a brief pause, he turned his attention to Jin So-cheong and spoke.
“Jin So-cheong. I know what you’re thinking. But aren’t you expecting too much from me?”
Jin So-cheong replied.
“I have faith that the last man standing would surely be able to handle it.”
“Hah…. Do you know the kind of hardships I’ve faced until now?”
“If you don’t tell me, I won’t know.”
“Well, that makes sense, heh.”
Extreme Tiger fiddled with the eye patch covering his missing eye. With a sardonic chuckle, he continued.
“Baek Woong.”
“Extreme Tiger, what’s the matter?”
“You see…. We’re friends, right?”
“That’s right.”
“I’ll help you to the best of my ability, but as a friend, I have just one request. If you promise me that, I will help with everything I’ve got.”
“Sure! What is it?”
Extreme Tiger’s next statement shocked me.
“Please don’t include me as a companion in the next reincarnation. Just let me live freely as I am.”