Cheon Woojin muttered as he gazed toward the far end of the dark space.
"Someone's there."
Sss...
The Prophet revealed himself. Tentacles extended from his central body mass, functioning like a face, while several pincers protruded outward. He let out a chuckling sound as he sent a telepathic message to us.
[Uninvited guests... Baek Woong... you again...?]
The Prophet seemed irritated by the time I had provoked him before. Still, since he had come forward, he seemed willing to talk at least.
Cheon Woojin fell silent, recognizing him as a high-ranking Yi tribesman. After a moment's thought, I addressed the Prophet.
"I've come for another deal. I'm certain this one will benefit us both."
Knowing my past sins, I spoke as politely as possible.
"Wait a moment."
I unrolled the scroll. Following Cheon Woojin's earlier instructions, I traced the seal-breaking characters with my finger, releasing the scroll's seal. At the same moment, the Zhuge Sage was freed from it and materialized in reality.
The Zhuge Sage looked utterly bewildered, as if disoriented by suddenly appearing in this unfamiliar place. Seeing the Yi tribesman in the distance only added to his confusion. Seizing
characters with my finger, releasing the scroll's seal. At the same moment, the Zhuge Sage was freed from it and materialized in reality.
The Zhuge Sage looked utterly bewildered, as if disoriented by suddenly appearing in this unfamiliar place. Seeing the Yi tribesman in the distance only added to his confusion. Seizing the moment of his disarray, I said,
"Zhuge Sage. Mind if I ask a favor?"
He responded with a cold smile.
"Cut the crap. After suppressing me like this, you think I'd listen to a word you say?"
That was exactly the problem.
Earlier, when dealing with the Zhuge Division, I had considered releasing the Zhuge Sage from the scroll but held back. He had been inexplicably kidnapped by Cheon Woojin and repeatedly sealed in this sub-dimension. Even an ordinary person would hold a grudge, let alone him. There was no guarantee releasing him would make him cooperate.
'Well... I had to secure the Zhuge Sage somehow because of the Zhuge Division.'
I could fully understand Mangnyang's position. Since it was the reaction I expected, I calmly replied,
"The Zhuge Division will be here soon. He's already succeeded in the Soul Sealing Ritual and is coming to finish us off."
".......!!"
The Zhuge Sage flinched at the mention of the Zhuge Division. I pressed on.
"If you help me devise a way to deal with him, I'll ensure you get a solid reward when I trade with the Prophet for the Demonic Scripture."
Flash!
"You've come quite far. But this is your grave!"
He had finally arrived.
The Zhuge Division appeared at the entrance to the Astana Cathedral via teleportation. He floated several talismans around him, emanating a divine glow. His sorcery was on an entirely different level from his past life's—evident from how even the Incarnate God Cheon Woojin had been at a disadvantage against him.
The Zhuge Sage waved toward the Zhuge Division and shouted, his tone gleeful as if greeting an old friend.
"Hey, nephew! Long time no see!"
The Zhuge Division startled.
"...Zhuge Sage? How are you here..."
"You little shit. No honorific for your uncle after all this time?"
As the Zhuge Sage grumbled, the Zhuge Division replied coldly.
"You mad bastard! You're a disgrace to the family."
"Is that so?"
"Yes."
"This uncle is truly heartbroken. Boo hoo..."
Feigning tears, the Zhuge Sage pointed his index finger at the Zhuge Division and murmured lowly.
"Explode, gu poison."
Boom!
"Kuuaaaagh!!"
The Zhuge Division screamed. A small explosion erupted near his heart. Covered in blood from the waist up, he collapsed forward with an incredulous expression.
I wasn't surprised, having anticipated it. The Zhuge Sage had implanted a single yin-yang heavenly gu insect in the Zhuge Division's body, set to detonate on command. The Zhuge Sage sneered.
"Off you go on a long journey, nephew."
"Ridiculous... nonsense...!!"
Whiiing.
The talismans orbiting the Zhuge Division shattered into cherry blossom-like petals, flowing toward his grievous wound and adhering to it. Watching this, the Zhuge Sage's face suddenly hardened, and he shouted at me.
"Damn it... kill that bastard! Sever his limbs!"
"Got it!"
Without hesitation, I charged despite the harsh command. The wording was poor, but I couldn't let the Zhuge Division recover, just as the Zhuge Sage said. The Zhuge Division hastily unleashed his martial arts to evade, but his mangled body left him no choice but to take my blade.
"Graaak."
Slash.
With three or four sword strikes, I severed his limbs and drove a blade between his eyes. The thunder-infused sword aura sliced through his protective energy like tofu.
Blood and flesh sprayed wildly. I separated his torso from his head and seized the skull in one hand. To kill more thoroughly, I'd have to burn it.
The Zhuge Sage stared at the head in my hand with a look of dismay and muttered.
"He's not dead...."
"He's still alive?"
When I questioned, the Zhuge Sage plucked a few eyebrow hairs from the head and replied.
"This guy's truly become immortal. He benefited from the Soul Sealing Ritual. Figure out what to do with him yourself, great Cheon Woojin."
At the Zhuge Sage's sarcastic tone, Cheon Woojin scowled irritably. He grumbled curtly.
"Because of scum like you, the Mountains and Rivers Society Altar never knows peace."
Swoosh.
Moments later, Cheon Woojin's sorcery activated, sealing the dismembered Zhuge Division into the scroll where the Zhuge Sage had been. No surer way to dispose of him existed. The gruesome scene displayed within the scroll felt oddly eerie. The Prophet, who had watched the settling of human affairs from behind, spoke.
Swoosh!
Moments later, Cheon Woojin's sorcery activated, sealing the dismembered Zhuge Division into the scroll where the Zhuge Sage had been. No surer way to dispose of him existed. The gruesome scene displayed within the scroll felt oddly eerie. The Prophet, who had watched the settling of human affairs from behind, spoke.
[Is the squabble between humans over...? Hurry and finish my business.]
"Understood."
I knew the Prophet wouldn't be grateful just for removing the Zhuge Division. As a powerful Yi tribesman grand sorcerer who had lived millennia, he could teleport the Zhuge Division away with a flick of his finger. Choosing my words carefully in my mind, I addressed him.
"We can give you the Nameless Sacrificial Scripture right now. In exchange, we demand detailed information on the Soul Sealing Ritual."
[Nameless Sacrificial Scripture...?]
"Yes."
[Hand it over first... What good is soup when there's no kimchi...?]
The Prophet's response was curt. He still resented me for strong-arming him in our last bet. It was fortunate he wasn't outright hostile. I nodded and said,
"Please wait a moment."
Flash!
Using Dimensional Jump, I teleported to the Inner Yellow Horn in the imperial palace and swept the Nameless Sacrificial Scripture—and several other books beside it—into my inventory pouch before returning to the cathedral.
"Here it is."
[...]
As I handed over the Nameless Sacrificial Scripture, the Prophet examined it closely to verify authenticity. He drooped his tentacles and spoke.
[It's the real Demonic Scripture... Well received.]
"Can we make the deal?"
[Honestly... I don't want to. But for the Nameless Sacrificial Scripture... I'll consider it.]
To the Prophet, a Demonic Scripture—a repository of knowledge—was invaluable, so he couldn't dismiss me out of spite. After agonizing briefly, he stuffed the scripture into his sub-space and said,
[Fine... let's deal.]
"Thank you."
The Prophet warned sternly.
[Don't provoke me during our talk... I'm already in a foul mood.]
"Of course."
I realized the deal had been perilously close. If he took the scripture and bolted, I'd be helpless. Relieved inwardly at my luck, I dusted off my chest as the Prophet continued.
[You want info on the Soul Sealing Ritual... I'll tell you what I know.]
"Please do."
[From what I've discerned, the current era's Soul Sealing Ritual is complete... The beneficiary is the Great Ming Emperor. The summoned entity was the Grand God—Historian Emperor Cangjie—under Emperor Gongxun Xuanyuan. Participants gained immortality, and the Emperor acquired Cangjie's authority.]
That much I had roughly guessed. It paralleled what I gained by offering Muyao's manual—same principle, just larger scale.
I voiced my question.
"What does 'Cangjie's authority' mean?"
[Word spirit.]
"I want to know the power of Cangjie's word spirit."
The Prophet writhed his tentacles.
[It means control over all humans. Historian Emperor Cangjie used it to efficiently rule the ancient Silver Empire, so this Ming Emperor summoned him for the same reason.]
Something felt off.
"Cangjie's word spirit controls humans? What does that mean?"
[Hard to grasp?...Like monkeys.]
Grumbling, the Prophet explained.
[Simply put, as long as you're human, you can't defy Cangjie's word spirit and are subject to
Cangjie's word spirit controls humans? What does that mean?
[Hard to grasp?...Like monkeys.]
Grumbling, the Prophet explained.
[Simply put, as long as you're human... you can't defy Cangjie's word spirit and are subject to his power over life and death. If he says die, you die; if he says jump into fire, you do. A priceless ability for a human ruler.]
"......!!"
Cheon Woojin, listening beside me, interjected.
"Forgive me, but I don't understand and must ask. Is that alright?"
[You qualify to ask... Speak.]
"Word spirit sorcery can't contain such power. No word spirit sorcerer in sorcery history ever wielded that level of control. Word spirits have limits. This denies the entire sorcery system."
It was the word of Cheon Woojin, the Incarnate God and Central Plains' foremost sorcery genius. Even the Prophet pondered slightly before replying.
[Cangjie's word spirit activates through a medium... Its conditions make it potent... That medium—you know it well.]
Cheon Woojin's expression changed instantly.
"Don't tell me—hanja characters?"
[Yes... That's Historian Emperor Cangjie's unique authority...]
The Prophet's eyes gleamed.
[You're human... part of the hanja cultural sphere... and beings born of the Eight Trigrams' power... You meet all criteria. Fail one, and it won't work... Simple.]
"Damn... A god is a god. Who'd guess that principle."
Cheon Woojin sighed. Even he hadn't known.
Puzzled from the sidelines, I asked Cheon Woojin.
"What does that mean? We use hanja, so we're under Cangjie's word spirit?"
"Exactly. Words and characters share deep sorcery ties. Characters embody the collective beliefs of humanity. And since Historian Emperor Cangjie created hanja, linking his authority to them as a trigger is feasible—like a firing pin striking a primer. The moment we perceive his word spirit, our souls submit."
"Hmm..."
"Anyone who's ever recognized hanja in their mind can't escape its influence."
Pondering, I said,
"Then illiterates or idiots who know no hanja would be fine. And non-Central Plains folk like Goryeo or Dongying people wouldn't be affected, right?"
Cheon Woojin shook his head irritably.
"Wrong. They all fall under it. Words and writing are one; any shared conceptual or belief system touching hanja culture—even a speck—brings them into range. How do you evade that in the human world? That's why he's worthy of being one of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors' confidants."
" "
"Wrong. They all fall under it. Words and writing are one; any shared conceptual or belief system touching hanja culture—even a speck—brings them into range. How do you evade that in the human world? That's why he's worthy of being one of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors' confidants."
"......"
What kind of nonsense was this? An absurd power. Despite conditions, non-humans and non-hanja folk were rare.
'Headache.'
To fight Cangjie's word spirit, I'd have to ambush and fell him before activation. But with thousands guarding the immortal Emperor in ironclad security—how?
I requested of the Prophet.
"My comrade here is in a dazed state from the word spirit. Can you dispel it?"
[Understood.]
The Prophet summoned a staff from thin air. Pointing it at Jin So-cheong, he muttered something. Jin So-cheong's body glowed brilliantly, and mystical forms emerged across his skin.
They were the Eight Trigrams, familiar to me—etched like tattoos, flickering before vanishing. Soon after, Jin So-cheong staggered back to awareness.
"Ugh... where..."
"You alright?"
Relieved as Jin So-cheong regained his senses, I thought even Cangjie's power had limits against a Yi grand sorcerer. But for humans, countermeasures were desperately difficult, leaving me daunted.
"Ugh... my mind's muddled..."
"Rest."
Jin So-cheong still suffered the word spirit's aftereffects. I pressed acupoints to suppress pain and induce sleep; he soon fell deeply asleep.
Thus, I told the Prophet.
"We still have some payment left, right?"
[Hmph... Speak.]
"We'll likely fight that Emperor soon. Tell us how to counter Cangjie's word spirit or a sorcery for it."
The Prophet replied.
[First, something to discuss...]
"What?"
[About the truth of Muyao's second seal you mentioned before. I've uncovered that myth's secret.]
Flinch!
Cheon Woojin and the Zhuge Sage startled almost simultaneously. The Zhuge Sage especially gasped.
"What? Baek Woong, you... What do you mean? You're trying to unseal Muyao's second seal?"
To sorcerers, the Seven Luminaries and liberation held immense significance. Even Cheon Woojin, knowing I owned Muyao, was shocked—meaning he didn't know about the second seal. Meeting their gazes calmly, I replied to the Prophet.
"You're going to tell me that secret?"
[Yes... You deserve to hear it since you told me... But.]
"But?"
The Prophet rolled his eyes and wriggled his tentacles.
[Payment's insufficient. Counter to word spirit or seal truth... Give up one.]
As expected.
The Prophet tallied deals meticulously, unwilling to reveal all at a loss. Guessing his intent, I grimaced.
"You're asking for more payment."
[Your choice... Offer more, and I might share.]
He probed slyly, exuding confidence—putting him overwhelmingly ahead. I sensed subtle malice too; he didn't like me.
'What do I have?'
Mentally inventorying my pouch, I recalled past offers—gold lumps or Millennium Snow Ginseng dismissed as trash. He valued knowledge or sorcery treasures. Thinking, I pulled
malice too; he didn't like me.
'What do I have?'
Mentally inventorying my pouch, I recalled past offers—gold lumps or Millennium Snow Ginseng dismissed as trash. He valued knowledge or sorcery treasures. Thinking, I pulled something out.
"How about this?"
[That...?]
It was the silver phoenix fragment. Taking it with a tentacle, the Prophet examined silently. As I watched tensely, he spoke.
[Good, but need more...]
His tone suggested high value, though I didn't know its effects or secrets—he did. Pondering what else, I glanced at the Zhuge Sage.
He looked puzzled at my gaze.
"Why stare?"
"Zhuge Sage. Hand over what you have."
"What?!"
Furious, he snapped.
"Why should I? And I have nothing, you punk!"
Arms crossed, I said,
"You're hearing Muyao's second seal truth too—not just me. Pay your share, no? Curious?"
The Zhuge Sage hesitated.
"...Fine. But I really have nothing. That Cheon Woojin has plenty!"
Glancing slyly at Cheon Woojin, he scowled.
"I have fitting payment, of course. But if that guy holds back, so do I."
"What logic is that?"
"The Zhuge Sage hoards secrets. Letting him keep them while I pay feels infuriating."
Cheon Woojin hated losses. He was convinced the Zhuge Sage hid much despite claims. Pondering persuasion, I decided to bear the cost.
"Zhuge Sage. Pay up, and I'll give you the Crystal Tablet Stele."
His expression changed.
"Crystal Tablet Stele? That stele with the Philosopher's Stone recipe?"
"Yes."
"If so, I'll gladly offer what I have. Hand it over."
Curtly, I said,
"First, what are you offering."
"What?"
"I'm like Cheon Woojin. Me paying everything alone pisses me off. I could boot you and hear Muyao's secret solo."
".......!!"
"I'm offering to share the secret."
The Zhuge Sage clenched his fists, trembling—not rage, but calculation. Deciding, he spoke.
"...I'll give this manual."
He summoned a strange book from thin air and handed it over. I read the cover.
"Soul Shifting Great Law?"
"My finest manual. Should suffice."
Watching Cheon Woojin sneered.
"Handing over a rite passed only to Demonic Cult leaders? You must be desperate."
"Shut it, Cheon Woojin! Do you have equivalent treasure?"
"What..."
Cheon Woojin's pride stung; his face cracked with anger. Grinding his teeth, he drew the scroll from before—the one that sealed the Zhuge Division—and offered it.
"Take it."
"This?"
"The Mountains and Rivers Society Altar bestowed by Lady Nüwa to the human world—a treasure. I transfer full ownership to you."
".......!!"
"Oh, and I need some Black and White Lotus and gold lumps later."
"Got it."
A treasure!
No wonder sealing the Zhuge Division in a painting seemed odd, even for Cheon Woojin's skill—it was possible because it was this treasure. The Mountains and Rivers Society Altar could seal higher-dimensional beings in paintings—immensely useful.
'This should do.'
With payments from both, I felt less shortchanged. Using Dimensional Jump, I fetched the Crystal Tablet Stele from the palace basement and returned. Extracting it, the Zhuge Sage exclaimed.
"Ooh...!!"
"Prophet. Here's the Mountains and Rivers Society Altar. Enough?"
[Sufficient...]
The convoluted deal concluded. I gave the Prophet the treasure; in exchange, side deals with the Zhuge Sage and Cheon Woojin. All got what they wanted, fostering a warm atmosphere.
The Prophet spoke.
[First... the word spirit counter. Go to one of the Five Holy Emperor Altars in the Five Peaks, perform the Soul Sealing Ritual to summon the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors, and obtain the method to block word spirits from them. They surely know how to counter Cangjie.]
"What? The palace already controls them."
[Not my concern... You have ritual rights anyway... Summoning anywhere among the five works. Mount Tai just yields more.]
"I see."
The other four peaks' altars were likely less guarded. Pick any to summon. The Prophet continued.
[As for Muyao's liberation legend distortion... Truly absurd.]
"What happened?"
He extended tentacles forward.
[Taihe Heavenly Lord lied to me for unknown reasons... But I learned this: To properly liberate a Seven Luminary, obtain permission from the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors who bestowed it on humanity.]
"Gasp..."
[Trust this—gained via deal with a great one. Even Celestials mostly ignorant, save a few.]
He rolled his eyes.
[Seven Luminaries auto-liberate after sufficient sacrifices and souls. But auto-liberation
[Trust this—gained via deal with a great one. Even Celestials mostly ignorant, save a few.]
He rolled his eyes.
[Seven Luminaries auto-liberate after sufficient sacrifices and souls. But auto-liberation summons the [Ancient Ruler] contracted to it, unleashing calamity. Muyao's unique with second liberation, but others differ.]
"Hmm."
[For proper use, secure Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors' recognition as owner before auto-liberation. They suppress the [Ancient Ruler], eliminating rampage risk and unlocking true power.]
"......"
Muyao liberation mystery solved.
As he said, past odd liberations explained: power builds to auto-liberation—hence needing Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors' permission!
[But as you know, Celestial communication mostly severed, and with sorcery declined, summoning them near-impossible. Thus, Celestials dread Seven Luminary liberations.]
So Celestials were hostile to liberators?
I understood but questioned the snag.
"Why such complex contract between Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors and [Ancient Ruler]? Why distinguish auto and proper liberation?"
[Likely power dynamics. Details unknown to me.]
With that, the Prophet faded into darkness.
[Move quickly if you will. The National Jade Seal already opens 'gates' worldwide.]
Now it gets real.
Since my comrades suffered, I'll repay tenfold.
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